Relevance of CCM gene polymorphisms for clinical management of sporadic cerebral cavernous malformations

20 kDa isoform of connexin-43 augments spatial reorganization of the brain endothelial junctional complex and lesion leakage in cerebral cavernous malformation type-3

Cerebral cavernous malformation type-3 (CCM3) is a type of brain vascular malformation caused by mutations in programmed cell death protein-10 (PDCD10). It is characterized by early life occurrence of hemorrhagic stroke and profound blood-brain barrier defects. The pathogenic mechanisms responsible for microvascular hyperpermeability and lesion progression in CCM3 are still largely unknown. The current study examined brain endothelial barrier structural defects formed in the absence of CCM3 in vivo and in vitro that may lead to CCM3 lesion leakage. We found significant upregulation of a 20 kDa isoform of connexin 43 (GJA1-20 k) in brain endothelial cells (BEC) in both non-leaky and leaky lesions, as well as in an in vitro CCM3 knockdown model (CCM3KD-BEC). Morphological, biochemical, FRET, and FRAP analyses of CCM3KD-BEC found GJA1-20 k regulates full-length GJA1 biogenesis, prompting uncontrolled gap junction growth. Furthermore, by binding to a tight junction scaffolding protein, ZO-1, GJA1-20 k interferes with Cx43/ZO-1 interactions and gap junction/tight junction crosstalk, promoting ZO-1 dissociation from tight junction complexes and diminishing claudin-5/ZO-1 interaction. As a consequence, the tight junction complex is destabilized, allowing "replacement" of tight junctions with gap junctions leading to increased brain endothelial barrier permeability. Modifying cellular levels of GJA1-20 k rescued brain endothelial barrier integrity re-establishing the spatial organization of gap and tight junctional complexes. This study highlights generation of potential defects at the CCM3-affected brain endothelial barrier which may underlie prolonged vascular leakiness.

Genetics of brain arteriovenous malformations and cerebral cavernous malformations

Cerebrovascular malformations comprise abnormal development of cerebral vasculature. They can result in hemorrhagic stroke due to rupture of lesions as well as seizures and neurological defects. The most common forms of cerebrovascular malformations are brain arteriovenous malformations (bAVMs) and cerebral cavernous malformations (CCMs). They occur in both sporadic and inherited forms. Rapidly evolving molecular genetic methodologies have helped to identify causative or associated genes involved in genesis of bAVMs and CCMs. In this review, we highlight the current knowledge regarding the genetic basis of these malformations.

Thioredoxin-Interacting Protein Inhibited Vascular Endothelial Cell-Induced HREC Angiogenesis Treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy is the most common reason for blindness among employed adults worldwide. Hyperglycemia and the overaccumulation of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) lead to diabetic retinopathy, pathological angiogenesis in diabetic retinopathy, and consequent visual impairment. Expression levels of thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP) substantially increase in retinal endothelial cells in diabetic circumstances. The part of TXNIP in retinal angiogenesis combined with diabetes remains unclear. This study examined the effect of reduced TXNIP expression levels and determined how it affects diabetic retinal angiogenesis. Display of human retinal vascular endothelial cells (HRECs) to moderately high glucose (MHG) encouraged tube formation and cell migration, not cell proliferation. In response to MHG conditions, in HRECs, TXNIP knockdown inhibited the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), cell migration, tube formation, and the Akt/mTOR activation pathway. In addition, gene silencing of TXNIP decreased the VEGF-triggered angiogenic response in HRECs by preventing activation of both VEGF receptor 2 and the downstream components of the Akt/mTOR pathway signaling. Furthermore, TXNIP knockout mice reduced VEGF-induced or VEGF- and MHG-triggered ex vivo retinal angiogenesis compared to wild-type mice. Finally, our findings revealed that TXNIP knockdown suppressed VEGF- and MHG-triggered angiogenic responses in HRECs and mouse retinas, indicating that TXNIP is a promising therapeutic window against the proliferation of diabetic patients' retinopathy.

Cerebral cavernous malformation: Management, outcomes, and surveillance strategies - A single centre retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Cerebral cavernous malformations (CCM) may undergo a period of clinical and/or radiographical surveillance that precedes or follows definitive treatment. There are no international guidelines on the optimal surveillance strategy. This study describes the surveillance strategies at our centre and explore the related clinical outcomes.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective study of adult patients with CCMs referred to a neurovascular service over an 8-year period, to determine the frequency and type of surveillance, intervention, and explore the associated outcomes. We report our findings adhering to STROBE guidelines.

RESULTS

133 patients (Male:Female 73:60; men age 42 years; range 12-82) were included. CCMs were identified in patients first presenting with symptomatic intracerebral haemorrhage (42.11%); headache, focal neurological deficit, or seizure without haemorrhage (41.35%); or, as an incidental finding (16.54%). The most common CCM location was supratentorial (59.40%), followed by brain stem (21.80%), cerebellum (10.53%) and basal ganglia (6.02%). Of the 133 patients, 77 patients (57.89%) were managed conservatively, 49 patients (36.84%) were managed by surgical resection alone, and seven patients (5.26%) were managed with stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS). Patients follow-up had a mean duration of 65.94 months, and varied widely (SD = 52.59; range 0-265), for a total of 730.83 person-years of follow up. During surveillance, 16 patients suffered an ICH equating to a bleeding rate of 2.19 per 100 patient years. CCMs that increased in size had a higher bleeding rate (p = 8.58 ×10^-4). There were 8 (6.02%) cases where routine clinic review or MRI resulted in a change in management.

CONCLUSIONS

Our single centre retrospective study supports existing literature relating to presentation and sequalae of CCM, with an increase in CCM size being associated with higher rates of detected bleeding. There remains heterogeneity, even within a single centre, on the frequency and modality of surveillance. Further, there are no international guidelines or high-quality data that recommends the optimal duration and frequency of surveillance, and its effect on clinical outcomes. This is a future research direction.

Genetic Polymorphisms in VEGFR Coding Genes (FLT1/KDR) on Ranibizumab Response in High Myopia and Choroidal Neovascularization Patients

A severe form of myopia defined as pathologic/high myopia is the main cause of visual impairment and one of the most frequent causes of blindness worldwide. It is characterized by at least 6 diopters or axial length (AL) of eyeball > 26 mm and choroidal neovascularization (CNV) in 5 to 10% of cases. Ranibizumab is a humanized recombinant monoclonal antibody fragment targeted against human vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) used in the treatment of CNV. It acts by preventing VEGF-A from interacting with its receptors (VEGFR-1 and -2) encoded by the FLT1 and KDR genes. Several studies found that the KDR and FLT1 genotypes may represent predictive determinants of efficacy in ranibizumab-treated neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) patients. We performed a retrospective study to evaluate the association of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in VEGFR coding genes with the response rate to ranibizumab in patients with high myopia and CNV. In the association study of genotypes in FLT1 with the response to ranibizumab, we found a significant association between two FLT1 variants (rs9582036, rs7993418) with ranibizumab efficacy at the 12-month follow-up. About the KDR gene, we found that two KDR variants (rs2305948, rs2071559) are associated with best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) improvement and KDR (rs2239702) is associated with lower rates of BCVA worsening considering a 12-month follow-up period.

Effect and mechanism of BDNF/TrkB signaling on vestibular compensation

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) regulates neuronal plasticity by targeting the tyrosine kinase B receptor (TrkB) receptor, but limited researches concentrate on the role of BDNF/TrkB signaling in vestibular compensation. In this study, rats with unilateral vestibular dysfunction were established by unilateral labyrinthectomy (UL) and infusion with siBDNF or 7, 8-Dihydroxyflavone (7,8-DHF, a TrkB receptor agonist). The behavioral scores of rats with vestibular deficits were determined and the rotarod test was performed after UL. BDNF and TrkB levels after UL were determined by western blot and quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR). 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine (BrdU)-positive cells (newly generated cells) and GAD67-positive cells (GABAergic neurons) were identified by immunohistochemistry. Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) (astrocyte marker)-positive cells were identified and GABA type A receptor (GABAAR) expression was detected by immunofluorescence. We found that after UL, BDNF and TrkB levels were up-regulated with a maximum value at 4 h, and then progressively down-regulated during 4 h ~ 7 d. Blocking BDNF/TrkB signaling inhibited the recovery from vestibular deficits, decreased the numbers of newly generated cells and astrocytes in medial vestibular nucleus (MVN), inferior vestibular nerve (IVN), superior vestibular nerve (SVN) and lateral vestibular nucleus (LVN), and disrupted the balances of GABAergic neurons and GABAAR expressions in the left (lesioned) side and right (intact) side of MVN, whereas activation of BDNF/TrkB signaling caused opposite results. The current study indicated that BDNF/TrkB signaling avails vestibular compensation, depending on the number of newly generated cells and astrocytes, the rebalance of GABAergic neurons, and GABAAR expression in bilateral MVN.

Genetic Polymorphisms Affecting Ranibizumab Response in High Myopia Patients

High myopia is an ophthalmic pathology that affects half of the young adults in the United States and Europe and it is predicted that a third of the world’s population could be nearsighted at the end of this decade. It is characterized by at least 6 diopters or axial length > 26 mm and, choroidal neovascularization (CNV) in 5 to 11% of cases. Ranibizumab is a recombinant humanized monoclonal antibody fragment. It is an anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) drug used in the treatment of CNV. Many genetic polymorphisms have been associated with interindividual differences in the response to ranibizumab, but these associations were not yet assessed among patients with high myopia and CNV. We performed a retrospective study assessing the association of genetic polymorphisms with response to ranibizumab in patients with CNV secondary to high myopia (mCNV). We included genetic polymorphisms previously associated with the response to drugs used in CNV patients (bevacizumab, ranibizumab, aflibercept, and photodynamic therapy (PDT)). We also included genetic variants in the VEGFA gene. Based on our results, ARMS2 (rs10490924) and CFH (rs1061170) are associated with response to ranibizumab in high myopia patients; and, included VEGFA genetic polymorphisms are not associated with ranibizumab response in our population but might be related to a higher risk of CNV.

Exogenous administration of hydrogen sulfide alleviates homocysteine induced inflammation in ARPE-19 cells

Plasma homocysteine (Hcy) is an independent risk factor for Age related macular degeneration (AMD) and an inducer of inflammation. Homocysteine catabolism releases hydrogen sulfide (H₂S). H₂S has controversial effects on inflammation. In this study we have analysed the endogenous and exogenous H₂S in modulating inflammation using adult retinal pigment epithelial (ARPE-19) cells as an in vitro model for AMD. ARPE-19 cells were treated with various concentrations of Hcy (15, 30 and 50 μM) for 3 h. Expression of Hcy transulfuration genes (CBS, CSE) by qPCR and western blot. H₂S levels were measured using Free Radical Analyzer System (WPI, USA). The inflammatory markers (IL-6 and IL-8) were evaluated using real-time PCR and ELISA. Hcy exposure increased CBS protein expression, hydrogen sulfide levels and pro-inflammatory cytokines, modulating CBS by silencing did not alter H₂S levels, but inhibition of CSE with PAG inhibited H₂S production and decreased cytokine (IL-6 and IL-8) levels. On the contrary exogenous supply of hydrogen sulfide with NaHS and by compound 1c showed anti-inflammatory effects even in the presence of Hcy. This study shows that exogenous delivery of H₂S decreases inflammation in retinal pigment epithelial cells on exposure to Hcy in ARPE-19 cells.

Contribution of endothelial cell-derived transcriptomes to the colon cancer based on bioinformatics analysis

Colon tumor endothelial cells (CTECs) plays substantial roles to induce immune invasion, angiogenesis and metastasis. Thus, identification of the CTECs-derived transcriptomes could be helpful for colon cancer diagnosis and potential therapy.

METHODS

By analysis of CTECs-derived gene expression profiling dataset, we identified differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between CTECs and colon normal endothelial cells (CNECs). In addition, we identified the significant pathways and protein-protein interaction (PPI) network that was significantly associated with the DEGs. Furthermore, we identified hub genes whose expression was significantly associated with prognosis and immune cell infiltrations in colon cancer. Finally, we identified the significant correlations between the prognostic hub genes and immune-inhibitory markers in colon cancer.

RESULTS

We identified 362 DEGs in CTECs relative to the CNECs, including117 up-regulated genes and 245 down-regulated genes in the CTECs. In addition, we identified significantly up-regulated pathways in CTECs that were mainly involved in cancer and immune regulation. Furthermore, we identified hub genes (such as SPARC, COL1A1, COL1A2 and IGFBP3) that are associated with prognosis and immune cells infiltrations in colon cancer. Interestingly, we found that prognosis-associated hub genes (SPARC, COL1A1, COL1A2 and IGFBP3) are positively correlated with immune-inhibitory markers of various immunosuppressive cells, including TAM, M2 macrophage, Tregs and T cell exhaustion. Finally, our findings revealed that prognosis-associated upregulated hub genes are positively correlated with immune checkpoint markers, including PD-L1 and PD-L2 and the immunosuppressive markers including TGFB1 and TGFBR1.

CONCLUSIONS

The identification of CTECs-specific transcriptomes may provide crucial insights into the colon tumor microenvironment that mediates the development of colon cancer.

Rosiglitasone and ROCK Inhibitors Modulate Fibrogenetic Changes in TGF-β2 Treated Human Conjunctival Fibroblasts (HconF) in Different Manners

Purpose: The effects of Rho-associated coiled-coil containing protein kinase (ROCK) 1 and 2 inhibitor, ripasudil hydrochloride hydrate (Rip), ROCK2 inhibitor, KD025 or rosiglitazone (Rosi) on two-dimension (2D) and three-dimension (3D) cultured human conjunctival fibroblasts (HconF) treated by transforming growth factor (TGFβ2) were studied. Methods: Two-dimension and three-dimension cultured HconF were examined by transendothelial electrical resistance (TEER, 2D), size and stiffness (3D), and the expression of the extracellular matrix (ECM) including collagen1 (COL1), COL4 and COL6, fibronectin (FN), and α-smooth muscle actin (αSMA) by quantitative PCR (2D, 3D) in the presence of Rip, KD025 or Rosi. Results: TGFβ2 caused a significant increase in (1) the TEER values (2D) which were greatly reduced by Rosi, (2) the stiffness of the 3D organoids which were substantially reduced by Rip or KD025, and (3) TGFβ2 induced a significant up-regulation of all ECMs, except for COL6 (2D) or αSMA (3D), and down-regulation of COL6 (2D). Rosi caused a significant up-regulation of COL1, 4 and 6 (3D), and down-regulation of COL6 (2D) and αSMA (3D). Most of these TGFβ2-induced expressions in the 2D and αSMA in the 3D were substantially inhibited by KD025, but COL4 and αSMA in 2D were further enhanced by Rip. Conclusion: The findings reported herein indicate that TGFβ2 induces an increase in fibrogenetic changes on the plane and in the spatial space, and are inhibited by Rosi and ROCK inhibitors, respectively.

Hyperthermia generated by magnetic nanoparticles for effective treatment of disseminated peritoneal cancer in an orthotopic nude-mouse model

Magnetic hyperthermia (MHT), which combines magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) with an alternating magnetic field (AMF), holds promise as a cancer therapy. There have been many studies about hyperthermia, most of which have been performed by direct injection of MNPs into tumor tissues. However, there have been no reports of treating peritoneal disseminated disease with MHT to date. In the present study, we treated peritoneal metastasis of gastric cancer with MHT using superparamagnetic iron oxide (Fe3O4) nanoparticle (SPION) coated with carboxydextran as an MNP, in an orthotopic mouse model mimicking early peritoneal disseminated disease of gastric cancer. SPIONs of an optimal size were intraperitoneally administered, and an AMF (390 kHz, 28 kAm-1) was applied for 10 minutes, four times every three days. Three weeks after the first MHT treatment, the peritoneal metastases were significantly inhibited compared with the AMF-alone group or the untreated-control group. The results of the present study show that MHT can be applied as a new treatment option for disseminated peritoneal gastric cancer.Abbreviations: AMF: alternating magnetic field; Cy1: cytology-positive; DMEM: Dulbecco's Modified Eagle's Medium; FBS: fetal bovine serum; H&E: hematoxylin and eosin; HIPEC: hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy; MEM: Minimum Essential Medium; MHT: magnetic hyperthermia; MNPs: magnetic nanoparticles; P0: macroscopic peritoneal dissemination; RFP: red fluorescent protein; SPION: superparamagnetic iron oxide (Fe3O4) nanoparticle.

Geniposide alleviates choroidal neovascularization by downregulating HB-EGF release from RPE cells by downregulating the miR-145-5p/NF-κB axis

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD), mainly wet AMD, is the major reason for nonreversible vision loss worldwide. Choroidal neovascularization (CNV) is a characteristic pathological manifestation of wet AMD. Stress or injury to the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) induces proangiogenic factors that drive CNV. An iridoid glycoside extracted from the fruit of gardenia, geniposide (GEN) plays an antiangiogenic role. In this study, GEN inhibited the transcription and expression of heparin-binding epidermal growth factor (HB-EGF), a proangiogenic factor, in hypoxic RPE cells and a mouse laser-induced CNV model. Inhibition of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R), a GEN receptor blocker, eliminated the protective effect of GEN. Additionally, GEN decreased the transcription and expression of HB-EGF in hypoxia-exposed RPE cells by downregulating the miR-145-5p/NF-κB axis. Therefore, our research provides a promising novel strategy for wet AMD therapy.

SMADS-Mediate Molecular Mechanisms in Sjögren's Syndrome

There is considerable interest in delineating the molecular mechanisms of action of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), considered as central player in a plethora of human conditions, including cancer, fibrosis and autoimmune disease. TGF-β elicits its biological effects through membrane bound serine/threonine kinase receptors which transmit their signals via downstream signalling molecules, SMADs, which regulate the transcription of target genes in collaboration with various co-activators and co-repressors. Until now, therapeutic strategy for primary Sjögren’s syndrome (pSS) has been focused on inflammation, but, recently, the involvement of TGF-β/SMADs signalling has been demonstrated in pSS salivary glands (SGs) as mediator of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) activation. Although EMT seems to cause pSS SG fibrosis, TGF-β family members have ambiguous effects on the function of pSS SGs. Based on these premises, this review highlights recent advances in unravelling the molecular basis for the multi-faceted functions of TGF-β in pSS that are dictated by orchestrations of SMADs, and describe TGF-β/SMADs value as both disease markers and/or therapeutic target for pSS.

Inhibition of Dectin-1 Ameliorates Neuroinflammation by Regulating Microglia/Macrophage Phenotype After Intracerebral Hemorrhage in Mice

Polarization of microglia/macrophages toward the pro-inflammatory phenotype is an important contributor to neuroinflammation after intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). Dectin-1 is a pattern recognition receptor that has been reported to play a key role in regulating neuroinflammation in ischemic stroke and spinal cord injury. However, the role and mechanism of action of Dectin-1 after ICH remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the effect of Dectin-1 on modulating the microglia/macrophage phenotype and neuroinflammation and the possible underlying mechanism after ICH. We found that Dectin-1 expression increased after ICH, and was mainly localized in microglia/macrophages. Neutrophil infiltration and microglia/macrophage polarization toward the pro-inflammatory phenotype increased after ICH. However, treatment with a Dectin-1 inhibitor reversed these phenomena and induced a shift the anti-inflammatory phenotype in microglia/macrophages; this resulted in alleviation of neurological dysfunction and facilitated hematoma clearance after ICH. We also found that Dectin-1 crosstalks with the downstream pro-inflammatory pathway, Card9/NF-κB, by activating spleen tyrosine kinase (Syk) both in vivo and in vitro. In conclusion, our data suggest that Dectin-1 is involved in the microglia/macrophage polarization and functional recovery after ICH, and that this mechanism, at least in part, may contribute to the involvement of the Syk/Card9/NF-kB pathway.

Up-regulating microRNA-138-5p enhances the protective role of dexmedetomidine on myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury mice via down-regulating Ltb4r1

Both microRNAs (miRs) and dexmedetomidine (Dex) have been verified to exert functional roles in myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury (MI/RI). Given that, we concretely aim to discuss the effects of Dex and miR-138-5p on ventricular remodeling in mice affected by MI/RI via mediating leukotriene B4 receptor 1 (Ltb4r1). MI/RI mouse model was established by ligating left anterior descending coronary artery. The cardiac function, inflammatory factors and collagen fiber contents were detected after Dex/miR-138-5p/Ltb4r1 treatment. MiR-138-5p and Ltb4r1 expression in myocardial tissues were tested by RT-qPCR and western blot assay. The target relationship between miR-138-5p and Ltb4r1 was verified by online software prediction and luciferase activity assay. MiR-138-5p was down-regulated while Ltb4r1 was up-regulated in myocardial tissues of MI/RI mice. Dex improved cardiac function, alleviated myocardial damage, reduced inflammatory factor contents, collagen fibers, and Ltb4r1 expression while increased miR-138-5p expression in myocardial tissues of mice with MI/RI. Restored miR-138-5p and depleted Ltb4r1 improved cardiac function, abated inflammatory factor contents, myocardial damage, and content of collagen fibers in MI/RI mice. MiR-138-5p directly targeted Ltb4r1. The work evidence that Dex could ameliorate ventricular remodeling of MI/RI mice by up-regulating miR-138-3p and down-regulating Ltb4r1. Thus, Dex and miR-138-3p/Ltb4r1 may serve as potential targets for the ventricular remodeling of MI/RI.

HOXC-AS2 mediates the proliferation, apoptosis, and migration of non-small cell lung cancer by combining with HOXC13 gene

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the highest incidence and mortality of malignant tumors worldwide and has become a global public health problem. Long non-coding RNAs (LncRNAs) are expected to participate in the progression of NSCLC. This study aims to explore the effects and underlying mechanisms of LncRNA HOXC-AS2 on NSCLC cell proliferation, apoptosis, and migration. The Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) and clone formation assay were used to measure the A549 and HCC827 cell proliferation. The cell apoptosis and migration was respectively analyzed by flow cytometry and transwell assay. RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) was used to detect the interaction between HOXC-AS2 and HOXC13. The expression of β-catenin, α-SMA, MMP-1, MMP-2 expression, E-cadherin, and Ki-67 expression were determined by Western blot or immunohistochemistry (IHC) assay. We found that HOXC-AS2 was significantly up-regulated in NSCLC tissues. Knockdown of HOXC-AS2 expression resulted in significant decreases in NSCLC cell proliferation, migration, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process marker proteins, simultaneously activated A549 and HCC827 cell apoptosis. RIP assay suggested that HOXC13 was a functional target for HOXC-AS2. And HOXC-AS2 and HOXC13 could positively regulate each other. Compared with the normal tissues, the mRNA level of HOXC13 was increased in NSCLC tissues. HOXC13 silencing counteracted increases of A549 and HCC827 cell proliferation and migration, as well as a decrease of cell apoptosis induced by HOXC-AS2 overexpression. Moreover, HOXC-AS2 silencing reduced tumor growth rate and Ki-67 expression in vivo. Taken together, HOXC-AS2 knockdown inhibited NSCLC cell proliferation and migration, as well as stimulated NSCLC cell apoptosis through regulation of HOXC13 expression.

RNAi-mediated knockdown of PFK1 decreases the invasive capability and metastasis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell line, CNE-2

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is the most prevailing malignancy of the head and neck with unique geographic distribution. Southern China has one of the highest incidence rates of NPC in the world. Although radiotherapy and chemotherapy are the most important treatment modalities for NPC, recurrence, and metastasis severely interfere with the survival quality of patients. It is much-needed to find an effective method of NPC treatment with a good prognosis such as gene therapy. PFK1, a key regulatory enzyme of glycolysis, is frequently shown to be amplified and overexpressed in a variety of human cancers. However, the function of PFK1 and molecular mechanism in NPC is elusive. Here, we knockdown PFK1 expression by utilizing DNA vector-based RNA Interference. Western blotting and real-time PCR show that the expression of PFK1 is efficiently down-regulated in both protein and mRNA levels by stable transfection with PFK1 siRNA expression vector. In addition, stable knockdown of PFK1 expression inhibits cell growth, induces apoptosis, decreases the invasive capability and metastasis in the CNE2 human NPC cell line. This present study finds the importance of PFK1 which can be worked as a novel target in NPC treatment and holds great potential to be extended to other malignant cancers.

The circ_0004463/miR-380-3p/FOXO1 axis modulates mitochondrial respiration and bladder cancer cell apoptosis

Bladder cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed and fatal malignancies of the urinary tract. Noncoding RNAs have been reported to be new biomarkers and effective treatment targets for bladder cancer. In the present study, we identified a novel bladder cancer-related circRNA-miRNA-mRNA network, the circ_0004463/miR-380-3p/FOXO1 axis. circ_0004463 is significantly downregulated, whereas miR-380-3p is upregulated in bladder carcinoma tissue samples and cells. circ_0004463 acts as a tumor suppressor by inhibiting bladder cancer cell proliferation. Genes that negatively correlated with miR-380-3p and genes that miR-380-3p might target are enriched in mitochondrial respiration chain-related pathways. miR-380-3p promotes the proliferation of bladder cancer cells and mitochondrial respiration by acting as an oncogenic miRNA. circ_0004463 competes with FOXO1 for miR-380-3p binding to counteract miR-380-3p-mediated repression of FOXO1. Circ_0004463 overexpression inhibits cancer cell proliferation and mitochondrial respiration in bladder cancer cell lines, while miR-380-3p overexpression dramatically reverses the roles of circ_0004463 overexpression. In conclusion, the circ_0004463/miR-380-3p/FOXO1 axis could regulate mitochondrial respiration and bladder cancer cell apoptosis via FOXO1 signaling.

Crocin inhibits the activation of mouse hepatic stellate cells via the lnc-LFAR1/MTF-1/GDNF pathway

Crocin is the main monomer of saffron, which is a momentous component of traditional Chinese medicine Lang Qing A Ta. Here, we tried to probe into the role of crocin in liver fibrosis. Hematoxylin-eosin staining and Sirius Red staining were used to observe the pathological changes of liver tissues. After hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) were isolated from liver tissues, lnc-LFAR1, MTF-1, GDNF, and α-SMA expressions were detected by qRT-PCR and western blot. Immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence were used to detect α-SMA expression. Chromatin immunoprecipitation was used to analyze the binding of MTF-1 to the GDNF promoter. Moreover, the dual-luciferase reporter gene, RNA pull-down, and RNA immunoprecipitation were used to clarify the interaction between MTF-1 and GDNF, lnc-LFAR1 and MTF-1. The degree of liver fibrosis was more severe in the mice from the liver fibrosis model, while the liver fibrosis was alleviated by the injection of crocin. lnc-LFAR1, GDNF, and α-SMA were up-regulated, and MTF-1 was down-regulated in liver fibrosis tissues and cells, while these trends were reversed after the injection of crocin. Besides, lnc-LFAR1 negatively regulated MTF-1 expression, and positively regulated GDNF and α-SMA expressions, and MTF-1 was enriched in the promoter region of GDNF. Furthermore, the cellular direct interactions between MTF-1 and GDNF, lnc-LFAR1 and MTF-1 were verified. In vivo experiments confirmed the relief of crocin on liver fibrosis. Our research expounded that crocin restrained the activation of HSCs through the lnc-LFAR1/MTF-1/GDNF axis, thereby ameliorating liver fibrosis.

It takes two to tango: coupling of Hippo pathway and redox signaling in biological process

Hippo pathway is a chain of kinases consists of a series of protein kinases and transcription factors. Meanwhile, oxidative stress is a condition of elevated concentrations of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that cause molecular damage to vital structures and functions. Both of them are key regulators in cell proliferation, survival, and development. These processes are strictly regulated by highly coordinated mechanisms, including c-Jun n-terminal kinase (JNK) pathway, mTOR pathway and a number of extrinsic and intrinsic factors. Recently, emerging evidence suggests that Hippo pathway is involved in the responses to cellular stresses, including mechanic stress, DNA damage, and oxidative stress, to mediate biological process, such as apoptosis, pyroptosis, and metastasis. But the exact mechanism remains to be further explored. Therefore, the purpose of this review is to summarize recent findings and discuss how Hippo pathway, oxidative stress, and the crosstalk between them regulate some biological process which determines cell fate.

Emerging Pharmacologic Targets in Cerebral Cavernous Malformation and Potential Strategies to Alter the Natural History of a Difficult Disease: A Review

Importance

Cerebral cavernous malformations (CCMs) are vascular lesions of the brain that may lead to hemorrhage, seizures, and neurologic deficits. Most are linked to loss-of-function mutations in 1 of 3 genes, namely CCM1 (originally called KRIT1), CCM2 (MGC4607), or CCM3 (PDCD10), that can either occur as sporadic events or are inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern with incomplete penetrance. Familial forms originate from germline mutations, often have multiple intracranial lesions that grow in size and number over time, and cause an earlier and more severe presentation. Despite active preclinical research on a few pharmacologic agents, clinical translation has been slow. Open surgery and, in some cases, stereotactic radiosurgery remain the only effective treatments, but these options are limited by lesion accessibility and are associated with nonnegligible rates of morbidity and mortality.

Observations

We discuss the limits of CCM management and introduce findings from in vitro and in vivo studies that provide insight into CCM pathogenesis and indicate molecular mechanisms as potential therapeutic targets. These studies report dysregulated cellular pathways shared between CCM, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer. They also suggest the potential effectiveness of proper drug repurposing in association with, or as an alternative to, targeted interventions.

Conclusions and Relevance

We propose methods to exploit specific molecular pathways to design patient-tailored therapeutic approaches in CCM, with the aim to alter its natural progression. In this scenario, the lack of effective pharmacologic options remains a critical barrier that poses an unfulfilled and urgent medical need.

A Novel CCM2 Gene Mutation Associated With Cerebral Cavernous Malformation

Cerebral cavernous malformations (CCMs) are the second most prevalent type of vascular malformation within the central nervous system. CCMs occur in two forms—sporadic and familial—the latter of which has an autosomal dominant mode of inheritance with incomplete penetrance and variable clinical expressivity. There are three genes considered to be associated with CCMs,—CCM1, which codes for KRIT1 protein; CCM2, which codes for MGC4607 protein; and CCM3, which codes for PDCD10 protein. To date, more than 74 gene mutations of CCM2 have been reported, and ~45% are deletion mutations. In this article, we disclose a novel CCM2 genetic variant (c.755delC, p.S252fs^*40X) identified in a Chinese family to enrich the database of CCM2 genotypes.

Genetics of vascular malformation and therapeutic implications

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Vascular malformations (VaMs) are a consequence of disrupted morphogenesis that may involve arterial, capillary, venous, or lymphatic endothelium alone or in a combination. VaMs can have serious health impacts, leading to life-threatening conditions sometimes. Genetic mutations affecting proliferation, migration, adhesion, differentiation, and survival of endothelial cells, as well as integrity of extracellular matrix are believed to be the pathogenesis of these disorders. Here, we present an updated review of genetic mutations and potential therapeutic targets for VaMs.

RECENT FINDINGS

Increased number of genetic mutations have been discovered in vascular anomalies via targeted deep sequencing. When a genetic defect is identified, it often presents in only a small percentage of cells within the malformation. In addition, mutations within the same gene may result in different clinical phenotypes. Management of VaMs can be challenging depending on the severity and functional impairment associated. There are no standard treatment algorithms available to date for VaMs, therefore the disorder has significant unmet clinical needs. Currently, the focus of therapeutic development is to target constitutively activated intracellular signaling pathways resulted from genetic mutations.

SUMMARY

Knowledge about the genetic mutations and altered signaling pathways related to VaMs have improved our understanding about the pathogenesis of vascular anomalies and provided insights to the development of new targeted therapies.