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Bonadio JD, Bashiri G, Halligan P, Kegel M, Ahmed F, Wang K. Delivery technologies for therapeutic targeting of fibronectin in autoimmunity and fibrosis applications. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2024; 209:115303. [PMID: 38588958 PMCID: PMC11111362 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2024.115303] [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: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
Fibronectin (FN) is a critical component of the extracellular matrix (ECM) contributing to various physiological processes, including tissue repair and immune response regulation. FN regulates various cellular functions such as adhesion, proliferation, migration, differentiation, and cytokine release. Alterations in FN expression, deposition, and molecular structure can profoundly impact its interaction with other ECM proteins, growth factors, cells, and associated signaling pathways, thus influencing the progress of diseases such as fibrosis and autoimmune disorders. Therefore, developing therapeutics that directly target FN or its interaction with cells and other ECM components can be an intriguing approach to address autoimmune and fibrosis pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob D Bonadio
- Department of Bioengineering, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Ghazal Bashiri
- Department of Bioengineering, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Patrick Halligan
- Department of Bioengineering, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Michael Kegel
- Department of Bioengineering, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Fatima Ahmed
- Department of Bioengineering, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Karin Wang
- Department of Bioengineering, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, United States.
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Jain A, Jain I. ET-traps: Potential therapeutics for preeclampsia. Drug Discov Today 2023; 28:103787. [PMID: 37742912 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2023.103787] [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: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
Elevated endothelin-1 (ET-1) has been implicated in several diseases including preeclampsia, where it causes the induction of hypertension, oxidative stress, endoplasmic reticulum stress, microvascular dysfunction and tissue damage in different organs. ET-traps are Fc-fusion proteins with a design based on the physiological receptors of ET-1. This paper discusses the potential use of ET-traps as a therapeutic for preeclampsia. ET-traps potently bind and sequester pathologically elevated ET-1 to significantly reduce different markers of pathology to non-disease levels with no toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arjun Jain
- ET-traps, Cambridge, UK; Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, UK; Accelerate Cambridge, Judge Business School, University of Cambridge, UK; Imperial College London, UK
| | - Ira Jain
- ET-traps, Cambridge, UK; Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad, India; National University of Singapore, Singapore.
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Jain A, Bozovicar K, Mehrotra V, Bratkovic T, Johnson MH, Jha I. Investigating the specificity of endothelin-traps as a potential therapeutic tool for endothelin-1 related disorders. World J Diabetes 2022; 13:434-441. [PMID: 35800412 PMCID: PMC9210543 DOI: 10.4239/wjd.v13.i6.434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Revised: 04/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Endothelin (ET)-traps are Fc-fusion proteins with a design based on the physiological receptors of ET-1. Previous work has shown that use of the selected ET-traps potently and significantly reduces different markers of diabetes pathology back to normal, non-disease levels.
AIM To demonstrate the selected ET-traps potently and significantly bind to ET-1.
METHODS We performed phage display experiments to test different constructs of ET-traps, and conducted bio-layer interferometry binding assays to verify that the selected ET-traps bind specifically to ET-1 and display binding affinity in the double-digit picomolar range (an average of 73.8 rM, n = 6).
RESULTS These experiments have confirmed our choice of the final ET-traps and provided proof-of-concept for the potential use of constructs as effective biologics for diseases associated with pathologically elevated ET-1.
CONCLUSION There is increased need for such therapeutics as they could help save millions of lives around the world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arjun Jain
- ET-Traps Limited, Cambridge CB3 0JE, United Kingdom
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3DY, United Kingdom
- Accelerate Cambridge, Judge Business School, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1AG, United Kingdom
| | - Kristof Bozovicar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, Slovenia 1000, Slovenia
| | - Vidhi Mehrotra
- ET-Traps Limited, Cambridge CB3 0JE, United Kingdom
- Accelerate Cambridge, Judge Business School, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1AG, United Kingdom
| | - Tomaz Bratkovic
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, Slovenia 1000, Slovenia
| | - Martin H Johnson
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3DY, United Kingdom
| | - Ira Jha
- ET-Traps Limited, Cambridge CB3 0JE, United Kingdom
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Endothelin and the Cardiovascular System: The Long Journey and Where We Are Going. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:biology11050759. [PMID: 35625487 PMCID: PMC9138590 DOI: 10.3390/biology11050759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Revised: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary In this review, we describe the basic functions of endothelin and related molecules, including their receptors and enzymes. Furthermore, we discuss the important role of endothelin in several cardiovascular diseases, the relevant clinical evidence for targeting the endothelin pathway, and the scope of endothelin-targeting treatments in the future. We highlight the present uses of endothelin receptor antagonists and the advancements in the development of future treatment options, thereby providing an overview of endothelin research over the years and its future scope. Abstract Endothelin was first discovered more than 30 years ago as a potent vasoconstrictor. In subsequent years, three isoforms, two canonical receptors, and two converting enzymes were identified, and their basic functions were elucidated by numerous preclinical and clinical studies. Over the years, the endothelin system has been found to be critical in the pathogenesis of several cardiovascular diseases, including hypertension, pulmonary arterial hypertension, heart failure, and coronary artery disease. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on endothelin and its role in cardiovascular diseases. Furthermore, we discuss how endothelin-targeting therapies, such as endothelin receptor antagonists, have been employed to treat cardiovascular diseases with varying degrees of success. Lastly, we provide a glimpse of what could be in store for endothelin-targeting treatment options for cardiovascular diseases in the future.
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Zhang L, Sun L, Wei T. Correlation between MTHFR gene polymorphism and homocysteine levels for prognosis in patients with pregnancy-induced hypertension. Am J Transl Res 2021; 13:8253-8261. [PMID: 34377314 PMCID: PMC8340186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2021] [Accepted: 03/28/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This research was designed to probe into the correlation between MTHFR gene polymorphisms and homocysteine levels in regard to the prognosis of pregnancy-induced hypertension. METHODS A total of 180 patients with pregnancy-induced hypertension who were admitted in the gynecology and obstetrics department of our hospital were collected as the observation group, and 180 normal pregnant women were selected as the control group. The homocysteine (Hcy) level, polymorphism expression of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene C677T locus and A1298C locus and the correlation between the different gene loci, Hcy level and pregnancy outcome were observed. RESULTS The Hcy level in the observation group was 18.1±6.2 (100 mmol/L) which was higher than that in the control group (8.6±3.9 mmol/L) (P<0.001). The C677T polymorphism of the MTHFR gene, and the proportion of CC in the observation group was lower than that in the control group, while that of CT and TT in the observation group was significantly higher (P<0.001). The T allele in the observation group was higher than that in the control group, while the C allele was lower than that in the control group (P<0.001). Hcy of TT type in pregnancy-induced hypertension group was higher than that in CC and CT groups (P<0.05). The incidence of adverse pregnancy outcomes in pregnancy-induced hypertension patients was obviously higher than that in normal control group (P<0.01). The incidence of TT type adverse pregnancy outcomes in MTHFR gene C677T polymorphism in patients with gestational hypertension was significantly higher than that in CC and TC groups (P<0.01). CONCLUSION The Hcy level in pregnancy-induced hypertension patients and the proportion of CT and TT in the MTHFR gene C677T locus rose; having the TT-type increased the incidence of abnormal pregnancy, which may be related to the increase of Hcy level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linjing Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hainan Province Women and Children Medical CenterHaikou, Hainan Province, China
| | - Lili Sun
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hainan Province Women and Children Medical CenterHaikou, Hainan Province, China
| | - Tao Wei
- Library, Kunming Medical UniversityKunming, Yunnan Province, China
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Wang Z, Zhang X, Wang Y, Xiao D. Dysregulation of miR-374a is involved in the progression of diabetic retinopathy and regulates the proliferation and migration of retinal microvascular endothelial cells. Clin Exp Optom 2021; 105:287-292. [PMID: 33941051 DOI: 10.1080/08164622.2021.1913043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Clinical relevance: microRNAs (miRNAs) have been reported to be involved in the progression of various diseases.Background: This study evaluated the expression and clinical value of miR-374a in diabetic retinopathy (DR) patients and analysed the effects of miR-374a on the progression of DR.Methods: Subjects were divided into four groups: healthy control, type 2 diabetes mellitus without DR (NDR), proliferation DR (PDR) and non-proliferation DR (NPDR). Real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was detected in the serum miR-374a levels of the subjects. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to evaluate the diagnostic value of miR-374a in DR patients. Pearson correlation was used to analyse the correlation between miRNA and clinical indicators of patients. High glucose (HG) in treatment of human retinal microvascular endothelial cells (HRMECs). The effects of miR-374a on cell proliferation and migration induced by HG were detected.Results: Serum miR-374a was progressively accelerated in patients with NDR, NPDR and PDR than in healthy controls. Moreover, miR-374a can significantly distinguish between NDR and DR patients. Among DR patients, miR-374a can differentiate PDR patients from NPDR patients. Serum miR-374a was positively correlated with diabetes duration, fasting plasma glucose (FPG), glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c), and homoeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) in DR patients. HG-induced proliferation and migration of HRMECs was inhibited by reduction of miR-374a.Conclusion: Dysregulation of miR-374a is involved in the progression of DR and serves a regulatory role in retinal, which can be used as a promising diagnostic biomarker for DR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhanhong Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Qingdao Chengyang People's Hospital, Shandong, China
| | - Xiao Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Qingdao Chengyang People's Hospital, Shandong, China
| | | | - Dailing Xiao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Qingdao Chengyang People's Hospital, Shandong, China
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Jain A, Johnson MH. ET-traps offer a potential therapeutic tool for use in different autoimmune diseases. Drug Discov Today 2020; 25:1142-1145. [PMID: 32325125 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2020.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2020] [Revised: 04/07/2020] [Accepted: 04/15/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Research shows that endothelin (ET)-traps are a potential therapy for diabetes. Given that type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is an autoimmune disorder, ET-traps could also have an efficacious, therapeutic effect on other autoimmune diseases associated with pathologically elevated ET-1. Here, we describe those different autoimmune diseases that might benefit from a tool such as ET-traps, which potently sequester these elevated levels of ET-1. We also discuss the current use of ET receptor (ETR) antagonists and the associated adverse effects, and how ET-traps are associated with no toxicity and potentially offer a superior alternative. ET-traps could be used against different autoimmune diseases and, therefore, are a novel therapeutic tool for such conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arjun Jain
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK; Accelerate Cambridge, Judge Business School, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
| | - Martin H Johnson
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
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Trapping endothelin-1 to hunt down cardiovascular disease? Drug Discov Today 2019; 24:2108-2110. [PMID: 31654816 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2019.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2019] [Revised: 10/14/2019] [Accepted: 10/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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Jain A, Coffey C, Mehrotra V, Flammer J. Endothelin-1 traps as a potential therapeutic tool: from diabetes to beyond? Drug Discov Today 2019; 24:1937-1942. [PMID: 31394173 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2019.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2019] [Revised: 06/27/2019] [Accepted: 07/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
There is substantial research on the vasoactive peptide endothelin (ET)-1 in physiology, as well as in pathology. In fact, pathologically elevated levels of ET-1 have been found in several disease states, such as various cardiovascular diseases, different cancers, some neurodegenerative disorders, as well as in diabetes. Here, we describe and discuss ET-1, its importance in different diseases, and the potential therapeutic effects of ET-traps in the treatment of these diseases. Previous in vitro and in vivo research (in the diabetes disease space) demonstrated that ET-traps potently and significantly prevent the induction of different markers of diabetes-related pathology. This included induction of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins (collagen 4α1 and fibronectin), which are pathologically elevated in diabetes. The ET-traps prevented induction of these and brought a significant return to non-diabetic levels. We also discuss the merits of using ET-traps over the currently used endothelin receptor antagonists (ERAs) and previously used therapeutic antibodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arjun Jain
- Accelerate Cambridge, Judge Business School, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
| | | | - Vidhi Mehrotra
- Accelerate Cambridge, Judge Business School, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
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Jain A, Mehrotra V, Jha I, Jain A. In vivo studies demonstrate that endothelin-1 traps are a potential therapy for type I diabetes. J Diabetes Metab Disord 2019; 18:133-143. [PMID: 31275884 DOI: 10.1007/s40200-019-00400-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2018] [Accepted: 03/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Background Type 1 diabetes is a serious, lifelong condition where the body's blood glucose level increases because of the body's inability to make insulin. An important consequence of this is the increased expression of extracellular matrix proteins, such as fibronectin and collagen 4α1, in key tissues and organs like the heart and kidneys. Diabetes is also associated with increased plasma levels of the vasoactive peptide endothelin (ET)-1. This further aggravates the expression of the ECM proteins. There are also important consequences of increased glucose and ET-1 levels in diabetes on the heart, termed diabetic cardiomyopathy. Methods We have previously reported the development of ET-traps, which potently and significantly reduce pathological levels of ET-1. In this study, we tested the in vivo therapeutic potential of ET-traps for type 1 diabetes using the B6 mouse model. Results Following subcutaneous administration of ET-traps 3 times a week, over a 2 month period, the 500 nM dose of ET-traps gave a significant reduction in collagen 4α1 expression in the heart and kidney, returning it back to control, non-diabetic levels at both the mRNA and protein levels. The expression of fibronectin mRNA is also returned to control levels with the 500 nM dose of ET-traps. The efficacy of ET-traps for type 1 diabetes was further evinced by immunohistochemistry data, echocardiography studies (measuring left ventricular systolic function and diastolic dysfunction) and a measure of urine creatinine and albumin levels. In all analyses, the 500 nM dose of ET-traps returns the different measures to control, non-diabetic levels. Conclusion Data from this study show that in a mouse model ET-traps have a potent and significant therapeutic effect on diabetes disease pathology. Future studies could further evaluate the use of ET-traps as a therapy for diabetes, including taking them through clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arjun Jain
- 1Accelerate Cambridge, Judge Business School, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Vidhi Mehrotra
- 1Accelerate Cambridge, Judge Business School, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Ira Jha
- 2National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- 3Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad, India
| | - Ashok Jain
- 1Accelerate Cambridge, Judge Business School, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
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