Human Natural Killer (NK) cells comprise two main subsets, CD56bright and CD56dim cells, that differ in function, phenotype and tissue localization. To further dissect the heterogeneity of CD56dim cells, we have performed transcriptome analysis and functional ex vivo characterization of human NK cell subsets according to the expression of markers related to differentiation, migration or competence. Here, we show for the first time that the ability to respond to cytokines or to activating receptors is mutually exclusive in almost all NK cells with the exception of CD56dim CD62L+ cells. Indeed, only these cells combine the ability to produce interferon (IFN)-gamma after cytokines and proliferate in vivo during viral infection with the capacity to kill and produce cytokines upon engagement of activating receptors. Therefore, CD56dim CD62L+ cells represent a unique subset of polyfunctional NK cells. Ex vivo analysis of their function, phenotype, telomere length, frequencies during ageing as well as transfer experiments of NK cell subsets into immunodeficient mice suggest that CD56dim CD62L+ cells represent an intermediate stage of NK cell maturation, which after restimulation can accomplish multiple tasks and further develop into terminally differentiated effectors.
CD62L expression identifies a unique subset of polyfunctional CD56dim NK cells.
Specimen part
View SamplesIt is known that natural killer (NK) cells are a heterogeneous population of functionally distinct NK cell subsets. Here we report on different genomic, phenotypic and functional properties of human NK cell subsets derived from peripheral blood, thymus and bone marrow. NK cell subpopulations were defined via expression of CD56 and CD16.
Specific phenotype and function of CD56-expressing innate immune cell subsets in human thymus.
Specimen part
View SamplesRORt+ innate lymphoid cells (ILC) are crucial players of innate immune responses and represent a major source of IL-22, which has an important role in mucosal homeostasis. The signals required by RORt+ ILC to express IL-22 and other cytokines, including TNF, have only partially been elucidated. Here we show that RORt+ ILC can directly sense the environment by the engagement of the activating receptor NKp44. NKp44 triggering in RORt+ ILC selectively activates a coordinated pro-inflammatory program, including TNF, while cytokine stimulation induces preferentially IL-22 expression. However, combined engagement of NKp44 and cytokine receptors results in a strong synergistic effect. These data support the concept that NKp44+ RORt+ ILC can be activated without cytokines and are able to switch between IL-22 or TNF production, depending on the triggering stimulus.
RORγt⁺ innate lymphoid cells acquire a proinflammatory program upon engagement of the activating receptor NKp44.
Specimen part, Treatment
View SamplesThe antioxidant response element (ARE) is a cis-acting regulatory enhancer element found in the 5 flanking region of many phase II detoxification enzymes. Upregulation of ARE-dependent target genes is known to have neuroprotective effects; yet, the mechanism of activation is largely unknown. By screening an arrayed collection of approximately 15,000 full-length expression cDNAs in the human neuroblastoma cell line IMR-32 with an ARE-luciferase reporter, we have identified several cDNAs not previously associated with ARE activation. A subset of cDNAs, including sequestosome 1 (SQSTM1) and dipeptidylpeptidase III (DPP3), activated the ARE in primary mouse-derived cortical neurons. Overexpression of SQSTM1 and DPP3 in IMR-32 cells stimulated NRF2 nuclear translocation and led to increased levels of NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1), a protein which is transcriptionally regulated by the ARE. When transfected into IMR-32 neuroblastoma cells that were depleted of transcription factor NRF2 by RNA interference, SQSTM1 and DPP3 were unable to activate the ARE or induce NQO1 expression, indicating that the ARE activation upon ectopic expression of these cDNAs is mediated by NRF2. Studies with pharmacological inhibitors indicated that 1-phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) and protein kinase C (PKC) signaling are also essential for activity. Lastly, overexpression of these cDNAs conferred partial resistance to hydrogen peroxide induced toxicity, consistent with the induction of antioxidant and phase II detoxification enzymes which can protect from oxidative stress. This work and other such studies may provide mechanisms for activating the ARE in the absence of general oxidative stress, and a novel therapeutic approach to degenerative diseases and aging.
A genomic screen for activators of the antioxidant response element.
No sample metadata fields
View SamplesQuorum sensing (QS) is a mechanism of bacterial gene regulation in response to increases in population density. Production of small molecule QS signals, their accumulation within a diffusion-limited environment and their binding to the LuxR-type receptor trigger QS-controlled gene regulatory cascades. QS pathways mediated by acylhomoserine lactones (AHLs) in Gram-negative bacteria are the best studied. In Pseudomonas aeruginosa, for example, binding of AHLs to their cognate receptors (LasR, RhlR) controls production of virulence factors, pigments, antibiotics and other behaviors important for its interactions with eukaryotic hosts and other bacteria. We isolated a new small cyclopropane-containing fatty acid, lyngbyoic acid (1), as a major metabolite of the marine cyanobacterium, Lyngbya sp., collected off Fort Pierce, Florida. The structure of 1 was determined by NMR, MS and optical rotation. We screened 1 against four reporters based on AHL receptors from Vibrio fischeri (LuxR), Aeromonas hydrophila (AhyR), Agrobacterium tumefaciens (TraR) and P. aeruginosa (LasR) and found that 1 most strongly affected LasR. We show, by using a defined set of reporters, that compound 1 acts both through the AHL-binding site of LasR and independent of it. We also show that 1 reduces pyocyanin and LasB, both on the protein and transcript level, in wild-type P. aeruginosa, and that 1 directly inhibits LasB enzymatic activity. Conversely, dodecanoic acid (11) increased pyocanin and LasB, demonstrating that 1 is a tagged fatty acid potentially resistant to -oxidation.
Lyngbyoic acid, a "tagged" fatty acid from a marine cyanobacterium, disrupts quorum sensing in Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
No sample metadata fields
View SamplesMicroarray profiling using the Affymetrix GeneChip Human Genome U133 plus 2.0 arrays was performed to comprehensively determine global changes in transcript levels in bronchial epithelial cells following elastase treatment. Elastase caused a significant change in expression (P < 0.05, fold change 1.5) of 364 transcripts corresponding to 348 genes. Elastase affected the expression of signaling molecules including chemokines, cytokines, and receptors, as well as components of the spliceosome, transcription machinery, cell cycle and ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis.
Potent elastase inhibitors from cyanobacteria: structural basis and mechanisms mediating cytoprotective and anti-inflammatory effects in bronchial epithelial cells.
Specimen part, Treatment
View SamplesHistone deacetylases (HDACs) regulate gene expression. Inhibition of class I HDACs has been shown to inhibit cancer cell growth. Largazole, a new potent HDAC inhibitor, shows strong antitumor activity, presumably by modulating transcription of cancer relevant genes.
Anticolon cancer activity of largazole, a marine-derived tunable histone deacetylase inhibitor.
Specimen part, Cell line, Treatment
View SamplesTotal RNA was extracted from apratoxin A or vehicle treated HT29 cells using the RNeasy Mini Kit (Qiagen). Probe values from CEL files were condensed to probe sets using Rosetta Resolver software. Resolver ANOVA analysis was then performed between groups.
A functional genomics approach to the mode of action of apratoxin A.
No sample metadata fields
View SamplesTo elucidate the mode of action of apratyramide, we performed microarray profiling using the Affymetrix GeneChip Human Transcriptome Array 2.0 to determine global changes in transcript levels in HaCaT cells treated with apratyramide. Comparativel analysis identified 371 differentially expressed genes after 12 h treatment with 30 M apratyramide (p < 0.05, FDR corrected, fold change >1.5 or <0.67). Consistent with our previous data, VEGF-A appeared to be one of the most up-regulated genes. To examine the molecular functions and genetic networks, the microarray data was analyzed using Ingenuity Pathways Aanalysis (IPA).The global changes of transcript levels are associated with increased downstream phenotypic effects including angiogenesis, mitogenesis, differentiation of epithelial tissue and formation of skin, and decreased effects such as apoptosis of liver cells and hypoplasia of organs. IPA analysis of 371 microarray hits indicated the unfolded protein response (UPR) as the top canonical pathway with a p-value of 1.45 10-16. The IPA also elucidated that the 371 hits were most related to a molecular network associated with the function of cellular compromise and cellular maintenance. The network contains molecular components from UPR pathway, NRF2-mediated oxidative stress response signaling as well as glucocorticoid receptor signaling.
Apratyramide, a Marine-Derived Peptidic Stimulator of VEGF-A and Other Growth Factors with Potential Application in Wound Healing.
Treatment
View SamplesIn acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL), differentiation therapy with all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA)
Chemokine induction by all-trans retinoic acid and arsenic trioxide in acute promyelocytic leukemia: triggering the differentiation syndrome.
Specimen part
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