Role of oxidative stress and autoimmunity in onset and progression of vitiligo.

Vitiligo is an acquired depigmentation disorder characterized by the loss of functional melanocytes from the epidermis. Two major theories of vitiligo pathogenesis include autoimmunity and oxidative stress-mediated toxicity in melanocytes. The present study aimed to evaluate both the hypotheses in vitiligo patients and to investigate their role in the disease onset and progression. Antimelanocyte antibody levels and lipid peroxidation (LPO) levels were evaluated in 427 patients and 440 controls; antithyroid peroxidase (TPO) antibody levels were estimated in 102 patients and 72 controls. Patients showed a significant increase in LPO and antimelanocyte antibody levels compared to controls. Antimelanocyte antibody and LPO levels were higher in active vitiligo compared to stable. Only 9.8% of patients showed the presence of anti-TPO antibodies in their circulation. Oxidative stress may be the initial triggering event to precipitate vitiligo in Gujarat population, which is exacerbated by contributing autoimmune factors together with oxidative stress.

RNA-binding is an ancient trait of the Annexin family.

Introduction: The regulation of intracellular functions in mammalian cells involves close coordination of cellular processes. During recent years it has become evident that the sorting, trafficking and distribution of transport vesicles and mRNA granules/complexes are closely coordinated to ensure effective simultaneous handling of all components required for a specific function, thereby minimizing the use of cellular energy. Identification of proteins acting at the crossroads of such coordinated transport events will ultimately provide mechanistic details of the processes. Annexins are multifunctional proteins involved in a variety of cellular processes associated with Ca2+-regulation and lipid binding, linked to the operation of both the endocytic and exocytic pathways. Furthermore, certain Annexins have been implicated in the regulation of mRNA transport and translation. Since Annexin A2 binds specific mRNAs via its core structure and is also present in mRNP complexes, we speculated whether direct association with RNA could be a common property of the mammalian Annexin family sharing a highly similar core structure. Methods and results: Therefore, we performed spot blot and UV-crosslinking experiments to assess the mRNA binding abilities of the different Annexins, using annexin A2 and c-myc 3'UTRs as well as c-myc 5'UTR as baits. We supplemented the data with immunoblot detection of selected Annexins in mRNP complexes derived from the neuroendocrine rat PC12 cells. Furthermore, biolayer interferometry was used to determine the KD of selected Annexin-RNA interactions, which indicated distinct affinities. Amongst these Annexins, Annexin A13 and the core structures of Annexin A7, Annexin A11 bind c-myc 3'UTR with KDs in the nanomolar range. Of the selected Annexins, only Annexin A2 binds the c-myc 5'UTR indicating some selectivity. Discussion: The oldest members of the mammalian Annexin family share the ability to associate with RNA, suggesting that RNA-binding is an ancient trait of this protein family. Thus, the combined RNA- and lipid-binding properties of the Annexins make them attractive candidates to participate in coordinated long-distance transport of membrane vesicles and mRNAs regulated by Ca2+. The present screening results can thus pave the way for studies of the multifunctional Annexins in a novel cellular context.

Riboswitches as Drug Targets for Antibiotics.

Riboswitches reside in the untranslated region of RNA and regulate genes involved in the biosynthesis of essential metabolites through binding of small molecules. Since their discovery at the beginning of this century, riboswitches have been regarded as potential antibacterial targets. Using fragment screening, high-throughput screening and rational ligand design guided by X-ray crystallography, lead compounds against various riboswitches have been identified. Here, we review the current status and suitability of the thiamine pyrophosphate (TPP), flavin mononucleotide (FMN), glmS, guanine, and other riboswitches as antibacterial targets and discuss them in a biological context. Further, we highlight challenges in riboswitch drug discovery and emphasis the need to develop riboswitch specific high-throughput screening methods.

Structure analysis of thymidylate synthase from white spot syndrome virus reveals WSSV-specific structural elements.

White spot syndrome virus (WSSV), the causative agent of white spot disease (WSD) severely affecting crustacean life forms, is highly contagious and forms the principal cause of massive economic losses in the shrimp aquaculture industry. Previous studies have demonstrated thymidylate synthase as a successful anti-cancer therapeutic drug target, leading to various anti-cancer drugs. The differential utilization of nucleotide precursors between white spot syndrome virus and shrimp encouraged us to analyze WSSV-thymidylate synthase (wTS). Here, we report the crystal structures of wTS in its apo-form and as a ternary complex with deoxyuridine monophosphate (dUMP) and methotrexate at a resolution of 2.35 Å and 2.6 Å, respectively. wTS possesses a fold characteristic to known thymidylate synthase (TS) structures. Like other TS structures, the apo-form of wTS displays an open conformation, whereas the wTS ternary complex attains a closed conformation. While the C-terminal loop maintains a typical distance from methotrexate, the Sγ atom of the catalytic Cys is positioned farther from the C6 atom of dUMP. Altogether, we report the first TS structure from a crustacean virus and highlight its distinction from shrimp and other TS structures.

Fragment-Based Drug Discovery for RNA Targets.

Rapid development within the fields of both fragment-based drug discovery (FBDD) and medicinal targeting of RNA provides possibilities for combining technologies and methods in novel ways. This review provides an overview of fragment-based screening (FBS) against RNA targets, including a discussion of the most recently used screening and hit validation methods such as NMR spectroscopy, X-ray crystallography, and virtual screening methods. A discussion of fragment library design based on research from small-molecule RNA binders provides an overview on both the currently limited guidelines within RNA-targeting fragment library design, and future possibilities. Finally, future perspectives are provided on screening and hit validation methods not yet used in combination with both fragment screening and RNA targets.

A novel mutation alters the stability of PapA2 resulting in the complete abrogation of sulfolipids in clinical mycobacterial strains.

The analysis of whole genomes has revealed specific geographical distribution of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) strains across the globe suggestive of unique niche dependent adaptive mechanisms. We provide an important correlation of a genome-based mutation to a molecular phenotype across two predominant clinical Mtb lineages of the Indian subcontinent. We have identified a distinct lineage specific mutation-G247C, translating into an alanine-proline conversion in the papA2 gene of Indo-oceanic lineage 1 (L1) Mtb strains, and restoration of cell wall sulfolipids by simple genetic complementation of papA2 from lineage 3 (L3) or from H37Rv (lineage 4-L4) attributed the loss of this glycolipid to this specific mutation in Indo-Oceanic L1 Mtb. The investigation of structure of Mtb PapA2 revealed a distinct nonribosomal peptide synthetase (NRPS) C domain conformation with an unconventional presence of a zinc binding motif. Surprisingly, the A83P mutation did not map to either the catalytic center in the N-terminal subdomain or any of the substrate-binding region of the protein. On the contrary, the inherent ability of mutant PapA2 to form insoluble aggregates and molecular simulations with the wild-type/mutant (Wt/mut) PapA2 purports an important role for the surface associated 83rd residue in protein conformation. This study demonstrates the importance of a critical structural residue in the papA2 protein of Mtb and helps establish a link between observed genomic alteration and its molecular consequence in the successful human pathogen Mtb. Significance We demonstrate the effect of a unique SNP in PapA2 gene of Indo-oceanic Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) strains leading to the loss of sulfolipid from these strains. By X-ray crystallographic analysis and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, we show the importance of this residue in the global PapA2 structure. The presence of a Zn atom has not been reported before for this class of proteins. Here, we provide an important link between genomic alteration and its molecular consequence in Mtb highlighting one of the many adaptive mechanisms that have contributed to its success as a human pathogen. A high degree of identity with PapA1, 3, or 4 would help in interpreting the structure of these PapA proteins and other acyl transferases of other biological systems.

Phospholipid homeostasis, membrane tenacity and survival of Mtb in lipid rich conditions is determined by MmpL11 function.

The mycobacterial cell wall is a chemically complex array of molecular entities that dictate the pathogenesis of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Biosynthesis and maintenance of this dynamic entity in mycobacterial physiology is still poorly understood. Here we demonstrate a requirement for M. tuberculosis MmpL11 in the maintenance of the cell wall architecture and stability in response to surface stress. In the presence of a detergent like Tyloxapol, a mmpL11 deletion mutant suffered from a severe growth attenuation as a result of altered membrane polarity, permeability and severe architectural damages. This mutant failed to tolerate permissible concentrations of cis-fatty acids suggesting its increased sensitivity to surface stress, evident as smaller colonies of the mutant outgrown from lipid rich macrophage cultures. Additionally, loss of MmpL11 led to an altered cellular fatty acid flux in the mutant: reduced incorporation into membrane cardiolipin was associated with an increased flux into the cellular triglyceride pool. This increase in storage lipids like triacyl glycerol (TAG) was associated with the altered metabolic state of higher dormancy-associated gene expression and decreased sensitivity to frontline TB drugs. This study provides a detailed mechanistic insight into the function of mmpL11 in stress adaptation of mycobacteria.

Exercise acutely increases circulating endothelial progenitor cells and monocyte-/macrophage-derived angiogenic cells.

OBJECTIVES: We investigated whether a single episode of exercise could acutely increase the numbers of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) and cultured/circulating angiogenic cells (CACs) in human subjects. BACKGROUND: Endothelial progenitor cells and CACs can be isolated from peripheral blood and have been shown to participate in vascular repair and angiogenesis. We hypothesized that exercise may acutely increase either circulating EPCs or CACs. METHODS: Volunteer subjects (n = 22) underwent exhaustive dynamic exercise. Blood was drawn before and after exercise, and circulating EPC numbers as well as plasma levels of angiogenic growth factors were assessed. The CACs were obtained by culturing mononuclear cells and the secretion of multiple angiogenic growth factors by CACs was determined. RESULTS: Circulating EPCs (AC133+/VE-Cadherin+ cells) increased nearly four-fold in peripheral blood from 66 +/- 27 cells/ml to 236 +/- 34 cells/ml (p < 0.05). The number of isolated CACs increased 2.5-fold from 8,754 +/- 2,048 cells/ml of peripheral blood to 20,759 +/- 4,676 cells/ml (p < 0.005). Cultured angiogenic cells isolated before and after exercise showed similar secretion patterns of angiogenic growth factors. CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrates that exercise can acutely increase EPCs and CACs. Given the ability of these cell populations to promote angiogenesis and vascular regeneration, the exercise-induced cell mobilization may serve as a physiologic repair or compensation mechanism.

Reduced pericardial levels of endostatin correlate with collateral development in patients with ischemic heart disease.

OBJECTIVES: We investigated whether pericardial levels of a pro-angiogenic factor (vascular endothelial growth factor, VEGF) or an anti-angiogenic factor (endostatin) related to the presence of coronary collateral circulation in patients with significant coronary artery disease (CAD). BACKGROUND: Coronary collateralization favorably alters the prognosis of patients with occlusive CAD. The specific factors that mediate and maintain collateral formation in coronary vessel occlusion are yet to be identified. METHODS: Coronary angiograms from 39 patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery were evaluated for the absence of collaterals (n = 20) or the presence of Rentrop classification grade 3 collaterals (n = 19). Pericardial fluid samples were obtained at the time of surgery and were assayed for the VEGF and endostatin by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay comparing the two groups of patients. RESULTS: Vascular endothelial growth factor levels were not significantly different between the groups (28.86 +/- 4.67 pg/ml vs. 24.39 +/- 3.08 pg/ml, p = 0.43). However, pericardial fluid endostatin levels were nearly 40% lower in patients with grade 3 collateralization compared with those lacking angiographic evidence of collaterals (15.17 +/- 1.87 ng/ml vs. 24.25 +/- 2.08 ng/ml, p < 0.0025). CONCLUSIONS: Pericardial fluid levels of endostatin, but not VEGF, are associated with the presence or absence of collaterals in patients with CAD. These data suggest that the angiogenesis inhibitor endostatin levels may locally modulate coronary collateral formation.

Atypical hemodynamic manifestations of cardiac tamponade.

Clinical examination and transthoracic echocardiography play a vital role in the management of patients with pericardial effusion and cardiac tamponade physiology. We report patients in advanced phase 3 cardiac tamponade with variant clinical and hemodynamic presentations. These atypical cardiac tamponade cases include: A patient with severe aortic valve regurgitation who lacked pulsus paradoxus; a patient with systemic sclerosis without hypotension; and a patient with pulmonary hypertension lacking right heart collapse on echocardiography. Recognition of these atypical clinical and hemodynamic manifestations of cardiac tamponade will avoid undue delay in the treatment.

Widespread regional myocardial transfection by plasmid encoding Del-1 following retrograde coronary venous delivery.

This study quantifies myocardial transfection following percutaneous retrograde coronary venous delivery (RCVD) of a plasmid encoding human Del-1. RCVD of Del-1, GFP plasmid, or marker dye was conducted in 14 pigs. After selective cannulation of a coronary vein, a delivery site was confirmed by contrast injection and myocardial blush. Ten milliliters of plasmid hDel-1 or GFP was administered. Animals were euthanized 3 and 7 days post-RCVD. hDel-1 gene expression was evaluated by quantitative RT-PCR. An average myocardial expression of 4.5 x 10(5) copies hDel-1/microg total RNA was observed within the approximately 5 x 5 cm(2) target tissue of the left ventricle. GFP expression was detected by fluorescent microscopy. hDel-1 protein expression was confirmed by immunohistochemistry. Regionalized myocardial expression was found in all pigs. hDel-1 RNA was not found in distant tissues except in the three pigs with prominent venovenous washout (PVW). These levels were 3 to 4 log unites lower than those found in myocardium. Single retrograde coronary venous administration resulted in efficient regional myocyte transfection of hDel-1 and GFP. This method may be useful and clinically feasible for myocardial angiogenesis therapy.