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Glioblastoma (GB) is a lethal brain tumor that rapidly adapts to the dynamic changes of the tumor microenvironment (TME). Mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) are one of the stromal components of the TME playing multiple roles in tumor progression. GB progression is prompted by the immunosuppressive microenvironment characterized by high concentrations of the nucleoside adenosine (ADO). ADO acts as a signaling molecule through adenosine receptors (ARs) but also as a genetic and metabolic regulator. Herein, the effects of high extracellular ADO concentrations were investigated in a human glioblastoma cellular model (U343MG) and MSCs. The modulation of the purinome machinery, i.e., the ADO production (CD39, CD73, and adenosine kinase [ADK]), transport (equilibrative nucleoside transporters 1 (ENT1) and 2 (ENT2)), and degradation (adenosine deaminase [ADA]) were investigated in both cell lines to evaluate if ADO could affect its cell management in a positive or negative feed‐back loop. Results evidenced a different behavior of GB and MSC cells upon exposure to high extracellular ADO levels: U343MG were less sensitive to the ADO concentration and only a slight increase in ADK and ENT1 was evidenced. Conversely, in MSCs, the high extracellular ADO levels reduced the ADK, ENT1, and ENT2 expression, which further sustained the increase of extracellular ADO. Of note, MSCs primed with the GB‐conditioned medium or co‐cultured with U343MG cells were not affected by the increase of extracellular ADO. These results evidenced how long exposure to ADO could produce different effects on cancer cells with respect to MSCs, revealing a negative feedback loop that can support the GB immunosuppressive microenvironment. These results improve the knowledge of the ADO role in the maintenance of TME, which should be considered in the development of therapeutic strategies targeting adenosine pathways as well as cell‐based strategies using MSCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maximizing production potential of recombinant proteins such as monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) in Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cells is a key enabler of reducing cost of goods of biologics. In this study, we explored various strategies to utilize adenosine mediated effects in biologics manufacturing processes. Results show that supplementation of adenosine increases specific productivity by up to two-fold while also arresting cell growth. Introducing adenosine in intensified perfusion processes in a biphasic manner significantly enhanced overall productivity. Interestingly, adenosine effect was observed to be dependent on the cell growth state. Using specific receptor antagonists and inhibitors, we identified that ENTs (primarily Slc29a1) mediate the uptake of adenosine in CHO cell cultures. Transcriptomics data showed an inverse correlation between Slc29a1 expression levels and peak viable cell densities. Data suggests that in fed-batch cultures, adenosine can be produced extracellularly. Blocking Slc29a1 using ENT inhibitors such as DZD and DP alone or in combination with CD73 inhibitor, PSB12379, resulted in a twofold increase in peak viable cell densities as well as productivities in fed batch – a novel strategy that can be applied to biologics manufacturing processes. This is the first study that suggests that adenosine production/accumulation in CHO cell cultures can potentially regulate the transition of CHO cells from exponential to stationary phase. We also demonstrate strategies to leverage this regulatory mechanism to maximize the productivity potential of biologics manufacturing processes. • Supplementation of adenosine in exponentially growing cells increases specific productivity by two-fold. • Adenosine supplementation boosts overall permeate titer in perfusion cultures. • CHO cells produce extracellular adenosine, which can trigger the shift from exponential to stationary phase in fed batch cultures. • Inhibiting extracellular adenosine uptake in fed batch cultures can lead to 2-fold increase in peak cell density and titer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Structure predictions have become invaluable tools, but viral proteins are absent from the EMBL/DeepMind AlphaFold database. Here, we provide proteome-wide structure predictions for all nine human herpesviruses and analyze them in depth with explicit scoring thresholds. By clustering these predictions into structural similarity groups, we identified new families, such as the HCMV UL112-113 cluster, which is conserved in alpha- and betaherpesviruses. A domain-level search found protein families consisting of subgroups with varying numbers of duplicated folds. Using large-scale structural similarity searches, we identified viral proteins with cellular folds, such as the HSV-1 US2 cluster possessing dihydrofolate reductase folds and the EBV BMRF2 cluster that might have emerged from cellular equilibrative nucleoside transporters. Our HerpesFolds database is available at https://www.herpesfolds.org/herpesfolds and displays all models and clusters through an interactive web interface. Here, we show that system-wide structure predictions can reveal homology between viral species and identify potential protein functions. The nine human herpesviruses encode hundreds of genes, but the activity and function of many are unclear. Generating protein structure predictions of entire proteomes, the authors could infer the function of many so-far uncharacterized genes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Schizophrenia is a neuropsychiatric illness characterized by altered neurotransmission, in which adenosine, a modulator of glutamate and dopamine, plays a critical role that is relatively unexplored in the human brain. In the present study, postmortem human brain tissue from the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) of individuals with schizophrenia (n = 20) and sex- and age-matched control subjects without psychiatric illness (n = 20) was obtained from the Bronx–Mount Sinai NIH Brain and Tissue Repository. Enriched populations of ACC pyramidal neurons were isolated using laser microdissection (LMD). The mRNA expression levels of six key adenosine pathway components—adenosine kinase (ADK), equilibrative nucleoside transporters 1 and 2 (ENT1 and ENT2), ectonucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolases 1 and 3 (ENTPD1 and ENTPD3), and ecto-5′-nucleotidase (NT5E)—were quantified using real-time PCR (qPCR) in neurons from these individuals. No significant mRNA expression differences were observed between the schizophrenia and control groups (p > 0.05). However, a significant sex difference was found in ADK mRNA expression, with higher levels in male compared with female subjects (Mann–Whitney U = 86; p < 0.05), a finding significantly driven by disease (t(17) = 3.289; p < 0.05). Correlation analyses also demonstrated significant associations (n = 12) between the expression of several adenosine pathway components (p < 0.05). In our dementia severity analysis, ENTPD1 mRNA expression was significantly higher in males in the "mild" clinical dementia rating (CDR) bin compared with males in the "none" CDR bin (F(2, 13) = 5.212; p < 0.05). Lastly, antipsychotic analysis revealed no significant impact on the expression of adenosine pathway components between medicated and non-medicated schizophrenia subjects (p > 0.05). The observed sex-specific variations and inter-component correlations highlight the value of investigating sex differences in disease and contribute to the molecular basis of schizophrenia's pathology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Medium chain fatty acids are commonly consumed as part of diets for endurance sports and as medical treatment in ketogenic diets where these diets regulate energy metabolism and increase adenosine levels. However, the role of the equilibrative nucleoside transporter 1 (ENT1), which is responsible for adenosine transport across membranes in this process, is not well understood. Here, we investigate ENT1 activity in controlling the effects of two dietary medium chain fatty acids (decanoic and octanoic acid), employing the tractable model system Dictyostelium. We show that genetic ablation of three ENT1 orthologues unexpectedly improves cell proliferation specifically following decanoic acid treatment. This effect is not caused by increased adenosine levels triggered by both fatty acids in the presence of ENT1 activity. Instead, we show that decanoic acid increases expression of energy-related genes relevant for fatty acid β-oxidation, and that pharmacological inhibition of ENT1 activity leads to an enhanced effect of decanoic acid to increase expression of tricarboxylicacid cycle and oxidative phosphorylation components. Importantly, similar transcriptional changes have been shown in the rat hippocampus during ketogenic diet treatment. We validated these changes by showing enhanced mitochondria load and reduced lipid droplets. Thus, our data show that ENT1 regulates the medium chain fatty acid-induced increase in cellular adenosine levels and the decanoic acid-induced expression of important metabolic enzymes in energy provision, identifying a key role for ENT1 proteins in metabolic effects of medium chain fatty acids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The multiplexity of cancer has rendered it the second leading cause of mortality worldwide and theragnostic prodrugs have gained popularity in recent years as a means of treatment. Theragnostic prodrugs enable the simultaneous diagnosis and therapy of tumors via high‐precision real‐time drug release monitoring. Herein, we report the development of the small theragnostic prodrug GF, based on the nucleoside anticancer agent gemcitabine and the fluorescent dye 5(6)‐carboxyfluorescein. We have successfully demonstrated its efficient internalization in tumor cells, showing localization throughout both the early and late endocytic pathways. Its mechanism of cell internalization was evaluated, confirming its independence from nucleoside transporters. Its cellular localization via confocal microscopy revealed a clathrin‐mediated endocytosis mechanism, distinguishing it from analogous compounds studied previously. Furthermore, GF exhibited stability across various pH values and in human blood plasma. Subsequently, its in vitro cytotoxicity was assessed in three human cancer cell lines (A549, U87 and T98). Additionally, its pharmacokinetic profile in mice was investigated and the consequent drug release was monitored. Finally, its in vivo visualization was accomplished in zebrafish xenotransplantation models and its in vivo efficacy was evaluated in A549 xenografts. The results unveiled an intriguing efficacy profile, positioning GF as a compelling candidate warranting further investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Resistance to gemcitabine in pancreatic cancer poses a significant clinical challenge. Further investigation is warranted to assess whether nano-formulation strategy can be employed to enhance the sensitivity of resistant strains to gemcitabine therapy. In this study, using gemcitabine-resistant pancreatic cancer cell lines, we examined the therapeutic potential of a gemcitabine nanodelivery platform and assessed the ability to overcome drug resistance against resistant strains. Silencing of human equilibrative nucleoside transporter 1 (hENT1) led to reduced cellular uptake of gemcitabine, resulting in chemoresistance in pancreatic cancer. Gemcitabine nanoparticles circumvented the entry blockade caused by hENT1 silencing through endocytosis. Nanoparticle entry via clathrin-mediated endocytosis increased intracellular gemcitabine accumulation in gemcitabine-resistant pancreatic cancer cells. Moreover, gemcitabine nanoparticles are preferential in vivo delivery to tumor tissues, likely due to the enhanced permeability and retention effect. In comparison to free gemcitabine, gemcitabine nanoparticles demonstrate a more pronounced cytotoxic effect on gemcitabine-resistant pancreatic cancer cells, with favorable biosafety. This study improved the efficacy of gemcitabine through nanotechnology, providing a novel strategy to address gemcitabine-resistant pancreatic cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Nucleoside analogs such as gemcitabine (GEM; dFdC) and cytarabine (Ara-C) require nucleoside transporters to enter cells, and deficiency in equilibrative nucleoside transporter 1 (ENT1) can lead to resistance to these drugs. To facilitate transport-independent uptake, prodrugs with a fatty acid chain attached to the 5'-position of the ribose group of gemcitabine or cytarabine were developed (CP-4126 and CP-4055, respectively). As antimetabolites can activate cellular survival pathways, we investigated whether the prodrugs or their side-chains had similar or decreased effects. Methods: Two cell lines A549 (non-small cell lung cancer) and WiDr (colon cancer cells) were exposed for 2-24hr to IC50 concentrations of GEM, Ara-C, CP-4126, CP4055 and elaidic acid (EA) concentrations corresponding to the CP-4126 and CP-4055 IC50. Cells were harvested and analyzed for proteins in cell survival pathways (p-AKT/AKT, p-ERK/ERK, p-P38/P38, GSK-3β/pGSK-3β) by using Western Blotting. Results: All drugs and their derivatives showed time- and cell-line-dependent effects. In A549 cells, GEM, CP-4126 and EA-4126 decreased the p-AKT/AKT ratio at 2 and 24 hr. For the p-ERK/ERK ratio, GEM, EA-4126, Ara-C, CP-4045 and EA-4055 exposure led to an increase after 6 hr in A549 cells. Interestingly, Ara-C, CP-4055 and EA-4055 decreased p-ERK/ERK ratio in WiDr cells after 4 hr. In A549 cells, the p-GSK-3β/GSK-3β ratio decreased after exposure to Ara-C and CP-4055 but in WiDr cells increased after 24 hr. In A549 cells treatment with Ara-C, CP-4055 and EA-4126 decreased the p-P38/P38 after 6 hr. Conclusions: The findings suggest that both parent drugs, prodrugs, and the EA chain influence cell survival and signaling pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ribavirin, an antiretroviral agent targeting the hepatitis C virus, causes male reproductive toxicity. This study investigated the mechanism of ribavirin transport at the blood–testis barrier (BTB). In vivo mouse integration plot analysis after intravenous administration revealed that the net influx clearance of [3H]ribavirin in the testis was 3.6-fold greater than that of [14C]D-mannitol, a paracellular transport marker, implying transcellular transport of ribavirin across the BTB. Moreover, [3H]ribavirin uptake by TM4 cells, mouse-derived Sertoli cells, was time- and concentration-dependent, with a K m value of 2.49 mM. S -[(4-nitrophenyl)methyl]-6-thioinosine, an inhibitor of Na+-independent equilibrative nucleoside transporters (ENTs), strongly inhibited the [3H]ribavirin uptake by TM4 cells at 100 µM. Compared to the uptake of [3H]adenosine, a typical endogenous nucleoside, [3H]ribavirin uptake was relatively similar to ENT2 transport. [3H]Ribavirin uptake was also observed in mouse ENT2-expressing Xenopus laevis oocytes, and gene silencing via the transfection of ENT2 small interfering RNA significantly reduced the [3H]ribavirin transport into TM4 cells by 13%. Taken together, these results suggest that ENT2 partially contributes to ribavirin transport at the BTB. [Display omitted] • Ribavirin, an anti-viral drug, undergoes the facilitative blood-to-testis transport in vivo. • Carrier-mediated processes contribute to the ribavirin transport at the BTB. • The characteristics of ribavirin transport at the BTB is different from ENT1-mediated adenosine transport. • ENT2 partially contributes to ribavirin transport at the BTB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• ENT3, a lysosomal membrane transporter protein, is highly enriched in microglia. • The expression of ENT3 links with HD severity, plays a protective role, and ameliorates neurodegenerative progression in HD. • The balance between microglial metabolism and brain homeostasis offers insights into potential HD therapeutic approaches. Huntington's disease (HD) is a hereditary neurodegenerative disorder characterized by involuntary movements, cognitive deficits, and psychiatric symptoms. Currently, there is no cure, and only limited treatments are available to manage the symptoms and to slow down the disease's progression. The molecular and cellular mechanisms of HD's pathogenesis are complex, involving immune cell activation, altered protein turnover, and disturbance in brain energy homeostasis. Microglia have been known to play a dual role in HD, contributing to neurodegeneration through inflammation but also enacting neuroprotective effects by clearing mHTT aggregates. However, little is known about the contribution of microglial metabolism to HD progression. This study explores the impact of a microglial metabolite transporter, equilibrative nucleoside transporter 3 (ENT3), in HD. Known as a lysosomal membrane transporter protein, ENT3 is highly enriched in microglia, with its expression correlated with HD severity. Using the R6/2 ENT3−/− mouse model, we found that the deletion of ENT3 increases microglia numbers yet worsens HD progression, leading to mHTT accumulation, cell death, and disturbed energy metabolism. These results suggest that the delicate balance between microglial metabolism and function is crucial for maintaining brain homeostasis and that ENT3 has a protective role in ameliorating neurodegenerative processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The SLC29A3 gene, which encodes a nucleoside transporter protein, is primarily located in intracellular membranes. The mutations in this gene can give rise to various clinical manifestations, including H syndrome, dysosteosclerosis, Faisalabad histiocytosis, and pigmented hypertrichosis with insulin-dependent diabetes. The aim of this study is to present two Iranian patients with H syndrome and to describe a novel start-loss mutation in SLC29A3 gene. Methods: In this study, we employed whole-exome sequencing (WES) as a method to identify genetic variations that contribute to the development of H syndrome in a 16-year-old girl and her 8-year-old brother. These siblings were part of an Iranian family with consanguineous parents. To confirmed the pathogenicity of the identified variant, we utilized in-silico tools and cross-referenced various databases to confirm its novelty. Additionally, we conducted a co-segregation study and verified the presence of the variant in the parents of the affected patients through Sanger sequencing. Results: In our study, we identified a novel start-loss mutation (c.2T > A, p.Met1Lys) in the SLC29A3 gene, which was found in both of two patients. Co-segregation analysis using Sanger sequencing confirmed that this variant was inherited from the parents. To evaluate the potential pathogenicity and novelty of this mutation, we consulted various databases. Additionally, we employed bioinformatics tools to predict the three-dimensional structure of the mutant SLC29A3 protein. These analyses were conducted with the aim of providing valuable insights into the functional implications of the identified mutation on the structure and function of the SLC29A3 protein. Conclusion: Our study contributes to the expanding body of evidence supporting the association between mutations in the SLC29A3 gene and H syndrome. The molecular analysis of diseases related to SLC29A3 is crucial in understanding the range of variability and raising awareness of H syndrome, with the ultimate goal of facilitating early diagnosis and appropriate treatment. The discovery of this novel biallelic variant in the probands further underscores the significance of utilizing genetic testing approaches, such as WES, as dependable diagnostic tools for individuals with this particular condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

H syndrome (HS) is a rare autosomal recessive genodermatosis characterised by cutaneous hyperpigmentation, hypertrichosis, sclerodermatous thickening, and multisystemic involvement. It results from mutations in the SLC29A3 gene encoding the human equilibrative nucleoside transporter 3, leading to impaired histiocyte apoptosis and unchecked proliferation. We report the case of a 24-year-old Moroccan male who had a history of insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. He developed hyperpigmented skin patches with hypertrichosis and induration. Musculoskeletal findings included bilateral hallux valgus, pes planus, reducible flexion contractures of the proximal interphalangeal joints, and restricted ankle dorsiflexion. Additional findings consist of lymphadenopathy, hepatomegaly, hypogonadism, and ophthalmic manifestations. Investigations showed elevated sedimentation rate, anaemia, and osteopaenia. Ankle ultrasound revealed calcaneal enthesopathy and subcutaneous infiltration. In reporting this case, we aim to highlight the significant rheumatological involvement that can arise in patients with H syndrome and explore potential treatment options to improve the musculoskeletal findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: 3,5,3′-Triiodothyroacetic acid (TRIAC) is a T3-receptor agonist pharmacologically used in patients to mitigate T3 resistance. It is additionally explored to treat some symptoms of patients with inactivating mutations in the thyroid hormone (TH) transporter monocarboxylate transporter 8 (MCT8, SLC16A2). MCT8 is expressed along the blood–brain barrier, on neurons, astrocytes, and oligodendrocytes. Hence, pathogenic variants in MCT8 limit the access of TH into and their functions within the brain. TRIAC was shown to enter the brain independently of MCT8 and to modulate expression of TH-dependent genes. The aim of the study was to identify transporters that facilitate TRIAC uptake into cells. Methods: We performed a whole-genome RNAi screen in HepG2 cells stably expressing a T3-receptor-dependent luciferase reporter gene. Validation of hits from the primary and confirmatory secondary screen involved a counter screen with siRNAs and compared the cellular response to TRIAC to the effect of T3, in order to exclude siRNAs targeting the gene expression machinery. MDCK1 cells were stably transfected with cDNA encoding C-terminally myc-tagged versions of the identified TRIAC-preferring transporters. Several individual clones were selected after immunocytochemical characterization for biochemical characterization of their 125I-TRIAC transport activities. Results: We identified SLC22A9 and SLC29A2 as transporters mediating cellular uptake of TRIAC. SLC22A9 encodes the organic anion transporter 7 (OAT7), a sodium-independent organic anion transporter expressed in the plasma membrane in brain, pituitary, liver, and other organs. Competition with the SLC22A9/OAT7 substrate estrone-3-sulfate reduced 125I-TRIAC uptake. SLC29A2 encodes the equilibrative nucleoside transporter 2 (ENT2), which is ubiquitously expressed, including pituitary and brain. Coincubation with the SLC29A2/ENT2 inhibitor nitrobenzyl-6-thioinosine reduced 125I-TRIAC uptake. Moreover, ABCD1, an ATP-dependent peroxisomal pump, was identified as a 125I-TRIAC exporter in transfected MDCK1 cells. Conclusions: Knowledge of TRIAC transporter expression patterns, also during brain development, may thus in the future help to interpret observations on TRIAC effects, as well as understand why TRIAC may not show a desirable effect on cells or organs not expressing appropriate transporters. The identification of ABCD1 highlights the sensitivity of our established screening assay, but it may not hold significant relevance for patients undergoing TRIAC treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The H syndrome is an autosomal recessive disease characterized by hyperpigmentation, hypertrichosis and sensorineural hearing loss. Methods: A mutation in the coding of the human equilibrative nucleoside transporter 3 (hENT3) within the SLC29A3 gene on chromosome 10q22 leads to the manifestation of this disease. In this report, we present two cases of H syndrome. Results: The first patient exhibits hyperpigmentation, hypogonadism, Type 1 diabetes mellitus, arthritis and osteoporosis. The second patient experiences hyperpigmentation, hypertrichosis, osteopenia and hypogonadism. Conclusion: Our objective is to broaden the clinical spectrum of H syndrome, highlighting the involvement of arthritis, hyperinflammation and low bone mineral density in individuals with this disorder. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: This article aimed to find appropriate pancreatic cancer (PC) patients to treat with Gemcitabine with better survival outcomes by detecting hENT1 levels. Methods: We collected surgical pathological tissues from PC patients who received radical surgery in our hospital from September 2004 to December 2014. A total of 375 PC tissues and paired adjacent nontumor tissues were employed for the construction of 4 tissue microarrays (TMAs). The quality of the 4 TMAs was examined by HE staining. We performed immunohistochemistry analysis to evaluate hENT1 expression in the TMAs. Moreover, we detected hENT1 expression level and proved the role of hENT1 in cell proliferation, drug resistance, migration and invasion in vivo and vitro. Results: The results indicated that low hENT1 expression indicated a significantly poor outcome in PC patients, including shortened DFS (21.6± 2.8 months versus 36.9± 4.0 months, p< 0.001) and OS (33.6± 3.9 versus 39.6± 3.9, p=0.004). Meanwhile, patients in stage I/II of TNM stage had a longer OS (40.2± 3.4 versus 15.4± 1.7, p=0.002) and DFS (31.0± 3.1 versus 12.4± 1.9, p=0.016) than patients in stage III/IV. Patients in M0 stage had a longer OS (39.7± 3.4 versus 16.2± 1.9, p=0.026) and DFS(30.7± 3.0 versus 11.8± 2.2, p=0.031) than patients in M1 stage, and patients with tumors not invading the capsule had a better DFS than those with tumor invasion into the capsule (30.8± 3.0 versus 12.6± 2.3, p=0.053). Patients with preoperative CA19-9 values ≤ 467 U/mL have longer DFS than that of patients who had preoperative CA19-9 values > 467 U/mL (37.9± 4.1 versus 22.9± 4.0, p=0.04). In the subgroup analysis, a high hENT1 expression level was related to a longer OS(39.4± 4.0 versus 31.5± 3.9, p=0.001) and DFS(35.7± 4.0 versus 20.6± 2.7; p< 0.0001) in the Gemcitabine subgroup. Conclusion: PC patients with high hENT1 expression have a better survival outcomes when receiving Gemcitabine. hENT1 expression can be a great prognostic indicator for PC patients to receive Gemcitabine treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are limited therapeutic options for patients with Dravet syndrome (DS). The equilibrative nucleoside transporters 1 (ENT1) mediate both the influx and efflux of adenosine across the cell membrane exerted beneficial effects in the treatment of epilepsy. This study aimed to evaluate the anticonvulsant effect of the ENT1 inhibitor in an animal model of DS (Scn1aE1099X/+ mice). J7 (5 mg/kg) treatment was efficacious in elevating seizure threshold in Scn1aE1099X/+ mice after hyperthermia exposure. Moreover, the J7 treatment significantly reduced the frequency of spontaneous excitatory post‐synaptic currents (sEPSCs, ~35% reduction) without affecting the amplitude in dentate gyrus (DG) granule cells. Pretreatment with the adenosine A1 receptor (A1R) antagonist, DPCPX, abolished the J7 effects on sEPSCs. These observations suggest that the J7 shows an anticonvulsant effect in hyperthermia‐induced seizures in Scn1aE1099X/+ mice. This effect possibly acts on presynaptic A1R‐mediated signaling modulation in granule cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inosine is released from brown adipocytes (BAs) upon stress. Inosine activates purinergic P1 receptors, triggering BA activation and white adipocyte browning. Consequently, inosine increases whole-body energy consumption and alleviates diet-induced obesity in mice. The equilibrative nucleoside transporter 1 (ENT1) transports extracellular inosine into cells. By inhibiting ENT1 using dipyridamole, extracellular inosine levels are elevated. A loss-of-function mutation of ENT1 in humans is associated with a reduced body mass index in the carriers. Enhancing inosine concentrations might have therapeutic potential to tackle obesity. Extracellular purinergic molecules act as signaling molecules that bind to cellular receptors and regulate signaling pathways. Growing evidence suggests that purines regulate adipocyte function and whole-body metabolism. Here, we focus on one specific purine: inosine. Brown adipocytes, which are important regulators of whole-body energy expenditure (EE), release inosine when they are stressed or become apoptotic. Unexpectedly, inosine activates EE in neighboring brown adipocytes and enhances differentiation of brown preadipocytes. Increasing extracellular inosine, either directly by increasing inosine intake or indirectly via pharmacological inhibition of cellular inosine transporters, increases whole-body EE and counteracts obesity. Thus, inosine and other closely related purines might be a novel approach to tackle obesity and associated metabolic disorders by enhancing EE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trichomoniasis is a common and widespread sexually-transmitted infection, caused by the protozoan parasite Trichomonas vaginalis. T. vaginalis lacks the biosynthetic pathways for purines and pyrimidines, making nucleoside metabolism a drug target. Here we report the first comprehensive investigation into purine and pyrimidine uptake by T. vaginalis. Multiple carriers were identified and characterized with regard to substrate selectivity and affinity. For nucleobases, a high-affinity adenine transporter, a possible guanine transporter and a low affinity uracil transporter were found. Nucleoside transporters included two high affinity adenosine/guanosine/uridine/cytidine transporters distinguished by different affinities to inosine, a lower affinity adenosine transporter, and a thymidine transporter. Nine Equilibrative Nucleoside Transporter (ENT) genes were identified in the T. vaginalis genome. All were expressed equally in metronidazole-resistant and -sensitive strains. Only TvagENT2 was significantly upregulated in the presence of extracellular purines; expression was not affected by co-culture with human cervical epithelial cells. All TvagENTs were cloned and separately expressed in Trypanosoma brucei. We identified the main broad specificity nucleoside carrier, with high affinity for uridine and cytidine as well as purine nucleosides including inosine, as TvagENT3. The in-depth characterization of purine and pyrimidine transporters provides a critical foundation for the development of new anti-trichomonal nucleoside analogues.

Malaria remains a major public health threat for billions of people worldwide. Infection with obligate intracellular, unicellular parasites from the genus Plasmodium causes malaria. Plasmodium falciparum causes the deadliest form of human malaria. Plasmodium parasites are purine auxotrophic. They rely on purine import from the host red blood cell cytoplasm via equilibrative nucleoside transporters to supply substrates to the purine salvage pathway. We previously developed a high throughput screening assay to identify inhibitors of the P. falciparum Equilibrative Nucleoside Transporter Type 1 (PfENT1). Screening a small molecule library identified PfENT1 inhibitors that blocked proliferation of P. falciparum parasites in in vitro culture. The goal of the current work was to validate a high-resolution model of PfENT1 predicted by the AlphaFold protein structure prediction program. We superimposed the predicted PfENT1 structure on the human homologue structure, hENT1, and developed a structure-based sequence alignment. We mutated the residues in PfENT1 aligned with and flanking the residues in hENT1 that interact with the purine analog, nitrobenzylthioinosine (NBMPR). Mutation of the PfENT1 residues Q135, D287, and R291 that are predicted to form hydrogen bonds to purine nucleosides eliminated purine and pyrimidine transport function in various yeast-based growth and radiolabeled substrate uptake assays. Mutation of two flanking residues, W53 and S290, also resulted in inactive protein. Mutation of L50 that forms hydrophobic interactions with the purine nucleobase reduced transport function. Based on our results the AlphaFold predicted structure for PfENT1 may be useful in guiding medicinal chemistry efforts to improve the potency of our PfENT1 inhibitors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several studies have demonstrated that, beyond their antithrombotic effects, P2Y12 receptor inhibitors may provide additional off-target effects through different mechanisms. These effects range from the preservation of endothelial barrier function to the modulation of inflammation or stabilization of atherosclerotic plaques, with an impact on different cell types, including endothelial and immune cells. Many P2Y12 inhibitors have been developed, from ticlopidine, the first thienopyridine, to the more potent non-thienopyridine derivatives such as ticagrelor which may promote cardioprotective effects following myocardial infarction (MI) by inhibiting adenosine reuptake through sodium-independent equilibrative nucleoside transporter 1 (ENT1). Adenosine may affect different molecular pathways involved in cardiac fibrosis, such as the Wnt (wingless-type)/beta (β)-catenin signaling. An early pro-fibrotic response of the epicardium and activation of cardiac fibroblasts with the involvement of Wnt1 (wingless-type family member 1)/β-catenin, are critically required for preserving cardiac function after acute ischemic cardiac injury. This review discusses molecular signaling pathways involved in cardiac fibrosis post MI, focusing on the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, and the off-target effect of P2Y12 receptor inhibition. A potential role of ticagrelor was speculated in the early modulation of cardiac fibrosis, thanks to its off-target effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Effective (neo) adjuvant chemotherapy for cholangiocarcinoma is lacking due to chemoresistance and the absence of predictive biomarkers. Human equilibrative nucleoside transporter 1 (hENT1) has been described as a potential prognostic and predictive biomarker. In this study, the potential of rabbit-derived (SP120) and murine-derived (10D7G2) antibodies to detect hENT1 expression was compared in tissue samples of patients with extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ECC), and the predictive value of hENT1 was investigated in three ECC cell lines. Methods: Tissues of 71 chemonaïve patients with histological confirmation of ECC were selected and stained with SP120 or 10D7G2 to assess the inter-observer variability for both antibodies and the correlation with overall survival. Concomitantly, gemcitabine sensitivity after hENT1 knockdown was assessed in the ECC cell lines EGI-1, TFK-1, and SK-ChA-1 using sulforhodamine B assays. Results: Scoring immunohistochemistry for hENT1 expression with the use of SP120 antibody resulted in the highest interobserver agreement but did not show a prognostic role of hENT1. However, 10D7G2 showed a prognostic role for hENT1, and a potential predictive role for gemcitabine sensitivity in hENT1 in SK-ChA-1 and TFK-1 cells was found. Discussion: These findings prompt further studies for both preclinical validation of the role of hENT1 and histochemical standardization in cholangiocarcinoma patients treated with gemcitabine-based chemotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In addition to the widespread use of cannabis products as intoxicants, defined ingredients are becoming increasingly of interest as medically indicated drugs. Whereas THC may cause strong psychotropic effects at high doses, within the recommended dose range of medicinal cannabinoid drugs, CBD-dominant drugs appear to have a higher drug-interaction potential and risk of adverse liver effects. CBD and THX are also mentioned as inhibitors of the nucleoside transporter ENT1 and ENT2.[14] Conversely, CBD is a victim of the CYP3A4 inhibitor ketoconazole and the inducer rifampicin, these interactions can be classified as weak and moderate, respectively. In the randomized cross-over study, healthy volunteers received placebo, a CBD-dominant cannabis extract, or a THC-dominant cannabis extract in a brownie. [Extracted from the article]

NDec is a novel combination of oral decitabine and tetrahydrouridine that is currently under clinical development for the treatment of sickle cell disease (SCD). Here, we investigate the potential for the tetrahydrouridine component of NDec to act as an inhibitor or substrate of key concentrative nucleoside transporters (CNT1–3) and equilibrative nucleoside transporters (ENT1–2). Nucleoside transporter inhibition and tetrahydrouridine accumulation assays were performed using Madin-Darby canine kidney strain II (MDCKII) cells overexpressing human CNT1, CNT2, CNT3, ENT1, and ENT2 transporters. Results showed that tetrahydrouridine did not influence CNT- or ENT-mediated uridine/adenosine accumulation in MDCKII cells at the concentrations tested (25 and 250 µM). Accumulation of tetrahydrouridine in MDCKII cells was initially shown to be mediated by CNT3 and ENT2. However, while time- and concentration-dependence experiments showed active accumulation of tetrahydrouridine in CNT3-expressing cells, allowing for estimation of K m (3,140 µM) and V max (1,600 pmol/mg protein/min), accumulation of tetrahydrouridine was not observed in ENT2-expressing cells. Potent CNT3 inhibitors are a class of drugs not generally prescribed to patients with SCD, except in certain specific circumstances. These data suggest that NDec can be administered safely with drugs that act as substrates and inhibitors of the nucleoside transporters included in this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), European Medicines Agency (EMA), and Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency (PMDA) guidances on small‐molecule drug–drug interactions (DDIs), with input from the International Transporter Consortium (ITC), recommend the evaluation of nine drug transporters. Although other clinically relevant drug uptake and efflux transporters have been discussed in ITC white papers, they have been excluded from further recommendation by the ITC and are not included in current regulatory guidances. These include the ubiquitously expressed equilibrative nucleoside transporters (ENT) 1 and ENT2, which have been recognized by the ITC for their potential role in clinically relevant nucleoside analog drug interactions for patients with cancer. Although there is comparatively limited clinical evidence supporting their role in DDI risk or other adverse drug reactions (ADRs) compared with the nine highlighted transporters, several in vitro and in vivo studies have identified ENT interactions with non‐nucleoside/non‐nucleotide drugs, in addition to nucleoside/nucleotide analogs. Some noteworthy examples of compounds that interact with ENTs include cannabidiol and selected protein kinase inhibitors, as well as the nucleoside analogs remdesivir, EIDD‐1931, gemcitabine, and fialuridine. Consequently, DDIs involving the ENTs may be responsible for therapeutic inefficacy or off‐target toxicity. Evidence suggests that ENT1 and ENT2 should be considered as transporters potentially involved in clinically relevant DDIs and ADRs, thereby warranting further investigation and regulatory consideration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many genes in bacterial genomes are of unknown function, often referred to as y-genes. Recently, the analytic methods have divided bacterial transcriptomes into independently modulated sets of genes (iModulons). Functionally annotated iModulons that contain y-genes lead to testable hypotheses to elucidate y-gene function. The inversely correlated expression of a putative transporter gene, ydhC, relative to purine biosynthetic genes, has led to the hypothesis that it encodes a purine-related transporter and revealed a LysR-family regulator, YdhB, with a predicted 23-bp palindromic binding motif. RNA-Seq analysis of a ydhB knockout mutant confirmed the YdhB-dependent activation of ydhC in the presence of adenosine. The deletion of either the ydhC or the ydhB gene led to a substantially decreased growth rate for E. coli in minimal medium with adenosine, inosine, or guanosine as the nitrogen source. Taken together, we provide clear evidence that YdhB activates the expression of the ydhC gene that encodes a purine transporter in E. coli. We propose that the genes ydhB and ydhC be re-named as punR and punC, respectively.

A modified 2′‐deoxycytidine triphosphate derivative (dCTOTP) bearing a thiazole orange moiety tethered via an oligoethylene glycol linker was designed and synthesized. The nucleotide was incorporated into DNA by DNA polymerases in vitro as well as in live cells. Upon incorporation of dCTOTP into DNA, the thiazole orange moiety exhibited a fluorescence lifetime that differed significantly from the non‐incorporated (i.e. free and non‐covalently intercalated) forms of dCTOTP. When dCTOTP was delivered into live U‐2 OS cells using a synthetic nucleoside triphosphate transporter, it allowed us to distinguish and monitor cells that were actively synthesizing DNA in real time, from the very first moments after the treatment. We anticipate that this probe could be used to study chromatin organization and dynamics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Orally administered small molecules may have important therapeutic potential in treating COVID-19 disease. The recently developed antiviral agents, Molnupiravir and Nirmatrelvir, have been reported to be efficient treatments, with only moderate side effects, especially when applied in the early phases of this disease. However, drug–drug and drug–transporter interactions have already been noted by the drug development companies and in the application notes. In the present work, we have studied some of the key human transporters interacting with these agents. The nucleoside analog Molnupiravir (EIDD-2801) and its main metabolite (EIDD-1931) were found to inhibit CNT1,2 in addition to the ENT1,2 nucleoside transporters; however, it did not significantly influence the relevant OATP transporters or the ABCC4 nucleoside efflux transporter. The active component of Paxlovid (PF-07321332, Nirmatrelvir) inhibited the function of several OATPs and of ABCB1 but did not affect ABCG2. However, significant inhibition was observed only at high concentrations of Nirmatrelvir and probably did not occur in vivo. Paxlovid, as used in the clinic, is a combination of Nirmatrelvir (viral protease inhibitor) and Ritonavir (a "booster" inhibitor of Nirmatrelvir metabolism). Ritonavir is known to inhibit several drug transporters; therefore, we have examined these compounds together, in relevant concentrations and ratios. No additional inhibitory effect of Nirmatrelvir was observed compared to the strong transporter inhibition caused by Ritonavir. Our current in vitro results should help to estimate the potential drug–drug interactions of these newly developed agents during COVID-19 treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a metabolic disease that can affect placental villous maturation and villous vascularity. The main effects of GDM on placental growth are a delay of villous maturation (DVM) and decreased formation of vasculo-syncytial membranes (VSM). Human equilibrative nucleoside transporter-1 (hENT1) is an adenosine transporter expressed in the human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) and human placental microvascular endothelium cells (hPMEC). Its role is crucial in maintaining physiological fetal adenosine levels during pregnancy, and its reduction has been described in GDM. Twenty-four placentas from pregnancies with a confirmed diagnosis of GDMd and twenty-four matched non-GDM placentas (controls) were retrospectively analyzed to investigate the immunohistochemical expression of hENT1 in HUVEC and hPMEC. The study included the quantitative evaluation of VSM/mm2 in placental tissue and the immunohistochemical quantitative evaluation of Ki-67, PHH3, and p57 in villous trophoblast. hENT1 expression was higher in all the vascular districts of the control cases compared to the GDMd placentas (p < 0.0001). The VSM/mm2 were lower in the GDMd cases, while the Ki-67, PHH3, and p57 were higher when compared to the control cases. To our knowledge, this is the first report of hENT1 expression in the human placentas of GDM patients. The absence/low expression of hENT1 in all the GDMd patients may indicate a potential role in microvascular adaptative mechanisms. The trophoblasts' proliferative/antiapoptotic pattern (high Ki-67, high PHH3, and high p57 count) may explain the statistically significant lower number of VSM/mm2 found in the GDMd cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Epilepsy is characterized by the manifestation of spontaneous and recurrent seizures. The high prevalence of comorbidities associated with epilepsy, such as cognitive dysfunction, affects the patients quality of life. Adenosine signaling modulation might be an effective alternative to control seizures and epilepsy-associated comorbidities. This study aimed to verify the role of adenosine modulation on the seizure development and cognitive impairment induced by pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) in zebrafish. At first, animals were submitted to a training session in the inhibitory avoidance test and, after 10 min, they received an intraperitoneal injection of valproate, adenosine A1 receptor agonist cyclopentyladenosine (CPA), adenosine A1 receptor antagonist 8-cyclopentyl-1,3-dipropylxanthine (DPCPX), adenosine A2A receptor antagonist ZM 241385, adenosine deaminase inhibitor erythro-9-(2-hydroxy-3-nony1)-adenine hydrochloride (EHNA) or the nucleoside transporter inhibitor dipyridamole. Thirty min after the intraperitoneal injection, the animals were exposed to 7.5 mM PTZ for 10 min, where they were evaluated for latency to reach the seizure stages (I, II, and III). Finally, 24 h after the training session, the animals were submitted to the inhibitory avoidance test to verify their cognitive performance during the test session. Valproate, CPA, and EHNA showed antiseizure effects and prevented the memory impairment induced by PTZ exposure. DPCPX, ZM 241385, and dipyridamole pretreatments caused no changes in seizure development; however, these drugs prevented memory impairment without altering locomotion. Our results reinforce the antiseizure effects of adenosine signaling and support the idea that the involvement of adenosine in memory processes may be a target for preventive strategies against cognitive impairment associated with epilepsy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Concentrative nucleoside transporters (CNTs) are active nucleoside influx systems, but their in vivo roles are poorly defined. By generating CNT1 knockout (KO) mice, here we identify a role of CNT1 in the renal reabsorption of nucleosides. Deletion of CNT1 in mice increases the urinary excretion of endogenous pyrimidine nucleosides with compensatory alterations in purine nucleoside metabolism. In addition, CNT1 KO mice exhibits high urinary excretion of the nucleoside analog gemcitabine (dFdC), which results in poor tumor growth control in CNT1 KO mice harboring syngeneic pancreatic tumors. Interestingly, increasing the dFdC dose to attain an area under the concentration-time curve level equivalent to that achieved by wild-type (WT) mice rescues antitumor efficacy. The findings provide new insights into how CNT1 regulates reabsorption of endogenous and synthetic nucleosides in murine kidneys and suggest that the functional status of CNTs may account for the optimal action of pyrimidine nucleoside analog therapeutics in humans. Concentrative nucleoside transporters (CNTs) are cellular nucleoside influx systems, but their in vivo roles are poorly defined. By generating CNT1 knockout (KO) mice, here the authors show a role of CNT1 in the renal reabsorption of endogenous and synthetic nucleosides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

All protozoan parasites are lacking the pathway to synthesize purines de novo and therefore they depend on their host cells to provide purines. A number of highly conserved nucleoside transporter (NT) proteins are encoded in malaria parasite genomes, of which NT1 is characterized in Plasmodium falciparum and P. yoelii as a plasma membrane protein that is responsible for salvage of purines from the host, and NT2 is an endoplasmic membrane NT protein. Whereas NT3 is only present in primate malaria parasites, little is known about NT4, which is conserved in all malaria parasite species. Herein, we targeted NT4 gene for deletion in P. berghei. NT4 knockout parasites developed normally as blood stages, ookinetes and formed oocysts with sporozoites compared with wild-type (WT) P. berghei ANKA parasites. However, nt4(-) sporozoites showed significantly decreased egress from oocysts to hemolymph, significant reduction of colonization of the salivary glands, and complete abolishment of infection of the mammalian host by salivary gland and hemolymph sporozoites. Therefore, we identify NT4 as a NT that is important, not for replication and growth, but for sporozoite infectivity functions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Growing evidence pointed out that guanine-based purines are able to modulate smooth muscle contractile activity of blood vessels and gastrointestinal tract. Since, so far, possible guanine-based purine modulation of uterine musculature is unknown, the aim of the present study was to investigate in vitro, using organ bath technique, guanosine and guanine effects on spontaneous uterine contraction, and uterine contraction induced by K+-depolarization and oxytocin in a non-pregnant rat. Guanosine, but not guanine, reduced the amplitude of spontaneous contraction of the uterine muscle in a dose-dependent manner. The inhibitory response was antagonized by S-(4-nitrobenzyl)-6-thioinosine (NBTI), a membrane nucleoside transporter inhibitor, but persisted in the presence of theophylline, a nonselective adenosine receptor antagonist, or propanolol, β1/β2 adrenoreceptor antagonist or blockers of a nitrergic pathway. In addition, potassium channel blockers did not influence guanosine-induced effects. Guanosine was able to inhibit the external calcium (Ca2+) influx-induced contraction, but it did not affect the contraction induced by high-KCl solution, indicating that guanosine does not interact with L-type voltage-gated calcium channel. Guanosine prevented/reduced uterine contractions induced by oxytocin, even in the absence of external calcium. In conclusion, guanosine is able to reduce both spontaneous and oxytocin-induced contractions of rat myometrium, likely subsequently to its intracellular intake. The blockade of extracellular Ca2+ influx and reduction of Ca2+ release from the intracellular store are the mechanisms involved in the guanosine-induced tocolytic effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

By lacking de novo purine biosynthesis enzymes, Plasmodium falciparum requires purine nucleoside uptake from host cells. The indispensable nucleoside transporter ENT1 of P. falciparum facilitates nucleoside uptake in the asexual blood stage. Specific inhibitors of PfENT1 prevent the proliferation of P. falciparum at submicromolar concentrations. However, the substrate recognition and inhibitory mechanism of PfENT1 are still elusive. Here, we report cryo-EM structures of PfENT1 in apo, inosine-bound, and inhibitor-bound states. Together with in vitro binding and uptake assays, we identify that inosine is the primary substrate of PfENT1 and that the inosine-binding site is located in the central cavity of PfENT1. The endofacial inhibitor GSK4 occupies the orthosteric site of PfENT1 and explores the allosteric site to block the conformational change of PfENT1. Furthermore, we propose a general "rocker switch" alternating access cycle for ENT transporters. Understanding the substrate recognition and inhibitory mechanisms of PfENT1 will greatly facilitate future efforts in the rational design of antimalarial drugs. PfENT1 is a promising antimalarial drug target. Here, authors report cryo-EM structures of PfENT1 that, together with biochemical work, suggests PfENT1 is an inosine transporter and describe the inhibitory mechanism of the endofacial inhibitor, GSK4. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Hypoxia‐mediated red blood cell (RBC) sickling is central to the pathophysiology of sickle cell disease (SCD). The signalling nucleoside adenosine is thought to play a significant role in this process. This study investigated expression of the erythrocyte type 1 equilibrative nucleoside transporter (ENT1), a key regulator of plasma adenosine, in adult patients with SCD and carriers of sickle cell trait (SCT). Relative quantitative expression analysis of erythrocyte ENT1 was carried out by Western blot and flow cytometry. Patients with SCD with steady state conditions, either with SS or SC genotype, untreated or under hydroxycarbamide (HC) treatment, exhibited a relatively high variability of erythrocyte ENT1, but with levels not significantly different from normal controls. Most strikingly, expression of erythrocyte ENT1 was found to be significantly decreased in patients with SCD undergoing painful vaso‐occlusive episode and, unexpectedly, also in healthy SCT carriers. Promoting hypoxia‐induced adenosine signalling, the reduced expression of erythrocyte ENT1 might contribute to the pathophysiology of SCD and to the susceptibility of SCT individuals to altitude hypoxia or exercise to exhaustion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gliflozins are successfully marketed antidiabetic agents with a reported neuroprotective effect, and this study tests their blood–brain barrier crossing ability. Henceforward, a computational hypothesis interpreting their effects was reasonable after failure to cross into the brain. A chromatographic bioassay for canagliflozin, dapagliflozin, and empagliflozin was developed, validated, and applied to the rat's and rat's plasma and brain. HPLC method robustness was tested over two levels using Design of Experiment on MINITAB. It is the first method for gliflozins' detection in rats' brain tissue. The method was applied on 18 rats and six for each drug. Concentrations in plasma were determined but neither of them was detected in brain at the described chromatographic conditions. A computational study for the three drugs was endorsing two techniques. First, ligand‐based target fishing reveals possible targets for gliflozins. They showed an ability to bind with human equilibrative nucleoside transporter 1, a regulator of adenosine extracellularly. Second, a docking study was carried out on this protein receptor. Results showed perfect alignment with a minimum of one hydrogen bond. Dapagliflozin achieved the lowest energy score with two hocking hydrogen bonds. This is proposing gliflozins ability to regulate equilibrative nucleoside transporter 1 receptors in peripheries, elevating the centrally acting neuroprotective adenosine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

African Animal Trypanosomiasis (AAT), caused predominantly by Trypanosoma brucei brucei, T. vivax and T. congolense, is a fatal livestock disease throughout Sub-Saharan Africa. Treatment options are very limited and threatened by resistance. Tubercidin (7-deazaadenosine) analogs have shown activity against individual parasites but viable chemotherapy must be active against all three species. Divergence in sensitivity to nucleoside antimetabolites could be caused by differences in nucleoside transporters. Having previously characterized the T. brucei nucleoside carriers, we here report the functional expression and characterization of the main adenosine transporters of T. vivax (TvxNT3) and T. congolense (TcoAT1/NT10), in a Leishmania mexicana cell line ('SUPKO') lacking adenosine uptake. Both carriers were similar to the T. brucei P1-type transporters and bind adenosine mostly through interactions with N3, N7 and 3′-OH. Expression of TvxNT3 and TcoAT1 sensitized SUPKO cells to various 7-substituted tubercidins and other nucleoside analogs although tubercidin itself is a poor substrate for P1-type transporters. Individual nucleoside EC50s were similar for T. b. brucei, T. congolense, T. evansi and T. equiperdum but correlated less well with T. vivax. However, multiple nucleosides including 7-halogentubercidines displayed pEC50>7 for all species and, based on transporter and anti-parasite SAR analyses, we conclude that nucleoside chemotherapy for AAT is viable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

RNA contains a wide variety of posttranscriptional modifications covalently attached to its base or sugar group. These modified nucleosides are liberated from RNA molecules as the consequence of RNA catabolism and released into extracellular space, but the molecular mechanism of extracellular transport and its pathophysiological implications have been unclear. In the present study, we discovered that RNA-derived modified nucleosides are exported to extracellular space through equilibrative nucleoside transporters 1 and 2 (ENT1 and ENT2), with ENT1 showing higher preference for modified nucleosides than ENT2. Pharmacological inhibition or genetic deletion of ENT1 and ENT2 significantly attenuated export of modified nucleosides thereby resulting in their accumulation in cytosol. Using mutagenesis strategy, we identified an amino acid residue in ENT1 that is involved in the discrimination of unmodified and modified nucleosides. In ENTs-deficient cells, the elevated levels of intracellular modified nucleosides were closely associated with an induction of autophagy response as evidenced by increased LC3-II level. Importantly, we performed a screening of modified nucleosides capable of inducing autophagy and found that 1-methylguanosine (m1G) was sufficient to induce LC3-II levels. Pathophysiologically, defective export of modified nucleosides drastically induced Zika virus replication in an autophagy-dependent manner. In addition, we also found that pharmacological inhibition of ENTs by dilazep significantly induced Zika virus replication. Collectively, our findings highlight RNA-derived modified nucleosides as important signaling modulators that activate autophagy response and indicate that defective export of these modified nucleoside can have profound consequences for pathophysiology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report the synthesis and cytotoxicity in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells of novel 1,2,3- and 1,2,4-triazolyl analogs of ribavirin. We modified ribavirin's carboxamide moiety to test the effects of lipophilic groups. 1-β-D-Ribofuranosyl-1H-1,2,3-triazoles were prepared using Click Chemistry, whereas an unprecedented application of a prior 1,2,4-triazole ring synthesis was used for 1-β-D-ribofuranosyl-1H-1,2,4-triazole analogs. Though cytotoxicity was mediocre and there was no correlation with lipophilicity, we discovered that a structurally similar concentrative nucleoside transporter 2 (CNT2) inhibitor was modestly cytotoxic (MCF-7 IC50 of 42 µM). These syntheses could be used to efficiently investigate variation in the nucleobase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With lifestyle changes, hyperuricemia has become a global epidemic. Recent studies have indicated that some probiotic strains may help control serum uric acid. This study aimed to screen probiotic strains with uric acid-lowering potential and subsequently analyze the safety and stress tolerance of the strain in food applications, utilizing phenotyping experiments and genome sequencing. Initially, we isolated a strain of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum MC14 with the best in vitro uric acid-lowering activity. The inosine and guanosine degradation rates of MC14 were 5.00 and 4.11 mg/L·min, respectively, and the XOD inhibition rate was 81.56% ± 3.87%. Gene analysis revealed that the MC14 strain encodes three nucleoside hydrolases and six nucleoside and nucleobase transporter proteins. Subsequently, safety assessments of the MC14 strain in food applications revealed no nitroreductase, amino decarboxylase, or tryptophanase activities, absence of hemolysis, and no antibiotic resistance gene transfer risk. Finally, stress tolerance tests on MC14 indicated robust tolerance to gastrointestinal fluids and bile salts, with survival rates exceeding 98% after 3 h in artificial gastric fluids and approximately 100.49% ± 0.15% after 8 h in artificial intestinal fluids. Additionally, MC14 demonstrated effective antibacterial properties and antioxidant capacity, and its genome was annotated with numerous stress tolerance-related genes, including 18 acid-base stress, 4 bile salt tolerance, 11 heat stress, 3 cold stress, 6 osmotic stress, and 28 oxidative stress. Our findings highlighted MC14 as a promising candidate for probiotic and food applications. • L. plantarum MC14 has uric acid-lowering potential. • Combined genome and in vitro test analyzed the uric acid-lowering potential of MC14. • The safety of MC14 was evaluated by combining genotype and phenotype. • Combined genotypic and phenotypic assessment of stress tolerance in MC14. • Multiple potential secondary metabolites have been predicted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a vital target for the development of novel anti-cancer drugs, human concentrative nucleoside transporter 3 (hCNT3) has been widely concerned. Nevertheless, the lack of a comprehensive understanding of molecular interactions and motion mechanism has greatly hindered the development of novel inhibitors against hCNT3. In this paper, molecular recognition of hCNT3 with uridine was investigated with molecular docking, conventional molecular dynamics (CMD) simulations and adaptive steered molecular dynamics (ASMD) simulations; and then, the uridine derivatives with possibly highly inhibitory activity were designed. The result of CMD showed that more water-mediated H-bonds and lower binding free energy both explained higher recognition ability and transported efficiency of hCNT3. While during the ASMD simulation, nucleoside transport process involved the significant side-chain flip of residues F321 and Q142, a typical substrate-induced conformational change. By considering electronegativity, atomic radius, functional group and key H-bonds factors, 25 novel uridine derivatives were constructed. Subsequently, the receptor-ligand binding free energy was predicted by solvated interaction energy (SIE) method to determine the inhibitor c8 with the best potential performance. This work not only revealed molecular recognition and release mechanism of uridine with hCNT3, but also designed a series of uridine derivatives to obtain lead compounds with potential high activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simplistic models can aid in discovering what is important in the context of normal and pathological behavior. First recognized as a genetic model more than 100 years ago, to date, fruit flies (Drosophila melanogaster) still remain an astonishingly good laboratory stand-in for scientists to study development and physiology and to investigate the molecular mechanisms of human diseases. This is because fruit flies indeed represent a simplistic model. Furthermore, about 75% of human disease-related genes have their counterparts in the Drosophila genome, added to the fact that fruit flies are inexpensive and extremely easy to maintain, being invertebrates and, moreover, lacking any ethical concern issues. Purinergic signaling is, by definition, mediated by extracellular purinergic ligands, among which ATP represents the prototype molecule. A key feature that has progressively emerged when dissecting the purinergic mechanisms is the multilayer and dynamic nature of the signaling sustained by purinergic ligands. Indeed, these last are sequentially metabolized by several different ectonucleotidases, which generate the ligands that simultaneously activate several different purinergic receptors. Since significant purinergic actions have also been described in Drosophila, the aim of the present work is to provide a comprehensive picture of the purinergic events occurring in fruit flies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nicotinamide riboside (NR) is an effective precursor of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) in human and animal cells. NR supplementation can increase the level of NAD in various tissues and thereby improve physiological functions that are weakened or lost in experimental models of aging or various human pathologies. However, there are also reports questioning the efficacy of NR supplementation. Indeed, the mechanisms of its utilization by cells are not fully understood. Herein, we investigated the role of purine nucleoside phosphorylase (PNP) in NR metabolism in mammalian cells. Using both PNP overexpression and genetic knockout, we show that after being imported into cells by members of the equilibrative nucleoside transporter family, NR is predominantly metabolized by PNP, resulting in nicotinamide (Nam) accumulation. Intracellular cleavage of NR to Nam is prevented by the potent PNP inhibitor Immucillin H in various types of mammalian cells. In turn, suppression of PNP activity potentiates NAD synthesis from NR. Combining pharmacological inhibition of PNP with NR supplementation in mice, we demonstrate that the cleavage of the riboside to Nam is strongly diminished, maintaining high levels of NR in blood, kidney, and liver. Moreover, we show that PNP inhibition stimulates Nam mononucleotide and NAD+ synthesis from NR in vivo, in particular, in the kidney. Thus, we establish PNP as a major regulator of NR metabolism in mammals and provide evidence that the health benefits of NR supplementation could be greatly enhanced by concomitant downregulation of PNP activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chagas disease, caused by Trypanosoma cruzi (T. cruzi), is a serious public health problem. Current treatment is restricted to two drugs, benznidazole and nifurtimox, displaying serious efficacy and safety drawbacks. Nucleoside analogues represent a promising alternative as protozoans do not biosynthesize purines and rely on purine salvage from the hosts. Protozoan transporters often present different substrate specificities from mammalian transporters, justifying the exploration of nucleoside analogues as therapeutic agents. Previous reports identified nucleosides with potent trypanocidal activity; therefore, two 7-derivatized tubercidins (FH11706, FH10714) and a 3′-deoxytubercidin (FH8513) were assayed against T. cruzi. They were highly potent and selective, and the uptake of the tubercidin analogues appeared to be mediated by the nucleoside transporter TcrNT2. At 10 μM, the analogues reduced parasitemia >90% in 2D and 3D cardiac cultures. The washout assays showed that FH10714 sterilized the infected cultures. Given orally, the compounds did not induce noticeable mouse toxicity (50 mg/kg), suppressed the parasitemia of T. cruzi-infected Swiss mice (25 mg/kg, 5 days) and presented DNA amplification below the limit of detection. These findings justify further studies with longer treatment regimens, as well as evaluations in combination with nitro drugs, aiming to identify more effective and safer therapies for Chagas disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Among the scarce validated drug targets against Chagas disease (CD), caused by Trypanosoma cruzi, the parasite's nucleoside salvage system has recently attracted considerable attention. Although the trypanocidal activity of tubercidin (7-deazapurine) has long been known, the identification of a class of 7-substituted tubercidin analogs with potent in vitro and in vivo activity and much-enhanced selectivity has made nucleoside analogs among the most promising lead compounds against CD. Here, we investigate the recently identified TcrNT2 nucleoside transporter and its potential role in antimetabolite chemotherapy. TcrNT2, expressed in a Leishmania mexicana cell line lacking the NT1 nucleoside transporter locus, displayed very high selectivity and affinity for thymidine with a Km of 0.26 ± 0.05 µM. The selectivity was explained by interactions of 2-oxo, 4-oxo, 5-Me, 3′-hydroxy and 5′-hydroxy with the transporter binding pocket, whereas a hydroxy group at the 2′ position was deleterious to binding. This made 5-halogenated 2′-deoxyuridine analogues good substrates but 5-F-2′-deoxyuridine displayed disappointing activity against T. cruzi trypomastigotes. By comparing the EC50 values of tubercidin and its 7-substituted analogues against L. mexicana Cas9, Cas9ΔNT1 and Cas9ΔNT1+TcrNT2 it was shown that TcrNT2 can take up tubercidin and, at a minimum, a subset of the analogs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive subtype of breast cancer and is susceptible to develop gemcitabine (GEM) resistance. Decreased expression of human equilibrative nucleoside transporter 1 (hENT1) accompanied by compensatory increase of glycolysis is strongly associated with GEM resistance in TNBC. In this study, we investigated the treatment feasibility of combined hENT1 upregulation and miR-143-mediated inhibition of glycolysis for reversing GEM resistance in TNBC. Methods: Experiments were performed in vitro and in vivo to compare the efficacy of GEM therapies. In this study, we established stable drug-resistant cell line, GEM-R cells, from parental cells (MDA-MB-231) through exposure to GEM following a stepwise incremental dosing strategy. Then GEM-R cells were transfected by lentiviral plasmids and GEM-R cells overexpressing hENT1 (GEM-R-hENT1) were established. The viability and apoptosis of wild-type (MDA-MB-231), GEM-R, and GEM-R-hENT1 cells treated with GEM or GEM + miR-143 were analyzed by CCK8 assay and flow cytometry. The RNA expression and protein expression were measured by RT-PCR and western blotting respectively. GEM uptake was determined by multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) analysis. Glycolysis was measured by glucose assay and 18F-FDG uptake. The antitumor effect was assessed in vivo in a tumor xenograft model by evaluating toxicity, tumor volume, and maximum standardized uptake value in 18F-FDG PET. Immunohistochemistry and fluorescence photography were taken in tumor samples. Pairwise comparisons were performed using Student's t-test. Results: Our results represented that overexpression of hENT1 reversed GEM resistance in GEM-R cells by showing lower IC50 and higher rate of apoptosis. MiR-143 suppressed glycolysis in GEM-R cells and enhanced the effect of reversing GEM resistance in GEM-R-hENT1 cells. The therapeutic efficacy was validated using a xenograft mouse model. Combination treatment decreased tumor growth rate and maximum standardized uptake value in 18F-FDG PET more effectively. Conclusions: Combined therapy of exogenous upregulation of hENT1 expression and miR-143 mimic administration was effective in reversing GEM resistance, providing a promising strategy for treating GEM-resistant TNBC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ADP-ribosyl cyclases (ADPRCs) catalyze the synthesis of the Ca2+-active second messengers Cyclic ADP-ribose (cADPR) and ADP-ribose (ADPR) from NAD+ as well as nicotinic acid adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NAADP+) from NADP+. The best characterized ADPRC in mammals is CD38, a single-pass transmembrane protein with two opposite membrane orientations. The first identified form, type II CD38, is a glycosylated ectoenzyme, while type III CD38 has its active site in the cytosol. The ectoenzymatic nature of type II CD38 raised long ago the question of a topological paradox concerning the access of the intracellular NAD+ substrate to the extracellular active site and of extracellular cADPR product to its intracellular receptors, ryanodine (RyR) channels. Two different transporters, equilibrative connexin 43 (Cx43) hemichannels for NAD+ and concentrative nucleoside transporters (CNTs) for cADPR, proved to mediate cell-autonomous trafficking of both nucleotides. Here, we discussed how type II CD38, Cx43 and CNTs also play a role in mediating several paracrine processes where an ADPRC+ cell supplies a neighboring CNT-and RyR-expressing cell with cADPR. Recently, type II CD38 was shown to start an ectoenzymatic sequence of reactions from NAD+/ADPR to the strong immunosuppressant adenosine; this paracrine effect represents a major mechanism of acquired resistance of several tumors to immune checkpoint therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fluorescent derivative of glucose, 2-Deoxy-2-[(7-nitro-2,1,3-benzoxadiazol-4-yl)-amino]-D-glucose (2NBDG), is a widely used surrogate reagent to visualize glucose uptake in live cells at single cell resolution. Using CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing in 5TGM1 myeloma cells, we demonstrate that ablation of the glucose transporter gene Slc2a1 abrogates radioactive glucose uptake but has no effect on the magnitude or kinetics of 2NBDG import. Extracellular 2NBDG, but not NBD-fructose was transported by primary plasma cells into the cytoplasm suggesting a specific mechanism that is unlinked from glucose import and that of chemically similar compounds. Neither excess glucose nor pharmacological inhibition of GLUT1 impacted 2NBDG uptake in myeloma cells or primary splenocytes. Genetic ablation of other expressed hexose transporters individually or in combination with one another also had no impact on 2NBDG uptake. Ablation of the genes in the Slc29 and Slc35 families of nucleoside and nucleoside sugar transporters also failed to impact 2NBDG import. Thus, cellular uptake of 2NBDG is not necessarily a faithful indicator of glucose transport and is promoted by an unknown mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The proper regulation of nucleotide pools is essential for all types of cellular functions and depends on de novo nucleotide biosynthesis, salvage, and degradation pathways. Despite the apparent essentiality of these processes, a significant number of rare diseases associated with mutations in genes encoding various enzymes of these pathways have been already identified, and others are likely yet to come. However, knowledge on genetic alterations impacting on nucleoside and nucleobase transporters is still limited. At this moment three gene-encoding nucleoside and nucleobase transporter proteins have been reported to be mutated in humans, SLC29A1, SLC29A3, and SLC28A1, impacting on the expression and function of ENT1, ENT3, and CNT1, respectively. ENT1 alterations determine Augustine-null blood type and cause ectopic calcification during aging. ENT3 deficiency translates into various clinical manifestations and syndromes, altogether listed in the OMIM catalog as histiocytosis-lymphoadenopathy plus syndrome (OMIM#602782). CNT1 deficiency causes uridine-cytidineuria (URCTU) (OMIM#618477), a unique type of pyrimidineuria with an as yet not well-known clinical impact. Increasing knowledge on the physiological, molecular and structural features of these transporter proteins is helping us to better understand the biological basis behind the biochemical and clinical manifestations caused by these deficiencies. Moreover, they also support the view that some metabolic compensation might occur in these disturbances, because they do not seem to significantly impact nucleotide homeostasis, but rather other biological events associated with particular subtypes of transporter proteins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]