ty Necrostatin-1 Mitigates Cognitive Dysfunction in Prediabetic Rats With no Alteration in Insulin Sensitivity By diabetes.diabetesjournals.org Published On :: 2020-04-28T14:32:29-07:00 Previous studies show that 12-week of high-fat diet (HFD) consumption caused not only prediabetes, but also cognitive decline and brain pathologies. Recently, necrostatin-1 (nec-1), a necroptosis inhibitor, showed beneficial effects in brain against stroke. However, the comparative effects of nec-1 and metformin on cognition and brain pathologies in prediabetes have not been investigated. We hypothesized that nec-1 and metformin equally attenuated cognitive decline and brain pathologies in prediabetic rats. Rats (n=32) were fed with either normal diet (ND) or high-fat diet (HFD) for 20 weeks. At week 13, ND-fed rats were given a vehicle (n=8) and HFD-fed rats were randomly assigned into 3 subgroups (n=8/subgroup) with vehicle, nec-1 or metformin for 8 weeks. Metabolic parameters, cognitive function, brain insulin receptor function, synaptic plasticity, dendritic spine density, microglial morphology, brain mitochondrial function, Alzheimer’s protein, and cell death were determined. HFD-fed rats exhibited prediabetes, cognitive decline, and brain pathologies. Nec-1 and metformin equally improved cognitive function, synaptic plasticity, dendritic spine density, microglial morphology, brain mitochondrial function, reduced hyperphosphorylated-tau and necroptosis in HFD-fed rats. Interestingly metformin, but not nec-1, improved brain insulin sensitivity in those rats. In conclusion, necroptosis inhibition directly improved cognition in prediabetic rats without alteration in insulin sensitivity. Full Article
ty Genetic Causes of Severe Childhood Obesity: A Remarkably High Prevalence (>=49%) in an Inbred Population of Pakistan By diabetes.diabetesjournals.org Published On :: 2020-04-29T13:57:29-07:00 Monogenic forms of obesity have been identified in ≤10% of severely obese European patients. However, the overall spectrum of deleterious variants (point mutations and structural variants) responsible for childhood severe obesity remains elusive. In this study, we genetically screened 225 severely obese children from consanguineous Pakistani families through a combination of techniques including an in-house developed augmented whole-exome sequencing (CoDE-seq) enabling simultaneous detection of whole exome copy number variations (CNVs) and of point mutations in coding regions. We identified 110 probands (49%) carrying 55 different pathogenic point mutations and CNVs in 13 genes/loci responsible for non-syndromic and syndromic monofactorial obesity. CoDE-seq also identified 28 rare or novel CNVs associated with intellectual disability in 22 additional obese subjects (10%). Additionally, we highlight variants in candidate genes for obesity warranting further investigation. Altogether, 59% of the studied cohort are likely to have a discrete genetic cause with 13% of these due to CNVs demonstrating a remarkably higher prevalence of monofactorial obesity than hitherto reported and a plausible over lapping of obesity and intellectual disabilities in several cases. Finally, inbred populations with high prevalence of obesity, provide a unique genetically enriched material in quest of new genes/variants influencing energy balance. Full Article
ty Is Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Causally Associated with Cancer Risk? Evidence From a Two-Sample Mendelian Randomisation Study By diabetes.diabetesjournals.org Published On :: 2020-04-29T13:57:29-07:00 We conducted a two-sample Mendelian randomisation study to investigate the causal associations of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) with risk of overall cancer and 22 site-specific cancers. Summary-level data for cancer were extracted from the Breast Cancer Association Consortium and UK Biobank. Genetic predisposition to T2DM was associated with higher odds of pancreatic, kidney, uterine and cervical cancer, lower odds of oesophageal cancer and melanoma, but not associated with 16 other site-specific cancers or overall cancer. The odds ratios (95% confidence interval) were 1.13 (1.04, 1.22), 1.08 (1.00, 1.17), 1.08 (1.01, 1.15), 1.07 (1.01, 1.15), 0.89 (0.81, 0.98), and 0.93 (0.89, 0.97) for pancreatic, kidney, uterine, cervical, and oesophageal cancer and melanoma, respectively. The association between T2DM and pancreatic cancer was also observed in a meta-analysis of this and a previous Mendelian randomisation study (odds ratio 1.08; 1.02, 1.14; p=0.009). There was limited evidence supporting causal associations between fasting glucose and cancer. Genetically predicted fasting insulin levels were positively associated with cancers of the uterus, kidney, pancreas and lung. The present study found causal detrimental effects of T2DM on several cancers. We suggested to reinforce the cancers screening in T2DM patients to enable the early detection of cancer. Full Article
ty Maternal Obesity and Western-Style Diet Impair Fetal and Juvenile Offspring Skeletal Muscle Insulin-Stimulated Glucose Transport in Nonhuman Primates By diabetes.diabetesjournals.org Published On :: 2020-04-30T07:18:52-07:00 Infants born to mothers with obesity have a greater risk for childhood obesity and metabolic diseases; however, the underlying biological mechanisms remain poorly understood. We used a Japanese macaque model to investigate whether maternal obesity combined with a western-style diet (WSD) impairs offspring muscle insulin action. Adult females were fed a control or WSD prior to and during pregnancy through lactation, and offspring subsequently weaned to a control or WSD. Muscle glucose uptake and signaling were measured ex vivo in fetal (n=5-8/group) and juvenile offspring (n=8/group). In vivo signaling was evaluated after an insulin bolus just prior to weaning (n=4-5/group). Maternal WSD reduced insulin-stimulated glucose uptake and impaired insulin signaling at the level of Akt phosphorylation in fetal muscle. In juvenile offspring, insulin-stimulated glucose uptake was similarly reduced by both maternal and post-weaning WSD and corresponded to modest reductions in insulin-stimulated Akt phosphorylation relative to controls. We conclude that maternal WSD leads to a persistent decrease in offspring muscle insulin-stimulated glucose uptake even in the absence of increased offspring adiposity or markers of systemic insulin resistance. Switching offspring to a healthy diet did not reverse the effects of maternal WSD on muscle insulin action suggesting earlier interventions may be warranted. Full Article
ty Longitudinal Analysis of Serum Cytokine Levels and Gut Microbial Abundance Links IL-17/IL-22 with Clostridia and Insulin Sensitivity in Humans By diabetes.diabetesjournals.org Published On :: 2020-05-04T10:07:04-07:00 Recent studies using mouse models suggest that interaction between the gut microbiome and IL-17/IL-22 producing cells plays a role in the development of metabolic diseases. We investigated this relationship in humans using data from the prediabetes study of the Integrated Human Microbiome Project (iHMP). Specifically, we addressed the hypothesis that early in the onset of metabolic diseases there is a decline in serum levels of IL-17/IL-22, with concomitant changes in the gut microbiome. Clustering iHMP study participants on the basis of longitudinal IL-17/IL-22 profiles identified discrete groups. Individuals distinguished by low levels of IL-17/IL-22 were linked to established markers of metabolic disease, including insulin sensitivity. These individuals also displayed gut microbiome dysbiosis, characterized by decreased diversity, and IL-17/IL-22-related declines in the phylum Firmicutes, class Clostridia, and order Clostridiales. This ancillary analysis of the iHMP data therefore supports a link between the gut microbiome, IL-17/IL-22 and the onset of metabolic diseases. This raises the possibility for novel, microbiome-related therapeutic targets that may effectively alleviate metabolic diseases in humans as they do in animal models. Full Article
ty Erratum. Multiethnic Genome-Wide Association Study of Diabetic Retinopathy Using Liability Threshold Modeling of Duration of Diabetes and Glycemic Control. Diabetes 2019;68:441--456 By diabetes.diabetesjournals.org Published On :: 2020-05-06T12:11:43-07:00 Full Article
ty Dextran Sulfate Protects Pancreatic {beta}-Cells, Reduces Autoimmunity and Ameliorates Type 1 Diabetes By diabetes.diabetesjournals.org Published On :: 2020-05-07T07:53:04-07:00 A failure in self-tolerance leads to autoimmune destruction of pancreatic β-cells and type 1 diabetes (T1D). Low molecular weight dextran sulfate (DS) is a sulfated semi-synthetic polysaccharide with demonstrated cytoprotective and immunomodulatory properties in vitro. However, whether DS can protect pancreatic β-cells, reduce autoimmunity and ameliorate T1D is unknown. Here we report that DS, but not dextran, protects human β-cells against cytokine-mediated cytotoxicity in vitro. DS also protects mitochondrial function and glucose-stimulated insulin secretion and reduces chemokine expression in human islets in a pro-inflammatory environment. Interestingly, daily treatment with DS significantly reduces diabetes incidence in pre-diabetic non-obese diabetic (NOD) mice, and most importantly, reverses diabetes in early-onset diabetic NOD mice. DS decreases β-cell death, enhances islet heparan sulfate (HS)/heparan sulfate proteoglycan (HSPG) expression and preserves β-cell mass and plasma insulin in these mice. DS administration also increases the expression of the inhibitory co-stimulatory molecule programmed death-1 (PD-1) in T-cells, reduces interferon-+ CD4+ and CD8+ T-cells and enhances the number of FoxP3+ cells. Collectively, these studies demonstrate that the action of one single molecule, DS, on β-cell protection, extracellular matrix preservation and immunomodulation can reverse diabetes in NOD mice highlighting its therapeutic potential for the treatment of T1D. Full Article
ty Lactation vs Formula Feeding: Insulin, Glucose and Fatty Acid Metabolism During the Postpartum Period By diabetes.diabetesjournals.org Published On :: 2020-05-08T10:11:46-07:00 Milk production may involve a transient development of insulin resistance in non-mammary tissues to support redistribution of maternal macronutrients to match the requirements of the lactating mammary gland. In the present study, adipose and liver metabolic responses were measured in the fasting state and during a 2-step (10 and 20 mU/m2/min) hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp with stable isotopes, in 6-week postpartum women who were lactating (n=12) or formula-feeding (n=6) their infants and who were closely matched for baseline characteristics (e.g., parity, body composition, intrahepatic lipid). When controlling for the low insulin concentrations of both groups, the lactating women exhibited a fasting rate of endogenous glucose production (EGP) that was 2.6-fold greater, and a lipolysis rate that was 2.3-fold greater than the formula-feeding group. During the clamp, the groups exhibited similar suppression rates of EGP and lipolysis. In the lactating women only, higher prolactin concentrations were associated with greater suppression rates of lipolysis, lower intrahepatic lipid and plasma triacylglycerol concentrations. These data suggest that whole-body alterations in glucose transport may be organ specific and facilitate nutrient partitioning during lactation. Recapitulating a shift toward noninsulin-mediated glucose uptake could be an early postpartum strategy to enhance lactation success in women at risk for delayed onset of milk production. Full Article
ty Circulating Protein Signatures and Causal Candidates for Type 2 Diabetes By diabetes.diabetesjournals.org Published On :: 2020-05-08T10:11:46-07:00 The increasing prevalence of type 2 diabetes poses a major challenge to societies worldwide. Blood-based factors like serum proteins are in contact with every organ in the body to mediate global homeostasis and may thus directly regulate complex processes such as aging and the development of common chronic diseases. We applied a data-driven proteomics approach, measuring serum levels of 4,137 proteins in 5,438 elderly Icelanders and identified 536 proteins associated with prevalent and/or incident type 2 diabetes. We validated a subset of the observed associations in an independent case-control study of type 2 diabetes. These protein associations provide novel biological insights into the molecular mechanisms that are dysregulated prior to and following the onset of type 2 diabetes and can be detected in serum. A bi-directional two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis indicated that serum changes of at least 23 proteins are downstream of the disease or its genetic liability, while 15 proteins were supported as having a causal role in type 2 diabetes. Full Article
ty Nutrient-Induced Metabolic Stress, Adaptation, Detoxification, and Toxicity in the Pancreatic {beta}-Cell By diabetes.diabetesjournals.org Published On :: 2020-02-20T11:55:30-08:00 Paraphrasing the Swiss physician and father of toxicology Paracelsus (1493–1541) on chemical agents used as therapeutics, "the dose makes the poison," it is now realized that this aptly applies to the calorigenic nutrients. The case here is the pancreatic islet β-cell presented with excessive levels of nutrients such as glucose, lipids, and amino acids. The short-term effects these nutrients exert on the β-cell are enhanced insulin biosynthesis and secretion and changes in glucose sensitivity. However, chronic fuel surfeit triggers additional compensatory and adaptive mechanisms by β-cells to cope with the increased insulin demand or to protect itself. When these mechanisms fail, toxicity due to the nutrient surplus ensues, leading to β-cell dysfunction, dedifferentiation, and apoptosis. The terms glucotoxicity, lipotoxicity, and glucolipotoxicity have been widely used, but there is some confusion as to what they mean precisely and which is most appropriate for a given situation. Here we address the gluco-, lipo-, and glucolipo-toxicities in β-cells by assessing the evidence both for and against each of them. We also discuss potential mechanisms and defend the view that many of the identified "toxic" effects of nutrient excess, which may also include amino acids, are in fact beneficial adaptive processes. In addition, candidate fuel-excess detoxification pathways are evaluated. Finally, we propose that a more general term should be used for the in vivo situation of overweight-associated type 2 diabetes reflecting both the adaptive and toxic processes to mixed calorigenic nutrients excess: "nutrient-induced metabolic stress" or, in brief, "nutri-stress." Full Article
ty Glucolipotoxicity, {beta}-Cells, and Diabetes: The Emperor Has No Clothes By diabetes.diabetesjournals.org Published On :: 2020-02-20T11:55:30-08:00 Reduction of β-cell mass and function is central to the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes. The terms glucotoxicity, lipotoxicity, and glucolipotoxicity are used to describe potentially responsible processes. The premise is that chronically elevated glucose levels are toxic to β-cells, that elevated lipid levels in the form of circulating free fatty acids (FFA) also have toxic effects, and that the combination of the two, glucolipotoxicity, is particularly harmful. Much work has shown that high concentrations of FFA can be very damaging to β-cells when used for in vitro experiments, and when infused in large amounts in humans and rodents they produce suppression of insulin secretion. The purpose of this Perspective is to raise doubts about whether the FFA levels found in real-life situations are ever high enough to cause problems. Evidence supporting the importance of glucotoxicity is strong because there is such a tight correlation between defective insulin secretion and rising glucose levels. However, there is virtually no convincing evidence that the alterations in FFA levels occurring during progression to diabetes are pathogenic. Thus, the terms lipotoxicity and glucolipotoxicity should be used with great caution, if at all, because evidence supporting their importance has not yet emerged. Full Article
ty S-Palmitoylation of the sodium channel Nav1.6 regulates its activity and neuronal excitability [Cell Biology] By feedproxy.google.com Published On :: 2020-05-01T00:06:09-07:00 S-Palmitoylation is a reversible post-translational lipid modification that dynamically regulates protein functions. Voltage-gated sodium channels are subjected to S-palmitoylation and exhibit altered functions in different S-palmitoylation states. Our aim was to investigate whether and how S-palmitoylation regulates Nav1.6 channel function and to identify S-palmitoylation sites that can potentially be pharmacologically targeted. Acyl-biotin exchange assay showed that Nav1.6 is modified by S-palmitoylation in the mouse brain and in a Nav1.6 stable HEK 293 cell line. Using whole-cell voltage clamp, we discovered that enhancing S-palmitoylation with palmitic acid increases Nav1.6 current, whereas blocking S-palmitoylation with 2-bromopalmitate reduces Nav1.6 current and shifts the steady-state inactivation in the hyperpolarizing direction. Three S-palmitoylation sites (Cys1169, Cys1170, and Cys1978) were identified. These sites differentially modulate distinct Nav1.6 properties. Interestingly, Cys1978 is exclusive to Nav1.6 among all Nav isoforms and is evolutionally conserved in Nav1.6 among most species. Cys1978 S-palmitoylation regulates current amplitude uniquely in Nav1.6. Furthermore, we showed that eliminating S-palmitoylation at specific sites alters Nav1.6-mediated excitability in dorsal root ganglion neurons. Therefore, our study reveals S-palmitoylation as a potential isoform-specific mechanism to modulate Nav activity and neuronal excitability in physiological and diseased conditions. Full Article
ty The focal adhesion protein kindlin-2 controls mitotic spindle assembly by inhibiting histone deacetylase 6 and maintaining {alpha}-tubulin acetylation [Signal Transduction] By feedproxy.google.com Published On :: 2020-05-01T00:06:09-07:00 Kindlins are focal adhesion proteins that regulate integrin activation and outside-in signaling. The kindlin family consists of three members, kindlin-1, -2, and -3. Kindlin-2 is widely expressed in multiple cell types, except those from the hematopoietic lineage. A previous study has reported that the Drosophila Fit1 protein (an ortholog of kindlin-2) prevents abnormal spindle assembly; however, the mechanism remains unknown. Here, we show that kindlin-2 maintains spindle integrity in mitotic human cells. The human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cell line expresses only kindlin-2, and we found that when SH-SY5Y cells are depleted of kindlin-2, they exhibit pronounced spindle abnormalities and delayed mitosis. Of note, acetylation of α-tubulin, which maintains microtubule flexibility and stability, was diminished in the kindlin-2–depleted cells. Mechanistically, we found that kindlin-2 maintains α-tubulin acetylation by inhibiting the microtubule-associated deacetylase histone deacetylase 6 (HDAC6) via a signaling pathway involving AKT Ser/Thr kinase (AKT)/glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β) or paxillin. We also provide evidence that prolonged hypoxia down-regulates kindlin-2 expression, leading to spindle abnormalities not only in the SH-SY5Y cell line, but also cell lines derived from colon and breast tissues. The findings of our study highlight that kindlin-2 regulates mitotic spindle assembly and that this process is perturbed in cancer cells in a hypoxic environment. Full Article
ty The cytochrome P450 enzyme CYP24A1 increases proliferation of mutant KRAS-dependent lung adenocarcinoma independent of its catalytic activity [Cell Biology] By feedproxy.google.com Published On :: 2020-05-01T00:06:09-07:00 We previously reported that overexpression of cytochrome P450 family 24 subfamily A member 1 (CYP24A1) increases lung cancer cell proliferation by activating RAS signaling and that CYP24A1 knockdown inhibits tumor growth. However, the mechanism of CYP24A1-mediated cancer cell proliferation remains unclear. Here, we conducted cell synchronization and biochemical experiments in lung adenocarcinoma cells, revealing a link between CYP24A1 and anaphase-promoting complex (APC), a key cell cycle regulator. We demonstrate that CYP24A1 expression is cell cycle–dependent; it was higher in the G2-M phase and diminished upon G1 entry. CYP24A1 has a functional destruction box (D-box) motif that allows binding with two APC adaptors, CDC20-homologue 1 (CDH1) and cell division cycle 20 (CDC20). Unlike other APC substrates, however, CYP24A1 acted as a pseudo-substrate, inhibiting CDH1 activity and promoting mitotic progression. Conversely, overexpression of a CYP24A1 D-box mutant compromised CDH1 binding, allowing CDH1 hyperactivation, thereby hastening degradation of its substrates cyclin B1 and CDC20, and accumulation of the CDC20 substrate p21, prolonging mitotic exit. These activities also occurred with a CYP24A1 isoform 2 lacking the catalytic cysteine (Cys-462), suggesting that CYP24A1's oncogenic potential is independent of its catalytic activity. CYP24A1 degradation reduced clonogenic survival of mutant KRAS-driven lung cancer cells, and calcitriol treatment increased CYP24A1 levels and tumor burden in Lsl-KRASG12D mice. These results disclose a catalytic activity-independent growth-promoting role of CYP24A1 in mutant KRAS-driven lung cancer. This suggests that CYP24A1 could be therapeutically targeted in lung cancers in which its expression is high. Full Article
ty SUMOylation of the transcription factor ZFHX3 at Lys-2806 requires SAE1, UBC9, and PIAS2 and enhances its stability and function in cell proliferation [Protein Synthesis and Degradation] By feedproxy.google.com Published On :: 2020-05-08T03:41:14-07:00 SUMOylation is a posttranslational modification (PTM) at a lysine residue and is crucial for the proper functions of many proteins, particularly of transcription factors, in various biological processes. Zinc finger homeobox 3 (ZFHX3), also known as AT motif-binding factor 1 (ATBF1), is a large transcription factor that is active in multiple pathological processes, including atrial fibrillation and carcinogenesis, and in circadian regulation and development. We have previously demonstrated that ZFHX3 is SUMOylated at three or more lysine residues. Here, we investigated which enzymes regulate ZFHX3 SUMOylation and whether SUMOylation modulates ZFHX3 stability and function. We found that SUMO1, SUMO2, and SUMO3 each are conjugated to ZFHX3. Multiple lysine residues in ZFHX3 were SUMOylated, but Lys-2806 was the major SUMOylation site, and we also found that it is highly conserved among ZFHX3 orthologs from different animal species. Using molecular analyses, we identified the enzymes that mediate ZFHX3 SUMOylation; these included SUMO1-activating enzyme subunit 1 (SAE1), an E1-activating enzyme; SUMO-conjugating enzyme UBC9 (UBC9), an E2-conjugating enzyme; and protein inhibitor of activated STAT2 (PIAS2), an E3 ligase. Multiple analyses established that both SUMO-specific peptidase 1 (SENP1) and SENP2 deSUMOylate ZFHX3. SUMOylation at Lys-2806 enhanced ZFHX3 stability by interfering with its ubiquitination and proteasomal degradation. Functionally, Lys-2806 SUMOylation enabled ZFHX3-mediated cell proliferation and xenograft tumor growth of the MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell line. These findings reveal the enzymes involved in, and the functional consequences of, ZFHX3 SUMOylation, insights that may help shed light on ZFHX3's roles in various cellular and pathophysiological processes. Full Article
ty Structural insight into the recognition of pathogen-derived phosphoglycolipids by C-type lectin receptor DCAR [Protein Structure and Folding] By feedproxy.google.com Published On :: 2020-04-24T06:08:45-07:00 The C-type lectin receptors (CLRs) form a family of pattern recognition receptors that recognize numerous pathogens, such as bacteria and fungi, and trigger innate immune responses. The extracellular carbohydrate-recognition domain (CRD) of CLRs forms a globular structure that can coordinate a Ca2+ ion, allowing receptor interactions with sugar-containing ligands. Although well-conserved, the CRD fold can also display differences that directly affect the specificity of the receptors for their ligands. Here, we report crystal structures at 1.8–2.3 Å resolutions of the CRD of murine dendritic cell-immunoactivating receptor (DCAR, or Clec4b1), the CLR that binds phosphoglycolipids such as acylated phosphatidyl-myo-inositol mannosides (AcPIMs) of mycobacteria. Using mutagenesis analysis, we identified critical residues, Ala136 and Gln198, on the surface surrounding the ligand-binding site of DCAR, as well as an atypical Ca2+-binding motif (Glu-Pro-Ser/EPS168–170). By chemically synthesizing a water-soluble ligand analog, inositol-monophosphate dimannose (IPM2), we confirmed the direct interaction of DCAR with the polar moiety of AcPIMs by biolayer interferometry and co-crystallization approaches. We also observed a hydrophobic groove extending from the ligand-binding site that is in a suitable position to interact with the lipid portion of whole AcPIMs. These results suggest that the hydroxyl group-binding ability and hydrophobic groove of DCAR mediate its specific binding to pathogen-derived phosphoglycolipids such as mycobacterial AcPIMs. Full Article
ty Structure of an ancestral mammalian family 1B1 cytochrome P450 with increased thermostability [Enzymology] By feedproxy.google.com Published On :: 2020-04-24T06:08:45-07:00 Mammalian cytochrome P450 enzymes often metabolize many pharmaceuticals and other xenobiotics, a feature that is valuable in a biotechnology setting. However, extant P450 enzymes are typically relatively unstable, with T50 values of ∼30–40 °C. Reconstructed ancestral cytochrome P450 enzymes tend to have variable substrate selectivity compared with related extant forms, but they also have higher thermostability and therefore may be excellent tools for commercial biosynthesis of important intermediates, final drug molecules, or drug metabolites. The mammalian ancestor of the cytochrome P450 1B subfamily was herein characterized structurally and functionally, revealing differences from the extant human CYP1B1 in ligand binding, metabolism, and potential molecular contributors to its thermostability. Whereas extant human CYP1B1 has one molecule of α-naphthoflavone in a closed active site, we observed that subtle amino acid substitutions outside the active site in the ancestor CYP1B enzyme yielded an open active site with four ligand copies. A structure of the ancestor with 17β-estradiol revealed only one molecule in the active site, which still had the same open conformation. Detailed comparisons between the extant and ancestor forms revealed increases in electrostatic and aromatic interactions between distinct secondary structure elements in the ancestral forms that may contribute to their thermostability. To the best of our knowledge, this represents the first structural evaluation of a reconstructed ancestral cytochrome P450, revealing key features that appear to contribute to its thermostability. Full Article
ty Affinity maturation, humanization, and co-crystallization of a rabbit anti-human ROR2 monoclonal antibody for therapeutic applications [Immunology] By feedproxy.google.com Published On :: 2020-05-01T00:06:09-07:00 Antibodies are widely used as cancer therapeutics, but their current use is limited by the low number of antigens restricted to cancer cells. A receptor tyrosine kinase, receptor tyrosine kinase-like orphan receptor 2 (ROR2), is normally expressed only during embryogenesis and is tightly down-regulated in postnatal healthy tissues. However, it is up-regulated in a diverse set of hematologic and solid malignancies, thus ROR2 represents a candidate antigen for antibody-based cancer therapy. Here we describe the affinity maturation and humanization of a rabbit mAb that binds human and mouse ROR2 but not human ROR1 or other human cell-surface antigens. Co-crystallization of the parental rabbit mAb in complex with the human ROR2 kringle domain (hROR2-Kr) guided affinity maturation by heavy-chain complementarity-determining region 3 (HCDR3)-focused mutagenesis and selection. The affinity-matured rabbit mAb was then humanized by complementarity-determining region (CDR) grafting and framework fine tuning and again co-crystallized with hROR2-Kr. We show that the affinity-matured and humanized mAb retains strong affinity and specificity to ROR2 and, following conversion to a T cell–engaging bispecific antibody, has potent cytotoxicity toward ROR2-expressing cells. We anticipate that this humanized affinity-matured mAb will find application for antibody-based cancer therapy of ROR2-expressing neoplasms. Full Article
ty The major subunit of widespread competence pili exhibits a novel and conserved type IV pilin fold [Protein Structure and Folding] By feedproxy.google.com Published On :: 2020-05-08T03:41:14-07:00 Type IV filaments (T4F), which are helical assemblies of type IV pilins, constitute a superfamily of filamentous nanomachines virtually ubiquitous in prokaryotes that mediate a wide variety of functions. The competence (Com) pilus is a widespread T4F, mediating DNA uptake (the first step in natural transformation) in bacteria with one membrane (monoderms), an important mechanism of horizontal gene transfer. Here, we report the results of genomic, phylogenetic, and structural analyses of ComGC, the major pilin subunit of Com pili. By performing a global comparative analysis, we show that Com pili genes are virtually ubiquitous in Bacilli, a major monoderm class of Firmicutes. This also revealed that ComGC displays extensive sequence conservation, defining a monophyletic group among type IV pilins. We further report ComGC solution structures from two naturally competent human pathogens, Streptococcus sanguinis (ComGCSS) and Streptococcus pneumoniae (ComGCSP), revealing that this pilin displays extensive structural conservation. Strikingly, ComGCSS and ComGCSP exhibit a novel type IV pilin fold that is purely helical. Results from homology modeling analyses suggest that the unusual structure of ComGC is compatible with helical filament assembly. Because ComGC displays such a widespread distribution, these results have implications for hundreds of monoderm species. Full Article
ty The Histone Methyltransferase MLL1 Directs Macrophage-Mediated Inflammation in Wound Healing and Is Altered in a Murine Model of Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes By diabetes.diabetesjournals.org Published On :: 2017-09-01 Andrew S. KimballSep 1, 2017; 66:2459-2471Immunology and Transplantation Full Article
ty Effect of a Sustained Reduction in Plasma Free Fatty Acid Concentration on Intramuscular Long-Chain Fatty Acyl-CoAs and Insulin Action in Type 2 Diabetic Patients By diabetes.diabetesjournals.org Published On :: 2005-11-01 Mandeep BajajNov 1, 2005; 54:3148-3153Metabolism Full Article
ty The High-Fat Diet-Fed Mouse: A Model for Studying Mechanisms and Treatment of Impaired Glucose Tolerance and Type 2 Diabetes By diabetes.diabetesjournals.org Published On :: 2004-12-01 Maria Sörhede WinzellDec 1, 2004; 53:S215-S219Section V: The Incretin Pathway Full Article
ty MicroRNA Networks in Pancreatic Islet Cells: Normal Function and Type 2 Diabetes By diabetes.diabetesjournals.org Published On :: 2020-05-01 Lena EliassonMay 1, 2020; 69:804-812Small Noncoding RNAs in Diabetes Full Article
ty Sugar, Uric Acid, and the Etiology of Diabetes and Obesity By diabetes.diabetesjournals.org Published On :: 2013-10-01 Richard J. JohnsonOct 1, 2013; 62:3307-3315Perspectives in Diabetes Full Article
ty Pancreas Pathology of Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults (LADA) in Patients and in a LADA Rat Model Compared With Type 1 Diabetes By diabetes.diabetesjournals.org Published On :: 2020-04-01 Anne JörnsApr 1, 2020; 69:624-633Islet Studies Full Article
ty A Phenotypic Screen Identifies Calcium Overload as a Key Mechanism of {beta}-Cell Glucolipotoxicity By diabetes.diabetesjournals.org Published On :: 2020-05-01 Jennifer VogelMay 1, 2020; 69:1032-1041Pharmacology and Therapeutics Full Article
ty Mechanisms of {beta}-Cell Death in Type 2 Diabetes By diabetes.diabetesjournals.org Published On :: 2005-12-01 Marc Y. DonathDec 1, 2005; 54:S108-S113Section III: Inflammation and beta-Cell Death Full Article
ty Type 2 Diabetes: Demystifying the Global Epidemic By diabetes.diabetesjournals.org Published On :: 2017-06-01 Ranjit UnnikrishnanJun 1, 2017; 66:1432-1442Perspectives in Diabetes Full Article
ty Changes in Gut Microbiota Control Metabolic Endotoxemia-Induced Inflammation in High-Fat Diet-Induced Obesity and Diabetes in Mice By diabetes.diabetesjournals.org Published On :: 2008-06-01 Patrice D. CaniJun 1, 2008; 57:1470-1481Metabolism Full Article
ty Environmental Triggers and Determinants of Type 1 Diabetes By diabetes.diabetesjournals.org Published On :: 2005-12-01 Mikael KnipDec 1, 2005; 54:S125-S136Section IV: Polygenic Disease and Environment Full Article
ty Insulin Resistance and Type 2 Diabetes By diabetes.diabetesjournals.org Published On :: 2012-04-01 Roy TaylorApr 1, 2012; 61:778-779Commentary Full Article
ty PPARA Polymorphism Influences the Cardiovascular Benefit of Fenofibrate in Type 2 Diabetes: Findings From ACCORD-Lipid By diabetes.diabetesjournals.org Published On :: 2020-04-01 Mario Luca MorieriApr 1, 2020; 69:771-783Genetics/Genomes/Proteomics/Metabolomics Full Article
ty The cGAS-cGAMP-STING Pathway: A Molecular Link Between Immunity and Metabolism By diabetes.diabetesjournals.org Published On :: 2019-06-01 Juli BaiJun 1, 2019; 68:1099-1108Perspectives in Diabetes Full Article
ty The Rise of Childhood Type 1 Diabetes in the 20th Century By diabetes.diabetesjournals.org Published On :: 2002-12-01 Edwin A.M. GaleDec 1, 2002; 51:3353-3361Perspectives in Diabetes Full Article
ty Effect of a High-Protein, Low-Carbohydrate Diet on Blood Glucose Control in People With Type 2 Diabetes By diabetes.diabetesjournals.org Published On :: 2004-09-01 Mary C. GannonSep 1, 2004; 53:2375-2382Pathophysiology Full Article
ty Mechanisms of Pancreatic {beta}-Cell Death in Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes: Many Differences, Few Similarities By diabetes.diabetesjournals.org Published On :: 2005-12-01 Miriam CnopDec 1, 2005; 54:S97-S107Section III: Inflammation and beta-Cell Death Full Article
ty Metabolic Endotoxemia Initiates Obesity and Insulin Resistance By diabetes.diabetesjournals.org Published On :: 2007-07-01 Patrice D. CaniJul 1, 2007; 56:1761-1772Obesity Studies Full Article
ty Protecting the Heart in Obesity: Role of ACE2 and Its Partners By diabetes.diabetesjournals.org Published On :: 2016-01-01 Rhian M. TouyzJan 1, 2016; 65:19-21Commentaries Full Article
ty Low-Grade Systemic Inflammation and the Development of Type 2 Diabetes: The Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study By diabetes.diabetesjournals.org Published On :: 2003-07-01 Bruce B. DuncanJul 1, 2003; 52:1799-1805Pathophysiology Full Article
ty From the Triumvirate to the Ominous Octet: A New Paradigm for the Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus By diabetes.diabetesjournals.org Published On :: 2009-04-01 Ralph A. DeFronzoApr 1, 2009; 58:773-795Banting Lecture Full Article
ty Diabetes in China: Epidemiology and Genetic Risk Factors and Their Clinical Utility in Personalized Medication By diabetes.diabetesjournals.org Published On :: 2018-01-01 Cheng HuJan 1, 2018; 67:3-11Perspectives in Diabetes Full Article
ty Poverty and Obesity in the U.S. By diabetes.diabetesjournals.org Published On :: 2011-11-01 James A. LevineNov 1, 2011; 60:2667-2668Editorials Full Article
ty A Polymorphism in the Glucocorticoid Receptor Gene, Which Decreases Sensitivity to Glucocorticoids In Vivo, Is Associated With Low Insulin and Cholesterol Levels By diabetes.diabetesjournals.org Published On :: 2002-10-01 Elisabeth F.C. van RossumOct 1, 2002; 51:3128-3134Genetics Full Article
ty Correction: Rational design, synthesis, and evaluation of uncharged, “smart” bis-oxime antidotes of organophosphate-inhibited human acetylcholinesterase. [Additions and Corrections] By feedproxy.google.com Published On :: 2020-05-08T03:41:14-07:00 VOLUME 295 (2020) PAGES 4079–4092There was an error in the abstract. “The pyridinium cation hampers uptake of OPs into the central nervous system (CNS)” should read as “The pyridinium cation hampers uptake into the central nervous system (CNS).” Full Article
ty Giants acquire righty reliever Gott from Nats By mlb.mlb.com Published On :: Wed, 13 Feb 2019 18:59:00 EDT The Giants added another arm into their bullpen mix Wednesday, acquiring right-hander Trevor Gott from the Nationals for cash considerations. Full Article
ty The rule of law and maritime security: understanding lawfare in the South China Sea By feedproxy.google.com Published On :: Wed, 04 Sep 2019 13:46:35 +0000 4 September 2019 , Volume 95, Number 5 Douglas Guilfoyle Read online Does the rule of law matter to maritime security? One way into the question is to examine whether states show a discursive commitment that maritime security practices must comply with international law. International law thus provides tools for argument for or against the validity of certain practices. The proposition is thus not only that international law matters to maritime security, but legal argument does too. In this article, these claims will be explored in relation to the South China Sea dispute. The dispute involves Chinese claims to enjoy special rights within the ‘nine-dash line’ on official maps which appears to lay claim to much of the South China Sea. Within this area sovereignty remains disputed over numerous islands and other maritime features. Many of the claimant states have engaged in island-building activities, although none on the scale of China. Ideas matter in such contests, affecting perceptions of reality and of what is possible. International law provides one such set of ideas. Law may be a useful tool in consolidating gains or defeating a rival's claims. For China, law is a key domain in which it is seeking to consolidate control over the South China Sea. The article places the relevant Chinese legal arguments in the context of China's historic engagement with the law of the sea. It argues that the flaw in China's approach has been to underestimate the extent to which it impinges on other states' national interests in the maritime domain, interests they conceptualize in legal terms. Full Article
ty Maritime security: the uncharted politics of the global sea By feedproxy.google.com Published On :: Wed, 04 Sep 2019 14:25:01 +0000 4 September 2019 , Volume 95, Number 5 A special section in the latest issue explores recent developments in maritime security and ocean governance. Christian Bueger, Timothy Edmunds and Barry J. Ryan Read online In this introduction to a special section of the September 2019 issue of International Affairs, we revisit the main themes and arguments of our article ‘Beyond seablindness: a new agenda for maritime security studies’, published in this journal in November 2017. We reiterate our call for more scholarly attention to be paid to the maritime environment in international relations and security studies. We argue that the contemporary maritime security agenda should be understood as an interlinked set of challenges of growing global, regional and national significance, and comprising issues of national, environmental, economic and human security. We suggest that maritime security is characterized by four main characteristics, including its interconnected nature, its transnationality, its liminality—in the sense of implicating both land and sea—and its national and institutional cross-jurisdictionality. Each of the five articles in the special section explores aspects of the contemporary maritime security agenda, including themes of geopolitics, international law, interconnectivity, maritime security governance and the changing spatial order at sea. Full Article
ty Human Rights Priorities: An Agenda for Equality and Social Justice By feedproxy.google.com Published On :: Wed, 23 Oct 2019 13:50:01 +0000 Members Event 19 November 2019 - 6:00pm to 7:00pm Chatham House | 10 St James's Square | London | SW1Y 4LE Event participants Michelle Bachelet, United Nations High Commissioner for Human RightsChair: Ruma Mandal, Head, International Law Programme, Chatham House Following just over one year in office, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet, outlines her ongoing priorities at a tumultuous time for fundamental rights protections worldwide.She discusses the rights implications of climate change, gender inequality including the advancement of sexual and reproductive rights, the protection of vulnerable groups and the need to work closely with states, civil society and business to protect and advance human rights. Department/project International Law Programme Members Events Team Email Full Article
ty Sovereignty and Non-Intervention: The Application of International Law to State Cyberattacks By feedproxy.google.com Published On :: Fri, 01 Nov 2019 10:55:01 +0000 Research Event 4 December 2019 - 5:30pm to 7:00pm Chatham House | 10 St James's Square | London | SW1Y 4LE Event participants Douglas, Legal Director, GCHQZhixiong Huang, Luojia Chair of International Law, Wuhan UniversityNemanja Malisevic, Director of Digital Diplomacy, MicrosoftHarriet Moynihan, Associate Fellow, International Law Programme, Chatham HouseChair: Elizabeth Wilmshurst, Distinguished Fellow, International Law Programme, Chatham House International law applies to cyber operations – but views differ on exactly how. Does state-sponsored interference in another state's affairs using cyber means – for example, disinformation campaigns in elections, disabling government websites, or disrupting transport systems – breach international law? If so, on what basis and how are the principles of sovereignty and non-intervention relevant? States are increasingly attributing cyber operations to other states and engaging in the debate on how international law applies, including circumstances that would justify countermeasures.As states meet to debate these issues at the UN, the panel will explore how international law regulates cyberoperations by states, consider the prospects of progress at the UN, and assess the value of other initiatives.This event coincides with the launch of a Chatham House research paper which analyses how the principles of sovereignty and intervention apply in the context of cyberoperations, and considers a way forward for agreeing a common understanding of cyber norms.This event will bring together a broad group of actors, including policymakers, the private sector, legal experts and civil society, and will be followed by a drinks reception. Department/project International Law Programme, Cyber, Sovereignty and Human Rights Jacqueline Rowe Programme Assistant, International Law Programme 020 7389 3287 Email Full Article
ty Security and Prosperity in Asia: The Role of International Law By feedproxy.google.com Published On :: Fri, 01 Nov 2019 11:38:35 +0000 1 November 2019 The 'Security and Prosperity in Asia' conference looked at the impact of international law in the Asia-Pacific with a focus on regional economic and security issues such as the South China Sea disputes. Read online Download PDF Security and Prosperity in Asia Cover Image.jpg Singapore skyline at sunset, 2016. Photo: Getty Images. About the ConferenceAt a time of geopolitical uncertainty and with multilateralism under pressure, this conference brought together diverse actors to explore the evolving role of international law on critical security and economic issues in the Asia-Pacific. From trade agreements to deep-sea mining, cyberwarfare to territorial disputes, the breadth of the discussion illustrated the growing reach of international law in the region.Hosted by the International Law Programme and the Asia-Pacific Programme at Chatham House on 27 March 2019, the conference focused on three themes: trade and investment, maritime security and governance, and emerging security challenges. What trends are emerging in terms of engagement with international law in the region, and how can international standards play a greater role in encouraging collaboration and reducing tensions? And, with the eastward shift in geopolitical power, how will Asia-Pacific states shape the future of international law? Department/project International Law Programme, Global Governance and the Rule of Law, Asia-Pacific Programme, Geopolitics and Governance, Trade, Investment and Economics Full Article