M2 macrophages promote beta-cell proliferation by up-regulation of SMAD7

Mesenchymal stem cells alleviate experimental rheumatoid arthritis through microRNA-regulated IκB expression

Previous studies have demonstrated that mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) transplantation reduces the severity of collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) in mice, which is a model for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in humans. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain ill-defined. Here, we showed that MSC transplantation reduced the activities of NF-κB signaling and decreased microRNA-548e (miR-548e) levels in the joint tissue in CIA-mice, seemingly through activation of transforming growth factor β receptor signaling. Bioinformatics analyses revealed that miR-548e inhibited protein translation of the NF-κB inhibitor, IκB, through binding to the 3′-UTR of the IκB mRNA. MSCs co-transplanted with adeno-associated virus (AAV) carrying miR-548e abolished the therapeutic effects of MSCs on CIA. On the other hand, transplantation of AAV carrying antisense of miR-548e (as-miR-548e) partially mimicked the effects of MSC transplantation on CIA. Together, these data suggest that MSC transplantation may alleviate experimental RA partially through suppressing miR-548e-mediated IκB inhibition.

Replicative capacity of β-cells and type 1 diabetes

Efforts to restore β-cell number or mass in type 1 diabetes (T1D) must combine an intervention to stimulate proliferation of remaining β-cells and an intervention to mitigate or control the β-cell-directed autoimmunity. This review highlights features of the β-cell, including it being part of a pancreatic islet, a mini-organ that is highly vascularized and highly innervated, and efforts to promote β-cell proliferation. In addition, the β-cell in T1D exists in a microenvironment with interactions and input from other islet cell types, extracellular matrix, vascular endothelial cells, neuronal projections, and immune cells, all of which likely influence the β-cell's capacity for replication. Physiologic β-cell proliferation occurs in human and rodents in the neonatal period and early in life, after which there is an age-dependent decline in β-cell proliferation, and also as part of the β-cell's compensatory response to the metabolic challenges of pregnancy and insulin resistance. This review reviews the molecular pathways involved in this β-cell proliferation and highlights recent work in two areas: 1) Investigators, using high-throughput screening to discover small molecules that promote human β-cell proliferation, are now focusing on the dual-specificity tyrosine-regulated kinase-1a and cell cycle-dependent kinase inhibitors CDKN2C/p18 or CDKN1A/p21as targets of compounds to stimulate adult human β-cell proliferation. 2) Local inflammation, macrophages, and the local β-cell microenvironment promote β-cell proliferation. Future efforts to harness the responsible mechanisms may lead to new approaches to promote β-cell proliferation in T1D.

Transient Suppression of TGFβ Receptor Signaling Facilitates Human Islet Transplantation

Although islet transplantation is an effective treatment for severe diabetes, its broad application is greatly limited due to a shortage of donor islets. Suppression of TGFβ receptor signaling in β-cells has been shown to increase β-cell proliferation in mice, but has not been rigorously examined in humans. Here, treatment of human islets with a TGFβ receptor I inhibitor, SB-431542 (SB), significantly improved C-peptide secretion by β-cells, and significantly increased β-cell number by increasing β-cell proliferation. In addition, SB increased cell-cycle activators and decreased cell-cycle suppressors in human β-cells. Transplantation of SB-treated human islets into diabetic immune-deficient mice resulted in significant improvement in blood glucose control, significantly higher serum and graft insulin content, and significantly greater increases in β-cell proliferation in the graft, compared with controls. Thus, our data suggest that transient suppression of TGFβ receptor signaling may improve the outcome of human islet transplantation, seemingly through increasing β-cell number and function.

MicroRNA-454 regulates stromal cell derived factor-1 in the control of the growth of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a highly malignant carcinoma with an extremely high lethality. We recently reported that hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1) targets quiescin sulfhydryl oxidase 1 to facilitate PDAC cell growth and invasion. Here, we analyzed the control of another HIF-1 target, stromal cell derived factor-1 (SDF-1), in PDAC cells. We detected significantly more CD68+ macrophages in the PDAC, compared to normal human pancreas (NT). Since macrophages are recruited to the tissue through their expression of CXCR4 in response to SDF-1, we thus examined the SDF-1 levels in the PDAC specimens. Surprisingly, the SDF-1 protein but not mRNA significantly increased in PDAC, compared to NT. Moreover, a SDF-1-targeting microRNA, miR-454, was found to decrease in PDAC. Promoter luciferase assay confirmed that bindings of miR-454 to 3'-UTR of SDF-1 mRNAs inhibited SDF-1 protein translation. Co-culture of bone marrow derived macrophages and miR-454-modified PDAC cells in a transwell migration experiment showed that macrophages migrated less towards miR-454-overexpressing PDAC cells, and migrated more towards miR-454-depleted cells. Implanted miR-454-depleted PDAC cells grew significantly faster than control, while implanted miR-454-overexpressing PDAC cells grew significantly slower than control. Together, our data suggest that miR-454 may regulate SDF-1 in the control of the growth of PDAC.

Macrophages in Tissue Repair, Regeneration, and Fibrosis

Inflammatory monocytes and tissue-resident macrophages are key regulators of tissue repair, regeneration, and fibrosis. After tissue injury, monocytes and macrophages undergo marked phenotypic and functional changes to play critical roles during the initiation, maintenance, and resolution phases of tissue repair. Disturbances in macrophage function can lead to aberrant repair, such that uncontrolled production of inflammatory mediators and growth factors, deficient generation of anti-inflammatory macrophages, or failed communication between macrophages and epithelial cells, endothelial cells, fibroblasts, and stem or tissue progenitor cells all contribute to a state of persistent injury, and this could lead to the development of pathological fibrosis. In this review, we discuss the mechanisms that instruct macrophages to adopt pro-inflammatory, pro-wound-healing, pro-fibrotic, anti-inflammatory, anti-fibrotic, pro-resolving, and tissue-regenerating phenotypes after injury, and we highlight how some of these mechanisms and macrophage activation states could be exploited therapeutically.

PNA lectin for purifying mouse acinar cells from the inflamed pancreas

Better methods for purifying human or mouse acinar cells without the need for genetic modification are needed. Such techniques would be advantageous for the specific study of certain mechanisms, such as acinar-to-beta-cell reprogramming and pancreatitis. Ulex Europaeus Agglutinin I (UEA-I) lectin has been used to label and isolate acinar cells from the pancreas. However, the purity of the UEA-I-positive cell fraction has not been fully evaluated. Here, we screened 20 widely used lectins for their binding specificity for major pancreatic cell types, and found that UEA-I and Peanut agglutinin (PNA) have a specific affinity for acinar cells in the mouse pancreas, with minimal affinity for other major pancreatic cell types including endocrine cells, duct cells and endothelial cells. Moreover, PNA-purified acinar cells were less contaminated with mesenchymal and inflammatory cells, compared to UEA-I purified acinar cells. Thus, UEA-I and PNA appear to be excellent lectins for pancreatic acinar cell purification. PNA may be a better choice in situations where mesenchymal cells or inflammatory cells are significantly increased in the pancreas, such as type 1 diabetes, pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer.

Crosstalk between ACE2 and PLGF regulates vascular permeability during acute lung injury

Angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) treatment suppresses the severity of acute lung injury (ALI), through antagonizing hydrolyzing angiotensin II (AngII) and the ALI-induced apoptosis of pulmonary endothelial cells. Nevertheless, the effects of ACE2 on vessel permeability and its relationship with placental growth factor (PLGF) remain ill-defined. In the current study, we examined the relationship between ACE2 and PLGF in ALI model in mice. We used a previously published bleomycin method to induce ALI in mice, and treated the mice with ACE2. We analyzed the levels of PLGF in these mice. The mouse lung vessel permeability was determined by a fluorescence pharmacokinetic assay following i.v. injection of 62.5 µg/kg Visudyne. PLGF pump or soluble Flt-1 (sFlt-1) pump was given to augment or suppress PLGF effects, respectively. The long-term effects on lung function were determined by measurement of lung resistance using methacholine. We found that ACE2 treatment did not alter PLGF levels in lung, but antagonized the effects of PLGF on increases of lung vessel permeability. Ectogenic PLGF abolished the antagonizing effects of ACE2 on the vessel permeability against PLGF. On the other hand, suppression of PLGF signaling mimicked the effects of ACE2 on the vessel permeability against PLGF. The suppression of vessel permeability resulted in improvement of lung function after ALI. Thus, ACE2 may antagonize the PLGF-mediated increases in lung vessel permeability during ALI, resulting in improvement of lung function after ALI.

Role of CTGF gene promoter methylation in the development of hepatic fibrosis

Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) plays a critical role in the hepatic stellate cells (HSCs)-mediated development of hepatic fibrosis. Nevertheless, the effects of CTGF gene promoter methylation in the pathogenesis of hepatic fibrosis remain largely unknown. In the current study, we isolated and overexpressed CTGF in primary HSCs. We analyzed the CTGF gene promoter methylation inHSCs that undergo a phenotypic change into myofibroblast-like cellsthat express α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) in vitro and in vivo in a CCl4-induced rat hepatic fibrosis model. We found that CTGF promoted the phenotypic changes of HSCs into myofibroblasts in vitro, while inhibition of CTGF promoter methylation augmented the process, suggesting that CTGF gene promoter methylation may negatively regulate hepatic fibrosis. In vivo, CCl4 induced hepatic fibrosis in rats, and the severity of hepatic fibrosis inversely correlated with the levels of CTGF gene promoter methylation in HSCs. Together, our data demonstrate that CTGF gene promoter methylation may prevent the development of hepatic fibrosis, and low level of CTGF gene promoter methylation in HSCs may be a predisposing factor for developing liver fibrotic disease.

Curcumin reverses benzidine-induced cell proliferation by suppressing ERK1/2 pathway in human bladder cancer T24 cells

Bladder cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related death in the world. Prolonged exposure to benzidine is a known cause of bladder cancer. Curcumin has been clinically used in chemoprevention and treatment of cancer. However, it remains unknown whether mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways are involved in curcumin-mediated protection from benzidine-associated promotive effects on bladder cancer. In our study, we found that benzidine increased the proliferation of human bladder cancer T24 cells, triggered transition of the cells from G1 to S phase, elevated the expression of cyclin D1 and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and decreased p21 expression. Meanwhile, exposure of T24 cells to benzidine resulted in activation of extracellular regulated protein kinases 1 and 2 (ERK1/2) pathway as well as activator protein 1 (AP-1) proteins. Treatment with ERK1/2 inhibitor U0126 or curcumin effectively abrogated benzidine-triggered cell proliferation and ERK1/2/AP-1 activation. These results suggested for the first time that curcumin in low concentrations played a protective role in benzidine-induced ERK1/2/AP-1 activation and proliferation of bladder cancer cells, therefore providing new insights into the pathogenesis and chemoprevention of benzidine-associated bladder cancer.

Mesenchymal stem cells alleviate experimental asthma by inducing polarization of alveolar macrophages

The reparative and immunoregulatory properties of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) have made them attractive candidates for cellular therapy. However, the underlying mechanism of the effects of transplanted MSCs on allergic asthma remains elusive. Here, we show that administration of MSCs isolated from human bone marrow provoked a pronounced polarization in alveolar macrophages to M2 subtypes, rather than induced an increase in the total macrophage number, and efficiently inhibited hallmark features of asthma, including airway hyperresponsiveness and eosinophilic accumulation. Moreover, transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) signaling pathway appeared to mediate the effects of MSCs on macrophage polarization and subsequently the inhibition of hallmark features of asthma. Inhibition of TGF-β signaling was sufficient to inhibit the macrophage polarization in response to MSCs and consequently reserved the inhibitory effects of macrophage polarization on hallmark features of asthma. Collectively, our data demonstrate that human MSCs have immunosuppressive activity on asthma, which is mediated by TGF-β-signaling-dependent alveolar macrophage polarization.

Macrophages play an essential role in the long effects of low-dose photodynamic therapy on vessel permeability

Low-dose photodynamic therapy (L-PDT) has been used to transiently increase the permeability of tumor vessels to improve the delivery of chemotherapeutic drugs to lung tumors. However, the effects of L-PDT in a long-term on delivery of chemotherapeutic drugs are unknown. In this study, we studied this question as well as the underlying mechanisms. We found that the effects of L-PDT on tumor vessel permeability appeared to be prolonged. Moreover, L-PDT significantly increased the number of tumor associated macrophages, and appeared to induce macrophage polarization to a M1 phenotype. Further analyses showed that L-PDT upregulated stromal cell-derived factor 1 (SDF-1) in tumor to recruit macrophages through a SDF-1/Chemokine (C-X-C Motif) Receptor 4 (CXCR4) axis, which accounted for the prolonged effects of L-PDT on vessel permeability. Application of a specific CXCR4 inhibitor significantly suppressed the L-PDT-induced macrophage recruitment, resulting in abolishment of the prolonged effects of L-PDT on vessel permeability. Furthermore, the inhibitory effects of Liporubicin™ on the growth of the implanted tumor in L-PDT-treated mice were significantly attenuated by CXCR4 inhibition. Thus, our data demonstrate a previously unappreciated long-lasting effect of L-PDT on vessel permeability, and suggest that this long-lasting effects of L-PDT treatment on vessel permeability may result from modulation of macrophage recruitment and polarization. Hence, L-PDT may be a promising method to assist chemotherapeutic approaches.

Oleacein enhances anti-inflammatory activity of human macrophages by increasing CD163 receptor expression

BACKGROUND

Oleacein (dialdehydic form of decarboxymethyl elenolic acid linked to hydroxytyrosol; 3,4-DHPEA-EDA) have been proven to possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity.

PURPOSE

In this study, we examined whether oleacein could increase CD163 and IL-10 receptor expression as well as HO-1 intracellular secretion in human macrophages.

METHODS

Effect of oleacein (10 and 20 μmol/l) or oleacein together with complexes of haemoglobin (Hb) and haptoglobin 1-1 (Hp11) or haptoglobin 2-2 (Hp22) on expression of IL-10 and CD163 receptor was determined by Flow Cytometry. Expression of CD163mRNA was measured by real-time quantitative RT-PCR. Heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) intracellular secretion in macrophages was investigated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

RESULTS

Oleacein (OC) together with complexes HbHp11 or HbHp22 stimulated the expression of CD163 (30-100-fold), IL-10 (170-300-fold) and HO-1 secretion (60-130-fold) after 5 days of coincubation. The 2-fold (24 h), 4-fold (48 h) increase of CD163 mRNA level and its final (72 h) decrease was also observed.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggested that oleacein enhances anti-inflammatory activity of complexes haemoglobin with haptoglobin 1-1 and 2-2 and could play a potential role in the prevention of inflammatory disease related to atherosclerosis.

Inactivation of TGFβ receptor II signalling in pancreatic epithelial cells promotes acinar cell proliferation, acinar-to-ductal metaplasia and fibrosis during pancreatitis

Determining signalling pathways that regulate pancreatic regeneration following pancreatitis is critical for implementing therapeutic interventions. In this study we elucidated the molecular mechanisms underlying the effects of transforming growth factor-β (TGFβ) in pancreatic epithelial cells during tissue regeneration. To this end, we conditionally inactivated TGFβ receptor II (TGFβ-RII) using a Cre-LoxP system under the control of pancreas transcription factor 1a (PTF1a) promoter, specific for the pancreatic epithelium, and evaluated the molecular and cellular changes in a mouse model of cerulein-induced pancreatitis. We show that TGFβ-RII signalling does not mediate the initial acinar cell damage observed at the onset of pancreatitis. However, TGFβ-RII signalling not only restricts acinar cell replication during the regenerative phase of the disease but also limits ADM formation in vivo and in vitro in a cell-autonomous manner. Analyses of molecular mechanisms underlying the observed phenotype revealed that TGFβ-RII signalling stimulates the expression of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors and intersects with the EGFR signalling axis. Finally, TGFβ-RII ablation in epithelial cells resulted in increased infiltration of inflammatory cells in the early phases of pancreatitis and increased activation of pancreatic stellate cells in the later stages of pancreatitis, thus highlighting a TGFβ-based crosstalk between epithelial and stromal cells regulating the development of pancreatic inflammation and fibrosis. Collectively, our data not only contribute to clarifying the cellular processes governing pancreatic tissue regeneration, but also emphasize the conserved role of TGFβ as a tumour suppressor, both in the regenerative process following pancreatitis and in the initial phases of pancreatic cancer.

Erythropoietin regulates Treg cells in asthma through TGFβ receptor signaling

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways, the development of which is suppressed by regulatory T cells (Treg). Erythropoietin (EPO) is originally defined as a hematopoietic growth factor. Recently, the anti-inflammatory effects of EPO in asthma have been acknowledged. However, the underlying mechanisms remain ill-defined. Here, we showed that EPO treatment significantly reduced the severity of an ovalbumin (OVA)-induced asthma in mice, seemingly through promoting Foxp3-mediated activation of Treg cells in OVA-treated mouse lung. The activation of Treg cells resulted from increases in transforming growth factor β1 (TGFβ1), which were mainly produced by M2 macrophages (M2M). In vitro, Co-culture with M2M increased Foxp3 levels in Treg cells and the Treg cell number, in a TGFβ receptor signaling dependent manner. Moreover, elimination of macrophages abolished the therapeutic effects of EPO in vivo. Together, our data suggest that EPO may increase M2M, which activate Treg cells through TGFβ receptor signaling to mitigate the severity of asthma.

Chloroquine attenuates LPS-mediated macrophage activation through miR-669n-regulated SENP6 protein translation

Chloroquine (CQ) has been shown to inhibit Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)-mediated monocyte and macrophage activation induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). However, the underlying mechanisms have not been completely elucidated. Recently, SUMO-specific protease 6 (SENP6) has been reported to suppress LPS-induced activation of macrophages through deSUMOlation of NF-κB essential modifier (NEMO). Here, we studied whether this molecular pathway may also be involved in CQ/LPS model. We found that CQ dose-dependently increased SENP6 protein, but not mRNA, in mouse macrophages, RAW264.7 cells. Overexpression of SENP6 in RAW264.7 cells significantly decreased the LPS-induced release of pro-inflammatory proteins, TNF-α, IL-6 and IFN-γ, while depletion of SENP6 in RAW264.7 cells significantly increased these proteins. Moreover, in LPS-treated RAW264.7 cells, CQ dose-dependently decreased the levels of microRNA-669n (miR-669n), which bound to 3'-UTR of SENP6 mRNA to inhibit its translation. Overexpression of miR-669n decreased SENP6, resulting in increased production of TNF-α, IL-6 and IFN-γ in RAW264.7 cells, while depletion of miR-669n increased SENP6, resulting in decreased production of TNF-α, IL-6 and IFN-γ in RAW264.7 cells. In vivo, delivery of miR-669n plasmids augmented the effects of LPS, while delivery of antisense of miR-669n (as-miR-669n) plasmids abolished the effects of LPS. Taken together, our data demonstrate a previously unappreciated molecular control of LPS-induced macrophage activation by CQ, through miR-669n-regulated SENP6 protein translation.

Heme Oxygenase-1 Induction Prevents Autoimmune Diabetes in Association With Pancreatic Recruitment of M2-Like Macrophages, Mesenchymal Cells, and Fibrocytes

Immunoregulatory and regenerative processes are activated in the pancreas during the development of type 1 diabetes (T1D) but are insufficient to prevent the disease. We hypothesized that the induction of cytoprotective heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) by cobalt protophoryrin (CoPP) would prevent T1D by promoting anti-inflammatory and pro-repair processes. Diabetes-prone BioBreeding rats received ip CoPP or saline twice per week for 3 weeks, starting at 30 days and were monitored for T1D. Immunohistochemistry, confocal microscopy, quantitative RT-PCR, and microarrays were used to evaluate postinjection pancreatic changes at 51 days, when islet inflammation is first visible. T1D was prevented in CoPP-treated rats (29% vs 73%). Pancreatic Hmox1 was up-regulated along with islet-associated CD68(+)HO-1(+) cells, which were also observed in a striking peri-lobular interstitial infiltrate. Most interstitial cells expressed the mesenchymal marker vimentin and the hematopoietic marker CD34. Spindle-shaped, CD34(+)vimentin(+) cells coexpressed collagen V, characteristic of fibrocytes. M2 macrophage factors Krüppel-like factor 4, CD163, and CD206 were expressed by interstitial cells, consistent with pancreatic upregulation of several M2-associated genes. CoPP upregulated islet-regenerating REG genes and increased neogenic REG3β(+) and insulin(+) clusters. Thus, short-term induction of HO-1 promoted a protective M2-like milieu in the pancreas and recruited mesenchymal cells, M2 macrophages, and fibrocytes that imparted immunoregulatory and pro-repair effects, preventing T1D.

Controlled release of cytokines using silk-biomaterials for macrophage polarization

Polarization of macrophages into an inflammatory (M1) or anti-inflammatory (M2) phenotype is important for clearing pathogens and wound repair, however chronic activation of either type of macrophage has been implicated in several diseases. Methods to locally control the polarization of macrophages is of great interest for biomedical implants and tissue engineering. To that end, silk protein was used to form biopolymer films that release either IFN-γ or IL-4 to control the polarization of macrophages. Modulation of the solubility of the silk films through regulation of β-sheet (crystalline) content enabled a short-term release (4-8 h) of either cytokine, with smaller amounts released out to 24 h. Altering the solubility of the films was accomplished by varying the time that the films were exposed to water vapor. The released IFN-γ or IL-4 induced polarization of THP-1 derived macrophages into the M1 or M2 phenotypes, respectively. The silk biomaterials were able to release enough IFN-γ or IL-4 to repolarize the macrophage from M1 to M2 and vice versa, demonstrating the well-established plasticity of macrophages. High β-sheet content films that are not soluble and do not release the trapped cytokines were also able to polarize macrophages that adhered to the surface through degradation of the silk protein. Chemically conjugating IFN-γ to silk films through disulfide bonds allowed for longer-term release to 10 days. The release of covalently attached IFN-γ from the films was also able to polarize M1 macrophages in vitro. Thus, the strategy described here offers new approaches to utilizing biomaterials for directing the polarization of macrophages.

The pancreas anatomy conditions the origin and properties of resident macrophages

Calderon et al. define the origin, turnover, and functional characteristics of pancreatic macrophages at both the exocrine and endocrine sites under noninflammatory conditions.

We examine the features, origin, turnover, and gene expression of pancreatic macrophages under steady state. The data distinguish macrophages within distinct intrapancreatic microenvironments and suggest how macrophage phenotype is imprinted by the local milieu. Macrophages in islets of Langerhans and in the interacinar stroma are distinct in origin and phenotypic properties. In islets, macrophages are the only myeloid cells: they derive from definitive hematopoiesis, exchange to a minimum with blood cells, have a low level of self-replication, and depend on CSF-1. They express Il1b and Tnfa transcripts, indicating classical activation, M1, under steady state. The interacinar stroma contains two macrophage subsets. One is derived from primitive hematopoiesis, with no interchange by blood cells and alternative, M2, activation profile, whereas the second is derived from definitive hematopoiesis and exchanges with circulating myeloid cells but also shows an alternative activation profile. Complete replacement of islet and stromal macrophages by donor stem cells occurred after lethal irradiation with identical profiles as observed under steady state. The extraordinary plasticity of macrophages within the pancreatic organ and the distinct features imprinted by their anatomical localization sets the base for examining these cells in pathological conditions.

Estrogen Receptor α Regulates β-Cell Formation During Pancreas Development and Following Injury

Identifying pathways for β-cell generation is essential for cell therapy in diabetes. We investigated the potential of 17β-estradiol (E2) and estrogen receptor (ER) signaling for stimulating β-cell generation during embryonic development and in the severely injured adult pancreas. E2 concentration, ER activity, and number of ERα transcripts were enhanced in the pancreas injured by partial duct ligation (PDL) along with nuclear localization of ERα in β-cells. PDL-induced proliferation of β-cells depended on aromatase activity. The activation of Neurogenin3 (Ngn3) gene expression and β-cell growth in PDL pancreas were impaired when ERα was turned off chemically or genetically (ERα(-/-)), whereas in situ delivery of E2 promoted β-cell formation. In the embryonic pancreas, β-cell replication, number of Ngn3(+) progenitor cells, and expression of key transcription factors of the endocrine lineage were decreased by ERα inactivation. The current study reveals that E2 and ERα signaling can drive β-cell replication and formation in mouse pancreas.

Tissue-resident versus monocyte-derived macrophages in the tumor microenvironment

The tumor-promoting role of macrophages has been firmly established in most cancer types. However, macrophage identity has been a matter of debate, since several levels of complexity result in considerable macrophage heterogeneity. Ontogenically, tissue-resident macrophages derive from yolk sac progenitors which either directly or via a fetal liver monocyte intermediate differentiate into distinct macrophage types during embryogenesis and are maintained throughout life, while a disruption of the steady state mobilizes monocytes and instructs the formation of monocyte-derived macrophages. Histologically, the macrophage phenotype is heavily influenced by the tissue microenvironment resulting in molecularly and functionally distinct macrophages in distinct organs. Finally, a change in the tissue microenvironment as a result of infectious or sterile inflammation instructs different modes of macrophage activation. These considerations are relevant in the context of tumors, which can be considered as sites of chronic sterile inflammation encompassing subregions with distinct environmental conditions (for example, hypoxic versus normoxic). Here, we discuss existing evidence on the role of macrophage subpopulations in steady state tissue and primary tumors of the breast, lung, pancreas, brain and liver.

The chemokine receptor CCR6 facilitates the onset of mammary neoplasia in the MMTV-PyMT mouse model via recruitment of tumor-promoting macrophages

Background

The expression of the chemokine receptor CCR6 has been previously correlated with higher grades and stages of breast cancer and decreased relapse-free survival. Also, its cognate chemokine ligand CCL20 has been reported to induce proliferation of cultured human breast epithelial cells.

Methods

To establish if CCR6 plays a functional role in mammary tumorigenesis, a bigenic MMTV-PyMT CCR6-null mouse was generated and mammary tumor development was assessed. Levels of tumor-infiltrating immune cells within tumor-bearing mammary glands from MMTV-PyMT Ccr6^WT and Ccr6^−/− mice were also analyzed.

Results

Deletion of CCR6 delayed tumor onset, significantly reduced the extent of initial hyperplastic outgrowth, and decreased tumor incidence in PyMT transgenic mice. CCR6 was then shown to promote the recruitment of pro-tumorigenic macrophages to the tumor site, facilitating the onset of neoplasia.

Conclusions

This study delineated for the first time a role for CCR6 in the development of breast cancer, and demonstrated a critical function for this receptor in maintaining the pro-tumorigenic cancer microenvironment.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12943-015-0394-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

A role of MMP-14 in the regulation of invasiveness of nasopharyngeal carcinoma

Although matrix metalloproteinase 14 (MMP-14) has been shown to play a substantial role in the carcinogenesis of some types of cancer, its involvement in the pathogenesis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) has not been reported. Here, we analyzed MMP-14 levels in the NPC specimens from patients and compared with the paired normal nasopharynx (NNP) tissues. We found that NPC had significantly higher messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein levels of MMP-14. Moreover, higher levels of MMP-14 correlated with more advanced status of clinical stage and lymphatic metastasis. In vitro, MMP-14 levels determined the potential of invasiveness of NPC cells, possibly through induction of EMT-associated genes. Our data thus highlight MMP-14 as a novel therapeutic target for NPC.

Curcumin inhibits growth of prostate carcinoma via miR-208-mediated CDKN1A activation

Prostate cancer (PC) is a prevalent cancer in aged men. Curcumin is an active ingredient that has been extracted from the rhizome of the plant Curcuma longa. Recently, a potential of Curcumin against PC has been reported in PC, whereas the underlying molecular mechanisms are not completely understood. Here, we studied the effects of low-dose Curcumin on PC cell growth. Curcumin (from 0.2 to 0.8 μmol/l) dose-dependently inhibited the proliferation of PC cells, without affecting cell apoptosis. Further analyses showed that Curcumin dose-dependently increased a cell cycle suppressor CDKN1A at protein levels, but not mRNA levels, in PC cells, suggesting that Curcumin may regulate the translation of CDKN1A, as well as a possible involvement of miRNA intervention. From all CDKN1A-3'-UTR-binding miRNAs, we found that miR-208 was specifically inhibited in PC cells dose-dependently by Curcumin. Moreover, miR-208 was found to bind CDKN1A to suppress its expression. In a loss-of-function experiment, PC cells that overexpressed miR-208 failed to decrease cell proliferation in response to Curcumin. Together, these data suggest that Curcumin inhibits growth of PC via miR-208-mediated CDKN1A activation.

Human β-cell proliferation and intracellular signaling: part 3

This is the third in a series of Perspectives on intracellular signaling pathways coupled to proliferation in pancreatic β-cells. We contrast the large knowledge base in rodent β-cells with the more limited human database. With the increasing incidence of type 1 diabetes and the recognition that type 2 diabetes is also due in part to a deficiency of functioning β-cells, there is great urgency to identify therapeutic approaches to expand human β-cell numbers. Therapeutic approaches might include stem cell differentiation, transdifferentiation, or expansion of cadaver islets or residual endogenous β-cells. In these Perspectives, we focus on β-cell proliferation. Past Perspectives reviewed fundamental cell cycle regulation and its upstream regulation by insulin/IGF signaling via phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase/mammalian target of rapamycin signaling, glucose, glycogen synthase kinase-3 and liver kinase B1, protein kinase Cζ, calcium-calcineurin-nuclear factor of activated T cells, epidermal growth factor/platelet-derived growth factor family members, Wnt/β-catenin, leptin, and estrogen and progesterone. Here, we emphasize Janus kinase/signal transducers and activators of transcription, Ras/Raf/extracellular signal-related kinase, cadherins and integrins, G-protein-coupled receptors, and transforming growth factor β signaling. We hope these three Perspectives will serve to introduce these pathways to new researchers and will encourage additional investigators to focus on understanding how to harness key intracellular signaling pathways for therapeutic human β-cell regeneration for diabetes.

Minireview: Emerging Concepts in Islet Macrophage Biology in Type 2 Diabetes

Chronic systemic inflammation is a hallmark feature of obesity and type 2 diabetes. Both resident and recruited islet macrophages contribute to the proinflammatory milieu of the diabetic islet. However, macrophages also appear to be critical for β-cell formation during development and support β-cell replication in experimental models of pancreas regeneration. In light of these findings, perhaps macrophages in the islet need to be viewed more as a fulcrum where deleterious inflammatory activation is balanced with beneficial tissue repair processes. Undoubtedly, defining the factors that contribute to the ontogeny, heterogeneity, and functionality of macrophages in normal, diseased, and regenerating islets will be necessary to determine whether that fulcrum can be moved to preserve functional β-cell mass in persons with diabetes. The intent of this review is to introduce the reader to emerging concepts of islet macrophage biology that may challenge the perception that macrophage accumulation in islets is merely a pathological feature of type 2 diabetes.

Macrophages are essential for CTGF-mediated adult β-cell proliferation after injury

Objective

Promotion of endogenous β-cell mass expansion could facilitate regeneration in patients with diabetes. We discovered that the secreted protein CTGF (aka CCN2) promotes adult β-cell replication and mass regeneration after injury via increasing β-cell immaturity and shortening the replicative refractory period. However, the mechanism of CTGF-mediated β-cell proliferation is unknown. Here we focused on whether CTGF alters cells of the immune system to enhance β-cell replication.

Methods

Using mouse models for 50% β-cell ablation and conditional, β-cell-specific CTGF induction, we assessed changes in immune cell populations by performing immunolabeling and gene expression analyses. We tested the requirement for macrophages in CTGF-mediated β-cell proliferation via clodronate-based macrophage depletion.

Results

CTGF induction after 50% β-cell ablation increased both macrophages and T-cells in islets. An upregulation in the expression of several macrophage and T-cell chemoattractant genes was also observed in islets. Gene expression analyses suggest an increase in M1 and a decrease in M2 macrophage markers. Depletion of macrophages (without changes in T cell number) blocked CTGF-mediated β-cell proliferation and prevented the increase in β-cell immaturity.

Conclusions

Our data show that macrophages are critical for CTGF-mediated adult β-cell proliferation in the setting of partial β-cell ablation. This is the first study to link a specific β-cell proliferative factor with immune-mediated β-cell proliferation in a β-cell injury model.

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Following partial beta cell ablation, induction of CTGF in beta cells increases the number of pancreatic macrophages and T cells.

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Increased macrophages are found preferentially within islets.

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Expression of genes involved in macrophage and T cell chemoattraction is increased in islets following CTGF induction.

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Depletion of macrophages completely abrogates CTGF-mediated increases in beta cell proliferation after injury.

Larynx carcinoma regulates tumor-associated macrophages through PLGF signaling

Cancer neovascularization plays an essential role in the metastasis of larynx carcinoma (LC). However, the underlying molecular mechanisms are not completely understood. Recently, we reported that placental growth factor (PLGF) regulates expression of matrix metalloproteinase 3 (MMP3) through ERK/MAPK signaling pathway in LC. Here, we show that MMP9 upregulated in LC, and appeared to be mainly produced by M2 macrophages (tumor-associated macrophages (TAM)). In a transwell co-culture system, PLGF secreted by LC cells triggered macrophage polarization to a TAM subtype that releases MMP9. Moreover, MMP9 was found to be activated in the PLGF-polarized TAM via transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) receptor signaling activation. Furthermore, PLGF in LC cells induced macrophage polarization in vivo, and significantly promoted the growth of LC. Thus, together with our previous work, our study highlights a pivotal role of cross-talk between TAM and LC in regulating the metastasis of LC.

Transforming growth factor β receptor signaling restrains growth of pancreatic carcinoma cells

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is extremely malignant. Efficient control of cancer growth may substantially improve the survival of PDAC patients. However, no efficient treatments are so far available. Here, we inhibited transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) receptor signaling by overexpression of a key inhibitor of this pathway, SMAD7, in the mouse pancreas, using a recently developed intraductal infusion method. Overexpression of SMAD7 significantly increased growth of both implanted PDAC and PDAC by K-ras modification. Our data thus suggest that TGFβ receptor signaling restrains growth of PDAC, and modulation of TGFβ receptor signaling may be an effective treatment for PDAC.

Concise Review: New Insights Into the Role of Macrophages in β-Cell Proliferation

Diabetes mellitus can potentially be treated with islet transplantation, but additional sources of β cells are necessary to overcome the short supply of donor pancreases. Although controversy still exists, it is generally believed that the postnatal expansion of the β-cell mass is mainly through pre-existing β-cell replication. Thus, understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying the regulation of β-cell proliferation might lead to clinical strategies for increasing β-cell numbers, both in vitro and in vivo. Macrophages have a well-recognized role in the development of insulitis as part of the pathogenesis of type 1 diabetes. However, a potential role for macrophage polarization, triggered by specific environmental stimuli, in promoting β-cell proliferation has only recently been appreciated. In the present review, we discuss several independent studies, using different regeneration models, that demonstrate a substantial inductive role for macrophages in β-cell proliferation. Additional dissection of the involved cell-cell crosstalk through specific signal transduction pathways is expected to improve our understanding of β-cell proliferation and might facilitate the current β-cell replacement therapy.

SIGNIFICANCE

New independent findings from different β-cell regeneration models, contributed by different research groups, have provided compelling evidence to highlight a previously unappreciated role for macrophages in β-cell proliferation. Additional dissection of the underlying mechanisms and cell-cell crosstalk might shed new light on strategies to increase the functional β-cell mass in vivo and on β-cell replacement therapies.

TGF-β signalling prevents pancreatic beta cell death after proliferation

OBJECTIVES

Maintenance of functional beta cell mass is critical for prevention of diabetes. The transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) receptor signalling pathway plays an essential role in pancreatic development. However, its involvement in control of post-natal beta cell growth has only been recently reported.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Here, we studied the role of TGF-β receptor signalling in beta cell proliferation after 50% partial pancreatectomy (PPx), using beta cell-specific TGF-β receptor II (TBR2)-mutated mice.

RESULTS

Consistent with previous reports, we found that inhibition of TGF-β receptor signalling in beta cells resulted in slightly higher beta cell mass 1 week after PPx, due to greater beta cell proliferation. However, beta cell mass in these beta cell-specific TBR2-mutated mice significantly decreased by 12 weeks after PPx, resulting from increase in beta cell apoptosis.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data thus suggest that TGF-β receptor signalling may be required for prevention of beta cell death after proliferation, and highlight this pathway as an essential regulator during post-natal beta cell homoeostasis.

Concise Review: Macrophages: Versatile Gatekeepers During Pancreatic β-Cell Development, Injury, and Regeneration

Macrophages are classically considered detrimental for pancreatic β-cell survival and function, thereby contributing to β-cell failure in both type 1 (T1D) and 2 (T2D) diabetes mellitus. In addition, adipose tissue macrophages negatively influence peripheral insulin signaling and promote obesity-induced insulin resistance in T2D. In contrast, recent data unexpectedly uncovered that macrophages are not only able to protect β cells during pancreatitis but also to orchestrate β-cell proliferation and regeneration after β-cell injury. Moreover, by altering their activation state, macrophages are able to improve insulin resistance in murine models of T2D. This review will elaborate on current insights in macrophage heterogeneity and on the evolving role of pancreas macrophages during organogenesis, tissue injury, and repair. Additional identification of macrophage subtypes and of their secreted factors might ultimately translate into novel therapeutic strategies for both T1D and T2D.

SIGNIFICANCE

Diabetes mellitus is a pandemic disease, characterized by severe acute and chronic complications. Macrophages have long been considered prime suspects in the pathogenesis of both type 1 and 2 diabetes mellitus. In this concise review, current insights in macrophage heterogeneity and on the, as yet, underappreciated role of alternatively activated macrophages in insulin sensing and β-cell development/repair are reported. Further identification of macrophage subtypes and of their secreted factors might ultimately translate into novel therapeutic strategies for diabetes mellitus.

Ginsenoside Rh2 inhibits metastasis of glioblastoma multiforme through Akt-regulated MMP13

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most malignant type of primary brain tumor. Although the growth of the tumor cells in a relatively closed space may partially account for its malignancy, highly invasive nature of glioblastoma cells has been suggested to be the main reason for the failure of current therapeutic approaches. Ginsenoside Rh2 (GRh2) has recently been shown to significantly suppress the growth and survival of GBM through inhibiting epidermal growth factor receptor signaling, whereas its effects on the invasion and metastasis have not been examined. Here, we showed that GRh2 dose-dependently decreased GBM cell invasiveness in both scratch wound healing assay and Transwell cell migration assay. Moreover, the inhibitory effects of GRh2 on cell migration seemed to be conducted through decreased expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-13. Furthermore, using specific inhibitors, we found that GRh2 inhibited MMP13 through PI3k/Akt signaling pathway. Finally, high MMP13 levels were detected in GBM specimen from the patients. Together, these data suggest that GRh2 may suppress GBM migration through inhibiting Akt-mediated MMP13 activation. Thus, our data highlight a previous unappreciated role for GRh2 in suppressing GBM cell metastasis.

Lung metastasis of pancreatic carcinoma is regulated by TGFβ signaling

The molecular regulation of the lung metastasis of pancreatic carcinoma (PCC) is not completely understood. Here, we show that the levels of phosphorylated SMAD3, ZEB1, ZEB2, Snail1, and Snail2 were significantly higher in PCC with lung metastasis than in PCC without lung metastasis. Overexpression of TGFβ1 enhanced the invasiveness of PCC cells, while inhibition of TGFβ1 decreased the invasiveness of PCC cells, which appeared to be conducted by activated TGFβ receptor signaling-induced upregulation of ZEB1, ZEB2, Snail1, and Snail2, suggesting a process of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Taken together, our study provides evidence that TGFβ receptor signaling-induced EMT may be responsible for the increased PCC invasiveness to enhance its lung metastasis.

β-Cell-targeted blockage of PD1 and CTLA4 pathways prevents development of autoimmune diabetes and acute allogeneic islets rejection

Protection of β cells from autoimmune destruction potentially cures type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D). During antigen presentation, interactions between cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen-4 (CTLA4) and B7 molecules, or programmed death 1 (PD1) and its ligand PDL1, negatively regulate immune responses in a non-redundant manner. Here we employed β-cell-targeted adeno-associated virus serotype 8 (AAV8)-based vectors to overexpress an artificial PDL1-CTLA4Ig polyprotein or interleukin 10 (IL10). β-Cell-targeted expression of PDL1-CTLA4Ig or IL10 preserved β-cell mass and protected NOD mice from T1D development. When NOD mice were treated with vectors at early onset of hyperglycemia, PDL1-CTLA4Ig or IL10 alone failed to normalize the early onset of hyperglycemia. When drug-induced diabetic mice received major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-matched allo-islets, with or without pretreatment of the PDL1-CTLA4Ig-expressing vector, PDL1-CTLA4Ig-expressing islets were protected from rejection for at least 120 days. Similarly, transplantation of PDL1-CTLA4Ig-expressing MHC-matched islets into mice with established T1D resulted in protection of allo-islets from acute rejection, although islet grafts were eventually rejected. Thus the present study demonstrates the potent immuno-suppressive effects of β-cell-targeted PDL1-CTLA4Ig overexpression against T1D development and allo-islet rejection. The gene-based simultaneous inhibition of PD1 and CTLA4 pathways provides a unique strategy for immunosuppression-free tissue/organ transplantation, especially in the setting of no established autoimmunity.

Macrophage dynamics are regulated by local macrophage proliferation and monocyte recruitment in injured pancreas

Pancreas injury by partial duct ligation (PDL) activates a healing response, encompassing β-cell neogenesis and proliferation. Macrophages (MΦs) were recently shown to promote β-cell proliferation after PDL, but they remain poorly characterized. We assessed myeloid cell diversity and the factors driving myeloid cell dynamics following acute pancreas injury by PDL. In naive and sham-operated pancreas, the myeloid cell compartment consisted mainly of two distinct tissue-resident MΦ types, designated MHC-II(lo) and MHC-II(hi) MΦs, the latter being predominant. MHC-II(lo) and MHC-II(hi) pancreas MΦs differed at the molecular level, with MHC-II(lo) MΦs being more M2-activated. After PDL, there was an early surge of Ly6C(hi) monocyte infiltration in the pancreas, followed by a transient MHC-II(lo) MΦ peak and ultimately a restoration of the MHC-II(hi) MΦ-dominated steady-state equilibrium. These intricate MΦ dynamics in PDL pancreas depended on monocyte recruitment by C-C chemokine receptor 2 and macrophage-colony stimulating factor receptor as well as on macrophage-colony stimulating factor receptor-dependent local MΦ proliferation. Functionally, MHC-II(lo) MΦs were more angiogenic. We further demonstrated that, at least in C-C chemokine receptor 2-KO mice, tissue MΦs, rather than Ly6C(hi) monocyte-derived MΦs, contributed to β-cell proliferation. Together, our study fully characterizes the MΦ subsets in the pancreas and clarifies the complex dynamics of MΦs after PDL injury.

Serum transforming growth factor beta 3 predicts future development of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

Transforming growth factor beta 3 (TGFb3) was mainly expressed by liver satellite cells in the normal liver, but it may be expressed by various liver cells during liver diseases, e.g. hepatitis and cirrhosis. However, whether TGFb3 level may be used to predict development of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has not been investigated before. Here we evaluated the relationship between TGFb3 and the susceptibility for developing NAFLD by comparing the incidence rates of developing NAFLD and serum TGFb3 levels in 1322 healthy subjects without other risk factors during a 4-year period. These healthy subjects were grouped into tertiles based on their serum TGFb3 levels that were measured in 2009. After 4 years, the odds ratios (ORs) of NAFLD development were analyzed based on the tertiles of TGFb3 levels in 2013. The cumulative incidence of NAFLD was 25.3% (334/1322) after four years. The NAFLD-developing group had higher serum TGFb3 levels in 2009 than those in the group that did not develop NAFLD (554±287 pg/ml vs. 285±173 pg/ml; P=0.002). When the serum TGFb3 levels in 2009 were grouped into tertiles, we found that the incidence of NAFLD in 2013 was significantly higher with increasing tertiles (6.3%, 38.0%, and 55.7%, respectively; P<0.05). Thus, our study demonstrate that higher serum TGFb3 levels in subjects devoid of NAFLD may have a higher chance of its future development, and highlight serum TGFb3 level as a novel predictor for development of NAFLD.

SEMA4B inhibits growth of non-small cell lung cancer in vitro and in vivo

We have recently shown that Semaphorin 4B (SEMA4B) inhibits the invasion of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) through PI3K-dependent suppression of MMP9 activation. In the current study, we evaluated whether SEMA4B may also affect the growth of NSCLC. We thus used two human NSCLC lines, A549 and Calu-3, to examine our hypothesis. We found that overexpression of SEMA4B significantly decreased NSCLC cell growth, while SEMA4B inhibition significantly increased NSCLC cell growth, both in vitro and in vivo in an implanted NSCLC model. Adaptation of SEMA4B in NSCLC cells did not alter cell apoptosis, but changed the cell proliferation. Further analyses show that SEMA4B may induce FoxO1 nuclear retention through suppressing PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, which subsequently inhibited cell growth through the direct nuclear target of FoxO1, p21. Our study thus demonstrate a role of SEMA4B in suppressing NSCLC growth, besides its role in inhibiting cell metastasis, and highlights SEMA4B as a promising therapeutic target for NSCLC.

TGFβ signaling in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma

Transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) receptor signaling plays a paradoxical effect in the tumorigenesis of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), in which its tumor-inhibitory role at early stages turns into a tumor-promoting role at later stages. The underlying mechanism remains far from clear. Here we provide strong evidence that the activation of TGFβ receptor signaling in PDAC cells increased SMAD3 phosphorylation and nuclear translocation to inhibit cell growth. Meanwhile, it also activated SMAD7 to induce nuclear translocation and retention of β-catenin, which not only attenuated the inhibition of cell growth by nuclear SMAD3 but also activated vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) to promote vascularization. Our data thus support a model involving crosstalk of the TGFβ and Wnt signaling pathways, for regulating the complicated effect of TGFβ signaling on the tumorigenesis of PDAC.

Beta cell regeneration after single-round immunological destruction in a mouse model

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

Achieving a better understanding of beta cell regeneration after immunological destruction is crucial for the development of immunotherapy approaches for type 1 diabetes. In previous type 1 diabetes models, sustained immune activation eliminates regenerating beta cells, thus limiting the study of the regenerative capacity of beta cells upon immunological destruction. Here, we employed an adeno-associated virus 8 (AAV8) vector for beta cell-targeted overexpression of a foreign antigen to induce single-round immunological destruction of existing beta cells.

METHODS

Young and aged C57BL/6J mice were treated with AAV8 vectors expressing the foreign antigen luciferase. Islet inflammation and regeneration was observed at 3, 6, 10 and 22 weeks post-AAV delivery.

RESULTS

In young C57BL/6J mice, robust humoral and cellular immune responses were developed towards antigen-expressing beta cells, leading to decreased beta cell mass. This was followed by beta cell mass replenishment, along with enhanced proliferation of insulin-positive cells, recruitment of nestin/CD34-positive endothelial cells, displacement of alpha cells and mobilisation of cytoplasmic neurogenin 3-positive cells. Mice with recovering beta cells showed normal or reduced fasting blood glucose levels and faster glucose clearance than controls. Although aged mice demonstrated similar responses to the treatment, they initially exhibited notable islet scarring and fluctuations in blood glucose levels, indicating that beta cell regeneration is slower in aged mice.

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

Our hit-and-run, beta cell-targeted antigen expression system provides an opportunity to monitor the impact of single-round immunological beta cell destruction in animals with diverse genetic backgrounds or ageing status.

Ammonium chloride inhibits autophagy of hepatocellular carcinoma cells through SMAD2 signaling

Autophagy is a cellular degradation process for the clearance of damaged or superfluous proteins and organelles, the recycling of which serves as an alternative energy source during periods of metabolic stress to maintain cell homeostasis and viability. The anti-necrotic function of autophagy is critical for tumorigenesis of many tumor cells, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the underlying mechanism is not clarified yet. Ammonium chloride (NH4Cl) is a well-known autophagy inhibitor, whereas its interaction with SMAD2 signaling pathway has not been reported previously. Here, we show that NH4Cl significantly inhibited rapamycin-induced autophagy in HCC cells through decreasing the levels of Beclin-1, autophagy-related protein 7 (ATG7), p62, and autophagosome marker LC3 and significantly decreased the level of phosphorylated SMAD2 in rapamycin-treated HCC cells. In order to find out whether NH4Cl may inhibit the autophagy in rapamycin-treated HCC cells through inhibition of SMAD2 signaling, we used transforming growth factor β1 (TGFβ1) to induce phosphorylation of SMAD2 in HCC cells. We found that induction of SMAD2 in HCC cells completely abolished the inhibitory effect of NH4Cl on rapamycin-induced autophagy in HCC cells, suggesting that NH4Cl inhibits autophagy of HCC cells through inhibiting SMAD2 signaling.

Interplay of miR-21 and FoxO1 modulates growth of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the most malignant primary tumors in humans, with extremely high lethality. Although great efforts have been made to understand the molecular regulation of the tumorigenesis of PDAC, our current knowledge remains very limited. Previous work has shown a possible involvement of miR-21 in the growth of PDAC, whereas the underlying mechanism has not been clarified. Here, we show significant higher levels of miR-21 in PDAC, compared to the adjacent normal pancreatic tissue. Moreover, overexpression of miR-21 in PDAC cells increased cell growth, whereas inhibition of miR-21 decreased cell growth. Furthermore, miR-21 was found to inhibit nuclear retention of FoxO1 to augment the growth of PDAC cells. Thus, miR-21/FoxO1 axis appears to be a novel therapeutic target for inhibiting the growth of PDAC.

Insulin-like growth factor 1 promotes growth of gastric cancer by inhibiting foxo1 nuclear retention

Gastric cancer (GC) is the fourth most common malignant human cancer. So far, the molecular mechanisms underlying the tumorigenesis of GC are not completely understood. Here, we reported significantly higher levels of serum insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1 in GC patients and significantly higher levels of phosphorylated IGF-1 receptor (IGF-1R) in the GC specimen. Moreover, IGF-1 induced phosphorylation of IGF-1R and then phosphorylation of its downstream factor Akt in the GC cells. Further, IGF-1/Akt-induced forkhead box protein O1 (FoxO1) nuclear exclusion, but not IGF-1/Akt-induced mTOR phosphorylation, was essential for the augment in GC cell growth. Together, IGF-1/Akt/FoxO1 regulatory machinery appears to be a previously unappreciated signaling axis involved in the carcinogenesis of GC.

RBPJ inhibition impairs the growth of lung cancer

The exact effects of the modulation of Notch signaling pathway on cell growth have been shown to depend on tumor cell type. Recombination signal-binding protein Jκ (RBPJ) is a key transcription factor downstream of receptor activation in Notch signaling pathway. Here, we evaluated the effects of RBPJ inhibition on the growth of lung cancer cells. We found that a short hairpin interfering RNA (shRNA) for RBPJ efficiently inhibited RBPJ expression in lung cancer cells, resulting in a significant decrease in the cell growth. Further analyses showed that RBPJ inhibition altered the levels of its downstream targets, including p21, p27, CDK2, Hes1, Bcl-2, and SKP2, to prevent the cells from growing. Our data thus suggest that shRNA intervention of RBPJ expression could be a promising therapeutic approach for treating human lung cancer.