Macrophage mannose receptor on lymphatics controls cell trafficking

Macrophage mannose receptor (MR) participates in pathogen recognition, clearance of endogenous serum glycoproteins, and antigen presentation. MR is also present on lymphatic vessels, where its function is unknown. Here we show that migration of lymphocytes from the skin into the draining lymph nodes through the afferent lymphatics is reduced in MR-deficient mice, while the structure of lymphatic vasculature remains normal in these animals. Moreover, in a tumor model the primary tumors grow significantly bigger in MR^–/– mice than in the wild-type (WT) controls, whereas the regional lymph node metastases are markedly smaller. Adhesion of both normal lymphocytes and tumor cells to lymphatic vessels is significantly decreased in MR-deficient mice. The ability of macrophages to present tumor antigens is indistinguishable between the 2 genotypes. Thus, MR on lymphatic endothelial cells is involved in leukocyte trafficking and contributes to the metastatic behavior of cancer cells. Blocking of MR may provide a new approach to controlling inflammation and cancer metastasis by targeting the lymphatic vasculature.     

Sildenafil and vardenafil,types 5 and 6 phosphodiesterase inhibitors,induce caspase-dependent apoptosis of B-chronic lymphocytic leukemia cells

Type 4 phosphodiesterase (PDE4) inhibitors reportedly induce apoptosis in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) cells. Following clinical improvement of one previously untreated CLL patient with sildenafil therapy, we evaluated the in vitro induction of apoptosis in CLL cells by 4 PDE5/6 inhibitors, including sildenafil, vardenafil, zaprinast, and methoxyquinazoline (MQZ). After 24 hours of culture, the various PDE inhibitors differed in their ability to induce apoptosis, with zaprinast displaying no killing effect. Normal B cells isolated from control donors were totally resistant to PDE-induced apoptosis. Vardenafil was 3 and 30 times more potent an inducer of apoptosis than sildenafil and MQZ, respectively. Both vardenafil and sildenafil failed to elevate adenosine 3'5' cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) levels, largely excluding an inhibitory effect on cAMP-PDE3, -PDE4, and -PDE7. Vardenafil- or sildenafil-treated B-CLL cells displayed up to 30% intracellular active caspase 3. Drug-induced apoptosis was inhibited by the caspase inhibitor z-VAD.fmk, prevented by interleukin-4 (IL-4), and significantly reduced by stromal-derived factor1-alpha (SDF-1alpha). We conclude that vardenafil and sildenafil induce caspase-dependent apoptosis of B-CLL cells in vitro and thus might be considered in the treatment of CLL patients. However, further in vivo investigations should be warranted.     

Polyspecific pyrrolysyl-tRNA synthetases from directed evolution

Pyrrolysyl-tRNA synthetase (PylRS) and its cognate tRNA^Pyl have emerged as ideal translation components for genetic code innovation. Variants of the enzyme facilitate the incorporation >100 noncanonical amino acids (ncAAs) into proteins. PylRS variants were previously selected to acylate N^ε-acetyl-Lys (AcK) onto tRNA^Pyl. Here, we examine an N^ε-acetyl-lysyl-tRNA synthetase (AcKRS), which is polyspecific (i.e., active with a broad range of ncAAs) and 30-fold more efficient with Phe derivatives than it is with AcK. Structural and biochemical data reveal the molecular basis of polyspecificity in AcKRS and in a PylRS variant [iodo-phenylalanyl-tRNA synthetase (IFRS)] that displays both enhanced activity and substrate promiscuity over a chemical library of 313 ncAAs. IFRS, a product of directed evolution, has distinct binding modes for different ncAAs. These data indicate that in vivo selections do not produce optimally specific tRNA synthetases and suggest that translation fidelity will become an increasingly dominant factor in expanding the genetic code far beyond 20 amino acids.The standard genetic code table relates the 64 nucleotide triplets to three stop signals and 20 canonical amino acids. Some organisms, including humans, naturally evolved expanded genetic codes that accommodate 21 amino acids (1), or possibly 22 amino acids in rare cases (2). Engineering translation system components, including tRNAs (3, 4), aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases (AARSs) (5, 6), elongation factors (7), and the ribosome itself (8), have produced organisms with artificially expanded genetic codes. Products of genetic code engineering include bacterial, yeast, and mammalian cells and animals that are able to synthesize proteins with site-specifically inserted noncanonical amino acids (ncAAs) (9).Genetic code expansion systems rely on an orthogonal AARS/tRNA pair (o-AARS, o-tRNA) (5, 6). The o-AARS should be specific in ligating a desired ncAA to a stop codon decoding tRNA, and both the o-tRNA and o-AARS are assumed not to cross-react with endogenous AARSs or tRNAs. Although some AARSs evolved in nature to recognize certain ncAAs (10–12), many genetic code expansion systems require a mutated AARS active site. The active site of the o-AARS is usually redesigned via directed evolution (6), including positive and negative selective rounds, to produce an enzyme that is assumed to be specific for an ncAA and not active with the 20 canonical amino acids. Genetic code expansion technology is rapidly evolving (13), and the ability to incorporate multiple ncAAs into a protein using quadruplet-codon decoding (14) or sense-codon recoding (15–19) is now becoming feasible. Protein synthesis with multiple ncAAs will require o-AARSs that are able to discriminate their ncAA substrate not only from canonical amino acids in the cell but from other ncAAs that are added to the cell.Probing the effects of amino acid analogs on bacterial cell growth revealed, over 50 y ago, that many ncAAs were incorporated into proteins by the regular translation machinery (10). Thus, it was not surprising to see that many of the successful orthogonal Methanococcus jannaschii tyrosyl-tRNA synthetase variants (20) facilitate incorporation of multiple different ncAAs (21–23). This polyspecificity is also a property of the orthogonal pyrrolysyl-tRNA synthetase (PylRS)/tRNA^Pyl pair (reviewed in ref. 24).PylRS variants that facilitate site-specific insertion of N^ε-acetyl-l-Lys (AcK; 2) (Fig. 1A) into proteins were derived from directed evolution experiments (25–28). These AcK-tRNA synthetase (AcKRS) enzymes have been used to investigate the role of acetylation sites in tumor suppressor p53 (29) and histone H3 (30). Here, we present biochemical and structural studies showing that AcKRS variants are polyspecific and catalytically deficient enzymes compared with canonical AARSs. These AcKRSs selected by directed evolution to ligate AcK to tRNA^Pyl are actually ∼30-fold more efficient in activation with Phe derivatives. Crystallographic structures of AcKRS and PylRS variants in complex with AcK, 3-iodo-l-Phe (3-I-Phe; 4) (Fig. 1A), or 2-(5-bromothienyl)-l-Ala (3-Br-ThA; 10) (Fig. 1A) reveal the structural basis of polyspecificity in these engineered PylRS enzymes.Open in a separate windowFig. 1.(A) Chemical structures of nsAAs used in the study: 1, l-pyrrolysine (Pyl); 2, AcK; 3, N^ε-trifluoroacetyl-l-Lys (CF₃-AcK); 4, 3-I-Phe; 5, 3-bromo-l-Phe (3-Br-Phe); 6, 3-chloro-l-Phe (3-Cl-Phe); 7, 3-trifluoromethyl-l-Phe (3-CF₃-Phe); 8, 3-methyl-l-Phe (3-Me-Phe); 9, 3-methoxyl-l-Phe (3-MeO-Phe); 10, 3-Br-ThA. (B) Range of substrate specificity of AcKRS3. Translation of the sfGFP reporter (UAG codon at position 2) by the library of ncAA-tRNA^Pyl was measured by fluorescence intensity. A library of 94 different Lys and Phe analogs (Dataset S1) was tested. Fluorescence signals from the incorporation of ncAAs 2–5, 7, 9, and 10 are labeled in A. Well A12 is a control without added ncAA. Well A1 was a positive control experiment to detect the production signal of WT sfGFP (100%). Fluorescence data and error values (SD) are represented by bars from three independent experiments (also given in Dataset S1). Colors (0–4% in purple, 4–8% in blue, 18–24% in red, and 95–100% in brown) have been used to indicate the level of UAG read-through.     

Variable cooperativity in SNARE-mediated membrane fusion

The soluble N-ethylmaleimide–sensitive factor attachment protein receptor (SNARE) complex drives the majority of intracellular and exocytic membrane fusion events. Whether and how SNAREs cooperate to mediate fusion has been a subject of intense study, with estimates ranging from a single SNARE complex to 15. Here we show that there is no universally conserved number of SNARE complexes involved as revealed by our observation that this varies greatly depending on membrane curvature. When docking rates of small (∼40 nm) and large (∼100 nm) liposomes reconstituted with different synaptobrevin (the SNARE present in synaptic vesicles) densities are taken into account, the lipid mixing efficiency was maximal with small liposomes with only one synaptobrevin, whereas 23–30 synaptobrevins were necessary for efficient lipid mixing in large liposomes. Our results can be rationalized in terms of strong and weak cooperative coupling of SNARE complex assembly where each mode implicates different intermediate states of fusion that have been recently identified by electron microscopy. We predict that even higher variability in cooperativity is present in different physiological scenarios of fusion, and we further hypothesize that plasticity of SNAREs to engage in different coupling modes is an important feature of the biologically ubiquitous SNARE-mediated fusion reactions.Membrane fusion is an essential reaction common to intracellular trafficking and exocytosis in eukaryotic cells. Although the process involves an intricate interplay of several proteins, the fusion of membranes is dependent on the conserved family of proteins known as soluble N-ethylmaleimide–sensitive factor attachment protein receptors, or SNAREs (1, 2). In the important case of the fusion of synaptic vesicles (SVs), the SNAREs responsible are vesicular synaptobrevin 2 (syb) and plasma membrane proteins SNAP-25A (SN25) and syntaxin-1A (syx). A critical intermediate seems to be an acceptor complex consisting of a three-helix bundle formed by a 1:1 syx:SN25 complex, which serves as a binding site for syb (3, 4). According to the zipper hypothesis, the N termini of syb and the 1:1 syx:SN25 complex nucleate to form a parallel four-helix bundle called the SNARE complex. The directional assembly then proceeds toward the C termini, resulting in a pulling force between the membranes that leads to their fusion (4, 5). There is some consensus that the highly exergonic nature of the assembly of the SNARE complex provides the energy for overcoming the barrier for fusion (6, 7), although identification of putative fusion intermediates at molecular resolution as well as force measurement experiments suggest multiple energy barriers are present (7–10).The question of whether and how SNAREs cooperate to mediate fusion has received substantial attention. Although some studies have left open the possibility that the number of SNARE complexes that cooperate during fusion is variable (11, 12), much attention has been given to the notion of a preferred number of SNARE complexes, with estimates varying from a single SNARE complex (13) to 15 (14), although more recent estimates vary between two and eight (12, 15–18). Unfortunately, this large disparity in results has not been appropriately explained, and it remains unclear whether the differences are a result of inherent properties of the particular set of SNAREs involved or rather originate from the biophysical characteristics of the fusing vesicles.A commonly used approach to investigate how SNAREs work is by reconstituting complementary SNAREs into liposomes (19). We have previously demonstrated that SNAREs can mediate both lipid and contents mixing with similar kinetics (13), an important functional criterion for establishing membrane fusion (20). Using the SNAREs responsible for exocytosis of SVs as a model, we investigate here how the density of SNAREs affects fusion of liposomes to obtain mechanistic information on cooperativity. A rigorous way to address this is to vary the SNARE density in one or both membranes. Whereas it is experimentally straightforward for syb, this approach is problematic for SN25 and syx because they tend to associate into “off-pathway” complexes, compromising kinetic analysis (6, 21). To circumvent this, Pobbati et al. (22) introduced a stabilized acceptor complex that contains a C-terminal peptide of synaptobrevin (syb 49–96) (22). This 1:1 syx:SN25 complex (herein referred to as the ∆N complex) is stable and contains a free binding site for syb, allowing one to precisely define its concentration. Therefore, we used the ∆N complex in our experiments to rule out the effect of any side reactions related to the assembly/disassembly of the acceptor complex and thus simplify the kinetic analysis on fusion.     

Brain networks disconnection in early multiple sclerosis cognitive deficits: An anatomofunctional study

Severe cognitive impairment involving multiple cognitive domains can occur early during the course of multiple sclerosis (MS). We investigated resting state functional connectivity changes in large‐scale brain networks and related structural damage underlying cognitive dysfunction in patients with early MS. Patients with relapsing MS (3–5 years disease duration) were prospectively assigned to two groups based on a standardized neuropsychological evaluation: (1) cognitively impaired group (CI group, n = 15), with abnormal performances in at least 3 tests; (2) cognitively preserved group (CP group, n = 20) with normal performances in all tests. Patients and age‐matched healthy controls underwent a multimodal 3T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) including anatomical T1 and T2 images, diffusion imaging and resting state functional MRI. Structural MRI analysis revealed that CI patients had a higher white matter lesion load compared to CP and a more severe atrophy in gray matter regions highly connected to networks involved in cognition. Functional connectivity measured by integration was increased in CP patients versus controls in attentional networks (ATT), while integration was decreased in CI patients compared to CP both in the default mode network (DMN) and ATT. An anatomofunctional study within the DMN revealed that functional connectivity was mostly altered between the medial prefrontal cortex (MPFC) and the posterior cingulate cortex (PCC) in CI patients compared to CP and controls. In a multilinear regression model, functional correlation between MPFC and PCC was best predicted by PCC atrophy. Disconnection in the DMN and ATT networks may deprive the brain of compensatory mechanisms required to face widespread structural damage. Hum Brain Mapp 35:4706–4717, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc .     

“I have got something positive out of this situation”: psychological benefits of caregiving in relatives of young people with muscular dystrophy

This paper focuses on the psychological benefits of caregiving in key relatives of patients with muscular dystrophies (MD), a group of rare diseases characterized by progressive weakness and restriction of the patient’s functional abilities. We describe whether relatives perceived caregiving to be a positive experience and test whether relatives’ perceptions vary in relation to their view of the patient as a valued person, the degree of involvement in care, and the level of support provided by social network and professionals. The study sample included 502 key relatives of patients aged 4–25 years, suffering from Duchenne, Becker, or limb-girdle MD, in treatment for at least 6 months to one of the eight participating centers, living with at least one relative aged 18–80 years. Of key relatives, 88 % stated that they had gotten something positive out of the situation, 96 % considered their patients to be sensitive, and 94 % viewed their patients as talented. Positive aspects of caregiving were more recognized by key relatives who were more convinced that the patient was sensitive and who perceived that they received higher level of professional help and psychological social support. These results suggest that most key relatives consider that their caregiving experience has had a positive impact on their lives, despite the practical difficulties of caring for patients with MD. Professionals should help relatives to identify the benefits of caregiving without denying its difficulties. Clinicians themselves should develop positive attitudes towards family involvement in the care of patients with long-term diseases.     

Does Bone Resorption Stimulate Periosteal Expansion? A Cross‐Sectional Analysis of β‐C‐telopeptides of Type I Collagen (CTX), Genetic Markers of the RANKL Pathway,and Periosteal Circumference as Measured by pQCT

We hypothesized that bone resorption acts to increase bone strength through stimulation of periosteal expansion. Hence, we examined whether bone resorption, as reflected by serum β‐C‐telopeptides of type I collagen (CTX), is positively associated with periosteal circumference (PC), in contrast to inverse associations with parameters related to bone remodeling such as cortical bone mineral density (BMD_C). CTX and mid‐tibial peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT) scans were available in 1130 adolescents (mean age 15.5 years) from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC). Analyses were adjusted for age, gender, time of sampling, tanner stage, lean mass, fat mass, and height. CTX was positively related to PC (β = 0.19 [0.13, 0.24]) (coefficient = SD change per SD increase in CTX, 95% confidence interval)] but inversely associated with BMD_C (β = –0.46 [–0.52,–0.40]) and cortical thickness [β = –0.11 (–0.18, –0.03)]. CTX was positively related to bone strength as reflected by the strength‐strain index (SSI) (β = 0.09 [0.03, 0.14]). To examine the causal nature of this relationship, we then analyzed whether single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within key osteoclast regulatory genes, known to reduce areal/cortical BMD, conversely increase PC. Fifteen such genetic variants within or proximal to genes encoding receptor activator of NF‐κB (RANK), RANK ligand (RANKL), and osteoprotegerin (OPG) were identified by literature search. Six of the 15 alleles that were inversely related to BMD were positively related to CTX (p < 0.05 cut‐off) (n = 2379). Subsequently, we performed a meta‐analysis of associations between these SNPs and PC in ALSPAC (n = 3382), Gothenburg Osteoporosis and Obesity Determinants (GOOD) (n = 938), and the Young Finns Study (YFS) (n = 1558). Five of the 15 alleles that were inversely related to BMD were positively related to PC (p < 0.05 cut‐off). We conclude that despite having lower BMD, individuals with a genetic predisposition to higher bone resorption have greater bone size, suggesting that higher bone resorption is permissive for greater periosteal expansion. © 2014 The Authors. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of the American Society for Bone and Mineral Research. This is an open access article under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.