Biomarkers to evaluate the effects of temperature and methanol on recombinant Pichia pastoris

Pichia pastoris is methylotrophic yeast used as an efficient expression system for heterologous protein production. In order to evaluate the effects of temperature (10 and 30 °C) and methanol (1 and 3% (v/v)) on genetically-modified Pichia pastoris, different biomarkers were evaluated: Heat stress (HSF-1 and Hsp70), oxidative stress (OGG1 and TBARS) and antioxidant (GLR). Three yeast cultures were performed: 3X = 3% methanol-10 °C, 4X = 3% methanol-30 °C, and 5X = 1% methanol-10°C. The expression level of HIF-1α, HSF-1, HSP-70 and HSP-90 biomarkers were measured by Western blot and in situ detection was performed by immunocytochemistry. Ours results show that at 3% methanol -30 °C there is an increase of mitochondrial OGG1 (mtOGG1), Glutathione Reductase (GLR) and TBARS. In addition, there was a cytosolic expression of HSF-1 and HSP-70, which indicates a deprotection against nucleolar fragmentation (apoptosis). On the other hand, at 3% methanol -10 °C and 1% and at methanol -10 °C conditions there was nuclear expression of OGG1, lower levels of TBARS and lower expression of GLR, cytosolic expression of HSF-1 and nuclear expression HSP-70. In conclusion, our results suggest that 3% methanol-30 °C is a condition that induces a strong oxidative stress and risk factors of apoptosis in modified-genetically P. pastoris.

HSF-1, HIF-1and HSP90 expression on recombinant Pichia pastoris under fed-batch fermentation

Pichia pastoris is a methylotrophic yeast used as an efficient expression system for heterologous protein production as compared to other expression systems. Considering that every cell must respond to environmental changes to survive and differentiate, determination of endogenous protein related to heat stress responses and hypoxia, it would necessary to establish the temperature and methanol concentration conditions for optimal growth. The aim of this study is characterize the culture conditions through the putative biomarkers in different conditions of temperature and methanol concentration. Three yeast cultures were performed: 3X = 3% methanol -10 °C, 4X = 3% methanol -30 °C, and 5X = 1% methanol -10 °C. The expression level of HIF-1α, HSF-1, HSP-70 and HSP-90 biomarkers were measured by Western blot and in situ detection was performed by immunocytochemistry. The western blot results of HIF-1α and HSP-90 did not indicate statistically significant in the culture conditions studied. Respect to biomarkers location, HIF-1α and HSP-90 presented differences between cultures. In conclusion, the results suggest the cultures in a hypoxic condition produce a high density and yeast cells smaller. Beside the high density would not necessary related with a high production of recombinant proteins in modified-genetically P. pastoris.

Pleiotropic Effects With Equivalent Low-density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Reduction: Comparative Study Pleiotropic Effects With Equivalent Low-density

Background: Coadministration of any statin with ezetimibe is as effective as using high doses of the same statin in the reduction of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c). There may be other effects called pleiotropics. Objective: To compare the effectiveness of 2 different treatments that obtain equivalent LDL-c reductions (80 mg of simvastatin, once a day and coadministration of 10 mg of simvastatin and 10 mg of ezetimibe, once a day) over endothelial function and inflammation. Methods: Twenty-three randomized patients with hypercholesterolemia in a 2 3 2 crossover protocol were studied. Endothelial function was analyzed by ultrasound assessment of endothelial dependent flow-mediated vasodilation of the brachial artery, and inflammation was estimated by high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP). Results: LDL-c reduction was similar between the 2 treatments with simvastatin/ezetimibe and with simvastatin (P , 0.001); no difference between treatments was found (P = 0.968). Both treatments improved significantly the endothelial function [3.61% with simvastatin/

ezetimibe (P = 0.003) and 5.08% with simvastatin (P , 0.001)]; no difference was found between the 2 treatments (P = 0.291). hs-CRP had a 23% reduction with simvastatin/ezetimibe (P = 0.004) and a 30% reduction with simvastatin alone (P = 0.01), with no significant difference between the 2 treatments (P = 0.380).