中心粒周蛋白对胰岛素分泌的调节作用及其机制

目的:探讨中心粒周蛋白(pericentrin,PCNT)对胰岛素双相分泌的调节作用及其机制。方法:构建在小鼠胰岛β细胞中PCNT表达减少的转基因鼠(△PCNTβ小鼠),检测△PCNTβ小鼠与正常对照小鼠在给予糖耐量试验后第一时相和第二时相血糖和胰岛素分泌情况。检测两组小鼠胰岛内PCNT、胰岛素、纤维肌动蛋白(F-actin)变化情况,以及相关蛋白表达情况。结果:Western blot和RT-PCR显示△PCNTβ小鼠胰尾组织PCNT表达较对照组明显减低,免疫荧光提示△PCNTβ小鼠胰岛内PCNT、胰岛素表达较对照组明显减低。行腹腔注射葡萄糖耐量试验(Intraperitoneal glucose tolerance tests,IPGTT)△PCNTβ小鼠第一时相血糖曲线下面积(Quantification of area under the curve,AUC)显著高于对照组,第二时相血糖AUC两组小鼠间无统计学差异。△PCNTβ小鼠空腹胰岛素水平与对照组比较明显升高,葡萄糖刺激胰岛素分泌(Glucose stimulated insulin secretion,GSIS)后15min胰岛素增加值显著低于对照组,30 min和120 min时胰岛素水平与对照组无显著差异。Western blot显示△PCNTβ小鼠与对照组比较F-actin表达明显减低,ERK、p-ERK表达明显升高。RT-PCR测定△PCNTβ小鼠与对照组比较ETV4表达显著升高。免疫荧光提示△PCNTβ小鼠胰岛内F-actin和突触融合蛋白4(Syntaxin4,Syn-4)表达较对照组明显减低。结论:抑制小鼠胰岛β细胞内PCNT表达后,其通过抑制F-actin和Syn-4表达影响胰岛素分泌,导致空腹时胰岛素过度分泌和第一时相胰岛素分泌受损。     

核纤层蛋白B1的功能及其在神经系统疾病和肿瘤中的研究新进展

核纤层蛋白B1 (Lamin B1)是核纤层蛋白家族重要成员之一,其主要功能在于维持细胞核骨架完整性,并通过影响染色体分布、基因表达及DNA损伤修复等参与细胞的增殖和衰老。其表达异常与多种疾病有关,如神经系统疾病(神经管畸形,ADLD)及肿瘤(胰腺癌)等,是潜在的药物靶点和肿瘤标志物。对Lamin B1功能的深入研究,将有助于对相关神经系统疾病和肿瘤发生发展的分子机制的了解并为治疗靶点研究提供新方向。     

溶质转运蛋白超家族的功能及结构研究进展

溶质转运蛋白(solute carriers,SLC)超家族是人类细胞膜(含胞内膜)上最重要的膜转运蛋白家族之一,它参与了细胞间的物质运输、能量传递、营养代谢、信号传导等重要生理活动。SLC转运蛋白超家族包含52个亚家族,共有400多名成员。研究表明,人类基因突变所致SLC蛋白表达异常或功能缺陷与糖尿病、高血压、抑郁症等多种重大疾病密切相关,使得该家族蛋白的功能研究近年来备受关注。SLC转运家族蛋白三维结构的解析有助于阐述其底物选择性结合与转运的精确分子机制,为研究该家族功能相关疾病的分子机理以及针对理性药物研发奠定了精细的三维结构基础。本文对近年来溶质转运蛋白超家族的结构及功能研究进展进行了总结,试图对该家族的共性规律进行阐述。     

外源中心体在哺乳动物胚胎发育中的遗传机制

中心体是一个非膜包被的半保留细胞器,由一对相互垂直的圆柱形中心粒及其周围大量的高电子密度的蛋白质-中心体基质(pericentriolar material,PCM)组成.在所有哺乳动物细胞中,中心体(centrosome)作为主要的微管组织中心(microtubule organizing centers,MTOCs),起到组装和稳定微管的关键功能.在大多数哺乳动物精子形成过程中,精子保留了近端中心粒,失去了大部分的中心体旁蛋白和远端中心粒,而在卵母细胞形成过程中两个中心粒被逐渐降解,主要的中心体旁蛋白被保留了下来,弥散于卵胞质中.受精后,在卵母细胞中精子中心粒被进一步降解,来源于卵母细胞和精子的中心体旁蛋白形成受精卵的MTOCs在胚胎分裂过程中行使功能.但在小鼠等啮齿类动物精子形成过程中,两个中心粒全部被降解,因此受精卵中的MTOCs主要由来源于卵母细胞中心体旁蛋白组成.在大多数哺乳动物核移植胚胎中.外源中心粒在胚胎1-细胞期即被降解,而是来源于供体细胞和受体卵母细胞的中心体旁蛋白形成重构胚的MTOCs指导纺锤体形成,中心粒是在囊胚期才从头合成的.在灵长类中,来源于精子的中心粒能与PCM一起组成典型的中心体在胚胎分裂过程中行使功能,但在其核移植胚胎中,体细胞中心体和去核卵母细胞中剩余的中心体旁蛋白不能有效的组装形成功能性中心体,这可能是灵长类哺乳动物体细胞克隆失败的一个关键原因. 成过程中,两个中心粒全部被降解,因此受精卵中的MTOCs主要由来源于卵母细胞中心体旁蛋白组成.在大多数哺乳动物核移植胚胎中.外源中心粒在胚胎1-细胞期即被降解,而是来源于供体细胞和受体卵母细胞的中心体旁蛋白形成重构胚的MTOCs指导纺锤体形成,中心粒是在囊胚期才从头合成的.在灵长类中,来源于精子的中心粒能与PCM一起组成典型的中心 在胚胎分裂过程中行使功能,但在其核移植胚胎中,体细胞中心体和去核卵母细胞中剩余的中心体旁蛋白不能有效的组装形成功能性中心体,这可能是灵长类哺乳动物体细胞克隆失败的一个关键原因. 成过程中,两个中心粒全部被降解,因此受精卵中的MTOCs主要由来源于卵母细胞中心体旁蛋白组成.在大多数哺乳动物核移植胚胎中.外源中心粒在胚胎1-细胞期即被降解,而是来源于供体细胞和受体卵母细胞的中心体旁蛋白形成重构胚的MTOCs指导纺锤体形成,中心粒是在囊胚期才从头合成的.在灵长类中,来源于精子的中心粒能与PCM一起组成典型的中心 在胚胎分裂过程中行使功能,但在其核移植胚胎中,体细胞中心体和去核卵母细胞中剩余的中心体旁蛋白不能有效的组     

应用椭偏光学显微成像对IL-6与其受体的相互应用的初步观察

白细胞介素6(IL-6)是一种具有复杂生物功能的细胞因子,可由多种淋巴类和非淋巴类细胞产生.它对机体多种组织及细胞均有不同程度的作用[1-3].近年来发现,临床上免疫异常性疾病,如发热、淋巴结肿大、血沉增快、急性期蛋白增高、高γ球蛋白血症、自身抗体阳性等症状都与IL-6的异常表达密切相关.IL-6的生物活性是通过细胞膜表面特异性受体介导的[4].研究IL6与其受体的相互作用对于揭示某些疾病的发病机制,监测疾病进程以及指导临床治疗等均具有重要意义.     

新型细胞骨架分隔丝的结构和功能研究进展

细胞骨架是细胞内的蛋白纤维网状结构,包括人们熟知的微管、微丝和中间纤维.目前研究表明分隔丝(septin filaments)是一类在真核生物中广泛分布的蛋白纤维,逐渐被认为是一种新型细胞骨架结构.分隔丝由可结合GTP的分隔丝蛋白单体(Septin)聚合形成异源复合体,进一步组装成纤维丝.分隔丝可形成纤维束,环状或笼状等结构,并与细胞膜或其他细胞骨架成分发生相互作用.在细胞内,分隔丝参与胞质分裂、细胞迁移、神经元发育和免疫等重要生理及病理过程.分隔丝结构或功能的异常与多种人类疾病如肿瘤等密切相关.本文将从分隔丝的结构、组装调控、功能及与人类疾病的关系等方面综述近年的研究进展.     

应用椭偏光学显微成像对IL-6与其受体的相互应用的初步观察

白细胞介素 6 (ＩＬ 6 )是一种具有复杂生物功能的细胞因子 ,可由多种淋巴类和非淋巴类细胞产生。它对机体多种组织及细胞均有不同程度的作用[1～ 3 ] 。近年来发现 ,临床上免疫异常性疾病 ,如发热、淋巴结肿大、血沉增快、急性期蛋白增高、高γ球蛋白血症、自身抗体阳性等症状都与ＩＬ 6的异常表达密切相关。ＩＬ 6的生物活性是通过细胞膜表面特异性受体介导的[4] 。研究ＩＬ 6与其受体的相互作用对于揭示某些疾病的发病机制 ,监测疾病进程以及指导临床治疗等均具有重要意义。用于研究ＩＬ 6与其受体相互作用的方法主要有ＩＬ 6依赖株细胞…     

Bcl-2家族蛋白的生理功能及结构基础

细胞凋亡是一个重要的生物学过程,对细胞命运及稳态的调控起着关键作用。B细胞淋巴瘤-2(Bcl-2)家族蛋白是凋亡途径的重要组分,其功能异常与多种疾病相关,包括癌症、神经退行性疾病和自身免疫疾病等。近十年涌现了大量关于Bcl-2家族蛋白生理功能及结构的报道,加深了我们对Bcl-2家族蛋白的作用机制及其病理意义的认识,且在过去几年中,许多针对不同Bcl-2成员的药物已经被开发并进入临床阶段。但Bcl-2家族蛋白功能和结构的复杂性及多样性导致该研究领域仍有大量问题尚待解决。该文总结了目前关于Bcl-2蛋白家族结构和功能的知识,还讨论了Bcl-2蛋白作为有效分子治疗靶点的药理学意义。     

细胞凋亡的结构生物学研究进展

在多细胞生物体内,细胞会发生编程性死亡(即细胞凋亡),使得细胞数量得到精确调控。细胞凋亡调控的异常与癌症、自身免疫病、神经退行性疾病等疾病密切相关。在过去的二十年里,人们详细地研究了参与细胞凋亡调控的分子机制。该文综述了近年来利用结构生物学手段,对参与细胞凋亡调控的分子,主要是Caspase和与Caspase活性调控直接相关的蛋白功能的研究进展。     

BBS8蛋白参与衣藻鞭毛膜蛋白的运输

真核细胞的纤毛(也称鞭毛)是一种突出于细胞表面的极性细胞器,纤毛不仅参与细胞运动,还参与信号传导等过程,其结构或功能异常引发的一系列人类疾病称为"纤毛相关性疾病"。纤毛相关性疾病巴德-毕德氏综合征(Bardet-Biedl syndrome,简称BBS)由BBS相关基因缺陷导致,为了研究致病基因BBS8的生理作用和功能,构建模式生物莱茵衣藻BBS8基因缺陷突变体,利用性状观测和生化分析检测突变体的表现型和生理功能。免疫荧光表明BBS8蛋白是一种鞭毛蛋白且在基体有特异性定位;bbs8突变体感光极性运动消失,并在解聚诱导实验中鞭毛解聚缓慢;鞭毛的银染和质谱结果表明突变体的鞭毛膜蛋白在鞭毛内异常积累。文中通过实验证据说明BBS8蛋白在参与鞭毛内膜蛋白运输中起到重要作用,并极可能通过介导膜蛋白反向运输发挥生理功能。     

Roles of humanin and derivatives on the pathology of neurodegenerative diseases and cognition

BackgroundAlzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), and age-related macular degeneration (AMD) are common among neurodegenerative diseases, but investigations into novel therapeutic approaches are currently limited. Humanin (HN) is a mitochondrial-derived peptide found in brain tissues of patients with familial AD and has been increasingly investigated in AD and other neurodegenerative diseases.Scope of reviewIn this review, we summarize and discuss the effects of HN on the pathology of neurodegenerative diseases and cognition based on several studies from preclinical to clinical models. The association between cardiac ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury and brain are also included. Findings from in vitro studies and those involving mice provide the most fundamental information on the impact of HN and its potential association with clinical studies.Major conclusionsHN plays a considerable role in countering the progression and neuropathology of AD. Inhibition and reduction of oxidative stress and neuroinflammation of the original amyloid hypothesis is the mainstay mechanism. Multiple intracellular mechanisms will be elucidated, including those involved in the anti-apoptotic signaling cascades, the insulin signaling pathway, and mitochondrial function, and especially autophagic activity. These beneficial roles are also found following cardiac I/R injury. Cognitive improvement was found to be related to maintenance of synaptic integrity and neurotransmitter modulation. Small humanin-like peptide 2 demonstrates the neuroprotective effects in PD and AMD via prevention of mitochondrial loss.General significanceComprehensive knowledge of HN effects on cognition and neurodegenerative diseases emphasizes its potential to treat a viable disease, as it ameliorates the pathogenesis of the disease.     

Interactions of GFAP with ceftriaxone and phenytoin: SRCD and molecular docking and dynamic simulation

BackgroundGFAP is the major intermediate filament protein in mature astrocytes. Its increased expression and aggregation was firstly associated to Alexander's disease, and successively in different neurological diseases including scrapie, Alzheimer's and Creutzfeld–Jacob diseases. Recently, ceftriaxone a multi-potent β-lactam antibiotic able to overcome the blood–brain barrier, successfully eliminated the cellular toxic effects of misfolded mutated GFAP, similarly to phenytoin sodium, in a cellular model of Alexander's disease and inhibited α-synuclein aggregation protecting PC12 cells from the exposure to 6-hydroxydopamine.MethodsIn this study, synchrotron radiation circular dichroism spectroscopy has been used to obtain structural information about the GFAP-ceftriaxone (phenytoin) interactions, while computational methods allowed the identification of the relevant putative binding site of either ceftriaxone or phenytoin on the dimer structure of GFAP, permitting to rationalize the spectroscopic experimental results.ResultsWe found that GFAP exhibited enhanced stability upon the addition of two equivalents of each ligands with ceftriaxone imparting a more spontaneous interactions and a more ordered complex system than phenytoin.ConclusionsSRCD data and MD models indicate a stronger protective effect of ceftriaxone in neurological disorders characterized by an increased production and polymerization of GFAP.General significanceThis result, in addition to our previous works in which we documented that ceftriaxone interacts with α-synuclein inhibiting its pathological aggregation and that a cyclical treatment with this molecule in a patient with adult-onset Alexander's disease halted, and partly reversed, the progression of neurodegeneration, suggests the possibility of a chaperone-like effect of ceftriaxone on protein involved in specific neurodegenerative diseases.     

A synthetic 2,3-diarylindole induces microtubule destabilization and G2/M cell cycle arrest in lung cancer cells

The anticancer potential of a synthetic 2,3-diarylindole (PCNT13) has been demonstrated in A549 lung cancer cells by inducing both apoptosis and autophagic cell death. In this report, we designed to connect a fluorophore to the compound via a hydrophilic linker for monitoring intracellular localization. The best position for linker attachment was identified from cytotoxicity and effect on cell morphology of newly synthesized PCNT13 derivatives bearing hydrophilic linker. Cytotoxicity and effect on cell morphology related to the parental compound were used to identify the optimum position for linker attachment in the PCNT13 chemical structure. The fluorophore-PCNT13 conjugate was found to localize in the cytoplasm. Microtubules were found to be one of the cytosolic target proteins of PCNT13, as the compound could inhibit tubulin polymerization in vitro. A molecular docking study revealed that PCNT13 binds at the colchicine binding site on the α/β-tubulin heterodimer. The effect of PCNT13 on microtubule dynamics caused cell cycle arrest in the G2/M phase as analyzed by flow cytometric analysis.     

The neuroprotective potential of carotenoids in vitro and in vivo

BackgroundDespite advances in research on neurodegenerative diseases, the pathogenesis and treatment response of neurodegenerative diseases remain unclear. Recent studies revealed a significant role of carotenoids to treat neurodegenerative diseases. The aim of this study was to systematically review the neuroprotective potential of carotenoids in vivo and in vitro and the molecular mechanisms and pathological factors contributing to major neurodegenerative diseases (Alzheimer's disease, Huntington's disease, Parkinson's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and stroke).HypothesisCarotenoids as therapeutic molecules to target neurodegenerative diseases.ResultsAggregation of toxic proteins, mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, the excitotoxic pathway, and neuroinflammation were the major pathological factors contributing to the progression of neurodegenerative diseases. Furthermore, in vitro and in vivo studies supported the beneficiary role of carotenoids, namely lycopene, β-carotene, crocin, crocetin, lutein, fucoxanthin and astaxanthin in alleviating disease progression. These carotenoids provide neuroprotection by inhibition of neuro-inflammation, microglial activation, excitotoxic pathway, modulation of autophagy, attenuation of oxidative damage and activation of defensive antioxidant enzymes. Additionally, studies conducted on humans also demonstrated that dietary intake of carotenoids lowers the risk of neurodegenerative diseases.ConclusionCarotenoids may be used as drugs to prevent and treat neurodegenerative diseases. Although, the in vitro and in vivo results are encouraging, further well conducted clinical studies on humans are required to conclude about the full potential of neurodegenerative diseases.     

"肠道微生物-肠道-脑轴"机制--肠道微生物干预神经退行性病变研究进展

肠道微生物是人体中最为庞大和复杂的微生物群落,其对机体的健康,尤其是中枢神经退行性病变具有重要调节作用。其中,"肠道微生物-肠道-脑轴"机制是肠道微生物干预中枢神经退行性病变的重要途径。该机制主要通过以下三种方式来调节大脑功能:一是肠道微生物直接产生神经递质通过肠神经细胞上行至中枢神经系统;二是肠道微生物代谢产物刺激肠内分泌细胞产生神经肽类和胃肠激素类物质,影响大脑功能;三是肠道微生物或其代谢产物直接刺激肠道免疫系统,产生干扰素类物质干扰大脑免疫反应。本文对"肠道微生物-肠道-脑轴"机制的概念及研究进展进行了详细的介绍,同时总结了有关肠道微生物与阿尔兹海默症、帕金森症和多发性硬化症等神经退行性疾病相互作用的相关文献。依据"肠道微生物-肠道-脑轴"机制,利用肠道微生物预防和治疗神经退行性病变,或将成为解决中枢神经系统疾病的新措施。     

Signaling mechanisms underlying inhibition of neuroinflammation by resveratrol in neurodegenerative diseases

Neurodegenerative diseases (NDs), including Alzheimer's disease (AD), and Parkinson's disease (PD), are characterized by the progressive loss of the structure and function of neurons and most commonly occur in the elderly population. Microglia are resident macrophages of the central nervous system (CNS). The neuroinflammation caused by excessive microglial activation is closely related to the onset and progression of many NDs. Therefore, inhibiting excessive microglial activation is a potential drug target for controlling neuroinflammation. In recent years, natural products as modulators of microglial polarization have attracted considerable attention in the field of NDs therapy. Furthermore, resveratrol (RES) has been found to have a protective effect in NDs through the inhibition of microglial activation and the regulation of neuroinflammation. In this review, we mainly summarize the therapeutic potential of RES and its various molecular mechanisms in the treatment of NDs through the modulation of microglial activation.     

Apelin/APJ system: A novel promising target for neurodegenerative diseases

Neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), and Huntington's disease (HD), are incurable diseases characterized by progressive loss of cognitive or motor function, which construct a serious threat to the life quality of aging populations and their life spans. Apelin is an endogenous ligand for the G protein-coupled receptor. Apelin is reported to be detected not only in the cardiovascular system but also in neurons of the central nervous system (CNS). In addition, alterations in the expression level of apelin appear to play a pivotal role in various physiological processes including loss of structure or function of neurons, inflammatory responses, oxidative stress, Ca²⁺ signaling, apoptosis, and autophagy. All of these processes are intimately related to the occurrence of neurodegenerative diseases. Recently, apelin is reported to improve cognitive impairment in PD by antioxidant and antiapoptotic properties. Hence, it is becoming increasingly appreciated that altering the level of apelin can change the course or dictate the outcome of neurodegenerative events such as AD, PD, and HD, suggesting that apelin could be a potential target for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases possibly acting on a variety of signaling pathways such as suppression of inflammatory responses, inhibition of oxidative stress, reduction of Ca²⁺ signaling, induction of autophagy, and suppression of apoptosis.     

Biological and pathophysiological roles of end-products of DHA oxidation

BackgroundPolyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) are known to be present and/or enriched in vegetable and fish oils. Among fatty acids, n-3 PUFA are generally considered to be protective in inflammation-related diseases. The guidelines for substituting saturated fatty acids for PUFAs have been highly publicized for decades by numerous health organizations. Recently, however, the beneficial properties of n-3 PUFA are questioned by detailed analyses of multiple randomized controlled clinical trials. The reported heterogeneity of results is likely due not only to differential effects of PUFAs on various pathological processes in humans, but also to the wide spectrum of PUFA's derived products generated in vivo.Scope of reviewThe goal of this review is to discuss the studies focused on well-defined end-products of PUFAs oxidation, their generation, presence in various pathological and physiological conditions, their biological activities and known receptors. Carboxyethylpyrrole (CEP), a DHA-derived oxidized product, is especially emphasized due to recent data demonstrating its pathophysiological significance in many inflammation-associated diseases, including atherosclerosis, hyperlipidemia, thrombosis, macular degeneration, and tumor progression.Major conclusionsCEP is a product of radical-based oxidation of PUFA that forms adducts with proteins and lipids in blood and tissues, generating new powerful ligands for TLRs and scavenger receptors. The interaction of CEP with these receptors affects inflammatory response, angiogenesis, and wound healing.General significanceThe detailed understanding of CEP–mediated cellular responses may provide a basis for the development of novel therapeutic strategies and dietary recommendations.