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Barbalho SM, de Alvares Goulart R, Minniti G, Bechara MD, de Castro MVM, Dias JA, Laurindo LF. Unraveling the rationale and conducting a comprehensive assessment of KD025 (Belumosudil) as a candidate drug for inhibiting adipogenic differentiation-a systematic review. NAUNYN-SCHMIEDEBERG'S ARCHIVES OF PHARMACOLOGY 2024; 397:2681-2699. [PMID: 37966572 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-023-02834-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023]
Abstract
Rho-associated kinases (ROCKs) are crucial during the adipocyte differentiation process. KD025 (Belumosudil) is a newly developed inhibitor that selectively targets ROCK2. It has exhibited consistent efficacy in impeding adipogenesis across a spectrum of in vitro models of adipogenic differentiation. Given the novelty of this treatment, a comprehensive systematic review has not been conducted yet. This systematic review aims to fill this knowledge void by providing readers with an extensive examination of the rationale behind KD025 and its impacts on adipogenesis. Preclinical evidence was gathered owing to the absence of clinical trials. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed, and the study's quality was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Checklist Critical Appraisal Tool for Systematic Reviews. In various in vitro models, such as 3T3-L1 cells, human orbital fibroblasts, and human adipose-derived stem cells, KD025 demonstrated potent anti-adipogenic actions. At a molecular level, KD025 had significant effects, including decreasing fibronectin (Fn) expression, inhibiting ROCK2 and CK2 activity, suppressing lipid droplet formation, and reducing the expression of proadipogenic genes peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) and CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein α (C/EBPα). Additionally, KD025 resulted in the suppression of fatty acid-binding protein 4 (FABP4 or AP2) expression, a decrease in sterol regulatory element binding protein 1c (SREBP-1c) and Glut-4 expression. Emphasis must be placed on the fact that while KD025 shows potential in preclinical studies and experimental models, extensive research is crucial to assess its efficacy, safety, and potential therapeutic applications thoroughly and directly in human subjects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Maria Barbalho
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Universidade de Marília (UNIMAR), Marília, São Paulo, 17525-902, Brazil
- Postgraduate Program in Structural and Functional Interactions in Rehabilitation, School of Medicine, Universidade de Marília (UNIMAR), Marília, São Paulo, 17525-902, Brazil
- Department of Biochemistry and Nutrition, School of Food and Technology of Marília (FATEC), Marília, São Paulo, 17500-000, Brazil
| | - Ricardo de Alvares Goulart
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Universidade de Marília (UNIMAR), Marília, São Paulo, 17525-902, Brazil
- Postgraduate Program in Structural and Functional Interactions in Rehabilitation, School of Medicine, Universidade de Marília (UNIMAR), Marília, São Paulo, 17525-902, Brazil
| | - Giulia Minniti
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Universidade de Marília (UNIMAR), Marília, São Paulo, 17525-902, Brazil
| | - Marcelo Dib Bechara
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Universidade de Marília (UNIMAR), Marília, São Paulo, 17525-902, Brazil
- Postgraduate Program in Structural and Functional Interactions in Rehabilitation, School of Medicine, Universidade de Marília (UNIMAR), Marília, São Paulo, 17525-902, Brazil
| | - Marcela Vialogo Marques de Castro
- Postgraduate Program in Structural and Functional Interactions in Rehabilitation, School of Medicine, Universidade de Marília (UNIMAR), Marília, São Paulo, 17525-902, Brazil
| | - Jefferson Aparecido Dias
- Postgraduate Program in Structural and Functional Interactions in Rehabilitation, School of Medicine, Universidade de Marília (UNIMAR), Marília, São Paulo, 17525-902, Brazil
| | - Lucas Fornari Laurindo
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Universidade de Marília (UNIMAR), Marília, São Paulo, 17525-902, Brazil.
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Faculdade de Medicina de Marília (FAMEMA), Marília, São Paulo, 17519-030, Brazil.
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He X, Fang J, Gong M, Zhang J, Xie R, Zhao D, Gu Y, Ma L, Pang X, Cui Y. Identification of immune-associated signatures and potential therapeutic targets for pulmonary arterial hypertension. J Cell Mol Med 2023; 27:3864-3877. [PMID: 37753829 PMCID: PMC10718157 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.17962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 09/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) comprises a heterogeneous group of diseases with diverse aetiologies. It is characterized by increased pulmonary arterial pressure and right ventricular (RV) failure without specific drugs for treatment. Emerging evidence suggests that inflammation and autoimmune disorders are common features across all PAH phenotypes. This provides a novel idea to explore the characteristics of immunological disorders in PAH and identify immune-related genes or biomarkers for specific anti-remodelling regimens. In this study, we integrated three gene expression profiles and performed Gene Ontology (GO) and KEGG pathway analysis. CIBERSORT was utilized to estimate the abundance of tissue-infiltrating immune cells in PAH. The PPI network and machine learning were constructed to identify immune-related hub genes and then evaluate the relationship between hub genes and differential immune cells using ImmucellAI. Additionally, we implemented molecular docking to screen potential small-molecule compounds based on the obtained genes. Our findings demonstrated the density and distribution of infiltrating CD4 T cells in PAH and identified four immune-related genes (ROCK2, ATHL1, HSP90AA1 and ACTR2) as potential targets. We also listed 20 promising molecules, including TDI01953, pemetrexed acid and radotinib, for PAH treatment. These results provide a promising avenue for further research into immunological disorders in PAH and potential novel therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu He
- Department of PharmacyPeking University First HospitalBeijingChina
- Institute of Clinical PharmacologyPeking University First HospitalBeijingChina
| | - Jiansong Fang
- Science and Technology Innovation CenterGuangzhou University of Chinese MedicineGuangzhouChina
| | - Mingli Gong
- Department of PharmacyPeking University First HospitalBeijingChina
- School of PharmacyXu Zhou Medical UniversityXuzhouChina
| | - Juqi Zhang
- Department of PharmacyPeking University First HospitalBeijingChina
- Institute of Clinical PharmacologyPeking University First HospitalBeijingChina
| | - Ran Xie
- Department of PharmacyPeking University First HospitalBeijingChina
| | - Dai Zhao
- Science and Technology Innovation CenterGuangzhou University of Chinese MedicineGuangzhouChina
| | - Yanlun Gu
- Department of PharmacyPeking University First HospitalBeijingChina
- Institute of Clinical PharmacologyPeking University First HospitalBeijingChina
| | - Lingyue Ma
- Department of PharmacyPeking University First HospitalBeijingChina
- Institute of Clinical PharmacologyPeking University First HospitalBeijingChina
| | - Xiaocong Pang
- Department of PharmacyPeking University First HospitalBeijingChina
- Institute of Clinical PharmacologyPeking University First HospitalBeijingChina
| | - Yimin Cui
- Department of PharmacyPeking University First HospitalBeijingChina
- Institute of Clinical PharmacologyPeking University First HospitalBeijingChina
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Zanin-Zhorov A, Chen W, Moretti J, Nyuydzefe MS, Zhorov I, Munshi R, Ghosh M, Serdjebi C, MacDonald K, Blazar BR, Palmer M, Waksal SD. Selectivity matters: selective ROCK2 inhibitor ameliorates established liver fibrosis via targeting inflammation, fibrosis, and metabolism. Commun Biol 2023; 6:1176. [PMID: 37980369 PMCID: PMC10657369 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-05552-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The pathogenesis of hepatic fibrosis is driven by dysregulated metabolism precipitated by chronic inflammation. Rho-associated coiled-coil-containing protein kinases (ROCKs) have been implicated in these processes, however the ability of selective ROCK2 inhibition to target simultaneously profibrotic, pro-inflammatory and metabolic pathways remains undocumented. Here we show that therapeutic administration of GV101, a selective ROCK2 inhibitor with more than 1000-fold selectivity over ROCK1, attenuates established liver fibrosis induced by thioacetamide (TAA) in combination with high-fat diet in mice. GV101 treatment significantly reduces collagen levels in liver, associated with downregulation of pCofilin, pSTAT3, pAkt, while pSTAT5 and pAMPK levels are increased in tissues of treated mice. In vitro, GV101 inhibits profibrogenic markers expression in fibroblasts, adipogenesis in primary adipocytes and TLR-induced cytokine secretion in innate immune cells via targeting of Akt-mTOR-S6K signaling axis, further uncovering the ROCK2-specific complex mechanism of action and therapeutic potential of highly selective ROCK2 inhibitors in liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Wei Chen
- Graviton Bioscience B.V, Amsterdam, 1017 CG, Netherlands
| | - Julien Moretti
- Graviton Bioscience B.V, Amsterdam, 1017 CG, Netherlands
| | | | - Iris Zhorov
- Graviton Bioscience B.V, Amsterdam, 1017 CG, Netherlands
| | | | | | | | - Kelli MacDonald
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, 4006, Australia
| | - Bruce R Blazar
- Division of Blood & Marrow Transplant & Cellular Therapies, University of MN, Masonic Cancer Center and Department of Pediatrics, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
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McInturff EL, France SP, Leverett CA, Flick AC, Lindsey EA, Berritt S, Carney DW, DeForest JC, Ding HX, Fink SJ, Gibson TS, Gray K, Hubbell AK, Johnson AM, Liu Y, Mahapatra S, McAlpine IJ, Watson RB, O'Donnell CJ. Synthetic Approaches to the New Drugs Approved During 2021. J Med Chem 2023; 66:10150-10201. [PMID: 37528515 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c00501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/03/2023]
Abstract
Each year, new drugs are introduced to the market, representing structures that have affinity for biological targets implicated in human diseases and conditions. These new chemical entities (NCEs), particularly small molecules and antibody-drug conjugates, provide insight into molecular recognition and serve as potential leads for the design of future medicines. This annual review is part of a continuing series highlighting the most likely process-scale synthetic approaches to 35 NCEs that were first approved anywhere in the world during 2021.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma L McInturff
- Groton Laboratories, Pfizer Worldwide Research and Development, 445 Eastern Point Road, Groton, Connecticut 06340, United States
| | - Scott P France
- Process Research & Development, Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, New Jersey 07065, United States
| | - Carolyn A Leverett
- Groton Laboratories, Pfizer Worldwide Research and Development, 445 Eastern Point Road, Groton, Connecticut 06340, United States
| | - Andrew C Flick
- Takeda Pharmaceuticals, 9625 Towne Centre Drive, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Erick A Lindsey
- Takeda Pharmaceuticals, 9625 Towne Centre Drive, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Simon Berritt
- Groton Laboratories, Pfizer Worldwide Research and Development, 445 Eastern Point Road, Groton, Connecticut 06340, United States
| | - Daniel W Carney
- Takeda Pharmaceuticals, 9625 Towne Centre Drive, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Jacob C DeForest
- La Jolla Laboratories, Pfizer Worldwide Research and Development, 10777 Science Center Drive, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Hong X Ding
- Pharmacodia (Beijing) Co. Ltd., Beijing, 100085, China
| | - Sarah J Fink
- Takeda Pharmaceuticals, 125 Binney Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - Tony S Gibson
- Takeda Pharmaceuticals, 9625 Towne Centre Drive, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Kaitlyn Gray
- Groton Laboratories, Pfizer Worldwide Research and Development, 445 Eastern Point Road, Groton, Connecticut 06340, United States
| | - Aran K Hubbell
- Groton Laboratories, Pfizer Worldwide Research and Development, 445 Eastern Point Road, Groton, Connecticut 06340, United States
| | - Amber M Johnson
- Groton Laboratories, Pfizer Worldwide Research and Development, 445 Eastern Point Road, Groton, Connecticut 06340, United States
| | - Yiyang Liu
- Groton Laboratories, Pfizer Worldwide Research and Development, 445 Eastern Point Road, Groton, Connecticut 06340, United States
| | - Subham Mahapatra
- Groton Laboratories, Pfizer Worldwide Research and Development, 445 Eastern Point Road, Groton, Connecticut 06340, United States
| | - Indrawan J McAlpine
- Genesis Therapeutics, 11568 Sorrento Valley Road, Suite 8, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Rebecca B Watson
- La Jolla Laboratories, Pfizer Worldwide Research and Development, 10777 Science Center Drive, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Christopher J O'Donnell
- Groton Laboratories, Pfizer Worldwide Research and Development, 445 Eastern Point Road, Groton, Connecticut 06340, United States
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Salhotra A, Sandhu K, O'Hearn J, Ali H, Nakamura R, Modi BG. A critical review of belumosudil in adult and pediatric patients with chronic graft-versus-host disease. Expert Rev Clin Immunol 2023; 19:241-251. [PMID: 36440483 DOI: 10.1080/1744666x.2023.2152330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD) is a complication of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT) and is the main cause of late non-relapse mortality (NRM). Three new agents are now approved to treat cGVHD, of which belumosudil has a unique and dual mechanism of action of i) targeting the Rho-GTPase-associated coiled-coil kinase 2 (ROCK2) in T helper follicular cells (TFH) and TH17 cells, this results in downregulation of proinflammatory cytokines (interleukin -21 and 17), the former in a STAT3-dependent mechanism, ii) inhibition of tissue fibrosis by targeting stress-induced polymerization of G-actin fibrils by inhibiting the Rho-ROCK-MRTF pathway. AREAS COVERED In this review we describe the epidemiology of cGVHD, its cardinal symptoms, preventive and therapeutic options, including second-line approved therapies in the United States (US). Clinical trial data that led to approval of belumosudil is discussed, in addition to the clinical scenarios in which the approved drugs may be most applicable. EXPERT OPINION Belumosudil is approved for treatment of adult and pediatric patients ≥ 12 years with cGVHD after failing two lines of therapy based on results of the ROCKstar study that showed high overall response rates (ORR), favorable adverse effect profiles, and low rates of severe infections. With the availability of three new agents for treatment of cGVHD, treating physicians have more therapeutic options for patients and have additional options of development new clinical trials using a combination of recently approved drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amandeep Salhotra
- Department of Hematology and HCT, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA, USA
| | - Karamjeet Sandhu
- Department of Hematology and HCT, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA, USA
| | - James O'Hearn
- Department of Hematology and HCT, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA, USA
| | - Haris Ali
- Department of Hematology and HCT, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA, USA
| | - Ryotaro Nakamura
- Department of Hematology and HCT, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA, USA
| | - Badri G Modi
- Department of Surgery, Division of Dermatology, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA, USA
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Schürmann M, Goon P, Sudhoff H. Review of potential medical treatments for middle ear cholesteatoma. Cell Commun Signal 2022; 20:148. [PMID: 36123729 PMCID: PMC9487140 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-022-00953-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Middle ear cholesteatoma (MEC), is a destructive, and locally invasive lesion in the middle ear driven by inflammation with an annual incidence of 10 per 100,000. Surgical extraction/excision remains the only treatment strategy available and recurrence is high (up to 40%), therefore developing the first pharmaceutical treatments for MEC is desperately required. This review was targeted at connecting the dysregulated inflammatory network of MEC to pathogenesis and identification of pharmaceutical targets. We summarized the numerous basic research endeavors undertaken over the last 30+ years to identify the key targets in the dysregulated inflammatory pathways and judged the level of evidence for a given target if it was generated by in vitro, in vivo or clinical experiments. MEC pathogenesis was found to be connected to cytokines characteristic for Th1, Th17 and M1 cells. In addition, we found that the inflammation created damage associated molecular patterns (DAMPs), which further promoted inflammation. Similar positive feedback loops have already been described for other Th1/Th17 driven inflammatory diseases (arthritis, Crohn’s disease or multiple sclerosis). A wide-ranging search for molecular targeted therapies (MTT) led to the discovery of over a hundred clinically approved drugs already applied in precision medicine. Based on exclusion criteria designed to enable fast translation as well as efficacy, we condensed the numerous MTTs down to 13 top drugs. The review should serve as groundwork for the primary goal, which is to provide potential pharmaceutical therapies to MEC patients for the first time in history. Video Abstract
Middle ear cholesteatoma (MEC) is a destructive and locally invasive ulcerated lesion in the middle ear driven by inflammation which occurs in 10 out of 100,000 people annually. Surgical extraction/excision is the only treatment strategy available and recurrence is high (up to 40% after ten years), therefore developing the first pharmaceutical treatments for MEC is desperately required. This review is focused on the connections between inflammation and MEC pathogenesis. These connections can be used as attack points for pharmaceuticals. For this we summarized the results of research undertaken over the last 30 + years. MEC pathogenesis can be described by specific inflammatory dysregulation already known from arthritis, Crohn’s disease or multiple sclerosis. A hallmark of this dysregulation are positive feedback loops of the inflammation further amplifying itself in a vicious circle-like manner. We have identified over one hundred drugs which are already used in clinic to treat other inflammatory diseases, and could potentially be repurposed to treat MEC. To improve and expedite clinical success rates, we applied certain criteria based on our literature searches and condensed these drugs down to the 13 top drugs. We hope the review will serve as groundwork for the primary goal, which is to provide potential pharmaceutical therapies to MEC patients for the first time in history.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Schürmann
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Universität Bielefeld, Teutoburger Str. 50, 33604, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Peter Goon
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Universität Bielefeld, Teutoburger Str. 50, 33604, Bielefeld, Germany.,Department of Medicine, National University of Singapore, and National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Holger Sudhoff
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Universität Bielefeld, Teutoburger Str. 50, 33604, Bielefeld, Germany.
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Levien TL, Baker DE. Formulary Drug Review: Belumosudil. Hosp Pharm 2022; 57:435-441. [PMID: 35898245 PMCID: PMC9310299 DOI: 10.1177/00185787211061381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/03/2023]
Abstract
Each month, subscribers to The Formulary Monograph Service receive 5 to 6 well-documented monographs on drugs that are newly released or are in late phase 3 trials. The monographs are targeted to Pharmacy & Therapeutics Committees. Subscribers also receive monthly 1-page summary monographs on agents that are useful for agendas and pharmacy/nursing in-services. A comprehensive target drug utilization evaluation/medication use evaluation (DUE/MUE) is also provided each month. With a subscription, the monographs are available online to subscribers. Monographs can be customized to meet the needs of a facility. Through the cooperation of The Formulary, Hospital Pharmacy publishes selected reviews in this column. For more information about The Formulary Monograph Service, contact Wolters Kluwer customer service at 866-397-3433.
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Funk-Hilsdorf TC, Behrens F, Grune J, Simmons S. Dysregulated Immunity in Pulmonary Hypertension: From Companion to Composer. Front Physiol 2022; 13:819145. [PMID: 35250621 PMCID: PMC8891568 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.819145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary hypertension (PH) represents a grave condition associated with high morbidity and mortality, emphasizing a desperate need for innovative and targeted therapeutic strategies. Cumulative evidence suggests that inflammation and dysregulated immunity interdependently affect maladaptive organ perfusion and congestion as hemodynamic hallmarks of the pathophysiology of PH. The role of altered cellular and humoral immunity in PH gains increasing attention, especially in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), revealing novel mechanistic insights into the underlying immunopathology. Whether these immunophysiological aspects display a universal character and also hold true for other types of PH (e.g., PH associated with left heart disease, PH-LHD), or whether there are unique immunological signatures depending on the underlying cause of disease are points of consideration and discussion. Inflammatory mediators and cellular immune circuits connect the local inflammatory landscape in the lung and heart through inter-organ communication, involving, e.g., the complement system, sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P), cytokines and subsets of, e.g., monocytes, macrophages, natural killer (NK) cells, dendritic cells (DCs), and T- and B-lymphocytes with distinct and organ-specific pro- and anti-inflammatory functions in homeostasis and disease. Perivascular macrophage expansion and monocyte recruitment have been proposed as key pathogenic drivers of vascular remodeling, the principal pathological mechanism in PAH, pinpointing toward future directions of anti-inflammatory therapeutic strategies. Moreover, different B- and T-effector cells as well as DCs may play an important role in the pathophysiology of PH as an imbalance of T-helper-17-cells (TH17) activated by monocyte-derived DCs, a potentially protective role of regulatory T-cells (Treg) and autoantibody-producing plasma cells occur in diverse PH animal models and human PH. This article highlights novel aspects of the innate and adaptive immunity and their interaction as disease mediators of PH and its specific subtypes, noticeable inflammatory mediators and summarizes therapeutic targets and strategies arising thereby.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa C. Funk-Hilsdorf
- Junior Research Group “Immunodynamics”, Institute of Physiology, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Laboratory of Lung Vascular Research, Institute of Physiology, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Berlin Institute of Health (BIH), Berlin, Germany
- DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), partner site Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Felix Behrens
- Junior Research Group “Immunodynamics”, Institute of Physiology, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Laboratory of Lung Vascular Research, Institute of Physiology, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Berlin Institute of Health (BIH), Berlin, Germany
- DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), partner site Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jana Grune
- Laboratory of Lung Vascular Research, Institute of Physiology, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), partner site Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Szandor Simmons
- Junior Research Group “Immunodynamics”, Institute of Physiology, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Laboratory of Lung Vascular Research, Institute of Physiology, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), partner site Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- *Correspondence: Szandor Simmons,
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Wei L, Shi J. Insight Into Rho Kinase Isoforms in Obesity and Energy Homeostasis. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:886534. [PMID: 35769086 PMCID: PMC9234286 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.886534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Obesity and associated complications increasingly jeopardize global health and contribute to the rapidly rising prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus and obesity-related diseases. Developing novel methods for the prevention and treatment of excess body adipose tissue expansion can make a significant contribution to public health. Rho kinase is a Rho-associated coiled-coil-containing protein kinase (Rho kinase or ROCK). The ROCK family including ROCK1 and ROCK2 has recently emerged as a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of metabolic disorders. Up-regulated ROCK activity has been involved in the pathogenesis of all aspects of metabolic syndrome including obesity, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia and hypertension. The RhoA/ROCK-mediated actin cytoskeleton dynamics have been implicated in both white and beige adipogenesis. Studies using ROCK pan-inhibitors in animal models of obesity, diabetes, and associated complications have demonstrated beneficial outcomes. Studies via genetically modified animal models further established isoform-specific roles of ROCK in the pathogenesis of metabolic disorders including obesity. However, most reported studies have been focused on ROCK1 activity during the past decade. Due to the progress in developing ROCK2-selective inhibitors in recent years, a growing body of evidence indicates more attention should be devoted towards understanding ROCK2 isoform function in metabolism. Hence, studying individual ROCK isoforms to reveal their specific roles and principal mechanisms in white and beige adipogenesis, insulin sensitivity, energy balancing regulation, and obesity development will facilitate significant breakthroughs for systemic treatment with isoform-selective inhibitors. In this review, we give an overview of ROCK functions in the pathogenesis of obesity and insulin resistance with a particular focus on the current understanding of ROCK isoform signaling in white and beige adipogenesis, obesity and thermogenesis in adipose tissue and other major metabolic organs involved in energy homeostasis regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Wei
- *Correspondence: Lei Wei, ; Jianjian Shi,
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10
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Zanin-Zhorov A, Blazar BR. ROCK2, a critical regulator of immune modulation and fibrosis has emerged as a therapeutic target in chronic graft-versus-host disease. Clin Immunol 2021; 230:108823. [PMID: 34400321 PMCID: PMC8456981 DOI: 10.1016/j.clim.2021.108823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Revised: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD) is an immune-mediated disorder characterized by chronic inflammation and fibrosis. Rho-associated coiled-coil-containing protein kinases (ROCKs) are key coordinators of tissue response to injury, regulating multiple functions, such as gene expression and cell migration, proliferation and survival. Relevant to cGVHD and autoimmunity, only the ROCK2 isoform drives a pro-inflammatory type 17 helper T (Th17) cell response. Moreover, ROCK2 inhibition shifts the Th17/regulatory T (Treg) cell balance toward Treg cells and restores immune homeostasis in animal models of autoimmunity and cGVHD. Furthermore, the selective inhibition of ROCK2 by belumosudil reduces fibrosis by downregulating both transforming growth factor-β signaling and profibrotic gene expression, thereby impeding the creation of focal adhesions. Consistent with its anti-inflammatory and antifibrotic activities, belumosudil has demonstrated efficacy in clinical studies, resulting in an overall response rate of >70% in patients with cGVHD who failed 2 to 5 prior lines of systemic therapy. In summary, selective ROCK2 inhibition has emerged as a promising novel therapeutic approach for treating cGVHD and other immunologic diseases with unique mechanisms of action, targeting both immune imbalance and detrimental fibrotic responses.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Bruce R Blazar
- University of Minnesota Cancer Center and Department of Pediatrics, Division of Blood & Marrow Transplant & Cellular Therapy, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA.
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11
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Lee JY, Stevens RP, Kash M, Zhou C, Koloteva A, Renema P, Paudel SS, Stevens T. KD025 Shifts Pulmonary Endothelial Cell Bioenergetics and Decreases Baseline Lung Permeability. Am J Respir Cell Mol Biol 2020; 63:519-530. [PMID: 32628869 DOI: 10.1165/rcmb.2019-0435oc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
KD025 is a ROCK2 inhibitor currently being tested in clinical trials for the treatment of fibrotic lung diseases. The therapeutic effects of KD025 are partly due to its inhibition of profibrotic pathways and fat metabolism. However, whether KD025 affects pulmonary microvascular endothelial cell (PMVEC) function is unknown, despite evidence that alveolar-capillary membrane disruption constitutes major causes of death in fibrotic lung diseases. We hypothesized that KD025 regulates PMVEC metabolism, pH, migration, and survival, a series of interrelated functional characteristics that determine pulmonary barrier integrity. We used PMVECs isolated from Sprague Dawley rats. KD025 dose-dependently decreased lactate production and glucose consumption. The inhibitory effect of KD025 was more potent compared with other metabolic modifiers, including 2-deoxy-glucose, extracellular acidosis, dichloroacetate, and remogliflozin. Interestingly, KD025 increased oxidative phosphorylation, whereas 2-deoxy-glucose did not. KD025 also decreased intracellular pH and induced a compensatory increase in anion exchanger 2. KD025 inhibited PMVEC migration, but fasudil (nonspecific ROCK inhibitor) did not. We tested endothelial permeability in vivo using Evans Blue dye in the bleomycin pulmonary fibrosis model. Baseline permeability was decreased in KD025-treated animals independent of bleomycin treatment. Under hypoxia, KD025 increased PMVEC necrosis as indicated by increased lactate dehydrogenase release and propidium iodide uptake and decreased ATP; it did not affect Annexin V binding. ROCK2 knockdown had no effect on PMVEC metabolism, pH, and migration, but it increased nonapoptotic caspase-3 activity. Together, we report that KD025 promotes oxidative phosphorylation; decreases glycolysis, intracellular pH, and migration; and strengthens pulmonary barrier integrity in a ROCK2-independent manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji Young Lee
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology.,Department of Internal Medicine.,Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine.,Center for Lung Biology.,College of Medicine, and.,University of South Alabama, Mobile, Alabama
| | - Reece P Stevens
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology.,Center for Lung Biology.,College of Medicine, and.,University of South Alabama, Mobile, Alabama
| | - Mary Kash
- College of Medicine, and.,University of South Alabama, Mobile, Alabama
| | - Chun Zhou
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology.,Center for Lung Biology.,College of Medicine, and.,University of South Alabama, Mobile, Alabama
| | - Anna Koloteva
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology.,Center for Lung Biology.,College of Medicine, and.,University of South Alabama, Mobile, Alabama
| | - Phoibe Renema
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology.,Center for Lung Biology.,College of Medicine, and.,University of South Alabama, Mobile, Alabama
| | - Sunita S Paudel
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology.,Center for Lung Biology.,College of Medicine, and.,University of South Alabama, Mobile, Alabama
| | - Troy Stevens
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology.,Department of Internal Medicine.,Center for Lung Biology.,College of Medicine, and.,University of South Alabama, Mobile, Alabama
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de Sousa GR, Vieira GM, das Chagas PF, Pezuk JA, Brassesco MS. Should we keep rocking? Portraits from targeting Rho kinases in cancer. Pharmacol Res 2020; 160:105093. [PMID: 32726671 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2020.105093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Revised: 07/15/2020] [Accepted: 07/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Cancer targeted therapy, either alone or in combination with conventional chemotherapy, could allow the survival of patients with neoplasms currently considered incurable. In recent years, the dysregulation of the Rho-associated coiled-coil kinases (ROCK1 and ROCK2) has been associated with increased metastasis and poorer patient survival in several tumor types, and due to their essential roles in regulating the cytoskeleton, have gained popularity and progressively been researched as targets for the development of novel anti-cancer drugs. Nevertheless, in a pediatric scenario, the influence of both isoforms on prognosis remains a controversial issue. In this review, we summarize the functions of ROCKs, compile their roles in human cancer and their value as prognostic factors in both, adult and pediatric cancer. Moreover, we provide the up-to-date advances on their pharmacological inhibition in pre-clinical models and clinical trials. Alternatively, we highlight and discuss detrimental effects of ROCK inhibition provoked not only by the action on off-targets, but most importantly, by pro-survival effects on cancer stem cells, dormant cells, and circulating tumor cells, along with cell-context or microenvironment-dependent contradictory responses. Together these drawbacks represent a risk for cancer cell dissemination and metastasis after anti-ROCK intervention, a caveat that should concern scientists and clinicians.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - María Sol Brassesco
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Philosophy, Sciences and Letters at Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Brazil.
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Identification of novel functions of the ROCK2-specific inhibitor KD025 by bioinformatics analysis. Gene 2020; 737:144474. [PMID: 32057928 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2020.144474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2019] [Revised: 02/06/2020] [Accepted: 02/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Rho-associated protein kinases (ROCKs) have various cellular functions, which include actin cytoskeleton remodeling and vesicular trafficking, and there are two major mammalian ROCK isotypes, namely, ROCK1 (ROKβ) and ROCK2 (ROKα). The ROCK2-specific inhibitor KD025 (SLx-2119) is currently undergoing phase II clinical trials, but its cellular functions have not been fully explored. In this study, we investigated the functions of KD025 at the genomics level by bioinformatics analysis using the GSE8686 microarray dataset from the NCBI GEO database, in three different primary human cell lines. An initial microarray analysis conducted by Boerma et al. focused on the effects of KD025 on cell adhesion and blood coagulation, but did not provide comprehensive information on the functions of KD025. Our analysis of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) showed ~70% coincidence with Boerma et al.'s findings, and newly identified that CCND1, CXCL2, NT5E, and SMOX were differentially expressed by KD025. However, due to low numbers of co-regulated DEGs, we were unable to extract the functions of KD025 with significance. To overcome this limitation, we used gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) and the heatmap hierarchical clustering method. We confirmed KD025 regulated inflammation and adipogenesis pathways, as previously reported experimentally. In addition, we found KD025 has novel regulatory functions on various pathways, including oxidative phosphorylation, WNT signaling, angiogenesis, and KRAS signaling. Further studies are required to systematically characterize these newly identified functions of KD025.
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14
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Storelli E, Cassina N, Rasini E, Marino F, Cosentino M. Do Th17 Lymphocytes and IL-17 Contribute to Parkinson's Disease? A Systematic Review of Available Evidence. Front Neurol 2019; 10:13. [PMID: 30733703 PMCID: PMC6353825 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2019.00013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2018] [Accepted: 01/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons, appearance of Lewy bodies and presence of neuroinflammation. No treatments currently exist to prevent PD or delay its progression, and dopaminergic substitution treatments just relieve the consequences of dopaminergic neuron loss. Increasing evidence points to peripheral T lymphocytes as key players in PD, and recently there has been growing interest into the specific role of T helper (Th) 17 lymphocytes. Th17 are a proinflammatory CD4+ T cell lineage named after interleukin (IL)-17, the main cytokine produced by these cells. Th17 are involved in immune-related disease such as psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease, and drugs targeting Th17/IL-17 are currently approved for clinical use in such disease. In the present paper, we first summarized current knowledge about contribution of the peripheral immune system in PD, as well as about the physiopharmacology of Th17 and IL-17 together with its therapeutic relevance. Thereafter, we systematically retrieved and evaluated published evidence about Th17 and IL-17 in PD, to help assessing Th17/IL-17-targeting drugs as potentially novel antiparkinson agents. Critical appraisal of the evidence did not allow to reach definite conclusions: both animal as well as clinical studies are limited, just a few provide mechanistic evidence and none of them investigates the eventual relationship between Th17/IL-17 and clinically relevant endpoints such as disease progression, disability scores, intensity of dopaminergic substitution treatment. Careful assessment of Th17 in PD is anyway a priority, as Th17/IL-17-targeting therapeutics might represent a straightforward opportunity for the unmet needs of PD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Marco Cosentino
- Center of Research in Medical Pharmacology, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
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