Biology subjects

Bulska, E.

Publications and source records attributed to Bulska, E..

3 recordsLinked to original sources

bioRxiv2023

Heterogeneity of radial spokes structural components and associated enzymes in Tetrahymena cilia

Radial spokes, RS1-RS2-RS3, are T-shaped, multiprotein complexes that transmit regulatory signals from central apparatus to outer doublet dyneins. RSs, especially RS3, differ in morphology, protein composition, and RS base-docked IDAs. Spokes defects alter cilia beating frequency, waveform, and amplitude leading, in humans, to primary ciliary dyskinesia and infertility. In contrast to RS1 and RS2, the protein composition of RS3 is partly resolved. Moreover, the role of particular spokes is unclear. Ciliate Tetrahymena thermophila has three Rsp3 paralogs and two or three paralogs of some other RSPs. Using multiple complementary approaches, we showed that Tetrahymena forms RS1 and RS2 subtypes having core composed of various Rsp3 paralogs and one type of Rsp3-less RS3. We elucidated proteomes of RS subtypes and identified novel RS-associated proteins, including enzymatic proteins involved in local regulation of the ADP/ATP levels and protein phosphorylation, whose presence further diversifies RSs properties and likely functions. In briefRadial spokes differ in their protein composition and architecture. Studies in a ciliate Tetrahymena revealed Rsp3 paralogs-dependent RS1 and RS2 subtypes, Rsp3-less RS3, and diversity of the RSP3 mutants phenotype. Known RS components and newly identified structural and enzymatic proteins were assigned to particular RSs.

cell biology↗

bioRxiv2023

Molecular mechanisms of heavy metal adaptation of an extremophilic red alga Cyanidioschyzon merolae

The order of Cyanidiales comprise seven acido-thermophilic red microalgal species thriving in hot springs of volcanic origin characterized by extremely low pH, moderately high temperatures and the presence of elevated concentrations of sulphites and heavy metals that are prohibitive for most other organisms. Little is known about the molecular mechanisms of Cyanidiales long-term adaptation to such hostile environments, in particular to heavy metals, yet elucidation of these processes is important for understanding the evolution of the metabolic pathways underlying heavy metal detoxification for developing rational strategies for heavy metal bioremediation. Here, we investigated the long-term adaptive responses of Cyanidioschyzon merolae cells, a member of Cyanidiales, to extremely high nickel concentrations. Through complementary approaches based on physiological, microscopic and elemental analyses we dissect several molecular mechanisms underlying the long-term adaptation of this model extremophilic microalga to high Ni exposure. These include: (i) extrusion of Ni from the cells and lack of significant Ni accumulation inside the cells; (ii) maintenance of efficient photoprotective responses including non-photochemical quenching and state transitions; (iii) dynamic remodeling of the chloroplast ultrastructure such as formation of metabolically active prolamellar bodies and plastoglobuli together with loosening of the thylakoid membranes; (iv) activation of ROS amelioration metabolic pathways; and (v) preservation of the efficient respiratory chain functionality. All the dynamically regulated processes identified in this study underlie the remarkable adaptability of C. merolae to extremely high Ni levels that exceed by several orders of magnitude the levels of this heavy metal found in the natural environment of this extremophile.

cell biology↗

bioRxiv2022

Activation of trace amine-associated receptor 1 (TAAR1) reduces alcohol drinking behaviors in mice

Alcohol dependence is characterized by the abnormal release of dopamine in the brain reward-related areas. Trace amine-associated receptor 1 (TAAR1) is a G Protein-Coupled Receptor that negatively regulates dopamine neurotransmission and thus is a promising target in the treatment of drug addiction. However, the role of TAAR1 in the regulation of alcohol abuse remains understudied. Here, we assessed the effect of TAAR1 activation on alcohol-drinking behaviors of C57Bl/6J female mice housed in IntelliCages. The animals were administered with either vehicle or TAAR1 full selective agonist, RO5256390, and tested for alcohol consumption, alcohol preference, and motivation for alcohol seeking. We found that mice with the highest preference for alcohol (high drinkers) in the RO5256390 group consumed less alcohol and had lower alcohol preference in comparison to high drinkers in the vehicle group, during 20 h of free alcohol access (FAA). We also found decreased alcohol consumption and alcohol preference comparing all animals in the RO5256390 to all animals in the vehicle group, during 20 h of FAA performed after the abstinence. These effects of RO5256390 lasted for the first 24 hours after administration that roughly corresponded to the compound level in the brain, measured by mass spectrometry. Finally, we found that administration of RO5256390 may attenuate motivation for alcohol seeking. Taken together, our findings reveal that activation of TAAR1 may transiently reduce alcohol drinking; thus, TAAR1 is a promising target for the treatment of alcohol abuse and relapse.

animal behavior and cognition↗