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Jiang X, Chen D, Wang X, Wang C, Zheng H, Ye W, Zhou W, Liu G, Zhang K. Nitazoxanide synergizes polymyxin B against Escherichia coli by depleting cellular energy. Microbiol Spectr 2024:e0019124. [PMID: 38904380 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.00191-24] [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: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024] Open
Abstract
The rapid expansion of antibiotic-resistant bacterial diseases is a global burden on public health. It makes sense to repurpose and reposition already-approved medications for use as supplementary agents in synergistic combinations with existing antibiotics. Here, we demonstrate that the anthelmintic drug nitazoxanide (NTZ) synergistically enhances the effectiveness of the lipopeptide antibiotic polymyxin B in inhibiting gram-negative bacteria, including those resistant to polymyxin B. Mechanistic investigations revealed that nitazoxanide inhibited calcium influx and cell membrane depolarization, enhanced the affinity between polymyxin B and the extracellular membrane, and promoted intracellular ATP depletion and an increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS), thus enhancing the penetration and disruption of the Escherichia coli cell membrane by polymyxin B. The transcriptomic analysis revealed that the combination resulted in energy depletion by inhibiting both aerobic and anaerobic respiration patterns in bacterial cells. The increased bactericidal effect of polymyxin B on the E. coli ∆nuoC strain further indicates that NuoC could be a promising target for nitazoxanide. Furthermore, the combination of nitazoxanide and polymyxin B showed promising therapeutic effects in a mouse infection model infected with E. coli. Taken together, these results demonstrate the potential of nitazoxanide as a novel adjuvant to polymyxin B, to overcome antibiotic resistance and improve therapeutic outcomes in refractory infections.IMPORTANCEThe rapid spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria poses a serious threat to public health. The search for potential compounds that can increase the antibacterial activity of existing antibiotics is a promising strategy for addressing this issue. Here, the synergistic activity of the FDA-approved agent nitazoxanide (NTZ) combined with polymyxin B was investigated in vitro using checkerboard assays and time-kill curves. The synergistic mechanisms of the combination of nitazoxanide and polymyxin B were explored by fluorescent dye, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and transcriptomic analysis. The synergistic efficacy was evaluated in vivo by the Escherichia coli and mouse sepsis models. These results suggested that nitazoxanide, as a promising antibiotic adjuvant, can effectively enhance polymyxin B activity, providing a potential strategy for treating multidrug-resistant bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuejia Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Veterinary Chemical Drugs and Pharmaceutics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Dongliang Chen
- Key Laboratory of Veterinary Chemical Drugs and Pharmaceutics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoyang Wang
- Key Laboratory of Veterinary Chemical Drugs and Pharmaceutics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Chunmei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Veterinary Chemical Drugs and Pharmaceutics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Haihong Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Veterinary Chemical Drugs and Pharmaceutics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenchong Ye
- Key Laboratory of Veterinary Chemical Drugs and Pharmaceutics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Wen Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Veterinary Chemical Drugs and Pharmaceutics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Guoping Liu
- College of Animal Science, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei, China
| | - Keyu Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Veterinary Chemical Drugs and Pharmaceutics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, China
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Lewis MA, Patil K, Ettayebi K, Estes MK, Atmar RL, Ramani S. Divergent responses of human intestinal organoid monolayers using commercial in vitro cytotoxicity assays. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0304526. [PMID: 38857221 PMCID: PMC11164375 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0304526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024] Open
Abstract
In vitro models, such as primary cells and continuous cell lines routinely used for evaluating drug candidates, have limitations in their translational relevance to human diseases. Organotypic cultures are increasingly being used to assess therapeutics for various cancers and infectious diseases. Monitoring drug cytotoxicity in cell cultures is crucial in drug development, and several commercially available kits for cytotoxicity assessment offer distinct advantages and limitations. Given the complexity of organoid cultures, including donor-driven variability, we investigated drug-treated, tissue stem cell-derived human intestinal organoid responses with commonly used cell cytotoxicity assay kits. Using seven different compounds, we compared the cytotoxicity assay performance of two different leaky membrane-based and two metabolism-based assays. Significant variability was seen in reported viability outcomes across assays and organoid lines. High baseline activity of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in four human intestinal organoid lines required modification of the standard LDH assay protocol. Additionally, the LDH assay reported unique resilience to damage in a genetically-modified line contrasting results compared to other assays. This study highlights factors that can impact the measurement of cell cytotoxicity in intestinal organoid models, which are emerging as valuable new tools for research and pre-clinical drug testing and suggest the need for using multiple assay types to ensure reliable cytotoxicity assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miranda A. Lewis
- Department of Molecular Virology & Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Ketki Patil
- Department of Molecular Virology & Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Khalil Ettayebi
- Department of Molecular Virology & Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Mary K. Estes
- Department of Molecular Virology & Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
- Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Robert L. Atmar
- Department of Molecular Virology & Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
- Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Sasirekha Ramani
- Department of Molecular Virology & Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
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Chen XY, Dong YC, Yu YY, Jiang M, Bu WJ, Li P, Sun ZJ, Dong DL. Anthelmintic nitazoxanide protects against experimental pulmonary fibrosis. Br J Pharmacol 2023; 180:3008-3023. [PMID: 37428102 DOI: 10.1111/bph.16190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Revised: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Nitazoxanide is a therapeutic anthelmintic drug. Our previous studies found that nitazoxanide and its metabolite tizoxanide activated adenosine 5'-monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and inhibited signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) signals. As AMPK activation and/or STAT3 inhibition are targets for treating pulmonary fibrosis, we hypothesized that nitazoxanide would be effective in experimental pulmonary fibrosis. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH The mitochondrial oxygen consumption rate of cells was measured by using the high-resolution respirometry system Oxygraph-2K. The mitochondrial membrane potential of cells was evaluated by tetramethyl rhodamine methyl ester (TMRM) staining. The target protein levels were measured by using western blotting. The mice pulmonary fibrosis model was established through intratracheal instillation of bleomycin. The examination of the lung tissues changes were carried out using haematoxylin and eosin (H&E), and Masson staining. KEY RESULTS Nitazoxanide and tizoxanide activated AMPK and inhibited STAT3 signalling in human lung fibroblast cells (MRC-5 cells). Nitazoxanide and tizoxanide inhibited transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)-induced proliferation and migration of MRC-5 cells, collagen-I and α-smooth muscle cell actin (α-SMA) expression, and collagen-I secretion from MRC-5 cells. Nitazoxanide and tizoxanide inhibited epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and inhibited TGF-β1-induced Smad2/3 activation in mouse lung epithelial cells (MLE-12 cells). Oral administration of nitazoxanide reduced the bleomycin-induced mice pulmonary fibrosis and, in the established bleomycin-induced mice, pulmonary fibrosis. Delayed nitazoxanide treatment attenuated the fibrosis progression. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Nitazoxanide improves the bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice, suggesting a potential application of nitazoxanide for pulmonary fibrosis treatment in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu-Yang Chen
- Department of Pharmacology (The State-Province Key Laboratories of Biomedicine-Pharmaceutics of China, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Research, Ministry of Education), College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Yan-Chao Dong
- Department of Pharmacology (The State-Province Key Laboratories of Biomedicine-Pharmaceutics of China, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Research, Ministry of Education), College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Yuan-Yuan Yu
- Department of Pharmacology (The State-Province Key Laboratories of Biomedicine-Pharmaceutics of China, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Research, Ministry of Education), College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Man Jiang
- Department of Pharmacology (The State-Province Key Laboratories of Biomedicine-Pharmaceutics of China, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Research, Ministry of Education), College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Wen-Jie Bu
- Department of Pharmacology (The State-Province Key Laboratories of Biomedicine-Pharmaceutics of China, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Research, Ministry of Education), College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Ping Li
- Department of Pharmacology (The State-Province Key Laboratories of Biomedicine-Pharmaceutics of China, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Research, Ministry of Education), College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Zhi-Jie Sun
- Department of Pharmacology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - De-Li Dong
- Department of Pharmacology (The State-Province Key Laboratories of Biomedicine-Pharmaceutics of China, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Research, Ministry of Education), College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
- Department of Pharmacology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
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Ni B, Yan J, Cai W, Xiao Y, Tu C. Tizoxanide as a novel theraputic candidate for osteoarthritis. Heliyon 2023; 9:e19472. [PMID: 37662752 PMCID: PMC10472306 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e19472] [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: 11/27/2022] [Revised: 08/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a frequently seen degenerative joint disease in the elderly. Its pathogenesis is highly related to the local inflammatory reaction and autophagy. Tizoxanide (Tiz), the main active metabolite of nitazoxanide, has proved its anti-inflammatory properties in several diseases. However, the exact role of Tiz in OA remains to explore. In this study, we investigated the anti-arthritic effects and the underlying molecular mechanisms of Tiz on rat OA. The results showed that Tiz could attenuate the IL-1β-induced inflammatory disorders, cartilage matrix damage and autophagy reduction in rat chondrocytes. Moreover, employment of autophagy inhibitor 3-methyladenine (3-MA) could antagonize the protective effects of Tiz in IL-1β-treated rat chondrocytes. Additionally, Tiz also inhibited the IL-1β-induced PI3K/AKT/mTOR and P38/JNK phosphorylation in chondrocytes. In vivo, intra-articular injection of Tiz could significantly alleviate the progression of cartilage damage in rat OA model. Briefly, our study demonstrated the therapeutic potential of Tiz in OA, suggesting that Tiz administration might serve as a promising strategy in OA therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bowei Ni
- Department of Orthopedics, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
- Department of Orthopedics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
- Department of Orthopedics, Tongren Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan Third Hopspital, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Jiyuan Yan
- Department of Orthopedics, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
- Department of Orthopedics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Wenxiang Cai
- Department of Orthopedics, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Yifan Xiao
- Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology, Medical College, Jianghan University, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Chang Tu
- Department of Orthopedics, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
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5
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Piacentini S, Riccio A, Santopolo S, Pauciullo S, La Frazia S, Rossi A, Rossignol JF, Santoro MG. The FDA-approved drug nitazoxanide is a potent inhibitor of human seasonal coronaviruses acting at postentry level: effect on the viral spike glycoprotein. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1206951. [PMID: 37705731 PMCID: PMC10497118 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1206951] [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: 04/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Coronaviridae is recognized as one of the most rapidly evolving virus family as a consequence of the high genomic nucleotide substitution rates and recombination. The family comprises a large number of enveloped, positive-sense single-stranded RNA viruses, causing an array of diseases of varying severity in animals and humans. To date, seven human coronaviruses (HCoV) have been identified, namely HCoV-229E, HCoV-NL63, HCoV-OC43 and HCoV-HKU1, which are globally circulating in the human population (seasonal HCoV, sHCoV), and the highly pathogenic SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2. Seasonal HCoV are estimated to contribute to 15-30% of common cold cases in humans; although diseases are generally self-limiting, sHCoV can sometimes cause severe lower respiratory infections and life-threatening diseases in a subset of patients. No specific treatment is presently available for sHCoV infections. Herein we show that the anti-infective drug nitazoxanide has a potent antiviral activity against three human endemic coronaviruses, the Alpha-coronaviruses HCoV-229E and HCoV-NL63, and the Beta-coronavirus HCoV-OC43 in cell culture with IC50 ranging between 0.05 and 0.15 μg/mL and high selectivity indexes. We found that nitazoxanide does not affect HCoV adsorption, entry or uncoating, but acts at postentry level and interferes with the spike glycoprotein maturation, hampering its terminal glycosylation at an endoglycosidase H-sensitive stage. Altogether the results indicate that nitazoxanide, due to its broad-spectrum anti-coronavirus activity, may represent a readily available useful tool in the treatment of seasonal coronavirus infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Piacentini
- Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Riccio
- Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Santopolo
- Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Pauciullo
- Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Simone La Frazia
- Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Rossi
- Institute of Translational Pharmacology, CNR, Rome, Italy
| | | | - M. Gabriella Santoro
- Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
- Institute of Translational Pharmacology, CNR, Rome, Italy
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6
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Lekshmi VS, Asha K, Sanicas M, Asi A, Arya UM, Kumar B. PI3K/Akt/Nrf2 mediated cellular signaling and virus-host interactions: latest updates on the potential therapeutic management of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Front Mol Biosci 2023; 10:1158133. [PMID: 37325475 PMCID: PMC10267462 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2023.1158133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The emergence and re-emergence of viral diseases, which cause significant global mortality and morbidity, are the major concerns of this decade. Of these, current research is focused majorly on the etiological agent of the COVID-19 pandemic, SARS-CoV-2. Understanding the host response and metabolic changes during viral infection may provide better therapeutic targets for the proper management of pathophysiological conditions associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection. We have achieved control over most emerging viral diseases; however, a lack of understanding of the underlying molecular events prevents us from exploring novel therapeutic targets, leaving us forced to witness re-emerging viral infections. SARS-CoV-2 infection is usually accompanied by oxidative stress, which leads to an overactive immune response, the release of inflammatory cytokines, increasing lipid production, and also alterations in the endothelial and mitochondrial functions. PI3K/Akt signaling pathway confers protection against oxidative injury by various cell survival mechanisms including Nrf2-ARE mediated antioxidant transcriptional response. SARS-CoV-2 is also reported to hijack this pathway for its survival within host and few studies have suggested the role of antioxidants in modulating the Nrf2 pathway to manage disease severity. This review highlights the interrelated pathophysiological conditions associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection and the host survival mechanisms mediated by PI3K/Akt/Nrf2 signaling pathways that can help ameliorate the severity of the disease and provide effective antiviral targets against SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- V S Lekshmi
- Department of Antiviral Research, Institute of Advanced Virology, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
| | - Kumari Asha
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL, United States
| | | | - Abhila Asi
- Department of Antiviral Research, Institute of Advanced Virology, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
| | - U M Arya
- Department of Antiviral Research, Institute of Advanced Virology, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
| | - Binod Kumar
- Department of Antiviral Research, Institute of Advanced Virology, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
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7
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Zhang W, Ye L, Fang H. Astragaloside IV Improve Neurological Function of Cerebral Ischemia. J BIOMATER TISS ENG 2022. [DOI: 10.1166/jbt.2022.3102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
This study intends to assess astragaloside IV’s effect on neurological function in mice cerebral ischemia model. The mouse model of cerebral ischemia was established by photochemistry and then assigned into sham operation group (photochemical building do not accept cold light
irradiation) and control group (10 ug/ml by intraperitoneal injection of saline solution), drug group (10 ug/ml by intraperitoneal injection of Astragaloside IV) followed by analysis of neurological severity, cerebral infarction area, loss of neurons, glial cell activation and the activities
of LC3, Beclin1, Caspase-3, P62 and mTOR by Western Blot. The neurons in cerebral infarction were missing and marginal area and penumbra appeared. The tissue in cerebral infarction became white, and the modeling was successful. The drug group showed significantly reduced scores and decreased
infarct area of brain tissue compared with control group on day 14, 21 and 28 (P < 0.05). TUNEL staining showed increased number of TUNEL cells at the ischemic edge in the drug group (0.35±0.07)% (P < 0.05), while the IBAL staining of (27.12±3.01)% and GFAP
staining of (0.08±0.02)% in the drug group showed significant inhibition of astrocytes (P < 0.05). The activity of LC3, Beclin1, Caspase-3 and P62 in drug group was inhibited, while the activity of mTOR was promoted. In conclusion, Astragaloside IV improves the balance ability
and the neural function of cerebral ischemia repair in mice model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Zhang
- Department of Enesthesiology, Enshi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture Central Hospital, Enshi, Hubei, 445000, China
| | - Lun Ye
- Department of Emergency, Jiangjin Central Hospital of Chongqing, Chongqing, 402260, China
| | - Hairong Fang
- Department of Neurology (II) Ward, The First People’s Hospital of Jiangxia District, Wuhan, Hubei, 430000, China
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8
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Zou L, Liao M, Zhen Y, Zhu S, Chen X, Zhang J, Hao Y, Liu B. Autophagy and beyond: Unraveling the complexity of UNC-51-like kinase 1 (ULK1) from biological functions to therapeutic implications. Acta Pharm Sin B 2022; 12:3743-3782. [PMID: 36213540 PMCID: PMC9532564 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2022.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Revised: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
UNC-51-like kinase 1 (ULK1), as a serine/threonine kinase, is an autophagic initiator in mammals and a homologous protein of autophagy related protein (Atg) 1 in yeast and of UNC-51 in Caenorhabditis elegans. ULK1 is well-known for autophagy activation, which is evolutionarily conserved in protein transport and indispensable to maintain cell homeostasis. As the direct target of energy and nutrition-sensing kinase, ULK1 may contribute to the distribution and utilization of cellular resources in response to metabolism and is closely associated with multiple pathophysiological processes. Moreover, ULK1 has been widely reported to play a crucial role in human diseases, including cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, cardiovascular disease, and infections, and subsequently targeted small-molecule inhibitors or activators are also demonstrated. Interestingly, the non-autophagy function of ULK1 has been emerging, indicating that non-autophagy-relevant ULK1 signaling network is also linked with diseases under some specific contexts. Therefore, in this review, we summarized the structure and functions of ULK1 as an autophagic initiator, with a focus on some new approaches, and further elucidated the key roles of ULK1 in autophagy and non-autophagy. Additionally, we also discussed the relationships between ULK1 and human diseases, as well as illustrated a rapid progress for better understanding of the discovery of more candidate small-molecule drugs targeting ULK1, which will provide a clue on novel ULK1-targeted therapeutics in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Zou
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Minru Liao
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Yongqi Zhen
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Shiou Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Xiya Chen
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Jin Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
- Corresponding authors. Tel./fax: +86 28 85503817.
| | - Yue Hao
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
- Corresponding authors. Tel./fax: +86 28 85503817.
| | - Bo Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
- Corresponding authors. Tel./fax: +86 28 85503817.
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Castillo-Salazar M, Sánchez-Muñoz F, Springall del Villar R, Navarrete-Vázquez G, Hernández-DiazCouder A, Mojica-Cardoso C, García-Jiménez S, Toledano-Jaimes C, Bernal-Fernández G. Nitazoxanide Exerts Immunomodulatory Effects on Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells from Type 2 Diabetes Patients. Biomolecules 2021; 11:biom11121817. [PMID: 34944461 PMCID: PMC8699442 DOI: 10.3390/biom11121817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Revised: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a low-grade inflammatory condition with abnormalities in the immune response mediated by T lymphocytes and macrophages. Drug repositioning for immunomodulatory molecules is an attractive proposal for treating T2D. Nitazoxanide (NTZ) is a broad-spectrum drug with promising immunomodulatory effects. Thus, we investigated the immunomodulatory effect of NTZ on peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from patients with T2D. Methods: Fifty patients with T2D were selected, and the proliferative response of T lymphocytes and the M1/M2 ratio of macrophages post cell culture were evaluated by flow cytometry, as well as measuring the concentration of cytokines by ELISA and the relative expression of microRNAs (miRNAs) related to the immune response by real-time PCR. Results: NTZ exerts an inhibitory effect on the cell proliferation of T lymphocytes stimulated with anti-CD3 and anti-CD28 antibodies without modifying cell viability, and significant decreases in the supernatant concentrations of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-2, IL-6, IL-10, and IL-12. Furthermore, NTZ negatively regulates the relative expression of miR-155-5p without changes in miR-146a-5p. The M1/M2 ratio of monocytes/macrophages decreased the M1 and increased the M2 subpopulation by NTZ. Conclusions: Our results suggest that NTZ exerts immunomodulatory effects on PBMCs from T2D patients, and shows potential alternative therapeutic benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mauricio Castillo-Salazar
- Pharmacy Faculty, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos, Cuernavaca 62209, Mexico; (M.C.-S.); (G.N.-V.); (S.G.-J.); (C.T.-J.)
| | - Fausto Sánchez-Muñoz
- Immunology Department, Instituto Nacional de Cardiología Ignacio Chávez, Tlalpan, Mexico City 14080, Mexico; (F.S.-M.); (R.S.d.V.); (A.H.-D.)
| | - Rashidi Springall del Villar
- Immunology Department, Instituto Nacional de Cardiología Ignacio Chávez, Tlalpan, Mexico City 14080, Mexico; (F.S.-M.); (R.S.d.V.); (A.H.-D.)
| | - Gabriel Navarrete-Vázquez
- Pharmacy Faculty, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos, Cuernavaca 62209, Mexico; (M.C.-S.); (G.N.-V.); (S.G.-J.); (C.T.-J.)
| | - Adrián Hernández-DiazCouder
- Immunology Department, Instituto Nacional de Cardiología Ignacio Chávez, Tlalpan, Mexico City 14080, Mexico; (F.S.-M.); (R.S.d.V.); (A.H.-D.)
| | | | - Sara García-Jiménez
- Pharmacy Faculty, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos, Cuernavaca 62209, Mexico; (M.C.-S.); (G.N.-V.); (S.G.-J.); (C.T.-J.)
| | - Cairo Toledano-Jaimes
- Pharmacy Faculty, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos, Cuernavaca 62209, Mexico; (M.C.-S.); (G.N.-V.); (S.G.-J.); (C.T.-J.)
| | - Germán Bernal-Fernández
- Pharmacy Faculty, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos, Cuernavaca 62209, Mexico; (M.C.-S.); (G.N.-V.); (S.G.-J.); (C.T.-J.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +52-777-329-7089
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10
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Park SJ, Joo SH, Lee N, Jang WJ, Seo JH, Jeong CH. ACY-241, an HDAC6 inhibitor, overcomes erlotinib resistance in human pancreatic cancer cells by inducing autophagy. Arch Pharm Res 2021; 44:1062-1075. [PMID: 34761352 DOI: 10.1007/s12272-021-01359-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Histone deacetylase 6 (HDAC6) is a promising target for cancer treatment because it regulates cell mobility, protein trafficking, cell growth, apoptosis, and metastasis. However, the mechanism of HDAC6-induced anticancer drug resistance is unclear. In this study, we evaluated the anticancer effect of ACY-241, an HDAC6-selective inhibitor, on erlotinib-resistant pancreatic cancer cells that overexpress HDAC6. Our data revealed that ACY-241 hyperacetylated the HDAC6 substrate, α-tubulin, leading to a significant reduction in cell viability of erlotinib-resistant pancreatic cells, BxPC3-ER and HPAC-ER. Notably, a synergistic anticancer effect was observed in cells that received combined treatment with ACY-241 and erlotinib. Combined treatment effectively induced autophagy and inhibited autophagy through siLC3B, and siATG5 alleviated ACY-241-mediated cell death, as reflected by the recovery of PARP cleavage and apoptosis rates. In addition, combined ACY-241 and erlotinib treatment induced autophagy and subsequently, cell death by reducing AKT-mTOR activity and increasing phospho-AMPK signaling. Therefore, HDAC6 may be involved in the suppression of autophagy and acquisition of resistance to erlotinib in ER pancreatic cancer cells. ACY-241 to overcome erlotinib resistance could be an effective therapeutic strategy against pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seong-Jun Park
- College of Pharmacy, Keimyung University, 1095 Dalgubeil-daero, Daegu, 42601, South Korea
| | - Sang Hoon Joo
- Department of Pharmacy, Daegu Catholic University, Gyeongsan, 38430, South Korea
| | - Naeun Lee
- College of Pharmacy, Keimyung University, 1095 Dalgubeil-daero, Daegu, 42601, South Korea
| | - Won-Jun Jang
- College of Pharmacy, Keimyung University, 1095 Dalgubeil-daero, Daegu, 42601, South Korea
| | - Ji Hae Seo
- Department of Biochemistry, Keimyung University School of Medicine, 1095 Dalgubeil-daero, Daegu, 42601, South Korea.
| | - Chul-Ho Jeong
- College of Pharmacy, Keimyung University, 1095 Dalgubeil-daero, Daegu, 42601, South Korea.
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11
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Chen XC, Li ZH, Yang C, Tang JX, Lan HY, Liu HF. Lysosome Depletion-Triggered Autophagy Impairment in Progressive Kidney Injury. KIDNEY DISEASES 2021; 7:254-267. [PMID: 34395541 DOI: 10.1159/000515035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2020] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Background Macroautophagy (autophagy) is a cellular recycling process involving the destruction of damaged organelles and proteins in intracellular lysosomes for efficient nutrient reuse. Summary Impairment of the autophagy-lysosome pathway is tightly associated with multiple kidney diseases, such as diabetic nephropathy, proteinuric kidney disease, acute kidney injury, crystalline nephropathy, and drug- and heavy metal-induced renal injury. The impairment in the process of autophagic clearance may induce injury in renal intrinsic cells by activating the inflammasome, inducing cell cycle arrest, and cell death. The lysosome depletion may be a key mechanism triggering this process. In this review, we discuss this pathway and summarize the protective mechanisms for restoration of lysosome function and autophagic flux via the endosomal sorting complex required for transport (ESCRT) machinery, lysophagy, and transcription factor EB-mediated lysosome biogenesis. Key Message Further exploring mechanisms of ESCRT, lysophagy, and lysosome biogenesis may provide novel therapy strategies for the management of kidney diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Cui Chen
- Key Laboratory of Prevention and Management of Chronic Kidney Disease of Zhanjiang City, Institute of Nephrology, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Zhi-Hang Li
- Key Laboratory of Prevention and Management of Chronic Kidney Disease of Zhanjiang City, Institute of Nephrology, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Chen Yang
- Key Laboratory of Prevention and Management of Chronic Kidney Disease of Zhanjiang City, Institute of Nephrology, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Ji-Xin Tang
- Key Laboratory of Prevention and Management of Chronic Kidney Disease of Zhanjiang City, Institute of Nephrology, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Hui-Yao Lan
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics and Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Hua-Feng Liu
- Key Laboratory of Prevention and Management of Chronic Kidney Disease of Zhanjiang City, Institute of Nephrology, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, China
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12
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Lokhande AS, Devarajan PV. A review on possible mechanistic insights of Nitazoxanide for repurposing in COVID-19. Eur J Pharmacol 2021; 891:173748. [PMID: 33227285 PMCID: PMC7678434 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2020.173748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2020] [Revised: 11/06/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The global pandemic of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) has brought the world to a grinding halt. A major cause of concern is the respiratory distress associated mortality attributed to the cytokine storm. Despite myriad rapidly approved clinical trials with repurposed drugs, and time needed to develop a vaccine, accelerated search for repurposed therapeutics is still ongoing. In this review, we present Nitazoxanide a US-FDA approved antiprotozoal drug, as one such promising candidate. Nitazoxanide which is reported to exert broad-spectrum antiviral activity against various viral infections, revealed good in vitro activity against SARS-CoV-2 in cell culture assays, suggesting potential for repurposing in COVID-19. Furthermore, nitazoxanide displays the potential to boost host innate immune responses and thereby tackle the life-threatening cytokine storm. Possibilities of improving lung, as well as multiple organ damage and providing value addition to COVID-19 patients with comorbidities, are other important facets of the drug. The review juxtaposes the role of nitazoxanide in fighting COVID-19 pathogenesis at multiple levels highlighting the great promise the drug exhibits. The in silico data and in vitro efficacy in cell lines confirms the promise of nitazoxanide. Several approved clinical trials world over further substantiate leveraging nitazoxanide for COVID-19 therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amit S Lokhande
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technology, Institute of Chemical Technology, N. P. Marg, Matunga, Mumbai, 400019, Maharashtra, India
| | - Padma V Devarajan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technology, Institute of Chemical Technology, N. P. Marg, Matunga, Mumbai, 400019, Maharashtra, India.
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13
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Nitulescu GM, Paunescu H, Moschos SA, Petrakis D, Nitulescu G, Ion GND, Spandidos DA, Nikolouzakis TK, Drakoulis N, Tsatsakis A. Comprehensive analysis of drugs to treat SARS‑CoV‑2 infection: Mechanistic insights into current COVID‑19 therapies (Review). Int J Mol Med 2020; 46:467-488. [PMID: 32468014 PMCID: PMC7307820 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2020.4608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 05/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The major impact produced by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‑CoV‑2) focused many researchers attention to find treatments that can suppress transmission or ameliorate the disease. Despite the very fast and large flow of scientific data on possible treatment solutions, none have yet demonstrated unequivocal clinical utility against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‑19). This work represents an exhaustive and critical review of all available data on potential treatments for COVID‑19, highlighting their mechanistic characteristics and the strategy development rationale. Drug repurposing, also known as drug repositioning, and target based methods are the most used strategies to advance therapeutic solutions into clinical practice. Current in silico, in vitro and in vivo evidence regarding proposed treatments are summarized providing strong support for future research efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Horia Paunescu
- Faculty of Medicine, ′Carol Davila′ University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020956 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Sterghios A. Moschos
- Department of Applied Sciences, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University
- PulmoBioMed Ltd., Newcastle-Upon-Tyne NE1 8ST, UK
| | | | | | | | - Demetrios A. Spandidos
- Laboratory of Clinical Virology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion
| | | | - Nikolaos Drakoulis
- Research Group of Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacogenomics, Faculty of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15771 Athens, Greece
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14
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Bello-Perez M, Sola I, Novoa B, Klionsky DJ, Falco A. Canonical and Noncanonical Autophagy as Potential Targets for COVID-19. Cells 2020; 9:E1619. [PMID: 32635598 PMCID: PMC7408018 DOI: 10.3390/cells9071619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2020] [Revised: 06/29/2020] [Accepted: 07/01/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic necessitates a review of the molecular mechanisms underlying cellular infection by coronaviruses, in order to identify potential therapeutic targets against the associated new disease (COVID-19). Previous studies on its counterparts prove a complex and concomitant interaction between coronaviruses and autophagy. The precise manipulation of this pathway allows these viruses to exploit the autophagy molecular machinery while avoiding its protective apoptotic drift and cellular innate immune responses. In turn, the maneuverability margins of such hijacking appear to be so narrow that the modulation of the autophagy, regardless of whether using inducers or inhibitors (many of which are FDA-approved for the treatment of other diseases), is usually detrimental to viral replication, including SARS-CoV-2. Recent discoveries indicate that these interactions stretch into the still poorly explored noncanonical autophagy pathway, which might play a substantial role in coronavirus replication. Still, some potential therapeutic targets within this pathway, such as RAB9 and its interacting proteins, look promising considering current knowledge. Thus, the combinatory treatment of COVID-19 with drugs affecting both canonical and noncanonical autophagy pathways may be a turning point in the fight against this and other viral infections, which may also imply beneficial prospects of long-term protection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa Bello-Perez
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, National Center of Biotechnology (CNB-CSIC), Campus Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Darwin 3, 28049 Madrid, Spain; (M.B.-P.); (I.S.)
| | - Isabel Sola
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, National Center of Biotechnology (CNB-CSIC), Campus Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Darwin 3, 28049 Madrid, Spain; (M.B.-P.); (I.S.)
| | - Beatriz Novoa
- Institute of Marine Research (IIM), National Research Council (CSIC), 36208 Vigo, Spain;
| | - Daniel J. Klionsky
- Life Sciences Institute and Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA;
| | - Alberto Falco
- Institute of Research, Development, and Innovation in Healthcare Biotechnology in Elche (IDiBE), Miguel Hernández University (UMH), 03202 Elche, Spain
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