Toll‐like receptor 9 protects non‐immune cells from stress by modulating mitochondrial ATP synthesis through the inhibition of SERCA2

Toll‐like receptor 9 (TLR9) has a key role in the recognition of pathogen DNA in the context of infection and cellular DNA that is released from damaged cells. Pro‐inflammatory TLR9 signalling pathways in immune cells have been well investigated, but we have recently discovered an alternative pathway in which TLR9 temporarily reduces energy substrates to induce cellular protection from stress in cardiomyocytes and neurons. However, the mechanism by which TLR9 stimulation reduces energy substrates remained unknown. Here, we identify the calcium‐transporting ATPase, SERCA2 (also known as Atp2a2), as a key molecule for the alternative TLR9 signalling pathway. TLR9 stimulation reduces SERCA2 activity, modulating Ca²⁺ handling between the SR/ER and mitochondria, which leads to a decrease in mitochondrial ATP levels and the activation of cellular protective machinery. These findings reveal how distinct innate responses can be elicited in immune and non‐immune cells—including cardiomyocytes—using the same ligand‐receptor system.     

Quaternary structure of the mitochondrial TIM23 complex reveals dynamic association between Tim23p and other subunits

Tim23p is an essential channel-forming component of the multisubunit TIM23 complex of the mitochondrial inner membrane that mediates protein import. Radiolabeled Tim23p monocysteine mutants were imported in vitro, incorporated into functional TIM23 complexes, and subjected to chemical cross-linking. Three regions of proximity between Tim23p and other subunits of the TIM23 complex were identified: Tim17p and the first transmembrane segment of Tim23p; Tim50p and the C-terminal end of the Tim23p hydrophilic region; and the entire hydrophilic domains of Tim23p molecules. These regions of proximity reversibly change in response to changes in membrane potential across the inner membrane and also when a translocating substrate is trapped in the TIM23 complex. These structural changes reveal that the macromolecular arrangement within the TIM23 complex is dynamic and varies with the physiological state of the mitochondrion.     

Transient growth inhibition of Escherichia coli K-12 by ion chelators: "in vivo" inhibition of ribonucleic acid synthesis.

The ion chelators picolinic acid, quinaldic acid, 1,10-phenanthroline, and 8-hydroxyquinoline, but not ethylenediaminetetraacetate, ethyleneglycol-bis-(beta-aminoethyl ether)-N,N-tetraacetate, or dipicolinic acid, rapidly but transiently arrest growth of Escherichia coli K-12. Cells adapt and become resistant to growth inhibition by these agents, a process which requires protein synthesis. Mn2+, at low concentrations, decreases the time required for resumption of growth. Proteins synthesized during the lag are quantitatively and qualitatively different from those synthesized during normal growth. Inhibition of growth can explained by an effect on RNA polymerase, a known metalloenzyme.     

Method for Eliminating Anticomplementary Activity in Animal Sera

A method is described for removing the anticomplementary activity of sera by the addition of normal porcine serum. Results of sera taken from four animal species immunized with influenza, coxsackievirus, echovirus, and vaccinia viral antigens are presented.     

Use of signal quality measurements to gain efficiency in the analysis of cDNA microarray data

This research provides a new way to measure error in microarray data in order to improve gene expression analysis.Microarray data contains many sources of error.In order to glean information about mRNA expression levels,the true signal must first be segregated from noise.This research focuses on the variation that can be captured at the spot level in cDNA microarray images.Variation at other levels,due to differences at the array,dye,and block levels,can be corrected for by a variety of existing normalizati...