Age-related behavioural and striatal dysfunctions in Shank3ΔC/ΔC mouse model of autism spectrum disorder.

Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are defined as a set of neurodevelopmental disorders and a lifelong condition. In mice, most of the studies focused on the developmental aspects of these diseases. In this paper, we examined the evolution of motor stereotypies through adulthood in the Shank3ΔC/ΔC mouse model of ASD, and their underlying striatal alterations, at 10 weeks, 20 weeks, and 40 weeks. We highlighted that motor stereotypies worsened at 40 weeks possibly carried by earlier striatal medium spiny neurons (MSN) alterations in GABAergic transmission and morphology. Moreover, we report that 20 weeks could be a critical time-point in the striatal-related ASD physiopathology, and we suggest that MSN alterations may not be the direct consequence of developmental issues, but rather be a consequence of other impairments occurring earlier.

The rescue of F508del-CFTR by elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor (Trikafta) in human airway epithelial cells is underestimated due to the presence of ivacaftor.

Trikafta, currently the leading therapeutic in cystic fibrosis (CF), has demonstrated a real clinical benefit. This treatment is the triple combination therapy of two folding correctors elexacaftor/tezacaftor (VX445/VX661) plus the gating potentiator ivacaftor (VX770). In this study, our aim was to compare the properties of F508del-CFTR in cells treated with either lumacaftor (VX809), tezacaftor, elexacaftor, elexacaftor/tezacaftor with or without ivacaftor. We studied F508del-CFTR function, maturation and membrane localisation by Ussing chamber and whole-cell patch-clamp recordings, Western blot and immunolocalisation experiments. With human primary airway epithelial cells and the cell lines CFBE and BHK expressing F508del, we found that, whereas the combination elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor was efficient in rescuing F508del-CFTR abnormal maturation, apical membrane location and function, the presence of ivacaftor limits these effects. The basal F508del-CFTR short-circuit current was significantly increased by elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor and elexacaftor/tezacaftor compared to other correctors and nontreated cells, an effect dependent on ivacaftor and cAMP. These results suggest that the level of the basal F508del-CFTR current might be a marker for correction efficacy in CF cells. When cells were treated with ivacaftor combined to any correctors, the F508del-CFTR current was unresponsive to the subsequently acute addition of ivacaftor, unlike the CFTR (cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator) potentiators genistein and Cact-A1 which increased elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor and elexacaftor/tezacaftor-corrected F508del-CFTR currents. These findings show that ivacaftor reduces the correction efficacy of Trikafta. Thus, combining elexacaftor/tezacaftor with a different potentiator might improve the therapeutic efficacy for treating CF patients.

Implication of actin in the uptake of sucrose and valine in the tap root and leaf of sugar beet.

Actin microfilaments (F-actin) are major components of the cytoskeleton essential for many cellular dynamic processes (vesicle trafficking, cytoplasmic streaming, organelle movements). The aim of this study was to examine whether cortical actin microfilaments might be implicated in the regulation of nutrient uptake in root and leaf cells of Beta vulgaris. Using antibodies raised against actin and the AtSUC1 sucrose transporter, immunochemical assays demonstrated that the expression of actin and a sucrose transporter showed different characteristics, when detected on plasma membrane vesicles (PMVs) purified from roots and from leaves. The in situ immunolabeling of actin and AtSUC1 sites in PMVs and tissues showed their close proximity to the plasma membrane. Using co-labeling in protoplasts, actin and sucrose transporters were localized along the internal border and in the outermost part of the plasma membrane, respectively. This respective membrane co-localization was confirmed on PMVs and in tissues using transmission electronic microscopy. The possible functional role of actin in sucrose uptake (and valine uptake, comparatively) by PMVs and tissues from roots and leaves was examined using the pharmacological inhibitors, cytochalasin B (CB), cytochalasin D (CD), and phalloidin (PH). CB and CD inhibited the sucrose and valine uptake by root tissues in a concentration-dependent manner above 1 µM, whereas PH had no such effect. Comparatively, the toxins inhibited the sucrose and valine uptake in leaf discs to a lesser extent. The inhibition was not due to a hindering of the proton pumping and H+ -ATPase catalytic activity determined in PMVs incubated in presence of these toxins.

Modulation of cellular membrane properties as a potential therapeutic strategy to counter lipointoxication in obstructive pulmonary diseases.

Maintaining the equilibrium between saturated and unsaturated fatty acids within membrane phospholipids (PLs) is crucial to sustain the optimal membrane biophysical properties, compatible with selective organelle-based processes. Lipointoxication is a pathological condition under which saturated PLs tend to accumulate within the cell at the expense of unsaturated species, with major impacts on organelle function. Here, we show that human bronchial epithelial cells extracted from lungs of patients with Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases (OPDs), i. e. Cystic Fibrosis (CF) individuals and Smokers, display a characteristic lipointoxication signature, with excessive amounts of saturated PLs. Reconstitution of this signature in cellulo and in silico revealed that such an imbalance results in altered membrane properties and in a dramatic disorganization of the intracellular network of bronchial epithelial cells, in a process which can account for several OPD traits. Such features include Endoplasmic Reticulum-stress, constitutive IL8 secretion, bronchoconstriction and, ultimately, epithelial cell death by apoptosis. We also demonstrate that a recently-identified lipid-like molecule, which has been shown to behave as a "membrane-reshaper", counters all the lipointoxication hallmarks tested. Altogether, these insights highlight the modulation of membrane properties as a potential new strategy to heal and prevent highly detrimental symptoms associated with OPDs.

Reestablishment of damaged adult motor pathways by grafted embryonic cortical neurons.

Damage to the adult motor cortex leads to severe and frequently irreversible deficits in motor function. Transplantation of embryonic cortical neurons into the damaged adult motor cortex was previously shown to induce partial recovery, but reports on graft efferents have varied from no efferent projections to sparse innervation. Here, we grafted embryonic cortical tissue from transgenic mice overexpressing a green fluorescent protein into the damaged motor cortex of adult mice. Grafted neurons developed efferent projections to appropriate cortical and subcortical host targets, including the thalamus and spinal cord. These projections were not a result of cell fusion between the transplant and the host neurons. Host and transplanted neurons formed synaptic contacts and numerous graft efferents were myelinated. These findings demonstrate that there is substantial anatomical reestablishment of cortical circuitry following embryonic cortex grafting into the adult brain. They suggest that there is an unsuspected potential for neural cell transplantation to promote reconstruction after brain injury.

Quantitative phase imaging to study transmembrane water fluxes regulated by CFTR and AQP3 in living human airway epithelial CFBE cells and CHO cells.

In epithelial cells, the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR), a cAMP-regulated Cl- channel, plays a key role in water and electrolytes secretion. A dysfunctional CFTR leads to the dehydration of the external environment of the cells and to the production of viscous mucus in the airways of cystic fibrosis patients. Here, we applied the quadriwave lateral shearing interferometry (QWLSI), a quantitative phase imaging technique based on the measurement of the light wave shift when passing through a living sample, to study water transport regulation in human airway epithelial CFBE and CHO cells expressing wild-type, G551D- and F508del-CFTR. We were able to detect phase variations during osmotic challenges and confirmed that cellular volume changes reflecting water fluxes can be detected with QWLSI. Forskolin stimulation activated a phase increase in all CFBE and CHO cell types. This phase variation was due to cellular volume decrease and intracellular refractive index increase and was completely blocked by mercury, suggesting an activation of a cAMP-dependent water efflux mediated by an endogenous aquaporin (AQP). AQP3 mRNAs, not AQP1, AQP4 and AQP5 mRNAs, were detected by RT-PCR in CFBE cells. Readdressing the F508del-CFTR protein to the cell surface with VX-809 increased the detected water efflux in CHO but not in CFBE cells. However, VX-770, a potentiator of CFTR function, failed to further increase the water flux in either G551D-CFTR or VX-809-corrected F508del-CFTR expressing cells. Our results show that QWLSI could be a suitable technique to study water transport in living cells. We identified a CFTR and cAMP-dependent, mercury-sensitive water transport in airway epithelial and CHO cells that might be due to AQP3. This water transport appears to be affected when CFTR is mutated and independent of the chloride channel function of CFTR.

In vitro and intracellular activities of frog skin temporins against Legionella pneumophila and its eukaryotic hosts.

Temporin-SHa (SHa) is a small cationic host defence peptide (HDP) produced in skin secretions of the Sahara frog Pelophylax saharicus. This peptide has a broad-spectrum activity, efficiently targeting bacteria, parasites and viruses. Noticeably, SHa has demonstrated an ability to kill Leishmania infantum parasites (amastigotes) within macrophages. Recently, an analog of SHa with an increased net positive charge, named [K3]SHa, has been designed to improve those activities. SHa and [K3]SHa were both shown to exhibit leishmanicidal activity mainly by permeabilization of cell membranes but could also induce apoptotis-like death. Temporins are usually poorly active against Gram-negative bacteria whereas many of these species are of public health interest. Among them, Legionella pneumophila, the etiological agent of Legionnaire's disease, is of major concern. Indeed, this bacterium adopts an intracellular lifestyle and replicate inside alveolar macrophages likewise inside its numerous protozoan hosts. Despite several authors have studied the antimicrobial activity of many compounds on L. pneumophila released from host cells, nothing is known about activity on intracellular L. pneumophila within their hosts, and subsequently mechanisms of action that could be involved. Here, we showed for the first time that SHa and [K3]SHa were active towards several species of Legionella. Both peptides displayed bactericidal activity and caused a loss of the bacterial envelope integrity leading to a rapid drop in cell viability. Regarding amoebae and THP-1-derived macrophages, SHa was less toxic than [K3]SHa and exhibited low half maximal lethal concentrations (LC50). When used at non-toxic concentration (6.25 µM), SHa killed more than 90% L. pneumophila within amoebae and around 50% within macrophages. Using SHa labeled with the fluorescent dye Cy5, we showed an evenly diffusion within cells except in vacuoles. Moreover, SHa was able to enter the nucleus of amoebae and accumulate in the nucleolus. This subcellular localization seemed specific as macrophages nucleoli remained unlabeled. Finally, no modifications in the expression of cytokines and HDPs were recorded when macrophages were treated with 6.25 µM SHa. By combining all data, we showed that temporin-SHa decreases the intracellular L. pneumophila load within amoebae and macrophages without being toxic for eukaryotic cells. This peptide was also able to reach the nucleolus of amoebae but was not capable to penetrate inside vacuoles. These data are in favor of an indirect action of SHa towards intracellular Legionella and make this peptide a promising template for further developments.

Molecular and functional characterization of a new potassium conductance in mouse ventricular fibroblasts.

The present work is aimed at identifying and characterizing, at a molecular and functional level, new ionic conductances potentially involved in the excitation-secretion coupling and proliferation of cardiac ventricular fibroblasts. Among potassium channel transcripts which were screened by high-throughput real-time PCR, SUR2 and Kir6.1 mRNAs were found to be the most abundant in ventricular fibroblasts. The corresponding proteins were not detected by western blot following 5 days of cell culture, but had appeared at 7 days, increasing with extended cell culture duration as the fibroblasts differentiated into myofibroblasts. Using the inside-out configuration of the patch-clamp technique, single potassium channels could be recorded. These had properties similar to those reported for SUR2/Kir6.1 channels, i.e. activation by pinacidil, inhibition by glibenclamide and activation by intracellular UDP. As already reported for this molecular signature, they were insensitive to intracellular ATP. In the whole-cell configuration, these channels have been shown to be responsible for a glibenclamide-sensitive macroscopic potassium current which can be activated not only by pinacidil, but also by nanomolar concentrations of the sphingolipid sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P). The activation of this current resulted in an increase in cell proliferation and a decrease in IL-6 secretion, suggesting it has a functional role in situations where S1P increases. Overall, this work demonstrates for the first time that SUR2/Kir6.1 channels represent a significant potassium conductance in ventricular fibroblasts which may be activated in physio-pathological conditions and which may impact on fibroblast proliferation and function.

Neuropeptide Y stimulates proliferation, migration and differentiation of neural precursors from the subventricular zone in adult mice.

The neuropeptide Y (NPY) is widely expressed in the central nervous system and has been shown to stimulate neurogenesis in the hippocampus and the olfactory epithelium. Here, we demonstrate that intracerebroventricular injection of NPY stimulates proliferation of neural precursors in the mice subventricular zone (SVZ), one the most neurogenic areas of the brain. Newly generated neuroblasts migrate through the rostral migratory stream to the olfactory bulb and also directly to the striatum, as evidenced by BrdU labelling and cell phenotyping. Using knock-out mice, specific NPY receptor agonists and antagonists, we report that this neuroproliferative effect is mediated by the Y1 receptor subtype that we found to be highly expressed in the SVZ both at the mRNA and protein levels. Our data suggest that stimulating endogenous SVZ neural stem cells by NPY may be of a potential interest in cell replacement based therapies of neurodegenerative diseases affecting the striatum such as Huntington's disease.

Rabbit, a relevant model for the study of cardiac beta 3-adrenoceptors.

The beta(3)-adrenoceptors (beta(3)-ARs) have been identified and characterized in the human heart. Specific beta(3)-AR stimulation, unlike beta(1)-AR or beta(2)-AR stimulation, decreases cardiac contractility, partly via the G(i)-NO pathway. However, the precise role of cardiac beta(3)-ARs is not yet completely understood. Indeed, under normal conditions, the beta(3)-AR response is present only to a very low degree in rats and mice. Therefore, we evaluated whether beta(3)-ARs were present and functional in rabbit ventricular cardiomyocytes, and whether the rabbit could serve as a relevant model for the study of cardiac beta(3)-ARs. We used RT-PCR and Western blot to measure the beta(3)-AR transcripts and protein levels in rabbit ventricular cardiomyocytes. We also analysed the effect of beta(3)-AR stimulation using isoproterenol in combination with nadolol or SR 58611A on cardiomyocyte shortening, Ca(2+) transient, L-type Ca(2+) current (I(Ca,L)), delayed rectifier potassium current (I(Ks)) and action potential duration (APD). For the first time, we show that beta(3)-ARs are expressed in rabbit ventricular cardiomyocytes. The mRNA and protein sequences present a high homology to those of rat and human beta(3)-ARs. Furthermore, beta(3)-AR stimulation decreases cardiomyocyte shortening, Ca(2+) transient and I(Ca,L) amplitudes, via a G(i)-NO pathway. Importantly, beta(3)-AR stimulation enhances I(Ks) amplitude and shortens the APD. Taken together, our results indicate that the rabbit provides a relevant model, easily used in laboratories, to study the roles of cardiac beta(3)-ARs in physiological conditions.

Interaction of grape ASR proteins with a DREB transcription factor in the nucleus.

ASR proteins (abscissic acid, stress, ripening induced) are involved in plant responses to developmental and environmental signals but their biological functions remain to be elucidated. Grape ASR gene (VvMSA) encodes a new transcription factor regulating the expression of a glucose transporter. Here, we provide evidence for some polymorphism of grape ASRs and their identification as chromosomal non-histone proteins. By the yeast two-hybrid approach, a protein partner of VvMSA is isolated and characterized as an APETALA2 domain transcription factor. Interaction of the two proteins is further demonstrated by the BiFC approach and the exclusive nuclear localization of the heterodimer is visualized.

Transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) channels in cultured rat Sertoli cells regulate an acid sensing chloride channel.

Sertoli cells provide a controlled microenvironment for regulation and maintenance of spermatogenesis for which an acidic milieu is crucial for male fertility. Sertoli cells also contribute to protection of spermatogenetic cells. Here, we showed that TRPV1 is expressed in rat Sertoli cells and regulates an acid sensing Cl(-) channel (ASCC). The expression of TRPV1 in rat Sertoli cells was demonstrated by RT-PCR, immunostaining and calcium measurement experiments. ASCC activity was inhibited by capsaicin (IC(50)=214.3+/-1.6 nM), olvanil (IC(50)=400+/-1.7 pM) and resiniferatoxin (IC(50)=9.3+/-1.5 nM) but potentiated by capsazepine (EC(50)=5.3+/-1.3 microM) and ruthenium red (EC(50)=2.3+/-1.5 microM). In the human airway epithelial cell line Calu-3 in which ASCC can be detected but not TRPV1, capsaicin and capsazepine were without any effect. Finally the application of the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug ibuprofen prevented the control of ASCC by TRPV1. Our study provides the first evidence for a regulation by TRPV1 of an acid sensing chloride channel in rat Sertoli cells. TRPV1 and ASCC may thus be considered as new potential physiological regulators of spermatogenesis and targets for pharmacological treatments of reproductive disorders as cryptorchidism, Sertoli cell tumors or torsion of the spermatic cord.

Abnormal spatial diffusion of Ca2+ in F508del-CFTR airway epithelial cells.

BACKGROUND: In airway epithelial cells, calcium mobilization can be elicited by selective autocrine and/or paracrine activation of apical or basolateral membrane heterotrimeric G protein-coupled receptors linked to phospholipase C (PLC) stimulation, which generates inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) and 1,2-diacylglycerol (DAG) and induces Ca2+ release from endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stores. METHODS: In the present study, we monitored the cytosolic Ca2+ transients using the UV light photolysis technique to uncage caged Ca2+ or caged IP3 into the cytosol of loaded airway epithelial cells of cystic fibrosis (CF) and non-CF origin. We compared in these cells the types of Ca2+ receptors present in the ER, and measured their Ca2+ dependent activity before and after correction of F508del-CFTR abnormal trafficking either by low temperature or by the pharmacological corrector miglustat (N-butyldeoxynojirimycin). RESULTS: We showed reduction of the inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors (IP3R) dependent-Ca2+ response following both correcting treatments compared to uncorrected cells in such a way that Ca2+ responses (CF+treatment vs wild-type cells) were normalized. This normalization of the Ca2+ rate does not affect the activity of Ca2+-dependent chloride channel in miglustat-treated CF cells. Using two inhibitors of IP3R1, we observed a decrease of the implication of IP3R1 in the Ca2+ response in CF corrected cells. We observed a similar Ca2+ mobilization between CF-KM4 cells and CFTR-cDNA transfected CF cells (CF-KM4-reverted). When we restored the F508del-CFTR trafficking in CFTR-reverted cells, the specific IP3R activity was also reduced to a similar level as in non CF cells. At the structural level, the ER morphology of CF cells was highly condensed around the nucleus while in non CF cells or corrected CF cells the ER was extended at the totality of cell. CONCLUSION: These results suggest reversal of the IP3R dysfunction in F508del-CFTR epithelial cells by correction of the abnormal trafficking of F508del-CFTR in cystic fibrosis cells. Moreover, using CFTR cDNA-transfected CF cells, we demonstrated that abnormal increase of IP3R Ca2+ release in CF human epithelial cells could be the consequence of F508del-CFTR retention in ER compartment.

Phagocytosis by Sertoli Cells: Analysis of Main Phagocytosis Steps by Confocal and Electron Microscopy.

Sertoli cells were discovered in the seminiferous tubules by Enrico Sertoli in 1865 (Morgagni 7:31-33, 1865). Intense phagocytosis is, in the context of spermatogenesis cycle, morphologically the most noticeable function of Sertoli cells. In this chapter the major principles of phagocytosis machinery and its specificities in the seminiferous tubules will be briefly reviewed, guidelines of analysis of main phagocytosis steps by confocal and transmission electron microscopy will be described, and a simplified method to assess phagocytosis rate in routine experiments will be given.

Mini-dystrophin expression down-regulates IP3-mediated calcium release events in resting dystrophin-deficient muscle cells.

We present here evidence for the enhancement, at rest, of an inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3)-mediated calcium signaling pathway in myotubes from dystrophin-deficient cell lines (SolC1(-)) as compared to a cell line from the same origin but transfected with mini-dystrophin (SolD(+)). With confocal microscopy, the number of sites discharging calcium (release site density [RSD]) was quantified and found more elevated in SolC1(-) than in SolD(+) myotubes. Variations of membrane potential had no significant effect on this difference, and higher resting [Ca2+]i in SolC1(-) (Marchand, E., B. Constantin, H. Balghi, M.C. Claudepierre, A. Cantereau, C. Magaud, A. Mouzou, G. Raymond, S. Braun, and C. Cognard. 2004. Exp. Cell Res. 297:363-379) cannot explain alone higher RSD. The exposure with SR Ca(2+) channel inhibitors (ryanodine and 2-APB) and phospholipase C inhibitor (U73122) significantly reduced RSD in both cell types but with a stronger effect in dystrophin-deficient SolC1(-) myotubes. Immunocytochemistry allowed us to localize ryanodine receptors (RyRs) as well as IP3 receptors (IP3Rs), IP3R-1 and IP3R-2 isoforms, indicating the presence of both RyRs-dependent and IP3-dependent release systems in both cells. We previously reported evidence for the enhancement, through a Gi protein, of the IP3-mediated calcium signaling pathway in SolC1(-) as compared to SolD(+) myotubes during a high K(+) stimulation (Balghi, H., S. Sebille, B. Constantin, S. Patri, V. Thoreau, L. Mondin, E. Mok, A. Kitzis, G. Raymond, and C. Cognard. 2006. J. Gen. Physiol. 127:171-182). Here we show that, at rest, these regulation mechanisms are also involved in the modulation of calcium release activities. The enhancement of resting release activity may participate in the calcium overload observed in dystrophin-deficient myotubes, and our findings support the hypothesis of the regulatory role of mini-dystrophin on intracellular signaling.

Na(+)/Ca(2+) exchange in human myotubes: intracellular calcium rises in response to external sodium depletion are enhanced in DMD.

This study aims to investigate the sodium/calcium exchanger expression in human co-cultured skeletal muscle cells and to compare the effects of Na(+)/Ca(2+) exchange activity in normal and dystrophic (Duchenne's muscular dystrophy) human co-cultured myotubes. For this purpose, variations of intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca(2+)](int)) were monitored, as the variations of the fluorescence ratio of indo-1 probe, in response to external sodium depletion. External sodium withdrawal induced [Ca(2+)](int) rises within several seconds in both normal and Duchenne's muscular dystrophy myotubes. These Na(+)-free-induced [Ca(2+)](int) elevations were attributed to the reverse mode of the Na(+)/Ca(2+) exchange mechanism since the phenomenon was dependent on extracellular calcium concentration ([Ca(2+)](ext)), and since it was sensitive to external Ni(2+) ions. Amplitudes of Na(+)-free-induced [Ca(2+)](int) rises were significantly greater in Duchenne's muscular dystrophy cells than in normal ones. Such a difference disappeared when the sarcoplasmic reticulum was pharmacologically blocked, suggesting that the reverse mode of the Na(+)/Ca(2+) exchange mechanism was able to generate enhanced calcium-induced calcium-release in Duchenne's muscular dystrophy myotubes. Immunostaining images of Na(+)/Ca(2+) exchanger (NCX) isoforms, obtained by confocal microscopy, revealed the presence of NCX1 and NCX3 at the sarcolemmal level of both normal and Duchenne's muscular dystrophy myotubes. No differences were observed in the location of NCX isoforms expression between normal and Duchenne's muscular dystrophy co-cultured myotubes.

A chimerical phagocytosis model reveals the recruitment by Sertoli cells of autophagy for the degradation of ingested illegitimate substrates.

Phagocytosis and autophagy are typically dedicated to degradation of substrates of extrinsic and intrinsic origins respectively. Although overlaps between phagocytosis and autophagy were reported, the use of autophagy for ingested substrate degradation by nonprofessional phagocytes has not been described. Blood-separated tissues use their tissue-specific nonprofessional phagocytes for homeostatic phagocytosis. In the testis, Sertoli cells phagocytose spermatid residual bodies produced during germ cell differentiation. In the retina, pigmented epithelium phagocytoses shed photoreceptor tips produced during photoreceptor renewal. Spermatid residual bodies and shed photoreceptor tips are phosphatidylserine-exposing substrates. Activation of the tyrosine kinase receptor MERTK, which is implicated in phagocytosis of phosphatidylserine-exposing substrates, is a common feature of Sertoli and retinal pigmented epithelial cell phagocytosis. The major aim of our study was to investigate to what extent phagocytosis by Sertoli cells may be tissue specific. We analyzed in Sertoli cell cultures that were exposed to either spermatid residual bodies (legitimate substrates) or retina photoreceptor outer segments (illegitimate substrates) the course of the main phagocytosis stages. We show that whereas substrate binding and ingestion stages occur similarly for legitimate or illegitimate substrates, the degradation of illegitimate but not of legitimate substrates triggers autophagy as evidenced by the formation of double-membrane wrapping, MAP1LC3A-II/LC3-II clustering, SQSTM1/p62 degradation, and by marked changes in ATG5, ATG9 and BECN1/Beclin 1 protein expression profiles. The recruitment by nonprofessional phagocytes of autophagy for the degradation of ingested cell-derived substrates is a novel feature that may be of major importance for fundamentals of both apoptotic substrate clearance and tissue homeostasis.

Altered expression of the gap junction protein connexin43 is associated with papillary thyroid carcinomas when compared with other noncancer pathologies of the thyroid.

BACKGROUND: Gap junctions are membrane structures composed of connexins (Cx) that allow diffusion of small molecules between cells. They are involved in tissue homeostasis, and various organ dysfunctions have been associated with gap junction defects. To verify their possible involvement in thyroid pathologies, the expression of connexin43 (Cx43), the major Cx in the human thyroid, was evaluated in a variety of diseases including cancer. METHODS: There were 122 samples from various thyroid pathologies that were collected to analyze the presence of Cx43 by immunofluorescence. Through confocal microscopy, different patterns of Cx43 localization were identified as normal (membrane) or abnormal (cytoplasmic or lack of detection). The analysis of Cx43 expression was further performed by quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry in a subset of 25 papillary carcinomas and compared with nontumoral thyroid tissues. RESULTS: The presence of Cx43 was commonly altered in thyroid cancer, as abnormal Cx43 staining was detected in 94.1% of cancer, 47.4% of adenomas, 45.7% of multinodular goiter, 16.7% of Graves' disease, and 25% of thyroiditis. In papillary carcinoma samples, the deregulation of Cx43 expression was mostly the consequence of a decrease of Cx43 mRNA (68% of cases) when compared with normal tissue. When Cx43 mRNA was not downregulated (32% of cases), both loss of membrane staining and aberrant cytoplasmic distribution of the protein were observed. CONCLUSIONS: These results show that aberrations of Cx43 expression are associated with thyroid papillary carcinoma.

Syntaxin 8 impairs trafficking of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) and inhibits its channel activity.

The cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) is a cyclic AMP-dependent chloride channel that mediates electrolyte transport across the luminal surface of epithelial cells. In this paper, we describe the CFTR regulation by syntaxin 8, a t-SNARE protein (target soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptor) involved in the SNARE endosomal complex. Syntaxin family members are key molecules implicated in diverse vesicle docking and membrane fusion events. We found that syntaxin 8 physically interacts with CFTR: recombinant syntaxin 8 binds CFTR in vitro and both proteins co-immunoprecipitate in HT29 cells. Syntaxin 8 regulates CFTR-mediated currents in chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells stably expressing CFTR and syntaxin 8. Iodide efflux and whole-cell patch-clamp experiments on these cells indicate a strong inhibition of CFTR chloride current by syntaxin 8 overexpression. At the cellular level, we observed that syntaxin 8 overexpression disturbs CFTR trafficking. Confocal microscopy shows a dramatic decrease in green fluorescent protein-tagged CFTR plasma membrane staining, when syntaxin 8 is coexpressed in COS-7 cells. Using antibodies against Lamp-1, TfR or Rab11 we determined by immunofluorescence assays that both proteins are mainly accumulated in recycling endosomes. Our results evidence that syntaxin 8 contributes to the regulation of CFTR trafficking and chloride channel activity by the SNARE machinery.

Regulation of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator channel by beta-adrenergic agonists and vasoactive intestinal peptide in rat smooth muscle cells and its role in vasorelaxation.

The signaling events that regulate vascular tone include voltage-dependent Ca(2+) influx and the activities of various ionic channels; which molecular entities are involved and their role are still a matter of debate. Here we show expression of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) Cl(-) channel in rat aortic smooth muscle cells. Immunoprecipitation and in vitro protein kinase A phosphorylation show the appearance of mature band C of CFTR. An immunohistochemistry study shows CFTR proteins in smooth muscles of aortic rings but not in skeletal muscles. Using the iodide efflux method, a combination of agonists and pharmacological agents was used to dissect the function of CFTR. Agonists of the cAMP pathway, the beta-adrenergic agonist isoproterenol, and the neuropeptide vasoactive intestinal peptide activate CFTR-dependent transport from cells maintained in a high but not low extracellular potassium-rich saline, suggesting that depolarization of smooth muscle is critical to CFTR activation. Smooth muscle CFTR possesses all of the pharmacological attributes of its epithelial homologues: stimulation by the CFTR pharmacological activators MPB-07 (EC(50) = 158 microm) and MPB-91 (EC(50) = 20 microm) and inhibition by glibenclamide and diphenylamine-2-carboxylic acid but not by 5,11,17,23-tetrasulfonato-25,26,27,28-tetramethoxy-calix[4]arene. Contraction measurements on isolated aortic rings were performed to study the contribution of CFTR to vascular tone. With aortic rings (without endothelium) preconstricted by high K(+) saline or by the alpha-adrenergic agonist norepinephrine, CFTR activators produced a concentration-dependent relaxation. These results identify for the first time the expression and function of CFTR in smooth muscle where it plays an unexpected but fundamental role in the autonomic and hormonal regulation of the vascular tone.