Early life allergen-induced mucus overproduction requires augmented neural stimulation of pulmonary neuroendocrine cell secretion [Research]
Pulmonary neuroendocrine cells (PNECs) are the only innervated airway epithelial cells. To what extent neural innervation regulates PNEC secretion and function is unknown. Here, we discover that neurotrophin 4 (NT4) plays an essential role in mucus overproduction after early life allergen exposure by orchestrating PNEC innervation and secretion of GABA. We found that PNECs were the only cellular source of GABA in airways. In addition, PNECs expressed NT4 as a target-derived mechanism underlying PNEC innervation during development. Early life allergen exposure elevated the level of NT4 and caused PNEC hyperinnervation and n...
Source: FASEB Journal - August 31, 2017 Category: Biology Authors: Barrios, J., Patel, K. R., Aven, L., Achey, R., Minns, M. S., Lee, Y., Trinkaus-Randall, V. E., Ai, X. Tags: Research Source Type: research
Histone deacetylase 1 activates PU.1 gene transcription through regulating TAF9 deacetylation and transcription factor IID assembly [Research]
In this study, we used erythroid differentiation as a model to analyze how the PU.1 gene is regulated. We found that active HDAC1 is directly recruited to active PU.1 promoter in progenitor cells, whereas acetylated HDAC1, which is inactive, is on the silenced PU.1 promoter in differentiated erythroid cells. We then studied the mechanism of HDAC1-mediated activation. We discovered that HDAC1 activates PU.1 gene transcription via deacetylation of TATA-binding protein–associated factor 9 (TAF9), a component in the transcription factor IID (TFIID) complex. Treatment with HDAC inhibitor results in an increase in TAF9 ace...
Source: FASEB Journal - August 31, 2017 Category: Biology Authors: Jian, W., Yan, B., Huang, S., Qiu, Y. Tags: Research Source Type: research
APMAP interacts with lysyl oxidase-like proteins, and disruption of Apmap leads to beneficial visceral adipose tissue expansion [Research]
Adipocyte plasma membrane–associated protein (APMAP) has been described as an adipogenic factor in 3T3-L1 cells with unknown biochemical function; we therefore aimed to investigate the physiologic function of APMAP in vivo. We generated Apmap-knockout mice and challenged them with an obesogenic diet to investigate their metabolic phenotype. We identified a novel truncated adipocyte-specific isoform of APMAP in mice that is produced by alternative transcription. Mice lacking the full-length APMAP protein, the only isoform that is expressed in humans, have an improved metabolic phenotype upon diet-induced obesity, indi...
Source: FASEB Journal - August 31, 2017 Category: Biology Authors: Pessentheiner, A. R., Huber, K., Pelzmann, H. J., Prokesch, A., Radner, F. P. W., Wolinski, H., Lindroos-Christensen, J., Hoefler, G., Rülicke, T., Birner-Gruenberger, R., Bilban, M., Bogner-Strauss, J. G. Tags: Research Source Type: research
Protein malnutrition blunts the increment of taurine transporter expression by a high-fat diet and impairs taurine reestablishment of insulin secretion [Research]
Taurine (Tau) restores β-cell function in obesity; however, its action is lost in malnourished obese rodents. Here, we investigated the mechanisms involved in the lack of effects of Tau in this model. C57BL/6 mice were fed a control diet (CD) (14% protein) or a protein-restricted diet (RD) (6% protein) for 6 wk. Afterward, mice received a high-fat diet (HFD) for 8 wk [CD + HFD (CH) and RD + HFD (RH)] with or without 5% Tau supplementation after weaning on their drinking water [CH + Tau (CHT) and RH + Tau (RHT)]. The HFD increased insulin secretion through mitochondrial metabolism in CH and RH. Tau prevented all those ...
Source: FASEB Journal - August 31, 2017 Category: Biology Authors: Branco, R. C. S., Camargo, R. L., Batista, T. M., Vettorazzi, J. F., Borck, P. C., dos Santos-Silva, J. C. R., Boschero, A. C., Zoppi, C. C., Carneiro, E. M. Tags: Research Source Type: research
Implications for breast cancer treatment from increased autotaxin production in adipose tissue after radiotherapy [Research]
We have previously established that adipose tissue adjacent to breast tumors becomes inflamed by tumor-derived cytokines. This stimulates autotaxin (ATX) secretion from adipocytes, whereas breast cancer cells produce insignificant ATX. Lysophosphatidate produced by ATX promotes inflammatory cytokine secretion in a vicious inflammatory cycle, which increases tumor growth and metastasis and decreases response to chemotherapy. We hypothesized that damage to adipose tissue during radiotherapy for breast cancer should promote lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) signaling and further inflammatory signaling, which could potentially prote...
Source: FASEB Journal - August 31, 2017 Category: Biology Authors: Meng, G., Tang, X., Yang, Z., Benesch, M. G. K., Marshall, A., Murray, D., Hemmings, D. G., Wuest, F., McMullen, T. P. W., Brindley, D. N. Tags: Research Source Type: research
Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) is a novel biomarker for the prediction of autoimmune diabetes [Research]
Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) is expressed in peri-islet Schwann cells, as well as in glia cells, and has been reported to be an autoantigen candidate for type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). We confirmed that the production of the autoantibodies GFAP and glutamic acid decarboxylase 65 (GAD65) was increased and inversely correlated with the concentration of secreted C peptide in female nonobese diabetic mice (T1DM model). Importantly, the development of T1DM in female nonobese diabetic mice at 30 wk of age was predicted by the positive GFAP autoantibody titer at 17 wk. The production of GFAP and GAD65 autoantibodies w...
Source: FASEB Journal - August 31, 2017 Category: Biology Authors: Pang, Z., Kushiyama, A., Sun, J., Kikuchi, T., Yamazaki, H., Iwamoto, Y., Koriyama, H., Yoshida, S., Shimamura, M., Higuchi, M., Kawano, T., Takami, Y., Rakugi, H., Morishita, R., Nakagami, H. Tags: Research Source Type: research
Bitter taste receptors as targets for tocolytics in preterm labor therapy [Research]
Preterm birth (PTB) is the leading cause of neonatal mortality and morbidity, with few prevention and treatment options. Uterine contraction is a central feature of PTB, so gaining new insights into the mechanisms of this contraction and consequently identifying novel targets for tocolytics are essential for more successful management of PTB. Here we report that myometrial cells from human and mouse express bitter taste receptors (TAS2Rs) and their canonical signaling components (i.e., G-protein gustducin and phospholipase C β2). Bitter tastants can completely relax myometrium precontracted by different uterotonics. I...
Source: FASEB Journal - August 31, 2017 Category: Biology Authors: Zheng, K., Lu, P., Delpapa, E., Bellve, K., Deng, R., Condon, J. C., Fogarty, K., Lifshitz, L. M., Simas, T. A. M., Shi, F., ZhuGe, R. Tags: Research Source Type: research
Prostaglandin E receptor subtype 4 regulates lipid droplet size and mitochondrial activity in murine subcutaneous white adipose tissue [Research]
The purpose of this study was to investigate whether genetic ablation of prostaglandin E receptor subtype 4 (EP4) affects white adipose tissue (WAT) remodeling mediated by β3-adrenergic stimulation. The selective β3-adrenergic agonist, CL316243 (1 mg/kg/d, i.p.) caused a greater increase in metabolic rate in EP4-knockout mice. CL316243 fragmented the unilocular lipid droplet into multilocular lipid vacuoles and increased mitochondrial biogenesis and its activity. These changes were amplified in mice with EP4 deficiency and were selectively seen in subcutaneous WAT. The expression of fat-specific protein (FSP)-27,...
Source: FASEB Journal - August 31, 2017 Category: Biology Authors: Ying, F., Cai, Y., Cai, Y., Wang, Y., Tang, E. H. C. Tags: Research Source Type: research
Effects of deficiency of Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 on skeletal organization: a mechanism for diminished nuclear factor of activated T cells cytoplasmic 1 during osteoclastogenesis [Research]
Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1) binds to nuclear factor E2 p45-related factor 2 (Nrf2), a transcription factor for antioxidant enzymes, to suppress Nrf2 activation. The role of oxidative stress in many diseases supports the possibility that processes that are associated with Nrf2 activation might offer therapeutic potential. Nrf2 deficiency induces osteoclastogenesis, which is responsible for bone loss, by activating receptor activator of NF-B ligand (RANKL)–mediated signaling; however, the effects of Keap1 deficiency remain unclear. By using Keap1-deficient newborn mice, we observed that talus and calcan...
Source: FASEB Journal - August 31, 2017 Category: Biology Authors: Sakai, E., Morita, M., Ohuchi, M., Kido, M. A., Fukuma, Y., Nishishita, K., Okamoto, K., Itoh, K., Yamamoto, M., Tsukuba, T. Tags: Research Source Type: research
Hepatocyte-specific sirtuin 6 deletion predisposes to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis by up-regulation of Bach1, an Nrf2 repressor [Research]
Sirtuin (Sirt)6 has been implicated in negative regulation of inflammation and lipid metabolism, although its function in the progression from simple steatosis to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) remains to be defined. To explore the role of hepatocyte Sirt6 in NASH development, we generated hepatocyte-specific Sirt6-knockout (KO) mice that were fed a high-fat and high-fructose (HFHF) diet for 16 wk. HFHF-fed KO mice had increased hepatic steatosis and inflammation and aggravated glucose intolerance and insulin resistance compared with wild-type mice. HFHF-induced liver fibrosis and oxidative stress and related gene exp...
Source: FASEB Journal - August 31, 2017 Category: Biology Authors: Ka, S.-O., Bang, I. H., Bae, E. J., Park, B.-H. Tags: Research Source Type: research
Tendon stem/progenitor cells regulate inflammation in tendon healing via JNK and STAT3 signaling [Research]
Tendon stem/progenitor cells (TSCs) have been found in different anatomic locations and showed a promising regenerative potential. We identified a role of TSCs in the regulation of inflammation during healing of acute tendon injuries. Delivery of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) into full-transected rat patellar tendons significantly increased the number of CD146+ TSCs, leading to enhanced healing. In parallel, CTGF delivery significantly reduced the number of iNOS+ M1 macrophages and increased the expression of anti-inflammatory IL-10 at 2 d after surgery, with over 85% CD146+ TSCs expressing IL-10. By 1 wk, the ele...
Source: FASEB Journal - August 31, 2017 Category: Biology Authors: Tarafder, S., Chen, E., Jun, Y., Kao, K., Sim, K. H., Back, J., Lee, F. Y., Lee, C. H. Tags: Research Source Type: research
PACSIN2 accelerates nephrin trafficking and is up-regulated in diabetic kidney disease [Research]
Nephrin is a core component of podocyte (glomerular epithelial cell) slit diaphragm and is required for kidney ultrafiltration. Down-regulation or mislocalization of nephrin has been observed in diabetic kidney disease (DKD), characterized by albuminuria. Here, we investigate the role of protein kinase C and casein kinase 2 substrate in neurons 2 (PACSIN2), a regulator of endocytosis and recycling, in the trafficking of nephrin and development of DKD. We observe that PACSIN2 is up-regulated and nephrin mislocalized in podocytes of obese Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF) rats that have altered renal function. In cultured podocyte...
Source: FASEB Journal - August 31, 2017 Category: Biology Authors: Dumont, V., Tolvanen, T. A., Kuusela, S., Wang, H., Nyman, T. A., Lindfors, S., Tienari, J., Nisen, H., Suetsugu, S., Plomann, M., Kawachi, H., Lehtonen, S. Tags: Research Source Type: research
Physiologic regulation of heart rate and blood pressure involves connexin 36-containing gap junctions [Research]
Chronically elevated sympathetic nervous activity underlies many cardiovascular diseases. Elucidating the mechanisms contributing to sympathetic nervous system output may reveal new avenues of treatment. The contribution of the gap junctional protein connexin 36 (Cx36) to the regulation of sympathetic activity and thus blood pressure and heart rate was determined using a mouse with specific genetic deletion of Cx36. Ablation of the Cx36 protein was confirmed in sympathetic preganglionic neurons of Cx36-knockout (KO) mice. Telemetric analysis from conscious Cx36 KO mice revealed higher variance in heart rate and blood press...
Source: FASEB Journal - August 31, 2017 Category: Biology Authors: Lall, V. K., Bruce, G., Voytenko, L., Drinkhill, M., Wellershaus, K., Willecke, K., Deuchars, J., Deuchars, S. A. Tags: Research Source Type: research
Serum amyloid A: an ozone-induced circulating factor with potentially important functions in the lung-brain axis [Research]
Accumulating evidence suggests that O3 exposure may contribute to CNS dysfunction. Here, we posit that inflammatory and acute-phase proteins in the circulation increase after O3 exposure and systemically convey signals of O3 exposure to the CNS. To model acute O3 exposure, female Balb/c mice were exposed to 3 ppm O3 or forced air for 2 h and were studied after 6 or 24 h. Of 23 cytokines and chemokines, only KC/CXCL1 was increased in blood 6 h after O3 exposure. The acute-phase protein serum amyloid A (A-SAA) was significantly increased by 24 h, whereas C-reactive protein was unchanged. A-SAA in blood correlated with total ...
Source: FASEB Journal - August 31, 2017 Category: Biology Authors: Erickson, M. A., Jude, J., Zhao, H., Rhea, E. M., Salameh, T. S., Jester, W., Pu, S., Harrowitz, J., Nguyen, N., Banks, W. A., Panettieri, R. A., Jordan-Sciutto, K. L. Tags: Research Source Type: research
Conditional ablation of Raptor in the male germline causes infertility due to meiotic arrest and impaired inactivation of sex chromosomes [Research]
Rapamycin is a clinically important drug that is used in transplantation and cancer therapy but which causes a number of side effects, including male infertility. Its canonical target, mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1), plays a key role in metabolism and binds chromatin; however, its precise role in the male germline has not been elucidated. Here, we inactivate the core component, Raptor, to show that mTORC1 function is critical for male meiosis and the inactivation of sex chromosomes. Disruption of the Raptor gene impairs chromosomal synapsis and prevents the efficient spreading of silencing factors into th...
Source: FASEB Journal - August 31, 2017 Category: Biology Authors: Xiong, M., Zhu, Z., Tian, S., Zhu, R., Bai, S., Fu, K., Davis, J. G., Sun, Z., Baur, J. A., Zheng, K., Ye, L. Tags: Research Source Type: research
