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Ha S, Wong VWS, Zhang X, Yu J. Interplay between gut microbiome, host genetic and epigenetic modifications in MASLD and MASLD-related hepatocellular carcinoma. Gut 2024:gutjnl-2024-332398. [PMID: 38950910 DOI: 10.1136/gutjnl-2024-332398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 06/08/2024] [Indexed: 07/03/2024]
Abstract
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) encompasses a wide spectrum of liver injuries, ranging from hepatic steatosis, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), fibrosis, cirrhosis to MASLD-associated hepatocellular carcinoma (MASLD-HCC). Recent studies have highlighted the bidirectional impacts between host genetics/epigenetics and the gut microbial community. Host genetics influence the composition of gut microbiome, while the gut microbiota and their derived metabolites can induce host epigenetic modifications to affect the development of MASLD. The exploration of the intricate relationship between the gut microbiome and the genetic/epigenetic makeup of the host is anticipated to yield promising avenues for therapeutic interventions targeting MASLD and its associated conditions. In this review, we summarise the effects of gut microbiome, host genetics and epigenetic alterations in MASLD and MASLD-HCC. We further discuss research findings demonstrating the bidirectional impacts between gut microbiome and host genetics/epigenetics, emphasising the significance of this interconnection in MASLD prevention and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suki Ha
- 1Institute of Digestive Disease and Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, CUHK Shenzhen Research Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Vincent Wai-Sun Wong
- 1Institute of Digestive Disease and Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, CUHK Shenzhen Research Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Xiang Zhang
- 1Institute of Digestive Disease and Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, CUHK Shenzhen Research Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Jun Yu
- 1Institute of Digestive Disease and Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, CUHK Shenzhen Research Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
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Takkar S, Sharma G, Kaushal JB, Abdullah KM, Batra SK, Siddiqui JA. From orphan to oncogene: The role of GPR35 in cancer and immune modulation. Cytokine Growth Factor Rev 2024; 77:56-66. [PMID: 38514303 DOI: 10.1016/j.cytogfr.2024.03.004] [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: 01/12/2024] [Revised: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are well-studied and the most traceable cell surface receptors for drug discovery. One of the intriguing members of this family is G protein-coupled receptors 35 (GPR35), which belongs to the class A rhodopsin-like family of GPCRs identified over two decades ago. GPR35 presents interesting features such as ubiquitous expression and distinct isoforms. Moreover, functional and genome-wide association studies on its widespread expression have linked GPR35 with pathophysiological disease progression. Various pieces of evidence have been accumulated regarding the independent or endogenous ligand-dependent role of GPR35 in cancer progression and metastasis. In the current scenario, the relationship of this versatile receptor and its putative endogenous ligands for the activation of oncogenic signal transduction pathways at the cellular level is an active area of research. These intriguing features offered by GPR35 make it an oncological target, justifying its uniqueness at the physiological and pathophysiological levels concerning other GPCRs. For pharmacologically targeting receptor-induced signaling, few potential competitive antagonists have been discovered that offer high selectivity at a human level. In addition to its fascinating features, targeting GPR35 at rodent and human orthologue levels is distinct, thus contributing to the sub-species selectivity. Strategies to modulate these issues will help us understand and truly target GPR35 at the therapeutic level. In this article, we have provided prospects on each topic mentioned above and suggestions to overcome the challenges. This review discusses the molecular mechanism and signal transduction pathways activated by endogenous ligands or spontaneous auto-activation of GPR35 that contributes towards disease progression. Furthermore, we have highlighted the GPR35 structure, ubiquitous expression, its role in immunomodulation, and at the pathophysiological level, especially in cancer, indicating its status as a versatile receptor. Subsequently, we discussed the various proposed ligands and their mechanism of interaction with GPR35. Additionally, we have summarized the GPR35 antagonist that provides insights into the opportunities for therapeutically targeting this receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simran Takkar
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Gunjan Sharma
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Jyoti B Kaushal
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - K M Abdullah
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Surinder K Batra
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA; Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA; Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA.
| | - Jawed A Siddiqui
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA; Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA.
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Dai H, Zhu C, Huai Q, Xu W, Zhu J, Zhang X, Zhang X, Sun B, Xu H, Zheng M, Li X, Wang H. Chimeric antigen receptor-modified macrophages ameliorate liver fibrosis in preclinical models. J Hepatol 2024; 80:913-927. [PMID: 38340812 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2024.01.034] [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: 06/21/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Treatments directly targeting fibrosis remain limited. Given the unique intrinsic features of macrophages and their capacity to engraft in the liver, we genetically engineered bone marrow-derived macrophages with a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) to direct their phagocytic activity against hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) in multiple mouse models. This study aimed to demonstrate the therapeutic efficacy of CAR macrophages (CAR-Ms) in mouse models of fibrosis and cirrhosis and to elucidate the underlying mechanisms. METHODS uPAR expression was studied in patients with fibrosis/cirrhosis and in murine models of liver fibrosis, including mice treated with carbon tetrachloride, a 5-diethoxycarbonyl-1, 4-dihydrocollidine diet, or a high-fat/cholesterol/fructose diet. The safety and efficacy of CAR-Ms were evaluated in vitro and in vivo. RESULTS Adoptive transfer of CAR-Ms resulted in a significant reduction in liver fibrosis and the restoration of function in murine models of liver fibrosis. CAR-Ms modulated the hepatic immune microenvironment to recruit and modify the activation of endogenous immune cells to drive fibrosis regression. These CAR-Ms were able to recruit and present antigens to T cells and mount specific antifibrotic T-cell responses to reduce fibroblasts and liver fibrosis in mice. CONCLUSION Collectively, our findings demonstrate the potential of using macrophages as a platform for CAR technology to provide an effective treatment option for liver fibrosis. CAR-Ms might be developed for treatment of patients with liver fibrosis. IMPACT AND IMPLICATIONS Liver fibrosis is an incurable condition that afflicts millions of people globally. Despite the clear clinical need, therapies for liver fibrosis are limited. Our findings provide the first preclinical evidence that chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-macrophages (CAR-Ms) targeting uPAR can attenuate liver fibrosis and cirrhosis. We show that macrophages expressing this uPAR CAR exert a direct antifibrotic effect and elicit a specific T-cell response that augments the immune response against liver fibrosis. These findings demonstrate the potential of using CAR-Ms as an effective cell-based therapy for the treatment of liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanren Dai
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Cheng Zhu
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Qian Huai
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Wentao Xu
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Jiejie Zhu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Xu Zhang
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Xianzheng Zhang
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Beicheng Sun
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Honghai Xu
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Minghua Zheng
- MAFLD Research Center, Department of Hepatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Xiaolei Li
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China; Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.
| | - Hua Wang
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.
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Zhao S, Feng Y, Zhang J, Zhang Q, Wang J, Cui S. Comparative analysis of gene expression between mice and humans in acetaminophen-induced liver injury by integrating bioinformatics analysis. BMC Med Genomics 2024; 17:80. [PMID: 38549107 PMCID: PMC10976682 DOI: 10.1186/s12920-024-01848-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Mice are routinely utilized as animal models of drug-induced liver injury (DILI), however, there are significant differences in the pathogenesis between mice and humans. This study aimed to compare gene expression between humans and mice in acetaminophen (APAP)-induced liver injury (AILI), and investigate the similarities and differences in biological processes between the two species. METHODS A pair of public datasets (GSE218879 and GSE120652) obtained from GEO were analyzed using "Limma" package in R language, and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified, including co-expressed DEGs (co-DEGs) and specific-expressed DEGS (specific-DEGs). Analysis of Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA), Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) were performed analyses for specific-DEGs and co-DEGs. The co-DEGs were also used to construct transcription factor (TF)-gene network, gene-miRNA interactions network and protein-protein interaction (PPI) network for analyzing hub genes. RESULTS Mouse samples contained 1052 up-regulated genes and 1064 down-regulated genes, while human samples contained 1156 up-regulated genes and 1557 down-regulated genes. After taking the intersection between the DEGs, only 154 co-down-regulated and 89 co-up-regulated DEGs were identified, with a proportion of less than 10%. It was suggested that significant differences in gene expression between mice and humans in drug-induced liver injury. Mouse-specific-DEGs predominantly engaged in processes related to apoptosis and endoplasmic reticulum stress, while human-specific-DEGs were concentrated around catabolic process. Analysis of co-regulated genes reveals showed that they were mainly enriched in biosynthetic and metabolism-related processes. Then a PPI network which contains 189 nodes and 380 edges was constructed from the co-DEGs and two modules were obtained by Mcode. We screened out 10 hub genes by three algorithms of Degree, MCC and MNC, including CYP7A1, LSS, SREBF1, FASN, CD44, SPP1, ITGAV, ANXA5, LGALS3 and PDGFRA. Besides, TFs such as FOXC1, HINFP, NFKB1, miRNAs like mir-744-5p, mir-335-5p, mir-149-3p, mir-218-5p, mir-10a-5p may be the key regulatory factors of hub genes. CONCLUSIONS The DEGs of AILI mice models and those of patients were compared, and common biological processes were identified. The signaling pathways and hub genes in co-expression were identified between mice and humans through a series of bioinformatics analyses, which may be more valuable to reveal molecular mechanisms of AILI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanmin Zhao
- Department of Laboratory Animal Sciences, School of Basic Medicine, Naval Medical University, NO. 800 Xiangyin Road, 200433, Shanghai, China
| | - Yan Feng
- Department of Laboratory Animal Sciences, School of Basic Medicine, Naval Medical University, NO. 800 Xiangyin Road, 200433, Shanghai, China
| | - Jingyuan Zhang
- Department of Laboratory Animal Sciences, School of Basic Medicine, Naval Medical University, NO. 800 Xiangyin Road, 200433, Shanghai, China
| | - Qianqian Zhang
- Department of Laboratory Animal Sciences, School of Basic Medicine, Naval Medical University, NO. 800 Xiangyin Road, 200433, Shanghai, China
| | - Junyang Wang
- Department of Laboratory Animal Sciences, School of Basic Medicine, Naval Medical University, NO. 800 Xiangyin Road, 200433, Shanghai, China
| | - Shufang Cui
- Department of Laboratory Animal Sciences, School of Basic Medicine, Naval Medical University, NO. 800 Xiangyin Road, 200433, Shanghai, China.
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Lun W, Yan Q, Guo X, Zhou M, Bai Y, He J, Cao H, Che Q, Guo J, Su Z. Mechanism of action of the bile acid receptor TGR5 in obesity. Acta Pharm Sin B 2024; 14:468-491. [PMID: 38322325 PMCID: PMC10840437 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2023.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 09/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2024] Open
Abstract
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are a large family of membrane protein receptors, and Takeda G protein-coupled receptor 5 (TGR5) is a member of this family. As a membrane receptor, TGR5 is widely distributed in different parts of the human body and plays a vital role in regulating metabolism, including the processes of energy consumption, weight loss and blood glucose homeostasis. Recent studies have shown that TGR5 plays an important role in glucose and lipid metabolism disorders such as fatty liver, obesity and diabetes. With the global obesity situation becoming more and more serious, a comprehensive explanation of the mechanism of TGR5 and filling the gaps in knowledge concerning clinical ligand drugs are urgently needed. In this review, we mainly explain the anti-obesity mechanism of TGR5 to promote the further study of this target, and show the electron microscope structure of TGR5 and review recent studies on TGR5 ligands to illustrate the specific binding between TGR5 receptor binding sites and ligands, which can effectively provide new ideas for ligand research and promote drug research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weijun Lun
- Guangdong Engineering Research Center of Natural Products and New Drugs, Guangdong Provincial University Engineering Technology Research Center of Natural Products and Drugs, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China
- Guangdong Metabolic Disease Research Center of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Key Laboratory of Glucolipid Metabolic Disorder, Ministry of Education of China, Guangdong TCM Key Laboratory for Metabolic Diseases, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Qihao Yan
- Guangdong Engineering Research Center of Natural Products and New Drugs, Guangdong Provincial University Engineering Technology Research Center of Natural Products and Drugs, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China
- Guangdong Metabolic Disease Research Center of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Key Laboratory of Glucolipid Metabolic Disorder, Ministry of Education of China, Guangdong TCM Key Laboratory for Metabolic Diseases, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Xinghua Guo
- Guangdong Engineering Research Center of Natural Products and New Drugs, Guangdong Provincial University Engineering Technology Research Center of Natural Products and Drugs, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China
- Guangdong Metabolic Disease Research Center of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Key Laboratory of Glucolipid Metabolic Disorder, Ministry of Education of China, Guangdong TCM Key Laboratory for Metabolic Diseases, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Minchuan Zhou
- Guangdong Engineering Research Center of Natural Products and New Drugs, Guangdong Provincial University Engineering Technology Research Center of Natural Products and Drugs, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China
- Guangdong Metabolic Disease Research Center of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Key Laboratory of Glucolipid Metabolic Disorder, Ministry of Education of China, Guangdong TCM Key Laboratory for Metabolic Diseases, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Yan Bai
- School of Public Health, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510310, China
| | - Jincan He
- School of Public Health, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510310, China
| | - Hua Cao
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Zhongshan 528458, China
| | - Qishi Che
- Guangzhou Rainhome Pharm & Tech Co., Ltd., Science City, Guangzhou 510663, China
| | - Jiao Guo
- Guangdong Metabolic Disease Research Center of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Key Laboratory of Glucolipid Metabolic Disorder, Ministry of Education of China, Guangdong TCM Key Laboratory for Metabolic Diseases, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Zhengquan Su
- Guangdong Engineering Research Center of Natural Products and New Drugs, Guangdong Provincial University Engineering Technology Research Center of Natural Products and Drugs, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China
- Guangdong Metabolic Disease Research Center of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Key Laboratory of Glucolipid Metabolic Disorder, Ministry of Education of China, Guangdong TCM Key Laboratory for Metabolic Diseases, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China
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Wu Y, Zhang P, Fan H, Zhang C, Yu P, Liang X, Chen Y. GPR35 acts a dual role and therapeutic target in inflammation. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1254446. [PMID: 38035084 PMCID: PMC10687457 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1254446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
GPR35 is a G protein-coupled receptor with notable involvement in modulating inflammatory responses. Although the precise role of GPR35 in inflammation is not yet fully understood, studies have suggested that it may have both pro- and anti-inflammatory effects depending on the specific cellular environment. Some studies have shown that GPR35 activation can stimulate the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and facilitate the movement of immune cells towards inflammatory tissues or infected areas. Conversely, other investigations have suggested that GPR35 may possess anti-inflammatory properties in the gastrointestinal tract, liver and certain other tissues by curbing the generation of inflammatory mediators and endorsing the differentiation of regulatory T cells. The intricate role of GPR35 in inflammation underscores the requirement for more in-depth research to thoroughly comprehend its functional mechanisms and its potential significance as a therapeutic target for inflammatory diseases. The purpose of this review is to concurrently investigate the pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory roles of GPR35, thus illuminating both facets of this complex issue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yetian Wu
- Ganjiang Chinese Medicine Innovation Center, Nanchang, China
| | - Pei Zhang
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, United States
| | - Hongjie Fan
- Ganjiang Chinese Medicine Innovation Center, Nanchang, China
| | - Caiying Zhang
- Ganjiang Chinese Medicine Innovation Center, Nanchang, China
| | - Pengfei Yu
- Ganjiang Chinese Medicine Innovation Center, Nanchang, China
| | - Xinmiao Liang
- Ganjiang Chinese Medicine Innovation Center, Nanchang, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Separation Science for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, China
| | - Yang Chen
- Ganjiang Chinese Medicine Innovation Center, Nanchang, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Separation Science for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, China
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An C, Sun F, Liu C, Huang S, Xu T, Zhang C, Ge S. IQGAP1 promotes mitochondrial damage and activation of the mtDNA sensor cGAS-STING pathway to induce endothelial cell pyroptosis leading to atherosclerosis. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 123:110795. [PMID: 37597406 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.110795] [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: 07/08/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/21/2023]
Abstract
Atherosclerosis (AS) is the most common cardiovascular disease and has limited therapeutic options. IQ motif-containing GTPase-activating protein 1 (IQGAP1) is an important scaffolding protein regulating mitochondrial function influencing endothelial cell activity. Evidence suggests that mitochondrial damage can lead to leakage of mtDNA into the cytoplasm to activate the DNA sensor cGAS-STING to mediate pyroptosis. However, whether IQGAP1 induces NLRP3-mediated endothelial cell pyroptosis by regulating mitochondrial function and activating the DNA sensor cGAS-STING, and its underlying mechanisms remain unclear. In vivo, ApoE-/- C57BL/J and Ldlr-/- C57BL/J mice were pre-injected with adeno-associated virus (AAV) by the tail vein to specifically silence IQGAP1 expression and were fed a high-fat diet (HFD) for 12 weeks. IQGAP1 knockdown reduced mtDNA release and decreased the expression of DNA receptors and pyroptosis-related molecules as determined by immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence. In vitro, palmitic acid (0.3 mmol/L) was incubated with human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) for 24 h. Overexpression of IQGAP1 in HUVECs, flow cytometry, and mitochondrial superoxide staining revealed increased levels of ROS. Moreover, the mitochondrial tracker with dsDNA co-localization showed the release of mtDNA into the cytoplasm increased, which activated the DNA receptor cGAS-STING. Protein blotting and TUNEL staining revealed that IQGAP1 promoted NLRP3-mediated pyroptosis. Furthermore, cGAS or STING small-molecule inhibitors RU.521 or C-176 reverse IQGAP1-promoted HUVECs from undergoing NLRP3-mediated pyroptosis. These results suggest that IQGAP1 promotes oxidative stress and mtDNA release, activates the DNA sensor cGAS-STING, and leads to NLRP3-mediated pyroptosis. The present study provides new insights into the mechanisms underlying AS and identifies new pharmacological targets for treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng An
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230022, China
| | - Fei Sun
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230022, China
| | - Can Liu
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230022, China
| | - Shaojun Huang
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230022, China
| | - Tao Xu
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China
| | - Chengxin Zhang
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230022, China.
| | - Shenglin Ge
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230022, China.
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Im DS. Recent advances in GPR35 pharmacology; 5-HIAA serotonin metabolite becomes a ligand. Arch Pharm Res 2023:10.1007/s12272-023-01449-y. [PMID: 37227682 DOI: 10.1007/s12272-023-01449-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
GPR35, an orphan receptor, has been waiting for its ligand since its cloning in 1998. Many endogenous and exogenous molecules have been suggested to act as agonists of GPR35 including kynurenic acid, zaprinast, lysophosphatidic acid, and CXCL17. However, complex and controversial responses to ligands among species have become a huge hurdle in the development of therapeutics in addition to the orphan state. Recently, a serotonin metabolite, 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA), is reported to be a high potency ligand for GPR35 by investigating the increased expression of GPR35 in neutrophils. In addition, a transgenic knock-in mouse line is developed, in which GPR35 was replaced with a human ortholog, making it possible not only to overcome the different selectivity of agonists among species but also to conduct therapeutic experiments on human GPR35 in mouse models. In the present article, I review the recent advances and prospective therapeutic directions in GPR35 research. Especially, I'd like to draw attention of readers to the finding of 5-HIAA as a ligand of GPR35 and lead to apply the 5-HIAA and human GPR35 knock-in mice to their research fields in a variety of pathophysiological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong-Soon Im
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Department of Fundamental Pharmaceutical Sciences, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, 02446, Republic of Korea.
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Kyung Hee University, 26 Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul, 02447, Republic of Korea.
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