The soil microbiota exhibits an important function in the ecosystem, and its response to climate change is of paramount importance for sustainable agroecosystems. The macronutrients, micronutrients, and additional constituents vital for the growth of plants are cycled biogeochemically under the regulation of the soil microbiome. Identifying and forecasting the effect of climate change on soil microbiomes and ecosystem services is the need of the hour to address one of the biggest global challenges of the present time. The impact of climate change on the structure and function of the soil microbiota is a major concern, explained by one or more sustainability factors around resilience, reluctance, and rework. However, the past research has revealed that microbial interventions have the potential to regenerate soils and improve crop resilience to climate change factors. The methods used therein include using soil microbes' innate capacity for carbon sequestration, rhizomediation, bio-fertilization, enzyme-mediated breakdown, phyto-stimulation, biocontrol of plant pathogens, antibiosis, inducing the antioxidative defense pathways, induced systemic resistance response (ISR), and releasing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the host plant. Microbial phytohormones have a major role in altering root shape in response to exposure to drought, salt, severe temperatures, and heavy metal toxicity and also have an impact on the metabolism of endogenous growth regulators in plant tissue. However, shelf life due to the short lifespan and storage time of microbial formulations is still a major challenge, and efforts should be made to evaluate their effectiveness in crop growth based on climate change. This review focuses on the influence of climate change on soil physico-chemical status, climate change adaptation by the soil microbiome, and its future implications.
OBJECTIVES: This study quantified blood bicarbonate (HCO3-) kinetics and gastrointestinal upset to determine the gender-related ergogenic potential of sodium bicarbonate (0.15-, 0.25- and 0.35 gSB·kgFat-free mass (FFM)-1) in high intensity functional training. DESIGN: Double-blind randomized placebo-controlled crossover. METHODS: Thirty female and male athletes performed two bouts of the Wingate Anaerobic Test (WAnTPRE-HIFT and WAnTPOST-HIFT) interspaced with two 3-min bouts of Wall Balls and Burpees 120 min after ingestion of three sodium bicarbonate doses. Blood HCO3- was determined pre-ingestion, after supplementation and before/post exercise. Gastrointestinal upset was evaluated 120 min post-ingestion. Control (CTRL) measurements were performed. RESULTS: There were significant gender × treatment interactions for: changes in blood HCO3- at 60 min post-ingestion (p = 0.014; η2p = 0.104; at 0.15 gSB·kgFFM-1 males experienced higher increase than females); peak power (p = 0.015; η2p = 0.103) and average power (p = 0.005; η2p = 0.124) during WAnTPOST-HIFT, and changes in peak power between the Wingate Anaerobic Test bouts (p = 0.049; η2p = 0.081). Sodium bicarbonate compared to PLA had no significant impact on Wall Balls and Burpees performance. The dose of 0.35 gSB·kgFFM-1 resulted in higher less severe gastrointestinal symptoms compared to CTRL and 0.15 gSB·kgFFM-1 (p = 0.001; W = 0.178); and higher total gastrointestinal upset compared to CTRL, PLA and 0.15 gSB·kgFFM-1 (p < 0.001; W = 0.323). CONCLUSIONS: There were dose- and gender-related differences in extracellular buffering capacity and ergogenic potential of sodium bicarbonate. The study suggested a detrimental impact of gastrointestinal upset on performance.
- MeSH
- Adult MeSH
- Double-Blind Method MeSH
- Sodium Bicarbonate * administration & dosage pharmacology blood MeSH
- Cross-Over Studies * MeSH
- Performance-Enhancing Substances administration & dosage pharmacology MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Young Adult MeSH
- Sex Factors MeSH
- Exercise Test MeSH
- Check Tag
- Adult MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Young Adult MeSH
- Male MeSH
- Female MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
- Randomized Controlled Trial MeSH
OBJECTIVES: The efficacy and safety of macitentan, an endothelin receptor antagonist, were assessed in a 52-week, prospective, multicenter, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study assessing the efficacy and safety of macitentan in Fontan-palliated adult and adolescent patients (RUBATO-DB) and an open-label extension trial (RUBATO-OL). METHODS: Patients aged 12 years and older with New York Heart Association functional class II or III underwent total cavopulmonary connection more than 1 year before screening and showed no signs of Fontan failure/clinical deterioration. In RUBATO-DB, the primary efficacy end point was change in peak oxygen consumption from baseline to week 16; secondary end points were change from baseline over 52 weeks in peak oxygen consumption and change in mean count/minute of daily physical activity via accelerometer from baseline to week 16. Safety was assessed throughout both studies. RESULTS: In RUBATO-DB, 137 patients were randomized to macitentan 10 mg (n = 68) or placebo (n = 69); 92.7% completed 52-week double-blind treatment. At week 16, mean ± SD change in peak oxygen consumption was -0.16 ± 2.86 versus -0.67 ± 2.66 mL/kg/minute with macitentan versus placebo (median unbiased treatment difference estimate, 0.62 mL/kg/minute [99% repeated CI, -0.62 to 1.85]; P = .19). No treatment effect was observed in either of the secondary end points. During RUBATO-DB, most common adverse events with macitentan were headache, nasopharyngitis, and pyrexia. Across RUBATO-DB and RUBATO-OL, most common adverse events were COVID-19, headache, and fatigue. RUBATO-OL was prematurely discontinued because RUBATO-DB did not meet its primary or secondary end point. CONCLUSIONS: The primary end point of RUBATO-DB was not met; macitentan did not improve exercise capacity versus placebo in patients with Fontan palliation. Macitentan was generally well tolerated over long-term treatment.
- MeSH
- Endothelin Receptor Antagonists therapeutic use adverse effects MeSH
- Time Factors MeSH
- Child MeSH
- Adult MeSH
- Double-Blind Method MeSH
- Fontan Procedure * adverse effects MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Adolescent MeSH
- Young Adult MeSH
- Palliative Care MeSH
- Prospective Studies MeSH
- Pyrimidines * therapeutic use adverse effects MeSH
- Oxygen Consumption drug effects MeSH
- Sulfonamides * therapeutic use adverse effects MeSH
- Exercise Tolerance drug effects MeSH
- Heart Defects, Congenital surgery physiopathology MeSH
- Treatment Outcome MeSH
- Check Tag
- Child MeSH
- Adult MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Adolescent MeSH
- Young Adult MeSH
- Male MeSH
- Female MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
- Clinical Trial, Phase III MeSH
- Multicenter Study MeSH
- Randomized Controlled Trial MeSH
Neural networks are responsible for processing sensory stimuli and driving the synaptic activity required for brain function and behavior. This computational capacity is expensive and requires a steady supply of energy and building blocks to operate. Importantly, the neural networks are composed of different cell populations, whose metabolic profiles differ between each other, thus endowing them with different metabolic capacities, such as, for example, the ability to synthesize specific metabolic precursors or variable proficiency to manage their metabolic waste. These marked differences likely prompted the emergence of diverse intercellular metabolic interactions, in which the shuttling and cycling of specific metabolites between brain cells allows the separation of workload and efficient control of energy demand and supply within the central nervous system. Nevertheless, our knowledge about brain bioenergetics and the specific metabolic adaptations of neural cells still warrants further studies. In this review, originated from the Fourth International Society for Neurochemistry (ISN) and Journal of Neurochemistry (JNC) Flagship School held in Schmerlenbach, Germany (2022), we describe and discuss the specific metabolic profiles of brain cells, the intercellular metabolic exchanges between these cells, and how these bioenergetic activities shape synaptic function and behavior. Furthermore, we discuss the potential role of faulty brain metabolic activity in the etiology and progression of Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson disease, and Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. We foresee that a deeper understanding of neural networks metabolism will provide crucial insights into how higher-order brain functions emerge and reveal the roots of neuropathological conditions whose hallmarks include impaired brain metabolic function.
- MeSH
- Energy Metabolism * physiology MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Metabolic Networks and Pathways * physiology MeSH
- Brain * metabolism MeSH
- Nerve Net * metabolism MeSH
- Neurons * metabolism MeSH
- Animals MeSH
- Check Tag
- Humans MeSH
- Animals MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
- Review MeSH
The circadian clock in choroid plexus (ChP) controls processes involved in its physiological functions, but the signals that synchronize the clock have been sparsely studied. We found that the ChP clock in the fourthventricle (4V) is more robust than that in the lateral ventricle (LV) and investigated whether both clocks use information about mealtime as a signal to synchronize with the current activity state. Exposure of mPer2Luc mice to a 10-day reverse restricted feeding (rRF) protocol, in which food was provided for 6 h during daytime, advanced the phase of the ChP clock in 4V and LV, as evidenced by shifted (1) PER2-driven bioluminescence rhythms of ChP explants ex vivo and (2) daily profiles in clock gene expression in both ChP tissues in vivo. In contrast, clocks in other brain regions (DMH, ARC, LHb) of the same mice did not shift. The 4V ChP responded more strongly than the LV ChP to rRF by modulating the expression of genes to ensure a decrease in resistance to cerebrospinal fluid drainage and increase the secretory capacity of ChP cells. Mechanistically, rRF affects the ChP clock through food-induced increases in insulin, glucose and temperature levels, as in vitro all three signals significantly shifted the clocks in both ChP tissues, similar to rRF. The effect of glucose was partially blocked by OSMI-1, suggesting involvement of O-linked N-acetylglucosamine posttranslational modification. We identified mechanisms that can signal to the brain the time of feeding and the associated activity state via resetting of the ChP clock.
- MeSH
- Circadian Clocks * physiology genetics MeSH
- Period Circadian Proteins metabolism genetics MeSH
- Circadian Rhythm physiology MeSH
- Mice, Inbred C57BL MeSH
- Mice, Transgenic MeSH
- Mice MeSH
- Choroid Plexus * metabolism physiology MeSH
- Gene Expression Regulation MeSH
- Feeding Behavior * physiology MeSH
- Lateral Ventricles metabolism physiology MeSH
- Animals MeSH
- Check Tag
- Male MeSH
- Mice MeSH
- Animals MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
Chronic bronchitis is increasingly reported as a healthcare challenge in clinical settings partially due to the disease's bad prognosis and unresponsiveness to therapy, including the ineffectiveness of glucocorticoids. The ineffectiveness could have a link with genetic polymorphism of receptor genes resulting in inappropriate glucocorticoid pharmacodynamics. We sought to identify the role of gene polymorphism in the response of patients with chronic bronchitis to prednisolone therapy. To do so, a total of 60 newly diagnosed chronic bronchitis patients enrolled in the present study. Prednisolone at a dose of 30mg/day for two weeks was given and respiratory parameters [forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), and FEV1/FVC were measured before and after therapy. Blood samples were withdrawn for genetic profiling of genes involved in glucocorticoids pharmacodynamics, including BCII (rs41423247), N363S (rs56149945), and ER22/23EK (rs6189/rs6190) measured for their homozygous versus heterozygous gene splice variants.Results: Gene splice variants for BCII (rs41423247), N363S (rs56149945), and ER22/23EK (rs6189/rs6190) homozygous (73.3%, 98.7%, and 95%) represented a higher percentage than heterozygous (26.7%, 1.7%, and 5%). The respiratory parameters FEV1, FVC, and FEV1/FVC have shown significantly (p<0.05) better values at baseline in homozygous versus heterozygous, correspondingly, the responsiveness to therapy has shown significantly (p<0.05) better values in homozygous versus heterozygous.Conclusion: The study has provided a good template for genetic behaviour toward individualised medicine in our locality providing that these genes could be a cornerstone for discovering issues related to the pharmacodynamics profiling of drugs in clinical settings.
- MeSH
- Bronchitis, Chronic * diagnosis genetics MeSH
- Glucocorticoids pharmacology MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Polymerase Chain Reaction methods MeSH
- Polymorphism, Genetic genetics MeSH
- Prednisolone pharmacology therapeutic use MeSH
- Protein Isoforms genetics MeSH
- Receptors, Glucocorticoid * genetics drug effects MeSH
- Respiratory Function Tests methods MeSH
- Check Tag
- Humans MeSH
- Publication type
- Clinical Study MeSH
- Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't MeSH
Nedd4-2 E3 ligase regulates Na+ homeostasis by ubiquitinating various channels and membrane transporters, including the epithelial sodium channel ENaC. In turn, Nedd4-2 dysregulation leads to various conditions, including electrolytic imbalance, respiratory distress, hypertension, and kidney diseases. However, Nedd4-2 regulation remains mostly unclear. The present study aims at elucidating Nedd4-2 regulation by structurally characterizing Nedd4-2 and its complexes using several biophysical techniques. Our cryo-EM reconstruction shows that the C2 domain blocks the E2-binding surface of the HECT domain. This blockage, ubiquitin-binding exosite masking by the WW1 domain, catalytic C922 blockage and HECT domain stabilization provide the structural basis for Nedd4-2 autoinhibition. Furthermore, Ca2+-dependent C2 membrane binding disrupts C2/HECT interactions, but not Ca2+ alone, whereas 14-3-3 protein binds to a flexible region of Nedd4-2 containing the WW2 and WW3 domains, thereby inhibiting its catalytic activity and membrane binding. Overall, our data provide key mechanistic insights into Nedd4-2 regulation toward fostering the development of strategies targeting Nedd4-2 function.
- MeSH
- Cryoelectron Microscopy MeSH
- HEK293 Cells MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Models, Molecular MeSH
- Protein Domains MeSH
- 14-3-3 Proteins * metabolism chemistry MeSH
- Ubiquitination MeSH
- Nedd4 Ubiquitin Protein Ligases * metabolism chemistry genetics ultrastructure MeSH
- Calcium * metabolism MeSH
- Protein Binding MeSH
- Check Tag
- Humans MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that individuals with an increase in HbA1c (i.e. above the regular but below the diabetic threshold) exhibit an impairment in the Achilles tendon structure and walking capacity, due to the adverse effect of the advanced glycation end-product. One hundred fifty-eight participants matched for gender, age, physical activity and BMI, were divided in two cohorts based on the HbA1c level: normal HbA1c (NGH; <39 mmol/molHb; n = 79) and altered HbA1c (AGH; >=39 mmol/molHb; n = 79). Each participant performed several walking trials to evaluate the kinematic parameters during walling at the self-selected speed and a quantitative MRI scan of the Achilles tendon (AT) to obtain its intrinsic characteristics (i.e. T2* relaxation time short and long component). The AT T2* relaxation time short component (a parameter related to the tendon collagen quality) was reduced in AGH compared to NGH. Furthermore, AGH exhibited a slower self-selected walking speed (NGH: 1.59 ± 0.18 m/s; AGH:1.54 ± 0.16 m/s) and a shorter stride length (NGH: 1.59 ± 0.13 m; AGH:1.55 ± 0.11 m). Our data suggest that a non-pathological increase in HbA1c is able to negatively affect AT collagen quality and walking capacity in healthy people. These results highlight the importance of glycemic control, even below the pathological threshold. Since diabetes could alter several biological pathways, further studies are necessary to determine which mechanisms and their timing, regarding the HbA1c rise, affect tendon composition and, consequently, walking capacity.
- MeSH
- Achilles Tendon * diagnostic imaging physiology metabolism MeSH
- Biomechanical Phenomena MeSH
- Walking * physiology MeSH
- Diabetes Mellitus diagnosis MeSH
- Adult MeSH
- Glycated Hemoglobin * metabolism MeSH
- Middle Aged MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging MeSH
- Glycation End Products, Advanced metabolism MeSH
- Healthy Volunteers MeSH
- Check Tag
- Adult MeSH
- Middle Aged MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Male MeSH
- Female MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
Numerous studies have reported that increased interleukin 6 (IL-6) and soluble IL-6 receptor (sIL-6) levels induce inflammatory conditions. However, the exact mechanisms by which IL-6 drives inflammatory conditions remain unclear. Therefore, we investigated the potential role of IL-6/sIL-6R in inducing energy metabolism, including glycolysis, oxidative phosphorylation, lactate secretion and Akt/mTOR phosphorylation, in Jurkat cells, and whether IL-6 would increase the risk of developing inflammatory conditions due to the high metabolic profile of the T cells. Jurkat CD4 T-cell lines were stimulated with IL-6/sIL-6R for 24 h prior to 48-h stimulation with anti-CD3/CD28. Lactate secretion, glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation levels were characterized using the Seahorse XF analyser. The Akt and mTOR phosphorylation status was detected using Western blotting. IL-6/sIL-6R significantly induced glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation and their related parameters, including glycolytic capacity and maximal respiration, followed by significantly increased lactate secretion. Akt and mTOR phosphorylation were increased, which could have resulted from energy metabolism. Here we show that IL-6 enhanced the metabolic profile of Jurkat cells. This effect could have consequences for the metabolism-related signalling pathways, including Akt and mTOR, suggesting that IL-6 might promote T-cell energy metabolism, where T-cell hyperactivity might increase the inflammatory disease risk. The findings should be validated using studies on primary cells isolated from humans.
- MeSH
- Energy Metabolism * drug effects MeSH
- Phosphorylation drug effects MeSH
- Glycolysis drug effects MeSH
- Interleukin-6 * metabolism MeSH
- Jurkat Cells MeSH
- Lactic Acid metabolism MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Oxidative Phosphorylation drug effects MeSH
- Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt * metabolism MeSH
- Signal Transduction * drug effects MeSH
- TOR Serine-Threonine Kinases * metabolism MeSH
- Inflammation * metabolism MeSH
- Check Tag
- Humans MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
Integral membrane proteins carry out essential functions in the cell, and their activities are often modulated by specific protein-lipid interactions in the membrane. Here, we elucidate the intricate role of cardiolipin (CDL), a regulatory lipid, as a stabilizer of membrane proteins and their complexes. Using the in silico-designed model protein TMHC4_R (ROCKET) as a scaffold, we employ a combination of molecular dynamics simulations and native mass spectrometry to explore the protein features that facilitate preferential lipid interactions and mediate stabilization. We find that the spatial arrangement of positively charged residues as well as local conformational flexibility are factors that distinguish stabilizing from non-stabilizing CDL interactions. However, we also find that even in this controlled, artificial system, a clear-cut distinction between binding and stabilization is difficult to attain, revealing that overlapping lipid contacts can partially compensate for the effects of binding site mutations. Extending our insights to naturally occurring proteins, we identify a stabilizing CDL site within the E. coli rhomboid intramembrane protease GlpG and uncover its regulatory influence on enzyme substrate preference. In this work, we establish a framework for engineering functional lipid interactions, paving the way for the design of proteins with membrane-specific properties or functions.
- MeSH
- DNA-Binding Proteins MeSH
- Endopeptidases metabolism chemistry genetics MeSH
- Escherichia coli metabolism genetics MeSH
- Cardiolipins * metabolism chemistry MeSH
- Membrane Proteins * metabolism chemistry genetics MeSH
- Protein Engineering * MeSH
- Escherichia coli Proteins * metabolism chemistry genetics MeSH
- Molecular Dynamics Simulation MeSH
- Protein Binding MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
