HIV Modulates Osteoblast Differentiation via Upregulation of RANKL and Vitronectin.

Bone loss is a prevalent characteristic among people with HIV (PWH). We focused on mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and osteoblasts, examining their susceptibility to different HIV strains (R5- and X4-tropic) and the subsequent effects on bone tissue homeostasis. Our findings suggest that MSCs and osteoblasts are susceptible to R5- and X4-tropic HIV but do not support productive HIV replication. HIV exposure during the osteoblast differentiation process revealed that the virus could not alter mineral and organic matrix deposition. However, the reduction in runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2) transcription, the increase in the transcription of nuclear receptor activator ligand kappa B (RANKL), and the augmentation of vitronectin deposition strongly suggested that X4- and R5-HIV could affect bone homeostasis. This study highlights the HIV ability to alter MSCs' differentiation into osteoblasts, critical for maintaining bone and adipose tissue homeostasis and function.

BIOADHESION IN CAULERPA MEXICANA (CHLOROPHYTA): RHIZOID-SUBSTRATE ADHESION(1).

The attachment of the psammophytic alga Caulerpa mexicana Sond. ex Kütz., a coenocytic green alga, to crushed CaCO3 particles was examined utilizing the scanning electron microscope and fluorescently tagged antivitronectin antibodies. Plants attached to the substrate through morphologically variable tubular rhizoidal extensions that grew from the stolon. In this study, we describe two means of attachment: (i) the rhizoid attachment to limestone gravel by thigmoconstriction, where tubular extensions of the rhizoid wrapped tightly around the substrate and changed morphology to fit tightly into crevices in the limestone, and (ii) through adhesion pads that formed in contact with the limestone granules. Flattened rhizoidal pads were observed to secrete a fibrillar material that contained vitronectin-like proteins identified through immunolocialization and that facilitated binding of the rhizoid to the substrate.

Desarrollo de un péptido cíclico marcado con 99mTc dirigido contra el receptor de la vitronectina / Development of a 99mTc-labeled cyclic peptide with affinity for the vitronectine receptor

El objetivo del presente trabajo fue desarrollar un péptido híbrido, que presente una secuencia capaz de quelatar al 99mTc y otra con afinidad por el receptor de la vitronectina, que permita la detección in vivo de tumores malignos. El marcaje del péptido PICIC3 con 99mTc se realizó de forma directa. Se estudió la estabilidad del complejo en exceso de L-cisteína y en plasma, la unión a proteínas plasmáticas, el coeficiente de partición en el sistema NaCl 0.9 por ciento:n-octanol, la carga del complejo mediante electroforesis y la afinidad por el receptor de la vitronectina se valoró a partir de un ensayo de saturación con membranas de células B16-F10. Se determinó la biodistribución en ratones C57BL/6 con injertos de melanoma B16-F10. Conclusiones: El péptido desarrollado mostró una afinidad satisfactoria por el receptor de la vitronectina y que permitió la detección in vivo de los melanomas múridos del tipo B16-F10 en los ratones injertados.

The aim of the present work was to develop a hybrid peptide, with a sequence for the chelation of 99mTc and other with affinity for the vitronectine receptor, to allow in vivo detection of malignant tumors. 99mTc-labeling of peptide PICIC3 was directly performed. The stability in presence of L-cysteine excess and plasma of the complex, its binding to plasma proteins, the partition coefficient in NaCl 0.9 percent:n-octanol, the charge of the chelate by electrophoresis and the peptide affinity for the vitronectine receptor by a saturation assay using membranes of B16-F10 cells, were studied. Biodistribution in C57BL/6 mice injerted with melanoma B16-F10 was assessed. Conclusions: Developed peptide showed a satisfactory affinity for the vitronectine receptor and allowed in vivo detection of murine melanomas in mice with allografts.

A C-type lectin from Bothrops jararacussu venom can adhere to extracellular matrix proteins and induce the rolling of leukocytes

Purification of a lectin from Bothrops jararacussu venom (BjcuL) was carried out using agarose-D-galactose affinity gel. MALDI-TOF gave a major signal at m/z 32028, suggesting the presence of a dimmer composed of two identical subunits. Divalent cations were required for the lectin activity, as complete absence of such ions reduced hemagglutination. BjcuL was more effective at neutral pH and showed total loss of activity at pH values below 4.0 and above 9.0. Its agglutinating activity remained stable at 25°C until 60min, but increased when at 35°C for at least 15min. Adhesion assays to extracellular matrix (ECM) glycoproteins showed that the biotinylated lectin (0.039-5.0µg/100µl) was capable of binding to fibronectin and vitronectin in a dose-dependent manner. The binding was partially inhibited in the presence of D-galactose. BjcuL (1.25-10µg/30µl) potential was investigated for leukocyte rolling and adhesion to endothelial cells in living microvessels using intravital microscopy, which showed that it induced a dose-dependent increase in rolling and adherence of leukocytes, acting directly on endothelial cells of postcapillary venules. The specific association between lectins and their ligands, either on the cell surface or on the ECM, is related to a variety of biological processes. The complementary characterization of BjcuL, shown here, is useful to further understand the venom effects and as a background for future investigation for therapeutic strategies.

A C-type lectin from Bothrops jararacussu venom can adhere to extracellular matrix proteins and induce the rolling of leukocytes

Purification of a lectin from Bothrops jararacussu venom (BjcuL) was carried out using agarose-D-galactose affinity gel. MALDI-TOF gave a major signal at m/z 32028, suggesting the presence of a dimmer composed of two identical subunits. Divalent cations were required for the lectin activity, as complete absence of such ions reduced hemagglutination. BjcuL was more effective at neutral pH and showed total loss of activity at pH values below 4.0 and above 9.0. Its agglutinating activity remained stable at 25°C until 60min, but increased when at 35°C for at least 15min. Adhesion assays to extracellular matrix (ECM) glycoproteins showed that the biotinylated lectin (0.039-5.0µg/100µl) was capable of binding to fibronectin and vitronectin in a dose-dependent manner. The binding was partially inhibited in the presence of D-galactose. BjcuL (1.25-10µg/30µl) potential was investigated for leukocyte rolling and adhesion to endothelial cells in living microvessels using intravital microscopy, which showed that it induced a dose-dependent increase in rolling and adherence of leukocytes, acting directly on endothelial cells of postcapillary venules. The specific association between lectins and their ligands, either on the cell surface or on the ECM, is related to a variety of biological processes. The complementary characterization of BjcuL, shown here, is useful to further understand the venom effects and as a background for future investigation for therapeutic strategies.