1
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Zhao C, Guo S, Ge S. Epigenetic regulation of cGAS and STING expression in cancer. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 138:112556. [PMID: 38936059 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.112556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2024] [Revised: 06/19/2024] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Abstract
Although cancer immunotherapy has become a successful therapeutic strategy in a certain range of solid cancer and hematological malignancies, this efficacy of immunotherapy is impeded by limited success rates due to an immunologically "cold" state. The cGAS-STING signaling pathway is an evolutionarily conserved system which can find cytoplasmic DNA to regulate the innate immune and adaptive immune response. Beyond the host defense and autoimmune disorders, recent advances have now expanded the roles of cGAS-STING that is precise activated and tight regulated to improve anticancer immunity. Mounting evidence now has shown the crucial role of epigenetic regulation in mediating the expression of key genes associated with the cGAS-STING signaling pathway. In this review, we highlight the structure and cellular localization of cGAS and STING as well as intracellular cascade reaction of cGAS-STING signal transduction. We further summarize recent findings of epigenetic regulatory mechanisms that control the expression of cGAS and STING in cancer. The review aims to offer theoretical basis and reference for targeting the epigenetic mechanisms that control cGAS and STING gene expression to promote the development of more effective combination therapeutic regimens to enhance the efficacy of cancer immunotherapy in clinical practice and cancer clinical and cancer research workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuanxiang Zhao
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Reproductive Immunity, School of Medical Science and Laboratory Medicine, Jiangsu College of Nursing, Huai'an, China.
| | - Shuwei Guo
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China.
| | - Shiyao Ge
- Reproductive Sciences Institute, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Medical Science and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China.
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2
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Zou K, Zhang P, Wang Y, Liu Y, Ji B, Zhan P, Song J. Investigation and Regulation of DNA Nanostructures on Activating cGAS-STING Signaling. SMALL METHODS 2024:e2401041. [PMID: 39233553 DOI: 10.1002/smtd.202401041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2024] [Revised: 08/19/2024] [Indexed: 09/06/2024]
Abstract
DNA nanostructures have shown great potential in biomedical fields. However, the immune responses, especially the activation of the cGAS-STING signaling (A-cGSs), induced by DNA nanostructures, remain incompletely understood. Here, the ability of various DNA nanostructures from double-stranded DNA (dsDNA), single-stranded tiles (SSTs) to DNA origami is investigated on A-cGSs. Unlike natural dsDNA which triggers potent A-cGSs, the structural interconnectivity of various DNA configurations can substantially reduce the occurrence of A-cGSs, irrespective of their form, dimensions, and conformation. However, wireframe DNA nanostructures can activate the cGAS-STING signaling, suggesting that decreasing A-cGSs is dsDNA compactness-dependent. Based on this, a reconfigurable DNA Origami Domino Array (DODA) is used to systematically interrogate how dsDNA influences the A-cGSs and demonstrates that the length, number, and space of dsDNA array coordinately influence the activation level of cGAS-STING signaling, realizing a regulation of innate immune response. The above data and findings enhance the understanding of how DNA nanostructures affect cellular innate immune responses and new insights into the modulation of innate immune responses by DNA nanomedicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kexuan Zou
- Institute of Nano Biomedicine and Engineering, Department of Instrument Science and Engineering, School of Electronic Information and Electrical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Pengfei Zhang
- Hangzhou Institute of Medicine, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310022, China
- Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, 010070, China
| | - Yuqi Wang
- Institute of Nano Biomedicine and Engineering, Department of Instrument Science and Engineering, School of Electronic Information and Electrical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Yan Liu
- Institute for Health Innovation & Technology, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117599, Singapore
| | - Bin Ji
- Department of Disease Control, The Affiliated Wuxi Center for Disease Control and Prevention of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, 214023, China
| | - Pengfei Zhan
- Hangzhou Institute of Medicine, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310022, China
| | - Jie Song
- Hangzhou Institute of Medicine, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310022, China
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3
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Yu L, Liu P. cGAS/STING signalling pathway in senescence and oncogenesis. Semin Cancer Biol 2024; 106-107:87-102. [PMID: 39222763 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2024.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2024] [Revised: 08/25/2024] [Accepted: 08/27/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
The cGAS/STING signaling pathway is a crucial component of the innate immune system, playing significant roles in sensing cytosolic DNA, regulating cellular senescence, and contributing to oncogenesis. Recent advances have shed new lights into the molecular mechanisms governing pathway activation in multiple pathophysiological settings, the indispensable roles of cGAS/STING signaling in cellular senescence, and its context-dependent roles in cancer development and suppression. This review summarizes current knowledge related to the biology of cGAS/STING signaling pathway and its participations into senescence and oncogenesis. We further explore the clinical implications and therapeutic potential for cGAS/STING targeted therapies, and faced challenges in the field. With a focus on molecular mechanisms and emerging pharmacological targets, this review underscores the importance of future studies to harness the therapeutic potential of the cGAS/STING pathway in treating senescence-related disorders and cancer. Advanced understanding of the regulatory mechanisms of cGAS/STING signaling, along with the associated deregulations in diseases, combined with the development of new classes of cGAS/STING modulators, hold great promises for creating novel and effective therapeutic strategies. These advancements could address current treatment challenges and unlock the full potential of cGAS/STING in treating senescence-related disorders and oncogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Le Yu
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, School of Medicine, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Pengda Liu
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, School of Medicine, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.
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4
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Liao K, Wang F, Xia C, Xu Z, Zhong S, Bi W, Ruan J. The cGAS-STING pathway in COPD: targeting its role and therapeutic potential. Respir Res 2024; 25:302. [PMID: 39113033 PMCID: PMC11308159 DOI: 10.1186/s12931-024-02915-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 07/12/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD) is a gradually worsening and fatal heterogeneous lung disease characterized by airflow limitation and increasingly decline in lung function. Currently, it is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. The consistent feature of COPD is airway inflammation. Several inflammatory factors are known to be involved in COPD pathogenesis; however, anti-inflammatory therapy is not the first-line treatment for COPD. Although bronchodilators, corticosteroids and roflumilast could improve airflow and control symptoms, they could not reverse the disease. The cyclic GMP-AMP synthase-stimulator of interferon genes (cGAS-STING) signaling pathway plays an important novel role in the immune system and has been confirmed to be a key mediator of inflammation during infection, cellular stress, and tissue damage. Recent studies have emphasized that abnormal activation of cGAS-STING contributes to COPD, providing a direction for new treatments that we urgently need to develop. Here, we focused on the cGAS-STING pathway, providing insight into its molecular mechanism and summarizing the current knowledge on the role of the cGAS-STING pathway in COPD. Moreover, we explored antagonists of cGAS and STING to identify potential therapeutic strategies for COPD that target the cGAS-STING pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kexin Liao
- First Clinical Medical College, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, People's Republic of China
| | - Fengshuo Wang
- College of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, People's Republic of China
| | - Chenhao Xia
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, People's Republic of China
| | - Ze Xu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, People's Republic of China
| | - Sen Zhong
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenqi Bi
- First Clinical Medical College, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, People's Republic of China
| | - Jingjing Ruan
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, People's Republic of China.
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5
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Guo H, Han Y, Yao S, Chen B, Zhao H, Jia J, Chen S, Liu Y, Gao S, Guan H, Lu J, Zhou PK. Decrotonylation of cGAS K254 prompts homologous recombination repair by blocking its DNA binding and releasing PARP1. J Biol Chem 2024; 300:107554. [PMID: 39002667 PMCID: PMC11345394 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2024.107554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2024] [Revised: 06/20/2024] [Accepted: 06/30/2024] [Indexed: 07/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS), a cytosolic DNA sensor, also exhibits nuclear genomic localization and is involved in DNA damage signaling. In this study, we investigated the impact of cGAS crotonylation on the regulation of the DNA damage response, particularly homologous recombination repair, following exposure to ionizing radiation (IR). Lysine 254 of cGAS is constitutively crotonylated by the CREB-binding protein; however, IR-induced DNA damage triggers sirtuin 3 (SIRT3)-mediated decrotonylation. Lysine 254 decrotonylation decreased the DNA-binding affinity of cGAS and inhibited its interaction with PARP1, promoting homologous recombination repair. Moreover, SIRT3 suppression led to homologous recombination repair inhibition and markedly sensitized cancer cells to IR and DNA-damaging chemicals, highlighting SIRT3 as a potential target for cancer therapy. Overall, this study revealed the crucial role of cGAS crotonylation in the DNA damage response. Furthermore, we propose that modulating cGAS and SIRT3 activities could be potential strategies for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hejiang Guo
- Department of Radiation Biology, Beijing Key Laboratory for Radiation Biology, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Yang Han
- Department of Radiation Biology, Beijing Key Laboratory for Radiation Biology, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Shibo Yao
- Department of Radiation Biology, Beijing Key Laboratory for Radiation Biology, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Bijia Chen
- Department of Radiation Biology, Beijing Key Laboratory for Radiation Biology, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Hongling Zhao
- Department of Radiation Biology, Beijing Key Laboratory for Radiation Biology, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Jin Jia
- Department of Radiation Biology, Beijing Key Laboratory for Radiation Biology, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, China; School of Public Health, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan Province, China
| | - Shi Chen
- Department of Radiation Biology, Beijing Key Laboratory for Radiation Biology, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, China; School of Public Health, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan Province, China
| | - Yuhao Liu
- Department of Radiation Biology, Beijing Key Laboratory for Radiation Biology, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Shanshan Gao
- Department of Radiation Biology, Beijing Key Laboratory for Radiation Biology, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Hua Guan
- Department of Radiation Biology, Beijing Key Laboratory for Radiation Biology, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, China.
| | - Jun Lu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Beijing YouAn Hospital, Laboratory for Clinical Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
| | - Ping-Kun Zhou
- Department of Radiation Biology, Beijing Key Laboratory for Radiation Biology, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, China; School of Public Health, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan Province, China.
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6
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Técher H. T-Rex escaped from the cytosolic park: Re-thinking the impact of TREX1 exonuclease deficiencies on genomic stability. Bioessays 2024; 46:e2400066. [PMID: 38837436 DOI: 10.1002/bies.202400066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2024] [Revised: 05/25/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
The Three Prime Repair Exonuclease 1 (TREX1) has been implicated in several pathologies characterized by chronic and inborn inflammation. Aberrant innate immunity caused by DNA sensing through the cGAS-STING pathway has been proposed to play a major role in the etiology of these interferonopathies. However, the molecular source of this DNA sensing and the possible involvement of TREX1 in genome (in)stability remains poorly understood. Recent findings reignite the debate about the cellular functions performed by TREX1 nuclease, notably in chromosome biology and stability. Here I put into perspective recent findings that suggest that TREX1 is at the crossroads of DNA damage response and inflammation in different pathological contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hervé Técher
- Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, INSERM, Institute for Research on Cancer and Aging of Nice - IRCAN, Nice, France
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7
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Zhang JN, Dong MM, Cao W, Chen HG, Gu HY, Feng YL, Zhang EF, He JS, Liu SC, Xie AY, Cai Z. Disruption of DNA-PKcs-mediated cGAS retention on damaged chromatin potentiates DNA damage-inducing agent-induced anti-multiple myeloma activity. Br J Cancer 2024; 131:430-443. [PMID: 38877108 PMCID: PMC11300664 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-024-02742-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Revised: 05/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/16/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Targeting DNA damage repair factors, such as DNA-dependent protein kinase catalytic subunit (DNA-PKcs), may offer an opportunity for effective treatment of multiple myeloma (MM). In combination with DNA damage-inducing agents, this strategy has been shown to improve chemotherapies partially via activation of cGAS-STING pathway by an elevated level of cytosolic DNA. However, as cGAS is primarily sequestered by chromatin in the nucleus, it remains unclear how cGAS is released from chromatin and translocated into the cytoplasm upon DNA damage, leading to cGAS-STING activation. METHODS We examined the role of DNA-PKcs inhibition on cGAS-STING-mediated MM chemosensitivity by performing mass spectrometry and mechanism study. RESULTS Here, we found DNA-PKcs inhibition potentiated DNA damage-inducing agent doxorubicin-induced anti-MM effect by activating cGAS-STING signaling. The cGAS-STING activation in MM cells caused cell death partly via IRF3-NOXA-BAK axis and induced M1 polarization of macrophages. Moreover, this activation was not caused by defective classical non-homologous end joining (c-NHEJ). Instead, upon DNA damage induced by doxorubicin, inhibition of DNA-PKcs promoted cGAS release from cytoplasmic chromatin fragments and increased the amount of cytosolic cGAS and DNA, activating cGAS-STING. CONCLUSIONS Inhibition of DNA-PKcs could improve the efficacy of doxorubicin in treatment of MM by de-sequestrating cGAS in damaged chromatin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin-Na Zhang
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine and Zhejiang University Cancer Center, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Meng-Meng Dong
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine and Zhejiang University Cancer Center, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Wen Cao
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Hao-Guang Chen
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Hui-Yao Gu
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yi-Li Feng
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine and Zhejiang University Cancer Center, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Key Laboratory of Laparoscopic Technology of Zhejiang Province, Department of General Surgery, Sir Run-Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Hangzhou Qiantang Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - En-Fan Zhang
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jing-Song He
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Si-Cheng Liu
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine and Zhejiang University Cancer Center, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Key Laboratory of Laparoscopic Technology of Zhejiang Province, Department of General Surgery, Sir Run-Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Hangzhou Qiantang Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - An-Yong Xie
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine and Zhejiang University Cancer Center, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
- Key Laboratory of Laparoscopic Technology of Zhejiang Province, Department of General Surgery, Sir Run-Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
- Hangzhou Qiantang Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Zhen Cai
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
- Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
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8
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Tian X, Ai J, Tian X, Wei X. cGAS-STING pathway agonists are promising vaccine adjuvants. Med Res Rev 2024; 44:1768-1799. [PMID: 38323921 DOI: 10.1002/med.22016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 12/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
Adjuvants are of critical value in vaccine development as they act on enhancing immunogenicity of antigen and inducing long-lasting immunity. However, there are only a few adjuvants that have been approved for clinical use, which highlights the need for exploring and developing new adjuvants to meet the growing demand for vaccination. Recently, emerging evidence demonstrates that the cGAS-STING pathway orchestrates innate and adaptive immunity by generating type I interferon responses. Many cGAS-STING pathway agonists have been developed and tested in preclinical research for the treatment of cancer or infectious diseases with promising results. As adjuvants, cGAS-STING agonists have demonstrated their potential to activate robust defense immunity in various diseases, including COVID-19 infection. This review summarized the current developments in the field of cGAS-STING agonists with a special focus on the latest applications of cGAS-STING agonists as adjuvants in vaccination. Potential challenges were also discussed in the hope of sparking future research interests to further the development of cGAS-STING as vaccine adjuvants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyu Tian
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, National Clinical Research Centre for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, P.R. China
| | - Jiayuan Ai
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, National Clinical Research Centre for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, P.R. China
| | - Xiaohe Tian
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, National Clinical Research Centre for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, P.R. China
| | - Xiawei Wei
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, National Clinical Research Centre for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, P.R. China
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9
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Lanng KRB, Lauridsen EL, Jakobsen MR. The balance of STING signaling orchestrates immunity in cancer. Nat Immunol 2024; 25:1144-1157. [PMID: 38918609 DOI: 10.1038/s41590-024-01872-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024]
Abstract
Over the past decade, it has become clear that the stimulator of interferon genes (STING) pathway is critical for a variety of immune responses. This endoplasmic reticulum-anchored adaptor protein has regulatory functions in host immunity across a spectrum of conditions, including infectious diseases, autoimmunity, neurobiology and cancer. In this Review, we outline the central importance of STING in immunological processes driven by expression of type I and III interferons, as well as inflammatory cytokines, and we look at therapeutic options for targeting STING. We also examine evidence that challenges the prevailing notion that STING activation is predominantly beneficial in combating cancer. Further exploration is imperative to discern whether STING activation in the tumor microenvironment confers true benefits or has detrimental effects. Research in this field is at a crossroads, as a clearer understanding of the nuanced functions of STING activation in cancer is required for the development of next-generation therapies.
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10
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Xu Q, Xing J, Wang S, Peng H, Liu Y. The role of the cGAS-STING pathway in metabolic diseases. Heliyon 2024; 10:e33093. [PMID: 38988528 PMCID: PMC11234105 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e33093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2024] [Revised: 06/13/2024] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS)-stimulator of interferon genes (STING) pathway is a critical innate immune pathway primarily due to its vital DNA sensing mechanism in pathogen defence. Recent research advances have shown that excessive activation or damage to the cGAS-STING pathway can exacerbate chronic inflammatory responses, playing a significant role in metabolic dysfunction and aging, leading to the development of related diseases such as obesity, osteoporosis, and neurodegenerative diseases. This article reviews the structure and biological functions of the cGAS-STING signaling pathway and discusses in detail how this pathway regulates the occurrence and development of metabolic and age-related diseases. Additionally, this article introduces potential small molecule drugs targeting cGAS and STING, aiming to provide new research perspectives for studying the pathogenesis and treatment of metabolic-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Xu
- Department of Endocrinology, The Affiliated People's Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang Medical School of Nanjing Medical University, Zhenjiang, 212002, China
| | - Jie Xing
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Affiliated People's Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang Medical School of Nanjing Medical University, Zhenjiang, 212002, China
| | - Shengjun Wang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Affiliated People's Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang Medical School of Nanjing Medical University, Zhenjiang, 212002, China
| | - Huiyong Peng
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Affiliated People's Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang Medical School of Nanjing Medical University, Zhenjiang, 212002, China
| | - Yingzhao Liu
- Department of Endocrinology, The Affiliated People's Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang Medical School of Nanjing Medical University, Zhenjiang, 212002, China
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11
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Técher H, Gopaul D, Heuzé J, Bouzalmad N, Leray B, Vernet A, Mettling C, Moreaux J, Pasero P, Lin YL. MRE11 and TREX1 control senescence by coordinating replication stress and interferon signaling. Nat Commun 2024; 15:5423. [PMID: 38926338 PMCID: PMC11208572 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-49740-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Oncogene-induced senescence (OIS) arrests cell proliferation in response to replication stress (RS) induced by oncogenes. OIS depends on the DNA damage response (DDR), but also on the cGAS-STING pathway, which detects cytosolic DNA and induces type I interferons (IFNs). Whether and how RS and IFN responses cooperate to promote OIS remains unknown. Here, we show that the induction of OIS by the H-RASV12 oncogene in immortalized human fibroblasts depends on the MRE11 nuclease. Indeed, treatment with the MRE11 inhibitor Mirin prevented RS, micronuclei formation and IFN response induced by RASV12. Overexpression of the cytosolic nuclease TREX1 also prevented OIS. Conversely, overexpression of a dominant negative mutant of TREX1 or treatment with IFN-β was sufficient to induce RS and DNA damage, independent of RASV12 induction. These data suggest that the IFN response acts as a positive feedback loop to amplify DDR in OIS through a process regulated by MRE11 and TREX1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hervé Técher
- Institut de Génétique Humaine, University of Montpellier, CNRS, Equipe Labellisée Ligue contre le Cancer, Montpellier, France
- Institute for Research on Cancer and Aging of Nice (IRCAN), Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS UMR7284 - INSERM U1081, Nice, France
| | - Diyavarshini Gopaul
- Institut de Génétique Humaine, University of Montpellier, CNRS, Equipe Labellisée Ligue contre le Cancer, Montpellier, France
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre, University of Copenhagen, 2200 N, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jonathan Heuzé
- Institut de Génétique Humaine, University of Montpellier, CNRS, Equipe Labellisée Ligue contre le Cancer, Montpellier, France
| | - Nail Bouzalmad
- Institut de Génétique Humaine, University of Montpellier, CNRS, Equipe Labellisée Ligue contre le Cancer, Montpellier, France
| | - Baptiste Leray
- Institut de Génétique Humaine, University of Montpellier, CNRS, Equipe Labellisée Ligue contre le Cancer, Montpellier, France
| | - Audrey Vernet
- Institut de Génétique Humaine, University of Montpellier, CNRS, Equipe Labellisée Ligue contre le Cancer, Montpellier, France
| | - Clément Mettling
- Institut de Génétique Humaine, University of Montpellier, CNRS, Montpellier, France
| | - Jérôme Moreaux
- Institut de Génétique Humaine, University of Montpellier, CNRS, Montpellier, France
- Department of Biological Hematology, CHU Montpellier, Montpellier, France
- University of Montpellier, UFR Medicine, Montpellier, France
| | - Philippe Pasero
- Institut de Génétique Humaine, University of Montpellier, CNRS, Equipe Labellisée Ligue contre le Cancer, Montpellier, France.
| | - Yea-Lih Lin
- Institut de Génétique Humaine, University of Montpellier, CNRS, Equipe Labellisée Ligue contre le Cancer, Montpellier, France.
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12
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Takaki T, Millar R, Hiley CT, Boulton SJ. Micronuclei induced by radiation, replication stress, or chromosome segregation errors do not activate cGAS-STING. Mol Cell 2024; 84:2203-2213.e5. [PMID: 38749421 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2024.04.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2024] [Revised: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024]
Abstract
The cyclic guanosine monophosphate (GMP)-AMP synthase (cGAS)-stimulator of interferon genes (STING) pathway plays a pivotal role in innate immune responses to viral infection and inhibition of autoimmunity. Recent studies have suggested that micronuclei formed by genotoxic stress can activate innate immune signaling via the cGAS-STING pathway. Here, we investigated cGAS localization, activation, and downstream signaling from micronuclei induced by ionizing radiation, replication stress, and chromosome segregation errors. Although cGAS localized to ruptured micronuclei via binding to self-DNA, we failed to observe cGAS activation; cGAMP production; downstream phosphorylation of STING, TBK1, or IRF3; nuclear accumulation of IRF3; or expression of interferon-stimulated genes. Failure to activate the cGAS-STING pathway was observed across primary and immortalized cell lines, which retained the ability to activate the cGAS-STING pathway in response to dsDNA or modified vaccinia virus infection. We provide evidence that micronuclei formed by genotoxic insults contain histone-bound self-DNA, which we show is inhibitory to cGAS activation in cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tohru Takaki
- DSB Repair Metabolism Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Rhona Millar
- DSB Repair Metabolism Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK; Cancer Research UK Radnet City of London Centre, UCL Cancer Institute, 72 Huntley Street, London WC1E 6DD, UK
| | - Crispin T Hiley
- Cancer Research UK Radnet City of London Centre, UCL Cancer Institute, 72 Huntley Street, London WC1E 6DD, UK
| | - Simon J Boulton
- DSB Repair Metabolism Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK; Artios Pharma Ltd., Babraham Research Campus, Meditrina Building, Cambridge CB22 3AT, UK.
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13
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Bonhomme D, Poirier EZ. Early signaling pathways in virus-infected cells. Curr Opin Virol 2024; 66:101411. [PMID: 38718574 DOI: 10.1016/j.coviro.2024.101411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2024] [Revised: 04/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
Virus infection activates specific pattern recognition receptors and immune signal transduction, resulting in pro-inflammatory cytokine production and activation of innate immunity. We describe here the molecular organization of early signaling pathways downstream of viral recognition, including conformational changes, post-translational modifications, formation of oligomers, and generation of small-molecule second messengers. Such molecular organization allows tight regulation of immune signal transduction, characterized by swift but transient responses, nonlinearity, and signal amplification. Pathologies of early immune signaling caused by genomic mutations illustrate the fine regulation of the immune transduction cascade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Delphine Bonhomme
- Institut Curie, Stem Cell Immunity Lab, PSL Research University, INSERM U932, Paris, France
| | - Enzo Z Poirier
- Institut Curie, Stem Cell Immunity Lab, PSL Research University, INSERM U932, Paris, France.
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14
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Li W, Li Y, Zhao J, Liao J, Wen W, Chen Y, Cui H. Release of damaged mitochondrial DNA: A novel factor in stimulating inflammatory response. Pathol Res Pract 2024; 258:155330. [PMID: 38733868 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2024.155330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024]
Abstract
Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is a circular double-stranded genome that exists independently of the nucleus. In recent years, research on mtDNA has significantly increased, leading to a gradual increase in understanding of its physiological and pathological characteristics. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and other factors can damage mtDNA. This damaged mtDNA can escape from the mitochondria to the cytoplasm or extracellular space, subsequently activating immune signaling pathways, such as NLR family pyrin domain protein 3 (NLRP3), and triggering inflammatory responses. Numerous studies have demonstrated the involvement of mtDNA damage and leakage in the pathological mechanisms underlying various diseases including infectious diseases, metabolic inflammation, and immune disorders. Consequently, comprehensive investigation of mtDNA can elucidate the pathological mechanisms underlying numerous diseases. The prevention of mtDNA damage and leakage has emerged as a novel approach to disease treatment, and mtDNA has emerged as a promising target for drug development. This article provides a comprehensive review of the mechanisms underlying mtDNA-induced inflammation, its association with various diseases, and the methods used for its detection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenting Li
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, Yunnan 650500, China
| | - Yuting Li
- First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 300193, China
| | - Jie Zhao
- Department of TCM Endocrinology, Yunnan Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Yunnan 650021, China
| | - Jiabao Liao
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, Yunnan 650500, China
| | - Weibo Wen
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, Yunnan 650500, China.
| | - Yao Chen
- Department of TCM Encephalopathy, Yunnan Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Yunnan 650021, China.
| | - Huantian Cui
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, Yunnan 650500, China.
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15
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Albright ER, Kalejta RF. cGAS-STING-TBK1 Signaling Promotes Valproic Acid-Responsive Human Cytomegalovirus Immediate-Early Transcription during Infection of Incompletely Differentiated Myeloid Cells. Viruses 2024; 16:877. [PMID: 38932169 PMCID: PMC11209474 DOI: 10.3390/v16060877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2024] [Revised: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Repression of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) immediate-early (IE) gene expression is a key regulatory step in the establishment and maintenance of latent reservoirs. Viral IE transcription and protein accumulation can be elevated during latency by treatment with histone deacetylase inhibitors such as valproic acid (VPA), rendering infected cells visible to adaptive immune responses. However, the latency-associated viral protein UL138 inhibits the ability of VPA to enhance IE gene expression during infection of incompletely differentiated myeloid cells that support latency. UL138 also limits the accumulation of IFNβ transcripts by inhibiting the cGAS-STING-TBK1 DNA-sensing pathway. Here, we show that, in the absence of UL138, the cGAS-STING-TBK1 pathway promotes both IFNβ accumulation and VPA-responsive IE gene expression in incompletely differentiated myeloid cells. Inactivation of this pathway by either genetic or pharmacological inhibition phenocopied UL138 expression and reduced VPA-responsive IE transcript and protein accumulation. This work reveals a link between cytoplasmic pathogen sensing and epigenetic control of viral lytic phase transcription and suggests that manipulation of pattern recognition receptor signaling pathways could aid in the refinement of MIEP regulatory strategies to target latent viral reservoirs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily R. Albright
- Institute for Molecular Virology and McArdle Laboratory for Cancer Research, University of Wisconsin—Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA;
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16
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Gu X, Chen Y, Cao K, Tu M, Liu W, Ju J. Therapeutic landscape in systemic lupus erythematosus: mtDNA activation of the cGAS-STING pathway. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 133:112114. [PMID: 38652968 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.112114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2024] [Revised: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) serves as a pivotal immune stimulus in the immune response. During stress, mitochondria release mtDNA into the cytoplasm, where it is recognized by the cytoplasmic DNA receptor cGAS. This activation initiates the cGAS-STING-IRF3 pathway, culminating in an inflammatory response. The cGAS-STING pathway has emerged as a critical mediator of inflammatory responses in microbial infections, stress, autoimmune diseases, chronic illnesses, and tissue injuries. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by connective tissue involvement across various bodily systems. Its hallmark is the production of numerous autoantibodies, which prompt the immune system to target and damage the body's own tissues, resulting in organ and tissue damage. Increasing evidence implicates the cGAS-STING pathway as a significant contributor to SLE pathogenesis. This article aims to explore the role of the mtDNA-triggered cGAS-STING pathway and its mechanisms in SLE, with the goal of providing novel insights for clinical interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaotian Gu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang 261053, China
| | - Yong Chen
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang 261053, China
| | - Kunyu Cao
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang 261053, China
| | - Miao Tu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang 261053, China
| | - Wan Liu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang 261053, China.
| | - Jiyu Ju
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang 261053, China.
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17
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Chen RH. Keeping cGAS in check: SPSB3 promotes nuclear cGAS degradation for maintaining immune homeostasis. Mol Cell 2024; 84:1635-1636. [PMID: 38701740 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2024.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2024] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024]
Abstract
In a recent publication in Nature, Xu et al.1 discovered a role of CRL5-SPSB3 ubiquitin ligase in promoting ubiquitination and degradation of nuclear cGAS, which prevents aberrant cGAS activation by genomic DNA and contributes to the maintenance of immune homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruey-Hwa Chen
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Academia Sinica, Taipei 115, Taiwan.
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18
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Huang Y, Jiang W, Zhou R. DAMP sensing and sterile inflammation: intracellular, intercellular and inter-organ pathways. Nat Rev Immunol 2024:10.1038/s41577-024-01027-3. [PMID: 38684933 DOI: 10.1038/s41577-024-01027-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
Damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) are endogenous molecules that are released from host cells as a result of cell death or damage. The release of DAMPs in tissues is associated with loss of tissue homeostasis. Sensing of DAMPs by innate immune receptors triggers inflammation, which can be beneficial in initiating the processes that restore tissue homeostasis but can also drive inflammatory diseases. In recent years, the sensing of intracellular DAMPs has received extensive attention in the field of sterile inflammation. However, emerging studies have shown that DAMPs that originate from neighbouring cells, and even from distal tissues or organs, also mediate sterile inflammatory responses. This multi-level sensing of DAMPs is crucial for intercellular, trans-tissue and trans-organ communication. Here, we summarize how DAMP-sensing receptors detect DAMPs from intracellular, intercellular or distal tissue and organ sources to mediate sterile inflammation. We also discuss the possibility of targeting DAMPs or their corresponding receptors to treat inflammatory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Huang
- Key Laboratory of Immune Response and Immunotherapy, Institute of Health and Medicine, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, Hefei, China
| | - Wei Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Immune Response and Immunotherapy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China.
| | - Rongbin Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Immune Response and Immunotherapy, Institute of Health and Medicine, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, Hefei, China.
- Key Laboratory of Immune Response and Immunotherapy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China.
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19
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Dvorkin S, Cambier S, Volkman HE, Stetson DB. New frontiers in the cGAS-STING intracellular DNA-sensing pathway. Immunity 2024; 57:718-730. [PMID: 38599167 PMCID: PMC11013568 DOI: 10.1016/j.immuni.2024.02.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
The cGAS-STING intracellular DNA-sensing pathway has emerged as a key element of innate antiviral immunity and a promising therapeutic target. The existence of an innate immune sensor that can be activated by any double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) of any origin raises fundamental questions about how cGAS is regulated and how it responds to "foreign" DNA while maintaining tolerance to ubiquitous self-DNA. In this review, we summarize recent evidence implicating important roles for cGAS in the detection of foreign and self-DNA. We describe two recent and surprising insights into cGAS-STING biology: that cGAS is tightly tethered to the nucleosome and that the cGAMP product of cGAS is an immunotransmitter acting at a distance to control innate immunity. We consider how these advances influence our understanding of the emerging roles of cGAS in the DNA damage response (DDR), senescence, aging, and cancer biology. Finally, we describe emerging approaches to harness cGAS-STING biology for therapeutic benefit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steve Dvorkin
- Departments of Immunology and Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Stephanie Cambier
- Departments of Immunology and Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Hannah E Volkman
- Departments of Immunology and Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Daniel B Stetson
- Departments of Immunology and Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98109, USA.
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20
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Mărunţelu I, Constantinescu AE, Covache-Busuioc RA, Constantinescu I. The Golgi Apparatus: A Key Player in Innate Immunity. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4120. [PMID: 38612929 PMCID: PMC11012725 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25074120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2024] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The Golgi apparatus, long recognized for its roles in protein processing and vesicular trafficking, has recently been identified as a crucial contributor to innate immune signaling pathways. This review discusses our expanding understanding of the Golgi apparatus's involvement in initiating and activating these pathways. It highlights the significance of membrane connections between the Golgi and other organelles, such as the endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondria, endosomes, and autophagosomes. These connections are vital for the efficient transmission of innate immune signals and the activation of effector responses. Furthermore, the article delves into the Golgi apparatus's roles in key immune pathways, including the inflammasome-mediated activation of caspase-1, the cGAS-STING pathway, and TLR/RLR signaling. Overall, this review aims to provide insights into the multifunctional nature of the Golgi apparatus and its impact on innate immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ion Mărunţelu
- Immunology and Transplant Immunology, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
- Centre of Immunogenetics and Virology, Fundeni Clinical Institute, 022328 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Alexandra-Elena Constantinescu
- Faculty of Medicine, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania; (A.-E.C.); (R.-A.C.-B.)
- “Emil Palade” Center of Excellence for Young Researchers (EP-CEYR), Romanian Academy of Scientists (AOSR), 050094 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Razvan-Adrian Covache-Busuioc
- Faculty of Medicine, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania; (A.-E.C.); (R.-A.C.-B.)
| | - Ileana Constantinescu
- Immunology and Transplant Immunology, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
- Centre of Immunogenetics and Virology, Fundeni Clinical Institute, 022328 Bucharest, Romania
- “Emil Palade” Center of Excellence for Young Researchers (EP-CEYR), Romanian Academy of Scientists (AOSR), 050094 Bucharest, Romania
- Romanian Academy of Scientists (AOSR), 050094 Bucharest, Romania
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21
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Wenzl SJ, de Oliveira Mann CC. How enzyme-centered approaches are advancing research on cyclic oligo-nucleotides. FEBS Lett 2024; 598:839-863. [PMID: 38453162 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.14838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
Cyclic nucleotides are the most diversified category of second messengers and are found in all organisms modulating diverse pathways. While cAMP and cGMP have been studied over 50 years, cyclic di-nucleotide signaling in eukaryotes emerged only recently with the anti-viral molecule 2´3´cGAMP. Recent breakthrough discoveries have revealed not only the astonishing chemical diversity of cyclic nucleotides but also surprisingly deep-rooted evolutionary origins of cyclic oligo-nucleotide signaling pathways and structural conservation of the proteins involved in their synthesis and signaling. Here we discuss how enzyme-centered approaches have paved the way for the identification of several cyclic nucleotide signals, focusing on the advantages and challenges associated with deciphering the activation mechanisms of such enzymes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon J Wenzl
- Department of Bioscience, TUM School of Natural Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Garching, Germany
| | - Carina C de Oliveira Mann
- Department of Bioscience, TUM School of Natural Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Garching, Germany
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22
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Li Q, Wu P, Du Q, Hanif U, Hu H, Li K. cGAS-STING, an important signaling pathway in diseases and their therapy. MedComm (Beijing) 2024; 5:e511. [PMID: 38525112 PMCID: PMC10960729 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Revised: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Since cyclic guanosine monophosphate-adenosine monophosphate synthase (cGAS)-stimulator of interferon genes (STING) signaling pathway was discovered in 2013, great progress has been made to elucidate the origin, function, and regulating mechanism of cGAS-STING signaling pathway in the past decade. Meanwhile, the triggering and transduction mechanisms have been continuously illuminated. cGAS-STING plays a key role in human diseases, particularly DNA-triggered inflammatory diseases, making it a potentially effective therapeutic target for inflammation-related diseases. Here, we aim to summarize the ancient origin of the cGAS-STING defense mechanism, as well as the triggers, transduction, and regulating mechanisms of the cGAS-STING. We will also focus on the important roles of cGAS-STING signal under pathological conditions, such as infections, cancers, autoimmune diseases, neurological diseases, and visceral inflammations, and review the progress in drug development targeting cGAS-STING signaling pathway. The main directions and potential obstacles in the regulating mechanism research and therapeutic drug development of the cGAS-STING signaling pathway for inflammatory diseases and cancers will be discussed. These research advancements expand our understanding of cGAS-STING, provide a theoretical basis for further exploration of the roles of cGAS-STING in diseases, and open up new strategies for targeting cGAS-STING as a promising therapeutic intervention in multiple diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qijie Li
- Sichuan province Medical and Engineering Interdisciplinary Research Center of Nursing & Materials/Nursing Key Laboratory of Sichuan ProvinceWest China Hospital, Sichuan University/West China School of NursingSichuan UniversityChengduSichuanChina
| | - Ping Wu
- Department of Occupational DiseasesThe Second Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College (China National Nuclear Corporation 416 Hospital)ChengduSichuanChina
| | - Qiujing Du
- Sichuan province Medical and Engineering Interdisciplinary Research Center of Nursing & Materials/Nursing Key Laboratory of Sichuan ProvinceWest China Hospital, Sichuan University/West China School of NursingSichuan UniversityChengduSichuanChina
| | - Ullah Hanif
- Sichuan province Medical and Engineering Interdisciplinary Research Center of Nursing & Materials/Nursing Key Laboratory of Sichuan ProvinceWest China Hospital, Sichuan University/West China School of NursingSichuan UniversityChengduSichuanChina
| | - Hongbo Hu
- Center for Immunology and HematologyState Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China Hospital, Sichuan UniversityChengduSichuanChina
| | - Ka Li
- Sichuan province Medical and Engineering Interdisciplinary Research Center of Nursing & Materials/Nursing Key Laboratory of Sichuan ProvinceWest China Hospital, Sichuan University/West China School of NursingSichuan UniversityChengduSichuanChina
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23
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Zaid A, Ariel A. Harnessing anti-inflammatory pathways and macrophage nano delivery to treat inflammatory and fibrotic disorders. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2024; 207:115204. [PMID: 38342241 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2024.115204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2023] [Revised: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/13/2024]
Abstract
Targeting specific organs and cell types using nanotechnology and sophisticated delivery methods has been at the forefront of applicative biomedical sciences lately. Macrophages are an appealing target for immunomodulation by nanodelivery as they are heavily involved in various aspects of many diseases and are highly plastic in their nature. Their continuum of functional "polarization" states has been a research focus for many years yielding a profound understanding of various aspects of these cells. The ability of monocyte-derived macrophages to metamorphose from pro-inflammatory to reparative and consequently to pro-resolving effectors has raised significant interest in its therapeutic potential. Here, we briefly survey macrophages' ontogeny and various polarization phenotypes, highlighting their function in the inflammation-resolution shift. We review their inducing mediators, signaling pathways, and biological programs with emphasis on the nucleic acid sensing-IFN-I axis. We also portray the polarization spectrum of macrophages and the characteristics of their transition between different subtypes. Finally, we highlighted different current drug delivery methods for targeting macrophages with emphasis on nanotargeting that might lead to breakthroughs in the treatment of wound healing, bone regeneration, autoimmune, and fibrotic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmad Zaid
- Department of Biology and Human Biology, University of Haifa, Haifa, 3498838 Israel
| | - Amiram Ariel
- Department of Biology and Human Biology, University of Haifa, Haifa, 3498838 Israel.
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24
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Sato Y, Hayashi MT. Micronucleus is not a potent inducer of the cGAS/STING pathway. Life Sci Alliance 2024; 7:e202302424. [PMID: 38307626 PMCID: PMC10837050 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202302424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Micronuclei (MN) have been associated with the innate immune response. The abrupt rupture of MN membranes results in the accumulation of cGAS, potentially activating STING and downstream interferon-responsive genes. However, direct evidence connecting MN and cGAS activation has been lacking. We have developed the FuVis2 reporter system, which enables the visualization of the cell nucleus carrying a single sister chromatid fusion and, consequently, MN. Using this FuVis2 reporter equipped with cGAS and STING reporters, we rigorously assessed the potency of cGAS activation by MN in individual living cells. Our findings reveal that cGAS localization to membrane-ruptured MN during interphase is infrequent, with cGAS primarily capturing MN during mitosis and remaining bound to cytosolic chromatin. We found that cGAS accumulation during mitosis neither activates STING in the subsequent interphase nor triggers the interferon response. Gamma-ray irradiation activates STING independently of MN formation and cGAS localization to MN. These results suggest that cGAS accumulation in cytosolic MN is not a robust indicator of its activation and that MN are not the primary trigger of the cGAS/STING pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuki Sato
- https://ror.org/02kpeqv85 Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
- https://ror.org/02kpeqv85 IFOM-KU Joint Research Laboratory, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Makoto T Hayashi
- https://ror.org/02kpeqv85 IFOM-KU Joint Research Laboratory, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
- IFOM ETS, the AIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology, Milan, Italy
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25
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Leonen CJA, Funabiki H. cGAS meets its demise in the nucleus. Nat Immunol 2024; 25:592-593. [PMID: 38514888 DOI: 10.1038/s41590-024-01794-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Calvin Jon A Leonen
- Laboratory of Chromosome and Cell Biology, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Hironori Funabiki
- Laboratory of Chromosome and Cell Biology, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA.
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26
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Kulkarni R, Maranholkar V, Nguyen N, Cirino PC, Willson RC, Varadarajan N. The efficient synthesis and purification of 2'3'- cGAMP from Escherichia coli. Front Microbiol 2024; 15:1345617. [PMID: 38525075 PMCID: PMC10957790 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1345617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Agonists of the stimulator of interferon genes (STING) pathway are being explored as potential immunotherapeutics for the treatment of cancer and as vaccine adjuvants for infectious diseases. Although chemical synthesis of 2'3' - cyclic Guanosine Monophosphate-Adenosine Monophosphate (cGAMP) is commercially feasible, the process results in low yields and utilizes organic solvents. To pursue an efficient and environmentally friendly process for the production of cGAMP, we focused on the recombinant production of cGAMP via a whole-cell biocatalysis platform utilizing the murine cyclic Guanosine monophosphate-Adenosine monophosphate synthase (mcGAS). In E. coli BL21(DE3) cells, recombinant expression of mcGAS, a DNA-dependent enzyme, led to the secretion of cGAMP to the supernatants. By evaluating the: (1) media composition, (2) supplementation of divalent cations, (3) temperature of protein expression, and (4) amino acid substitutions pertaining to DNA binding; we showed that the maximum yield of cGAMP in the supernatants was improved by 30% from 146 mg/L to 186 ± 7 mg/mL under optimized conditions. To simplify the downstream processing, we developed and validated a single-step purification process for cGAMP using anion exchange chromatography. The method does not require protein affinity chromatography and it achieved a yield of 60 ± 2 mg/L cGAMP, with <20 EU/mL (<0.3 EU/μg) of endotoxin. Unlike chemical synthesis, our method provides a route for the recombinant production of cGAMP without the need for organic solvents and supports the goal of moving toward shorter, more sustainable, and more environmentally friendly processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rohan Kulkarni
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Vijay Maranholkar
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Houston, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Nam Nguyen
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Patrick C. Cirino
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Richard C. Willson
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Navin Varadarajan
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, TX, United States
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27
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Lu Y, Zhao M, Chen L, Wang Y, Liu T, Liu H. cGAS: action in the nucleus. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1380517. [PMID: 38515746 PMCID: PMC10954897 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1380517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
As a canonical cytoplasmic DNA sensor, cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS) plays a key role in innate immunity. In recent years, a growing number of studies have shown that cGAS can also be located in the nucleus and plays new functions such as regulating DNA damage repair, nuclear membrane repair, chromosome fusion, DNA replication, angiogenesis and other non-canonical functions. Meanwhile, the mechanisms underlying the nucleo-cytoplasmic transport and the regulation of cGAS activation have been revealed in recent years. Based on the current understanding of the structure, subcellular localization and canonical functions of cGAS, this review focuses on summarizing the mechanisms underlying nucleo-cytoplasmic transport, activity regulation and non-canonical functions of cGAS in the nucleus. We aim to provide insights into exploring the new functions of cGAS in the nucleus and advance its clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yikai Lu
- Central Laboratory, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Mengmeng Zhao
- Research Center of Translational Medicine, Jinan Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Li Chen
- Central Laboratory, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Central Laboratory, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Tianhao Liu
- Central Laboratory, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Haipeng Liu
- Central Laboratory, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
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28
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Shinde O, Li P. The molecular mechanism of dsDNA sensing through the cGAS-STING pathway. Adv Immunol 2024; 162:1-21. [PMID: 38866436 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ai.2024.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
Double stranded DNA (dsDNA) in the cytoplasm triggers the cGAS-STING innate immune pathway to defend against pathogenic infections, tissue damage and malignant cells. Extensive structural and functional studies over the last couple of years have enabled the molecular understanding of dsDNA induced activation of the cGAS-STING signaling pathway. This review highlights recent advances in the structural characterization of key molecules in the cGAS-STING signaling axis by focusing on the mechanism of cGAS activation by dsDNA, the regulation of cGAS activity, the mechanism of STING activation by cGAMP, the molecular basis of TBK1 recruitment and activation by STING, the structural basis of IRF3 recruitment by STING, and the mechanism of IRF3 activation upon phosphorylation by TBK1. These comprehensive structural studies provide a detailed picture of the mechanism of the cGAS-STING signaling pathway, establishing a molecular framework for the development of novel therapeutic strategies targeting this pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omkar Shinde
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | - Pingwei Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States.
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29
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Xu P, Liu Y, Liu C, Guey B, Li L, Melenec P, Ricci J, Ablasser A. The CRL5-SPSB3 ubiquitin ligase targets nuclear cGAS for degradation. Nature 2024; 627:873-879. [PMID: 38418882 PMCID: PMC10972748 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-024-07112-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS) senses aberrant DNA during infection, cancer and inflammatory disease, and initiates potent innate immune responses through the synthesis of 2'3'-cyclic GMP-AMP (cGAMP)1-7. The indiscriminate activity of cGAS towards DNA demands tight regulatory mechanisms that are necessary to maintain cell and tissue homeostasis under normal conditions. Inside the cell nucleus, anchoring to nucleosomes and competition with chromatin architectural proteins jointly prohibit cGAS activation by genomic DNA8-15. However, the fate of nuclear cGAS and its role in cell physiology remains unclear. Here we show that the ubiquitin proteasomal system (UPS) degrades nuclear cGAS in cycling cells. We identify SPSB3 as the cGAS-targeting substrate receptor that associates with the cullin-RING ubiquitin ligase 5 (CRL5) complex to ligate ubiquitin onto nuclear cGAS. A cryo-electron microscopy structure of nucleosome-bound cGAS in a complex with SPSB3 reveals a highly conserved Asn-Asn (NN) minimal degron motif at the C terminus of cGAS that directs SPSB3 recruitment, ubiquitylation and cGAS protein stability. Interference with SPSB3-regulated nuclear cGAS degradation primes cells for type I interferon signalling, conferring heightened protection against infection by DNA viruses. Our research defines protein degradation as a determinant of cGAS regulation in the nucleus and provides structural insights into an element of cGAS that is amenable to therapeutic exploitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengbiao Xu
- Global Health Institute, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Ying Liu
- Global Health Institute, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
- School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Chong Liu
- Global Health Institute, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Baptiste Guey
- Global Health Institute, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Lingyun Li
- Global Health Institute, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Pauline Melenec
- Global Health Institute, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Jonathan Ricci
- Global Health Institute, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Andrea Ablasser
- Global Health Institute, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland.
- Institute for Cancer Research (ISREC), Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland.
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30
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Wang X, Liu J, Mao C, Mao Y. Phase separation-mediated biomolecular condensates and their relationship to tumor. Cell Commun Signal 2024; 22:143. [PMID: 38383403 PMCID: PMC10880379 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-024-01518-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Phase separation is a cellular phenomenon where macromolecules aggregate or segregate, giving rise to biomolecular condensates resembling "droplets" and forming distinct, membrane-free compartments. This process is pervasive in biological cells, contributing to various essential cellular functions. However, when phase separation goes awry, leading to abnormal molecular aggregation, it can become a driving factor in the development of diseases, including tumor. Recent investigations have unveiled the intricate connection between dysregulated phase separation and tumor pathogenesis, highlighting its potential as a novel therapeutic target. This article provides an overview of recent phase separation research, with a particular emphasis on its role in tumor, its therapeutic implications, and outlines avenues for further exploration in this intriguing field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Wang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212001, China
| | - Jiameng Liu
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212001, China
| | - Chaoming Mao
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212001, China.
| | - Yufei Mao
- Department of Ultrasound Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212001, China.
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31
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Goddard AM, Cho MG, Lerner LM, Gupta GP. Mechanisms of Immune Sensing of DNA Damage. J Mol Biol 2024; 436:168424. [PMID: 38159716 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2023.168424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Genomic stability relies on a multifaceted and evolutionarily conserved DNA damage response (DDR). In multicellular organisms, an integral facet of the DDR involves the activation of the immune system to eliminate cells with persistent DNA damage. Recent research has shed light on a complex array of nucleic acid sensors crucial for innate immune activation in response to oncogenic stress-associated DNA damage, a process vital for suppressing tumor formation. Yet, these immune sensing pathways may also be co-opted to foster tolerance of chromosomal instability, thereby driving cancer progression. This review aims to provide an updated overview of how the innate immune system detects and responds to DNA damage. An improved understanding of the regulatory intricacies governing this immune response may uncover new avenues for cancer prevention and therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna M Goddard
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.
| | - Min-Guk Cho
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Lynn M Lerner
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; Genetics and Molecular Biology Curriculum, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Gaorav P Gupta
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; Department of Radiation Oncology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
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32
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Budrewicz J, Chavez SL. Insights into embryonic chromosomal instability: mechanisms of DNA elimination during mammalian preimplantation development. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 12:1344092. [PMID: 38374891 PMCID: PMC10875028 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1344092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Mammalian preimplantation embryos often contend with aneuploidy that arose either by the inheritance of meiotic errors from the gametes, or from mitotic mis-segregation events that occurred following fertilization. Regardless of the origin, mis-segregated chromosomes become encapsulated in micronuclei (MN) that are spatially isolated from the main nucleus. Much of our knowledge of MN formation comes from dividing somatic cells during tumorigenesis, but the error-prone cleavage-stage of early embryogenesis is fundamentally different. One unique aspect is that cellular fragmentation (CF), whereby small subcellular bodies pinch off embryonic blastomeres, is frequently observed. CF has been detected in both in vitro and in vivo-derived embryos and likely represents a response to chromosome mis-segregation since it only appears after MN formation. There are multiple fates for MN, including sequestration into CFs, but the molecular mechanism(s) by which this occurs remains unclear. Due to nuclear envelope rupture, the chromosomal material contained within MN and CFs becomes susceptible to double stranded-DNA breaks. Despite this damage, embryos may still progress to the blastocyst stage and exclude chromosome-containing CFs, as well as non-dividing aneuploid blastomeres, from participating in further development. Whether these are attempts to rectify MN formation or eliminate embryos with poor implantation potential is unknown and this review will discuss the potential implications of DNA removal by CF/blastomere exclusion. We will also extrapolate what is known about the intracellular pathways mediating MN formation and rupture in somatic cells to preimplantation embryogenesis and how nuclear budding and DNA release into the cytoplasm may impact overall development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueline Budrewicz
- Department of Molecular and Medical Genetics, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, United States
- Division of Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Beaverton, OR, United States
| | - Shawn L. Chavez
- Department of Molecular and Medical Genetics, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, United States
- Division of Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Beaverton, OR, United States
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, United States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, United States
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33
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Kumar V, Stewart JH. cGLRs Join Their Cousins of Pattern Recognition Receptor Family to Regulate Immune Homeostasis. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1828. [PMID: 38339107 PMCID: PMC10855445 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25031828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2023] [Revised: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) recognize danger signals such as PAMPs/MAMPs and DAMPs to initiate a protective immune response. TLRs, NLRs, CLRs, and RLRs are well-characterized PRRs of the host immune system. cGLRs have been recently identified as PRRs. In humans, the cGAS/STING signaling pathway is a part of cGLRs. cGAS recognizes cytosolic dsDNA as a PAMP or DAMP to initiate the STING-dependent immune response comprising type 1 IFN release, NF-κB activation, autophagy, and cellular senescence. The present article discusses the emergence of cGLRs as critical PRRs and how they regulate immune responses. We examined the role of cGAS/STING signaling, a well-studied cGLR system, in the activation of the immune system. The following sections discuss the role of cGAS/STING dysregulation in disease and how immune cross-talk with other PRRs maintains immune homeostasis. This understanding will lead to the design of better vaccines and immunotherapeutics for various diseases, including infections, autoimmunity, and cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vijay Kumar
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy, Department of Surgery, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30310, USA;
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34
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El-Mortada F, Landelouci K, Bertrand-Perron S, Aubé FA, Poirier A, Bidias A, Jourdi G, Welman M, Gantier MP, Hamilton JR, Kile B, Lordkipanidzé M, Pépin G. Megakaryocytes possess a STING pathway that is transferred to platelets to potentiate activation. Life Sci Alliance 2024; 7:e202302211. [PMID: 37993259 PMCID: PMC10665521 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202302211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Platelets display unexpected roles in immune and coagulation responses. Emerging evidence suggests that STING is implicated in hypercoagulation. STING is an adaptor protein downstream of the DNA sensor cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS) that is activated by cytosolic microbial and self-DNA during infections, and in the context of loss of cellular integrity, to instigate the production of type-I IFN and pro-inflammatory cytokines. To date, whether the cGAS-STING pathway is present in platelets and contributes to platelet functions is not defined. Using a combination of pharmacological and genetic approaches, we demonstrate here that megakaryocytes and platelets possess a functional cGAS-STING pathway. Our results suggest that in megakaryocytes, STING stimulation activates a type-I IFN response, and during thrombopoiesis, cGAS and STING are transferred to proplatelets. Finally, we show that both murine and human platelets contain cGAS and STING proteins, and the cGAS-STING pathway contributes to potentiation of platelet activation and aggregation. Taken together, these observations establish for the first time a novel role of the cGAS-STING DNA sensing axis in the megakaryocyte and platelet lineage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Firas El-Mortada
- https://ror.org/02xrw9r68 Groupe de Recherche en Signalisation Cellulaire, Département de Biologie Médicale, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, Canada
| | - Karima Landelouci
- https://ror.org/02xrw9r68 Groupe de Recherche en Signalisation Cellulaire, Département de Biologie Médicale, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, Canada
| | - Samuel Bertrand-Perron
- https://ror.org/02xrw9r68 Groupe de Recherche en Signalisation Cellulaire, Département de Biologie Médicale, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, Canada
| | - Félix-Antoine Aubé
- https://ror.org/02xrw9r68 Groupe de Recherche en Signalisation Cellulaire, Département de Biologie Médicale, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, Canada
| | - Amélie Poirier
- https://ror.org/02xrw9r68 Groupe de Recherche en Signalisation Cellulaire, Département de Biologie Médicale, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, Canada
| | - Amel Bidias
- https://ror.org/02xrw9r68 Groupe de Recherche en Signalisation Cellulaire, Département de Biologie Médicale, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, Canada
| | - Georges Jourdi
- Centre de Recherche, Institut de Cardiologie de Montréal, Montréal, Canada
- Faculté de Pharmacie, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Canada
| | - Mélanie Welman
- Centre de Recherche, Institut de Cardiologie de Montréal, Montréal, Canada
- Faculté de Pharmacie, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Canada
| | - Michael P Gantier
- Centre for Innate Immunity and Infectious Diseases, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Australia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | - Justin R Hamilton
- Australian Centre for Blood Diseases, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
- CSL Innovation, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Benjamin Kile
- Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | - Marie Lordkipanidzé
- Centre de Recherche, Institut de Cardiologie de Montréal, Montréal, Canada
- Faculté de Pharmacie, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Canada
| | - Geneviève Pépin
- https://ror.org/02xrw9r68 Groupe de Recherche en Signalisation Cellulaire, Département de Biologie Médicale, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, Canada
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35
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Brown Harding H, Kwaku GN, Reardon CM, Khan NS, Zamith-Miranda D, Zarnowski R, Tam JM, Bohaen CK, Richey L, Mosallanejad K, Crossen AJ, Reedy JL, Ward RA, Vargas-Blanco DA, Basham KJ, Bhattacharyya RP, Nett JE, Mansour MK, van de Veerdonk FL, Kumar V, Kagan JC, Andes DR, Nosanchuk JD, Vyas JM. Candida albicans extracellular vesicles trigger type I IFN signalling via cGAS and STING. Nat Microbiol 2024; 9:95-107. [PMID: 38168615 PMCID: PMC10959075 DOI: 10.1038/s41564-023-01546-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
The host type I interferon (IFN) pathway is a major signature of inflammation induced by the human fungal pathogen, Candida albicans. However, the molecular mechanism for activating this pathway in the host defence against C. albicans remains unknown. Here we reveal that mice lacking cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS)-stimulator of IFN genes (STING) pathway components had improved survival following an intravenous challenge by C. albicans. Biofilm-associated C. albicans DNA packaged in extracellular vesicles triggers the cGAS-STING pathway as determined by induction of interferon-stimulated genes, IFNβ production, and phosphorylation of IFN regulatory factor 3 and TANK-binding kinase 1. Extracellular vesicle-induced activation of type I IFNs was independent of the Dectin-1/Card9 pathway and did not require toll-like receptor 9. Single nucleotide polymorphisms in cGAS and STING potently altered inflammatory cytokine production in human monocytes challenged by C. albicans. These studies provide insights into the early innate immune response induced by a clinically significant fungal pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Brown Harding
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Geneva N Kwaku
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Christopher M Reardon
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Nida S Khan
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Daniel Zamith-Miranda
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Robert Zarnowski
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Wisconsin Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Jenny M Tam
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Collins K Bohaen
- Department of Internal Medicine and Radboud Center for Infectious Diseases, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Lauren Richey
- Tufts Comparative Medicine Services, Tufts University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kenta Mosallanejad
- Division of Gastroenterology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Arianne J Crossen
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jennifer L Reedy
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Rebecca A Ward
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Diego A Vargas-Blanco
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kyle J Basham
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Roby P Bhattacharyya
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Jeniel E Nett
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Wisconsin Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Michael K Mansour
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Frank L van de Veerdonk
- Department of Internal Medicine and Radboud Center for Infectious Diseases, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Vinod Kumar
- Department of Internal Medicine and Radboud Center for Infectious Diseases, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
- University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Genetics, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
- Nitte University Centre for Science Education and Research, Medical Sciences Complex, Mangaluru, India
| | - Jonathan C Kagan
- Division of Gastroenterology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - David R Andes
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Wisconsin Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Joshua D Nosanchuk
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Jatin M Vyas
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA.
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36
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Zierhut C. Potential cGAS-STING pathway functions in DNA damage responses, DNA replication and DNA repair. DNA Repair (Amst) 2024; 133:103608. [PMID: 38056369 DOI: 10.1016/j.dnarep.2023.103608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
The major innate immune responder to the DNA of pathogens is the cyclic GMP-AMP (cGAMP) synthase (cGAS) - stimulator of interferon genes (STING) pathway. Most prominently, the outcome of cGAS signalling is the activation of inflammatory transcription through interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3) and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kB). In addition, the cGAS-STING pathway can lead to the direct modulation of cellular processes independently of transcription, such as activation of autophagy. Under unperturbed conditions, several mechanisms are in place to prevent the activation of cGAS by self-DNA, chiefly its sequestration on chromatin, which interferes with binding to stimulatory DNA. However, under conditions of genotoxic stress and chromosomal instability, this inhibition breaks down, resulting in the activation of cGAS, which drives sterile inflammation, as well as cell fate and immune responses in cancer. Recently, several studies have suggested that cGAS, STING, or downstream pathway components can also regulate the DNA damage response, DNA damage checkpoint signalling, DNA repair and DNA replication. Here, I review these proposed mechanisms, and discuss some unanswered questions relating to them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Zierhut
- The Institute of Cancer Research, Division of Cancer Biology, 237 Fulham Road, London SW3 6JB, UK.
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37
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Cho MG, Kumar RJ, Lin CC, Boyer JA, Shahir JA, Fagan-Solis K, Simpson DA, Fan C, Foster CE, Goddard AM, Lerner LM, Ellington SW, Wang Q, Wang Y, Ho AY, Liu P, Perou CM, Zhang Q, McGinty RK, Purvis JE, Gupta GP. MRE11 liberates cGAS from nucleosome sequestration during tumorigenesis. Nature 2024; 625:585-592. [PMID: 38200309 PMCID: PMC10794148 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-023-06889-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
Oncogene-induced replication stress generates endogenous DNA damage that activates cGAS-STING-mediated signalling and tumour suppression1-3. However, the precise mechanism of cGAS activation by endogenous DNA damage remains enigmatic, particularly given that high-affinity histone acidic patch (AP) binding constitutively inhibits cGAS by sterically hindering its activation by double-stranded DNA (dsDNA)4-10. Here we report that the DNA double-strand break sensor MRE11 suppresses mammary tumorigenesis through a pivotal role in regulating cGAS activation. We demonstrate that binding of the MRE11-RAD50-NBN complex to nucleosome fragments is necessary to displace cGAS from acidic-patch-mediated sequestration, which enables its mobilization and activation by dsDNA. MRE11 is therefore essential for cGAS activation in response to oncogenic stress, cytosolic dsDNA and ionizing radiation. Furthermore, MRE11-dependent cGAS activation promotes ZBP1-RIPK3-MLKL-mediated necroptosis, which is essential to suppress oncogenic proliferation and breast tumorigenesis. Notably, downregulation of ZBP1 in human triple-negative breast cancer is associated with increased genome instability, immune suppression and poor patient prognosis. These findings establish MRE11 as a crucial mediator that links DNA damage and cGAS activation, resulting in tumour suppression through ZBP1-dependent necroptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min-Guk Cho
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Rashmi J Kumar
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- UNC MD-PhD Program, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Chien-Chu Lin
- Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Joshua A Boyer
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Jamshaid A Shahir
- Curriculum in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Katerina Fagan-Solis
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Dennis A Simpson
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Cheng Fan
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Christine E Foster
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Anna M Goddard
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Lynn M Lerner
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Curriculum in Genetics and Molecular Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Simon W Ellington
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Qinhong Wang
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Ying Wang
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Curriculum in Genetics and Molecular Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Alice Y Ho
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Pengda Liu
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Charles M Perou
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Curriculum in Genetics and Molecular Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Computational Medicine Program, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Qi Zhang
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Robert K McGinty
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Jeremy E Purvis
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Curriculum in Genetics and Molecular Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Computational Medicine Program, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Gaorav P Gupta
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
- UNC MD-PhD Program, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
- Curriculum in Genetics and Molecular Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
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Brooks WH. Polyamine Dysregulation and Nucleolar Disruption in Alzheimer's Disease. J Alzheimers Dis 2024; 98:837-857. [PMID: 38489184 DOI: 10.3233/jad-231184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
A hypothesis of Alzheimer's disease etiology is proposed describing how cellular stress induces excessive polyamine synthesis and recycling which can disrupt nucleoli. Polyamines are essential in nucleolar functions, such as RNA folding and ribonucleoprotein assembly. Changes in the nucleolar pool of anionic RNA and cationic polyamines acting as counterions can cause significant nucleolar dynamics. Polyamine synthesis reduces S-adenosylmethionine which, at low levels, triggers tau phosphorylation. Also, polyamine recycling reduces acetyl-CoA needed for acetylcholine, which is low in Alzheimer's disease. Extraordinary nucleolar expansion and/or contraction can disrupt epigenetic control in peri-nucleolar chromatin, such as chromosome 14 with the presenilin-1 gene; chromosome 21 with the amyloid precursor protein gene; chromosome 17 with the tau gene; chromosome 19 with the APOE4 gene; and the inactive X chromosome (Xi; aka "nucleolar satellite") with normally silent spermine synthase (polyamine synthesis) and spermidine/spermine-N1-acetyltransferase (polyamine recycling) alleles. Chromosomes 17, 19 and the Xi have high concentrations of Alu elements which can be transcribed by RNA polymerase III if positioned nucleosomes are displaced from the Alu elements. A sudden flood of Alu RNA transcripts can competitively bind nucleolin which is usually bound to Alu sequences in structural RNAs that stabilize the nucleolar heterochromatic shell. This Alu competition leads to loss of nucleolar integrity with leaking of nucleolar polyamines that cause aggregation of phosphorylated tau. The hypothesis was developed with key word searches (e.g., PubMed) using relevant terms (e.g., Alzheimer's, lupus, nucleolin) based on a systems biology approach and exploring autoimmune disease tautology, gaining synergistic insights from other diseases.
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Monticelli S, Cejka P. DNA sensing and repair systems unexpectedly team up against cancer. Nature 2024; 625:457-458. [PMID: 38200334 DOI: 10.1038/d41586-023-03994-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
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40
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Chen W, Lee GE, Jeung D, Byun J, Juan W, Cho YY. Cyclic GMP-AMP Synthase in Cancer Prevention. J Cancer Prev 2023; 28:143-196. [PMID: 38205362 PMCID: PMC10774482 DOI: 10.15430/jcp.2023.28.4.143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Cyclic GMP-AMP (cGAMP), synthesized by cGAMP synthase (cGAS), serves as a secondary messenger that modulates various cellular processes, including cell proliferation, cell death, immune response, and inflammation. cGAS is activated upon detecting cytoplasmic DNA, which may originate from damaged genomic and mitochondrial DNA or from viral and bacterial infections. The presence of DNA in the cytoplasm can trigger a substantial inflammatory reaction and cytokine production via the cGAS-STING signaling pathway. Consequently, specific inhibitors targeting this pathway hold significant potential as chemopreventive agents. In this review, we explore the potential effectiveness of modulating cGAS activity. We discuss the role of cGAMP, the mechanism of action for distinguishing between self and foreign DNA, and the possible functions of cGAS within the nucleus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weidong Chen
- BK21-Four, College of Pharmacy, The Catholic University of Korea
- RCD Control Material Research Institute, The Catholic University of Korea, Bucheon, Korea
| | - Ga-Eun Lee
- BK21-Four, College of Pharmacy, The Catholic University of Korea
- RCD Control Material Research Institute, The Catholic University of Korea, Bucheon, Korea
| | - Dohyun Jeung
- BK21-Four, College of Pharmacy, The Catholic University of Korea
- RCD Control Material Research Institute, The Catholic University of Korea, Bucheon, Korea
| | - Jiin Byun
- BK21-Four, College of Pharmacy, The Catholic University of Korea
- RCD Control Material Research Institute, The Catholic University of Korea, Bucheon, Korea
| | - Wu Juan
- BK21-Four, College of Pharmacy, The Catholic University of Korea
- RCD Control Material Research Institute, The Catholic University of Korea, Bucheon, Korea
| | - Yong-Yeon Cho
- BK21-Four, College of Pharmacy, The Catholic University of Korea
- RCD Control Material Research Institute, The Catholic University of Korea, Bucheon, Korea
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41
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Zhou Z, Ou-yang C, Chen Q, Ren Z, Guo X, Lei M, Liu C, Yang X. Trafficking and effect of released DNA on cGAS-STING signaling pathway and cardiovascular disease. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1287130. [PMID: 38152400 PMCID: PMC10751357 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1287130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Evidence from clinical research and animal studies indicates that inflammation is an important factor in the occurrence and development of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Emerging evidence shows that nucleic acids serve as crucial pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) or non-infectious damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs), are released and then recognized by pattern recognition receptors (PRRs), which activates immunological signaling pathways for host defense. Mechanistically, the released nucleic acids activate cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS) and its downstream receptor stimulator of interferon genes (STING) to promote type I interferons (IFNs) production, which play an important regulatory function during the initiation of an innate immune response to various diseases, including CVD. This pathway represents an essential defense regulatory mechanism in an organism's innate immune system. In this review, we outline the overall profile of cGAS-STING signaling, summarize the latest findings on nucleic acid release and trafficking, and discuss their potential role in CVD. This review also sheds light on potential directions for future investigations on CVD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zimo Zhou
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Diabetes and Angiopathy, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, China
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, College of Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Changhan Ou-yang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Diabetes and Angiopathy, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, China
- Xianning Medical College, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, China
| | - Qingjie Chen
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Diabetes and Angiopathy, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, China
- Xianning Medical College, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, China
| | - Zhanhong Ren
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Diabetes and Angiopathy, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, China
- Xianning Medical College, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, China
| | - Xiying Guo
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Diabetes and Angiopathy, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, China
- Xianning Medical College, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, China
| | - Min Lei
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Diabetes and Angiopathy, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, China
- Xianning Medical College, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, China
| | - Chao Liu
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Diabetes and Angiopathy, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, China
- Xianning Medical College, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, China
| | - Xiaosong Yang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Diabetes and Angiopathy, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, China
- Xianning Medical College, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, China
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Mikhalkevich N, Russ E, Iordanskiy S. Cellular RNA and DNA sensing pathways are essential for the dose-dependent response of human monocytes to ionizing radiation. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1235936. [PMID: 38152396 PMCID: PMC10751912 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1235936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Circulating monocytes are important players of the inflammatory response to ionizing radiation (IR). These IR-resistant immune cells migrate to radiation-damaged tissues and differentiate into macrophages that phagocytize dying cells, but also facilitate inflammation. Besides the effect of damage-associated molecular patterns, released from irradiated tissues, the inflammatory activation of monocytes and macrophages is largely dependent on IR-induced DNA damage and aberrant transcriptional activity, which may facilitate expression of type I interferons (IFN-I) and numerous inflammation-related genes. We analyzed the accumulation of dsRNA, dsDNA fragments, and RNA:DNA hybrids in the context of induction of RNA-triggered MAVS-mediated and DNA-triggered STING-mediated signaling pathways, in primary human monocytes and a monocytic cell line, THP1, in response to various doses of gamma IR. We found that exposure to lower doses (<7.5 Gy) led to the accumulation of dsRNA, along with dsDNA and RNA:DNA hybrids and activated both MAVS and STING pathway-induced gene expression and signaling activity of IFN-I. Higher doses of IR resulted in the reduced dsRNA level, degradation of RNA-sensing mediators involved in MAVS signaling and coincided with an increased accumulation of dsDNA and RNA:DNA hybrids that correlated with elevated STING signaling and NF-κB-dependent gene expression. While both pathways activate IFN-I expression, using MAVS- and STING-knockout THP1 cells, we identified differences in the spectra of interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs) that are associated with each specific signaling pathway and outlined a large group of STING signaling-associated genes. Using the RNAi technique, we found that increasing the dose of IR activates STING signaling through the DNA sensor cGAS, along with suppression of the DDX41 helicase, which is known to reduce the accumulation of RNA:DNA hybrids and thereby limit cGAS/STING signaling activity. Together, these results indicate that depending on the applied dose, IR leads to the activation of either dsRNA-induced MAVS signaling, which predominantly leads to the expression of both pro- and anti-inflammatory markers, or dsDNA-induced STING signaling that contributes to pro-inflammatory activation of the cells. While RNA:DNA hybrids boost both MAVS- and STING-mediated signaling pathways, these structures being accumulated upon high IR doses promote type I interferon expression and appear to be potent enhancers of radiation dose-dependent pro-inflammatory activation of monocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natallia Mikhalkevich
- Department of Pharmacology & Molecular Therapeutics, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, United States
- The Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Eric Russ
- Department of Pharmacology & Molecular Therapeutics, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, United States
- The Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Bethesda, MD, United States
- The American Genome Center (TAGC), Collaborative Health Initiative Research Program, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, United States
- Graduate Program of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Sergey Iordanskiy
- Department of Pharmacology & Molecular Therapeutics, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, United States
- Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute, Uniformed Services University of The Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, United States
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Korneenko TV, Pestov NB, Nevzorov IA, Daks AA, Trachuk KN, Solopova ON, Barlev NA. At the Crossroads of the cGAS-cGAMP-STING Pathway and the DNA Damage Response: Implications for Cancer Progression and Treatment. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:1675. [PMID: 38139802 PMCID: PMC10747911 DOI: 10.3390/ph16121675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The evolutionary conserved DNA-sensing cGAS-STING innate immunity pathway represents one of the most important cytosolic DNA-sensing systems that is activated in response to viral invasion and/or damage to the integrity of the nuclear envelope. The key outcome of this pathway is the production of interferon, which subsequently stimulates the transcription of hundreds of genes. In oncology, the situation is complex because this pathway may serve either anti- or pro-oncogenic roles, depending on context. The prevailing understanding is that when the innate immune response is activated by sensing cytosolic DNA, such as DNA released from ruptured micronuclei, it results in the production of interferon, which attracts cytotoxic cells to destroy tumors. However, in tumor cells that have adjusted to significant chromosomal instability, particularly in relapsed, treatment-resistant cancers, the cGAS-STING pathway often supports cancer progression, fostering the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Here, we review this intricate pathway in terms of its association with cancer progression, giving special attention to pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma and gliomas. As the development of new cGAS-STING-modulating small molecules and immunotherapies such as oncolytic viruses involves serious challenges, we highlight several recent fundamental discoveries, such as the proton-channeling function of STING. These discoveries may serve as guiding lights for potential pharmacological advancements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatyana V. Korneenko
- Group of Cross-Linking Enzymes, Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Moscow 117997, Russia
| | - Nikolay B. Pestov
- Group of Cross-Linking Enzymes, Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Moscow 117997, Russia
- Institute of Biomedical Chemistry, Moscow 119121, Russia
- Chumakov Federal Scientific Center for Research and Development of Immune-and-Biological Products, Moscow 108819, Russia
| | - Ivan A. Nevzorov
- Institute of Cytology, Tikhoretsky ave 4, St-Petersburg 194064, Russia
| | - Alexandra A. Daks
- Institute of Cytology, Tikhoretsky ave 4, St-Petersburg 194064, Russia
| | - Kirill N. Trachuk
- Chumakov Federal Scientific Center for Research and Development of Immune-and-Biological Products, Moscow 108819, Russia
| | - Olga N. Solopova
- Research Institute of Experimental Diagnostics and Tumor Therapy, Blokhin National Medical Research Center of Oncology, Moscow 115478, Russia
| | - Nickolai A. Barlev
- Institute of Biomedical Chemistry, Moscow 119121, Russia
- Chumakov Federal Scientific Center for Research and Development of Immune-and-Biological Products, Moscow 108819, Russia
- Institute of Cytology, Tikhoretsky ave 4, St-Petersburg 194064, Russia
- Institute of Translational Medicine and Biotechnology, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow 119991, Russia
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44
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Zhao K, Huang J, Zhao Y, Wang S, Xu J, Yin K. Targeting STING in cancer: Challenges and emerging opportunities. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2023; 1878:188983. [PMID: 37717857 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2023.188983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/26/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023]
Abstract
The cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS)-stimulator of interferon genes (STING) signaling pathway is a key pathway through which the host regulates immune responses by recognizing cytoplasmic double-stranded DNA of abnormal origin, and it plays an important role in tumor growth as well as metastasis, with relevant molecular details constantly being explored and updated. The significant immunomodulatory effects make STING an attractive target for cancer immunotherapy, and STING agonists have been receiving great attention for their development and clinical translation. Despite exciting results in preclinical work, the application of STING agonists to cancer therapy remains challenging due to their poor pharmacokinetic and physicochemical properties, as well as toxic side effects they produce. Here, we summarize the dichotomous role of cGAS-STING in cancer and discuss the limitations of cancer immunotherapy based on STING activation as well as feasible strategies to overcome them to achieve tumor regression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kexin Zhao
- Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China; Department of Immunology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Jiaojiao Huang
- Department of Immunology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Yue Zhao
- Department of Immunology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Shengjun Wang
- Department of Immunology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China; Department of Laboratory Medicine, the Affiliated People's Hospital, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China.
| | - Juan Xu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Affiliated Taizhou People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Taizhou, China.
| | - Kai Yin
- Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China.
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45
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Chen K, Liao J, Patel DJ, Xie W. Advances in structure-guided mechanisms impacting on the cGAS-STING innate immune pathway. Adv Immunol 2023; 159:1-32. [PMID: 37996205 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ai.2023.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
The metazoan cGAS-STING innate immunity pathway is triggered in response to cytoplasmic double-stranded DNA (dsDNA), thereby providing host defense against microbial pathogens. This pathway also impacts on autoimmune diseases, cellular senescence and anti-tumor immunity. The cGAS-STING pathway was also observed in the bacterial antiviral immune response, known as the cyclic oligonucleotide (CDN)-based anti-phage signaling system (CBASS). This review highlights a structure-based mechanistic perspective of recent advances in metazoan and bacterial cGAS-STING innate immune signaling by focusing on the cGAS sensor, cGAMP second messenger and STING adaptor components, thereby elucidating the specificity, activation, regulation and signal transduction features of the pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kexin Chen
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, P.R. China
| | - Jialing Liao
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, P.R. China; School of Biomedical Engineering, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, Hubei, P.R. China
| | - Dinshaw J Patel
- Structural Biology Program, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, United States.
| | - Wei Xie
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, P.R. China.
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46
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Zhou J, Zhuang Z, Li J, Feng Z. Significance of the cGAS-STING Pathway in Health and Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13316. [PMID: 37686127 PMCID: PMC10487967 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241713316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS)-stimulator of interferon genes (STING) pathway plays a significant role in health and disease. In this pathway, cGAS, one of the major cytosolic DNA sensors in mammalian cells, regulates innate immunity and the STING-dependent production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including type-I interferon. Moreover, the cGAS-STING pathway is integral to other cellular processes, such as cell death, cell senescence, and autophagy. Activation of the cGAS-STING pathway by "self" DNA is also attributed to various infectious diseases and autoimmune or inflammatory conditions. In addition, the cGAS-STING pathway activation functions as a link between innate and adaptive immunity, leading to the inhibition or facilitation of tumorigenesis; therefore, research targeting this pathway can provide novel clues for clinical applications to treat infectious, inflammatory, and autoimmune diseases and even cancer. In this review, we focus on the cGAS-STING pathway and its corresponding cellular and molecular mechanisms in health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinglin Zhou
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Innate Immune Biology, Biomedical Research Center of South China, College of Life Science, Fujian Normal University Qishan Campus, Fuzhou 350117, China
| | - Zhan Zhuang
- Key Laboratory of College of First Clinical Medicine, College of First Clinical Medicine, Fujian Medical University, Taijiang Campus, Fuzhou 350001, China
| | - Jiamian Li
- Key Laboratory of College of First Clinical Medicine, College of First Clinical Medicine, Fujian Medical University, Taijiang Campus, Fuzhou 350001, China
| | - Zhihua Feng
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Innate Immune Biology, Biomedical Research Center of South China, College of Life Science, Fujian Normal University Qishan Campus, Fuzhou 350117, China
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Lin M, Xian H, Chen Z, Wang S, Liu M, Liang W, Tang Q, Liu Y, Huang W, Che D, Guo C, Idiiatullina E, Fang R, Al-Azab M, Chang J, Wang R, Li X, Zuo X, Zhang Y, Zhao J, Tang Y, Jin S, He Z, Feng D, Lu L, Zhang K, Wu Y, Bai F, Lew AM, Cui J, Wu Y, Gu X, Zhang Y. MCM8-mediated mitophagy protects vascular health in response to nitric oxide signaling in a mouse model of Kawasaki disease. NATURE CARDIOVASCULAR RESEARCH 2023; 2:778-792. [PMID: 39195969 DOI: 10.1038/s44161-023-00314-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2024]
Abstract
Mitophagy is a major quality control pathway that removes unwanted or dysfunctional mitochondria and plays an essential role in vascular health. Here we show that MCM8 expression is significantly decreased in children with Kawasaki disease (KD) who developed coronary artery aneurysms. Mechanistically, we discovered that nitric oxide signaling promotes TRIM21-mediated MCM8 ubiquitination, which disrupts its interaction with MCM9 and promotes its cytosolic export. In the cytosol, MCM8 relocates to the mitochondria pore-forming proteins and promotes their ubiquitination by TRIM21. In addition, MCM8 directly recruits LC3 via its LC3-interacting region (LIR) motif and initiates mitophagy. This suppresses mitochondrial DNA-mediated activation of type I interferon via cGAS and STING. Mice that are deficient in Mcm8, Trim21 and Nos2 or reconstituted with the East-Asian-specific MCM8-P276 variant develop more severe coronary artery vasculopathy in the Lactobacillus casei extract-induced KD model. Collectively, the data suggest that MCM8 protects vascular health in the KD setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Lin
- Clinical Biological Resource Bank and Clinical Lab, Guangzhou Institute of Pediatrics, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, and State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Pediatric Immunity and Healthcare Biomedical Co., Ltd, Guangzhou, China
| | - Huifang Xian
- Clinical Biological Resource Bank and Clinical Lab, Guangzhou Institute of Pediatrics, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, and State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhanghua Chen
- Clinical Biological Resource Bank and Clinical Lab, Guangzhou Institute of Pediatrics, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, and State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shang Wang
- Clinical Biological Resource Bank and Clinical Lab, Guangzhou Institute of Pediatrics, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, and State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ming Liu
- Clinical Biological Resource Bank and Clinical Lab, Guangzhou Institute of Pediatrics, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, and State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Weiwei Liang
- Clinical Biological Resource Bank and Clinical Lab, Guangzhou Institute of Pediatrics, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, and State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qin Tang
- Clinical Biological Resource Bank and Clinical Lab, Guangzhou Institute of Pediatrics, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, and State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yao Liu
- Clinical Biological Resource Bank and Clinical Lab, Guangzhou Institute of Pediatrics, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, and State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wanming Huang
- Clinical Biological Resource Bank and Clinical Lab, Guangzhou Institute of Pediatrics, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, and State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Di Che
- Clinical Biological Resource Bank and Clinical Lab, Guangzhou Institute of Pediatrics, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, and State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Caiqin Guo
- Clinical Biological Resource Bank and Clinical Lab, Guangzhou Institute of Pediatrics, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, and State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Elina Idiiatullina
- Clinical Biological Resource Bank and Clinical Lab, Guangzhou Institute of Pediatrics, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, and State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Rongli Fang
- Clinical Biological Resource Bank and Clinical Lab, Guangzhou Institute of Pediatrics, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, and State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Mahmoud Al-Azab
- Clinical Biological Resource Bank and Clinical Lab, Guangzhou Institute of Pediatrics, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, and State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jingjie Chang
- Clinical Biological Resource Bank and Clinical Lab, Guangzhou Institute of Pediatrics, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, and State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Rongze Wang
- Clinical Biological Resource Bank and Clinical Lab, Guangzhou Institute of Pediatrics, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, and State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaojun Li
- Clinical Biological Resource Bank and Clinical Lab, Guangzhou Institute of Pediatrics, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, and State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoyu Zuo
- Clinical Biological Resource Bank and Clinical Lab, Guangzhou Institute of Pediatrics, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, and State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Clinical Biological Resource Bank and Clinical Lab, Guangzhou Institute of Pediatrics, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, and State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jincun Zhao
- Clinical Biological Resource Bank and Clinical Lab, Guangzhou Institute of Pediatrics, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, and State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yaping Tang
- Clinical Biological Resource Bank and Clinical Lab, Guangzhou Institute of Pediatrics, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, and State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shouheng Jin
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhengjie He
- Guangzhou Municipal and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Protein Modification and Degradation, Affiliated Cancer Hospital & Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Du Feng
- Guangzhou Municipal and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Protein Modification and Degradation, Affiliated Cancer Hospital & Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Liwei Lu
- Department of Pathology and Shenzhen Institute of Research and Innovation, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Chongqing International Institute for Immunology, Chongqing, China
| | - Kang Zhang
- Guangzhou National Laboratory, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yan Wu
- Department of Pathogen Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Fan Bai
- Biomedical Pioneering Innovation Center, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Genomics, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Andrew M Lew
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research and Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Jun Cui
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuzhang Wu
- Chongqing International Institute for Immunology, Chongqing, China.
| | - Xiaoqiong Gu
- Clinical Biological Resource Bank and Clinical Lab, Guangzhou Institute of Pediatrics, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, and State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Yuxia Zhang
- Clinical Biological Resource Bank and Clinical Lab, Guangzhou Institute of Pediatrics, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, and State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
- Chongqing International Institute for Immunology, Chongqing, China.
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.
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Gulen MF, Samson N, Keller A, Schwabenland M, Liu C, Glück S, Thacker VV, Favre L, Mangeat B, Kroese LJ, Krimpenfort P, Prinz M, Ablasser A. cGAS-STING drives ageing-related inflammation and neurodegeneration. Nature 2023; 620:374-380. [PMID: 37532932 PMCID: PMC10412454 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-023-06373-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 146] [Impact Index Per Article: 146.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023]
Abstract
Low-grade inflammation is a hallmark of old age and a central driver of ageing-associated impairment and disease1. Multiple factors can contribute to ageing-associated inflammation2; however, the molecular pathways that transduce aberrant inflammatory signalling and their impact in natural ageing remain unclear. Here we show that the cGAS-STING signalling pathway, which mediates immune sensing of DNA3, is a critical driver of chronic inflammation and functional decline during ageing. Blockade of STING suppresses the inflammatory phenotypes of senescent human cells and tissues, attenuates ageing-related inflammation in multiple peripheral organs and the brain in mice, and leads to an improvement in tissue function. Focusing on the ageing brain, we reveal that activation of STING triggers reactive microglial transcriptional states, neurodegeneration and cognitive decline. Cytosolic DNA released from perturbed mitochondria elicits cGAS activity in old microglia, defining a mechanism by which cGAS-STING signalling is engaged in the ageing brain. Single-nucleus RNA-sequencing analysis of microglia and hippocampi of a cGAS gain-of-function mouse model demonstrates that engagement of cGAS in microglia is sufficient to direct ageing-associated transcriptional microglial states leading to bystander cell inflammation, neurotoxicity and impaired memory capacity. Our findings establish the cGAS-STING pathway as a driver of ageing-related inflammation in peripheral organs and the brain, and reveal blockade of cGAS-STING signalling as a potential strategy to halt neurodegenerative processes during old age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammet F Gulen
- Global Health Institute, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Natasha Samson
- Global Health Institute, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Alexander Keller
- Global Health Institute, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Marius Schwabenland
- Institute of Neuropathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Chong Liu
- Global Health Institute, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Selene Glück
- Global Health Institute, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Vivek V Thacker
- Global Health Institute, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Lucie Favre
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Metabolism, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Bastien Mangeat
- Gene Expression Core Facility, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Lona J Kroese
- Animal Modeling Facility, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Paul Krimpenfort
- Animal Modeling Facility, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marco Prinz
- Institute of Neuropathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Center for Basics in NeuroModulation (NeuroModulBasics), Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Signalling Research Centres BIOSS and CIBSS, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Andrea Ablasser
- Global Health Institute, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland.
- Institute for Cancer Research (ISREC), Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland.
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49
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Ding H, Zhou Y, Yin Z, Tai S. Role of cGAS-STING signaling pathway in cardiometabolic diseases. ZHONG NAN DA XUE XUE BAO. YI XUE BAN = JOURNAL OF CENTRAL SOUTH UNIVERSITY. MEDICAL SCIENCES 2023; 48:1086-1097. [PMID: 37724412 PMCID: PMC10930035 DOI: 10.11817/j.issn.1672-7347.2023.230028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023]
Abstract
Cardiometabolic disease is a common clinical syndrome with exact causal relationship between the aberrant of glucose/lipid metabolism and cardiovascular disfunction, but its pathogenesis is unclear. Cyclic guanosine monophosphate-adenosine monophosphate synthase (cGAS)-stimulator of interferon gene (STING) signaling pathway regulates the activation of innate immunity by sensing intracellular double stranded DNA. Metabolic risk factors drive the activation of cGAS-STING pathway through mitochondrial DNA, nuclear DNA and endoplasmic reticulum stress. In addition, the activation of the cGAS-STING pathway triggers chronic sterile inflammation, excessive activation of autophagy, senescence and apoptosis in related cells of cardiovascular system. These changes induced by cGAS-STING pathway might be implicated in the onset and deterioration of cardiometabolic disease. Therefore, the targeting intervention of cGAS-STING signaling pathway may emerge as a novel treatment for cardiometabolic disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huiqing Ding
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410011.
| | - Yuying Zhou
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Xiangtan Central Hospital, Xiangtan Hunan 411199
| | - Zhiyi Yin
- Department of Blood Transfusion, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410011, China
| | - Shi Tai
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410011.
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50
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Song C, Hu Z, Xu D, Bian H, Lv J, Zhu X, Zhang Q, Su L, Yin H, Lu T, Li Y. STING signaling in inflammaging: a new target against musculoskeletal diseases. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1227364. [PMID: 37492580 PMCID: PMC10363987 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1227364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Stimulator of Interferon Gene (STING) is a critical signaling linker protein that plays a crucial role in the intrinsic immune response, particularly in the cytoplasmic DNA-mediated immune response in both pathogens and hosts. It is also involved in various signaling processes in vivo. The musculoskeletal system provides humans with morphology, support, stability, and movement. However, its aging can result in various diseases and negatively impact people's lives. While many studies have reported that cellular aging is a leading cause of musculoskeletal disorders, it also offers insight into potential treatments. Under pathological conditions, senescent osteoblasts, chondrocytes, myeloid cells, and muscle fibers exhibit persistent senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP), metabolic disturbances, and cell cycle arrest, which are closely linked to abnormal STING activation. The accumulation of cytoplasmic DNA due to chromatin escape from the nucleus following DNA damage or telomere shortening activates the cGAS-STING signaling pathway. Moreover, STING activation is also linked to mitochondrial dysfunction, epigenetic modifications, and impaired cytoplasmic DNA degradation. STING activation upregulates SASP and autophagy directly and indirectly promotes cell cycle arrest. Thus, STING may be involved in the onset and development of various age-related musculoskeletal disorders and represents a potential therapeutic target. In recent years, many STING modulators have been developed and used in the study of musculoskeletal disorders. Therefore, this paper summarizes the effects of STING signaling on the musculoskeletal system at the molecular level and current understanding of the mechanisms of endogenous active ligand production and accumulation. We also discuss the relationship between some age-related musculoskeletal disorders and STING, as well as the current status of STING modulator development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenyu Song
- Jiangsu CM Clinical Innovation Center of Degenerative Bone & Joint Disease, Wuxi TCM Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Wuxi, China
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhuoyi Hu
- Jiangsu CM Clinical Innovation Center of Degenerative Bone & Joint Disease, Wuxi TCM Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Wuxi, China
| | - Dingjun Xu
- Department of Orthopaedics, Wenzhou Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Zhejiang, China
| | - Huihui Bian
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
| | - Juan Lv
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xuanxuan Zhu
- Jiangsu CM Clinical Innovation Center of Degenerative Bone & Joint Disease, Wuxi TCM Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Wuxi, China
| | - Qiang Zhang
- Jiangsu CM Clinical Innovation Center of Degenerative Bone & Joint Disease, Wuxi TCM Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Wuxi, China
| | - Li Su
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
| | - Heng Yin
- Jiangsu CM Clinical Innovation Center of Degenerative Bone & Joint Disease, Wuxi TCM Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Wuxi, China
| | - Tong Lu
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Changshu Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Changshu, China
| | - Yinghua Li
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
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