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Ma Y, Shao G, Xie Y, Yang D, Li K, Tan B, Wang C, Sun P, Cao J. Multiomics Analysis of Interleukin-21 as a Potential Immunologic and Biomarker in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. J Immunother 2024:00002371-990000000-00106. [PMID: 38832536 DOI: 10.1097/cji.0000000000000526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
Interleukin-21 (IL-21) is an important antitumor cytokine that contributes to the proliferation and differentiation of CD8+ T cells. It has been proven to enhance the response to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in various solid tumors. However, its role in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has not yet been clarified. In this research, we aimed to investigate the antitumor effect of IL-21 in HCC and its effect on ICI treatment. Through transcriptome sequencing analysis and immunohistochemistry validation, we found that patients with high IL-21 expression had a better prognosis. HCCs with high expression of IL-21 had higher infiltration of CD8+ T cells, increased expression of immune checkpoints, and an improved response to ICI treatment. In conclusion, IL-21 can enhance the efficacy of ICI treatment and improve the prognosis of patients by promoting the infiltration of CD8+ T cells and the expression of immune checkpoint-related genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yonghui Ma
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
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Tomasello B, Bellia F, Naletova I, Magrì A, Tabbì G, Attanasio F, Tomasello MF, Cairns WRL, Fortino M, Pietropaolo A, Greco V, La Mendola D, Sciuto S, Arena G, Rizzarelli E. BDNF- and VEGF-Responsive Stimulus to an NGF Mimic Cyclic Peptide with Copper Ionophore Capability and Ctr1/CCS-Driven Signaling. ACS Chem Neurosci 2024; 15:1755-1769. [PMID: 38602894 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.3c00716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Neurotrophins are a family of growth factors that play a key role in the development and regulation of the functioning of the central nervous system. Their use as drugs is made difficult by their poor stability, cellular permeability, and side effects. Continuing our effort to use peptides that mimic the neurotrophic growth factor (NGF), the family model protein, and specifically the N-terminus of the protein, here we report on the spectroscopic characterization and resistance to hydrolysis of the 14-membered cyclic peptide reproducing the N-terminus sequence (SSSHPIFHRGEFSV (c-NGF(1-14)). Far-UV CD spectra and a computational study show that this peptide has a rigid conformation and left-handed chirality typical of polyproline II that favors its interaction with the D5 domain of the NGF receptor TrkA. c-NGF(1-14) is able to bind Cu2+ with good affinity; the resulting complexes have been characterized by potentiometric and spectroscopic measurements. Experiments on PC12 cells show that c-NGF(1-14) acts as an ionophore, influencing the degree and the localization of both the membrane transporter (Ctr1) and the copper intracellular transporter (CCS). c-NGF(1-14) induces PC12 differentiation, mimics the protein in TrkA phosphorylation, and activates the kinase cascade, inducing Erk1/2 phosphorylation. c-NGF(1-14) biological activities are enhanced when the peptide interacts with Cu2+ even with the submicromolar quantities present in the culture media as demonstrated by ICP-OES measurements. Finally, c-NGF(1-14) and Cu2+ concur to activate the cAMP response element-binding protein CREB that, in turn, induces the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) release.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Tomasello
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, V.le Andrea Doria 6, Catania 95125, Italy
| | - Francesco Bellia
- Institute of Crystallography, CNR, P. Gaifami 18, Catania 95126, Italy
| | - Irina Naletova
- Institute of Crystallography, CNR, P. Gaifami 18, Catania 95126, Italy
| | - Antonio Magrì
- Institute of Crystallography, CNR, P. Gaifami 18, Catania 95126, Italy
| | - Giovanni Tabbì
- Institute of Crystallography, CNR, P. Gaifami 18, Catania 95126, Italy
| | | | | | - Warren R L Cairns
- Istituto di Scienze Polari (ISP), c/o Campus Scientifico, Università Ca' Foscari Venezia Via Torino, Venezia Mestre 155-30170, Italy
| | - Mariagrazia Fortino
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Salute, Università di Catanzaro, Viale Europa, Catanzaro 88100, Italy
| | - Adriana Pietropaolo
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Salute, Università di Catanzaro, Viale Europa, Catanzaro 88100, Italy
| | - Valentina Greco
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Catania, A. Doria 6, Catania 95125, Italy
| | - Diego La Mendola
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Pisa, Bonanno Pisano 12, Pisa 56126, Italy
| | - Sebastiano Sciuto
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Catania, A. Doria 6, Catania 95125, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Arena
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Catania, A. Doria 6, Catania 95125, Italy
| | - Enrico Rizzarelli
- Institute of Crystallography, CNR, P. Gaifami 18, Catania 95126, Italy
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Catania, A. Doria 6, Catania 95125, Italy
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Tao Y, Zhao R, Yang B, Han J, Li Y. Dissecting the shared genetic landscape of anxiety, depression, and schizophrenia. J Transl Med 2024; 22:373. [PMID: 38637810 PMCID: PMC11025255 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-024-05153-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Numerous studies highlight the genetic underpinnings of mental disorders comorbidity, particularly in anxiety, depression, and schizophrenia. However, their shared genetic loci are not well understood. Our study employs Mendelian randomization (MR) and colocalization analyses, alongside multi-omics data, to uncover potential genetic targets for these conditions, thereby informing therapeutic and drug development strategies. METHODS We utilized the Consortium for Linkage Disequilibrium Score Regression (LDSC) and Mendelian Randomization (MR) analysis to investigate genetic correlations among anxiety, depression, and schizophrenia. Utilizing GTEx V8 eQTL and deCODE Genetics pQTL data, we performed a three-step summary-data-based Mendelian randomization (SMR) and protein-protein interaction analysis. This helped assess causal and comorbid loci for these disorders and determine if identified loci share coincidental variations with psychiatric diseases. Additionally, phenome-wide association studies, drug prediction, and molecular docking validated potential drug targets. RESULTS We found genetic correlations between anxiety, depression, and schizophrenia, and under a meta-analysis of MR from multiple databases, the causal relationships among these disorders are supported. Based on this, three-step SMR and colocalization analyses identified ITIH3 and CCS as being related to the risk of developing depression, while CTSS and DNPH1 are related to the onset of schizophrenia. BTN3A1, PSMB4, and TIMP4 were identified as comorbidity loci for both disorders. Molecules that could not be determined through colocalization analysis were also presented. Drug prediction and molecular docking showed that some drugs and proteins have good binding affinity and available structural data. CONCLUSIONS Our study indicates genetic correlations and shared risk loci between anxiety, depression, and schizophrenia. These findings offer insights into the underlying mechanisms of their comorbidities and aid in drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiming Tao
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Hankou, Wuhan, 430030, China
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, 250101, Shandong, China
| | - Rui Zhao
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Afliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400042, China
| | - Bin Yang
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Hankou, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Jie Han
- Department of Emergency, School of Medicine, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, China.
| | - Yongsheng Li
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Hankou, Wuhan, 430030, China.
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Gao L, Zhang A. Copper-instigated modulatory cell mortality mechanisms and progress in oncological treatment investigations. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1236063. [PMID: 37600774 PMCID: PMC10433393 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1236063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Copper, a transition metal, serves as an essential co-factor in numerous enzymatic active sites and constitutes a vital trace element in the human body, participating in crucial life-sustaining activities such as energy metabolism, antioxidation, coagulation, neurotransmitter synthesis, iron metabolism, and tetramer deposition. Maintaining the equilibrium of copper ions within biological systems is of paramount importance in the prevention of atherosclerosis and associated cardiovascular diseases. Copper induces cellular demise through diverse mechanisms, encompassing reactive oxygen species responses, apoptosis, necrosis, pyroptosis, and mitochondrial dysfunction. Recent research has identified and dubbed a novel regulatory cell death modality-"cuprotosis"-wherein copper ions bind to acylated proteins in the tricarboxylic acid cycle of mitochondrial respiration, resulting in protein aggregation, subsequent downregulation of iron-sulfur cluster protein expression, induction of proteotoxic stress, and eventual cell death. Scholars have synthesized copper complexes by combining copper ions with various ligands, exploring their significance and applications in cancer therapy. This review comprehensively examines the multiple pathways of copper metabolism, copper-induced regulatory cell death, and the current status of copper complexes in cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Gao
- Medical Imaging Department, Huabei Petroleum Administration Bureau General Hospital, Renqiu, China
| | - Anqi Zhang
- Oncology Department, Huabei Petroleum Administration Bureau General Hospital, Renqiu, China
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Chandler CE, Hernandez FG, Totten M, Robinett NG, Schatzman SS, Zhang SX, Culotta VC. Biochemical Analysis of CaurSOD4, a Potential Therapeutic Target for the Emerging Fungal Pathogen Candida auris. ACS Infect Dis 2022; 8:584-595. [PMID: 35179882 PMCID: PMC9906785 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.1c00590] [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: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Candida auris is an emerging multidrug-resistant fungal pathogen. With high mortality rates, there is an urgent need for new antifungals to combat C. auris. Possible antifungal targets include Cu-only superoxide dismutases (SODs), extracellular SODs that are unique to fungi and effectively combat the superoxide burst of host immunity. Cu-only SODs are essential for the virulence of diverse fungal pathogens; however, little is understood about these enzymes in C. auris. We show here that C. auris secretes an enzymatically active Cu-only SOD (CaurSOD4) when cells are starved for Fe, a condition mimicking host environments. Although predicted to attach to cell walls, CaurSOD4 is detected as a soluble extracellular enzyme and can act at a distance to remove superoxide. CaurSOD4 selectively binds Cu and not Zn, and Cu binding is labile compared to bimetallic Cu/Zn SODs. Moreover, CaurSOD4 is susceptible to inhibition by various metal-binding drugs that are without effect on mammalian Cu/Zn SODs. Our studies highlight CaurSOD4 as a potential antifungal target worthy of consideration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Courtney E Chandler
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, United States
| | - Francisco G Hernandez
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, United States
| | - Marissa Totten
- Divsion of Medical Microbiology, Department of Pathology and Division of Microbiology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21287, United States
| | - Natalie G Robinett
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, United States
| | - Sabrina S Schatzman
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, United States
| | - Sean X Zhang
- Divsion of Medical Microbiology, Department of Pathology and Division of Microbiology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21287, United States
| | - Valeria C Culotta
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, United States
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All Roads Lead to Rome: Different Molecular Players Converge to Common Toxic Pathways in Neurodegeneration. Cells 2021; 10:cells10092438. [PMID: 34572087 PMCID: PMC8468417 DOI: 10.3390/cells10092438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Revised: 09/12/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Multiple neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs) such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease (PD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and Huntington’s disease (HD) are being suggested to have common cellular and molecular pathological mechanisms, characterized mainly by protein misfolding and aggregation. These large inclusions, most likely, represent an end stage of a molecular cascade; however, the soluble misfolded proteins, which take part in earlier steps of this cascade, are the more toxic players. These pathological proteins, which characterize each specific disease, lead to the selective vulnerability of different neurons, likely resulting from a combination of different intracellular mechanisms, including mitochondrial dysfunction, ER stress, proteasome inhibition, excitotoxicity, oxidative damage, defects in nucleocytoplasmic transport, defective axonal transport and neuroinflammation. Damage within these neurons is enhanced by damage from the nonneuronal cells, via inflammatory processes that accelerate the progression of these diseases. In this review, while acknowledging the hallmark proteins which characterize the most common NDDs; we place specific focus on the common overlapping mechanisms leading to disease pathology despite these different molecular players and discuss how this convergence may occur, with the ultimate hope that therapies effective in one disease may successfully translate to another.
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Redox-Active Metal Ions and Amyloid-Degrading Enzymes in Alzheimer's Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22147697. [PMID: 34299316 PMCID: PMC8307724 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22147697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Revised: 07/11/2021] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Redox-active metal ions, Cu(I/II) and Fe(II/III), are essential biological molecules for the normal functioning of the brain, including oxidative metabolism, synaptic plasticity, myelination, and generation of neurotransmitters. Dyshomeostasis of these redox-active metal ions in the brain could cause Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Thus, regulating the levels of Cu(I/II) and Fe(II/III) is necessary for normal brain function. To control the amounts of metal ions in the brain and understand the involvement of Cu(I/II) and Fe(II/III) in the pathogenesis of AD, many chemical agents have been developed. In addition, since toxic aggregates of amyloid-β (Aβ) have been proposed as one of the major causes of the disease, the mechanism of clearing Aβ is also required to be investigated to reveal the etiology of AD clearly. Multiple metalloenzymes (e.g., neprilysin, insulin-degrading enzyme, and ADAM10) have been reported to have an important role in the degradation of Aβ in the brain. These amyloid degrading enzymes (ADE) could interact with redox-active metal ions and affect the pathogenesis of AD. In this review, we introduce and summarize the roles, distributions, and transportations of Cu(I/II) and Fe(II/III), along with previously invented chelators, and the structures and functions of ADE in the brain, as well as their interrelationships.
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High fat suppresses SOD1 activity by reducing copper chaperone for SOD1 associated with neurodegeneration and memory decline. Life Sci 2021; 272:119243. [PMID: 33607157 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2021.119243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Revised: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 02/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
High fat consumption leads to reactive oxygen species (ROS) which is associated with age-progressive neurological disorders. Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD1) is a critical enzyme against ROS. However, the relationship between SOD1 and the high-fat-induced ROS and neurodegeneration is poorly known. Here we showed that, upon treatment with a saturated fatty acid palmitic acid (PA), the SOD1 activity was decreased in mouse neuronal HT-22 cell line accompanied by elevation of ROS, but not in mouse microglial BV-2 cell line. We further showed that PA decreased the levels of copper chaperone for SOD1 (CCS) in HT-22 cells, which promoted the nuclear import of SOD1 and decreased its activity. We demonstrated that the reduction of CCS is involved in the PA-induced decrease of SOD1 activity and elevation of ROS. In addition, compared with the adult mice fed with a standard diet, the high-fat-diet adult mice presented an increase of plasma free fatty acids, reduction of hippocampal SOD1 activity and CCS, mitochondrial degeneration and long-term memory decline. Taken together, our findings suggest that the high-fat-induced lower CCS level is essential for SOD1 suppression which may be associated with neurodegeneration and cognitive decline.
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Associations of polymorphisms in LOXL1 and copper chaperone genes with pseudoexfoliation-syndrome-related cataract in a Chinese Uygur population. Int Ophthalmol 2020; 40:1841-1848. [DOI: 10.1007/s10792-020-01354-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2019] [Accepted: 03/24/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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