Eukaryotic Initiation Factor 5A2 localizes to actively translating ribosomes to promote cancer cell protrusions and invasive capacity

[EN] Background Eukaryotic Initiation Factor 5A (eIF-5A), an essential translation factor, is post-translationally activated by the polyamine spermidine. Two human genes encode eIF-5A, being eIF5-A1 constitutively expressed whereas eIF5-A2 is frequently found overexpressed in human tumours. The contribution of both isoforms with regard to cellular proliferation and invasion in non-small cell lung cancer remains to be characterized. Methods We have evaluated the use of eIF-5A2 gene as prognosis marker in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) patients and validated in immunocompromised mice. We have used cell migration and cell proliferation assays in LUAD lines after silencing each eIF-5A isoform to monitor their contribution to both phenotypes. Cytoskeleton alterations were analysed in the same cells by rhodamine-phalloidin staining and fluorescence microscopy. Polysome profiles were used to monitor the effect of eIF-5A2 overexpression on translation. Western blotting was used to study the levels of eIF-5A2 client proteins involved in migration upon TGFB1 stimulation. Finally, we have co-localized eIF-5A2 with puromycin to visualize the subcellular pattern of actively translating ribosomes. Results We describe the differential functions of both eIF-5A isoforms, to show that eIF5-A2 properties on cell proliferation and migration are coincident with its features as a poor prognosis marker. Silencing of eIF-5A2 leads to more dramatic consequences of cellular proliferation and migration compared to eIF-5A1. Overexpression of eIF5A2 leads to enhanced global translation. We also show that TGF ss signalling enhances the expression and activity of eIF-5A2 which promotes the translation of polyproline rich proteins involved in cytoskeleton and motility features as it is the case of Fibronectin, SNAI1, Ezrin and FHOD1. With the use of puromycin labelling we have co-localized active ribosomes with eIF-5A2 not only in cytosol but also in areas of cellular protrusion. We have shown the bulk invasive capacity of cells overexpressing eIF-5A2 in mice. Conclusions We propose the existence of a coordinated temporal and positional interaction between TFGB and eIF-5A2 pathways to promote cell migration in NSCLC. We suggest that the co-localization of actively translating ribosomes with hypusinated eIF-5A2 facilitates the translation of key proteins not only in the cytosol but also in areas of cellular protrusion.This work was supported by: Fondo de Investigacion Sanitaria, ISCIII, grant number PI20-194, co-funded by ERDF/ESF, "Investing in your future". Ministerio de Educacion, Cultura y Deporte grant FPU13/02755 for JMPS. Asociacion Espanola contra el Cancer, AECC predoctoral grant for AMF. Part of the equipment employed in this work has been funded by Generalitat Valenciana and co-financed with ERDF funds (OP ERDF of Comunitat Valenciana 2014-2020). This article is based upon work from COST Action CA20113 ProteoCure, supported by COST (European Cooperation in Science and Technology).Martínez-Férriz, A.; Gandía, C.; Pardo-Sánchez, JM.; Fathinajafabadi, A.; Ferrando Monleón, AR.; Farras, R. (2023). Eukaryotic Initiation Factor 5A2 localizes to actively translating ribosomes to promote cancer cell protrusions and invasive capacity. Cell Communication and Signaling. 21(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12964-023-01076-621

Alterations in leukocyte DNA methylome are associated to immunosuppression in severe clinical phenotypes of septic patients

IntroductionSepsis patients experience a complex interplay of host pro- and anti-inflammatory processes which compromise the clinical outcome. Despite considering the latest clinical and scientific research, our comprehension of the immunosuppressive events in septic episodes remains incomplete. Additionally, a lack of data exists regarding the role of epigenetics in modulating immunosuppression, subsequently impacting patient survival.MethodsTo advance the current understanding of the mechanisms underlying immunosuppression, in this study we explored the dynamics of DNA methylation using the Infinium Methylation EPIC v1.0 BeadChip Kit in leukocytes from patients suffering from sepsis, septic shock, and critically ill patients as controls, within the first 24 h after admission in the Intensive Care Unit of a tertiary hospital.Results and discussionEmploying two distinct analysis approaches (DMRcate and mCSEA) in comparing septic shock and critically ill patients, we identified 1,256 differentially methylated regions (DMRs) intricately linked to critical immune system pathways. The examination of the top 100 differentially methylated positions (DMPs) between septic shock and critically ill patients facilitated a clear demarcation among the three patient groups. Notably, the top 6,657 DMPs exhibited associations with organ dysfunction and lactate levels. Among the individual genes displaying significant differential methylation, IL10, TREM1, IL1B, and TNFAIP8 emerged with the most pronounced methylation alterations across the diverse patient groups when subjected to DNA bisulfite pyrosequencing analysis. These findings underscore the dynamic nature of DNA methylation profiles, highlighting the most pronounced alterations in patients with septic shock, and revealing their close association with the disease

A combination of ascorbic acid and α-tocopherol to test the effectiveness and safety in the fragile X syndrome: study protocol for a phase II, randomized, placebo-controlled trial

BACKGROUND: Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is an inherited neurodevelopmental condition characterised by behavioural, learning disabilities, phisical and neurological symptoms. In addition, an important degree of comorbidity with autism is also present. Considered a rare disorder affecting both genders, it first becomes apparent during childhood with displays of language delay and behavioural symptoms. Main aim: To show whether the combination of 10 mg/kg/day of ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and 10 mg/kg/day of α-tocopherol (vitamin E) reduces FXS symptoms among male patients ages 6 to 18 years compared to placebo treatment, as measured on the standardized rating scales at baseline, and after 12 and 24 weeks of treatment. Secondary aims: To assess the safety of the treatment. To describe behavioural and cognitive changes revealed by the Developmental Behaviour Checklist Short Form (DBC-P24) and the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children–Revised. To describe metabolic changes revealed by blood analysis. To measure treatment impact at home and in an academic environment. METHODS/DESIGN: A phase II randomized, double-blind pilot clinical trial. Scope: male children and adolescents diagnosed with FXS, in accordance with a standardized molecular biology test, who met all the inclusion criteria and none of the exclusion criteria. Instrumentation: clinical data, blood analysis, Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children–Revised, Conners parent and teacher rating scale scores and the DBC-P24 results will be obtained at the baseline (t0). Follow up examinations will take place at 12 weeks (t1) and 24 weeks (t2) of treatment. DISCUSSION: A limited number of clinical trials have been carried out on children with FXS, but more are necessary as current treatment possibilities are insufficient and often provoke side effects. In the present study, we sought to overcome possible methodological problems by conducting a phase II pilot study in order to calculate the relevant statistical parameters and determine the safety of the proposed treatment. The results will provide evidence to improve hyperactivity control and reduce behavioural and learning problems using ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and α-tocopherol (vitamin E). The study protocol was approved by the Regional Government Committee for Clinical Trials in Andalusia and the Spanish agency for drugs and health products. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01329770 (29 March 2011

Early mobilisation in critically ill COVID-19 patients: a subanalysis of the ESICM-initiated UNITE-COVID observational study

Background Early mobilisation (EM) is an intervention that may improve the outcome of critically ill patients. There is limited data on EM in COVID-19 patients and its use during the first pandemic wave. Methods This is a pre-planned subanalysis of the ESICM UNITE-COVID, an international multicenter observational study involving critically ill COVID-19 patients in the ICU between February 15th and May 15th, 2020. We analysed variables associated with the initiation of EM (within 72 h of ICU admission) and explored the impact of EM on mortality, ICU and hospital length of stay, as well as discharge location. Statistical analyses were done using (generalised) linear mixed-effect models and ANOVAs. Results Mobilisation data from 4190 patients from 280 ICUs in 45 countries were analysed. 1114 (26.6%) of these patients received mobilisation within 72 h after ICU admission; 3076 (73.4%) did not. In our analysis of factors associated with EM, mechanical ventilation at admission (OR 0.29; 95% CI 0.25, 0.35; p = 0.001), higher age (OR 0.99; 95% CI 0.98, 1.00; p ≤ 0.001), pre-existing asthma (OR 0.84; 95% CI 0.73, 0.98; p = 0.028), and pre-existing kidney disease (OR 0.84; 95% CI 0.71, 0.99; p = 0.036) were negatively associated with the initiation of EM. EM was associated with a higher chance of being discharged home (OR 1.31; 95% CI 1.08, 1.58; p = 0.007) but was not associated with length of stay in ICU (adj. difference 0.91 days; 95% CI − 0.47, 1.37, p = 0.34) and hospital (adj. difference 1.4 days; 95% CI − 0.62, 2.35, p = 0.24) or mortality (OR 0.88; 95% CI 0.7, 1.09, p = 0.24) when adjusted for covariates. Conclusions Our findings demonstrate that a quarter of COVID-19 patients received EM. There was no association found between EM in COVID-19 patients' ICU and hospital length of stay or mortality. However, EM in COVID-19 patients was associated with increased odds of being discharged home rather than to a care facility. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04836065 (retrospectively registered April 8th 2021)