Unveiling novel targets in melanoma under melanogenesis stimulation and photodynamic therapy by redox proteomics.

Melanogenesis-stimulated B16-F10 cells enter in a quiescent state, present inhibited mitochondrial respiration and increased reactive oxygen species levels. These alterations suggest that these cells may be under redox signaling, allowing tumor survival. The aim of this study was to evaluate redox-modified proteins in B16-F10 cells after melanogenesis stimulation and rose bengal-photodynamic therapy (RB-PDT). A redox proteomics label-free approach based on the biotin switch assay technique with biotin-HPDP and N-ethylmaleimide was used to assess the thiol-oxidized protein profile. Aconitase was oxidized at Cys-448 and Cys-451, citrate synthase was oxidized at Cys-202 and aspartate aminotransferase (Got2) was oxidized at Cys-272 and Cys-274, exclusively after melanogenesis stimulation. After RB-PDT, only guanine nucleotide-binding protein subunit beta-2-like 1 (Gnb2l1) was oxidized (Cys-168). In contrast, melanogenesis stimulation followed by RB-PDT led to the oxidation of different cysteines in Gnb2l1 (Cys-153 and Cys-249). Besides that, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (Gapdh) presented oxidation at Cys-245, peptidyl-prolyl cis-trans isomerase A (Ppia) was oxidized at Cys-161 and 5,6-dihydroxyindole-2-carboxylic acid oxidase (Tyrp1) was oxidized at Cys-65, Cys-30, and Cys-336 after melanogenesis stimulation followed by RB-PDT. The redox alterations observed in murine melanoma cells and identification of possible target proteins are of great importance to further understand tumor resistance mechanisms.

Proteomic Analysis Identifies Molecular Players and Biological Processes Specific to SARS-CoV-2 Exposure in Endothelial Cells.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has been responsible for the severe pandemic of acute respiratory disease, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), experienced in the 21st century. The clinical manifestations range from mild symptoms to abnormal blood coagulation and severe respiratory failure. In severe cases, COVID-19 manifests as a thromboinflammatory disease. Damage to the vascular compartment caused by SARS-CoV-2 has been linked to thrombosis, triggered by an enhanced immune response. The molecular mechanisms underlying endothelial activation have not been fully elucidated. We aimed to identify the proteins correlated to the molecular response of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) after exposure to SARS-CoV-2, which might help to unravel the molecular mechanisms of endothelium activation in COVID-19. In this direction, we exposed HUVECs to SARS-CoV-2 and analyzed the expression of specific cellular receptors, and changes in the proteome of HUVECs at different time points. We identified that HUVECs exhibit non-productive infection without cytopathic effects, in addition to the lack of expression of specific cell receptors known to be essential for SARS-CoV-2 entry into cells. We highlighted the enrichment of the protein SUMOylation pathway and the increase in SUMO2, which was confirmed by orthogonal assays. In conclusion, proteomic analysis revealed that the exposure to SARS-CoV-2 induced oxidative stress and changes in protein abundance and pathways enrichment that resembled endothelial dysfunction.

Spatial proteomics reveals subcellular reorganization in human keratinocytes exposed to UVA light.

The effects of UV light on the skin have been extensively investigated. However, systematic information about how the exposure to ultraviolet-A (UVA) light, the least energetic but the most abundant UV radiation reaching the Earth, shapes the subcellular organization of proteins is lacking. Using subcellular fractionation, mass-spectrometry-based proteomics, machine learning algorithms, immunofluorescence, and functional assays, we mapped the subcellular reorganization of the proteome of human keratinocytes in response to UVA light. Our workflow quantified and assigned subcellular localization for over 1,600 proteins, of which about 200 were found to redistribute upon UVA exposure. Reorganization of the proteome affected modulators of signaling pathways, cellular metabolism, and DNA damage response. Strikingly, mitochondria were identified as one of the main targets of UVA-induced stress. Further investigation demonstrated that UVA induces mitochondrial fragmentation, up-regulates redox-responsive proteins, and attenuates respiratory rates. These observations emphasize the role of this radiation as a potent metabolic stressor in the skin.

Proteomic analysis identifies molecular players and biological processes specific to SARS-CoV-2 exposure in endothelial cells

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has been responsible for the severe pandemic of acute respiratory disease, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), experienced in the 21st century. The clinical manifestations range from mild symptoms to abnormal blood coagulation and severe respiratory failure. In severe cases, COVID-19 manifests as a thromboinflammatory disease. Damage to the vascular compartment caused by SARS-CoV-2 has been linked to thrombosis, triggered by an enhanced immune response. The molecular mechanisms underlying endothelial activation have not been fully elucidated. We aimed to identify the proteins correlated to the molecular response of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) after exposure to SARS-CoV-2, which might help to unravel the molecular mechanisms of endothelium activation in COVID-19. In this direction, we exposed HUVECs to SARS-CoV-2 and analyzed the expression of specific cellular receptors, and changes in the proteome of HUVECs at different time points. We identified that HUVECs exhibit non-productive infection without cytopathic effects, in addition to the lack of expression of specific cell receptors known to be essential for SARS-CoV-2 entry into cells. We highlighted the enrichment of the protein SUMOylation pathway and the increase in SUMO2, which was confirmed by orthogonal assays. In conclusion, proteomic analysis revealed that the exposure to SARS-CoV-2 induced oxidative stress and changes in protein abundance and pathways enrichment that resembled endothelial dysfunction.

Proteomic analysis of human keratinocytes under UVA-induced stress / Análise proteômica de queratinócitos humanos sob estresse induzido por luz UVA

The solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation that reaches the Earth is composed of 95% of UVA (320 to 400 nm) and 5% of UVB (280 to 320 nm) radiation. UVB is carcinogenic, generating potentially mutagenic DNA lesions. The solar UVA radiation also causes DNA damage, but this fact does not fully account for its biological impact. UVA is absorbed by non-DNA cellular chromophores, generating reactive oxygen species such as singlet oxygen. Knowing the proteome mediates stress responses in cells, here we investigated the cellular effects of a non-cytotoxic dose of UVA radiation, equivalent to about 20 minutes of midday sun exposure, on the proteome of human keratinocytes. Using a combination of mass spectrometry-based proteomics, bioinformatics, and conventional biochemical assays, we analyzed two aspects of UVA-induced stress: spatial remodeling of the proteome in subcellular compartments 30 minutes after stress and long-term changes in protein levels and secretion (24 hours and 7 days postirradiation). In the first part of this thesis, we quantified and assigned subcellular localization for over 3000 proteins, of which about 600 potentially redistribute upon UVA exposure. Protein redistributions were accompanied by redox modulations, mitochondrial fragmentation and DNA damage. In the second part of the work, our results showed that primary human keratinocytes enter senescence upon exposure to a single dose of UVA, mounting antioxidant and inflammatory responses. Cells under UVA-induced senescence further elicit paracrine responses in neighboring premalignant HaCaT epithelial cells via inflammatory mediators. Altogether, these results reiterate the role of UVA radiation as a potent metabolic stressor in the skin

A radiação ultravioleta (UV) solar que atinge a superfície terrestre é composta por 95% de radiação UVA (320 a 400 nm) e 5% de radiação UVB (280 a 320 nm). A radiação UVB é carcinogênica e gera lesões potencialmente mutagênicas no DNA. A radiação UVA solar também gera danos no DNA, mas a genotoxicidade dessa radiação não explica inteiramente o seu impacto biológico. Atualmente, sabe-se que a radiação UVA é absorvida por cromóforos celulares, gerando espécies reativas de oxigênio, como o oxigênio singlete. Sabendo que o proteoma é um mediador de respostas ao estresse celular, nós investigamos os efeitos celulares de uma dose não-citotóxica de radiação UVA, equivalente a cerca de 20 minutos de exposição ao sol, no proteoma de queratinócitos humanos. Utilizando espectrometria de massas, bioinformática e ensaios bioquímicos convencionais, nós analisamos dois aspectos do estresse induzido por radiação UVA: o remodelamento espacial do proteoma 30 minutos depois do estresse e alterações nos níveis e na secreção de proteínas no longo prazo (24 horas e 7 dias depois da irradiação). Na primeira parte desta tese, nós quantificamos e atribuímos classificações de localização subcelular a mais de 3000 proteínas. Dentre essas proteínas, 600 tem potencialmente a sua distribuição subcelular alterada em resposta à radiação. As redistribuições subcelulares são acompanhadas de modulações redox, fragmentação mitocondrial e danos no DNA. Na segunda parte da tese, os nossos resultados mostraram que queratinócitos humanos primários entram em senescência sob exposição a uma única dose de radiação UVA, montando respostas antioxidantes e pró-inflamatórias. Células sob senescência induzida por UVA, por sua vez, desencadeiam respostas parácrinas em queratinócitos pré-tumorais (células HaCaT) por meio de mediadores inflamatórios. Em conjunto, esses resultados reiteram o papel da radiação UVA como um potente estressor metabólico em células da pele

A single dose of Ultraviolet-A induces proteome remodeling and senescence in primary human keratinocytes.

Epidermal photoaging contributes to skin fragility over time and it is a risk factor for skin cancer. Photoaging has been associated for a long time with exposure to Ultraviolet-A (UVA) light, the predominant component of the solar ultraviolet radiation. While the cellular mechanisms underlying UVA-induced photoaging in the dermis have been well characterized, UVA's action on the epidermis remains elusive. Here, proteomic analysis was conducted to derive the cellular responses induced by an environmentally relevant dose of UVA in primary human keratinocytes. We also investigated the effects of UVA on non-transformed immortalized keratinocytes (HaCaT cells), bearing potentially oncogenic mutations. We showed that UVA induces proteome remodeling and senescence in primary keratinocytes, eliciting potent antioxidant and pro-inflammatory responses. Additionally, we showed that UVA modulates the secretory phenotype of these cells to the extent of inducing paracrine oxidative stress and immune system activation in pre-malignant keratinocytes. These observations offer insights into the cellular mechanisms by which UVA drives photoaging in the skin.

Experimental and DFT Computational Insight into Nitrosamine Photochemistry-Oxygen Matters.

A nitrosamine photooxidation reaction is shown to generate a peroxy intermediate by experimental physical-organic methods. The irradiation of phenyl and methyl-substituted nitrosamines in the presence of isotopically labeled 18-oxygen revealed that an O atom was trapped from a peroxy intermediate to trimethylphosphite or triphenylphosphine, or by nitrosamine itself, forming two moles of nitramine. The unstable peroxy intermediate can be trapped at low temperature in postphotolyzed solution in the dark. Chemiluminescence was also observed upon thermal decomposition of the peroxy intermediate, that is, when a postphotolysis low-temperature solution is brought up to room temperature. A DFT study provides tentative information for cyclic nitrogen peroxide species on the reaction surface.