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Chia ZJ, Cao YN, Little PJ, Kamato D. Transforming growth factor-β receptors: versatile mechanisms of ligand activation. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2024; 45:1337-1348. [PMID: 38351317 PMCID: PMC11192764 DOI: 10.1038/s41401-024-01235-6] [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: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/28/2024] [Indexed: 02/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling is initiated by activation of transmembrane TGF-β receptors (TGFBR), which deploys Smad2/3 transcription factors to control cellular responses. Failure or dysregulation in the TGF-β signaling pathways leads to pathological conditions. TGF-β signaling is regulated at different levels along the pathways and begins with the liberation of TGF-β ligand from its latent form. The mechanisms of TGFBR activation display selectivity to cell types, agonists, and TGF-β isoforms, enabling precise control of TGF-β signals. In addition, the cell surface compartments used to release active TGF-β are surprisingly vibrant, using thrombospondins, integrins, matrix metalloproteinases and reactive oxygen species. The scope of TGFBR activation is further unfolded with the discovery of TGFBR activation initiated by other signaling pathways. The unique combination of mechanisms works in series to trigger TGFBR activation, which can be explored as therapeutic targets. This comprehensive review provides valuable insights into the diverse mechanisms underpinning TGFBR activation, shedding light on potential avenues for therapeutic exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheng-Jie Chia
- School of Pharmacy, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4102, Australia
- Discovery Biology, School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD, 4111, Australia
- Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD, 4111, Australia
| | - Ying-Nan Cao
- Department of Pharmacy, Guangzhou Xinhua University, Guangzhou, 510520, China
| | - Peter J Little
- School of Pharmacy, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4102, Australia
- Department of Pharmacy, Guangzhou Xinhua University, Guangzhou, 510520, China
| | - Danielle Kamato
- School of Pharmacy, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4102, Australia.
- Discovery Biology, School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD, 4111, Australia.
- Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD, 4111, Australia.
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Rezaei M, Mehta JL, Zadeh GM, Khedri A, Rezaei HB. Myosin light chain phosphatase is a downstream target of Rho-kinase in endothelin-1-induced transactivation of the TGF-β receptor. Cell Biochem Biophys 2024:10.1007/s12013-024-01262-4. [PMID: 38834831 DOI: 10.1007/s12013-024-01262-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rho-kinase (ROCK) regulates actomyosin contraction, coronary vasospasm, and cytoskeleton dynamics. ROCK and of NADPH oxidase (NOX) play an essential role in cardiovascular disease and proteoglycan synthesis, which promotes atherosclerosis by trapping low density lipoprotein. ROCK is activated by endothelin-1 (ET1) and transactivates the transforming growth factor beta receptor (TGFβR1), intensifying Smad signaling and proteoglycan production. This study aimed to identify the role of myosin light chain phosphatase (MLCP) as a downstream target of ROCK in TβR1 transactivation. METHODS Vascular smooth muscle cells were treated with ET1 and inhibitors of ROCK and MLCP were added. The phosphorylation levels of Smad2C, myosin light chain (MLC), and MLCP were monitored by western blot, and the mRNA expression of chondroitin 4-O-sulfotransferase 1 (C4ST1) was assessed by quantitative real-time PCR. RESULTS We examined ROCK's role in ET1-induced TGFβR1 activation. ROCK phosphorylated MLCP at the MYPT1 T853 residue, blocked by the ROCK inhibitor Y27632. ROCK also increased MLC phosphorylation and actomyosin contraction in response to ET1, enhanced by the phosphatase inhibitor Calyculin A. Calyculin A also increased C4ST1 expression, GAG-chain synthesizing enzymes. CONCLUSIONS This work suggests that ROCK is involved in ET1-mediated TβR1 activation through increased MLCP phosphorylation, which leads to Smad2C phosphorylation and stimulates C4ST1 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Rezaei
- Hyperlipidemia Research Center, Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Jawahar Lal Mehta
- Division of Cardiology, Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System and the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, 72205, USA
| | - Ghorban Mohammad Zadeh
- Hyperlipidemia Research Center, Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Azam Khedri
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Hossein Babaahmadi Rezaei
- Hyperlipidemia Research Center, Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.
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Liu C, Guo X, Zhang X. Modulation of atherosclerosis-related signaling pathways by Chinese herbal extracts: Recent evidence and perspectives. Phytother Res 2024; 38:2892-2930. [PMID: 38577989 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.8203] [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: 01/01/2024] [Revised: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease remains a preeminent cause of morbidity and mortality globally. The onset of atherosclerosis underpins the emergence of ischemic cardiovascular diseases, including coronary heart disease (CHD). Its pathogenesis entails multiple factors such as inflammation, oxidative stress, apoptosis, vascular endothelial damage, foam cell formation, and platelet activation. Furthermore, it triggers the activation of diverse signaling pathways including Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt), NF-E2-related factor 2/antioxidant response element (Nrf2/ARE), the Notch signaling pathway, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR), nucleotide oligo-structural domain-like receptor thermoprotein structural domain-associated protein 3 (NLRP3), silencing information regulator 2-associated enzyme 1 (Sirt1), nuclear transcription factor-κB (NF-κB), Circular RNA (Circ RNA), MicroRNA (mi RNA), Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), and Janus kinase-signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK/STAT). Over recent decades, therapeutic approaches for atherosclerosis have been dominated by the utilization of high-intensity statins to reduce lipid levels, despite significant adverse effects. Consequently, there is a growing interest in the development of safer and more efficacious drugs and therapeutic modalities. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) offers a vital strategy for the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases. Numerous studies have detailed the mechanisms through which TCM active ingredients modulate signaling molecules and influence the atherosclerotic process. This article reviews the signaling pathways implicated in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and the advancements in research on TCM extracts for prevention and treatment, drawing on original articles from various databases including Google Scholar, Medline, CNKI, Scopus, and Pubmed. The objective is to furnish a reference for the clinical management of cardiovascular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changxing Liu
- Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, China
| | - Xinyi Guo
- Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Xulong Zhang
- Shaanxi Provincial Rehabilitation Hospital, Xi'an, China
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Zarezade V, Mohammadtaghvaei N, Rashidi M, Babaahmadi-Rezaei H. Cardioprotective effect of tamoxifen and raloxifene: Preventing proteoglycan synthesis by modulating non-canonical TGF-β signalling through NADPH oxidase and ERK phosphorylation. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2023; 671:263-269. [PMID: 37307710 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2023.06.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2023] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Atherosclerosis, a leading cause of cardiovascular disease, remains a significant global health concern. Tamoxifen and raloxifene, selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs), have demonstrated potential cardioprotective effects. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms by which these SERMs modulate Transforming Growth Factor-β (TGF-β) signaling in human vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) remain largely unexplored. This study sought to investigate the impact of tamoxifen and raloxifene on TGF-β-induced CHSY1 expression and Smad2 linker region phosphorylation in VSMCs and to elucidate the role of reactive oxygen species (ROS), NADPH oxidase (NOX), and kinase pathways in mediating these effects. Employing a comprehensive experimental strategy, VSMCs were treated with TGF-β in the presence or absence of tamoxifen, raloxifene, and various pharmacological inhibitors. Subsequently, CHSY1 mRNA expression, Smad2C and Smad2L phosphorylation, ROS production, p47phox and ERK 1/2 phosphorylation were assessed. Our results revealed that tamoxifen and raloxifene significantly attenuated TGF-β-mediated CHSY1 mRNA expression and Smad2 linker region phosphorylation, without affecting the canonical TGF-β-Smad2C pathway. Furthermore, these compounds effectively inhibited ROS production, p47phox and ERK 1/2 phosphorylation, implicating the involvement of the TGF-β-NOX-ERK-Smad2L signaling cascade in their cardioprotective properties. This study provides a comprehensive understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the cardioprotective effects of tamoxifen and raloxifene in VSMCs, offering valuable insights for the development of targeted therapeutic strategies aimed at atherosclerosis prevention and the promotion of cardiovascular health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vahid Zarezade
- Hyperlipidemia Research Center, Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Narges Mohammadtaghvaei
- Hyperlipidemia Research Center, Department of Laboratory Sciences, School of Paramedicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Mojtaba Rashidi
- Hyperlipidemia Research Center, Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Hossein Babaahmadi-Rezaei
- Hyperlipidemia Research Center, Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.
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Kamato D, Gabr M, Kumarapperuma H, Chia ZJ, Zheng W, Xu S, Osman N, Little PJ. Gαq Is the Specific Mediator of PAR-1 Transactivation of Kinase Receptors in Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232214425. [PMID: 36430902 PMCID: PMC9692893 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232214425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Revised: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) transactivation of kinase receptors greatly expands the actions attributable to GPCRs. Thrombin, via its cognate GPCR, protease-activated receptor (PAR)-1, transactivates tyrosine and serine/threonine kinase receptors, specifically the epidermal growth factor receptor and transforming growth factor-β receptor, respectively. PAR-1 transactivation-dependent signalling leads to the modification of lipid-binding proteoglycans involved in the retention of lipids and the development of atherosclerosis. The mechanisms of GPCR transactivation of kinase receptors are distinct. We aimed to investigate the role of proximal G proteins in transactivation-dependent signalling. MAIN METHODS Using pharmacological and molecular approaches, we studied the role of the G⍺ subunits, G⍺q and G⍺11, in the context of PAR-1 transactivation-dependent signalling leading to proteoglycan modifications. KEY FINDINGS Pan G⍺q subunit inhibitor UBO-QIC/FR900359 inhibited PAR-1 transactivation of kinase receptors and proteoglycans modification. The G⍺q/11 inhibitor YM254890 did not affect PAR-1 transactivation pathways. Molecular approaches revealed that of the two highly homogenous G⍺q members, G⍺q and G⍺11, only the G⍺q was involved in regulating PAR-1 mediated proteoglycan modification. Although G⍺q and G⍺11 share approximately 90% homology at the protein level, we show that the two isoforms exhibit different functional roles. SIGNIFICANCE Our findings may be extrapolated to other GPCRs involved in vascular pathology and highlight the need for novel pharmacological tools to assess the role of G proteins in GPCR signalling to expand the preeminent position of GPCRs in human therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle Kamato
- Discovery Biology, Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Nathan, QLD 4111, Australia
- School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Nathan, QLD 4111, Australia
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia
- Correspondence:
| | - Mai Gabr
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Hirushi Kumarapperuma
- Discovery Biology, Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Nathan, QLD 4111, Australia
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Zheng J. Chia
- Discovery Biology, Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Nathan, QLD 4111, Australia
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Wenhua Zheng
- Centre of Reproduction, Development & Aging and Institute of Translation Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau 999078, China
| | - Suowen Xu
- Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230052, China
| | - Narin Osman
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, VIC 3083, Australia
| | - Peter J. Little
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia
- Department of Pharmacy, Guangzhou Xinhua University, Guangzhou 510520, China
- Sunshine Coast Health Institute, University of the Sunshine Coast, Birtinya, QLD 4575, Australia
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Babaahmadi-Rezaei H, Mohamed R, Dayati P, Mehr RN, Seif F, Sharifat N, Khedri A, Kamato D, Little PJ. Endothelin-1 dependent expression of GAG genes involves NOX and p38 mediated Smad linker region phosphorylation. Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol 2022; 49:710-718. [PMID: 35527471 PMCID: PMC9322435 DOI: 10.1111/1440-1681.13650] [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: 09/06/2021] [Revised: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Endothelin-1 (ET-1) is implicated in the development of atherosclerosis and mediates glycosaminoglycan (GAG) chain hyperelongation on proteoglycans. Our aim was to identify the ET-1-mediated signalling pathway involving NADPH oxidase (NOX), p38 MAP kinsae and Smad2 linker region phosphorylation (phospho-Smad2L) regulate GAG synthesizing enzymes mRNA expression (C4ST-1 and ChSy1) involved in GAG chains hyperelongation in human vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Signalling intermediates were detected and quantified by Western blotting and the mRNA levels of GAG synthesizing enzymes were assessed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). ET-1 treatment of human VSMCs resulted in an increase in phospho-Smad2L level. The TGF-β receptor antagonist, SB431542 and the mixed ETA and ETB receptor antagonist bosentan, inhibited ET-1-mediated phospho-Smad2L level. In the presence of apocynin and diphenyleneiodonium chloride (DPI) (NOX inhibitors) and SB239063 (p38 inhibitor) ET-1-mediated phospho-Smad2L levels were inhibited. The gene expression levels of GAG synthesizing enzymes post-ET-1 treatment were increased compared to untreated controls (P<0.01). The ET-mediated the mRNA levels of these enzymes were blocked by the bosentan, SB431542, SB239063, DPI, apocynin and antioxidant N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC). ET-1-mediated signalling to GAG synthesizing enzymes gene expression occurs via transactivation-dependent pathway involving NOX, p38 MAP kinsae and Smad2 linker region phosphorylation. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hossein Babaahmadi-Rezaei
- Hyperlipidemia Research Center, Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Rafat Mohamed
- The University of Queensland, , Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, 20 Cornwall St, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia
| | - Parisa Dayati
- Hyperlipidemia Research Center, Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Reyhaneh Niayesh Mehr
- Hyperlipidemia Research Center, Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Faezeh Seif
- Hyperlipidemia Research Center, Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Narges Sharifat
- Hyperlipidemia Research Center, Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Azam Khedri
- Hyperlipidemia Research Center, Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Dannii Kamato
- The University of Queensland, , Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, 20 Cornwall St, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia
| | - Peter J Little
- The University of Queensland, , Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, 20 Cornwall St, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia.,Department of Pharmacy, Xinhua College of Sun Yat-sen University, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, China
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