Targeted protein degradation allows targeting undruggable proteins for therapeutic applications as well as eliminating proteins of interest for research purposes. While several degraders that harness ...the proteasome or the lysosome have been developed, a technology that simultaneously degrades targets and accelerates cellular autophagic flux is still missing. In this study, we develop a general chemical tool and platform technology termed AUTOphagy-TArgeting Chimera (AUTOTAC), which employs bifunctional molecules composed of target-binding ligands linked to autophagy-targeting ligands. AUTOTACs bind the ZZ domain of the otherwise dormant autophagy receptor p62/Sequestosome-1/SQSTM1, which is activated into oligomeric bodies in complex with targets for their sequestration and degradation. We use AUTOTACs to degrade various oncoproteins and degradation-resistant aggregates in neurodegeneration at nanomolar DC
values in vitro and in vivo. AUTOTAC provides a platform for selective proteolysis in basic research and drug development.
Background and Purpose
Paracetamol (acetaminophen)‐induced hepatotoxicity is the leading cause of drug‐induced liver injury worldwide. Autophagy is a degradative process by which various cargoes are ...collected by the autophagic receptors such as p62/SQSTM1/Sequestosome‐1 for lysosomal degradation. Here, we investigated the protective role of p62‐dependent autophagy in paracetamol‐induced liver injury.
Experimental Approach
Paracetamol‐induced hepatotoxicity was induced by a single i.p. injection of paracetamol (500 mg·kg−1) in C57/BL6 male mice. YTK‐2205 (20 mg·kg−1), a p62 agonist targeting ZZ domain, was co‐ or post‐administered with paracetamol. Western blotting and immunocytochemistry were performed to explore the mechanism.
Key Results
N‐terminal arginylation of the molecular chaperone calreticulin retro‐translocated from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) was induced in the livers undergoing paracetamol‐induced hepatotoxicity, and YTK‐2205 exhibited notable therapeutic efficacy in acute hepatotoxicity as assessed by the levels of serum alanine aminotransferase and hepatic necrosis. This efficacy was significantly attributed to accelerated degradation of ubiquitin (Ub) conjugates as well as damaged mitochondria (mitophagy) and endoplasmic reticulum (ER‐phagy). In primary murine hepatocytes treated with paracetamol, YTK‐2205 induced the co‐localization of p62+LC3+ phagophores to the sites of mitophagy and ER‐phagy. A similar activity of YTK‐2205 was observed with N‐acetyl‐p‐benzoquinone imine, a putative toxic metabolite of paracetamol in Hep3B cells.
Conclusion and Implications
Our results elucidated that p62‐dependent autophagy plays a key role in the removal of cytotoxic materials such as damaged mitochondria in paracetamol‐induced hepatotoxicity. Small molecule ligands to p62 may be developed into drugs to treat this pathological condition.
•POP in palm mid-fraction (PMF) was acyl-migrated to form asymmetric PPO.•Different physicochemical properties were observed after acyl migration.•The SFI of an alternative fat blend showed similar ...patterns to HCO especially at 28–44 °C.•Alternative fat blend had a lower saturated fatty acid content by 18% compared to HCO.
Palm mid-fraction (PMF), which has a high content of symmetric POP, was converted to asymmetric PPO (APMF) via acyl migration. After solvent fractionation, the liquid phase of acyl migrated PMF (APMF-L) was obtained and blended with hydrogenated coconut oil (HCO, 50:50, w/w) to produce a fat blend (namely, an alternative fat blend) which had reduced saturated fatty acid content while having similar melting behavior to HCO. In an alternative fat blend, the major fatty acids were lauric (27.94), palmitic (26.93) and oleic (15.75 mol%) acid. The solid fat index was quite similar to that of HCO, especially at 28–44 °C. Nevertheless, an alternative fat blend had lower saturated fatty acid content, by 18%, compared to HCO. The content of highly atherogenic myristic acid was reduced by approximately 40%. The alternative fat blend in this study could be used as a raw material for non-dairy cream with low saturated fat content.
In recent decades, with the rapid development of nanosurface technology, superhydrophobic surfaces and slippery liquid-infused porous surfaces (SLIPS) have been researched for industrialization ...because of their superior antibiofilm performance. The antibiofilm effect of the surface can influence the recovery of an affected area in the human body, making it an important research topic in the medical community. Although several application-based studies have been conducted using surfaces with various wetting properties, such surface modification studies have rarely been applied to TiAl6V4, the most representative metal inserted into the human body. In this study, we present various wettability modification methods, including the formation of superhydrophilic/hydrophobic surfaces and SLIPS, for TiAl6V4. Moreover, the antibiofilm performance of each fabricated surface was evaluated and compared. Each surface in the process was carefully analyzed physically and chemically. Modified TiAl6V4 surfaces were used to evaluate the antibiofouling effect that prevents surgical infection using Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus, which have been reported in several clinical cases of periprosthetic infection. Based on crystal violet staining of the biofilm, it was confirmed that the TiAl6V4 plate perfectly suppressed biofilm generation when exposed to bacteria when it had a micro-nanostructured or nanostructured superhydrophobic surface.
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•TiAl6V4 surfaces were modified to form superhydrophilic/hydrophobic and SLIPS.•Antibiofouling properties of modified TiAl6V4 plates were analyzed.•Micro-/nano-structured superhydrophobic surfaces achieved high biofilm suppression.
The ubiquitin-proteasome system facilitates the degradation of unstable or damaged proteins. UBR1–7, which are members of hundreds of E3 ubiquitin ligases, recognize and regulate the half-life of ...specific proteins on the basis of their N-terminal sequences (“N-end rule”). In seven individuals with intellectual disability, epilepsy, ptosis, hypothyroidism, and genital anomalies, we uncovered bi-allelic variants in UBR7. Their phenotype differs significantly from that of Johanson-Blizzard syndrome (JBS), which is caused by bi-allelic variants in UBR1, notably by the presence of epilepsy and the absence of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency and hypoplasia of nasal alae. While the mechanistic etiology of JBS remains uncertain, mutation of both Ubr1 and Ubr2 in the mouse or of the C. elegans UBR5 ortholog results in Notch signaling defects. Consistent with a potential role in Notch signaling, C. elegans ubr-7 expression partially overlaps with that of ubr-5, including in neurons, as well as the distal tip cell that plays a crucial role in signaling to germline stem cells via the Notch signaling pathway. Analysis of ubr-5 and ubr-7 single mutants and double mutants revealed genetic interactions with the Notch receptor gene glp-1 that influenced development and embryo formation. Collectively, our findings further implicate the UBR protein family and the Notch signaling pathway in a neurodevelopmental syndrome with epilepsy, ptosis, and hypothyroidism that differs from JBS. Further studies exploring a potential role in histone regulation are warranted given clinical overlap with KAT6B disorders and the interaction of UBR7 and UBR5 with histones.
•The method was validated to screen for the presence of anabolic–androgenic steroids.•Many counterfeit drugs (9/19) illegally include anabolic–androgenic steroids.•Testosterone and testosterone ...17-propionate were the most frequently detected.
Anabolic–androgenic steroids (AASs) have been illegally used in counterfeit drugs to improve the performance of athletes. In addition, AASs have been used for cosmetic purpose by non-athletes. To determine the presence of 26 AASs, an analysis method using ultra-liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC–MS/MS) was developed and validated. The validated method was applied to 19 counterfeit drugs collected from the Internet and off-line markets during 2014. Nearly 50% (9/19) of the samples contained one of these 26 AASs. In addition, the concentration ranges of the AASs ranged from 0.09 to 119,228.57mg/kg in the suspected samples. The determined AASs primarily consisted of testosterone and testosterone 17-propionate (26%) followed by boldenone (21%). These results indicate the adulteration of over-the-counter counterfeit drugs, and the continuous monitoring of counterfeit drugs or dubious dietary supplements containing anabolic steroids is warranted.
Glucosamine (GlcN) is generally used as a dietary supplement because of its antiinflammatory effects. We evaluated the antiallergic effect of GlcN in mice with allergic asthma and rhinitis.
...Thirty-two mice were allocated equally into 4 groups (n = 8). In group A (control), we performed intraperitoneal/intranasal challenge using sterile saline. In group B (asthma/rhinitis), we used ovalbumin for intraperitoneal/intranasal challenge to induce allergic asthma and rhinitis. In groups C and D (GlcN treatment), mice were given 1% and 5% GlcN throughout the period of ovalbumin challenge, respectively. We measured serum total and ovalbumin-specific immunoglobulin E (IgE), cytokine titers (interleukin-1, -4, -5, -6, -10, and -17; tumor necrosis factor-α; and interferon-γ), and the number of inflammatory cells (eosinophils, neutrophils, lymphocytes) in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid. We also performed histopathologic examination of the lung and nasal cavity. Finally, we performed real-time polymerase chain reaction for the genes Bcl-2, EC-SOD, VEGF, caspase-3, Bax, COX-2, Hif-1α, and heme oxygenase-1.
Compared with group B, group D had significant serum total and ovalbumin-specific IgE decreases after GlcN treatment (p < 0.05). Titers for IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, and IL-17 in BAL fluid were significantly decreased in group D (p < 0.05). Eosinophils in BAL fluid were significantly decreased in group D compared with group B (p < 0.05). Groups C and D showed significant improvement of inflammation compared with group B. Group D had significant downregulation of EC-SOD, Bax, Hif-1α, and heme oxygenase-1 compared with group B.
GlcN had a significant antiallergic effect in mice with allergic asthma and rhinitis.
Background
Concerns over the creation of advance directives (ADs) and the factors associated with treatment directive decisions among Korean community‐dwelling older people with chronic diseases have ...rarely been addressed.
Objectives
This study aimed to examine knowledge, attitudes and barriers/benefits regarding ADs and their associations with AD treatment preferences among chronically ill, low‐income, community‐dwelling older people.
Methods
Using a descriptive, correlational design, older people who were recipients of home visiting service for chronic disease management participated in this study. Home visiting nurses collected data on knowledge, attitudes and perceived barriers/benefits and treatment directives using questionnaires during home visits.
Results
Older people (N = 112, mean age = 74.9 years, women = 83.9%) who had chronic diseases such as hypertension (56.3%), diabetes mellitus (40.2%) and cardiovascular disease/stroke (22.3%) participated. Approximately half of the participants preferred hospice care (54.5%), while a few of them preferred aggressive treatments: cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) (14.3%), ventilation support (9.8%) and haemodialysis (8.9%). Being married was associated with the likelihood of preferring CPR (odds ratio OR = 11.79) and ventilation support (OR = 9.99), higher education with CPR (OR = 1.23) and haemodialysis (OR = 1.16), and having a cardiovascular disease (CVD)/stroke with CPR (OR = 6.46) and hospice care (OR = 3.06). Among the modifiable factors, greater perceived barriers increased the likelihood of CPR preference (OR = 1.12) but decreased the likelihood of hospice care preference (OR = 0.96). Greater perceived benefits decreased the likelihood of CPR preference (OR = 0.81) and ventilation support (OR = 0.89), and AD knowledge decreased the likelihood of haemodialysis preference (OR = 0.23).
Conclusion
The multidimensional factors were differently associated with each of the AD treatment preferences. Modifiable factors, including perceived barriers and benefits and knowledge, should be improved to help low‐income, community‐dwelling older people select adequate AD treatment preferences.
Implications for practice
Additional information regarding AD treatments and some modifiable and non‐modifiable correlates can be integrated into primary and palliative/supportive care in public health. The current home visitation service may also benefit from incorporating AD discussions while extending the service to embrace AD issues in addition to disease management.
Macroautophagy is induced under various stresses to remove cytotoxic materials, including misfolded proteins and their aggregates. These protein cargoes are collected by specific autophagic receptors ...such as SQSTM1/p62 (sequestosome 1) and delivered to phagophores for lysosomal degradation. To date, little is known about how cells sense and react to diverse stresses by inducing the activity of SQSTM1. Here, we show that the peroxiredoxin-like redox sensor PARK7/DJ-1 modulates the activity of SQSTM1 and the targeting of ubiquitin (Ub)-conjugated proteins to macroautophagy under oxidative stress caused by TNFSF10/TRAIL (tumor necrosis factor ligand superfamily, member 10). In this mechanism, TNFSF10 induces the N-terminal arginylation (Nt-arginylation) of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-residing molecular chaperone HSPA5/BiP/GRP78, leading to cytosolic accumulation of Nt-arginylated HSPA5 (R-HSPA5). In parallel, TNFSF10 induces the oxidation of PARK7. Oxidized PARK7 acts as a co-chaperone-like protein that binds the ER-derived chaperone R-HSPA5, a member of the HSPA/HSP70 family. By forming a complex with PARK7 (and possibly misfolded protein cargoes), R-HSPA5 binds SQSTM1 through its Nt-Arg, facilitating self-polymerization of SQSTM1 and the targeting of SQSTM1-cargo complexes to phagophores. The 3-way interaction among PARK7, R-HSPA5, and SQSTM1 is stabilized by the Nt-Arg residue of R-HSPA5. PARK7-deficient cells are impaired in the targeting of R-HSPA5 and SQSTM1 to phagophores and the removal of Ub-conjugated cargoes. Our results suggest that PARK7 functions as a co-chaperone for R-HSPA5 to modulate autophagic removal of misfolded protein cargoes generated by oxidative stress.
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