Biology subjects

Flores, D.

Publications and source records attributed to Flores, D..

3 recordsLinked to original sources

bioRxiv2021

L-WNK1 is required for BK channel activation in intercalated cells

BK channels expressed in intercalated cells (ICs) in the aldosterone-sensitive distal nephron (ASDN) mediate flow-induced K+ secretion. In the ASDN of mice and rabbits, IC BK channel expression and activity increase with a high K+ diet. In cell culture, the long isoform of the kinase WNK1 (L-WNK1) increases BK channel expression and activity. Apical L-WNK1 expression is selectively enhanced in ICs in the ASDN of rabbits on a high K+ diet, suggesting that L-WNK1 contributes to BK channel regulation by dietary K+. We examined the role of IC L-WNK1 expression in enhancing BK channel activity in response to a high K+ diet. Mice with an IC-selective deletion of L-WNK1 (IC-L-WNK1-KO) and littermate control mice were placed on a high K+ (5% K+ as KCl) diet for at least 10 days. IC-L-WNK1-KO mice exhibited higher blood K+ concentrations ([K+]) than controls. BK channel-dependent whole-cell currents in ICs from cortical collecting ducts of high K+ fed IC-L-WNK1-KO mice were reduced compared to controls. Six-hour urinary K+ excretion in response a saline load was similar in IC-L-WNK1-KO mice and controls. The observations that IC-L-WNK1-KO mice have higher blood [K+] and reduced IC BK channel currents are consistent with impaired urinary K+ secretion, and suggest that IC L-WNK1 has a role in the renal adaptation to a high K+ diet.

physiology↗

bioRxiv2020

Characterization of a novel endopeptidase Cwl0971 that hydrolyzes peptidoglycan of Clostridioides difficile involved in pleiotropic cellular processes

Clostridioides difficile is a Gram-positive, spore-forming, toxin-producing anaerobe that can cause nosocomial antibiotic-associated intestinal disease. Although the production of toxin A (TcdA) and toxin B (TcdB) contribute to the main pathogenesis of C. difficile, the mechanism of TcdA and TcdB release from cell remains unclear. In this study, we identified and characterized a new cell wall hydrolase Cwl0971 (CDR20291_0971) from C. difficile R20291, which is involved in bacterial autolysis. The gene 0971 deletion mutant (R20291{Delta}0971) generated with CRISPR-AsCpfI exhibited significantly delayed cell autolysis and increased cell viability compared to R20291, and the purified Cwl0971 exhibited hydrolase activity for Bacillus subtilis cell wall. Meanwhile, 0971 gene deletion impaired TcdA and TcdB release due to the decreased cell autolysis in the stationary / late phase of cell growth. Moreover, sporulation of the mutant strain decreased significantly compared to the wild type strain. In vivo, the defect of Cwl0971 decreased fitness over the parent strain in a mouse infection model. Collectively, Cwl0971 is involved in cell wall lysis and cell viability, which affects toxin release, sporulation, germination, and pathogenicity of R20291, indicating that Cwl0971 could be an attractive target for C. difficile infection therapeutics and prophylactics.

microbiology↗

bioRxiv2020

Mechanical and signaling mechanisms that guide pre-implantation embryo movement.

How a mammalian embryo determines and arrives at its site of attachment is a mystery that has puzzled researchers for decades. Additionally, in multiparous species, embryos face a unique challenge of achieving adequate spacing to avoid competition for maternal resources. Using our enhanced confocal imaging and 3D image reconstruction technology, we evaluate murine embryo location in the uterus along the longitudinal oviductal-cervical axis. Our analysis reveals three distinct pre-implantation stages: a) Embryo entry; b) Unidirectional movement of embryo clusters; and c) Bidirectional scattering and spacing of embryos. We show that unidirectional movement of embryo clusters is facilitated by a mechanical stimulus of the embryo as a physical object and is regulated by adrenergic uterine smooth muscle contractions. Embryo scattering, on the other hand, relies on embryo-uterine communication reliant on the LPAR3 signaling pathway and is independent of adrenergic muscle contractions. We propose that the presence of embryo clusters in the uterine horn provides an opportunity for the uterus to sense and count the embryos, followed by scattering and spacing these embryos along the given length of the horn. Thus, uterine implantation sites in mice are neither random nor predetermined but are guided by the number of embryos entering the uterine lumen. These studies have implications for understanding how embryo-uterine communication is key to determining an optimal implantation site, which is necessary for the success of a pregnancy. Significance StatementIn mammals that carry multiple offspring in one gestation, embryos seemingly acquire even embryo spacing. Such even distribution would imply a guided interaction between the mother and the fetus very early on in pregnancy to allow favorable pregnancy outcomes. Thus, it is essential to understand quantitatively if and when such a uniform distribution of embryos is established. Further, uncovering the physical and biological mechanisms that allow for such equal distribution of embryos, will improve our understanding of early pregnancy events and provide for novel targets for improving pregnancy success in case of infertility and artificial reproductive technologies as well as to develop non-hormonal therapies for contraception.

developmental biology↗