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Hwang JM, Lee WJ, Jo JH, Uwamahoro C, Jang SI, Jung EJ, Bae JW, Kim DH, Yi JK, Ha JJ, Oh DY, Kwon WS. Effects of oridonin on sperm function and the PI3K/PDK1/AKT signaling pathway: Implications for reproductive toxicity. Reprod Toxicol 2024; 128:108659. [PMID: 38972361 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2024.108659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2024] [Revised: 06/16/2024] [Accepted: 07/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/09/2024]
Abstract
Oridonin, a natural terpenoid isolated from the leaves of Isodon rubescens (Hemsley) H.Hara, is widely used in oriental medicine for its anticancer properties across various cancer types. Despite its prevalent use, the toxic effects of oridonin on male reproduction, particularly its impact on sperm functions and the mechanisms involved, are not well understood. This study aimed to explore the effects and underlying mechanisms of oridonin on sperm functions. We initially treated Duroc boar spermatozoa with varying concentrations of oridonin (0, 5, 50, 75, 100, and 150 µM) and incubated them to induce capacitation. We then assessed cell viability and several sperm functions, including sperm motility and motion kinematics, capacitation status, and ATP levels. We also analyzed the expression levels of proteins associated with the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/phosphoinositide-dependent kinase-1 (PDK1)/protein kinase B (AKT) signaling pathway and phosphotyrosine proteins. Our results indicate that oridonin adversely affects most sperm functions in a dose-dependent manner. We observed significant decreases in AKT, p-AKT (Thr308), phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN), p-PDK1, and p-PI3K levels following oridonin treatment, alongside an abnormal increase in phosphotyrosine proteins. These findings suggest that oridonin may disrupt normal levels of tyrosine-phosphorylated proteins by inhibiting the PI3K/PDK1/AKT signaling pathway, which is crucial for cell proliferation, metabolism, and apoptosis, thus potentially harming sperm functions. Consequently, we recommend considering the reproductive toxicity of oridonin when using it as a therapeutic agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ju-Mi Hwang
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University, Sangju 37224, Republic of Korea
| | - Woo-Jin Lee
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University, Sangju 37224, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae-Hwan Jo
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University, Sangju 37224, Republic of Korea
| | - Claudine Uwamahoro
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University, Sangju 37224, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung-Ik Jang
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University, Sangju 37224, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun-Ju Jung
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University, Sangju 37224, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong-Won Bae
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University, Sangju 37224, Republic of Korea
| | - Dae-Hyun Kim
- Department of Animal Science, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 61186, Republic of Korea
| | - Jun Koo Yi
- School of Animal Life Convergence Science, Hankyong National University, Anseong 17579, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae Jung Ha
- Gyeongbuk Livestock Research Institute, Yeongju 36052, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong Yep Oh
- Gyeongbuk Livestock Research Institute, Yeongju 36052, Republic of Korea
| | - Woo-Sung Kwon
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University, Sangju 37224, Republic of Korea; Research Institute for Innovative Animal Science, Kyungpook National University, Sangju 37224, Republic of Korea.
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Siddika T, Shao R, Heinemann IU, O'Donoghue P. Delivery of AKT1 phospho-forms to human cells reveals differential substrate selectivity. IUBMB Life 2024; 76:632-646. [PMID: 38738523 DOI: 10.1002/iub.2826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
Protein kinase B (AKT1) is a serine/threonine kinase that regulates fundamental cellular processes, including cell survival, proliferation, and metabolism. AKT1 activity is controlled by two regulatory phosphorylation sites (Thr308, Ser473) that stimulate a downstream signaling cascade through phosphorylation of many target proteins. At either or both regulatory sites, hyperphosphorylation is associated with poor survival outcomes in many human cancers. Our previous biochemical and chemoproteomic studies showed that the phosphorylated forms of AKT1 have differential selectivity toward peptide substrates. Here, we investigated AKT1-dependent activity in human cells, using a cell-penetrating peptide (transactivator of transcription, TAT) to deliver inactive AKT1 or active phospho-variants to cells. We used enzyme engineering and genetic code expansion relying on a phosphoseryl-transfer RNA (tRNA) synthetase (SepRS) and tRNASep pair to produce TAT-tagged AKT1 with programmed phosphorylation at one or both key regulatory sites. We found that all TAT-tagged AKT1 variants were efficiently delivered into human embryonic kidney (HEK 293T) cells and that only the phosphorylated AKT1 (pAKT1) variants stimulated downstream signaling. All TAT-pAKT1 variants induced glycogen synthase kinase (GSK)-3α phosphorylation, as well as phosphorylation of ribosomal protein S6 at Ser240/244, demonstrating stimulation of downstream AKT1 signaling. Fascinatingly, only the AKT1 variants phosphorylated at S473 (TAT-pAKT1S473 or TAT-pAKT1T308,S473) were able to increase phospho-GSK-3β levels. Although each TAT-pAKT1 variant significantly stimulated cell proliferation, cells transduced with TAT-pAKT1T308 grew significantly faster than with the other pAKT1 variants. The data demonstrate differential activity of the AKT1 phospho-forms in modulating downstream signaling and proliferation in human cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tarana Siddika
- Department of Biochemistry, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Richard Shao
- Department of Biochemistry, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ilka U Heinemann
- Department of Biochemistry, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Patrick O'Donoghue
- Department of Biochemistry, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
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Adebayo AK, Bhat-Nakshatri P, Davis C, Angus SP, Erdogan C, Gao H, Green N, Kumar B, Liu Y, Nakshatri H. Oxygen tension-dependent variability in the cancer cell kinome impacts signaling pathways and response to targeted therapies. iScience 2024; 27:110068. [PMID: 38872973 PMCID: PMC11170190 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.110068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 04/05/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Most cells in solid tumors are exposed to oxygen levels between 0.5% and 5%. We developed an approach that allows collection, processing, and evaluation of cancer and non-cancer cells under physioxia, while preventing exposure to ambient air. This aided comparison of baseline and drug-induced changes in signaling pathways under physioxia and ambient oxygen. Using tumor cells from transgenic models of breast cancer and cells from breast tissues of clinically breast cancer-free women, we demonstrate oxygen-dependent differences in cell preference for epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) or platelet-derived growth factor receptor beta (PDGFRβ) signaling. Physioxia caused PDGFRβ-mediated activation of AKT and extracellular regulated kinase (ERK) that reduced sensitivity to EGFR and phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase catalytic subunit alpha (PIK3CA) inhibition and maintained PDGFRβ+ epithelial-mesenchymal hybrid cells with potential cancer stem cell (CSC) properties. Cells in ambient air displayed differential EGFR activation and were more sensitive to targeted therapies. Our data emphasize the importance of oxygen considerations in preclinical cancer research to identify effective drug targets and develop combination therapy regimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adedeji K. Adebayo
- Department of Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
- Indiana University Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | | | - Christopher Davis
- Department of Pediatrics, Herman B Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Steven P. Angus
- Indiana University Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Herman B Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Cihat Erdogan
- Center for Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Hongyu Gao
- Center for Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Nick Green
- Center for Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Brijesh Kumar
- Department of Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Yunlong Liu
- Center for Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Harikrishna Nakshatri
- Department of Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
- Indiana University Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
- Roudebush VA Medical Center, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
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Yu C, Xu N, Tao X, Liu G. Chronic lead poisoning-induced budgerigar liver damage, gut microbiota dysbiosis, and metabolic disorder. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2024; 278:116388. [PMID: 38701653 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.116388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2024] [Revised: 04/07/2024] [Accepted: 04/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024]
Abstract
Birds are sensitive to heavy metal pollution, and lead (Pb) contamination can negatively affect their liver and gut. Therefore, we used budgerigars to examine liver and gut toxicosis caused by Pb exposure in bird, and the possible toxic mechanisms. The findings showed Pb exposure increased liver weight and decreased body weight. Moreover, histopathological and immunofluorescence assay results demonstrated obvious liver damage and cell apoptosis increased in Pb- treated budgerigars. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) results also showed Pb caused an increase in apoptosis by inhibiting the PPAR-γ/PI3K/Akt pathway. The gut microbe analyses indicated Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, and Bacteroidetes were dominant microbial phyla, and Network analysis results shown Arthrobacter, Bradyrhizobium and Alloprevotella as the hubs of Modules I, II, and III, respectively. Phenylpropanoids and polyketides, Organoheterocyclic compounds, Organic oxygen compounds, and Organic nitrogen compounds were dominant metabolite superclasses. Tauroursodeoxycholic acid, taurochenodeoxycholic acid (sodium salt), and 2-[2-(5-bromo-2-pyridyl)diaz-1-enyl]-5-(diethylamino)phenol were significantly enriched in the Pb-treated group. It showed that 41 Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) orthologues and 183 pathways differed between the Pb-treated and control budgerigars using microbial and metabolomic data. Moreover, orthogonal partial least-squares discrimination analysis (OPLS-DA) based on microbial and metabolite indicated distinct clusters in the Pb-treated and control groups. Additionally, the correlation analysis results indicated that a positive correlation for the Pb-treated and control groups between gut microbiota and metabolomic data, respectively. Furthermore, the microenvironment of the gut and liver were found to affect each other, and this study demonstrated heavy metal especially Pb may pose serious health risks to birds through the "gut-liver axis" too.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chongyang Yu
- College of Life Sciences, Anhui Medical University, China
| | - Na Xu
- College of Life Sciences, Anhui Medical University, China
| | - Xiaoyu Tao
- College of Life Sciences, Anhui Medical University, China
| | - Gang Liu
- College of Life Sciences, Anhui Medical University, China.
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Rodríguez-González J, Wilkins-Rodríguez AA, Gutiérrez-Kobeh L. Human Dendritic Cell Maturation Is Modulated by Leishmania mexicana through Akt Signaling Pathway. Trop Med Infect Dis 2024; 9:118. [PMID: 38787051 PMCID: PMC11126033 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed9050118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Revised: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Dendritic cells (DC) along with macrophages are the main host cells of the intracellular parasite Leishmania. DC traverse a process of maturation, passing through an immature state with phagocytic ability to a mature one where they can modulate the immune response through the secretion of cytokines. Several studies have demonstrated that Leishmania inhibits DC maturation. Nevertheless, when cells are subjected to a second stimulus such as LPS/IFN-γ, they manage to mature. In the maturation process of DC, several signaling pathways have been implicated, importantly MAPK. On the other hand, Akt is a signaling pathway deeply involved in cell survival. Some Leishmania species have shown to activate MAPK and Akt in different cells. The aim of this work was to investigate the role of ERK and Akt in the maturation of monocyte-derived DC (moDC) infected with L. mexicana. moDC were infected with L. mexicana metacyclic promastigotes, and the phosphorylation of ERK and Akt, the expression of MHCII and CD86 and IL-12 transcript, and secretion were determined in the presence or absence of an Akt inhibitor. We showed that L. mexicana induces a sustained Akt and ERK phosphorylation, while the Akt inhibitor inhibits it. Moreover, the infection of moDC downregulates CD86 expression but not MHCII, and the Akt inhibitor reestablishes CD86 expression and 12p40 production. Thus, L. mexicana can modulate DC maturation though Akt signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Rodríguez-González
- Laboratorio de Estudios Epidemiológicos, Clínicos, Diseños Experimentales e Investigación, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Autónoma Benito Juárez, Oaxaca C.P. 68120, Mexico;
| | - Arturo A. Wilkins-Rodríguez
- Unidad de Investigación UNAM-INC, División de Investigación, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México-Instituto Nacional de Cardiología “Ignacio Chávez”, Juan Badiano No. 1, Col. Sección XVI, Tlalpan, Mexico City C.P. 14080, Mexico;
| | - Laila Gutiérrez-Kobeh
- Unidad de Investigación UNAM-INC, División de Investigación, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México-Instituto Nacional de Cardiología “Ignacio Chávez”, Juan Badiano No. 1, Col. Sección XVI, Tlalpan, Mexico City C.P. 14080, Mexico;
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Ohira K. Localization of truncated TrkB and co-expression with full-length TrkB in the cerebral cortex of adult mice. Neuropeptides 2024; 104:102411. [PMID: 38335799 DOI: 10.1016/j.npep.2024.102411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 01/28/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), one of the neurotrophins, and its specific receptor TrkB, are abundantly distributed in the central nervous system (CNS) and have a variety of biological effects, such as neural survival, neurite elongation, neural differentiation, and enhancing synaptic functions. Currently, there are two TrkB subtypes: full-length TrkB (TrkB-FL), which has a tyrosine kinase in the intracellular domain, and TrkB-T1, which is a tyrosine kinase-deficient form. While TrkB-FL is a typical tyrosine kinase receptor, TrkB-T1 is a main form expressed in the CNS of adult mammals, but its function is unknown. In this study, we performed fluorescent staining of the cerebral cortex of adult mice, by using TrkB-T1 antiserum and various antibodies of marker molecules for neurons and glial cells. We found that TrkB-T1 was expressed not only in neurons but also in astrocytes. In contrast, little expression of TrkB-T1 was found in oligodendrocytes and microglia. TrkB-T1 was expressed in almost all of the cells expressing TrkB-FL, indicating the direct interaction between TrkB subtypes. These findings suggest that a part of various functions of BDNF-TrkB signaling might be due to the interaction and cellular localization of TrkB subtypes in the cerebral cortex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koji Ohira
- Laboratory of Nutritional Brain Science, Department of Food Science and Nutrition, 6-46 Ikebiraki, Nishinomiya, Hyogo 663-8558, Japan.
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Wang X, Wang P. Effect of a protein kinase B (Akt) inhibitor on the angiogenesis of HUVECs and corneal neovascularization. Wien Klin Wochenschr 2024; 136:154-162. [PMID: 37261487 DOI: 10.1007/s00508-023-02208-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Corneal neovascularization (CNV) is a vision-threatening disease and an increasing public health concern. It was found that administering an Akt inhibitor in the second phase of retinopathy significantly decreased retinal neovascularization. METHODS This study investigated the effect of an Akt inhibitor on the angiogenesis of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and its impacts on the degree of CNV and corneal opacity in a rat keratoplasty model. Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) and 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU) assays, tube formation assays, cell scratch experiments, and a fully allogeneic corneal transplant model were performed. RESULTS It was found that an Akt inhibitor inhibited the proliferation, angiogenesis, and migration of HUVECs induced by vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). The results showed that both CNV and corneal opacity were decreased in rats after Akt inhibitor administration. CONCLUSION The research illustrates the vital role of Akt inhibitors in mediating CNV. The analysis shows that the Akt inhibitor may provide a novel and feasible therapeutic approach to prevent CNV, but its mechanism needs further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xing Wang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Chongqing Eye Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, No. 1, Youyi Road, Yuanjiagang, Yuzhong District, 400016, Chongqing, China
| | - Peng Wang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Chongqing Eye Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, No. 1, Youyi Road, Yuanjiagang, Yuzhong District, 400016, Chongqing, China.
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Thangapandiyan S, Hema T, Miltonprabu S, Paulpandi M, Dutta U. Sulforaphane ameliorate Arsenic induced cardiotoxicity in rats: Role of PI3k/Akt mediated Nrf2 signaling pathway. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 2024; 38:e23576. [PMID: 37906532 DOI: 10.1002/jbt.23576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2022] [Revised: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023]
Abstract
Arsenic (As) toxicity can generate reactive free radicals, which play an important role in the evolution of cardiomyopathy. The aim of this research is to see if sulforaphane (SFN) protects against As-induced heart damage, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial complex dysfunction via the PI3K/Akt/Nrf2 signaling pathway. The rats were placed into four groups, each with eight rats. Group 1: Normal rats (control group); Group 2: Treatment group (5 mg/kg body weight); Group 3: SFN+As-treatment group (80 mg/kg body weight + 5 mg/kg body weight); Group 4: SFN group only (80 mg/kg body weight). The swot will last 4 weeks. At the end of the intermission (28 days), all of the rats starved overnight and killed with cervical decapitation. As administration considerably (p < 0.05) inflated the extent of free radicals (O2-, OH-), lipoid peroxidation (malondialdehyde, 4-hydroxynonenal), lipoid profile (low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, very low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (VLDL-C), total cholesterol, triglyceride, and phospholipids), cardiac Troponin (cTnT&I), and Mitochondrial complex III. A noteworthy (p < 0.05) diminish the level of HDL-C, Mitochondrial complex I and II, enzymatic (superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase), and nonenzymatic antioxidant (glutathione and total sulfhydryl groups) and PI3k, Akt, and Nrf2 sequence in As treated rats. The western blot, real-time polymerase chain reaction, flowcytometric, and histology studies all corroborated the biochemical findings which revealed significant heart damage in rats. Pretreatment with SFN significantly (p < 0.05) reduced the invitro free radicals, lipid oxidative indicators, mitochondrial complex, lipid profiles, and increased phase II antioxidants in the heart. This result shows that dietary supplementation of SFN protects against As-induced cardiotoxicity via PI3k/Akt/Nrf2 pathway in rats.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tamilselvan Hema
- Department of Zoology, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore, Tamilnadu, India
| | - Selvaraj Miltonprabu
- Department of Zoology, University of Madras, Guindy Campus, Chennai, Tamilnadu, India
| | - Manickam Paulpandi
- Molecular Proteomics Lab, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore, Tamilnadu, India
| | - Uma Dutta
- Department of Zoology, Cotton University, Guwahati, Assam, India
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Khezri MR, Mohammadipanah S, Ghasemnejad-Berenji M. The pharmacological effects of Berberine and its therapeutic potential in different diseases: Role of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/AKT signaling pathway. Phytother Res 2024; 38:349-367. [PMID: 37922566 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.8040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2023] [Revised: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
The phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT signaling pathway plays a central role in cell growth and survival and is disturbed in various pathologies. The PI3K is a kinase that generates phosphatidylinositol-3,4,5-trisphosphate (PI (3-5) P3), as a second messenger responsible for the translocation of AKT to the plasma membrane and its activation. However, due to the crucial role of the PI3K/AKT pathway in regulation of cell survival processes, it has been introduced as a main therapeutic target for natural compounds during the progression of different pathologies. Berberine, a plant-derived isoquinone alkaloid, is known because of its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antidiabetic, and antitumor properties. The effect of this natural compound on cell survival processes has been shown to be mediated by modulation of the intracellular pathways. However, the effects of this natural compound on the PI3K/AKT pathway in various pathologies have not been reviewed so far. Therefore, this paper aims to review the PI3K/AKT-mediated effects of Berberine in different types of cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular, and central nervous system diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Rafi Khezri
- Student Research Committee, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
- School of Pharmacy, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | | | - Morteza Ghasemnejad-Berenji
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
- Research Center for Experimental and Applied Pharmaceutical Sciences, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
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Yufang W, Mingfang L, Nan H, Tingting W. Quercetin-targeted AKT1 regulates the Raf/MEK/ERK signaling pathway to protect against doxorubicin-induced nephropathy in mice. Tissue Cell 2023; 85:102229. [PMID: 37812949 DOI: 10.1016/j.tice.2023.102229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Doxorubicin is an anthracycline antitumor agent commonly used in clinical practice, which has some nephrotoxicity and is often used to establish mouse models of kidney injury for basic medical research. This study will investigate the protective effect of quercetin on renal function in doxorubicin-induced nephropathy mice. METHODS C57BL/6 mice were divided into control, model, and quercetin low-, and high-dose groups. Serum and urine were collected to analyze markers of kidney function. H&E staining was used to detect pathological changes in renal tissues. Transmission electron microscopy was performed to observe the ultrastructural changes in renal tissues. Immunohistochemistry was performed to detect the changes of Ang II. RT-qPCR was performed to detect the changes of cytokines. ELISA was used to detect changes in serum inflammatory factors. Molecular docking was performed to verify the targeting relationship between quercetin and AKT1. Western blot was performed to detect Bax, Bcl-2, Cyt-c, AKT1, Raf, MEK, and ERK proteins. RESULTS Quercetin could induce the recovery of kidney function in kidney-injured mice; H&E results showed that kidney tissue damage and tissue fibrosis were reduced in kidney-injured mice under quercetin. The mitochondrial swollen structure was destroyed by doxorubicin, while the mitochondrial structure was restored under quercetin. The levels of abnormal apoptotic proteins Bax and Bcl-2 were regulated to normal by quercetin. The high expression of Ang II caused by doxorubicin was down-regulated by quercetin. Abnormal inflammatory factors caused by doxorubicin were reversed by quercetin. Western blot experiments showed that quercetin regulated the protein levels of AKT1 and Raf/MEK/ERK and inhibited the detrimental effects of doxorubicin. CONCLUSION Quercetin may mitigate doxorubicin-induced kidney injury in mice by regulating renal cell inflammatory factors and Raf/MEK/ERK signaling pathway through AKT1 to promote recovery of renal function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wang Yufang
- Department of Medical Laboratory Diagnosis Lecturer, Quanzhou Medical College, Quanzhou, Fujian Province, China.
| | - Liu Mingfang
- The Second Attached Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, Fujian Province, China
| | - Huang Nan
- Department of Medical Laboratory Diagnosis Lecturer, Quanzhou Medical College, Quanzhou, Fujian Province, China
| | - Wang Tingting
- Department of Medical Laboratory Diagnosis Lecturer, Quanzhou Medical College, Quanzhou, Fujian Province, China
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11
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Nguyen TVH, Bergmann U, Kietzmann T, Mennerich D. Protein kinase B/AKT phosphorylates hypoxia-inducible factor-3α1 in response to insulin, promoting cell growth and migration. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1250000. [PMID: 38020884 PMCID: PMC10665492 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1250000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs) are best known for their roles in the adaptation to low oxygen environments. Besides hypoxia, HIF-1/2 α-subunits are also regulated by various non-hypoxic stimuli including insulin which can act via the PI3K/protein kinase B (PKB) signaling pathway. However, with respect to insulin little is known about HIF-3α. We aimed to investigate this relationship and found that insulin stimulates HIF-3α expression under both normal and low oxygen conditions. Blocking PKB activity reversed the effects of insulin, indicating that HIF-3α is a direct target of PKB. We identified serine 524, located in the oxygen-dependent degradation domain of HIF-3α, as a phosphorylation site of PKB. Mutating serine 524 impaired binding of PKB to HIF-3α and its ubiquitination, suggesting that PKB regulates HIF-3α stability through phosphorylation, thereby affecting important cellular processes such as cell viability and cell adhesion. Importantly, we discovered that this phosphorylation site also influenced insulin-dependent cell migration. These findings shed light on a novel mechanism by which insulin affects PKB-dependent HIF-3α expression and activity, with potential implications in metabolic diseases and cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Thomas Kietzmann
- Faculty of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, and Biocenter Oulu, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Daniela Mennerich
- Faculty of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, and Biocenter Oulu, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
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12
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Wu W, Xia X, Tang L, Luo J, Xiong S, Ma G, Lei H. Phosphoinositide 3-kinase as a therapeutic target in angiogenic disease. Exp Eye Res 2023; 236:109646. [PMID: 37716399 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2023.109646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/18/2023]
Abstract
Phosphoinositide 3-kinases (PI3Ks) generate lipids that control multitudinous intracellular cell signaling events which participate in cell survival and proliferation. In addition, PI3K signaling also contributes to metabolism, immunity, angiogenesis and cardiovascular homeostasis, and many diseases. The diverse actions of PI3K stem from the existence of their various isoforms and a variety of protein effectors. Hence, PI3K isoform-specific inhibitors have already achieved a wonderful effect on treating cancer. Herein, we summarize the molecular mechanism of PI3K inhibitors in preventing the permeability of vessels and neovascularization. Additionally, we briefly illustrate how PI3K signaling modulates blood vessel growth and discuss the different roles that PI3K isoforms play in angiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenyi Wu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Changsha, China; National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.
| | - Xiaobo Xia
- Department of Ophthalmology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Changsha, China; National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Luosheng Tang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Jing Luo
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Siqi Xiong
- Department of Ophthalmology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Changsha, China; National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Gaoen Ma
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, 571199, China.
| | - Hetian Lei
- Shenzhen Eye Hospital, Jinan University, Shenzhen Eye Institute, Shenzhen, China.
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13
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Abstract
Nutrient intake is obligatory for animal growth and development, but nutrients alone are not sufficient. Indeed, insulin and homologous hormones are required for normal growth even in the presence of nutrients. These hormones communicate nutrient status between organs, allowing animals to coordinate growth and metabolism with nutrient supply. Insulin and related hormones, such as insulin-like growth factors and insulin-like peptides, play important roles in development and metabolism, with defects in insulin production and signaling leading to hyperglycemia and diabetes. Here, we describe the insulin hormone family and the signal transduction pathways activated by these hormones. We highlight the roles of insulin signaling in coordinating maternal and fetal metabolism and growth during pregnancy, and we describe how secretion of insulin is regulated at different life stages. Additionally, we discuss the roles of insulin signaling in cell growth, stem cell proliferation and cell differentiation. We provide examples of the role of insulin in development across multiple model organisms: Caenorhabditis elegans, Drosophila, zebrafish, mouse and human.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miyuki Suzawa
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
| | - Michelle L. Bland
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
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14
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Zeng W, Li F, Jin S, Ho PC, Liu PS, Xie X. Functional polarization of tumor-associated macrophages dictated by metabolic reprogramming. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2023; 42:245. [PMID: 37740232 PMCID: PMC10517486 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-023-02832-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Macrophages are highly plastic in different tissues and can differentiate into functional subpopulations under different stimuli. Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are one of the most important innate immune cells implicated in the establishment of an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). Recent evidence pinpoints the critical role of metabolic reprogramming in dictating pro-tumorigenic functions of TAMs. Both tumor cells and macrophages undergo metabolic reprogramming to meet energy demands in the TME. Understanding the metabolic rewiring in TAMs can shed light on immune escape mechanisms and provide insights into repolarizing TAMs towards anti-tumorigenic function. Here, we discuss how metabolism impinges on the functional divergence of macrophages and its relevance to macrophage polarization in the TME.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wentao Zeng
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Shaoxing University, Shaoxing, 312000, Zhejiang, China
| | - Fei Li
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Shaoxing University, Shaoxing, 312000, Zhejiang, China
| | - Shikai Jin
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Shaoxing University, Shaoxing, 312000, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ping-Chih Ho
- Department of Fundamental Oncology, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Ludwig Lausanne Branch, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Pu-Ste Liu
- Institute of Cellular and System Medicine, National Health Research Institute, Miaoli, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Xin Xie
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Shaoxing University, Shaoxing, 312000, Zhejiang, China.
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15
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Song M, Wang Y, Annex BH, Popel AS. Experiment-based computational model predicts that IL-6 classic and trans-signaling exhibit similar potency in inducing downstream signaling in endothelial cells. NPJ Syst Biol Appl 2023; 9:45. [PMID: 37735165 PMCID: PMC10514195 DOI: 10.1038/s41540-023-00308-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Inflammatory cytokine mediated responses are important in the development of many diseases that are associated with angiogenesis. Targeting angiogenesis as a prominent strategy has shown limited effects in many contexts such as cardiovascular diseases and cancer. One potential reason for the unsuccessful outcome is the mutual dependent role between inflammation and angiogenesis. Inflammation-based therapies primarily target inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-6 (IL-6) in T cells, macrophages, cancer cells, and muscle cells, and there is a limited understanding of how these cytokines act on endothelial cells. Thus, we focus on one of the major inflammatory cytokines, IL-6, mediated intracellular signaling in endothelial cells by developing a detailed computational model. Our model quantitatively characterized the effects of IL-6 classic and trans-signaling in activating the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt), and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling to phosphorylate STAT3, extracellular regulated kinase (ERK) and Akt, respectively. We applied the trained and validated experiment-based computational model to characterize the dynamics of phosphorylated STAT3 (pSTAT3), Akt (pAkt), and ERK (pERK) in response to IL-6 classic and/or trans-signaling. The model predicts that IL-6 classic and trans-signaling induced responses are IL-6 and soluble IL-6 receptor (sIL-6R) dose-dependent. Also, IL-6 classic and trans-signaling showed similar potency in inducing downstream signaling; however, trans-signaling induces stronger downstream responses and plays a dominant role in the overall effects from IL-6 due to the in vitro experimental setting of abundant sIL-6R. In addition, both IL-6 and sIL-6R levels regulate signaling strength. Moreover, our model identifies the influential species and kinetic parameters that specifically modulate the downstream inflammatory and/or angiogenic signals, pSTAT3, pAkt, and pERK responses. Overall, the model predicts the effects of IL-6 classic and/or trans-signaling stimulation quantitatively and provides a framework for analyzing and integrating experimental data. More broadly, this model can be utilized to identify potential targets that influence IL-6 mediated signaling in endothelial cells and to study their effects quantitatively in modulating STAT3, Akt, and ERK activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Song
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.
| | - Youli Wang
- Department of Medicine, Augusta University Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, GA, 30912, USA
| | - Brian H Annex
- Department of Medicine, Augusta University Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, GA, 30912, USA
| | - Aleksander S Popel
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
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16
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Fu X, Zhang Y, Zhang R. Regulatory role of PI3K/Akt/WNK1 signal pathway in mouse model of bone cancer pain. Sci Rep 2023; 13:14321. [PMID: 37652923 PMCID: PMC10471765 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-40182-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023] Open
Abstract
In the advanced stage of cancer, the pain caused by bone metastasis is unbearable, but the mechanism of bone cancer pain (BCP) is very complicated and remains unclear. In this study, we used 4T1 mouse breast cancer cells to establish a bone cancer pain model to study the mechanism of BCP. Then the paw withdrawal mechanical threshold (PWMT) and the hematoxylin-eosin staining were used to reflect the erosion of cancer cells on tibia tissue. We also determined the role of proinflammatory factors (TNF-α, IL-17, etc.) in BCP by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in mouse serum. When GSK690693, a new Akt inhibitor, was given and the absence of intermediate signal dominated by Akt is found, pain may be relieved by blocking the transmission of pain signal and raising the PWMT. In addition, we also found that GSK690693 inhibited the phosphorylation of Akt protein, resulting in a significant decrease in with-nolysinekinases 1 (WNK1) expression in the spinal cord tissue. In the BCP model, we confirmed that GSK690693 has a relieving effect on BCP, which may play an analgesic effect through PI3K-WNK1 signal pathway. At the same time, there is a close relationship between inflammatory factors and PI3K-WNK1 signal pathway. The PI3K/Akt pathway in the dorsal horn of the mouse spinal cord activates the downstream WNK1 protein, which promotes the release of inflammatory cytokines, which leads to the formation of BCP in mice. Inhibition of Akt can reduce the levels of IL-17 and TNF-α, cut off the downstream WNK1 protein signal receiving pathway, increase the PWMT and relieve BCP in mice. To clarify the analgesic target of BCP, to provide reference and theoretical support for the clinical effective treatment of BCP and the development of new high-efficiency analgesics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Fu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Taizhou Central Hospital (Taizhou University Hospital), Taizhou, 318000, China
- Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, 010110, China
| | - Yanhong Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Peking University Cancer Hospital Inner Mongolia Hospital/Cancer Hospital Affiliated to Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, 010020, China.
| | - Rui Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Peking University Cancer Hospital Inner Mongolia Hospital/Cancer Hospital Affiliated to Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, 010020, China
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17
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Chen B, Jin W. A comprehensive review of stroke-related signaling pathways and treatment in western medicine and traditional Chinese medicine. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1200061. [PMID: 37351420 PMCID: PMC10282194 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1200061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023] Open
Abstract
This review provides insight into the complex network of signaling pathways and mechanisms involved in stroke pathophysiology. It summarizes the historical progress of stroke-related signaling pathways, identifying potential interactions between them and emphasizing that stroke is a complex network disease. Of particular interest are the Hippo signaling pathway and ferroptosis signaling pathway, which remain understudied areas of research, and are therefore a focus of the review. The involvement of multiple signaling pathways, including Sonic Hedgehog (SHH), nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/antioxidant response element (ARE), hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), PI3K/AKT, JAK/STAT, and AMPK in pathophysiological mechanisms such as oxidative stress and apoptosis, highlights the complexity of stroke. The review also delves into the details of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) therapies such as Rehmanniae and Astragalus, providing an analysis of the recent status of western medicine in the treatment of stroke and the advantages and disadvantages of TCM and western medicine in stroke treatment. The review proposes that since stroke is a network disease, TCM has the potential and advantages of a multi-target and multi-pathway mechanism of action in the treatment of stroke. Therefore, it is suggested that future research should explore more treasures of TCM and develop new therapies from the perspective of stroke as a network disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Binhao Chen
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Weifeng Jin
- College of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
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18
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Zhang G, Zhang Y, Jing L, Zhao H. Lead exposure induced developmental nephrotoxicity in Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica) via oxidative stress-based PI3K/AKT pathway inhibition and NF-κB pathway activation. Comp Biochem Physiol C Toxicol Pharmacol 2023; 268:109599. [PMID: 36893933 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpc.2023.109599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023]
Abstract
Birds are sensitive to environmental pollution and lead (Pb) contamination could negatively affect nearly all avian organs and systems including kidney of excretive system. Thereby, we used a biological model species-Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica) to examine the nephrotoxic effects of Pb exposure and possible toxic mechanism of Pb on birds. Quail chicks of 7-day-old were exposed to 50 ppm Pb of low dose and high dose of 500 ppm and 1000 ppm Pb in drinking water for five weeks. The results showed that Pb exposure induced kidney weight increase while body weight and length reduction. The increase of uric acid (UA), creatinine (CREA) and cystatin c (Cys C) in the plasma suggested renal dysfunction. Moreover, both microstructural and ultrastructural changes demonstrated obvious kidney damages. In particular, renal tubule epithelial cells and glomeruli swelling indicated renal inflammation. Furthermore, changes in the content and activity of oxidative stress markers suggested that Pb caused excessive oxidative stress in the kidney. Pb exposure also induced abnormal apoptosis in the kidney. In addition, RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) analysis revealed that Pb disturbed molecular pathways and signaling related with renal function. Especially, Pb exposure resulted in an increase in renal uric acid synthesis by disrupting purine metabolism. Pb caused apoptotic increment by inhibiting the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)/RAC-alpha serine/threonine-protein kinase (AKT) pathway and induced aggravated inflammation by activating Nuclear Factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway. The study implied that Pb caused nephrotoxicity through structural damages, uric acid metabolism disorder, oxidation imbalance, apoptosis and inflammatory pathway activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaixia Zhang
- College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an 710119, China
| | - Yuxin Zhang
- College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an 710119, China
| | - Lingyang Jing
- College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an 710119, China
| | - Hongfeng Zhao
- College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an 710119, China.
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19
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Conway JRW, Warren SC, Lee YK, McCulloch AT, Magenau A, Lee V, Metcalf XL, Stoehr J, Haigh K, Abdulkhalek L, Guaman CS, Reed DA, Murphy KJ, Pereira BA, Mélénec P, Chambers C, Latham SL, Lenthall H, Deenick EK, Ma Y, Phan T, Lim E, Joshua AM, Walters S, Grey ST, Shi YC, Zhang L, Herzog H, Croucher DR, Philp A, Scheele CLGJ, Herrmann D, Sansom OJ, Morton JP, Papa A, Haigh JJ, Nobis M, Timpson P. Monitoring AKT activity and targeting in live tissue and disease contexts using a real-time Akt-FRET biosensor mouse. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eadf9063. [PMID: 37126544 PMCID: PMC10132756 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adf9063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Aberrant AKT activation occurs in a number of cancers, metabolic syndrome, and immune disorders, making it an important target for the treatment of many diseases. To monitor spatial and temporal AKT activity in a live setting, we generated an Akt-FRET biosensor mouse that allows longitudinal assessment of AKT activity using intravital imaging in conjunction with image stabilization and optical window technology. We demonstrate the sensitivity of the Akt-FRET biosensor mouse using various cancer models and verify its suitability to monitor response to drug targeting in spheroid and organotypic models. We also show that the dynamics of AKT activation can be monitored in real time in diverse tissues, including in individual islets of the pancreas, in the brown and white adipose tissue, and in the skeletal muscle. Thus, the Akt-FRET biosensor mouse provides an important tool to study AKT dynamics in live tissue contexts and has broad preclinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- James R W Conway
- Garvan Institute of Medical Research & The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia
- St Vincent's Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia
- Turku Bioscience Centre, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, FI-20520 Turku, Finland
- Cancer Ecosystems Program, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia
| | - Sean C Warren
- Garvan Institute of Medical Research & The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia
- St Vincent's Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia
- Cancer Ecosystems Program, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia
| | - Young-Kyung Lee
- Garvan Institute of Medical Research & The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia
- Cancer Ecosystems Program, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia
| | - Andrew T McCulloch
- Garvan Institute of Medical Research & The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia
- Cancer Ecosystems Program, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia
- School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Randwick Clinical Campus, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Astrid Magenau
- Garvan Institute of Medical Research & The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia
- St Vincent's Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia
- Cancer Ecosystems Program, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia
| | - Victoria Lee
- Garvan Institute of Medical Research & The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia
- Cancer Ecosystems Program, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia
| | - Xanthe L Metcalf
- Garvan Institute of Medical Research & The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia
- Cancer Ecosystems Program, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia
| | - Janett Stoehr
- Garvan Institute of Medical Research & The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia
- Cancer Ecosystems Program, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia
| | - Katharina Haigh
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
- CancerCare Manitoba Research Institute, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Lea Abdulkhalek
- Garvan Institute of Medical Research & The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia
- Cancer Ecosystems Program, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia
| | - Cristian S Guaman
- Garvan Institute of Medical Research & The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia
- Cancer Ecosystems Program, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia
| | - Daniel A Reed
- Garvan Institute of Medical Research & The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia
- Cancer Ecosystems Program, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia
| | - Kendelle J Murphy
- Garvan Institute of Medical Research & The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia
- St Vincent's Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia
- Cancer Ecosystems Program, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia
| | - Brooke A Pereira
- Garvan Institute of Medical Research & The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia
- St Vincent's Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia
- Cancer Ecosystems Program, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia
| | - Pauline Mélénec
- Garvan Institute of Medical Research & The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia
- Cancer Ecosystems Program, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia
| | - Cecilia Chambers
- Garvan Institute of Medical Research & The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia
- Cancer Ecosystems Program, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia
| | - Sharissa L Latham
- Garvan Institute of Medical Research & The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia
- St Vincent's Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia
- Cancer Ecosystems Program, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia
| | - Helen Lenthall
- Garvan Institute of Medical Research & The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia
| | - Elissa K Deenick
- Garvan Institute of Medical Research & The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia
- St Vincent's Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia
| | - Yuanqing Ma
- Garvan Institute of Medical Research & The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia
- St Vincent's Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia
| | - Tri Phan
- Garvan Institute of Medical Research & The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia
- St Vincent's Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia
| | - Elgene Lim
- Garvan Institute of Medical Research & The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia
- St Vincent's Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia
| | - Anthony M Joshua
- Garvan Institute of Medical Research & The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia
- St Vincent's Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia
| | - Stacey Walters
- Garvan Institute of Medical Research & The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia
| | - Shane T Grey
- Garvan Institute of Medical Research & The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia
- St Vincent's Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia
| | - Yan-Chuan Shi
- Garvan Institute of Medical Research & The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia
- St Vincent's Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia
| | - Lei Zhang
- Garvan Institute of Medical Research & The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia
- St Vincent's Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia
| | - Herbert Herzog
- Garvan Institute of Medical Research & The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia
- St Vincent's Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia
| | - David R Croucher
- Garvan Institute of Medical Research & The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia
- St Vincent's Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia
- Cancer Ecosystems Program, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia
| | - Andy Philp
- School of Clinical Medicine, Randwick Clinical Campus, UNSW Sydney, Centre for Healthy Ageing, Centenary Institute, Missenden Road, Sydney, NSW 2050, Australia
- Charles Perkins Centre, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Colinda L G J Scheele
- Laboratory for Intravital Imaging and Dynamics of Tumor Progression, VIB Center for Cancer Biology, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - David Herrmann
- Garvan Institute of Medical Research & The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia
- St Vincent's Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia
- Cancer Ecosystems Program, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia
| | - Owen J Sansom
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Glasgow G611BD, UK
- School of Cancer Sciences, Wolfson Wohl Cancer Research Centre, Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G611QH, UK
| | - Jennifer P Morton
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Glasgow G611BD, UK
- School of Cancer Sciences, Wolfson Wohl Cancer Research Centre, Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G611QH, UK
| | - Antonella Papa
- Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Jody J Haigh
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
- CancerCare Manitoba Research Institute, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Max Nobis
- Garvan Institute of Medical Research & The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia
- St Vincent's Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia
- Cancer Ecosystems Program, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia
- Laboratory for Intravital Imaging and Dynamics of Tumor Progression, VIB Center for Cancer Biology, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Intravital Imaging Expertise Center, VIB Center for Cancer Biology, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Paul Timpson
- Garvan Institute of Medical Research & The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia
- St Vincent's Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia
- Cancer Ecosystems Program, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia
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20
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Song M, Wang Y, Annex BH, Popel AS. Experiment-based Computational Model Predicts that IL-6 Trans-Signaling Plays a Dominant Role in IL-6 mediated signaling in Endothelial Cells. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.02.03.526721. [PMID: 36778489 PMCID: PMC9915676 DOI: 10.1101/2023.02.03.526721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Inflammatory cytokine mediated responses are important in the development of many diseases that are associated with angiogenesis. Targeting angiogenesis as a prominent strategy has shown limited effects in many contexts such as peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and cancer. One potential reason for the unsuccessful outcome is the mutual dependent role between inflammation and angiogenesis. Inflammation-based therapies primarily target inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-6 (IL-6) in T cells, macrophages, cancer cells, muscle cells, and there is a limited understanding of how these cytokines act on endothelial cells. Thus, we focus on one of the major inflammatory cytokines, IL-6, mediated intracellular signaling in endothelial cells by developing a detailed computational model. Our model quantitatively characterized the effects of IL-6 classic and trans-signaling in activating the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt), and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling to phosphorylate STAT3, extracellular regulated kinase (ERK) and Akt, respectively. We applied the trained and validated experiment-based computational model to characterize the dynamics of phosphorylated STAT3 (pSTAT3), Akt (pAkt), and extracellular regulated kinase (pERK) in response to IL-6 classic and/or trans-signaling. The model predicts that IL-6 classic and trans-signaling induced responses are IL-6 and soluble IL-6 receptor (sIL-6R) dose-dependent. Also, IL-6 trans-signaling induces stronger downstream signaling and plays a dominant role in the overall effects from IL-6. In addition, both IL-6 and sIL-6R levels regulate signaling strength. Moreover, our model identifies the influential species and kinetic parameters that specifically modulate the pSTAT3, pAkt, and pERK responses, which represent potential targets for inflammatory cytokine mediated signaling and angiogenesis-based therapies. Overall, the model predicts the effects of IL-6 classic and/or trans-signaling stimulation quantitatively and provides a framework for analyzing and integrating experimental data. More broadly, this model can be utilized to identify targets that influence inflammatory cytokine mediated signaling in endothelial cells and to study the effects of angiogenesis- and inflammation-based therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Song
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA 21205
| | - Youli Wang
- Department of Medicine, Augusta University Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, Georgia, USA 30912
| | - Brian H. Annex
- Department of Medicine, Augusta University Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, Georgia, USA 30912
| | - Aleksander S. Popel
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA 21205
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Zhang J, He G, Jin X, Alenezi BT, Naeem AA, Abdulsamad SA, Ke Y. Molecular mechanisms on how FABP5 inhibitors promote apoptosis-induction sensitivity of prostate cancer cells. Cell Biol Int 2023; 47:929-942. [PMID: 36651331 DOI: 10.1002/cbin.11989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Previous work showed that FABP5 inhibitors suppressed the malignant progression of prostate cancer cells, and this suppression might be achieved partially by promoting apoptosis. But the mechanisms involved were not known. Here, we investigated the effect of inhibitors on apoptosis and studied the relevant mechanisms. WtrFABP5 significantly reduced apoptotic cells in 22Rv1 and PC3 by 18% and 42%, respectively. In contrast, the chemical inhibitor SB-FI-26 produced significant increases in percentages of apoptotic cells in 22Rv1 and PC3 by 18.8% (±4.1) and 4.6% (±1.1), respectively. The bio- inhibitor dmrFABP5 also did so by 23.1% (±2.4) and 15.8% (±3.0), respectively, in these cell lines. Both FABP5 inhibitors significantly reduced the levels of the phosphorylated nuclear fatty acid receptor PPARγ, indicating that these inhibitors promoted apoptosis-induction sensitivity of the cancer cells by suppressing the biological activity of PPARγ. Thus, the phosphorylated PPARγ levels were reduced by FABP5 inhibitors, the levels of the phosphorylated AKT and activated nuclear factor kapper B (NFκB) were coordinately altered by additions of the inhibitors. These changes eventually led to the increased levels of cleaved caspase-9 and cleaved caspase-3; and thus, increase in the percentage of cells undergoing apoptosis. In untreated prostate cancer cells, increased FABP5 suppressed the apoptosis by increasing the biological activity of PPARγ, which, in turn, led to a reduced apoptosis by interfering with the AKT or NFκB signaling pathway. Our results suggested that the FABP5 inhibitors enhanced the apoptosis-induction of prostate cancer cells by reversing the biological effect of FABP5 and its related pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiacheng Zhang
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, Liverpool University, Liverpool, UK
| | - Gang He
- Sichuan Industrial Institute of Antibiotics, Chengdu University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xi Jin
- Institute of Urology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Bandar T Alenezi
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, Liverpool University, Liverpool, UK
| | - Abdulghani A Naeem
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, Liverpool University, Liverpool, UK
| | - Saud A Abdulsamad
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, Liverpool University, Liverpool, UK
| | - Youqiang Ke
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, Liverpool University, Liverpool, UK.,Sichuan Industrial Institute of Antibiotics, Chengdu University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.,Institute of Urology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
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Wang Y, Zhang P, Li H, Chen P, Zhang X, Wang B, Zhang M. Zhijing powder manages blood pressure by regulating PI3K/AKT signal pathway in hypertensive rats. Heliyon 2023; 9:e12777. [PMID: 36685421 PMCID: PMC9850196 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e12777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2022] [Revised: 10/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Zhijing Powder (ZJP) is a traditional Chinese medicine containing two kinds of Chinese medicine. Those studies analyze the molecular mechanism of ZJP in treating hypertension through network pharmacology, combined with animal experiments. Methods First, the effective ingredients and potential targets of the drug were obtained through drug databases, while the targets of disease obtained through disease target databases. The potential targets, cellular bioanalysis and signaling pathways were found in some platforms by analyzing collected targets. Further experiments were conducted to verify the effect and mechanism of drugs on cold and high salt in an induced-hypertension rat model. Results There are 17 effective components of centipedes and 10 of scorpions, with 464 drug targets obtained after screening. A total of 1263 hypertension targets were obtained after screening and integration, resulting in a protein-protein interaction network (PPI) with 145 points and 1310 edges. Gene ontology (GO) analysis shows that blood circulation regulation and activation of G protein-coupled receptors are mainly biological processes. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis shows that neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction, calcium signaling pathways, PI3K-AKT signaling pathways are the most abundant gene-enriched pathway. Animal experiments indicated that ZJP can reduce blood pressure (BP), affect expression of the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway, and improve oxidative stress in the body. Conclusion ZJP ameliorates oxidative stress and reduces BP in hypertensive rats caused by cold stimuli and high salt, revealing its effect on the expression of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in the rat aorta.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Wang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hebei University of CM, Shijiazhuang 050200, Hebei Province, China
| | - Pengfei Zhang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hebei University of CM, Shijiazhuang 050200, Hebei Province, China
| | - Hao Li
- Hebei Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang 050000, Hebei Province, China
| | - Pingping Chen
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hebei University of CM, Shijiazhuang 050200, Hebei Province, China
| | - Xia Zhang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hebei University of CM, Shijiazhuang 050200, Hebei Province, China
| | - Bin Wang
- Hebei Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang 050000, Hebei Province, China
| | - Mingquan Zhang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hebei University of CM, Shijiazhuang 050200, Hebei Province, China
- Corresponding author.
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Yuan Y, Long H, Zhou Z, Fu Y, Jiang B. PI3K-AKT-Targeting Breast Cancer Treatments: Natural Products and Synthetic Compounds. Biomolecules 2023; 13:biom13010093. [PMID: 36671478 PMCID: PMC9856042 DOI: 10.3390/biom13010093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women. The high incidence of breast cancer, which is continuing to rise, makes treatment a significant challenge. The PI3K-AKT pathway and its downstream targets influence various cellular processes. In recent years, mounting evidence has shown that natural products and synthetic drugs targeting PI3K-AKT signaling have the potential to treat breast cancer. In this review, we discuss the role of the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway in the occurrence and development of breast cancer and highlight PI3K-AKT-targeting natural products and drugs in clinical trials for the treatment of breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yeqin Yuan
- Medical Research Center, The Affiliated Changsha Central Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Changsha 410004, China
| | - Huizhi Long
- School of Pharmacy, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China
| | - Ziwei Zhou
- School of Pharmacy, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China
| | - Yuting Fu
- Medical Research Center, The Affiliated Changsha Central Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Changsha 410004, China
| | - Binyuan Jiang
- Medical Research Center, The Affiliated Changsha Central Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Changsha 410004, China
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Affiliated Changsha Central Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Changsha 410004, China
- Correspondence:
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Investigation on the Mechanisms of Zanthoxylum bungeanum for Treating Diabetes Mellitus Based on Network Pharmacology, Molecular Docking, and Experiment Verification. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 2023:9298728. [PMID: 36874926 PMCID: PMC9977524 DOI: 10.1155/2023/9298728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Revised: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
Objective The aim of the study was to explore the potential mechanism of Zanthoxylum bungeanum in the treatment of diabetes mellitus (DM) using network pharmacology. Methods The DrugBank database and TCMSP platform were used to search for the main chemical components and their targets of Zanthoxylum bungeanum, and the genes related to diabetes mellitus were obtained from the genecards database. Import the data into the Venny 2.1.0 platform for intersection analysis to obtain the Zanthoxylum bungeanum-DM-gene dataset. The protein-protein interaction (PPI) analysis of Zanthoxylum bungeanum-DM gene was performed using the String data platform, and the visualization and network topology analysis were performed using Cytoscape 3.8.2. The KEGG pathway enrichment and biological process of GO enrichment analysis were carried out using the David platform. The active ingredients and key targets of Zanthoxylum bungeanum were molecularly docked to verify their biological activities by using Discovery Studio 2019 software. Zanthoxylum bungeanum was extracted and isolated by ethanol and dichloromethane. HepG2 cells were cultured, and cell viability assay was utilized to choose the suitable concentration of Zanthoxylum bungeanum extract (ZBE). The western blot assay was used for measuring the expression of AKT1, IL6, HSP90AA1, FOS, and JUN proteins in HepG2 cells. Results A total of 5 main compounds, 339 targets, and 16656 disease genes were obtained and retrieved, respectively. A total of 187 common genes were screened, and 20 core genes were finally obtained after further screening. The antidiabetic active ingredients of Zanthoxylum bungeanum are kokusaginin, skimmianin, diosmetin, beta-sitosterol, and quercetin, respectively. The main targets for its antidiabetic effect are AKT1, IL6, HSP90AA1, FOS, and JUN, respectively. GO enrichment analysis revealed that the biological process of Zanthoxylum bungeanum and DM is related to a positive regulation of gene expression, positive regulation of transcription, positive regulation of transcription from RNA polymerase II promoter, response to drug, positive regulation of apoptotic process, and positive regulation of cell proliferation, etc. KEGG enrichment analysis revealed that common biological pathways mainly including the phospholipase D signaling pathway, MAPK signaling pathway, beta-alanine metabolism, estrogen signaling pathway, PPAR signaling pathway, and TNF signaling pathway. Molecular docking results showed that AKT1 with beta-sitosterol and quercetin, IL-6 with diosmetin and skimmianin, HSP90AA1 with diosmetin and quercetin, FOS with beta-sitosterol and quercetin, and JUN with beta-sitosterol and diosmetin have relatively strong binding activity, respectively. Experiment verification results showed that DM could be significantly improved by downregulating the expression of AKT1, IL6, HSP90AA1, FOS, and JUN proteins after being treated at concentrations of 20 μmol/L and 40 μmol/L of ZBE. Conclusion The active components of Zanthoxylum bungeanum mainly including kokusaginin, skimmianin, diosmetin, beta-sitosterol, and quercetin. The therapeutic effect of Zanthoxylum bungeanum on DM may be achieved by downregulating core target genes including AKT1, IL6, HSP90AA1, FOS, and JUN, respectively. Zanthoxylum bungeanum is an effective drug in treatment of DM related to the above targets.
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ADAM12 promotes gemcitabine resistance by activating EGFR signaling pathway and induces EMT in bladder cancer. Clin Transl Oncol 2022; 25:1425-1435. [PMID: 36512304 DOI: 10.1007/s12094-022-03044-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gemcitabine (GEM)-based chemotherapy regimens is widely used in bladder cancer (BC) patients. However, GEM resistance may occur and result in treatment failure and disease progression. A disintegrin and metalloprotease 12 (ADAM12) plays a critical role in many cancers. However, the role of ADAM12 in GEM resistance of BC remains unclear. METHODS We analyzed the relationship between ADAM12 expression and tumor characteristics using the data downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Then, we established GEM resistant BC cell lines and used quantitative real-time PCR, western blot, cell counting kit-8, immunohistochemistry, and xenograft mouse model to investigate the role of ADAM12 in GEM resistance. RESULTS In general, ADAM12 was found to be upregulated in GEM resistant BC cells. ADAM12 knockdown increased the chemosensitivity of BC cells. We further proved that ADAM12 could promote GEM resistance by activating the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling pathway in BC. Furthermore, the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) phenotype was observed in GEM resistant BC cells. ADAM12 induced EMT process and promotes tumor progression in BC. CONCLUSION Our findings suggested that ADAM12 was a key gene for GEM resistance and positively correlated with malignancy of BC. It might serve as a novel and valuable therapeutic target for BC.
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Pontrello CG, McWhirt JM, Glabe CG, Brewer GJ. Age-Related Oxidative Redox and Metabolic Changes Precede Intraneuronal Amyloid-β Accumulation and Plaque Deposition in a Transgenic Alzheimer's Disease Mouse Model. J Alzheimers Dis 2022; 90:1501-1521. [PMID: 36278355 PMCID: PMC9789488 DOI: 10.3233/jad-220824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many identified mechanisms could be upstream of the prominent amyloid-β (Aβ) plaques in Alzheimer's disease (AD). OBJECTIVE To profile the progression of pathology in AD. METHODS We monitored metabolic signaling, redox stress, intraneuronal amyloid-β (iAβ) accumulation, and extracellular plaque deposition in the brains of 3xTg-AD mice across the lifespan. RESULTS Intracellular accumulation of aggregated Aβ in the CA1 pyramidal cells at 9 months preceded extracellular plaques that first presented in the CA1 at 16 months of age. In biochemical assays, brain glutathione (GSH) declined with age in both 3xTg-AD and non-transgenic controls, but the decline was accelerated in 3xTg-AD brains from 2 to 4 months. The decline in GSH correlated exponentially with the rise in iAβ. Integrated metabolic signaling as the ratio of phospho-Akt (pAkt) to total Akt (tAkt) in the PI3kinase and mTOR pathway declined at 6, 9, and 12 months, before rising at 16 and 20 months. These pAkt/tAkt ratios correlated with both iAβ and GSH levels in a U-shaped relationship. Selective vulnerability of age-related AD-genotype-specific pAkt changes was greatest in the CA1 pyramidal cell layer. To demonstrate redox causation, iAβ accumulation was lowered in cultured middle-age adult 3xTg-AD neurons by treatment of the oxidized redox state in the neurons with exogenous cysteine. CONCLUSION The order of pathologic progression in the 3xTg-AD mouse was loss of GSH (oxidative redox shift) followed by a pAkt/tAkt metabolic shift in CA1, iAβ accumulation in CA1, and extracellular Aβ deposition. Upstream targets may prove strategically more effective for therapy before irreversible changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Crystal G. Pontrello
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA,
Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Joshua M. McWhirt
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Charles G. Glabe
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA,
Center for Neurobiology of Learning and Memory, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA,
MIND Institute, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Gregory J. Brewer
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA,
Center for Neurobiology of Learning and Memory, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA,
MIND Institute, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA,Correspondence to: Gregory J. Brewer, Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA. Tel.: +1 217 502 4511; E-mail:
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Tsimberidou AM, Skliris A, Valentine A, Shaw J, Hering U, Vo HH, Chan TO, Armen RS, Cottrell JR, Pan JQ, Tsichlis PN. AKT inhibition in the central nervous system induces signaling defects resulting in psychiatric symptomatology. Cell Biosci 2022; 12:56. [PMID: 35525984 PMCID: PMC9080159 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-022-00793-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Changes in the expression and activity of the AKT oncogene play an important role in psychiatric disease. We present translational data assessing the role of AKT in psychiatric symptoms.
Methods
(1) We assessed the protein activity of an AKT3 mutant harboring a PH domain mutation (Q60H) detected in a patient with schizophrenia, the corresponding AKT1 mutant (Q61H), and wild-type AKT1 and AKT3 transduced in AKT-null mouse fibroblasts and modeled the Q61H mutation onto the crystal structure of the Akt1 PH domain. (2) We analyzed the results of earlier genome-wide association studies to determine the distribution of schizophrenia-associated single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the AKT3 gene. (3) We analyzed the psychiatric adverse events (AEs) of patients treated with M2698 (p70S6K/AKT1/AKT3 inhibitor) and with other PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway inhibitors.
Results
(1) Proteins encoded by AKT3 (AKT3Q60H) and AKT1 (AKT1Q61H) mutants had lower kinase activity than those encoded by wild-type AKT3 and AKT1, respectively. Molecular modeling of the AKT1-Q61H mutant suggested conformational changes that may reduce the binding of D3-phosphorylated phosphoinositides to the PH domain. (2) We identified multiple SNPs in the AKT3 gene that were strongly associated with schizophrenia (p < 0.5 × 10–8). (3) Psychiatric AEs, mostly insomnia, anxiety, and depression, were noted in 29% of patients treated with M2698. In randomized studies, their incidence was higher in PI3K/AKT/mTOR inhibitor arms compared with placebo arms. All psychiatric AEs were reversible.
Conclusions
Our data elucidate the incidence and mechanisms of psychiatric AEs in patients treated with PI3K/AKT/mTOR inhibitors and emphasize the need for careful monitoring.
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Anti-diabetic and anti-hyperlipidemic effects of sea cucumber (Cucumaria frondosa) gonad hydrolysates in type II diabetic rats. FOOD SCIENCE AND HUMAN WELLNESS 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fshw.2022.06.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
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Yasudome R, Seki N, Asai S, Goto Y, Kita Y, Hozaka Y, Wada M, Tanabe K, Idichi T, Mori S, Ohtsuka T. Molecular Pathogenesis of Colorectal Cancer: Impact of Oncogenic Targets Regulated by Tumor Suppressive miR-139-3p. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231911616. [PMID: 36232922 PMCID: PMC9569794 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231911616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2022] [Revised: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
We recently determined the RNA sequencing-based microRNA (miRNA) expression signature of colorectal cancer (CRC). Analysis of the signature showed that the expression of both strands of pre-miR-139 (miR-139-5p, the guide strand, and miR-139-3p, the passenger strand) was significantly reduced in CRC tissues. Transient transfection assays revealed that expression of miR-139-3p blocked cancer cell malignant transformation (e.g., cell proliferation, migration, and invasion). Notably, expression of miR-139-3p markedly blocked RAC-alpha serine/threonine-protein kinase (AKT) phosphorylation in CRC cells. A combination of in silico database and gene expression analyses of miR-139-3p-transfected cells revealed 29 putative targets regulated by miR-139-3p in CRC cells. RNA immunoprecipitation analysis using an Argonaute2 (AGO2) antibody revealed that KRT80 was efficiently incorporated into the RNA-induced silencing complex. Aberrant expression of Keratin 80 (KRT80) was detected in CRC clinical specimens by immunostaining. A knockdown assay using small interfering RNA (siRNA) targeting KRT80 showed that reducing KRT80 expression suppressed the malignant transformation (cancer cell migration and invasion) of CRC cells. Importantly, inhibiting KRT80 expression reduced AKT phosphorylation in CRC cells. Moreover, hexokinase-2 (HK2) expression was reduced in cells transfected with the KRT80 siRNAs or miR-139-3p. The involvement of miRNA passenger strands (e.g., miR-139-3p) in CRC cells is a new concept in miRNA studies. Our tumor-suppressive miRNA-based approach helps elucidate the molecular pathogenesis of CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryutaro Yasudome
- Department of Digestive Surgery, Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima 890-8520, Japan
| | - Naohiko Seki
- Department of Functional Genomics, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba 260-8670, Japan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +81-43-226-2971
| | - Shunichi Asai
- Department of Functional Genomics, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba 260-8670, Japan
| | - Yusuke Goto
- Department of Functional Genomics, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba 260-8670, Japan
| | - Yoshiaki Kita
- Department of Digestive Surgery, Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima 890-8520, Japan
| | - Yuto Hozaka
- Department of Digestive Surgery, Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima 890-8520, Japan
| | - Masumi Wada
- Department of Digestive Surgery, Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima 890-8520, Japan
| | - Kan Tanabe
- Department of Digestive Surgery, Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima 890-8520, Japan
| | - Tetsuya Idichi
- Department of Digestive Surgery, Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima 890-8520, Japan
| | - Shinichiro Mori
- Department of Digestive Surgery, Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima 890-8520, Japan
| | - Takao Ohtsuka
- Department of Digestive Surgery, Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima 890-8520, Japan
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Liu S, Ren L, Gao X, Hao M, Wang G. Pathogenesis of central nervous system germ cell tumors. Front Oncol 2022; 12:991484. [PMID: 36158643 PMCID: PMC9500539 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.991484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Intracranial germ cell tumors (IGCTs) are clinically rare. They are more common in children and adolescents and the incidence in Asia is higher than in Western countries. Histologically, IGCTs are divided into germinoma and non-germinomatous germ cell tumor (NGGCT). Germinoma is sensitive to radiotherapy and chemotherapy and therefore, patients with germinoma have a good prognosis. However, NGGCTs, especially those with malignant components, are not sensitive to radiotherapy and chemoradiotherapy, leading to a poor prognosis. The pathogenesis of IGCTs is not fully understood. By summarizing previous literature, we found that the occurrence of IGCTs may be related to the following factors: chromosomal instability, MAPK and/or PI3K pathway changes, and DNA hypomethylation in pure germ cell tumors.
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Guerau-de-Arellano M, Piedra-Quintero ZL, Tsichlis PN. Akt isoforms in the immune system. Front Immunol 2022; 13:990874. [PMID: 36081513 PMCID: PMC9445622 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.990874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Akt is a PI3K-activated serine-threonine kinase that exists in three distinct isoforms. Akt's expression in most immune cells, either at baseline or upon activation, reflects its importance in the immune system. While Akt is most highly expressed in innate immune cells, it plays crucial roles in both innate and adaptive immune cell development and/or effector functions. In this review, we explore what's known about the role of Akt in innate and adaptive immune cells. Wherever possible, we discuss the overlapping and distinct role of the three Akt isoforms, namely Akt1, Akt2, and Akt3, in immune cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mireia Guerau-de-Arellano
- School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Division of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Medicine, Wexner Medical Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States,Institute for Behavioral Medicine Research, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States,Department of Microbial Infection and Immunity, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States,Department of Neuroscience, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States,The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States,*Correspondence: Mireia Guerau-de-Arellano,
| | - Zayda L. Piedra-Quintero
- School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Division of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Medicine, Wexner Medical Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Philip N. Tsichlis
- The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States,Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
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Linderalactone Suppresses Pancreatic Cancer Development In Vitro and In Vivo via Negatively Regulating PI3K/AKT Signaling Pathway. JOURNAL OF ONCOLOGY 2022; 2022:8675096. [PMID: 35966890 PMCID: PMC9371883 DOI: 10.1155/2022/8675096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Revised: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Linderalactone is one of the main extracts of Linderae Radix, which is widely used in traditional Chinese medicine. There have been few studies on the antitumor effect of linderalactone in the past. In this study, we explored the anti-pancreatic cancer activity of linderalactone in vitro and in vivo. The results showed that linderalactone inhibited the proliferation of pancreatic cancer cells in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Cell migration and invasion were significantly inhibited by linderalactone. The cell cycle was arrested in the G2/M phase, and the expression levels of cell cycle-associated proteins changed significantly with linderalactone treatment. In addition, linderalactone induced cell apoptosis and altered the expression of apoptotic markers, such as caspase 3 and PARP1. Mechanistically, linderalactone suppressed the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway by downregulating the phosphorylation of PI3K and AKT. The xenograft study results were consistent with the in vitro results, and there was no obvious chemical toxicity. Thus, our research demonstrated that linderalactone exhibits antitumor activity against pancreatic cancer and may be developed as a potential anti-pancreatic cancer agent in the future.
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Treating non-small cell lung cancer by targeting the PI3K signaling pathway. Chin Med J (Engl) 2022; 135:1272-1284. [PMID: 35830272 PMCID: PMC9433080 DOI: 10.1097/cm9.0000000000002195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/09/2022] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT The phosphosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K) signaling pathway is one of the most important intracellular signal transduction pathways affecting cell functions, such as apoptosis, translation, metabolism, and angiogenesis. Lung cancer is a malignant tumor with the highest morbidity and mortality rates in the world. It can be divided into two groups, non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC). NSCLC accounts for >85% of all lung cancers. There are currently many clinical treatment options for NSCLC; however, traditional methods such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy have not been able to provide patients with good survival benefits. The emergence of molecular target therapy has improved the survival and prognosis of patients with NSCLC. In recent years, there have been an increasing number of studies on NSCLC and PI3K signaling pathways. Inhibitors of various parts of the PI3K pathway have appeared in various phases of clinical trials with NSCLC as an indication. This article focuses on the role of the PI3K signaling pathway in the occurrence and development of NSCLC and summarizes the current clinical research progress and possible development strategies.
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Zhou H, Wang L, Liu S, Wang W. The role of phosphoinositide 3-kinases in immune-inflammatory responses: potential therapeutic targets for abdominal aortic aneurysm. Cell Cycle 2022; 21:2339-2364. [PMID: 35792922 DOI: 10.1080/15384101.2022.2094577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The pathogenesis of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) includes inflammatory responses, matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) degradation, VSMC apoptosis, oxidative stress, and angiogenesis, among which the inflammatory response plays a key role. At present, surgery is the only curing treatment, and no effective drug can delay AAA progression in clinical practice. Therefore, searching for a signaling pathway related to the immune-inflammatory response is an essential direction for developing drugs targeting AAA. Recent studies have confirmed that the PI3K family plays an important role in many inflammatory diseases and is involved in regulating various cellular functions, especially in the immune-inflammatory response. This review focuses on the role of each isoform of PI3K in each stage of AAA immune-inflammatory response, making available explorations for a deeper understanding of the mechanism of inflammation and immune response during the formation and development of AAA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiyang Zhou
- Department of General &vascular Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Lei Wang
- Department of General &vascular Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Shuai Liu
- Department of General &vascular Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of General &vascular Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
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Meta-Analysis of Two Human RNA-seq Datasets to Determine Periodontitis Diagnostic Biomarkers and Drug Target Candidates. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23105580. [PMID: 35628390 PMCID: PMC9145972 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23105580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2022] [Revised: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory oral disease that affects approximately 42% of adults 30 years of age or older in the United States. In response to microbial dysbiosis within the periodontal pockets surrounding teeth, the host immune system generates an inflammatory environment in which soft tissue and alveolar bone destruction occur. The objective of this study was to identify diagnostic biomarkers and the mechanistic drivers of inflammation in periodontitis to identify drugs that may be repurposed to treat chronic inflammation. A meta-analysis comprised of two independent RNA-seq datasets was performed. RNA-seq analysis, signal pathway impact analysis, protein-protein interaction analysis, and drug target analysis were performed to identify the critical pathways and key players that initiate inflammation in periodontitis as well as to predict potential drug targets. Seventy-eight differentially expressed genes, 10 significantly impacted signaling pathways, and 10 hub proteins in periodontal gingival tissue were identified. The top 10 drugs that may be repurposed for treating periodontitis were then predicted from the gene expression and pathway data. The efficacy of these drugs in treating periodontitis has yet to be investigated. However, this analysis indicates that these drugs may serve as potential therapeutics to treat inflammation in gingival tissue affected by periodontitis.
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Zhou X, Mehta S, Zhang J. AktAR and Akt-STOPS: Genetically Encodable Molecular Tools to Visualize and Perturb Akt Kinase Activity at Different Subcellular Locations in Living Cells. Curr Protoc 2022; 2:e416. [PMID: 35532280 PMCID: PMC9093046 DOI: 10.1002/cpz1.416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
The serine/threonine protein kinase Akt integrates diverse upstream inputs to regulate cell survival, growth, metabolism, migration, and differentiation. Mounting evidence suggests that Akt activity is differentially regulated depending on its subcellular location, which can include the plasma membrane, endomembrane, and nuclear compartment. This spatial control of Akt activity is critical for achieving signaling specificity and proper physiological functions, and deregulation of compartment-specific Akt signaling is implicated in various diseases, including cancer and diabetes. Understanding the spatial coordination of the signaling network centered around this key kinase and the underlying regulatory mechanisms requires precise tracking of Akt activity at distinct subcellular compartments within its native biological contexts. To address this challenge, new molecular tools are being developed, enabling us to directly interrogate the spatiotemporal regulation of Akt in living cells. These include, for instance, the newly developed genetically encodable fluorescent-protein-based Akt kinase activity reporter (AktAR2), which serves as a substrate surrogate of Akt kinase and translates Akt-specific phosphorylation into a quantifiable change in Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET). In addition, we developed the Akt substrate tandem occupancy peptide sponge (Akt-STOPS), which allows biochemical perturbation of subcellular Akt activity. Both molecular tools can be readily targeted to distinct subcellular localizations. Here, we describe a workflow to study Akt kinase activity at different subcellular locations in living cells. We provide a protocol for using genetically targeted AktAR2 and Akt-STOPS, along with fluorescence imaging in living NIH3T3 cells, to visualize and perturb, respectively, the activity of endogenous Akt kinase at different subcellular compartments. We further describe a protocol for using chemically inducible dimerization (CID) to control the plasma membrane-specific inhibition of Akt activity in real time. Lastly, we describe a protocol for maintaining NIH3T3 cells in culture, a cell line known to exhibit robust Akt activity. In all, this approach enables interrogation of spatiotemporal regulation and functions of Akt, as well as the intricate signaling networks in which it is embedded, at specific subcellular locations. © 2022 Wiley Periodicals LLC. Basic Protocol 1: Visualizing and perturbing subcellular Akt kinase activity using AktAR and Akt-STOPS Basic Protocol 2: Using chemically inducible dimerization (CID) to control inhibition of Akt at the plasma membrane Support Protocol: Maintaining NIH3T3 cells in culture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Zhou
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Sohum Mehta
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Jin Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California.,Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California.,Department of Bioengineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California
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EGFR signaling pathway as therapeutic target in human cancers. Semin Cancer Biol 2022; 85:253-275. [PMID: 35427766 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2022.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Revised: 03/12/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) enacts major roles in the maintenance of epithelial tissues. However, when EGFR signaling is altered, it becomes the grand orchestrator of epithelial transformation, and hence one of the most world-wide studied tyrosine kinase receptors involved in neoplasia, in several tissues. In the last decades, EGFR-targeted therapies shaped the new era of precision-oncology. Despite major advances, the dream of converting solid tumors into a chronic disease is still unfulfilled, and long-term remission eludes us. Studies investigating the function of this protein in solid malignancies have revealed numerous ways how tumor cells dysregulate EGFR function. Starting from preclinical models (cell lines, organoids, murine models) and validating in clinical specimens, EGFR-related oncogenic pathways, mechanisms of resistance, and novel avenues to inhibit tumor growth and metastatic spread enriching the therapeutic portfolios, were identified. Focusing on non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), where EGFR mutations are major players in the adenocarcinoma subtype, we will go over the most relevant discoveries that led us to understand EGFR and beyond, and highlight how they revolutionized cancer treatment by expanding the therapeutic arsenal at our disposal.
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Role of Butylphthalide in Immunity and Inflammation: Butylphthalide May Be a Potential Therapy for Anti-Inflammation and Immunoregulation. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2022; 2022:7232457. [PMID: 35422893 PMCID: PMC9005281 DOI: 10.1155/2022/7232457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2021] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Inflammation and immunity play an essential role in disease pathogenesis. 3-N-Butylphthalide (NBP), a group of compounds extracted from seeds of Apium graveolens (Chinese celery), has been demonstrated as an efficient and effective therapy for ischemic stroke. The amount of research on NBP protective effect is increasing at pace, such as microcircular reconstruction, alleviating inflammation, ameliorating brain edema and blood-brain barrier (BBB) damage, mitochondrial function protection, antiplatelet aggregation, antithrombosis, decreasing oxidative damage, and reducing neural cell apoptosis. There has been increasing research emphasizing the association between NBP and immunity and inflammation in the past few years. Hence, it is aimed at reviewing the related literature and summarizing the underlying anti-inflammatory and immunoregulatory function of NBP in various disorders.
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Nanohydroxyapatite-Blasted Bioactive Surface Drives Shear-Stressed Endothelial Cell Growth and Angiogenesis. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 2022:1433221. [PMID: 35252440 PMCID: PMC8890866 DOI: 10.1155/2022/1433221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2021] [Revised: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Nanosized crystalline hydroxyapatite coating (HAnano®) accelerates the osteointegration of dental implants which is hypothesized to drive angiogenesis. In order to test this hypothesis, we have subjected shear-stressed human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) to a HAnano®-enriched medium, as well as to surface presenting dual acid etching (DAE) as a control. To note, the titanium implants were coated with 10 nm in diameter HA particles using the Promimic HAnano method. Our data reveals that HAnano® modulates higher expression of genes related with endothelial cell performance and viability, such as VEGF, eNOS, and AKT, and further angiogenesis in vitro by promoting endothelial cell migration. Additionally, the data shows a significant extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling, and this finding seems developing a dual role in promoting the expression of VEGF and control endothelial cell growth during angiogenesis. Altogether, these data prompted us to further validate this phenomenon by exploring genes related with the control of cell cycle and in fact our data shows that HAnano® promotes higher expression of CDK4 gene, while p21 and p15 genes (suppressor genes) were significantly lower. In conjunction, our data shows for the first time that HAnano®-coated surfaces drive angiogenesis by stimulating a proliferative and migration phenotype of endothelial cells, and this finding opens novel comprehension about osseointegration mechanism considering nanosized hydroxyapatite coating dental implants.
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Neuroprotective Effects of the DPP4 Inhibitor Vildagliptin in In Vivo and In Vitro Models of Parkinson's Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23042388. [PMID: 35216503 PMCID: PMC8877991 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23042388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Revised: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is characterized by loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc) of the midbrain. Restoration of nigrostriatal dopamine neurons has been proposed as a potential therapeutic strategy for PD. Because currently used PD therapeutics only help relieve motor symptoms and do not treat the cause of the disease, highly effective drugs are needed. Vildagliptin, a dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP4) inhibitor, is an anti-diabetic drug with various pharmacological properties including neuroprotective effects. However, the detailed effects of vildagliptin against PD are not fully understood. We investigated the effects of vildagliptin on PD and its underlying molecular mechanisms using a 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-induced mouse model and a 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridium (MPP+)-induced cytotoxicity model. Vildagliptin (50 mg/kg) administration significantly attenuated MPTP-induced motor deficits as evidenced by rotarod, pole, and nest building tests. Immunohistochemistry and Western blot analysis revealed that vildagliptin increased tyrosine hydroxylase-positive cells in the SNpc and striatum, which was reduced by MPTP treatment. Furthermore, vildagliptin activated MPTP-decreased PI3k/Akt and mitigated MPTP-increased ERK and JNK signaling pathways in the striatum. Consistent with signaling transduction in the mouse striatum, vildagliptin reversed MPP+-induced dephosphorylation of PI3K/Akt and phosphorylation of ERK and JNK in SH-SY5Y cells. Moreover, vildagliptin attenuated MPP+-induced conversion of LC3B-II in SH-SY5Y cells, suggesting its role in autophagy inhibition. Taken together, these findings indicate that vildagliptin has protective effects against MPTP-induced motor dysfunction by inhibiting dopaminergic neuronal apoptosis, which is associated with regulation of PI3k/Akt, ERK, and JNK signaling transduction. Our findings suggest vildagliptin as a promising repurposing drug to treat PD.
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Li LR, Sethi G, Zhang X, Liu CL, Huang Y, Liu Q, Ren BX, Tang FR. The neuroprotective effects of icariin on ageing, various neurological, neuropsychiatric disorders, and brain injury induced by radiation exposure. Aging (Albany NY) 2022; 14:1562-1588. [PMID: 35165207 PMCID: PMC8876913 DOI: 10.18632/aging.203893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Epimedium brevicornum Maxim, a Traditional Chinese Medicine, has been used for the treatment of impotence, sinew and bone disorders, “painful impediment caused by wind-dampness,” numbness, spasms, hypertension, coronary heart disease, menopausal syndrome, bronchitis, and neurasthenia for many years in China. Recent animal experimental studies indicate that icariin, a major bioactive component of epimedium may effectively treat Alzheimer’s disease, cerebral ischemia, depression, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, as well as delay ageing. Our recent study also suggested that epimedium extract could exhibit radio-neuro-protective effects and prevent ionizing radiation-induced impairment of neurogenesis. This paper reviewed the pharmacodynamics of icariin in treating different neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric diseases, ageing, and radiation-induced brain damage. The relevant molecular mechanisms and its anti-neuroinflammatory, anti-apoptotic, anti-oxidant, as well as pro-neurogenesis roles were also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Rui Li
- The School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze University, Jingzhou 434023, Hubei, China
| | - Gautam Sethi
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117600, Singapore
| | - Xing Zhang
- The School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze University, Jingzhou 434023, Hubei, China
| | - Cui Liu Liu
- The School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze University, Jingzhou 434023, Hubei, China
| | - Yan Huang
- The School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze University, Jingzhou 434023, Hubei, China
| | - Qun Liu
- The School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze University, Jingzhou 434023, Hubei, China
| | - Bo Xu Ren
- The School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze University, Jingzhou 434023, Hubei, China
| | - Feng Ru Tang
- Radiation Physiology Lab, Singapore Nuclear Research and Safety Initiative, National University of Singapore, Singapore 138602, Singapore
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Huang Y, He S, Chen Y, Sheng J, Fu Y, Du X, Yang Y, Liu H, Han Z, Huang Y, Wen Q, Zhou C, Zhou X, Hu S, Ma L. UCHL1 Promoted Polarization of M1 Macrophages by Regulating the PI3K/AKT Signaling Pathway. J Inflamm Res 2022; 15:735-746. [PMID: 35153498 PMCID: PMC8824699 DOI: 10.2147/jir.s343487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Yulan Huang
- Institute of Molecular Immunology, School of Laboratory Medicine and Biotechnology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shitong He
- Institute of Molecular Immunology, School of Laboratory Medicine and Biotechnology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yitian Chen
- Institute of Molecular Immunology, School of Laboratory Medicine and Biotechnology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, People’s Republic of China
| | - Junli Sheng
- Institute of Molecular Immunology, School of Laboratory Medicine and Biotechnology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yuling Fu
- Institute of Molecular Immunology, School of Laboratory Medicine and Biotechnology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xialin Du
- Institute of Molecular Immunology, School of Laboratory Medicine and Biotechnology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yalong Yang
- Institute of Molecular Immunology, School of Laboratory Medicine and Biotechnology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, People’s Republic of China
| | - Honglin Liu
- Institute of Molecular Immunology, School of Laboratory Medicine and Biotechnology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhenyu Han
- Institute of Molecular Immunology, School of Laboratory Medicine and Biotechnology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yingqi Huang
- Institute of Molecular Immunology, School of Laboratory Medicine and Biotechnology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, People’s Republic of China
| | - Qian Wen
- Institute of Molecular Immunology, School of Laboratory Medicine and Biotechnology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, People’s Republic of China
| | - Chaoying Zhou
- Institute of Molecular Immunology, School of Laboratory Medicine and Biotechnology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xinying Zhou
- Institute of Molecular Immunology, School of Laboratory Medicine and Biotechnology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shengfeng Hu
- Institute of Molecular Immunology, School of Laboratory Medicine and Biotechnology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, People’s Republic of China
| | - Li Ma
- Institute of Molecular Immunology, School of Laboratory Medicine and Biotechnology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, People’s Republic of China
- Correspondence: Li Ma; Shengfeng Hu, Institute of Molecular Immunology, School of Laboratory Medicine and Biotechnology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, People’s Republic of China, Email ;
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Enhanced Ca 2+ Entry Sustains the Activation of Akt in Glucose Deprived SH-SY5Y Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23031386. [PMID: 35163310 PMCID: PMC8835965 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23031386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Revised: 01/23/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The two crucial cellular insults that take place during cerebral ischemia are the loss of oxygen and loss of glucose, which can both activate a cascade of events leading to neuronal death. In addition, the toxic overactivation of neuronal excitatory receptors, leading to Ca2+ overload, may contribute to ischemic neuronal injury. Brain ischemia can be simulated in vitro by oxygen/glucose deprivation, which can be reversible by the re-establishment of physiological conditions. Accordingly, we examined the effects of glucose deprivation on the PI3K/Akt survival signaling pathway and its crosstalk with HIF-1α and Ca2+ homeostasis in SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cells. It was found that glucose withdrawal decreased HIF-1α protein levels even in the presence of the ischemia-mimicking CoCl2. On the contrary, and despite neuronal death, we identified a strong activation of the master pro-survival kinase Akt, a finding that was also confirmed by the increased phosphorylation of GSK3, a direct target of p-Akt. Remarkably, the elevated Ca2+ influx recorded was found to promptly trigger the activation of Akt, while a re-addition of glucose resulted in rapid restoration of both Ca2+ entry and p-Akt levels, highlighting the plasticity of neurons to respond to ischemic challenges and the important role of glucose homeostasis for multiple neurological disorders.
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MAPK4 promotes triple negative breast cancer growth and reduces tumor sensitivity to PI3K blockade. Nat Commun 2022; 13:245. [PMID: 35017531 PMCID: PMC8752662 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-27921-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
About 15–20% of breast cancer (BCa) is triple-negative BCa (TNBC), a devastating disease with limited therapeutic options. Aberrations in the PI3K/PTEN signaling pathway are common in TNBC. However, the therapeutic impact of PI3K inhibitors in TNBC has been limited and the mechanism(s) underlying this lack of efficacy remain elusive. Here, we demonstrate that a large subset of TNBC expresses significant levels of MAPK4, and this expression is critical for driving AKT activation independent of PI3K and promoting TNBC cell and xenograft growth. The ability of MAPK4 to bypass PI3K for AKT activation potentially provides a direct mechanism regulating tumor sensitivity to PI3K inhibition. Accordingly, repressing MAPK4 greatly sensitizes TNBC cells and xenografts to PI3K blockade. Altogether, we conclude that high MAPK4 expression defines a large subset or subtype of TNBC responsive to MAPK4 blockage. Targeting MAPK4 in this subset/subtype of TNBC both represses growth and sensitizes tumors to PI3K blockade. PI3K inhibitors have limited efficacy in triple negative breast cancer (TNBC). Here, the authors show that MAPK4 activates AKT independent of PI3K and thus promotes tumour growth in a subset of TNBC and that MAPK4 inhibition sensitizes to PI3K blockade in these tumours.’
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Ahmad Z, Somanath PR. AKT Isoforms in the Immune Response in Cancer. Curr Top Microbiol Immunol 2022; 436:349-366. [PMID: 36243852 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-06566-8_15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
AKT is a protein kinase that exists in three isoforms: AKT1, AKT2, and AKT3. Though similar in structure, these isoforms display different effects. AKT is activated downstream of PI3K, and together, this signaling pathway helps regulate cellular processes including cell growth, proliferation, metabolism, survival, and apoptosis. Disruption in these pathways has been associated with disorders including cardiovascular diseases, developmental disorders, inflammatory responses, autoimmune diseases, neurologic disorders, type 2 diabetes, and several cancers. In cancer, deregulation in the PI3K/AKT pathway can be manifested as tumorigenesis, pathological angiogenesis, and metastasis. Increased activity has been correlated with tumor progression and resistance to cancer treatments. Recent studies have suggested that inhibition of the PI3K/AKT pathway plays a significant role in the development, expansion, and proliferation of cells of the immune system. Additionally, AKT has been found to play an important role in differentiating regulatory T cells, activating B cells, and augmenting tumor immunosurveillance. This emphasizes AKT as a potential target for inhibition in cancer therapy. This chapter reviews AKT structure and regulation, its different isoforms, its role in immune cells, and its modulation in oncotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zayd Ahmad
- Clinical and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia and Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center, Augusta, GA, 30912, USA
| | - Payaningal R Somanath
- Clinical and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia and Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center, Augusta, GA, 30912, USA.
- Georgia Cancer Center, Vascular Biology Center and Department of Medicine, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, 30912, USA.
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Class I PI3K Biology. Curr Top Microbiol Immunol 2022; 436:3-49. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-06566-8_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
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Song M, Finley SD. Mechanistic characterization of endothelial sprouting mediated by pro-angiogenic signaling. Microcirculation 2021; 29:e12744. [PMID: 34890488 PMCID: PMC9285777 DOI: 10.1111/micc.12744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2021] [Revised: 11/04/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Objective We aim to quantitatively characterize the crosstalk between VEGF‐ and FGF‐mediated angiogenic signaling and endothelial sprouting, to gain mechanistic insights and identify novel therapeutic strategies. Methods We constructed an experimentally validated hybrid agent‐based mathematical model that characterizes endothelial sprouting driven by FGF‐ and VEGF‐mediated signaling. We predicted the total sprout length, number of sprouts, and average length by the mono‐ and co‐stimulation of FGF and VEGF. Results The experimentally fitted and validated model predicts that FGF induces stronger angiogenic responses in the long‐term compared with VEGF stimulation. Also, FGF plays a dominant role in the combination effects in endothelial sprouting. Moreover, the model suggests that ERK and Akt pathways and cellular responses contribute differently to the sprouting process. Last, the model predicts that the strategies to modulate endothelial sprouting are context‐dependent, and our model can identify potential effective pro‐ and anti‐angiogenic targets under different conditions and study their efficacy. Conclusions The model provides detailed mechanistic insight into VEGF and FGF interactions in sprouting angiogenesis. More broadly, this model can be utilized to identify targets that influence angiogenic signaling leading to endothelial sprouting and to study the effects of pro‐ and anti‐angiogenic therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Song
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Stacey D Finley
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA.,Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA.,Department of Quantitative and Computational Biology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
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Endogenous regulation of the Akt pathway by the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) in lung fibroblasts. Sci Rep 2021; 11:23189. [PMID: 34848742 PMCID: PMC8632926 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-02339-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a ligand-activated transcription factor known to mediate toxic responses to dioxin. However, the role of the AhR in the regulation of cellular physiology has only recently been appreciated, including its ability to control cell cycle progression and apoptosis by unknown mechanisms. We hypothesized that the AhR enhances the activation of the AKT serine/threonine kinase (Akt) pathway to promote cell survival. Utilizing AhR knock-out (Ahr−/−) and wild-type (Ahr+/+) mouse lung fibroblasts (MLFs), we found that Ahr−/− MLFs have significantly higher basal Akt phosphorylation but that AhR did not affect Akt phosphorylation in MLFs exposed to growth factors or AhR ligands. Basal Akt phosphorylation was dependent on PI3K but was unaffected by changes in intracellular glutathione (GSH) or p85α. There was no significant decrease in cell viability in Ahr−/− MLFs treated with LY294002—a PI3K inhibitor—although LY294002 did attenuate MTT reduction, indicating an affect on mitochondrial function. Using a mass spectrometry (MS)-based approach, we identified several proteins that were differentially phosphorylated in the Ahr−/− MLFs compared to control cells, including proteins involved in the regulation of extracellular matrix (ECM), focal adhesion, cytoskeleton remodeling and mitochondrial function. In conclusion, Ahr ablation increased basal Akt phosphorylation in MLFs. Our results indicate that AhR may modulate the phosphorylation of a variety of novel proteins not previously identified as AhR targets, findings that help advance our understanding of the endogenous functions of AhR.
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49
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Martínez-Martínez E, Tölle R, Donauer J, Gretzmeier C, Bruckner-Tuderman L, Dengjel J. Increased abundance of Cbl E3 ligases alters PDGFR signaling in recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa. Matrix Biol 2021; 103-104:58-73. [PMID: 34706254 DOI: 10.1016/j.matbio.2021.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Revised: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
In recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB), loss of collagen VII, the main component of anchoring fibrils critical for epidermal-dermal cohesion, affects several intracellular signaling pathways and leads to impaired wound healing and fibrosis. In skin fibroblasts, wound healing is also affected by platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR) signaling. To study a potential effect of loss of collagen VII on PDGFR signaling we performed unbiased disease phosphoproteomics. Whereas RDEB fibroblasts exhibited an overall weaker response to PDGF, Cbl E3 ubiquitin ligases, negative regulators of growth factor signaling, were stronger phosphorylated. This increase in phosphorylation was linked to higher Cbl mRNA and protein levels due to increased TGFβ signaling in RDEB. In turn, increased Cbl levels led to increased PDGFR ubiquitination, internalization, and degradation negatively affecting MAPK and AKT downstream signaling pathways. Thus, our results indicate that elevated TGFβ signaling leads to an attenuated response to growth factors, which contributes to impaired dermal wound healing in RDEB.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Regine Tölle
- Department of Biology, University of Fribourg, Chemin du Musée 10, Fribourg 1700, Switzerland
| | - Julia Donauer
- Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Germany
| | - Christine Gretzmeier
- Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Germany
| | - Leena Bruckner-Tuderman
- Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Germany
| | - Jörn Dengjel
- Department of Biology, University of Fribourg, Chemin du Musée 10, Fribourg 1700, Switzerland.
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50
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Anti-Hepatocellular Carcinoma Biomolecules: Molecular Targets Insights. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms221910774. [PMID: 34639131 PMCID: PMC8509806 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221910774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Revised: 09/25/2021] [Accepted: 09/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
This report explores the available curative molecules directed against hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Limited efficiency as well as other drawbacks of existing molecules led to the search for promising potential alternatives. Understanding of the cell signaling mechanisms propelling carcinogenesis and driven by cell proliferation, invasion, and angiogenesis can offer valuable information for the investigation of efficient treatment strategies. The complexity of the mechanisms behind carcinogenesis inspires researchers to explore the ability of various biomolecules to target specific pathways. Natural components occurring mainly in food and medicinal plants, are considered an essential resource for discovering new and promising therapeutic molecules. Novel biomolecules normally have an advantage in terms of biosafety. They are also widely diverse and often possess potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer properties. Based on quantitative structure-activity relationship studies, biomolecules can be used as templates for chemical modifications that improve efficiency, safety, and bioavailability. In this review, we focus on anti-HCC biomolecules that have their molecular targets partially or completely characterized as well as having anti-cancer molecular mechanisms that are fairly described.
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