Wortmannin targeting phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase suppresses angiogenic factors in shear‐stressed endothelial cells

Vascular smooth muscle cell-derived exosomes promote osteoblast-to-osteocyte transition via β-catenin signaling

Blood vessel growth and osteogenesis in the skeletal system are coupled; however, fundamental aspects of vascular function in osteoblast-to-osteocyte transition remain unclear. Our study demonstrates that vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), but not endothelial cells, are sufficient to drive bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cell-derived osteoblast-to-osteocyte transition via β-catenin signaling and exosome-mediated communication. We found that VSMC-derived exosomes are loaded with transcripts encoding proteins associated with the osteocyte phenotype and members of the WNT/β-catenin signaling pathway. In contrast, endothelial cell-derived exosomes facilitated mature osteoblast differentiation by reprogramming the TGFB1 gene family and osteogenic transcription factors osterix (SP7) and RUNX2. Notably, VSMCs express significant levels of tetraspanins (CD9, CD63, and CD81) and drive the intracellular trafficking of exosomes with a lower membrane zeta potential than those from other cells. Additionally, the high ATP content within these exosomes supports mineralization mechanisms, as ATP is a substrate for alkaline phosphatase. Osteocyte function was further validated by RNA sequencing, revealing activity in genes related to intermittent mineralization and sonic hedgehog signaling, alongside a significant increase in TNFSF11 levels. Our findings unveil a novel role of VSMCs in promoting osteoblast-to-osteocyte transition, thus offering new insights into bone biology and homeostasis, as well as in bone-related diseases. Clinically, these insights could pave the way for innovative therapeutic strategies targeting VSMC-derived exosome pathways to treat bone-related disorders such as osteoporosis. By manipulating these signaling pathways, it may be possible to enhance bone regeneration and improve skeletal health in patients with compromised bone structure and function.

Detoxification and Activating Blood Circulation Decoction Promotes Reendothelialization of Damaged Blood Vessels via VEGF Signaling Pathway Activation by miRNA-126

The occurrence of in-stent restenosis (ISR) poses a significant challenge for percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Thus, the promotion of vascular reendothelialization is essential to inhibit endothelial proliferation. In this study, we clarified the mechanism by which Detoxification and Activating Blood Circulation Decoction (DABCD) promotes vascular reendothelialization to avoid ISR by miRNA-126-mediated modulation of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signaling pathway. A rat model of post-PCI restenosis was established by balloon injury. The injured aortic segment was collected 14 and 28 d after model establishment. Our findings indicate that on the 14th and 28th days following balloon injury, DABCD reduced intimal hyperplasia and inflammation and promoted vascular reendothelialization. Additionally, DABCD markedly increased nitric oxide (NO) expression and significantly decreased ET-1 production in rat serum. DABCD also increased the mRNA level of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and the protein expression of VEGF, p-Akt, and p-extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)1/2 in vascular tissue. Unexpectedly, the expression of miR-126a-5p mRNA was significantly lower in the aortic tissue of balloon-injured rats than in the aortic tissue of control rats, and higher miR-126a-5p levels were observed in the DABCD groups. The results of this study indicated that the vascular reendothelialization effect of DABCD on arterial intimal injury is associated with the inhibition of neointimal formation and the enhancement of vascular endothelial activity. More specifically, the effects of DABCD were mediated, at least in part, through miR-126-mediated VEGF signaling pathway activation.

Epigenetic changes in shear-stressed endothelial cells

Epigenetic changes, particularly histone compaction modifications, have emerged as critical regulators in the epigenetic pathway driving endothelial cell phenotype under constant exposure to laminar forces induced by blood flow. However, the underlying epigenetic mechanisms governing endothelial cell behavior in this context remain poorly understood. To address this knowledge gap, we conducted in vitro experiments using human umbilical vein endothelial cells subjected to various tensional forces simulating pathophysiological blood flow shear stress conditions, ranging from normotensive to hypertensive forces. Our study uncovers a noteworthy observation wherein endothelial cells exposed to high shear stress demonstrate a decrease in the epigenetic marks H3K4ac and H3K27ac, accompanied by significant alterations in the levels of HDAC (histone deacetylase) proteins. Moreover, we demonstrate a negative regulatory effect of increased shear stress on HOXA13 gene expression and a concomitant increase in the expression of the long noncoding RNA, HOTTIP, suggesting a direct association with the suppression of HOXA13. Collectively, these findings represent the first evidence of the role of histone-related epigenetic modifications in modulating chromatin compaction during mechanosignaling of endothelial cells in response to elevated shear stress forces. Additionally, our results highlight the importance of understanding the physiological role of HOXA13 in vascular biology and hypertensive patients, emphasizing the potential for developing small molecules to modulate its activity. These findings warrant further preclinical investigations and open new avenues for therapeutic interventions targeting epigenetic mechanisms in hypertensive conditions.

EGCG, a Green Tea Compound, Increases NO Production and Has Antioxidant Action in a Static and Shear Stress In Vitro Model of Preeclampsia

Preeclampsia (PE) is a gestational hypertensive disease characterized by endothelial dysfunction. Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), the main compound in green tea, is a promising therapeutic target for the disease. By activating eNOS, EGCG increased NO production and exerted an important antioxidant action, but its specific impact in the context of PE remains understudied. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of EGCG on endothelial function in static and shear stress in in vitro models of PE. Endothelial cells were incubated with healthy (HP) and preeclamptic (PE) pregnant women's plasma, and the latter group was treated with EGCG. Additionally, NOS (L-NAME) and PI3K protein (LY249002) inhibitors were also used. The levels of NO, ROS, and O2•- were evaluated, as well as the antioxidant potential. These investigations were also carried out in a shear stress model. We found that EGCG increases the NO levels, which were reduced in the PE group. This effect was attenuated with the use of L-NAME and LY249002. Furthermore, EGCG increased the antioxidant capacity of PE, but its action decreased with LY294002. In cells subjected to shear stress, EGCG increased nitrite levels in the PE group and maintained its action on the antioxidant capacity. This is the first study of the effects of EGCG in this experimental model, as well as the investigation of its effects along with shear stress. Our findings suggest that EGCG improves parameters of endothelial dysfunction in vitro, making it a promising target in the search for treatments for the disease.

Angiogenesis-on-a-chip coupled with single-cell RNA sequencing reveals spatially differential activations of autophagy along angiogenic sprouts

Several functions of autophagy associated with proliferation, differentiation, and migration of endothelial cells have been reported. Due to lack of models recapitulating angiogenic sprouting, functional heterogeneity of autophagy in endothelial cells along angiogenic sprouts remains elusive. Here, we apply an angiogenesis-on-a-chip to reconstruct 3D sprouts with clear endpoints. We perform single-cell RNA sequencing of sprouting endothelial cells from our chip to reveal high activation of autophagy in two endothelial cell populations- proliferating endothelial cells in sprout basements and stalk-like endothelial cells near sprout endpoints- and further the reciprocal expression pattern of autophagy-related genes between stalk- and tip-like endothelial cells near sprout endpoints, implying an association of autophagy with tip-stalk cell specification. Our results suggest a model describing spatially differential roles of autophagy: quality control of proliferating endothelial cells in sprout basements for sprout elongation and tip-stalk cell specification near sprout endpoints, which may change strategies for developing autophagy-based anti-angiogenic therapeutics.

Mechanosensing and Mechanosignal Transduction in Atherosclerosis

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This review aims to summarize the latest findings on mechanosensing in atherosclerosis, elucidating the molecular mechanisms, cellular players, and potential therapeutic targets.

RECENT FINDINGS

Atherosclerosis, a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by the buildup of lipid-laden plaque within arterial walls, is a major contributor to cardiovascular disease-related mortality and morbidity. Interestingly, atherosclerosis predominantly occurs in arterial areas with curves and branches. In these regions, endothelial cells encounter irregular blood flow with distinctive low-intensity fluctuating shear stress. On the other hand, straight sections of arteries, subjected to a consistent flow and related high-intensity, one-way shear stress, are relatively safeguarded against atherosclerosis due to shear-dependent, disease-preventing endothelial cell reactions. In recent years, researchers have been investigating the role of mechanosensing in the development and progression of atherosclerosis. At the core of mechanosensing is the ability of various cells to sense and respond to biomechanical forces in their environment. In the context of atherosclerosis, endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells, and immune cells are subjected to various mechanical or physical stimuli, including shear stress, cyclic strain, and matrix stiffness. These mechanical cues play a crucial role in regulating cellular behavior and contribute to the pathophysiology of atherosclerosis. Accumulating evidence suggests that various mechanical or physical cues play a critical role in the development and promotion of atherosclerosis.

Systemic Review of Clot Retraction Modulators

Through a process termed clot retraction, platelets cause thrombi to shrink and become more stable. After platelets are activated via inside-out signaling, glycoprotein αIIbβIII binds to fibrinogen and initiates a cascade of intracellular signaling that ends in actin remodeling, which causes the platelet to change its shape. Clot retraction is also important for wound healing. Although the detailed molecular biology of clot retraction is only partially understood, various substances and physiological conditions modulate clot retraction. In this review, we describe some of the current literature pertaining to clot retraction modulators. In addition, we discuss compounds from Cudrania trucuspidata, Arctium lappa, and Panax ginseng that diminish clot retraction and have numerous other health benefits. Caffeic acid and diindolylmethane, both common in plants and vegetables, likewise reduce clot retraction, as do all-trans retinoic acid (a vitamin A derivative), two MAP4K inhibitors, and the chemotherapeutic drug Dasatinib. Conversely, the endogenous anticoagulant Protein S (PS) and the matricellular protein secreted modular calcium-binding protein 1 (SMOC1) both enhance clot retraction. Most studies aiming to identify mechanisms of clot retraction modulators have focused on the increased phosphorylation of vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein and inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate receptor I and the decreased phosphorylation of various phospholipases (e.g., phospholipase A2 (PLA2) and phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase Cγ2 (PLCγ2), c-Jun N-terminal kinase, and (PI3Ks). One study focused on the decreased phosphorylation of Sarcoma Family Kinases (SFK), and others have focused on increased cAMP levels and the downregulation of inflammatory markers such as thromboxanes, including thromboxane A2 (TXA2) and thromboxane B2 (TXB2); prostaglandin A2 (PGE2); reactive oxygen species (ROS); and cyclooxygenase (COX) enzyme activity. Additionally, pregnancy, fibrinolysis, and the autoimmune condition systemic lupus erythematosus all seem to affect, or at least have some relation with, clot retraction. All the clot retraction modulators need in-depth study to explain these effects.

Adipogenesis-Related Metabolic Condition Affects Shear-Stressed Endothelial Cells Activity Responding to Titanium

PURPOSE

Obesity has increased around the world. Obese individuals need to be better assisted, with special attention given to dental and medical specialties. Among obesity-related complications, the osseointegration of dental implants has raised concerns. This mechanism depends on healthy angiogenesis surrounding the implanted devices. As an experimental analysis able to mimic this issue is currently lacking, we address this issue by proposing an in vitro high-adipogenesis model using differentiated adipocytes to further investigate their endocrine and synergic effect in endothelial cells responding to titanium.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Firstly, adipocytes (3T3-L1 cell line) were differentiated under two experimental conditions: Ctrl (normal glucose concentration) and High-Glucose Medium (50 mM of glucose), which was validated using Oil Red O Staining and inflammatory markers gene expression by qPCR. Further, the adipocyte-conditioned medium was enriched by two types of titanium-related surfaces: Dual Acid-Etching (DAE) and Nano-Hydroxyapatite blasted surfaces (nHA) for up to 24 h. Finally, the endothelial cells (ECs) were exposed in those conditioned media under shear stress mimicking blood flow. Important genes related to angiogenesis were then evaluated by using RT-qPCR and Western blot.

RESULTS

Firstly, the high-adipogenicity model using 3T3-L1 adipocytes was validated presenting an increase in the oxidative stress markers, concomitantly with an increase in intracellular fat droplets, pro-inflammatory-related gene expressions, and also the ECM remodeling, as well as modulating mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs). Additionally, Src was evaluated by Western blot, and its modulation can be related to EC survival signaling.

CONCLUSION

Our study provides an experimental model of high adipogenesis in vitro by establishing a pro-inflammatory environment and intracellular fat droplets. Additionally, the efficacy of this model to evaluate the EC response to titanium-enriched mediums under adipogenicity-related metabolic conditions was analyzed, revealing significant interference with EC performance. Altogether, these data gather valuable findings on understanding the reasons for the higher percentage of implant failures in obese individuals.

Berberine Improves TNF-α-Induced Hepatic Insulin Resistance by Targeting MEKK1/MEK Pathway

Berberine (BBR), a natural isoquinoline alkaloid exhibiting insulin sensitizing activity, has been applicated in the treatment of diabetes. However, until now, the exact target of BBR has not been well investigated. Here, primary hepatocytes pre-treated with TNF-α were used to evaluate the role of BBR on hepatic insulin sensitivity. Western blot and immunoprecipitation were used to investigate the effect of BBR on the crosstalk between TNF-α pathway and insulin signaling pathway. Molecular docking was used to verify the interactions between BBR and its potential targets. BBR inhibits the MEKK1 and MEK1/2, and thus suppresses the activation of their downstream ERK1/2. It attenuates the ERK1/2-induced serine phosphorylation of IRS-1 and thus enhances IRS-1 tyrosine phosphorylation and Akt activation. By molecular docking, BBR is proved to efficiently bind MEK1/2. MEKK1 is also considered as BBR target for its similarity in primary structure with MEK1/2. In conclusion, BBR ameliorates TNF-α-induced hepatic insulin resistance by targeting MEKK1 and MEK1/2.

Unraveling the Roles of Protein Kinases in Autophagy: An Update on Small-Molecule Compounds for Targeted Therapy

Protein kinases, which catalyze the phosphorylation of proteins, are involved in several important cellular processes, such as autophagy. Of note, autophagy, originally described as a mechanism for intracellular waste disposal and recovery, has been becoming a crucial biological process closely related to many types of human diseases. More recently, the roles of protein kinases in autophagy have been gradually elucidated, and the design of small-molecule compounds to modulate targets to positively or negatively interfere with the cytoprotective autophagy or autophagy-associated cell death may provide a new clue on the current targeted therapy. Thus, in this Perspective, we focus on summarizing the different roles of protein kinases, including positive, negative, and bidirectional regulations of autophagy. Moreover, we discuss several small-molecule compounds targeting these protein kinases in human diseases, highlighting their pivotal roles in autophagy for targeted therapeutic purposes.

Nanohydroxyapatite-Blasted Bioactive Surface Drives Shear-Stressed Endothelial Cell Growth and Angiogenesis

Nanosized crystalline hydroxyapatite coating (HAnano®) accelerates the osteointegration of dental implants which is hypothesized to drive angiogenesis. In order to test this hypothesis, we have subjected shear-stressed human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) to a HAnano®-enriched medium, as well as to surface presenting dual acid etching (DAE) as a control. To note, the titanium implants were coated with 10 nm in diameter HA particles using the Promimic HAnano method. Our data reveals that HAnano® modulates higher expression of genes related with endothelial cell performance and viability, such as VEGF, eNOS, and AKT, and further angiogenesis in vitro by promoting endothelial cell migration. Additionally, the data shows a significant extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling, and this finding seems developing a dual role in promoting the expression of VEGF and control endothelial cell growth during angiogenesis. Altogether, these data prompted us to further validate this phenomenon by exploring genes related with the control of cell cycle and in fact our data shows that HAnano® promotes higher expression of CDK4 gene, while p21 and p15 genes (suppressor genes) were significantly lower. In conjunction, our data shows for the first time that HAnano®-coated surfaces drive angiogenesis by stimulating a proliferative and migration phenotype of endothelial cells, and this finding opens novel comprehension about osseointegration mechanism considering nanosized hydroxyapatite coating dental implants.

Validated Impacts of N6-Methyladenosine Methylated mRNAs on Apoptosis and Angiogenesis in Myocardial Infarction Based on MeRIP-Seq Analysis

Objectives: N6-methyladenosine (m⁶A) is hypothesized to play a role in the regulation of pathogenesis of myocardial infarction (MI). This study was designed to compare m⁶A-tagged transcript profiles to identify mRNA-specific changes on pathophysiological variations after MI.

Methods: N6-methyladenosine methylated RNA immunoprecipitation sequencing (MeRIP-seq) and RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) were interacted to select m⁶A-modified mRNAs with samples collected from sham operated and MI rat models. m⁶A methylation regulated mRNAs were interacted with apoptosis/angiogenesis related genes in GeneCards. Afterwards, MeRIP-quantitative real-time PCR (MeRIP-qRT-PCR) was performed to measure m⁶A methylation level of hub mRNAs. m⁶A methylation variation was tested under different oxygen concentration or hypoxic duration in H9c2 cells and HUVECs. In addition, Western blot and qRT-PCR were employed to detect expression of hub mRNAs and relevant protein level. Flow cytometry and Tunel assay were conducted to assess apoptotic level. CCK-8, EdU, and tube formation assay were performed to measure cell proliferation and tube formation ability.

Results: Upregulation of Mettl3 was firstly observed in vivo and in vitro, followed by upregulation of m⁶A methylation level. A total of 567 significantly changed m⁶A methylation peaks were identified, including 276 upregulated and 291 downregulated peaks. A total of 576 mRNAs were upregulated and 78 were downregulated. According to combined analysis of MeRIP-seq and RNA-seq, we identified 26 significantly hypermethylated and downregulated mRNAs. Based on qRT-PCR and interactive analysis, Hadh, Kcnn1, and Tet1 were preliminarily identified as hub mRNAs associated with apoptosis/angiogenesis. MeRIP-qRT-PCR assay confirmed the results from MeRIP-seq. With the inhibition of Mettl3 in H9c2 cells and HUVECs, downregulated m⁶A methylation level of total RNA and upregulated expression of hub mRNAs were observed. Increased m⁶A level was verified in the gradient context in terms of prolonged hypoxic duration and decreased oxygen concentration. Under simulated hypoxia, roles of Kcnn1 and Tet1 in angiogenesis and Hadh, Tet1, and Kcnn1 in apoptosis were further confirmed with our validation experiments.

Conclusion: Roles of m⁶A-modified mRNA transcripts in the context of MI were preliminarily verified. In the context of m⁶A methylation, three hub mRNAs were validated to impact the process of apoptosis/angiogenesis. Our study provided theoretical basis and innovative targets for treatment of MI and paved the way for future investigations aiming at exploring upstream epigenetic mechanisms of pathogenesis after MI.

Identifying potential drug targets and candidate drugs for COVID-19: biological networks and structural modeling approaches

Background: Coronavirus (CoV) is an emerging human pathogen causing severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) around the world. Earlier identification of biomarkers for SARS can facilitate detection and reduce the mortality rate of the disease. Thus, by integrated network analysis and structural modeling approach, we aimed to explore the potential drug targets and the candidate drugs for coronavirus medicated SARS. Methods: Differentially expression (DE) analysis of CoV infected host genes (HGs) expression profiles was conducted by using the Limma. Highly integrated DE-CoV-HGs were selected to construct the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network.  Results: Using the Walktrap algorithm highly interconnected modules include module 1 (202 nodes); module 2 (126 nodes) and module 3 (121 nodes) modules were retrieved from the PPI network. MYC, HDAC9, NCOA3, CEBPB, VEGFA, BCL3, SMAD3, SMURF1, KLHL12, CBL, ERBB4, and CRKL were identified as potential drug targets (PDTs), which are highly expressed in the human respiratory system after CoV infection. Functional terms growth factor receptor binding, c-type lectin receptor signaling, interleukin-1 mediated signaling, TAP dependent antigen processing and presentation of peptide antigen via MHC class I, stimulatory T cell receptor signaling, and innate immune response signaling pathways, signal transduction and cytokine immune signaling pathways were enriched in the modules. Protein-protein docking results demonstrated the strong binding affinity (-314.57 kcal/mol) of the ERBB4-3cLpro complex which was selected as a drug target. In addition, molecular dynamics simulations indicated the structural stability and flexibility of the ERBB4-3cLpro complex. Further, Wortmannin was proposed as a candidate drug to ERBB4 to control SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis through inhibit receptor tyrosine kinase-dependent macropinocytosis, MAPK signaling, and NF-kb singling pathways that regulate host cell entry, replication, and modulation of the host immune system. Conclusion: We conclude that CoV drug target “ERBB4” and candidate drug “Wortmannin” provide insights on the possible personalized therapeutics for emerging COVID-19.

YAP promotes sorafenib resistance in hepatocellular carcinoma by upregulating survivin

BACKGROUND

Sorafenib is the standard first-line treatment for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but its use is hampered by secondary drug resistance. Yes-associated protein (YAP) is a downstream effector of the Hippo signaling pathway, which is crucial for liver tumorigenesis. As yet, however, the mechanism underlying sorafenib resistance and the role of YAP therein is not fully understood and needs to be explored further.

METHODS

Western blotting, flow cytometry and CCK-8 assays were used to assess the role of YAP in HCC sorafenib resistance. Next, qRT-PCR and Western blotting were performed to identify survivin as a YAP downstream effector, and rescue experiments were performed to confirm that YAP induces sorafenib resistance via survivin. Additionally, Western blotting, flow cytometry and in vivo xenograft models were used to evaluate the effect of verteporfin in combination with sorafenib on HCC.

RESULTS

We found that sorafenib enhances YAP nuclear accumulation and activation, thereby promoting sorafenib resistance through inhibiting apoptosis in HCC cells. In addition, we found that survivin acts as a downstream mediator of YAP to resist sorafenib-induced apoptosis. Pharmacological inhibition of YAP by verteporfin increased the sensitivity of HCC cells to sorafenib and reversed sorafenib resistance. Moreover, verteporfin in combination with sorafenib significantly suppressed in vivo HCC tumor growth.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data indicate that YAP promotes sorafenib resistance through upregulation of survivin expression in HCC cells. Targeting YAP may be a therapeutic strategy to improve the antitumor effects of sorafenib in HCC.

PI3K/AKT signaling drives titanium-induced angiogenic stimulus

Although osseointegration and clinical success of titanium (Ti)-implanted materials depend on neovascularization in the reactional peri-implant tissue, very little has been achieved considering the Ti-molecules release on the behavior of endothelial cells. To address this issue, we challenged endothelial cells (HUVECs) with Ti-enriched medium obtained from two types of commercial titanium surfaces [presenting or not dual-acid etching (DAE)] up to 72 h to allow molecular machinery analysis. Our data show that the Ti-enriched medium provokes significant stimulus of angiogenesis-related machinery in endothelial cells by upexpressing VEGFR1, VEGFR2, VEGF, eNOS, and iNOS genes, while the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway was also significantly enhanced. As PI3K/AKT signaling was related to angiogenesis in response to vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), we addressed the importance of PI3K/Akt upon Ti-enriched medium responses by concomitantly treating the cells with wortmannin, a well-known PI3K inhibitor. Wortmannin suppressed the angiogenic factors, because VEGF, VEGFR1, and eNOS genes were downregulated in those cells, highlighting the importance of PI3K/AKT signaling on driving angiogenic phenotype and angiogenesis performance within the peri-implant tissue reaction. In conjunction, these data reinforce that titanium-implantable devices modify the metabolism of surrounding cells, such as endothelial cells, probably coupling osteogenesis and angiogenesis processes in peri-implant tissue and then contributing to successfully osseointegration of biomedical titanium-based devices.

Identifying potential drug targets and candidate drugs for COVID-19: biological networks and structural modeling approaches

Background: Coronavirus (CoV) is an emerging human pathogen causing severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) around the world. Earlier identification of biomarkers for SARS can facilitate detection and reduce the mortality rate of the disease. Thus, by integrated network analysis and structural modeling approach, we aimed to explore the potential drug targets and the candidate drugs for coronavirus medicated SARS. Methods: Differentially expression (DE) analysis of CoV infected host genes (HGs) expression profiles was conducted by using the Limma. Highly integrated DE-CoV-HGs were selected to construct the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network.  Results: Using the Walktrap algorithm highly interconnected modules include module 1 (202 nodes); module 2 (126 nodes) and module 3 (121 nodes) modules were retrieved from the PPI network. MYC, HDAC9, NCOA3, CEBPB, VEGFA, BCL3, SMAD3, SMURF1, KLHL12, CBL, ERBB4, and CRKL were identified as potential drug targets (PDTs), which are highly expressed in the human respiratory system after CoV infection. Functional terms growth factor receptor binding, c-type lectin receptor signaling, interleukin-1 mediated signaling, TAP dependent antigen processing and presentation of peptide antigen via MHC class I, stimulatory T cell receptor signaling, and innate immune response signaling pathways, signal transduction and cytokine immune signaling pathways were enriched in the modules. Protein-protein docking results demonstrated the strong binding affinity (-314.57 kcal/mol) of the ERBB4-3cLpro complex which was selected as a drug target. In addition, molecular dynamics simulations indicated the structural stability and flexibility of the ERBB4-3cLpro complex. Further, Wortmannin was proposed as a candidate drug to ERBB4 to control SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis through inhibit receptor tyrosine kinase-dependent macropinocytosis, MAPK signaling, and NF-kb singling pathways that regulate host cell entry, replication, and modulation of the host immune system. Conclusion: We conclude that CoV drug target "ERBB4" and candidate drug "Wortmannin" provide insights on the possible personalized therapeutics for emerging COVID-19.

Identifying potential drug targets and candidate drugs for COVID-19: biological networks and structural modeling approaches

Background: Coronavirus (CoV) is an emerging human pathogen causing severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) around the world. Earlier identification of biomarkers for SARS can facilitate detection and reduce the mortality rate of the disease. Thus, by integrated network analysis and structural modeling approach, we aimed to explore the potential drug targets and the candidate drugs for coronavirus medicated SARS. Methods: Differentially expression (DE) analysis of CoV infected host genes (HGs) expression profiles was conducted by using the Limma. Highly integrated DE-CoV-HGs were selected to construct the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network.  Results: Using the Walktrap algorithm highly interconnected modules include module 1 (202 nodes); module 2 (126 nodes) and module 3 (121 nodes) modules were retrieved from the PPI network. MYC, HDAC9, NCOA3, CEBPB, VEGFA, BCL3, SMAD3, SMURF1, KLHL12, CBL, ERBB4, and CRKL were identified as potential drug targets (PDTs), which are highly expressed in the human respiratory system after CoV infection. Functional terms growth factor receptor binding, c-type lectin receptor signaling, interleukin-1 mediated signaling, TAP dependent antigen processing and presentation of peptide antigen via MHC class I, stimulatory T cell receptor signaling, and innate immune response signaling pathways, signal transduction and cytokine immune signaling pathways were enriched in the modules. Protein-protein docking results demonstrated the strong binding affinity (-314.57 kcal/mol) of the ERBB4-3cLpro complex which was selected as a drug target. In addition, molecular dynamics simulations indicated the structural stability and flexibility of the ERBB4-3cLpro complex. Further, Wortmannin was proposed as a candidate drug to ERBB4 to control SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis through inhibit receptor tyrosine kinase-dependent macropinocytosis, MAPK signaling, and NF-kb singling pathways that regulate host cell entry, replication, and modulation of the host immune system. Conclusion: We conclude that CoV drug target "ERBB4" and candidate drug "Wortmannin" provide insights on the possible personalized therapeutics for emerging COVID-19.

The Exploitation of Liposomes in the Inhibition of Autophagy to Defeat Drug Resistance

Autophagy is a mechanism involved in many human diseases and in cancers can have a cytotoxic/cytostatic or protective action, being in the latter case involved in multidrug resistance. Understanding which of these roles autophagy has in cancer is thus fundamental for therapeutical decisions because it permits to optimize the therapeutical approach by activating or inhibiting autophagy according to the progression of the disease. However, a serious drawback of cancer treatment is often the scarce availability of drugs and autophagy modulators at the sites of interest. In the recent years, several nanocarriers have been developed and investigated to improve the solubility, bioavailability, controlled release of therapeutics and increase their cytotoxic effect on cancer cell. Here we have reviewed only liposomes as carriers of chemotherapeutics and autophagy inhibitors because they have low toxicity and immunogenicity and they are biodegradable and versatile. In this review after the analysis of the dual role of autophagy, of the main autophagic pathways, and of the role of autophagy in multidrug resistance, we will focus on the most effective liposomal formulations, thus highlighting the great potential of these targeting systems to defeat cancer diseases.