Ezrin T567 phosphorylation regulates migration and invasion of ectopic endometrial stromal cells by changing actin cytoskeleton

Fetal ezrin expression affects macrophages and regulatory T cells in mouse placental decidua

Ezrin is a cross-linker protein between membrane proteins and cytosolic actin, abundantly expressed in the placenta among the ERM protein family. Ezrin gene knockout mice exhibit fetal growth restriction after gestational day (GD) 15.5. This study aimed to clarify the effect of ezrin on immune cells that influence fetal growth and immune tolerance. Ezrin heterozygous knockout (Ez+/-) mice were interbred, and the gene expressions and immune cell distributions in the placentas of wild-type (Ez+/+) and ezrin knockout (Ez-/-) fetuses were analyzed. IL-6 expression in the placenta of Ez-/- fetuses was significantly higher than in Ez+/+ fetuses at GD 15.5. The mRNA expression of IL-6 in the uterine decidua attached to Ez-/- fetuses was higher compared to that attached to Ez+/+ fetuses but not in the junctional zone and labyrinth. Classical M1 and M2 macrophages in the decidua were analyzed by flow cytometry using CD86 and CD206 as markers. M1 macrophages increased in the decidua attached to Ez-/- mice compared to Ez+/+ mice, while M2 macrophages did not increase. CD4-positive T cells showed a reduction in the decidua attached to Ez-/- fetuses. Further analysis involved the subcutaneous administration of tacrolimus in pregnant Ez+/- mice from GD 8.5 to GD 15.5, which prevented the decrease in fetal body weight and decidual CD4-positive T cells in Ez-/- mice at GD 15.5. These results suggest that impaired expression of fetoplacental-derived ezrin induces inflammatory conditions in the uterine decidua through M1 polarization of macrophages, increased IL-6, and decreased CD4-positive T cells, including Treg cells.

Unraveling pathogenesis, biomarkers and potential therapeutic agents for endometriosis associated with disulfidptosis based on bioinformatics analysis, machine learning and experiment validation

BACKGROUND

Endometriosis (EMs) is an enigmatic disease of yet-unknown pathogenesis. Disulfidptosis, a novel identified form of programmed cell death resulting from disulfide stress, stands a chance of treating diverse ailments. However, the potential roles of disulfidptosis-related genes (DRGs) in EMs remain elusive. This study aims to thoroughly explore the key disulfidptosis genes involved in EMs, and probe novel diagnostic markers and candidate therapeutic compounds from the aspect of disulfidptosis based on bioinformatics analysis, machine learning, and animal experiments.

RESULTS

Enrichment analysis on key module genes and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) of eutopic and ectopic endometrial tissues in EMs suggested that EMs was closely related to disulfidptosis. And then, we obtained 20 and 16 disulfidptosis-related DEGs in eutopic and ectopic endometrial tissue, respectively. The protein-protein interaction (PPI) network revealed complex interactions between genes, and screened nine and ten hub genes in eutopic and ectopic endometrial tissue, respectively. Furthermore, immune infiltration analysis uncovered distinct differences in the immunocyte, human leukocyte antigen (HLA) gene set, and immune checkpoints in the eutopic and ectopic endometrial tissues when compared with health control. Besides, the hub genes mentioned above showed a close correlation with the immune microenvironment of EMs. Furthermore, four machine learning algorithms were applied to screen signature genes in eutopic and ectopic endometrial tissue, including the binary logistic regression (BLR), the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO), the support vector machine-recursive feature elimination (SVM-RFE), and the extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost). Model training and hyperparameter tuning were implemented on 80% of the data using a ten-fold cross-validation method, and tested in the testing sets which determined the excellent diagnostic performance of these models by six indicators (Sensitivity, Specificity, Positive Predictive Value, Negative Predictive Value, Accuracy, and Area Under Curve). And seven eutopic signature genes (ACTB, GYS1, IQGAP1, MYH10, NUBPL, SLC7A11, TLN1) and five ectopic signature genes (CAPZB, CD2AP, MYH10, OXSM, PDLIM1) were finally identified based on machine learning. The independent validation dataset also showed high accuracy of the signature genes (IQGAP1, SLC7A11, CD2AP, MYH10, PDLIM1) in predicting EMs. Moreover, we screened 12 specific compounds for EMs based on ectopic signature genes and the pharmacological impact of tretinoin on signature genes was further verified in the ectopic lesion in the EMs murine model.

CONCLUSION

This study verified a close association between disulfidptosis and EMs based on bioinformatics analysis, machine learning, and animal experiments. Further investigation on the biological mechanism of disulfidptosis in EMs is anticipated to yield novel advancements for searching for potential diagnostic biomarkers and revolutionary therapeutic approaches in EMs.

Serine/threonine-protein kinase D2-mediated phosphorylation of DSG2 threonine 730 promotes esophageal squamous cell carcinoma progression

Desmoglein-2 (DSG2) is a transmembrane glycoprotein belonging to the desmosomal cadherin family, which mediates cell-cell junctions; regulates cell proliferation, migration, and invasion; and promotes tumor development and metastasis. We previously showed serum DSG2 to be a potential biomarker for the diagnosis of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), although the significance and underlying molecular mechanisms were not identified. Here, we found that DSG2 was increased in ESCC tissues compared with adjacent tissues. In addition, we demonstrated that DSG2 promoted ESCC cell migration and invasion. Furthermore, using interactome analysis, we identified serine/threonine-protein kinase D2 (PRKD2) as a novel DSG2 kinase that mediates the phosphorylation of DSG2 at threonine 730 (T730). Functionally, DSG2 promoted ESCC cell migration and invasion dependent on DSG2-T730 phosphorylation. Mechanistically, DSG2 T730 phosphorylation activated EGFR, Src, AKT, and ERK signaling pathways. In addition, DSG2 and PRKD2 were positively correlated with each other, and the overall survival time of ESCC patients with high DSG2 and PRKD2 was shorter than that of patients with low DSG2 and PRKD2 levels. In summary, PRKD2 is a novel DSG2 kinase, and PRKD2-mediated DSG2 T730 phosphorylation promotes ESCC progression. These findings may facilitate the development of future therapeutic agents that target DSG2 and DSG2 phosphorylation. © 2024 The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.

Identification of urine biomarkers of endometriosis-Protein mass spectrometry

INTRODUCTION

Endometriosis is a chronic inflammatory disease that leads to a series of pathological reactions. The basis is a changed proinflammatory activated immune system, which results in more pronounced oxidative stress, disturbed function of proteolysis and cell apoptosis. These processes are crucial in the development of the disease because their dysfunctional activities cause the progression of the disease. It is believed that the proteins excreted in the urine interact with each other and promote pathological processes in endometriosis.

METHODS

We analyzed the urine proteome of patients and aimed to detect a potential protein biomarker for endometriosis in the urine proteome. We collected urine samples from 16 patients with endometriosis and 16 patients in the control group with functional ovarian cysts. The diagnosis for all patients was confirmed through pathohistological analysis. After the preanalytical preparation of the urine, chromatography and mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) used the technology of urine proteome analysis.

RESULTS

The main finding was a significantly different concentration of 14 proteins in the urine samples. We recorded a considerably higher concentration of proteins that have a significant role in activating the immune system (SELL), iron metabolism (HAMP) and cell apoptosis (CHGA) in endometriosis compared to controls. Proteins having an antioxidant function (SOD1) and a role in proteolysis of the extracellular matrix (MMP-9) were significantly reduced in endometriosis compared to controls.

CONCLUSION

Consistent with the known pathogenesis of endometriosis, the study results complement the pathological responses that occur with disease progression.

Inhibition of ezrin phosphorylation by NSC305787 attenuates procaterol-stimulated ciliary beating in airway cilia

Ciliary beating in the airway epithelium plays an important role in preventing infection by eliminating small particles and pathogens. Stimulation of β2 adrenergic receptor (β2AR) increases [cAMP]i levels and strongly activates this ciliary beating. β2AR is localized to the apical membrane of the airways by indirectly binding to ezrin, an actin-binding protein. Ezrin takes active phosphorylated and inactive dephosphorylated states at Thr-567. Previously we showed that procaterol-stimulated ciliary beating was impaired in the ezrin-knockdown mice. In this study, we examined the roles of ezrin and its phosphorylation in regulating ciliary beating by using NSC305787, an ezrin inhibitor, in normal human airway epithelial cells (NHBE). We found that NSC305787 inhibits the phosphorylation of ezrin with an IC50 of 50 μM in NHBE. Treatment with NSC305787 for 4 h or more decreased the expression of β2AR in the cell membrane and induced vesicle- or dot-like expression of ezrin and β2AR inside the cell. As a result, inhibition of ezrin phosphorylation by NSC305787 attenuated the effect of procaterol-induced activation of ciliary beating in both frequency and distance indices.

The effects of boar seminal plasma extracellular vesicles on sperm fertility

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are abundant in body fluid and are critical in cell interaction. Seminal plasma contains numerous EVs which affecting sperm function via transferring regulatory cargoes to the sperm. However, the mechanism of seminal plasma extracellular vesicles (SP-EVs) is still not clear. The present study aimed to isolate the boar SP-EVs and explore its potential function, then identify the key protein involved in SP-EVs and sperms interaction, and elucidate mechanism of SP-EVs protein on sperms. Here, we successfully isolated and concentrated boar SP-EVs, the SP-EVs showed a typical vesicle structure under transmission electron microscopy, most of their diameters range between 50 and 200 nm and express EVs biomarkers CD9 and CD63. We proved that SP-EVs could inhibit sperm acrosome reaction and in vitro fertility. Through a data-independent acquisition analysis of protein profiles of noncapacitated sperms, normal capacitated sperms and SP-EVs treated capacitated sperms, we identified that EZRIN was one of the active proteins that participated in SP-EVs and sperms interaction. Furthermore, we tested that the inhibition of EZRIN could promote boar sperm fertility, which is in consistence with the function of SP-EVs. The results may facilitate future research of SP-EVs on sperm function and male infertility.

Ezrin expression in female reproductive tissues: A review of regulation and pathophysiological implications

Ezrin, a plasma membrane-microfilament linker, is a cytoskeletal organizer involved in many cellular activities by binding to the membrane protein-ezrin-cytoskeletal protein complex and regulating downstream signal transduction. Increasing evidence demonstrates that ezrin plays an important role in regulating cell polarity, proliferation and invasion. In this study, we analyzed the effects of ezrin on oocytes, follicle development, embryo development and embryo implantation. We reviewed the recent studies on the modalities of ezrin regulation and its involvement in the biological processes of female reproductive physiology and summarized the current research advances in ezrin inhibitors. These studies will provide new strategies and insights for the treatment of diseases.

Ezrin gone rogue in cancer progression and metastasis: An enticing therapeutic target

Cancer metastasis is the primary cause of morbidity and mortality in cancer as it remains the most complicated, devastating, and enigmatic aspect of cancer. Several decades of extensive research have identified several key players closely associated with metastasis. Among these players, cytoskeletal linker Ezrin (the founding member of the ERM (Ezrin-Radixin-Moesin) family) was identified as a critical promoter of metastasis in pediatric cancers in the early 21st century. Ezrin was discovered 40 years ago as a aminor component of intestinal epithelial microvillus core protein, which is enriched in actin-containing cell surface structures. It controls gastric acid secretion and plays diverse physiological roles including maintaining cell polarity, regulating cell adhesion, cell motility and morphogenesis. Extensive research for more than two decades evinces that Ezrin is frequently dysregulated in several human cancers. Overexpression, altered subcellular localization and/or aberrant activation of Ezrin are closely associated with higher metastatic incidence and patient mortality, thereby justifying Ezrin as a valuable prognostic biomarker in cancer. Ezrin plays multifaceted role in multiple aspects of cancer, with its significant contribution in the complex metastatic cascade, through reorganizing the cytoskeleton and deregulating various cellular signaling pathways. Current preclinical studies using genetic and/or pharmacological approaches reveal that inactivation of Ezrin results in significant inhibition of Ezrin-mediated tumor growth and metastasis as well as increase in the sensitivity of cancer cells to various chemotherapeutic drugs. In this review, we discuss the recent advances illuminating the molecular mechanisms responsible for Ezrin dysregulation in cancer and its pleiotropic role in cancer progression and metastasis. We also highlight its potential as a prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target in various cancers. More importantly, we put forward some potential questions, which we strongly believe, will stimulate both basic and translational research to better understand Ezrin-mediated malignancy, ultimately leading to the development of Ezrin-targeted cancer therapy for the betterment of human life.

Pathophysiological Roles of Actin-Binding Scaffold Protein, Ezrin

Ezrin is one of the members of the ezrin/radixin/moesin (ERM) family of proteins. It was originally discovered as an actin-binding protein in the microvilli structure about forty years ago. Since then, it has been revealed as a key protein with functions in a variety of fields including cell migration, survival, and signal transduction, as well as functioning as a structural component. Ezrin acts as a cross-linker of membrane proteins or phospholipids in the plasma membrane and the actin cytoskeleton. It also functions as a platform for signaling molecules at the cell surface. Moreover, ezrin is regarded as an important target protein in cancer diagnosis and therapy because it is a key protein involved in cancer progression and metastasis, and its high expression is linked to poor survival in many cancers. Small molecule inhibitors of ezrin have been developed and investigated as candidate molecules that suppress cancer metastasis. Here, we wish to comprehensively review the roles of ezrin from the pathophysiological points of view.

Cotranslational interaction of human EBP50 and ezrin overcomes masked binding site during complex assembly

Multiprotein assemblages are the intracellular workhorses of many physiological processes. Assembly of constituents into complexes can be driven by stochastic, domain-dependent, posttranslational events in which mature, folded proteins specifically interact. However, inaccessibility of interacting surfaces in mature proteins (e.g., due to "buried" domains) can obstruct complex formation. Mechanisms by which multiprotein complex constituents overcome topological impediments remain enigmatic. For example, the heterodimeric complex formed by EBP50 and ezrin must address this issue as the EBP50-interacting domain in ezrin is obstructed by a self-interaction that occupies the EBP50 binding site. Here, we show that the EBP50-ezrin complex is formed by a cotranslational mechanism in which the C terminus of mature, fully formed EBP50 binds the emerging, ribosome-bound N-terminal FERM domain of ezrin during EZR mRNA translation. Consistent with this observation, a C-terminal EBP50 peptide mimetic reduces the cotranslational interaction and abrogates EBP50-ezrin complex formation. Phosphorylation of EBP50 at Ser³³⁹ and Ser³⁴⁰ abrogates the cotranslational interaction and inhibits complex formation. In summary, we show that the function of eukaryotic mRNA translation extends beyond "simple" generation of a linear peptide chain that folds into a tertiary structure, potentially for subsequent complex assembly; importantly, translation can facilitate interactions with sterically inaccessible domains to form functional multiprotein complexes.

The raft cytoskeleton binding protein complexes personate functional regulators in cell behaviors

Several cytoskeleton proteins interact with raft proteins to form raft-cytoskeleton binding protein complexes (RCPCs) that control cell migration and adhesion. The purpose of this paper is to review the latest research on the modes and mechanisms by which a RCPC controls different cellular functions. This paper discusses RCPC composition and its role in cytoskeleton reorganization, as well as the latest developments in molecular mechanisms that regulate cell adhesion and migration under normal conditions. In addition, the role of some external stimuli (such as stress and chemical signals) in this process is further debated, and meanwhile potential mechanisms for RCPC to regulate lipid raft fluidity is proposed. Thus, this review mainly contributes to the understanding of RCPC signal transduction in cells. Additionally, the targeted signal transduction of RCPC and its mechanism connection with cell behaviors will provide a logical basis for the development of unified interventions to combat metastasis related dysfunction and diseases.

Expression of ezrin protein and phosphorylated ezrin in pelvic endometriotic lesions

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the expression of Ezrin and Phosphorylated Ezrin (Phospho-Ezrin) in endometriosis lesions and its relation to the menstrual cycle phase, stage of endometriosis, histological classification, and clinical symptoms.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The authors conducted a retrospective study, with endometriotic lesions collected from women with endometriosis (n = 57) who underwent laparoscopy from 2017 to 2018. The expression of Ezrin and Phosphorylated Ezrin proteins was analyzed by immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

All the endometriotic lesions contained immunostaining for Ezrin in the glands. Phosphorylated Ezrin was expressed in the stroma of all endometriotic lesions. There was no difference in the Ezrin and Phosphorylated Ezrin's expression in the retrocervical, ovarian, superficial, and intestinal lesions in the same patient. Dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia, acyclic pain, infertility, and dysuria were similar in the three groups of Ezrin staining. There was an inversely proportional relationship between severe dyschezia and Ezrin's intensity, being 66.7% of Ezrin 1 (weak intensity), 36.7 Ezrin 2 (moderate intensity), and 10.0% of Ezrin 3 (p = 0.013). Regarding Phospho-Ezrin there wasn't a significant difference between all the analyzed variables. Histological classification and menstrual cycle phase had also no significant difference between Ezrin and Phospho-Ezrin immunostaining.

CONCLUSION

Ezrin protein and Phospho-Ezrin can be considered important markers to elucidate the mechanisms related to migration and attachment of endometriotic lesions. It is still unclear if Ezrin and Phospho-Ezrin are a cause or consequence of endometriosis. Further studies comparing different types of lesions and eutopic endometrium are necessary to elucidate the role of these proteins in the pathogenesis of endometriosis.

Photodynamic effect of chlorin e6 on cytoskeleton protein of human colon cancer SW480 cells

BACKGROUND

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is based on photochemical and photobiological reactions mediated by photosensitizers to achieve a killing effect on diseased cells. It is used in the treatment of malignant tumors, precancerous lesions and infections.

OBJECTIVE

In order to provide theoretical data for further study of the mechanism of PDT for colorectal cancer, SW480 cells were treated with Ce6-PDT and effect of photodynamic therapy (Ce6-PDT) on cytoskeleton and E-cadherin protein were observed.

METHODS

The survival of SW480 cells was detected by MTT assay. The morphological changes of SW480 cells after Ce6-PDT were observed by scanning electron microscope (ESM). The migration ability was determined by wound healing assay. The distribution of F-actin in the cytoplasm was observed with confocal laser scanning microscope. Western blot analysis was used to detect the expression of cytoskeleton proteins in SW480 cells after Ce6-PDT.

RESULTS

Compared with the control group, there was significant difference in cell viability of cells treated with Ce6-PDT (F = 78753.78, P < 0.05). The pseudopodia almost disappeared and cellular atrophy was clearly visible in the cells of Ce6-PDT group. The migration ability of cells treated with Ce6-PDT for 48 h was significantly lower than the control group (F = 11.794, P<0.001). The result of Western blot analysis showed that the expression of F-actin, α-tubulin, β-tubulin and Vimentin in the cells treated with Ce6-PDT were significantly higher than that in the control group (F = 22.251,8.109, 5.840, 4.685 and 18.754, P < 0.05). The expression of E-cadherin in cells of Ce6-PDT group was significantly higher than that in control group (F = 30.882, P < 0.001). Perhaps Ce6-PDT inhibits the proliferation and migration of colon cancer SW480 cells by enhancing the expression of E-cadherin, causing the disappearance of cell pseudopodia and the destruction of cytoskeleton.

CONCLUSIONS

The destruction of cytoskeleton might be one of the reasons for the inhibition of cell proliferation and migration by Ce6-PDT.

MicroRNA‑202 inhibits endometrial stromal cell migration and invasion by suppressing the K‑Ras/Raf1/MEK/ERK signaling pathway

The enhanced migratory ability of endometrial stromal cells (ESCs) is a key factor in the formation of functional endometrium‑like tissues outside the uterine cavity during endometriosis (EMS). Although accumulating evidence has suggested the importance of microRNAs (miRNAs) in the pathogenesis of EMS, the role of particular miRNAs in the invasiveness of ESCs remain poorly understood. In the present study, the function of miRNAs in the invasiveness of ESCs, along with the associated underlying mechanism involved, were investigated. Initially, the expression patterns of miRNAs in the ectopic and eutopic endometrium isolated from patients with EMS were analyzed using microarray. MicroRNA‑202‑5p (miR‑202) was selected for further study due to its previously reported suppressive effects on the invasion in various types of cancers. The expression of miR‑202 and K‑Ras in eutopic and ectopic endometrioma tissues were detected using reverse transcription‑quantitative PCR, immunohistochemistry and western blotting. The migration and invasion ability of ESCs was determined using wound healing and Transwell invasion assays, respectively. Compared with that from healthy individuals, miR‑202 expression was demonstrated to be lower in the eutopic endometrium from patients with EMS, which was even lower in ectopic endometrium. Functional experiments in primary ESCs revealed that enhanced miR‑202 expression suppressed the cell invasion and migration abilities, which was also accompanied with increased E‑cadherin and reduced N‑cadherin expression in ESCs, suggesting its potentially suppressive role in epithelial‑mesenchymal transition. K‑Ras is a well‑known regulator of the ERK signaling pathway that was shown to be directly targeted and negatively regulated by miR‑202. In addition, K‑Ras expression was found to be upregulated in the ectopic endometrium, where it correlated negatively with that of miR‑202. Knocking down K‑Ras expression mimicked the anti‑invasive effects of miR‑202 overexpression on ESCs, whilst K‑Ras overexpression attenuated the inhibitory role of miR‑202 overexpression in ESC invasion. The K‑Ras/Raf1/MEK/ERK signaling pathway was also blocked by miR‑202 overexpression. These findings suggested that miR‑202 inhibited ESC migration and invasion by inhibiting the K‑Ras/Raf1/MEK/ERK signaling pathway, rendering miR‑202 a candidate for being a therapeutic target for EMS.

Expression profile and bioinformatics analysis of circular RNA in intestinal mucosal injury and repair after severe burns

Circular RNA (circRNA) is a novel noncoding RNA that is mostly found in humans and animals. Although the flux of circRNA research has increased in recent years, its precise function is still unclear. Some studies demonstrate that circRNAs can function as microRNA (miRNA) sponges involved in the regulation of competitive endogenous RNAs networks and play a crucial role in many biological processes. Other studies show that circRNAs play multiple biological roles in gastrointestinal diseases. However, the expression characteristics and function of circRNA in intestinal mucosal injury and repair after severe burn have not been reported. This study aims to screen differentially expressed circRNAs in intestinal mucosal injury and repair after severe burns and understand their underlying mechanisms. To test our hypothesis that circRNA may play a role in promoting repair in intestinal mucosa injury after severe burns, we collected the intestinal tissues of three severely burned mice and three pseudo-scalded mice and evaluated the expression of circRNAs via microarray analysis. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was also used to validate the circRNA microarray data by selecting six based on different multiples, original values, and p values. The host genes of all differentially expressed circRNAs and the downstream target genes of six selected DEcircRNAs were identified by Gene Ontology and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis. Meanwhile, we also created a circRNA-miRNA-mRNA network to predict the role and function of circRNAs in intestinal mucosal injury and repair after severe burns.