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OBJECTIVE: Wnt-induced signaling protein 1 (WISP1) and Dickkopf-1 (DKK1) are highly expressed in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), but no direct connection was identified between them. Phenotypic plasticity is a hallmark of ESCC. This research intended to identify the association between WISP1 and DKK1 and their roles in the phenotypic plasticity of ESCC. METHODS: Genes differentially expressed in esophageal carcinoma were analyzed in the GEO database, followed by analyses of GO and KEGG enrichment to screen the hub gene. WISP1 expression and DKK1 secretion was assessed in ESCC tissues and cells. The tumor xenograft and in vivo metastasis models were established by injecting ESCC cells into nude mice. Functional deficiency and rescue experiments were conducted, followed by assays for cell proliferation, migration/invasion, stemness, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and apoptosis, as well as tumor volume, weight, proliferation, stemness, and lung metastasis. The binding relationship and co-expression of WISP1 and DKK1 were determined. RESULTS: WISP1 and DKK1 were upregulated in ESCC cells and tissues, and WISP1 was enriched in the cell stemness and Wnt pathways. WISP1 knockdown subdued proliferation, migration/invasion, EMT activity, and stemness but enhanced apoptosis in ESCC cells. WISP1 knockdown restrained ESCC growth, proliferation, stemness, and metastasis in vivo. WISP1 bound to DKK1 in ESCC. DKK1 overexpression abolished the repressive impacts of WISP1 knockdown on the malignant behaviors of ESCC cells in vitro and of ESCC tumor in vivo. CONCLUSION: Knockdown of WISP1/DKK1 restrains the phenotypic plasticity in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma by suppressing epithelial-mesenchymal transition and stemness.
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Major depressive disorder (MDD) has demonstrated its negative impact on various aspects of the lives of those affected. Although several therapies have been developed over the years, it remains a challenge for mental health professionals. Thus, understanding the pathophysiology of MDD is necessary to improve existing treatment options or seek new therapeutic alternatives. Clinical and preclinical studies in animal models of depression have shown the involvement of synaptic plasticity in both the development of MDD and the response to available drugs. However, synaptic plasticity involves a cascade of events, including the action of presynaptic proteins such as synaptophysin and synapsins and postsynaptic proteins such as postsynaptic density-95 (PSD-95). Additionally, several factors can negatively impact the process of spinogenesis/neurogenesis, which are related to many outcomes, including MDD. Thus, this narrative review aims to deepen the understanding of the involvement of synaptic formations and their components in the pathophysiology and treatment of MDD.
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Transtorno Depressivo Maior , Plasticidade Neuronal , Humanos , Transtorno Depressivo Maior/metabolismo , Transtorno Depressivo Maior/tratamento farmacológico , Transtorno Depressivo Maior/fisiopatologia , Animais , Plasticidade Neuronal/fisiologia , Plasticidade Neuronal/efeitos dos fármacos , Sinapses/metabolismo , Sinapses/efeitos dos fármacosRESUMO
The Brazilian Atlantic Forest, renowned for its exceptional species richness and high endemism, acts as a vital reservoir of terrestrial biodiversity, often referred to as a biodiversity hotspot. Consequently, there is an urgent need to restore this forest to safeguard certain species and to unravel the ecophysiological adaptations of others. This study aims to integrate some physiological parameters, including gas exchange and chlorophyll a fluorescence, with anatomical and metabolic techniques to elucidate how five different native species (Paubrasilia echinata, Chorisia glaziovii, Clusia nemorosa, Licania tomentosa, and Schinus terebinthifolius), each occupying distinct ecological niches, respond to seasonal variations in rainfall and their consequences. Our investigation has revealed that C. nemorosa and P. echinata exhibit robust mechanisms to mitigate the adverse effects of drought. In contrast, others demonstrate greater adaptability (e.g., S. terebinthifolia and C. glaziovii). In this context, exploring metabolic pathways has proven invaluable in comprehending the physiological strategies and their significance in species acclimatization. This study provides a comprehensive overview of the impact of water restrictions and their consequential effects on various species, defining the strategies each species uses to mitigate water privation during the dry season.
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Through enviromics, precision breeding leverages innovative geotechnologies to customize crop varieties to specific environments, potentially improving both crop yield and genetic selection gains. In Brazil's four southernmost states, data from 183 distinct geographic field trials (also accounting for 2017-2021) covered information on 164 genotypes: 79 phenotyped maize hybrid genotypes for grain yield and their 85 nonphenotyped parents. Additionally, 1342 envirotypic covariates from weather, soil, sensor-based, and satellite sources were collected to engineer 10 K synthetic enviromic markers via machine learning. Soil, radiation light, and surface temperature variations remarkably affect differential genotype yield, hinting at ecophysiological adjustments including evapotranspiration and photosynthesis. The enviromic ensemble-based random regression model showcases superior predictive performance and efficiency compared to the baseline and kernel models, matching the best genotypes to specific geographic coordinates. Clustering analysis has identified regions that minimize genotype-environment (G × E) interactions. These findings underscore the potential of enviromics in crafting specific parental combinations to breed new, higher-yielding hybrid crops. The adequate use of envirotypic information can enhance the precision and efficiency of maize breeding by providing important inputs about the environmental factors that affect the average crop performance. Generating enviromic markers associated with grain yield can enable a better selection of hybrids for specific environments.
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OBJECTIVES: The present study aims to evaluate the impact of early exposure to brain injury and malnutrition on episodic memory and behavior. METHODS: For this, a systematic review was carried out in the Medline/Pubmed, Web of Science, Scopus, and LILACS databases with no year or language restrictions. RESULTS: Initially, 1759 studies were detected. After screening, 53 studies remained to be read in full. The meta-analysis demonstrated that exposure to double insults worsens episodic recognition memory but does not affect spatial memory. Early exposure to low-protein diets has been demonstrated to aggravate locomotor and masticatory sequelae. Furthermore, it reduces the weight of the soleus muscle and the muscle fibers of the masseter and digastric muscles. Early exposure to high-fat diets promotes an increase in oxidative stress and inflammation in the brain, increasing anxiety- and depression-like behavior and reducing locomotion. DISCUSSION: Epigenetic modifications were noted in the hippocampus, hypothalamus, and prefrontal cortex depending on the type of dietetic exposure in early life. These findings demonstrate the impact of the double insult on regions involved in cognitive and behavioral processes. Additional studies are essential to understand the real impact of the double insults in the critical period.
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DNA metabarcoding and stable isotope analysis have significantly advanced our understanding of marine trophic ecology, aiding systematic research on foraging habits and species conservation. In this study, we employed these methods to analyse faecal and blood samples, respectively, to compare the trophic ecology of two Red-billed Tropicbird (Phaethonaethereus; Linnaeus, 1758) colonies on Mexican islands in the Pacific. Trophic patterns among different breeding stages were also examined at both colonies. Dietary analysis reveals a preference for epipelagic fish, cephalopods, and small crustaceans, with variations between colonies and breeding stages. Isotopic values (δ15N and δ13C) align with DNA metabarcoding results, with wider niches during incubation stages. Differences in diet are linked to environmental conditions and trophic plasticity among breeding stages, influenced by changing physiological requirements and prey availability. Variations in dietary profiles reflect contrasting environmental conditions affecting local prey availability.
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Código de Barras de DNA Taxonômico , Cadeia Alimentar , Animais , Isótopos de Carbono/análise , Dieta , Isótopos de Nitrogênio/análise , Aves/fisiologia , MéxicoRESUMO
INTRODUCTION: Impairments in bottom-up perceptual processing have been associated to the age-related cognitive decline. Digital cognitive training focusing on bottom-up and/or top-down processes have been studied as a tool to remediate age-related cognitive decline. However, the most effective training type and order of application remain unclear. METHODS: One hundred and fifteen older adults were randomly assigned to 40 h of bottom-up then top-down or top-down then bottom-up digital cognitive training or an active control group. We evaluated cognition at baseline, after 20 h and 40 h of training and at follow-up using a mixed-model analysis. RESULTS: Global cognition improved, for the top-down group, after 20 h of training (p = 0.04; d = 0.7) and for all three groups after 40 h. The improvement in global cognition remained five months after the bottom-up/ top-down training (p = 0.009; d = 4.0). There were also improvements in the recall cognitive domain, after 20 h of training, for the bottom-up group and, after 40 h, for all three groups. Gains were observed in verbal fluency after 40 h of training for both therapeutic groups. Processing speed was significantly slower, after 20 h of training, for the control and bottom-up groups and, after 40 h, only for the control group. Emotion recognition improved, after 20 h, for the control group as compared to the therapeutic groups. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that the bottom-up/top-down training has the most endurable effects, which reveals the importance of the order of application of the exercises for gains in cognition in older adults.
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Cognição , Disfunção Cognitiva , Humanos , Masculino , Feminino , Idoso , Disfunção Cognitiva/terapia , Cognição/fisiologia , Terapia Cognitivo-Comportamental/métodos , Testes Neuropsicológicos , Idoso de 80 Anos ou mais , Treino CognitivoRESUMO
The Rio de Janeiro Marine Aquarium (AquaRio) is the first to successfully maintain and reproduce the spiny butterfly ray (Gymnura altavela), providing unique information about the species' biology. Seven rays were kept in captivity between 2018 and 2023, two captured on the southeastern coast of Brazil and five born in the aquarium. The applied abiotic conditions and nutrition allowed for the survival, growth, and reproduction of these individuals. Growth parameters (asymptotic disk width-DW∞ and growth coefficient-k) were estimated based on the von Bertalanffy model using the Fabens method for males and females separately. The best models estimated DW∞ = 106.47 cm and k = 0.396 for males and DW∞ = 172.2 cm and k = 0.190 for females. Sexual dimorphism was corroborated, with females reaching larger sizes and presenting slower growth rates than males. The estimated k values were higher than those estimated for rays of similar size to G. altavela in the natural environment, probably due to the constant water temperature (around 25.5°C), food abundance, low population density, reduced predation rates, and high water quality in the captive environment. A comparison of the captivity findings with other studies on G. altavela age and growth in the Atlantic and Mediterranean indicates a broad phenotypic plasticity regarding growth. Three G. altavela reproductions were recorded, with size at birth appearing to be a key factor for pup's survival. Behavioral pattern observations associated with reproduction are also described, encompassing chasing and copulation, whereas the species' internal morphology is described through coelomic cavity ultrasound scanning.
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Rajidae , Animais , Feminino , Masculino , Rajidae/fisiologia , Rajidae/crescimento & desenvolvimento , Rajidae/anatomia & histologia , Reprodução , Brasil , Caracteres Sexuais , Características de História de Vida , Tamanho CorporalRESUMO
The search for new therapeutic strategies against cancer has favored the emergence of rationally designed treatments. These treatments have focused on attacking cell plasticity mechanisms to block the transformation of epithelial cells into cancerous cells. The aim of these approaches was to control particularly lethal cancers such as hepatocellular carcinoma. However, they have not been able to control the progression of cancer for unknown reasons. Facing this scenario, emerging areas such as systems biology propose using engineering principles to design and optimize cancer treatments. Beyond the possibilities that this approach might offer, it is necessary to know whether its implementation at a clinical level is viable or not. Therefore, in this paper, we will review the engineering principles that could be applied to rationally design strategies against hepatocellular carcinoma, and discuss whether the necessary elements exist to implement them. In particular, we will emphasize whether these engineering principles could be applied to fight hepatocellular carcinoma.
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The adaptive potential of plastic phenotypes relies on combined developmental responses. We investigated how manipulation of developmental conditions related to foraging mode in the fish Megaleporinus macrocephalus induces plastic responses at different levels: (a) functional modularity of skull bones, (b) biomechanical properties of the chondrocranium using finite element models, (c) bmp4 expression levels, used as a proxy for molecular pathways involved in bone responses to mechanical load. We identified new modules in experimental groups, suggesting increased integration in specific head bone elements associated with the development of subterminal and upturned mouths, which are major features of Megaleporinus plastic morphotypes released in the lab. Plastic responses in head shape involved differences in the magnitude of mechanical stress, which seem restricted to certain chondrocranium regions. Three bones represent a "mechanical unit" related to changes in mouth position induced by foraging mode, suggesting that functional modularity might be enhanced by the way specific regions respond to mechanical load. Differences in bmp4 expression levels between plastic morphotypes indicate associations between molecular signaling pathways and biomechanical responses to load. Our results offer a multilevel perspective of epigenetic factors involved in plastic responses, expanding our knowledge about mechanisms of developmental plasticity that originate novel complex phenotypes.
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Proteína Morfogenética Óssea 4 , Crânio , Estresse Mecânico , Animais , Proteína Morfogenética Óssea 4/metabolismo , Proteína Morfogenética Óssea 4/genética , Crânio/anatomia & histologia , Fenômenos Biomecânicos , Análise de Elementos FinitosRESUMO
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the accumulation of amyloid-ß, leading to N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor-dependent synaptic depression, spine elimination, and memory deficits. Glycine transporter type 1 (GlyT1) modulates glutamatergic neurotransmission via NMDA receptors (NMDAR), presenting a potential alternative therapeutic approach for AD. This study investigates the neuroprotective potential of GlyT1 inhibition in an amyloid-ß-induced AD mouse model. C57BL/6 mice were treated with N-[3-([1,1-Biphenyl]-4-yloxy)-3-(4-fluorophenyl)propyl]-N-methylglycine (NFPS), a GlyT1 inhibitor, 24 h prior to intrahippocampal injection of amyloid-ß. NFPS pretreatment prevented amyloid-ß-induced cognitive deficits in short-term and long-term memory, evidenced by novel object recognition and spatial memory tasks. Moreover, NFPS pretreatment curbed microglial activation, astrocytic reactivity, and subsequent neuronal damage from amyloid-ß injection. An extensive label-free quantitative UPLC-MSE proteomic analysis was performed on the hippocampi of mice treated with NFPS. In proteomics, KEGG enrichment analysis revealed increased in dopaminergic synapse, purine-containing compound biosynthetic process and long-term potentiation, and a reduction in Glucose catabolic process and glycolytic process pathways. The western blot analysis confirmed that NFPS treatment elevated BDNF levels, correlating with enhanced TRKB phosphorylation and mTOR activation. Moreover, NFPS treatment reduced the GluN2B expression after 6 h, which was associated with an increase on CaMKIV and CREB phosphorylation. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that GlyT1 inhibition by NFPS activates diverse neuroprotective pathways, enhancing long-term potentiation signaling and countering amyloid-ß-induced hippocampal damage.
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Doença de Alzheimer , Peptídeos beta-Amiloides , Proteínas da Membrana Plasmática de Transporte de Glicina , Hipocampo , Camundongos Endogâmicos C57BL , Fármacos Neuroprotetores , Animais , Doença de Alzheimer/metabolismo , Doença de Alzheimer/tratamento farmacológico , Doença de Alzheimer/induzido quimicamente , Doença de Alzheimer/prevenção & controle , Peptídeos beta-Amiloides/metabolismo , Masculino , Fármacos Neuroprotetores/farmacologia , Fármacos Neuroprotetores/uso terapêutico , Camundongos , Hipocampo/metabolismo , Hipocampo/efeitos dos fármacos , Proteínas da Membrana Plasmática de Transporte de Glicina/antagonistas & inibidores , Proteínas da Membrana Plasmática de Transporte de Glicina/metabolismo , Modelos Animais de Doenças , Sarcosina/análogos & derivados , Sarcosina/farmacologia , Sarcosina/uso terapêutico , Neuroproteção/efeitos dos fármacos , Neuroproteção/fisiologiaRESUMO
INTRODUCTION: Impaired brain protein synthesis, synaptic plasticity, and memory are major hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease (AD). The ketamine metabolite (2R,6R)-hydroxynorketamine (HNK) has been shown to modulate protein synthesis, but its effects on memory in AD models remain elusive. METHODS: We investigated the effects of HNK on hippocampal protein synthesis, long-term potentiation (LTP), and memory in AD mouse models. RESULTS: HNK activated extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2), mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR), and p70S6 kinase 1 (S6K1)/ribosomal protein S6 signaling pathways. Treatment with HNK rescued hippocampal LTP and memory deficits in amyloid-ß oligomers (AßO)-infused mice in an ERK1/2-dependent manner. Treatment with HNK further corrected aberrant transcription, LTP and memory in aged APP/PS1 mice. DISCUSSION: Our findings demonstrate that HNK induces signaling and transcriptional responses that correct synaptic and memory deficits in AD mice. These results raise the prospect that HNK could serve as a therapeutic approach in AD. HIGHLIGHTS: The ketamine metabolite HNK activates hippocampal ERK/mTOR/S6 signaling pathways. HNK corrects hippocampal synaptic and memory defects in two mouse models of AD. Rescue of synaptic and memory impairments by HNK depends on ERK signaling. HNK corrects aberrant transcriptional signatures in APP/PS1 mice.
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Doença de Alzheimer , Modelos Animais de Doenças , Hipocampo , Ketamina , Camundongos Transgênicos , Plasticidade Neuronal , Animais , Doença de Alzheimer/tratamento farmacológico , Doença de Alzheimer/metabolismo , Ketamina/análogos & derivados , Ketamina/farmacologia , Hipocampo/efeitos dos fármacos , Hipocampo/metabolismo , Plasticidade Neuronal/efeitos dos fármacos , Camundongos , Potenciação de Longa Duração/efeitos dos fármacos , Peptídeos beta-Amiloides/metabolismo , Biossíntese de Proteínas/efeitos dos fármacos , Serina-Treonina Quinases TOR/metabolismo , RNA Mensageiro/metabolismo , Memória/efeitos dos fármacos , Masculino , Transtornos da Memória/tratamento farmacológico , Camundongos Endogâmicos C57BL , Precursor de Proteína beta-Amiloide/genética , Precursor de Proteína beta-Amiloide/metabolismo , Presenilina-1/genética , HumanosRESUMO
Externally laid eggs are often responsive to environmental cues; however, it is unclear how such plasticity evolves. In Trinidad, the killifish (Anablepsoides hartii) is found in communities with and without predators. Here, killifish inhabit shallower, ephemeral habitats in sites with predators. Such shifts may increase the exposure of eggs to air and lead to possible desiccation. We compared egg-hatching plasticity between communities by rearing eggs terrestrially on peat moss or in water. The timing of hatching did not differ between communities when eggs were reared in water. Eggs from sites with predators responded to terrestrial incubation by hatching significantly earlier compared with water-reared eggs. These responses were weaker in sites with no predators. Such divergent trends show that the presence of predators is associated with evolutionary shifts in hatching plasticity. Our results provide evidence for local adaptation in embryonic plasticity at the population scale.
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Evolução Biológica , Fundulidae , Animais , Fundulidae/fisiologia , Fundulidae/embriologia , Trinidad e Tobago , Ecossistema , Óvulo/fisiologia , Adaptação Fisiológica , Comportamento Predatório , Peixes ListradosRESUMO
Ataxias are characterized by aberrant movement patterns closely related to cerebellar dysfunction. Purkinje cell axons are the sole outputs from the cerebellar cortex, and dysfunctional activity of Purkinje cells has been associated with ataxic movements. However, the synaptic characteristics of Purkinje cells in cases of ataxia are not yet well understood. The nicotinamide antagonist 3-acethylpyridine (3-AP) selectively destroys inferior olivary nucleus neurons so it is widely used to induce cerebellar ataxia. Five days after 3-AP treatment (65mg/kg) in adult male Sprague-Dawley rats, motor incoordination was revealed through BBB and Rotarod testing. In addition, in Purkinje cells from lobules V-VII of the cerebellar vermis studied by the Golgi method, the density of dendritic spines decreased, especially the thin and mushroom types. Western blot analysis showed a decrease in AMPA and PSD-95 content with an increase of the α-catenin protein, while GAD-67 and synaptophysin were unchanged. Findings suggest a limited capacity of Purkinje cells to acquire and consolidate afferent excitatory inputs and an aberrant, rigid profile in the movement-related output patterns of Purkinje neurons that likely contributes to the motor-related impairments characteristic of cerebellar ataxias.
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Cerebelo , Células de Purkinje , Ratos Sprague-Dawley , Animais , Células de Purkinje/efeitos dos fármacos , Células de Purkinje/patologia , Masculino , Ratos , Cerebelo/efeitos dos fármacos , Ataxia Cerebelar/induzido quimicamente , Piridinas/farmacologia , Plasticidade Neuronal/efeitos dos fármacosRESUMO
The impact of global warming on Argentine viticulture may result in a geographical shift, with wine-growing regions potentially moving towards the southwest, known as one of the windiest regions in the world. Deficit irrigation is a widely used strategy to control the shoot growth and improve fruit quality attributes, such as berry skin polyphenols. The present study aimed to assess the effects of different wind intensities and irrigation levels, as well as their interactions, on field-grown Vitis vinifera L. cvs. Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon. The experiment was conducted during two growing seasons with two wind treatments (sheltered and exposed) and two irrigation treatments (well-watered and moderate deficit irrigation) in a multifactorial design. Vegetative growth, stomatal conductance, shoot biomass partition, fruit yield components and berry skin phenolics were evaluated. Our study found that, generally, wind exposure reduced vegetative growth, and deficit irrigation increased the proportion of smaller berries within the bunches. Meanwhile, deficit irrigation and wind exposure additively increased the concentration of berry skin phenolics. Combined stressful conditions enhance biomass partition across the shoot to fruits in Malbec, increasing the weight of bunches and the number of berries. Our findings offer practical implications for vineyard managers in windy regions, providing actionable insights to optimize grapevine cultivation and enhance wine quality.
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CONTEXT: Previous studies have proposed that the backbone of metallic glasses consists mainly of high-centrosymmetric structures, particularly Z clusters, which are responsible for the strength of the glass matrix. However, exploring these networks involves medium-range order analysis, a topic still not fully understood in the literature. This study investigates the atomic connectivity of CuZr metallic glasses by analyzing Z clusters using complex networks to establish their relationship with the mechanical behavior. Our results reveal higher connectivity and larger network sizes in the sample exhibiting the most pronounced stress overshoot, while the opposite trend is observed in samples with less pronounced stress overshoot. Metrics, such as density and clustering coefficient, further validate the correlation between Z cluster connectivity and mechanical behavior. These findings underscore the critical role of Z cluster connectivity in understanding the mechanical response of metallic glasses. METHODS: Molecular dynamics simulations were conducted using the LAMMPS software. Atomic interactions in Cu 50 Zr 50 metallic glasses were modeled using the embedded atom method, and compression tests were performed to assess the mechanical response. Atomic connectivity was examined through complex network analysis based on Z clusters, utilizing the NetworkX library for the Python programming language. Within this framework, parameters such as the average coordination number, network size, and network density were calculated, revealing the relationship between the interpenetrating Z cluster structure and the mechanical response of the samples.
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The transmission of resistance traits to herbivores across subsequent generations is an important strategy employed by plants to enhance their fitness in environments with high herbivore pressure. However, our understanding of the impact of maternal herbivory on direct and indirect induced chemical defenses of progeny, as well as the associated costs, is currently limited to herbivory by leaf-chewing insects. In this study, we investigated the transgenerational effects of a sap-feeding insect, the green peach aphid Myzus persicae, on direct and indirect chemical defenses of bell pepper plants (Capsicum annuum), and whether the effects entail costs to plant growth. Aphid herbivory on parental plants led to a reduced number of seeds per fruit, which exhibited lower germination rates and produced smaller seedlings compared to those from non-infested parental plants. In contrast, the progeny of aphid-infested plants were less preferred as hosts by aphids and less suitable than the progeny of non-infested plants. This enhanced resistance in the progeny of aphid-infested plants coincided with elevated levels of both constitutive and herbivore-induced total phenolic compounds, compared to the progeny of non-infested plants. Furthermore, the progeny of aphid-infested plants emitted herbivore-induced plant volatiles (HIPVs) that were more attractive to the aphid parasitoid Aphidius platensis than those emitted by the progeny of non-infested plants. Our results indicate that herbivory by sap-feeding insect induces transgenerational resistance on progeny bell pepper plants, albeit at the expense of vegetative growth.
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Afídeos , Capsicum , Herbivoria , Animais , Afídeos/fisiologia , Defesa das Plantas contra HerbivoriaRESUMO
Galectins are soluble glycan-binding proteins that interact with a wide range of glycoproteins and glycolipids and modulate a broad spectrum of physiological and pathological processes. The expression and subcellular localization of different galectins vary among tissues and cell types and change during processes of tissue repair, fibrosis and cancer where epithelial cells loss differentiation while acquiring migratory mesenchymal phenotypes. The epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) that occurs in the context of these processes can include modifications of glycosylation patterns of glycolipids and glycoproteins affecting their interactions with galectins. Moreover, overexpression of certain galectins has been involved in the development and different outcomes of EMT. This review focuses on the roles and mechanisms of Galectin-1 (Gal-1), Gal-3, Gal-4, Gal-7 and Gal-8, which have been involved in physiologic and pathogenic EMT contexts.
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Galectinas , Neoplasias , Humanos , Galectinas/genética , Galectinas/metabolismo , Fibrose , Glicoproteínas , Transição Epitelial-Mesenquimal , GlicolipídeosRESUMO
Heat stress is a major factor that negatively affects animal welfare and production systems. Livestock should adapt to tropical and subtropical areas and to meet this, composite breeds have been developed. This work aimed to evaluate gene expression profiles in the skin of Brangus cattle under heat stress using a case-control design, and to correlate this with skin histological characteristics. Two groups of bulls were set using rectal temperature as a criterion to define stress conditions: stressed (N = 5) and non-stressed (N = 5) groups. Skin transcriptomics was performed and correlations between breed composition, phenotypic and skin histological traits were evaluated. Results showed 4309 differentially expressed genes (P < 0.01), 2113 downregulated and 2196 upregulated. Enrichment and ontology analyses revealed 132 GO terms and 67 pathways (P < 0.01), including thermogenesis, glycolysis, gluconeogenesis, mitochondrial activity, antioxidant and immune response, and apoptosis. The identity of the terms and pathways indicated the diversity of mechanisms directed to relieve the animals' suffering, acting from simple passive mechanisms (conduction, convection and radiation) to more complex active ones (behavioural changes, evaporation, vasodilation and wheezing). Furthermore, significant differences between phenotypic and skin histological traits and correlations between pairs of traits suggested a direction towards heat dissipation processes. In this sense, number of vessels was positively correlated with number of sweat glands (P < 0.001) and both were positively correlated with zebuine genetic content (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01, respectively), gland size was positively correlated with epidermal thickness and negatively with hair length (P < 0.05), and epidermal thickness was negatively correlated with gland-epidermis distance (P < 0.0005). These results support the notion that response to heat stress is physiologically complex, producing significant changes in the expression of genes involved in several biological pathways, while the animal's ability to face it depends greatly on their skin features.
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Resposta ao Choque Térmico , Pele , Transcriptoma , Animais , Bovinos/genética , Bovinos/fisiologia , Resposta ao Choque Térmico/genética , Masculino , Pele/metabolismo , Perfilação da Expressão Gênica , Transtornos de Estresse por Calor/veterinária , Transtornos de Estresse por Calor/genética , Transtornos de Estresse por Calor/metabolismoRESUMO
The central amygdaloid nucleus (CeA) has an ancient phylogenetic development and functions relevant for animal survival. Local cells receive intrinsic amygdaloidal information that codes emotional stimuli of fear, integrate them, and send cortical and subcortical output projections that prompt rapid visceral and social behavior responses. We aimed to describe the morphology of the neurons that compose the human CeA (N = 8 adult men). Cells within CeA coronal borders were identified using the thionine staining and were further analyzed using the "single-section" Golgi method followed by open-source software procedures for two-dimensional and three-dimensional image reconstructions. Our results evidenced varied neuronal cell body features, number and thickness of primary shafts, dendritic branching patterns, and density and shape of dendritic spines. Based on these criteria, we propose the existence of 12 morphologically different spiny neurons in the human CeA and discuss the variability in the dendritic architecture within cellular types, including likely interneurons. Some dendritic shafts were long and straight, displayed few collaterals, and had planar radiation within the coronal neuropil volume. Most of the sampled neurons showed a few to moderate density of small stubby/wide spines. Long spines (thin and mushroom) were observed occasionally. These novel data address the synaptic processing and plasticity in the human CeA. Our morphological description can be combined with further transcriptomic, immunohistochemical, and electrophysiological/connectional approaches. It serves also to investigate how neurons are altered in neurological and psychiatric disorders with hindered emotional perception, in anxiety, following atrophy in schizophrenia, and along different stages of Alzheimer's disease.