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1.
Sci Rep ; 14(1): 21282, 2024 09 11.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39261546

ABSTRACT

Visceral cestodiases, like cysticercoses and echinococcoses, are caused by cystic larvae from parasites of the Cestoda class and are endemic or hyperendemic in many areas of the world. Current therapeutic approaches for these diseases are complex and present limitations and risks. Therefore, new safer and more effective treatments are urgently needed. The Niemann-Pick C1 (NPC1) protein is a cholesterol transporter that, based on genomic data, would be the solely responsible for cholesterol uptake in cestodes. Considering that human NPC1L1 is a known target of ezetimibe, used in the treatment of hypercholesterolemia, it has the potential for repurposing for the treatment of visceral cestodiases. Here, phylogenetic, selective pressure and structural in silico analyses were carried out to assess NPC1 evolutive and structural conservation, especially between cestode and human orthologs. Two NPC1 orthologs were identified in cestode species (NPC1A and NPC1B), which likely underwent functional divergence, leading to the loss of cholesterol transport capacity in NPC1A. Comparative interaction analyses performed by molecular docking of ezetimibe with human NPC1L1 and cestode NPC1B pointed out to similarities that consolidate the idea of cestode NPC1B as a target for the repurposing of ezetimibe as a drug for the treatment of visceral cestodiases.


Subject(s)
Cestoda , Ezetimibe , Niemann-Pick C1 Protein , Ezetimibe/pharmacology , Ezetimibe/therapeutic use , Humans , Animals , Niemann-Pick C1 Protein/metabolism , Cestoda/metabolism , Cestoda/drug effects , Cestoda/genetics , Phylogeny , Molecular Docking Simulation , Drug Repositioning/methods , Computer Simulation , Cholesterol/metabolism , Membrane Transport Proteins/metabolism , Membrane Transport Proteins/chemistry , Membrane Transport Proteins/genetics , Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins/metabolism , Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins/genetics , Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins/chemistry , Anticholesteremic Agents/pharmacology , Anticholesteremic Agents/therapeutic use
2.
Placenta ; 156: 77-91, 2024 10.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39293185

ABSTRACT

Preeclampsia (PE) is a prevalent obstetric complication affecting approximately 3-5% of pregnancies worldwide and is a major cause of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. Preeclampsia is considered a disease of the endothelial system that can progress to eclampsia, characterized by seizures. Early diagnosis and appropriate management are crucial to improving maternal and fetal outcomes, as preeclampsia can lead to severe complications such as placental abruption, fetal growth restriction, and stroke. The pathophysiology of PE is complex, involving a combination of genetic, acquired, and immunological factors. A central feature of the condition is inadequate placentation and impaired uteroplacental perfusion, leading to local hypoxia, endothelial dysfunction, vasoconstriction, and immunological dysregulation. Recent evidence suggests that dysregulation of ion transporters may play a significant role in the adaptation of uterine circulation during placentation. These transporters are essential for maintaining maternal-fetal homeostasis, influencing processes such as nutrient exchange, hormone synthesis, trophoblast cell migration, and the function of smooth muscle cells in blood vessels. In preeclampsia, adverse conditions like hypoxia and oxidative stress result in the downregulation of ion, solute, and water transporters, impairing their function. This review focuses on membrane transporters involved in PE, discussing functional alterations and their physiological implications. The goal of this investigation is to enhance understanding of how dysregulation of ion and small molecule transporters contributes to the development and progression of preeclampsia, underscoring the importance of exploring these signaling pathways for potential therapeutic interventions.


Subject(s)
Pre-Eclampsia , Humans , Pregnancy , Pre-Eclampsia/metabolism , Female , Placenta/metabolism , Ion Transport , Animals , Membrane Transport Proteins/metabolism
3.
Biomed Pharmacother ; 179: 117291, 2024 Oct.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39146766

ABSTRACT

Staphylococcus aureus is a bacterium responsible for resistance to multiple drugs and the efflux system is widely studied among the resistance mechanisms developed by this species. The present study evaluates the inhibition of the MepA efflux pump by thiadiazine-derived compounds. For this purpose, thiadiazine-derived compounds (IJ-14 to IJ-20) were tested against S. aureus K2068 strains. Microdilution tests were initially conducted to assess the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of the compounds and their efflux pump inhibition activity. In addition, fluorimetry tests were performed using BrEt emission and tests were conducted to inhibit the expression of the mepA gene. This involved comparing the bacterial gene expression with the antibiotic alone to the gene expression after combining compounds (IJ-17 and IJ-20) with the antibiotic. Furthermore, membrane permeability assessment tests and in silico molecular docking tests were performed. It was observed that the IJ17 and IJ20 compounds exhibited direct activity against the tested strain. The IJ17 compound produced significant results in the gene inhibition tests, which was also evidenced through the membrane permeability alteration test. These findings suggest that thiadiazine-derived compounds have promising effects against one of the main resistance mechanisms, with the IJ17 compound presenting observable mechanisms of action.


Subject(s)
Anti-Bacterial Agents , Bacterial Proteins , Cell Membrane Permeability , Microbial Sensitivity Tests , Molecular Docking Simulation , Staphylococcus aureus , Staphylococcus aureus/drug effects , Staphylococcus aureus/genetics , Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology , Bacterial Proteins/genetics , Bacterial Proteins/metabolism , Cell Membrane Permeability/drug effects , Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial/drug effects , Thiazines/pharmacology , Membrane Transport Proteins/metabolism , Membrane Transport Proteins/genetics
4.
PLoS One ; 19(8): e0307573, 2024.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39110759

ABSTRACT

Streptococcus pneumoniae is a bacterium of great global importance, responsible for more than one million deaths per year. This bacterium is commonly acquired in the first years of life and colonizes the upper respiratory tract asymptomatically by forming biofilms that persist for extended times in the nasopharynx. However, under conditions that alter the bacterial environment, such as viral infections, pneumococci can escape from the biofilm and invade other niches, causing local and systemic disease of varying severity. The polyamine transporter PotABCD is required for optimal survival of the organism in the host. Immunization of mice with recombinant PotD can reduce subsequent bacterial colonization. PotD has also been suggested to be involved in pneumococcal biofilm development. Therefore, in this study we aimed to elucidate the role of PotABCD and polyamines in pneumococcal biofilm formation. First, the formation of biofilms was evaluated in the presence of exogenous polyamines-the substrate transported by PotABCD-added to culture medium. Next, a potABCD-negative strain was used to determine biofilm formation in different model systems using diverse levels of complexity from abiotic surface to cell substrate to in vivo animal models and was compared with its wild-type strain. The results showed that adding more polyamines to the medium stimulated biofilm formation, suggesting a direct correlation between polyamines and biofilm formation. Also, deletion of potABCD operon impaired biofilm formation in all models tested. Interestingly, more differences between wild-type and mutant strains were observed in the more complex model, which emphasizes the significance of employing more physiological models in studying biofilm formation.


Subject(s)
Biofilms , Streptococcus pneumoniae , Biofilms/growth & development , Streptococcus pneumoniae/physiology , Streptococcus pneumoniae/metabolism , Animals , Mice , Polyamines/metabolism , Bacterial Proteins/metabolism , Bacterial Proteins/genetics , Pneumococcal Infections/microbiology , Membrane Transport Proteins/metabolism , Membrane Transport Proteins/genetics , Operon
5.
Cells ; 13(15)2024 Jul 26.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39120287

ABSTRACT

Autophagy engulfs cellular components in double-membrane-bound autophagosomes for clearance and recycling after fusion with lysosomes. Thus, autophagy is a key process for maintaining proteostasis and a powerful cell-intrinsic host defense mechanism, protecting cells against pathogens by targeting them through a specific form of selective autophagy known as xenophagy. In this context, ubiquitination acts as a signal of recognition of the cargoes for autophagic receptors, which direct them towards autophagosomes for subsequent breakdown. Nevertheless, autophagy can carry out a dual role since numerous viruses including members of the Orthoherpesviridae family can either inhibit or exploit autophagy for its own benefit and to replicate within host cells. There is growing evidence that Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), a highly prevalent human pathogen that infects epidermal keratinocytes and sensitive neurons, is capable of negatively modulating autophagy. Since the effects of HSV-1 infection on autophagic receptors have been poorly explored, this study aims to understand the consequences of HSV-1 productive infection on the levels of the major autophagic receptors involved in xenophagy, key proteins in the recruitment of intracellular pathogens into autophagosomes. We found that productive HSV-1 infection in human neuroglioma cells and keratinocytes causes a reduction in the total levels of Ub conjugates and decreases protein levels of autophagic receptors, including SQSTM1/p62, OPTN1, NBR1, and NDP52, a phenotype that is also accompanied by reduced levels of LC3-I and LC3-II, which interact directly with autophagic receptors. Mechanistically, we show these phenotypes are the result of xenophagy activation in the early stages of productive HSV-1 infection to limit virus replication, thereby reducing progeny HSV-1 yield. Additionally, we found that the removal of the tegument HSV-1 protein US11, a recognized viral factor that counteracts autophagy in host cells, enhances the clearance of autophagic receptors, with a significant reduction in the progeny HSV-1 yield. Moreover, the removal of US11 increases the ubiquitination of SQSTM1/p62, indicating that US11 slows down the autophagy turnover of autophagy receptors. Overall, our findings suggest that xenophagy is a potent host defense against HSV-1 replication and reveals the role of the autophagic receptors in the delivery of HSV-1 to clearance via xenophagy.


Subject(s)
Autophagy , Herpesvirus 1, Human , Humans , Herpesvirus 1, Human/physiology , Herpes Simplex/virology , Herpes Simplex/immunology , Herpes Simplex/metabolism , Macroautophagy , Virus Replication , Autophagosomes/metabolism , Keratinocytes/virology , Keratinocytes/metabolism , Sequestosome-1 Protein/metabolism , Host-Pathogen Interactions , Animals , Nuclear Proteins , Cell Cycle Proteins , Membrane Transport Proteins
6.
Plant Dis ; 108(10): 3108-3114, 2024 Oct.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38861467

ABSTRACT

'Candidatus Phytoplasma brasiliense' (CPB) is a phytoplasma originally discovered in South America and is known to infect a wide variety of economically important crops. It is most prevalent in Hibiscus spp., where it causes witches broom symptoms, and papaya, where it causes bunchy top. Recently, CPB was documented for the first time in North America in a new host, globe sedge. In this study, two quantitative PCR assays are developed: one using high-resolution melt curve analysis (HRMA) based on the secA gene and the other a TaqMan assay based on the dnaK gene. The secA/HRMA and dnaK/TaqMan assay successfully amplified two of the three isolates of CPB. Both assays were screened against available isolates of 16SrI, 16SrII, and 16SrIV phytoplasmas. The secA/HRMA assay failed to amplify 16SrI and 16SrIV phytoplasmas but successfully amplified 16SrII phytoplasmas. The resulting melting point (Tm) products of CPB and 16SrII phytoplasmas displayed a difference of 0.5°C, easily distinguishing them by melt curves. The dnaK/TaqMan assay failed to amplify all non-CPB phytoplasma isolates in the study. The development of these assays provides a valuable tool that will significantly improve monitoring programs in Florida and will aid in developing a better fundamental understanding of the epidemiology of this phytoplasma.


Subject(s)
Bacterial Proteins , Phytoplasma , Plant Diseases , Phytoplasma/genetics , Phytoplasma/isolation & purification , Phytoplasma/classification , Plant Diseases/microbiology , Bacterial Proteins/genetics , DNA, Bacterial/genetics , Hibiscus/microbiology , Adenosine Triphosphatases/genetics , SEC Translocation Channels/genetics , SecA Proteins , Membrane Transport Proteins/genetics , RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics , Carica/microbiology , Polymerase Chain Reaction/methods
7.
Braz J Med Biol Res ; 57: e13590, 2024.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38808891

ABSTRACT

Adenine nucleotide translocator 4 (Ant4), an ATP/ADP transporter expressed in the early phases of spermatogenesis, plays a crucial role in male fertility. While Ant4 loss causes early arrest of meiosis and increased apoptosis of spermatogenic cells in male mice, its other potential functions in male fertility remain unexplored. Here, we utilized Ant4 knockout mice to delineate the effects of Ant4-deficiency on male reproduction. Our observations demonstrated that Ant4-deficiency led to infertility and impaired testicular development, which was further investigated by evaluating testicular oxidative stress, autophagy, and inflammation. Specifically, the loss of Ant4 led to an imbalance of oxidation and antioxidants. Significant ultrastructural alterations were identified in the testicular tissues of Ant4-deficient mice, including swelling of mitochondria, loss of cristae, and accumulation of autophagosomes. Our results also showed that autophagic flux and AKT-AMPK-mTOR signaling pathway were affected in Ant4-deficient mice. Moreover, Ant4 loss increased the expression of pro-inflammatory factors. Overall, our findings underscored the importance of Ant4 in regulating oxidative stress, autophagy, and inflammation in testicular tissues. Taken together, these insights provided a nuanced understanding of the significance of Ant4 in testicular development.


Subject(s)
Infertility, Male , Mitochondrial ADP, ATP Translocases , Oxidative Stress , Testis , Animals , Male , Mice , Apoptosis/physiology , Autophagy/physiology , Infertility, Male/metabolism , Mice, Knockout , Mitochondrial ADP, ATP Translocases/metabolism , Mitochondrial ADP, ATP Translocases/genetics , Oxidative Stress/physiology , Signal Transduction/physiology , Spermatogenesis/physiology , Testis/metabolism , Membrane Transport Proteins/genetics , Membrane Transport Proteins/metabolism
9.
Future Microbiol ; 19(6): 495-508, 2024.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38629920

ABSTRACT

Aim: To evaluate the action of promethazine, fluoxetine and carbonyl cyanide 3-chlorophenylhydrazone as efflux pump inhibitors (EPIs) against multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Methods: The effect of the compounds was evaluated in planktonic cells and bacterial biofilms. Accumulation tests were performed with ethidium bromide to prove their action as EPIs. Then, they were associated with antimicrobials. Results: Effect on planktonic cells and biofilms was found. Assays with ethidium bromide indicate their action as EPIs. Significant reductions in the metabolic activity of biofilms were observed after the association with the antimicrobials, especially for meropenem. Conclusion: It is possible to prove the action of these compounds as EPIs for P. aeruginosa and demonstrate the relevance of efflux pumps in antimicrobial resistance.


[Box: see text].


Subject(s)
Anti-Bacterial Agents , Biofilms , Drug Repositioning , Drug Resistance, Multiple, Bacterial , Microbial Sensitivity Tests , Pseudomonas aeruginosa , Pseudomonas aeruginosa/drug effects , Drug Resistance, Multiple, Bacterial/drug effects , Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology , Biofilms/drug effects , Carbonyl Cyanide m-Chlorophenyl Hydrazone/pharmacology , Promethazine/pharmacology , Membrane Transport Proteins/metabolism , Humans , Bacterial Proteins/metabolism , Bacterial Proteins/antagonists & inhibitors , Pseudomonas Infections/drug therapy , Pseudomonas Infections/microbiology , Hydrazones
10.
Glia ; 72(4): 708-727, 2024 04.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38180226

ABSTRACT

Radial glia (RG) cells generate neurons and glial cells that make up the cerebral cortex. Both in rodents and humans, these stem cells remain for a specific time after birth, named late radial glia (lRG). The knowledge of lRG and molecules that may be involved in their differentiation is based on very limited data. We analyzed whether ascorbic acid (AA) and its transporter SVCT2, are involved in lRG cells differentiation. We demonstrated that lRG cells are highly present between the first and fourth postnatal days. Anatomical characterization of lRG cells, revealed that lRG cells maintained their bipolar morphology and stem-like character. When lRG cells were labeled with adenovirus-eGFP at 1 postnatal day, we detected that some cells display an obvious migratory neuronal phenotype, suggesting that lRG cells continue generating neurons postnatally. Moreover, we demonstrated that SVCT2 was apically polarized in lRG cells. In vitro studies using the transgenic mice SVCT2+/- and SVCT2tg (SVCT2-overexpressing mouse), showed that decreased SVCT2 levels led to accelerated differentiation into astrocytes, whereas both AA treatment and elevated SVCT2 expression maintain the lRG cells in an undifferentiated state. In vivo overexpression of SVCT2 in lRG cells generated cells with a rounded morphology that were migratory and positive for proliferation and neuronal markers. We also examined mediators that can be involved in AA/SVCT2-modulated signaling pathways, determining that GSK3-ß through AKT, mTORC2, and PDK1 is active in brains with high levels of SVCT2/AA. Our data provide new insights into the role of AA and SVCT2 in late RG cells.


Subject(s)
Ascorbic Acid , Sodium-Coupled Vitamin C Transporters , Animals , Humans , Mice , Ascorbic Acid/pharmacology , Ependymoglial Cells/metabolism , Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3/metabolism , Membrane Transport Proteins/metabolism , Mice, Transgenic , Neurons/metabolism , Sodium-Coupled Vitamin C Transporters/genetics
11.
Microb Cell Fact ; 23(1): 22, 2024 Jan 16.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38229067

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Trichoderma reesei is an organism extensively used in the bioethanol industry, owing to its capability to produce enzymes capable of breaking down holocellulose into simple sugars. The uptake of carbohydrates generated from cellulose breakdown is crucial to induce the signaling cascade that triggers cellulase production. However, the sugar transporters involved in this process in T. reesei remain poorly identified and characterized. RESULTS: To address this gap, this study used temporal membrane proteomics analysis to identify five known and nine putative sugar transporters that may be involved in cellulose degradation by T. reesei. Docking analysis pointed out potential ligands for the putative sugar transporter Tr44175. Further functional validation of this transporter was carried out in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The results showed that Tr44175 transports a variety of sugar molecules, including cellobiose, cellotriose, cellotetraose, and sophorose. CONCLUSION: This study has unveiled a transporter Tr44175 capable of transporting cellobiose, cellotriose, cellotetraose, and sophorose. Our study represents the first inventory of T. reesei sugar transportome once exposed to cellulose, offering promising potential targets for strain engineering in the context of bioethanol production.


Subject(s)
Cellulase , Glucans , Hypocreales , Trichoderma , Cellobiose/metabolism , Proteome/metabolism , Membrane Proteins/metabolism , Cellulose/metabolism , Membrane Transport Proteins/metabolism , Saccharomyces cerevisiae/metabolism , Cellulase/metabolism , Sugars/metabolism , Oligosaccharides/metabolism , Trichoderma/metabolism
12.
Int J Mycobacteriol ; 12(4): 459-462, 2023.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38149543

ABSTRACT

Background: The resurgence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) strains that resist anti-tuberculosis (anti-TB) drugs used currently stresses the search for more effective low-toxicity drugs against new targets. Due to their role in ion homeostasis and virulence, Mtb plasma membrane P-type ATPases are interesting anti-TB targets, in particular, the Ca2+ transporting P2-type ATPase CtpF which is involved in oxidative stress response and persistence. Methods: In this study, the effect on the transcription level of the ctpF gene and other Mtb P2-type ATPases of two anti-Mtb hits was assessed by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Both anti-Mtb hits ZINC14541509 and ZINC63908257 had been previously identified using pharmacophore-based virtual screening and MM-GBSA binding free energy. In addition, the bacterial activity of both compounds on Mycobacterium bovis was evaluated to see whether or not there is an effect on other mycobacteria of the Mtb complex. Results: qRT-PCR experiments showed that the ctpF transcription level was significantly higher in the presence of both compounds, especially ZINC14541509, strongly suggesting that CtpF may be a specific target of the selected compound. Conclusions: ZINC14541509 should be considered as an alternative for the structural-based design of novel anti-TB drugs.


Subject(s)
Mycobacterium tuberculosis , P-type ATPases , Humans , Mycobacterium tuberculosis/genetics , Adenosine Triphosphatases/genetics , Adenosine Triphosphatases/pharmacology , Membrane Transport Proteins/genetics , Antitubercular Agents/pharmacology , Antitubercular Agents/chemistry
13.
Int J Mol Sci ; 24(22)2023 Nov 09.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38003293

ABSTRACT

Chemoresistance to standard neoadjuvant treatment commonly occurs in locally advanced breast cancer, particularly in the luminal subtype, which is hormone receptor-positive and represents the most common subtype of breast cancer associated with the worst outcomes. Identifying the genes associated with chemoresistance is crucial for understanding the underlying mechanisms and discovering effective treatments. In this study, we aimed to identify genes linked to neoadjuvant chemotherapy resistance in 62 retrospectively included patients with luminal breast cancer. Whole RNA sequencing of 12 patient biopsies revealed 269 differentially expressed genes in chemoresistant patients. We further validated eight highly correlated genes associated with resistance. Among these, solute carrier family 12 member 1 (SLC12A1) and glutamate ionotropic AMPA type subunit 4 (GRIA4), both implicated in ion transport, showed the strongest association with chemoresistance. Notably, SLC12A1 expression was downregulated, while protein levels of glutamate receptor 4 (GLUR4), encoded by GRIA4, were elevated in patients with a worse prognosis. Our results suggest a potential link between SLC12A1 gene expression and GLUR4 protein levels with chemoresistance in luminal breast cancer. In particular, GLUR4 protein could serve as a potential target for drug intervention to overcome chemoresistance.


Subject(s)
Breast Neoplasms , Female , Humans , Breast Neoplasms/drug therapy , Breast Neoplasms/genetics , Breast Neoplasms/pathology , Drug Resistance, Neoplasm/genetics , Membrane Transport Proteins , Neoadjuvant Therapy , Retrospective Studies , Solute Carrier Family 12, Member 1
14.
BMC Med Genomics ; 16(1): 207, 2023 09 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37658350

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Statin-induced myopathy is reported to be associated with the solute carrier organic anion transporter family member 1B1 gene single nucleotide polymorphism, c.521 T > C. There is no epidemiologic data on this gene polymorphism in several countries. Therefore, this study aimed at assessing the genotype and allele frequencies of the gene variant in three countries. METHODS: This study involved healthy individuals from Colombia, Mozambique, and Portugal. Genomic DNA was isolated from blood samples using the Qiamp DNA Extraction Kit (Qiagen). The isolated DNA was genotyped using novel Polymerase Chain Reaction-Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism. Microstat and GraphPad QuickCal software were used for the Chi-square test and the evaluation of Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium respectively. RESULTS: A total of 181 individuals' blood samples were analyzed. Overall, the TT (74.0%) genotype was the highest and the CC (7.8%) was the lowest. Country wise genotypic frequencies were Colombia 47(70.2%) TT, 12(17.9%) TC and 8(11.9%) CC; Mozambique 47(88.7%) TT, 5(9.4%) TC, and 1(1.9%) CC; and Portugal 40(65.6%) TT, 16(26.2%) TC, and 5(8.2%) CC. The reference (T) allele was highest among Mozambicans (93.4%) compared to Colombians (79.1%) and Portuguese (78.7%). Mozambicans showed statistically significant genotypic and allelic frequency differences compared to Colombians (p < 0.01) and Portuguese (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Overall and country-wise, CC genotype was less frequent and it is relatively high for Colombians and Portuguese populations. This finding may imply statins risk-benefit variability associated with CC genotype among these populations that needs further understanding.


Subject(s)
Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors , Pharmacogenomic Testing , Humans , Colombia , Mozambique , Portugal , Membrane Transport Proteins , Liver-Specific Organic Anion Transporter 1/genetics
15.
Adv Exp Med Biol ; 1428: 149-177, 2023.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37466773

ABSTRACT

Evidence from preclinical and clinical studies demonstrate that pregnancy is a physiological state capable of modifying drug disposition. Factors including increased hepatic metabolism and renal excretion are responsible for impacting disposition, and the role of membrane transporters expressed in biological barriers, including the placental- and blood-brain barriers, has received considerable attention. In this regard, the brain disposition of drugs in the mother and fetus has been the subject of studies attempting to characterize the mechanisms by which pregnancy could alter the expression of ATP-binding cassette (ABC) and solute carrier (SLC) transporters. This chapter will summarize findings of the influence of pregnancy on the maternal and fetal expression of ABC and SLC transporters in the brain and the consequences of such changes on the disposition of therapeutic drugs.


Subject(s)
ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters , Placenta , Female , Pregnancy , Humans , ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters/genetics , ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters/metabolism , Placenta/metabolism , Membrane Transport Proteins/genetics , Membrane Transport Proteins/metabolism , Fetus , Blood-Brain Barrier/metabolism , Adenosine Triphosphate/metabolism
16.
Microb Pathog ; 181: 106166, 2023 Aug.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37290729

ABSTRACT

Candida albicans is one of the leading pathological agents of mucosal and deep tissue infections. Considering that the variety of antifungals is restricted and that toxicity limits their use, immunotherapies against pathogenic fungi have been viewed as alternatives with reduced adverse effects. In this context, C. albicans has a protein used to capture iron from the environment and the host, known as the high-affinity iron permease Ftr1. This protein may be a new target of action for novel antifungal therapies, as it influences the virulence of this yeast. Thus, the aim of the present study was to produce and conduct the biological characterization of IgY antibodies against C. albicans Ftr1. Immunization of laying hens with an Ftr1-derived peptide resulted in IgY antibodies extracted from egg yolks capable of binding to the antigen with high affinity (avidity index = 66.6 ± 0.3%). These antibodies reduced the growth and even eliminated C. albicans under iron restriction, a favorable condition for the expression of Ftr1. This also occurred with a mutant strain that does not produce Ftr1 in the presence of iron, a circumstance in which the protein analog of iron permease, Ftr2, is expressed. Furthermore, the survival of G. mellonella larvae infected with C. albicans and treated with the antibodies was 90% higher than the control group, which did not receive treatment (p < 0.0001). Therefore, our data suggest that IgY antibodies against Ftr1 from C. albicans can inhibit yeast propagation by blocking iron uptake.


Subject(s)
Candida albicans , Moths , Animals , Female , Antifungal Agents/pharmacology , Antifungal Agents/metabolism , Iron/metabolism , Membrane Transport Proteins/genetics , Membrane Transport Proteins/metabolism , Chickens , Antibodies
17.
Bioorg Chem ; 138: 106648, 2023 09.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37315451

ABSTRACT

CtpF is a Ca2+ transporter P-type ATPase key to the response to stress conditions and to Mycobacterium tuberculosis virulence, therefore, an interesting target for the design of novel anti-Mtb compounds. In this work, molecular dynamics simulations of four previously identified CtpF inhibitors allowed recognizing the key protein-ligand (P-L) interactions, which were then used to perform a pharmacophore-based virtual screening (PBVS) of 22 million compounds from ZINCPharmer. The top-rated compounds were then subjected to molecular docking, and their scores were refined by MM-GBSA calculations. In vitro assays showed that ZINC04030361 (Compound 7) was the best promising candidate, showing a MIC of 25.0 µg/mL, inhibition of Ca2+-ATPase activity (IC50) of 3.3 µM, cytotoxic activity of 27.2 %, and hemolysis of red blood cells lower than 0.2 %. Interestingly, the ctpF gene is upregulated in the presence of compound 7, compared to other alkali/alkaline P-type ATPases coding genes, strongly suggesting that CtpF is a compound 7-specific target.


Subject(s)
Mycobacterium tuberculosis , Mycobacterium tuberculosis/metabolism , Molecular Docking Simulation , Protein Binding , Molecular Dynamics Simulation , Membrane Transport Proteins/metabolism , Adenosine Triphosphatases/metabolism , Cell Membrane/metabolism , Antitubercular Agents/pharmacology , Antitubercular Agents/metabolism , Bacterial Proteins/metabolism
18.
Clin Pharmacol Ther ; 114(1): 173-181, 2023 07.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37070971

ABSTRACT

The activity of the membrane transporters organic anion-transporting polypeptide 1B1 (OATP1B1) & breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP) (rosuvastatin) and P-glycoprotein (P-gp) (fexofenadine) was evaluated in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection (n = 28), genotypes 1 and 3, investigated before the treatment with direct-acting antiviral agents (Phase 1) and up to 30 days after the assessment of the virologic response (Phase 2). Participants allocated in Groups 1 (n = 15; F0/F1 and F2, mild to moderate liver fibrosis) and 2 (n = 13; F3 and F4, advanced course of liver fibrosis/cirrhosis) received in both phases fexofenadine (10 mg) and rosuvastatin (2 mg). OATP1B1 & BCRP activity (rosuvastatin area under the plasma concentration-time curve of rosuvastatin from time zero to infinity (AUC0-∞ )) was reduced in Groups 1 and 2, respectively, by 25% (ratio 0.75 (0.53-0.82), P < 0.01) and 31% (ratio 0.69 (0.46-0.85), P < 0.05) in Phase 1 compared with Phase 2. OATP1B1 & BCRP activity was reduced in Phases 1 and 2, respectively, by 49% (median ratio 1.51 (1.17-2.20), P < 0.05) and 61% (ratio 1.39 (1.16-2.02), P < 0.01) in Group 2 compared with Group 1. P-gp activity (fexofenadine AUC0-∞ ) was also reduced in Phase 1 compared with Phase 2 (ratio Phase2/Phase1 0.79 (0.66-0.96) in Group 1 and 0.81 (0.69-0.96) in Group 2) as well as in Group 2 compared with Group 1 in both Phases (ratio Group2/Group1 1.47 (1.08-2.01) in Phase 1 and 1.51 (1.10-2.07) in Phase 2). Thus, clinicians administering OATP1B1 & BCRP and P-gp substrates with low therapeutic indexes should consider the evolution of the treatment and the stage of HCV infection.


Subject(s)
Hepatitis C, Chronic , Organic Anion Transporters , Humans , Membrane Transport Proteins/metabolism , Rosuvastatin Calcium , Hepatitis C, Chronic/drug therapy , ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily G, Member 2/genetics , Membrane Glycoproteins/metabolism , Antiviral Agents/therapeutic use , Drug Interactions , Neoplasm Proteins/metabolism , Organic Anion Transporters/metabolism , ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily B, Member 1 , Liver Cirrhosis/drug therapy
19.
New Phytol ; 238(5): 1924-1941, 2023 06.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36918499

ABSTRACT

An environmentally responsive root system is crucial for plant growth and crop yield, especially in suboptimal soil conditions. This responsiveness enables the plant to exploit regions of high nutrient density while simultaneously minimizing abiotic stress. Despite the vital importance of root systems in regulating plant growth, significant gaps of knowledge exist in the mechanisms that regulate their architecture. Auxin defines both the frequency of lateral root (LR) initiation and the rate of LR outgrowth. Here, we describe a search for proteins that regulate root system architecture (RSA) by interacting directly with a key auxin transporter, PIN1. The native separation of Arabidopsis plasma membrane protein complexes identified several PIN1 co-purifying proteins. Among them, AZG1 was subsequently confirmed as a PIN1 interactor. Here, we show that, in Arabidopsis, AZG1 is a cytokinin (CK) import protein that co-localizes with and stabilizes PIN1, linking auxin and CK transport streams. AZG1 expression in LR primordia is sensitive to NaCl, and the frequency of LRs is AZG1-dependent under salt stress. This report therefore identifies a potential point for auxin:cytokinin crosstalk, which shapes RSA in response to NaCl.


Subject(s)
Arabidopsis Proteins , Arabidopsis , Cytokinins , Membrane Transport Proteins , Arabidopsis Proteins/genetics , Arabidopsis Proteins/metabolism , Cytokinins/metabolism , Gene Expression Regulation, Plant , Indoleacetic Acids/metabolism , Membrane Transport Proteins/genetics , Membrane Transport Proteins/metabolism , Plant Roots/metabolism , Sodium Chloride
20.
Clin Genet ; 103(6): 720-722, 2023 06.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36650946

ABSTRACT

The family reported to have X-linked Dyggve-Melchior-Clausen syndrome instead has X-linked SEDT caused by a novel TRAPPC2 frameshift variant.


Subject(s)
Dwarfism , Intellectual Disability , Osteochondrodysplasias , Humans , Frameshift Mutation , Membrane Transport Proteins , Transcription Factors
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