1
|
Marzano LAS, de Castro FLM, Machado CA, de Barros JLVM, Macedo E Cordeiro T, Simões E Silva AC, Teixeira AL, Silva de Miranda A. Potential Role of Adult Hippocampal Neurogenesis in Traumatic Brain Injury. Curr Med Chem 2021; 29:3392-3419. [PMID: 34561977 DOI: 10.2174/0929867328666210923143713] [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: 05/24/2021] [Revised: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a serious cause of disability and death among young and adult individuals, displaying complex pathophysiology including cellular and molecular mechanisms that are not fully elucidated. Many experimental and clinical studies investigated the potential relationship between TBI and the process by which neurons are formed in the brain, known as neurogenesis. Currently, there are no available treatments for TBI's long-term consequences being the search for novel therapeutic targets, a goal of highest scientific and clinical priority. Some studies evaluated the benefits of treatments aimed at improving neurogenesis in TBI. In this scenario, herein, we reviewed current pre-clinical studies that evaluated different approaches to improving neurogenesis after TBI while achieving better cognitive outcomes, which may consist in interesting approaches for future treatments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lucas Alexandre Santos Marzano
- Laboratório Interdisciplinar de Investigação Médica (LIIM), Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Brazil
| | | | - Caroline Amaral Machado
- Laboratório de Neurobiologia, Departamento de Morfologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, UFMG, Brazil
| | | | - Thiago Macedo E Cordeiro
- Laboratório Interdisciplinar de Investigação Médica (LIIM), Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Brazil
| | - Ana Cristina Simões E Silva
- Laboratório Interdisciplinar de Investigação Médica (LIIM), Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Brazil
| | - Antônio Lúcio Teixeira
- Neuropsychiatry Program, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, United States
| | - Aline Silva de Miranda
- Laboratório Interdisciplinar de Investigação Médica (LIIM), Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Dai B, Sha R, Yuan J, Liu D. Multiple potential roles of thymosin β4 in the growth and development of hair follicles. J Cell Mol Med 2021; 25:1350-1358. [PMID: 33393222 PMCID: PMC7875905 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.16241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2020] [Revised: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The hair follicle (HF) is an important mini-organ of the skin, composed of many types of cells. Dermal papilla cells are important signalling components that guide the proliferation, upward migration and differentiation of HF stem cell progenitor cells to form other types of HF cells. Thymosin β4 (Tβ4), a major actin-sequestering protein, is involved in various cellular responses and has recently been shown to play key roles in HF growth and development. Endogenous Tβ4 can activate the mouse HF cycle transition and affect HF growth and development by promoting the migration and differentiation of HF stem cells and their progeny. In addition, exogenous Tβ4 increases the rate of hair growth in mice and promotes cashmere production by increasing the number of secondary HFs (hair follicles) in cashmere goats. However, the molecular mechanisms through which Tβ4 promotes HF growth and development have rarely been reported. Herein, we review the functions and mechanisms of Tβ4 in HF growth and development and describe the endogenous and exogenous actions of Tβ4 in HFs to provide insights into the roles of Tβ4 in HF growth and development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bai Dai
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland LivestockSchool of Life SciencesInner Mongolia UniversityHohhotChina
- Reproductive Medicine CenterThe Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical UniversityHohhotChina
| | - Ri‐Na Sha
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland LivestockSchool of Life SciencesInner Mongolia UniversityHohhotChina
- Pathology departmentThe Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical UniversityHohhotChina
| | - Jian‐Long Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland LivestockSchool of Life SciencesInner Mongolia UniversityHohhotChina
- Clinical laboratoryThe Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical UniversityHohhotChina
| | - Dong‐Jun Liu
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland LivestockSchool of Life SciencesInner Mongolia UniversityHohhotChina
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Lunin S, Khrenov M, Glushkova O, Parfenyuk S, Novoselova T, Novoselova E. Precursors of thymic peptides as stress sensors. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2020; 20:1461-1475. [PMID: 32700610 DOI: 10.1080/14712598.2020.1800636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION A large volume of data indicates that the known thymic hormones, thymulin, thymopoietin, thymosin-α, thymosin-β, and thymic humoral factor-y2, exhibit different spectra of activities. Although large in volume, available data are rather fragmented, resulting in a lack of understanding of the role played by thymic hormones in immune homeostasis. AREA COVERED Existing data compartmentalizes the effect of thymic peptides into 2 categories: influence on immune cells and interconnection with neuroendocrine systems. The current study draws attention to a third aspect of the thymic peptide effect that has not been clarified yet, wherein ubiquitous and highly abundant intranuclear precursors of so called 'thymic peptides' play a fundamental role in all somatic cells. EXPERT OPINION Our analysis indicated that, under certain stress-related conditions, these precursors are cleaved to form immunologically active peptides that rapidly leave the nucleus and intracellular spaces, to send 'distress signals' to the immune system, thereby acting as stress sensors. We propose that these peptides may form a link between somatic cells and immune as well as neuroendocrine systems. This model may provide a better understanding of the mechanisms underlying immune homeostasis, leading thereby to the development of new therapeutic regimes utilizing the characteristics of thymic peptides.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sergey Lunin
- Laboratory of Reception Mechanisms, Institute of Cell Biophysics of the Russian Academy of Sciences, PSCBR RAS , Pushchino, Russia
| | - Maxim Khrenov
- Laboratory of Reception Mechanisms, Institute of Cell Biophysics of the Russian Academy of Sciences, PSCBR RAS , Pushchino, Russia
| | - Olga Glushkova
- Laboratory of Reception Mechanisms, Institute of Cell Biophysics of the Russian Academy of Sciences, PSCBR RAS , Pushchino, Russia
| | - Svetlana Parfenyuk
- Laboratory of Reception Mechanisms, Institute of Cell Biophysics of the Russian Academy of Sciences, PSCBR RAS , Pushchino, Russia
| | - Tatyana Novoselova
- Laboratory of Reception Mechanisms, Institute of Cell Biophysics of the Russian Academy of Sciences, PSCBR RAS , Pushchino, Russia
| | - E Novoselova
- Laboratory of Reception Mechanisms, Institute of Cell Biophysics of the Russian Academy of Sciences, PSCBR RAS , Pushchino, Russia
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Mizunuma Y, Kanasaki K, Nitta K, Nakamura Y, Ishigaki Y, Takagaki Y, Kitada M, Li S, Liu H, Li J, Usui I, Aso Y, Koya D. CD-1 db/db mice: A novel type 2 diabetic mouse model with progressive kidney fibrosis. J Diabetes Investig 2020; 11:1470-1481. [PMID: 32472621 PMCID: PMC7610117 DOI: 10.1111/jdi.13311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2019] [Revised: 03/28/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Aims/Introduction To establish novel therapies to combat diabetic kidney disease, a human disease‐relevant animal model is essential. However, a type 2 diabetic mouse model presenting progressive kidney fibrosis has not yet been established. Kidneys of streptozotocin‐induced diabetic CD‐1 mice showed severe fibrosis compared with other backgrounds of mice associated with the suppression of antifibrotic peptide N‐acetyl‐seryl‐aspartyl‐lysyl‐proline. The BKS background (BKSdb/db) is often utilized for diabetic kidney disease research; the kidney fibrosis in the BKSdb/db phenotype is minimal. Materials and Methods We generated CD‐1db/db mice by backcrossing the db gene into the CD‐1 background, and analyzed phenotypic differences compared with BKSdb/db and CD‐1db/m mice. Results Male CD‐1db/db mice appeared to have elevated blood glucose levels compared with those of BKSdb/db mice. Fasting insulin levels declined in CD‐1db/db mice. Plasma cystatin C levels tended to be elevated in CD‐1db/db mice from 16 to 24 weeks‐of‐age. Male CD‐1db/db mice showed significantly progressive kidney and heart fibrosis from 16 to 24 weeks‐of‐age when compared with that of age‐matched BKSdb/db mice. The gene expression profile showed fibrogenic program‐associated genes in male CD‐1db/db mice. Male CD‐1db/db mice displayed significantly lower urine antifibrotic peptide N‐acetyl‐seryl‐aspartyl‐lysyl‐proline when compared to that of BKSdb/db at 24 weeks‐of‐age. The gene expression of prolyl oligopeptidase, the enzyme essential for antifibrotic peptide N‐acetyl‐seryl‐aspartyl‐lysyl‐proline production from thymosin β4, was significantly lower in the CD‐1 mice. Thymosin β4 levels were also lower in CD‐1 mice. Conclusions These results suggest that CD‐1db/db mice are a novel type 2 diabetic mouse model with progressive kidney and heart fibrosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuiko Mizunuma
- Department of Diabetology and Endocrinology, Kanazawa Medical University, Uchinada, Ishikawa, Japan.,Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Dokkyo Medical University, Mibu, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Keizo Kanasaki
- Department of Diabetology and Endocrinology, Kanazawa Medical University, Uchinada, Ishikawa, Japan.,Division of Anticipatory Molecular Food Science and Technology, Kanazawa Medical University, Uchinada, Ishikawa, Japan.,Internal Medicine 1, Shimane University Faculty of Medicine, Izumo, Shimane, Japan
| | - Kyoko Nitta
- Department of Diabetology and Endocrinology, Kanazawa Medical University, Uchinada, Ishikawa, Japan
| | - Yuka Nakamura
- Medical Research Institute, Kanazawa Medical University, Uchinada, Ishikawa, Japan
| | - Yasuhito Ishigaki
- Medical Research Institute, Kanazawa Medical University, Uchinada, Ishikawa, Japan
| | - Yuta Takagaki
- Department of Diabetology and Endocrinology, Kanazawa Medical University, Uchinada, Ishikawa, Japan
| | - Munehiro Kitada
- Department of Diabetology and Endocrinology, Kanazawa Medical University, Uchinada, Ishikawa, Japan.,Division of Anticipatory Molecular Food Science and Technology, Kanazawa Medical University, Uchinada, Ishikawa, Japan
| | - Shaolan Li
- Department of Diabetology and Endocrinology, Kanazawa Medical University, Uchinada, Ishikawa, Japan
| | - Haijie Liu
- Department of Diabetology and Endocrinology, Kanazawa Medical University, Uchinada, Ishikawa, Japan
| | - Jinpeng Li
- Department of Diabetology and Endocrinology, Kanazawa Medical University, Uchinada, Ishikawa, Japan
| | - Isao Usui
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Dokkyo Medical University, Mibu, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Yoshimasa Aso
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Dokkyo Medical University, Mibu, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Daisuke Koya
- Department of Diabetology and Endocrinology, Kanazawa Medical University, Uchinada, Ishikawa, Japan.,Division of Anticipatory Molecular Food Science and Technology, Kanazawa Medical University, Uchinada, Ishikawa, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Kanasaki K. N-acetyl-seryl-aspartyl-lysyl-proline is a valuable endogenous antifibrotic peptide for kidney fibrosis in diabetes: An update and translational aspects. J Diabetes Investig 2020; 11:516-526. [PMID: 31997585 PMCID: PMC7232267 DOI: 10.1111/jdi.13219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2020] [Revised: 01/23/2020] [Accepted: 01/24/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
N-acetyl-seryl-aspartyl-lysyl-proline (AcSDKP) is an endogenous peptide that has been confirmed to show excellent organ-protective effects. Even though originally discovered as a modulator of hemotopoietic stem cells, during the recent two decades, AcSDKP has been recognized as valuable antifibrotic peptide. The antifibrotic mechanism of AcSDKP is not yet clear; we have established that AcSDKP could target endothelial-mesenchymal transition program through the induction of the endothelial fibroblast growth factor receptor signaling pathway. Also, recent reports suggested the clinical significance of AcSDKP. The aim of this review was to update recent advances of the mechanistic action of AcSDKP and discuss translational research aspects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Keizo Kanasaki
- Internal Medicine 1Faculty of MedicineShimane UniversityIzumoJapan
- Department of Diabetology and EndocrinologyKanazawa Medical UniversityUchinadaJapan
- Division of Anticipatory Molecular Food Science and TechnologyKanazawa Medical UniversityUchinadaJapan
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Bansal N, Blanco JG, Sharma UC, Pokharel S, Shisler S, Lipshultz SE. Cardiovascular diseases in survivors of childhood cancer. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2020; 39:55-68. [PMID: 32026204 PMCID: PMC7123498 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-020-09859-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Over the past few decades, the diagnosis and management of children with various malignancies have improved tremendously. As a result, there are an increasing number of children who are long-term cancer survivors. With improved survival, however, has come an increased risk of treatment-related cardiovascular complications that can appear decades after treatment. These problems are serious enough that all caregivers of childhood cancer survivors, including oncologists, cardiologists, and other health care personnel, must pay close attention to the short- and long-term effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy on these children. This review discusses the effects of treatment-related cardiovascular complications from anthracyclines and radiotherapy and the methods for preventing, screening, and treating these complications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Neha Bansal
- Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Children's Hospital at Montefiore, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Javier G Blanco
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, The State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Umesh C Sharma
- Department of Medicine, University at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, The State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Saraswati Pokharel
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Shannon Shisler
- Department of Pediatrics, University at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, The State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Steven E Lipshultz
- Department of Pediatrics, University at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, The State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA.
- John R. Oshei Children's Hospital, Buffalo, NY, USA.
- Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA.
- Kaleida Health, Buffalo, NY, USA.
- UBMD Pediatrics, 1001 Main Street, 5th Floor, Buffalo, NY, 14203, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Hinkel R, Klett K, Bähr A, Kupatt C. Thymosin β4-mediated protective effects in the heart. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2019; 18:121-129. [PMID: 30063857 DOI: 10.1080/14712598.2018.1490409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Despite recent advances in the treatment of coronary heart disease, a significant number of patients progressively develop heart failure. Reduction of infarct size after acute myocardial infarction and normalization of microvasculature in chronic myocardial ischemia could enhance cardiac survival. AREAS COVERED Induction of neovascularization using vascular growth factors has emerged as a promising novel approach for cardiac regeneration. Thymosin β4 (Tβ4) might be a promising candidate for the treatment of ischemic heart disease. It has been characterized as a major G-actin-sequestering factor regulating cell motility, migration, and differentiation. During cardiac development, Thymosin β4 seems essential for vascularization of the myocardium. In the adult organism, Thymosin β4 has anti-inflammatory properties, increases myocyte and endothelial cell survival accompanied by differentiation of epicardial progenitor cells. In chronic myocardial ischemia, Tβ4 overexpression enhances micro- and macrovasculature in the ischemic area and thereby improves myocardial function. A comparable effect is seen in diabetic and dyslipidemic pig ischemic hearts, suggesting an attractive therapeutic potential of adeno-associated virus encoding for Tβ4 for patients with ischemic heart disease. EXPERT OPINION Induction of mature micro-vessels is a prerequisite for chronic myocardial ischemia and might be achieved via a long-term overexpression of Thymosin β4.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rabea Hinkel
- a Internal Medicine I , Klinikum rechts der Isar der TU München , Munich , Germany.,b Institut for Cardiovascular Prevention , LMU Munich , Munich , Germany.,c DZHK (German Center for Cardiovascular Research) , partner site Munich Heart Alliance , Munich , Germany
| | - Katharina Klett
- b Institut for Cardiovascular Prevention , LMU Munich , Munich , Germany.,c DZHK (German Center for Cardiovascular Research) , partner site Munich Heart Alliance , Munich , Germany
| | - Andrea Bähr
- a Internal Medicine I , Klinikum rechts der Isar der TU München , Munich , Germany.,c DZHK (German Center for Cardiovascular Research) , partner site Munich Heart Alliance , Munich , Germany
| | - Christian Kupatt
- a Internal Medicine I , Klinikum rechts der Isar der TU München , Munich , Germany.,c DZHK (German Center for Cardiovascular Research) , partner site Munich Heart Alliance , Munich , Germany
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
The anti-inflammatory peptide Ac-SDKP: Synthesis, role in ACE inhibition, and its therapeutic potential in hypertension and cardiovascular diseases. Pharmacol Res 2018; 134:268-279. [DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2018.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2018] [Revised: 05/12/2018] [Accepted: 07/07/2018] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
|
9
|
Iavarone F, Desiderio C, Vitali A, Messana I, Martelli C, Castagnola M, Cabras T. Cryptides: latent peptides everywhere. Crit Rev Biochem Mol Biol 2018; 53:246-263. [PMID: 29564928 DOI: 10.1080/10409238.2018.1447543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Proteomic surveys with top-down platforms are today revealing thousands of naturally occurring fragments of bigger proteins. Some of them have not functional meaning because they derive from pathways responsible for protein degradation, but many have specific functions, often completely different from that one of the parent proteins. These peptides encrypted in the protein sequence are nowadays called cryptides. They are frequent in the animal and plant kingdoms and represent a new interesting -omic field of investigation. To point out how much widespread is their presence, we describe here the most studied cryptides from very common sources such as serum albumin, immunoglobulins, hemoglobin, and from saliva and milk proteins. Given its vastness, it is unfeasible to cover the topic exhaustively, therefore only several selected examples of cryptides from other sources are thereafter reported. Demanding is the development of new -omic platforms for the functional screening of new cryptides, which could provide suggestion for peptides and peptido-mimetics with variegate fields of application.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Federica Iavarone
- a Istituto di Biochimica e Biochimica Clinica, Università Cattolica , Roma , Italy
| | - Claudia Desiderio
- b Istituto di Chimica del Riconoscimento Molecolare, CNR , Roma , Italy
| | - Alberto Vitali
- b Istituto di Chimica del Riconoscimento Molecolare, CNR , Roma , Italy
| | - Irene Messana
- b Istituto di Chimica del Riconoscimento Molecolare, CNR , Roma , Italy
| | - Claudia Martelli
- a Istituto di Biochimica e Biochimica Clinica, Università Cattolica , Roma , Italy
| | - Massimo Castagnola
- a Istituto di Biochimica e Biochimica Clinica, Università Cattolica , Roma , Italy.,b Istituto di Chimica del Riconoscimento Molecolare, CNR , Roma , Italy
| | - Tiziana Cabras
- c Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente , Università di Cagliari , Cagliari , Italy
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Zhang Y, Zhang ZG, Chopp M, Meng Y, Zhang L, Mahmood A, Xiong Y. Treatment of traumatic brain injury in rats with N-acetyl-seryl-aspartyl-lysyl-proline. J Neurosurg 2016; 126:782-795. [PMID: 28245754 DOI: 10.3171/2016.3.jns152699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The authors' previous studies have suggested that thymosin beta 4 (Tβ4), a major actin-sequestering protein, improves functional recovery after neural injury. N-acetyl-seryl-aspartyl-lysyl-proline (AcSDKP) is an active peptide fragment of Tβ4. Its effect as a treatment of traumatic brain injury (TBI) has not been investigated. Thus, this study was designed to determine whether AcSDKP treatment improves functional recovery in rats after TBI. METHODS Young adult male Wistar rats were randomly divided into the following groups: 1) sham group (no injury); 2) TBI + vehicle group (0.01 N acetic acid); and 3) TBI + AcSDKP (0.8 mg/kg/day). TBI was induced by controlled cortical impact over the left parietal cortex. AcSDKP or vehicle was administered subcutaneously starting 1 hour postinjury and continuously for 3 days using an osmotic minipump. Sensorimotor function and spatial learning were assessed using a modified Neurological Severity Score and Morris water maze tests, respectively. Some of the animals were euthanized 1 day after injury, and their brains were processed for measurement of fibrin accumulation and neuroinflammation signaling pathways. The remaining animals were euthanized 35 days after injury, and brain sections were processed for measurement of lesion volume, hippocampal cell loss, angiogenesis, neurogenesis, and dendritic spine remodeling. RESULTS Compared with vehicle treatment, AcSDKP treatment initiated 1 hour postinjury significantly improved sensorimotor functional recovery (Days 7-35, p < 0.05) and spatial learning (Days 33-35, p < 0.05), reduced cortical lesion volume, and hippocampal neuronal cell loss, reduced fibrin accumulation and activation of microglia/macrophages, enhanced angiogenesis and neurogenesis, and increased the number of dendritic spines in the injured brain (p < 0.05). AcSDKP treatment also significantly inhibited the transforming growth factor-β1/nuclear factor-κB signaling pathway. CONCLUSIONS AcSDKP treatment initiated 1 hour postinjury provides neuroprotection and neurorestoration after TBI, indicating that this small tetrapeptide has promising therapeutic potential for treatment of TBI. Further investigation of the optimal dose and therapeutic window of AcSDKP treatment for TBI and the associated underlying mechanisms is therefore warranted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Michael Chopp
- Neurology, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit; and.,Department of Physics, Oakland University, Rochester, Michigan
| | | | - Li Zhang
- Neurology, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit; and
| | | | - Ye Xiong
- Departments of 1 Neurosurgery and
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Kim DH, Moon EY, Yi JH, Lee HE, Park SJ, Ryu YK, Kim HC, Lee S, Ryu JH. Peptide fragment of thymosin β4 increases hippocampal neurogenesis and facilitates spatial memory. Neuroscience 2015; 310:51-62. [PMID: 26363149 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2015.09.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2015] [Revised: 09/01/2015] [Accepted: 09/01/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Although several studies have suggested the neuroprotective effect of thymosin β4 (TB4), a major actin-sequestering protein, on the central nervous system, little is understood regarding the action of N-acetyl-serylaspartyl-lysyl-proline (Ac-SDKP), a peptide fragment of TB4 on brain function. Here, we examined neurogenesis-stimulative effect of Ac-SDKP. Intrahippocampal infusion of Ac-SDKP facilitated the generation of new neurons in the hippocampus. Ac-SDKP-treated mouse hippocampus showed an increase in β-catenin stability with reduction of glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β) activity. Moreover, inhibition of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signaling blocked Ac-SDKP-facilitated neural proliferation. Subchronic intrahippocampal infusion of Ac-SDKP also increased spatial memory. Taken together, these data demonstrate that Ac-SDKP functions as a regulator of neural proliferation and indicate that Ac-SDKP may be a therapeutic candidate for diseases characterized by neuronal loss.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- D H Kim
- Department of Medicinal Biotechnology, College of Natural Resources and Life Science, Dong-A University, Busan 604-714, Republic of Korea; Dong-A Anti-Aging Research Center, Dong-A University, Busan 604-714, Republic of Korea
| | - E-Y Moon
- Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Sejong University, Seoul 143-747, Republic of Korea.
| | - J H Yi
- School of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - H E Lee
- Department of Life and Nanopharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 130-701, Republic of Korea; Kyung Hee East-West Pharmaceutical Research Institute, College of Pharmacy, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 130-701, Republic of Korea
| | - S J Park
- Department of Life and Nanopharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 130-701, Republic of Korea; Kyung Hee East-West Pharmaceutical Research Institute, College of Pharmacy, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 130-701, Republic of Korea
| | - Y-K Ryu
- Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Sejong University, Seoul 143-747, Republic of Korea
| | - H-C Kim
- Biomedical Mouse Resource Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Taejeon 305-806, Republic of Korea
| | - S Lee
- Faculty of Marine Biomedical Science, Cheju National University, Jeju 690-756, Republic of Korea
| | - J H Ryu
- Department of Life and Nanopharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 130-701, Republic of Korea; Department of Oriental Pharmaceutical Science, College of Pharmacy, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 130-701, Republic of Korea; Kyung Hee East-West Pharmaceutical Research Institute, College of Pharmacy, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 130-701, Republic of Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Hinkel R, Ball HL, DiMaio JM, Shrivastava S, Thatcher JE, Singh AN, Sun X, Faskerti G, Olson EN, Kupatt C, Bock-Marquette I. C-terminal variable AGES domain of Thymosin β4: the molecule's primary contribution in support of post-ischemic cardiac function and repair. J Mol Cell Cardiol 2015; 87:113-25. [PMID: 26255251 DOI: 10.1016/j.yjmcc.2015.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2015] [Revised: 06/12/2015] [Accepted: 07/08/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Repairing defective cardiac cells is important towards improving heart function. Due to the frequency and severity of ischemic heart disease, management of patients featuring this type of cardiac failure receives significant interest. Previously we discovered that Thymosin β4 (TB4), a 43 amino-acid secreted actin sequestering peptide, is beneficial for myocardial cell survival and coronary re-growth after infarction in adult mammals. Considering the regenerative potential of full-length TB4 in the heart, and that minimal structural variations alter TB4's influence on actin assembly and cell movement, we investigated how various TB4 domains affect cardiac cell behavior and post-ischemic mammalian heart function. We synthesized 17 domain combinations of full-length TB4 and analyzed their impact on embryonic cardiac cells in vitro, and after cardiac infarction in vivo. We discovered the domains of TB4 affect cardiac cell behavior distinctly. We revealed TB4 specific C-terminal tetrapeptide, AGES, increases embryonic cardiac cell migration and myocyte beating in culture, and improves adult mammalian heart function following ischemia. Investigating the molecular background and mechanism we discovered systemic injection of AGES enhances early myocyte survival by activating Akt-mediated signaling mechanisms, increases coronary vessel growth and inhibits inflammation in mice and pigs. Biodistribution analyses revealed cardiomyocytes uptake AGES efficiently in vitro and in vivo projecting a potential independent clinical utilization for the tetrapeptide. Our comprehensive domain investigations also suggest, preservation and/or restoration of cardiomyocyte communication is a target of TB4 and AGES, and critical to improve post-ischemic heart function in pigs. In summary, we identified the C-terminal four amino-acid variable end of TB4 as the essential and responsible domain for the molecule's full benefits in the hypoxic heart. Additionally, we introduced AGES as a novel, systemically applicable drug candidate to aid cardiac infarction in adult mammals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rabea Hinkel
- Internal Medicine I, University Clinic Grosshadern, Munich 81377, Germany
| | - Haydn L Ball
- Protein Chemistry Technology Center University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - J Michael DiMaio
- Department of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Santwana Shrivastava
- Department of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Jeffrey E Thatcher
- Department of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Ajay N Singh
- Advanced Imaging Research Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Xiankai Sun
- Advanced Imaging Research Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Gabor Faskerti
- University of Pecs, Faculty of Medicine, Szentagothai Research Centre, Pecs 7624, Hungary
| | - Eric N Olson
- Department of Molecular Biology University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Christian Kupatt
- Internal Medicine I, University Clinic Grosshadern, Munich 81377, Germany
| | - Ildiko Bock-Marquette
- Department of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA; University of Pecs, Faculty of Medicine, Szentagothai Research Centre, Pecs 7624, Hungary.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Cabras T, Iavarone F, Martelli C, Delfino D, Rossetti DV, Inserra I, Manconi B, Desiderio C, Messana I, Hannappel E, Faa G, Castagnola M. High-resolution mass spectrometry for thymosins detection and characterization. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2015; 15 Suppl 1:S191-201. [PMID: 26095945 DOI: 10.1517/14712598.2015.1009887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to characterize β and α thymosins and their proteoforms in various tissues and bodily fluids by mass spectrometry and to look at their association with a wide variety of pathologies. METHODS A top-down proteomic platform based on high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled to high-resolution LTQ-Orbitrap mass spectrometry (MS) was applied to the characterization of naturally occurring peptides. RESULTS In addition to thymosin β4 (Tβ4) and β10 (Tβ10), several post-translational modifications of both these peptides were identified not only in bodily fluids but also in normal and pathological tissues of different origins. The analysis of tissue specimens allowed the characterization of different C-terminal truncated forms of Tβ4 and Tβ10 together with other proteolytic fragments. The sulfoxide derivative of both Tβ4 and Tβ10 and the acetylated derivatives at lysine residues of Tβ4 were also characterized. Different proteoforms of prothymosin α, parathymosin α, thymosin α1 and thymosin α11 together with diverse proteolytic fragments were identified too. CONCLUSION The clinical and prognostic significance and the origin of these proteoforms have to be deeply investigated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tiziana Cabras
- Università di Cagliari, Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente , Cagliari , Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
The actin-sequestering protein thymosin beta-4 is a novel target of hypoxia-inducible nitric oxide and HIF-1α regulation. PLoS One 2014; 9:e106532. [PMID: 25271630 PMCID: PMC4182666 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0106532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2014] [Accepted: 08/05/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The actin-sequestering protein thymosin beta-4 (Tβ4) is involved in various cellular and physiological processes such as proliferation, motility, growth and metastasis. Nitric oxide (NO) promotes tumor invasiveness and metastasis by activating various enzymes. Herein, we investigated whether hypoxia-inducible NO regulates Tβ4 expression and cancer cell migration using HeLa cervical cancer cells. NO production and Tβ4 expression were increased in a hypoxic condition. The treatment with N-(β-D-Glucopyranosyl)-N2-acetyl-S-nitroso-D, L-penicillaminamide (SNAP-1), to generate NO, enhanced the transcription of Tβ4 and cancer cell migration. SNAP-1-induced cell migration was decreased by the inhibition of Tβ4 with small interference (si) RNA. In a hypoxic condition, treatment with NG-monomethyl-L-arginine (L-NMMA), nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor, reduced Tβ4 transcriptional activity, and hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α. Hypoxia-induced cancer cell migration was also decreased by L-NMMA treatment. In a normoxic condition, Tβ4 transcriptional activity was decreased in the cells incubated in the presence of L-NMMA after co-transfection with Tβ4 promoter and GST-conjugated HIF-1α. Collectively, these results suggest that NO could regulate the expression of Tβ4 by direct or indirect effect of HIF-1α on Tβ4 promoter.
Collapse
|
15
|
Nagai T, Nitta K, Kanasaki M, Koya D, Kanasaki K. The biological significance of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibition to combat kidney fibrosis. Clin Exp Nephrol 2014; 19:65-74. [PMID: 24975544 DOI: 10.1007/s10157-014-1000-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2014] [Accepted: 06/08/2014] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Both angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACE-I) and angiotensin II receptor blocker have been recognized as renin-angiotensin system (RAS) inhibitors. These two RAS inhibitors are rarely recognized as drugs with distinct pharmacological effects in the clinic or most clinical trials. Some preclinical basic research and clinical trials indicate that ACE-I might display superior organ-protective effects, especially anti-fibrotic effects. Such anti-fibrotic effects of ACE-I could be associated with an endogenous anti-fibrotic peptide, N-acetyl-seryl-aspartyl-lysyl-proline (AcSDKP). In this review, we focused on the anti-fibrotic effects of RAS inhibition and the endogenous anti-fibrotic peptide AcSDKP.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Takako Nagai
- Department of Diabetology and Endocrinology, Kanazawa Medical University, Uchinada, Ishikawa, 920-0293, Japan
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
Kanasaki K, Nagai T, Nitta K, Kitada M, Koya D. N-acetyl-seryl-aspartyl-lysyl-proline: a valuable endogenous anti-fibrotic peptide for combating kidney fibrosis in diabetes. Front Pharmacol 2014; 5:70. [PMID: 24782774 PMCID: PMC3995071 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2014.00070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2013] [Accepted: 03/25/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Fibroproliferative diseases are responsible for 45% of deaths in the developed world. Curing organ fibrosis is essential for fibroproliferative diseases. Diabetic nephropathy is a common fibroproliferative disease of the kidney and is associated with multiorgan dysfunction. However, therapy to combat diabetic nephropathy has not yet been established. In this review, we discuss the novel therapeutic possibilities for kidney fibrosis in diabetes focusing on the endogenous anti-fibrotic peptide, N-acetyl-seryl-aspartyl-lysyl-proline (AcSDKP), which is the substrate for angiotensin-converting enzyme and exhibits meaningful anti-fibrotic effects in various experimental models of fibrotic disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Keizo Kanasaki
- Department of Diabetology and Endocrinology, Kanazawa Medical University Uchinada, Ishikawa, Japan
| | - Takako Nagai
- Department of Diabetology and Endocrinology, Kanazawa Medical University Uchinada, Ishikawa, Japan
| | - Kyoko Nitta
- Department of Diabetology and Endocrinology, Kanazawa Medical University Uchinada, Ishikawa, Japan
| | - Munehiro Kitada
- Department of Diabetology and Endocrinology, Kanazawa Medical University Uchinada, Ishikawa, Japan
| | - Daisuke Koya
- Department of Diabetology and Endocrinology, Kanazawa Medical University Uchinada, Ishikawa, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Zhang L, Chopp M, Teng H, Ding G, Jiang Q, Yang XP, Rhaleb NE, Zhang ZG. Combination treatment with N-acetyl-seryl-aspartyl-lysyl-proline and tissue plasminogen activator provides potent neuroprotection in rats after stroke. Stroke 2014; 45:1108-14. [PMID: 24549864 DOI: 10.1161/strokeaha.113.004399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE N-acetyl-seryl-aspartyl-lysyl-proline (AcSDKP), an endogenously produced circulating peptide in humans and rodents, exerts anti-inflammatory and cardioprotective activities in various cardiovascular diseases. METHODS The present study evaluated the neuroprotective effect of AcSDKP alone and in combination with thrombolytic therapy in a rat model of embolic focal cerebral ischemia. RESULTS We found that treatment with AcSDKP alone at 1 hour or the combination treatment with AcSDKP and tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) at 4 hours after stroke onset substantially increased AcSDKP levels in plasma and cerebrospinal fluid and robustly reduced infarct volume and neurological deficits, without increasing the incidence of brain hemorrhage compared with ischemic rats treated with saline, AcSDKP alone at 4 hours, and tPA alone at 4 hours. Moreover, the combination treatment considerably reduced the density of nuclear transcription factor-κB (NF-κB), transforming growth factor β (TGF-β), and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) positive cerebral blood vessels in the ischemic brain, all of which were associated with reduced microvascular fibrin extravasation and platelet accumulation compared with tPA monotherapy. In vitro, AcSDKP blocked fibrin-elevated TGF-β1, PAI-1, and NF-κB proteins in primary human brain microvascular endothelial cells. CONCLUSIONS Our data indicate that AcSDKP passes the blood-brain barrier, and that treatment of acute stroke with AcSDKP either alone at 1 hour or in combination with tPA at 4 hours of the onset of stroke is effective to reduce ischemic cell damage in a rat model of embolic stroke. Inactivation of TGF-β and NF-κB signaling by AcSDKP in the neurovascular unit may underlie the neuroprotective effect of AcSDKP.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Li Zhang
- From the Department of Neurology (L.Z., M.C., H.T., G.D., Q.J., Z.G.Z.), Hypertension and Vascular Research Division (X.P.Y., N.E.R.), Henry Ford Health Sciences Center, Detroit, MI; and Department of Physics (M.C.), Oakland University, Rochester, MI
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
18
|
Nemolato S, Cabras T, Messana I, Gerosa C, Faa G, Castagnola M. Do β-Thymosins Play a Role in Human Nephrogenesis? CURRENT CLINICAL PATHOLOGY 2014. [DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-0947-6_8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
|
19
|
Antifibrotic peptideN-acetyl-Ser-Asp-Lys-Pro (Ac-SDKP): Opportunities for angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor design. Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol 2013; 40:535-41. [DOI: 10.1111/1440-1681.12062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2012] [Revised: 01/20/2013] [Accepted: 01/21/2013] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
|
20
|
|
21
|
Ryu YK, Lee YS, Lee GH, Song KS, Kim YS, Moon EY. Regulation of glycogen synthase kinase-3 by thymosin beta-4 is associated with gastric cancer cell migration. Int J Cancer 2012; 131:2067-77. [PMID: 22328534 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.27490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2011] [Accepted: 01/19/2012] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Thymosin beta-4 (Tβ4), actin-sequestering protein, plays important roles in many cellular functions including cancer cell migrations. Glycogen synthase kinase (GSK) in Wnt signaling pathway is a key molecule to control intercellular interaction. Here, we investigated whether GSK-3 activity is regulated by Tβ4 and it is associated with Tβ4-mediated migration in gastric cancer cells. Various expression level of Tβ4 was observed in human gastric tumor tissues. Migration in gastric cancer cells, SNU638 and SNU668, was dependent on a relative expression level of Tβ4. Cell migration was higher in SNU668 with a higher expression level of Tβ4 than that in SNU638 with a lower Tβ4. Although the level of phosphorylated(p)-GSK-3α (inactive), β-catenin, E-cadherin and E-cadherin:β-catenin complex was relatively higher, p-GSK-3β (inactive) was lower in SNU638 compared to those in SNU668 cells. LiCl, GSK-3α/β inhibitor, reduced lung metastasis of B16F10 mouse melanoma cells and SNU668 cell migration. Small interference (si)RNA of GSK-3α increased SNU638 cell migration in accordance with the reduction of E-cadherin:β-catenin complex formation through a decrease in β-catenin and E-cadherin. Expression level of GSK-3α/β, β-catenin and E-cadherin in SNU668 and SNU638 was reversed by Tβ4-siRNA and by the treatment with acetylated-serine-aspartic acid-lysine-proline (SDKP) tetrapeptide of Tβ4, respectively. E-cadherin expression in SNU638 cells was decreased by β-catenin-siRNA. PD98059, MEK inhibitor, or U0126, ERK inhibitor, reduced SNU668 cell migration accompanying an increase in p-GSK-3α, β-catenin and E-cadherin. Taken together, data indicated that the expression of GSK-3α, β-catenin and E-cadherin could be negatively regulated by Tβ4-induced ERK phosphorylation. It suggests that Tβ4 could be a novel regulator to control Wnt signaling pathways.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yun-Kyoung Ryu
- Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Sejong University, Seoul, Korea
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
22
|
Drugs of the future for Peyronie's disease. Med Hypotheses 2011; 78:305-11. [PMID: 22154542 DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2011.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2011] [Accepted: 11/08/2011] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
With the increasing awareness of Peyronie's disease (PD), the interest in new concept medications to treat the disorder is escalating. Profibrogenic factors such as transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta1, endothelin (ET-1), connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), angiotensin (Ang) II and platelet derived growth factor (PDGF), all appear to be involved in the pathogenesis of PD. β-Thymosins, pirfenidone, nitric oxide (NO) donors, phosphodiesterase (PDE)-5 inhibitors, matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs)/anti-tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases (TIMP)-1 reduce collagen synthesis, while decorin, follistatin, and Smad 7 exert antifibrotic effects; all have been proposed for the treatment of PD. Alternative and/or novel approaches for the treatment of PD are needed in part because of the recognized multifactorial etiology of this complex disorder. A comprehensive approach for translating available experimental information into clinically effective drug trials for the treatment of PD is needed. We propose a multi-faceted approach for drug development to generate novel drug products for the treatment of PD.
Collapse
|
23
|
Kanasaki M, Nagai T, Kitada M, Koya D, Kanasaki K. Elevation of the antifibrotic peptide N-acetyl-seryl-aspartyl-lysyl-proline: a blood pressure-independent beneficial effect of angiotensin I-converting enzyme inhibitors. FIBROGENESIS & TISSUE REPAIR 2011; 4:25. [PMID: 22126210 PMCID: PMC3253677 DOI: 10.1186/1755-1536-4-25] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2011] [Accepted: 11/30/2011] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Blockade of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) is well recognized as an essential therapy in hypertensive, heart, and kidney diseases. There are several classes of drugs that block the RAS; these drugs are known to exhibit antifibrotic action. An analysis of the molecular mechanisms of action for these drugs can reveal potential differences in their antifibrotic roles. In this review, we discuss the antifibrotic action of RAS blockade with an emphasis on the potential importance of angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibition associated with the antifibrotic peptide N-acetyl-seryl-aspartyl-lysyl-proline (AcSDKP).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Megumi Kanasaki
- Division of Diabetes & Endocrinology, Kanazawa Medical University, Uchinada, Ishikawa, Japan.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
24
|
Abstract
Thymosins are a family of highly conserved small peptides originally isolated from calf thymus. One representative member of the family is thymosin-β₄ (Tβ₄), a major G-actin-sequestering peptide present in many tissues. In the last decade, various studies have uncovered several important functions for Tβ₄ related to the regeneration of injured tissues including skin and heart. In particular, Tβ₄ promotes endothelial cell migration via the activation of Akt2 kinase at the leading edge of the cell. In the case of skeletal muscle injury, increased levels of Tβ₄ are produced by muscle fibers and surrounding immune cells. Satellite cell-derived myoblasts and myocytes are chemoattracted by Tβ₄, which facilitates skeletal muscle regeneration. Recently, it was reported that Tβ₄ interacts physically with F₁-F₀ ATP synthase on the plasma membrane to increase the local concentration of ATP, which stimulates the P2X₄ purinergic receptor to elicit a migratory response from endothelial cells. Thus, it is clear that Tβ₄ is an important chemotactic factor involved in stem/progenitor cell-mediated tissue regeneration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Takahiko Hara
- Stem Cell Project, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Inoue K, Ikemura A, Tsuruta Y, Watanabe K, Tsutsumiuchi K, Hino T, Oka H. Quantification of N-acetyl-seryl-aspartyl-lysyl-proline in hemodialysis patients administered angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors by stable isotope dilution liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. J Pharm Biomed Anal 2010; 54:765-71. [PMID: 21074346 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpba.2010.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2010] [Revised: 10/09/2010] [Accepted: 10/14/2010] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
We developed a sensitive, selective and accurate method based on liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) to determine N-terminal thymosin-β peptides of Ac-SDKP and Ac-ADKP in human plasma samples. Quantification of Ac-SDKP and Ac-ADKP was performed using solid phase extraction (SPE) based on C(18), reversed phase LC separation, and stable isotope dilution electrospray ionization-MS/MS in multiple reaction-monitoring (MRM) mode. The Ac-SDKP-(13)C(6), (15)N(2) and Ac-ADKP-d(7) were synthesized for the internal standards. These MRM monitoring ions were m/z 488→129 (quantitative ion)/226 for Ac-SDKP, m/z 496→137 for Ac-SDKP-(13)C(6), (15)N(2), m/z 472→129 (quantitative ion)/226 for Ac-ADKP, and m/z 479→129 for Ac-ADKP-d(7), respectively. Lower limit of quantitation (LLOQ) of Ac-SDKP and Ac-ADKP was 0.1ng/mL in human plasma. Recovery values were ranged from 94.7% to 106.3% for inter- (RSD: 0.6-3.5%) and intra- (RSD: 0.4-4.9%) day assays. Plasma Ac-SDKP levels were significantly higher in hemodialyzed subjects treated with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors of enalapril (27.3±24.6ng/mL, n=10) and trandolapril (12.3±16.9ng/mL, n=18) than healthy (0.4±0.2ng/mL, n=7) and hemodialyzed subjects (0.6±0.2ng/mL, n=34). This analytical method would be useful to measure N-terminal thymosin-β peptides in human plasma for the clinical study.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Koichi Inoue
- Department of Physical and Analytical Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Kinjo Gakuin University, Omori, Moriyama-ku, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
26
|
Crockford D, Turjman N, Allan C, Angel J. Thymosin beta4: structure, function, and biological properties supporting current and future clinical applications. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2010; 1194:179-89. [PMID: 20536467 DOI: 10.1111/j.1749-6632.2010.05492.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Published studies have described a number of physiological properties and cellular functions of thymosin beta4 (Tbeta4), the major G-actin-sequestering molecule in mammalian cells. Those activities include the promotion of cell migration, blood vessel formation, cell survival, stem cell differentiation, the modulation of cytokines, chemokines, and specific proteases, the upregulation of matrix molecules and gene expression, and the downregulation of a major nuclear transcription factor. Such properties have provided the scientific rationale for a number of ongoing and planned dermal, corneal, cardiac clinical trials evaluating the tissue protective, regenerative and repair potential of Tbeta4, and direction for future clinical applications in the treatment of diseases of the central nervous system, lung inflammatory disease, and sepsis. A special emphasis is placed on the development of Tbeta4 in the treatment of patients with ST elevation myocardial infarction in combination with percutaneous coronary intervention.
Collapse
|
27
|
Liu JM, Garcia-Alvarez MC, Bignon J, Kusinski M, Kuzdak K, Riches A, Wdzieczak-Bakala J. Overexpression of the natural tetrapeptide acetyl-N-ser-asp-lys-pro derived from thymosin beta4 in neoplastic diseases. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2010; 1194:53-9. [PMID: 20536450 DOI: 10.1111/j.1749-6632.2010.05488.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
The natural tetrapeptide acetyl-ser-asp-lys-pro (AcSDKP) is formed in vivo by enzymatic cleavage of the N terminus of thymosin beta4 by prolyl oligopeptidase (POP). Recently, AcSDKP was shown to promote angiogenesis. Because of the critical role of neovascularization in cancer development, the levels of AcSDKP and POP activity in a number of different malignant tissues were investigated. Our studies revealed that AcSDKP levels were markedly elevated in neoplastic diseases including hematologic malignancies and solid neoplasms. Consistent with this finding, the enhanced activity of POP was also detected in all analyzed specimens of cancer tissues. Both these novel findings are in concert with the previously reported overexpression of thymosin beta4 in a large variety of malignant tumors and with its potential role in cancerogenesis. The physiological relevance of these findings awaits further studies; however, our first results strongly suggest a key role for AcSDKP in the pathogenesis of cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jian-Miao Liu
- Centre de Recherche de Gif, Institut de Chimie des Substances Naturelles, CNRS, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
28
|
Abstract
Thymosin beta(4) as well as the other members of the beta-thymosin family are important G-actin sequestering peptides. The chemical properties, the biosynthesis, and posttranslational modifications (PTMs) of these peptides are discussed. During biosynthesis of thymosin beta(4) the initiator methionine is removed and the N-terminus is acetylated. Research on proteomics revealed several acetylated lysine residues and two phosphorylated threonine residues. The enormous number of phosphorylable and acetylable sites in the human proteome raises the question about the biological significance of these PTMs in the context of beta-thymosins. Presently, this question cannot be answered because neither the concentration of these modified beta-thymosins in cells is known nor the consequences of the modifications on the biological function(s) of beta-thymosins have been studied yet. Thymosin beta(4) is also posttranslationally modified by transglutaminase forming covalent bonds with other molecules. Prolyl oligopeptidase generates ac-SDKP from thymosin beta(4). The concentration of C-terminal peptide fragments of thymosin beta(4) is elevated in the blood of patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- E Hannappel
- Institute of Biochemistry, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Offen N, Meyer A, Begemann G. Identification of novel genes involved in the development of the sword and gonopodium in swordtail fish. Dev Dyn 2009; 238:1674-87. [PMID: 19479949 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.21983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Nils Offen
- Department of Biology, Lehrstuhl für Zoologie und Evolutionsbiologie, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
30
|
Inzitari R, Cabras T, Pisano E, Fanali C, Manconi B, Scarano E, Fiorita A, Paludetti G, Manni A, Nemolato S, Faa G, Castagnola M, Messana I. HPLC-ESI-MS analysis of oral human fluids reveals that gingival crevicular fluid is the main source of oral thymosins beta(4) and beta(10). J Sep Sci 2009; 32:57-63. [PMID: 19035385 DOI: 10.1002/jssc.200800496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Thymosin beta(4) (Tbeta(4)), its sulfoxide, and thymosin beta(10 )(Tbeta(10)) were detected in human saliva and identified by different strategies based on RP HPLC coupled to electrospray multidimensional IT MS. Tbeta(4 )was almost always detected in whole saliva, its sulfoxide sporadically, Tbeta(10) rarely. Tbeta(4) was undetectable in parotid saliva and less concentrated in submandibular/sublingual saliva than in whole saliva. Analysis of gingival crevicular fluid revealed high relative amounts of Tbeta(4), Tbeta(4) sulfoxide, and Tbeta(10) in all the samples. Tbeta(4) mean concentration was 200 times higher in crevicular fluid (20 micromol/L, N = 9) than in whole saliva (0.1 micromol/L, N = 9). Crevicular fluid concentration of Tbeta(4 )(ca. 5% represented by its sulfoxide) and beta(10 )significantly correlated (r = 0.856; N = 9), and their ratio was about 5. A significant correlation was also observed between Tbeta(4 )concentrations in whole saliva and gingival crevicular fluid (r = 0.738; N = 9). Immunohistochemical analysis of the major salivary glands showed that immunoreactivity for Tbeta(4) is restricted to ductal cells, with minor degree of focal positivity in some acinar cells. On the whole, results indicate that gingival sulcus is a main, although not the sole, source for oral Tbeta(4 )and Tbeta(10).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rosanna Inzitari
- Istituto di Biochimica e di Biochimica Clinica, Università Cattolica and Istituto per la Chimica del Riconoscimento Molecolare, CNR, Istituto Scientifico Internazionale (ISI) Paolo VI, Roma, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
31
|
Bednarek R, Boncela J, Smolarczyk K, Cierniewska-Cieslak A, Wyroba E, Cierniewski CS. Ku80 as a Novel Receptor for Thymosin β4 That Mediates Its Intracellular Activity Different from G-actin Sequestering. J Biol Chem 2008; 283:1534-1544. [DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m707539200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
|
32
|
Choi SY, Noh MR, Kim DK, Sun W, Kim H. Neuroprotective function of thymosin-beta and its derivative peptides on the programmed cell death of chick and rat neurons. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2007; 362:587-93. [PMID: 17716628 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2007.08.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2007] [Accepted: 08/01/2007] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Thymosin-betas (Tbetas) are small polypeptides with various biological functions, including cytoskeletal remodeling, angiogenesis, cellular migration, wound healing, and regulation of apoptosis. Recently, we found that Tbeta is involved in the control of programmed cell death (PCD) of motoneurons (MNs) in chick embryo, and that the anti-apoptotic action of Tbeta is independent of its actin-sequestering activity. In this study, we observed that a synthetic peptide derived from Tbeta suppressed staurosporine-induced neuronal apoptosis in vitro, and PCD of chick or rat MNs in vivo. Furthermore, inhibition of Tbeta4 in chick embryo by antibody significantly augmented the PCD of MNs, suggesting that secreted form of Tbeta is physiological regulator of PCD. Based on these findings, we propose that extracellularly secreted Tbeta is involved in the control of PCD of neurons during development, and Tbeta-derived peptides could be useful for the anti-apoptotic therapy of neuropathologies related to neuronal apoptosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- So Yoen Choi
- Department of Anatomy, Brain Korea 21, Korea University College of Medicine, 126-1 Anam-Dong, Sungbuk-Gu, Seoul 136-705, Republic of Korea
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
33
|
Smart N, Rossdeutsch A, Riley PR. Thymosin beta4 and angiogenesis: modes of action and therapeutic potential. Angiogenesis 2007; 10:229-41. [PMID: 17632766 DOI: 10.1007/s10456-007-9077-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2007] [Accepted: 06/12/2007] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Here we review the mechanisms by which Thymosin beta4 (Tbeta4) regulates angiogenesis, its role in processes, such as wound healing and tumour progression and we discuss in more detail the role of Tbeta4 in the cardiovascular system and significant recent findings implicating Tbeta4 as a potential therapeutic agent for ischaemic heart disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Smart
- Molecular Medicine Unit, UCL-Institute of Child Health, 30 Guilford Street, London WC1N 1EH, UK
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
34
|
Cierniewski CS, Malinowski M, Bednarek R, Cierniewska-Cieslak A. Adhesive and proteolytic phenotype of migrating endothelial cells induced by thymosin beta-4. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2007; 1112:123-39. [PMID: 17495245 DOI: 10.1196/annals.1415.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
The early stages of angiogenesis are usually accompanied by the occurrence of vascular leakage, and the deposition of fibrin in extravascular spaces. Initially, the fibrin network acts as a sealing matrix, but later on also as a scaffolding for invading endothelial cells. This process is induced by angiogenic growth factors, particularly by vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Angiogenesis involves proteolytic activities, in particular cell-bound urokinase/plasmin and matrix metalloproteinase (MMPs) activities that modulate the fibrin structure and affect adhesion and migration of endothelial cells. Recent data show that formation of new vessels may be stimulated by thymosin beta-4 (Tbeta-4), but it is still not clear whether Tbeta-4 alone is angiogenic or the angiogenic potential of Tbeta-4 is mediated by VEGF. In this report to further characterize Tbeta-4 angiogenic activity, we produced its mutants that were deprived of the N-terminal tetrapeptide AcSDKP (Tbeta-4((AcSDKPT/4A))), the actin-binding sequence KLKKTET (Tbeta-4((KLKKTET/7A))) and with the nuclear localization sequence damaged by a point mutation Lys16Ala (Tbeta-4((K16A))). Then we tested their activity to induce expression and release of MMPs as well as plasminogen activators inhibitor type-1 (PAI-1). We also analyzed their effect on migration and proliferation of endothelial cells in three-dimensional (3D) fibrin matrix as well as on their ability to stimulate the outgrowth of human endothelial cells in capillary-like tubular structures. Our data demonstrate that increased intracellular expression of Tbeta-4 and its mutants is necessary and sufficient to induce PAI-1 gene expression in endothelial cells. Similarly, they stimulate expression and release of MMP-1, -2, and -3. As evaluated by using specific inhibitors to these MMPs, they modified specifically the structure of fibrin and thus facilitated migration of endothelial cells. To sum up, our data show that the mechanism by which Tbeta-4 induced transition of endothelial cells from quiescent to proangiogenic phenotype is characterized by increased expression of PAI-1 and MMPs did not require the presence of the N-terminal sequence AcSDKP, and depended only partially on its ability to bind G-actin or to enter the nucleus.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Czeslaw S Cierniewski
- Department of Molecular and Medical Biophysics, Medical University, 6/8 Mazowiecka Street, Lodz 92-215, Poland.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
35
|
Abstract
The development of thymosin beta(4) from a thymic hormone to an actin-sequestering peptide and back to a cytokine supporting wound healing will be outlined. Thymosin fraction 5 consists of a mixture of polypeptides and improves immune response. Starting with fraction 5, several main peptides (thymosin alpha(1), polypeptide beta(1), and thymosin beta(4)) were isolated and tested for biological activity. However, none of the isolated peptides were really thymic hormones. They are all biological important peptides with diverse functions. Polypeptide beta(1) is identical to ubiquitin truncated by two C-terminal glycine residues. Several peptides related to thymosin beta(4) were isolated and sequenced from various species. Large amounts of thymosin beta(4) were found in many cells. It was postulated that the beta-thymosins might have a general function. The identification of a biological function of thymosin beta(4) was tedious. In 1990, Dan Safer and his colleagues recognized that thymosin beta(4) sequesters G-actin. The dissociation constant of the complex in the micromolar range allows for fast binding and release of G-actin. beta-Thymosins are the main intracellular G-actin-sequestering peptides in most vertebrate cells. Thymosin beta(4) is unstructured but folds into a stable conformation on binding to G-actin. It is present in the nucleus as well as the cytoplasm and might be responsible for sequestering nuclear actin. Several biological effects are attributed to thymosin beta(4), oxidized thymosin beta(4), or to ac-SDKP possibly generated from thymosin beta(4). However, very little is known about molecular mechanisms mediating the effects attributed to extracellular beta-thymosins.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- E Hannappel
- Institute of Biochemistry, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg Fahrstr. 17, 91054 Erlangen, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Smart N, Risebro CA, Melville AAD, Moses K, Schwartz RJ, Chien KR, Riley PR. Thymosin beta-4 is essential for coronary vessel development and promotes neovascularization via adult epicardium. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2007; 1112:171-88. [PMID: 17495252 DOI: 10.1196/annals.1415.000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Ischemic heart disease leading to myocardial infarction causes irreversible cell loss and scarring and is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in humans. Significant effort in the field of cardiovascular medicine has been invested in the search for adult cardiac progenitor cells that may replace damaged muscle cells and/or contribute to new vessel formation (neovascularization) and in the identification of key factors, which may induce such progenitor cells to contribute to myocardial repair and collateral vessel growth. We recently demonstrated that the actin monomer-binding protein, thymosin beta-4 (Tbeta-4), when secreted from the myocardium provides a paracrine stimulus to the cells of the epicardium-derived cells (EPDCs) to promote their inward migration and differentiation into endothelial and smooth muscle cells to form the coronary vasculature. Translating this essential role for Tbeta-4 in coronary vessel development to the adult, we found that treatment of cultured adult explants with Tbeta-4 stimulated extensive outgrowth of epicardin-positive epicardial cells, which, as they migrated away from the explant, differentiated into procollagen type I, SMalphaA, and Flk1-positive cells indicative of fibroblasts, smooth muscle, and endothelial cells; thus releasing the adult epicardium from a quiescent state and restoring pluripotency. The ability of Tbeta-4 to promote coronary vessel development and potentially induce new vasculature in the adult is essential for cardiomyocyte survival and could contribute significantly toward the reported Tbeta4-induced cardioprotection and repair in the adult heart. Tbeta-4 is currently subject to multicenter phase 1 clinical trials for treatment of cardiovascular disease (http://www.regenerx.com), therefore, insight into the repair mechanism(s) induced by Tbeta-4 is an essential step toward harnessing therapeutic survival, migration, and repair properties of the peptide in the context of acute myocardial damage.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Smart
- Molecular Medicine Unit, UCL Institute of Child Health, London, WC1N 1EH, UK
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
37
|
Sun W, Kim H. Neurotrophic roles of the beta-thymosins in the development and regeneration of the nervous system. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2007; 1112:210-8. [PMID: 17468233 DOI: 10.1196/annals.1415.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Beta-thymosins (Tbetas) are polypeptides abundant in the cytosol, nucleus, and extracellular space of many cell types. In the nervous system, the expression of Tbetas is regulated during the development of the central nervous system and following neuronal insults in cell-type and brain-region dependent manners, which may be related to the function of Tbetas in the growth and regeneration of the nervous system. Supporting such a proposition, overexpression of Tbetas in neurons has been shown to modify the axonal branches in vivo and neurite branches in vitro. These neurite-modifying functions have been suggested to be due to the activity of Tbetas to bind actin. In addition, we recently observed that Tbetas suppressed the apoptotic neuronal death in chick embryos, and these functions might be mediated by the extracellularly secreted form(s) of Tbetas. These results suggest that Tbetas play neurotrophic roles in the neuroprotection and neuronal growth/regeneration via their cytosolic actin-remodeling activity and extracellular antiapoptotic activity. Even though further verification is required, we also observed that Tbeta15 was translocated into the injured neuronal nuclei, and this event appeared to be an eliminatory process of the injured cells. Therefore, treatment with Tbetas or their related peptides appear to be beneficial for neuronal diseases by preventing neuronal death or promoting neuronal regeneration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Woong Sun
- Department of Anatomy, BK21 Program, College of Medicine, Korea University, 126-1 Anam-Dong, Sungbuk-Gu, Seoul, Korea 136-705, Korea.
| | | |
Collapse
|
38
|
Wyczółkowska J, Walczak-Drzewiecka A, Wagner W, Dastych J. Thymosin beta4 and thymosin beta4-derived peptides induce mast cell exocytosis. Peptides 2007; 28:752-9. [PMID: 17289217 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2007.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2006] [Revised: 01/05/2007] [Accepted: 01/05/2007] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The peptide thymosin beta4 (Tbeta4) promotes angiogenesis and wound healing. Mast cells are involved in these processes as well and therefore we investigated the effect of Tbeta4 on mast cells. Exposure to 0.2-2000nM Tbeta4 induced mediator release (up to 23%) in murine peritoneal and human HMC-1 mast cells in a concentration-dependent manner. While the peptide AcSDKP, matching the 4 N-terminal amino acid residues of Tbeta4, mediated low but detectable mediator release, peptides corresponding to the Tbeta4 amino acid sequences 16-38 and 17-23 stimulated mast cells mediator release on a level equal to or higher than that observed with native Tbeta4. These observations and certain characteristics of Tbeta4-mediated mast cell activation suggest that the actin-binding motif LKKTET present in Tbeta4 (amino acid 17-22) might be implicated in this process. Thus, Tbeta4 activates mediator release in mast cells by a process that possibly involves an actin-binding motif and this could be important for understanding the mechanisms of Tbeta4-mediated effects in vivo.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Janina Wyczółkowska
- Centre for Medical Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 106 Lodowa St., 93-232 Łódź, Poland
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
39
|
Smart N, Risebro CA, Melville AAD, Moses K, Schwartz RJ, Chien KR, Riley PR. Thymosin beta4 induces adult epicardial progenitor mobilization and neovascularization. Nature 2006; 445:177-82. [PMID: 17108969 DOI: 10.1038/nature05383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 492] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2006] [Accepted: 10/25/2006] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Cardiac failure has a principal underlying aetiology of ischaemic damage arising from vascular insufficiency. Molecules that regulate collateral growth in the ischaemic heart also regulate coronary vasculature formation during embryogenesis. Here we identify thymosin beta4 (Tbeta4) as essential for all aspects of coronary vessel development in mice, and demonstrate that Tbeta4 stimulates significant outgrowth from quiescent adult epicardial explants, restoring pluripotency and triggering differentiation of fibroblasts, smooth muscle cells and endothelial cells. Tbeta4 knockdown in the heart is accompanied by significant reduction in the pro-angiogenic cleavage product N-acetyl-seryl-aspartyl-lysyl-proline (AcSDKP). Although injection of AcSDKP was unable to rescue Tbeta4 mutant hearts, it significantly enhanced endothelial cell differentiation from adult epicardially derived precursor cells. This study identifies Tbeta4 and AcSDKP as potent stimulators of coronary vasculogenesis and angiogenesis, and reveals Tbeta4-induced adult epicardial cells as a viable source of vascular progenitors for continued renewal of regressed vessels at low basal level or sustained neovascularization following cardiac injury.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Smart
- Molecular Medicine Unit, UCL Institute of Child Health, London WC1N 1EH, UK
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
40
|
Romanova EV, Roth MJ, Rubakhin SS, Jakubowski JA, Kelley WP, Kirk MD, Kelleher NL, Sweedler JV. Identification and characterization of homologues of vertebrate beta-thymosin in the marine mollusk Aplysia californica. JOURNAL OF MASS SPECTROMETRY : JMS 2006; 41:1030-40. [PMID: 16924592 DOI: 10.1002/jms.1060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
The beta-thymosins have been known as actin-sequestering proteins, but now are recognized as molecules with multiple and diverse intracellular and extracellular functions. Two closely related proteins, beta-thymosin(His) and beta-thymosin(Gln), have been de novo sequenced by top-down mass spectrometry in the common neurobiology model, Aplysia californica. As determined by nanoelectrospray quadrupole-enhanced Fourier-Transform mass spectrometry with collisionally activated and electron-capture dissociations, both of these Aplysia beta-thymosins are acetylated and differ by a single residue in the central actin-binding domain. Profiling of individual cells and tissue by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry reveals that these proteins are widely expressed in the Aplysia central nervous system, including in individual identified neurons, neuronal clusters, nerves and connective tissues. Newly identified beta-thymosin(His) and beta-thymosin(Gln) are also detected by mass spectrometry in hemolymph, and in releasates collected from whole ganglia. When applied exogenously, beta-thymosin proteins, purified from nerve cell extract, support the anchoring of neurons, and increase neurite sprouting and total neurite outgrowth in culture. These positive effects on neurite regeneration in cell culture suggest that the beta-thymosin proteins have an extracellular function in the central nervous system of Aplysia californica.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elena V Romanova
- Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois and Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
41
|
Kanasaki K, Haneda M, Sugimoto T, Shibuya K, Isono M, Isshiki K, Araki SI, Uzu T, Kashiwagi A, Koya D. N-acetyl-seryl-aspartyl-lysyl-proline inhibits DNA synthesis in human mesangial cells via up-regulation of cell cycle modulators. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2006; 342:758-65. [PMID: 16497271 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2006.02.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2006] [Accepted: 02/05/2006] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
N-Acetyl-seryl-aspartyl-lysyl-proline (Ac-SDKP) was originally reported as a natural inhibitor of the proliferation of stem cells. To elucidate whether Ac-SDKP inhibits the proliferation of human mesangial cells, we examined the effect of Ac-SDKP on fetal calf serum (FCS)- or platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-BB-induced DNA synthesis and a cell proliferation. Ac-SDKP inhibited PDGF-BB- or FCS-induced DNA synthesis without cellular toxicity. The protein expression of p53 and p27kip1 was significantly increased by Ac-SDKP. Ac-SDKP also up-regulated the PDGF-BB-stimulated expression of p21cip1 and suppressed PDGF-BB-induced cyclin D1 expression. In p53 knock-out human mesangial cells made with small interference RNA, the protein expression of p21cip1 and p27kip1 was also decreased and the inhibitory effect of Ac-SDKP on mesangial proliferation was completely abolished. Ac-SDKP increased the stability of p53 protein as demonstrated by pulse-chase experiment. These results suggest that p53 is the key mediator of Ac-SDKP-induced inhibition of DNA synthesis through the up-regulation of cell cycle modulators, highlighting a potential effect of Ac-SDKP on various progressive renal diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Keizo Kanasaki
- Department of Medicine, Shiga University of Medical Science, Otsu, Shiga, Japan
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
42
|
|
43
|
Shibuya K, Kanasaki K, Isono M, Sato H, Omata M, Sugimoto T, Araki SI, Isshiki K, Kashiwagi A, Haneda M, Koya D. N-acetyl-seryl-aspartyl-lysyl-proline prevents renal insufficiency and mesangial matrix expansion in diabetic db/db mice. Diabetes 2005; 54:838-45. [PMID: 15734863 DOI: 10.2337/diabetes.54.3.838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
We have previously reported that N-acetyl-seryl-aspartyl-lysyl-proline (Ac-SDKP), which is a tetrapeptide hydrolyzed by ACE, inhibits the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta)-induced expression of extracellular matrix proteins via inhibition of the Smad signaling in human mesangial cells. To test in vivo the antifibrotic efficacy of Ac-SDKP, we examined whether long-term Ac-SDKP treatment can prevent renal insufficiency and glomerulosclerosis in diabetic db/db mice. Diabetic db/db mice or nondiabetic db/m mice were treated with Ac-SDKP for 8 weeks using osmotic minipumps. The treatment with Ac-SDKP increased plasma Ac-SDKP concentrations by approximately threefold in both groups but did not affect the blood glucose levels. Histologically, the increased glomerular surface area, mesangial matrix expansion, and overproduction of extracellular matrix proteins in db/db mice were significantly inhibited by Ac-SDKP. Furthermore, Ac-SDKP treatment normalized the increased plasma creatinine value in db/db mice, whereas the albuminuria in Ac-SDKP-treated db/db mice was somewhat decreased as compared with nontreated db/db mice, although the difference was not statistically significant. In addition, the nuclear translocation of Smad3 was inhibited by Ac-SDKP. These results demonstrate that long-term Ac-SDKP treatment ameliorates renal insufficiency and glomerulosclerosis in db/db mice via inhibition of TGF-beta/Smad pathway, suggesting that Ac-SDKP could be useful in the treatment of diabetic nephropathy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kazuyuki Shibuya
- Department of Medicine, Shiga University of Medical Science, Otsu, Shiga, 520-2192, Japan
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
44
|
Wang D, Carretero OA, Yang XY, Rhaleb NE, Liu YH, Liao TD, Yang XP. N-acetyl-seryl-aspartyl-lysyl-proline stimulates angiogenesis in vitro and in vivo. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2004; 287:H2099-105. [PMID: 15256375 PMCID: PMC6824423 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00592.2004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
N-acetyl-seryl-aspartyl-lysyl-proline (Ac-SDKP), a natural inhibitor of pluripotent hematopoietic stem cell proliferation, has been suggested as capable of promoting an angiogenic response. We studied whether Ac-SDKP stimulates endothelial cell proliferation, migration, and tube formation; enhances angiogenic response in the rat cornea after implantation of a tumor spheroid; and increases capillary density in rat hearts with myocardial infarction (MI). In vitro, an immortal BALB/c mouse aortic endothelial 22106 cell line was used to determine the effects of Ac-SDKP on endothelial cell proliferation and migration and tube formation. In vivo, a 9L-gliosarcoma cell spheroid (250-300 microm in diameter) was implanted in the rat cornea and vehicle or Ac-SDKP (800 microg.kg(-1).day(-1) ip) infused via osmotic minipump. Myocardial capillary density was studied in rats with MI given either vehicle or Ac-SDKP. We found that Ac-SDKP 1) stimulated endothelial cell proliferation and migration and tube formation in a dose-dependent manner, 2) enhanced corneal neovascularization, and 3) increased myocardial capillary density. Endothelial cell proliferation and angiogenesis stimulated by Ac-SDKP could be beneficial in cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension and MI. Furthermore, because Ac-SDKP is mainly cleaved by ACE, it may partially mediate the cardioprotective effect of ACE inhibitors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dahai Wang
- Hypertension and Vascular Research Division, Henry Ford Hospital, 2799 W. Grand Blvd., Detroit, MI 48202-2689, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
45
|
Hannappel E, Huff T. The thymosins. Prothymosin alpha, parathymosin, and beta-thymosins: structure and function. VITAMINS AND HORMONES 2003; 66:257-96. [PMID: 12852257 DOI: 10.1016/s0083-6729(03)01007-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The studies on thymosins were initiated in 1965, when the group of A. White searched for thymic factors responsible for the physiological functions of thymus. To restore thymic functions in thymic-deprived or immunodeprived animals, as well as in humans with primary immuno-deficiency diseases and in immunosuppressed patients, a standardized extract from bovine thymus gland called thymosin fraction 5 was prepared. Thymosin fraction 5 indeed improved immune response. It turned out that thymosin fraction 5 consists of a mixture of small polypeptides. Later on, several of these peptides (polypeptide beta 1, thymosin alpha 1, prothymosin alpha, parathymosin, and thymosin beta 4) were isolated and tested for their biological activity. The research of many groups has indicated that none of the isolated peptides is really a thymic hormone; nevertheless, they are biologically important peptides with diverse intracellular and extracellular functions. Studies on these functions are still in progress. The current status of knowledge of structure and functions of the thymosins is discussed in this review.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ewald Hannappel
- Institute for Biochemistry/Faculty of Medicine, University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | | |
Collapse
|
46
|
Liu JM, Lawrence F, Kovacevic M, Bignon J, Papadimitriou E, Lallemand JY, Katsoris P, Potier P, Fromes Y, Wdzieczak-Bakala J. The tetrapeptide AcSDKP, an inhibitor of primitive hematopoietic cell proliferation, induces angiogenesis in vitro and in vivo. Blood 2003; 101:3014-20. [PMID: 12480715 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2002-07-2315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The tetrapeptide acetyl-Ser-Asp-Lys-Pro (AcSDKP), purified from bone marrow and constitutively synthesized in vivo, belongs to the family of negative regulators of hematopoiesis. It protects the stem cell compartment from the toxicity of anticancer drugs and irradiation and consequently contributes to a reduction in marrow failure. This current work provides experimental evidence for another novel biologic function of AcSDKP. We report that AcSDKP is a mediator of angiogenesis, as measured by its ability to modulate endothelial cell function in vitro and angiogenesis in vivo. AcSDKP at nanomolar concentrations stimulates in vitro endothelial cell migration and differentiation into capillary-like structures on Matrigel as well as enhances the secretion of an active form of matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1). In vivo, AcSDKP promotes a significant angiogenic response in the chicken embryo chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) and in the abdominal muscle of the rat. Moreover, it induces the formation of blood vessels in Matrigel plugs implanted subcutaneously in the rat. This is the first report demonstrating the ability of AcSDKP to interact directly with endothelial cells and to elicit an angiogenic response in vitro and in vivo.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jian-Miao Liu
- Institut de Chimie des Substances Naturelles, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
47
|
Gutiérrez-Pabello JA, McMurray DN, Adams LG. Upregulation of thymosin beta-10 by Mycobacterium bovis infection of bovine macrophages is associated with apoptosis. Infect Immun 2002; 70:2121-7. [PMID: 11895978 PMCID: PMC127845 DOI: 10.1128/iai.70.4.2121-2127.2002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Bovine macrophages underwent apoptosis as a result of infection with a Mycobacterium bovis field strain. Macrophages infected with a multiplicity of infection (MOI) of 25:1 developed chromatin condensation and DNA fragmentation at 4 h and 8 h, respectively, whereas changes in chromatin condensation induced by MOIs of 10:1 and 1:1 required more time and had a reduced number of apoptotic cells. Not only infected macrophages underwent apoptosis, but also uninfected bystander macrophages became apoptotic. Increased differential expression of thymosin beta-10 was identified in M. bovis-infected bovine macrophages by differential display reverse transcriptase PCR. Phagocytosis of latex beads had no effect on the expression of thymosin beta-10, whereas bacterial suspensions upregulated thymosin beta-10 expression, suggesting that M. bovis or mycobacterial products are essential in the process. Heat-inactivated M. bovis induced a slight increase in thymosin beta-10 mRNA, whereas live virulent and attenuated M. bovis organisms increased the gene expression almost twofold. A mouse macrophage cell line (RAW 264.7) overexpressing the bovine thymosin beta-10 transgene had spontaneous apoptosis at a higher rate (66.5%) than parental cells (4.7%) or RAW cells harboring the empty vector (22.8%). The apoptotic rates of the overexpressing cells were significantly higher when compared with both the empty vector transfected (P < 0.01) and parental cells (P < 0.001). Our evidence suggests that upregulation of thymosin beta-10 in M. bovis-infected macrophages is linked with increased cell death due to apoptosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- José A Gutiérrez-Pabello
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
48
|
Azizi M, Junot C, Ezan E, Ménard J. Angiotensin I-converting enzyme and metabolism of the haematological peptide N-acetyl-seryl-aspartyl-lysyl-proline. Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol 2001; 28:1066-9. [PMID: 11903317 DOI: 10.1046/j.1440-1681.2001.03560.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
1. Angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE) has two homologous active N- and C-terminal domains and displays activity towards a broad range of substrates. The tetrapeptide N-acetyl-seryl-aspartyl-lysyl-proline (AcSDKP) has been shown to be hydrolysed in vitro by ACE and to be a preferential substrate for its N-terminal active site. This peptide reversibly prevents the recruitment of pluripotent haematopoietic stem cells and normal early progenitors into the S-phase. 2. Angiotensin I-converting enzyme inhibitors, given as a single dose to normal subjects or during long-term treatment in hypertensive patients, result in plasma AcSDKP levels five- to six-fold higher and urine concentrations 40-fold higher than those of control subjects and/or patients. Thus, AcSDKP is a natural peptide hydrolysed by the N-terminal domain of ACE in vivo. In addition, ACE may be implicated in the process of haematopoietic stem cell regulation by permanently degrading this natural circulating inhibitor of cell entry into the S-phase. 3. Besides hydrolysis by ACE, the second very effective mechanism by which AcSDKP is cleared from plasma is glomerular filtration. Because of its high sensitivity and specificity, the measurement of AcSDKP in plasma and urine provides a valuable tool in screening specific inhibitors of the N-terminal domain of ACE and in monitoring ACE inhibition during chronic treatment. 4. The long-term consequences of AcSDKP accumulation are not known. During chronic ACE inhibition in rats, AcSDKP levels slightly increase in organs with high ACE content (kidneys, lungs). To significantly increase its concentration in target haematopoietic organs (the extracellular fraction of bone marrow), AcSDKP has to be infused on top of a captopril-based treatment. 5. A selective inhibitor of the N-domain of ACE in vitro and in vivo has been identified recently. The phosphinic peptide RXP 407 does not interfere with blood pressure regulation, but does increase, dose dependently, plasma concentrations of AcSDKP in mice, in contrast with lisinopril, which affects the metabolism of both AcSDKP and angiotensin I. N-Terminal-selective ACE inhibitors may be used to selectively control AcSDKP metabolism in target haematopoietic organs. This new therapeutic strategy may be of value for protecting haematopoietic cells from the toxicity of cancer chemotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Azizi
- Centre d'Investigations Cliniques, Hôpital Georges Pompidou, Inserm/Assistance Publique des Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
49
|
Rhaleb NE, Peng H, Yang XP, Liu YH, Mehta D, Ezan E, Carretero OA. Long-term effect of N-acetyl-seryl-aspartyl-lysyl-proline on left ventricular collagen deposition in rats with 2-kidney, 1-clip hypertension. Circulation 2001; 103:3136-41. [PMID: 11425781 PMCID: PMC4679287 DOI: 10.1161/01.cir.103.25.3136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND N-acetyl-seryl-aspartyl-lysyl-proline (Ac-SDKP) is a natural inhibitor of pluripotent hematopoietic stem cell proliferation. Ac-SDKP plasma concentration is increased 5-fold after angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibition. Here we studied the effect of Ac-SDKP on monocyte/macrophage infiltration, fibroblast proliferation, and collagen deposition in the rat heart in renovascular hypertension. METHODS AND RESULTS We investigated whether long-term Ac-SDKP administration would prevent left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy and interstitial collagen deposition in rats with 2-kidney, 1-clip (2K-1C) hypertension. Ac-SDKP (400 microgram. kg(-1). d(-1)) did not affect development of hypertension. Mean blood pressure was similar in rats with 2K-1C hypertension whether they were given vehicle or Ac-SDKP and was higher than in controls. Both LV weight and cardiomyocyte size were significantly increased in rats with 2K-1C hypertension compared with controls and were unaffected by Ac-SDKP. Proliferating cell nuclear antigen- and monocyte/macrophage-positive cells were increased in the LV of 2K-1C hypertensive rats; this increase was significantly blunted by Ac-SDKP (P<0.001). LV interstitial collagen fraction was also increased in 2K-1C hypertensive rats given vehicle (10.1+/-0.8%) compared with sham (5.3+/-0.1%, P<0.0001), and this increase was prevented by Ac-SDKP (5.4+/-0.4%, P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS Ac-SDKP inhibited monocyte/macrophage infiltration, cell proliferation, and collagen deposition in the LV of hypertensive rats without affecting blood pressure or cardiac hypertrophy, suggesting that it may be partly responsible for the cardioprotective effect of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- N E Rhaleb
- Hypertension and Vascular Research Division, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
50
|
Huff T, Müller CS, Otto AM, Netzker R, Hannappel E. beta-Thymosins, small acidic peptides with multiple functions. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2001; 33:205-20. [PMID: 11311852 DOI: 10.1016/s1357-2725(00)00087-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 305] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
The beta-thymosins are a family of highly conserved polar 5 kDa peptides originally thought to be thymic hormones. About 10 years ago, thymosin beta(4) as well as other members of this ubiquitous peptide family were identified as the main intracellular G-actin sequestering peptides, being present in high concentrations in almost every cell. beta-Thymosins bind monomeric actin in a 1:1 complex and act as actin buffers, preventing polymerization into actin filaments but supplying a pool of actin monomers when the cell needs filaments. Changes in the expression of beta-thymosins appear to be related to the differentiation of cells. Increased expression of beta-thymosins or even the synthesis of a beta-thymosin normally not expressed might promote metastasis possibly by increasing mobility of the cells. Thymosin beta(4) is detected outside of cells in blood plasma or in wound fluid. Several biological effects are attributed to thymosin beta(4), oxidized thymosin beta(4), or to the fragment, acSDKP, possibly generated from thymosin beta(4). Among the effects are induction of metallo-proteinases, chemotaxis, angiogenesis and inhibition of inflammation as well as the inhibition of bone marrow stem cell proliferation. However, nothing is known about the molecular mechanisms mediating the effects attributed to extracellular beta-thymosins.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- T Huff
- Institute of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Erlangen--Nuremberg, Fahrstrasse 17, 91054 Erlangen, Germany.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|