Reticulum

Distribution by Scientific Domains
Distribution within Life Sciences

Kinds of Reticulum

  • endoplasmatic reticulum
  • endoplasmic reticulum
  • granular endoplasmic reticulum
  • rough endoplasmic reticulum
  • sarcoplasmic reticulum
  • smooth endoplasmic reticulum

  • Terms modified by Reticulum

  • reticulum ca2+
  • reticulum ca2+ atpase
  • reticulum calcium atpase
  • reticulum membrane
  • reticulum retention signal
  • reticulum stress

  • Selected Abstracts


    LIPID PEROXIDATION IN SARCOPLASMIC RETICULUM AND MUSCLE OF TILAPIA IS INHIBITED BY DIETARY VITAMIN E SUPPLEMENTATION

    JOURNAL OF FOOD BIOCHEMISTRY, Issue 2 2004
    SUE-LAN HUANG
    Lipid peroxidation was analyzed in muscle and sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) of hybrid tilapia fed diets containing 0, 100, 200, and 300 IU vitamin E/kg for 8 months. Iron-catalyzed NADH-dependent lipid peroxidation in SR of tilapia fed diet containing no supplemented vitamin E was significantly greater than that of fish fed other diets (P < 0.05). No difference was observed in SR lipid peroxidation between fish fed 200 and 300 IU vitamin E/kg. Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) produced in muscle stored at either 4C or -40C for 7 days and 8 weeks, respectively, increased when storage time increased. When muscle TBARS were plotted against storage time, the lag phases were longer for fish fed high vitamin E (, 200 IU/kg) diets than those from fish fed low vitamin E diets. [source]


    INVOLVEMENT OF BOTH ENDOPLASMIC RETICULUM- AND MITOCHONDRIA-DEPENDENT PATHWAYS IN CARDIOTOXIN III-INDUCED APOPTOSIS IN HL-60 CELLS

    CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL PHARMACOLOGY AND PHYSIOLOGY, Issue 9 2008
    Ching-Ming Chien
    SUMMARY 1Cardiotoxin (CTX) III, a basic polypeptide with 60 amino acid residues isolated from Naja naja atra venom, has been reported to have anticancer activity. In the present study, we investigated the mechanisms underlying the anticancer activity of CTX III in human leukaemia (HL-60 cells). 2Cardiotoxin III activated the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) pathway of apoptosis in HL-60 cells, as indicated by increased levels of calcium and glucose-related protein 78 (Grp78), and triggered the subsequent activation of µ-calpain and caspase 12. 3In addition, CTX III initiated the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway in HL-60 cells, as evidenced by an increased Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, the release of cytochrome c and activation of caspase 9. 4In the presence of 50 µmol/L Z-ATAD-FMK (a caspase 12 inhibitor) and 100 µmol/L Z-LEHD-FMK (a caspase 9 inhibitor), the CTX III-mediated activation of caspase 9 and caspase 3 was significantly reduced. There was no significant effect of the caspase 12 inhibitor Z-ATAD-FMK on mitochondrial cytochrome c release. 5Cardiotoxin III-mediated activation of caspase 12 was not abrogated in the presence of the caspase 9 inhibitor Z-LEHD-FMK, indicating that caspase 12 activation was not downstream of caspase 9. 6These results indicate that CTX III induces cell apoptosis via both ER stress and a mitochondrial death pathway. [source]


    Immunodetection of Cocaine- and Amphetamine-Regulated Transcript in the Rumen, Reticulum, Omasum and Abomasum of the Sheep

    ANATOMIA, HISTOLOGIA, EMBRYOLOGIA, Issue 1 2009
    M. B. Arciszewski
    Summary Enteric nerves harbour a wide array of neuropeptides playing a key role in the regulation of gastrointestinal tract functions. In this study, the distribution patterns of cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript-immunoreactive (CART-IR) nerve fibres as well as the percentages of CART-positive enteric neurons were immunohistochemically assessed in the rumen, reticulum, omasum and abomasum of the sheep. Double staining were applied, to elucidate whether neuropeptide Y (NPY), vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP), substance P (SP), somatostatin or serotonin co-exist in CART-IR gastric structures. In the rumen, reticulum, omasum and abomasum, a majority of myenteric neurons identified by immunoreactivity to Hu C/D were CART-positive (47.1 ± 3.6%, 45.1 ± 3.0%, 41.6 ± 2.6% and 40.9 ± 2.9% respectively). The smooth musculature of the forestomachs as well as abomasum was innervated with numerous CART-IR nerve fibres. Blood vessels-associated CART-positive nerve terminals were identified in the submucosa of the reticulum only. Lamina muscularis mucosae of the omasum and abomasum was moderately innervated with CART-IR nerve terminals. In the abomasum sparse CART-IR nerve fibres were seen between mucosal glands. A small population of endocrine cells of the abomasum also exhibited the presence of CART. All neuronal elements as well as endocrine cells IR to CART were negative to somatostatin and/or serotonin. No immunoreactivity to VIP, NPY and/or SP was found in myenteric ganglia-projecting CART-positive nerve fibres. The co-localization of CART with VIP, NPY and/or SP was regularly observed in myenteric neurons as well as the smooth muscle layer- and lamina muscularis mucosae-projecting nerve fibres. CART-IR nerve terminals located between mucosal glands of the abomasum frequently co-stored VIP, NPY and/or SP. Although the exact function of CART in the ovine forestomachs/stomach has to be elucidated, several potential functions (like enteric nerves protection) have been suggested. [source]


    Modulation of calcium signalling by intracellular organelles seen with targeted aequorins

    ACTA PHYSIOLOGICA, Issue 1 2009
    M. T. Alonso
    Abstract The cytosolic Ca2+ signals that trigger cell responses occur either as localized domains of high Ca2+ concentration or as propagating Ca2+ waves. Cytoplasmic organelles, taking up or releasing Ca2+ to the cytosol, shape the cytosolic signals. On the other hand, Ca2+ concentration inside organelles is also important in physiology and pathophysiology. Comprehensive study of these matters requires to measure [Ca2+] inside organelles and at the relevant cytosolic domains. Aequorins, the best-known chemiluminescent Ca2+ probes, are excellent for this end as they do not require stressing illumination, have a large dynamic range and a sharp Ca2+ -dependence, can be targeted to the appropriate location and engineered to have the proper Ca2+ affinity. Using this methodology, we have evidenced the existence in chromaffin cells of functional units composed by three closely interrelated elements: (1) plasma membrane Ca2+ channels, (2) subplasmalemmal endoplasmic reticulum and (3) mitochondria. These Ca2+ -signalling triads optimize Ca2+ microdomains for secretion and prevent propagation of the Ca2+ wave towards the cell core. Oscillatory cytosolic Ca2+ signals originate also oscillations of mitochondrial Ca2+ in several cell types. The nuclear envelope slows down the propagation of the Ca2+ wave to the nucleus and filters high frequencies. On the other hand, inositol-trisphosphate may produce direct release of Ca2+ to the nucleoplasm in GH3 pituitary cells, thus providing mechanisms for selective nuclear signalling. Aequorins emitting at different wavelengths, prepared by fusion either with green or red fluorescent protein, permit simultaneous and independent monitorization of the Ca2+ signals in different subcellular domains within the same cell. [source]


    Roles of the actin-binding proteins in intracellular Ca2+ signalling

    ACTA PHYSIOLOGICA, Issue 1 2009
    J. T. Chun
    Abstract Starfish oocytes undergo massive intracellular Ca2+ signalling during meiotic maturation and fertilization. Although the igniting stimulus of Ca2+ mobilization may differ in different cell contexts, its final leverage is usually the Ca2+ -releasing second messengers such as InsP3, cADPr and NAADP. The general scheme of intracellular Ca2+ release is that the corresponding receptors for these molecules serve as ion channels to release free Ca2+ from its internal stores such as the lumen of the endoplasmic reticulum. However, a growing body of evidence has suggested that intracellular Ca2+ release can be strongly modulated by the actin cytoskeleton. Although it is known that Ca2+ contributes to remodelling of the actin cytoskeleton, whether the actin cytoskeleton modulates Ca2+ signalling in return has not been much explored. An emerging candidate to answer to this reciprocal causality of Ca2+ and the actin cytoskeleton may be actin-binding proteins. In this review, we discuss how the actin cytoskeleton may fit into the known mechanisms of intracellular Ca2+ release, and propose two models to explain the experimental data. [source]


    When is high-Ca2+ microdomain required for mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake?,

    ACTA PHYSIOLOGICA, Issue 1 2009
    A. Spät
    Abstract Ca2+ release from IP3 -sensitive stores in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) induced by Ca2+ -mobilizing agonists generates high-Ca2+ microdomains between ER vesicles and neighbouring mitochondria. Here we present a model that describes when such microdomains are required and when submicromolar [Ca2+] is sufficient for mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake. Mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake rate in angiotensin II-stimulated H295R adrenocortical cells correlates with the proximity between ER vesicles and the mitochondrion, reflecting the uptake promoting effect of high-Ca2+ peri-mitochondrial microdomains. Silencing or inhibition of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) or inhibition of the novel isoforms of protein kinase C enhances mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake and abolishes the positive correlation between Ca2+ uptake and ER-mitochondrion proximity. Inhibition of protein phosphatases attenuates mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake and also abolishes its positive correlation with ER-mitochondrion proximity. We postulate that during IP3 -induced Ca2+ release, Ca2+ uptake is confined to ER-close mitochondria, because of the simultaneous activation of the protein kinases. Attenuation of Ca2+ uptake prevents Ca2+ overload of mitochondria and thus protects the cell against apoptosis. On the other hand, all the mitochondria accumulate Ca2+ at a non-inhibited rate during physiological Ca2+ influx through the plasma membrane. Membrane potential is higher in ER-distant mitochondria, providing a bigger driving force for Ca2+ uptake. Our model explains why comparable mitochondrial Ca2+ signals are formed in response to K+ and angiotensin II (equipotent in respect to global cytosolic Ca2+ signals), although only the latter generates high-Ca2+ microdomains. [source]


    Microtubule-dependent motility and orientation of the cortical endoplasmic reticulum in elongating characean internodal cells

    CYTOSKELETON, Issue 3 2009
    Ilse Foissner
    Abstract Motility of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is predominantly microtubule- dependent in animal cells but thought to be entirely actomyosin-dependent in plant cells. Using live cell imaging and transmission electron microscopy to examine ER motility and structural organization in giant internodal cells of characean algae, we discovered that at the onset of cell elongation, the cortical ER situated near the plasma membrane formed a tight meshwork of predominantly transverse ER tubules that frequently coaligned with microtubules. Microtubule depolymerization increased mesh size and decreased the dynamics of the cortical ER. In contrast, perturbing the cortical actin array with cytochalasins did not affect the transverse orientation but decreased mesh size and increased ER dynamics. Our data suggest that myosin-dependent ER motility is confined to the ER strands in the streaming endoplasm, while the more sedate cortical ER uses microtubule-based mechanisms for organization and motility during early stages of cell elongation. We show further that the ER has an inherent, NEM-sensitive dynamics which can be altered via interaction with the cytoskeleton and that tubule formation and fusion events are cytoskeleton-independent. Cell Motil. Cytoskeleton 2009. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]


    Platelet-derived growth factor receptors expressed in response to injury of differentiated vascular smooth muscle in vitro: effects on Ca2+ and growth signals

    ACTA PHYSIOLOGICA, Issue 2 2001
    A. Lindqvist
    Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) in the intact vascular wall are differentiated for contraction, whereas the response to vascular injury involves transition towards a synthetic phenotype, with increased tendency for proliferation. Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) is thought to be important for this process. We investigated expression and functional coupling of PDGF receptors (PDGFRs) , and , in rat tail arterial rings kept in organ culture, in order to capture early events in the phenotypic transition. In freshly dissected rings no PDGFR immunoreactivity was found in medial VSMCs, whereas PDGFR , was detected in nerve fibres. After organ culture for 1,4 days PDGFR , and , as well as phospholipase C,2 (PLC,2), known to couple to PDGFR, were expressed in VSMCs within 100 ,m of the cut ends. Calponin, a marker for the contractile phenotype, was decreased near the injured area, suggesting that cells were in transition towards synthetic phenotype. In these cells, which showed functional Ca2+ -release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum, PDGF-AB (100 ng mL,1) had no effect on [Ca2+]i, whereas cultured VSMCs obtained from explants of rat tail arterial rings responded to PDGF-AB with an increase in [Ca2+]i. However, PDGFR within the cultured rings coupled to growth signalling pathways, as PDGF-AB caused a tyrphostin AG1295-sensitive activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1 and 2 and of [3H]-thymidine incorporation. Thus, early expression of PDGFR in VSMC adjacent to sites of vascular injury coincides with signs of dedifferentiation. These receptors couple to growth signalling, but do not activate intracellular Ca2+ release. [source]


    A subclass of myosin XI is associated with mitochondria, plastids, and the molecular chaperone subunit TCP-1, in maize

    CYTOSKELETON, Issue 4 2004
    Zhengyuan Wang
    Abstract The role and regulation of specific plant myosins in cyclosis is not well understood. In the present report, an affinity-purified antibody generated against a conserved tail region of some class XI plant myosin isoforms was used for biochemical and immunofluorescence studies of Zea mays. Myosin XI co-localized with plastids and mitochondria but not with nuclei, the Golgi apparatus, endoplasmic reticulum, or peroxisomes. This suggests that myosin XI is involved in the motility of specific organelles. Myosin XI was more than 50% co-localized with tailless complex polypeptide-1, (TCP-1,) in tissue sections of mature tissues located more than 1.0 mm from the apex, and the two proteins co-eluted from gel filtration and ion exchange columns. On Western blots, TCP-1, isoforms showed a developmental shift from the youngest 5.0 mm of the root to more mature regions that were more than 10.0 mm from the apex. This developmental shift coincided with a higher percentage of myosin XI /TCP-1, co-localization, and faster degradation of myosin XI by serine protease. Our results suggest that class XI plant myosin requires TCP-1, for regulating folding or providing protection against denaturation. Cell Motil. Cytoskeleton 57:218,232, 2004. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]


    Dynamics of the endoplasmic reticulum during early development of Drosophila melanogaster

    CYTOSKELETON, Issue 3 2003
    Yves Bobinnec
    Abstract In this study, we analyze for the first time endoplasmic reticulum (ER) dynamics and organization during oogenesis and embryonic divisions of Drosophila melanogaster using a Protein Disulfide Isomerase (PDI) GFP chimera protein. An accumulation of ER material into the oocyte takes place during the early steps of oogenesis. The compact organization of ER structures undergoes a transition to an expanded reticular network at fertilization. At the syncytial stage, this network connects to the nuclear envelope as each nucleus divides. Time-lapse confocal microscopy on PDI transgenic embryos allowed us to characterize a rapid redistribution of the ER during the mitotic phases. The ER network is massively recruited to the spindle poles in prophase. During metaphase most of the ER remains concentrated at the spindle poles and shortly thereafter forms several layers of membranes along the ruptured nuclear envelope. Later, during telophase an accumulation of ER material occurs at the spindle equator. We also analyzed the subcellular organization of the ER network at the ultrastructural level, allowing us to corroborate the results from confocal microscopy studies. This dynamic redistribution of ER suggests an unexpected regulatory function for this organelle during mitosis. Cell Motil. Cytoskeleton 54:217,225, 2003. © 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]


    Immunocytochemical study of activin type IB receptor (XALK4) in Xenopus oocytes

    DEVELOPMENT GROWTH & DIFFERENTIATION, Issue 2 2003
    Akimasa Fukui
    Studies have shown that the activin type IB receptor is specific for activin/nodal signaling. Activin is produced by follicle cells in the ovary, and is incorporated into the oocytes. Antisera against three peptides were prepared, encompassing the extracellular, intracellular and serine/threonine kinase domains of the Xenopus type IB activin receptor (XALK4). Immunocytochemistry was done using these antisera to investigate the distribution of XALK4 in the Xenopus ovary. All three antisera stained the mitochondrial cloud of Xenopus previtellogenic oocytes. Purified antibody against the intracellular domain also recognized the mitochondrial cloud. Immunoelectron microscopy localized XALK4 on the endoplasmic reticulum of the mitochondrial cloud, although not on mitochondria. [source]


    Nesprins, but not sun proteins, switch isoforms at the nuclear envelope during muscle development

    DEVELOPMENTAL DYNAMICS, Issue 3 2010
    K. Natalie Randles
    Abstract Nesprins are a family of nuclear transmembrane proteins anchored via Sun proteins to the nuclear membrane. Analysis of nesprins during human muscle development revealed an increase in nesprin-1-giant during early myogenesis in vitro. During the transition from immature to mature muscle fibres in vivo, nesprin-2 partly replaced nesprin-1 at the nuclear envelope and short nesprin isoforms became dominant. Sun1 and Sun2 proteins remained unchanged during this fibre maturation. In emerin-negative skin fibroblasts, nesprin-2-giant was relocated from the nuclear envelope to the cytoplasm, not to the endoplasmic reticulum, while nesprin-1 remained at the nuclear envelope. In emerin-negative keratinocytes lacking nesprin-1, nesprin-2 remained at the nuclear envelope. HeLa cell nuclear envelopes lacked nesprin-1, which was the dominant form in myoblasts, while a novel 130-kD nesprin-2 isoform dominated Ntera-2 cells. The results suggest the possibility of isoform-specific and tissue-specific roles for nesprins in nuclear positioning. Developmental Dynamics 239:998,1009, 2010. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]


    Lineage-independent mosaic expression and regulation of the Ciona multidom gene in the ancestral notochord

    DEVELOPMENTAL DYNAMICS, Issue 7 2007
    Izumi Oda-Ishii
    Abstract The transcription factor Ciona Brachyury (Ci-Bra) plays an essential role in notochord development in the ascidian Ciona intestinalis. We characterized a putative Ci-Bra target gene, which we named Ci - multidom, and analyzed in detail its expression pattern in normal embryos and in embryos where Ci - Bra was misexpressed. Ci - multidom encodes a novel protein, which contains eight CCP domains and a partial VWFA domain. We show that an EGFP-multidom fusion protein localizes preferentially to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), and is excluded from the nucleus. In situ hybridization experiments demonstrate that Ci - multidom is expressed in the notochord and in the anterior neural boundary (ANB). We found that the expression in the ANB is fully recapitulated by an enhancer element located upstream of Ci - multidom. By means of misexpression experiments, we provide evidence that Ci-Bra controls transcription of Ci - multidom in the notochord; however, while Ci-Bra is homogeneously expressed throughout this structure, Ci - multidom is transcribed at detectable levels only in a random subset of notochord cells. The number of notochord cells expressing Ci - multidom varies among different embryos and is independent of developmental stage, lineage, and position along the anterior,posterior axis. These results suggest that despite its morphological simplicity and invariant cell-lineage, the ancestral notochord is a mosaic of cells in which the gene cascade downstream of Brachyury is differentially modulated. Developmental Dynamics 236:1806,1819, 2007. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]


    Drosophila melanogaster p24 genes have developmental, tissue-specific, and sex-specific expression patterns and functions

    DEVELOPMENTAL DYNAMICS, Issue 2 2007
    Kara A. Boltz
    Abstract Genes encoding members of the p24 family of intracellular trafficking proteins are present throughout animal and plant lineages. However, very little is known about p24 developmental, spatial, or sex-specific expression patterns or how localized expression affects function. We investigated these problems in Drosophila melanogaster, which contains nine genes encoding p24 proteins. One of these genes, logjam (loj), is expressed in the adult female nervous system and ovaries and is essential for oviposition. Nervous system-specific expression of loj, but not ovary-specific expression, rescues the behavioral defect of mutants. The Loj protein localizes to punctate structures in the cellular cytoplasm. These structures colocalize with a marker specific to the intermediate compartment and cis -Golgi, consistent with experimental evidence from other systems suggesting that p24 proteins function in intracellular transport between the endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi. Our findings reveal that Drosophila p24 transcripts are developmentally and tissue-specifically expressed. CG31787 is male-specifically expressed gene that is present during the larval, pupal, and adult stages. Female CG9053 mRNA is limited to the head, whereas males express this gene widely. Together, our studies provide experimental evidence indicating that some p24 genes have sex-specific expression patterns and tissue- and sex-limited functions. Developmental Dynamics 236:544,555, 2007. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]


    Sorting nexin-14, a gene expressed in motoneurons trapped by an in vitro preselection method

    DEVELOPMENTAL DYNAMICS, Issue 4 2001
    Patrick Carroll
    Abstract A gene-trap strategy was set up in embryonic stem (ES) cells with the aim of trapping genes expressed in restricted neuronal lineages. The vector used trap genes irrespective of their activity in undifferentiated totipotent ES cells. Clones were subjected individually to differentiation in a system in which ES cells differentiated into neurons. Two ES clones in which the trapped gene was expressed in ES-derived neurons were studied in detail. The corresponding cDNAs were cloned, sequenced, and analysed by in situ hybridisation on wild-type embryo sections. Both genes are expressed in the nervous system. One gene, YR-23, encodes a large intracellular protein of unknown function. The second clone, YR-14, represents a sorting nexin (SNX14) gene whose expression in vivo coincides with that of LIM-homeodomain Islet-1 in several tissues. Sorting nexins are proteins associated with the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and may play a role in receptor trafficking. Gene trapping followed by screening based on in vitro preselection of differentiated ES recombinant clones, therefore, has the potential to identify integration events in subsets of genes before generation of mouse mutants. © 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]


    Posttranslational regulation of BCL2 levels in cerebellar granule cells: A mechanism of neuronal survival

    DEVELOPMENTAL NEUROBIOLOGY, Issue 13 2009
    Laura Lossi
    Abstract Apoptosis can be modulated by K+ and Ca2+ inside the cell and/or in the extracellular milieu. In murine organotypic cultures, membrane potential-regulated Ca2+ signaling through calcineurin phosphatase has a pivotal role in development and maturation of cerebellar granule cells (CGCs). P8 cultures were used to analyze the levels of expression of B cell lymphoma 2 (BCL2) protein, and, after particle-mediated gene transfer in CGCs, to study the posttranslational modifications of BCL2 fused to a fluorescent tag in response to a perturbation of K+/Ca2+ homeostasis. There are no changes in Bcl2 mRNA after real time PCR, whereas the levels of the fusion protein (monitored by calculating the density of transfected CGCs under the fluorescence microscope) and of BCL2 (inWestern blotting) are increased. After using a series of agonists/antagonists for ion channels at the cell membrane or the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), and drugs affecting protein synthesis/degradation, accumulation of BCL2 was related to a reduction in posttranslational cleavage by macroautophagy. The ER functionally links the [K+]e and [Ca2+]i to the BCL2 content in CGCs along two different pathways. The first, triggered by elevated [K+]e under conditions of immaturity, is independent of extracellular Ca2+ and operates via IP3 channels. The second leads to influx of extracellular Ca2+ following activation of ryanodine channels in the presence of physiological [K+]e, when CGCs are maintained in mature status. This study identifies novel mechanisms of neuroprotection in immature and mature CGCs involving the posttranslational regulation of BCL2. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol, 2009 [source]


    The vesicular integral protein-like gene is essential for development of a mechanosensory system in zebrafish

    DEVELOPMENTAL NEUROBIOLOGY, Issue 12 2008
    Mabel Chong
    Abstract The zebrafish hi472 mutation is caused by a retroviral insertion into the vesicular integral protein-like gene, or zVIPL, a poorly studied lectin implicated in endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-Golgi trafficking. A mutation in the shorter isoform of zVIPL (zVIPL-s) results in a reduction of mechanosensitivity and consequent loss of escape behavior. Here we show that motoneurons and hindbrain reticulospinal neurons, which normally integrate mechanosensory inputs, failed to fire in response to tactile stimuli in hi472 larvae, suggesting a perturbation in sensory function. The hi472 mutant larvae in fact suffered from a severe loss of functional neuromasts of the lateral line mechanosensory system, a reduction of zVIPL labeling in support cells, and a reduction or even a complete loss of hair cells in neuromasts. The Delta-Notch signaling pathway is implicated in cellular differentiation of neuromasts, and we observed an increase in Notch expression in neuromasts of hi472 mutant larvae. Treatment of hi472 mutant larvae with DAPT, an inhibitor of Notch signaling, or overexpression of the Notch ligand deltaB in hi472 mutant blastocysts produced partial rescue of the morphological defects and of the startle response behavior. We conclude that zVIPL-s is a necessary component of Delta-Notch signaling during neuromast development in the lateral line mechanosensory system. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol, 2008 [source]


    Autophagic pathways and metabolic stress

    DIABETES OBESITY & METABOLISM, Issue 2010
    S. Kaushik
    Autophagy is an essential intracellular process that mediates degradation of intracellular proteins and organelles in lysosomes. Autophagy was initially identified for its role as alternative source of energy when nutrients are scarce but, in recent years, a previously unknown role for this degradative pathway in the cellular response to stress has gained considerable attention. In this review, we focus on the novel findings linking autophagic function with metabolic stress resulting either from proteins or lipids. Proper autophagic activity is required in the cellular defense against proteotoxicity arising in the cytosol and also in the endoplasmic reticulum, where a vast amount of proteins are synthesized and folded. In addition, autophagy contributes to mobilization of intracellular lipid stores and may be central to lipid metabolism in certain cellular conditions. In this review, we focus on the interrelation between autophagy and different types of metabolic stress, specifically the stress resulting from the presence of misbehaving proteins within the cytosol or in the endoplasmic reticulum and the stress following a lipogenic challenge. We also comment on the consequences that chronic exposure to these metabolic stressors could have on autophagic function and on how this effect may underlie the basis of some common metabolic disorders. [source]


    A link between endoplasmic reticulum stress-induced , -cell apoptosis and the group VIA Ca2+ -independent phospholipase A2 (iPLA2,)

    DIABETES OBESITY & METABOLISM, Issue 2010
    X. Lei
    Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress is becoming recognized as an important contributing factor in various diseases, including diabetes mellitus. Prolonged ER stress can cause , -cell apoptosis; however, the underlying mechanism(s) that contribute to this process are not well understood. Early reports suggested that arachidonic acid metabolites and a Ca2+ -independent phospholipase A2 (iPLA2) activity play a role in , -cell apoptosis. The PLA2 family of enzymes catalyse the hydrolysis of the sn -2 substituent (i.e. arachidonic acid) of membrane phospholipids. In light of our findings that the pancreatic islet , -cells are enriched in arachidonate-containing phospholipids and express the group VIA iPLA2,, we considered the possibility that iPLA2, participates in ER stress-induced , -cell apoptosis. Our work revealed a novel mechanism, involving ceramide generation and triggering of mitochondrial abnormalities, by which iPLA2, participates in the , -cell apoptosis process. Here, we review our evidence linking ER stress, , -cell apoptosis and iPLA2,. Continued studies in this area will increase our understanding of the contribution of iPLA2, to the evolution of diabetes mellitus and will further our knowledge of factors that influence , -cell health in diabetes mellitus and identify potential targets for future therapeutic interventions to prevent , -cell death. [source]


    The unfolded protein response is required to maintain the integrity of the endoplasmic reticulum, prevent oxidative stress and preserve differentiation in , -cells

    DIABETES OBESITY & METABOLISM, Issue 2010
    R. J. Kaufman
    Diabetes is an epidemic of worldwide proportions caused by , -cell failure. Nutrient fluctuations and insulin resistance drive , -cells to synthesize insulin beyond their capacity for protein folding and secretion and thereby activate the unfolded protein response (UPR), an adaptive signalling pathway to promote cell survival upon accumulation of unfolded protein in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Protein kinase-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK) signals one component of the UPR through phosphorylation of eukaryotic initiation factor 2 on the , -subunit (eIF2,) to attenuate protein synthesis, thereby reducing the biosynthetic burden. , -Cells uniquely require PERK-mediated phosphorylation of eIF2, to preserve cell function. Unabated protein synthesis in , -cells is sufficient to initiate a cascade of events, including oxidative stress, that are characteristic of , -cell failure observed in type 2 diabetes. In contrast to acute adaptive UPR activation, chronic activation increases expression of the proapoptotic transcription factor CAAT/enhancer-binding protein homologous protein (CHOP). Chop deletion in insulin-resistant mice profoundly increases , -cell mass and prevents , -cell failure to forestall the progression of diabetes. The findings suggest an unprecedented link by which protein synthesis and/or misfolding in the ER causes oxidative stress and should encourage the development of novel strategies to treat diabetes. [source]


    Balancing needs and means: the dilemma of the ,-cell in the modern world

    DIABETES OBESITY & METABOLISM, Issue 2009
    G. Leibowitz
    The insulin resistance of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), although important for its pathophysiology, is not sufficient to establish the disease unless major deficiency of ,-cell function coexists. This is demonstrated by the fact that near-physiological administration of insulin (CSII) achieved excellent blood glucose control with doses similar to those used in insulin-deficient type 1 diabetics. The normal ,-cell adapts well to the demands of insulin resistance. Also in hyperglycaemic states some degree of adaptation does exist and helps limit the severity of disease. We demonstrate here that the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) system might play an important role in this adaptation, because blocking mTORC1 (complex 1) by rapamycin in the nutritional diabetes model Psammomys obesus caused severe impairment of ,-cell function, increased ,-cell apoptosis and progression of diabetes. On the other hand, under exposure to high glucose and FFA (gluco-lipotoxicity), blocking mTORC1 in vitro reduced endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and ,-cell death. Thus, according to the conditions of stress, mTOR may have beneficial or deleterious effects on the ,-cell. ,-Cell function in man can be reduced without T2DM/impaired glucose tolerance (IGT). Prospective studies have shown subjects with reduced insulin response to present, several decades later, an increased incidence of IGT/T2DM. From these and other studies we conclude that T2DM develops on the grounds of ,-cells whose adaptation capacity to increased nutrient intake and/or insulin resistance is in the lower end of the normal variation. Inborn and acquired factors that limit ,-cell function are diabetogenic only in a nutritional/metabolic environment that requires high functional capabilities from the ,-cell. [source]


    Increased stress protein ORP150 autoantibody production in Type 1 diabetic patients

    DIABETIC MEDICINE, Issue 2 2006
    Y. Nakatani
    Abstract Aims Various genetic and environmental stresses interfere with protein folding in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), which leads to the induction of ER stress. It has recently been reported that ER stress is involved in the development of diabetes in diabetic animal models. The aim of this study is to estimate ER stress levels in Type 1 diabetic patients. Methods We recruited Type 1 diabetic patients undergoing periodic follow-up examinations (n = 91) and healthy non-diabetic individuals (n = 37), and measured their serum anti-oxygen-related protein (ORP)150 autoantibody levels. Results Anti-ORP150 autoantibody levels in Type 1 diabetic patients were significantly higher compared with those in healthy non-diabetic subjects. Furthermore, the serum autoantibody levels in Type 1 diabetic patients correlated with HbA1c (F > 3.0, P = 0.079), indicating that hyperglycaemia itself induces ER stress in diabetes. Conclusions Anti-ORP150 autoantibody levels in Type 1 diabetic patients are higher compared with non-diabetic subjects, suggesting that ER stress is increased in Type 1 diabetes. [source]


    Ultrastructural study of spermiogenesis in the Jamaican Gray Anole, Anolis lineatopus (Reptilia: Polychrotidae)

    ACTA ZOOLOGICA, Issue 4 2010
    Justin L. Rheubert
    Rheubert, J.L., Wilson, B.S., Wolf, K.W. and Gribbins, K.M. 2010. Ultrastructural study of spermiogenesis in the Jamaican Gray Anole, Anolis lineatopus (Reptilia: Polychrotidae). ,Acta Zoologica (Stockholm) 91: 484,494. Abstract As the number of spermatozoal characters being described in reptiles increases, it is important to detail the ontogeny of the features leading to the mature morphology of the spermatozoa which may give rise to more comprehensive data matrices for future phylogenetic analyses within the Reptilia. Therefore, spermiogenically active testes from Anolis lineatopus were investigated ultrastructurally to describe the intracellular changes that occur throughout spermiogenesis. The primary events of spermiogenesis (acrosome formation, nuclear condensation, and elongation) seen in A. lineatopus are similar to those previously described for other amniotes. Characters including a round perforatorium tip, stopper-like perforatorial base plate, open pits of nucleoplasm during condensation, and protein layers within the acrosome complex corroborate trends from previous studies in squamates. However, uniquely defined in A. lineatopus are the excessive amounts of endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi complexes that contribute to cellular secretions during mid elongation of the spermatids and the lack of a manchette. During acrosome formation, the acrosome granule is found in a basal rather than an apical position, which has been observed in previous studies. These similarities and differences observed during spermiogenesis may be helpful in elucidating the development of mature spermatozoal characters as well as aid in future phylogenetic analyses. [source]


    A novel exocrine structure of the bicellular unit type in the thorax of termites

    ACTA ZOOLOGICA, Issue 2 2010
    Teresa Telles Gonçalves
    Abstract Gonçalves, T. T., DeSouza, O. and Billen, J. 2010. A novel exocrine structure of the bicellular unit type in the thorax of termites , Acta Zoologica (Stockholm) 91: 193,198 Studying the thorax of some Termitidae species, we found two pairs of hitherto unknown lateral glands in the mesothorax and metathorax of both workers and soldiers. The glands consist of distinct clusters of class 3 secretory cells accompanied by their duct cells, located in the upper lateral portion of the thoracic wall. Ultrastructural observations reveal numerous mitochondria, a well-developed Golgi apparatus and vesicular smooth endoplasmic reticulum, indicating a cytoplasm with intensive metabolic activity. The gland is reported to occur in Microcerotermes strunckii, Cornitermes cumulans and Nasutitermes minor, three species comprising an interesting morpho-behavioural gradient, respectively, from only mechanical, through mechanical,chemical, to only chemical defence systems. The extent of such a gradient allows speculations that this gland would be related to the general needs of termites, rather than to some specificities of a single group. We warn, however, that complementary studies are needed, before any conclusions can be drawn. [source]


    Ultrastructure and functional features of midgut of an adult water mite Teutonia cometes (Koch, 1837) (Hydrachnidia: Teutoniidae)

    ACTA ZOOLOGICA, Issue 2 2010
    Andrew B. Shatrov
    Abstract Shatrov, A. B. 2010. Ultrastructure and functional features of midgut of an adult water mite Teutonia cometes (Koch 1837) (Hydrachnidia: Teutoniidae). ,Acta Zoologica (Stockholm) 91: 222,232 The midgut of the adult water mite Teutonia cometes (Koch 1837) (Hydrachnidia: Teutoniidae) was investigated by means of transmission electron microscopy and on semi-thin sections. The midgut is represented by a blind sac composed of the narrow ventriculus, two proventricular lateral diverticula and three pairs of postventricular caeca. A single-layered epithelium consists of one type of endodermal digestive cells of quite different shape and size, which may form protrusions into the midgut lumen. The large nuclei are frequently lobed and contain one to three nucleoli. The apical cell membrane forms short scarce microvilli, between their bases the pinocytotic vesicles of unspecific macropinocytosis as well as the narrow pinocytotic canals are formed and immersed into the cell. The intracellular digestion of the food ingested into the midgut after extraintestinal digestion is predominant. The pinocytotic vesicles fuse with small clear vesicles of proposed Golgi origin to form secondary lysosomes. The digestive cells also contain small amounts of rough endoplasmic reticulum, variously structured heterolysosomes, residual materials in the form of both the small electron-dense bodies and the large variously granulated substances, reserve nutritive materials such as lipid and glycogen, as well as clear vacuoles. Residual materials are obviously extruded from the cells into the gut lumen. [source]


    Econazole-induced Ca2+ fluxes and apoptosis in human oral cancer cells

    DRUG DEVELOPMENT RESEARCH, Issue 4 2010
    Daih-Huang Kuo
    Abstract The effect of econazole on cytosolic free Ca2+ concentrations ([Ca2+]i) and viability was explored in human oral cancer cells (OC2), using the fluorescent dyes fura-2 and WST-1, respectively. Econazole at concentrations of >1,µM increased [Ca2+]i in a concentration-dependent manner. The Ca2+ signal was reduced partly by removing extracellular Ca2+. The econazole-induced Ca2+ influx was sensitive to blockade of aristolochic acid (phospholipase A2 inhibitor) and GF109203X (PKC inhibitor). In Ca2+ -free medium, after treatment with 1,µM thapsigargin (an endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ pump inhibitor), 30,µM econazole failed to induce a [Ca2+]i rise. Inhibition of phospholipase C with 2,µM U73122 substantially suppressed econazole-induced [Ca2+]i rise. At concentrations of 5,70,µM econazole killed cells in a concentration-dependent manner. The cytotoxic effect of 50,µM econazole was enhanced by prechelating cytosolic Ca2+ with 1,2-bis(2-aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N,,N,-tetraacetic acid (BAPTA). The ERK MAPK inhibitor, PD98059 (10,µM), also enhanced 20,µM econazole-induced cell death. Propidium iodide staining data suggest that econazole induced apoptosis between concentrations of 10,70,µM. Collectively, in OC2 cells, econazole induced [Ca2+]i rises by causing Ca2+ release from the endoplasmic reticulum and Ca2+ influx from phospholipase A2/PKC-regulated Ca2+ channels. Furthermore, econazole caused cell death appeared to be regulated by ERK MAPK. Drug Dev Res 71: 240,248, 2010. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]


    Effect of capsaicin on Ca2+ fluxes in Madin-Darby canine renal tubular cells

    DRUG DEVELOPMENT RESEARCH, Issue 2 2010
    Jeng-Hsien Yeh
    Abstract The effect of capsaicin, a transient receptor potential vanniloid-1 (TRPV1) receptor agonist, on cytosolic free Ca2+ concentrations ([Ca2+]i) in Madin Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells is unclear. This study explored whether capsaicin changed basal [Ca2+]i levels in suspended MDCK cells by using fura-2 as a Ca2+ -sensitive fluorescent dye. Capsaicin at concentrations between 10,100,µM increased [Ca2+]i in a concentration-dependent manner. The Ca2+ signal was reduced by 80% by removing extracellular Ca2+. Capsacin induced Mn2+ influx, leading to quench of fura-2 fluorescence suggesting Ca2+ influx. This Ca2+ influx was inhibited by phospholipase A2 inhibitor aristolochic acid and the non-selective Ca2+ entry blocker La3+, but not by store-operated Ca2+ channel blockers nifedipine, econazole, and SK&F96365, and protein kinase C/A modulators. In Ca2+ -free medium, pretreatment with the endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ pump inhibitor thapsigargin abolished capsaicin-induced Ca2+ release. Conversely, pretreatment with capsaicin partly reduced thapsigargin-induced [Ca2+]i rise. Inhibition of phospholipase C with U73122 did not alter capsaicin-induced [Ca2+]i rise. The TRPV1 receptor antagonist capsazepine also induced significant Ca2+ entry and Ca2+ release. Collectively, in MDCK cells, capsaicin induced [Ca2+]i rises by causing phospholipase C-independent Ca2+ release from the endoplasmic reticulum and Ca2+ influx via phospholipase A2-regulated, La3+ -sensitive Ca2+ channels in a manner dissociated from stimulation of TRPV1 receptors. Drug Dev Res, 2009. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]


    Nonylphenol-induced cytosolic Ca2+ elevation and death in renal tubular cells

    DRUG DEVELOPMENT RESEARCH, Issue 5 2009
    Jeng-Yu Tsai
    Abstract Nonylphenol is an environmental endocrine disrupter. The effect of nonylphenol on intracellular free Ca2+ levels ([Ca2+]i) and viability in Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells was explored. Nonylphenol increased [Ca2+]i in a concentration-dependent manner (EC50,0.8,,M). Nonylphenol-induced Mn2+ entry demonstrated Ca2+ influx and removal of extracellular Ca2+ partly decreased the [Ca2+]i rise. The [Ca2+]i rise was inhibited by the protein kinase C activator, phorbol 13-myristate acetate (PMA) but not by L-type Ca2+ channel blockers. In Ca2+ -free medium, nonylphenol-induced [Ca2+]i rise was partly inhibited by pretreatment with 1,,M thapsigargin (an endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ pump inhibitor). Conversely, nonylphenol pretreatment abolished thapsigargin-induced Ca2+ release. Nonylphenol-induced Ca2+ release was unaltered by inhibition of phospholipase C. At concentrations of 5,100,,M, nonylphenol killed cells in a concentration-dependent manner. The cytotoxic effect of 100,,M nonylphenol was not affected by preventing [Ca2+]i rises with BAPTA/AM. Collectively, this study shows that nonylphenol induced [Ca2+]i increase in MDCK cells via evoking Ca2+ entry through protein kinase C-regulated Ca2+ channels, and releasing Ca2+ from endoplasmic reticulum and other stores in a phospholipase C-independent manner. Nonylphenol also killed cells in a Ca2+ -independent fashion. Drug Dev Res, 2009. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]


    Microcystin extracts induce ultrastructural damage and biochemical disturbance in male rabbit testis

    ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY, Issue 1 2010
    Ying Liu
    Abstract In the present research, the changes of ultrastructures and biochemical index in rabbit testis were examined after i.p. injection with 12.5 ,g/kg microcystin (MC) extracts. Ultrastructural observation showed widened intercellular junction, distention of mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, and Golgi apparatus. All these changes appeared at 1, 3, and 12 h, but recovered finally. In biochemical analyses, the levels of lipid peroxidation (MDA) and H2O2 increased significantly at 1 h, indicating MC-caused oxidative stress. Finally, H2O2 decreased to the normal levels, while MDA remained at high levels. The antioxidative enzymes (CAT, SOD, GPx, GST) and antioxidants (GSH) also increased rapidly at 1 h, demonstrating a quick response of the defense systems to the oxidative stress. Finally, the activity of CAT, SOD, and GPX recovered to the normal level, while the activity of GST and the concentration of GSH remained at a high level. This suggests that the importance of MCs detoxification by GST via GSH, and the testis of rabbit contained abundant GSH. The final recovery of ultrastructure and some biochemical indexes indicates that the defense systems finally succeeded in protecting the testis against oxidative damage. In conclusion, these results indicate that the MCs are toxic to the male rabbit reproductive system and the mechanism underlying this toxicity might to be the oxidative stress caused by MCs. Although the negative effects of MCs can be overcome by the antioxidant system of testis in this study, the potential reproductive risks of MCs should not be neglected because of their wide occurrence. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 2010. [source]


    Interactions between metabolism of trace metals and xenobiotic agonists of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor in the antarctic fish Trematomus bernacchii: Environmental perspectives

    ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY & CHEMISTRY, Issue 6 2005
    Francesco Regoli
    Abstract Although Antarctica is a pristine environment, organisms are challenged with contaminants either released locally or transported from industrialized regions through atmospheric circulation and marine food webs. Organisms from Terra Nova Bay also are exposed to a natural enrichment of cadmium, but to our knowledge, whether such environmental conditions influence biological responses to anthropogenic pollutants has never been considered. In the present study, the Antarctic rock cod (Trematomus bernacchii) was exposed to model chemicals, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (benzo[a]pyrene), persistent organic pollutants (2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo- p -dioxin [TCDD]), cadmium, and a combination of cadmium and TCDD. Analyzed parameters included chemical bioaccumulation, activity, and levels of biotransformation enzymes (cytochrome P4501A); metallothioneins and the efficiency of the antioxidant system measured as individual defenses (catalase, glutathione, glutathione reductase, glutathione S -transferases, and glutathione peroxidases); and total scavenging capacity toward peroxyl and hydroxyl radicals. Reciprocal interactions between metabolism of inorganic and organic pollutants were demonstrated. Dioxin enhanced the accumulation of cadmium, probably stored within proliferating endoplasmic reticulum, and cadmium suppressed the inducibility of cytochrome P4501A, allowing us to hypothesize a posttranscriptional mechanism as the depletion of heme group availability. Clear evidence of oxidative perturbation was provided by the inhibition of antioxidants and enhanced sensitivity to oxyradical toxicity in fish exposed to organic chemicals. Exposure to cadmium revealed counteracting responses of glutathione metabolism; however, these responses did not prevent a certain loss of antioxidant capacity toward peroxyl radicals. The pattern of antioxidant responses exhibited by fish coexposed to cadmium and TCDD was more similar to that observed for cadmium than to that observed for TCDD. The overall results suggest that elevated natural levels of cadmium in Antarctic organisms from Terra Nova Bay can limit biotransformation capability of polycyclic (halogenated) hydrocarbons, thus influencing the bioaccumulation and biological effects of these chemicals in key sentinel species. [source]