PURPOSE: Docetaxel resistance is a significant obstacle in the treatment of prostate cancer (PCa), resulting in unfavorable patient prognoses. Intratumoral heterogeneity, often associated with epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), has previously emerged as a phenomenon that facilitates adaptation to various stimuli, thus promoting cancer cell diversity and eventually resistance to chemotherapy, including docetaxel. Hence, understanding intratumoral heterogeneity is essential for better patient prognosis and the development of personalized treatment strategies. METHODS: To address this, we employed a high-throughput single-cell flow cytometry approach to identify a specific surface fingerprint associated with docetaxel-resistance in PCa cells and complemented it with proteomic analysis of extracellular vesicles. We further validated selected antigens using docetaxel-resistant patient-derived xenografts in vivo and probed primary PCa specimens to interrogate of their surface fingerprint. RESULTS: Our approaches revealed a 6-molecule surface fingerprint linked to docetaxel resistance in primary PCa specimens. We observed consistent overexpression of CD95 (FAS/APO-1), and SSEA-4 surface antigens in both in vitro and in vivo docetaxel-resistant models, which was also observed in a cell subpopulation of primary PCa tumors exhibiting EMT features. Furthermore, CD95, along with the essential enzymes involved in SSEA-4 synthesis, ST3GAL1, and ST3GAL2, displayed a significant increase in patients with PCa undergoing docetaxel-based therapy, correlating with poor survival outcomes. CONCLUSION: In summary, we demonstrate that the identified 6-molecule surface fingerprint associated with docetaxel resistance pre-exists in a subpopulation of primary PCa tumors before docetaxel treatment. Thus, this fingerprint warrants further validation as a promising predictive tool for docetaxel resistance in PCa patients prior to therapy initiation.
- MeSH
- Drug Resistance, Neoplasm * MeSH
- Docetaxel * pharmacology therapeutic use MeSH
- Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition drug effects MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Mice MeSH
- Cell Line, Tumor MeSH
- Prostatic Neoplasms * pathology drug therapy metabolism MeSH
- Antineoplastic Agents pharmacology therapeutic use MeSH
- Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays MeSH
- Animals MeSH
- Check Tag
- Humans MeSH
- Male MeSH
- Mice MeSH
- Animals MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
Well-defined gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) are accessible via simple synthetic methods, and their surface chemistry stands as a key factor in determining applications in the biomedical field. While macromolecules featuring amino groups are already known to successfully mediate the formation of stable gold colloids in one-pot, two-reactant, no workup reactions in aqueous media, we herein report the discovery that, under mild reaction temperatures, polymers of outstanding biomedical interest not only can play the simultaneous role of reducing and capping agent but also lead to particulate systems with unique features. From a library of samples that included branched polyethylenimine (BPEI), poly-(l-lysine) (PLL), bovine serum albumin (BSA), poly-(2-methyl-2-oxazoline) (PMeOx), poly-(N-(2-hydroxypropyl) methacrylamide) (PHPMA), and amine-functionalized poly-(N-(2-hydroxypropyl)-methacrylamide-co-N-(3-aminopropyl)-methacrylamide) P-(HPMA-co-APMA), we found that PHPMA end-functionalized with nitrile motifs generate spherical and stable AuNPs@PHPMA of very small size (diameter of ∼2.4 nm), as underlined by imaging experiments. Cell viability experiments indicated exceptionally good biocompatibility up to very high numerical particle concentrations as compared to the other systems. The reduced size imparted to the AuNPs@PHPMA outstanding catalytic properties (no induction time and high reaction rate constant for the hydrogenation of p-nitrophenol) and antimicrobial activity (total antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and dose-dependent antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus). The introduction of primary amine groups (13.4 mol %) of higher nucleophilicity known to work better for AuNP synthesis makes these unique features disappear, as evidenced for P-(HPMA-co-APMA). The other systems yielded 6-28 nm particles whose properties reflected both the size of the metallic core and chemical nature and conformation of the capping agent. These findings point to novel applications of PHPMA polymers worthy of further development, especially in light of their excellent water solubility and biocompatibility.
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
Lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)] has been recognized as an independent, inherited, causal risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) and aortic valve stenosis, thus representing a major target of residual CV risk. Currently, no drug has been officially approved for lowering Lp(a) levels, and in clinical practice, Lp(a) is mainly used to (re)define CV risk, particularly in individuals at borderline CV risk and people with a family history of premature coronary heart disease, according to various guidelines. Specific Lp(a)-targeted antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) and small interfering RNA (siRNA) agents have been developed to produce substantial Lp(a) reductions via the inhibition of apo(a) synthesis in the liver. These drugs are conjugated to N-acetylgalactosamine (GalNAc) to ensure their binding to asialoglycoproteins, which are specifically expressed on the surface of the hepatocytes. Such drugs include pelacarsen (an injectable ASO) and olpasiran, zerlasiran, and lepodisiran (injectable siRNA agents). Muvalaplin represents another therapeutic option to lower Lp(a) levels, since it is an oral selective small molecule inhibitor of Lp(a) formation, thus potentially exerting certain advantages in terms of its clinical use. The present narrative review summarizes the available clinical data on the efficacy and safety of these investigational Lp(a)-lowering therapies, as reported in phase 1 and 2 trials. The effects of these drugs on other [aside from Lp(a)] lipid parameters are also discussed. The phase 3 CV trial outcomes are ongoing for some of these agents (i.e., pelacarsen, olpasiran, and lepodisiran) and are briefly mentioned. Overall, there is an urgent need for evidence-based guidelines on Lp(a) reduction in daily clinical practice, following the results of the phase 3 CV trials, as well as for establishing the ideal Lp(a) quantification method (i.e., using an apo(a) isoform-independent assay with appropriate calibrators, reporting the Lp(a) level in molar units).
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
- Review MeSH
DC-SIGN, a C-type lectin receptor expressed on immune cells, is considered a promising target for immunomodulatory and antiviral therapies. While mannose-based glycomimetics have been extensively studied as DC-SIGN ligands, fucose-based strategies remain underexplored. This study explores the fucosylation of linear alcohols and sugars using eight different fucosyl donors, aiming at designing strategies for the development of fucose-based glycomimetics targeting DC-SIGN. Four types of leaving groups and two different acyl-based protecting groups on the donors were tested. The glycosylation of 3-azidopropan-1-ol exclusively yielded the β-anomer, demonstrating high stereoselectivity. The azido group in the product is versatile, allowing for direct click chemistry reactions or reduction to an amine for further functionalization. Both types of reactions were demonstrated in a model reaction. In the glycosylation of a sugar, a disaccharide moiety of Lewis X antigen was selected as a target molecule. Only one of the eight tested fucosyl donors worked well in this reaction and provided the product in a reasonable yield. The disaccharide was also equipped with the 3-azidopropyl linker, facilitating future modifications. Finally, NMR studies confirmed compatibility of the linker with canonical Ca2+-dependent carbohydrate binding to DC-SIGN, suggesting potential for further development of fucose-based glycomimetics targeting this C-type lectin receptor.
- MeSH
- Fucose * chemistry MeSH
- Glycosides * chemistry chemical synthesis pharmacology metabolism MeSH
- Glycosylation MeSH
- Lectins, C-Type * metabolism antagonists & inhibitors MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Molecular Structure MeSH
- Cell Adhesion Molecules * metabolism antagonists & inhibitors MeSH
- Receptors, Cell Surface * metabolism antagonists & inhibitors MeSH
- Check Tag
- Humans MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
Recent advances in optical sensing technologies underpin the development of high-performance, surface-sensitive analytical tools capable of reliable and precise detection of molecular targets in complex biological media in non-laboratory settings. Optical fibre sensors guide light to and from a region of interest, enabling sensitive measurements of localized environments. This positions optical fibre sensors as a highly promising technology for a wide range of biochemical and healthcare applications. However, their performance in real-world biological media is often limited by the absence of robust post-modification strategies that provide both high biorecognition and antifouling capabilities. In this study, we present the proof-of-concept antifouling and biorecognition performance of a polymer brush nano-coating synthesized at the sensing region of optical fibre long-period grating (LPG) sensors. Using a newly developed antifouling terpolymer brush (ATB) composed of carboxybetaine methacrylamide, sulfobetaine methacrylamide, and N-(2-hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide, we achieve state-of-the-art antifouling properties. The successful on-fibre ATB synthesis is confirmed through scanning electron microscopy (SEM), fluorescence microscopy, and label-free bio-detection experiments based on antibody-functionalized ATB-coated LPG optical fibres. Despite the challenges in handling optical fibres during polymerization, the resulting nano-coating retains its remarkable antifouling properties upon exposure to blood plasma and enables biorecognition element functionalization. These capabilities are demonstrated through the detection of IgG in buffer and diluted blood plasma using anti-IgG-functionalized ATB-coated sensing regions of LPG fibres in both label-based (fluorescence) and label-free real-time detection experiments. The results show the potential of ATB-coated LPG fibres for use in analytical biosensing applications.
Public transport represents a potential site for the transmission of resistant pathogens due to the rapid movement of large numbers of people. This study aimed to investigate the bacterial contamination of frequently touched surfaces in the public transport system operating in the proximity of the biggest Czech hospital during the coronavirus pandemic despite extensive cleaning and disinfection efforts. In June and September 2020, samples from the metro trains, ground transport and stationary objects were collected, enriched and cultured. The antimicrobial susceptibility was tested by broth microdilution. Staphylococcus aureus isolates exhibiting inconclusive results of vancomycin susceptibility testing were retested by broth macrodilution and subjected to whole genome sequencing. All S. aureus isolates were tested for vancomycin heteroresistance (hVISA). A total of 513/542 (94.6 %) samples were culture-positive with higher frequency in September (p = 0.004). S. aureus was the most frequent opportunistic bacterial pathogen found (3.7 %, 20/542) followed by Enterobacterales spp. (1.8 %, 10/542). No methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), extended-spectrum beta-lactamase producers (ESBL) or carbapenemase-producing bacteria were detected. Resistance to clinically relevant drugs was rare except for resistance to ampicillin (67 %, 8/12), cefuroxime (42 %, 5/12) in Enterobacterales and chloramphenicol (90 %, 18/20), penicillin (45 %, 9/20), and erythromycin (20 %, 4/20) in S. aureus. One S. aureus isolate was shown to be resistant to vancomycin (8 mg/L) by forming large visible cell aggregates. Population analysis profile-area under the curve ratio (PAP-AUC) testing did not confirm the hVISA phenotype, but mutations in the hVISA phenotype-related gene vraR and other genes related to cell wall synthesis (fmtB) and intercellular adhesion (sasC) were found. Our study shows that in the COVID-19 pandemic, despite the intensive use of disinfectants, public transport was a source of opportunistic bacterial pathogens including S. aureus with unusual vancomycin resistance phenotype that could be easily missed by standard susceptibility testing.
- MeSH
- Anti-Bacterial Agents * pharmacology MeSH
- COVID-19 * MeSH
- Transportation MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Microbial Sensitivity Tests * MeSH
- Pandemics MeSH
- Vancomycin Resistance MeSH
- SARS-CoV-2 * MeSH
- Staphylococcus aureus * drug effects genetics MeSH
- Vancomycin * pharmacology MeSH
- Check Tag
- Humans MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
- Geographicals
- Czech Republic MeSH
Mikroorganismy si během evoluce vyvinuly širokou škálu strategií, jak uniknout vrozenému i adaptivnímu imunitnímu systému, a některým těmto strategiím se věnujeme v našem přehledu. Mikroorganismy mohou využívat podobnost svých proteinů s proteiny hostitele, produkovat protizánětlivé faktory, narušovat komplementový systém, ovlivňovat funkci a blokovat syntézu cytokinů, inhibovat rozpoznávání imunoglobulinů, snižovat expresi a modifikovat antigeny na svém povrchu, narušovat zpracování a prezentaci antigenu imunitními buňkami, vstupovat do imunitních buněk, ovlivňovat apoptózu buněk, modulovat funkce imunitních buněk nebo ovlivňovat produkci hormonů. S těmito únikovými strategiemi je nutné počítat při léčbě infekčních onemocnění.
Microorganisms have evolved a wide variety of strategies to evade both the innate and adaptive immune systems during evolution, and some of these strategies are addressed in our review. Microorganisms can use the similarity of their proteins to host proteins, produce anti-inflammatory factors, disrupt the complement system, affect the function and block the synthesis of cytokines, inhibit the recognition of immunoglobulins, reduce the expression and modify antigens on their surface, disrupt the processing and presentation of antigen by immune cells, enter immune cells , influence cell apoptosis, modulate immune cell functions or influence hormone production. These escape strategies must be taken into account when treating infectious diseases.
- Keywords
- únikové strategie mikroorganismů,
- MeSH
- Host-Pathogen Interactions MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Microbiological Phenomena * MeSH
- Immunity, Innate * MeSH
- Trained Immunity MeSH
- Check Tag
- Humans MeSH
- Publication type
- Review MeSH
Mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) fuels cellular ATP demands. OXPHOS defects lead to severe human disorders with unexplained tissue specific pathologies. Mitochondrial gene expression is essential for OXPHOS biogenesis since core subunits of the complexes are mitochondrial-encoded. COX14 is required for translation of COX1, the central mitochondrial-encoded subunit of complex IV. Here we describe a COX14 mutant mouse corresponding to a patient with complex IV deficiency. COX14M19I mice display broad tissue-specific pathologies. A hallmark phenotype is severe liver inflammation linked to release of mitochondrial RNA into the cytosol sensed by RIG-1 pathway. We find that mitochondrial RNA release is triggered by increased reactive oxygen species production in the deficiency of complex IV. Additionally, we describe a COA3Y72C mouse, affected in an assembly factor that cooperates with COX14 in early COX1 biogenesis, which displays a similar yet milder inflammatory phenotype. Our study provides insight into a link between defective mitochondrial gene expression and tissue-specific inflammation.
- MeSH
- Cyclooxygenase 1 * MeSH
- DEAD Box Protein 58 MeSH
- DEAD-box RNA Helicases metabolism genetics MeSH
- Liver * metabolism pathology MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Membrane Proteins MeSH
- Mitochondrial Proteins metabolism genetics MeSH
- Mitochondria metabolism MeSH
- Mutation MeSH
- Mice, Inbred C57BL MeSH
- Mice MeSH
- Oxidative Phosphorylation * MeSH
- Protein Biosynthesis MeSH
- Reactive Oxygen Species * metabolism MeSH
- Electron Transport Complex IV * metabolism genetics MeSH
- RNA, Mitochondrial genetics metabolism MeSH
- Inflammation * metabolism genetics pathology MeSH
- Animals MeSH
- Check Tag
- Humans MeSH
- Male MeSH
- Mice MeSH
- Female MeSH
- Animals MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
Moderní medicína klade velký důraz nejen na účinnost, ale zejména na bezpečnost léčby. Společným nedostatkem antikoagulancií blokujících společnou cestu koagulační kaskády (inhibitorů trombinu, inhibitorů faktoru Xa či antivitaminů K) je zvýšené riziko klinicky významného krvácení. Přichází nová strategie zaměřená na inhibici vnitřní cesty koagulační kaskády, konkrétně na inhibici syntézy či blokádu funkce faktoru XI/XIa. Tato cesta je slibná, neboť k nejčastějším indikacím antikoagulancií patří aktivace hemostázy kontaktem (navozená např. polyfosfáty na povrchu aktivovaných trombocytů či kontaktem s negativním elektrostatickým povrchem) či reparačně-zánětlivými pochody (zejm. vlákny extracelulárně uvolněné DNA z neutrofilních leukocytů – NET či řadou cytokinů). Podmínkou aktivace této vnitřní cesty koagulace je stagnace krve umožňující dosažení účinné lokální koncentrace enzymů koagulační kaskády. Těmto podmínkám odpovídají dvě nejčastější indikace antikoagulační léčby – prevence tromboembolických příhod provázejících fibrilaci síní či profylaxe a léčba tromboembolické nemoci. Zachování aktivní vnější cesty koagulace pak umožní zachování hemostázy při poškození cévní stěny, tedy např. při poškození sliznic, při úrazech či operačních zákrocích. Typy léčiv prověřované při inhibici faktoru XI/XIa demonstrují současný posun možností farmakologické intervence. Vedle klasických léčiv s malou molekulou (např. asundexian, milvexian) jsou vyvíjeny monoklonální protilátky (např. abelacimab, osocimab) či inhibující oligonukleotidy (např. fesomersen). Řada těchto léčiv má ukončeny časné fáze klinického hodnocení a v řadě indikací (profylaxe tromboembolické nemoci po ortopedických zákrocích, v rámci prevence tromboembolických příhod při fibrilaci síní či v indikaci sekundární prevence po infarktu myokardu či iktu) probíhají poslední předregistrační fáze hodnocení.
Modern medicine places great emphasis not only on the efficacy but especially on the safety of the treatment. A common deficiency of anticoagulants inhibitingg the common pathway of the coagulation cascade (thrombin inhibitors, factor Xa inhibitors or antivitamins K) is an increased risk of clinically significant bleeding. A new strategy is being developed to inhibit the intrinsic pathway of the coagulation cascade, specifically to inhibit the synthesis or block the function of factor XI/XIa. This route is promising, as the most common indications of anticoagulants include activation of haemostasis by contact (induced e.g. by polyphosphates on the surface of activated platelets or by contact with a negative electrostatic surface) or by repair-inflammatory processes (especially by extracellularly released DNA fibres from neutrophilic leukocytes - NETs or by a number of cytokines). The condition for the activation of this intrinsic coagulation pathway is the stagnation of the blood, allowing the achievement of an effective local concentration of enzymes of the coagulation cascade. These conditions correspond to the two most common indications for anticoagulant therapy - prevention of thromboembolic events accompanying atrial fibrillation or prophylaxis and treatment of thromboembolic disease. Maintaining an active external coagulation pathway will then allow for the preservation of hemostasis in the event of damage to the vascular wall, e.g. damage to mucous membranes, injuries or surgeries. The types of drugs investigated in inhibition of factor XI/XIa demonstrate the current shift in pharmacological intervention options. In addition to classical small molecule drugs (e.g. asundexian, milvexian), monoclonal antibodies (e.g. abelacimab, osocimab) or oligonucleotide inhibitors (e.g. fesomersen) are being developed. A number of these drugs have completed the early phases of clinical trials, and in a number of indications (prophylaxis of thromboembolic disease after orthopaedic procedures, as part of the prevention of thromboembolic events in atrial fibrillation or in the indication of secondary prevention after myocardial infarction or stroke), the last preregistration phases of the trial are underway.
- MeSH
- Anticoagulants * administration & dosage pharmacology therapeutic use MeSH
- Factor IX antagonists & inhibitors MeSH
- Factor IXa antagonists & inhibitors MeSH
- Blood Coagulation drug effects MeSH
- Hemostasis MeSH
- Blood Coagulation Factor Inhibitors administration & dosage therapeutic use MeSH
- Cardiovascular Diseases prevention & control MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Check Tag
- Humans MeSH
Dolichol is a lipid critical for N-glycosylation as a carrier for activated sugars and nascent oligosaccharides. It is commonly thought to be directly produced from polyprenol by the enzyme SRD5A3. Instead, we found that dolichol synthesis requires a three-step detour involving additional metabolites, where SRD5A3 catalyzes only the second reaction. The first and third steps are performed by DHRSX, whose gene resides on the pseudoautosomal regions of the X and Y chromosomes. Accordingly, we report a pseudoautosomal-recessive disease presenting as a congenital disorder of glycosylation in patients with missense variants in DHRSX (DHRSX-CDG). Of note, DHRSX has a unique dual substrate and cofactor specificity, allowing it to act as a NAD+-dependent dehydrogenase and as a NADPH-dependent reductase in two non-consecutive steps. Thus, our work reveals unexpected complexity in the terminal steps of dolichol biosynthesis. Furthermore, we provide insights into the mechanism by which dolichol metabolism defects contribute to disease.
- MeSH
- 3-Oxo-5-alpha-Steroid 4-Dehydrogenase metabolism genetics MeSH
- Dolichols * metabolism biosynthesis MeSH
- Glycosylation MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Membrane Proteins metabolism genetics MeSH
- Mutation, Missense MeSH
- Congenital Disorders of Glycosylation metabolism genetics MeSH
- Check Tag
- Humans MeSH
- Male MeSH
- Female MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
