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The urothelium and lamina propria (LP) contribute to sensations of bladder fullness by releasing multiple mediators, including prostaglandins (PGs) and adenosine 5′-triphosphate (ATP), that activate or modulate functions of cells throughout the bladder wall. Mediators that are simultaneously released in response to bladder distention likely influence each other's mechanisms of release and action. This study investigated whether PGs could alter the extracellular hydrolysis of ATP by soluble nucleotidases (s-NTDs) released in the LP of nondistended or distended bladders. Using an ex vivo murine detrusor-free bladder model to access the LP during bladder filling and a sensitive HPLC-FLD detection methodology, we evaluated the decrease in ATP and the increase in adenosine 5′-diphosphate (ADP), adenosine 5′-monophosphate (AMP), and adenosine by s-NTDs released in the LP. Endogenous PGE2 increased the spontaneous but not the distention-induced release of s-NTD via EP2 and EP3 prostanoid receptors, whereas exogenous PGE2 increased the spontaneous s-NTD release via EP3, EP4, and FP receptors and the distention-induced s-NTD release via EP1-4 and FP receptors. Endogenous PGF2α, PGD2, and PGI2 did not change the s-NTD release. Exogenous PGD2 increased the spontaneous s-NTD release via DP2 receptors and the distention-induced s-NTD release via DP1 and DP2 receptors. Exogenous PGF2α increased the spontaneous but not the distention-induced release of s-NTD via FP receptors. It is possible that higher concentrations of PGE2, PGF2α, and PGD2 (as expected in inflammation, bladder pain syndrome, or overactive bladder) potentiate the release of s-NTDs and the consecutive degradation of ATP as a safeguard mechanism to prevent the development of excessive bladder excitability and overactivity by high amounts of extracellular ATP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Nucleotidases participate in the regulation of physiological and pathological events, such as inflammation and coagulation. Different types of physical exercise promote changes in purinergic signaling. In the present study, we investigated the activities of soluble nucleotidases in the blood serum of sedentary young male adults before and after a resistance exercise session. In addition, we evaluated how this type of exercise could influence the concentrations of adenine nucleotides in the blood serum. The individuals were submitted to a strength exercise session, consisting of 8 exercises. Blood samples were collected pre- and post-exercise, and serum was separated for analysis. Results showed increases in ATP, ADP, and AMP hydrolysis post-exercise, compared to pre-exercise values. Our results demonstrate that a resistance exercise session modifies ATP metabolism, being one more form of exercise that can positively influence cardiovascular and metabolic health.

Purinergic signaling is important for normal bladder function, as it is thought to initiate the voiding reflex and modulate smooth muscle tone. The availability of adenine nucleotides and nucleosides (aka purines) at receptor sites of various cell types in the bladder wall is regulated by ectonucleotidases (ENTDs). ENTDs hydrolyze purines such as adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP) and adenosine 5'-diphosphate (ADP) with varying preference for the individual substrate. Therefore, the end effect of extracellular purines may depend significantly on the type of ENTD that is expressed in close proximity to the target cells. ENTDs likely have distinct cellular associations, but the specific locations of individual enzymes in the bladder wall are poorly understood. We used RNAscope™, an RNA in situ hybridization (ISH) technology, to visualize the distribution and measure the levels of gene expression of the main recognized ectonucleotidases in large high-resolution images of murine bladder sections. The relative gene expression of ENTDs was Entpd3 > Alpl » Enppl = Entpd2 » Enpp3 > Entpdl (very low to no signal) in the urothelium, Entpdl ≥Entpd2 » Enpp3 > Enppl = Alpl ≥ Nt5e (very low to no signal) in the lamina propria, and Entpdl » Nt5e = Entpd2 » Enppl > Alpl = Enpp3 in the detrusor. These layer-specific differences might be important in compartmentalized regulation of purine availability and subsequent functions in the bladder wall and may explain reported asymmetries in purine availability in the bladder lumen and suburothelium/lamina propria spaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sepsis is a life-threatening organ dysfunction caused by a dysregulated inflammatory response to infection. To date, there is no specific treatment established for sepsis. In the extracellular compartment, purines such as adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and adenosine play essential roles in the immune/inflammatory responses during sepsis and septic shock. The balance of extracellular levels among ATP and adenosine is intimately involved in the signals related to immune stimulation/immunosuppression balance. Specialized enzymes, including CD39, CD73, and adenosine deaminase (ADA), are responsible to metabolize ATP to adenosine which will further sensitize the P2 and P1 purinoceptors, respectively. Disruption of the purinergic pathway had been described in the sepsis pathophysiology. Although purinergic signaling has been suggested as a potential target for sepsis treatment, the majority of data available were obtained using pre-clinical approaches. We hypothesized that, as a reflection of deregulation on purinergic signaling, septic patients exhibit differential measurements of serum, neutrophils and monocytes purinergic pathway markers when compared to two types of controls (healthy and ward). It was observed that ATP and ADP serum levels were increased in septic patients, as well as the A2a mRNA expression in neutrophils and monocytes. Both ATPase/ADPase activities were increased during sepsis. Serum ATP and ADP levels, and both ATPase and ADPase activities were associated with the diagnosis of sepsis, representing potential biomarkers candidates. In conclusion, our results advance the translation of purinergic signaling from pre-clinical models into the clinical setting opening opportunities for so much needed new strategies for sepsis and septic shock diagnostics and treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purinergic signaling is important for normal bladder function, as it is thought to initiate the voiding reflex and modulate smooth muscle tone. The availability of adenine nucleotides and nucleosides (aka purines) at receptor sites of various cell types in the bladder wall is regulated by ectonucleotidases (ENTDs). ENTDs hydrolyze purines such as adenosine 5′-triphosphate (ATP) and adenosine 5′-diphosphate (ADP) with varying preference for the individual substrate. Therefore, the end effect of extracellular purines may depend significantly on the type of ENTD that is expressed in close proximity to the target cells. ENTDs likely have distinct cellular associations, but the specific locations of individual enzymes in the bladder wall are poorly understood. We used RNAscope™, an RNA in situ hybridization (ISH) technology, to visualize the distribution and measure the levels of gene expression of the main recognized ectonucleotidases in large high-resolution images of murine bladder sections. The relative gene expression of ENTDs was Entpd3 > Alpl >> Enpp1 = Entpd2 >> Enpp3 > Entpd1 (very low to no signal) in the urothelium, Entpd1 ≥ Entpd2 >> Enpp3 > Enpp1 = Alpl ≥ Nt5e (very low to no signal) in the lamina propria, and Entpd1 >> Nt5e = Entpd2 >> Enpp1 > Alpl = Enpp3 in the detrusor. These layer-specific differences might be important in compartmentalized regulation of purine availability and subsequent functions in the bladder wall and may explain reported asymmetries in purine availability in the bladder lumen and suburothelium/lamina propria spaces.

UshA and CpdB are nucleotidases of the periplasm of several Gram-negative bacteria, while several Gram-positives contain cell wall-bound variants. UshA is a 5′-nucleotidase, a UDP-sugar hydrolase, and a CDP-alcohol hydrolase. CpdB acts as a 3′-nucleotidase and as a phosphodiesterase of 2′,3′-cyclic nucleotides and 3′,5′-linear and cyclic dinucleotides. Both proteins are pro-virulent for the pathogens producing them and facilitate escape from the innate immunity of the infected host. Recently, the genomic distribution of cpdB-like genes in Bacteria was found to be non-homogeneous among different taxa, and differences occur within single taxa, even at species level. Similitudes and differences between UshA-like and CpdB-like proteins prompted parallel analysis of their genomic distributions in Bacteria. The presence of ushA-like and cpdB-like genes was tested by TBlastN analysis using seven protein probes to query the NCBI Complete Genomes Database. It is concluded that the distribution of ushA-like genes, like that of cpdB-like genes, is non-homogeneous. There is a partial correlation between both gene kinds: in some taxa, both are present or absent, while in others, only one is present. The result is an extensive catalog of the genomic distribution of these genes at different levels, from phylum to species, constituting a starting point for research using other in silico or experimental approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To study the ability of Streptomyces to utilize environmental nucleotides, we screened for strains exhibiting extracellular 5′-inosine monophosphate (IMP)-dephosphorylating activity in our collection of soil isolates and obtained two producers: NE5-10 and Y2F8-2. The enzyme responsible for the activity was purified from the culture supernatant of each strain, and its mass spectral data were used to identify the coding sequence. The gene was successfully identified in the whole genome sequence of each strain; it was located in a conserved gene cluster of phosphate-related functions and encoded an approximately 600-amino acid long protein containing an N-terminal secretion signal. The mature part of the protein exhibited similarity to a known bacterial 5′-nucleotidase. The locus of the 5′-nucleotidase gene contained genes encoding proteins involved in phosphate utilization. The conserved gene arrangement of the locus in various Streptomyces genomes suggested the genetic region to be involved in phosphate-scavenging in this group of bacteria. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that the isolated Streptomyces enzymes represent an uncharacterized group of bacterial 5′-nucleotidases. Enzymatic characterization of the two Streptomyces enzymes demonstrated that both enzymes exhibited 5′-nucleotidase activity but differed in terms of optimal temperature and pH, dependence on divalent cations, and substrate specificity. The Km and Vmax values of the 5′-IMP-dephosphorylating activity were 0.239 mM and 9.47 U/mg, respectively, for NE5-10 and 0.221 mM and 38.17 U/mg, respectively, for Y2F8-2. Enzyme activity in the culture broth of the two Streptomyces producers occurred in a phosphate-limitation-dependent manner, supporting their involvement in the acquisition of phosphorus. Key points: • We purified and characterized nucleotidases from two Streptomyces. • Two nucleotidases were presumed to be involved in phosphate acquisition. • It showed diversity in phosphate acquisition among microorganisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adenosine 5′-triphosphate (ATP) is released in the bladder lumen during filling. Urothelial ATP is presumed to regulate bladder excitability. Urinary ATP is suggested as a urinary biomarker of bladder dysfunctions since ATP is increased in the urine of patients with overactive bladder, interstitial cystitis or bladder pain syndrome. Altered urinary ATP might also be associated with voiding dysfunctions linked to disease states associated with metabolic syndrome. Extracellular ATP levels are determined by ATP release and ATP hydrolysis by membrane-bound and soluble nucleotidases (s-NTDs). It is currently unknown whether s-NTDs regulate urinary ATP. Using etheno-ATP substrate and HPLC-FLD detection techniques, we found that s-NTDs are released in the lumen of ex vivo mouse detrusor-free bladders. Capillary immunoelectrophoresis by ProteinSimple Wes determined that intraluminal solutions (ILS) collected at the end of filling contain ENTPD3 > ENPP1 > ENPP3 ≥ ENTPD2 = NT5E = ALPL/TNAP. Activation of adenylyl cyclase with forskolin increased luminal s-NTDs release whereas the AC inhibitor SQ22536 had no effect. In contrast, forskolin reduced and SQ22536 increased s-NTDs release in the lamina propria. Adenosine enhanced s-NTDs release and accelerated ATP hydrolysis in ILS and lamina propria. Therefore, there is a regulated release of s-NTDs in the bladder lumen during filling. Aberrant release or functions of urothelial s-NTDs might cause elevated urinary ATP in conditions with abnormal bladder excitability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nucleotidases contribute to the regulation of inflammation, coagulation, and cardiovascular activity. Exercise promotes biological adaptations, but its effects on nucleotidase activities and expression are unclear. The objective of this study was to review systematically the effects of exercise on nucleotidase functionality in healthy and unhealthy subjects. The MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases were searched to identify, randomized clinical trials, non‐randomized clinical trials, uncontrolled clinical trials, quasi‐experimental, pre‐, and post‐interventional studies that evaluated the effects of exercise on nucleotidases in humans, and was not limited by language and date. Two independent reviewers performed the study selection, data extraction, and assessment of risk of bias. Of the 203 articles identified, 12 were included in this review. Eight studies reported that acute exercise, in healthy and unhealthy subjects, elevated the activities or expression of nucleotidases. Four studies evaluated the effects of chronic training on nucleotidase activities in the platelets and lymphocytes of patients with metabolic syndrome, chronic kidney disease, and hypertension and found a decrease in nucleotidase activities in these conditions. Acute and chronic exercise was able to modify the blood plasma and serum levels of nucleotides and nucleosides. Our results suggest that short‐ and long‐term exercise modulate nucleotidase functionality. As such, purinergic signaling may represent a novel molecular adaptation in inflammatory, thrombotic, and vascular responses to exercise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coral snake venoms from the Micrurus genus are a natural library of components with multiple targets, yet are poorly explored. In Brazil, 34 Micrurus species are currently described, and just a few have been investigated for their venom activities. Micrurus venoms are composed mainly of phospholipases A2 and three-finger toxins, which are responsible for neuromuscular blockade—the main envenomation outcome in humans. Beyond these two major toxin families, minor components are also important for the global venom activity, including Kunitz-peptides, serine proteases, 5′ nucleotidases, among others. In the present study, we used the two-microelectrode voltage clamp technique to explore the crude venom activities of five different Micrurus species from the south and southeast of Brazil: M. altirostris, M. corallinus, M. frontalis, M. carvalhoi and M. decoratus. All five venoms induced full inhibition of the muscle-type α1β1δε nAChR with different levels of reversibility. We found M. altirostris and M. frontalis venoms acting as partial inhibitors of the neuronal-type α7 nAChR with an interesting subsequent potentiation after one washout. We discovered that M. altirostris and M. corallinus venoms modulate the α1β2 GABAAR. Interestingly, the screening on KV1.3 showed that all five Micrurus venoms act as inhibitors, being totally reversible after the washout. Since this activity seems to be conserved among different species, we hypothesized that the Micrurus venoms may rely on potassium channel inhibitory activity as an important feature of their envenomation strategy. Finally, tests on NaV1.2 and NaV1.4 showed that these channels do not seem to be targeted by Micrurus venoms. In summary, the venoms tested are multifunctional, each of them acting on at least two different types of targets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multiple epiphyseal dysplasia (MED) is a heterogeneous group of chondrodysplasia characterized by arthralgia, early onset osteoarthropathy, and the radiographic findings of small, flat, and irregular-shaped epiphyses. Some patients with MED have mild short stature as well. MED is genetically heterogeneous caused by pathogenic variants in COMP, MATN3, COL9A1, COL9A2, COL9A3, and SLC26A2. In 2017, pathogenic variants in CANT1, which are responsible for Desbuquois dysplasia, have also been reported in the genetic etiology of MED. To date, only three patients have been reported with CANT1-related MED. Herein, we present clinical and radiographic findings of six additional patients from five unrelated families, all sharing the same c.375G > C; p.(Trp125Cys) variant in CANT1 gene. These patients exhibited the features of multiple epiphyseal dysplasia, along with some similarities to Desbuquois dysplasia, thereby broadening the clinical spectrum of CANT1-related disorders., (© 2024 Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

Tightly controlled recruitment of telomerase, a low-abundance enzyme, to telomeres is essential for regulated telomere synthesis. Recent studies in human cells revealed that a patch of amino acids in the shelterin component TPP1, called the TEL-patch, is essential for recruiting telomerase to telomeres. However, how TEL-patch-telomerase interaction integrates into the overall orchestration of telomerase regulation at telomeres is unclear. In fission yeast, Tel1(ATM)/Rad3(ATR)-mediated phosphorylation of shelterin component Ccq1 during late S phase is involved in telomerase recruitment through promoting the binding of Ccq1 to a telomerase accessory protein Est1. Here, we identify the TEL-patch in Tpz1(TPP1), mutations of which lead to decreased telomeric association of telomerase, similar to the phosphorylation-defective Ccq1. Furthermore, we find that telomerase action at telomeres requires formation and resolution of an intermediate state, in which the cell cycle-dependent Ccq1-Est1 interaction is coupled to the TEL-patch-Trt1 interaction, to achieve temporally regulated telomerase elongation of telomeres.

Prior studies suggest that urothelium-released adenosine 5′-triphosphate (ATP) has a prominent role in bladder mechanotransduction. Urothelial ATP regulates the micturition cycle through activation of purinergic receptors that are expressed in many cell types in the lamina propria (LP), including afferent neurons, and might also be important for direct mechanosensitive signaling between urothelium and detrusor. The excitatory action of ATP is terminated by enzymatic hydrolysis, which subsequently produces bioactive metabolites. We examined possible mechanosensitive mechanisms of ATP hydrolysis in the LP by determining the degradation of 1, N 6 -etheno-ATP (eATP) at the anti-luminal side of nondistended (empty) or distended (full) murine (C57BL/6J) detrusor-free bladder model, using HPLC. The hydrolysis of eATP and eADP was greater in contact with LP of distended than of nondistended bladders whereas the hydrolysis of eAMP remained unchanged during filling, suggesting that some steps of eATP hydrolysis in the LP are mechanosensitive. eATP and eADP were also catabolized in extraluminal solutions (ELS) that were in contact with the LP of detrusor-free bladders, but removed from the organ chambers prior to addition of substrate. The degradation of both purines was greater in ELS from distended than from nondistended preparations, suggesting the presence of mechanosensitive release of soluble nucleotidases in the LP. The released enzyme activities were affected differently by Ca2+ and Mg2+. The common nucleotidase inhibitors ARL67156, POM-1, PSB06126, and ENPP1 Inhibitor C, but not the alkaline phosphatase inhibitor (-)-p-bromotetramisole oxalate, inhibited the enzymes released during bladder distention. Membrane-bound nucleotidases were identified in tissue homogenates and in concentrated ELS from distended preparations by Wes immunodetection. The relative distribution of nucleotidases was ENTPD1 >> ENPP1 > ENTPD2 = ENTPD3 > ENPP3 = NT5E >> ENTPD8 = TNAP in urothelium and ENTPD1 >> ENTPD3 >> ENPP3 > ENPP1 = ENTPD2 = NT5E >> ENTPD8 = TNAP in concentrated ELS, suggesting that regulated ectodomain shedding of membrane-bound nucleotidases possibly occurs in the LP during bladder filling. Mechanosensitive degradation of ATP and ADP by membrane-bound and soluble nucleotidases in the LP diminishes the availability of excitatory purines in the LP at the end of bladder filling. This might be a safeguard mechanism to prevent over-excitability of the bladder. Proper proportions of excitatory and inhibitory purines in the bladder wall are determined by distention-associated purine release and purine metabolism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cytosolic nucleotidases (cNs) catalyze dephosphorylation of nucleoside 5'-monophosphates and thereby contribute to the regulation of nucleotide levels in cells. cNs have also been shown to dephosphorylate several therapeutically relevant nucleotide analogues. cN-IIIB has shown in vitro a distinctive activity towards 7-mehtylguanosine monophosphate (m7GMP), which is one key metabolites of mRNA cap. Consequently, it has been proposed that cN-IIIB participates in mRNA cap turnover and prevents undesired accumulation and salvage of m7GMP. Here, we sought to develop molecular tools enabling more advanced studies on the cellular role of cN-IIIB. To that end, we performed substrate and inhibitor property profiling using a library of 41 substrate analogs. The most potent hit compounds (identified among m7GMP analogs) were used as a starting point for structure–activity relationship studies. As a result, we identified several 7-benzylguanosine 5'-monophosphate (Bn7GMP) derivatives as potent, unhydrolyzable cN-IIIB inhibitors. The mechanism of inhibition was elucidated using X-ray crystallography and molecular docking. Finally, we showed that compounds that potently inhibit recombinant cN-IIIB have the ability to inhibit m7GMP decay in cell lysates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The most frequently isolated human fungal pathogen is Candida albicans which is responsible for about 50% of all Candida infections. In healthy individuals, this organism resides as a part of the normal microbiota in equilibrium with the host. However, under certain conditions, particularly in immunocompromised patients, this opportunistic pathogen adheres to host cells causing serious systemic infections. Thus, much effort has been dedicated to the study of its physiology with emphasis on factors associated to pathogenicity. A representative analysis deals with the mechanisms of glycoprotein assembly as many cell surface antigens and other macromolecules that modulate the immune system fall within this chemical category. In this regard, studies of the terminal protein glycosylation stage which occurs in Golgi vesicles has led to the identification of nucleotidases that convert glycosyltransferase-generated dinucleotides into the corresponding mononucleotides, thus playing a double function: their activity prevent inhibition of further glycosyl transfer by the accumulation of dinucleotides and the resulting mononucleotides are exchanged by specific membrane transporters for equimolecular amounts of sugar donors from the cytosol. Here, using a simple protocol for protein separation we isolated a bifunctional nucleotidase from C. albicans active on GDP and UDP that was characterized in terms of its molecular mass, response to bivalent ions and other factors, substrate specificity and affinity. Results are discussed in terms of the similarities and differences of this nucleotidase with similar counterparts from other organisms thus contributing to the knowledge of a bifunctional diphosphatase not described before in C. albicans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prior studies suggest that urothelium-released adenosine 5′-triphosphate (ATP) has a prominent role in bladder mechanotransduction. Urothelial ATP regulates the micturition cycle through activation of purinergic receptors that are expressed in many cell types in the lamina propria (LP), including afferent neurons, and might also be important for direct mechanosensitive signaling between urothelium and detrusor. The excitatory action of ATP is terminated by enzymatic hydrolysis, which subsequently produces bioactive metabolites. We examined possible mechanosensitive mechanisms of ATP hydrolysis in the LP by determining the degradation of 1,N6-etheno-ATP (eATP) at the anti-luminal side of nondistended (empty) or distended (full) murine (C57BL/6J) detrusor-free bladder model, using HPLC. The hydrolysis of eATP and eADP was greater in contact with LP of distended than of nondistended bladders whereas the hydrolysis of eAMP remained unchanged during filling, suggesting that some steps of eATP hydrolysis in the LP are mechanosensitive. eATP and eADP were also catabolized in extraluminal solutions (ELS) that were in contact with the LP of detrusor-free bladders, but removed from the organ chambers prior to addition of substrate. The degradation of both purines was greater in ELS from distended than from nondistended preparations, suggesting the presence of mechanosensitive release of soluble nucleotidases in the LP. The released enzyme activities were affected differently by Ca2+ and Mg2+. The common nucleotidase inhibitors ARL67156, POM-1, PSB06126, and ENPP1 Inhibitor C, but not the alkaline phosphatase inhibitor (-)-p-bromotetramisole oxalate, inhibited the enzymes released during bladder distention. Membrane-bound nucleotidases were identified in tissue homogenates and in concentrated ELS from distended preparations by Wes immunodetection. The relative distribution of nucleotidases was ENTPD1 >> ENPP1 > ENTPD2 = ENTPD3 > ENPP3 = NT5E >> ENTPD8 = TNAP in urothelium and ENTPD1 >> ENTPD3 >> ENPP3 > ENPP1 = ENTPD2 = NT5E >> ENTPD8 = TNAP in concentrated ELS, suggesting that regulated ectodomain shedding of membrane-bound nucleotidases possibly occurs in the LP during bladder filling. Mechanosensitive degradation of ATP and ADP by membrane-bound and soluble nucleotidases in the LP diminishes the availability of excitatory purines in the LP at the end of bladder filling. This might be a safeguard mechanism to prevent over-excitability of the bladder. Proper proportions of excitatory and inhibitory purines in the bladder wall are determined by distention-associated purine release and purine metabolism.

The effects of mixed inorganic and organic nitrogen (N) addition on soil enzyme activities and the underlying mechanism remain unclear, especially in complex field conditions. We conducted a mesocosm experiment with two rates of N addition (10 and 20 g N [m.sup.-2] [year.sup.-1]) and four ratios of N addition (inorganic N : organic N = 10:0, 7:3, 3:7 and 1:9) and measured enzyme activities, soil physicochemical properties, microbial biomass and vegetation indicators. Generally, soil enzyme activities involved in carbon (C), N and phosphorus cycling increased with the increase of N addition rate. Compared to the single inorganic N addition treatment, enzyme activities were highest under mixed N addition treatments, especially medium organic N addition. The variations in soil enzyme activities across different treatments were tightly linked to the soil microbial biomass C, dissolved organic C and soil pH. These findings provide a good understanding of the response trends of soil hydrolytic enzyme activities in a meadow steppe to changes in N deposition rate and form. Additional keywords: hydrolytic enzyme activities, inorganic nitrogen, meadow steppe, nitrogen deposition, organic nitrogen. Received 22 July 2019, accepted 16 December 2019, published online 30 January 2020, Introduction Soil extracellular enzymes are a class of bioactive substances with catalytic ability and mainly originate from microorganisms (Sinsabaugh and Follstad Shah 2012; Lopez-Aizpun et cil. 2018; Li et dl. [...]

ATP has been previously identified as an autocrine signaling factor that is co‐released with insulin to modulate and propagate β‐cell activity within islets of Langerhans. Here, we show that β‐cell activity and insulin secretion essentially rely on the presence of extracellular ATP. For this, we monitored changes of the intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i oscillations) as an immediate read‐out for insulin secretion in live cell experiments. Extensive washing of cells or depletion of extracellular ATP levels by recombinant apyrase reduced [Ca2+]i oscillations and insulin secretion in pancreatic cell lines and primary β‐cells. Following ATP depletion, [Ca2+]i oscillations were stimulated by the replenishment of ATP in a concentration‐dependent manner. Inhibition of endogenous ecto‐ATP nucleotidases increased extracellular ATP levels, along with [Ca2+]i oscillations and insulin secretion, indicating that there is a constant supply of ATP to the extracellular space. Our combined results demonstrate that extracellular ATP is essential for β‐cell activity. The presented work suggests extracellular ATPases as potential drug targets for the modulation of insulin release. We further found that exogenous fatty acids compensated for depleted extracellular ATP levels by the recovery of [Ca2+]i oscillations, indicating that autocrine factors mutually compensate for the loss of others. Thereby, our results contribute to a more detailed and complete understanding of the general role of autocrine signaling factors as a fundamental regulatory mechanism of β‐cell activity and insulin secretion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Belonging to the GDA1/CD39 protein superfamily, nucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolases (NTPDases) catalyze the hydrolysis of ATP and ADP to the monophosphate form (AMP) and inorganic phosphate (Pi). Several NTPDase isoforms have been described in different cells, from pathogenic organisms to animals and plants. Biochemical characterization of nucleotidases/NTPDases has revealed the existence of isoforms with different specificities regarding divalent cations (such as calcium and magnesium) and substrates. In mammals, NTPDases have been implicated in the regulation of thrombosis and inflammation. In parasites, such as Trichomonas vaginalis, Trypanosoma spp. , Leishmania spp. , Schistosoma spp. and Toxoplasma gondii , NTPDases were found on the surface of the cell, and important processes like growth, infectivity, and virulence seem to depend on their activity. For instance, experimental evidence has indicated that parasite NTPDases can regulate the levels of ATP and Adenosine (Ado) of the host cell, leading to the modulation of the host immune response. In this work, we provide a comprehensive review showing the involvement of the nucleotidases/NTPDases in parasites infectivity and virulence, and how inhibition of NTPDases contributes to parasite clearance and the development of new antiparasitic drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adenosine 5′-triphosphate (ATP) is released in the bladder lumen during filling. Urothelial ATP is presumed to regulate bladder excitability. Urinary ATP is suggested as a urinary biomarker of bladder dysfunctions since ATP is increased in the urine of patients with overactive bladder, interstitial cystitis or bladder pain syndrome. Altered urinary ATP might also be associated with voiding dysfunctions linked to disease states associated with metabolic syndrome. Extracellular ATP levels are determined by ATP release and ATP hydrolysis by membrane-bound and soluble nucleotidases (s-NTDs). It is currently unknown whether s-NTDs regulate urinary ATP. Using etheno-ATP substrate and HPLC-FLD detection techniques, we found that s-NTDs are released in the lumen of ex vivo mouse detrusor-free bladders. Capillary immunoelectrophoresis by ProteinSimple Wes determined that intraluminal solutions (ILS) collected at the end of filling contain ENTPD3 > ENPP1 > ENPP3 ≥ ENTPD2 = NT5E = ALPL/TNAP. Activation of adenylyl cyclase with forskolin increased luminal s-NTDs release whereas the AC inhibitor SQ22536 had no effect. In contrast, forskolin reduced and SQ22536 increased s-NTDs release in the lamina propria. Adenosine enhanced s-NTDs release and accelerated ATP hydrolysis in ILS and lamina propria. Therefore, there is a regulated release of s-NTDs in the bladder lumen during filling. Aberrant release or functions of urothelial s-NTDs might cause elevated urinary ATP in conditions with abnormal bladder excitability.

As an ancient analgesia therapy, acupuncture has been practiced worldwide nowadays. A good understanding of its mechanisms will offer a promise for its rational and wider application. As the first station of pain sensation, peripheral sensory ganglia express pain-related P2X receptors that are involved in the acupuncture analgesia mechanisms transduction pathway. While the role of their endogenous ligand, extracellular ATP (eATP), remains less studied. This work attempted to clarify whether acupuncture modulated eATP levels in the peripheral sensory nerve system during its analgesia process. Male Sprague–Dawley rats underwent acute inflammatory pain by injecting Complete Freund's Adjuvant in the unilateral ankle joint for 2 days. A twenty-minute acupuncture was applied to ipsilateral Zusanli acupoint. Thermal hyperalgesia and tactile allodynia were assessed on bilateral hind paws to evaluate the analgesic effect. eATP of bilateral isolated lumbar 4-5 dorsal root ganglia (DRGs) and sciatic nerves were determined by luminescence assay. Nucleotidases NTPDase-2 and -3 in bilateral ganglia and sciatic nerves were measured by real-time PCR to explore eATP hydrolysis process. Our results revealed that acute inflammation induced bilateral thermal hyperalgesia and ipsilateral tactile allodynia, which were accompanied by increased eATP levels and higher mechano-sensitivity of bilateral DRGs and decreased eATP levels of bilateral sciatic nerves. Acupuncture exerted anti-nociception on bilateral hind paws, reversed the increased eATP and mechanosensitivity of bilateral DRGs, and restored the decreased eATP of bilateral sciatic nerves. NTPDase-2 and -3 in bilateral ganglia and sciatic nerves were inconsistently modulated during this period. These observations indicate that eATP metabolism of peripheral sensory nerve system was simultaneously regulated during acupuncture analgesia, which might open a new frontier for acupuncture research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tick salivary glands produce and secrete a variety of compounds that modulate host responses and ensure a successful blood meal. Despite great progress made in the identification of ticks salivary compounds in recent years, there is still a paucity of information concerning salivary molecules of Neotropical argasid ticks. Among this group of ticks, considering the number of human cases of parasitism, including severe syndromes and hospitalization, Ornithodoros brasiliensis can be considered one of the major Neotropical argasid species with impact in public health. Here, we describe the transcriptome analysis of O. brasiliensis salivary glands (ObSG). The transcriptome yielded ~14,957 putative contigs. A total of 368 contigs were attributed to secreted proteins (SP), which represent approximately 2.5% of transcripts but ~53% expression coverage transcripts per million. Lipocalins are the major protein family among the most expressed SP, accounting for ~16% of the secretory transcripts and 51% of secretory protein abundance. The most expressed transcript is an ortholog of TSGP4 (tick salivary gland protein 4), a lipocalin first identified in Ornithodoros kalahariensis that functions as a leukotriene C4 scavenger. A total of 55 lipocalin transcripts were identified in ObSG. Other transcripts potentially involved in tick-host interaction included as: basic/acid tail secretory proteins (second most abundant expressed group), serine protease inhibitors (including Kunitz inhibitors), 5' nucleotidases (tick apyrases), phospholipase A2, 7 disulfide bond domain, cystatins, and tick antimicrobial peptides. Another abundant group of proteins in ObSG is metalloproteases. Analysis of these major protein groups suggests that several duplication events after speciation were responsible for the abundance of redundant compounds in tick salivary glands. A full mitochondrial genome could be assembled from the transcriptome data and confirmed the close genetic identity of the tick strain sampled in the current study, to a tick strain previously implicated in tick toxicoses. This study provides novel information on the molecular composition of ObSG, a Brazilian endemic tick associated with several human cases of parasitism. These results could be helpful in the understanding of clinical findings observed in bitten patients, and also, could provide more information on the evolution of Neotropical argasids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adenine nucleotides represent crucial immunomodulators in the extracellular environment. The ectonucleotidases CD39 and CD73 are responsible for the sequential catabolism of ATP to adenosine via AMP, thus promoting an anti‐inflammatory milieu induced by the “adenosine halo”. AMPD2 intracellularly mediates AMP deamination to IMP, thereby both enhancing the degradation of inflammatory ATP and reducing the formation of anti‐inflammatory adenosine. Here, we show that this enzyme is expressed on the surface of human immune cells and its predominance may modify inflammatory states by altering the extracellular milieu. Surface AMPD2 (eAMPD2) expression on monocytes was verified by immunoblot, surface biotinylation, mass spectrometry, and immunofluorescence microscopy. Flow cytometry revealed enhanced monocytic eAMPD2 expression after TLR stimulation. PBMCs from patients with rheumatoid arthritis displayed significantly higher levels of eAMPD2 expression compared with healthy controls. Furthermore, the product of AMPD2—IMP—exerted anti‐inflammatory effects, while the levels of extracellular adenosine were not impaired by an increased eAMPD2 expression. In summary, our study identifies eAMPD2 as a novel regulator of the extracellular ATP‐adenosine balance adding to the immunomodulatory CD39‐CD73 system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction The CD73 metabolic immune checkpoint orchestrates a crucial homeostatic balance of extracellular adenosine levels as part of a negative feedback mechanism to control inflammatory responses within a stressed or [...], High levels of ecto-5'-nucleotidase (CD73) have been implicated in immune suppression and tumor progression, and have also been observed in cancer patients who progress on anti-PD-1 immunotherapy. Although regulatory T cells can express CD73 and inhibit T cell responses via the production of adenosine, less is known about CD73 expression in other immune cell populations. We found that tumor-infiltrating NK cells upregulate CD73 expression and the frequency of these CD73-positive NK cells correlated with larger tumor size in breast cancer patients. In addition, the expression of multiple alternative immune checkpoint receptors including LAG-3, VISTA, PD-1, and PD-L1 was significantly higher in [CD73.sup.-]-positive NK cells than in [CD73.sup.-]-negative NK cells. Mechanistically, NK cells transport CD73 in intracellular vesicles to the cell surface and the extracellular space via actin polymerization-dependent exocytosis upon engagement of 4-1BBL on tumor cells. These CD73positive NK cells undergo transcriptional reprogramming and upregulate IL-10 production via STAT3 transcriptional activity, suppressing CD4-positive T cell proliferation and IFN-[gamma] production. Taken together, our results support the notion that tumors can hijack NK cells as a means to escape immunity and that CD73 expression defines an inducible population of NK cells with immunoregulatory properties within the tumor microenvironment.

CD28 is required for T cell activation as well as the generation of CD4+Foxp3+ Treg. It is unclear, however, how CD28 costimulation affects the development of CD8+ T cell suppressive function. Here, by use of Hepa1.6.gp33 in vitro killing assay and B16.gp33 tumor mouse model we demonstrate that CD28 engagement during TCR ligation prevents CD8+ T cells from becoming suppressive. Interestingly, our results showed that ectonucleotidase CD73 expression on CD8+ T cells is upregulated in the absence of CD28 costimulation. In both murine and human tumor-bearing hosts, CD73 is upregulated on CD28−CD8+ T cells that infiltrate the solid tumor. UPLC-MS/MS analysis revealed that CD8+ T cells activation without CD28 costimulation produces elevated levels of adenosine and that CD73 mediates its production. Adenosine receptor antagonists block CD73-mediated suppression. Our data support the notion that CD28 costimulation inhibits CD73 upregulation and thereby prevents CD8+ T cells from becoming suppressive. This study uncovers a previously unidentified role for CD28 costimulation in CD8+ T cell activation and suggests that the CD28 costimulatory pathway can be a potential target for cancer immunotherapy. Lai et al. report that the immunosuppressive molecule CD73 is negatively regulated by CD28 costimulation during CD8+ T cell activation. Their study implicates a lack of CD28 costimulation renders CD8+ T cells immunosuppressive and less able to eliminate solid tumors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New Finding: What is the central question of this study?How does moderate‐intensity aerobic exercise affect the behaviour of purinergic enzymes in sedentary, overweight and physically active subjects? What is the relationship between purinergic and inflammatory responses triggered by exercise?What is the main finding and its importance?Moderate‐intensity aerobic exercise modifies the activity of purinergic enzymes and the levels of nucleotides and nucleosides. These results are similar in subjects with different biological characteristics. 5′‐Nucleotidase activity and adenosine levels are associated with inflammatory responses. This study suggests that a purinergic pathway is related to the inflammatory responses triggered by exercise. Purinergic signalling is a mechanism of extracellular communication that modulates events related to exercise, such as inflammation and coagulation. Herein, we evaluated the effects of acute moderate‐intensity exercise on the activities of purinergic enzymes and plasma levels of adenine nucleotides in individuals with distinct metabolic characteristics. We analysed the relationship between purinergic parameters, inflammatory responses and cardiometabolic markers. Twenty‐four healthy males were assigned to three groups: normal weight sedentary (n = 8), overweight sedentary (n = 8) and normal weight physically active (n = 8). The volunteers performed an acute session of moderate‐intensity aerobic exercise on a treadmill at 70% of V̇O2peak; blood samples were drawn at baseline, immediately post‐exercise and at 1 h post‐exercise. Immediately post‐exercise, all subjects showed increases in ATP, ADP, AMP and p‐nitrophenyl thymidine 5′‐monophosphate hydrolysis, while AMP hydrolysis remained increased at 1 h after exercise. High‐performance liquid chromatography analysis demonstrated lower levels of ATP and ADP at post‐ and 1 h post‐exercise in all groups. Conversely, adenosine and inosine levels increased at post‐exercise, but only adenosine remained augmented at 1 h after exercise in all groups. With regard to inflammatory responses, the exercise protocol increased tumour necrosis factor α (TNF‐α) and interleukin 8 (IL‐8) concentrations in all subjects, but only TNF‐α remained elevated at 1 h after exercise. Significant correlations were found between the activity of 5′‐nucleotidase, adenosine levels, V̇O2peak, triglyceride, TNF‐α and IL‐8 levels. Our findings suggest a purinergic signalling pathway that participates, at least partially, in the inflammatory responses triggered by acute moderate‐intensity exercise. The response of soluble nucleotidases to acute moderate exercise appears to be similar between subjects of different biological profiles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Skeletal disorders encompass a wide array of conditions, many of which are associated with short stature. Among these, Desbuquois dysplasia is a rare but severe condition characterized by profound dwarfism, distinct facial features, joint hypermobility with multiple dislocations, and unique vertebral and metaphyseal anomalies. Desbuquois dysplasia is inherited in an autosomal recessive manner, with both the DBQD1 (MIM 251450) and DBQD2 (MIM 615777) forms resulting from biallelic mutations. Specifically, DBQD1 is associated with homozygous or compound heterozygous mutations in the CANT1 gene, while DBQD2 can result from mutations in either the CANT1 or XYLT1 genes. This review synthesizes the findings of 111 published case reports, including 54 cases of DBQD1, 39 cases of DBQD2, and 14 cases of the Kim variant (DDKV). Patients in this cohort had a median birth weight of 2505 g, a median length of 40 cm, and a median occipitofrontal circumference of 33 cm. The review highlights the phenotypic variations across Desbuquois dysplasia subtypes, particularly in facial characteristics, joint dislocations, and bone deformities. Genetic analyses revealed a considerable diversity in mutations, with over 35% of cases involving missense mutations, primarily affecting the CANT1 gene. Additionally, approximately 60% of patients had a history of parental consanguinity, indicating a potential genetic predisposition in certain populations. The identified mutations included deletions, insertions, and nucleotide substitutions, many of which resulted in premature stop codons and the production of truncated, likely nonfunctional proteins. These findings underscore the genetic and clinical complexity of Desbuquois dysplasia, highlighting the importance of early diagnosis and the potential for personalized therapeutic approaches. Continued research is essential to uncover the underlying mechanisms of this disorder and improve outcomes for affected individuals through targeted treatments.

CD73 is a cell surface ecto-5′-nucleotidase, which converts extracellular adenosine monophosphate to adenosine. High tumor CD73 expression is associated with poor outcome among triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) patients. Here we investigated the mechanisms by which CD73 might contribute to TNBC progression. This was done by inhibiting CD73 with adenosine 5′-(α, β-methylene) diphosphate (APCP) in MDA-MB-231 or 4T1 TNBC cells or through shRNA-silencing (sh-CD73). Effects of such inhibition on cell behavior was then studied in normoxia and hypoxia in vitro and in an orthotopic mouse model in vivo. CD73 inhibition, through shRNA or APCP significantly decreased cellular viability and migration in normoxia. Inhibition of CD73 also resulted in suppression of hypoxia-induced increase in viability and prevented cell protrusion elongation in both normoxia and hypoxia in cancer cells. Sh-CD73 4T1 cells formed significantly smaller and less invasive 3D organoids in vitro, and significantly smaller orthotopic tumors and less lung metastases than control shRNA cells in vivo. CD73 suppression increased E-cadherin and decreased vimentin expression in vitro and in vivo, proposing maintenance of a more epithelial phenotype. In conclusion, our results suggest that CD73 may promote early steps of tumor progression, possibly through facilitating epithelial–mesenchymal transition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nucleotides are the basic elements of the genetic material, participate in bio-energetic processes, are cofactors and components of secondary metabolites, etc. Nucleotide hydrolases (nucleotidases) are phosphatases that remove the 5'-phosphate group from the nucleotides and play a crucial role in nucleotide metabolism. In this study, genes encoding putative nucleotidases in Phaseolus vulgaris have been identified, and the effect of methyl jasmonate (MeJA) on both nucleotidase activity and gene expression has been addressed. The predicted nucleotidase peptides include the conserved domains characteristic of the haloacid dehalogenase-like hydrolase superfamily. The analysis of the expression of the 11 identified genes in radicles of common bean seedlings elicited with MeJA showed that 3 of them are highly induced by this phytohormone in a dose-dependent manner. Nucleotidase activity in radicles from MeJA treated plants was higher than in not elicited seedlings, and this induction was observed with all the nucleotides assayed (mono-, di- or triphosphate) and with purine or pyrimidine nucleotides. MeJA is involved in biotic and abiotic stress, and the induction of nucleotide metabolism in response to this treatment suggests a relevant role for nucleotides in the seedlings response to unfavourable conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Heligmosomoides polygyrus secretes apyrases homologous to soluble calcium-activated nucleotidases. • Apyrases hydrolyse nucleoside triphosphates and diphosphates. • Expression is restricted to adults and L4s. • Vaccination with recombinant apyrases generates partial protection against infection. Apyrases are a recurrent feature of secretomes from numerous species of parasitic nematodes. Here we characterise the five apyrases secreted by Heligmosomoides polygyrus , a natural parasite of mice and a widely used laboratory model for intestinal nematode infection. All five enzymes are closely related to soluble calcium-activated nucleotidases described in a variety of organisms, and distinct from the CD39 family of ecto-nucleotidases. Expression is maximal in adult worms and restricted to adults and L4s. Recombinant apyrases were produced and purified from Pichia pastoris. The five enzymes showed very similar biochemical properties, with strict calcium dependence and a broad substrate specificity, catalysing the hydrolysis of all nucleoside tri- and diphosphates, with no activity against nucleoside monophosphates. Natural infection of mice provoked very low antibodies to any enzyme, but immunisation with an apyrase cocktail showed partial protection against reinfection, with reduced egg output and parasite recovery. The most likely role for nematode secreted apyrases is hydrolysis of extracellular ATP, which acts as an alarmin for cellular release of IL-33 and initiation of type 2 immunity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ecto‐nucleotide pyrophosphatases/phosphodiesterases (ENPPs) are important family of ecto‐nucleotidases. There are seven members of ENPP family out of which ENPP1 and ENPP3 hydrolyze nucleotides whereas, ENPP2 preferably hydrolyzes phospholipids as compared to nucleotides. Overexpression of ENPP1 and ENPP3 has been reported to be associated with many health disorders such as diabetes, chondrocalcinosis, osteoarthritis, and cancer. Development of ENPP1 and −3 inhibitors might be useful for the treatment of these disorders. This study aimed to investigate the inhibitory potentials of the synthesized benzimidazole‐benzothiazine hybrid molecules on ecto‐nucleotide pyrophosphatases/phosphodiesterases (ENPPs) enzymes. A series of benzimidazole‐benzothiazine hybrid molecules was synthesized by Gabriel–Colman rearrangement of methyl 2‐(1,1‐dioxido‐3‐oxobenzo[d]isothiazol‐2(3H)‐yl)acetate. The successfully synthesized compounds (6 a–6 m) were evaluated for ENPP1 and −3 inhibitory activities. Among the investigated compounds 6 m with an IC50 value of 0.14 μM, and 6 h with an IC50 value of 0.12 μM, were found to be the most potent inhibitors of ENPP1 and −3, respectively. Molecular docking studies of most active and selective inhibitors showed putative mode of binding interactions responsible for highest potency and selectivity of docked inhibitors. The overall in‐silico results were found to be highly correlated with in‐vitro results showed in Table 1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The behavioural impacts of prenatal exposure to ethanol include a lower IQ, learning problems, anxiety and conduct disorders. Several components of the neurochemical network could contribute to the long-lasting effects of ethanol embryonic exposure. Adenosine is an important neuromodulator, that has been indicated to be affected by acute and chronic exposure to ethanol. Here, embryos of zebrafish exposed to 1% ethanol during the developmental stages of gastrula/segmentation or pharyngula exhibited anxiolytic effect, increased aggressiveness, and decreased social interaction. The exposure during pharyngula stage was able to affect all behavioural parameters analysed at 3 months-post fertilization (mpf), while the treatment during gastrula stage affected the anxiety and social interaction parameters. The aggressiveness was the only behavioural effect of early ethanol exposure that lasted to 12 mpf. The use of a specific inhibitor of adenosine production, the inhibitor of ecto-5′-nucleotidase (AMPCP/150 mg/kg), and the specific inhibitor of adenosine degradation, the inhibitor of adenosine deaminase, EHNA (100 mg/kg) did not affect the effects over anxiety. However, AMPCP at 3 mpf, but not EHNA, reversed aggressive parameters. AMPCP also recovered the social interaction parameter at 3 mpf in animals treated in both stages, while EHNA recovered this parameter just in those animals treated with ethanol during the gastrula stage. These results suggest that long-lasting behavioural effects of ethanol can be modulated by intervention on ecto-5′-nucleotidase and adenosine deaminase activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nucleotides comprise small molecules that perform critical signaling roles in biological systems. Adenosine-based nucleotides, including adenosine tri-, di-, and mono-phosphate, are controlled through their rapid degradation by diphosphohydrolases and ecto-nucleotidases (NDAs). The interplay between nucleotide signaling and degradation is especially important in synapses formed between cells, which create signaling 'nanodomains'. Within these 'nanodomains', charged nucleotides interact with densely-packed membranes and biomolecules. While the contributions of electrostatic and steric interactions within such nanodomains are known to shape diffusion-limited reaction rates, less is understood about how these factors control the kinetics of nucleotidase activity. To quantify these factors, we utilized reaction-diffusion numerical simulations of 1) adenosine triphosphate (ATP) hydrolysis into adenosine monophosphate (AMP) and 2) AMP into adenosine (Ado) via two representative nucleotidases, CD39 and CD73. We evaluate these sequentially-coupled reactions in nanodomain geometries representative of extracellular synapses, within which we localize the nucleotidases. With this model, we find that 1) nucleotidase confinement reduces reaction rates relative to an open (bulk) system, 2) the rates of AMP and ADO formation are accelerated by restricting the diffusion of substrates away from the enzymes, and 3) nucleotidase co-localization and the presence of complementary (positive) charges to ATP enhance reaction rates, though the impact of these contributions on nucleotide pools depends on the degree to which the membrane competes for substrates. As a result, these contributions integratively control the relative concentrations and distributions of ATP and its metabolites within the junctional space. Altogether, our studies suggest that CD39 and CD73 nucleotidase activity within junctional spaces can exploit their confinement and favorable electrostatic interactions to finely control nucleotide signaling. Author summary: Nucleotides are important signaling molecules. Their relative concentrations on the extracellular side of plasma membranes are tightly-controlled by nucleotidases. CD39 and CD73 are two such nucleotidases that sequentially convert the nucleotide adenosine tri-phosphate into adenosine, yet little is known about the efficiency of these enzymes in synapse-like junctions formed between neighboring cells. We therefore performed computer simulations of CD39- and CD73-catalyzed reactions in synapse-like junction geometries to understand how these enzymes work between neighboring cells relative to in vitro (cell-free) conditions. Our simulations reveal how properties like cell membrane charge and CD39/CD73 co-expression determine the relative balance of ATP and Ado along the cell exterior. Our approach and quantification of CD39 and CD73 activity at the cell membrane is expected to yield important insights into diverse nucleotidase-dependent phenomena, including tumor growth and regulation of immune responses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plasmodium falciparum (Pf) relies solely on the salvage pathway for its purine nucleotide requirements, making this pathway indispensable to the parasite. Purine nucleotide levels are regulated by anabolic processes and by nucleotidases that hydrolyse these metabolites into nucleosides. Certain apicomplexan parasites, including Pf, have an IMP-specific-nucleotidase 1 (ISN1). Here we show, by comprehensive substrate screening, that PfISN1 catalyzes the dephosphorylation of inosine monophosphate (IMP) and is allosterically activated by ATP. Crystal structures of tetrameric PfISN1 reveal complex rearrangements of domain organization tightly associated with catalysis. Immunofluorescence microscopy and expression of GFP-fused protein indicate cytosolic localization of PfISN1 and expression in asexual and gametocyte stages of the parasite. With earlier evidence on isn1 upregulation in female gametocytes, the structures reported in this study may contribute to initiate the design for possible transmission-blocking agents. Plasmodium falciparum IMP-specific 5′-nucleotidase 1 (PfISN1) is of interest as a potential malaria drug target. Here, the authors report that IMP is a substrate, and ATP an allosteric activator, of PfISN1 and present PfISN1 crystal structures in the ligand-free state and bound to either IMP or ATP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: CANT1, calcium-activated nucleotidase 1, was reported to be upregulated in certain tumors. However, the function mechanism of CANT1 in pan-cancer is still unclear., Methods: We utilized the Cancer Genome Atlas Program (TCGA) and UALCAN databases to analyze CANT1 expression at the level of mRNA, protein, and promoter methylation in pan-cancer, and the cBioportal database to study the frequency of gene changes for CANT1. Wilcoxon test was applied to discuss the correlation between CANT1 and clinicopathological features in different tumor types. The prognosis of CANT1 in pan-cancer was discussed by Cox regression. Spearman analysis was applied to discuss the relationship of CANT1 with tumor mutation burden(TMB), microsatellite instability(MSI), immune cell infiltration, and immune checkpoints. The association between CANT1 expression and drug sensitivity for pan-cancer was investigated by the GSCALite database. In addition, we collected 40 cases of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) and adjacent normal tissues for immunohistochemical staining and investigated the relationship between CANT1 and clinicopathology and prognosis in LUAD. Finally, the molecular pathways involved in CANT1-related genes in LUAD were analyzed by gene set enrichment analysis(GSEA)., Results: The CANT1 mRNA level was significant higher in 14 tumors, and CANT1 protein level was significant higher in 7 tumors compared with normal tissues. CANT1 expression was linked with the T stage, N stage, and pathological stage in some tumors, and overexpression CANT1 was associated with adverse overall survival(OS) and disease-specific survival(DSS) in kidney renal papillary cell carcinoma(KIRP), brain lower grade glioma(LGG), and LUAD. By Spearman correlation analysis, the results showed that CANT1 had a positive correlation with TMB and MSI in bladder urothelial carcinoma(BLCA), breast invasive carcinoma(BRCA), esophageal carcinoma(ESCA), LGG, and sarcoma(SARC). Furthermore, CANT1 was related to immune cell infiltration and immune checkpoints in several cancers. Drug sensitivity analysis suggested that CANT1 was inversely linked with three drugs. Immunohistochemical staining analysis showed that CANT1 expression was higher in LUAD than in normal tissues, and was related to N stage and pathological stage. Survival curves showed that CANT1 overexpression had poor OS and DSS. Time-dependent ROC curves revealed that the 1-year, 5-year, and 10-year OS and DSS in LUAD were above 0.5. CANT1-related genes in LUAD mainly participated in the pathway of dorso ventral axis formation, small cell lung cancer, DNA replication, O-glycan biosynthesis, and cell cycle., Conclusion: CANT1 is considered a potential marker for prognosis in several tumors, and a promising target for tumor immunological treatment., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare no competing interests., (Copyright © 2024 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

The decomposition of ATP in flounder and greenling muscle were compared at 0 and − 2 °C. The decomposition of inosine-5-monophosphate (IMP) and subsequent increase in the K-value were suppressed at − 2 °C for both species, although the K-value increased much more slowly for flounder than for greenling. When flounder was stored at 0 °C, a high IMP content was maintained for more than 10 days, and then dropped quickly. This quick reduction in the IMP content was not observed at − 2 °C. The fast reduction in the IMP content at 0 °C was explained by the activity of an IMP-decomposing enzyme produced by spoilage microorganisms; it no longer occurred when the meat was stored in the presence of 150 p.p.m. of the antibiotic chloramphenicol. 5′-Nucleotidase produced by the bacteria was less stable than that produced endogenously. Spoilage bacteria also produced a strong protease that degraded muscle protein. It was concluded that lowering the storage temperature of flounder and greenling from 0 to − 2 °C suppressed the growth of spoilage bacteria and slowed the increase in the K-value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aims: The extracellular ecto-5'-nucleotidase (CD73) is involved in the production of immunosuppressive adenosin (Ado), which can influence different immune cells through the specific adenosine receptors. The main aim of this work was to characterize immune cell populations as well as serum cytokine level in healthy CD73-deficient mice compared to healthy wild-type animals. Methods: Profound immnophenotyping of splenocytes from healthy CD73-deficient and wild-type mice was done using flow cytometry (FACS analysis). Cytokine measurement in the serum of the animals was carried out with a Bio-Plex assay. Results: The CD73-deficience leads to an increase in a percentage of NK cells and pDC, as well as influences expression of the costimulatory molecules CD80 and CD86. The knockout mice in opposite to wild-type animals show high amount of effector CD4+ T-cells in the spleens. No changes have been found in the subpopulations of CD8+ T-cells. Besides, CD73-deficience leads to a decrease in the percentage of regulatory T cells. Compared with the wild-type animals we found that CD73 knockout mice possess low serum concentration of IL-6. Conclusion: This in vivo study clear demonstrated certain immunological changes in the CD73-deficient mice and thus immunoregulatory potential of CD73 molecule. This makes this extracellular enzyme to a real immune check point molecule, attractive for further investigations and clinical studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]