Construction of a Full-Length transcriptome resource for the African sharptooth catfish (Clarias gariepinus), a prototypical air-breathing Fish, based on isoform sequencing (Iso-Seq)

The African sharptooth catfish (Clarias gariepinus) assumes significance in aquaculture, given its role as a farmed freshwater species with modified gill structures functioning as an air-breathing organ (ABO). To provide a scientific basis for further elucidating the air-breathing formation mechanism and deeply utilizing the genetic resources of Clarias gariepinus, we utilized the PacBio sequencing platform to acquire a comprehensive full-length transcriptome from five juvenile developmental stages and various adult tissues, including the ABO, gills, liver, skin, and muscle. We generated 25,766,688 high-quality reads, with an average length of 2,006 bp and an N50 of 2,241 bp. Following rigorous quality control, 34,890 (97.7 %) of the high-quality isoforms were mapped to the reference genome for gene and transcript annotation, yielding 387 novel isoforms and 14,614 new isoforms. Additionally, we identified 28,582 open reading frames, 48 SNPs, 5,464 variable splices, and 6,141 variable polyadenylation sites, along with 475 long non-coding RNAs. Many DEGs were involved with low oxygen GO terms and KEGG pathways, such as response to stimulus, biological regulation and catalytic activities. Furthermore, it was found that transcription factors such as zf-C2H2, Homeobox, bHLH, and MYB could underpin the African sharptooth catfish's developmental plasticity and its capacity to adapt its morphology and function to its environment. Through the comprehensive analysis of its genomic characteristics, it was found that the African sharptooth catfish has developed a series of unique respiratory adaptive mechanisms during the evolutionary process, These results not only advances the understanding of genetic adaptations to hypoxia in Clarias fish but also provides a valuable framework for future studies aimed at improving aquaculture practices,besides provide important references and inspirations for the evolution of aquatic organisms.

Genetic dysregulation of EP300 in cancers in light of cancer epigenome control - targeting of p300-proficient and -deficient cancers

Some cancer types including bladder, cervical, and uterine cancers are characterized by frequent mutations in EP300 that encode histone acetyltransferase p300. This enzyme can act both as a tumor suppressor and oncogene. In this review, we describe the role of p300 in cancer initiation and progression regarding EP300 aberrations that have been identified in TGCA Pan-Cancer Atlas studies and we also discuss possible anticancer strategies that target EP300 mutated cancers. Copy number alterations, truncating mutations, and abnormal EP300 transcriptions that affect p300 abundance and activity are associated with several pathological features such as tumor grading, metastases, and patient survival. Elevated EP300 correlates with a higher mRNA level of other epigenetic factors and chromatin remodeling enzymes that co-operate with p300 in creating permissive conditions for malignant transformation, tumor growth and metastases. The status of EP300 expression can be considered as a prognostic marker for anticancer immunotherapy efficacy, as EP300 mutations are followed by an increased expression of PDL-1.HAT activators such as CTB or YF2 can be applied for p300-deficient patients, whereas the natural and synthetic inhibitors of p300 activity, as well as dual HAT/bromodomain inhibitors and the PROTAC degradation of p300, may serve as strategies in the fight against p300-fueled cancers.

Ketamine reverses chronic corticosterone-induced behavioral deficits and hippocampal synaptic dysfunction by regulating eIF4E/BDNF signaling

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a debilitating illness with a high global burden. While Ketamine, an N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist, offers rapid-acting antidepressant effects, its mechanism remains incompletely understood. Recent research suggests that dysregulation of mRNA translation via the Eukaryotic initiation factor 4E (eIF4E) pathway might contribute to depression pathophysiology. This study investigates whether Ketamine modulates eIF4E signaling in the hippocampus during its antidepressant action. Herein, adult male mice were exposed to Corticosterone, a well-established model for anxiety and depression, followed by behavioral testing and biochemical analysis. Corticosterone induced depression-like symptoms and disrupted synaptic function, including reduced TrkB/BDNF and eIF4E/MNK1/p-eIF2α/ubiquitin signaling. Ketamine treatment reversed these deficits. Notably, the eIF4E/MNK1 signaling inhibitor, eFT508, blocked Ketamine's antidepressant effect, leading to a return of depression-like phenotype and impaired synaptic signaling. Importantly, these effects were reversed by 7,8-DHF, a BDNF/TrkB signaling agonist. Mice treated with Corticosterone, Ketamine, and eFT508 and subsequently exposed to 7,8-DHF displayed normalized depression-like behaviors and restored synaptic signaling, including increased eIF4E phosphorylation and MNK1 expression. Besides, 7,8-DHF treatment enhanced p-eIF2α levels compared to the eFT508-treated group. These findings suggest that Ketamine exerts its antidepressant action through the regulation of the eIF4E/BDNF signaling pathway in the hippocampus. This study provides novel insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying Ketamine's therapeutic effects and highlights the potential of targeting this pathway for future MDD treatment strategies.

Genomic alterations associated with resistance and circulating tumor DNA dynamics for early detection of progression on CDK4/6 inhibitor in advanced breast cancer

Combined CDK4/6 inhibitor (CDK4/6i) and endocrine therapy significantly improves outcome for patients with estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) metastatic breast cancer, but drug resistance and thus disease progression inevitably occur. Herein, we aimed to identify genomic alterations associated with combined CDK4/6i and endocrine therapy resistance, and follow the levels of specific mutations in longitudinal circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) for early detection of progression. From a cohort of 86 patients with ER+ metastatic breast cancer we performed whole exome sequencing or targeted sequencing of paired tumor (N = 8) or blood samples (N = 5) obtained before initiation of combined CDK4/6i and endocrine therapy and at disease progression. Mutations in oncogenic genes at progression were rare, while amplifications of growth-regulating genes were more frequent. The most frequently acquired alterations observed were PIK3CA and TP53 mutations and PDK1 amplification. Longitudinal ctDNA dynamics of mutant PIK3CA or private mutations revealed increased mutation levels at progression in 8 of 10 patients (80%). Impressively, rising levels of PIK3CA-mutated ctDNA were detected 4-17 months before imaging. Our data add to the growing evidence supporting longitudinal ctDNA analysis for real-time monitoring of CDK4/6i response and early detection of progression in advanced breast cancer. Further, our analysis suggests that amplification of growth-related genes may contribute to combined CDK4/6i and endocrine therapy resistance.

Methyltransferase METTL3 regulates neuropathic pain through m6A methylation modification of SOCS1

The mechanisms of neuropathic pain (NP) are considered multifactorial. Alterations in the suppressor of cytokine signaling 1 (SOCS1) play a critical role in neural damage and inflammation. Epigenetic RNA modifications, specifically N6-methyladenosine (m6A) methylation, have increasingly been observed to impact the nervous system. Nevertheless, there is a scarcity of studies investigating the connection between m6A methylation and SOCS1 in the molecular mechanisms of NP. This study investigates the roles and potential mechanisms of the m6A methyltransferase like 3 (METTL3) and SOCS1 in female rats with spinal nerve ligation (SNL)-induced NP. It was found that in NP, both METTL3 and overall m6A levels were downregulated, leading to the activation of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin-1β, interleukin 6, and tumor necrosis factor-α. Notably, The SOCS1 mRNA is significantly enriched with m6A methylation modifications, with the most prevalent m6A methyltransferase METTL3 stabilizing the downregulation of SOCS1 by targeting m6A methylation modifications at positions 151, 164, and 966.Exogenous supplementation of METTL3 improved NP-related neuroinflammation and behavioral dysfunctions, but these effects could be reversed by the absence of SOCS1. Additionally, the depletion of endogenous SOCS1 promoted NP progression by inducing the toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) signaling pathway. The dysregulation of METTL3 and the resulting m6A modification of SOCS1 form a crucial epigenetic regulatory loop that promotes the progression of NP. Targeting the METTL3/SOCS1 axis might offer new insights into potential therapeutic strategies for NP.

Dynamic changes in pyroptosis following spinal cord injury and the identification of crucial molecular signatures through machine learning and single-cell sequencing

The pathological cascade of spinal cord injury (SCI) is highly intricate. The onset of neuroinflammation can exacerbate the extent of damage. Pyroptosis is a form of inflammation-linked programmed cell death (PCD), the inhibition of pyroptosis can partially mitigate neuroinflammation. It is imperative to delineate the principal cell types susceptible to pyroptosis and concomitantly identify key genes associated with this process. We initially defined the pyroptosis-related genes (PRGs) and analyzed their expression at different time points post SCI. The results demonstrate a substantial upregulation of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) related to pyroptosis on the 7 days post-injury (dpi), these DEGs in the 7 dpi are closely related to the inflammatory response. Subsequently, immune infiltration analysis revealed a predominant presence of inflammatory microglia. Through correlation analysis, we postulated that pyroptosis primarily manifested within the inflammatory microglia. Employing machine learning algorithms, we identified four pyroptosis-related molecular signatures, which were experimentally validated using BV2 cells and spinal cord tissue samples. The robustness of the identified molecular signatures was further confirmed through single-cell sequencing data analysis. Overall, our study elucidates the temporal dynamics of pyroptosis and identifies key molecular signatures following SCI. These findings can provide novel evidence for therapeutic interventions in SCI.

A low-molecular-weight α-glucan from edible fungus Agaricus blazei Murrill activates macrophage TFEB-mediated antibacterial defense to combat implant-associated infection

Implant-associated infection (IAI) is a prevalent and potentially fatal complication of orthopaedic surgery. Boosting antibacterial immunity, particularly the macrophage-mediated response, presents a promising therapeutic approach for managing persistent infections. In this study, we successfully isolated and purified a homogeneous and neutral water-soluble polysaccharide, designated as AM-1, from the edible fungus Agaricus blazei Murrill. Structure analysis revealed that AM-1 (Mw = 3.87 kDa) was a low-molecular-weight glucan characterized by a primary chain of →4)-α-D-Glcp-(1 → and side chains that were linked at the O-6 and O-3 positions. In vivo assays showed that AM-1 effectively attenuated the progression of infection and mitigated infectious bone destruction in IAI mouse models. Mechanistically, AM-1 promotes intracellular autophagy-lysosomal biogenesis by inducing the nuclear translocation of transcription factor EB, finally enhancing the bactericidal capabilities and immune-modulatory functions of macrophages. These findings demonstrate that AM-1 significantly alleviates the progression of challenging IAIs as a presurgical immunoenhancer. Our research introduces a novel therapeutic strategy that employs natural polysaccharides to combat refractory infections.

Flavors of GPCR signaling bias

GPCRs are inherently flexible molecules existing in an equilibrium of multiple conformations. Binding of GPCR agonists shifts this equilibrium. Certain agonists can increase the fraction of active-like conformations that predispose the receptor to coupling to a particular signal transducer or a select group of transducers. Such agonists are called biased, in contrast to balanced agonists that facilitate signaling via all transducers the receptor couples to. These biased agonists preferentially channel the signaling of a GPCR to particular G proteins, GRKs, or arrestins. Preferential activation of particular G protein or arrestin subtypes can be beneficial, as it would reduce unwanted on-target side effects, widening the therapeutic window. However, biasing GPCRs has two important limitations: a) complete bias is impossible due to inherent flexibility of GPCRs; b) receptor-independent functions of signal transducer proteins cannot be directly affected by GPCR ligands or differential receptor barcoding by GRK phosphorylation. This article is part of the Special Issue on "Ligand Bias".

A novel AAV9-dual microRNA-vector targeting GRIK2 in the hippocampus as a treatment for mesial temporal lobe epilepsy

Mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (mTLE) is the most prevalent type of epilepsy in adults. First and subsequent generations of anti-epileptic therapy regimens fail to decrease seizures in a large number of patients suffering from mTLE, leaving surgical ablation of part of the hippocampus as the only therapeutic option to potentially reach seizure freedom. GluK2 has recently been identified as a promising target for the treatment of mTLE using gene therapy. Here, we engineered an adeno-associated virus serotype 9 vector expressing a cluster of two synthetic microRNAs (miRNAs), expressed from the human synapsin promoter, that target GRIK2 mRNA. Intra-hippocampal delivery of this vector in a mouse model of mTLE significantly reduced GRIK2 expression and daily seizure frequency. This treatment also improved the animals' health, reduced their anxiety, and restored working memory. Focal administration of the vector to the hippocampus of cynomolgus monkeys in GLP toxicology studies led to the selective transduction of hippocampal neurons with little exposure elsewhere in the brain and no transduction outside the central nervous system. Expression of miRNAs in hippocampal neurons resulted in substantially decreased GRIK2 mRNA expression. These data suggest that the intra-hippocampal delivery of a GMP-grade AAV9 encoding a synthetic miRNAs targeting GRIK2 is a promising treatment strategy for mTLE.

Alternative splicing dysregulation across tissue and therapeutic approaches in a mouse model of myotonic dystrophy type 1

Myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1), the leading cause of adult-onset muscular dystrophy, is caused by a CTG repeat expansion. Expression of the repeat causes widespread alternative splicing (AS) defects and downstream pathogenesis, including significant skeletal muscle impacts. The HSA LR mouse model plays a significant role in therapeutic development. This mouse model features a transgene composed of approximately 220 interrupted CTG repeats, which results in skeletal muscle pathology that mirrors DM1. To better understand this model and the growing number of therapeutic approaches developed with it, we performed a meta-analysis of publicly available RNA sequencing data for AS changes across three widely examined skeletal muscles: quadriceps, gastrocnemius, and tibialis anterior. Our analysis demonstrated that transgene expression correlated with the extent of splicing dysregulation across these muscles from gastrocnemius (highest), quadriceps (medium), to tibialis anterior (lowest). We identified 95 splicing events consistently dysregulated across all examined datasets. Comparison of splicing rescue across seven therapeutic approaches showed a range of rescue across the 95 splicing events from the three muscle groups. This analysis contributes to our understanding of the HSA LR model and the growing number of therapeutic approaches currently in preclinical development for DM1.

CRISPR-Cas9-mediated homology-directed repair for precise gene editing

CRISPR-Cas9-mediated homology-directed repair (HDR) is a versatile platform for creating precise site-specific DNA insertions, deletions, and substitutions. These precise edits are made possible through the use of exogenous donor templates that carry the desired sequence. CRISPR-Cas9-mediated HDR can be widely used to study protein functions, disease modeling, and gene therapy. However, HDR is limited by its low efficiency, especially in postmitotic cells. Here, we review CRISPR-Cas9-mediated HDR, with a focus on methodologies for boosting HDR efficiency, and applications of precise editing via HDR. First, we describe two common mechanisms of DNA repair, non-homologous end joining (NHEJ), and HDR, and discuss their impact on CRISPR-Cas9-mediated precise genome editing. Second, we discuss approaches for improving HDR efficiency through inhibition of the NHEJ pathway, activation of the HDR pathway, modification of donor templates, and delivery of Cas9/sgRNA reagents. Third, we summarize the applications of HDR for protein labeling in functional studies, disease modeling, and ex vivo and in vivo gene therapies. Finally, we discuss alternative precise editing platforms and their limitations, and describe potential avenues to improving CRISPR-Cas9-mediated HDR efficiency and fidelity in future research.

Inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 growth in the lungs of mice by a peptide-conjugated morpholino oligomer targeting viral RNA

Further development of direct-acting antiviral agents against human SARS-CoV-2 infections remains a public health priority. Here, we report that an antisense peptide-conjugated morpholino oligomer (PPMO) named 5'END-2, targeting a highly conserved sequence in the 5' UTR of SARS-CoV-2 genomic RNA, potently suppressed SARS-CoV-2 growth in vitro and in vivo. In HeLa-ACE 2 cells, 5'END-2 produced IC50 values of between 40 nM and 1.15 μM in challenges using six genetically disparate strains of SARS-CoV-2, including JN.1. In vivo, using K18-hACE2 mice and the WA-1/2020 virus isolate, two doses of 5'END-2 at 10 mg/kg, administered intranasally on the day before and the day after infection, produced approximately 1.4 log10 virus titer reduction in lung tissue at 3 days post-infection. Under a similar dosing schedule, intratracheal administration of 1.0-2.0 mg/kg 5'END-2 produced over 3.5 log10 virus growth suppression in mouse lungs. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays characterized specific binding of 5'END-2 to its complementary target RNA. Furthermore, using reporter constructs containing SARS-CoV-2 5' UTR leader sequence, in an in-cell system, we observed that 5'END-2 could interfere with translation in a sequence-specific manner. The results demonstrate that direct pulmonary delivery of 5'END-2 PPMO is a promising antiviral strategy against SARS-CoV-2 infections and warrants further development.

The role of RNA modifications in disease-associated macrophages

In recent years, the field of epitranscriptomics has witnessed significant breakthroughs with the identification of more than 150 different chemical modifications in different RNA species. It has become increasingly clear that these chemical modifications play an important role in the regulation of fundamental processes linked to cell fate and development. Further interest was sparked by the ability of the epitranscriptome to regulate pathogenesis. However, despite the involvement of macrophages in a multitude of diseases, a clear knowledge gap exists in the understanding of how RNA modifications regulate the phenotype of these cells. Here, we provide a comprehensive overview of the known roles of macrophage RNA modifications in the context of different diseases.

Mechanistic insights into ASO-RNA complexation: Advancing antisense oligonucleotide design strategies

Oligonucleotide drugs, an emerging modulator class, hold promise for targeting previously undruggable biomacromolecules. To date, only 18 oligonucleotide drugs, including sought-after antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) and splice-switching oligonucleotides, have approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. These agents effectively bind mRNA, inducing degradation or modulating splicing. Current oligonucleotide drug design strategies prioritize full Watson-Crick base pair (bp) complementarity, overlooking mRNA target three-dimensional shapes. Given that mRNA conformational diversity can impact hybridization, incorporating mRNA key structural properties into the design may expedite ASO lead discovery. Using atomistic molecular dynamics simulations inspired by experimental data, we demonstrate the advantages of incorporating common triple bps into the design of ASOs targeting RNA hairpin motifs, which are highly accessible regions for interactions. By using an RNA pseudoknot modified into an ASO-hairpin complex, we investigate the effects of ASO length and hairpin loop mutations. Our findings suggest that ASO-mRNA complex stability is influenced by ASO length, number of common triple bps, and the dynamic accessibility of bases in the hairpin loop. Our study offers new mechanistic insights into ASO-mRNA complexation and underscores the value of pseudoknots in constructing training datasets for machine learning models aimed at designing novel ASO leads.

Multi-gene duplication removal in an engineered human cellular MECP2 duplication syndrome model with an IRAK1-MECP2 duplication

Recent progress in genome editing technologies has catalyzed the generation of sophisticated cell models; however, the precise modeling of copy-number variation (CNV) diseases remains a significant challenge despite their substantial prevalence in the human population. To overcome this barrier, we have explored the utility of HAP1 cells for the accurate modeling of disease genomes with large structural variants. As an example, this study details the strategy to generate a novel cell line that serves as a model for the neurological disorder methyl CpG binding protein 2 (MECP2) duplication syndrome (MDS), featuring the critical duplication of both the MECP2 and IRAK1 genes. This model faithfully recapitulates MDS genomic rearrangement, allowing for the mechanistic study of gene overexpression and the development of therapeutic interventions. Employing a single-guide RNA (gRNA) CRISPR-Cas9 strategy, we successfully excised the duplicated genomic segment, notably halving both MECP2 and IRAK1 expression levels. The evidence establishes our model as a crucial tool for research into MDS. Furthermore, the outlined workflow is readily adaptable to model other CNV disorders and subsequently test genomic and pharmacological interventions.

Reprogramming macrophage metabolism following myocardial infarction: A neglected piece of a therapeutic opportunity

Given the global prevalence of myocardial infarction (MI) as the leading cause of mortality, there is an urgent need to devise novel strategies that target reducing infarct size, accelerating cardiac tissue repair, and preventing detrimental left ventricular (LV) remodeling. Macrophages, as a predominant type of innate immune cells, undergo metabolic reprogramming following MI, resulting in alterations in function and phenotype that significantly impact the progression of MI size and LV remodeling. This article aimed to delineate the characteristics of macrophage metabolites during reprogramming in MI and elucidate their targets and functions in cardioprotection. Furthermore, we summarize the currently proposed regulatory mechanisms of macrophage metabolic reprogramming and identify the regulators derived from endogenous products and natural small molecules. Finally, we discussed the challenges of macrophage metabolic reprogramming in the treatment of MI, with the goal of inspiring further fundamental and clinical research into reprogramming macrophage metabolism and validating its potential therapeutic targets for MI.

Current status of nucleic acid therapy and its new progress in cancer treatment

Nucleic acid is an essential biopolymer in all living cells, performing the functions of storing and transmitting genetic information and synthesizing protein. In recent decades, with the progress of science and biotechnology and the continuous exploration of the functions performed by nucleic acid, more and more studies have confirmed that nucleic acid therapy for living organisms has great medical therapeutic potential. Nucleic acid drugs began to become independent therapeutic agents. As a new therapeutic method, nucleic acid therapy plays an important role in the treatment of genetic diseases, viral infections and cancers. There are currently 19 nucleic acid drugs approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). In the following review, we start from principles and advantages of nucleic acid therapy, and briefly describe development history of nucleic acid drugs. And then we give examples of various RNA therapeutic drugs, including antisense oligonucleotides (ASO), mRNA vaccines, small interfering RNA (siRNA) and microRNA (miRNA), aptamers, and small activating RNA (saRNA). In addition, we also focused on the current status of nucleic acid drugs used in cancer therapy and the breakthrough in recent years. Clinical trials of nucleic acid drugs for cancer treatment are under way, conventional radiotherapy and chemotherapy combined with the immunotherapies such as checkpoint inhibitors and nucleic acid drugs may be the main prospects for successful cancer treatment.

Exploring the nexus of cGAS STING pathway in neurodegenerative terrain: A therapeutic odyssey

By detecting and responding to cytosolic DNA, the cGAS STING pathway regulates the innate immune responses bymediatinginflammatory reactions and antiviral defense. Thederegulation and modification of this system have been linked to variousneurodegenerative diseases like AD, PD and ALS. Accumulation of tau protein and Aβ aggregates to activate the pathway and releases neuroinflammatory cytokines which accelerates neuronal dysfunction and cognitive impairment as the symptom of AD. Similarly, in PD Alpha-synuclein aggregates activate the cGAS STING pathway and regulate the neuroinflammation and oxidative stress. In ALS, mutation of the genes causes the activation of the pathway which leads to motor neuron degeneration. Alteration of the cGAS STING pathway also leads to mitochondrial dysfunction and impaired autophagy. Preclinical investigations of AD, PD, and ALS animal models showed that STING pathway inhibitors reduced inflammation and improved neurological outcomes and modulators of the cGAS STING pathway may treat these neurodegenerative disorders. In this review we focus on the fact thatneuroinflammation, neuronal dysfunction, and various disease progressions can be treated byaltering the cGAS STING pathway. Understanding the processes and creating specific interventions for this route may offer new treatments for these terrible illnesses.

Pterostilbene suppresses the growth of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma by inhibiting glycolysis and PKM2/STAT3/c-MYC signaling pathway

Pterostilbene (PTS) is a dietary phytochemical that has shown antitumor activity in many types of cancer, but the molecular mechanism remains unclear. It has also not been adequately studied on PTS against esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Thus, this study investigated the effect of PTS on ESCC in vitro and in vivo and explored the underlying molecular mechanism. We found that PTS can inhibit the proliferation, colony formation, and migration of ESCC cells. According to the bioinformatics analysis of proteomics, PTS had a great influence on the metabolic process of ESCC cells. KEGG analysis showed that PTS down-regulated the pyruvate metabolism pathway. Moreover, PTS can inhibit the PK activity, glucose consumption, and lactate production in ESCC cells. By administration of PTS into xenograft mice, experiment results demonstrated that PTS can suppress tumor progress and the PKM2/STAT3/c-MYC signaling pathway. We found that PTS inhibited the PKM2/STAT3/c-MYC signaling pathway by targeting PKM2 in ESCC cells. Collectively, this study revealed that PTS inhibited ESCC growth by suppressing PKM2 mediated aerobic glycolysis and PKM2/STAT3/c-MYC signaling pathway, which enriching the anti-tumor molecular mechanism of PTS and providing a theoretical basis for its clinical application.

Eukaryotic translation initiation factor 6-mediated ribosome biogenesis promotes synovial aggression and inflammation by increasing the translation of SP1 in rheumatoid arthritis

INTRODUCTION

Fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLSs) play critical roles in synovial inflammation and aggression in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Here, we explored the role of eukaryotic translation initiation factor 6 (eIF6) in regulating the biological behaviors of FLSs from patients with RA.

METHODS

FLSs were isolated from the synovial tissues of RA patients. Gene expression was assessed via RT-qPCR, and protein expression was evaluated via Western blotting or immunohistochemistry. Proliferation and nascent peptide synthesis were evaluated via EdU incorporation and HPG labeling, respectively. Cell migration and invasion were observed via Transwell assays. Polysome profiling was conducted to analyze the distribution of ribosomes and combined mRNAs. The in vivo effect of eIF6 inhibition was evaluated in a collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) rat model.

RESULTS

We found that eIF6 expression was elevated in FLSs and synovial tissues from RA patients compared to those from healthy controls and osteoarthritis patients. Knockdown of eIF6 inhibited the migration, invasion, inflammation, and proliferation of FLSs from patients with RA. Mechanistically, eIF6 knockdown downregulated ribosome biogenesis in FLSs from with RA, leading to a decrease in the proportion of polysome-associated specificity protein 1 (SP1) mRNA and a subsequent reduction in the translation initiation efficiency of SP1 mRNA. Thus, eIF6 controls SP1 expression through translation-mediated mechanisms. Interestingly, intra-articular eIF6 siRNA treatment attenuated symptoms and histological manifestations in CIA rats.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that an increase in synovial eIF6 might contribute to rheumatoid synovial inflammation and aggression and that targeting eIF6 may have therapeutic potential in RA patients.

Targeted degradation of METTL3 against acute myeloid leukemia and gastric cancer

Accumulating evidence reveals the oncogenic role of methyltransferase-like 3 (METTL3) in a variety of cancers, either dependent or independent of its m6A methyl transferase activity. We have explored PROTACs targeting METTL3 and identified KH12 as a potent METTL3 degrader. Treatment of KH12 on MOLM-13 cells causes degradation of METTL3 with a DC50 value of 220 nM in a dose-, time- and ubiquitin-dependent fashion. In addition, KH12 is capable of reversing differentiation and possesses anti-proliferative effects surpassing the small molecule inhibitors on MOLM-13 cells. Notably, we first present that METTL3 degrader significantly suppresses the growth of various gastric cancer (GC) cells, where the m6A-independent activity of METTL3 plays a crucial role in tumorigenesis. The anti-GC effects of KH12 were further confirmed in patient-derived organoids (PDOs). This study offers therapeutic potentials of targeted degradation of METTL3 against GC implicated with non-catalytic function of METTL3 as well as against AML.

GLP-1 analogue liraglutide attenuates CIH-induced cognitive deficits by inhibiting oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and apoptosis via the Nrf2/HO-1 and MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathways

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common clinical condition linked to cognitive impairment, mainly characterized by chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH). GLP-1 receptor agonist, known for promoting insulin secretion and reducing glucose levels, has demonstrated neuroprotective effects in various experimental models such as stroke, Alzheimer's disease, and Parkinson's disease. This study aims to investigate the potential role and mechanisms of the GLP-1 receptor agonist liraglutide in ameliorating OSA-induced cognitive deficits. CIH exposure, a well-established and mature OSA pathological model, was used both in vitro and in vivo. In vitro, CIH significantly activated oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis in SH-SY5Y cells. Liraglutide enhanced the nuclear translocation of Nrf2, activating its downstream pathways, thereby mitigating CIH-induced injury in SH-SY5Y cells. Additionally, liraglutide modulated the MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathway, reducing the expression of inflammatory factors and proteins. In vivo, we subjected mice to an intermittent hypoxia incubator to mimic the pathogenesis of human OSA. The Morris water maze test revealed that CIH exposure substantially impaired spatial memory. Subsequent western blot analyses and histopathological examinations indicated that liraglutide could activate the Nrf2/HO-1 axis and inhibit the MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathway, thereby alleviating OSA-associated cognitive dysfunction in mice. These findings suggest that GLP-1 receptor agonists may offer a promising preventive strategy for OSA-associated cognitive impairment. By refining these findings, we provide new insights into GLP-1's protective mechanisms in combating cognitive deficits associated with CIH, underscoring its potential as a therapeutic agent for conditions linked to OSA.

Overview of the PRMT6 modulators in cancer treatment: Current progress and emerged opportunity

Protein Arginine Methyltransferase 6 (PRMT6) is a Type I PRMT enzyme that plays a role in the epigenetic regulation of gene expression by methylating histone and non-histone proteins. It is also involved in various cellular processes, including alternative splicing, DNA repair, and cell signaling. Furthermore, PRMT6 exerts multiple effects on cellular processes such as growth, migration, invasion, apoptosis, and drug resistance in various cancers, positioning it as a promising target for anti-tumor therapeutics. In this review, we initially provide an overview of the structure and biological functions of PRMT6, along with its association with cancer. Subsequently, we focus on recent progress in the design and development of modulators targeting PRMT6. This includes a comprehensive review of PRMT6 inhibitors (isoform-selective and non-selective), dual-target inhibitors based on PRMT6, PRMT6 covalent inhibitors, and PRMT6-targeting hydrophobic tagging (HyT) degraders, from the perspectives of rational design, pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, and the clinical status of these modulators. Finally, we also provided the challenges and prospective directions for PRMT6 targeting drug discovery in cancer therapy.

Discovery and optimization of isoliquiritigenin as a death-associated protein kinase 1 inhibitor

Death-associated protein kinase 1 (DAPK1) is a phosphotransferase in the serine/threonine kinase family. Inhibiting DAPK1 is expected to be beneficial in treating Alzheimer's disease and protecting neuronal cells during cerebral ischemia. In this study, we demonstrated that the natural chalcone isoliquiritigenin inhibits DAPK1 in an ATP-competitive manner, and we synthesized halogen derivatives to amplify the inhibitory effect. Among the compounds tested, the chlorine, bromine, and iodine derivatives exhibited high DAPK1 inhibitory activity and binding affinity. Crystal structure analysis revealed that this improvement is attributable to the halogen atoms fitting well into the hydrophobic pocket formed by I77, L93, and I160. In particular, the chlorine derivative showed a significant enthalpic contribution to the interaction with DAPK1, suggesting its potential as a primary compound for new DAPK1 inhibitors.

MNSFβ promotes LPS-induced TNFα expression by increasing the localization of RC3H1 to stress granules, and the interfering peptide HEPN2 reduces TNFα production by disrupting the MNSFβ-RC3H1 interaction in macrophages

Abnormally elevated tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα) levels at the maternal-fetal interface can lead to adverse pregnancy outcomes, including recurrent miscarriage (RM), but the mechanism underlying upregulated TNFα expression is not fully understood. We previously reported that the interaction between monoclonal nonspecific suppressor factor-β (MNSFβ) and RC3H1 upregulates TNFα expression, but the precise mechanisms are unknown. In this study, we found that MNSFβ stimulated the LPS-induced TNFα expression by inactivating the promoting effect of RC3H1 on TNFα mRNA degradation rather than directly inhibiting the expression of RC3H1 in THP1-Mϕs. Mechanistically, the 81-326 aa region of the RC3H1 protein binds to the 101-133 aa region of the MNSFβ protein, and MNSFβ facilitated stress granules (SGs) formation and the translocation of RC3H1 to SGs by interacting with RC3H1 and fragile X mental retardation 1 (FMR1) in response to LPS-induced stress. The SGs-localization of RC3H1 reduced its inhibitory effect on TNFα expression in LPS-treated THP1-Mϕs. The designed HEPN2 peptide effectively reduced the LPS-induced expression of TNFα in THP1-Mϕs by interfering with the MNSFβ-RC3H1 interaction. Treatment with the HEPN2 peptide significantly improved adverse pregnancy outcomes, including early pregnancy loss (EPL) and lower fetal weight (LFW), which are induced by LPS in mice. These data indicated that MNSFβ promoted TNFα expression at least partially by increasing the localization of RC3H1 to SGs under inflammatory stimulation and that the HEPN2 peptide improved the adverse pregnancy outcomes induced by LPS in mice, suggesting that MNSFβ is a potential pharmacological target for adverse pregnancy outcomes caused by abnormally increased inflammation at early pregnancy.

Zotarolimus alleviates post-trabeculectomy fibrosis via dual functions of anti-inflammation and regulating AMPK/mTOR axis

OBJECTIVE

Postoperative scar formation is the primary cause of uncontrolled intraocular pressure following trabeculectomy failure. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of zotarolimus as an adjuvant anti-scarring agent in the experimental trabeculectomy.

METHODS

We performed differential gene and Gene Ontology enrichment analysis on rabbit follicular transcriptome sequencing data (GSE156781). New Zealand white Rabbits were randomly assigned into three groups: Surgery only, Surgery with mitomycin-C treatment, Surgery with zotarolimus treatment. Rabbits were euthanized 3 days or 28 days post-trabeculectomy. Pathological sections were analyzed using immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, and Masson staining. In vitro, primary human tenon's capsule fibroblasts (HTFs) were stimulated by transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) and treated with either mitomycin-C or zotarolimus. Cell proliferation and migration were evaluated using cell counting kit-8, cell cycle, and scratch assays. Mitochondrial membrane potential was detected with the JC-1 probe, and reactive oxygen species were detected using the DCFH-DA probe. RNA and protein expressions were quantified using RT-qPCR and immunofluorescence.

RESULTS

Transcriptome sequencing analysis revealed the involvement of complex immune factors and metabolic disorders in trabeculectomy outcomes. Zotarolimus effectively inhibited fibrosis, reduced proinflammatory factor release and immune cell infiltration, and improved the surgical outcomes of trabeculectomy. In TGF-β1-induced HTFs, zotarolimus reduced fibrosis, proliferation, and migration without cytotoxicity via the dual regulation of the TGF-β1/Smad2/3 and AMPK/AKT/mTOR pathways.

CONCLUSION

Our study demonstrates that zotarolimus mitigates fibrosis by reducing immune infiltration and correcting metabolic imbalances, offering a potential treatment for improving trabeculectomy surgical outcomes.

Small molecule SIRT1 activators counteract oxidative stress-induced inflammasome activation and nucleolar stress in retinal degeneration

BACKGROUND

The nicotinamide adenosine dinucleotide-dependent deacetylase Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) has been identified as a protective factor that inhibits the activation of nucleotide-binding and oligomerization domain-, leucine-rich repeat-, and pyrin domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome. However, whether pharmacological SIRT1 activators can protect retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells against oxidative and inflammatory injuries related to age-related macular degeneration remains to be explored.

METHODS

Two small molecule specific SIRT1 activators (SRT2104 and CAY10602) were tested, with resveratrol being used as a positive control. Mouse models with sodium iodate-induced retinal degeneration were constructed. ARPE-19 cells in culture were used for in vitro experiments. The effects of SIRT1 activators on H2O2-induced ARPE-19 cell injury were determined by reactive oxygen species quantification, western blotting, flow cytometry and immunofluorescence staining. In vivo, the severity of retinal damage was assessed using flash electroretinography and histopathological analysis.

RESULTS

In vitro, SRT2104, CAY10602 and resveratrol significantly attenuated H2O2-induced cell death, nucleolar stress response, and reactive oxygen species accumulation. In H2O2-stimulated cells, SIRT1 activators reduced the level of NLRP3, inhibited the activation of caspase-1, and decreased the production of interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-18. The inhibitory effects of SIRT1 activators on caspase-1 activation and IL-1β production were blunted by SIRT1 gene silencing. In vivo, treatment with SRT2104 or CAY10602 in mice with sodium iodate-induced retinal degeneration markedly improved the retinal functions and reduced the loss of RPE cells.

CONCLUSION

Our study suggests that small molecule SIRT1 activators are effective for protection of RPE cells against oxidative stress-induced NLRP3 inflammasome activation, highlighting potential applications in the treatment of macular degeneration associated RPE dysfunctions.

Nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT): A key enzyme in cancer metabolism and therapeutic target

Emerging research has positioned Nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT) as a key player in oncology, with its heightened expression frequently observed across diverse cancers. This increased presence is tightly linked to tumor initiation, proliferation, and metastasis. The enzymatic function of NNMT is centered on the methylation of nicotinamide (NAM), utilizing S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) as the methyl donor, which results in the generation of S-adenosyl-L-homocysteine (SAH) and methyl nicotinamide (MNAM). This metabolic process reduces the availability of NAM, necessary for Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) synthesis, and generates SAH, precursor to homocysteine (Hcy). These alterations are theorized to foster the resilience, expansion, and invasiveness of cancer cells. Furthermore, NNMT is implicated in enhancing cancer malignancy by affecting multiple signaling pathways, such as phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)-protein kinase B (AKT), cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and 5-Methyladenosine (5-MA), epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and epigenetic mechanisms. Upregulation of NNMT metabolism plays a key role in the formation and maintenance of the tumour microenvironment. While the use of small molecule inhibitors and RNA interference (RNAi) to target NNMT has shown therapeutic promise, the full extent of NNMT's influence on cancer is not yet fully understood, and clinical evidence is limited. This article systematically describes the relationship between the functional metabolism of NNMT enzymes and the cancer and tumour microenvironments, describing the mechanisms by which NNMT contributes to cancer initiation, proliferation, and metastasis, as well as targeted therapies. Additionally, we discuss the future opportunities and challenges of NNMT in targeted anti-cancer treatments.

Targeting ferroptosis in the neurovascular unit: A promising approach for treating diabetic cognitive impairment

The cognitive decline associated with chronic metabolic disease diabetes has garnered extensive scrutiny, yet its pathogenesis remains incompletely understood, and the advancement of targeted therapeutics has posed a persistent challenge. Ferroptosis, a novel form of cell death characterized by intracellular lipid peroxidation and iron overload, has recently emerged as a significant factor. Numerous contemporary studies have corroborated that ferroptosis within the neurovascular unit is intimately associated with the onset of diabetes-induced cognitive impairment. Numerous contemporary studies have corroborated that ferroptosis within the neurovascular unit is intimately associated with the onset of diabetic cognitive impairment (DCI). This article initially conducts a profound analysis of the mechanism of ferroptosis, followed by a detailed elucidation of the specific manifestations of neurovascular unit ferroptosis in the context of diabetic cognitive function impairment. Furthermore, an exhaustive review of pertinent literature from April 2020 to March 2024 has been undertaken, resulting in the selection of 31 documents of significant reference value. These documents encompass studies on 11 distinct drugs, all of which are centered around investigating methods to inhibit the ferroptosis pathway as a potential treatment for DCI. Simultaneously, we conducted a review of 12 supplementary literary sources that presented 10 pharmacological agents with anti-ferroptosis properties in other neurodegenerative disorders. This article critically examines the potential influence of neurovascular unit ferroptosis on the progression of cognitive impairment in diabetes, from the three aforementioned perspectives, and organizes the existing and potential therapeutic drugs. It is our aspiration that this article will serve as a theoretical foundation for scholars in related disciplines when conceptualizing, investigating, and developing novel clinical drugs for DCI.

MIR4435-2HG: A novel biomarker for triple-negative breast cancer diagnosis and prognosis, activating cancer-associated fibroblasts and driving tumor invasion through EMT associated with JNK/c-Jun and p38 MAPK signaling pathway activation

BACKGROUND

Breast cancer has the highest incidence rate and causes the most fatalities among all female cancers worldwide. Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is known for its strong invasiveness and higher rates of recurrence. In this research, we aimed to identify MIR4435-2HG as a promising long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) biomarker and therapeutic target for TNBC.

METHODS

Utilizing clinicopathological information and transcriptome data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database, we assessed the clinical relevance of MIR4435-2HG in breast cancer through univariate and multivariate COX regression, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis, as well as Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. To investigate the biological role of MIR4435-2HG in TNBC, we conducted gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA), as well as Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses. Additionally, we constructed and validated a nomogram to predict disease-free survival (DFS). Both the R package "pRRophetic" and the Tumor Immune Dysfunction and Exclusion (TIDE) algorithm were employed to forecast the sensitivity to different therapeutics between the high- and low-MIR4435-2HG groups. We employed single-cell RNA sequencing analysis and tumor microenvironment infiltration analysis to investigate the potential involvement of MIR4435-2HG in the TNBC tumor microenvironment. Cellular biological behaviors were assessed utilizing CCK-8, transwell assays, and wound-healing assays. Furthermore, we performed RNA-seq, qRT-PCR, and western blotting analyses to elucidate and confirm the specific mechanisms underlying the role of MIR4435-2HG in TNBC.

RESULTS

In our study, we have identified MIR4435-2HG as a significant diagnostic and prognostic factor for TNBC. We observed that MIR4435-2HG is widely expressed and might have a significant impact on the reshaping of the TNBC tumor microenvironment. Patients with TNBC in the high-MIR4435-2HG group may show reduced sensitivity to cisplatin, doxorubicin, and gemcitabine and have an increased propensity for immune escape. Knockdown of MIR4435-2HG inhibits cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) activation. Notably, MIR4435-2HG predominantly enhances the migratory and invasive capabilities of TNBC cells through the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process. Mechanistically, we validated that MIR4435-2HG activates the JNK/c-Jun and p38 non-classical MAPK signaling pathway in TNBC cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings highlight the significant potential of MIR4435-2HG as a highly promising biomarker for TNBC. Targeting MIR4435-2HG could represent an appealing therapeutic approach for TNBC.

Evaluation of the protective effects of chondroitin sulfate oligosaccharide against osteoarthritis via inactivation of NLRP3 inflammasome by in vivo and in vitro studies

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most prevalent degenerative arthritis disease linked to aging, obesity, diet, and accumulation of octacalcium phosphate (OCP) crystals in joints. Current research has focused on inflammation and chondrocytes apoptosis as underlying OA mechanisms. Inflammatory cytokines like IL-1β activate matrix metalloproteinase-13 (MMP-13) and aggrecanase (the member of A Disintegrin and Metalloproteinase with Thrombospondin motifs family, ADAMTS), leading to cartilage matrix degradation. The NLRP3 inflammasome also contributes to OA pathogenesis by maturing IL-1β. Natural products like chondroitin sulfate oligosaccharides (oligo-CS) show promise in OA treatment by inhibiting inflammation. Our study evaluates the protective effects of oligo-CS against OA by targeting NLRP3 inflammation. Stimulating human SW1353 chondrocytes and human mononuclear macrophage THP-1 cells with OCP showed increased NLRP3 inflammation initiation, NF-κB pathway activation, and the production of inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6) and the metabolic index (MMP-13, ADAMTS-5), leading to cartilage matrix degradation. However, oligo-CS treatment significantly reduced inflammation. In a 28-day in vivo study with C57BL/6 female mice, OCP was injected into their right knee and oligo-CS was orally administered. The OCP group exhibited significant joint space narrowing and chondrocyte loss, while the oligo-CS group maintained cartilage integrity. Oligo-CS groups also regulated gut microbiota composition to a healthier state. Taken together, our findings suggest that oligo-CS can be considered as a protective compound against OA.

Review of research progress on different modalities of Macrophage death in Mycobacterium leprae infection

Leprosy, caused by Mycobacterium leprae (M. leprae), is a chronic infectious disease primarily affecting the skin and peripheral nerves. The interaction between M. leprae and macrophages, its primary host cell, plays a critical role in disease progression. This review explores the various forms of macrophage cell death induced by M. leprae infection, including apoptosis, autophagy, necroptosis, pyroptosis, ferroptosis and necrosis. The regulation and implications of these cell death pathways on the host immune response are discussed. Apoptosis and autophagy are highlighted as mechanisms that may limit M. leprae proliferation, while necroptosis and pyroptosis contribute to inflammation and immune response. Notably, recent studies have identified CYBB-mediated ferroptosis as essential for macrophages infected with M. leprae to polarize towards the M2 phenotype, facilitating immune evasion by the pathogen. This review underscores the complexity of macrophage cell death in leprosy, and summarize their corresponding molecular mechanisms and potential impact on the host immunity.

Artemisinin attenuates perinatal inflammation and consequent oxidative stress in oligodendrocyte precursor cells by inhibiting IRAK-4 and IRAK-1

BACKGROUND

The main causes of abnormal white matter development (periventricular leukomalacia) in premature infants are perinatal inflammation and the consequent oxidant/antioxidant imbalance in oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs); however, the underlying mechanisms remain largely unclear. In this work, a rat model of prenatal inflammation was used to examine the mechanism by which artemisinin (ART) protects against white matter dysplasia.

METHODS

We established a primary OPC model and rat model of perinatal inflammation. ART was identified from the FDA-approved medicinal chemical library to be beneficial for treating OPC inflammation in model systems. Based on bioinformatics analysis of protein interactions and molecular docking analysis, we further identified the possible targets of ART and evaluated its specific effects and the underlying molecular mechanisms in vivo and in vitro.

RESULTS

Following inflammatory stimulation, ART strongly promoted the maturation of OPCs and the development of white matter in the brain. A Cellular thermal shift assay (CETSA) demonstrated that interleukin-1 receptor-associated kinase-4 (IRAK-4) and interleukin-1 receptor-associated kinase-1 (IRAK-1) may be targets of ART, which was consistent with the findings from molecular modelling with Autodock software. Experiments conducted both in vivo and in vitro demonstrated the activation of the IRAK-4/IRAK-1/nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) pathway and the production of inflammatory factors (IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α) in OPCs were greatly suppressed in the group treated with ART compared to the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated group. Moreover, ART dramatically decreased reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in OPCs while increasing nuclear factor e2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) levels.

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that ART can significantly reduce OPC perinatal inflammation and consequent oxidative stress. The targeted inhibition of IRAK-4 and IRAK-1 by ART may be a potential therapeutic strategy for alleviating abnormalities in white matter development in premature newborns.

FASN contributes to the pathogenesis of lupus by promoting TLR-mediated activation of macrophages and dendritic cells

Hyper-activations of monocytes/macrophages and dendritic cells (DCs) contribute to the pathogenesis of various autoimmune diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Fatty acid synthase (FASN) is essential for the de novo synthesis of long-chain fatty acids, which play a key role in controlling the activation, differentiation, and function of immune cells. However, the role of FASN in regulating the activations of monocytes/macrophages and DCs has not been studied. In this study, we investigated the involvement of the FASN in modulating the activations of macrophages and DCs, as well as the pathogenesis of SLE. Importantly, we observed a significant upregulation of FASN expression in monocytes and DCs from patients with SLE. This increase is strongly correlated with disease severity and activation status of the immune cells. Furthermore, overexpression of FASN significantly boosts the TLR4/7/9-mediated activation of macrophages and DCs, while knockdown of FASN markedly inhibits this activation. Notably, knockdown of FASN alleviates TLR7 agonist imiquimod (IMQ)-induced lupus in mice and the activation of macrophages and DCs. It makes more sense that pharmaceutical targeting of FASN by using TVB-2640 significantly alleviates IMQ-induced lupus in mice and the activation of macrophages and DCs, as well as in spontaneous lupus MRL/lpr mice. Thus, FASN contributes to the TLRs-mediated activation of macrophages and DCs, as well as the pathogenesis of SLE. More importantly, FASN inhibitor TVB-2640 is expected to be an effective drug in the treatment of SLE.

The role and mechanism of various trace elements in atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis is a slow and complex disease that involves various factors, including lipid metabolism disorders, oxygen-free radical production, inflammatory cell infiltration, platelet adhesion and aggregation, and local thrombosis. Trace elements play a crucial role in human health. Many trace elements, especially metallic ones, not only maintain the normal functions of organs but also participate in basic metabolic processes. The latest studies have revealed a close correlation between trace elements and the occurrence and progression of atherosclerosis. The imbalance of these trace elements can induce atherosclerosis or accelerate its progression through various mechanisms, which poses a significant threat to human health. Therefore, exploring the specific mechanism of trace elements on atherosclerosis is highly significant. In this review, we summarized the roles and mechanisms of iron, copper, zinc, magnesium, and selenium homeostasis and imbalance in atherosclerosis development, in order to identify novel targets and therapeutic strategies for treating atherosclerosis.

Beyond Genes: Epiregulomes as Molecular Commanders in Innate Immunity

The natural fastest way to deal with pathogens or danger signals is the innate immune system. This system prevents too much inflammation and tissue damage and efficiently eliminates pathogens. The epiregulome is the chromatin structure influenced by epigenetic factors and linked to cis-regulatory elements (CREs). The epiregulome helps to end the inflammatory response and also assists innate immune cells to show specific action by making cell-specific gene expression patterns. This inspection unfolds two concepts: (1) how epiregulomes are shaped by switching the expression levels of genes, manoeuvre enzyme activity and earmark of chromatin modifiers on specific genes; during and after the infection, and (2) how the expression of specific genes (aids in prompt management of innate cell growth, or the reaction to aggravation and illness) command by epiregulomes that formed during the above process. In this review, the consequences of intrinsic immuno-metabolic remodelling on epiregulomes and potential difficulties in identifying the master epiregulome that regulates innate immunity and inflammation have been discussed.

Lycopodium japonicum Thunb. inhibits chondrocyte apoptosis, senescence and inflammation in osteoarthritis through STING/NF-κB signaling pathway

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative disease, its characteristic lies in the inflammation and extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation, can lead to significant personal disability and social burden. Lycopodium japonicum Thunb. (LJT) is a lycopinaceae plant with anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. In traditional Oriental medicine, LJT is commonly used to treat a variety of conditions, including osteoarthritis and low back pain.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To investigate the anti-apoptotic, anti-inflammatory and anti-senescence properties of LJT in IL-1β-induced mouse chondrocytes, and to clarify the underlying mechanisms involved. In addition, the study also examined the effects of LJT by establishing a mouse model of osteoarthritis. The ultimate goal is to identify the mechanism of LJT as an anti-osteoarthritis agent.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this research, molecular docking and network pharmacology analysis were performed to identify the latent pathways and key targets of LJT action. The CCK-8 kit was used to evaluate LJT's effect on chondrocyte viability. Western blotting, Immunofluorescence, TUNEL staining kit, and SA-β-gal staining were employed to verify LJT's impact on chondrocytes. Additionally, SO, HE, and Immunohistochemical were utilized to assess LJT's effects on osteoarthritis in mice. In vitro and in vivo experiments were performed to verify the potential mechanism of LJT in OA.

RESULTS

Network pharmacology analysis revealed that AKT1, PTGS2, and ESR1 were the key candidate targets for the treatment of OA with LJT. The results of molecular docking indicated that AKT1 exhibited a low binding affinity to the principal constituents of LJT. Hence, we have chosen STING, an upstream regulator of PTGS2, as our target for investigation. Molecular docking revealed that sitosterol, formononetin, stigmasterol and alpha-Onocerin, the main components of LJT, have good binding activity with STING. In vitro experiments showed that LJT inhibited IL-1β-mediated secretion of inflammatory mediators, apoptosis and senescence of chondrocytes. The results showed that LJT abolished cartilage degeneration induced by unstable medial meniscus (DMM) in mice. Mechanism research has shown that LJT by inhibiting the STING/NF-κB signaling pathways, down-regulating the NF-κB activation, so as to inhibit the development of OA.

CONCLUSION

LJT reversed the progression of OA by inhibiting inflammation, apoptosis and senescence in animal models and chondrocytes. The effects of LJT are mediated through the STING/NF-κB pathway.

Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of plant-derived miliusol derivatives achieve TNBC profound regression in vivo

Triple-negative breast cancer has become a major problem in clinical treatment due to its high heterogeneity, and Plant-derived drug discovery has been the focus of attention for novel anti-tumor therapeutics. In this study, Miliusol, a natural product isolated from the rarely reported plant Miliusa tenuistipitata, was identified as the lead compound, and 25 miliusol derivatives were designed and synthesized under antiproliferative activity guidance. The results revealed that ZMF-24 was demonstrated to have potent anti-TNBC proliferation with IC50 values of 0.22 μM and 0.44 μM in BT-549 cells and MDA-MB-231 cells respectively with low cytotoxicity to MCF10A cells, and could significantly downregulate proliferation and migration markers. Through RNAseq analysis, molecular docking and CETSA experiment, we found that ZMF-24 could inhibit Eukaryotic translation initiation factor 3 subunit D (EIF3D) that further disrupted the energy supply of TNBC by inhibiting glycolysis, induced profound TNBC apoptosis by stimulating persistent ER stress. Importantly, ZMF-24 exhibited remarkable anti-proliferation and anti-metastasis potential in nude mice xenograft TNBC model without obvious toxicity. Collectively, the findings demonstrate ZMF-24 has significant potential as a potent chemotherapy agent against triple-negative breast cancer.

Swertianin Promotes Anti-Tumor activity by facilitating Macrophage M1 polarization via STING signaling

To investigate the mechanism by which swertiamarin (swertianin, SWE) regulates the polarization of tumor microenvironment-associated macrophages to M1 phenotype, thereby exerting anti-tumor effects.SWE promoted the formation of M1 cells and increased the proportion of CD86 + cells in both RAW264.7 and primary monocyte-derived macrophages, while activating the STING-NF-κB pathway. When STING or P65 was knocked out, the effects of SWE were antagonized, inhibiting the formation of CD86 + M1 cells. At the animal level, SWE inhibited tumor growth, activated STING-NF-κB, and promoted the formation of CD86 + cells. STING-KO inhibited the effects of SWE.SWE can activate the STING-NF-κB signal to promote macrophage M1 polarization, playing an anti-tumor role.

RNF39 facilitates antiviral immune responses by promoting K63-linked ubiquitination of STING

The cyclic guanosine monophosphate-adenosine monophosphate (cGAMP) synthase (cGAS)-dependent pathway is a key DNA-sensing pathway that recognizes cytosolic DNA and plays a crucial role in initiating innate immune responses against pathogenic microbes and cancer. Various molecules have been identified as regulators of the cGAS-dependent pathway that controls innate immune responses. However, despite the important roles of Stimulator-of-interferon genes (STING) in the cGAS-dependent pathway, the regulation of its activation has not been elucidated. Here, we show that the E3 ubiquitin ligase, RING finger protein 39 (RNF39), interacts with STING in macrophages and HERK293T cells. Moreover, RNF39 accelerates DNA-sensing pathways by promoting lysine (K)63-linked ubiquitination of STING, and then facilitating the formation of STING-TBK1 complex. Concordantly, Rnf39 deficiency inhibits innate immune responses triggered by DNA viral infection and accelerates viral replication. Furthermore, herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1) infection induces RNF39 expression in an IFN-I-dependent manner. Thus, we outline a novel mechanism for controlling STING activation and a feedback mechanism for controlling antiviral immune responses. RNF39 could be a priming intervention target for the prevention and treatment of viral diseases, especially DNA viral infections.

SORBS2-Mediated inhibition of malignant behaviors in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma through TIMP3

BACKGROUND

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is characterized by high invasiveness and poor prognosis. The role of Sorbin and SH3 domain-containing protein 2 (SORBS2) in ESCC remains largely unexplored.

METHODS

The expression levels of SORBS2 in ESCC were detected using RNA-seq and proteomics data. The biological functions of SORBS2 in ESCC were investigated through in vivo and in vitro experiments. The mechanism of SORBS2 was explored using RIP-seq technology, which identified the key downstream molecule metalloproteinase-3 (TIMP3). The interaction between SORBS2 and TIMP3, including specific binding sites, was validated through RIP-qPCR and RNA pull-down assays. The impact of altered SORBS2 expression in ESCC on HUVECs was assessed using endothelial tube formation assays.

RESULTS

SORBS2 expression was significantly downregulated in ESCC tissues, and its decreased expression was associated with poor prognosis. Overexpression of SORBS2 in ESCC cell lines inhibited cell proliferation, migration, and invasion both in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, SORBS2 bound to the 3' UTR of TIMP3 mRNA, enhancing its stability and thereby regulating TIMP3 expression. Rescue experiments demonstrated that increased TIMP3 expression could reverse the promotive effects of SORBS2 knockdown on ESCC, confirming TIMP3 as a critical downstream molecule of SORBS2. Furthermore, downregulation of SORBS2 in ESCC cells was associated with activation of HUVEC functions, whereas upregulation of TIMP3 could reverse this effect. The SORBS2/TIMP3 axis may exert tumor suppressive effects by influencing extracellular matrix degradation.

CONCLUSION

This study confirms that SORBS2 inhibits ESCC tumor progression by regulating extracellular matrix degradation through TIMP3, providing a potential therapeutic target for future treatment interventions.

METTL14 depletion induces trophoblast cell dysfunction by inhibiting miR-21-5p processing in an m6A-dependent manner

Spontaneous abortion (SA) is a devastating, but common outcome for expectant parents and their families. However, the mechanism of SA occurrence remains mostly unknown. Herein, we examined human SA villi samples and found decreased N6-methyladenosine (m6A) levels and methyltransferase-like protein 14 (METTL14) expression compared with those in healthy women. Knockdown of METTL14 in trophoblast HTR8 cells induced cellular dysfunction. We identified candidate differentially expressed microRNAs and found that METTL14 accelerated miR-21-5p processing by modulating its m6A modification level. Exogenous miR-21-5p expression attenuated METTL14 knockdown-induced cellular dysfunction. Subsequently, we found that SMAD family member 7 (SMAD7) expression is inhibited by miR-21-5p and that knockdown of SMAD7 rescued the trophoblast cell dysfunction induced by miR-21-5p inhibitors. Then, we revealed that METTL14 can regulate the SMAD7 pathway by modulating miR-21-5p. Finally, we found that exposing pregnant mice to an m6A inhibitor caused embryo loss and reduced expression levels of Mettl14 and miR-21-5p while increasing Smad7 levels. Taken together, this study establishes the involvement of m6A in SA and identified a novel SA signaling pathway. These results reveal the underlying molecular mechanisms of trophoblast cell dysfunction induced by m6A modification and provide new strategies to identify and mitigate SA.

Pirarubicin combined with TLR3 or TLR4 agonists enhances anti-tumor efficiency

BACKGROUND

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is prone to relapse due to the lack of effective therapeutic targets. Macrophages are the most abundant immune cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME) of breast cancer. Targeting the cross-talk between macrophages and cancer cells provides a more efficient strategy for anti-tumor therapy. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are important players involved in macrophage activation, and TLR agonists are known to play roles in cancer therapy. However, the combination strategy of TLR agonists with chemotherapy drugs is still not well characterized.

METHODS

RT-PCR and Western blot were used to detect the expression of TLRs. The communication between breast cancer cells and macrophages were determined by co-culture in vitro. Tumor cells proliferation and migration were investigated by MTT assay and scratch wound assay. The effects of drug combinations and toxic side effects were assessed by immunohistochemistry and Hematoxylin & Eosin staining.

RESULTS

Expression of TLR3 and TLR4 were lower in breast tumor tissues compared with adjacent normal tissues. Patients with higher TLR3 or TLR4 expression levels had a better prognosis than those with lower expression levels. TLR3/4 expression was significantly inhibited when breast cancer cells MDA-MB-231 and E0771 were conditioned-cultured with macrophages in vitro and was also inhibited by pirarubicin (THP). However, the combination of TLR agonists and THP could reverse this response and inhibit the proliferation and migration of breast cancer cells. Additionally, this combination significantly reduced the tumor volume and weight in the murine model, increased the expression of TLR3/4 in mouse breast tumors.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results provide new ideas for the combination strategy of THP with TLR agonists which improves prognosis of breast cancer.

Unveiling the immunoregulatory role of interferon-induced transmembrane protein 2 through the JAK/STAT3/PDL1 pathway in gastric cancer

Programmed cell death ligand 1 (PDL1) has been implicated in immune evasion in various tumor types. The objective of this investigation was to assess the correlation between metastasis-associated interferon-induced transmembrane protein 2 (IFITM2) and PDL1, and explore their impact on tumor immunity in gastric cancer (GC). The expression of IFITM2 and PDL1 in human GC tissues was initially evaluated using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases, as well as immunohistochemistry (IHC). Subsequently, the relationship between IFITM2 and PDL1 was analyzed through Real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) and western blotting after cell transfection and inhibitor treatment in vitro. The role of IFITM2 and PDL1 in immune killing was further elucidated in both in vitro and in vivo settings. Our study revealed frequent overexpression of IFITM2 and PDL1 in GC. Notably, IFITM2 expression was significantly associated with lymphatic metastasis, clinical stage, and poor survival. Moreover, a positive correlation between PDL1 expression and IFITM2 expression in GC was identified. The activation of tumor-derived IFITM2 was found to enhance PDL1 expression via the JAK/STAT3 pathway in human GC cells (MKN28 and MKN45), leading to apoptosis of Jurkat T cells. Furthermore, IFITM2 induced PDL1 expression in a xenograft mouse model of GC. Based on our findings, we propose that IFITM2 modulates PDL1 expression and tumor immunity through the JAK/STAT3 pathway in GC cells, highlighting the potential of IFITM2 as a therapeutic target for GC immunotherapy.

NRF2 inhibitors: Recent progress, future design and therapeutic potential

Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) is a crucial transcription factor involved in oxidative stress response, which controls the expression of various cytoprotective genes. Recent research has indicated that constitutively activated NRF2 can enhance patients' resistance to chemotherapy drugs, resulting in unfavorable prognosis. Therefore, the development of NRF2 inhibitors has emerged as a promising approach for overcoming drug resistance in cancer treatment. However, there are limited reports and reviews focusing on NRF2 inhibitors. This review aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the structure and regulation of the NRF2 signaling pathway, followed by a comprehensive review of reported NRF2 inhibitors. Moreover, the current design strategies and future prospects of NRF2 inhibitors will be discussed, aiming to establish a foundation for the development of more effective NRF2 inhibitors.

Tackling triple negative breast cancer with HDAC inhibitors: 6 is the isoform!

Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a highly aggressive breast cancer subtype characterized by the lack in the expression of estrogen and progesterone receptors, and human epidermal growth factor receptors 2. TNBC stands out among other breast cancers subtypes for its high aggressiveness and invasiveness, and for the limited therapeutic options available, which justify the poor survival rates registered for this breast cancer subtype. Compelling new evidence pointed out the role of epigenetic modifications in cancer, prompting tumor cell uncontrolled proliferation, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, and metastatic events. In this review we showcase the latest evidence supporting the involvement of histone deacetylase 6 (HDAC6) in cancer pathways strictly related to TNBC subtype, also tracking the latest advancements in the identification of novel HDAC6 inhibitors which showed efficacy in TNBC models, offering insights into the potential of targeting this key epigenetic player as an innovative therapeutic option for the treatment of TNBC.

Design, synthesis, and molecular dynamic simulations of some novel benzo[d]thiazoles with anti-virulence activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Inhibition of quorum sensing (QS) is an impending approach for targeting bacterial infection. Fourteen benzo[d]thiazole and 2-pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidin-3-yl)benzo[d]thiazoles analogues were designed and synthesized as promising LasR antagonists with QS inhibition activity. Among the investigated compounds, compounds 3c, 3e, and 8d exhibited the highest percentage inhibition in biofilm formation (77 %, 63.9 %, 69.4 %), pyocyanin production (74.6 %, 64.9, 69.4 %), and rhamnolipids production (58.5 %, 51 %, 54.3 %) in P. aeruginosa, respectively. Additionally, compounds 3c, 3e and 8d achieved IC50 values against Las R equal 1.37 ± 0.35, 1.55 ± 0.24, 1.1 ± 0.15 μM respectively. Also, molecular docking of the target compounds into the LasR binding site co-crystalized "odDHL" revealed their binding with the essential residues for protein inhibition. Additionally, molecular dynamics simulation (MDS) experiments over 200 ns of compound 3c showed its ability to interact with the LasR binding site with dissociation of the protein's dimer confirming its action as a LasR antagonist. The obtained findings inspire further investigation for benzo[d]thiazole and 2-pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidin-3-yl)benzo[d]thiazoles aiming to design and synthesize more potential QS inhibitors.

Discovery of novel nitrofuran PROTAC-like compounds as dual inhibitors and degraders targeting STING

Aberrant activation of the innate immune molecule STING can initiate inflammation and autoimmune diseases. Small molecule inhibitors targeting STING have demonstrated therapeutic efficacy against these conditions. Moreover, employing degradants to target STING represents a novel approach to drug design strategy. Consequently, we have designed and synthesized a series of covalent degradants targeting STING. Among them, compound P8 exhibited the highest degradation capacity, with a 24-h DC50 of 2.58 μM in THP-1 cells. In THP-1 cells, P8 specifically degraded STING proteins through the lysosomal pathway, acting as dual a degrader and inhibitor to manifest anti-inflammatory effects. Conversely, in RAW264.7 cells, P8 solely acted as an inhibitor without exhibiting degradative capacity towards the STING protein level. Additionally, P8 displayed renal-protective properties in a cisplatin-induced acute kidney injury model. These results highlight the significant potential of further investigating compound P8.

The RIG-I-like receptor signaling pathway triggered by Staphylococcus aureus promotes breast cancer metastasis

Host microbes are increasingly recognized as key components in various types of cancer, although their exact impact remains unclear. This study investigated the functional significance of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) in breast cancer tumorigenesis and progression. We found that S. aureus invasion resulted in a compromised DNA damage response process, as evidenced by the absence of G1-phase arrest and apoptosis in breast cells in the background of double strand breaks production and the activation of the ataxia-telangiectasia mutated (ATM)-p53 signaling pathway. The high-throughput mRNA sequencing, bioinformatics analysis and pharmacological studies revealed that S. aureus facilitates breast cell metastasis through the innate immune pathway, particularly in cancer cells. During metastasis, S. aureus initially induced the expression of RIG-I-like receptors (RIG-I in normal breast cells, RIG-I and MDA5 in breast cancer cells), which in turn activated NF-κB p65 expression. We further showed that NF-κB p65 activated the CCL5-CCR5 pathway, contributing to breast cell metastasis. Our study provides novel evidence that the innate immune system, triggered by bacterial infection, plays a role in bacterial-driven cancer metastasis.

LncRNA HAR1A inhibits non-small cell lung cancer growth by downregulating c-MYC transcripts and facilitating its proteasomal degradation

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a primary cause of cancer-related mortality on a global scale. Research increasingly shows that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play crucial regulatory roles and serve as biomarkers for diagnosis, prognosis, therapy monitoring, and druggable targets in NSCLC. We previously identified HAR1A as a tumor-suppressing lncRNA in NSCLC, with its loss also observed in oral and hepatocellular carcinoma. This study aimed to expand the understanding of the functional role of HAR1A in NSCLC and uncover its underlying mechanisms. Our results demonstrated that elevating HAR1A levels impeded NSCLC cell proliferation and migration but promoted apoptosis, thereby boosting their susceptibility to cisplatin. Subsequently, we discovered that HAR1A enhanced cisplatin's cytotoxicity in NSCLC cells by curbing adaptive autophagy through the downregulation of MYC. Further analysis revealed that HAR1A suppresses MYC by both lowering its transcript levels and promoting protein ubiquitination and degradation, thereby restricting tumor cell proliferation, migration, and adaptive autophagy. In exploring MYC's targets, we observed that MYC upregulated the transcription of heat shock protein 90 alpha family class B member 1 (HSP90AB1/HSP90β) gene. Rescue experiments verified that HAR1A mitigated NSCLC cell proliferation and migration and induced apoptosis through the MYC/HSP90β axis. Finally, we confirmed that HAR1A overexpression increased cisplatin efficacy in nude mouse NSCLC xenograft models.In conclusion, the findings suggest that HAR1A could be a promising therapeutic target in treating NSCLC and biomarkers for predicting chemotherapy outcomes. This study provides new insights into the molecular mechanisms of chemoresistance in NSCLC and underscores the potential of lncRNA-based strategies in cancer therapy.