Identification of the couple GSK3α/c-Myc as a new regulator of hexokinase II in benzo[a]pyrene-induced apoptosis.

International audienceThe early apoptotic events induced by environmental pollutants with carcinogenic properties are poorly understood. Here, we focus on the early cytotoxic effects of benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P). In F258 rat hepatic epithelial cells, B[a]P induces intrinsic apoptosis via a mitochondrial dysfunction characterized by the release of hexokinase II (HKII) from the mitochondria. Cancer cells often have an anomalous cell energy metabolism; since HKII dysfunction regulates B[a]P-induced apoptosis in F258 cells, but may also alter cell energy metabolism, HKII release from the mitochondria may represent an important B[a]P-related carcinogenic issue. Thus in the present study, we aimed at deciphering the mechanisms underlying HKII dysfunction upon B[a]P exposure. We show that while glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta (GSK3β) regulated the expression of HKII at the transcriptional level, glycogen synthase kinase 3 alpha (GSK3α) was involved in B[a]P-induced apoptosis via a decrease in c-Myc expression. The reduced level of c-Myc caused the relocation of HKII from the mitochondria to the cytosol, thereby being involved in the formation of reactive oxygen species and apoptosis. In conclusion, we show that the couple GSK3α/c-Myc plays a key role in B[a]P-induced early apoptotic cell signaling via HKII dysfunction

Use of reconstituted metabolic networks to assist in metabolomic data visualization and mining

Metabolomics experiments seldom achieve their aim of comprehensively covering the entire metabolome. However, important information can be gleaned even from sparse datasets, which can be facilitated by placing the results within the context of known metabolic networks. Here we present a method that allows the automatic assignment of identified metabolites to positions within known metabolic networks, and, furthermore, allows automated extraction of sub-networks of biological significance. This latter feature is possible by use of a gap-filling algorithm. The utility of the algorithm in reconstructing and mining of metabolomics data is shown on two independent datasets generated with LC–MS LTQ-Orbitrap mass spectrometry. Biologically relevant metabolic sub-networks were extracted from both datasets. Moreover, a number of metabolites, whose presence eluded automatic selection within mass spectra, could be identified retrospectively by virtue of their inferred presence through gap filling

The Gaia mission

Gaia is a cornerstone mission in the science programme of the EuropeanSpace Agency (ESA). The spacecraft construction was approved in 2006, following a study in which the original interferometric concept was changed to a direct-imaging approach. Both the spacecraft and the payload were built by European industry. The involvement of the scientific community focusses on data processing for which the international Gaia Data Processing and Analysis Consortium (DPAC) was selected in 2007. Gaia was launched on 19 December 2013 and arrived at its operating point, the second Lagrange point of the Sun-Earth-Moon system, a few weeks later. The commissioning of the spacecraft and payload was completed on 19 July 2014. The nominal five-year mission started with four weeks of special, ecliptic-pole scanning and subsequently transferred into full-sky scanning mode. We recall the scientific goals of Gaia and give a description of the as-built spacecraft that is currently (mid-2016) being operated to achieve these goals. We pay special attention to the payload module, the performance of which is closely related to the scientific performance of the mission. We provide a summary of the commissioning activities and findings, followed by a description of the routine operational mode. We summarise scientific performance estimates on the basis of in-orbit operations. Several intermediate Gaia data releases are planned and the data can be retrieved from the Gaia Archive, which is available through the Gaia home page. http://www.cosmos.esa.int/gai

Alterations of intracellular pH homeostasis in apoptosis: origins and roles

Intracellular pH (pHi) has an important role in the maintenance of normal cell function, and hence this parameter has to be tightly controlled within a narrow range, largely through the activity of transporters located at the plasma membrane. These transporters can be modulated by endogenous or exogenous molecules as well as, in some pathological situations, leading to pHi changes that have been implicated in both cell proliferation and cell death. Whereas intracellular alkalinization seems to be a common feature of proliferative processes, the precise role of pHi in apoptosis is still unclear. The present review gathers the most recent advances along with previous data on both the origin and the role of pHi alterations in apoptosis and highlights the major concerns that merit further research in the future. Special attention is given to the possible role played by pHi-regulating transporters

DNA damage response upon environmental contaminants: an exhausting work for genomic integrity

Following exposure to xenobiotics, cellular mechanisms will take place to prevent damages relative to i) DNA, to maintain genome integrity, ii) proteins, to maintain their activities, iii) lipids, to limit peroxidation. This system of cellular defence and resistance is energetically costly. In this commentary review, we discuss the impact of DNA damage and the DNA damage response (DDR) on energetic metabolism. Conversely, we address the question about how energetic metabolism would influence DDR. These points will be highlighted in the context of cancer, in which genome instability and aerobic glycolysis are cancer hallmarks

L’influence du genre dans la fabrique de la science

Journée d'étude INGECSI (programme de recherche du laboratoire CERTOP "Inclusion du genre dans les sciences")

DNA damage response upon environmental contaminants: an exhausting work for genomic integrity

International audienceFollowing exposure to xenobiotics, cellular mechanisms will take place to prevent damages relative to i) DNA, to maintain genome integrity, ii) proteins, to maintain their activities, iii) lipids, to limit peroxidation. This system of cellular defence and resistance is energetically costly. In this commentary review, we discuss the impact of DNA damage and the DNA damage response (DDR) on energetic metabolism. Conversely, we address the question about how energetic metabolism would influence DDR. These points will be highlighted in the context of cancer, in which genome instability and aerobic glycolysis are cancer hallmarks

Xenobiotics and their impact on metabolic diseases

Metabolic diseases are a growing public health issue. Many pollutants or food contaminants are suspected of contributing to the emergence of these diseases through their action as endocrine disrupters or as obesogens. In this review, we will describe the many pathways of entry of these xenobiotics, from production to food consumption, as well as their various modes of action. We will deal with molecules as diverse as dioxins, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, acrylamide, bisphenols, phthalates as well as several pesticides, some of which are emerging. The variety of these food contaminants also leads us to consider the role of mixtures, their time and period of exposure and the effect of low doses. (C) 2019 Societe francaise de nutrition. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved