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Greco S, Pinheiro J, Cardoso-Carneiro D, Giantomassi F, Pellegrino P, Scaglione G, Delli Carpini G, Ciavattini A, Zannoni GF, Goteri G, Martinho O, Ciarmela P. Raf kinase inhibitor protein expression in smooth muscle tumours of the uterus: a diagnostic marker for leiomyosarcoma? Reprod Biomed Online 2024; 48:103816. [PMID: 38608337 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2024.103816] [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: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024]
Abstract
RESEARCH QUESTION What is the expression pattern of Raf kinase inhibitory protein (RKIP) in different subtypes of leiomyoma (usual type, cellular, apoplectic or haemorrhagic leiomyoma, leiomyoma with bizarre nuclei and lipoleiomyoma) and leiomyosarcoma specimens, and what is its biological role in leiomyosarcoma cells? DESIGN Leiomyoma and leiomyosarcoma specimens underwent immunohistochemistry staining. Leiomyosarcoma SK-LMS-1 cell line was RKIP knocked down and RKIP overexpressed, and cell viability, wound healing migration and clonogenicity assays were carried out. RESULTS A higher immunohistochemical expression of RKIP was observed in bizarre leiomyomas, than in usual-type leiomyomas. Decreased expression was also found in cellular leiomyoma, with generally absent staining in leiomyosarcomas. Upon RKIP expression manipulation in SK-LMS-1 cell line, no major differences were observed in cell viability and migration capacity over time. RKIP knockout, however, resulted in a significant increase in the cell's ability to form colonies (P = 0.011). CONCLUSION RKIP distinct expression pattern among leiomyoma histotype and leiomyosarcoma, and its effect on leiomyosarcoma cells on colony formation, encourages further studies of RKIP in uterine smooth muscle disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Greco
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Joana Pinheiro
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), Health Sciences School, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal.; ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Diana Cardoso-Carneiro
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), Health Sciences School, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal.; ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Federica Giantomassi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Public Health, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Pamela Pellegrino
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Giulia Scaglione
- Department of Woman and Child Health, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy; Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanni Delli Carpini
- Department of Specialist and Odontostomatological Clinical Sciences, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Andrea Ciavattini
- Department of Specialist and Odontostomatological Clinical Sciences, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Gian Franco Zannoni
- Department of Woman and Child Health, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy; Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Gaia Goteri
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Public Health, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Olga Martinho
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), Health Sciences School, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal.; ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Pasquapina Ciarmela
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy..
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Pivotal Role of Ubiquitin Carboxyl-Terminal Hydrolase L1 (UCHL1) in Uterine Leiomyoma. Biomolecules 2023; 13:biom13020193. [PMID: 36830563 PMCID: PMC9953523 DOI: 10.3390/biom13020193] [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: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Uterine leiomyomas are smooth-muscle tumors originating in the myometrium and are the most common pelvic tumors in women of reproductive age. Symptomatic tumors may result in abnormal uterine bleeding, bladder dysfunction, pelvic discomfort, and reproductive issues, such as infertility and miscarriage. There are currently few non-invasive treatments for leiomyoma, but there are no practical early intervention or preventive methods. In this study, human uterine leiomyoma and myometrial tissues were used to detect the protein and mRNA expression levels of UCHL1. To explore the effects of UCHL1 knockdown and inhibition in leiomyoma and myometrial cells, we determined the mRNA expressions of COL1A1 and COL3A1. Collagen gel contraction and wound-healing assays were performed on myometrial and leiomyoma cells. We found that UCHL1 expression was considerably higher in uterine leiomyomas than in the myometrium. COL1A1 and COL3A1 expression levels were downregulated after inhibition of UCHL1 in human leiomyoma cells. Furthermore, the elimination of UCHL1 significantly decreased the migration and contractility of leiomyoma cells. In conclusion, these results indicate that UCHL1 is involved in the growth of leiomyoma in humans. For the treatment of uterine leiomyoma, targeting UCHL1 activity may be a unique and possible therapeutic strategy.
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Molecular Biological Comparison of Dental Pulp- and Apical Papilla-Derived Stem Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23052615. [PMID: 35269758 PMCID: PMC8910327 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23052615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Revised: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Both the dental pulp and the apical papilla represent a promising source of mesenchymal stem cells for regenerative endodontic protocols. The aim of this study was to outline molecular biological conformities and differences between dental pulp stem cells (DPSC) and stem cells from the apical papilla (SCAP). Thus, cells were isolated from the pulp and the apical papilla of an extracted molar and analyzed for mesenchymal stem cell markers as well as multi-lineage differentiation. During induced osteogenic differentiation, viability, proliferation, and wound healing assays were performed, and secreted signaling molecules were quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). Transcriptome-wide gene expression was profiled by microarrays and validated by quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR). Gene regulation was evaluated in the context of culture parameters and functionality. Both cell types expressed mesenchymal stem cell markers and were able to enter various lineages. DPSC and SCAP showed no significant differences in cell viability, proliferation, or migration; however, variations were observed in the profile of secreted molecules. Transcriptome analysis revealed the most significant gene regulation during the differentiation period, and 13 biomarkers were identified whose regulation was essential for both cell types. DPSC and SCAP share many features and their differentiation follows similar patterns. From a molecular biological perspective, both seem to be equally suitable for dental pulp tissue engineering.
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Abo-Kadoum MA, Assad M, Uae M, Nzaou SAE, Gong Z, Moaaz A, Teweldebrhan S, Eltoukhy A, Xuefeng A, Chen Y, Xie J. Mycobacterium tuberculosis RKIP (Rv2140c) dephosphorylates ERK/NF-κB upstream signaling molecules to subvert macrophage innate immune response. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2021; 94:105019. [PMID: 34333158 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2021.105019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2020] [Revised: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) survival and virulence largely reside on its ability to manipulate the host immune response. We have previously shown that M. tuberculosis Raf kinase inhibitor protein (RKIP) Rv2140c regulates diverse phosphorylation events in M. smegmatis. However, its role during infection is unknown. In this report, we show that Rv2140c can mimic the mammalian RKIP function. Rv2140c inhibit the activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) via decreasing the phosphorylation capacity of upstream mediators MEK1, ERK1/2, and IKKα/β, thus leading to a reduction in pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α. This effect can be reversed by RKIP inhibitor locostatin. Furthermore Rv2140c mediates apoptosis associated with activation of caspases cascades. This modulation enhances the intracellular survival of M. smegmatis within macrophage. We propose that Rv2140c is a multifunctional virulence factor and a promising novel anti-Tuberculosis drug target.
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Affiliation(s)
- M A Abo-Kadoum
- Institute of Modern Biopharmaceuticals, State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Eco-Environment and Bio-Resource of the Three Gorges Area, Key Laboratory of Ecoenvironments in Three Gorges Reservoir Region, Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing 400715, China; Botany and Microbiology Department, Faculty of Science, Al-Azhar University, Assuit Branch 71524, Egypt
| | - Mohammed Assad
- Institute of Modern Biopharmaceuticals, State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Eco-Environment and Bio-Resource of the Three Gorges Area, Key Laboratory of Ecoenvironments in Three Gorges Reservoir Region, Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing 400715, China; Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Omdurman Islamic University, Khartoum, Sudan
| | - Moure Uae
- Institute of Modern Biopharmaceuticals, State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Eco-Environment and Bio-Resource of the Three Gorges Area, Key Laboratory of Ecoenvironments in Three Gorges Reservoir Region, Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Stech A E Nzaou
- Institute of Modern Biopharmaceuticals, State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Eco-Environment and Bio-Resource of the Three Gorges Area, Key Laboratory of Ecoenvironments in Three Gorges Reservoir Region, Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Zhen Gong
- Institute of Modern Biopharmaceuticals, State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Eco-Environment and Bio-Resource of the Three Gorges Area, Key Laboratory of Ecoenvironments in Three Gorges Reservoir Region, Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Asmaa Moaaz
- The state key laboratory of silkworm genome biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China
| | - Samson Teweldebrhan
- Institute of Modern Biopharmaceuticals, State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Eco-Environment and Bio-Resource of the Three Gorges Area, Key Laboratory of Ecoenvironments in Three Gorges Reservoir Region, Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Adel Eltoukhy
- Botany and Microbiology Department, Faculty of Science, Al-Azhar University, Assuit Branch 71524, Egypt; Graduate School of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Ai Xuefeng
- Institute of Modern Biopharmaceuticals, State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Eco-Environment and Bio-Resource of the Three Gorges Area, Key Laboratory of Ecoenvironments in Three Gorges Reservoir Region, Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Yu Chen
- Shenyang Tenth People's Hospital (Shenyang Chest Hospital), Dadong District, Shenyang City, Liaoning 110044, China.
| | - Jianping Xie
- Institute of Modern Biopharmaceuticals, State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Eco-Environment and Bio-Resource of the Three Gorges Area, Key Laboratory of Ecoenvironments in Three Gorges Reservoir Region, Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing 400715, China.
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Parate S, Rampogu S, Lee G, Hong JC, Lee KW. Exploring the Binding Interaction of Raf Kinase Inhibitory Protein With the N-Terminal of C-Raf Through Molecular Docking and Molecular Dynamics Simulation. Front Mol Biosci 2021; 8:655035. [PMID: 34124147 PMCID: PMC8194344 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.655035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Protein-protein interactions are indispensable physiological processes regulating several biological functions. Despite the availability of structural information on protein-protein complexes, deciphering their complex topology remains an outstanding challenge. Raf kinase inhibitory protein (RKIP) has gained substantial attention as a favorable molecular target for numerous pathologies including cancer and Alzheimer’s disease. RKIP interferes with the RAF/MEK/ERK signaling cascade by endogenously binding with C-Raf (Raf-1 kinase) and preventing its activation. In the current investigation, the binding of RKIP with C-Raf was explored by knowledge-based protein-protein docking web-servers including HADDOCK and ZDOCK and a consensus binding mode of C-Raf/RKIP structural complex was obtained. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were further performed in an explicit solvent to sample the conformations for when RKIP binds to C-Raf. Some of the conserved interface residues were mutated to alanine, phenylalanine and leucine and the impact of mutations was estimated by additional MD simulations and MM/PBSA analysis for the wild-type (WT) and constructed mutant complexes. Substantial decrease in binding free energy was observed for the mutant complexes as compared to the binding free energy of WT C-Raf/RKIP structural complex. Furthermore, a considerable increase in average backbone root mean square deviation and fluctuation was perceived for the mutant complexes. Moreover, per-residue energy contribution analysis of the equilibrated simulation trajectory by HawkDock and ANCHOR web-servers was conducted to characterize the key residues for the complex formation. One residue each from C-Raf (Arg398) and RKIP (Lys80) were identified as the druggable “hot spots” constituting the core of the binding interface and corroborated by additional long-time scale (300 ns) MD simulation of Arg398Ala mutant complex. A notable conformational change in Arg398Ala mutant occurred near the mutation site as compared to the equilibrated C-Raf/RKIP native state conformation and an essential hydrogen bonding interaction was lost. The thirteen binding sites assimilated from the overall analysis were mapped onto the complex as surface and divided into active and allosteric binding sites, depending on their location at the interface. The acquired information on the predicted 3D structural complex and the detected sites aid as promising targets in designing novel inhibitors to block the C-Raf/RKIP interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shraddha Parate
- Division of Life Sciences, Division of Applied Life Science (BK21 Plus), Plant Molecular Biology and Biotechnology Research Center (PMBBRC), Research Institute of Natural Science (RINS), Gyeongsang National University (GNU), Jinju, Korea
| | - Shailima Rampogu
- Division of Life Sciences, Plant Molecular Biology and Biotechnology Research Center (PMBBRC), Department of Bio and Medical Big Data (BK21 Four Program), Research Institute of Natural Science (RINS), Gyeongsang National University (GNU), Jinju, Korea
| | - Gihwan Lee
- Division of Life Sciences, Division of Applied Life Science (BK21 Plus), Plant Molecular Biology and Biotechnology Research Center (PMBBRC), Research Institute of Natural Science (RINS), Gyeongsang National University (GNU), Jinju, Korea
| | - Jong Chan Hong
- Division of Life Sciences, Division of Applied Life Science (BK21 Plus), Plant Molecular Biology and Biotechnology Research Center (PMBBRC), Research Institute of Natural Science (RINS), Gyeongsang National University (GNU), Jinju, Korea
| | - Keun Woo Lee
- Division of Life Sciences, Plant Molecular Biology and Biotechnology Research Center (PMBBRC), Department of Bio and Medical Big Data (BK21 Four Program), Research Institute of Natural Science (RINS), Gyeongsang National University (GNU), Jinju, Korea
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Leppert PC, Al-Hendy A, Baird DD, Bulun S, Catherino W, Dixon D, Ducharme M, Harmon QE, Jayes FL, Paul E, Perucho AM, Segars J, Simón C, Stewart EA, Teixeira J, Tinelli A, Tschumperlin D, Zota AR. Summary of the Proceedings of the Basic Science of Uterine Fibroids Meeting: New Developments February 28, 2020. F&S SCIENCE 2021; 2:88-100. [PMID: 34124698 PMCID: PMC8192074 DOI: 10.1016/j.xfss.2020.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Scientists from multiple basic disciplines and an international group of physician-scientists from the field of obstetrics and gynecology presented recent studies and discussed new and evolving theories of uterine fibroid etiology, growth and development at The Basic Science of the Uterine Fibroids meeting, sponsored by the Campion Fund and the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. The purpose was to share up-to date knowledge and to stimulate new concepts regarding the basic molecular biology and pathophysiology of uterine fibroids, and to promote future collaborations. The meeting was held at the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences in North Carolina on February 28, 2020. Speakers reviewed recent advances in cellular and molecular processes that contribute to fibroid growth and new opportunities for treatment. At the conclusion of the conference, attendees identified important new directions for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phyllis C. Leppert
- Campion Fund of the Phyllis and Mark Leppert Foundation for Fertility Research, Salt Lake City, Utah
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC
| | - Ayman Al-Hendy
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Illinois
| | - Donna D. Baird
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, NC
| | - Serdar Bulun
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Northwestern University, Chicago, Il
| | - William Catherino
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD
| | - Darlene Dixon
- National Toxicology Program, National Institutes of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health. Research Triangle Park, NC
| | - Merrick Ducharme
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mayo Clinic
- Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - Quaker E. Harmon
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, NC
| | - Friederike L. Jayes
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC
| | - Emmanuel Paul
- Grand Rapids Research Center, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI
| | | | - James Segars
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD
| | - Carlos Simón
- IgenomixFoundation, INCLIVA Health Research Institute, Valencia, Spain
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Valencia University, Valencia
- Harvard University, Boston MA
| | - Elizabeth A. Stewart
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mayo Clinic
| | - Jose Teixeira
- Grand Rapids Research Center, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI
| | - Andrea Tinelli
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Vitto Fazzi Hospital, Lecce, Italy
| | - Daniel Tschumperlin
- Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - Ami R. Zota
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, George Washington University, Milken School of Public Health
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Uterine fibroids are the most common benign neoplasms of the female reproductive tract and one of the major public health concerns. Although most women with uterine fibroids are asymptomatic, over 30% of them will present with varying symptoms. This review focuses on the role of non-hormonal mediators and pathways in uterine fibroid biology. Furthermore, it provides data regarding the most recent findings in the field of compounds, which use those non-hormonal pathways in the medical therapy of uterine fibroids. RECENT FINDINGS Complex signaling pathway alterations are crucial for uterine fibroid development. The topic of the pathophysiology of uterine fibroids focuses mostly on steroids and other hormones. However, other very important pathways exist, and some of them are independent of hormones. Some of the most important pathways, which are non-hormonal, but in some cases still hormone-depended, include growth factors, cytokines and inflammation, Smad proteins, wingless type/β-catenin and others. SUMMARY Much more is known about hormonal than about non-hormonal signaling in uterine fibroids. Growth factors, early life exposure and inflammation are key factors in uterine fibroid biology. Numerous agents depend on those pathways and may find their place in the current and future therapy of uterine fibroids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esra Cetin
- Department of Surgery, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Ayman Al-Hendy
- Department of Surgery, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Michał Ciebiera
- Department of Surgery, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Second Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the Center of Postgraduate Medical Education, Warsaw, Poland
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Locostatin Alleviates Liver Fibrosis Induced by Carbon Tetrachloride in Mice. Dig Dis Sci 2019; 64:2570-2580. [PMID: 30874989 DOI: 10.1007/s10620-019-05588-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2018] [Accepted: 03/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Liver fibrosis is featured with excessive deposition of extracellular matrix and fibrous connective tissue hyperplasia. The specific inhibitor of Raf-1 kinase inhibitor protein, locostatin, inhibits the migration of hepatic stellate cells. In this study, we investigated the effect of locostatin on liver fibrosis and its underlying mechanism. METHODS Carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) was used to induce liver fibrosis in mice, and locostatin was injected intraperitoneally. Liver fibrosis was assessed by Masson and Sirius red staining, hydroxyproline (HYP) assay, and collagen percentage area. Collagen I, collagen III, and α-SMA were detected by RT-PCR and western blot. The levels of MMP-13, MMP-2, TIMP-1, and TIMP-2 were estimated by ELISA. Liver inflammation was evaluated by HE staining and immunohistochemistry; liver myeloperoxidase (MPO), superoxide dismutase, and malondialdehyde were measured by ELISA; and cytokines were by Mouse Cytokine Array Q4000. RESULTS Compared to the CCl4 group, HYP (208.56 ± 6.12) µg/g, percentage of total collagen at overall region (1.91 ± 0.13), MMP-13/TIMP-1 (0.19 ± 0.01), MPO (1.45 ± 0.04) U/g, TGF-β (2652 ± 91.20), PDGF-AA (3897 ± 290.69), and E-selectin (1569 ± 66.48) in the liver tissues were decreased significantly in the locostatin-treated group. CONCLUSIONS Locostatin mitigated liver fibrosis and inflammation induced by CCl4. The mechanism is via inhibition inflammatory cytokines, TGF-β, PDGF-AA, and E-selectin.
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Delli Carpini G, Morini S, Papiccio M, Serri M, Damiani V, Grelloni C, Clemente N, Ciavattini A. The association between childbirth, breastfeeding, and uterine fibroids: an observational study. Sci Rep 2019; 9:10117. [PMID: 31300699 PMCID: PMC6626014 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-46513-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2019] [Accepted: 06/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of childbirth and breastfeeding on uterine fibroids and to identify the factors associated with size variations. This was a monocenter observational study carried on women with a sonographic diagnosis of uterine fibroids from January 2007 to December 2016, with no indication for immediate treatment, and who became pregnant within one year from diagnosis. All patients were re-evaluated six months after delivery. Fibroid diameters were compared between pre-pregnancy period, first, second, third trimester and post-delivery. The rate of "regressed" (growth of diameter <-40%), "unchanged" (growth of diameter between -40% and +40%) or "increased" (growth of diameter >+40%) fibroids at the post-delivery evaluation with respect to the pre-pregnancy state was calculated. One-hundred fifty-seven women were included in the final analysis. At the post-delivery ultrasound, a significant reduction of the fibroid diameter with respect to all previous examinations was observed, and there was no evidence of 67 (37.2%) fibroids. Ongoing breastfeeding was positively associated with an "unchanged" or "regressed" fibroid diameter (adOR 3.23, 95%CI: 1.35-7.70, p < 0.01). Smaller pre-gravidic fibroids were more likely to return to pre-pregnancy dimensions or to regress, with a cut-off of 32 mm for lactating women and of 26 mm for non-lactating women. In conclusion, fibroids seem to return to pre-pregnancy dimensions or to regress in the post-partum period. This process may be sustained by uterine involution and hormonal variations, with an additional role of breastfeeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Delli Carpini
- Woman's Health Sciences Department, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Via F. Corridoni, 11, 60123, Ancona, Italy
| | - Stefano Morini
- Woman's Health Sciences Department, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Via F. Corridoni, 11, 60123, Ancona, Italy
| | - Maria Papiccio
- Woman's Health Sciences Department, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Via F. Corridoni, 11, 60123, Ancona, Italy
| | - Matteo Serri
- Woman's Health Sciences Department, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Via F. Corridoni, 11, 60123, Ancona, Italy
| | - Valentina Damiani
- Woman's Health Sciences Department, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Via F. Corridoni, 11, 60123, Ancona, Italy
| | - Camilla Grelloni
- Woman's Health Sciences Department, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Via F. Corridoni, 11, 60123, Ancona, Italy
| | - Nicolò Clemente
- Woman's Health Sciences Department, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Via F. Corridoni, 11, 60123, Ancona, Italy
| | - Andrea Ciavattini
- Woman's Health Sciences Department, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Via F. Corridoni, 11, 60123, Ancona, Italy.
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Guo C, Chang T, Sun T, Wu Z, Dai Y, Yao H, Lin D. Anti-leprosy drug Clofazimine binds to human Raf1 kinase inhibitory protein and enhances ERK phosphorylation. Acta Biochim Biophys Sin (Shanghai) 2018; 50:1062-1067. [PMID: 30137201 DOI: 10.1093/abbs/gmy095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Human Raf1 kinase inhibitory protein (hRKIP) is an important modulator of the Ras/Raf1/MEK/ERK signaling pathway. Here, we demonstrated that anti-leprosy drug Clofazimine can bind to hRKIP with a significantly stronger affinity than the endogenous substrate phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) by using Biolayer interference technology. Moreover, we identified that residues P74, S75, K80, P111, P112, V177, and P178 play crucial roles in the binding of hRKIP to Clofazimine by using a combination of Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectroscopy and molecular docking approach. These residues are located at the conserved ligand-binding pocket of hRKIP. Furthermore, we found that 3.2 μM Clofazimine could significantly increase the ERK phosphorylation level by about 37%. Our results indicate that Clofazimine can enhance Ras/Raf1/MEK/ERK signaling transduction pathway via binding to hRKIP. This work provides valuable hints for exploiting Clofazimine as a potential lead compound to efficiently treat the diseases related to RKIP or the Ras/Raf/MEK/ERK pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenyun Guo
- Department of Chemical Biology, Key Laboratory for Chemical Biology of Fujian Province, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Ting Chang
- Department of Chemical Biology, Key Laboratory for Chemical Biology of Fujian Province, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Tao Sun
- Department of Chemical Biology, Key Laboratory for Chemical Biology of Fujian Province, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Zhihua Wu
- Department of Chemical Biology, Key Laboratory for Chemical Biology of Fujian Province, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Yazhuang Dai
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Hongwei Yao
- Department of Chemical Biology, Key Laboratory for Chemical Biology of Fujian Province, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Donghai Lin
- Department of Chemical Biology, Key Laboratory for Chemical Biology of Fujian Province, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
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Yen CF, Kim SH, Liao SK, Atabekoglu C, Uckac S, Arici A, Arlier S, Lee CL, Wang HS, Kayisli UA. Increased expression of integrin-linked kinase during decidualization regulates the morphological transformation of endometrial stromal cells. Fertil Steril 2017; 107:803-812. [PMID: 28069177 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2016.11.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2016] [Revised: 11/19/2016] [Accepted: 11/28/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To study the impact of integrin-linked kinase (ILK) in endometrial stromal cells (ESCs) during decidualization. DESIGN Laboratory study with the use of human endometrium. SETTING University hospital. PATIENT(S) Fertile reproductive-age women who had not received hormonal treatment for 3 months before tissue collection. INTERVENTION(S) Endometrium tissue collection, in vitro decidualization of isolated ESCs, and small interfering (si) RNA transfection. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Immunohistochemistry, ELISA, Western blot analysis, methylthiazolyl tetrazolium assay, and immunofluorescence staining. RESULT(S) In vivo expression of ILK is significantly increased in distended-fusiform stromal cells of late secretory endometrium and in cobblestone-shaped decidual cells of early pregnancy. During in vitro decidualization for up to 8 days, confluent cultures of isolated ESCs consistently displayed increased ILK expression and morphologic transformation from fibroblast-like to polygonal cells. Subsequent ILK knockdown by siRNA transfection reversed this transformation, accompanied by decreased phosphorylation of glycogen synthase kinase (GSK) 3β and decreased viable cell numbers. Immunofluorescence staining of the decidualized ESCs demonstrated linkage of increased levels of ILK at the tips of the fan-shaped organization of actin stress fibers located in the submembranous area, which expanded the decidual cells into a typical polygonal appearance. Knock-down of ILK abrogated the polymerization and organization of actin fibers, which reverted the cells to their undecidualized morphology. CONCLUSION(S) During human endometrial decidualization, ILK is essential for morphologic transformation of ESCs through organization of the actin cytoskeleton; it may also function through subsequent GSK3β signaling, which requires further studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chih-Feng Yen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kwei-Shan, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Clinical Medical Sciences, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Sung Hoon Kim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Shuen-Kuei Liao
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medical Sciences, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Taoyuan, Taiwan; Ph.D. Program of Cancer Biology and Drug Discovery, and Center of Excellence for Cancer Research, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Cem Atabekoglu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ankara University School of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Serpil Uckac
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Aydin Arici
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Sefa Arlier
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida
| | - Chyi-Long Lee
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Keelung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Keelung, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Shih Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kwei-Shan, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Clinical Medical Sciences, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Umit A Kayisli
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida.
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