An unexpected role for BAG3 in regulating PARP1 ubiquitination in oxidative stress-related endothelial damage

Corelating the molecular structure of BAG3 to its oncogenic role

BAG3 is a multifaceted protein characterised by having WW domain, PXXP motif and BAG domain. This protein gets upregulated during malignant transformation of cells and has been associated with poorer survival of patients. Procancerous activity of BAG domain of BAG3 is well documented. BAG domain interacts with ATPase domain of Hsp-70 preventing protein delivery to proteasome. This impediment results in enhanced cell survival, proliferation, resistance to apoptosis and chemoresistance. Besides BAG domain other two domains/motifs of BAG3 are under research vigilance to explore its further oncogenic role. This review summarises the role of different structural determinants of BAG3 in elevating oncogenesis. Based on the already existing findings, more interacting partners of BAG3 are anticipated. The anticipated partners of BAG3 can shed a wealth of information into the mechanistic insights of its proproliferative role. Proper insights into the mechanistic details adopted by BAG3 to curtail/elaborate activity of anticipated interacting partners can serve as a potent target for development of therapeutic interventions.

E3 ubiquitin ligase RNF148 functions as an oncogene in colorectal cancer by ubiquitination-mediated degradation of CHAC2

We previously reported that RNF148 was involved in the ubiquitination-mediated degradation of CHAC2. However, its molecular mechanism was not determined. In this study, we investigated the role and mechanism of RNF148 in the progression of colorectal cancer (CRC), especially in the process of ubiquitination-mediated degradation of CHAC2. Our results revealed that RNF148 was upregulated in most CRC tissues, and its expression significantly correlated with the 3-year overall survival rate and most clinicopathological parameters of CRC patients. Furthermore, RNF148 served as an independent prognostic biomarker of CRC and promoted CRC cell proliferation and migration while inhibiting cell apoptosis and sensitivity to 5-FU. Mechanistically, RNF148 used its protease-associated domain to bind to the CHAC domain of CHAC2 and target it for degradation. In addition, we identified two phosphorylation and three ubiquitination residues of CHAC2 and identified Y118 and K102 as the critical phosphorylation and ubiquitination residues, respectively. We also identified CHAC2's and RNF148's interacting proteins and discovered their potential interaction network. In conclusion, our current study unveiled the role of RNF148 in CRC and the mechanism of RNF148 in the ubiquitination-mediated degradation of CHAC2, which shed light on providing potential prognostic biomarkers and molecular targets for CRC patients.

E3 ubiquitin ligase WWP2 as a promising therapeutic target for diverse human diseases

Mammalian E3 ubiquitin ligases have emerged in recent years as critical regulators of cellular homeostasis due to their roles in targeting substrate proteins for ubiquitination and triggering subsequent downstream signals. In this review, we describe the multiple roles of WWP2, an E3 ubiquitin ligase with unique and important functions in regulating a wide range of biological processes, including DNA repair, gene expression, signal transduction, and cell-fate decisions. As such, WWP2 has evolved to play a key role in normal physiology and diseases, such as tumorigenesis, skeletal development and diseases, immune regulation, cardiovascular disease, and others. We attempt to provide an overview of the biochemical, physiological, and pathophysiological roles of WWP2, as well as open questions for future research, particularly in the context of putative therapeutic opportunities.

H2O2-Responsive Polymeric Micelles of Biodegradable Aliphatic Poly(carbonate)s as Promising Therapeutic Agents for Inflammatory Diseases

Excessive amounts of reactive oxygen species (ROS) cause various biological damages and are involved in many diseases, such as cancer, inflammatory and thrombotic complications, and neurodegenerative diseases. Thus, ROS-responsive polymers with inherent ROS scavenging activity and biodegradability are extremely needed for the efficient treatment of ROS-related diseases. Here, this work fabricates the amphiphilic diblock copolymer PEG-b-PBC via ring-opening polymerization (ROP) of phenylboronic acid ester conjugated cyclic carbonate monomer. The copolymer easily forms micelles (BCM) and scavenges ROS rapidly. BCM not only releases the delivered drug but degrades to produce the small molecules p-hydroxybenzyl alcohol (HBA) with anti-inflammatory capability in the presence of H2O2. BCM can reduce the oxidative stress of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) and the levels of inflammatory factors secreted by macrophages, showing antioxidative and anti-inflammatory activity. Finally, BCM exerts a significant capability to reduce the complications of inflammation and thrombosis in vivo. The biodegradable aliphatic poly(carbonate)s have the potential to be used for drug delivery systems (DDS) for diseases induced by reactive oxygen species.

Stanniocalcin-1 Promotes PARP1-Dependent Cell Death via JNK Activation in Colitis

Stanniocalcin-1 (STC1) is upregulated by inflammation and modulates oxidative stress-induced cell death. Herein, the function of STC1 in colitis and stress-induced parthanatos, a newly identified type of programmed necrotic cell death dependent on the activation of poly-ADP ribose polymerase-1 (PARP1) is investigated. Results show that STC1 expression is markedly increased in the inflamed colonic mucosa of Crohn's disease (CD) patients and chemically-induced mice colitis models. Evaluation of parthanatos severity and pro-inflammatory cytokine expression shows that intestinal-specific Stc1 knockout (Stc1INT-KO ) mice are resistant to dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis and exhibit lower disease severity. STC1-overexpressing cells show an increased degree of parthanatos and proinflammatory cytokine expression, whereas STC1-knockout cells show a decreased degree of parthanatos. Co-immunoprecipitation, mass spectrometry, and proteomic analyses indicate that STC1 interacts with PARP1, which activates the JNK pathway via PARP1-JNK interactions. Moreover, inhibition of PARP1 and JNK alleviates parthanatos and inflammatory injuries triggered by STC1 overexpression. Finally, following restoration of Stc1 and Parp1 expression by adeno-associated viruses, and overexpression of Stc1 and Parp1 aggravated DSS-induced colitis in Stc1INT-KO mice. In conclusion, STC1 mediates oxidative stress-associated parthanatos and aggravates inflammation via the STC1-PARP1-JNK interactions and subsequent JNK pathway activation in CD pathogenesis.

Reticulon 3 regulates sphingosine-1-phosphate synthesis in endothelial cells to control blood pressure

The discovery of the endothelium as a major regulator of vascular tone triggered intense research among basic and clinical investigators to unravel the physiologic and pathophysiologic significance of this phenomenon. Sphingosine-l-phosphate (S1P), derived from the vascular endothelium, is a significant regulator of blood pressure. However, the mechanisms underlying the regulation of S1P biosynthetic pathways in arteries remain to be further clarified. Here, we reported that Reticulon 3 (RTN3) regulated endothelial sphingolipid biosynthesis and blood pressure. We employed public datasets, patients, and mouse models to explore the pathophysiological roles of RTN3 in blood pressure control. The underlying mechanisms were studied in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). We reported that increased RTN3 was found in patients and that RTN3-null mice presented hypotension. In HUVECs, RTN3 can regulate migration and tube formation via the S1P signaling pathway. Mechanistically, RTN3 can interact with CERS2 to promote the selective autophagy of CERS2 and further influence S1P signals to control blood pressure. We also identified an RTN3 variant (c.116C>T, p.T39M) in a family with hypertension. Our data provided the first evidence of the association between RTN3 level changes and blood pressure anomalies and preliminarily elucidated the importance of RTN3 in S1P metabolism and blood pressure regulation.

ROS-responsive phenylboronic ester-based nanovesicles as multifunctional drug delivery systems for the treatment of inflammatory and thrombotic complications

Inflammatory and thrombotic complications and a low loading of dual drugs with different hydrophilicities remain challenges to treat thrombosis with drug delivery systems (DDSs). Here, the reactive oxygen species (ROS)-responsive amphiphilic block polymer poly(ethylene glycol)-b-2-((((4-(4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-1,3,2-dioxaborolan-2-yl)benzyl)oxy)carbonyl)oxy)-ethyl methacrylate (PEG-b-PTBEM) was synthesized and nanovesicles (PPTV) were prepared successfully for the drug delivery platform by controlling the hydrophilic/hydrophobic ratio of molecular chains and molecular self-assembly. The anti-inflammatory drug indomethacin (IDM) was loaded in the wall of nanovesicles and the thrombolytic enzyme nattokinase (NK) was encapsulated in the aqueous cavity of nanovesicles. Both drugs could be rapidly released at the site of thrombosis and/or inflammation with an excessive ROS concentration. The dual drug-loaded nanovesicles not only eliminated ROS, but also alleviated inflammation and dissolved the generated thrombus, showing significant therapeutic efficacy in the in vivo mouse model of carrageenan tail thrombosis. Therefore, drug-delivery nanovesicles play multiple roles in the treatment of inflammation-induced thrombotic disorders, which offer a promising treatment for inflammatory and thrombotic complications.

Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 and neurodegenerative diseases: Past, present, and future

Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP1) is a first responder that recognizes DNA damage and facilitates its repair. Neurodegenerative diseases, characterized by progressive neuron loss driven by various risk factors, including DNA damage, have increasingly shed light on the pivotal involvement of PARP1. During the early phases of neurodegenerative diseases, PARP1 experiences controlled activation to swiftly address mild DNA damage, thereby contributing to maintain brain homeostasis. However, in late stages, exacerbated PARP1 activation precipitated by severe DNA damage exacerbates the disease condition. Consequently, inhibition of PARP1 overactivation emerges as a promising therapeutic approach for neurodegenerative diseases. In this review, we comprehensively synthesize and explore the multifaceted role of PARP1 in neurodegenerative diseases, with a particular emphasis on its over-activation in the aggregation of misfolded proteins, dysfunction of the autophagy-lysosome pathway, mitochondrial dysfunction, neuroinflammation, and blood-brain barrier (BBB) injury. Additionally, we encapsulate the therapeutic applications and limitations intrinsic of PARP1 inhibitors, mainly including limited specificity, intricate pathway dynamics, constrained clinical translation, and the heterogeneity of patient cohorts. We also explore and discuss the potential synergistic implementation of these inhibitors alongside other agents targeting DNA damage cascades within neurodegenerative diseases. Simultaneously, we propose several recommendations for the utilization of PARP1 inhibitors within the realm of neurodegenerative disorders, encompassing factors like the disease-specific roles of PARP1, combinatorial therapeutic strategies, and personalized medical interventions. Lastly, the encompassing review presents a forward-looking perspective along with strategic recommendations that could guide future research endeavors in this field.

Loss of SMURF2 expression enhances RACK1 stability and promotes ovarian cancer progression

Receptor for activated C kinase 1 (RACK1) has been confirmed to take part in multiple biological events and the mechanism supporting abnormal RACK1 expression in ovarian cancer (OC) remains to be characterized. Here, we identified Smad ubiquitin regulatory factor 2 (SMURF2) as a bona fide E3 ligase of RACK1 in OC. SMURF2 effectively added the K6, K33 and K48 ubiquitin chains to the RACK1, resulting in polyubiquitination and instability of RACK1. PCAF promoted acetylation of RACK1 at K130, leading to SMURF2-mediated RACK1 ubiquitination inhibited and promote OC progression. The expression levels of SMURF2 and RACK1 were negatively correlated. SMURF2 was abnormal low expression in human ovarian cancer, resulting in decreased ubiquitination of RACK1 and increased stability, which promoted OC progression, and strongly associated with poor patients' prognosis. In general, our results demonstrated that SMURF2 plays a pivotal role in stabilizing RACK1, which in turn facilitates tumorigenesis in OC, suggesting that SMURF2-RACK1 axis may prove to be potential targets for the treatment of OC.

The Complex Network of ADP-Ribosylation and DNA Repair: Emerging Insights and Implications for Cancer Therapy

ADP-ribosylation is a post-translational modification of proteins that plays a key role in various cellular processes, including DNA repair. Recently, significant progress has been made in understanding the mechanism and function of ADP-ribosylation in DNA repair. ADP-ribosylation can regulate the recruitment and activity of DNA repair proteins by facilitating protein-protein interactions and regulating protein conformations. Moreover, ADP-ribosylation can influence additional post-translational modifications (PTMs) of proteins involved in DNA repair, such as ubiquitination, methylation, acetylation, phosphorylation, and SUMOylation. The interaction between ADP-ribosylation and these additional PTMs can fine-tune the activity of DNA repair proteins and ensure the proper execution of the DNA repair process. In addition, PARP inhibitors have been developed as a promising cancer therapeutic strategy by exploiting the dependence of certain cancer types on the PARP-mediated DNA repair pathway. In this paper, we review the progress of ADP-ribosylation in DNA repair, discuss the crosstalk of ADP-ribosylation with additional PTMs in DNA repair, and summarize the progress of PARP inhibitors in cancer therapy.

Premature ovarian insufficiency: a review on the role of oxidative stress and the application of antioxidants

Normal levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) play an important role in regulating follicular growth, angiogenesis and sex hormone synthesis in ovarian tissue. When the balance between ROS and antioxidants is disrupted, however, it can cause serious consequences of oxidative stress (OS), and the quantity and quality of oocytes will decline. Therefore, this review discusses the interrelationship between OS and premature ovarian insufficiency (POI), the potential mechanisms and the methods by which antioxidants can improve POI through controlling the level of OS. We found that OS can mediate changes in genetic materials, signal pathways, transcription factors and ovarian microenvironment, resulting in abnormal apoptosis of ovarian granulosa cells (GCs) and abnormal meiosis as well as decreased mitochondrial Deoxyribonucleic Acid(mtDNA) and other changes, thus accelerating the process of ovarian aging. However, antioxidants, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), biological enzymes and other antioxidants can delay the disease process of POI by reducing the ROS level in vivo.

Sirtuin 2 deficiency aggravates ageing-induced vascular remodelling in humans and mice

AIMS

The mechanisms underlying ageing-induced vascular remodelling remain unclear. This study investigates the role and underlying mechanisms of the cytoplasmic deacetylase sirtuin 2 (SIRT2) in ageing-induced vascular remodelling.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Transcriptome and quantitative real-time PCR data were used to analyse sirtuin expression. Young and old wild-type and Sirt2 knockout mice were used to explore vascular function and pathological remodelling. RNA-seq, histochemical staining, and biochemical assays were used to evaluate the effects of Sirt2 knockout on the vascular transcriptome and pathological remodelling and explore the underlying biochemical mechanisms. Among the sirtuins, SIRT2 had the highest levels in human and mouse aortas. Sirtuin 2 activity was reduced in aged aortas, and loss of SIRT2 accelerated vascular ageing. In old mice, SIRT2 deficiency aggravated ageing-induced arterial stiffness and constriction-relaxation dysfunction, accompanied by aortic remodelling (thickened vascular medial layers, breakage of elastin fibres, collagen deposition, and inflammation). Transcriptome and biochemical analyses revealed that the ageing-controlling protein p66Shc and metabolism of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mROS) contributed to SIRT2 function in vascular ageing. Sirtuin 2 repressed p66Shc activation and mROS production by deacetylating p66Shc at lysine 81. Elimination of reactive oxygen species by MnTBAP repressed the SIRT2 deficiency-mediated aggravation of vascular remodelling and dysfunction in angiotensin II-challenged and aged mice. The SIRT2 coexpression module in aortas was reduced with ageing across species and was a significant predictor of age-related aortic diseases in humans.

CONCLUSION

The deacetylase SIRT2 is a response to ageing that delays vascular ageing, and the cytoplasm-mitochondria axis (SIRT2-p66Shc-mROS) is important for vascular ageing. Therefore, SIRT2 may serve as a potential therapeutic target for vascular rejuvenation.

The function and regulation of ADP-ribosylation in the DNA damage response

ADP-ribosylation is a post-translational modification involved in DNA damage response (DDR). In higher organisms it is synthesised by PARP 1-3, DNA strand break sensors. Recent advances have identified serine residues as the most common targets for ADP-ribosylation during DDR. To ADP-ribosylate serine, PARPs require an accessory factor, HPF1 which completes the catalytic domain. Through ADP-ribosylation, PARPs recruit a variety of factors to the break site and control their activities. However, the timely removal of ADP-ribosylation is also key for genome stability and is mostly performed by two hydrolases: PARG and ARH3. Here, we describe the key writers, readers and erasers of ADP-ribosylation and their contribution to the mounting of the DDR. We also discuss the use of PARP inhibitors in cancer therapy and the ways to tackle PARPi treatment resistance.

Spleen tyrosine kinase (SYK) signals are implicated in cardio-cerebrovascular diseases

Post-translational modifications regulate numerous biochemical reactions and functions through covalent attachment to proteins. Phosphorylation, acetylation and ubiquitination account for over 90% of all reported post-translational modifications. As one of the tyrosine protein kinases, spleen tyrosine kinase (SYK) plays crucial roles in many pathophysiological processes and affects the pathogenesis and progression of various diseases. SYK is expressed in tissues outside the hematopoietic system, especially the heart, and is involved in the progression of various cardio-cerebrovascular diseases, such as atherosclerosis, heart failure, diabetic cardiomyopathy, stroke and others. Knowledge on the role of SYK in the progress of cardio-cerebrovascular diseases is accumulating, and many related mechanisms have been discovered and validated. This review summarizes the role of SYK in the progression of various cardio-cerebrovascular diseases, and aims to provide a theoretical basis for future experimental and clinical research targeting SYK as a therapeutic option for these diseases.

BAG3: Nature's Quintessential Multi-Functional Protein Functions as a Ubiquitous Intra-Cellular Glue

BAG3 is a 575 amino acid protein that is found throughout the animal kingdom and homologs have been identified in plants. The protein is expressed ubiquitously but is most prominent in cardiac muscle, skeletal muscle, the brain and in many cancers. We describe BAG3 as a quintessential multi-functional protein. It supports autophagy of both misfolded proteins and damaged organelles, inhibits apoptosis, maintains the homeostasis of the mitochondria, and facilitates excitation contraction coupling through the L-type calcium channel and the beta-adrenergic receptor. High levels of BAG3 are associated with insensitivity to chemotherapy in malignant cells whereas both loss of function and gain of function variants are associated with cardiomyopathy.

Multiple Roles of SIRT2 in Regulating Physiological and Pathological Signal Transduction

Sirtuin 2 (SIRT2), as a member of the sirtuin family, has representative features of evolutionarily highly conserved nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+)-dependent deacetylase activity. In addition, SIRT2, as the only sirtuin protein colocalized with tubulin in the cytoplasm, has its own functions and characteristics. In recent years, studies have increasingly shown that SIRT2 can participate in the regulation of gene expression and regulate signal transduction in the metabolic pathway mainly through its post-translational modification of target genes; thus, SIRT2 has become a key centre in the metabolic pathway and participates in the pathological process of metabolic disorder-related diseases. In this paper, it is discussed that SIRT2 can regulate all aspects of gene expression, including epigenetic modification, replication, transcription and translation, and post-translational modification, which enables SIRT2 to participate in energy metabolism in life activities, and it is clarified that SIRT2 is involved in metabolic process-specific signal transduction mechanisms. Therefore, SIRT2 can be involved in metabolic disorder-related inflammation and oxidative stress, thereby triggering the occurrence of metabolic disorder-related diseases, such as neurodegenerative diseases, tumours, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. Currently, although the role of SIRT2 in some diseases is still controversial, given the multiple roles of SIRT2 in regulating physiological and pathological signal transduction, SIRT2 has become a key target for disease treatment. It is believed that with increasing research, the clinical application of SIRT2 will be promoted.

Oxidized forms of uromodulin promote calcium oxalate crystallization and growth, but not aggregation

Roles of an abundant human urinary protein, uromodulin (UMOD), in kidney stone disease were previously controversial. Recently, we have demonstrated that oxidative modification reverses overall modulatory activity of whole urinary proteins, from inhibition to promotion of calcium oxalate (CaOx) stone-forming processes. We thus hypothesized that oxidation is one of the factors causing those previously controversial UMOD data on stone modulation. Herein, we addressed effects of performic-induced oxidation on CaOx crystal modulatory activity of UMOD. Sequence analyses revealed two EGF-like calcium-binding domains (65th-107th and 108th-149th), two other calcium-binding motifs (65th-92nd and 108th-135th), and three oxalate-binding motifs (199th-207th, 361st-368th and 601st-609th) in UMOD molecule. Analysis of tandem mass spectrometric dataset of whole urinary proteins confirmed marked increases in oxidation, dioxidation and trioxidation of UMOD in the performic-modified urine samples. UMOD was then purified from the normal urine and underwent performic-induced oxidative modification, which was confirmed by Oxyblotting. The oxidized UMOD significantly promoted CaOx crystallization and crystal growth, whereas the unmodified native UMOD inhibited CaOx crystal growth. However, the oxidized UMOD did not affect CaOx crystal aggregation. Therefore, our data indicate that oxidized forms of UMOD promote CaOx crystallization and crystal growth, which are the important processes for CaOx kidney stone formation.

Hepatocyte-specific deletion of Bis causes senescence in the liver without deteriorating hepatic function

Bcl-2-interacting cell death suppressor (BIS), also called as BAG3, regulates numerous physiological processes, such as apoptosis, protein quality control, and senescence. Whole-body Bis-knockout (KO) mice exhibit early lethality following cardiac and skeletal muscle dysfunction. The first attempt to generate organ-specific knockout mice resulted in constitutive or inducible heart-specific Bis-knockout mice, which exhibited cardiac dilation and underwent premature death. Here, we generated hepatocyte-specific Bis-knockout (Bis-HKO) mice and found no abnormalities in metabolic function and survival. However, depletion of HSPB8 and accumulation of p62 indicated impaired autophagy in Bis-HKO livers. Interestingly, the number of peroxisomes wrapped by phagophore membranes increased as evidenced by transmission electron microscopy analysis, indicating defects in the progression of pexophagy. In addition, increased dihydroethidine intensities and histone H3 K9me3-positive nuclei indicated increased oxidative stress and senescence induction in Bis-HKO livers. Mechanistically, p27 was upregulated in Bis-HKO livers. In SNU368 hepatocellular carcinoma cells, BIS depletion led to p27 upregulation, and increase in histone H3 K9me3 levels and senescence-associated β-galactosidase staining; therefore, reproducing the in vivo senescence phenotype. Despite the observation of no metabolic abnormalities, BIS depletion led to defective autophagy, increased oxidative stress, and senescence in Bis-HKO livers. Collectively, our results suggest a role for BIS in maintaining liver regeneration potential under pathological conditions.

Research progress of Nedd4L in cardiovascular diseases

Post-translational modifications (PTMs) are a covalent processing process of proteins after translation. Proteins are capable of playing their roles only after being modified, so as to maintain the normal physiological function of cells. As a key modification of protein post-translational modification, ubiquitination is an essential element, which forms an enzyme-linked reaction through ubiquitin-activating enzyme, ubiquitin binding enzyme, and ubiquitin ligase, aiming to regulate the expression level and function of cellular proteins. Nedd4 family is the largest group of ubiquitin ligases, including 9 members, such as Nedd4-1, Nedd4L (Nedd4-2), WWP1, WWP2, ITCH, etc. They could bind to substrate proteins through their WW domain and play a dominant role in the ubiquitination process, and then participate in various pathophysiological processes of cardiovascular diseases (such as hypertension, myocardial hypertrophy, heart failure, etc.). At present, the role of Nedd4L in the cardiovascular field is not fully understood. This review aims to summarize the progress and mechanism of Nedd4L in cardiovascular diseases, and provide potential perspective for the clinical treatment or prevention of related cardiovascular diseases by targeting Nedd4L.