Molecular characterization of a mariner-like element in the Atta sexdens rubropilosa genome

Mobile elements are widely present in eukaryotic genomes. They are repeated DNA segments that are able to move from one locus to another within the genome. They are divided into two main categories, depending on their mechanism of transposition, involving RNA (class I) or DNA (class II) molecules. The mariner-like elements are class II transposons. They encode their own transposase, which is necessary and sufficient for transposition in the absence of host factors. They are flanked by a short inverted terminal repeat and a TA dinucleotide target site, which is duplicated upon insertion. The transposase consists of two domains, an N-terminal inverted terminal repeat binding domain and a C-terminal catalytic domain. We identified a transposable element with molecular characteristics of a mariner-like element in Atta sexdens rubropilosa genome. Identification started from a PCR with degenerate primers and queen genomic DNA templates, with which it was possible to amplify a fragment with mariner transposable-element homology. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that this element belongs to the mauritiana subfamily of mariner-like elements and it was named Asmar1. We found that Asmar1 is homologous to a transposon described from another ant, Messor bouvieri. The predicted transposase sequence demonstrated that Asmar1 has a truncated transposase ORF. This study is part of a molecular characterization of mobile elements in the Atta spp genome. Our finding of mariner-like elements in all castes of this ant could be useful to help understand the dynamics of mariner-like element distribution in the Hymenoptera.FAPESPFAPESPCNPqCNP

Molecular characterization of a mariner-like element in the Atta sexdens rubropilosa genome

Mobile elements are widely present in eukaryotic genomes. They are repeated DNA segments that are able to move from one locus to another within the genome. They are divided into two main categories, depending on their mechanism of transposition, involving RNA (class I) or DNA (class II) molecules. The mariner-like elements are class II transposons. They encode their own transposase, which is necessary and sufficient for transposition in the absence of host factors. They are flanked by a short inverted terminal repeat and a TA dinucleotide target site, which is duplicated upon insertion. The transposase consists of two domains, an N-terminal inverted terminal repeat binding domain and a C-terminal catalytic domain. We identified a transposable element with molecular characteristics of a mariner-like element in Atta sexdens rubropilosa genome. Identification started from a PCR with degenerate primers and queen genomic DNA templates, with which it was possible to amplify a fragment with mariner transposable-element homology. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that this element belongs to the mauritiana subfamily of mariner-like elements and it was named Asmar1. We found that Asmar1 is homologous to a transposon described from another ant, Messor bouvieri. The predicted transposase sequence demonstrated that Asmar1 has a truncated transposase ORF. This study is part of a molecular characterization of mobile elements in the Atta spp genome. Our finding of mariner-like elements in all castes of this ant could be useful to help understand the dynamics of mariner-like element distribution in the Hymenoptera.FAPESPFAPESPCNPqCNP

Collagen peptides modulate the metabolism of extracellular matrix by human dermal fibroblasts derived from sun-protected and sun-exposed body sites

Clinical data published in recent years have demonstrated positive effects of collagen hydrolysate (CH) on skin aging clinical signs. CH use as food supplement has a long historyhowever, few studies have addressed the underlying purpose of CH on the cellular and molecular biology of skin cells that could elucidate clinical improvement findings. Wide diversity of characteristics has been reported for dermal fibroblasts derived from different body sites and it is unknown whether collagen peptides could modulate differently cells from chronological aged and photoaged skin areas. This study investigated the influence of CH on the extracellular matrix metabolism and proliferation of human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs) derived from chronological aged (sun-protected) and photoaged (sun-exposed) body sites. CH treatment did not affect cellular proliferation of either cell cultures, but notably modulated cell metabolism in monolayer model, increasing the content of dermal matrix precursor and main protein, procollagen I and collagen I, respectively. These effects were confirmed in the human dermal equivalent model. The increase in collagen content in the cultures was attributed to stimulation of biosynthesis and decreased collagen I metabolism through inhibition of metalloproteinase activity (MMP) 1 and 2. Modulation of CH in dermal metabolism did not differ between cells derived from sun-protected and sun-exposed areas, although lower concentrations of CH seemed to be enough to stimulate sun-exposed-derived HDFs, suggesting more pronounced effect in these cells. This study contributes to understanding the biological effects of CH on skin cells and viability of its use as a functional ingredient in food supplements.GELITA do Brasil LtdaFAPESPCAPESCNPqUniv Sao Paulo, Inst Biomed Sci, Dept Cell & Dev Biol, Av Prof Lineu Prestes 1524, BR-05508000 Sao Paulo, SP, BrazilUniv Fed Sao Paulo, ENT Res Lab, Dept Otorhinolaryngol Head & Neck Surg, Rua Coronel Lisboa 958, BR-04023900 Sao Paulo, SP, BrazilUniv Fed Sao Paulo, ENT Res Lab, Dept Otorhinolaryngol Head & Neck Surg, Rua Coronel Lisboa 958, BR-04023900 Sao Paulo, SP, BrazilWeb of Scienc

Decreased expression of ADAMTS-1 in human breast tumors stimulates migration and invasion

Abstract\ud \ud \ud \ud Background\ud \ud ADAMTS-1 (a disintegrin and metalloprotease with thrombospondin motifs) is a member of the ADAMTS family of metalloproteases. Here, we investigated mRNA and protein levels of ADAMTS-1 in normal and neoplastic tissues using qPCR, immunohistochemistry and immunoblot analyses, and we addressed the role of ADAMTS-1 in regulating migration, invasion and invadopodia formation in breast tumor cell lines.\ud \ud \ud \ud Results\ud \ud In a series of primary breast tumors, we observed variable levels of ADAMTS-1 mRNA expression but lower levels of ADAMTS-1 protein expression in human breast cancers as compared to normal tissue, with a striking decrease observed in high-malignancy cases (triple-negative for estrogen, progesterone and Her-2). This result prompted us to analyze the effect of ADAMTS-1 knockdown in breast cancer cells in vitro. MDA-MB-231 cells with depleted ADAMTS-1 expression demonstrated increased migration, invasion and invadopodia formation. The regulatory mechanisms underlying the effects of ADAMTS-1 may be related to VEGF, a growth factor involved in migration and invasion. MDA-MB-231 cells with depleted ADAMTS-1 showed increased VEGF concentrations in conditioned medium capable of inducing human endothelial cells (HUVEC) tubulogenesis. Furthermore, expression of the VEGF receptor (VEGFR2) was increased in MDA-MB-231 cells as compared to MCF7 cells. To further determine the relationship between ADAMTS-1 and VEGF regulating breast cancer cells, MDA-MB-231 cells with reduced expression of ADAMTS-1 were pretreated with a function-blocking antibody against VEGF and then tested in migration and invasion assays; both were partially rescued to control levels.\ud \ud \ud \ud Conclusions\ud \ud ADAMTS-1 expression was decreased in human breast tumors, and ADAMTS-1 knockdown stimulated migration, invasion and invadopodia formation in breast cancer cells in vitro. Therefore, this series of experiments suggests that VEGF is involved in the effects mediated by ADAMTS-1 in breast cancer cells.This investigation was supported by The State of São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP grants 2006/54963-0, 2006/01026-0, 2008/57103-8, 2010/07699-1), and Brazilian National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq grant 470779/2007-1). The authors also want to thank Dr. Stanley Zucker (Stony Brook University; Stony Brook, NY, USA) and Dr. Rama Khokha (University of Western Ontario, Toronto, Canada) for suggestions made on data analysis

MCF-7 cells as a 3d model in the study of human breast cancer.

O diferencial da cultura de células em 3-dimensões é permitir que as células explorem as 3-dimensões do espaço, aumentando assim as interações com o ambiente e entre as células. Em estudos relacionados à biologia do câncer de mama, vem ganhando espaço a utilização de esferóides para estudos que visam à compreensão da morfogênese do espaço luminal. Neste trabalho foi mostrado que as células MCF-7 reorganizam-se em estruturas tubulares e acinares. Em ambas as situações, a formação do lúmen veio acompanhada pelo estabelecimento de uma camada de células polarizadas, arranjo este muito semelhante ao encontrado em glândulas mamárias. Os resultados apresentados apontam para a existência de uma população de células na linhagem MCF-7 que não estão totalmente comprometidas ao fenótipo tumoral. Mantidos diferenciados, os esferóides de células MCF-7 apontam como um novo modelo para estudos relacionados à formação do lúmen, permitindo assim explorar o papel de diferentes vias como as relacionadas a apoptose, autofagia, diferenciação e sobrevivência celular.As a particularity, a 3D cell culture permits cells to explore the three dimensions of the space thereby increasing cell-cell interactions, as well as interaction with the environment. In studies related to breast cancer biology, spheroids are becoming widely used in the aim to comprehend luminal space morphogenesis. We showed that MCF-7 cells reorganize themselves in tubular and acinar structures. In both situations, lumen formation was accompanied by the establishment of a layer of polarized cells, an arrangement that is very similar to that of breast glands. The presented results suggest the existence of an MCF cell line population not completely committed to the tumor phenotype. When maintained as differentiated, MCF-7 cell spheroids can be a new model for studies regarding lumen formation, thereby exploring the role of diiferent pathways, such as those related to cell apoptosis, autophagy, differentiation and survival

Three-dimensional Reconstruction of Ovaries of Leaf-cutting Ant (Atta sexdens rubropilosa) Queens (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)

In this study, the ovary morphology of newly emerged ant queens of Atta sexdens rubropilosa was studied in whole mount preparations by confocal microscopy. The ovaries are composed of approximately 40 ovarioles, showing non-synchronic oocyte maturation. The terminal filament with clusters of undifferentiated cells was found at the distal end of the ovarioles. Next to this region is the germarium, composed of several elongated cystocytes interconnected by cytoplasmic bridges. The nurse cells (23-28 cells) result from asymmetric mitosis. Cytoskeleton analysis showed F-actin concentrated at the muscle cells of the external tunica and in fusomes inside the ovarioles. Microtubules were concentrated around the nuclei of the nurse and follicular cells. In contrast, the oocytes and the external tunica showed faint staining for tubulin.CNPqConselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)FAPESPSecretaria da Educacao do Estado de Sao PauloSecretaria da Educacao do Estado de Sao Paul

Cell death and lumen formation in spheroids of MCF-7 cells

3D (three-dimensional) cell culture permits a more integrated analysis of the relationship between cells, inserting them into a structure more closely resembling the cellular microenvironment in vivo. The development of in vitro parameters to approximate in vivo 3D cellular environments makes a less reductionist interpretation of cell biology possible. For breast cells, in vitro 3D culture has proven to be an important tool for the analysis of luminal morphogenesis. A greater understanding of this process is necessary because alterations in the lumen arrangement are associated with carcinogenesis. Following lumen formation in 3D cell culture using laser scanning confocal microscopy, we observed alterations in the arrangement of cytoskeletal components (F-actin and microtubules) and increasing levels of cell death associated with lumen formation. The formation of a polarized monolayer facing the lumen was characterized through 3D reconstructions and the use of TEM (transmission electron microscopy), and this process was found to occur through the gradual clearing of cells from the medullary region of the spheroids. This process was associated with different types of cell death, such as apoptosis, autophagy and entosis. The present study showed that changes in the extracellular matrix associated with long periods of time in 3D cell culture lead to the formation of a lumen in MCF-7 cell spheroids and that features of differentiation such as lumen and budding formation occur after long periods in 3D culture, even in the absence of exogenous extracellular compounds.FAPESP (Fundacao de Amparoa Pesquisa do Estado de Sao Paulo)[06/01026-0]Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)CNPq (Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Cientifico e Tecnologico)Capes (Coordenacao de Aperfeicoamento de Pessoal de Nivel Superior)Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)Secretaria da Educacao do Estado de Sao PauloSecretaria da Educacao do Estado de Sao Paul

Evaluation of Oxidative-Stress Pathway and Recovery of Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss

Introduction Although the pathogenesis of sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) has been discussed in the literature, many unclear points remain. Several authors have hypothesized that oxidative stress plays a role in the pathogenesis of noise-related hearing loss, as well as in drug- and aging-related hearing loss. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) may contribute to the pathogenesis of SSNHL in a similar way as in cases of ototoxicity, noise-induced hearing loss and presbyacusis. Objective The aim of the present study was to find potential peripheral biomarkers to show the levels of oxidative stress in samples of peripheral blood collected from SSNHL patients with and withouth metabolic disease. Methods In total, 80 consecutive patients with SSNHL were evaluated in the otolaryngology emergency room and outpatient clinic of a tertiary hospital between May 2017 and May 2019. All patients underwent detailed anamnesis, physical examination, audiometry, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the inner ears, and blood tests for serum lipids and plasma activity of thiobarbituric acid reactive species (TBARS). Results No significant effect of malondialdehyde (MDA) activity was observed regarding the hearing recovery of patients who developed SSNHL. Conclusion We did not observe a significant correlation between the concentration of TBARs in the peripheral blood or the presence of arterial hypertension and the severity of the initial hearing loss or the prognosis of hearing recovery in patients with SSNHL. The concentration of TBARs in the peripheral blood may not adequately represent the abnormalities that occur in the intracoclear environment

Effects of Ezetimibe on Endothelial Progenitor Cells and Microparticles in High-Risk Patients

Imbalance on endothelial turnover can predict cardiovascular outcomes. We aimed at evaluating the effects of lipid-modifying therapies on circulating endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs), endothelial microparticles (EMPs), and platelet microparticles (PMPs) in high cardiovascular risk subjects with elevated C-reactive protein (CRP). Sixty-three individuals with coronary heart disease (CHD) or CHD risk equivalent on stable statin therapy, with LDL-cholesterol < 100 mg/dL and CRP a parts per thousand yen2.0 mg/L were selected. After a 4-week run-in period with atorvastatin 10 mg, those with persistent CRP a parts per thousand yen2.0 mg/L were randomized to another 4-week treatment period with atorvastatin 40 mg, ezetimibe 10 mg or atorvastatin 40 mg/ezetimibe 10 mg. EPC (CD34(+)/CD133(+)/KDR+), EMP (CD51(+)), and PMP (CD42(+)/CD31(+)) were quantified by flow cytometry. Atorvastatin 40 mg and atorvastatin 40 mg/ezetimibe 10 mg reduced LDL-cholesterol (P < 0.001, paired T test, vs. baseline). Combined therapy, but not ezetimibe reduced CRP. CD34(+)/KDR+ EPC were reduced after ezetimibe alone (P = 0.011 vs. baseline, Wilcoxon test) or combined with atorvastatin (P = 0.016 vs. baseline, Wilcoxon test). in addition, ezetimibe increased CD51(+) EMP (P = 0.017 vs. baseline, Wilcoxon test). No correlations between these markers and LDL-cholesterol or CRP were observed. These results contribute to understand the link between inflammation and vascular homeostasis and highlight the broader benefit of statins decreasing inflammation and preventing microparticles release, an effect not observed with ezetimibe alone.Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Dept Med, Div Cardiol, Lipids Atherosclerosis & Vasc Biol Sect, BR-04039030 São Paulo, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Dept Med, Div Cardiol, Lipids Atherosclerosis & Vasc Biol Sect, BR-04039030 São Paulo, BrazilFAPESP: 2009/50052-1Web of Scienc