Mechanisms of acquired resistance to HER2-Positive breast cancer therapies induced by HER3: A comprehensive review

Receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) are cell surface receptors with kinase activity that play a crucial role in diverse cellular processes. Among the RTK family members, Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) and HER3 are particularly relevant to breast cancer. The review delves into the complexities of receptor tyrosine kinase interactions, resistance mechanisms, and the potential of anti-HER3 drugs, offering valuable insights into the clinical implications and future directions in this field of study. It assesses the potential of anti-HER3 drugs, such as pertuzumab, in overcoming resistance observed in HER2-positive breast cancer therapies. The review also explores the resistance mechanisms associated with various drugs, including trastuzumab, lapatinib, and PI3K inhibitors, providing insights into the intricate molecular processes underlying resistance development. The review concludes by emphasizing the necessity for further clinical trials to assess the efficacy of HER3 inhibitors and the potential of developing safe and effective anti-HER3 treatments to improve treatment outcomes for patients with HER2-positive breast cancer.

The role of SLC12A family of cation-chloride cotransporters and drug discovery methodologies

The solute carrier family 12 (SLC12) of cation-chloride cotransporters (CCCs) comprises potassium chloride cotransporters (KCCs, e.g. KCC1, KCC2, KCC3, and KCC4)-mediated Cl- extrusion, and sodium potassium chloride cotransporters (N[K]CCs, NKCC1, NKCC2, and NCC)-mediated Cl- loading. The CCCs play vital roles in cell volume regulation and ion homeostasis. Gain-of-function or loss-of-function of these ion transporters can cause diseases in many tissues. In recent years, there have been considerable advances in our understanding of CCCs' control mechanisms in cell volume regulations, with many techniques developed in studying the functions and activities of CCCs. Classic approaches to directly measure CCC activity involve assays that measure the transport of potassium substitutes through the CCCs. These techniques include the ammonium pulse technique, radioactive or nonradioactive rubidium ion uptake-assay, and thallium ion-uptake assay. CCCs' activity can also be indirectly observed by measuring γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) activity with patch-clamp electrophysiology and intracellular chloride concentration with sensitive microelectrodes, radiotracer 36Cl-, and fluorescent dyes. Other techniques include directly looking at kinase regulatory sites phosphorylation, flame photometry, 22Na+ uptake assay, structural biology, molecular modeling, and high-throughput drug screening. This review summarizes the role of CCCs in genetic disorders and cell volume regulation, current methods applied in studying CCCs biology, and compounds developed that directly or indirectly target the CCCs for disease treatments.

Cloning, expression, and characterization of a cold-adapted lipase gene from an antarctic deep-sea psychrotrophic bacterium, Psychrobacter sp 7195

A psychrotrophic strain 7195 showing extracellular lipolytic activity towards tributyrin was isolated from deep-sea sediment of Prydz Bay and identified as a Psychrobacter species. By screening a genomic DNA library of Psychrobacter sp. 7195, an open reading frame of 954 bp coding for a lipase gene, lipA1, was identified, cloned, and sequenced. The deduced LipA1 consisted of 317 amino acids with a molecular mass of 35,210 kDa. It had one consensus motif, G-N-S-M-G (GXSXG), containing the putative active-site serine, which was conserved in other cold-adapted lipolytic enzymes. The recombinant LipA1 was purified by column chromatography with DEAE Sepharose CL-4B, and Sephadex G-75, and preparative polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, in sequence. The purified enzyme showed highest activity at 30 degrees C, and was unstable at temperatures higher than 30 degrees C, indicating that it was a typical cold-adapted enzyme. The optimal pH for activity was 9.0, and the enzyme was stable between pH 7.0-10.0 after 24 h incubation at 4 degrees C. The addition of Ca2+ and Mg2+ enhanced the enzyme activity of LipA1, whereas the Cd2, Zn2+, Co2+, Fe3+, Hg2+, Fe2+, Rb2+, and EDTA strongly inhibited the activity. The LipA1 was activated by various detergents, such as Triton X-100, Tween 80, Tween 40, Span 60, Span 40, CHAPS, and SDS, and showed better resistance towards them. Substrate specificity analysis showed that there was a preference for trimyristin and p-nitrophenyl myristate (C14 acyl groups).

Hereditary causes of hypertension due to increased sodium transport

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure, is a widespread health condition affecting a large number of individuals across the globe. Although lifestyle choices and environmental factors are known to have a significant impact on its development, there is growing recognition of the influence of genetic factors in the pathogenesis of hypertension. This review specifically focuses on the hereditary causes of hypertension that are associated with increased sodium transport through the thiazide-sensitive NaCl cotransporter (NCC) or amiloride-sensitive epithelial sodium channel (ENaC), crucial mechanisms involved in regulating blood pressure in the kidneys. By examining genetic mutations and signaling molecules linked to the dysregulation of sodium transport, this review aims to deepen our understanding of the hereditary causes of hypertension and shed light on potential therapeutic targets.

RECENT FINDINGS

Liddle syndrome (LS) is a genetic disorder that typically manifests early in life and is characterized by hypertension, hypokalemic metabolic alkalosis, hyporeninemia, and suppressed aldosterone secretion. This condition is primarily caused by gain-of-function mutations in ENaC. In contrast, Pseudohypoaldosteronism type II (PHAII) is marked by hyperkalemia and hypertension, alongside other clinical features such as hyperchloremia, metabolic acidosis, and suppressed plasma renin levels. PHAII results from overactivations of NCC, brought about by gain-of-function mutations in its upstream signaling molecules, including WNK1 (with no lysine (K) 1), WNK4, Kelch-like 3 (KLHL3), and cullin3 (CUL3).

SUMMARY

NCC and ENaC are integral components, and their malfunctions lead to disorders like LS and PHAII, hereditary causes of hypertension. Current treatments for LS involve ENaC blockers (e.g., triamterene and amiloride) in conjunction with low-sodium diets, effectively normalizing blood pressure and potassium levels. In PHAII, thiazide diuretics, which inhibit NCC, are the mainstay treatment, albeit with some limitations and potential side effects. Ongoing research in developing alternative treatments, including small molecules targeting key regulators, holds promise for more effective and tailored hypertension solutions.

Commentaries: Lecanemab: pioneering the way as the first approved drug for Alzheimer's disease treatment

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder marked by cognitive decline and neuronal abnormalities. Current therapies address symptoms without altering disease progression. Lecanemab, an anti-amyloid antibody, binds to amyloid-beta (Aβ) protofibrils. Phase II trials revealed dose-dependent amyloid clearance and reduced clinical decline. Phase III trials demonstrated cognitive benefits with potential adverse events. Full FDA approval was granted for lecanemab due to its ability to eliminate toxic brain amyloids. However, longer trials are needed to assess its efficacy and safety. While lecanemab marks a significant advancement, further breakthroughs are essential for effective AD treatment.

Oral Paclovid Significantly Reduces Hospitalization and Mortality in Non-hospitalized Elderly Patients with COVID-19

The development of antiviral drugs against coronavirus has proceeded at an unprecedented pace. In December 2021, the US FDA has successively approved two oral drugs against coronavirus pneumonia (COVID-19), namely PAXLOVID™ (PF-07321332) developed by Pfizer and Molnupiravir developed by Merck by targeting papain-like protease (PLpro) and RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp), respectively. PLpro and RdRp are important for the normal life cycle of coronaviruses. Inhibition of their activities could impair the synthesis of viral RNA and aid therapeutic treatments. However, little is known about the real-world effectiveness of oral antivirals against the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)-CoV-2 omicron (B.1.1.529) variant. Recent studies have shown that Paxlovid can lead to a marked reduction hospitalization or death among unvaccinated outpatients with early COVID-19, whereas it was found no significant benefit for patients aged 64 and younger. In comparison, Molnupiravir did not reduce the risk of hospitalization or death after infection in high-risk groups who had been vaccinated against the coronaviruses, but only accelerated their recovery.

Microbial stars: shedding light on gut microbes' role in insulin resistance and innovative diabetes therapies

The role of gut microbiota in insulin resistance (IR), Metabolic Syndrome (MetS), and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is rapidly gaining recognition. However, the mechanisms and implications of gut bacteria in these conditions remain enigmatic. This commentary not only highlights the findings of a recent multi-omics study by Takeuchi et al. but also offers a unique perspective by integrating personal opinions and insights. The discussion revolves around the intricate connection between gut microbes and IR, suggesting novel therapeutic potential in targeting gut microbial carbohydrate metabolism for improved IR management and metabolic health.

Regulation of Neuronal Chloride Homeostasis by Pro- and Mature Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) via KCC2 Cation-Chloride Cotransporters in Rat Cortical Neurons

The strength of inhibitory neurotransmission depends on intracellular neuronal chloride concentration, primarily regulated by the activity of cation-chloride cotransporters NKCC1 (Sodium-Potassium-Chloride Cotransporter 1) and KCC2 (Potassium-Chloride Cotransporter 2). Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) influences the functioning of these co-transporters. BDNF is synthesized from precursor proteins (proBDNF), which undergo proteolytic cleavage to yield mature BDNF (mBDNF). While previous studies have indicated the involvement of BDNF signaling in the activity of KCC2, its specific mechanisms are unclear. We investigated the interplay between both forms of BDNF and chloride homeostasis in rat hippocampal neurons and in utero electroporated cortices of rat pups, spanning the behavioral, cellular, and molecular levels. We found that both pro- and mBDNF play a comparable role in immature neurons by inhibiting the capacity of neurons to extrude chloride. Additionally, proBDNF increases the endocytosis of KCC2 while maintaining a depolarizing shift of EGABA in maturing neurons. Behaviorally, proBDNF-electroporated rat pups in the somatosensory cortex exhibit sensory deficits, delayed huddling, and cliff avoidance. These findings emphasize the role of BDNF signaling in regulating chloride transport through the modulation of KCC2. In summary, this study provides valuable insights into the intricate interplay between BDNF, chloride homeostasis, and inhibitory synaptic transmission, shedding light on the underlying cellular mechanisms involved.