Izycka-Swieszewska, E. | Search bioRxiv

bioRxiv2024

Expression Profile of Human Bitter Taste Receptors in Human Aortic and Coronary Artery Endothelial Cells

Human bitter taste receptors (TAS2Rs) are G protein-coupled receptors primarily associated with bitter taste perception, in the oral cavity. Many dietary compounds and drugs function as TAS2Rs agonists, activating their intracellular signaling pathways. Emerging evidence indicates TAS2Rs expression in extraoral tissues, including the cardiovascular system, where their functional role remains underexplored.. This study investigates TAS2Rs expression in primary human aortic and coronary artery endothelial cells. Using digital PCR (dPCR), we confirmed the mRNA expression of all 25 TAS2R subtypes in both cell lines. The expression levels were substantially higher in human coronary artery endothelial cells compared to human aortic endothelial cells. We confirmed the protein expression of TAS2R10 and TAS2R38 proteins using Western blot. These findings mark the first identification of TAS2Rs in these endothelial cells, suggesting a potential role in vascular physiology. These findings suggest a potential role for TAS2Rs in vascular physiology, prompting further research into their impact on endothelial function in cardiovascular health and pathology.

cell biology↗

bioRxiv2020

TOP2A substitution enhances topoisomerase activity and causes transcriptional dysfunction in glioblastoma patients

BackgroundHigh grade gliomas (HGGs) are aggressive, primary brain tumors with poor clinical outcomes. We aim to better understand glioma pathobiology and find potential therapeutic susceptibilities. MethodsWe designed a custom panel of 664 cancer- and epigenetics-related genes, and employed targeted next generation sequencing to study the genomic landscape of somatic and germline variants in 182 gliomas of different malignancy grades. mRNA sequencing was performed to detect transcriptomic abnormalities. ResultsIn addition to known alterations in TP53, IDH1, ATRX, EGFR genes found in this cohort, we identified a novel, recurrent mutation in the TOP2A gene coding for Topoisomerase 2A occurring only in glioblastomas (GBM, WHO grade IV gliomas). Biochemical assays with recombinant proteins demonstrated stronger DNA binding and DNA supercoil relaxation activities of the variant proteins. GBM patients carrying the mutated TOP2A had shorter overall survival than those with the wild type TOP2A. Computational analyses of transcriptomic data showed that GBMs with the mutated TOP2A have different transcriptomic patterns suggesting higher transcriptomic activity. ConclusionWe identified a novel TOP2A E948Q variant that strongly binds to DNA and is more active than the wild type protein. Our findings suggest that the discovered TOP2A variant is gain-of-function mutation. Key pointsO_LIThe most frequent genetic alterations in high grade gliomas are reported. C_LIO_LIA new mutation in the TOP2A gene was found in 4 patients from Polish population. C_LIO_LIA E948Q substitution changes TOP2A activities towards DNA. C_LIO_LIThe recurrent TOP2A variant is a gain-of-function mutation. C_LI Importance of the studyGlioblastoma is a deadly disease. Despite recent advancements in genomics and innovative targeted therapies, glioblastoma therapy has not shown improvements. Insights into glioblastoma biology may improve diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment prediction, directing to a better outcome. We performed targeted sequencing of 664 cancer genes, and identified a new variant of the TOP2A gene encoding topoisomerase 2A in glioblastomas. The TOP2A protein variant shows a higher affinity towards DNA and causes transcriptional alterations, suggesting a higher de novo transcription rate.

cancer biology↗