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Role of ADP-ribosylation in activated monocytes/macrophages

S Hauschildt1, P Scheipers, W Bessler

  • 1Institut für Zoologie Immunobiologie, Universität Leipzig.

Insights

Bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulates monocytes and macrophages to release inflammatory mediators. ADP-ribosylation, a protein modification process, is crucial for this activation and mediator synthesis.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Cellular Biology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Monocytes and macrophages are key immune cells involved in inflammatory responses.
  • Bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is a potent stimulator of these cells, leading to the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines like TNF-alpha, IL-1, and IL-6, as well as nitrite (NO2-).
  • The precise molecular mechanisms controlling this inflammatory response are complex and involve post-translational modifications.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of ADP-ribosylation in monocyte and macrophage activation.
  • To identify specific cellular proteins and processes regulated by ADP-ribosylation during LPS stimulation.
  • To explore the potential of targeting ADP-ribosylation pathways for modulating inflammatory responses.

Main Methods:

  • Stimulation of murine macrophages and human monocytes with bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS).
  • Treatment with inhibitors of poly(ADP-ribose)polymerase (PARP) and nicotinamide.
  • Analysis of mRNA expression for inflammatory mediators.
  • Identification and characterization of modified cytosolic proteins using biochemical techniques.

Main Results:

  • Inhibitors of poly(ADP-ribose)polymerase (PARP) suppressed the release of inflammatory mediators by preventing mRNA expression.
  • ADP-ribosylation was shown to modify cellular proteins in response to LPS.
  • A 33 kDa cytosolic protein in murine macrophages exhibited altered ADP-ribosylation states upon LPS stimulation.
  • Nicotinamide prevented LPS-induced phosphorylation of 36 kDa and 38 kDa cytosolic proteins (p36/38) in human monocytes.

Conclusions:

  • ADP-ribosylation plays a critical role in the synthesis and release of inflammatory mediators from monocytes/macrophages stimulated by LPS.
  • Protein modification via ADP-ribosylation is involved in regulating distinct steps of monocyte and macrophage activation.
  • These findings suggest that ADP-ribosylation pathways represent potential targets for therapeutic intervention in inflammatory conditions.

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