Arg-gly-asp-mannose-6-phosphate inhibits activation and proliferation of hepatic stellate cells in vitro

AIM： To investigate the effect of arg-gly-asp-mannose-6 phosphate （RGD-M6P） on the activation and proliferation of primary hepatic stellate cells in vitro. METHODS： Hepatic steUate cells （HSCs） were isolated from rats by in situ collagenase perfusion of liver and 18% Nycodenz gradient centrifugation and cultured on uncoated plastic plates for 24 h with DMEM containing 10% fetal bovine serum （FBS/DMEM） before the culture medium was substituted with 2% FBS/DMEM for another 24 h. Then, HSCs were cultured in 2% FBS/DMEM with transforming growth factor 131, M6P, RGD, or RGD- M6P, respectively. Cell morphology was observed under inverted microscope, smooth muscle α-actin （α-SMA） was detected by immunocytochemistry, type Ⅲ procollagen （PCⅢ） in supernatant was determined by radioimmunoassay, and the proliferation rate of HSCs was assessed by flow cytometry. RESULTS： RGD-M6P significantly inhibited the morphological transformation and the α-SMA and PC Ⅲ expressions of HSCs in vitro and also dramatically prevented the proliferation of HSCs in vitro. Such effects were remarkably different from those of RGD or M6R CONCLUSION： The new compound, RGD-M6P, which has a dramatic effect on primary cultured HSCs in vitro, can inhibit the transformation of HSCs in culture caused by TGFβ1, suppresses the expression of PCIII and decreases proliferation rate of HSC. RGD-M6P can be applied as a selective drug carrier targeting at HSCs, which may be a new approach to the prevention and treatment of liver fibrosis.

Glycosylation-independent binding to extracellular domains 11-13 of mannose-6-phosphate/insulin-like growth factor-2 receptor mediates the effects of soluble CREG on the phenotypic proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells

Background The present study aimed to investigate the detailed mode and specific sites for their binding as well as the functional relevance of this binding in the phenotypic proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells(SMCs). Methods CREG knocked-down SMCs were employed to evaluate the biological activity of wtCREG and mCREG.Expressions of SMC differentiation markers SM myosin heavy chain(SM-MHC),SM-actin,heavy caldesmon and myocardin were determined by Western blotting using specific antibodies. Cellular growth of SMCs was assessed by bromide dewuridine (BrdU) incorporation and cell cycle analysis on fluorescence-activated cell sorting(FACS).A solid-phase binding assay was used to study the binding of CREG to extracellular domains of M6P/IGF2R.The cellular co-localization of the two recombinant CREGs with M6P/IGF2R was detected on SMC surface by immunoprecipitation and immunofluorescence analysis.Results The molecular weight of wtCREG was around 30 kD while that of the mCREG was～25 kD.Treatment of wtCREG with PNGase F reduced its molecular weight from～30 kD to～25 kD,whereas PNGase F treatment had no effect on the molecular weight of mCREG.Both wtCREG and mCREG proteins enhanced SMC differentiation,inhibited BrdU incorporation,and arrested cell cycle progression when added to the culture medium.In CREG knocked-down SMCs,the amount of CREG detected by immunoblotting in M6P/IGF2R immunoprecipitates was significantly reduced when compared to normal cells.Both recombinant CREGs co-immunoprecipitated with M6P/IGF2R, although slightly reduced amount of the mutant CREG was detected in M6P/IGF2R immunoprecipitates.Immunostaining revealed that His-tagged CREGs co-localized with IGF2R on the cell surface in a glycosylation-independent manner.In vitro binding assay showed that CREGs bound to M6P/ IGF2R extracellular domains 7-10 and 11-13 in a glycosylation -dependent and -independent manner,respectively.Further blocking experiments using soluble M6P/IGF2R fragments and M6P/IGF2R neutralizing antibody indicated that the biological activities of recombinant CREGs in SMC growth and the up-regulation of SMC differentiation markers were all abolished by treatment with the M6P/IGF2R neutralizing antibody. However,although the growth inhibitory effect of wtCREG was nearly abolished by D7-10 or D11-13,the effect of mCREG was only reversed by Dll-13,indicating that the binding to domains 11-13 is required for CREG to modulate the proliferation of SMCs.Conclusions These data suggest that solubleCREG proteins can exert their biological function via binding to the extracellular domains 7-10 and 11-13 of cell surface M6P/IGF2R in both a glycosylation-dependent and -independent manner.

Genetic Analysis of Two Novel GPI Variants Disrupting H Bonds and Localization Characteristics of 55 Gene Variants Associated with Glucose-6-phosphate Isomerase Deficiency

Objective:Glucose-6-phosphate isomerase(GPI)deficiency is a rare hereditary nonspherocytic hemolytic anemia caused by GPI gene variants.This disorder exhibits wide heterogeneity in its clinical manifestations and molecular characteristics,often posing challenges for precise diagnoses using conventional methods.To this end,this study aimed to identify the novel variants responsible for GPI deficiency in a Chinese family.Methods:The clinical manifestations of the patient were summarized and analyzed for GPI deficiency phenotype diagnosis.Novel compound heterozygous variants of the GPI gene,c.174C>A(p.Asn58Lys)and c.1538G>T(p.Trp513Leu),were identified using whole-exome and Sanger sequencing.The AlphaFold program and Chimera software were used to analyze the effects of compound heterozygous variants on GPI structure.Results:By characterizing 53 GPI missense/nonsense variants from previous literature and two novel missense variants identified in this study,we found that most variants were located in exons 3,4,12,and 18,with a few localized in exons 8,9,and 14.This study identified novel compound heterozygous variants associated with GPI deficiency.These pathogenic variants disrupt hydrogen bonds formed by highly conserved GPI amino acids.Conclusion:Early family-based sequencing analyses,especially for patients with congenital anemia,can help increase diagnostic accuracy for GPI deficiency,improve child healthcare,and enable genetic counseling.

Genome-wide Analysis of Glucose-6-phosphate Dehydrogenase(G6PDH) and Its Evolution in Eucalyptus grandsis

[Objective] The aim of this study was to perform genome-wide analysis of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase（G6PDH） and reveal its evolution in Eucalyptus grandsis.[Method] The gene character,protein sequence and phylogenetic tree of G6PDH gene were analyzed by BLAST and other bioinformatics software within Eucalyptus grandsis whole genome database.[Result] Six G6PDH genes,including one cytomic type and five plastids,were detected in the E.grandsis genome.All the G6PDHs have conserved motifs of motif 1,motif 2,motif 3,motif 7,motif 9 and motif 11.Furthermore,promoter sequences of all E.grandsis G6PDH contain TATA box,enhancer,light-responsive,hormone-responsive and stress-responsive regulatory elements.[Conclusion] This study provided reference for the further revealing molecular function of E.grandsis G6PDH gene family

Structure and Expression Analyses of a Gene Encoding Fructose-6-Phosphate, 2-Kinase/Fructose-2,6-Bisphosphatase from Maize

A full-length cDNA encoding fructose-6-phosphate, 2-kinase/fructose-2,6-bisphosphatase from maize (Zea mays L.) was cloned by the methods of reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE), and designated as mF2KP. The encoded protein is composed of two regions. Its COOH-terminal region is catalytic region and homologous to the enzymes from other eukaryotes; and its NH 2-terminal region is common and special region only in plant. A truncated fragment of mF2KP covering integrated catalytic region was expressed in Escherichia coli. The fusion protein had the activities of fructose-6-phosphate, 2-kinase as well as fructose-2,6-bisphosphatase. Northern blot showed that the transcript level of mF2KP in seedlings initiated from strong-vigor seeds is lower than that from weak-vigor seeds.

High Level Expression of Glucose-6-phosphate Dehydrogenase Gene PsG6PDH from Populus suaveolens in E. coli

In order to investigate the functions of the gene PsG6PDH and the mechanisms underlying freezing tolerance of Populus suaveolens, the recombinant expression vector pET-G （pET30a-G6PDH）, which contained full encoding region of PsG6PDH gene, was established. The recombinant was identified by lawn-PCR and double enzyme digestion and then transformed into expression host XA90 and induced by isopropyl-a-D-thiogalactoside （IPTG） to express 100 kD polypeptide of G6PDH fusion protein. The results showed that the expressed amount of the fusion protein culminated after 1 mmol·L^-1 IPTG treatment for 4h and that pET-G product was predominately soluble and not extra-cellular secreting.

Cloning and Sequence Analysis of a Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase Gene PsG6PDH from Freezing-tolerant Populus suaveolens

A 1 207 bp cDNA fragment (PsG6PDH) was amplified by RT-PCR from cold-induced total RNA of the freez- ing-tolerant P. Suaveolens, using primers based on the highly conserved region of published plant glucose-6-phosphate dehydro- genase (G6PDH) genes. The sequence analysis showed that PsG6PDH coding region had 1 101 bp and encoded 367 predicted amino acid residues. Moreover, the nucleotide sequence of PsG6PDH showed 83%, 82%, 79%, 79% and 78% identity, and the derived amino acid sequence shared 44.2%, 44.7%, 42.0%, 40.5% and 43.9% identity with those of the Solanum tuberosum, Nicotiana ta- bacum, Triticum aestivum, Oryza sativa and Arabidopsis thaliana, respectively. The results show that PsG6PDH is a new member of G6PDH gene family and belongs to the cytosolic G6PDH gene. This is the first report on cloning of the G6PDH gene from woody plants.

Is glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency more prevalent in Carrion's disease endemic areas in Latin America?

Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase(G6PD) is a cytoplasmic enzyme with an important function in cell oxidative damage prevention.Erythrocytes have a predisposition towards oxidized environments due to their lack of mitochondria,giving G6 PD a major role in its stability.G6 PD deficiency(G6PDd) is the most common enzyme deficiency in humans:it affects approximately 400 million individuals worldwide.The overall G6 PDd allele frequency across malaria endemic countries is estimated to be 8%.corresponding to approximately 220 million males and 133 million females.However,there are no reports on the prevalence of G6 PDd in Andean communities where bartonellosis is prevalent.

Involvement of the circular RNA/microRNA/glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase axis in the pathological mechanism of hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)is the third most common cause of cancer-related death worldwide with high mortality.The incidence of HCC is increasing in China.Abnormal activation of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase(G6 PD)exists in all malignant tumors,including HCC,and is closely related to the development of HCC.In addition,the differential expression of non-coding RNAs is closely related to the development of HCC.This systematic review focuses on the relationship between G6 PD,HCC,and noncoding RNA,which form the basis for the circ RNA/mi RNA/G6 PD axis in HCC.The circular RNA(circ RNA)/micro RNA(mi RNA)/G6 PD axis is involved in development of HCC.We proposed that non-coding RNA molecules of the circ RNA/mi RNA/G6 PD axis may be novel biomarkers for the pathological diagnosis,prognosis,and targeted therapy of HCC.

Rice Glucose 6-Phosphate/Phosphate Translocator 1 is required for tapetum function and pollen development

In plants, non-green plastids in heterotrophic tissues are sites for starch and fatty acids biosynthesis,which are essential for plant development and reproduction. Distinct from chloroplasts, the metabolites for these processes in non-green plastids have to be imported through specific transporters. Glucose 6-Phosphate/Phosphate Translocator 1 is required for the uptake of cytosolic Glucose 6-Phosphate into non-green plastids. In Arabidopsis, GPT1 has been demonstrated to play essential roles in male, female gametophyte and embryo development. However, the roles of GPTs in other species are yet largely unknown. Here, we reported that rice OsGPT1 is indispensable for normal tapetal degeneration and pollen exine formation during anther and pollen development. OsGPT1 is localized in the plastid and distributed in the anther wall layers and late-stage pollen grains. Different from the gametic defects caused by mutation in At GPT1, disruption of OsGPT1 does not affect male and female gamete transmission as well as embryo development. On the contrary, osgpt1 mutant exhibits delayed tapetum degeneration,decreased Ubisch bodies formation and thinner pollen exine, leading to pollen abortion at the mature stage. Furthermore, the expression of several genes involved in tapetal programmed cell death(PCD)and sporopollenin formation is decreased in osgpt1. Our study suggests that OsGPT1 coordinates the development of anther sporophytic tissues and the male gametophyte by integrating carbohydrate and fatty acid metabolism in the plastid.

Prevalence of Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase (G6PD) Deficiency in India: A Systematic Review

Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is the most common enzyme deficiency of human erythrocyte affecting more than 400 million people worldwide. In India, G6PD deficiency was first reported in 1963 and since then various investigations have been conducted across country. The objective of this work was to study the prevalence of G6PD deficiency in different ethnic, caste and linguistic groups of Indian population. A systematic search of published literature was undertaken and the wide variability of G6PD deficiency has been observed ranging from 0% - 30.7% among the different caste, ethnic, and linguistic groups of India. It was observed that the incidence of G6PD deficiency was found to be considerably higher among the tribes (9.86%) as compared to other ethnic groups (7.34%) and significantly higher in males as compared to females.

Purification and Characterization of Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase from Pigeon Pea (Cajanus cajan) Seeds

Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase has been purified from pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan) seeds and subjected to characterization. The enzyme was purified 123.69 fold with a yield of 21.37% by ammonium sulphate fractionation, PEG-4000 precipitation, CM cellulose column chromatography and DEAE cellulose column chromatography. The catalytically active enzyme is a dimer of 113 KDa with a subunit molecular weight of 55 KDa. Thermal inactivation of enzyme follows first order kinetics at 30&#176C and 40&#176C with half life of 6 and 1.5 min respectively. Km value for glucose-6-phosphate and NADP+ was found to be 2.68 mM and 0.75 mM respectively whereas Vmax value was found to be 0.11 U/mL and 0.13 U/mL respectively. The enzyme shows more affinity towards NADP+ than glucose-6-phosphate. The pKa value was found to be 10.41 indicating that the amino acid residue at active site might be lysine. The enzyme exhibited maximum catalytic activity at pH 8.2. The enzyme was found to be highly thermosensitive with gradual loss of activity above 30&#176C temperature.

Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase(G6PD) deficiency is associated with asymptomatic malaria in a rural community in Burkina Faso

Objective:To investigate 4 combinations of mutations responsible for glucose-6—phosphate dehydrogenase(G6PD) deficiency in a rural community of Burkina Faso,a malaria endemic country.Methods:Two hundred individuals in a rural community were genotyped for the mutations A376 G.G202A,A542 T,G680T and T968 C using TaqMan single nucleotide polymorphism assays and polymerase chain reaction followed by restriction fragment length polymorphism.Results:The prevalence of the G6 PD deficiency was 9.5%,in the study population.It was significantly higher in men compared to women(14.23%vs 6.0%,P=0.049).The 202A/376 G G6PD Awas the only deficient variant detected.Plasmodium falciparum asymptomatic parasitemia was significantly higher among the C6PD-non—deficient persons compared to the G6PD-deficient(P<0.001).The asymptomatic parasitemia was also significantly higher among G(SPI) nondeficient compared to C6PD—heterozygous females(P<0.001).Conclusions:This study showed that the G6 PD A- variant associated with protection against asymptomatic malaria in Burkina Faso is probably the most common deficient variant.

Is there any role of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase in obesity induced metabolic disorder

The present study was designed to explore the possible mechanism of obesity associated metabolic syndrome. 150 subjects (120 men and 30 women) in the age-group of 17 - 26 years were studied. Body Mass Index and Waist-to-Hip Ratio were taken as a measure of generalized obesity and abdominal adiposity. The serum concentration of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase increased with increasing levels of Body Mass Index and was found to be significant in obese subjects (Body Mass Index ≥ 30.0 kg/m2) and more so in the obese subjects with abdominal adiposity (p = 0.002) as compared to normal-weight subjects. Karl Pearson coefficient of correlation revealed a significant positive correlation of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase with Body Mass Index (r = 0.499;p < 0.001) and malondialdehyde (a biomarker of oxidative stress) (r = 0.736;p < 0.001) but inverse correlation with adiponectin (r = -0.524;p < 0.001). Thus, we conclude that increased expression of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase in obese subjects (more if it is associated with abdominal adiposity) might mediate the onset of obesity associated metabolic disorders by increasing oxidative stress.

The diagnostic significance of glucose-6-phosphate isomerase (G6PI) antigen and anti-G6PI antibody in rheumatoid arthritis patients

Objective: To investigate whether glucose-6-phosphate isomerase (G6PI) antigen and anti-G6PI antibodies could be applied for the clinical diagnostic markers of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and its associations with RA activity states. Methods: The levels of G6PI antigens and anti-G6PI Abs in sera from 176 RA patients in different states, 35 non-RA patients and 100 healthy donors and in synovia fluids from 33 patients and 11 non-RA patients were measured by ELISA. Results: The sensitivity and specificity of G6PI antigens in the RA patients were 75.0% and 93.3%, respectively. The levels of serum G6PI antigens in 176 RA patients were significantly higher than non-RA patients and the health controls. Especially, there was a significant difference between the active phase and the inactive phase in G6PI antigens levels. The levels of G6PI antigens in synovia fluid were also significantly higher in RA groups than in non-RA patients. With the values of the anti-G6PI Abs in sera, there were no marked differences among RA, non-RA patients and health controls. Also, there was no significant difference between the active phase and the inactive phase in RA patients. However, there were no significant differences of G6PI and anti-G6PI between RA patients and health controls in synovial fluid. Conclusions: G6PI is highly correlated with the activity states of RA, and could be applied for a clinical biomarker with high sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of RA.

STAT3 and sphingosine-1-phosphate in inflammation-associated colorectal cancer

Accumulated evidences have demonstrated that signal transducer and activator of transcription 3(STAT3)is a critical link between inflammation and cancer.Multiple studies have indicated that persistent activation of STAT3 in epithelial/tumor cells in inflammation-associated colorectal cancer(CRC)is associated with sphingosine-1-phosphate(S1P)receptor signaling.In inflammatory response whereby interleukin(IL)-6 production is abundant,STAT3-mediated pathways were found to promote the activation of sphingosine kinases(SphK1and SphK2)leading to the production of S1P.Reciprocally,S1P encourages the activation of STAT3 through a positive autocrine-loop signaling.The crosstalk between IL-6,STAT3 and sphingolipid regulated pathways may play an essential role in tumorigenesis and tumor progression in inflamed intestines.Therapeutics targeting both STAT3 and sphingolipid are therefore likely to contribute novel and more effective therapeutic strategies against inflammation-associated CRC.

Trehalose:A sugar molecule involved in temperature stress management in plants

Trehalose(Tre)is a non-reducing disaccharide found in many species,including bacteria,fungi,invertebrates,yeast,and even plants,where it acts as an osmoprotectant,energy source,or protein/membrane protector.Despite relatively small amounts in plants,Tre concentrations increase following exposure to abiotic stressors.Trehalose-6-phosphate,a precursor of Tre,has regulatory functions in sugar metabolism,crop production,and stress tolerance.Among the various abiotic stresses,temperature extremes(heat or cold stress)are anticipated to impact crop production worldwide due to ongoing climate changes.Applying small amounts of Tre can mitigate negative physiological,metabolic,and molecular responses triggered by temperature stress.Trehalose also interacts with other sugars,osmoprotectants,amino acids,and phytohormones to regulate metabolic reprogramming that underpins temperature stress adaptation.Transformed plants expressing Tre-synthesis genes accumulate Tre and show improved stress tolerance.Genome-wide studies of Tre-encoding genes suggest roles in plant growth,development,and stress tolerance.This review discusses the functions of Tre in mitigating temperature stress—highlighting genetic engineering approaches to modify Tre metabolism,crosstalk,and interactions with other molecules—and in-silico approaches for identifying novel Tre-encoding genes in diverse plant species.We consider how this knowledge can be used to develop temperature-resilient crops essential for sustainable agriculture.

Clinical significance of loss of heterozygosity for M6P/IGF2R in patients with primary hepatocellular carcinoma

AIM:To investigate the relationship between loss of heterozygosity (LOH) for mannose 6-phosphate/insulin- like growth factor 2 receptor (M6P/IGF2R) and the outcomes for primary HCC patients treated with partial hepatectomy. METHODS: The LOH for M6P/IGF2R in primary HCC patients was assessed using six different gene-specific nucleotide polymorphisms. The patients studied were enrolled to undergo partial hepatectomy. RESULTS: M6P/IGF2R was found to be polymorphic in 73.3% (22/30) of the patients, and of these patients, 50.0% (11/22) had tumors showing LOH in M6P/IGF2R. Loss of heterozygosity in M6P/IGF2R was associated with significant reductions in the two year overall survival rate (24.9% vs 65.5%; P = 0.04) and the disease-free survival rate (17.8% vs 59.3%; P = 0.03). CONCLUSION: These results show M6P/IGF2R LOH predicts poor clinical outcomes in surgically resected primary HCC patients.

G6PT-H6PDH-11βHSD1 triad in the liver and its implication in the pathomechanism of the metabolic syndrome

The metabolic syndrome, one of the most common clinical conditions in recent times, represents a combination of cardiometabolic risk determinants, including central obesity, glucose intolerance, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and hypertension. Prevalence of the metabolic syndrome is rapidly increasing worldwide as a consequence of common overnutrition and consequent obesity. Although a unifying picture of the pathomechanism is still missing, the key role of the pre-receptor glucocorticoid activation has emerged recently. Local glucocorticoid activation is catalyzed by a triad composed of glucose-6-phosphate-transporter, hexose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase and 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 in the endoplasmic reticulum. The elements of this system can be found in various cell types, including adipocytes and hepatocytes. While the contribution of glucocorticoid activation in adipose tissue to the pathomechanism of the metabolic syndrome has been well established, the relative importance of the hepatic process is less understood. This review summarizes the available data on the role of the hepatic triad and its role in the metabolic syndrome, by confronting experimental findings with clinical observations.

Vitamin B6 and colorectal cancer:Current evidence and future directions

Colorectal cancer remains the third most common cancer in both women and men worldwide.Identifying modifiable dietary factors is crucial in developing primary prevention strategies.Vitamin B6 is involved in more than 100 coenzyme reactions,and may influence colorectal cancer risk in multiple ways including through its role in one-carbon metabolism related DNA synthesis and methylation and by reducing inflammation,cell proliferation,and oxidative stress.Observational studies of dietary or dietary plus supplementary intake of vitamin B6 and colorectal cancer risk have been inconsistent with most studies reporting nonsignificant positive or inverse associations.However,published studies of plasma pyridoxal 5'-phosphate(the active form of vitamin B6) levels consistently support an approximately 30%-50% reduction in risk of colorectal cancer comparing high with low concentrations.The reasons for the discrepancy in the results between dietary-based and plasma-based studies remain unresolved.Other unresolved questions include the effects of vitamin B6 intake in early life(i.e.,childhood or adolescence) and of suboptimal vitamin B6 status on colorectal cancer risk,whether the associations with vitamin B6 differ across molecular subtypes of colorectal cancer,and whether the vitamin B6-colorectal cancer association is modified by genetic variants of one-carbon metabolism.