BACKGROUND: Recent results indicate a key role for cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) in the regulation of oocyte meiotic arrest in preovulatory mammalian follicles. The aim of our study was to determine whether the resumption of oocyte meiosis and expansion of cumulus cells in isolated pig cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) can be blocked by a high intracellular concentration of cGMP, and whether this effect is mediated by a cGMP-dependent inhibition of mitogen-activated protein kinase 3/1 (MAPK3/1). METHODS: The COCs were isolated from ovaries of slaughtered gilts and cultured in vitro in M199 supplemented with 5% fetal calf serum. The expression levels of the C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) precursor (NPPC) and its receptor (NPR2) mRNAs during the culture of COCs were determined by real-time RT-PCR. To control the intracellular concentration of cGMP in the COCs, the culture medium was further supplemented with CNP or various concentrations of synthetic cGMP analogues; the concentration of cGMP in COCs was then assessed by ELISA. The effect of the drugs on oocyte maturation was assessed after 24 and 44 h of culture by determining nuclear maturation. The expansion of cumulus cells was assessed by light microscopy and the expression of cumulus expansion-related genes by real-time RT-PCR. A possible effect of cGMP on FSH-induced activation of MAPK3/1 was assessed by immunoblotting the COC proteins with phospho-specific and total anti-Erk1/2 antibodies. RESULTS: The COCs expressed NPPC and NPR2, the key components of cGMP synthesis, and produced a large amount of cGMP upon stimulation with exogenous CNP, which lead to a significant (P < 0.05) delay in oocyte meiotic resumption. The COCs also responded to cGMP analogues by inhibiting the resumption of oocyte meiosis. The inhibitory effect of cGMP on meiotic resumption was reversed by stimulating the COCs with FSH. However, high concentration of intracellular cGMP was not able to suppress FSH-induced activation of MAPK3/1 in cumulus cells, cumulus expansion and expression of expansion-related genes (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study indicate that high cGMP concentrations inhibit the maturation of pig oocytes in vitro but the inhibitory mechanism does not involve the suppression of MAPK3/1 activation in cumulus cells.

• MeSH
• aktivace enzymů účinky léků   MeSH
• gonadotropiny farmakologie   MeSH
• guanosinmonofosfát cyklický farmakologie   MeSH
• kultivované buňky MeSH
• kumulární buňky účinky léků   fyziologie   MeSH
• meióza účinky léků   MeSH
• mitogenem aktivovaná proteinkinasa 3 metabolismus   MeSH
• oocyty účinky léků   fyziologie   MeSH
• oogeneze účinky léků   MeSH
• Sus scrofa MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH
• Názvy látek
• gonadotropiny MeSH
• guanosinmonofosfát cyklický MeSH
• mitogenem aktivovaná proteinkinasa 3 MeSH

Low-voltage-activated T-type Ca2+ channels are key regulators of neuronal excitability both in the central and peripheral nervous systems. Therefore, their recruitment at the plasma membrane is critical in determining firing activity patterns of nerve cells. In this study, we report the importance of secretory carrier-associated membrane proteins (SCAMPs) in the trafficking regulation of T-type channels. We identified SCAMP2 as a novel Cav3.2-interacting protein. In addition, we show that co-expression of SCAMP2 in mammalian cells expressing recombinant Cav3.2 channels caused an almost complete drop of the whole cell T-type current, an effect partly reversed by single amino acid mutations within the conserved cytoplasmic E peptide of SCAMP2. SCAMP2-induced downregulation of T-type currents was also observed in cells expressing Cav3.1 and Cav3.3 channel isoforms. Finally, we show that SCAMP2-mediated knockdown of the T-type conductance is caused by the lack of Cav3.2 expression at the cell surface as evidenced by the concomitant loss of intramembrane charge movement without decrease of total Cav3.2 protein level. Taken together, our results indicate that SCAMP2 plays an important role in the trafficking of Cav3.2 channels at the plasma membrane.

• Klíčová slova
• Calcium channels, Cav3.2 channels, Ion channels, SCAMP2, Secretory carrier-associated membrane protein 2, T-type channels, Trafficking,
• MeSH
• buněčná membrána metabolismus   MeSH
• membránové proteiny metabolismus   MeSH
• neurony metabolismus   MeSH
• savci metabolismus   MeSH
• transportní proteiny metabolismus   MeSH
• vápník metabolismus   MeSH
• vápníkové kanály - typ T * metabolismus   MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Názvy látek
• membránové proteiny MeSH
• transportní proteiny MeSH
• vápník MeSH
• vápníkové kanály - typ T * MeSH

BACKGROUND: Nodular melanoma is one of the most life threatening tumors with still poor therapeutic outcome. Similarly to other tumors, permissive microenvironment is essential for melanoma progression. Features of this microenvironment are arising from molecular crosstalk between the melanoma cells (MC) and the surrounding cell populations in the context of skin tissue. Here, we study the effect of melanoma cells on human primary keratinocytes (HPK). Presence of MC is as an important modulator of the tumor microenvironment and we compare it to the effect of nonmalignant lowly differentiated cells also originating from neural crest (NCSC). METHODS: Comparative morphometrical and immunohistochemical analysis of epidermis surrounding nodular melanoma (n = 100) was performed. Data were compared to results of transcriptome profiling of in vitro models, in which HPK were co-cultured with MC, normal human melanocytes, and NCSC, respectively. Differentially expressed candidate genes were verified by RT-qPCR. Biological activity of candidate proteins was assessed on cultured HPK. RESULTS: Epidermis surrounding nodular melanoma exhibits hyperplastic features in 90% of cases. This hyperplastic region exhibits aberrant suprabasal expression of keratin 14 accompanied by loss of keratin 10. We observe that MC and NCSC are able to increase expression of keratins 8, 14, 19, and vimentin in the co-cultured HPK. This in vitro finding partially correlates with pseudoepitheliomatous hyperplasia observed in melanoma biopsies. We provide evidence of FGF-2, CXCL-1, IL-8, and VEGF-A participation in the activity of melanoma cells on keratinocytes. CONCLUSION: We conclude that the MC are able to influence locally the differentiation pattern of keratinocytes in vivo as well as in vitro. This interaction further highlights the role of intercellular interactions in melanoma. The reciprocal role of activated keratinocytes on biology of melanoma cells shall be verified in the future.

• MeSH
• buněčná diferenciace * genetika   MeSH
• chemokin CXCL1 farmakologie   MeSH
• dospělí MeSH
• epidermální buňky * MeSH
• epidermis patologie   MeSH
• fibroblastový růstový faktor 2 farmakologie   MeSH
• interleukin-8 farmakologie   MeSH
• keratin-10 metabolismus   MeSH
• keratin-14 metabolismus   MeSH
• keratinocyty cytologie   účinky léků   metabolismus   MeSH
• lidé středního věku MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• melanocyty metabolismus   MeSH
• melanom metabolismus   patologie   MeSH
• metastázy nádorů MeSH
• mezibuněčná komunikace * MeSH
• nádorové buněčné linie MeSH
• proteiny S100 metabolismus   MeSH
• senioři MeSH
• stanovení celkové genové exprese MeSH
• vaskulární endoteliální růstový faktor A farmakologie   MeSH
• Check Tag
• dospělí MeSH
• lidé středního věku MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mužské pohlaví MeSH
• senioři MeSH
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH
• Názvy látek
• chemokin CXCL1 MeSH
• fibroblastový růstový faktor 2 MeSH
• interleukin-8 MeSH
• keratin-10 MeSH
• keratin-14 MeSH
• proteiny S100 MeSH
• vaskulární endoteliální růstový faktor A MeSH

Our previous study demonstrated increased expression of Heat shock protein (Hsp) 90 in the skin of patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc). We aimed to evaluate plasma Hsp90 in SSc and characterize its association with SSc-related features. Ninety-two SSc patients and 92 age-/sex-matched healthy controls were recruited for the cross-sectional analysis. The longitudinal analysis comprised 30 patients with SSc associated interstitial lung disease (ILD) routinely treated with cyclophosphamide. Hsp90 was increased in SSc compared to healthy controls. Hsp90 correlated positively with C-reactive protein and negatively with pulmonary function tests: forced vital capacity and diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO). In patients with diffuse cutaneous (dc) SSc, Hsp90 positively correlated with the modified Rodnan skin score. In SSc-ILD patients treated with cyclophosphamide, no differences in Hsp90 were found between baseline and after 1, 6, or 12 months of therapy. However, baseline Hsp90 predicts the 12-month change in DLCO. This study shows that Hsp90 plasma levels are increased in SSc patients compared to age-/sex-matched healthy controls. Elevated Hsp90 in SSc is associated with increased inflammatory activity, worse lung functions, and in dcSSc, with the extent of skin involvement. Baseline plasma Hsp90 predicts the 12-month change in DLCO in SSc-ILD patients treated with cyclophosphamide.

• MeSH
• C-reaktivní protein metabolismus   MeSH
• cyklofosfamid terapeutické užití   MeSH
• dermatitida metabolismus   MeSH
• difuzní kapacita plic účinky léků   MeSH
• dospělí MeSH
• imunosupresiva terapeutické užití   MeSH
• intersticiální plicní nemoci krev   farmakoterapie   etiologie   MeSH
• kůže patofyziologie   MeSH
• lidé středního věku MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• longitudinální studie MeSH
• oxid uhelnatý metabolismus   MeSH
• plíce patofyziologie   MeSH
• prospektivní studie MeSH
• proteiny tepelného šoku HSP90 krev   MeSH
• průřezové studie MeSH
• senioři MeSH
• studie případů a kontrol MeSH
• systémová sklerodermie krev   komplikace   farmakoterapie   MeSH
• vitální kapacita účinky léků   MeSH
• Check Tag
• dospělí MeSH
• lidé středního věku MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mužské pohlaví MeSH
• senioři MeSH
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH
• Názvy látek
• C-reaktivní protein MeSH
• cyklofosfamid MeSH
• imunosupresiva MeSH
• oxid uhelnatý MeSH
• proteiny tepelného šoku HSP90 MeSH

The small/short heterodimer partner (SHP, NR0B2) is a nuclear receptor corepressor lacking a DNA binding domain. SHP is induced by bile acid-activated farnesoid X receptor (FXR) resulting in CYP7A1 gene suppression. In contrast, Pregnane X receptor (PXR) activation by its ligands was recently suggested to inhibit SHP gene transactivation to maximize the induction of PXR target genes. However, there are also conflicting reports in literature whether PXR or rodent Pxr activation down-regulates SHP/Shp expression. Moreover, the PXR-mediated regulation of the SHP gene has been studied only at the SHP mRNA and transactivation (gene reporter assay) levels. In this study, we studied the effect of rifampicin, a prototype PXR ligand, on SHP mRNA, and protein expression in three primary human hepatocyte cultures. We found that SHP mRNA is not systematically down-regulated in hepatocyte in culture after 24 h treatment with rifampicin. Consistently, we did not observe down-regulation of SHP protein in primary human hepatocytes after 24 and 48 h of incubation with rifampicin. We can conclude that although we observed slight down-regulation of SHP mRNA and protein in several hepatocyte preparations, the phenomenon is unlikely critical for PXR-mediated induction of its target genes.

• Klíčová slova
• CYP3A4, PXR, SHP, cytochrome P450, induction,
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

Fluorescent biosensors offer a powerful tool for tracking and quantifying protein activity in living systems with high temporospatial resolution. However, the expression of genetically encoded fluorescent proteins can interfere with endogenous signaling pathways, potentially leading to developmental and physiological abnormalities. The EKAREV-NLS mouse model, which carries a FRET-based biosensor for monitoring extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) activity, has been widely utilized both in vivo and in vitro across various cell types and organs. In this study, we report a significant defect in mammary epithelial development in EKAREV-NLS C57BL/6J female mice. Our findings reveal that these mice exhibit severely impaired mammary epithelial outgrowth, linked to systemic defects including disrupted estrous cycling, impaired ovarian follicle maturation, anovulation, and reduced reproductive fitness. Notably, estrogen supplementation was sufficient to enhance mammary epithelial growth in the EKAREV-NLS C57BL/6J females. Furthermore, outcrossing to the ICR genetic background fully restored normal mammary epithelial outgrowth, indicating that the observed phenotype is dependent on genetic background. We also confirmed the functional performance of the biosensor in hormone-supplemented and outcrossed tissues through time-lapse imaging of primary mammary epithelial cells. Our results underscore the critical need for thorough characterization of biosensor-carrying models before their application in specific research contexts. Additionally, this work highlights the influence of hormonal and genetic factors on mammary gland development and emphasizes the importance of careful consideration when selecting biosensor strains for mammary studies.

• Klíčová slova
• Biosensor, EKAREV–NLS mouse, ERK signaling, Estradiol supplementation, Genetic background, Hormonal imbalance, Mammary epithelium,
• MeSH
• biosenzitivní techniky metody   MeSH
• epitelové buňky * účinky léků   metabolismus   patologie   MeSH
• estrogeny * farmakologie   aplikace a dávkování   MeSH
• genetické pozadí MeSH
• mléčné žlázy zvířat * účinky léků   patologie   růst a vývoj   metabolismus   MeSH
• myši inbrední C57BL MeSH
• myši transgenní MeSH
• myši MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• myši MeSH
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Názvy látek
• estrogeny * MeSH

Plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) impedes brain plasmin synthesis. Reduced plasmin activity facilitates cumulation of amyloid beta (Aβ) in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Since plasmin also regulates the synaptic activity, it is possible that altered PAI-1 is present in other neurodegenerative disorders. We investigated whether PAI-1 and its counter-regulatory tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) are altered in serum of patients with dementia due to frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD). Thirty five FTLD patients (21 in mild cognitive impairment stage (MCI) and 14 in dementia stage) and 10 cognitively healthy controls were recruited. Serum tPA and PAI-1 protein levels were measured by anova. Correlation between biochemical and demographic data were explored by measuring Pearson correlation coefficient. Serum PAI-1 levels were elevated in the FTLD dementia group as compared to FTLD MCI and controls. tPA serum levels and PAI-1/tPA ratio did not significantly differ among groups. There was a negative correlation between PAI-1 serum levels and disease severity measured by MMSE score. No correlations of tPA serum levels and PAI-1/tPA ratio with MMSE were found. Increased PAI-1 serum levels may serve as a marker of dementia in FTLD, suggesting that, besides Aβ pathway, the plasmin system may affect cognition through synaptic activity.

• Klíčová slova
• dementia, frontotemporal lobar degeneration, plasminogen activator inhibitor‐1, tissue‐type plasminogen activator,
• MeSH
• biologické markery krev   MeSH
• frontotemporální lobární degenerace * krev   MeSH
• inhibitor aktivátoru plazminogenu 1 * krev   MeSH
• kognitivní dysfunkce krev   MeSH
• lidé středního věku MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• senioři MeSH
• studie případů a kontrol MeSH
• tkáňový aktivátor plazminogenu krev   metabolismus   MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé středního věku MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mužské pohlaví MeSH
• senioři MeSH
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH
• Názvy látek
• biologické markery MeSH
• inhibitor aktivátoru plazminogenu 1 * MeSH
• SERPINE1 protein, human MeSH Prohlížeč
• tkáňový aktivátor plazminogenu MeSH

AIM: Plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 (PAI-1) plays a key role in regulation of fibrinolytic system, cell-associated proteolysis and migration of smooth muscle cells (SMC). This study is focused on the types of PAI-1 expressing cells, quantification of PAI-1 expression in the walls of aneurysmatic abdominal aortas (AAA) and correlation between histological and clinical findings. METHODS: A group of nine patients who underwent surgery for AAA: asymptomatic (aAAA), symptomatic (sAAA) and ruptured (rAAA) and one control specimen (CA) were included in the study. Samples underwent histological processing and immunohistochemistry in comparison with in situ hybridisation. In order to assess the PAI-1 area fraction in histological sections through the aortic wall the Line System module of Ellipse software was used. PAI-1 expressing cells were measured in CA and AAA: endothelium, SMC, and foam cells. Photomicrographs with a total area of 0.7 mm(2) for each specimen were analysed by two independent observers. Mean values of PAI-1 positive components per section area were calculated as average values. RESULTS: The results of both observers are as follows: 28.6% in CA; 18.1% in aAAA; 10.9% in sAAA; 11.0% in rAAA. During the progression of AAA, the SMC (PAI-1 expression was found mainly in them) became less abundant in agreement with the values of PAI-1 area fraction. In rAAA immunohistochemistry detected PAI-1 in necrotic centres of atheromathous plaques. CONCLUSIONS: AAA may be evaluated as the result of gradual changes in regulation of fibrinolysis that is observed as redistribution of cells expressing PAI-1. The area fraction of PAI-1 positive components correlates with clinical classification of AAA.

• MeSH
• aneurysma břišní aorty etiologie   patologie   MeSH
• aorta abdominalis chemie   MeSH
• dospělí MeSH
• inhibitor aktivátoru plazminogenu 1 analýza   fyziologie   MeSH
• lidé středního věku MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• senioři nad 80 let MeSH
• senioři MeSH
• Check Tag
• dospělí MeSH
• lidé středního věku MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mužské pohlaví MeSH
• senioři nad 80 let MeSH
• senioři MeSH
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH
• Názvy látek
• inhibitor aktivátoru plazminogenu 1 MeSH

Insulin resistance (IR) is associated with an elevated PAI-1 level and by correlation with insulin and triacylglycerol (TG) levels. While in IR non-diabetics this relationship is close, in patients with NIDDM the mutual relationship is less marked and there are other factors which raise the PAI-1 levels such as proinsulin, oxidation stress or cytokines. Therefore achievement of satisfactory metabolic control, reduction of insulin and TG levels need not be associated with normalization of PAI-1. As it is an independent risk factor of atherosclerosis, further examinations are necessary in order to differentiate in more detail the possible causes of its rising level in order to obtain a rational basis for effective therapy.

• MeSH
• diabetes mellitus krev   MeSH
• inhibitor aktivátoru plazminogenu 1 krev   MeSH
• inzulinová rezistence * MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• Publikační typ
• anglický abstrakt MeSH
• časopisecké články MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH
• přehledy MeSH
• Názvy látek
• inhibitor aktivátoru plazminogenu 1 MeSH

We analyzed gene expression in THP-1 cells exposed to metal-based nanomaterials (NMs) [TiO2 (NM-100), ZnO (NM-110), SiO2 (NM-200), Ag (NM-300 K)]. A functional enrichment analysis of the significant differentially expressed genes (DEGs) identified the key modulated biological processes and pathways. DEGs were used to construct protein-protein interaction networks. NM-110 and NM-300 K induced changes in the expression of genes involved in oxidative and genotoxic stress, immune response, alterations of cell cycle, detoxification of metal ions and regulation of redox-sensitive pathways. Both NMs shared a number of highly connected protein nodes (hubs) including CXCL8, ATF3, HMOX1, and IL1B. NM-200 induced limited transcriptional changes, mostly related to the immune response; however, several hubs (CXCL8, ATF3) were identical with NM-110 and NM-300 K. No effects of NM-100 were observed. Overall, soluble nanomaterials NM-110 and NM-300 K exerted a wide variety of toxic effects, while insoluble NM-200 induced immunotoxicity; NM-100 caused no detectable changes on the gene expression level.

• Klíčová slova
• THP-1 cells, gene expression, metal-based nanoparticles, protein-protein interactions,
• MeSH
• hemoxygenasa-1 MeSH
• interleukin-8 metabolismus   genetika   MeSH
• kovové nanočástice toxicita   MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mapy interakcí proteinů * účinky léků   MeSH
• nanostruktury toxicita   MeSH
• oxid křemičitý toxicita   MeSH
• oxid zinečnatý toxicita   chemie   MeSH
• stříbro * toxicita   MeSH
• THP-1 buňky MeSH
• titan * toxicita   MeSH
• transkripční faktor ATF3 genetika   metabolismus   MeSH
• transkriptom účinky léků   MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Názvy látek
• ATF3 protein, human MeSH Prohlížeč
• CXCL8 protein, human MeSH Prohlížeč
• hemoxygenasa-1 MeSH
• HMOX1 protein, human MeSH Prohlížeč
• interleukin-8 MeSH
• oxid křemičitý MeSH
• oxid zinečnatý MeSH
• stříbro * MeSH
• titan * MeSH
• titanium dioxide MeSH Prohlížeč
• transkripční faktor ATF3 MeSH