Chaperone insuficiency of GRP78 and GRP94 links TLR4 signaling to endoplasmic reticulum stress

Orientador: Lício Augusto VellosoTese (doutorado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Faculdade de Ciências MédicasResumo: A ativação da sinalização através do toll-like receptor-4 (TLR4) e a indução de estresse de retículo endoplasmático (ERE) são importantes mediadores da resistência à insulina na obesidade e em outras situações nas quais há um excesso de ácidos graxos saturados. Em um estudo recente, demonstrou-se que sinalização através de TLR4 pode, per se, induzir a ativação de ERE, sugerindo que a ativação do TLR4 é o evento inicial para a indução do estresse celular que contribui para o aumento da expressão de genes de resposta inflamatória. No entanto, os mecanismos que conectam essas duas vias distintas são desconhecidos. As chaperonas GRP78 e GRP94 exercem uma função importante no processamento das moléculas recém-traduzidas do TLR4. Além disso, a chaperona GRP94 é responsável por sua translocação e conteúdo na superfície celular. Durante uma ativação prolongada da via de sinalização do TLR4, a demanda por novas moléculas sintetizadas aumenta, e consequentemente, a demanda por novas chaperonas. Por esta razão, nós aventamos a hipótese de que sob uma ativação extrema da via do TLR4, a síntese de proteínas sobrepujaria a expressão de chaperonas, dessa forma induzindo ERE. Para testar essa hipótese, monócitos da linhagem THP-1 foram incubados com LPS e foi avaliada a expressão e ativação de proteínas responsivas ao ERE por real-time PCR, citometria de fluxo, imunoprecipitado e western blot. Em alguns experimentos, as células foram privadas de glicose ou tratadas com siRNA para aumentar ou diminuir, respectivamente, a expressão das chaperonas. Experimentos de time-course revelaram que o LPS induz um aumento de 2,5 vezes na expressão do TLR4, iniciando após 8 h, com um pico após as 24 h e permanecendo significantemente aumentado após 48 h. A expressão de GRP78 foi aumentada em três vezes com um aumento acentuado após 24 h sem aumento às 8 h, enquanto o GRP94 aumenta apenas 1,5 vezes com um pico após 2 h que retorna aos valores basais após 8 h do estímulo. Não houve aumento da expressão protéica das chaperonas após 48 h. A indução de ERE por LPS foi detectada antes de 4 h do estímulo observado pela avaliação da via da PERK/eIF2a, IRE1 e ATF6 e se mantém ativado após 48 h. Adicionalmente, a privação de glicose em células THP-1 aumenta a expressão de GRP94 e GRP78 em 2,5 e 11 vezes, respectivamente. Na ausência de glicose, o tratamento com LPS não induz ERE. A inibição da expressão das chaperonas por siRNA anula o efeito da privação de glicose em proteger as células do desenvolvimento de ERE induzido por LPS. Portanto, a hiperexpressão das chaperonas GRP78 e GRP94 protegem as células do ERE induzido por LPS. Assim, defeito na expressão das chaperonas induzido por TLR4 é um mecanismo envolvido na integração da sinalização do TLR4 e EREAbstract: TLR4 activation and the induction of endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) are two of the most important mechanisms connecting excessive fat with insulin resistance. Recently, it was shown that activation of TLR4 can, per se, induce ERS, suggesting that TLR4 is a primary event in the induction of the cellular stress that contributes to increased inflammatory gene expression. However, the mechanisms linking these molecular events are unknown. The chaperones GRP78 and GRP94 play an important role during the assembly of newly translated TLR4 molecules. In addition, the chaperone GRP94 escorts the protein to the cell membrane. Under prolonged activation, the demand for newly synthesized TLR4 molecules increases, and thus, the demand for new chaperones. Therefore, we hypothesized that under increased activation of TLR4, the synthesis of the protein would not be matched by the expression of chaperones, thus, triggering ERS. To test this hypothesis, the monocyte cell line THP-1 was incubated with LPS and the expression/activation of proteins involved in ERS was determined by real-time PCR, flow-cytometry, immunoprecipitation and immunoblot. In some experiments, cells were deprived of glucose or treated with siRNA to increase or decrease, respectively, the expression of the chaperones. Time-course experiments revealed that LPS led to a 2.5-fold increase of TLR4 expression starting as early as 8h, peaking after 24h and remaining significantly increased after 48h. The expression of GRP78 underwent a 3-fold increase with a sharp rise at 24h (no increase at 8h), while GRP94 increased by only 1.5-fold with a peak at 2h and an early return to base-line levels. None of the chaperones were increased after 48h. LPS-induced ERS was detected as early as 4h after stimulus as detected by the evaluation of PERK/eIF2?, IRE1 and ATF6 pathways. Strong signals of ERS were still present after 48h. The pre-incubation of THP-1 in glucose-deprived medium produced 2.5 and 11-fold increases of GRP94 and GRP78, respectively. Upon glucosedeprivation, LPS could no longer induce ERS. Inhibition of chaperone expression by siRNA completely abrogated the effect of glucose deprivation to protect cells from LPS-induced ERS. Thus, the hyperexpression of GRP78 and GRP94 protect cells from LPS-induced ERS. Defective TLR4-induced chaperone expression is a mechanism involved in the integration of TLR4 signaling and ERSDoutoradoBiologia Estrutural, Celular, Molecular e do DesenvolvimentoDoutor em Fisiopatologia Medic

Age-related modulations of AQP4 and caveolin-1 in the hippocampus predispose the toxic effect of phoneutria nigriventer spider venom

We have previously demonstrated that Phoneutria nigriventer venom (PNV) causes blood–brain barrier (BBB) breakdown, swelling of astrocytes end-feet and fluid permeation into brain interstitium in rats. Caveolae and water channels respond to BBB alterations by co-participation in shear stress response and edema formation/resolution. Herein, we showed post-natal developmental-related changes of two BBB-associated transporter proteins: the endothelial caveolin-1 (Cav-1), the major scaffolding protein from caveolae frame, and the astroglial aquaporin-4 (AQP4), the main water channel protein expressed in astrocytic peri-vascular end-feet processes, in the hippocampus of rats intraperitoneally-administered PNV. Western blotting protein levels; immunohistochemistry (IHC) protein distribution in CA1, CA2, and CA3 subfields; and gene expression by Real Time-Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR) were assessed in post-natal Day 14 (P14) and 8–10-week-old rats over critical periods of envenomation. The intensity and duration of the toxic manifestations indicate P14 neonate rats more vulnerable to PNV than adults. Histologically, the capillaries of P14 and 8–10-week-old rats treated with PNV showed perivascular edema, while controls did not. The intensity of the toxic manifestations in P14 decreases temporally (2 > 5 > 24 h), while inversely the expression of AQP4 and Cav-1 peaked at 24 h when clinically PNV-treated animals do not differ from saline controls. IHC of AQP4 revealed that hippocampal CA1 showed the least expression at 2 h when toxic manifestation was maximal. Subfield IHC quantification revealed that in P14 rats Cav-1 peaked at 24 h when toxic manifestations were absent, whereas in 8–10-week-old rats Cav-1 peaked at 2 h when toxic signs were highest, and progressively attenuated such increases until 24 h, remaining though significantly above baseline. Considering astrocyte-endothelial physical and functional interactions, we hypothesize that age-related modulations of AQP4 and Cav-1 might be linked both to changes in functional properties of astrocytes during post-natal development and in the BBB breakdown induced by the venom of P. nigriventer1711CONSELHO NACIONAL DE DESENVOLVIMENTO CIENTÍFICO E TECNOLÓGICO - CNPQFUNDAÇÃO DE AMPARO À PESQUISA DO ESTADO DE SÃO PAULO - FAPESP302206/2008-6; 481316/2008-6; 305099/2011-62008/55748-1; 2005/53625-1; 2012/24782-

Expression Of Vegf And Flk-1 And Flt-1 Receptors During Blood-brain Barrier (bbb) Impairment Following Phoneutria Nigriventer Spider Venom Exposure.

Apart from its angiogenic and vascular permeation activity, the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) has been also reported as a potent neuronal protector. Newborn rats with low VEGF levels develop neuron degeneration, while high levels induce protective mechanisms in several neuropathological conditions. Phoneutria nigriventer spider venom (PNV) disrupts the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and causes neuroinflammation in central neurons along with excitotoxic signals in rats and humans. All these changes are transient. Herein, we examined the expression of VEGF and its receptors, Flt-1 and Flk-1 in the hippocampal neurons following envenomation by PNV. Adult and neonatal rats were evaluated at time limits of 2, 5 and 24 h. Additionally, BBB integrity was assessed by measuring the expression of occludin, β-catenin and laminin and neuron viability was evaluated by NeuN expression. VEGF, Flt-1 and Flk-1 levels increased in PNV-administered rats, concurrently with respective mRNAs. Flt-1 and Flk-1 immunolabeling was nuclear in neurons of hippocampal regions, instead of the VEGF membrane-bound typical location. These changes occurred simultaneously with the transient decreases in BBB-associated proteins and NeuN positivity. Adult rats showed more prominent expressional increases of the VEGF/Flt-1/Flk-1 system and earlier recovery of BBB-related proteins than neonates. We conclude that the reactive expressional changes seen here suggest that VEGF and receptors could have a role in the excitotoxic mechanism of PNV and that such role would be less efficient in neonate rats.52572-8

Transcriptional And Molecular Pathways Activated In Mesenteric Adipose Tissue And Intestinal Mucosa Of Crohn's Disease Patients

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)Crohn's disease (CD) is a chronic inflammatory disorder, characterized by cytokine imbalance and transcription signaling pathways activation. In addition, the increase of mesenteric adipose tissue (MAT) near the affected intestinal area is a hallmark of CD. Therefore, we evaluated the transcription signaling pathways and cytokines expression in intestinal mucosa and MAT of active CD patients. Ten patients with ileocecal CD and eight with noninflammatory diseases were studied. The biopsies of intestinal mucosa and MAT were snap-frozen and protein expression was determined by immunoblotting. RNA levels were measured by qPCR. The pIkB/IkB ratio and TNF alpha level were significantly higher in intestinal mucosa of CD when compared to controls. However, STAT1 expression was similar between intestinal mucosa of CD and controls. Considering the MAT, the pIkB/IkB ratio was significantly lower and the anti-inflammatory cytokine ILl0 was significantly higher in CD when compared to controls. Finally, the protein content of pSTAT1 was higher in MAT of CD compared to controls. These findings reinforce the predominance of the proinflammatory NF-kB pathway in CD intestinal mucosa. For the first time, we showed the activation of STATI pathway in MAT of CD patients, which may help to understand the physiopathology of this immune mediated disease.FAPESP (Fundacao de Amparo a Pesquisa do Estado de Sao Paulo)FAEPEX (Fundo de Apoio ao Ensino, a Pesquisa e Extensao)Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP

AdipoR1 mediates the anorexigenic and insulin/leptin-like actions of adiponectin in the hypothalamus

AbstractAdiponectin exerts an insulin-sensitizing effect, improving insulin action in peripheral tissues and restraining insulin resistance. Here, we explore the hypothesis that adiponectin can reproduce some of the actions of insulin/leptin in the hypothalamus. The presence of AdipoR1 and AdipoR2 was mapped to the arcuate and lateral hypothalamic nuclei. Icv adiponectin reduced food intake, which was accompanied by activation/engagement of IRS1/2, ERK, Akt, FOXO1, JAK2 and STAT3. All these actions were dependent on AdipoR1, since inhibition of this receptor, and not of AdipoR2, completely reversed the effects described above. Thus, adiponectin acts in the hypothalamus, activating elements of the canonical insulin and leptin signaling pathways and promoting reduction of food intake

Toll-like Receptor 4, F4/80 And Pro-inflammatory Cytokines In Intestinal And Mesenteric Fat Tissue Of Crohn's Disease.

Crohn's disease (CD) is a chronic intestinal ailment with a multifactorial etiology, whose incidence has increased during the last three decades. Recently, a role for mesenteric fat has been proposed in CD pathophysiology, since fat hypertrophy is detected nearby the affected intestinal area; however, there are few studies on this aspect. To evaluate inflammatory activity in intestinal mucosa and mesenteric fat tissue of patients with CD and controls. Ten patients with ileocecal CD and 16 patients with non-inflammatory disease (control groups) were studied. The specimens were snap-frozen and the expression of TLR-4, F4/80, IL1-β and IL-6 were determined by immunoblot of protein extracts. TLR4 RNA level were measured using RT-PCR. The t Test was applied (p<0.05). The local ethical committee approved the study. The intestinal mucosa of CD group had significantly higher protein levels of TLR-4, F4/80, IL-1β and IL-6 than the controls. The gene expression of TLR4 was lower in the intestinal mucosa of CD compared to the control group. Regard the mesenteric fat tissue, there was no statistical difference related to TLR-4, F4/80, IL-1β and IL-6 proteins expression. These findings may result from an up-regulation of macrophage activation and intracellular pathways activated by bacterial antigens, which are more important in intestinal mucosa than fat tissue in CD patients. This may represent an anomalous regulation of innate immunity and could contribute to the production of proinflammatory mediators and disease development.698-10

High-Fat Diet Induces Apoptosis of Hypothalamic Neurons

Consumption of dietary fats is amongst the most important environmental factors leading to obesity. In rodents, the consumption of fat-rich diets blunts leptin and insulin anorexigenic signaling in the hypothalamus by a mechanism dependent on the in situ activation of inflammation. Since inflammatory signal transduction can lead to the activation of apoptotic signaling pathways, we evaluated the effect of high-fat feeding on the induction of apoptosis of hypothalamic cells. Here, we show that consumption of dietary fats induce apoptosis of neurons and a reduction of synaptic inputs in the arcuate nucleus and lateral hypothalamus. This effect is dependent upon diet composition, and not on caloric intake, since pair-feeding is not sufficient to reduce the expression of apoptotic markers. The presence of an intact TLR4 receptor, protects cells from further apoptotic signals. In diet-induced inflammation of the hypothalamus, TLR4 exerts a dual function, on one side activating pro-inflammatory pathways that play a central role in the development of resistance to leptin and insulin, and on the other side restraining further damage by controlling the apoptotic activity