Novel insights into the nervous system affected by prolonged hyperglycemia

Pathological role of RAGE underlying progression of various diseases: its potential as biomarker and therapeutic target

The receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) is a multi-ligand receptor with several structural types, performing a myriad of molecular mechanisms. The RAGE-ligand interactions play important roles in maintaining latent chronic inflammation, and oxidative damage underlying various pathological conditions like metabolic syndrome (MetS), neurodegenerative diseases, stroke, cardiovascular disorders, pulmonary disorders, cancer and infections. RAGE is thoroughly explored in knockout animals and human trials, targeted by small molecule inhibitors, peptides, diet, and natural compounds. But it is yet to be incorporated in the mainstream management of any ailment. This review performs an appraisal of the pathological mechanisms influenced by RAGE to uncover its prospects as a biomarker while also assessing its power to become a promising therapeutic target.

Role of Receptor for Advanced Glycation End-Products in Endometrial Cancer: A Review

Endometrial cancer (EC) is the most common gynecological malignancy. EC is associated with metabolic disorders that may promote non-enzymatic glycation and activate the receptor for advanced glycation end-products (RAGE) signaling pathways. Thus, we assumed that RAGE and its ligands may contribute to EC. Of particular interest is the interaction between diaphanous-related formin 1 (Diaph1) and RAGE during the progression of human cancers. Diaph1 is engaged in the proper organization of actin cytoskeletal dynamics, which is crucial in cancer invasion, metastasis, angiogenesis, and axonogenesis. However, the detailed molecular role of RAGE in EC remains uncertain. In this review, we discuss epigenetic factors that may play a key role in the RAGE-dependent endometrial pathology. We propose that DNA methylation may regulate the activity of the RAGE pathway in the uterus. The accumulation of negative external factors, such as hyperglycemia, inflammation, and oxidative stress, may interfere with the DNA methylation process. Therefore, further research should take into account the role of epigenetic mechanisms in EC progression.

Mammalian Diaphanous1 signalling in neurovascular complications of diabetes

Over the past few decades, diabetes gradually has become one of the top non-communicable disorders, affecting 476.0 million in 2017 and is predicted to reach 570.9 million people in 2025. It is estimated that 70 to 100% of all diabetic patients will develop some if not all, diabetic complications over the course of the disease. Despite different symptoms, mechanisms underlying the development of diabetic complications are similar, likely stemming from deficits in both neuronal and vascular components supplying hyperglycaemia-susceptible tissues and organs. Diaph1, protein diaphanous homolog 1, although mainly known for its regulatory role in structural modification of actin and related cytoskeleton proteins, in recent years attracted research attention as a cytoplasmic partner of the receptor of advanced glycation end-products (RAGE) a signal transduction receptor, whose activation triggers an increase in proinflammatory molecules, oxidative stressors and cytokines in diabetes and its related complications. Both Diaph1 and RAGE are also a part of the RhoA signalling cascade, playing a significant role in the development of neurovascular disturbances underlying diabetes-related complications. In this review, based on the existing knowledge as well as compelling findings from our past and present studies, we address the role of Diaph1 signalling in metabolic stress and neurovascular degeneration in diabetic complications. In light of the most recent developments in biochemical, genomic and transcriptomic research, we describe current theories on the aetiology of diabetes complications, highlighting the function of the Diaph1 signalling system and its role in diabetes pathophysiology.

Novel insights into RAGE signaling pathways during the progression of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in RAGE-deficient SOD1 G93A mice

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is neurodegenerative disease characterized by a progressive loss of motor neurons resulting in paralysis and muscle atrophy. One of the most prospective hypothesis on the ALS pathogenesis suggests that excessive inflammation and advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) accumulation play a crucial role in the development of ALS in patients and SOD1 G93A mice. Hence, we may speculate that RAGE, receptor for advanced glycation end-products and its proinflammatory ligands such as: HMGB1, S100B and CML contribute to ALS pathogenesis. The aim of our studies was to decipher the role of RAGE as well as provide insight into RAGE signaling pathways during the progression of ALS in SOD1 G93A and RAGE-deficient SOD1 G93A mice. In our study, we observed alternations in molecular pattern of proinflammatory RAGE ligands during progression of disease in RAGE KO SOD1 G93A mice compared to SOD1 G93A mice. Moreover, we observed that the amount of beta actin (ACTB) as well as Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) was elevated in SOD1 G93A mice when compared to mice with deletion of RAGE. These data contributes to our understanding of implications of RAGE and its ligands in pathogenesis of ALS and highlight potential targeted therapeutic interventions at the early stage of this devastating disease. Moreover, inhibition of the molecular cross-talk between RAGE and its proinflammatory ligands may abolish neuroinflammation, gliosis and motor neuron damage in SOD1 G93A mice. Hence, we hypothesize that attenuated interaction of RAGE with its proinflammatory ligands may improve well-being and health status during ALS in SOD1 G93A mice. Therefore, we emphasize that the inhibition of RAGE signaling pathway may be a therapeutic target for neurodegenerative diseases.