Sponge non-metastatic Group I Nme gene/protein - structure and function is conserved from sponges to humans

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Nucleoside diphosphate kinases NDPK are evolutionarily conserved enzymes present in Bacteria, Archaea and Eukarya, with human Nme1 the most studied representative of the family and the first identified metastasis suppressor. Sponges (Porifera) are simple metazoans without tissues, closest to the common ancestor of all animals. They changed little during evolution and probably provide the best insight into the metazoan ancestor's genomic features. Recent studies show that sponges have a wide repertoire of genes many of which are involved in diseases in more complex metazoans. The original function of those genes and the way it has evolved in the animal lineage is largely unknown. Here we report new results on the metastasis suppressor gene/protein homolog from the marine sponge <it>Suberites domuncula</it>, NmeGp1Sd. The purpose of this study was to investigate the properties of the sponge Group I Nme gene and protein, and compare it to its human homolog in order to elucidate the evolution of the structure and function of Nme.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>We found that sponge genes coding for Group I Nme protein are intron-rich. Furthermore, we discovered that the sponge NmeGp1Sd protein has a similar level of kinase activity as its human homolog Nme1, does not cleave negatively supercoiled DNA and shows nonspecific DNA-binding activity. The sponge NmeGp1Sd forms a hexamer, like human Nme1, and all other eukaryotic Nme proteins. NmeGp1Sd interacts with human Nme1 in human cells and exhibits the same subcellular localization. Stable clones expressing sponge NmeGp1Sd inhibited the migratory potential of CAL 27 cells, as already reported for human Nme1, which suggests that Nme's function in migratory processes was engaged long before the composition of true tissues.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>This study suggests that the ancestor of all animals possessed a NmeGp1 protein with properties and functions similar to evolutionarily recent versions of the protein, even before the appearance of true tissues and the origin of tumors and metastasis.</p

Mullet fry (Mugilidae) in coastal waters of Montenegro, their spatial distribution and migration phenology

Three localities, representing three distinct coastal areas, were investigated: 1. the mouth of the Sutorina River; 2. the mouth of the Jaška River; 3. the mouth of the Bojana River (right branch). Regarding the composition of young mullet assemblages, Lisa saliens, Lisa ramada and Lisa aurata were dominant at the first locality; L. aurata and Chelon labrosus at the second; and at the third L. ramada was clearly dominant, Mugil cephalus occupied the subdominant position, while L. aurata was absent. The seasons of the first appearance of migratory fry were October, April, November, October and July, for M. cephalus, C. labrosus, L. ramada, L. aurata and L. saliens, respectively. Migratory periods varied from 2 (C. labrosus) to 7 (L. ramada) months

In vivo toxicity evaluation of two polyoxotungstates with potential antidiabetic activity using Wistar rats as a model system

In this study, thein vivohypoglycemic effect of a donut-shaped polyanion salt (NH4)14[Na@P5W30O110]$31H2O{NaP5W30} and its Ag-containing derivative K14[Ag@P5W30O110]$22H2O$6KCl {AgP5W30}, as wellas their hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity, was evaluated. In the screening hypoglycemic study,Wistaralbinorats with streptozotocin induced diabetes were treated intraperitoneally with three single doses (5,10, and 20 mg per kg per b.w.) of both investigated polyoxotungstates. The blood glucose levels,measured before and after 2, 4 and 6 h polyoxotungstate application, showed that both studiedcompounds induced the most pronounced and time dependent glucose lowering effects at the doses of20 mg kg1. Thus, daily doses of 20 mg kg1were administered toWistar albinorats orally for 14 days infurther toxicity examinations. The serum glucose concentration and biochemical parameters of kidneyand liver function, as well as a histopathological analysis of kidney and liver tissues were evaluated 14days after the polyoxotungstate administration. Both investigated compounds did not induce statisticallysignificant alterations of the serum glucose and uric acid concentrations, as well as some of the liverfunction markers (serum alanine and aspartate aminotransferases, and alkaline phosphatase activities).However, the significant decrease in serum total protein and albumin concentrations and the increase inbiochemical parameters of renal function–serum urea (up to 63.1%) and creatinine concentrations (upto 23.3%) were observed for both polyoxotungstates. In addition, the detected biochemical changeswere in accordance with kidney and liver histhopathological analysis. Accordingly, the hepatotoxic andnephrotoxic effects of these potential antidiabetic polyoxotungstates could be considered as mild