Induction of Krüppel‐like factor 2 reduces K/BxN serum‐induced arthritis

Krüppel‐like factor 2 (KLF2) critically regulates activation and function of monocyte, which plays important pathogenic role in progressive joint destruction in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). It is yet to be established the molecular basis of KLF2‐mediated regulation of monocytes in RA pathogenesis. Herein, we show that a class of compound, HDAC inhibitors (HDACi) induced KLF2 expression in monocytes both in vitro and in vivo. KLF2 level was also elevated in tissues, such as bone marrow, spleen and thymus in mice after infusion of HDACi. Importantly, HDACi significantly reduced osteoclastic differentiation of monocytes with the up‐regulation of KLF2 and concomitant down‐regulation of matrixmetalloproteinases both in the expression level as well as in the protein level. In addition, HDACi reduced K/BxN serum‐induced arthritic inflammation and joint destruction in mice in a dose‐dependent manner. Finally, co‐immunoprecipitation and overexpression studies confirmed that KLF2 directly interacts with HDAC4 molecule in cells. These findings provide mechanistic evidence of KLF2‐mediated regulation of K/BxN serum‐induced arthritic inflammation.     

Differential seminal plasma proteome signatures of acute lymphoblastic leukemia survivors

With advances in therapeutic methods, there is a high survival rate among leukemia patients, of an extent more than 80%. However, chemotherapeutic drugs used to treat these patients have adverse effects on their overall health profile including fertility. The primary aim of this study was to identify differentially expressed proteins in seminal plasma of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) survivors compared to age-matched healthy controls, which can provide molecular basis of idiopathic infertility in such survivors. Differential proteome profiling was performed by 2D–differential in-gel electrophoresis, protein spots were identified by mass spectrometry and selective differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were validated by western blotting and ELISA method. Out of eight DEPs identified, five proteins (isocitrate dehydrogenase 1, semenogelin 1, lactoferrin, prolactin-inducible protein, and human serum albumin) were upregulated and three (pepsinogen, prostate specific antigen and prostatic acid phosphatase) were downregulated. Expression profiles of these proteins are suggestive of reduction in semen quality in ALL survivors and can further be explored to determine their fertility status.     

Metabolic coupling in the co-cultured fungal-yeast suite of Trametes ljubarskyi and Rhodotorula mucilaginosa leads to hypersecretion of laccase isozymes

Trametes ljubarskyi produces multiple laccase isozymes under various physicochemical conditions. During co-cultivation condition Rhodotorula mucilaginosa showed inter-specific interactions with T. ljubarskyi and hypersecretion of laccases; however, the underlying molecular mechanism is less-known. The analysis of proteomics data of co-cultivated cultures revealed the mechanism of metabolic coupling during fungal-yeast interactions. The results suggested high score GO terms related to stimulus-response, protein binding, membrane components, transport channels, oxidoreductases, and antioxidants. The SEM studies confirmed the cellular communication and their inter-specific interactions. This study allows us to deepen and refine our understanding of fungal-yeast symbiotic interaction; further, it also establishes a mutual relation by metabolic coupling for 10-fold higher laccase isozyme secretion (6532 U/ml). The purified laccase isozymes showed acidic pH optima (pH 3–4), higher thermo-stability (60 °C), and broad enzyme kinetics (K_m) values. Our study also provides an in-depth understanding of laccase isozymes and their potential to degrade synthetic dyes, which may help the fungi to survive in an adverse environment.     

Alkaloid production in Vernonia cinerea: Callus, cell suspension and root cultures

Fast-growing callus, cell suspension and root cultures of Vernonia cinerea, a medicinal plant, were analyzed for the presence of alkaloids. Callus and root cultures were established from young leaf explants in Murashige and Skoog (MS) basal media supplemented with combinations of auxins and cytokinins, whereas cell suspension cultures were established from callus cultures. Maximum biomass of callus, cell suspension and root cultures were obtained in the medium supplemented with 1 mg/L alpha-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) and 5 mg/L benzylaminopurine (BA), 1.0 mg/L NAA and 0.1 mg/L BA and 1.5 mg/L NAA, respectively. The 5-week-old callus cultures resulted in maximum biomass and alkaloid contents (750 microg/g). Cell suspension growth and alkaloid contents were maximal in 20-day-old cultures and alkaloid contents were 1.15 mg/g. A 0.2-g sample of root tissue regenerated in semi-solid medium upon transfer to liquid MS medium containing 1.5 mg/L NAA regenerated a maximum increase in biomass of 6.3-fold over a period of 5 weeks. The highest root growth and alkaloid contents of 2 mg/g dry weight were obtained in 5-week-old cultures. Maximum alkaloid contents were obtained in root cultures in vitro compared to all others including the alkaloid content of in vivo obtained with aerial parts and roots (800 microg/g and 1.2 mg/g dry weight, respectively) of V. cinerea.