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Yu X, Cai L, Yao J, Li C, Wang X. Agonists and Inhibitors of the cGAS-STING Pathway. Molecules 2024; 29:3121. [PMID: 38999073 PMCID: PMC11243509 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29133121] [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: 05/31/2024] [Revised: 06/24/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS)-stimulator of interferon genes (STING) pathway is pivotal in immunotherapy. Several agonists and inhibitors of the cGAS-STING pathway have been developed and evaluated for the treatment of various diseases. The agonists aim to activate STING, with cyclic dinucleotides (CDNs) being the most common, while the inhibitors aim to block the enzymatic activity or DNA binding ability of cGAS. Meanwhile, non-CDN compounds and cGAS agonists are also gaining attention. The omnipresence of the cGAS-STING pathway in vivo indicates that its overactivation could lead to undesired inflammatory responses and autoimmune diseases, which underscores the necessity of developing both agonists and inhibitors of the cGAS-STING pathway. This review describes the molecular traits and roles of the cGAS-STING pathway and summarizes the development of cGAS-STING agonists and inhibitors. The information is supposed to be conducive to the design of novel drugs for targeting the cGAS-STING pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxuan Yu
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, School of Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Linxiang Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Coordination Chemistry, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Jingyue Yao
- Department of Pharmacy, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Cenming Li
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, School of Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Xiaoyong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
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Fan K, Dong N, Fang M, Xiang Z, Zheng L, Wang M, Shi Y, Tan G, Li C, Xue Y. Ozone exposure affects corneal epithelial fate by promoting mtDNA leakage and cGAS/STING activation. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 465:133219. [PMID: 38101018 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.133219] [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: 09/28/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
Ozone is a common air pollutant associated with various human diseases. The human ocular surface is frequently exposed to ozone in the troposphere, but the mechanisms by which ozone affects the ocular surface health remain unclear. This study aimed to establish a mouse model to investigate the effects of ozone exposure on the ocular surface and the corneal epithelium. The findings revealed that ozone exposure disrupted corneal epithelial homeostasis and differentiation, resulting in corneal squamous metaplasia. Further, ozone exposure induced oxidative damage and cytoplasmic leakage of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), thereby activating the cGAS/STING signaling pathway. The activation of the cGAS/STING signaling pathway triggered the activation of downstream NF-κB and TRAF6 signaling pathways, causing corneal inflammation, thereby promoting corneal inflammation and squamous metaplasia. Finally, C-176, a selective STING inhibitor, effectively prevented and treated corneal inflammation and squamous metaplasia caused by ozone exposure. This study revealed the role of mtDNA leakage-mediated cGAS/STING activation in corneal squamous epithelial metaplasia caused by ozone exposure. It also depicted the abnormal expression pattern of corneal epithelial keratin using three-dimensional images, providing new targets and strategies for preventing and treating corneal squamous metaplasia and other ocular surface diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Fan
- Eye Institute & Affiliated Xiamen Eye Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences & School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China
| | - Nuo Dong
- Eye Institute & Affiliated Xiamen Eye Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences & School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China; Huaxia Eye Hospital of Quanzhou, Quanzhou, Fujian 362000, China
| | - Meichai Fang
- Ningde People's Hospital, Ningde, Fujian 352100, China
| | - Zixun Xiang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China
| | - Lan Zheng
- Eye Institute & Affiliated Xiamen Eye Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences & School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China
| | - Mengyuan Wang
- Eye Institute & Affiliated Xiamen Eye Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences & School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China
| | - Yukuan Shi
- The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China, 100080, China
| | - Gang Tan
- The First Affiliated Hospital of University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China.
| | - Cheng Li
- Eye Institute & Affiliated Xiamen Eye Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences & School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China; Huaxia Eye Hospital of Quanzhou, Quanzhou, Fujian 362000, China; Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science & Ocular Surface and Corneal Diseases, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China; The First Affiliated Hospital of University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China.
| | - Yuhua Xue
- Eye Institute & Affiliated Xiamen Eye Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences & School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China.
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Wang X, Liu J, Mao C, Mao Y. Phase separation-mediated biomolecular condensates and their relationship to tumor. Cell Commun Signal 2024; 22:143. [PMID: 38383403 PMCID: PMC10880379 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-024-01518-9] [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: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Phase separation is a cellular phenomenon where macromolecules aggregate or segregate, giving rise to biomolecular condensates resembling "droplets" and forming distinct, membrane-free compartments. This process is pervasive in biological cells, contributing to various essential cellular functions. However, when phase separation goes awry, leading to abnormal molecular aggregation, it can become a driving factor in the development of diseases, including tumor. Recent investigations have unveiled the intricate connection between dysregulated phase separation and tumor pathogenesis, highlighting its potential as a novel therapeutic target. This article provides an overview of recent phase separation research, with a particular emphasis on its role in tumor, its therapeutic implications, and outlines avenues for further exploration in this intriguing field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Wang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212001, China
| | - Jiameng Liu
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212001, China
| | - Chaoming Mao
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212001, China.
| | - Yufei Mao
- Department of Ultrasound Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212001, China.
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Zheng Y, Zhang X, Gao C. PI4P STimulatING innate immune activation: beyond the Golgi. Cell Mol Immunol 2023; 20:1399-1400. [PMID: 37264248 PMCID: PMC10686973 DOI: 10.1038/s41423-023-01044-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/03/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Yi Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity of Shandong Province and Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
| | - Xuejing Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity of Shandong Province and Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
| | - Chengjiang Gao
- Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity of Shandong Province and Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China.
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Chen K, Liao J, Patel DJ, Xie W. Advances in structure-guided mechanisms impacting on the cGAS-STING innate immune pathway. Adv Immunol 2023; 159:1-32. [PMID: 37996205 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ai.2023.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
The metazoan cGAS-STING innate immunity pathway is triggered in response to cytoplasmic double-stranded DNA (dsDNA), thereby providing host defense against microbial pathogens. This pathway also impacts on autoimmune diseases, cellular senescence and anti-tumor immunity. The cGAS-STING pathway was also observed in the bacterial antiviral immune response, known as the cyclic oligonucleotide (CDN)-based anti-phage signaling system (CBASS). This review highlights a structure-based mechanistic perspective of recent advances in metazoan and bacterial cGAS-STING innate immune signaling by focusing on the cGAS sensor, cGAMP second messenger and STING adaptor components, thereby elucidating the specificity, activation, regulation and signal transduction features of the pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kexin Chen
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, P.R. China
| | - Jialing Liao
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, P.R. China; School of Biomedical Engineering, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, Hubei, P.R. China
| | - Dinshaw J Patel
- Structural Biology Program, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, United States.
| | - Wei Xie
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, P.R. China.
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Patel DJ, Yu Y, Xie W. cGAMP-activated cGAS-STING signaling: its bacterial origins and evolutionary adaptation by metazoans. Nat Struct Mol Biol 2023; 30:245-260. [PMID: 36894694 DOI: 10.1038/s41594-023-00933-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023]
Abstract
The metazoan cGAMP-activated cGAS-STING innate immunity pathway is triggered in response to genomic instability and DNA damage, thereby providing host defense against microbial pathogens. This pathway also impacts on autophagy, cellular senescence and antitumor immunity, while its overactivation triggers autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. Metazoan cGAS generates cGAMP containing distinct combinations of 3'-5' and 2'-5' linkages, which target the adaptor protein STING and activate the innate immune response through a signaling cascade leading to upregulation of cytokine and interferon production. This Review highlights a structure-based mechanistic perspective of recent advances in cGAMP-activated cGAS-STING innate immune signaling by focusing on the cGAS sensor, cGAMP second messenger and STING adaptor components, thereby elucidating the specificity, activation, regulation and signal transduction features of the pathway. In addition, the Review addresses progress towards identification of inhibitors and activators targeting cGAS and STING, as well as strategies developed by pathogens to evade cGAS-STING immunity. Most importantly, it highlights cyclic nucleotide second messengers as ancient signaling molecules that elicit a potent innate immune response that originated in bacteria and evolved through evolutionary adaptation to metazoans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dinshaw J Patel
- Structural Biology Program, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.
| | - You Yu
- Structural Biology Program, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Wei Xie
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
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How the Innate Immune DNA Sensing cGAS-STING Pathway Is Involved in Apoptosis. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24033029. [PMID: 36769349 PMCID: PMC9917431 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24033029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2023] [Revised: 01/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The cGAS-STING signaling axis can be activated by cytosolic DNA, including both non-self DNA and self DNA. This axis is used by the innate immune system to monitor invading pathogens and/or damage. Increasing evidence has suggested that the cGAS-STING pathway not only facilitates inflammatory responses and the production of type I interferons (IFN), but also activates other cellular processes, such as apoptosis. Recently, many studies have focused on analyzing the mechanisms of apoptosis induced by the cGAS-STING pathway and their consequences. This review gives a detailed account of the interplay between the cGAS-STING pathway and apoptosis. The cGAS-STING pathway can induce apoptosis through ER stress, NLRP3, NF-κB, IRF3, and IFN signals. Conversely, apoptosis can feed back to regulate the cGAS-STING pathway, suppressing it via the activation of caspases or promoting it via mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) release. Apoptosis mediated by the cGAS-STING pathway plays crucial roles in balancing innate immune responses, resisting infections, and limiting tumor growth.
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Zheng Y, Gao C. Phase Separation: The Robust Modulator of Innate Antiviral Signaling and SARS-CoV-2 Infection. Pathogens 2023; 12:pathogens12020243. [PMID: 36839515 PMCID: PMC9962166 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12020243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2022] [Revised: 01/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 has been a pandemic threat to human health and the worldwide economy, but efficient treatments are still lacking. Type I and III interferons are essential for controlling viral infection, indicating that antiviral innate immune signaling is critical for defense against viral infection. Phase separation, one of the basic molecular processes, governs multiple cellular activities, such as cancer progression, microbial infection, and signaling transduction. Notably, recent studies suggest that phase separation regulates antiviral signaling such as the RLR and cGAS-STING pathways. Moreover, proper phase separation of viral proteins is essential for viral replication and pathogenesis. These observations indicate that phase separation is a critical checkpoint for virus and host interaction. In this study, we summarize the recent advances concerning the regulation of antiviral innate immune signaling and SARS-CoV-2 infection by phase separation. Our review highlights the emerging notion that phase separation is the robust modulator of innate antiviral signaling and viral infection.
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