1
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Lv X, Lan G, Guo Q. Identification of Subtypes in Triple-negative Breast Cancer Based on Shared Genes Between Immunity and Cancer Stemness. J Immunother 2024; 47:107-116. [PMID: 38369822 DOI: 10.1097/cji.0000000000000502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
The correlation between triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) and genes related to immunity and cancer stemness, particularly shared genes, remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the correlation of immunity and cancer stemness with the molecular subtyping and survival rates in TNBC using bioinformatics approaches. Differential gene analysis was conducted to identify TNBC-associated differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Cancer stem cell (CSC)-related genes were obtained using weighted gene coexpression network analysis. Immune-related gene sets were retrieved from the literature. Venn analysis was performed to identify the shared DEGs between immunity and cancer stemness in TNBC. Cluster analysis and survival analysis based on the expression of these genes were conducted to identify TNBC subtypes with significant survival differences. A total of 5259 TNBC-associated DEGs, 2214 CSC-related genes, 1793 immune-related genes, and 44 shared DEGs between immunity and cancer stemness were obtained. Among them, 3 shared DEGs were closely associated with TNBC survival rates ( P <0.05). Cluster and survival analyses revealed that among 3 subtypes, cluster2 exhibited the best survival rate, and cluster3 showed the worst survival rate ( P <0.05). Dendritic cells were highly infiltrated in cluster2, while plasma cells and resting mast cells were highly infiltrated in cluster3 ( P <0.05). Genes shared by immunity and cancer stemness were capable of classifying TNBC samples. TNBC patients of different subtypes exhibited significant differences in immune profiles, genetic mutations, and drug sensitivity. These findings could provide new insights into the pathogenesis of TNBC, the immune microenvironment, and the selection of therapeutic targets for drug treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianmei Lv
- Department of Radiotherapy, Jinhua People's Hospital, Jinhua, China
| | - Gaochen Lan
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, China
| | - Qiusheng Guo
- Department of Medical Oncology, Affiliated Jinhua Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Jinhua, China
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2
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Langer I, Jeandriens J, Couvineau A, Sanmukh S, Latek D. Signal Transduction by VIP and PACAP Receptors. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10020406. [PMID: 35203615 PMCID: PMC8962308 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10020406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Revised: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Homeostasis of the human immune system is regulated by many cellular components, including two neuropeptides, VIP and PACAP, primary stimuli for three class B G protein-coupled receptors, VPAC1, VPAC2, and PAC1. Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) and pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) regulate intestinal motility and secretion and influence the functioning of the endocrine and immune systems. Inhibition of VIP and PACAP receptors is an emerging concept for new pharmacotherapies for chronic inflammation and cancer, while activation of their receptors provides neuroprotection. A small number of known active compounds for these receptors still impose limitations on their use in therapeutics. Recent cryo-EM structures of VPAC1 and PAC1 receptors in their agonist-bound active state have provided insights regarding their mechanism of activation. Here, we describe major molecular switches of VPAC1, VPAC2, and PAC1 that may act as triggers for receptor activation and compare them with similar non-covalent interactions changing upon activation that were observed for other GPCRs. Interhelical interactions in VIP and PACAP receptors that are important for agonist binding and/or activation provide a molecular basis for the design of novel selective drugs demonstrating anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and neuroprotective effects. The impact of genetic variants of VIP, PACAP, and their receptors on signalling mediated by endogenous agonists is also described. This sequence diversity resulting from gene splicing has a significant impact on agonist selectivity and potency as well as on the signalling properties of VIP and PACAP receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ingrid Langer
- Institut de Recherche Interdisciplinaire en Biologie Humaine et Moléculaire (IRIBHM), Université libre de Bruxelles, B-1070 Brussels, Belgium; (I.L.); (J.J.)
| | - Jérôme Jeandriens
- Institut de Recherche Interdisciplinaire en Biologie Humaine et Moléculaire (IRIBHM), Université libre de Bruxelles, B-1070 Brussels, Belgium; (I.L.); (J.J.)
| | - Alain Couvineau
- UMR 1149 Inserm, Centre de Recherche sur l’Inflammation (CRI), Université de Paris, 75018 Paris, France;
| | - Swapnil Sanmukh
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Warsaw, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Dorota Latek
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Warsaw, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland;
- Correspondence:
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3
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Hou X, Yang D, Yang G, Li M, Zhang J, Zhang J, Zhang Y, Liu Y. Therapeutic potential of vasoactive intestinal peptide and its receptor VPAC2 in type 2 diabetes. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:984198. [PMID: 36204104 PMCID: PMC9531956 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.984198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Owing to the increasing prevalence of type 2 diabetes, the development of novel hypoglycemic drugs has become a research hotspot, with the ultimate goal of developing therapeutic drugs that stimulate glucose-induced insulin secretion without inducing hypoglycemia. Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), a 28-amino-acid peptide, can stimulate glucose-dependent insulin secretion, particularly by binding to VPAC2 receptors. VIP also promotes islet β-cell proliferation through the forkhead box M1 pathway, but the specific molecular mechanism remains to be studied. The clinical application of VIP is limited because of its short half-life and wide distribution in the human body. Based on the binding properties of VIP and VPAC2 receptors, VPAC2-selective agonists have been developed to serve as novel hypoglycemic drugs. This review summarizes the physiological significance of VIP in glucose homeostasis and the potential therapeutic value of VPAC2-selective agonists in type 2 diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xintong Hou
- Department of Endocrinology, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
- First Clinical Medical College, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Dan Yang
- Department of Endocrinology, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
- First Clinical Medical College, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Guimei Yang
- Department of Endocrinology, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
- First Clinical Medical College, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Mengnan Li
- Department of Endocrinology, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
- First Clinical Medical College, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Jian Zhang
- Department of Endocrinology, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
- First Clinical Medical College, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Jiaxin Zhang
- Department of Endocrinology, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
- First Clinical Medical College, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
- *Correspondence: Yi Zhang, ; Yunfeng Liu,
| | - Yunfeng Liu
- Department of Endocrinology, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
- *Correspondence: Yi Zhang, ; Yunfeng Liu,
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Abstract
Bone metabolism is regulated by the action of two skeletal cells: osteoblasts and osteoclasts. This process is controlled by many genetic, hormonal and lifestyle factors, but today more and more studies have allowed us to identify a neuronal regulation system termed 'bone-brain crosstalk', which highlights a direct relationship between bone tissue and the nervous system. The first documentation of an anatomic relationship between nerves and bone was made via a wood cut by Charles Estienne in Paris in 1545. His diagram demonstrated nerves entering and leaving the bones of a skeleton. Later, several studies were conducted on bone innervation and, as of today, many observations on the regulation of bone remodeling by neurons and neuropeptides that reside in the CNS have created a new research field, that is, neuroskeletal research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Metozzi
- a 1 Department of Surgery and Translational Medicine, Metabolic Bone Diseases Unit, University of Florence, Largo Palagi 1, 50138 Florence, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Bonamassa
- a 1 Department of Surgery and Translational Medicine, Metabolic Bone Diseases Unit, University of Florence, Largo Palagi 1, 50138 Florence, Italy
| | - Gemma Brandi
- b 2 Public Mental Health system 1-4 of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Maria Luisa Brandi
- c 3 Department of Surgery and Translational Medicine, Metabolic Bone Diseases Unit, AOUC Careggi, University of Florence, Largo Palagi 1, 50138 Florence, Italy
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Prolonged acetylsalicylic-acid-supplementation-induced gastritis affects the chemical coding of the stomach innervating vagal efferent neurons in the porcine dorsal motor vagal nucleus (DMX). J Mol Neurosci 2014; 54:188-98. [PMID: 24643520 PMCID: PMC4156783 DOI: 10.1007/s12031-014-0274-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2014] [Accepted: 02/25/2014] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The main goal of our research was to study the possible alterations of the chemical coding of the dorsal motor vagal nucleus (DMX) neurons projecting to the porcine stomach prepyloric region following prolonged acetylsalicylic acid supplementation. Fast Blue (FB) was injected into the studied area of the stomach. Since the seventh day following the FB injection, acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) was given orally to the experimental gilts. All animals were euthanized on the 28th day after FB injection. Medulla oblongata sections were then processed for double-labeling immunofluorescence for choline acetyltransferase (ChAT), pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating peptide (PACAP), vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP), nitric oxide synthase (NOS), galanin (GAL), substance P (SP), leu enkephalin (LENK), and cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART). In the control DMX, only PACAP was observed in 30.08 ± 1.97 % of the FB-positive neurons, while VIP, NOS, GAL, SP, LENK, and CART were found exclusively in neuronal processes running between FB-labeled perikarya. In the ASA DMX, PACAP was revealed in 49.53 ± 5.73 % of traced vagal perikarya. Moreover, we found de novo expression of VIP in 40.32 ± 7.84 %, NOS in 25.02 ± 6.08 %, and GAL in 3.37 ± 0.85 % of the FB-labeled neurons. Our results suggest that neuronal PACAP, VIP, NOS, and GAL are mediators of neural response to aspirin-induced stomach inflammatory state.
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6
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Tang B, Yong X, Xie R, Li QW, Yang SM. Vasoactive intestinal peptide receptor-based imaging and treatment of tumors (Review). Int J Oncol 2014; 44:1023-31. [PMID: 24481544 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2014.2276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2013] [Accepted: 11/22/2013] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Vasoactive intestinal peptide receptors (VIPRs) are members of the G-protein-coupled receptor superfamily. These receptors are overexpressed in many common malignant tumors and play a major role in the progression and angiogenesis of a number of malignancies. Therefore, VIPRs may be a valuable target for the molecular imaging of tumors and therapeutic interventions. The specific natural ligand or its analogs can be labeled with a radionuclide and used for tumor receptor imaging, which could be used to visualize VIPR-related surface protein expression in vivo and to monitor the in vivo effects of molecular drugs on tumors. Moreover, the involvement of VIPRs in malignant transformation and angiogenesis renders them potential therapeutic targets for cancer treatment. A variety of VIP antagonists and cytotoxic VIP conjugates have been synthesized and evaluated for VIPR-targeted molecular therapy. The importance of VIPRs in tumor biology and the ability to predict responses to targeted therapy and monitor drug interventions suggest that VIP receptor-based imaging and treatment will be critical for the early diagnosis and management of cancer. Here, we review the current literature regarding VIPRs and their natural ligands and the involvement of VIPRs in tumor growth and angiogenesis, with an emphasis on the present use of VIPRs for the molecular imaging of tumors and therapies targeting VIPRs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Tang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400037, P.R. China
| | - Xin Yong
- Department of Gastroenterology, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400037, P.R. China
| | - Rui Xie
- Department of Gastroenterology, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400037, P.R. China
| | - Qian-Wei Li
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, P.R. China
| | - Shi-Ming Yang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400037, P.R. China
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7
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Onoue S, Aoki Y, Matsui T, Kojo Y, Misaka S, Mizumoto T, Yamada S. Formulation design and in vivo evaluation of dry powder inhalation system of new vasoactive intestinal peptide derivative ([R(15, 20, 21), L(17), A(24,25), des-N(28)]-VIP-GRR) in experimental asthma/COPD model rats. Int J Pharm 2011; 410:54-60. [PMID: 21419198 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2011.03.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2011] [Revised: 02/23/2011] [Accepted: 03/10/2011] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) has been considered as a promising drug candidate for asthma and COPD because of its potent immunomodulating and anti-inflammatory activities. Recently, our group developed a new VIP derivative, [R(15, 20, 21), L(17), A(24,25), des-N(28)]-VIP-GRR (IK312548), with improved chemical and metabolic stability. In the present study, a dry powder inhaler system of IK312548 was designed for inhalation therapy with minimal systemic side effects, the physicochemical properties of which were also evaluated with a focus on morphology, particle size distribution, inhalation performance, and peptide stability. Laser diffraction and cascade impactor analysis suggested high dispersion and deposition in the respiratory organs with a fine particle fraction of 31.2%. According to UPLC/ESI-MS and circular dichroic spectral analyses, no significant changes in the purity and structure of VIP derivative were observed during preparation of respirable formulation. Anti-inflammatory properties of IK312548 respirable powder (RP) were characterized in antigen-sensitized asthma/COPD-model rats. There were marked inflammatory cells infiltrated into the lung tissues of experimental asthma/COPD-model rats; however, intratracheal administration of IK312548-RP led to significant reductions of recruited inflammatory cells in lung tissues and BALF by 72 and 78%, respectively. Thus, respirable powder formulation of IK312548 might be a promising medication for asthma, COPD, and other airway inflammatory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satomi Onoue
- Department of Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics and Global Center of Excellence Program, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Shizuoka, 52-1 Yada, Suruga-ku, Shizuoka 422-8526, Japan.
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8
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Tore F, Korkmaz OT, Dogrukol-Ak D, Tunçel N. The Effects of Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide on Dura Mater Nitric Oxide Levels and Vessel-Contraction Responses in Sympathectomized Rats. J Mol Neurosci 2009; 41:288-93. [DOI: 10.1007/s12031-009-9310-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2009] [Accepted: 11/02/2009] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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9
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VIP, from gene to behavior and back: summarizing my 25 years of research. J Mol Neurosci 2008; 36:115-24. [PMID: 18607776 DOI: 10.1007/s12031-008-9105-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2008] [Accepted: 05/15/2008] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) is an interesting example of a 28-amino acid neuropeptide that is abundantly expressed in discrete brain regions/neurons and hence may contribute to brain function. This short review summarizes my own point of view and encompasses 25 years of work and over 100 publications targeting the understanding of VIP production and biological activity. The review starts with our original cloning of the VIP gene, it then continues to discoveries of regulation of VIP synthesis and the establishment of the first VIP transgenic mice. The review ends with the identification of novel VIP analogs that helped decipher VIP's important role during development, in regulation of the biological clock(s) and diurnal rhythms, sexual activity, learning and memory as well as social behavior, and cancer. This review cites only articles that I have coauthored and gives my own perspective of this exciting ever-growing field.
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10
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Hill JM, Hauser JM, Sheppard LM, Abebe D, Spivak-Pohis I, Kushnir M, Deitch I, Gozes I. Blockage of VIP during mouse embryogenesis modifies adult behavior and results in permanent changes in brain chemistry. J Mol Neurosci 2008; 31:183-200. [PMID: 17726225 DOI: 10.1385/jmn:31:03:185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/1999] [Revised: 11/30/1999] [Accepted: 11/30/1999] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) regulates growth and development during the early postimplantation period of mouse embryogenesis. Blockage of VIP with a VIP antagonist during this period results in growth restriction, microcephaly, and developmental delays. Similar treatment of neonatal rodents also causes developmental delays and impaired diurnal rhythms, and the adult brains of these animals exhibit neuronal dystrophy and increased VIP binding. These data suggest that blockage of VIP during the development of the nervous system can result in permanent changes to the brain. In the current study, pregnant mice were treated with a VIP antagonist during embryonic days 8 through 10. The adult male offspring were examined in tests of novelty, paired activity, and social recognition. Brain tissue was examined for several measures of chemistry and gene expression of VIP and related compounds. Glial cells from the cortex of treated newborn mice were plated with neurons and examined for VIP binding and their ability to enhance neuronal survival. Treated adult male mice exhibited increased anxiety-like behavior and deficits in social behavior. Brain tissue exhibited regionally specific changes in VIP chemistry and a trend toward increased gene expression of VIP and related compounds that reached statistical significance in the VIP receptor, VPAC-1, in the female cortex. When compared to control astrocytes, astrocytes from treated cerebral cortex produced further increases in neuronal survival with excess synaptic connections and reduced VIP binding. In conclusion, impaired VIP activity during mouse embryogenesis resulted in permanent changes to both adult brain chemistry/cell biology and behavior with aspects of autism-like social deficits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna M Hill
- Laboratory of Developmental Neuroscience, NICHD, NIH, Bethesda, MD 21029, USA
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11
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Structure-activity relationship of vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP): potent agonists and potential clinical applications. Naunyn Schmiedebergs Arch Pharmacol 2008; 377:579-90. [DOI: 10.1007/s00210-007-0232-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2007] [Accepted: 11/23/2007] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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12
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Moyes SM, Smyth SH, Shipman A, Long S, Morris JF, Carr KE. Parameters influencing intestinal epithelial permeability and microparticle uptake in vitro. Int J Pharm 2007; 337:133-41. [PMID: 17306478 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2006.12.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2006] [Revised: 12/21/2006] [Accepted: 12/23/2006] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
The hypothesis that, in vivo in situ, villous uptake of 2 microm latex microparticles involves changes at enterocyte tight junctions (TJs) was tested using Caco-2 cells on porous membranes. Epithelial permeability was measured by transepithelial resistance (TER) and particle numbers in surface, intraepithelial and sub-epithelial compartments by microscopy. Apical particle or medium addition initially closed TJs, but this was subsequently reversed in particle-treated groups. Peristaltic onward movement of a bolus was simulated by removing apical particles after an exposure period and leaving the remaining particles to interact with the epithelium: this produced marked TJ loosening during the interaction period. For particle exposure groups, the early similarity with particle numbers in vivo taken up in young adult rats became less marked with time, although bolus removal counteracted this tendency. The TJ response to vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) was time-dependent. Adsorbed and intraepithelial particle numbers increased with particle exposure time; epithelial-associated microparticle aggregation varied with treatment and submembranous particles were seen in all groups. Correlation between TER changes and particle numbers suggests TJ loosening may be important in microparticle uptake. This Caco-2 model gives epithelial particle numbers that approximate well to published figures for microparticle uptake in vivo and allows effective microenvironmental manipulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- S M Moyes
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, Le Gros Clark Building, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3QX, United Kingdom.
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13
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Gozes I. Activity-dependent neuroprotective protein: from gene to drug candidate. Pharmacol Ther 2007; 114:146-54. [PMID: 17363064 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2007.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2006] [Accepted: 01/12/2007] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Activity-dependent neuroprotective protein (ADNP) is essential for brain formation. The gene encoding ADNP is highly conserved and abundantly expressed in the brain. ADNP contains a homeobox profile and a peptide motif providing neuroprotection against a variety of cytotoxic insults. ADNP mRNA and protein expression responds to brain injury and oscillates as a function of the estrus cycle. The plastic nature of ADNP expression is correlated with brain protection and an association between neuroendocrine regulation and neuroprotection is put forth with ADNP as a focal point. Further understanding of neuroprotective molecules should pave the path to better diagnostics and therapies. In this respect, structure-activity studies have identified a short 8 amino acid peptide in ADNP/NAPVSIPQ (NAP) that provides potent neuroprotection. NAP is currently in clinical development for neuroprotection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Illana Gozes
- The Adams Super-Center for Brain Studies & Levi-Edersheim-Gitter fMRI Institute, Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel.
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14
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Aubert N, Falluel-Morel A, Vaudry D, Xifro X, Rodriguez-Alvarez J, Fisch C, de Jouffrey S, Lebigot JF, Fournier A, Vaudry H, Gonzalez BJ. PACAP and C2-ceramide generate different AP-1 complexes through a MAP-kinase-dependent pathway: involvement of c-Fos in PACAP-induced Bcl-2 expression. J Neurochem 2006; 99:1237-50. [PMID: 17026529 DOI: 10.1111/j.1471-4159.2006.04148.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The neuropeptide pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) inhibits C2-ceramide-induced cell death through blockade of the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway in rat cerebellar granule neurones. However, the gene induction processes and transcription factors involved in the anti-apoptotic effect of PACAP remain unknown. Here, we show that PACAP and C2-ceramide activate activator protein-1 (AP-1) DNA binding in a dose- and time-dependent manner, but generate different AP-1 dimers. Thus, PACAP increased the proportion of c-Fos and Jun D while C2-ceramide increased c-Jun and reduced c-Fos in AP-1 complexes. In addition, PACAP strongly activated c-Fos gene expression while C2-ceramide markedly increased c-Jun phosphorylation. The effect of PACAP on c-Fos expression was blocked by the mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (MEK) inhibitor, U0126, while phosphorylation of c-Jun induced by C2-ceramide was abrogated by the protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) inhibitor, okadaic acid. Transfection of immature granule cells with c-Fos siRNA, which strongly reduced basal and PACAP-stimulated levels of the protein, totally prevented the stimulatory effect of PACAP on Bcl-2 expression. The present study demonstrates that AP-1 complexes containing c-Fos mediate the effect of PACAP on Bcl-2 gene expression in cerebellar granule neurones. Our data also indicate that different AP-1 dimers are associated with the pro-apoptotic effect of C2-ceramide and the anti-apoptotic effect of PACAP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Aubert
- INSERM U413, Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Neuroendocrinology, European Institute for Peptide Research, University of Rouen, Mont-Saint-Aignan, France
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15
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Rubinstein I. Human VIP-alpha: an emerging biologic response modifier to treat primary pulmonary hypertension. Expert Rev Cardiovasc Ther 2006; 3:565-9. [PMID: 16076268 DOI: 10.1586/14779072.3.4.565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Primary pulmonary hypertension (PPH) is a rare life-threatening disorder of unknown etiology manifested by chronic elevation of pulmonary arterial pressure. Given that pulmonary vasoconstriction, endothelial and vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation and in situ thrombosis contribute appreciably to the evolution of PPH, treatment with vasodilators, antiproliferative drugs and anticoagulants, alone or in combination, constitute the pharmacologic standard of care. To this end, long-term administration of oral calcium channel blockers, prostacyclin analogs by various routes and oral endothelin-1 receptor antagonists, alone or in combination, is efficacious in treating patients with PPH. Unfortunately, efficacy is hampered by poor stability, delivery and bioavailability, and by systemic toxicity. Hence, there is an ongoing need to develop and test new drugs to treat patients with PPH. To address this issue, a novel, targeted, long-acting, biocompatible and safe sterically stabilized liposomal and micellar formulation of human vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) was developed and tested for human use: the 28-amino acid pleiotropic biologic response modifier, human VIP-alpha. The long-lasting salutary effects of phospholipid-associated VIP on vasomotor tone and arterial pressure were expressed at low concentrations solely in diseased animals and were independent of its route of administration. Thus, the author proposes that human VIP-alpha could be developed as a safe long-acting drug to treat patients with PPH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Israel Rubinstein
- University of Illinois, Department of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60612-7323, USA.
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16
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Igarashi H, Ito T, Mantey SA, Pradhan TK, Hou W, Coy DH, Jensen RT. Development of Simplified Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide Analogs with Receptor Selectivity and Stability for Human Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide/Pituitary Adenylate Cyclase-Activating Polypeptide Receptors. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2005; 315:370-81. [PMID: 15994369 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.105.088823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) is a widespread neurotransmitter whose physiological and pathophysiological actions are mediated by two receptor classes, VIP/pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (VPAC) 1 and VPAC2. VIP is a 28-amino acid peptide that is rapidly degraded and simplified; metabolically stable analogs are needed. In this study, we use information from studies of the VIP pharmacophore for VPAC1/VPAC2 to design nine simplified VIP analogs that could have high affinity and selectivity for each VPAC or that retained high affinity for both VPACs and were metabolically stable. From binding studies of their abilities to directly interact with hVPAC1 (T47D cells, hVPAC1-transfected cells) and hVPAC2 (Sup T1- and VPAC2-transfected cells) and to stimulate adenylate cyclase in each, two analogs [(Ala(2,8,9,11,19,22,24,25,27,28))VIP and (Ala(2,8,9,11,19,24-28))VIP] were found to have >2000- and >600-fold selectivity for hVPAC1. None of the nine analogs had hVPAC2 selectivity. However, two simplified analogs [(Ala(2,8,9,16,19,24))VIP and (Ala(2,8,9,16,19,24,25))VIP] retained high affinity and potency for both hVPACs. 125I-[Ala(2,8,9,16,19,24,25)]VIP was much more metabolically stable than 125I-VIP. The availability of these simplified analogs of VIP, which are metabolically stable and have either hVPAC1 selectivity or retain high affinity for both hVPACs, should be useful for exploring the role of VPAC subtypes in mediating VIPs' actions as well as being useful therapeutically and for exploring the usefulness of VIP receptor imaging of tumors and VIP receptor-mediated tumor cytotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hisato Igarashi
- Digestive Diseases Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda MD 20892-1804, USA
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