Gene repair of CD34 hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) may avoid problems associated with gene therapy, such as vector-related mutagenesis and dysregulated transgene expression. We used CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat)/Cas9 (CRISPR-associated 9) to repair a mutation in the CYBB gene of CD34 HSPCs from patients with the immunodeficiency disorder X-linked chronic granulomatous disease (X-CGD). Sequence-confirmed repair of >20% of HSPCs from X-CGD patients restored the function of NADPH (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate) oxidase and superoxide radical production in myeloid cells differentiated from these progenitor cells in vitro. Transplant of gene-repaired X-CGD HSPCs into NOD (nonobese diabetic) SCID (severe combined immunodeficient) γc mice resulted in efficient engraftment and production of functional mature human myeloid and lymphoid cells for up to 5 months. Whole-exome sequencing detected no indels outside of the CYBB gene after gene correction. CRISPR-mediated gene editing of HSPCs may be applicable to other CGD mutations and other monogenic disorders of the hematopoietic system.

Aquaporin 2 (AQP2) is responsible for regulating the concentration of urine in the collecting tubules of the kidney under the control of vasopressin (Vp). Studies using Vp-deficient Brattleboro rats, however, indicated the existence of substantial Vp-independent mechanisms for membrane insertion, as well as transcriptional regulation, of this water channel. The Vp-independent mechanism(s) is clinically relevant to patients with X-linked nephrogenic diabetes insipidus (NDI) by therapeutically bypassing the dysfunctional Vp receptor. On the basis of studies with secretin receptor-null (SCTR ؊/؊ ) mice, we report here for the first time that mutation of the SCTR gene could lead to mild polydipsia and polyuria. Additionally, SCTR ؊/؊ mice were shown to have reduced renal expression of AQP2 and AQP4, as well as altered glomerular and tubular morphology, suggesting possible disturbances in the filtration and/or water reabsorption process in these animals. By using SCTR ؊/؊ mice as controls and comparing them with wild-type animals, we performed both in vivo and in vitro studies that demonstrated a role for secretin in stimulating (i) AQP2 translocation from intracellular vesicles to the plasma membrane in renal medullary tubules and (ii) expression of this water channel under hyperosmotic conditions. The present study therefore provides information for at least one of the Vp-independent mechanisms that modulate the process of renal water reabsorption. Future investigations in this direction should be important in developing therapeutic means for treating NDI patients.Secretin was originally isolated from upper intestinal mucosal extract, injection of which into the jugular vein of an anesthetized dog resulted in elevation of pancreatic and hepatic bile flow (4). The primary function of secretin in releasing bicarbonate, electrolytes, and water from pancreatic ductal epithelial cells is firmly established. Additionally, it can also stimulate electrolyte and water secretion in the epididymis, as well as bicarbonate-rich ductal bile secretion from cholangiocytes (1, 9). In cholangiocytes, a secretin-induced choleretic effect is associated with microtubule-dependent exocytotic insertion of cytoplasmic vesicles containing the water channel aquaporin 1 (AQP1) onto the apical plasma membrane (PM), leading to osmotic water movement (28). Interestingly, this type of regulated translocation of water channels has also been demonstrated in other cell types (5). For example, vasoactive intestinal polypeptide-induced translocation of AQP5 in Brunner's gland of the duodenum is associated with bicarbonate and mucin secretion, which is essential for mucosal protection (38), while Vp-and oxytocin-triggered translocation of AQP2 to and from the PM in renal collecting tubules (19, 36) is critical for renal water reabsorption. As there is considerable evidence indicating the involvement of Vp-independent mechanisms in the regulation of renal water reabsorption (19,21,25,44) and some of these mechanisms are associated with cyclic-AMP (cAMP...

This unit describes the isolation of human polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN) from blood using dextran sedimentation and Percoll or Ficoll-Paque density gradients. Assays of neutrophil functions including respiratory burst activation, phagocytosis, and microbial killing are also described.

CDC are exotoxins secreted by many Gram-positive bacteria that bind cholesterol and oligomerize to form pores in eukaryotic cell membranes. We demonstrate that CDC TLO induces caspase-1 cleavage and the rapid release of IL-1beta from LPS-primed murine BMDM. IL-1beta secretion depends on functional toxin pore formation, as free cholesterol, which prevents TLO binding to cell membranes, blocks the cytokine release. Secretion of the mature forms of IL-1beta and caspase-1 occurs only at lower TLO doses, whereas at a higher concentration, cells release the biologically inactive proforms. IL-1beta release at a low TLO dose requires potassium efflux, calcium influx, and the activities of calcium-independent PLA(2), caspase-1, and cathepsin B. Additionally, mature IL-1beta release induced by a low TLO dose is dependent on the NLRP3 inflammasome, and pro-IL-1beta release induced by a high TLO dose occurs independently of NLRP3. These results further elucidate a mechanism of CDC-induced IL-1beta release and suggest a novel, immune evasion strategy in which IL-1beta-containing macrophages might release primarily inactive cytokine following exposure to high doses of these toxins.

Hypothalamic magnocellular neurons express either one of the neurohypophysial hormones, vasopressin or oxytocin, along with different neuropeptides or neuromodulators. Axonal terminals of these neurons are generally accepted to release solely the two hormones but not others into the circulation. Here, we show that secretin, originally isolated from upper intestinal mucosal extract, is present throughout the hypothalamo-neurohypophysial axis and that it is released from the posterior pituitary under plasma hyperosmolality conditions. In the hypothalamus, it stimulates vasopressin expression and release. Considering these findings together with our previous findings that show a direct effect of secretin on renal water reabsorption, we propose here that secretin works at multiple levels in the hypothalamus, pituitary, and kidney to regulate water homeostasis. Findings presented here challenge previous understanding regarding the neurohypophysis and could provide new concepts in treating disorders related to osmoregulation.hypothalamic-pituitary axis ͉ osmoregulation ͉ vasopressin T he pituitary is essential for life. It consists of adenohypophysis and neurohypophysis and is responsible for the release of hormones that regulate all major body functions, including water homeostasis, blood pressure, growth, development, and reproduction. Currently, only two nonapeptide hormones, vasopressin (Vp) and oxytocin (Oxt), are widely accepted to be released from the neurohypophysis. The two peptides differ by a single amino acid substitution and are synthesized within the magnocellular neurosecretory cells in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) and supraoptic nucleus (SON). Oxytocin is best known for its role in parturition and lactation, whereas Vp is critical to water conservation in the renal collecting ducts via translocation and expression of aquaporin-2 (AQP2). In addition to Vp, many studies have indicated the presence of Vpindependent mechanisms in the kidney. In isolated collecting duct segments, Jeon et al. (1) found that the highest plasma concentration of Vp (10 pM) under severe dehydration could increase osmotic water permeability to only 44% of the maximal value. Our group has shown recently that secretin (SCT), a hormone that modulates water and electrolyte transport in pancreatic ductal cells (2), liver cholangiocytes (3, 4), and epididymal epithelial cells (5), is part of the Vp-independent mechanisms in regulating renal water reabsorption (6). Because we observed changes in plasma SCT levels during chronic hyperosmolality and the presence of intense SCT-immunoreactivity (IR) signals in the posterior pituitary, the present study intended to investigate a putative role of SCT as a pituitary hormone in the hypothalamo-neurohypophysial system, a central integrative structure that regulates coordinated responses to perturbations in water balance and osmotic stability. Results and Discussion Secretin Induces Expression of the Immediate Early Gene c-fos in theVasopressinergic Neurons of the Hypothalamic PVN and SON. ...

Secretin (Sct) is released into the circulation postprandially from the duodenal S-cells. The major functions of Sct originated from the gastrointestinal system are to delay gastric emptying, stimulate fluid secretion from pancreas and liver, and hence optimize the digestion process. In recent years, Sct and its receptor (Sctr) have been identified in discrete nuclei of the hypothalamus, including the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) and the arcuate nucleus (Arc). These nuclei are the primary brain sites that are engaged in regulating body energy homeostasis, thus providing anatomical evidence to support a functional role of Sct in appetite control. In this study, the effect of Sct on feeding behavior was investigated using wild-type (wt), Sct(-/-), and secretin receptor-deficient (Sctr(-/-)) mice. We found that both central and peripheral administration of Sct could induce Fos expression in the PVN and Arc, suggesting the activation of hypothalamic feeding centers by this peptide. Consistent with this notion, Sct was found to increase thyrotropin-releasing hormone and melanocortin-4 receptor (Mc4r) transcripts in the PVN, and augment proopiomelanocortin, but reduces agouti-related protein mRNA expression in the Arc. Injection of Sct was able to suppress food intake in wt mice, but not in Sctr(-/-) mice, and that this effect was abolished upon pretreatment with SHU9119, an antagonist for Mc4r. In summary, our data suggest for the first time that Sct is an anorectic peptide, and that this function is mediated by the melanocortin system.

Angiotensin (ANGII) and secretin (SCT) share overlapping, interdependent osmoregulatory functions in brain, where SCT peptide/receptor function is required for ANGII action, yet the molecular basis is unknown. Since receptors for these peptides (AT1aR, SCTR) are coexpressed in osmoregulatory centers, a possible mechanism is formation of a cross-class receptor heterocomplex. Here, we demonstrate such a complex and its functional importance to modulate signaling. Association of AT1aR with SCTR reduced ability of SCT to stimulate cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), with signaling augmented in presence of ANGII or constitutively active AT1aR. Several transmembrane (TM) peptides of these receptors were able to affect their conformation within complexes, reducing receptor BRET signals. AT1aR TM1 affected only formation and activity of the heterocomplex, without effect on homomers of either receptor, and reduced SCT-stimulated cAMP responses in cells expressing both receptors. This peptide was active in vivo by injection into mouse lateral ventricle, thereby suppressing water-drinking behavior after hyperosmotic shock, similar to SCTR knockouts. This supports the interpretation that active conformation of AT1aR is a key modulator of cAMP responses induced by SCT stimulation of SCTR. The SCTR/AT1aR complex is physiologically important, providing differential signaling to SCT in settings of hyperosmolality or food intake, modulated by differences in levels of ANGII.

DNA damage response is crucial for maintaining genomic integrity and preventing cancer by coordinating the activation of checkpoints and the repair of damaged DNA. Central to DNA damage response are the two checkpoint kinases ATM and ATR that phosphorylate a wide range of substrates. RING finger and WD repeat domain 3 (RFWD3) was initially identified as a substrate of ATM/ATR from a proteomic screen. Subsequent studies showed that RFWD3 is an E3 ubiquitin ligase that ubiquitinates p53 in vitro and positively regulates p53 levels in response to DNA damage. We report here that RFWD3 associates with replication protein A (RPA), a single-stranded DNA-binding protein that plays essential roles in DNA replication, recombination, and repair. Binding of RPA to single-stranded DNA (ssDNA), which is generated by DNA damage and repair, is essential for the recruitment of DNA repair factors to damaged sites and the activation of checkpoint signaling. We show that RFWD3 is physically associated with RPA and rapidly localizes to sites of DNA damage in a RPA-dependent manner. In vitro experiments suggest that the C terminus of RFWD3, which encompass the coiled-coil domain and the WD40 domain, is necessary for binding to RPA. Furthermore, DNA damage-induced phosphorylation of RPA and RFWD3 is dependent upon each other. Consequently, loss of RFWD3 results in the persistent foci of DNA damage marker ␥H2AX and the repair protein Rad51 in damaged cells. These findings suggest that RFWD3 is recruited to sites of DNA damage and facilitates RPA-mediated DNA damage signaling and repair.The cellular response to genotoxic stress initiates multiple signal transduction pathways that include transcription regulation, cell cycle arrest, DNA damage repair, and apoptosis (1, 2). Central to DDR 2 are two checkpoint kinases ATM and ATR that phosphorylate many downstream effectors to execute these functions (3, 4). Identification of key players and the characterization of their molecular functions enable a more thorough understanding of the DDR pathways, which are critical for maintaining genomic integrity. Several recent proteomic screens have drastically expanded the landscape of DDR pathways with the identification of hundreds of putative ATM/ATR substrates (5-7). Recently, we investigated the role of a previously uncharacterized protein, RING finger and WD repeat domain 3 (RFWD3, also known as RNF201 and FLJ10520; GenBank TM number 55159) in DDR (5, 8). Originally identified from a proteomic screen for ATM/ATR substrates, RFWD3 was found phosphorylated at several conserved SQ sites in cells that were treated with ionizing radiation (IR) and replication blocking agents. Subsequent biochemical analysis revealed that RFWD3 can form a complex with MDM2 and p53 and is required for the maintenance of high levels of p53 upon DNA damage induction. The RFWD3 protein contains several well characterized functional domains as well as domains of unknown functions. The N-terminal RING finger domain is a conserved E3 ubiquitin (Ub) ligase domain. In vitro r...