Lizeth Fuentes-Mera

Proteomic Profiling Reveals That Resveratrol Inhibits HSP27 Expression and Sensitizes Breast Cancer Cells to Doxorubicin Therapy

The use of chemopreventive natural compounds represents a promising strategy in the search for novel therapeutic agents in cancer. Resveratrol (3,4′,5-trans-trihydroxystilbilene) is a dietary polyphenol found in fruits, vegetables and medicinal plants that exhibits chemopreventive and antitumor effects. In this study, we searched for modulated proteins with preventive or therapeutic potential in MCF-7 breast cancer cells exposed to resveratrol. Using two-dimensional electrophoresis we found significant changes (FC >2.0; p≤0.05) in the expression of 16 proteins in resveratrol-treated MCF-7 cells. Six down-regulated proteins were identified by tandem mass spectrometry (ESI-MS/MS) as heat shock protein 27 (HSP27), translationally-controlled tumor protein, peroxiredoxin-6, stress-induced-phosphoprotein-1, pyridoxine-5′-phosphate oxidase-1 and hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyl transferase; whereas one up-regulated protein was identified as triosephosphate isomerase. Particularly, HSP27 overexpression has been associated to apoptosis inhibition and resistance of human cancer cells to therapy. Consistently, we demonstrated that resveratrol induces apoptosis in MCF-7 cells. Apoptosis was associated with a significant increase in mitochondrial permeability transition, cytochrome c release in cytoplasm, and caspases -3 and -9 independent cell death. Then, we evaluated the chemosensitization effect of increasing concentrations of resveratrol in combination with doxorubicin anti-neoplastic agent in vitro. We found that resveratrol effectively sensitize MCF-7 cells to cytotoxic therapy. Next, we evaluated the relevance of HSP27 targeted inhibition in therapy effectiveness. Results evidenced that HSP27 inhibition using RNA interference enhances the cytotoxicity of doxorubicin. In conclusion, our data indicate that resveratrol may improve the therapeutic effects of doxorubicin in part by cell death induction. We propose that potential modulation of HSP27 levels using natural alternative agents, as resveratrol, may be an effective adjuvant in breast cancer therapy.

Characterization of Mesenchymal Stem Cell Subpopulations from Human Amniotic Membrane with Dissimilar Osteoblastic Potential

Human fetal mesenchymal stem cells can be isolated from the amniotic membrane (AM-hMSCs) by enzymatic digestion. The biological properties of this cell population have been characterized; however, few studies have focused on the presence of stem cell subpopulations and their differentiation potential. The aim of the present study was to isolate homogeneous AM-hMSC subpopulations based on the coexpression of surface markers. In addition, we aimed to characterize stem cell subpopulations through the detection of typical stem cell markers and its differentiation potential. In this study, fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) was used to positively select for the surface markers CD44, CD73, and CD105. Two subpopulations were isolated: CD44+ / CD73+ / CD105+ (CD105+), and CD44+ / CD73+ / CD105- (CD105-). To characterize the cell subpopulations, the expression of pluripotency-associated markers was analyzed by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction and immunofluorescence. Our results showed positive expression of SOX2, SOX3, PAX6, OCT3/4, and NANOG in the CD105+ and CD105(-) cell subpopulations. In contrast, we did not detect expression of SSEA4 or FOXD3 in either subpopulation. Immunophenotypes, such as mesenchymal and hematopoietic markers, were studied by FACS analyses. Our data revealed the expression of the CD49a, CD49d, CD29, integrin α9β1, CD44, CD73, and CD105 antigens in both subpopulations. In contrast, CD90, CD45, CD34, CD14, and HLA-DR expression was not detected. The ability of both subpopulations to differentiate into osteoblasts, adipocytes, and chondrocytes was evidenced using Alizarin red, Oil-Red, and Alcian blue staining, respectively. Furthermore, neuronal differentiation was demonstrated by the expression of GFAP and NEURO-D. Interestingly, we observed a dissimilar osteoblastic differentiation potential between the subpopulations. CD105- cells showed stronger expression of secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC) and osteonectin, which was associated with more effective calcium deposition, than CD105+ cells. In conclusion, we described a systematic method for the isolation of hMSCs that was highly reproducible and generated homogeneous cultures for osteoblast differentiation with an efficient capacity for mineralization.

Saturated lipids decrease mitofusin 2 leading to endoplasmic reticulum stress activation and insulin resistance in hypothalamic cells

Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and mitochondria dysfunction contribute to insulin resistance generation during obesity and diabetes. ER and mitochondria interact through Mitofusin 2 (MTF2), which anchors in the outer mitochondrial and ER membranes regulating energy metabolism. Ablation of MTF2 leads to ER stress activation and insulin resistance. Here we determine whether lipotoxic insult induced by saturated lipids decreases MTF2 expression leading to ER stress response in hypothalamus and its effects on insulin sensitivity using in vitro and in vivo models. We found that lipotoxic stimulation induced by palmitic acid, but not the monounsaturated palmitoleic acid, decreases MTF2 protein levels in hypothalamic mHypoA-CLU192 cells. Also, palmitic acid incubation activates ER stress response evidenced by increase in the protein levels of GRP78/BIP marker at later stage than MTF2 downregulation. Additionally, we found that MTF2 alterations induced by palmitic, but not palmitoleic, stimulation exacerbate insulin resistance in hypothalamic cells. Insulin resistance induced by palmitic acid is prevented by pre-incubation of the anti-inflammatory and the ER stress release reagents, sodium salicylate and 4 phenylbutirate, respectively. Finally, we demonstrated that lipotoxic insult induced by high fat feeding to mice decreases MTF2 proteins levels in arcuate nucleus of hypothalamus. Our data indicate that saturated lipids modulate MTF2 expression in hypothalamus coordinating the ER stress response and the susceptibility to insulin resistance.

Proteomic profiling reveals that EhPC4 transcription factor induces cell migration through up-regulation of the 16-kDa actin-binding protein EhABP16 in Entamoeba histolytica☆

UNLABELLED Actin cytoskeleton is an essential structure involved in cell migration and invasion in parasites. In Entamoeba histolytica, the protozoan parasite causing human amoebiasis, the mechanisms underlying the expression of migration-related genes are poorly understood. Here, we investigated the biological effects of ectopic overexpression of EhPC4 (positive coactivator 4) in cell migration of E. histolytica trophozoites. Using differential in gel two-dimensional electrophoresis, 33 modulated proteins were detected in EhPC4-overexpressing cells. By electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (ESI-MS/MS) analysis, 16 of these proteins were identified. Interestingly, four up-regulated proteins involved in cytoskeleton organization and cell migration were identified. Particularly, we found the up-regulation of a 16-kDa actin-binding protein (EhABP16) which is a putative member of the cofilin/tropomyosin family involved in actin polymerization. EhPC4 overexpression induced a significant increase in migration of trophozoites and in the destruction of human SW480 colon cells. Consistently, silencing of gene expression by RNA interference of EhABP16 significantly impairs cell migration. These changes were associated to alterations in the organization of actin cytoskeleton, and suppression of uropod-like structure formation in EhABP16-deficient cells. In summary, we have uncovered novel proteins modulated by EhPC4, including EhABP16, with a potential role in cell migration, cytopathogenicity and virulence in E. histolytica. BIOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE The human pathogen Entamoeba histolytica infects around 50million people worldwide resulting in 40,000-100,000 deaths annually. Cell motility is a complex trait that is critical for parasites adaptation, spread and invasion processes into host tissues; it has been associated with virulence. In this study, we used a differential proteomic approach to demonstrate that E. histolytica EhPC4 induces changes in the expression of actin cytoskeleton proteins, including EhABP16, promoting a significant increase in cell motility and destruction of intestinal human cells. Particularly, we demonstrated for the first time that abrogation of EhABP16 impairs cell migration by altering the actin cytoskeleton dynamics and uropod-like structure formation in trophozoites. These data contribute to the understanding of molecular mechanisms that regulate virulence properties in this neglected protozoan parasite.

Genetic obesity alters recruitment of TANK-binding kinase 1 and AKT into hypothalamic lipid rafts domains

Lipid rafts (LRs) are membrane subdomains enriched in cholesterol, glycosphingolipids and sphingolipids containing saturated fatty acid. Signaling proteins become concentrated in these microdomains mainly by saturated fatty acid modification, thus facilitating formation of protein complexes and activation of specific signaling pathways. High intake of saturated fatty acids promotes inflammation and insulin resistance, in part by disrupting insulin signaling pathway. Here we investigate whether lipid-induced toxicity in obesity correlates with altered composition of insulin signaling proteins in LRs in the brain. Our results showed that insulin receptor (IR) is highly concentrated in LRs fraction in comparison with soluble or postsynaptic density (PSD) fractions. Analysis of LRs domains from hippocampus of obese mouse showed a significant decrease of IR and its downstream signaling protein AKT, while in the PSD fraction we detected partial decrease of AKT and no changes in the IR concentration. No changes were shown in the soluble extract. In hypothalamus, genetic obesity also decreases interaction of AKT, but we did not detect changes in the IR distribution. However, in this structure genetic obesity increases recruitment of the IR negative regulator TANK-binding kinase 1 (TBK1) into LRs and PSD fraction. No changes of AKT, IR and TBK1 were found in soluble fractions of obese in comparison with lean mice. In vitro studies showed that incubation with saturated palmitic acid but not with unsaturated docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) or palmitoleic acid decreases association of IR and AKT and increases TBK1 recruitment into LRs and PSD domains, emulating what happens in the obese mice. TBK1 recruitment to insoluble domains correlates with decreases of IR tyrosine phosphorylation and ser473 AKT phosphorylation, markers of insulin resistance. These data support the hypothesis that hyperlipidemia associated with genetic obesity alters targeting of TBK1 and insulin signaling proteins into insoluble LRs domains.

Nukbone® promotes proliferation and osteoblastic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells from human amniotic membrane

Bovine bone matrix Nukbone® (NKB) is an osseous tissue-engineering biomaterial that retains its mineral and organic phases and its natural bone topography and has been used as a xenoimplant for bone regeneration in clinics. There are not studies regarding its influence of the NKB in the behavior of cells during the repairing processes. The aim of this research is to demonstrate that NKB has an osteoinductive effect in human mesenchymal stem cells from amniotic membrane (AM-hMSCs). Results indicated that NKB favors the AM-hMSCs adhesion and proliferation up to 7 days in culture as shown by the scanning electron microscopy and proliferation measures using an alamarBlue assay. Furthermore, as demonstrated by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction, it was detected that two gene expression markers of osteoblastic differentiation: the core binding factor and osteocalcin were higher for AM-hMSCs co-cultured with NKB in comparison with cultivated cells in absence of the biomaterial. As the results indicate, NKB possess the capability for inducing successfully the osteoblastic differentiation of AM-hMSC, so that, NKB is an excellent xenoimplant option for repairing bone tissue defects.

Central Modulation of Neuroinflammation by Neuropeptides and Energy-Sensing Hormones during Obesity

Central nervous system (CNS) senses energy homeostasis by integrating both peripheral and autonomic signals and responding to them by neurotransmitters and neuropeptides release. Although it is previously considered an immunologically privileged organ, we now know that this is not so. Cells belonging to the immune system, such as B and T lymphocytes, can be recruited into the CNS to face damage or infection, in addition to possessing resident immunological cells, called microglia. In this way, positive energy balance during obesity promotes an inflammatory state in the CNS. Saturated fatty acids from the diet have been pointed out as powerful candidates to trigger immune response in peripheral system and in the CNS. However, how central immunity communicates to peripheral immune response remains to be clarified. Recently there has been a great interest in the neuropeptides, POMC derived peptides, ghrelin, and leptin, due to their capacity to suppress or induce inflammatory responses in the brain, respectively. These may be potential candidates to treat different pathologies associated with autoimmunity and inflammation. In this review, we will discuss the role of lipotoxicity associated with positive energy balance during obesity in proinflammatory response in microglia, B and T lymphocytes, and its modulation by neuropeptides.

Obesogenic diet intake during pregnancy programs aberrant synaptic plasticity and addiction-like behavior to a palatable food in offspring

&NA; Contextual food conditioned behaviors require plasticity of glutamatergic neurotransmission in the reward system, involving changes in the expression of including a‐amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐methylisoxazole 4‐propionate receptors (AMPA), N‐methyl‐D‐aspartic acid (NMDA) and metabotropic glutamate 2,3 (mGlur 2,3). However, the role of changes in glutamatergic synaptic markers on energy‐dense palatable food preference during development has not been described. Here, we determine the effect of nutritional programing during gestation on fat food choices using a conditioned place preference (CPP) test and an operant training response and its effect on glutamatergic markers in the nucleus accumbens (Nac) shell and prefrontal cortex (PFC). Our data showed that rats displayed preference for palatable fat food and an increase in caloric intake when compared to a chow diet. Notably, 74% of rats showing a preference for fat food intake correlate with a positive HFD‐paired score whereas 26% failed to get HFD‐conditioned. Also, male rats trained under an operant training response schedule (FR1, FR5 and PR) showed high and low responder groups to work for food. Notably, hypercaloric nutritional programing of female rats leads to exacerbation for reinforcers in female offspring compared to offspring from chow diet. Finally, we found that an operant training response to palatable reinforcers correlates with upregulation of mGlur 2,3 in the NAc shell and PFC of male rats and female offspring. Also, we found selective Nr1 upregulation in NAc shell and the PFC of female offspring. Our data suggest that nutritional programing by hypercaloric intake leads to incentive motivation to work for food and synaptic plasticity alteration in the mesolimbic system. HighlightsRats show CPP and motivation to palatable food diet intake.Fetal metabolic programing leads to addiction like‐behaviour in offspring.Hipercaloric intake during pregnancy results in synaptic plasticity defects.

Functional Roles of microRNAs in Cancer: microRNomes and oncomiRs Connection

Cancer is a complex group of diseases characterized by the presence of cells with uncontrolled growth, and high proliferation capacity. The complexity of cancer properties was outlined as the “hallmarks of cancer” a decade ago by Hanahan and Weinberg [1], and it comprises six alterations in cell physiology that dictate malignant growth including: (i) self-sufficiency in growth signals and uncontrolled growth of cells; (ii) insensitivity to antigrowth signals; (iii) evasion of apoptosis; 4 (iv) limitless replicative potential; (v) sustained angiogenesis; and (vi) acquisition of invasive properties to adjacent tissues and organs [1, 2]. These processes are regulated by protein-encoding genes whose expression switches-on or off during development and in response to cellular environment. Altered versions of the genes (tumor-suppressor genes and proto-oncogenes) which control the normal cellular processes arise from mutations, or expression deregulation in a multistep process resulting in cancer [3]. At the end of the transformation process, the malignant cells acquire growth independence, invasiveness and resistance to senescence and apoptosis. The acquired capabilities of cells to metastasize to other tissues and organs represent the most deadly hallmark of cancer [4-6].

Effect on growth and osteoblast mineralization of hydroxyapatite-zirconia (HA-ZrO2) obtained by a new low temperature system

Ceramics and bioceramics, as hydroxyapatite and zirconium, are used in bone tissue engineering. Hydroxyapatite has chemical properties similar to the bone while zirconium offers suitable mechanical properties. The aim of this article is to evaluate the ability to support cellular growth and osteoblastic mineralization of hydroxyapatite-zirconium obtained by a new system based on different low temperatures, as 873°K (HZ600), 923°K (HZ650) and 973°K (HZ700). Hydroxyapatite-zirconia obtained by this new system was examined in terms of thermogravimetric features and X-ray diffractograms. Furthermore, the ability for supporting osteoblast growth and mineralization were analyzed. By x-ray diffraction analysis, we clearly demonstrated that no high-temperature processing was required. Moreover, it is possible to form tetragonal-zirconium at 650°C. Proliferation assay showed that osteoblast growth was not influenced by any of the composite evaluated. Regarding osteogenic marker Col1, a 2 fold increase in expression was observed for HZ650 compared to HZ600 and HZ700. Interestingly, osteoblasts grown on HZ650 showed globular accretions covered with collagen bundles and calcium-rich extracellular matrix whereas HZ600 and HZ700 showed no phosphate or calcium deposits. This study demonstrated that at 650°C is possible to generate stable tetragonal-zirconium and the resulting HZ650 composite is able to promote a suitable osteoblast mineralization process.