PMID: 18184479Feb 7, 2008Paper

Oxidative stress as a signal to up-regulate gamma-cystathionase in the fetal-to-neonatal transition in rats

Cellular and Molecular Biology
José Antonio MartínJ Sastre

Abstract

Hepatic gamma-cystathionase, a rate-limiting enzyme for the synthesis of L-cysteine from L-methionine in the trans-sulphuration pathway, exhibits significantly higher activity in the newly born infant as compared to the fetus. The aim of this work was: 1) To determine whether the increase in gamma-cystathionase activity occurring in the fetal-to-neonatal transition is due to up-regulation of its mRNA and protein, 2) To elucidate the mechanisms responsible for this increase in gamma-cystathionase activity. Our results show that expression of gamma-cystathionase at both the mRNA and protein levels was higher in newborn than in fetal liver. gamma-Cystathionase activity in fetal hepatocytes in vitro increased when incubated with tert-butyl-hydroperoxide at low concentration (0.01 mM). Hence, moderate oxidative stress would act as a signal to up-regulate gamma-cystathionase in the fetal to neonatal transition. Stress hormones, such as phenylephrine or glucagon also increased gamma-cystathionase activity in fetal hepatocytes. We also report a competitive inhibition of purified gamma-cystathionase by L-cysteine, which would help to maintain physiological low L-cysteine levels in hepatocytes. In conclusion, our results show that increa...Continue Reading

Related Concepts

Trending Feeds

COVID-19

Coronaviruses encompass a large family of viruses that cause the common cold as well as more serious diseases, such as the ongoing outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19; formally known as 2019-nCoV). Coronaviruses can spread from animals to humans; symptoms include fever, cough, shortness of breath, and breathing difficulties; in more severe cases, infection can lead to death. This feed covers recent research on COVID-19.

Blastomycosis

Blastomycosis fungal infections spread through inhaling Blastomyces dermatitidis spores. Discover the latest research on blastomycosis fungal infections here.

Nuclear Pore Complex in ALS/FTD

Alterations in nucleocytoplasmic transport, controlled by the nuclear pore complex, may be involved in the pathomechanism underlying multiple neurodegenerative diseases including Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Frontotemporal Dementia. Here is the latest research on the nuclear pore complex in ALS and FTD.

Applications of Molecular Barcoding

The concept of molecular barcoding is that each original DNA or RNA molecule is attached to a unique sequence barcode. Sequence reads having different barcodes represent different original molecules, while sequence reads having the same barcode are results of PCR duplication from one original molecule. Discover the latest research on molecular barcoding here.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a disease characterized by unexplained disabling fatigue; the pathology of which is incompletely understood. Discover the latest research on chronic fatigue syndrome here.

Evolution of Pluripotency

Pluripotency refers to the ability of a cell to develop into three primary germ cell layers of the embryo. This feed focuses on the mechanisms that underlie the evolution of pluripotency. Here is the latest research.

Position Effect Variegation

Position Effect Variagation occurs when a gene is inactivated due to its positioning near heterochromatic regions within a chromosome. Discover the latest research on Position Effect Variagation here.

STING Receptor Agonists

Stimulator of IFN genes (STING) are a group of transmembrane proteins that are involved in the induction of type I interferon that is important in the innate immune response. The stimulation of STING has been an active area of research in the treatment of cancer and infectious diseases. Here is the latest research on STING receptor agonists.

Microbicide

Microbicides are products that can be applied to vaginal or rectal mucosal surfaces with the goal of preventing, or at least significantly reducing, the transmission of sexually transmitted infections. Here is the latest research on microbicides.