Pancreatic duct organoid swelling is chloride-dependent.

Pancreatic secretions become viscous and acidic in Cystic fibrosis (CF), highlighting the role of CFTR in pancreatic fluid and bicarbonate secretion. Forskolin-induced swelling (FIS) assay developed in intestinal organoids measures residual CFTR function. It is not known whether FIS reflects bicarbonate secretion in pancreas, an organ that secretes near-isotonic NaHCO levels.

Oxidative stress and impaired insulin secretion in cystic fibrosis pig pancreas.

Cystic fibrosis-related diabetes (CFRD) is one the most common comorbidities in cystic fibrosis (CF). Pancreatic oxidative stress has been postulated in the pathogenesis of CFRD, but no studies have been done to show an association. The main obstacle is the lack of suitable animal models and no immediate availability of pancreas tissue in humans.

Lack of CFTR alters the ferret pancreatic ductal epithelial secretome and cellular proteome: Implications for exocrine/endocrine signaling.

Background: Cystic fibrosis (CF) related diabetes is the most common comorbidity for CF patients and associated with islet dysfunction. Exocrine pancreas remodeling in CF alters the microenvironment in which islets reside. Since CFTR is mainly expressed in pancreatic ductal epithelium, we hypothesized altered CF ductal secretions could impact islet function through paracrine signals.

The lipid membrane of HIV-1 stabilizes the viral envelope glycoproteins and modulates their sensitivity to antibody neutralization.

The envelope glycoproteins (Envs) of HIV-1 are embedded in the cholesterol-rich lipid membrane of the virus. Chemical depletion of cholesterol from HIV-1 particles inactivates their infectivity. We observed that diverse HIV-1 strains exhibit a range of sensitivities to such treatment.

Development of a polarized pancreatic ductular cell epithelium for physiological studies.

Pancreatic ductular epithelial cells comprise the majority of duct cells in pancreas, control cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR)-dependent bicarbonate ([Formula: see text]) secretion, but are difficult to grow as a polarized monolayer. Using NIH-3T3-J2 fibroblast feeder cells and a Rho-associated kinase inhibitor, we produced well-differentiated and polarized porcine pancreatic ductular epithelial cells. Cells grown on semipermeable filters at the air-liquid interface developed typical epithelial cell morphology and stable transepithelial resistance and expressed epithelial cell markers (zona occludens-1 and β-catenin), duct cell markers (SOX-9 and CFTR), but no acinar (amylase) or islet cell (chromogranin) markers.

MnSOD and Cyclin B1 Coordinate a Mito-Checkpoint during Cell Cycle Response to Oxidative Stress.

Communication between the nucleus and mitochondrion could coordinate many cellular processes. While the mechanisms regulating this communication are not completely understood, we hypothesize that cell cycle checkpoint proteins coordinate the cross-talk between nuclear and mitochondrial functions following oxidative stress. Human normal skin fibroblasts, representative of the G₂-phase, were irradiated with 6 Gy of ionizing radiation and assayed for cyclin B1 translocation, mitochondrial function, reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, and cytotoxicity.

Induction of a Tier-1-Like Phenotype in Diverse Tier-2 Isolates by Agents That Guide HIV-1 Env to Perturbation-Sensitive, Nonnative States.

The envelope glycoproteins (Envs) on the surfaces of HIV-1 particles are targeted by host antibodies. Primary HIV-1 isolates demonstrate different global sensitivities to antibody neutralization; tier-1 isolates are sensitive, whereas tier-2 isolates are more resistant. Single-site mutations in Env can convert tier-2 into tier-1-like viruses.

Accurate predictions of population-level changes in sequence and structural properties of HIV-1 Env using a volatility-controlled diffusion model.

The envelope glycoproteins (Envs) of HIV-1 continuously evolve in the host by random mutations and recombination events. The resulting diversity of Env variants circulating in the population and their continuing diversification process limit the efficacy of AIDS vaccines. We examined the historic changes in Env sequence and structural features (measured by integrity of epitopes on the Env trimer) in a geographically defined population in the United States.

Regulator of G protein signaling 6 is a novel suppressor of breast tumor initiation and progression.

Breast cancer is a large global health burden and the most frequently diagnosed malignancy in women worldwide. Here, we utilize RGS6(-/-) mice to interrogate the role of regulator of G protein signaling 6 (RGS6), localized to the ductal epithelium in mouse and human breast, as a novel tumor suppressor in vivo. RGS6(-/-) mice exhibit accelerated 7,12-dimethylbenza[α]anthracene (DMBA)-induced tumor initiation and progression, as well as decreased overall survival.

MicroRNA miR-24 enhances tumor invasion and metastasis by targeting PTPN9 and PTPRF to promote EGF signaling.

MicroRNAs are known to play regulatory roles in gene expression associated with cancer development. We analyzed levels of the microRNA miR-24 in patients with breast carcinoma and found that miR-24 was higher in breast carcinoma samples than in benign breast tissues. We generated constructs expressing miR-24 and studied its functions using both in vitro and in vivo techniques.

Invasion in follicular thyroid cancer cell lines is mediated by EphA2 and pAkt.

Background: EphA2 is a tyrosine kinase receptor that is overexpressed in many cancers and is associated with poor prognosis and increased metastasis. Phosphorylated Akt (pAkt) plays a role in the regulation of thyroid cancer invasion and metastasis. We investigated the role of EphA2 and Akt in FTC-133 and FTC-238, 2 closely related human cell lines with differing invasive phenotypes.

MiR-93 enhances angiogenesis and metastasis by targeting LATS2.

Here we report that miR-93, a miRNA in the miR-106B~25 cluster, a paralog of the miR-17-92 cluster, was significantly upregulated in human breast carcinoma tissues. We stably expressed miR-93 in the MT-1 human breast carcinoma cell line and found that tumors formed by the miR-93 cells contained more blood vessels than those formed by the control cells. Co-culture experiments indicated that the MT-1 cells displayed a high activity of adhesion with endothelial cells and could form larger and more tube-like structures with endothelial cells.

Endothelial cell and platelet bioenergetics: effect of glucose and nutrient composition.

It has been suggested that cells that are independent of insulin for glucose uptake, when exposed to high glucose or other nutrient concentrations, manifest enhanced mitochondrial substrate oxidation with consequent enhanced potential and generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS); a paradigm that could predispose to vascular complications of diabetes. Here we exposed bovine aortic endothelial (BAE) cells and human platelets to variable glucose and fatty acid concentrations. We then examined oxygen consumption and acidification rates using recently available technology in the form of an extracellular oxygen and proton flux analyzer.

Expansion of a cell population expressing stem cell markers in parathyroid glands from patients with hyperparathyroidism.

Objective: We sought to examine abnormal parathyroid glands for the presence of stem cells.

Summary Background Data: Cancer stem cells have been identified in cancers from a variety of tissues as a CD44/CD24 cell population. We hypothesize that stem cells (SC) may also be involved in the pathogenesis of benign clonal expansion characteristic of hyperparathyroidism (HPT).

Mitochondrial targeted coenzyme Q, superoxide, and fuel selectivity in endothelial cells.

Background: Previously, we reported that the "antioxidant" compound "mitoQ" (mitochondrial-targeted ubiquinol/ubiquinone) actually increased superoxide production by bovine aortic endothelial (BAE) cell mitochondria incubated with complex I but not complex II substrates.

Methods And Results: To further define the site of action of the targeted coenzyme Q compound, we extended these studies to include different substrate and inhibitor conditions. In addition, we assessed the effects of mitoquinone on mitochondrial respiration, measured respiration and mitochondrial membrane potential in intact cells, and tested the intriguing hypothesis that mitoquinone might impart fuel selectivity in intact BAE cells.

Superoxide and respiratory coupling in mitochondria of insulin-deficient diabetic rats.

Mitochondrial reactive oxygen species have been implicated in both diabetic complications and the progression of the underlying diabetic state. However, it is not clear whether mitochondria of diabetic origin are intrinsically altered to generate excess reactive oxygen species independent of the surrounding diabetic milieu. Mitochondria were isolated from gastrocnemius, heart, and liver of 2-wk and 2-month streptozotocin diabetic rats and controls.

Reactive oxygen and targeted antioxidant administration in endothelial cell mitochondria.

We used fluorescent probes and EPR to study the mechanism(s) underlying reactive oxygen species (ROS) production by endothelial cell mitochondria and the action of mitoquinol, a mitochondria-targeted antioxidant. ROS measured by fluorescence resulted from complex I superoxide released to the matrix and converted to H(2)O(2). In contrast, EPR largely detected superoxide generated at complex III and effluxed outward.

Oxidation of pyocyanin, a cytotoxic product from Pseudomonas aeruginosa, by microperoxidase 11 and hydrogen peroxide.

Pyocyanin (1-hydroxy-N-methylphenazine) is a cytotoxic pigment secreted by the bacterial species Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which frequently infects the lungs of immunosuppressed patients as well as those with cystic fibrosis. Pyocyanin toxicity results presumably from the ability of the compound to undergo reduction by NAD(P)H and subsequent generation of superoxide and H2O2 directly in the lungs. We report that in the presence of peroxidase mimics, microperoxidase 11, or hemin, pyocyanin undergoes oxidation by H2O2, as evidenced by loss of the pigment's characteristic absorption spectrum and by EPR detection of a free radical metabolite.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa pyocyanin directly oxidizes glutathione and decreases its levels in airway epithelial cells.

Production of pyocyanin enhances Pseudomonas aeruginosa virulence. Many of pyocyanin's in vitro and in vivo cytotoxic effects on human cells appear to result from its ability to redox cycle. Pyocyanin directly accepts electrons from NADH or NADPH with subsequent electron transfer to oxygen, generating reactive oxygen species.

Direct oxidation of 2',7'-dichlorodihydrofluorescein by pyocyanin and other redox-active compounds independent of reactive oxygen species production.

Formation of dichlorofluorescein (DCF), the fluorescent oxidation product of 2',7'-dichlorodihydrofluorescein (DCFH2), in cells loaded with the latter compound is often used to detect ROS formation. We previously found that exposure of DCFH2-loaded A549 cells to the Pseudomonas aeruginosa secretory product pyocyanin results in DCF formation, consistent with ROS production. However, since pyocyanin directly accepts electrons from NAD(P)H, we hypothesized that pyocyanin might directly oxidize DCFH2 to DCF without an ROS intermediate.

The Pseudomonas secretory product pyocyanin inhibits catalase activity in human lung epithelial cells.

Pyocyanin, produced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, has many deleterious effects on human cells that relate to its ability to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS), such as superoxide and hydrogen peroxide. Human cells possess several mechanisms to protect themselves from ROS, including manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD), copper zinc superoxide dismutase (CuZnSOD), and catalase. Given the link between pyocyanin-mediated epithelial cell injury and oxidative stress, we assessed pyocyanin's effect on MnSOD, CuZnSOD, and catalase levels in the A549 human alveolar epithelial cell line and in normal human bronchial epithelial cells.

Phenazine-1-carboxylic acid, a secondary metabolite of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, alters expression of immunomodulatory proteins by human airway epithelial cells.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a gram-negative bacterium that causes both acute and chronic lung disease in susceptible patient populations. P. aeruginosa secretes numerous proteins and secondary metabolites, many of which have biological effects that likely contribute to disease pathogenesis.

Subcellular localization of Pseudomonas pyocyanin cytotoxicity in human lung epithelial cells.

The Pseudomonas aeruginosa secretory product pyocyanin damages lung epithelium, likely due to redox cycling of pyocyanin and resultant superoxide and H(2)O(2) generation. Subcellular site(s) of pyocyanin redox cycling and toxicity have not been well studied. Therefore, pyocyanin's effects on subcellular parameters in the A549 human type II alveolar epithelial cell line were examined.