Dual Exposure to E-Cigarette Vapour and Cigarette Smoke Results in Poorer Airway Cell, Monocyte, and Macrophage Function Than Single Exposure.

E-cigarette users predominantly also continue to smoke cigarettes. These Dual Users either consume e-cigarettes in locations where smoking is not allowed, but vaping is, or to reduce their consumption of cigarettes, believing it will lead to harm reduction. Whilst it is known that e-cigarette vapour is chemically less complex than cigarette smoke, it has a distinct chemical profile, and very little is known about the health impacts of exposure to both chemical profiles vs. either alone. We simultaneously exposed cells in vitro to non-toxic levels of e-cigarette vapour extract (EVE) and cigarette smoke extract (CSE) to determine their effects on 16HBE14o- airway epithelial cell metabolism and inflammatory response, as well as immune cell (THP-1 cells and monocyte-derived macrophages (MDM) from healthy volunteers) migration, phagocytosis, and inflammatory response. We observed increased toxicity, reduced metabolism (a marker of proliferation) in airway epithelial cells, and reduced monocyte migration, macrophage phagocytosis, and altered chemokine production after exposure to either CSE or EVE. These cellular responses were greater after dual exposure to CSE and EVE. The airway epithelial cells from smokers showed reduced metabolism after EVE (the Switcher model) and dual CSE and EVE exposure. When EVE and CSE were allowed to interact, the chemicals were found to be altered, and new chemicals were also found compared to the CSE and EVE profiles. Dual exposure to e-cigarette vapour and cigarette smoke led to worse functional outcomes in cells compared to either single exposure alone, adding to limited data that dual use may be more dangerous than smoking only.

Effects of E-cigarette E-liquid components on bronchial epithelial cells: Demonstration of dysfunctional efferocytosis.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: E-cigarettes are often marketed and thought of as emitting harmless vapour; however, verification of their safety for non-smokers is scarce. We have previously shown that E-cigarettes cause decreased phagocytosis of bacteria by macrophages via reductions in surface bacterial recognition receptors. This study assessed the effect of E-cigarette constituents, 3 E-liquid apple flavours, nicotine, vegetable glycerine and propylene glycol, on bronchial epithelial cell viability, apoptosis and cytokine secretion and macrophage phagocytosis of apoptotic airway cells and phagocytic recognition molecules. METHODS: Cell necrosis and apoptosis were measured by Sytox Green stain and Annexin V. Efferocytosis was measured by internalization of pHrodo Green labelled apoptotic airway cells by macrophages. Expression of macrophage cell surface apoptotic cell receptors was measured by flow cytometry. Cytokine release by E-cigarette-exposed airway cells was measured by cytokine bead array. RESULTS: E-cigarette vapour increased primary bronchial epithelial necrosis and apoptosis. E-cigarette vapour reduced efferocytosis (lowest flavour 12.1%) versus control (20.2%, P = 0.032). The efferocytosis receptor CD44 was reduced by one flavour (MFI 1863 vs 2332 control, P = 0.016) and all components reduced expression of CD36, including the glycol bases (MFI 1067-12 274 vs 1415 control). Reduced secretion of TNF-α, IL-6, IP-10, MIP-1α and MIP-1ß was observed for all flavour variants. CONCLUSION: E-cigarettes can cause bronchial epithelial apoptosis and macrophage efferocytosis dysfunction via reduced expression of apoptotic cell recognition receptors. These data further show that E-cigarettes should not be considered harmless to non-smokers and their effects may go far beyond cytotoxicity to cells.

Electronic cigarettes: A position statement from the Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand.

The TSANZ develops position statements where insufficient data exist to write formal clinical guidelines. In 2018, the TSANZ addressed the question of potential benefits and health impacts of electronic cigarettes (EC). The working party included groups focused on health impacts, smoking cessation, youth issues and priority populations. The 2018 report on the Public Health Consequences of E-Cigarettes from the United States NASEM was accepted as reflective of evidence to mid-2017. A search for papers subsequently published in peer-reviewed journals was conducted in August 2018. A small number of robust and important papers published until March 2019 were also identified and included. Groups identified studies that extended, modified or contradicted the NASEM report. A total of 3793 papers were identified and reviewed, with summaries and draft position statements developed and presented to TSANZ membership in April 2019. After feedback from members and external reviewers, a collection of position statements was finalized in December 2019. EC have adverse lung effects and harmful effects of long-term use are unknown. EC are unsuitable consumer products for recreational use, part-substitution for smoking or long-term exclusive use by former smokers. Smokers who require support to quit smoking should be directed towards approved medication in conjunction with behavioural support as having the strongest evidence for efficacy and safety. No specific EC product can be recommended as effective and safe for smoking cessation. Smoking cessation claims in relation to EC should be assessed by established regulators.

Structure and Metal Binding Properties of Chlamydia trachomatis YtgA.

The obligate intracellular pathogen Chlamydia trachomatis is a globally significant cause of sexually transmitted bacterial infections and the leading etiological agent of preventable blindness. The first-row transition metal iron (Fe) plays critical roles in chlamydial cell biology, and acquisition of this nutrient is essential for the survival and virulence of the pathogen. Nevertheless, how C. trachomatis acquires Fe from host cells is not well understood, since it lacks genes encoding known siderophore biosynthetic pathways, receptors for host Fe storage proteins, and the Fe acquisition machinery common to many bacteria. Recent studies have suggested that C. trachomatis directly acquires host Fe via the ATP-binding cassette permease YtgABCD. Here, we characterized YtgA, the periplasmic solute binding protein component of the transport pathway, which has been implicated in scavenging Fe(III) ions. The structure of Fe(III)-bound YtgA was determined at 2.0-Å resolution with the bound ion coordinated via a novel geometry (3 Ns, 2 Os [3N2O]). This unusual coordination suggested a highly plastic metal binding site in YtgA capable of interacting with other cations. Biochemical analyses showed that the metal binding site of YtgA was not restricted to interaction with only Fe(III) ions but could bind all transition metal ions examined. However, only Mn(II), Fe(II), and Ni(II) ions bound reversibly to YtgA, with Fe being the most abundant cellular transition metal in C. trachomatis Collectively, these findings show that YtgA is the metal-recruiting component of the YtgABCD permease and is most likely involved in the acquisition of Fe(II) and Mn(II) from host cells.IMPORTANCEChlamydia trachomatis is the most common bacterial sexually transmitted infection in developed countries, with an estimated global prevalence of 4.2% in the 15- to 49-year age group. Although infection is asymptomatic in more than 80% of infected women, about 10% of cases result in serious disease. Infection by C. trachomatis is dependent on the ability to acquire essential nutrients, such as the transition metal iron, from host cells. In this study, we show that iron is the most abundant transition metal in C. trachomatis and report the structural and biochemical properties of the iron-recruiting protein YtgA. Knowledge of the high-resolution structure of YtgA will provide a platform for future structure-based antimicrobial design approaches.

Imperfect coordination chemistry facilitates metal ion release in the Psa permease.

The relative stability of divalent first-row transition metal ion complexes, as defined by the Irving-Williams series, poses a fundamental chemical challenge for selectivity in bacterial metal ion acquisition. Here we show that although the substrate-binding protein of Streptococcus pneumoniae, PsaA, is finely attuned to bind its physiological substrate manganese, it can also bind a broad range of other divalent transition metal cations. By combining high-resolution structural data, metal-binding assays and mutational analyses, we show that the inability of open-state PsaA to satisfy the preferred coordination chemistry of manganese enables the protein to undergo the conformational changes required for cargo release to the Psa permease. This is specific for manganese ions, whereas zinc ions remain bound to PsaA. Collectively, these findings suggest a new ligand binding and release mechanism for PsaA and related substrate-binding proteins that facilitate specificity for divalent cations during competition from zinc ions, which are more abundant in biological systems.

Acquisition and role of molybdate in Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

In microaerophilic or anaerobic environments, Pseudomonas aeruginosa utilizes nitrate reduction for energy production, a process dependent on the availability of the oxyanionic form of molybdenum, molybdate (MoO4 (2-)). Here, we show that molybdate acquisition in P. aeruginosa occurs via a high-affinity ATP-binding cassette permease (ModABC). ModA is a cluster D-III solute binding protein capable of interacting with molybdate or tungstate oxyanions. Deletion of the modA gene reduces cellular molybdate concentrations and results in inhibition of anaerobic growth and nitrate reduction. Further, we show that conditions that permit nitrate reduction also cause inhibition of biofilm formation and an alteration in fatty acid composition of P. aeruginosa. Collectively, these data highlight the importance of molybdate for anaerobic growth of P. aeruginosa and reveal novel consequences of nitrate reduction on biofilm formation and cell membrane composition.

Chemotherapy-induced hyaluronan production: a novel chemoresistance mechanism in ovarian cancer.

BACKGROUND: Hyaluronan (HA) an important component of the extracellular matrix, has been linked to tumor progression and drug resistance in several malignancies. However, limited data is available for ovarian cancer. This study investigated the role of hyaluronan (HA) and a potential link between the HA-CD44 pathway and membrane ATP binding cassette (ABC) transporter proteins in ovarian cancer chemoresistance. METHODS: We investigated the ability of HA to block the cytotoxic effects of the chemotherapy drug carboplatin, and to regulate the expression of ABC transporters in ovarian cancer cells. We also examined HA serum levels in ovarian cancer patients prior to and following chemotherapy and assessed its prognostic relevance. RESULTS: HA increased the survival of carboplatin treated ovarian cancer cells expressing the HA receptor, CD44 (OVCAR-5 and OV-90). Carboplatin significantly increased expression of HAS2, HAS3 and ABCC2 and HA secretion in ovarian cancer cell conditioned media. Serum HA levels were significantly increased in patients following platinum based chemotherapy and at both 1st and 2nd recurrence when compared with HA levels prior to treatment. High serum HA levels (>50 µg/ml) prior to chemotherapy treatment were associated with significantly reduced progression-free (P = 0.014) and overall survival (P = 0.036). HA production in ovarian cancer cells was increased in cancer tissues collected following chemotherapy treatment and at recurrence. Furthermore HA treatment significantly increased the expression of ABC drug transporters (ABCB3, ABCC1, ABCC2, and ABCC3), but only in ovarian cancer cells expressing CD44. The effects of HA and carboplatin on ABC transporter expression in ovarian cancer cells could be abrogated by HA oligomer treatment. Importantly, HA oligomers increased the sensitivity of chemoresistant SKOV3 cells to carboplatin. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate that carboplatin chemotherapy induces HA production which can contribute to chemoresistance by regulating ABC transporter expression. The HA-CD44 signaling pathway is therefore a promising target in platinum resistant ovarian cancer.

Transforming growth Factor-Beta-Induced Protein (TGFBI)/(ßig-H3): a matrix protein with dual functions in ovarian cancer.

Transforming growth factor-beta-induced protein (TGFBI, also known as ßig-H3 and keratoepithelin) is an extracellular matrix protein that plays a role in a wide range of physiological and pathological conditions including diabetes, corneal dystrophy and tumorigenesis. Many reports indicate that ßig-H3 functions as a tumor suppressor. Loss of ßig-H3 expression has been described in several cancers including ovarian cancer and promoter hypermethylation has been identified as an important mechanism for the silencing of the TGFBI gene. Our recent findings that ßig-H3 is down-regulated in ovarian cancer and that high concentrations of ßig-H3 can induce ovarian cancer cell death support a tumor suppressor role. However, there is also convincing data in the literature reporting a tumor-promoting role for ßig-H3. We have shown ßig-H3 to be abundantly expressed by peritoneal cells and increase the metastatic potential of ovarian cancer cells by promoting cell motility, invasion, and adhesion to peritoneal cells. Our findings suggest that ßig-H3 has dual functions and can act both as a tumor suppressor or tumor promoter depending on the tumor microenvironment. This article reviews the current understanding of ßig-H3 function in cancer cells with particular focus on ovarian cancer.

E-Cigarette Vapour Increases ACE2 and TMPRSS2 Expression in a Flavour- and Nicotine-Dependent Manner.

COVID-19 infects via the respiratory system, but it can affect multiple systems and lead to multi system failure. There is growing evidence that smoking may be associated with higher rates of COVID-19 infections and worse outcomes due to increased levels of ACE2 in lung epithelial cells, but it is unknown whether E-cigarette use may lead to increased risk of COVID-19 infection from the SARS-CoV-2 virus. In this study, healthy donor bronchial epithelial cells (NHBE) and monocyte-derived macrophages (MDM) were exposed to cigarette smoke extract (CSE) or nicotine or flavoured E-cigarette vapour extract (EVE) before the assessment of SARS-CoV-2 recognition receptors ACE2 and TMPRSS2 genes. MDMs exposed to CSE and Tobacco EVE showed increased ACE2 expression; however, no treatment altered the TMPRSS2 expression. ACE2 was found to be upregulated by >2-fold in NHBE cells exposed to CSE, as well as nicotine, banana, or chocolate EVE, while TMPRSS2 was only upregulated by CSE or nicotine EVE exposure. These findings suggesting that flavourings can increase ACE2 expression in multiple cell types, while TMPRSS2 expression increases are limited to the epithelial cells in airways and may be limited to nicotine and/or cigarette smoke exposure. Therefore, increased risk of COVID-19 infection cannot be ruled out for vapers.

Transforming growth factor-beta-induced protein secreted by peritoneal cells increases the metastatic potential of ovarian cancer cells.

Ovarian cancer metastasis is characterized by the shedding of malignant cells from the surface of the ovary and their implantation onto the peritoneal surface, which lines the abdominal cavity. As the factors promoting this process are poorly understood, we investigated the ovarian cancer-peritoneal interaction by means of in vitro coculture experiments with ovarian cancer (OVCAR-5 and SKOV-3) and peritoneal (LP-9) cells. One of the proteins differentially expressed in the coculture secretome was identified by MALDI-TOF/TOF mass spectrometry as the extracellular matrix protein transforming growth factor-beta-induced protein (TGFBIp, also known as ßig-H3). Immunohistochemistry showed high TGFBIp levels in normal surface ovarian epithelial and peritoneal cells, whereas TGFBIp levels in primary serous ovarian carcinomas and matching metastatic implants was very low. In functional in vitro experiments, treatment with recombinant TGFBIp significantly increased the motility and invasiveness of OVCAR-5 and SKOV-3 cells and significantly increased ovarian cancer cell (OVCAR-5, OVCAR-3 and SKOV-3) adhesion to LP-9 cells. TGFBIp was found to be processed at both the N- and C-terminus in the secretome of the ovarian cancer-peritoneal cell coculture. Plasmin inhibitors blocked TGFBIp processing and significantly reduced OVCAR-5 cell adhesion to peritoneal cells. We conclude that TGFBIp expressed by peritoneal cells increases the metastatic potential of ovarian cancer cells. TGFBIp is therefore a potential novel therapeutic target against ovarian cancer.

Role of versican, hyaluronan and CD44 in ovarian cancer metastasis.

There is increasing evidence to suggest that extracellular matrix (ECM) components play an active role in tumor progression and are an important determinant for the growth and progression of solid tumors. Tumor cells interfere with the normal programming of ECM biosynthesis and can extensively modify the structure and composition of the matrix. In ovarian cancer alterations in the extracellular environment are critical for tumor initiation and progression and intra-peritoneal dissemination. ECM molecules including versican and hyaluronan (HA) which interacts with the HA receptor, CD44, have been shown to play critical roles in ovarian cancer metastasis. This review focuses on versican, HA, and CD44 and their potential as therapeutic targets for ovarian cancer.

AIM2 nuclear exit and inflammasome activation in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and response to cigarette smoke.

INTRODUCTION: The role inflammasomes play in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is unclear. We hypothesised that the AIM2 inflammasome is activated in the airways of COPD patients, and in response to cigarette smoke. METHODS: Lung tissue, bronchoscopy-derived alveolar macrophages and bronchial epithelial cells from COPD patients and healthy donors; lungs from cigarette smoke-exposed mice; and cigarette smoke extract-stimulated alveolar macrophages from healthy controls and HBEC30KT cell line were investigated. AIM2 inflammasome activation was assessed by multi-fluorescence quantitative confocal microscopy of speck foci positive for AIM2, inflammasome component ASC and cleaved IL-1ß. Subcellular AIM2 localization was assessed by confocal microscopy, and immunoblot of fractionated cell lysates. Nuclear localization was supported by in-silico analysis of nuclear localization predicted scores of peptide sequences. Nuclear and cytoplasmic AIM2 was demonstrated by immunoblot in both cellular fractions from HBEC30KT cells. RESULTS: Increased cytoplasmic AIM2 speck foci, colocalized with cleaved IL-1ß, were demonstrated in COPD lungs (n = 9) vs. control (n = 5), showing significant positive correlations with GOLD stages. AIM2 nuclear-to-cytoplasmic redistribution was demonstrated in bronchiolar epithelium in cigarette-exposed mice and in HBEC30KT cells post 24 h stimulation with 5% cigarette smoke extract. Alveolar macrophages from 8 healthy non-smokers responded to cigarette smoke extract with an > 8-fold increase (p < 0.05) of cytoplasmic AIM2 and > 6-fold increase (p < 0.01) of colocalized cleaved IL-1ß speck foci, which were also localized with ASC. CONCLUSION: The AIM2 inflammasome is activated in the airway of COPD patients, and in response to cigarette smoke exposure, associated with a nuclear to cytoplasmic shift in the distribution of AIM2.

The role of oxidised self-lipids and alveolar macrophage CD1b expression in COPD.

In chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) apoptotic bronchial epithelial cells are increased, and their phagocytosis by alveolar macrophages (AM) is decreased alongside bacterial phagocytosis. Epithelial cellular lipids, including those exposed on uncleared apoptotic bodies, can become oxidized, and may be recognized and presented as non-self by antigen presenting cells. CD1b is a lipid-presenting protein, previously only described in dendritic cells. We investigated whether CD1b is upregulated in COPD AM, and whether lipid oxidation products are found in the airways of cigarette smoke (CS) exposed mice. We also characterise CD1b for the first time in a range of macrophages and assess CD1b expression and phagocytic function in response to oxidised lipid. Bronchoalveolar lavage and exhaled breath condensate were collected from never-smoker, current-smoker, and COPD patients and AM CD1b expression and airway 8-isoprostane levels assessed. Malondialdehyde was measured in CS-exposed mouse airways by confocal/immunofluorescence. Oxidation of lipids produced from CS-exposed 16HBE14o- (HBE) bronchial epithelial cells was assessed by spectrophotometry and changes in lipid classes assessed by mass spectrometry. 16HBE cell toxicity was measured by flow cytometry as was phagocytosis, CD1b expression, HLA class I/II, and mannose receptor (MR) in monocyte derived macrophages (MDM). AM CD1b was significantly increased in COPD smokers (4.5 fold), COPD ex-smokers (4.3 fold), and smokers (3.9 fold), and AM CD1b significantly correlated with disease severity (FEV1) and smoking pack years. Airway 8-isoprostane also increased in smokers and COPD smokers and ex-smokers. Malondialdehyde was significantly increased in the bronchial epithelium of CS-exposed mice (MFI of 18.18 vs 23.50 for control). Oxidised lipid was produced from CS-exposed bronchial epithelial cells (9.8-fold of control) and showed a different overall lipid makeup to that of control total cellular lipid. This oxidised epithelial lipid significantly upregulated MDM CD1b, caused bronchial epithelial cell toxicity, and reduced MDM phagocytic capacity and MR in a dose dependent manner. Increased levels of oxidised lipids in the airways of COPD patients may be responsible for reduced phagocytosis and may become a self-antigen to be presented by CD1b on macrophages to perpetuate disease progression despite smoking cessation.

The biological role and regulation of versican levels in cancer.

Increased expression of the proteoglycan, versican is strongly associated with poor outcome for many different cancers. Depending on the cancer type, versican is expressed by either the cancer cells themselves or by stromal cells surrounding the tumor. Versican plays diverse roles in cell adhesion, proliferation, migration and angiogenesis, all features of invasion and metastasis. These wide ranging functions have been attributed to the central glycosaminoglycan-binding region of versican, and to the N-(G1) and C-(G3) terminal globular domains which collectively interact with a large number of extracellular matrix and cell surface structural components. Here we review the recently identified mechanisms responsible for the regulation of versican expression and the biological roles that versican plays in cancer invasion and metastasis. The regulation of versican expression may represent one mechanism whereby cancer cells alter their surrounding microenvironment to facilitate the malignant growth and invasion of several tumor types. A greater understanding of the regulation of versican expression may contribute to the development of therapeutic methods to inhibit versican function and tumor invasion.

The Evolving Landscape of e-Cigarettes: A Systematic Review of Recent Evidence.

Smoking continues to be a burden to economies and health-care systems across the world. One proposed solution to the problem has been e-cigarettes; however, because they are a relatively new product in the market, little is known about their potential health impacts. Furthermore, e-cigarettes continue to evolve at a rapid rate, making it necessary to regularly review and summarize available studies. Although e-cigarettes are marketed as a smoking cessation tool by some manufacturers, the reality is that many nonsmokers, including youth, are using them. This review focuses on two major demographic groups (smokers and nonsmokers) and evaluates the most recent data (early 2017 to mid 2019) regarding the potential health effects of e-cigarettes. We assessed peer-reviewed studies on the health impacts of e-cigarettes, with a particular focus on common questions asked by policy makers, clinicians, and scientists: (1) What are the effects of e-cigarettes compared with air/not smoking?; (2) Is there any direct evidence of harm or benefit to humans?; (3) Is there a risk from secondhand exposure?; (4) What are the risks and/or benefits of e-cigarettes compared with tobacco cigarette use?; (5) Are there risks or benefits to specific populations (eg, people with COPD or asthma, pregnant women [and their offspring])?; (6) What are the effects of flavoring chemicals?; (7) What are the effects of including nicotine in e-liquids?; (8) How often is nicotine concentration labeling incorrect?; and (9) What are the risks when e-cigarettes explode?

Phagocytosis and Inflammation: Exploring the effects of the components of E-cigarette vapor on macrophages.

E-cigarettes are perceived as harmless; however, evidence of their safety is lacking. New data suggests E-cigarettes discharge a range of compounds capable of physiological damage to users. We previously established that cigarette smoke caused defective alveolar macrophage phagocytosis. The present study compared the effect E-cigarette of components; E-liquid flavors, nicotine, vegetable glycerine, and propylene glycol on phagocytosis, proinflammatory cytokine secretion, and phagocytic recognition molecule expression using differentiated THP-1 macrophages. Similar to CSE, phagocytosis of NTHi bacteria was significantly decreased by E-liquid flavoring (11.65-15.75%) versus control (27.01%). Nicotine also decreased phagocytosis (15.26%). E-liquid, nicotine, and E-liquid+ nicotine reduced phagocytic recognition molecules; SR-A1 and TLR-2. IL-8 secretion increased with flavor and nicotine, while TNFα, IL-1ß, IL-6, MIP-1α, MIP-1ß, and MCP-1 decreased after exposure to most flavors and nicotine. PG, VG, or PG:VG mix also induced a decrease in MIP-1α and MIP-1ß We conclude that E-cigarettes can cause macrophage phagocytic dysfunction, expression of phagocytic recognition receptors and cytokine secretion pathways. As such, E-cigarettes should be treated with caution by users, especially those who are nonsmokers.

Keratin 5 overexpression is associated with serous ovarian cancer recurrence and chemotherapy resistance.

This study investigated the clinical significance of keratin 5 and 6 expression in serous ovarian cancer progression and chemotherapy resistance. KRT5 and KRT6 (KRT6A, KRT6B & KRT6C) gene expression was assessed in publically available serous ovarian cancer data sets, ovarian cancer cell lines and primary serous ovarian cancer cells. Monoclonal antibodies which detect both K5/6 or only K5 were used to assess protein expression in ovarian cancer cell lines and a cohort of high grade serous ovarian carcinomas at surgery (n = 117) and after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (n = 21). Survival analyses showed that high KRT5 mRNA in stage III/IV serous ovarian cancers was significantly associated with reduced progression-free (HR 1.38, P < 0.0001) and overall survival (HR 1.28, P = 0.013) whilst high KRT6 mRNA was only associated with reduced progression-free survival (HR 1.2, P = 0.031). Both high K5/6 (≥ 10%, HR 1.78 95% CI; 1.03-2.65, P = 0.017) and high K5 (≥ 10%, HR 1.90, 95% CI; 1.12-3.19, P = 0.017) were associated with an increased risk of disease recurrence. KRT5 but not KRT6C mRNA expression was increased in chemotherapy resistant primary serous ovarian cancer cells compared to chemotherapy sensitive cells. The proportion of serous ovarian carcinomas with high K5/6 or high K5 immunostaining was significantly increased following neoadjuvant chemotherapy. K5 can be used to predict serous ovarian cancer prognosis and identify cancer cells that are resistant to chemotherapy. Developing strategies to target K5 may therefore improve serous ovarian cancer survival.

ZnuA and zinc homeostasis in Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a ubiquitous environmental bacterium and a clinically significant opportunistic human pathogen. Central to the ability of P. aeruginosa to colonise both environmental and host niches is the acquisition of zinc. Here we show that P. aeruginosa PAO1 acquires zinc via an ATP-binding cassette (ABC) permease in which ZnuA is the high affinity, zinc-specific binding protein. Zinc uptake in Gram-negative organisms predominantly occurs via an ABC permease, and consistent with this expectation a P. aeruginosa ΔznuA mutant strain showed an ~60% reduction in cellular zinc accumulation, while other metal ions were essentially unaffected. Despite the major reduction in zinc accumulation, minimal phenotypic differences were observed between the wild-type and ΔznuA mutant strains. However, the effect of zinc limitation on the transcriptome of P. aeruginosa PAO1 revealed significant changes in gene expression that enable adaptation to low-zinc conditions. Genes significantly up-regulated included non-zinc-requiring paralogs of zinc-dependent proteins and a number of novel import pathways associated with zinc acquisition. Collectively, this study provides new insight into the acquisition of zinc by P. aeruginosa PAO1, revealing a hitherto unrecognized complexity in zinc homeostasis that enables the bacterium to survive under zinc limitation.