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Song Z, Li J, He Y, Wang X, Tian J, Wu Y. A novel PROTAC molecule dBET1 alleviates pathogenesis of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis in mice by degrading BRD4. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 139:112646. [PMID: 39002520 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.112646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2024] [Revised: 06/25/2024] [Accepted: 07/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/15/2024]
Abstract
Neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration are hallmarks of multiple sclerosis (MS). Bromodomain-containing protein 4 (BRD4), a bromodomain and extra-terminal domain (BET) protein family member, is indispensable for the transcription of pro-inflammatory genes. Therefore, inhibiting BRD4 may be a prospective therapeutic approach for modulating the inflammatory response and regulating the course of MS. dBET1, a newly synthesized proteolysis-targeting chimera (PROTAC), exhibits effectively degrades of BRD4. However, the precise effects of dBET1 on MS require further investigation. Therefore, we assessed the effect of dBET1 in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), a typical MS experimental model. Our findings revealed that BRD4 is mainly expressed in astrocytes and neurons of the spinal cords, and is up-regulated in the spinal cords of EAE mice. The dBET1 attenuated lipopolysaccharide-induced expression of astrocytic pro-inflammatory mediators and inhibited deleterious molecular activity in astrocytes. Correspondingly, dBET1, used in preventive and therapeutic settings, alleviated the behavioral symptoms in EAE mice, as demonstrated by decreased demyelination, alleviated leukocyte infiltration, reduced microglial and astrocyte activation, and diminished inflammatory mediator levels. In addition, dBET1 corrected the imbalance in peripheral T cells and protected blood-brain barrier integrity in EAE mice. The underlying mechanism involved suppressing the phosphoinositide-3-kinase/protein kinase B, mitogen-activated protein kinase /extracellular signal-regulated kinase, and nuclear factor kappa B pathways. In summary, our data strongly suggests that dBET1 is a promising treatment option for MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziwei Song
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150001, China; The Key Laboratory of Myocardial Ischemia, Chinese Ministry of Education, Harbin 150001, China
| | - Jin Li
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150001, China
| | - Yijie He
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150001, China
| | - Xiaokun Wang
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150001, China
| | - Jianan Tian
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150001, China
| | - Yun Wu
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150001, China.
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Larochelle J, Howell JA, Yang C, Liu L, Gunraj RE, Stansbury SM, de Oliveira ACP, Baksh S, Candelario-Jalil E. Pharmacological inhibition of receptor-interacting protein kinase 2 (RIPK2) elicits neuroprotective effects following experimental ischemic stroke. Exp Neurol 2024; 377:114812. [PMID: 38729551 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2024.114812] [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: 03/01/2024] [Revised: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
Ischemic stroke induces a debilitating neurological insult, where inflammatory processes contribute greatly to the expansion and growth of the injury. Receptor-interacting protein kinase 2 (RIPK2) is most well-known for its role as the obligate kinase for NOD1/2 pattern recognition receptor signaling and is implicated in the pathology of various inflammatory conditions. Compared to a sham-operated control, ischemic stroke resulted in a dramatic increase in the active, phosphorylated form of RIPK2, indicating that RIPK2 may be implicated in the response to stroke injury. Here, we assessed the effects of pharmacological inhibition of RIPK2 to improve post-stroke outcomes in mice subjected to experimental ischemic stroke. We found that treatment at the onset of reperfusion with a RIPK2 inhibitor, which inhibits the phosphorylation and activation of RIPK2, resulted in marked improvements in post-stroke behavioral outcomes compared to the vehicle-administered group assessed 24 h after stroke. RIPK2 inhibitor-treated mice exhibited dramatic reductions in infarct volume, concurrent with reduced damage to the blood-brain barrier, as evidenced by reduced levels of active matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and leakage of blood-borne albumin in the ipsilateral cortex. To explore the protective mechanism of RIPK2 inhibition, we next pretreated mice with RIPK2 inhibitor or vehicle and examined transcriptomic alterations occurring in the ischemic brain 6 h after stroke. We observed a dramatic reduction in neuroinflammatory markers in the ipsilateral cortex of the inhibitor-treated group while also attaining a comprehensive view of the vast transcriptomic alterations occurring in the brain with inhibitor treatment through bulk RNA-sequencing of the injured cortex. Overall, we provide significant novel evidence that RIPK2 may represent a viable target for post-stroke pharmacotherapy and potentially other neuroinflammatory conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Larochelle
- Department of Neuroscience, McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - John Aaron Howell
- Department of Neuroscience, McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Changjun Yang
- Department of Neuroscience, McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Lei Liu
- Department of Neuroscience, McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Rachel E Gunraj
- Department of Neuroscience, McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Sofia M Stansbury
- Department of Neuroscience, McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | | | - Shairaz Baksh
- BioImmuno Designs, Inc., Edmonton, Alberta, Canada; Bio-Stream Diagnostics, Inc., Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Eduardo Candelario-Jalil
- Department of Neuroscience, McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
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Sun J, Gui Y, Zhou S, Zheng XL. Unlocking the secrets of aging: Epigenetic reader BRD4 as the target to combatting aging-related diseases. J Adv Res 2023:S2090-1232(23)00329-6. [PMID: 37956861 DOI: 10.1016/j.jare.2023.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2023] [Revised: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Aging, a complex and profound journey, leads us through a labyrinth of physiological and pathological transformations, rendering us increasingly susceptible to aging-related diseases. Emerging investigations have unveiled the function of bromodomain containing protein 4 (BRD4) in manipulating the aging process and driving the emergence and progression of aging-related diseases. AIM OF REVIEW This review aims to offer a comprehensive outline of BRD4's functions involved in the aging process, and potential mechanisms through which BRD4 governs the initiation and progression of various aging-related diseases. KEY SCIENTIFIC CONCEPTS OF REVIEW BRD4 has a fundamental role in regulating the cell cycle, apoptosis, cellular senescence, the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP), senolysis, autophagy, and mitochondrial function, which are involved in the aging process. Several studies have indicated that BRD4 governs the initiation and progression of various aging-related diseases, including Alzheimer's disease, ischemic cerebrovascular diseases, hypertension, atherosclerosis, heart failure, aging-related pulmonary fibrosis, and intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD). Thus, the evidence from this review supports that BRD4 could be a promising target for managing various aging-related diseases, while further investigation is warranted to gain a thorough understanding of BRD4's role in these diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaxing Sun
- Departments of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, AB, Canada; Department of Cardiology, the Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yu Gui
- Departments of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Shenghua Zhou
- Department of Cardiology, the Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China.
| | - Xi-Long Zheng
- Departments of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, AB, Canada.
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Larochelle J, Tishko RJ, Yang C, Ge Y, Phan LT, Gunraj RE, Stansbury SM, Liu L, Mohamadzadeh M, Khoshbouei H, Candelario-Jalil E. Receptor-interacting protein kinase 2 (RIPK2) profoundly contributes to post-stroke neuroinflammation and behavioral deficits with microglia as unique perpetrators. J Neuroinflammation 2023; 20:221. [PMID: 37777791 PMCID: PMC10543871 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-023-02907-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Receptor-interacting protein kinase 2 (RIPK2) is a serine/threonine kinase whose activity propagates inflammatory signaling through its association with pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) and subsequent TAK1, NF-κB, and MAPK pathway activation. After stroke, dead and dying cells release a host of damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) that activate PRRs and initiate a robust inflammatory response. We hypothesize that RIPK2 plays a damaging role in the progression of stroke injury by enhancing the neuroinflammatory response to stroke and that global genetic deletion or microglia-specific conditional deletion of Ripk2 will be protective following ischemic stroke. METHODS Adult (3-6 months) male mice were subjected to 45 min of transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO) followed by 24 h, 48 h, or 28 days of reperfusion. Aged male and female mice (18-24 months) were subjected to permanent ischemic stroke and sacrificed 48 h later. Infarct volumes were calculated using TTC staining (24-48 h) or Cresyl violet staining (28d). Sensorimotor tests (weight grip, vertical grid, and open field) were performed at indicated timepoints. Blood-brain barrier (BBB) damage, tight junction proteins, matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), and neuroinflammatory markers were assessed via immunoblotting, ELISA, immunohistochemistry, and RT-qPCR. Differential gene expression profiles were generated through bulk RNA sequencing and nanoString®. RESULTS Global genetic deletion of Ripk2 resulted in decreased infarct sizes and reduced neuroinflammatory markers 24 h after stroke compared to wild-type controls. Ripk2 global deletion also improved both acute and long-term behavioral outcomes with powerful effects on reducing infarct volume and mortality at 28d post-stroke. Conditional deletion of microglial Ripk2 (mKO) partially recapitulated our results in global Ripk2 deficient mice, showing reductive effects on infarct volume and improved behavioral outcomes within 48 h of injury. Finally, bulk transcriptomic profiling and nanoString data demonstrated that Ripk2 deficiency in microglia decreases genes associated with MAPK and NF-κB signaling, dampening the neuroinflammatory response after stroke injury by reducing immune cell activation and peripheral immune cell invasion. CONCLUSIONS These results reveal a hitherto unknown role for RIPK2 in the pathogenesis of ischemic stroke injury, with microglia playing a distinct role. This study identifies RIPK2 as a potent propagator of neuroinflammatory signaling, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic target for post-stroke intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Larochelle
- Department of Neuroscience, McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, 1149 SW Newell Drive, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA
| | - Ryland J Tishko
- Department of Neuroscience, McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, 1149 SW Newell Drive, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA
| | - Changjun Yang
- Department of Neuroscience, McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, 1149 SW Newell Drive, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA
| | - Yong Ge
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of Texas Health, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Leah T Phan
- Department of Neuroscience, McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, 1149 SW Newell Drive, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA
| | - Rachel E Gunraj
- Department of Neuroscience, McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, 1149 SW Newell Drive, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA
| | - Sofia M Stansbury
- Department of Neuroscience, McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, 1149 SW Newell Drive, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA
| | - Lei Liu
- Department of Neuroscience, McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, 1149 SW Newell Drive, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA
| | - Mansour Mohamadzadeh
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of Texas Health, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Habibeh Khoshbouei
- Department of Neuroscience, McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, 1149 SW Newell Drive, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA
| | - Eduardo Candelario-Jalil
- Department of Neuroscience, McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, 1149 SW Newell Drive, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA.
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Gladkova MG, Leidmaa E, Anderzhanova EA. Epidrugs in the Therapy of Central Nervous System Disorders: A Way to Drive on? Cells 2023; 12:1464. [PMID: 37296584 PMCID: PMC10253154 DOI: 10.3390/cells12111464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2023] [Revised: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The polygenic nature of neurological and psychiatric syndromes and the significant impact of environmental factors on the underlying developmental, homeostatic, and neuroplastic mechanisms suggest that an efficient therapy for these disorders should be a complex one. Pharmacological interventions with drugs selectively influencing the epigenetic landscape (epidrugs) allow one to hit multiple targets, therefore, assumably addressing a wide spectrum of genetic and environmental mechanisms of central nervous system (CNS) disorders. The aim of this review is to understand what fundamental pathological mechanisms would be optimal to target with epidrugs in the treatment of neurological or psychiatric complications. To date, the use of histone deacetylases and DNA methyltransferase inhibitors (HDACis and DNMTis) in the clinic is focused on the treatment of neoplasms (mainly of a glial origin) and is based on the cytostatic and cytotoxic actions of these compounds. Preclinical data show that besides this activity, inhibitors of histone deacetylases, DNA methyltransferases, bromodomains, and ten-eleven translocation (TET) proteins impact the expression of neuroimmune inflammation mediators (cytokines and pro-apoptotic factors), neurotrophins (brain-derived neurotropic factor (BDNF) and nerve growth factor (NGF)), ion channels, ionotropic receptors, as well as pathoproteins (β-amyloid, tau protein, and α-synuclein). Based on this profile of activities, epidrugs may be favorable as a treatment for neurodegenerative diseases. For the treatment of neurodevelopmental disorders, drug addiction, as well as anxiety disorders, depression, schizophrenia, and epilepsy, contemporary epidrugs still require further development concerning a tuning of pharmacological effects, reduction in toxicity, and development of efficient treatment protocols. A promising strategy to further clarify the potential targets of epidrugs as therapeutic means to cure neurological and psychiatric syndromes is the profiling of the epigenetic mechanisms, which have evolved upon actions of complex physiological lifestyle factors, such as diet and physical exercise, and which are effective in the management of neurodegenerative diseases and dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina G. Gladkova
- Faculty of Bioengineering and Bioinformatics, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119234 Moscow, Russia
| | - Este Leidmaa
- Institute of Molecular Psychiatry, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
- Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, Department of Physiology, University of Tartu, 50411 Tartu, Estonia
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Zhu X, Liu W, Tang X, Chen Y, Ge X, Ke Q, Liang X, Gan Y, Zheng Y, Zou M, Deng M, Liu Y, Li DWC, Gong L. The BET PROTAC inhibitor dBET6 protects against retinal degeneration and inhibits the cGAS-STING in response to light damage. J Neuroinflammation 2023; 20:119. [PMID: 37217935 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-023-02804-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic inflammation significantly contributes to photoreceptor death in blinding retinal diseases such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and retinitis pigmentosa (RP). Bromodomain and extraterminal domain (BET) proteins are epigenetic readers that act as key proinflammatory factors. We recently found the first-generation BET inhibitor JQ1 alleviated sodium iodate-induced retinal degeneration by suppressing cGAS-STING innate immunity. Here, we investigated the effects and mechanism of dBET6, a proteolysis‑targeting chimera (PROTAC) small molecule that selectively degrades BET by the ubiquitin‒proteasome system, in light-induced retinal degeneration. METHODS Mice were exposed to bright light to induce retinal degeneration, and the activation of cGAS-STING was determined by RNA-sequencing and molecular biology. Retinal function, morphology, photoreceptor viability and retinal inflammation were examined in the presence and absence of dBET6 treatment. RESULTS Intraperitoneal injection of dBET6 led to the rapid degradation of BET protein in the retina without detectable toxicity. dBET6 improved retinal responsiveness and visual acuity after light damage (LD). dBET6 also repressed LD-induced retinal macrophages/microglia activation, Müller cell gliosis, photoreceptor death and retinal degeneration. Analysis of single-cell RNA-sequencing results revealed cGAS-STING components were expressed in retinal microglia. LD led to dramatic activation of the cGAS-STING pathway, whereas dBET6 suppressed LD-induced STING expression in reactive macrophages/microglia and the related inflammatory response. CONCLUSIONS This study indicates targeted degradation of BET by dBET6 exerts neuroprotective effects by inhibiting cGAS-STING in reactive retinal macrophages/microglia, and is expected to become a new strategy for treatment of retinal degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingfei Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510060, Guangdong, China
| | - Wei Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510060, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiangcheng Tang
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Shenzhen Eye Hospital, Jinan University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yulin Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510060, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiangyu Ge
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510060, Guangdong, China
| | - Qin Ke
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510060, Guangdong, China
| | - Xingmiao Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510060, Guangdong, China
| | - Yuwen Gan
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510060, Guangdong, China
| | - Yingfeng Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510060, Guangdong, China
| | - Ming Zou
- Peking University International Cancer Institute, Health Science Center, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Mi Deng
- Peking University International Cancer Institute, Health Science Center, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Yizhi Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510060, Guangdong, China
| | - David Wan-Cheng Li
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510060, Guangdong, China.
| | - Lili Gong
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510060, Guangdong, China.
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Tseng YL, Lu PC, Lee CC, He RY, Huang YA, Tseng YC, Cheng TJR, Huang JJT, Fang JM. Degradation of neurodegenerative disease-associated TDP-43 aggregates and oligomers via a proteolysis-targeting chimera. J Biomed Sci 2023; 30:27. [PMID: 37101169 PMCID: PMC10131537 DOI: 10.1186/s12929-023-00921-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 04/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) associated with TAR DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP-43) aggregation has been considered as a lethal and progressive motor neuron disease. Recent studies have shown that both C-terminal TDP-43 (C-TDP-43) aggregates and oligomers were neurotoxic and pathologic agents in ALS and frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD). However, misfolding protein has long been considered as an undruggable target by applying conventional inhibitors, agonists, or antagonists. To provide this unmet medical need, we aim to degrade these misfolding proteins by designing a series of proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs) against C-TDP-43. METHODS By applying filter trap assay, western blotting, and microscopy imaging, the degradation efficiency of C-TDP-43 aggregates was studied in Neuro-2a cells overexpressing eGFP-C-TDP-43 or mCherry-C-TDP-43. The cell viability was characterized by alarmarBlue assay. The beneficial and disaggregating effects of TDP-43 PROTAC were examined with the YFP-C-TDP-43 transgenic C. elegans by motility assay and confocal microscopy. The impact of TDP-43 PROTAC on C-TDP-43 oligomeric intermediates was monitored by fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy and size exclusion chromatography in the Neuro-2a cells co-expressing eGFP-C-TDP-43 and mCherry-C-TDP-43. RESULTS Four PROTACs with different linker lengths were synthesized and characterized. Among these chimeras, PROTAC 2 decreased C-TDP-43 aggregates and relieved C-TDP-43-induced cytotoxicity in Neuro-2a cells without affecting endogenous TDP-43. We showed that PROTAC 2 bound to C-TDP-43 aggregates and E3 ligase to initiate ubiquitination and proteolytic degradation. By applying advanced microscopy, it was further shown that PROTAC 2 decreased the compactness and population of C-TDP-43 oligomers. In addition to cellular model, PROTAC 2 also improved the motility of transgenic C. elegans by reducing the C-TDP-43 aggregates in the nervous system. CONCLUSIONS Our study demonstrated the dual-targeting capacity of the newly-designed PROTAC 2 against both C-TDP-43 aggregates and oligomers to reduce their neurotoxicity, which shed light on the potential drug development for ALS as well as other neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Ling Tseng
- Department of Chemistry, National Taiwan University, Taipei, 106, Taiwan
| | - Po-Chao Lu
- Institute of Chemistry, Academia Sinica, Taipei, 115, Taiwan
- Chemical Biology and Molecular Biophysics, Taiwan International Graduate Program, Academia Sinica, Taipei, 115, Taiwan
- Department and Graduate Institute of Pharmacology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, 100, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Chang Lee
- Institute of Chemistry, Academia Sinica, Taipei, 115, Taiwan
| | - Ruei-Yu He
- Institute of Chemistry, Academia Sinica, Taipei, 115, Taiwan
| | - Yung-An Huang
- Institute of Chemistry, Academia Sinica, Taipei, 115, Taiwan
| | - Yin-Chen Tseng
- The Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, 115, Taiwan
| | | | - Joseph Jen-Tse Huang
- Institute of Chemistry, Academia Sinica, Taipei, 115, Taiwan.
- Sustainable Chemical Science and Technology, Taiwan International Graduate Program, Academia Sinica, Taipei, 115, Taiwan.
- Department of Applied Chemistry, National Chiayi University, Chiayi City, 600, Taiwan.
- Neuroscience Program of Academia Sinica, Academia Sinica, Taipei, 115, Taiwan.
| | - Jim-Min Fang
- Department of Chemistry, National Taiwan University, Taipei, 106, Taiwan.
- The Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, 115, Taiwan.
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Martella N, Pensabene D, Varone M, Colardo M, Petraroia M, Sergio W, La Rosa P, Moreno S, Segatto M. Bromodomain and Extra-Terminal Proteins in Brain Physiology and Pathology: BET-ing on Epigenetic Regulation. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11030750. [PMID: 36979729 PMCID: PMC10045827 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11030750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Revised: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/25/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BET proteins function as histone code readers of acetylated lysins that determine the positive regulation in transcription of genes involved in cell cycle progression, differentiation, inflammation, and many other pathways. In recent years, thanks to the development of BET inhibitors, interest in this protein family has risen for its relevance in brain development and function. For example, experimental evidence has shown that BET modulation affects neuronal activity and the expression of genes involved in learning and memory. In addition, BET inhibition strongly suppresses molecular pathways related to neuroinflammation. These observations suggest that BET modulation may play a critical role in the onset and during the development of diverse neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease, fragile X syndrome, and Rett syndrome. In this review article, we summarize the most recent evidence regarding the involvement of BET proteins in brain physiology and pathology, as well as their pharmacological potential as targets for therapeutic purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noemi Martella
- Department of Biosciences and Territory, University of Molise, Contrada Fonte Lappone, 86090 Pesche, Italy
| | - Daniele Pensabene
- Department of Biosciences and Territory, University of Molise, Contrada Fonte Lappone, 86090 Pesche, Italy
- Department of Science, University Roma Tre, Viale Marconi 446, 00146 Rome, Italy
- Laboratory of Neurodevelopment, Neurogenetics and Neuromolecular Biology, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, 64 via del Fosso di Fiorano, 00179 Rome, Italy
| | - Michela Varone
- Department of Biosciences and Territory, University of Molise, Contrada Fonte Lappone, 86090 Pesche, Italy
| | - Mayra Colardo
- Department of Biosciences and Territory, University of Molise, Contrada Fonte Lappone, 86090 Pesche, Italy
| | - Michele Petraroia
- Department of Biosciences and Territory, University of Molise, Contrada Fonte Lappone, 86090 Pesche, Italy
| | - William Sergio
- Department of Biosciences and Territory, University of Molise, Contrada Fonte Lappone, 86090 Pesche, Italy
| | - Piergiorgio La Rosa
- Division of Neuroscience, Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, via dei Marsi 78, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Sandra Moreno
- Department of Science, University Roma Tre, Viale Marconi 446, 00146 Rome, Italy
- Laboratory of Neurodevelopment, Neurogenetics and Neuromolecular Biology, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, 64 via del Fosso di Fiorano, 00179 Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Segatto
- Department of Biosciences and Territory, University of Molise, Contrada Fonte Lappone, 86090 Pesche, Italy
- Correspondence:
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Rijlaarsdam J, Cosin-Tomas M, Schellhas L, Abrishamcar S, Malmberg A, Neumann A, Felix JF, Sunyer J, Gutzkow KB, Grazuleviciene R, Wright J, Kampouri M, Zar HJ, Stein DJ, Heinonen K, Räikkönen K, Lahti J, Hüls A, Caramaschi D, Alemany S, Cecil CAM. DNA methylation and general psychopathology in childhood: an epigenome-wide meta-analysis from the PACE consortium. Mol Psychiatry 2023; 28:1128-1136. [PMID: 36385171 PMCID: PMC7614743 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-022-01871-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Revised: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The general psychopathology factor (GPF) has been proposed as a way to capture variance shared between psychiatric symptoms. Despite a growing body of evidence showing both genetic and environmental influences on GPF, the biological mechanisms underlying these influences remain unclear. In the current study, we conducted epigenome-wide meta-analyses to identify both probe- and region-level associations of DNA methylation (DNAm) with school-age general psychopathology in six cohorts from the Pregnancy And Childhood Epigenetics (PACE) Consortium. DNAm was examined both at birth (cord blood; prospective analysis) and during school-age (peripheral whole blood; cross-sectional analysis) in total samples of N = 2178 and N = 2190, respectively. At school-age, we identified one probe (cg11945228) located in the Bromodomain-containing protein 2 gene (BRD2) that negatively associated with GPF (p = 8.58 × 10-8). We also identified a significant differentially methylated region (DMR) at school-age (p = 1.63 × 10-8), implicating the SHC Adaptor Protein 4 (SHC4) gene and the EP300-interacting inhibitor of differentiation 1 (EID1) gene that have been previously implicated in multiple types of psychiatric disorders in adulthood, including obsessive compulsive disorder, schizophrenia, and major depressive disorder. In contrast, no prospective associations were identified with DNAm at birth. Taken together, results of this study revealed some evidence of an association between DNAm at school-age and GPF. Future research with larger samples is needed to further assess DNAm variation associated with GPF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jolien Rijlaarsdam
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/ Psychology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marta Cosin-Tomas
- ISGlobal, Barcelona Institute for Global Health, Barcelona, Spain.
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain.
- Centro de investigación biomédica en red en epidemiología y salud pública (ciberesp), Madrid, Spain.
| | - Laura Schellhas
- School of Psychological Science, MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- Institute for Sex Research, Sexual Medicine and Forensic Psychiatry, University Medical Center Hamburg, Eppendorf, Germany
| | - Sarina Abrishamcar
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Anni Malmberg
- Department of Psychology & Logopedics, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | | | - Janine F Felix
- The Generation R Study Group, Erasmus MC University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Pediatrics, Erasmus MC University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jordi Sunyer
- ISGlobal, Barcelona Institute for Global Health, Barcelona, Spain
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de investigación biomédica en red en epidemiología y salud pública (ciberesp), Madrid, Spain
| | - Kristine B Gutzkow
- Division of Climate and Environmental Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health (NIPH), Oslo, Norway
| | - Regina Grazuleviciene
- Department of Environmental Science, Vytautas Magnus University, 44248, Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - John Wright
- Bradford Institute for Health Research, Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Bradford, UK
| | - Mariza Kampouri
- Department of Social Medicine, University of Crete, Crete, Greece
| | - Heather J Zar
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) Unit on Child and Adolescent Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Dan J Stein
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) Unit on Risk and Resilience in Mental Disorders, Neuroscience Institute, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Kati Heinonen
- Department of Psychology & Logopedics, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Psychology/ Welfare Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Katri Räikkönen
- Department of Psychology & Logopedics, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Jari Lahti
- Department of Psychology & Logopedics, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Anke Hüls
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Doretta Caramaschi
- Medical Research Council Integrative Epidemiology Unit, Population Health Science, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- Department of Psychology, , University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Silvia Alemany
- ISGlobal, Barcelona Institute for Global Health, Barcelona, Spain
- Psychiatric Genetics Unit, Group of Psychiatry, Mental Health and Addiction, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Biomedical Network Research Centre on Mental Health (CIBERSAM), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Charlotte A M Cecil
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/ Psychology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
- Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
- Molecular Epidemiology, Department of Biomedical Data Sciences, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands.
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10
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Lavayen BP, Yang C, Larochelle J, Liu L, Tishko RJ, de Oliveira ACP, Muñoz E, Candelario-Jalil E. Neuroprotection by the cannabidiol aminoquinone VCE-004.8 in experimental ischemic stroke in mice. Neurochem Int 2023; 165:105508. [PMID: 36863495 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2023.105508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/04/2023]
Abstract
Synthetic cannabidiol (CBD) derivative VCE-004.8 is a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) and cannabinoid receptor type 2 (CB2) dual agonist with hypoxia mimetic activity. The oral formulation of VCE-004.8, termed EHP-101, possesses anti-inflammatory properties and is currently in phase 2 clinical trials for relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis. The activation of PPARγ or CB2 receptors exerts neuroprotective effects by dampening neuroinflammation in ischemic stroke models. However, the effect of a dual PPARγ/CB2 agonist in ischemic stroke models is not known. Here, we demonstrate that treatment with VCE-004.8 confers neuroprotection in young mice subjected to cerebral ischemia. Male C57BL/6J mice, aged 3-4 months, were subjected to 30-min transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). We evaluated the effect of intraperitoneal VCE-004.8 treatment (10 or 20 mg/kg) either at the onset of reperfusion or 4h or 6h after the reperfusion. Seventy-two hours after ischemia, animals were subjected to behavioral tests. Immediately after the tests, animals were perfused, and brains were collected for histology and PCR analysis. Treatment with VCE-004.8 either at the onset or 4h after reperfusion significantly reduced infarct volume and improved behavioral outcomes. A trend toward reduction in stroke injury was observed in animals receiving the drug starting 6h after recirculation. VCE-004.8 significantly reduced the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines involved in BBB breakdown. Mice receiving VCE-004.8 had significantly lower levels of extravasated IgG in the brain parenchyma, indicating protection against stroke-induced BBB disruption. Lower levels of active matrix metalloproteinase-9 were found in the brain of drug-treated animals. Our data show that VCE-004.8 is a promising drug candidate for treating ischemic brain injury. Since VCE-004.8 has been shown to be safe in the clinical setting, the possibility of repurposing its use as a delayed treatment option for ischemic stroke adds substantial translational value to our findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bianca P Lavayen
- Department of Neuroscience, McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Changjun Yang
- Department of Neuroscience, McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Jonathan Larochelle
- Department of Neuroscience, McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Lei Liu
- Department of Neuroscience, McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Ryland J Tishko
- Department of Neuroscience, McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Antonio Carlos Pinheiro de Oliveira
- Department of Neuroscience, McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA; Neuropharmacology Laboratory, Department of Pharmacology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Eduardo Muñoz
- Instituto Maimónides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba-IMIBIC, Córdoba, Spain; Departamento de Biología Celular, Fisiología e Inmunología, Universidad de Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain; Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Eduardo Candelario-Jalil
- Department of Neuroscience, McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
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11
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Wasiak S, Fu L, Daze E, Gilham D, Rakai BD, Stotz SC, Tsujikawa LM, Sarsons CD, Studer D, Rinker KD, Jahagirdar R, Wong NCW, Sweeney M, Johansson JO, Kulikowski E. The BET inhibitor apabetalone decreases neuroendothelial proinflammatory activation in vitro and in a mouse model of systemic inflammation. Transl Neurosci 2023; 14:20220332. [PMID: 38222824 PMCID: PMC10787226 DOI: 10.1515/tnsci-2022-0332] [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: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Brain vascular inflammation is characterized by endothelial activation and immune cell recruitment to the blood vessel wall, potentially causing a breach in the blood - brain barrier, brain parenchyma inflammation, and a decline of cognitive function. The clinical-stage small molecule, apabetalone, reduces circulating vascular endothelial inflammation markers and improves cognitive scores in elderly patients by targeting epigenetic regulators of gene transcription, bromodomain and extraterminal proteins. However, the effect of apabetalone on cytokine-activated brain vascular endothelial cells (BMVECs) is unknown. Here, we show that apabetalone treatment of BMVECs reduces hallmarks of in vitro endothelial activation, including monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and RANTES chemokine secretion, cell surface expression of endothelial cell adhesion molecule VCAM-1, as well as endothelial capture of THP-1 monocytes in static and shear stress conditions. Apabetalone pretreatment of THP-1 downregulates cell surface expression of chemokine receptors CCR1, CCR2, and CCR5, and of the VCAM-1 cognate receptor, integrin α4. Consequently, apabetalone reduces THP-1 chemoattraction towards soluble CCR ligands MCP-1 and RANTES, and THP-1 adhesion to activated BMVECs. In a mouse model of brain inflammation, apabetalone counters lipopolysaccharide-induced transcription of endothelial and myeloid cell markers, consistent with decreased neuroendothelial inflammation. In conclusion, apabetalone decreases proinflammatory activation of brain endothelial cells and monocytes in vitro and in the mouse brain during systemic inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylwia Wasiak
- Resverlogix Corp., Suite 300, 4820 Richard Road SW, Calgary, AB, T3e 6L1, Canada
| | - Li Fu
- Resverlogix Corp., Suite 300, 4820 Richard Road SW, Calgary, AB, T3e 6L1, Canada
| | - Emily Daze
- Resverlogix Corp., Suite 300, 4820 Richard Road SW, Calgary, AB, T3e 6L1, Canada
| | - Dean Gilham
- Resverlogix Corp., Suite 300, 4820 Richard Road SW, Calgary, AB, T3e 6L1, Canada
| | - Brooke D. Rakai
- Resverlogix Corp., Suite 300, 4820 Richard Road SW, Calgary, AB, T3e 6L1, Canada
| | - Stephanie C. Stotz
- Resverlogix Corp., Suite 300, 4820 Richard Road SW, Calgary, AB, T3e 6L1, Canada
| | - Laura M. Tsujikawa
- Resverlogix Corp., Suite 300, 4820 Richard Road SW, Calgary, AB, T3e 6L1, Canada
| | - Chris D. Sarsons
- Resverlogix Corp., Suite 300, 4820 Richard Road SW, Calgary, AB, T3e 6L1, Canada
| | - Deborah Studer
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Libin Cardiovascular Institute, University of Calgary, 2500 University Dr. NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Kristina D. Rinker
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Libin Cardiovascular Institute, University of Calgary, 2500 University Dr. NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Ravi Jahagirdar
- Resverlogix Corp., Suite 300, 4820 Richard Road SW, Calgary, AB, T3e 6L1, Canada
| | - Norman C. W. Wong
- Resverlogix Corp., Suite 300, 4820 Richard Road SW, Calgary, AB, T3e 6L1, Canada
| | - Michael Sweeney
- Resverlogix Corp., 535 Mission Street, 14th Floor, San Francisco, CA, 94105, USA
| | - Jan O. Johansson
- Resverlogix Corp., 535 Mission Street, 14th Floor, San Francisco, CA, 94105, USA
| | - Ewelina Kulikowski
- Resverlogix Corp., Suite 300, 4820 Richard Road SW, Calgary, AB, T3e 6L1, Canada
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12
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Li X, Zhu H, Wen J, Huang J, Chen Y, Tian M, Ren J, Zhou L, Yang Q. Inhibition of BRD4 decreases fibrous scarring after ischemic stroke in rats by inhibiting the phosphorylation of Smad2/3. Brain Res 2022; 1797:148126. [PMID: 36244457 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2022.148126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Revised: 09/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Fibrous scarring may play a much more important role in preventing secondary expansion of tissue damage and hindering repair and regeneration than glial scarring after central nervous system (CNS) injury. However, relatively little is known about how fibrous scars form and how fibrous scar formation is regulated after CNS injury. Bromodomain-containing protein 4 (BRD4) is involved in fibrosis in many tissues, and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)/Smad2/3 signaling is one of the critical pathways of fibrosis. However, it is unclear whether and how BRD4 affects fibrous scar formation after ischemicbraininjury. In the present study, whether BRD4 can regulate the formation of fibrous scars after ischemic stroke via TGF-β1/Smad2/3 signaling was assessed. MATERIALS AND METHODS Primary meningeal fibroblasts isolated from neonatal SD rats were treated with TGF-β1, SB431542 (a TGF-β1 receptor inhibitor) and JQ1 (a small-molecule BET inhibitor that can also inhibit BRD4). BRD4 was knocked down in adult Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats by using adenovirus before middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion (MCAO/R) injury. The proliferation and migration of meningeal fibroblasts in vitro were evaluated with the Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay and scratch test, respectively. Neurological function was assessed with Longa scores, modified Bederson Scores and modified neurological severity scores (mNSSs). The infarct volume was assessed with TTC staining. The protein expression of synaptophysin (SY), BRD4, Smad2/3, p-Smad2/3, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), collagen-1 (COL1) and fibronectin (FN) in vivo and in vitro was examined with immunocytochemistry, immunofluorescence, and Western blotting. KEY FINDINGS BRD4 expression was upregulated in a TGF-β1-induced meningeal fibroblast fibrosis model and was downregulated by the TGF-β1 receptor inhibitor SB431542 in vitro. JQ1, a small-molecule BET inhibitor, inhibited BRD4 and decreased TGF-β1-induced meningeal fibroblast proliferation, migration and activation. Furthermore, MCAO/R injury induced fibrosis and upregulated BRD4 expression in the cerebral infarct center. BRD4 knockdown by adenovirus inhibited fibrous scarring, promoted synaptic survival, decreased the infarct volume, and improved neurological function after MCAO/R injury. Moreover, inhibition of BRD4, either by JQ1 in vitro or adenovirus in vivo, decreased the phosphorylation of Smad2/3. CONCLUSIONS This study is the first to indicate that inhibition of BRD4 delays fibrous scarring after ischemic stroke through mechanisms involving the phosphorylation of Smad2/3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuemei Li
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Huimin Zhu
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jun Wen
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jiagui Huang
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yue Chen
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Mingfen Tian
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jiangxia Ren
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Li Zhou
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Qin Yang
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.
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13
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Targeted BRD4 protein degradation by dBET1 ameliorates acute ischemic brain injury and improves functional outcomes associated with reduced neuroinflammation and oxidative stress and preservation of blood-brain barrier integrity. J Neuroinflammation 2022; 19:168. [PMID: 35761277 PMCID: PMC9237998 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-022-02533-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Bromodomain-containing protein 4 (BRD4), a member of the bromodomain and extra-terminal domain (BET) protein family, plays a crucial role in regulating inflammation and oxidative stress that are tightly related to stroke development and progression. Consequently, BRD4 blockade has attracted increasing interest for associated neurological diseases, including stroke. dBET1 is a novel and effective BRD4 degrader through the proteolysis-targeting chimera (PROTAC) strategy. We hypothesized that dBET1 protects against brain damage and neurological deficits in a transient focal ischemic stroke mouse model by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress and preserving the blood–brain barrier (BBB) integrity. Post-ischemic dBET1 treatment starting 4 h after stroke onset significantly ameliorated severe neurological deficits and reduced infarct volume 48 h after stroke. dBET1 markedly reduced inflammation and oxidative stress after stroke, indicated by multiple pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines including IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, CCL2, CXCL1 and CXCL10, and oxidative damage markers 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE) and gp91phox and antioxidative proteins SOD2 and GPx1. Meanwhile, stroke-induced BBB disruption, increased MMP-9 levels, neutrophil infiltration, and increased ICAM-1 were significantly attenuated by dBET1 treatment. Post-ischemic dBET1 administration also attenuated ischemia-induced reactive gliosis in microglia and astrocytes. Overall, these findings demonstrate that BRD4 degradation by dBET1 improves acute stroke outcomes, which is associated with reduced neuroinflammation and oxidative stress and preservation of BBB integrity. This study identifies a novel role of BET proteins in the mechanisms resulting in ischemic brain damage, which can be leveraged to develop novel therapies.
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14
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Liu J, Chen T, Li S, Liu W, Wang P, Shang G. Targeting matrix metalloproteinases by E3 ubiquitin ligases as a way to regulate the tumor microenvironment for cancer therapy. Semin Cancer Biol 2022; 86:259-268. [PMID: 35724822 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2022.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Revised: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) plays an important role in neoplastic development. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are critically involved in tumorigenesis by modulation of the TME and degradation of the extracellular matrix (ECM) in a large variety of malignancies. Evidence has revealed that dysregulated MMPs can lead to ECM damage, the promotion of cell migration and tumor metastasis. The expression and activities of MMPs can be tightly regulated by TIMPs, multiple signaling pathways and noncoding RNAs. MMPs are also finely controlled by E3 ubiquitin ligases. The current review focuses on the molecular mechanism by which MMPs are governed by E3 ubiquitin ligases in carcinogenesis. Due to the essential role of MMPs in oncogenesis, they have been considered the attractive targets for antitumor treatment. Several strategies that target MMPs have been discovered, including the use of small-molecule inhibitors, peptides, inhibitory antibodies, natural compounds with anti-MMP activity, and RNAi therapeutics. However, these molecules have multiple disadvantages, such as poor solubility, severe side-effects and low oral bioavailability. Therefore, it is necessary to discover the novel inhibitors that suppress MMPs for cancer therapy. Here, we discuss the therapeutic potential of targeting E3 ubiquitin ligases to inhibit MMPs. We hope this review will stimulate the discovery of novel therapeutics for the MMP-targeted treatment of a variety of human cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinxin Liu
- Department of Orthopedics, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110004, China
| | - Ting Chen
- Department of Orthopedics, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110004, China
| | - Shizhe Li
- Department of Orthopedics, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110004, China
| | - Wenjun Liu
- Department of Research and Development, Beijing Zhongwei Research Center of Biological and Translational Medicine, Beijing 100161, China
| | - Peter Wang
- Department of Research and Development, Beijing Zhongwei Research Center of Biological and Translational Medicine, Beijing 100161, China; Bengbu Medical College Key Laboratory of Cancer Research and Clinical Laboratory Diagnosis, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Laboratory Medicine, Bengbu Medical College, Anhui 233030, China.
| | - Guanning Shang
- Department of Orthopedics, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110004, China.
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15
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Chen Z, Yang R, Xu Y, Liang L, Ao S, Wang Z, Bai P, Gu D, Duan X, Liu Y, Zhong W, Xu P, Deng T, Zeng G, Wang C. PET Imaging of Bromodomain and Extra-Terminal Domain Inhibitors for the Noninvasive Assessment of Metabolic Changes in the Liver and Brain of Early-Stage Alcoholic Liver Disease. Mol Pharm 2022; 19:2335-2342. [PMID: 35604773 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.2c00143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) has a significant impact on human health and is one of the leading causes of liver disease mortality. The early and exact diagnosis of ALD is very important since the early stage of disease progression can be reversible. Although ALD can be evaluated by ultrasound, CT, or MRI, there is still no imaging technique sufficient in the diagnosis of early-stage ALD. Of the current studies, epigenetic modulation plays a significant role in the development and progression of ALD. In this work, we evaluate whether BRDs play a vital role in the early-stage ALD using our new PET imaging probe of BET proteins, [11C]CW22. PET/CT imaging of [11C]CW22 and [18F]FDG was used to identify early-stage lesions of livers and brains in the mice model. We found that the average uptake values of livers and brains in early-stage ALD were significantly increased for [11C]CW22 PET/CT imaging but only slightly changed in [18F]FDG PET/CT imaging. Consistently, we also found that BRD 3, 4 protein expression levels were significantly higher in the liver and brain tissues of early-stage ALD. Furthermore, through Pmod software, we found that [11C]CW22 PET/CT uptakes in the brain stem, cerebellum, and midbrain were significantly up-regulated in the early-stage ALD. In conclusion, BRDs were important mediators of damage in early-stage ALD. [11C]CW22 PET/CT imaging can detect the early-phase alcohol-induced damage of livers and brains, which will likely lead to human trials in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zude Chen
- Department of Urology and Guangdong Key Laboratory of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510230, China.,Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, Massachusetts 02129, United States
| | - Riwei Yang
- Department of Urology and Guangdong Key Laboratory of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510230, China
| | - Yulong Xu
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, Massachusetts 02129, United States
| | - Leqi Liang
- Department of Urology and Guangdong Key Laboratory of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510230, China
| | - Shan Ao
- Department of Urology and Guangdong Key Laboratory of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510230, China
| | - Zuomin Wang
- Department of Urology and Guangdong Key Laboratory of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510230, China
| | - Ping Bai
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, Massachusetts 02129, United States
| | - Di Gu
- Department of Urology and Guangdong Key Laboratory of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510230, China
| | - Xiaolu Duan
- Department of Urology and Guangdong Key Laboratory of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510230, China
| | - Yongda Liu
- Department of Urology and Guangdong Key Laboratory of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510230, China
| | - Wen Zhong
- Department of Urology and Guangdong Key Laboratory of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510230, China
| | - Peng Xu
- Department of Urology and Guangdong Key Laboratory of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510230, China
| | - Tuo Deng
- Department of Urology and Guangdong Key Laboratory of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510230, China
| | - Guohua Zeng
- Department of Urology and Guangdong Key Laboratory of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510230, China
| | - Changning Wang
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, Massachusetts 02129, United States
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16
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Ali HA, Li Y, Bilal AHM, Qin T, Yuan Z, Zhao W. A Comprehensive Review of BET Protein Biochemistry, Physiology, and Pathological Roles. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:818891. [PMID: 35401196 PMCID: PMC8990909 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.818891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic modifications, specifically acetylation of histone plays a decisive role in gene regulation and transcription of normal cellular mechanisms and pathological conditions. The bromodomain and extraterminal (BET) proteins (BRD2, BRD3, BRD4, and BRDT), being epigenetic readers, ligate to acetylated regions of histone and synchronize gene transcription. BET proteins are crucial for normal cellular processing as they control cell cycle progression, neurogenesis, differentiation, and maturation of erythroids and spermatogenesis, etc. Research-based evidence indicated that BET proteins (mainly BRD4) are associated with numeral pathological ailments, including cancer, inflammation, infections, renal diseases, and cardiac diseases. To counter the BET protein-related pathological conditions, there are some BET inhibitors developed and also under development. BET proteins are a topic of most research nowadays. This review, provides an ephemeral but comprehensive knowledge about BET proteins’ basic structure, biochemistry, physiological roles, and pathological conditions in which the role of BETs have been proven. This review also highlights the current and future approaches to pledge BET protein-related pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hafiz Akbar Ali
- Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Preparation Technologies, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yalan Li
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Preparation Technologies, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Akram Hafiz Muhammad Bilal
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Preparation Technologies, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Tingting Qin
- Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Ziqiao Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Preparation Technologies, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Wen Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Preparation Technologies, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Treatment, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
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17
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The Role of CCL2/CCR2 Axis in Cerebral Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury and Treatment: From Animal Experiments to Clinical Trials. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23073485. [PMID: 35408846 PMCID: PMC8998625 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23073485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Revised: 03/20/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
C-C motif chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2) is a member of the monocyte chemokine protein family, which binds to its receptor CCR2 to induce monocyte infiltration and mediate inflammation. The CCL2/CCR2 signaling pathway participates in the transduction of neuroinflammatory information between all types of cells in the central nervous system. Animal studies and clinical trials have shown that CCL2/CCR2 mediate the pathological process of ischemic stroke, and a higher CCL2 level in serum is associated with a higher risk of any form of stroke. In the acute phase of cerebral ischemia-reperfusion, the expression of CCL2/CCR2 is increased in the ischemic penumbra, which promotes neuroinflammation and enhances brain injury. In the later phase, it participates in the migration of neuroblasts to the ischemic area and promotes the recovery of neurological function. CCL2/CCR2 gene knockout or activity inhibition can reduce the nerve inflammation and brain injury induced by cerebral ischemia-reperfusion, suggesting that the development of drugs regulating the activity of the CCL2/CCR2 signaling pathway could be used to prevent and treat the cell injury in the acute phase and promote the recovery of neurological function in the chronic phase in ischemic stroke patients.
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Zhang S, Bai P, Lei D, Liang Y, Zhen S, Bakiasi G, Pang H, Choi SH, Wang C, Tanzi RE, Zhang C. Degradation and Inhibition of Epigenetic Regulatory Protein BRD4 Exacerbate Alzheimer’s Disease-Related Neuropathology in Cell Models. J Biol Chem 2022; 298:101794. [PMID: 35248531 PMCID: PMC8958546 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2022.101794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Revised: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic regulation plays substantial roles in human pathophysiology, which provides opportunities for intervention in human disorders through the targeting of epigenetic pathways. Recently, emerging evidence from preclinical studies suggested the potential in developing therapeutics of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) by targeting bromodomain containing protein 4 (BRD4), an epigenetic regulatory protein. However, further characterization of AD-related pathological events is urgently required. Here, we investigated the effects of pharmacological degradation or inhibition of BRD4 on AD cell models. Interestingly, we found that both degradation and inhibition of BRD4 by ARV-825 and JQ1, respectively, robustly increased the levels of amyloid-beta (Aβ), which has been associated with the neuropathology of AD. Subsequently, we characterized the mechanisms by which downregulation of BRD4 increases Aβ levels. We found that both degradation and inhibition of BRD4 increased the levels of BACE1, the enzyme responsible for cleavage of the amyloid-beta protein precursor (APP) to generate Aβ. Consistent with Aβ increase, we also found that downregulation of BRD4 increased AD-related phosphorylated Tau (pTau) protein in our 3D-AD human neural cell culture model. Therefore, our results suggest that downregulation of BRD4 would not be a viable strategy for AD intervention. Collectively, our study not only shows that BRD4 is a novel epigenetic component that regulates BACE1 and Aβ levels, but also provides novel and translational insights into the targeting of BRD4 for potential clinical applications.
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Inuzuka H, Liu J, Wei W, Rezaeian AH. PROTACs technology for treatment of Alzheimer's disease: Advances and perspectives. ACTA MATERIA MEDICA 2022; 1:24-41. [PMID: 35237768 PMCID: PMC8887676 DOI: 10.15212/amm-2021-0001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/16/2023]
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) are characteristic with progression of neuron degeneration, resulting in dysfunction of cognition and mobility. Many neurodegenerative diseases are because of proteinopathies that results from unusual protein accumulations and aggregations. The aggregation of misfolded proteins like β-amyloid, α-synuclein, tau, and polyglutamates are hallmarked in Alzheimer's disease (AD), which are undruggable targets, and usually do not respond to conventional small-molecule agents. Therefore, developing novel technology and strategy for reducing the levels of protein aggregates would be critical for treatment of AD. Recently, the emerging proteolysis targeting chimeras (PRPTACs) technology has been significantly considered for artificial and selective degradation of aberrant target proteins. These engineered bifunctional molecules engage target proteins to be degraded by either the cellular degradation machinery in the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) or via the autophagy-lysosome degradation pathway. Although the application of PROTACs technology is preferable than oligonucleotide and antibodies for treatment of NDs, many limitations such as their pharmacokinetic properties, tissue distribution and cell permeabilities, still need to be corrected. Herein, we review the recent advances in PROTACs technology with their limitation for pharmaceutical targeting of aberrant proteins involved in Alzheimer's diseases. We also review therapeutic potential of dysregulated signaling such as PI3K/AKT/mTOR axis for the management of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroyuki Inuzuka
- Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Jing Liu
- Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Wenyi Wei
- Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- Corresponding author. Contact: ,
| | - Abdol-Hossein Rezaeian
- Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- Corresponding author. Contact: ,
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Conti E, Piccardi B, Sodero A, Tudisco L, Lombardo I, Fainardi E, Nencini P, Sarti C, Allegra Mascaro AL, Baldereschi M. Translational Stroke Research Review: Using the Mouse to Model Human Futile Recanalization and Reperfusion Injury in Ischemic Brain Tissue. Cells 2021; 10:3308. [PMID: 34943816 PMCID: PMC8699609 DOI: 10.3390/cells10123308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Revised: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The approach to reperfusion therapies in stroke patients is rapidly evolving, but there is still no explanation why a substantial proportion of patients have a poor clinical prognosis despite successful flow restoration. This issue of futile recanalization is explained here by three clinical cases, which, despite complete recanalization, have very different outcomes. Preclinical research is particularly suited to characterize the highly dynamic changes in acute ischemic stroke and identify potential treatment targets useful for clinical translation. This review surveys the efforts taken so far to achieve mouse models capable of investigating the neurovascular underpinnings of futile recanalization. We highlight the translational potential of targeting tissue reperfusion in fully recanalized mouse models and of investigating the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms from subcellular to tissue scale. We suggest that stroke preclinical research should increasingly drive forward a continuous and circular dialogue with clinical research. When the preclinical and the clinical stroke research are consistent, translational success will follow.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilia Conti
- Neuroscience Institute, National Research Council, Via G. Moruzzi 1, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (E.C.); (A.L.A.M.)
- European Laboratory for Non-Linear Spectroscopy, Via Nello Carrara 1, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Benedetta Piccardi
- Neurofarba Department, University of Florence, Via G. Pieraccini 6, 50139 Florence, Italy; (A.S.); (L.T.); (C.S.)
| | - Alessandro Sodero
- Neurofarba Department, University of Florence, Via G. Pieraccini 6, 50139 Florence, Italy; (A.S.); (L.T.); (C.S.)
| | - Laura Tudisco
- Neurofarba Department, University of Florence, Via G. Pieraccini 6, 50139 Florence, Italy; (A.S.); (L.T.); (C.S.)
| | - Ivano Lombardo
- Department of Biomedical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences, University of Florence, Viale Morgagni 50, 50134 Florence, Italy; (I.L.); (E.F.)
| | - Enrico Fainardi
- Department of Biomedical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences, University of Florence, Viale Morgagni 50, 50134 Florence, Italy; (I.L.); (E.F.)
| | - Patrizia Nencini
- Stroke Unit, Careggi University Hospital, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134 Florence, Italy;
| | - Cristina Sarti
- Neurofarba Department, University of Florence, Via G. Pieraccini 6, 50139 Florence, Italy; (A.S.); (L.T.); (C.S.)
| | - Anna Letizia Allegra Mascaro
- Neuroscience Institute, National Research Council, Via G. Moruzzi 1, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (E.C.); (A.L.A.M.)
- European Laboratory for Non-Linear Spectroscopy, Via Nello Carrara 1, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Marzia Baldereschi
- Neuroscience Institute, National Research Council, Via Madonna del Piano 10, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy;
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21
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Yang C, Lavayen BP, Liu L, Sanz BD, DeMars KM, Larochelle J, Pompilus M, Febo M, Sun YY, Kuo YM, Mohamadzadeh M, Farr SA, Kuan CY, Butler AA, Candelario-Jalil E. Neurovascular protection by adropin in experimental ischemic stroke through an endothelial nitric oxide synthase-dependent mechanism. Redox Biol 2021; 48:102197. [PMID: 34826783 PMCID: PMC8633041 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2021.102197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Revised: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Adropin is a highly-conserved peptide that has been shown to preserve endothelial barrier function. Blood-brain barrier (BBB) disruption is a key pathological event in cerebral ischemia. However, the effects of adropin on ischemic stroke outcomes remain unexplored. Hypothesizing that adropin exerts neuroprotective effects by maintaining BBB integrity, we investigated the role of adropin in stroke pathology utilizing loss- and gain-of-function genetic approaches combined with pharmacological treatment with synthetic adropin peptide. Long-term anatomical and functional outcomes were evaluated using histology, MRI, and a battery of sensorimotor and cognitive tests in mice subjected to ischemic stroke. Brain ischemia decreased endogenous adropin levels in the brain and plasma. Adropin treatment or transgenic adropin overexpression robustly reduced brain injury and improved long-term sensorimotor and cognitive function in young and aged mice subjected to ischemic stroke. In contrast, genetic deletion of adropin exacerbated ischemic brain injury, irrespective of sex. Mechanistically, adropin treatment reduced BBB damage, degradation of tight junction proteins, matrix metalloproteinase-9 activity, oxidative stress, and infiltration of neutrophils into the ischemic brain. Adropin significantly increased phosphorylation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), Akt, and ERK1/2. While adropin therapy was remarkably protective in wild-type mice, it failed to reduce brain injury in eNOS-deficient animals, suggesting that eNOS is required for the protective effects of adropin in stroke. These data provide the first causal evidence that adropin exerts neurovascular protection in stroke through an eNOS-dependent mechanism. We identify adropin as a novel neuroprotective peptide with the potential to improve stroke outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changjun Yang
- Department of Neuroscience, McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Bianca P Lavayen
- Department of Neuroscience, McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Lei Liu
- Department of Neuroscience, McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Brian D Sanz
- Department of Neuroscience, McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Kelly M DeMars
- Department of Neuroscience, McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Jonathan Larochelle
- Department of Neuroscience, McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Marjory Pompilus
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Marcelo Febo
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Yu-Yo Sun
- Department of Neuroscience, Center for Brain Immunology and Glia (BIG), University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA; Institute of Biopharmaceutical Sciences, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Min Kuo
- Department of Neuroscience, Center for Brain Immunology and Glia (BIG), University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA; Department of Anesthesiology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital and National Yang-Ming University School of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Mansour Mohamadzadeh
- Department of Infectious Diseases & Immunology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Susan A Farr
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Geriatric Medicine, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA; Saint Louis Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Research Service, John Cochran Division, MO, USA; Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, MO, USA; Henry and Amelia Nasrallah Center for Neuroscience, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Chia-Yi Kuan
- Department of Neuroscience, Center for Brain Immunology and Glia (BIG), University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Andrew A Butler
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, MO, USA; Henry and Amelia Nasrallah Center for Neuroscience, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Eduardo Candelario-Jalil
- Department of Neuroscience, McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
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22
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Branigan GL, Olsen KS, Burda I, Haemmerle MW, Ho J, Venuto A, D’Antonio ND, Briggs IE, DiBenedetto AJ. Zebrafish Paralogs brd2a and brd2b Are Needed for Proper Circulatory, Excretory and Central Nervous System Formation and Act as Genetic Antagonists during Development. J Dev Biol 2021; 9:jdb9040046. [PMID: 34842711 PMCID: PMC8629005 DOI: 10.3390/jdb9040046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Revised: 10/24/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Brd2 belongs to the BET family of epigenetic transcriptional co-regulators that act as adaptor-scaffolds for the assembly of chromatin-modifying complexes and other factors at target gene promoters. Brd2 is a protooncogene and candidate gene for juvenile myoclonic epilepsy in humans, a homeobox gene regulator in Drosophila, and a maternal-zygotic factor and cell death modulator that is necessary for normal development of the vertebrate central nervous system (CNS). As two copies of Brd2 exist in zebrafish, we use antisense morpholino knockdown to probe the role of paralog Brd2b, as a comparative study to Brd2a, the ortholog of human Brd2. A deficiency in either paralog results in excess cell death and dysmorphology of the CNS, whereas only Brd2b deficiency leads to loss of circulation and occlusion of the pronephric duct. Co-knockdown of both paralogs suppresses single morphant defects, while co-injection of morpholinos with paralogous RNA enhances them, suggesting novel genetic interaction with functional antagonism. Brd2 diversification includes paralog-specific RNA variants, a distinct localization of maternal factors, and shared and unique spatiotemporal expression, providing unique insight into the evolution and potential functions of this gene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory L. Branigan
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Center for Innovation in Brain Science, Department of Pharmacology, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Tucson, 1501 N Campbell Ave., Tucson, AZ 85724, USA;
| | - Kelly S. Olsen
- Biological and Biomedical Sciences Program, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine-Chapel Hill, 321 S Columbia St., Chapel Hill, NC 27516, USA;
| | - Isabella Burda
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Weill Institute for Cell & Molecular Biology, Cornell University, 239 Weill Hall, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA;
| | - Matthew W. Haemmerle
- Institute for Diabetes, Obesity, and Metabolism, Smilow Center for Translational Research, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Room 12-124, 3400 Civic Center Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA;
| | - Jason Ho
- Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University, Clinical Academic Building (CAB), 125 Paterson St., New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA;
| | - Alexandra Venuto
- Department of Biology, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858, USA;
| | - Nicholas D. D’Antonio
- Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, 1025 Walnut St. #100, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA;
| | - Ian E. Briggs
- Department of Biology, Villanova University, 800 Lancaster Ave., Villanova, PA 19085, USA;
| | - Angela J. DiBenedetto
- Department of Biology, Villanova University, 800 Lancaster Ave., Villanova, PA 19085, USA;
- Correspondence:
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23
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Liu L, Yang C, Candelario-Jalil E. Role of BET Proteins in Inflammation and CNS Diseases. Front Mol Biosci 2021; 8:748449. [PMID: 34604312 PMCID: PMC8481655 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.748449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Bromodomain and extra-terminal domain (BET) proteins consist of four mammalian members (BRD2, BRD3, BRD4, and BRDT), which play a pivotal role in the transcriptional regulation of the inflammatory response. Dysregulated inflammation is a key pathological process in various CNS disorders through multiple mechanisms, including NF-κB and Nrf2 pathways, two well-known master regulators of inflammation. A better mechanistic understanding of the BET proteins’ role in regulating the inflammatory process is of great significance since it could reveal novel therapeutic targets to reduce neuroinflammation associated with many CNS diseases. In this minireview, we first outline the structural features of BET proteins and summarize genetic and pharmacological approaches for BET inhibition, including novel strategies using proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs). We emphasize in vitro and in vivo evidence of the interplay between BET proteins and NF-κB and Nrf2 signaling pathways. Finally, we summarize recent studies showing that BET proteins are essential regulators of inflammation and neuropathology in various CNS diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Liu
- Department of Neuroscience, McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Changjun Yang
- Department of Neuroscience, McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Eduardo Candelario-Jalil
- Department of Neuroscience, McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
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24
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Cummings J, Schwartz GG, Nicholls SJ, Khan A, Halliday C, Toth PP, Sweeney M, Johansson JO, Wong NCW, Kulikowski E, Kalantar-Zadeh K, Lebioda K, Ginsberg HN, Winblad B, Zetterberg H, Ray KK. Cognitive Effects of the BET Protein Inhibitor Apabetalone: A Prespecified Montreal Cognitive Assessment Analysis Nested in the BETonMACE Randomized Controlled Trial. J Alzheimers Dis 2021; 83:1703-1715. [PMID: 34459400 PMCID: PMC8609701 DOI: 10.3233/jad-210570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Background: Epigenetic changes may contribute importantly to cognitive decline in late life including Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and vascular dementia (VaD). Bromodomain and extra-terminal (BET) proteins are epigenetic “readers” that may distort normal gene expression and contribute to chronic disorders. Objective: To assess the effects of apabetalone, a small molecule BET protein inhibitor, on cognitive performance of patients 70 years or older participating in a randomized trial of patients at high risk for major cardiovascular events (MACE). Methods: The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) was performed on all patients 70 years or older at the time of randomization. 464 participants were randomized to apabetalone or placebo in the cognition sub-study. In a prespecified analysis, participants were assigned to one of three groups: MoCA score≥26 (normal performance), MoCA score 25–22 (mild cognitive impairment), and MoCA score≤21 (dementia). Exposure to apabetalone was equivalent in the treatment groups in each MoCA-defined group. Results: Apabetalone was associated with an increased total MoCA score in participants with baseline MoCA score of≤21 (p = 0.02). There was no significant difference in change from baseline in the treatment groups with higher MoCA scores. In the cognition study, more patients randomized to apabetalone discontinued study drug for adverse effects (11.3% versus 7.9%). Conclusion: In this randomized controlled study, apabetalone was associated with improved cognition as measured by MoCA scores in those with baseline scores of 21 or less. BET protein inhibitors warrant further investigation for late life cognitive disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey Cummings
- Chambers-Grundy Center for Transformative Neuroscience, Department of Brain Health, School of Integrated Health Sciences, University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV), Las Vegas, NV, USA
| | - Gregory G Schwartz
- Division of Cardiology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | | | - Aziz Khan
- Resverlogix Corporation, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | | | - Peter P Toth
- Cicarrone Center for the Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Kamyar Kalantar-Zadeh
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | | | - Henry N Ginsberg
- Department of Medicine, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Bengt Winblad
- Care Sciences and Society, Center for Alzheimer Research, Division of Neurogeriatrics, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden.,Karolinska University Hospital, Theme Inflammation and Aging, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Henrik Zetterberg
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Mölndal, Sweden.,Clinical Neurochemistry Laboratory, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Mölndal, Sweden.,UK Dementia Research Institute at UCL, London, UK.,Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Institute of Neurology, London, UK
| | - Kausik K Ray
- Imperial Centre for Cardiovascular Disease Prevention, Imperial College, London, UK
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25
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Yang H, Wei L, Xun Y, Yang A, You H. BRD4: An emerging prospective therapeutic target in glioma. MOLECULAR THERAPY-ONCOLYTICS 2021; 21:1-14. [PMID: 33851008 PMCID: PMC8010576 DOI: 10.1016/j.omto.2021.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Despite advances in treatment, the prognosis for glioma patients remains poor. Bromodomain-containing protein 4 (BRD4), a member of the bromodomain and extraterminal (BET) protein family, plays an important role in controlling oncogene expression and genome stability. In recent years, numerous BRD4 inhibitors have entered clinical trials and achieved exciting results in tumor treatment. Recent clinical studies have shown that BRD4 expression in glioma is significantly higher than in the adjacent normal brain tissue. BRD4 inhibitors effectively penetrate the blood-brain barrier and target glioma tumor tissues but have little effect on normal brain tissues. Thus, BRD4 is a target for the treatment of glioma. In this study, we discuss the progress in the use of BRD4 inhibitors for glioma treatment, their mechanism of action, and their broad potential clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hua Yang
- Department of Basic Medicine and Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Foshan University, Foshan 528000, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Li Wei
- Affiliated Cancer Hospital & Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510095, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Yang Xun
- Department of Basic Medicine and Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Foshan University, Foshan 528000, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Anping Yang
- Department of Basic Medicine and Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Foshan University, Foshan 528000, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Hua You
- Affiliated Cancer Hospital & Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510095, Guangdong Province, China
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26
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Iyer H, Wahul AB, P K A, Sawant BS, Kumar A. A BRD's (BiRD's) eye view of BET and BRPF bromodomains in neurological diseases. Rev Neurosci 2021; 32:403-426. [PMID: 33661583 DOI: 10.1515/revneuro-2020-0067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Accepted: 10/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Neurological disorders (NLDs) are among the top leading causes for disability worldwide. Dramatic changes in the epigenetic topography of the brain and nervous system have been found in many NLDs. Histone lysine acetylation has prevailed as one of the well characterised epigenetic modifications in these diseases. Two instrumental components of the acetylation machinery are the evolutionarily conserved Bromodomain and PHD finger containing (BRPF) and Bromo and Extra terminal domain (BET) family of proteins, also referred to as acetylation 'readers'. Several reasons, including their distinct mechanisms of modulation of gene expression and their property of being highly tractable small molecule targets, have increased their translational relevance. Thus, compounds which demonstrated promising results in targeting these proteins have advanced to clinical trials. They have been established as key role players in pathologies of cancer, cardiac diseases, renal diseases and rheumatic diseases. In addition, studies implicating the role of these bromodomains in NLDs are gaining pace. In this review, we highlight the findings of these studies, and reason for the plausible roles of all BET and BRPF members in NLDs. A comprehensive understanding of their multifaceted functions would be radical in the development of therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harish Iyer
- Epigenetics and Neuropsychiatric Disorders' Laboratory, CSIR - Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB), Hyderabad500007, India
| | - Abhipradnya B Wahul
- Epigenetics and Neuropsychiatric Disorders' Laboratory, CSIR - Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB), Hyderabad500007, India
| | - Annapoorna P K
- Epigenetics and Neuropsychiatric Disorders' Laboratory, CSIR - Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB), Hyderabad500007, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad201002, India
| | - Bharvi S Sawant
- Epigenetics and Neuropsychiatric Disorders' Laboratory, CSIR - Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB), Hyderabad500007, India
| | - Arvind Kumar
- Epigenetics and Neuropsychiatric Disorders' Laboratory, CSIR - Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB), Hyderabad500007, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad201002, India
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27
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Candelario-Jalil E, Paul S. Impact of aging and comorbidities on ischemic stroke outcomes in preclinical animal models: A translational perspective. Exp Neurol 2021; 335:113494. [PMID: 33035516 PMCID: PMC7874968 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2020.113494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2020] [Revised: 09/25/2020] [Accepted: 10/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Ischemic stroke is a highly complex and devastating neurological disease. The sudden loss of blood flow to a brain region due to an ischemic insult leads to severe damage to that area resulting in the formation of an infarcted tissue, also known as the ischemic core. This is surrounded by the peri-infarct region or penumbra that denotes the functionally impaired but potentially salvageable tissue. Thus, the penumbral tissue is the main target for the development of neuroprotective strategies to minimize the extent of ischemic brain damage by timely therapeutic intervention. Given the limitations of reperfusion therapies with recombinant tissue plasminogen activator or mechanical thrombectomy, there is high enthusiasm to combine reperfusion therapy with neuroprotective strategies to further reduce the progression of ischemic brain injury. Till date, a large number of candidate neuroprotective drugs have been identified as potential therapies based on highly promising results from studies in rodent ischemic stroke models. However, none of these interventions have shown therapeutic benefits in stroke patients in clinical trials. In this review article, we discussed the urgent need to utilize preclinical models of ischemic stroke that more accurately mimic the clinical conditions in stroke patients by incorporating aged animals and animal stroke models with comorbidities. We also outlined the recent findings that highlight the significant differences in stroke outcome between young and aged animals, and how major comorbid conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, obesity and hyperlipidemia dramatically increase the vulnerability of the brain to ischemic damage that eventually results in worse functional outcomes. It is evident from these earlier studies that including animal models of aging and comorbidities during the early stages of drug development could facilitate the identification of neuroprotective strategies with high likelihood of success in stroke clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo Candelario-Jalil
- Department of Neuroscience, McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA.
| | - Surojit Paul
- Department of Neurology, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA
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Ma K, Han XX, Yang XM, Zhou SL. Proteolysis targeting chimera technology: a novel strategy for treating diseases of the central nervous system. Neural Regen Res 2021; 16:1944-1949. [PMID: 33642364 PMCID: PMC8343312 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.308075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurological diseases such as stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and Huntington’s disease are among the intractable diseases for which appropriate drugs and treatments are lacking. Proteolysis targeting chimera (PROTAC) technology is a novel strategy to solve this problem. PROTAC technology uses the ubiquitin-protease system to eliminate mutated, denatured, and harmful proteins in cells. It can be reused, and utilizes the protein destruction mechanism of the cells, thus making up for the deficiencies of traditional protein degradation methods. It can effectively target and degrade proteins, including proteins that are difficult to identify and bind. Therefore, it has extremely important implications for drug development and the treatment of neurological diseases. At present, the targeted degradation of mutant BTK, mHTT, Tau, EGFR, and other proteins using PROTAC technology is gaining attention. It is expected that corresponding treatment of nervous system diseases can be achieved. This review first focuses on the recent developments in PROTAC technology in terms of protein degradation, drug production, and treatment of central nervous system diseases, and then discusses its limitations. This review will provide a brief overview of the recent application of PROTAC technology in the treatment of central nervous system diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke Ma
- College of Life Science, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Xiao-Xiao Han
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, Jiangsu Clinical Medicine Center of Tissue Engineering and Nerve Injury Repair, Co-Innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Xiao-Ming Yang
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, Jiangsu Clinical Medicine Center of Tissue Engineering and Nerve Injury Repair, Co-Innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Song-Lin Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, Jiangsu Clinical Medicine Center of Tissue Engineering and Nerve Injury Repair, Co-Innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China
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Inhibition of BRD4 Reduces Neutrophil Activation and Adhesion to the Vascular Endothelium Following Ischemia Reperfusion Injury. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21249620. [PMID: 33348732 PMCID: PMC7767067 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21249620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2020] [Revised: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Renal ischemia reperfusion injury (IRI) is associated with inflammation, including neutrophil infiltration that exacerbates the initial ischemic insult. The molecular pathways involved are poorly characterized and there is currently no treatment. We performed an in silico analysis demonstrating changes in NFκB-mediated gene expression in early renal IRI. We then evaluated NFκB-blockade with a BRD4 inhibitor on neutrophil adhesion to endothelial cells in vitro, and tested BRD4 inhibition in an in vivo IRI model. BRD4 inhibition attenuated neutrophil adhesion to activated endothelial cells. In vivo, IRI led to increased expression of cytokines and adhesion molecules at 6 h post-IRI with sustained up-regulated expression to 48 h post-IRI. These effects were attenuated, in part, with BRD4 inhibition. Absolute neutrophil counts increased significantly in the bone marrow, blood, and kidney 24 h post-IRI. Activated neutrophils increased in the blood and kidney at 6 h post-IRI and remained elevated in the kidney until 48 h post-IRI. BRD4 inhibition reduced both total and activated neutrophil counts in the kidney. IRI-induced tubular injury correlated with neutrophil accumulation and was reduced by BRD4 inhibition. In summary, BRD4 inhibition has important systemic and renal effects on neutrophils, and these effects are associated with reduced renal injury.
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Li Y, Xiang J, Zhang J, Lin J, Wu Y, Wang X. Inhibition of Brd4 by JQ1 Promotes Functional Recovery From Spinal Cord Injury by Activating Autophagy. Front Cell Neurosci 2020; 14:555591. [PMID: 32982695 PMCID: PMC7493001 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2020.555591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2020] [Accepted: 08/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a destructive neurological disorder that is characterized by impaired sensory and motor function. Inhibition of bromodomain protein 4 (Brd4) has been shown to promote the maintenance of cell homeostasis by activating autophagy. However, the role of Brd4 inhibition in SCI and the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. Thus, the goal of the present study was to evaluate the effects of sustained Brd4 inhibition using the bromodomain and extraterminal domain (BET) inhibitor JQ1 on the regulation of apoptosis, oxidative stress and autophagy in a mouse model of SCI. First, we observed that Brd4 expression at the lesion sites of mouse spinal cords increased after SCI. Treatment with JQ1 significantly decreased the expression of Brd4 and improved functional recovery for up to 28 day after SCI. In addition, JQ1-mediated inhibition of Brd4 reduced oxidative stress and inhibited the expression of apoptotic proteins to promote neural survival. Our results also revealed that JQ1 treatment activated autophagy and restored autophagic flux, while the positive effects of JQ1 were abrogated by autophagy inhibitor 3-MA intervention, indicating that autophagy plays a crucial role in therapeutic effects Brd4 induced by inhibition of the functional recovery SCI. In the mechanistic analysis, we observed that modulation of the AMPK-mTOR-ULK1 pathway is involved in the activation of autophagy mediated by Brd4 inhibition. Taken together, the results of our investigation provides compelling evidence that Brd4 inhibition by JQ1 promotes functional recovery after SCI and that Brd4 may serve as a potential target for SCI treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao Li
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Jie Xiang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Taizhou, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Molecular Pharmacology Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Jiahao Lin
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Yaosen Wu
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Xiangyang Wang
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
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BET bromodomains as novel epigenetic targets for brain health and disease. Neuropharmacology 2020; 181:108306. [PMID: 32946883 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2020.108306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2020] [Revised: 09/09/2020] [Accepted: 09/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Epigenetic pharmacotherapy for CNS-related diseases is a burgeoning area of research. In particular, members of the bromodomain and extra-terminal domain (BET) family of proteins have emerged as intriguing therapeutic targets due to their putative involvement in an array of brain diseases. With their ability to bind to acetylated histones and act as a scaffold for chromatin modifying complexes, BET proteins were originally thought of as passive epigenetic 'reader' proteins. However, new research depicts a more complex reality where BET proteins act as key nodes in lineage-specific and signal-dependent transcriptional mechanisms to influence disease-relevant functions. Amid a recent wave of drug development efforts from basic scientists and pharmaceutical companies, BET inhibitors are currently being studied in several CNS-related disease models, but safety and tolerability remain a concern. Here we review the progress in understanding the neurobiological mechanisms of BET proteins and the therapeutic potential of targeting BET proteins for brain health and disease.
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Kulikowski E, Rakai BD, Wong NCW. Inhibitors of bromodomain and extra-terminal proteins for treating multiple human diseases. Med Res Rev 2020; 41:223-245. [PMID: 32926459 PMCID: PMC7756446 DOI: 10.1002/med.21730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2020] [Revised: 09/01/2020] [Accepted: 09/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Clinical development of bromodomain and extra‐terminal (BET) protein inhibitors differs from the traditional course of drug development. These drugs are simultaneously being evaluated for treating a wide spectrum of human diseases due to their novel mechanism of action. BET proteins are epigenetic “readers,” which play a primary role in transcription. Here, we briefly describe the BET family of proteins, of which BRD4 has been studied most extensively. We discuss BRD4 activity at latent enhancers as an example of BET protein function. We examine BRD4 redistribution and enhancer reprogramming in embryonic development, cancer, cardiovascular, autoimmune, and metabolic diseases, presenting hallmark studies that highlight BET proteins as attractive targets for therapeutic intervention. We review the currently available approaches to targeting BET proteins, methods of selectively targeting individual bromodomains, and review studies that compare the effects of selective BET inhibition to those of pan‐BET inhibition. Lastly, we examine the current clinical landscape of BET inhibitor development.
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Yang C, Yang Y, DeMars KM, Rosenberg GA, Candelario-Jalil E. Genetic Deletion or Pharmacological Inhibition of Cyclooxygenase-2 Reduces Blood-Brain Barrier Damage in Experimental Ischemic Stroke. Front Neurol 2020; 11:887. [PMID: 32973660 PMCID: PMC7468510 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2020.00887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 are two crucial mediators contributing to blood-brain barrier (BBB) damage during cerebral ischemia. However, it is not known whether MMP-9 activation is involved in COX-2-mediated BBB disruption in ischemic stroke. In this study, we hypothesized that genetic deletion or pharmacological inhibition of COX-2 reduces BBB damage by reducing MMP-9 activity in a mouse model of ischemic stroke. Male COX-2 knockout (COX-2-/-) and wild-type (WT) mice were subjected to 60 min of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) followed by 24 h of reperfusion. Genetic deletion of COX-2 or post-ischemic treatment with CAY10404, a highly selective COX-2 inhibitor, significantly reduced BBB damage and hemorrhagic transformation, as assessed by immunoglobulin G (IgG) extravasation and brain hemoglobin (Hb) levels, respectively. Immunoblotting analysis showed that tight junction proteins (TJPs) zonula occludens (ZO)-1 and occludin as well as junctional adhesion molecule-A (JAM-A) and the basal lamina protein collagen IV were dramatically reduced in the ischemic brain. Stroke-induced loss of these BBB structural proteins was significantly attenuated in COX-2-/- mice. Similarly, stroke-induced loss of ZO-1 and occludin was significantly attenuated by CAY10404 treatment. Ischemia-induced increase in MMP-9 protein levels in the ipsilateral cerebral cortex was significantly reduced in COX-2-/- mice. Stroke induced a dramatic increase in MMP-9 enzymatic activity in the ischemic cortex, which was markedly reduced by COX-2 gene deficiency or pharmacological inhibition with CAY10404. Levels of myeloperoxidase (MPO, an indicator of neutrophil infiltration into the brain parenchyma), neutrophil elastase (NE), and lipocalin-2 (LCN2, also known as neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin), measured by western blot and specific ELISA kits, respectively, were markedly increased in the ischemic brain. Increased levels of markers for neutrophil infiltration were significantly reduced in COX-2-/- mice compared with WT controls following stroke. Altogether, neurovascular protective effects of COX-2 blockade are associated with reduced BBB damage, MMP-9 expression/activity and neutrophil infiltration. Our study shows for the first time that MMP-9 is an important downstream effector contributing to COX-2-mediated neurovascular damage in ischemic stroke. Targeting the COX-2/MMP-9 pathway could represent a promising strategy to reduce neuroinflammatory events in order to preserve the BBB integrity and ameliorate ischemic stroke injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changjun Yang
- Department of Neuroscience, McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Yi Yang
- Department of Neurology, Center for Memory and Aging, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM, United States
| | - Kelly M DeMars
- Department of Neuroscience, McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Gary A Rosenberg
- Department of Neurology, Center for Memory and Aging, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM, United States
| | - Eduardo Candelario-Jalil
- Department of Neuroscience, McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
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Xue G, Wang K, Zhou D, Zhong H, Pan Z. Light-Induced Protein Degradation with Photocaged PROTACs. J Am Chem Soc 2019; 141:18370-18374. [PMID: 31566962 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.9b06422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 171] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Induction of protein degradation is emerging as a powerful strategy to modulate protein functions and alter cellular signaling pathways. Proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) have been used to degrade a range of diverse proteins in vitro and in vivo. Here we present a type of photo-caged PROTACs (pc-PROTACs) to induce degradation activity with light. Photo-removable blocking groups were added to a degrader of Brd4, and the resulting molecule pc-PROTAC1 showed potent degradation activity in live cells only after light irradiation. Furthermore, this molecule efficiently degraded Brd4 and induced expected phenotypic changes in zebrafish. Additionally, this approach was successfully applied to construct pc-PROTAC3 of BTK. Thus, a general strategy to induce protein degradation with light was established to augment the chemists' toolbox to study disease-relevant protein targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gang Xue
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics, Engineering Laboratory for Chiral Drug Synthesis, School of Chemical Biology and Biotechnology, Shenzhen Graduate School , Peking University , Shenzhen 518055 , China
| | - Kun Wang
- Department of Biology , Southern University of Science and Technology , Shenzhen 518055 , China
| | - Danli Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics, Engineering Laboratory for Chiral Drug Synthesis, School of Chemical Biology and Biotechnology, Shenzhen Graduate School , Peking University , Shenzhen 518055 , China
| | - Hanbing Zhong
- Department of Biology , Southern University of Science and Technology , Shenzhen 518055 , China
| | - Zhengying Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics, Engineering Laboratory for Chiral Drug Synthesis, School of Chemical Biology and Biotechnology, Shenzhen Graduate School , Peking University , Shenzhen 518055 , China
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