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At least 1,153 records · Page 64

Mitochondrial bioenergetics and drug-induced toxicity in a panel of mouse embryonic fibroblasts with mitochondrial DNA single nucleotide polymorphisms

Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) variations including single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) have been proposed to be involved in idiosyncratic drug reactions. However, current in vitro and in vivo models lack the genetic diversity seen in the human population. Our hypothesis is that different cell strains with distinct mtDNA SNPs may have different mitochondrial bioenergetic profiles and may therefore vary in their response to drug-induced toxicity. Therefore, we used an in vitro system composed of four strains of mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) with mtDNA polymorphisms. We sequenced mtDNA from embryonic fibroblasts isolated from four mouse strains, C57BL/6J, MOLF/EiJ, CZECHII/EiJ and PERA/EiJ, with the latter two being sequenced for the first time. The bioenergetic profile of the four strains of MEFs was investigated at both passages 3 and 10. Our results showed that there were clear differences among the four strains of MEFs at both passages, with CZECHII/EiJ having a lower mitochondrial robustness when compared to C57BL/6J, followed by MOLF/EiJ and PERA/EiJ. Seven drugs known to impair mitochondrial function were tested for their effect on the ATP content of the four strains of MEFs in both glucose- and galactose-containing media. Our results showed that there were strain-dependent differences in the response to some of the drugs. We propose that this model is a useful starting point to study compounds that may cause mitochondrial off-target toxicity in early stages of drug development, thus decreasing the number of experimental animals used. -- Highlights: ► mtDNA SNPs may be linked to individual predisposition to drug-induced toxicity. ► CZECHII/EiJ and PERA/EiJ mtDNA was sequenced for the first time in this study. ► Strain-dependent mitochondrial capacity differences were measured. ► Strain-dependent differences in response to mitochondrial toxicants were observed.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

Anthracycline resistance mediated by reductive metabolism in cancer cells: The role of aldo-keto reductase 1C3

Pharmacokinetic drug resistance is a serious obstacle that emerges during cancer chemotherapy. In this study, we investigated the possible role of aldo-keto reductase 1C3 (AKR1C3) in the resistance of cancer cells to anthracyclines. First, the reducing activity of AKR1C3 toward anthracyclines was tested using incubations with a purified recombinant enzyme. Furthermore, the intracellular reduction of daunorubicin and idarubicin was examined by employing the transfection of A549, HeLa, MCF7 and HCT 116 cancer cells with an AKR1C3 encoding vector. To investigate the participation of AKR1C3 in anthracycline resistance, we conducted MTT cytotoxicity assays with these cells, and observed that AKR1C3 significantly contributes to the resistance of cancer cells to daunorubicin and idarubicin, whereas this resistance was reversible by the simultaneous administration of 2′-hydroxyflavanone, a specific AKR1C3 inhibitor. In the final part of our work, we tracked the changes in AKR1C3 expression after anthracycline exposure. Interestingly, a reciprocal correlation between the extent of induction and endogenous levels of AKR1C3 was recorded in particular cell lines. Therefore, we suggest that the induction of AKR1C3 following exposure to daunorubicin and idarubicin, which seems to be dependent on endogenous AKR1C3 expression, eventually might potentiate an intrinsic resistance given by the normal expression of AKR1C3. In conclusion, our data suggest a substantial impact of AKR1C3 on the metabolism of daunorubicin and idarubicin, which affects their pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic behavior. In addition, we demonstrate that the reduction of daunorubicin and idarubicin, which is catalyzed by AKR1C3, contributes to the resistance of cancer cells to anthracycline treatment. - Highlights: • Metabolism of anthracyclines by AKR1C3 was studied at enzyme and cellular levels. • Anthracycline resistance mediated by AKR1C3 was demonstrated in cancer cells. • Induction of AKR1C3 after anthracycline exposure was investigated in cancer cells. • AKR1C3 confers resistance of cancer cells to daunorubicin and idarubicin. • AKR1C3 can be induced by the exposure to anthracyclines in some cell lines.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

Lysosomal membrane permeabilization: Carbon nanohorn-induced reactive oxygen species generation and toxicity by this neglected mechanism

Understanding the molecular mechanisms responsible for the cytotoxic effects of carbon nanomaterials is important for their future biomedical applications. Carbon nanotubular materials induce the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which causes cell death; however, the exact details of this process are still unclear. Here, we identify a mechanism of ROS generation that is involved in the apoptosis of RAW264.7 macrophages caused by excess uptake of carbon nanohorns (CNHs), a typical type of carbon nanotubule. CNH accumulated in the lysosomes, where they induced lysosomal membrane permeabilization (LMP) and the subsequent release of lysosomal proteases, such as cathepsins, which in turn caused mitochondrial dysfunction and triggered the generation of ROS in the mitochondria. The nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase was not directly involved in CNH-related ROS production, and the ROS generation cannot be regulated by mitochondrial electron transport chain. ROS fed back to amplify the mitochondrial dysfunction, leading to the subsequent activation of caspases and cell apoptosis. Carbon nanotubules commonly accumulate in the lysosomes after internalization in cells; however, lysosomal dysfunction has not attracted much attention in toxicity studies of these materials. These results suggest that LMP, a neglected mechanism, may be the primary reason for carbon nanotubule toxicity. - Highlights: • We clarify an apoptotic mechanism of RAW264.7 cells caused by carbon nanohorns. • In the meantime, the mechanism of CNH-induced ROS generation is identified. • LMP is the initial factor of CNH-induced ROS generation and cell death. • Cathepsins work as mediators that connect LMP and mitochondrial dysfunction.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

Effect of simvastatin on vascular tone in porcine coronary artery: Potential role of the mitochondria

Statins induce acute vasorelaxation which may contribute to the overall benefits of statins in the treatment of cardiovascular disease. The mechanism underlying this relaxation is unknown. As statins have been shown to alter mitochondrial function, in this study we investigated the role of mitochondria in the relaxation to simvastatin. Relaxation of porcine coronary artery segments by statins was measured using isolated tissue baths. Mitochondrial activity was determined by measuring changes in rhodamine 123 fluorescence. Changes in intracellular calcium levels were determined in freshly isolated smooth muscle cells with Fluo-4 using standard epifluorescent imaging techniques. Simvastatin, but not pravastatin, produced a slow relaxation of the coronary artery, which was independent of the endothelium. The relaxation was attenuated by the mitochondrial complex I inhibitor rotenone (10 μM) and the complex III inhibitor myxothiazol (10 μM), or a combination of the two. The complex III inhibitor antimycin A (10 μM) produced a similar time-dependent relaxation of the porcine coronary artery, which was attenuated by rotenone. Changes in rhodamine 123 fluorescence showed that simvastatin (10 μM) depolarized the membrane potential of mitochondria in both isolated mitochondria and intact blood vessels. Simvastatin and antimycin A both inhibited calcium-induced contractions in isolated blood vessels and calcium influx in smooth muscle cells and this inhibition was prevented by rotenone. In conclusion, simvastatin produces an endothelium-independent relaxation of the porcine coronary artery which is dependent, in part, upon effects on the mitochondria. The effects on the mitochondria may lead to a reduction in calcium influx and hence relaxation of the blood vessel. - Highlights: • Simvastatin produces a relaxation of the porcine coronary artery. • This relaxation is inhibited by mitochondrial complex inhibitors. • Simvastatin alters mitochondrial membrane potential in intact blood vessels. • Simvastatin inhibits calcium influx in smooth muscle cells, prevented by a mitochondrial inhibitor. • Simvastatin-induced relaxations are dependent upon mitochondrial activity.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

Destabilization of mitochondrial functions as a target against breast cancer progression: Role of TPP{sup +}-linked-polyhydroxybenzoates

Mitochondrion is an accepted molecular target in cancer treatment since it exhibits a higher transmembrane potential in cancer cells, making it susceptible to be targeted by lipophilic-delocalized cations of triphenylphosphonium (TPP{sup +}). Thus, we evaluated five TPP{sup +}-linked decyl polyhydroxybenzoates as potential cytotoxic agents in several human breast cancer cell lines that differ in estrogen receptor and HER2/neu expression, and in metabolic profile. Results showed that all cell lines tested were sensitive to the cytotoxic action of these compounds. The mechanism underlying the cytotoxicity would be triggered by their weak uncoupling effect on the oxidative phosphorylation system, while having a wider and safer therapeutic range than other uncouplers and a significant lowering in transmembrane potential. Noteworthy, while the TPP{sup +}-derivatives alone led to almost negligible losses of ATP, when these were added in the presence of an AMP-activated protein kinase inhibitor, the levels of ATP fell greatly. Overall, data presented suggest that decyl polyhydroxybenzoates-TPP{sup +} and its derivatives warrant future investigation as potential anti-tumor agents. - Highlights: • TPP{sup +}-polyhydroxybenzoates are cytotoxic to various subtypes of breast cancer cells. • Cytotoxicity is not-dependent on the expression of estrogen/growth factor receptors. • Cytotoxicity appears to be triggered by a weak mitochondrial uncoupling effect. • Effects include loss of transmembrane potential and apoptosis was detected. • TPP{sup +}-polyhydroxybenzoates inhibit migration of highly metastatic cells.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

In vitro cardiotoxicity assessment of environmental chemicals using an organotypic human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived model

An important target area for addressing data gaps through in vitro screening is the detection of potential cardiotoxicants. Despite the fact that current conservative estimates relate at least 23% of all cardiovascular disease cases to environmental exposures, the identities of the causative agents remain largely uncharacterized. Here, we evaluate the feasibility of a combinatorial in vitro/in silico screening approach for functional and mechanistic cardiotoxicity profiling of environmental hazards using a library of 69 representative environmental chemicals and drugs. Human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes were exposed in concentration-response for 30 min or 24 h and effects on cardiomyocyte beating and cellular and mitochondrial toxicity were assessed by kinetic measurements of intracellular Ca{sup 2+} flux and high-content imaging using the nuclear dye Hoechst 33342, the cell viability marker Calcein AM, and the mitochondrial depolarization probe JC-10. More than half of the tested chemicals exhibited effects on cardiomyocyte beating after 30 min of exposure. In contrast, after 24 h, effects on cell beating without concomitant cytotoxicity were observed in about one third of the compounds. Concentration-response data for in vitro bioactivity phenotypes visualized using the Toxicological Prioritization Index (ToxPi) showed chemical class-specific clustering of environmental chemicals, including pesticides, flame retardants, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. For environmental chemicals with human exposure predictions, the activity-to-exposure ratios between modeled blood concentrations and in vitro bioactivity were between one and five orders of magnitude. These findings not only demonstrate that some ubiquitous environmental pollutants might have the potential at high exposure levels to alter cardiomyocyte function, but also indicate similarities in the mechanism of these effects both within and among chemicals and classes. - Highlights: • The cardiotoxic potential of a broad range of environmental chemicals was evaluated. • Human iPSC cardiomyocytes were used for multiparametric in vitro profiling. • Dose-response relationships were established for functional and cytotoxicity assays. • Computational data integration provided chemical-specific bioactivity profiles. • An assessment of the profiles revealed chemical class-specific similarities.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

Temperature induces significant changes in both glycolytic reserve and mitochondrial spare respiratory capacity in colorectal cancer cell lines

Thermotherapy, as a method of treating cancer, has recently attracted considerable attention from basic and clinical investigators. A number of studies and clinical trials have shown that thermotherapy can be successfully used as a therapeutic approach for various cancers. However, the effects of temperature on cancer bioenergetics have not been studied in detail with a real time, microplate based, label-free detection approach. This study investigates how changes in temperature affect the bioenergetics characteristics (mitochondrial function and glycolysis) of three colorectal cancer (CRC) cell lines utilizing the Seahorse XF96 technology. Experiments were performed at 32 °C, 37 °C and 42 °C using assay medium conditions and equipment settings adjusted to produce equal oxygen and pH levels ubiquitously at the beginning of all experiments. The results suggest that temperature significantly changes multiple components of glycolytic and mitochondrial function of all cell lines tested. Under hypothermia conditions (32 °C), the extracellular acidification rates (ECAR) of CRC cells were significantly lower compared to the same basal ECAR levels measured at 37 °C. Mitochondrial stress test for SW480 cells at 37 °C vs 42 °C demonstrated increased proton leak while all other OCR components remained unchanged (similar results were detected also for the patient-derived xenograft cells Pt.93). Interestingly, the FCCP dose response at 37 °C vs 42 °C show significant shifts in profiles, suggesting that single dose FCCP experiments might not be sufficient to characterize the mitochondrial metabolic potential when comparing groups, conditions or treatments. These findings provide valuable insights for the metabolic and bioenergetic changes of CRC cells under hypo- and hyperthermia conditions that could potentially lead to development of better targeted and personalized strategies for patients undergoing combined thermotherapy with chemotherapy.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

Resolving the Impact of Hydrogen Bonding on the Phylloquinone Cofactor through Two-Dimensional Infrared Spectroscopy

Phylloquinone (PhQ) is a molecule involved in photosynthetic electron transfer, where the local protein environment is known to tune the properties of PhQ through various noncovalent interactions. In this work, we determine how hydrogen bonding, one of these noncovalent interactions, alters the vibrational potential energy surface of PhQ. In addition, this work demonstrates how hydrogen bonding to PhQ manifests in ultrafast multidimensional vibrational spectra, which is an important step towards using ultrafast vibrational based spectroscopies to probe PhQ embedded in the binding pocket of photosynthetic reaction centers.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Tuning Zr 6 Metal–Organic Framework (MOF) Nodes as Catalyst Supports: Site Densities and Electron-Donor Properties Influence Molecular Iridium Complexes as Ethylene Conversion Catalysts

The Zr 6 nodes of the metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) UiO-66 and UiO-67 are metal oxide clusters of atomic precision and can be used as catalyst supports. The bonding sites on these nodes—that is, hydrogen-bonded H 2 O/OH groups on UiO-67 and non-hydrogen-bonded terminal OH groups on UiO-66—were regulated by modulation of the MOF syntheses. Ir(C 2 H 4 ) 2 (C 5 H 7 O 2 ) complexes reacted with these sites to give site-isolated Ir(C 2 H 4 ) 2 complexes, each anchored to the node by two Ir–Onode bonds. The supported iridium complexes on these sites have been characterized by infrared (IR) and extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) spectroscopies and density functional theory calculations. The ethylene ligands on iridium are readily replaced by CO, and the ν CO frequencies of the resultant complexes and those of comparable complexes reported elsewhere show that the support electron-donor tendencies increase in the order HY zeolite << UiO-66 < UiO-67 (= NU-1000) < ZrO 2 < MgO. The sharpness of the IR ν CO bands shows that the degree of uniformity of the support bonding sites decreases in the order ZrO 2 ≈ UiO-67 ≈ NU-1000 < MgO < UiO-66 << HY zeolite. The reactivity of supported Ir(CO) 2 complexes with C2H4 to form Ir(C 2 H 4 )(CO) and Ir(C 2 H 4 ) 2 (CO) is influenced by the support electron-donor properties, with the reactivity increasing in the order MgO = ZrO 2 = NU-1000 (not reactive) < UiO-66 < UiO-67 << HY zeolite. Density functional theory calculations characterizing the complexes supported on NU-1000, UiO-66/67, and HY zeolite concur with the use of the calculated ν CO bands as indicators of electron-donor properties of the supported metal catalysts. Our calculations also show that the reactivity of the supported Ir(CO) 2 complexes with C 2 H 4 is correlated with the electron-donor properties of the iridium center. Lastly, the supported Ir(C 2 H 4 ) 2 samples are precatalysts for ethylene hydrogenation and ethylene dimerization, with the activity for each reaction increasing with increasing electron-withdrawing strength of the support.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Aminobenzoic Acid Derivatives Obstruct Induced Fit in the Catalytic Center of the Ribosome

The Escherichia coli (E. coli) ribosome can incorporate a variety of non-l-α-amino acid monomers into polypeptide chains in vitro but with poor efficiency. Although these monomers span a diverse set of compounds, there exists no high-resolution structural information regarding their positioning within the catalytic center of the ribosome, the peptidyl transferase center (PTC). Thus, details regarding the mechanism of amide bond formation and the structural basis for differences and defects in incorporation efficiency remain unknown. Within a set of three aminobenzoic acid derivatives–3-aminopyridine-4-carboxylic acid (Apy), ortho-aminobenzoic acid (oABZ), and meta-aminobenzoic acid (mABZ)–the ribosome incorporates Apy into polypeptide chains with the highest efficiency, followed by oABZ and then mABZ, a trend that does not track with the nucleophilicity of the reactive amines. Here, we report high-resolution cryo-EM structures of the ribosome with each of these three aminobenzoic acid derivatives charged on tRNA bound in the aminoacyl-tRNA site (A-site). The structures reveal how the aromatic ring of each monomer sterically blocks the positioning of nucleotide U2506, thereby preventing rearrangement of nucleotide U2585 and the resulting induced fit in the PTC required for efficient amide bond formation. They also reveal disruptions to the bound water network that is believed to facilitate formation and breakdown of the tetrahedral intermediate. Together, the cryo-EM structures reported here provide a mechanistic rationale for differences in reactivity of aminobenzoic acid derivatives relative to l-α-amino acids and each other and identify stereochemical constraints on the size and geometry of non-monomers that can be accepted efficiently by wild-type ribosomes.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Regio- and Enantioselective Bromocyclization of Difluoroalkenes as a Strategy to Access Tetrasubstituted Difluoromethylene-Containing Stereocenters

Difluoromethylene-containing compounds have attracted substantial research interest over the past decades for their ability to mimic biological functions of traditional functional groups while providing a wide variety of pharmacological benefits bestowed by the C–F bond. Here, we report a novel strategy to access RCF 2 Br-containing heterocycles by regio- and enantioselective bromocyclization of difluoroalkenes enabled by chiral anion phase-transfer catalysis. The utility of this methodology was highlighted through a synthesis of an analogue of efavirenz, a drug used for treating HIV. Additionally, the synthetic versatility of the CF 2 Br intermediates was showcased through functionalization to a variety of enantioenriched α,α-difluoromethylene-containing products.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Cationic Cobalt(II) Bisphosphine Hydroformylation Catalysis: In Situ Spectroscopic and Reaction Studies

[HCo(CO) x (bisphosphine)](BF 4 ), x = 1–3, is a highly active hydroformylation catalyst system, especially for internal branched alkenes. In situ infrared spectroscopy (IR), electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), and nuclear magnetic resonance studies support the proposed catalyst formulation. IR studies reveal the formation of a dicationic Co(I) paramagnetic CO-bridged dimer, [Co 2 (μ-CO) 2 (CO)(bisphosphine) 2 ] 2+ , at lower temperatures formed from the reaction of two catalyst complexes via the elimination of H 2 . Here, DFT studies indicate a dimer structure with square-pyramidal and tetrahedral cobalt centers. This monomer–dimer equilibrium is analogous to that seen for HCo(CO) 4 , reacting to eliminate H 2 and form Co 2 (CO) 8 . EPR studies on the catalyst show a high-spin (S = 3/2) Co(II) complex. Reaction studies are presented that support the cationic Co(II) bisphosphine catalyst as the catalyst species present in this system and minimize the possible role of neutral Co(I) species, HCo(CO) 4 or HCo(CO) 3 (phosphine), as catalysts.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

De Novo Design of Proteins That Bind Naphthalenediimides, Powerful Photooxidants with Tunable Photophysical Properties

De novo protein design provides a framework to test our understanding of protein function and build proteins with cofactors and functions not found in nature. Here, we report the design of proteins designed to bind powerful photooxidants and the evaluation of the use of these proteins to generate diffusible small-molecule reactive species. Because excited-state dynamics are influenced by the dynamics and hydration of a photooxidant’s environment, it was important to not only design a binding site but also to evaluate its dynamic properties. Thus, we used computational design in conjunction with molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to design a protein, designated NBP (NDI Binding Protein), that held a naphthalenediimide (NDI), a powerful photooxidant, in a programmable molecular environment. Solution NMR confirmed the structure of the complex. We evaluated two NDI cofactors in this de novo protein using ultrafast pump–probe spectroscopy to evaluate light-triggered intra- and intermolecular electron transfer function. Moreover, we demonstrated the utility of this platform to activate multiple molecular probes for protein labeling.

carbonyls↗

Aldehyde cool-flame chemistry explains a missing source of organic acids

Combustion emission is a significant source of organic acids, impacting atmospheric chemistry and climate. Their formation mechanisms, however, remain poorly understood, leading to underestimation in kinetic models. We investigate the cool-flame oxidation of key combustion intermediates—C 1 –C 4 aldehydes and benzaldehyde. Using in-situ synchrotron vacuum ultraviolet photoionization mass spectrometry, we observe the direct conversion of aldehydes to organic acids, a process enhanced by HO 2 radicals. Quantum chemistry calculations reveal that the reaction of RC(O)O 2 with HO 2 on the singlet potential energy surface contributes to organic acids. Incorporating this pathway into a kinetic model significantly improves organic acid prediction. Despite the high-temperature nature of engine combustion, significant spatial and temporal inhomogeneities (e.g., near-wall regions and crevice volumes) lead to localized cool-flame conditions, facilitating organic acid formation and emission. Elucidating the acid formation under cool-flame conditions provides a critical mechanism for accurately modelling anthropogenic organic acid emissions and developing mitigation strategies.

SVUV-PIMS↗