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Jin M, Seed RI, Cai G, Shing T, Wang L, Ito S, Cormier A, Wankowicz SA, Jespersen JM, Baron JL, Carey ND, Campbell MG, Yu Z, Tang PK, Cossio P, Wen W, Lou J, Marks J, Nishimura SL, Cheng Y. Dynamic allostery drives autocrine and paracrine TGF-β signaling. Cell 2024:S0092-8674(24)00965-6. [PMID: 39288764 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2024.08.036] [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: 01/20/2024] [Revised: 06/10/2024] [Accepted: 08/19/2024] [Indexed: 09/19/2024]
Abstract
TGF-β, essential for development and immunity, is expressed as a latent complex (L-TGF-β) non-covalently associated with its prodomain and presented on immune cell surfaces by covalent association with GARP. Binding to integrin αvβ8 activates L-TGF-β1/GARP. The dogma is that mature TGF-β must physically dissociate from L-TGF-β1 for signaling to occur. Our previous studies discovered that αvβ8-mediated TGF-β autocrine signaling can occur without TGF-β1 release from its latent form. Here, we show that mice engineered to express TGF-β1 that cannot release from L-TGF-β1 survive without early lethal tissue inflammation, unlike those with TGF-β1 deficiency. Combining cryogenic electron microscopy with cell-based assays, we reveal a dynamic allosteric mechanism of autocrine TGF-β1 signaling without release where αvβ8 binding redistributes the intrinsic flexibility of L-TGF-β1 to expose TGF-β1 to its receptors. Dynamic allostery explains the TGF-β3 latency/activation mechanism and why TGF-β3 functions distinctly from TGF-β1, suggesting that it broadly applies to other flexible cell surface receptor/ligand systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingliang Jin
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Robert I Seed
- Department of Pathology, UCSF, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Guoqing Cai
- Department of Pathology, UCSF, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Tiffany Shing
- Department of Pathology, UCSF, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Li Wang
- Department of Pathology, UCSF, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Saburo Ito
- Department of Pathology, UCSF, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | | | | | - Jody L Baron
- Department of Medicine and UCSF Liver Center, UCSF, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Nicholas D Carey
- Department of Medicine and UCSF Liver Center, UCSF, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Melody G Campbell
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Zanlin Yu
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Phu K Tang
- Center for Computational Mathematics, Flatiron Institute, New York, NY, USA
| | - Pilar Cossio
- Center for Computational Mathematics, Flatiron Institute, New York, NY, USA; Center for Computational Biology, Flatiron Institute, New York, NY, USA
| | - Weihua Wen
- Department of Anesthesia and Perioperative Care, UCSF, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Jianlong Lou
- Department of Anesthesia and Perioperative Care, UCSF, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - James Marks
- Department of Anesthesia and Perioperative Care, UCSF, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | - Yifan Cheng
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), San Francisco, CA, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, UCSF, San Francisco, CA, USA.
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Wang J, Sun Y, Chen R, Meng D, Wei Y, Jiang L, Kong X. Pro-fibrotic effect of the susceptible gene PCSK5 in vascular fibrosis of Takayasu arteritis via TGF-β and SMAD3 signaling pathway activation. J Autoimmun 2024; 148:103277. [PMID: 38972101 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2024.103277] [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: 01/01/2024] [Revised: 04/28/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/09/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vascular fibrosis directly causes vascular thickening in Takayasu arteritis (TAK), in which sustained transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) activation is critical. Understanding TGF-β activation regulation and blocking it might yield a therapeutic effect in TAK. Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 5 (PCSK5) rs6560480 (T/C) is associated with TAK development. In this study, we assessed the association between the PCSK5 rs6560480 genotype and PCSK5 expression in TAK and explored its molecular role in TGF-β activation and vascular fibrosis development. METHODS In TAK patients, PCSK5 and TGF-β expression in plasma and aortic tissue was examined by ELISA and immunohistochemical staining, and PCSK5 rs6560480 was genotyped. The correlation between PCSK5 and extracellular matrix (ECM) expression was examined by Western blotting (WB) and immunohistochemistry staining. Detection by co-immunoprecipitation was performed to detect the interaction between PCSK5 and TGF-β in adventitial fibroblasts (AAFs). Downstream signaling pathways were detected by WB and validated with appropriate inhibitors. Potential immunosuppressive agents to inhibit the effects of PCSK5 were explored in cell culture and TAK patients. RESULTS Patients with PCSK5 rs6560480 TT patients had significantly higher PCSK5 levels and more thickened vascular lesions than patients with PCSK5 rs6560480 CT. PCSK5 expression was significantly increased in alpha smooth muscle actin (α-SMA)-positive myofibroblasts in TAK vascular lesions. Overexpressing PCSK5 facilitated TGF-β and downstream SMAD2/3 activation and ECM expression in AAFs and aorta in in-vitro culture. The mechanistic study supported that PCSK5 activated precursor TGF-β (pro-TGF-β) to the mature form by binding the pro-TGF-β cleavage site. Leflunomide inhibited PCSK5 and pro-TGF-β binding, decreasing TGF-β activation and ECM expression, which was also partially validated in leflunomide-treated patients. CONCLUSION The findings revealed a novel pro-fibrotic mechanism of PCSK5 in TAK vascular fibrosis via TGF-β and downstream SMAD2/3 pathway activation. Leflunomide might be anti-fibrotic by disrupting PCSK5 and pro-TGF-β binding, presenting a new TAK treatment approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinghua Wang
- Department of Rheumatology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ying Sun
- Department of Rheumatology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Rongyi Chen
- Department of Rheumatology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Dan Meng
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Department of Rheumatology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, China
| | - Yuanyuan Wei
- Department of Immunology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Bioactive Small Molecules and State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lindi Jiang
- Department of Rheumatology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Center of Clinical Epidemiology and Evidence-based Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Xiufang Kong
- Department of Rheumatology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Center of Clinical Epidemiology and Evidence-based Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
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Kasahara E, Nakamura A, Morimoto K, Ito S, Hori M, Sekiyama A. Social defeat stress impairs systemic iron metabolism by activating the hepcidin-ferroportin axis. FASEB Bioadv 2024; 6:263-275. [PMID: 39114446 PMCID: PMC11301257 DOI: 10.1096/fba.2024-00071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2024] [Revised: 06/07/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Chronic psychological stress has been reported to decrease circulating iron concentrations and impair hematopoiesis. However, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the effects of psychological stress on biological iron metabolism by using the social defeat stress (SDS) model, a widely used model of depression. Compared with control mice, mice subjected to SDS (SDS mice) had lower social interaction (SI) behavior. The SDS mice also showed impaired hematopoiesis, as evidenced by reduced circulating red blood cell counts, elevated reticulocyte counts, and decreased plasma iron levels. In the SDS mice, the iron contents in the bone marrow decreased, whereas those in the spleen increased, suggesting dysregulation in systemic iron metabolism. The concentrations of plasma hepcidin, an important regulator of systemic iron homeostasis, increased in the SDS mice. Meanwhile, the concentrations of ferroportin, an iron transport protein negatively regulated by hepcidin, were lower in the spleen and duodenum of the SDS mice than in those of the control mice. Treatment with dalteparin, a hepcidin inhibitor, prevented the decrease in plasma iron levels in the SDS mice. The gene expression and enzyme activity of furin, which converts the precursor hepcidin to active hepcidin, were high and positively correlated with plasma hepcidin concentration. Thus, furin activation might be responsible for the increased plasma hepcidin concentration. This study is the first to show that psychological stress disrupts systemic iron homeostasis by activating the hepcidin-ferroportin axis. Consideration of psychological stressors might be beneficial in the treatment of diseases with iron-refractory anemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emiko Kasahara
- Department of Preemptive Medical Pharmacology for Mind and Body, Graduate School and School of Pharmaceutical SciencesOsaka UniversitySuitaOsakaJapan
| | - Ayumi Nakamura
- Department of Preemptive Medical Pharmacology for Mind and Body, Graduate School and School of Pharmaceutical SciencesOsaka UniversitySuitaOsakaJapan
| | - Kenki Morimoto
- Department of Preemptive Medical Pharmacology for Mind and Body, Graduate School and School of Pharmaceutical SciencesOsaka UniversitySuitaOsakaJapan
| | - Shiho Ito
- Department of Preemptive Medical Pharmacology for Mind and Body, Graduate School and School of Pharmaceutical SciencesOsaka UniversitySuitaOsakaJapan
| | - Mika Hori
- Department of Preemptive Medical Pharmacology for Mind and Body, Graduate School and School of Pharmaceutical SciencesOsaka UniversitySuitaOsakaJapan
| | - Atsuo Sekiyama
- Department of Preemptive Medical Pharmacology for Mind and Body, Graduate School and School of Pharmaceutical SciencesOsaka UniversitySuitaOsakaJapan
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Nakagawa R, Gu W, Mizobuchi H, Kodera S, Takano T, Wang Y, Fujioka I, Uchida K, Nakajima-Adachi H, Hachimura S. Lactococcus lactis subsp. cremoris YRC3780 modifies function of mesenteric lymph node dendritic cells to modulate the balance of T cell differentiation inducing regulatory T cells. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1395380. [PMID: 39040096 PMCID: PMC11261344 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1395380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction The intestinal immune system plays a pivotal role in the induction of immune responses against food. In the case of T cell response, dendritic cells (DCs) are especially important. However, the regulation of immune responses to food by intestinal DCs has been poorly described. In this study, we analyzed the effect of Lactococcus lactis subsp. cremoris YRC3780, a lactic acid bacterial strain isolated from kefir, a traditional fermented milk product, on the immune responses induced by antigen presentation by intestinal DCs to T cells as well as the mechanism of action of these immunomodulatory effects. It has been shown that L. cremoris YRC3780 ameliorates the symptoms of pollinosis in both animal and human studies. Methods CD11c+ cells from mesenteric lymph nodes (MLNs) of BALB/c mice were cultured as MLN DCs with L. cremoris YRC3780 and expression of genes inducing regulatory T cells (Tregs) was examined by qPCR. In addition, MLN DCs were cocultured with CD4+ T cells from DO11.10 transgenic mice expressing an ovalbumin (OVA)-specific TCR and the OVA antigen peptide and L. cremoris YRC3780. Induction of Tregs was examined by flow cytometry, gene expression was analyzed by DNA microarray and qPCR, and the production of cytokines was measured by ELISA. MLN DCs from TLR2-deficient mice and components of L. cremoris YRC3780 were used to examine the recognition of YRC3780 by MLN DCs. Results L. cremoris YRC3780 enhanced the expression of genes involved in Treg induction in MLN DCs and induced Foxp3+CD4+T cells in an MLN DC and CD4+ T-cell co-culture system. The effect on MLN DCs was likely mediated by receptors other than TLR2. Together with microarray analyses of CD4+ T cell gene expression and cytokine ELISA, it was demonstrated that L. cremoris YRC3780 promoted the induction of Th1 and Tregs, and regulated the balance of Th1/Th2 and Treg/Th17 cells involving multiple genes via the antigen-presentation of MLN DCs. Discussion Our findings provide insights into the modulation of intestinal immune responses mediated by DCs and the antiallergic effects of lactic acid bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryogo Nakagawa
- Research Center for Food Safety, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Wenting Gu
- Research Center for Food Safety, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hibine Mizobuchi
- Research Center for Food Safety, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shuhei Kodera
- Research Center for Food Safety, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tomohiro Takano
- Research Center for Food Safety, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yimei Wang
- Research Center for Food Safety, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ikumi Fujioka
- R&D Center, Yotsuba Milk Products, Co., Ltd., Kitahiroshima, Japan
| | - Kenji Uchida
- R&D Center, Yotsuba Milk Products, Co., Ltd., Kitahiroshima, Japan
| | - Haruyo Nakajima-Adachi
- Research Center for Food Safety, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Satoshi Hachimura
- Research Center for Food Safety, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
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Idris T, Bachmann M, Bacchetta M, Wehrle-Haller B, Chanson M, Badaoui M. Akt-driven TGF-β and DKK1 Secretion Impairs F508del Cystic Fibrosis Airway Epithelium Polarity. Am J Respir Cell Mol Biol 2024; 71:81-94. [PMID: 38531016 DOI: 10.1165/rcmb.2023-0408oc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Epithelial polarity is fundamental in maintaining barrier integrity and tissue protection. In cystic fibrosis (CF), apicobasal polarity of the airway epithelium is altered, resulting in increased apical fibronectin deposition and enhanced susceptibility to bacterial infections. Here, we evaluated the effect of highly effective modulator treatment (HEMT) on fibronectin apical deposition and investigated the intracellular mechanisms triggering the defect in polarity of the CF airway epithelium. To this end, primary cultures of CF (F508del variant) human airway epithelial cells (HAECs) and a HAEC line, Calu-3, knocked down for CFTR (CF transmembrane conductance regulator) were compared with control counterparts. We show that CFTR mutation in primary HAECs and CFTR knockdown cells promote the overexpression and oversecretion of TGF-β1 and DKK1 when cultured at an air-liquid interface. These dynamic changes result in hyperactivation of the TGF-β pathway and inhibition of the Wnt pathway through degradation of β-catenin leading to imbalanced proliferation and polarization. The abnormal interplay between TGF-β and Wnt signaling pathways is reinforced by aberrant Akt signaling. Pharmacological manipulation of TGF-β, Wnt, and Akt pathways restored polarization of the F508del CF epithelium, a correction that was not achieved by HEMT. Our data shed new insights into the signaling pathways that fine-tune apicobasal polarization in primary airway epithelial cells and may provide an explanation to the mitigated efficacy of HEMT on lung infection in people with CF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tahir Idris
- Department of Cell Physiology and Metabolism
| | | | | | | | - Marc Chanson
- Department of Cell Physiology and Metabolism
- Department of Pediatrics, Gynecology, and Obstetrics, and
- Geneva Centre for Inflammation Research, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
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Hamlin RE, Pienkos SM, Chan L, Stabile MA, Pinedo K, Rao M, Grant P, Bonilla H, Holubar M, Singh U, Jacobson KB, Jagannathan P, Maldonado Y, Holmes SP, Subramanian A, Blish CA. Sex differences and immune correlates of Long COVID development, persistence, and resolution. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.06.18.599612. [PMID: 38948732 PMCID: PMC11212991 DOI: 10.1101/2024.06.18.599612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
Sex differences have been observed in acute COVID-19 and Long COVID (LC) outcomes, with greater disease severity and mortality during acute infection in males and a greater proportion of females developing LC. We hypothesized that sex-specific immune dysregulation contributes to the pathogenesis of LC. To investigate the immunologic underpinnings of LC development and persistence, we used single-cell transcriptomics, single-cell proteomics, and plasma proteomics on blood samples obtained during acute SARS-CoV-2 infection and at 3 and 12 months post-infection in a cohort of 45 patients who either developed LC or recovered. Several sex-specific immune pathways were associated with LC. Specifically, males who would develop LC at 3 months had widespread increases in TGF-β signaling during acute infection in proliferating NK cells. Females who would develop LC demonstrated increased expression of XIST, an RNA gene implicated in autoimmunity, and increased IL1 signaling in monocytes at 12 months post infection. Several immune features of LC were also conserved across sexes. Both males and females with LC had reduced co-stimulatory signaling from monocytes and broad upregulation of NF-κB transcription factors. In both sexes, those with persistent LC demonstrated increased LAG3, a marker of T cell exhaustion, reduced ETS1 transcription factor expression across lymphocyte subsets, and elevated intracellular IL-4 levels in T cell subsets, suggesting that ETS1 alterations may drive an aberrantly elevated Th2-like response in LC. Altogether, this study describes multiple innate and adaptive immune correlates of LC, some of which differ by sex, and offers insights toward the pursuit of tailored therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca E Hamlin
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine; Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Shaun M Pienkos
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine; Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Leslie Chan
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine; Stanford, CA, USA
- Stanford Immunology Program, Stanford University School of Medicine; Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Mikayla A Stabile
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine; Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Kassandra Pinedo
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine; Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Mallika Rao
- Stanford Center for Clinical Research, Stanford University; Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Philip Grant
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine; Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Hector Bonilla
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine; Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Marisa Holubar
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine; Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Upinder Singh
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine; Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine; Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Karen B Jacobson
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine; Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Prasanna Jagannathan
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine; Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine; Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Yvonne Maldonado
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine; Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Susan P Holmes
- Department of Statistics, Stanford University; Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Aruna Subramanian
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine; Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Catherine A Blish
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine; Stanford, CA, USA
- Stanford Medical Scientist Training Program, Stanford University School of Medicine; Stanford, CA, USA
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub; San Francisco, CA, USA
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Rizk SK, Alhosary A, Zahran ES, Awad S, Khalil M. Identification of potential biomarkers for SLE through mRNA expression profiling. J Immunoassay Immunochem 2024; 45:20-37. [PMID: 37807897 DOI: 10.1080/15321819.2023.2266013] [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] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease that influences numerous body systems. Furin, tristetraprolin (TTP), and NOD, LRR, and pyrin domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) contribute in developing autoimmune illnesses. AIM Understandthe role of furin, TTP, and NLRP3 mRNA gene expression in SLE pathogenesis and prognosis. Methods: Total 210 individuals were enrolled, divided in two group: cases and control; 105 participants in each group. Real-time quantitative PCR for furin, TTP,and NLRP3 mRNA gene expression were determined for each subject. RESULTS SLE patients showed significantly higher serum furin [median 20.10 (0.0-162.88) in comparison with control group [median 1.10 (0.33-8.64)] with significant pvalue (p < 0.001), for NLRP3 expression [median 7.03 (0.0-282.97) compared to control group [median 1.0 (0.44-9.48)] with significant p value (p = 0.006)but lower TTP [median 2.37 (0.0-30.13)] in comparison with control group [median 7.90 (1.0-29.29)] with significant p value (p < 0.001) . Elevated levels of Furin and NLRP3 and low levels of TTP were linked to increased illness activity. CONCLUSION Furin and NLRP increase in SLE and higher with illness activity. TTP is lowerin SLE and negatively correlates with disease activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Kamal Rizk
- Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Menoufia University, Shebin Elkom, Egypt
| | - Amal Alhosary
- Clinical Pathology, National Liver Institute, Menoufia University, Shebin Elkom, Egypt
| | - Enas S Zahran
- Internal Medicine Department, Immunology and Rheumatology Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Menoufia University, Shebin Elkom, Egypt
| | - Samah Awad
- Microbiology and Immunology, Clinical Microbiology and Immunology Department, National Liver Institute, Menoufia University, Shebin Elkom, Egypt
| | - Marwa Khalil
- Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Menoufia University, Shebin Elkom, Egypt
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Kim K, Kim YS, Jang JW, Lee GM. Enhancing the production of recombinant human TGF-β1 through an understanding of TGF-β1 synthesis, signaling, and endocytosis in CHO cells. Biotechnol J 2024; 19:e2300269. [PMID: 37985244 DOI: 10.1002/biot.202300269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
To enhance the production of recombinant human transforming growth factor-beta1 (rhTGF-β1) in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells, rhTGF-β1 was first characterized for endocytosis, signaling pathway, and overall maturation process. The mature rhTGF-β1 used for clinical application was internalized into CHO cells and inhibited the growth of CHO cells in a dose-dependent manner. However, mature rhTGF-β1 was mostly produced in the form of latent rhTGF-β1 in cultures of recombinant CHO (rCHO) cells producing rhTGF-β1 (CHO-rhTGF-β1). The concentration of active mature rhTGF-β1 in the culture supernatant of CHO-rhTGF-β1 cells was not high enough to compromise yield. In addition, a significant amount of unprocessed precursors was produced by CHO-rhTGF-β1 cells. Overexpression of PACEsol, a soluble form of furin, in CHO-rhTGF-β1 cells was effective for the proteolytic cleavage of unprocessed precursors. The highest mature rhTGF-β1 concentration (6.4 μg mL-1 ) was obtained with the PACEsol-expressing clone, which was approximately 45% higher than that of the parental clone (P < 0.01). Thus, a comprehensive understanding of the intrinsic properties of rhTGF-β1 with respect to the overall maturation process, signaling pathway, and endocytosis is essential for effectively enhancing the production of mature rhTGF-β1 in CHO cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyungsoo Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, KAIST, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Sik Kim
- Institute of Biomaterial and Medical Engineering, Cellumed, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ju Woong Jang
- Institute of Biomaterial and Medical Engineering, Cellumed, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Gyun Min Lee
- Department of Biological Sciences, KAIST, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
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9
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Al‐kuraishy HM, Al‐Maiahy TJ, Al‐Gareeb AI, Alexiou A, Papadakis M, Saad HM, Batiha GE. The possible role furin and furin inhibitors in endometrial adenocarcinoma: A narrative review. Cancer Rep (Hoboken) 2024; 7:e1920. [PMID: 38018319 PMCID: PMC10809206 DOI: 10.1002/cnr2.1920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Revised: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Endometrial adenocarcinoma (EAC) is a malignant tumor of the endometrium. EAC is the most common female malignancy following the menopause period. About 40% of patients with EAC are linked with obesity and interrelated with hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and high circulating estrogen levels. Proprotein convertase (PC) furin was involved in the progression of EAC. RECENT FINDINGS Furin is a protease enzyme belonging to the subtilisin PC family called PC subtilisin/kexin type 3 that converts precursor proteins to biologically active forms and products. Aberrant activation of furin promotes abnormal cell proliferation and the development of cancer. Furin promotes angiogenesis, malignant cell proliferation, and tissue invasion by malignant cells through its pro-metastatic and oncogenic activities. Furin activity is correlated with the malignant proliferation of EAC. Higher expression of furin may increase the development of EAC through overexpression of pro-renin receptors and disintegrin and metalloprotease 17 (ADAM17). As well, inflammatory signaling in EAC promotes the expression of furin with further propagation of malignant transformation. CONCLUSION Furin is associated with the development and progression of EAC through the induction of proliferation, invasion, and metastasis of malignant cells of EAC. Furin induces ontogenesis in EAC through activation expression of ADAM17, pro-renin receptor, CD109, and TGF-β. As well, EAC-mediated inflammation promotes the expression of furin with further propagation of neoplastic growth and invasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hayder M. Al‐kuraishy
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and MedicineCollege of Medicine, Mustansiriyah UniversityBaghdadIraq
| | - Thabat J. Al‐Maiahy
- Department of Gynecology and ObstetricsCollege of Medicine, Mustansiriyah UniversityBaghdadIraq
| | - Ali I. Al‐Gareeb
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and MedicineCollege of Medicine, Mustansiriyah UniversityBaghdadIraq
| | - Athanasios Alexiou
- University Centre for Research & DevelopmentChandigarh University, Chandigarh‐Ludhiana HighwayMohaliPunjabIndia
- Department of Research & DevelopmentFunogenAthensGreece
- Department of Research & DevelopmentAFNP MedWienAustria
- Department of Science and EngineeringNovel Global Community Educational FoundationHebershamNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Marios Papadakis
- Department of Surgery IIUniversity Hospital Witten‐Herdecke, University of Witten‐HerdeckeWuppertalGermany
| | - Hebatallah M. Saad
- Department of PathologyFaculty of Veterinary Medicine, Matrouh UniversityMatrouhEgypt
| | - Gaber El‐Saber Batiha
- Department of Pharmacology and TherapeuticsFaculty of Veterinary Medicine, Damanhour UniversityDamanhourAlBeheiraEgypt
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Kiba Y, Tanikawa T, Hayashi T, Kamauchi H, Seki T, Suzuki R, Kitamura M. Inhibition of furin-like enzymatic activities and SARS-CoV-2 infection by osthole and phenolic compounds with aryl side chains. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 169:115940. [PMID: 38007936 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115940] [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: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 11/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), spread as a pandemic and caused damage to people's lives and countries' economies. The spike (S) protein of SARS-CoV-2 contains a cleavage motif, Arg-X-X-Arg, for furin and furin-like enzymes at the boundary of the S1/S2 subunits. Given that cleavage plays a crucial role in S protein activation and viral entry, the cleavage motif was selected as the target. Our previous fluorogenic substrate study showed that osthole, a coumarin compound, inhibits furin-like enzyme activity. In this study, we examined the potential activities of 15 compounds with a structure-activity relationship with osthole, and evaluated their protective ability against SARS-CoV-2 infection. Of the 15 compounds tested, compounds C1 and C2 exhibited the inhibitory effects of osthole against furin-like enzymatic activity; however, little or no inhibitory effects against furin activity were observed. We further examined the inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 activity by compounds C1 and C2 using a Vero E6 cell line that expresses the transmembrane protease serine 2 (TMPRSS2). Compounds C1, C2, and osthole effectively inhibited SARS-CoV-2 infection. Therefore, osthole and its derivatives can potentially be used as therapeutic agents against SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuka Kiba
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Josai University; 1-1, Keyakidai, Sakado, Saitama 350-0295, Japan
| | - Takashi Tanikawa
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Josai University; 1-1, Keyakidai, Sakado, Saitama 350-0295, Japan.
| | - Tsuyoshi Hayashi
- Department of Virology II, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hitoshi Kamauchi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Josai University, 1-1 Keyakidai, Sakado City, Saitama 350-0295, Japan
| | - Taishi Seki
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Josai University; 1-1, Keyakidai, Sakado, Saitama 350-0295, Japan
| | - Ryuichiro Suzuki
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Josai University, 1-1 Keyakidai, Sakado City, Saitama 350-0295, Japan
| | - Masashi Kitamura
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Josai University; 1-1, Keyakidai, Sakado, Saitama 350-0295, Japan.
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11
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Marafie SK, Al-Mulla F. An Overview of the Role of Furin in Type 2 Diabetes. Cells 2023; 12:2407. [PMID: 37830621 PMCID: PMC10571965 DOI: 10.3390/cells12192407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Post-translational modifications (PTMs) play important roles in regulating several human diseases, like cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, and metabolic disorders. Investigating PTMs' contribution to protein functions is critical for modern biology and medicine. Proprotein convertases (PCs) are irreversible post-translational modifiers that have been extensively studied and are considered as key targets for novel therapeutics. They cleave proteins at specific sites causing conformational changes affecting their functions. Furin is considered as a PC model in regulating growth factors and is involved in regulating many pro-proteins. The mammalian target of the rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway is another key player in regulating cellular processes and its dysregulation is linked to several diseases including type 2 diabetes (T2D). The role of furin in the context of diabetes has been rarely explored and is currently lacking. Moreover, furin variants have altered activity that could have implications on overall health. In this review, we aim to highlight the role of furin in T2D in relation to mTOR signaling. We will also address furin genetic variants and their potential effect on T2D and β-cell functions. Understanding the role of furin in prediabetes and dissecting it from other confounding factors like obesity is crucial for future therapeutic interventions in metabolic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sulaiman K. Marafie
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, Dasman Diabetes Institute, P.O. Box 1180, Dasman 15462, Kuwait
| | - Fahd Al-Mulla
- Genetics and Bioinformatics Department, Dasman Diabetes Institute, P.O. Box 1180, Dasman 15462, Kuwait
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12
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Douglas LEJ, Reihill JA, Montgomery BM, Martin SL. Furin as a therapeutic target in cystic fibrosis airways disease. Eur Respir Rev 2023; 32:32/168/220256. [PMID: 37137509 PMCID: PMC10155048 DOI: 10.1183/16000617.0256-2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Clinical management of cystic fibrosis (CF) has been greatly improved by the development of small molecule modulators of the CF transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR). These drugs help to address some of the basic genetic defects of CFTR; however, no suitable CFTR modulators exist for 10% of people with CF (PWCF). An alternative, mutation-agnostic therapeutic approach is therefore still required. In CF airways, elevated levels of the proprotein convertase furin contribute to the dysregulation of key processes that drive disease pathogenesis. Furin plays a critical role in the proteolytic activation of the epithelial sodium channel; hyperactivity of which causes airways dehydration and loss of effective mucociliary clearance. Furin is also responsible for the processing of transforming growth factor-β, which is increased in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid from PWCF and is associated with neutrophilic inflammation and reduced pulmonary function. Pathogenic substrates of furin include Pseudomonas exotoxin A, a major toxic product associated with Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection and the spike glycoprotein of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, the causative pathogen for coronavirus disease 2019. In this review we discuss the importance of furin substrates in the progression of CF airways disease and highlight selective furin inhibition as a therapeutic strategy to provide clinical benefit to all PWCF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa E J Douglas
- School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - James A Reihill
- School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK
| | | | - S Lorraine Martin
- School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK
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13
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Yang W, Cao J, McVey DG, Ye S. Allele-Specific Epigenetic Regulation of FURIN Expression at a Coronary Artery Disease Susceptibility Locus. Cells 2023; 12:1681. [PMID: 37443715 PMCID: PMC10341058 DOI: 10.3390/cells12131681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Genome-wide association studies have revealed an association between the genetic variant rs17514846 in the FURIN gene and coronary artery disease. We investigated the mechanism through which rs17514846 modulates FURIN expression. An analysis of isogenic monocytic cell lines showed that the cells of the rs17514846 A/A genotype expressed higher levels of FURIN than cells of the C/C genotype. Pyrosequencing showed that the cytosine (in a CpG motif) at the rs17514846 position on the C allele was methylated. Treatment with the DNA methylation inhibitor 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine increased FURIN expression. An electrophoretic mobility super-shift assay with a probe corresponding to the DNA sequence at and around the rs17514846 position of the C allele detected DNA-protein complex bands that were altered by an anti-MeCP2 antibody. A chromatin immunoprecipitation assay with the anti-MeCP2 antibody showed an enrichment of the DNA sequence containing the rs17514846 site. siRNA-mediated knockdown of MeCP2 caused an increase in FURIN expression. Furthermore, MeCP2 knockdown increased monocyte migration and proliferation, and this effect was diminished by a FURIN inhibitor. The results of our study suggest that DNA methylation inhibits FURIN expression and that the coronary artery disease-predisposing variant rs17514846 modulates FURIN expression and monocyte migration via an allele-specific effect on DNA methylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Yang
- Department of Basic Medicine, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China
| | - Junjun Cao
- Department of Basic Medicine, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China
| | - David G. McVey
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, National Institute for Health Research, Leicester Biomedical Research Centre, University of Leicester, Leicester LE3 9QP, UK
| | - Shu Ye
- Department of Basic Medicine, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, National Institute for Health Research, Leicester Biomedical Research Centre, University of Leicester, Leicester LE3 9QP, UK
- Cardiovascular-Metabolic Disease Translational Research Programme, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117597, Singapore
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14
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Xue Y, Mei H, Chen Y, Griffin JD, Liu Q, Weisberg E, Yang J. Repurposing clinically available drugs and therapies for pathogenic targets to combat SARS-CoV-2. MedComm (Beijing) 2023; 4:e254. [PMID: 37193304 PMCID: PMC10183156 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Revised: 02/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has affected a large portion of the global population, both physically and mentally. Current evidence suggests that the rapidly evolving coronavirus subvariants risk rendering vaccines and antibodies ineffective due to their potential to evade existing immunity, with enhanced transmission activity and higher reinfection rates that could lead to new outbreaks across the globe. The goal of viral management is to disrupt the viral life cycle as well as to relieve severe symptoms such as lung damage, cytokine storm, and organ failure. In the fight against viruses, the combination of viral genome sequencing, elucidation of the structure of viral proteins, and identifying proteins that are highly conserved across multiple coronaviruses has revealed many potential molecular targets. In addition, the time- and cost-effective repurposing of preexisting antiviral drugs or approved/clinical drugs for these targets offers considerable clinical advantages for COVID-19 patients. This review provides a comprehensive overview of various identified pathogenic targets and pathways as well as corresponding repurposed approved/clinical drugs and their potential against COVID-19. These findings provide new insight into the discovery of novel therapeutic strategies that could be applied to the control of disease symptoms emanating from evolving SARS-CoV-2 variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiying Xue
- Department of Hematology, Tongji Hospital, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, School of Life Sciences and TechnologyTongji UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Husheng Mei
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Medical Physics and Technology, Institute of Health and Medical Technology, Hefei Institutes of Physical ScienceChinese Academy of SciencesHefeiChina
- University of Science and Technology of ChinaHefeiAnhuiChina
| | - Yisa Chen
- Department of Hematology, Tongji Hospital, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, School of Life Sciences and TechnologyTongji UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - James D. Griffin
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana‐Farber Cancer InstituteBostonMassachusettsUSA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Qingsong Liu
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Medical Physics and Technology, Institute of Health and Medical Technology, Hefei Institutes of Physical ScienceChinese Academy of SciencesHefeiChina
- University of Science and Technology of ChinaHefeiAnhuiChina
- Hefei Cancer HospitalChinese Academy of SciencesHefeiChina
| | - Ellen Weisberg
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana‐Farber Cancer InstituteBostonMassachusettsUSA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Jing Yang
- Department of Hematology, Tongji Hospital, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, School of Life Sciences and TechnologyTongji UniversityShanghaiChina
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Medical Physics and Technology, Institute of Health and Medical Technology, Hefei Institutes of Physical ScienceChinese Academy of SciencesHefeiChina
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15
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Tomaszewski M, Morris AP, Howson JMM, Franceschini N, Eales JM, Xu X, Dikalov S, Guzik TJ, Humphreys BD, Harrap S, Charchar FJ. Kidney omics in hypertension: from statistical associations to biological mechanisms and clinical applications. Kidney Int 2022; 102:492-505. [PMID: 35690124 PMCID: PMC9886011 DOI: 10.1016/j.kint.2022.04.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2021] [Revised: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Hypertension is a major cardiovascular disease risk factor and contributor to premature death globally. Family-based investigations confirmed a significant heritable component of blood pressure (BP), whereas genome-wide association studies revealed >1000 common and rare genetic variants associated with BP and/or hypertension. The kidney is not only an organ of key relevance to BP regulation and the development of hypertension, but it also acts as the tissue mediator of genetic predisposition to hypertension. The identity of kidney genes, pathways, and related mechanisms underlying the genetic associations with BP has started to emerge through integration of genomics with kidney transcriptomics, epigenomics, and other omics as well as through applications of causal inference, such as Mendelian randomization. Single-cell methods further enabled mapping of BP-associated kidney genes to cell types, and in conjunction with other omics, started to illuminate the biological mechanisms underpinning associations of BP-associated genetic variants and kidney genes. Polygenic risk scores derived from genome-wide association studies and refined on kidney omics hold the promise of enhanced diagnostic prediction, whereas kidney omics-informed drug discovery is likely to contribute new therapeutic opportunities for hypertension and hypertension-mediated kidney damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maciej Tomaszewski
- Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Biology and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK; Manchester Heart Centre and Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK.
| | - Andrew P Morris
- Centre for Genetics and Genomics Versus Arthritis, Centre for Musculoskeletal Research, Division of Musculoskeletal and Dermatological Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Joanna M M Howson
- Department of Genetics, Novo Nordisk Research Centre Oxford, Novo Nordisk Ltd, Oxford, UK
| | - Nora Franceschini
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - James M Eales
- Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Biology and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Xiaoguang Xu
- Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Biology and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Sergey Dikalov
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Tomasz J Guzik
- Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK; Department of Internal and Agricultural Medicine, Jagiellonian University College of Medicine, Kraków, Poland
| | - Benjamin D Humphreys
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Stephen Harrap
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Fadi J Charchar
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Health Innovation and Transformation Centre, School of Science, Psychology and Sport, Federation University Australia, Ballarat, Victoria, Australia; Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
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16
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Mezger MC, Conzelmann C, Weil T, von Maltitz P, Albers DPJ, Münch J, Stamminger T, Schilling EM. Inhibitors of Activin Receptor-like Kinase 5 Interfere with SARS-CoV-2 S-Protein Processing and Spike-Mediated Cell Fusion via Attenuation of Furin Expression. Viruses 2022; 14:v14061308. [PMID: 35746781 PMCID: PMC9228453 DOI: 10.3390/v14061308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Revised: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Screening of a protein kinase inhibitor library identified SB431542, targeting activin receptor-like kinase 5 (ALK5), as a compound interfering with SARS-CoV-2 replication. Since ALK5 is implicated in transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) signaling and regulation of the cellular endoprotease furin, we pursued this research to clarify the role of this protein kinase for SARS-CoV-2 infection. We show that TGF-β1 induces the expression of furin in a broad spectrum of cells including Huh-7 and Calu-3 that are permissive for SARS-CoV-2. The inhibition of ALK5 by incubation with SB431542 revealed a dose-dependent downregulation of both basal and TGF-β1 induced furin expression. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the ALK5 inhibitors SB431542 and Vactosertib negatively affect the proteolytic processing of the SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein and significantly reduce spike-mediated cell-cell fusion. This correlated with an inhibitory effect of ALK5 inhibition on the production of infectious SARS-CoV-2. Altogether, our study shows that interference with ALK5 signaling attenuates SARS-CoV-2 infectivity and cell-cell spread via downregulation of furin which is most pronounced upon TGF-β stimulation. Since a TGF-β dominated cytokine storm is a hallmark of severe COVID-19, ALK5 inhibitors undergoing clinical trials might represent a potential therapy option for COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maja C. Mezger
- Institute of Virology, Ulm University Medical Center, 89081 Ulm, Germany; (M.C.M.); (E.-M.S.)
| | - Carina Conzelmann
- Institute of Molecular Virology, Ulm University Medical Center, 89081 Ulm, Germany; (C.C.); (T.W.); (P.v.M.); (D.P.J.A.); (J.M.)
| | - Tatjana Weil
- Institute of Molecular Virology, Ulm University Medical Center, 89081 Ulm, Germany; (C.C.); (T.W.); (P.v.M.); (D.P.J.A.); (J.M.)
| | - Pascal von Maltitz
- Institute of Molecular Virology, Ulm University Medical Center, 89081 Ulm, Germany; (C.C.); (T.W.); (P.v.M.); (D.P.J.A.); (J.M.)
| | - Dan P. J. Albers
- Institute of Molecular Virology, Ulm University Medical Center, 89081 Ulm, Germany; (C.C.); (T.W.); (P.v.M.); (D.P.J.A.); (J.M.)
| | - Jan Münch
- Institute of Molecular Virology, Ulm University Medical Center, 89081 Ulm, Germany; (C.C.); (T.W.); (P.v.M.); (D.P.J.A.); (J.M.)
| | - Thomas Stamminger
- Institute of Virology, Ulm University Medical Center, 89081 Ulm, Germany; (M.C.M.); (E.-M.S.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-731-50065100
| | - Eva-Maria Schilling
- Institute of Virology, Ulm University Medical Center, 89081 Ulm, Germany; (M.C.M.); (E.-M.S.)
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17
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Soni AP, Lee J, Shin K, Koiwa H, Hwang I. Production of Recombinant Active Human TGFβ1 in Nicotiana benthamiana. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2022; 13:922694. [PMID: 35712604 PMCID: PMC9197560 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.922694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The production of recombinant proteins in plant systems is receiving wider attention. Indeed, various plant-produced pharmaceuticals have been shown to be biologically active. However, the production of human growth factors and cytokines in heterologous systems is still challenging because they often act as complex forms, such as homo- or hetero-dimers, and their production is tightly regulated in vivo. In this study, we demonstrated that the mature form of human TGFβ1 produced and purified from Nicotiana benthamiana shows biological activity in animal cells. To produce the mature form of TGFβ1, various recombinant genes containing the mature form of TGFβ1 were generated and produced in N. benthamiana. Of these, a recombinant construct, BiP:M:CBM3:LAP[C33S]:EK:TGFβ1, was expressed at a high level in N. benthamiana. Recombinant proteins were one-step purified using cellulose-binding module 3 (CBM3) as an affinity tag and microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) beads as a matrix. The TGFβ1 recombinant protein bound on MCC beads was proteolytically processed with enterokinase to separate mature TGFβ1. The mature TGFβ1 still associated with Latency Associated Protein, [LAP(C33S)] that had been immobilized on MCC beads was released by HCl treatment. Purified TGFβ1 activated TGFβ1-mediated signaling in the A549 cell line, thereby inducing phosphorylation of SMAD-2, the expression of ZEB-2 and SNAIL1, and the formation of a filopodia-like structure. Based on these results, we propose that active mature TGFβ1, one of the most challenging growth factors to produce in heterologous systems, can be produced from plants at a high degree of purity via a few steps.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aditya Prakash Soni
- Department of Life Science, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang, South Korea
| | - Juhee Lee
- Department of Life Science, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang, South Korea
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Natural Science, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Kunyoo Shin
- Department of Life Science, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang, South Korea
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Natural Science, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Hisashi Koiwa
- Molecular and Environmental Plant Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
- Vegetable and Fruit Development Center, Department of Horticultural Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | - Inhwan Hwang
- Department of Life Science, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang, South Korea
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18
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Qiu H, Wang N, Lin D, Yuan Y, Li J, Mao D, Meng Y. The positive feedback loop of furin and TGFβ1 enhances the immune responses of Tregs to hepatocellular carcinoma cells and hepatitis B virus in vitro. Cell Biol Int 2022; 46:1215-1226. [PMID: 35349767 DOI: 10.1002/cbin.11806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2021] [Revised: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Regulatory T cells (Tregs) can exert immunosuppressive activity. Furin can regulate Treg functions, hepatitis B virus (HBV) persistent infection, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development. However, it remains unknown whether furin can regulate the immune responses of Tregs to HBV and HCC cells. Here, coculture systems of HBV1.3P-HepG2.3P-HepG2 cells and Tregs transduced with or without lentiviral particles that could overexpress furin or knockdown furin/transforming growth factor β1 (TGFβ1) were established to investigate the regulatory relationship between furin and TGFβ1 and the effect of furin/TGFβ1 on Treg activity. Also, the effects of furin overexpression or furin/TGFβ1 knockdown in Tregs on the immunological activity of effector T cells (Teffs)/cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) and HBV replication/expression were explored in the coculture system of Teff/CTL, Treg, and HBV1.3P-HepG2 cells. Our results showed that furin expression and TGFβ1 secretion were notably increased in Tregs, and Furin and TGFβ1 formed a positive feedback loop to activate Tregs in the coculture system of Tregs and HBV1.3P-HepG2 cells. Furin or TGFβ1 knockdown in Tregs promoted Teff cell proliferation, stimulated interleukin-2 and interferon-γ secretion, and inhibited HBV replication/gene expression in the coculture system of Teff, Treg, and HBV1.3P-HepG2 cells. Moreover, furin or TGFβ1 depletion in Tregs enhanced the killing activity of CTLs against HBV1.3P-HepG2 cells and curbed HBV replication/gene expression in the coculture system of Tregs, CTLs, and HBV1.3P-HepG2 cells. In conclusion, the positive feedback loop of furin and TGFβ1 enhanced the immune responses of Tregs to HCC cells and HBV in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hua Qiu
- Department of Chinese Medicine (CM), Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Na Wang
- Department of Live Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Dongyi Lin
- Department of Chinese Medicine (CM), Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Ying Yuan
- Department of Chinese Medicine (CM), Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Jinyuan Li
- Department of Chinese Medicine (CM), Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Dewen Mao
- Department of Live Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Yinjie Meng
- Department of Live Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, Guangxi, China
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19
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Testicular Germ Cell Tumours and Proprotein Convertases. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14071633. [PMID: 35406405 PMCID: PMC8996948 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14071633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Revised: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Despite the high survival rate of the most common neoplasia in young Caucasian men: Testicular Germ Cell Tumors (TGCT), the quality of life of these patients is impaired by the multiple long-term side effects of their treatment. The study of molecules that can serve both as diagnostic biomarkers for tumor development and as therapeutic targets seems necessary. Proprotein convertases (PC) are a group of proteases responsible for the maturation of inactive proproteins with very diverse functions, whose alterations in expression have been associated with various diseases, such as other types of cancer and inflammation. The study of the immune tumor microenvironment and the substrates of PCs could contribute to the development of new and necessary immunotherapies to treat this pathology. Abstract Testicular Germ Cell Tumours (TGCT) are widely considered a “curable cancer” due to their exceptionally high survival rate, even if it is reduced by many years after the diagnosis due to metastases and relapses. The most common therapeutic approach to TGCTs has not changed in the last 50 years despite its multiple long-term side effects, and because it is the most common malignancy in young Caucasian men, much research is needed to better the quality of life of the many survivors. Proprotein Convertases (PC) are nine serine proteases responsible for the maturation of inactive proproteins with many diverse functions. Alterations in their expression have been associated with various diseases, including cancer and inflammation. Many of their substrates are adhesion molecules, metalloproteases and proinflammatory molecules, all of which are involved in tumour development. Inhibition of certain convertases has also been shown to slow tumour formation, demonstrating their involvement in this process. Considering the very established link between PCs and inflammation-related malignancies and the recent studies carried out into the immune microenvironment of TGCTs, the study of the involvement of PCs in testicular cancer may open up avenues for being both a biomarker for diagnosis and a therapeutic target.
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20
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Moreau JM, Velegraki M, Bolyard C, Rosenblum MD, Li Z. Transforming growth factor-β1 in regulatory T cell biology. Sci Immunol 2022; 7:eabi4613. [PMID: 35302863 PMCID: PMC10552796 DOI: 10.1126/sciimmunol.abi4613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 44.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) is inextricably linked to regulatory T cell (Treg) biology. However, precisely untangling the role for TGF-β1 in Treg differentiation and function is complicated by the pleiotropic and context-dependent activity of this cytokine and the multifaceted biology of Tregs. Among CD4+ T cells, Tregs are the major producers of latent TGF-β1 and are uniquely able to activate this cytokine via expression of cell surface docking receptor glycoprotein A repetitions predominant (GARP) and αv integrins. Although a preponderance of evidence indicates no essential roles for Treg-derived TGF-β1 in Treg immunosuppression, TGF-β1 signaling is crucial for Treg development in the thymus and periphery. Furthermore, active TGF-β1 instructs the differentiation of other T cell subsets, including TH17 cells. Here, we will review TGF-β1 signaling in Treg development and function and discuss knowledge gaps, future research, and the TGF-β1/Treg axis in the context of cancer immunotherapy and fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua M. Moreau
- Department of Dermatology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Maria Velegraki
- Pelotonia Institute for Immuno-Oncology, the Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center—James Cancer Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Chelsea Bolyard
- Pelotonia Institute for Immuno-Oncology, the Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center—James Cancer Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Michael D. Rosenblum
- Department of Dermatology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Zihai Li
- Pelotonia Institute for Immuno-Oncology, the Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center—James Cancer Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
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21
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Aimo A, Iborra-Egea O, Martini N, Galvez-Monton C, Burchielli S, Panichella G, Passino C, Emdin M, Bayes-Genis A. Cardiac protection by pirfenidone after myocardial infarction: a bioinformatic analysis. Sci Rep 2022; 12:4691. [PMID: 35304529 PMCID: PMC8933518 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-08523-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2021] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Left ventricular (LV) remodeling after myocardial infarction (MI) is promoted by an intense fibrotic response, which could be targeted by the anti-fibrotic drug pirfenidone. We explored the relationship between protein modulation by pirfenidone and post-MI remodeling, based on molecular information and transcriptomic data from a swine model of MI. We identified 6 causative motives of post-MI remodeling (cardiomyocyte cell death, impaired myocyte contractility, extracellular matrix remodeling and fibrosis, hypertrophy, renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system activation, and inflammation), 4 pirfenidone targets and 21 bioflags (indirect effectors). Pirfenidone had a more widespread action than gold-standard drugs, encompassing all 6 motives, with prominent effects on p38γ-MAPK12, the TGFβ1-SMAD2/3 pathway and other effector proteins such as matrix metalloproteases 2 and 14, PDGFA/B, and IGF1. A bioinformatic approach allowed to identify several possible mechanisms of action of pirfenidone with beneficial effects in the post-MI LV remodeling, and suggests additional effects over guideline-recommended therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Aimo
- Institute of Life Sciences, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Piazza Martiri della Libertà 33, 56124, Pisa, Italy. .,Cardiology Division, Fondazione Toscana Gabriele Monasterio, Pisa, Italy.
| | - Oriol Iborra-Egea
- ICREC (Heart Failure and Cardiac Regeneration) Research Programme, Health Sciences Research Institute Germans Trias I Pujol (IGTP), Barcelona, Spain.,CIBER Cardiovascular, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Nicola Martini
- Cardiology Division, Fondazione Toscana Gabriele Monasterio, Pisa, Italy
| | - Carolina Galvez-Monton
- ICREC (Heart Failure and Cardiac Regeneration) Research Programme, Health Sciences Research Institute Germans Trias I Pujol (IGTP), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Silvia Burchielli
- Cardiology Division, Fondazione Toscana Gabriele Monasterio, Pisa, Italy
| | - Giorgia Panichella
- Institute of Life Sciences, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Piazza Martiri della Libertà 33, 56124, Pisa, Italy
| | - Claudio Passino
- Institute of Life Sciences, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Piazza Martiri della Libertà 33, 56124, Pisa, Italy.,Cardiology Division, Fondazione Toscana Gabriele Monasterio, Pisa, Italy
| | - Michele Emdin
- Institute of Life Sciences, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Piazza Martiri della Libertà 33, 56124, Pisa, Italy.,Cardiology Division, Fondazione Toscana Gabriele Monasterio, Pisa, Italy
| | - Antoni Bayes-Genis
- ICREC (Heart Failure and Cardiac Regeneration) Research Programme, Health Sciences Research Institute Germans Trias I Pujol (IGTP), Barcelona, Spain.,CIBER Cardiovascular, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
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22
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Liu S, Guo J, Cheng X, Li W, Lyu S, Chen X, Li Q, Wang H. Molecular Evolution of Transforming Growth Factor-β (TGF-β) Gene Family and the Functional Characterization of Lamprey TGF-β2. Front Immunol 2022; 13:836226. [PMID: 35309318 PMCID: PMC8931421 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.836226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The transforming growth factor-βs (TGF-βs) are multifunctional cytokines capable of regulating a wide range of cellular behaviors and play a key role in maintaining the homeostasis of the immune system. The TGF-β subfamily, which is only present in deuterostomes, expands from a single gene in invertebrates to multiple members in jawed vertebrates. However, the evolutionary processes of the TGF-β subfamily in vertebrates still lack sufficient elucidation. In this study, the TGF-β homologs are identified at the genome-wide level in the reissner lamprey (Lethenteron reissneri), the sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus), and the Japanese lamprey (Lampetra japonica), which are the extant representatives of jawless vertebrates with a history of more than 350 million years. The molecular evolutionary analyses reveal that the lamprey TGF-β subfamily contains two members representing ancestors of TGF-β2 and 3 in vertebrates, respectively, but TGF-β1 is absent. The transcriptional expression patterns show that the lamprey TGF-β2 may play a central regulatory role in the innate immune response of the lamprey since it exhibits a more rapid and significant upregulation of expression than TGF-β3 during lipopolysaccharide stimuli. The incorporation of BrdU assay reveals that the lamprey TGF-β2 recombinant protein exerts the bipolar regulation on the proliferation of the supraneural myeloid body cells (SMB cells) in the quiescent and LPS-activated state, while plays an inhibitory role in the proliferation of quiescent and activated leukocytes in lampreys. Furthermore, caspase-3/7 activity analysis indicates that the lamprey TGF-β2 protects SMB cells from apoptosis after serum deprivation, in contrast to promoting apoptosis of leukocytes. Our composite results offer valuable clues to the origin and evolution of the TGF-β subfamily and imply that TGF-βs are among the most ancestral immune regulators in vertebrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siqi Liu
- College of Life Sciences, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian, China
- Lamprey Research Center, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Seafood Deep Processing, Dalian Polytechnic University, Dalian, China
| | - Junfu Guo
- College of Life Sciences, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian, China
- Lamprey Research Center, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Seafood Deep Processing, Dalian Polytechnic University, Dalian, China
| | - Xianda Cheng
- College of Life Sciences, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian, China
- Lamprey Research Center, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Seafood Deep Processing, Dalian Polytechnic University, Dalian, China
| | - Wenna Li
- College of Life Sciences, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian, China
- Lamprey Research Center, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Seafood Deep Processing, Dalian Polytechnic University, Dalian, China
| | - Shuangyu Lyu
- College of Life Sciences, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian, China
- Lamprey Research Center, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Seafood Deep Processing, Dalian Polytechnic University, Dalian, China
| | - Xuanyi Chen
- College of Life Sciences, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian, China
- Lamprey Research Center, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Seafood Deep Processing, Dalian Polytechnic University, Dalian, China
| | - Qingwei Li
- College of Life Sciences, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian, China
- Lamprey Research Center, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Seafood Deep Processing, Dalian Polytechnic University, Dalian, China
- *Correspondence: Hao Wang, ; Qingwei Li,
| | - Hao Wang
- College of Life Sciences, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian, China
- Lamprey Research Center, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Seafood Deep Processing, Dalian Polytechnic University, Dalian, China
- *Correspondence: Hao Wang, ; Qingwei Li,
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23
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Xu J, Yu X, Ye H, Gao S, Deng N, Lu Y, Lin H, Zhang Y, Lu D. Comparative Metabolomics and Proteomics Reveal Vibrio parahaemolyticus Targets Hypoxia-Related Signaling Pathways of Takifugu obscurus. Front Immunol 2022; 12:825358. [PMID: 35095928 PMCID: PMC8793131 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.825358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) raises the issue of how hypoxia destroys normal physiological function and host immunity against pathogens. However, there are few or no comprehensive omics studies on this effect. From an evolutionary perspective, animals living in complex and changeable marine environments might develop signaling pathways to address bacterial threats under hypoxia. In this study, the ancient genomic model animal Takifugu obscurus and widespread Vibrio parahaemolyticus were utilized to study the effect. T. obscurus was challenged by V. parahaemolyticus or (and) exposed to hypoxia. The effects of hypoxia and infection were identified, and a theoretical model of the host critical signaling pathway in response to hypoxia and infection was defined by methods of comparative metabolomics and proteomics on the entire liver. The changing trends of some differential metabolites and proteins under hypoxia, infection or double stressors were consistent. The model includes transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), and epidermal growth factor (EGF) signaling pathways, and the consistent changing trends indicated that the host liver tended toward cell proliferation. Hypoxia and infection caused tissue damage and fibrosis in the portal area of the liver, which may be related to TGF-β1 signal transduction. We propose that LRG (leucine-rich alpha-2-glycoprotein) is widely involved in the transition of the TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway in response to hypoxia and pathogenic infection in vertebrates as a conserved molecule.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiachang Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol and School of Life Sciences, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Aquatic Economic Animals and Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center for Healthy Breeding of Important Economic Fish, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xue Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol and School of Life Sciences, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Aquatic Economic Animals and Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center for Healthy Breeding of Important Economic Fish, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hangyu Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol and School of Life Sciences, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Aquatic Economic Animals and Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center for Healthy Breeding of Important Economic Fish, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Songze Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol and School of Life Sciences, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Aquatic Economic Animals and Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center for Healthy Breeding of Important Economic Fish, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Niuniu Deng
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol and School of Life Sciences, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Aquatic Economic Animals and Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center for Healthy Breeding of Important Economic Fish, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuyou Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol and School of Life Sciences, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Aquatic Economic Animals and Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center for Healthy Breeding of Important Economic Fish, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Haoran Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol and School of Life Sciences, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Aquatic Economic Animals and Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center for Healthy Breeding of Important Economic Fish, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Laboratory for Marine Fisheries Science and Food Production Processes, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, China.,College of Ocean, Hainan University, Haikou, China
| | - Yong Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol and School of Life Sciences, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Aquatic Economic Animals and Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center for Healthy Breeding of Important Economic Fish, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Danqi Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol and School of Life Sciences, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Aquatic Economic Animals and Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center for Healthy Breeding of Important Economic Fish, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
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24
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Devi KP, Pourkarim MR, Thijssen M, Sureda A, Khayatkashani M, Cismaru CA, Neagoe IB, Habtemariam S, Razmjouei S, Khayat Kashani HR. A perspective on the applications of furin inhibitors for the treatment of SARS-CoV-2. Pharmacol Rep 2022; 74:425-430. [PMID: 35031970 PMCID: PMC8760129 DOI: 10.1007/s43440-021-00344-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Revised: 11/20/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Currently, the world is facing a pandemic of the new coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 that causes COVID-19. Identifying key targets in the viral infection lifecycle is urgently needed for designing therapeutic strategies to combat the virus. Furin is a subtilisin-like proprotein convertase with diverse cellular functions. Emerging evidence suggests that furin plays a critical role in the activation and/or infectivity of SARS-CoV-2. In this perspective, we discuss the potential role of furin in the entry SARS-CoV-2 into host cells. Furthermore, we evaluate available peptide and non-peptide furin inhibitors and potential outcomes, including immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kasi Pandima Devi
- Department of Biotechnology, Alagappa University (Science Campus), Karaikudi, 630 003, Tamil Nadu, India.
| | - Mahmoud Reza Pourkarim
- Division of Clinical and Epidemiological Virology, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven, 3000, Leuven, Belgium.
- Health Policy Research Center, Institute of Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
| | - Marijn Thijssen
- Division of Clinical and Epidemiological Virology, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Antoni Sureda
- Research Group in Community Nutrition and Oxidative Stress, University of the Balearic Islands-IUNICS, Health Research Institute of Balearic Islands (IdISBa), Palma de Mallorca, Spain
- CIBER Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBEROBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Cosmin Andrei Cismaru
- Research Center for Functional Genomics, Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, "Iuliu Hatieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Department of Functional Sciences, Immunology and Allergology, "Iuliu Hatieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy Cluj-Napoca, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Ioana Berindan Neagoe
- Research Center for Functional Genomics, Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, "Iuliu Hatieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- The Center for Advanced Medicine, Medfuture-"Iuliu Hatieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- The Department for Functional Genomics and Experimental Pathology, The Oncology Institute "Prof. Dr. Ion Chiricuta", Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Solomon Habtemariam
- Pharmacognosy Research Laboratories and Herbal Analysis Services UK, University of Greenwich, Central Avenue, Chatham-Maritime, Kent, ME4 4TB, UK
| | - Soha Razmjouei
- Department of Internal Medicine, Semnan University of Medical Sciences and Health Services, Semnan, Iran
| | - Hamid Reza Khayat Kashani
- Department of Neurosurgery, Imam Hossein Hospital, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, 1617763141, Tehran, Iran.
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25
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Cade S, Zhou XF, Bobrovskaya L. The role of brain-derived neurotrophic factor and the neurotrophin receptor p75NTR in age-related brain atrophy and the transition to Alzheimer's disease. Rev Neurosci 2022; 33:515-529. [PMID: 34982865 DOI: 10.1515/revneuro-2021-0111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 12/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease is a neurodegenerative condition that is potentially mediated by synaptic dysfunction before the onset of cognitive impairments. The disease mostly affects elderly people and there is currently no therapeutic which halts its progression. One therapeutic strategy for Alzheimer's disease is to regenerate lost synapses by targeting mechanisms involved in synaptic plasticity. This strategy has led to promising drug candidates in clinical trials, but further progress needs to be made. An unresolved problem of Alzheimer's disease is to identify the molecular mechanisms that render the aged brain susceptible to synaptic dysfunction. Understanding this susceptibility may identify drug targets which could halt, or even reverse, the disease's progression. Brain derived neurotrophic factor is a neurotrophin expressed in the brain previously implicated in Alzheimer's disease due to its involvement in synaptic plasticity. Low levels of the protein increase susceptibility to the disease and post-mortem studies consistently show reductions in its expression. A desirable therapeutic approach for Alzheimer's disease is to stimulate the expression of brain derived neurotrophic factor and potentially regenerate lost synapses. However, synthesis and secretion of the protein are regulated by complex activity-dependent mechanisms within neurons, which makes this approach challenging. Moreover, the protein is synthesised as a precursor which exerts the opposite effect of its mature form through the neurotrophin receptor p75NTR. This review will evaluate current evidence on how age-related alterations in the synthesis, processing and signalling of brain derived neurotrophic factor may increase the risk of Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaun Cade
- Health and Biomedical Innovation, Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
| | - Xin-Fu Zhou
- Health and Biomedical Innovation, Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
| | - Larisa Bobrovskaya
- Health and Biomedical Innovation, Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
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26
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Foster N, Tang Y, Berchieri A, Geng S, Jiao X, Barrow P. Revisiting Persistent Salmonella Infection and the Carrier State: What Do We Know? Pathogens 2021; 10:1299. [PMID: 34684248 PMCID: PMC8537056 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10101299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2021] [Revised: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
One characteristic of the few Salmonella enterica serovars that produce typhoid-like infections is that disease-free persistent infection can occur for months or years in a small number of individuals post-convalescence. The bacteria continue to be shed intermittently which is a key component of the epidemiology of these infections. Persistent chronic infection occurs despite high levels of circulating specific IgG. We have reviewed the information on the basis for persistence in S. Typhi, S. Dublin, S. Gallinarum, S. Pullorum, S. Abortusovis and also S. Typhimurium in mice as a model of persistence. Persistence appears to occur in macrophages in the spleen and liver with shedding either from the gall bladder and gut or the reproductive tract. The involvement of host genetic background in defining persistence is clear from studies with the mouse but less so with human and poultry infections. There is increasing evidence that the organisms (i) modulate the host response away from the typical Th1-type response normally associated with immune clearance of an acute infection to Th2-type or an anti-inflammatory response, and that (ii) the bacteria modulate transformation of macrophage from M1 to M2 type. The bacterial factors involved in this are not yet fully understood. There are early indications that it might be possible to remodulate the response back towards a Th1 response by using cytokine therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neil Foster
- SRUC Aberdeen Campus, Craibstone Estate, Ferguson Building, Aberdeen AB21 9YA, UK
| | - Ying Tang
- Institute of Molecular Physiology, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen 518055, China;
| | - Angelo Berchieri
- Departamento de Patologia Veterinária, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, Univ Estadual Paulista, Via de Acesso Paulo Donato Castellane, s/n, 14884-900 Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil;
| | - Shizhong Geng
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China; (S.G.); (X.J.)
| | - Xinan Jiao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China; (S.G.); (X.J.)
| | - Paul Barrow
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Surrey, Daphne Jackson Road, Guildford GU2 7AL, UK;
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27
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Suwannasing C, Buddawong A, Khumpune S, Habuddha V, Weerachatyanukul W, Asuvapongpatana S. Bone Morphogenetic Protein 2/4 in Mollusk, Haliotis diversicolor: Its Expression and Osteoinductive Function In Vitro. MARINE BIOTECHNOLOGY (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2021; 23:836-846. [PMID: 34609689 DOI: 10.1007/s10126-021-10071-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs), which are members of the superfamily of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), are known both in vitro and in vivo for their osteoinduction properties on the osteoblastic cells. Its role in the mollusk shell formation has also been gradually established. Using Haliotis diversicolor as a model, we characterized the HdBMP2/4 gene in the mantle tissue and showed its expression in the outer fold epithelium (particularly at the periostracal groove) the epithelial site which is involved in shell formation, both prismatic and nacreous layers. Shell notching experiments following gene analysis by qPCR revealed the upregulation of the HdBMP2/4 gene up to 3.2-fold than that of the control animals. In vitro treatments of the preosteoblastic cells, MC3T3-E1 with HdBMP2/4 synthetic peptide demonstrated the enhanced effect of many osteogenic genes that are known to regulate bone and shell biomineralization including ALP, Runx2, and OCN with 2-4 fold-change throughout 14 days of culture. In addition, the increased deposition of calcium-based mineral (as assessed by Alizarin red staining) of the treated cells was comparable to the ascorbic acid (Vit C) + glycerophosphate positive control which revealed the enhanced effect of HdBMP2/4 peptide on matrix biomineralization of the preosteoblastic cells. In conclusion, these results indicated the presence of the HdBMP2/4 gene in the mantle tissue at the site involved in shell formation and the effect of the HdBMP2/4 knuckle epitope peptide in osteoinduction in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chanyatip Suwannasing
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Rama 6 Rd, Ratchathewi, Bangkok, Thailand
- Department of Radiological Technology, Faculty of Allied Health Science, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok, Thailand
| | - Aticha Buddawong
- Chulabhorn International College of Medicine, Thammasat University, Pathumthani, Thailand
| | - Sarawut Khumpune
- Biomedical Engineering Institute, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Valainipha Habuddha
- School of Allied Health Science, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand
| | - Wattana Weerachatyanukul
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Rama 6 Rd, Ratchathewi, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Somluk Asuvapongpatana
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Rama 6 Rd, Ratchathewi, Bangkok, Thailand.
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28
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Sun T, Huang Z, Liang WC, Yin J, Lin WY, Wu J, Vernes JM, Lutman J, Caplazi P, Jeet S, Wong T, Wong M, DePianto DJ, Morshead KB, Sun KH, Modrusan Z, Vander Heiden JA, Abbas AR, Zhang H, Xu M, N'Diaye EN, Roose-Girma M, Wolters PJ, Yadav R, Sukumaran S, Ghilardi N, Corpuz R, Emson C, Meng YG, Ramalingam TR, Lupardus P, Brightbill HD, Seshasayee D, Wu Y, Arron JR. TGFβ2 and TGFβ3 isoforms drive fibrotic disease pathogenesis. Sci Transl Med 2021; 13:13/605/eabe0407. [PMID: 34349032 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.abe0407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2020] [Revised: 12/19/2020] [Accepted: 06/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Transforming growth factor-β (TGFβ) is a key driver of fibrogenesis. Three TGFβ isoforms (TGFβ1, TGFβ2, and TGFβ3) in mammals have distinct functions in embryonic development; however, the postnatal pathological roles and activation mechanisms of TGFβ2 and TGFβ3 have not been well characterized. Here, we show that the latent forms of TGFβ2 and TGFβ3 can be activated by integrin-independent mechanisms and have lower activation thresholds compared to TGFβ1. Unlike TGFB1, TGFB2 and TGFB3 expression is increased in human lung and liver fibrotic tissues compared to healthy control tissues. Thus, TGFβ2 and TGFβ3 may play a pathological role in fibrosis. Inducible conditional knockout mice and anti-TGFβ isoform-selective antibodies demonstrated that TGFβ2 and TGFβ3 are independently involved in mouse fibrosis models in vivo, and selective TGFβ2 and TGFβ3 inhibition does not lead to the increased inflammation observed with pan-TGFβ isoform inhibition. A cocrystal structure of a TGFβ2-anti-TGFβ2/3 antibody complex reveals an allosteric isoform-selective inhibitory mechanism. Therefore, inhibiting TGFβ2 and/or TGFβ3 while sparing TGFβ1 may alleviate fibrosis without toxicity concerns associated with pan-TGFβ blockade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianhe Sun
- Department of Immunology Discovery, Genentech Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA.
| | - Zhiyu Huang
- Department of Translational Immunology, Genentech Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Wei-Ching Liang
- Department of Antibody Engineering, Genentech Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Jianping Yin
- Department of Structural Biology, Genentech Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Wei Yu Lin
- Department of Antibody Engineering, Genentech Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Jia Wu
- Department of Antibody Engineering, Genentech Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Jean-Michel Vernes
- Department of Biochemical and Cellular Pharmacology, Genentech Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Jeff Lutman
- Department of Preclinical and Translational Pharmacokinetics, Genentech Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Patrick Caplazi
- Department of Pathology, Genentech Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Surinder Jeet
- Department of Translational Immunology, Genentech Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Tiffany Wong
- Department of Structural Biology, Genentech Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Manda Wong
- Department of Structural Biology, Genentech Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Daryle J DePianto
- Department of Immunology Discovery, Genentech Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Katrina B Morshead
- Department of Immunology Discovery, Genentech Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Kai-Hui Sun
- Department of Protein Sciences, Genentech Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Zora Modrusan
- Department of Protein Sciences, Genentech Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Jason A Vander Heiden
- Department of OMNI Bioinformatics, Genentech Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Alexander R Abbas
- Department of OMNI Bioinformatics, Genentech Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Hua Zhang
- Department of Translational Immunology, Genentech Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Min Xu
- Department of Translational Immunology, Genentech Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Elsa-Noah N'Diaye
- Department of Immunology Discovery, Genentech Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Meron Roose-Girma
- Department of Molecular Biology, Genentech Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Paul J Wolters
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Rajbharan Yadav
- Department of Preclinical and Translational Pharmacokinetics, Genentech Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Siddharth Sukumaran
- Department of Preclinical and Translational Pharmacokinetics, Genentech Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Nico Ghilardi
- Department of Immunology Discovery, Genentech Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Racquel Corpuz
- Department of Structural Biology, Genentech Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Claire Emson
- Department of Translational Immunology, Genentech Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Y Gloria Meng
- Department of Biochemical and Cellular Pharmacology, Genentech Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Thirumalai R Ramalingam
- Department of Biomarker Discovery OMNI, Genentech Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Patrick Lupardus
- Department of Structural Biology, Genentech Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Hans D Brightbill
- Department of Translational Immunology, Genentech Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Dhaya Seshasayee
- Department of Antibody Engineering, Genentech Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Yan Wu
- Department of Antibody Engineering, Genentech Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Joseph R Arron
- Department of Immunology Discovery, Genentech Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA.
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Akerman AW, Collins EN, Peterson AR, Collins LB, Harrison JK, DeVaughn A, Townsend JM, Vanbuskirk RL, Riopedre‐Maqueira J, Reyes A, Oh JE, Raybuck CM, Jones JA, Ikonomidis JS. miR-133a Replacement Attenuates Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm in Mice. J Am Heart Assoc 2021; 10:e019862. [PMID: 34387094 PMCID: PMC8475064 DOI: 10.1161/jaha.120.019862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2020] [Accepted: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Background Thoracic aortic aneurysms (TAAs) occur because of abnormal remodeling of aortic extracellular matrix and are accompanied by the emergence of proteolytically active myofibroblasts. The microRNA miR-133a regulates cellular phenotypes and is reduced in clinical TAA specimens. This study tested the hypothesis that miR-133a modulates aortic fibroblast phenotype, and overexpression by lentivirus attenuates the development of TAA in a murine model. Methods and Results TAA was induced in mice. Copy number of miR-133a was reduced in TAA tissue and linear regression analysis confirmed an inverse correlation between aortic diameter and miR-133a. Analyses of phenotypic markers revealed an mRNA expression profile consistent with myofibroblasts in TAA tissue. Fibroblasts were isolated from the thoracic aortae of mice with/without TAA. When compared with controls, miR-133a was reduced, migration was increased, adhesion was reduced, and the ability to contract a collagen disk was increased. Overexpression/knockdown of miR-133a controlled these phenotypes. After TAA induction in mice, a single tail-vein injection of either miR-133a overexpression or scrambled sequence (control) lentivirus was performed. Overexpression of miR-133a attenuated TAA development. The pro-protein convertase furin was confirmed to be a target of miR-133a by luciferase reporter assay. Furin was elevated in this murine model of TAA and repressed by miR-133a replacement in vivo resulting in reduced proteolytic activation. Conclusions miR-133a regulates aortic fibroblast phenotype and over-expression prevented the development of TAA in a murine model. These findings suggest that stable alterations in aortic fibroblasts are associated with development of TAA and regulation by miR-133a may lead to a novel therapeutic strategy.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Aorta, Thoracic/metabolism
- Aorta, Thoracic/pathology
- Aortic Aneurysm, Thoracic/chemically induced
- Aortic Aneurysm, Thoracic/genetics
- Aortic Aneurysm, Thoracic/metabolism
- Aortic Aneurysm, Thoracic/prevention & control
- Calcium Chloride
- Cell Adhesion
- Cell Movement
- Cells, Cultured
- Dilatation, Pathologic
- Disease Models, Animal
- Fibroblasts/metabolism
- Fibroblasts/pathology
- Furin/genetics
- Furin/metabolism
- Genetic Therapy
- Genetic Vectors
- Lentivirus/genetics
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- MicroRNAs/genetics
- MicroRNAs/metabolism
- Phenotype
- Vascular Remodeling
- Mice
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam W. Akerman
- Division of Cardiothoracic SurgeryDepartment of SurgeryUniversity of North CarolinaChapel HillNC
| | - Elizabeth N. Collins
- Division of Cardiothoracic SurgeryDepartment of SurgeryUniversity of North CarolinaChapel HillNC
| | - Andrew R. Peterson
- Division of Cardiothoracic SurgeryDepartment of SurgeryUniversity of North CarolinaChapel HillNC
| | - Lauren B. Collins
- Division of Cardiothoracic SurgeryDepartment of SurgeryUniversity of North CarolinaChapel HillNC
| | - Jessica K. Harrison
- Division of Cardiothoracic SurgeryDepartment of SurgeryUniversity of North CarolinaChapel HillNC
| | - Amari DeVaughn
- Division of Cardiothoracic SurgeryDepartment of SurgeryUniversity of North CarolinaChapel HillNC
| | - Jaleel M. Townsend
- Division of Cardiothoracic SurgeryDepartment of SurgeryUniversity of North CarolinaChapel HillNC
| | - Rebecca L. Vanbuskirk
- Division of Cardiothoracic SurgeryDepartment of SurgeryUniversity of North CarolinaChapel HillNC
| | | | - Ailet Reyes
- Division of Cardiothoracic SurgeryDepartment of SurgeryUniversity of North CarolinaChapel HillNC
| | - Joyce E. Oh
- Division of Cardiothoracic SurgeryDepartment of SurgeryUniversity of North CarolinaChapel HillNC
| | - Charles M. Raybuck
- Division of Cardiothoracic SurgeryDepartment of SurgeryUniversity of North CarolinaChapel HillNC
| | - Jeffrey A. Jones
- Division of Cardiothoracic SurgeryDepartment of SurgeryMedical University of South CarolinaCharlestonSC
- Research ServiceRalph H. Johnson VA Medical CenterCharlestonSC
| | - John S. Ikonomidis
- Division of Cardiothoracic SurgeryDepartment of SurgeryUniversity of North CarolinaChapel HillNC
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30
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Screening for inhibitory effects of crude drugs on furin-like enzymatic activities. J Nat Med 2021; 75:1080-1085. [PMID: 33928494 PMCID: PMC8084592 DOI: 10.1007/s11418-021-01519-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The spike (S) protein of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) contains a cleavage motif R-X-X-R for furin-like enzymes at the boundary of the S1/S2 subunits. The cleavage of the site by cellular proteases is essential for S protein activation and virus entry. We screened the inhibitory effects of crude drugs on in vitro furin-like enzymatic activities using a fluorogenic substrate with whole-cell lysates. Of the 124 crude drugs listed in the Japanese Pharmacopeia, aqueous ethanolic extract of Cnidii Monnieris Fructus, which is the dried fruit of Cnidium monnieri Cussion, significantly inhibited the furin-like enzymatic activities. We further fractionated the plant extract and isolated the two active compounds with the inhibitory activity, namely, imperatorin and osthole, whose IC50 values were 1.45 mM and 9.45 µM, respectively. Our results indicated that Cnidii Monnieris Fructus might exert inhibitory effects on furin-like enzymatic activities, and that imperatorin and osthole of the crude drug could be potential inhibitors of the motif cleavage.
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31
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O'Hare M, Amarnani D, Whitmore HAB, An M, Marino C, Ramos L, Delgado-Tirado S, Hu X, Chmielewska N, Chandrahas A, Fitzek A, Heinrich F, Steurer S, Ondruschka B, Glatzel M, Krasemann S, Sepulveda-Falla D, Lagares D, Pedron J, Bushweller JH, Liu P, Arboleda-Velasquez JF, Kim LA. Targeting Runt-Related Transcription Factor 1 Prevents Pulmonary Fibrosis and Reduces Expression of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Host Mediators. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2021; 191:1193-1208. [PMID: 33894177 PMCID: PMC8059259 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2021.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Revised: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) can arise from unknown causes, as in idiopathic PF, or as a consequence of infections, including severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Current treatments for PF slow, but do not stop, disease progression. We report that treatment with a runt-related transcription factor 1 (RUNX1) inhibitor (Ro24-7429), previously found to be safe, although ineffective, as a Tat inhibitor in patients with HIV, robustly ameliorates lung fibrosis and inflammation in the bleomycin-induced PF mouse model. RUNX1 inhibition blunted fundamental mechanisms downstream pathologic mediators of fibrosis and inflammation, including transforming growth factor-β1 and tumor necrosis factor-α, in cultured lung epithelial cells, fibroblasts, and vascular endothelial cells, indicating pleiotropic effects. RUNX1 inhibition also reduced the expression of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 and FES Upstream Region (FURIN), host proteins critical for SARS-CoV-2 infection, in mice and in vitro. A subset of human lungs with SARS-CoV-2 infection overexpress RUNX1. These data suggest that RUNX1 inhibition via repurposing of Ro24-7429 may be beneficial for PF and to battle SARS-CoV-2, by reducing expression of viral mediators and by preventing respiratory complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael O'Hare
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Mass Eye and Ear, Boston, Massachusetts, and the Department of Ophthalmology at Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Dhanesh Amarnani
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Mass Eye and Ear, Boston, Massachusetts, and the Department of Ophthalmology at Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Hannah A B Whitmore
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Mass Eye and Ear, Boston, Massachusetts, and the Department of Ophthalmology at Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Miranda An
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Mass Eye and Ear, Boston, Massachusetts, and the Department of Ophthalmology at Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Claudia Marino
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Mass Eye and Ear, Boston, Massachusetts, and the Department of Ophthalmology at Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Leslie Ramos
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Mass Eye and Ear, Boston, Massachusetts, and the Department of Ophthalmology at Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Santiago Delgado-Tirado
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Mass Eye and Ear, Boston, Massachusetts, and the Department of Ophthalmology at Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Xinyao Hu
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Mass Eye and Ear, Boston, Massachusetts, and the Department of Ophthalmology at Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Natalia Chmielewska
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Mass Eye and Ear, Boston, Massachusetts, and the Department of Ophthalmology at Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Anita Chandrahas
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Mass Eye and Ear, Boston, Massachusetts, and the Department of Ophthalmology at Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Antonia Fitzek
- Institute of Legal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Fabian Heinrich
- Institute of Legal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Stefan Steurer
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Benjamin Ondruschka
- Institute of Legal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Markus Glatzel
- Institute of Neuropathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Susanne Krasemann
- Institute of Neuropathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Diego Sepulveda-Falla
- Institute of Neuropathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - David Lagares
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Julien Pedron
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - John H Bushweller
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - Paul Liu
- National Institutes of Health, National Human Genome Research Institute, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Joseph F Arboleda-Velasquez
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Mass Eye and Ear, Boston, Massachusetts, and the Department of Ophthalmology at Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.
| | - Leo A Kim
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Mass Eye and Ear, Boston, Massachusetts, and the Department of Ophthalmology at Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.
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Binatti E, Zoccatelli G, Zanoni F, Donà G, Mainente F, Chignola R. Phagocytosis of Astaxanthin-Loaded Microparticles Modulates TGF β Production and Intracellular ROS Levels in J774A.1 Macrophages. Mar Drugs 2021; 19:md19030163. [PMID: 33808703 PMCID: PMC8003388 DOI: 10.3390/md19030163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Revised: 03/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Radiation-induced fibrosis is a serious long-lasting side effect of radiation therapy. Central to this condition is the role of macrophages that, activated by radiation-induced reactive oxygen species and tissue cell damage, produce pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ). This, in turn, recruits fibroblasts at the site of the lesion that initiates fibrosis. We investigated whether astaxanthin, an antioxidant molecule extracted from marine and freshwater organisms, could help control macrophage activation. To this purpose, we encapsulated food-grade astaxanthin from Haematococcus pluvialis into micrometer-sized whey protein particles to specifically target macrophages that can uptake material within this size range by phagocytosis. The data show that astaxanthin-loaded microparticles are resistant to radiation, are well-tolerated by J774A.1 macrophages, induce in these cells a significant reduction of intracellular reactive oxygen species and inhibit the release of active TGFβ as evaluated in a bioassay with transformed MFB-F11 fibroblasts. Micro-encapsulation of bioactive molecules is a promising strategy to specifically target phagocytic cells and modulate their own functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleonora Binatti
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Verona, Strada Le Grazie 15-Cv1, I-37134 Verona, Italy; (E.B.); (G.Z.); (F.M.)
| | - Gianni Zoccatelli
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Verona, Strada Le Grazie 15-Cv1, I-37134 Verona, Italy; (E.B.); (G.Z.); (F.M.)
- Sphera Encapsulation S.r.l., Strada Le Grazie 15-Cv1, I-37134 Verona, Italy; (F.Z.); (G.D.)
| | - Francesca Zanoni
- Sphera Encapsulation S.r.l., Strada Le Grazie 15-Cv1, I-37134 Verona, Italy; (F.Z.); (G.D.)
| | - Giulia Donà
- Sphera Encapsulation S.r.l., Strada Le Grazie 15-Cv1, I-37134 Verona, Italy; (F.Z.); (G.D.)
| | - Federica Mainente
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Verona, Strada Le Grazie 15-Cv1, I-37134 Verona, Italy; (E.B.); (G.Z.); (F.M.)
| | - Roberto Chignola
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Verona, Strada Le Grazie 15-Cv1, I-37134 Verona, Italy; (E.B.); (G.Z.); (F.M.)
- Correspondence:
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33
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Corsi-Zuelli F, Deakin B. Impaired regulatory T cell control of astroglial overdrive and microglial pruning in schizophrenia. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2021; 125:637-653. [PMID: 33713699 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Revised: 02/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
It is widely held that schizophrenia involves an active process of peripheral inflammation that induces or reflects brain inflammation with activation of microglia, the brain's resident immune cells. However, recent in vivo radioligand binding studies and large-scale transcriptomics in post-mortem brain report reduced markers of microglial inflammation. The findings suggest a contrary hypothesis; that microglia are diverted into their non-inflammatory synaptic remodelling phenotype that interferes with neurodevelopment and perhaps contributes to the relapsing nature of schizophrenia. Recent discoveries on the regulatory interactions between micro- and astroglial cells and immune regulatory T cells (Tregs) cohere with clinical omics data to suggest that: i) disinhibited astrocytes mediate the shift in microglial phenotype via the production of transforming growth factor-beta, which also contributes to the disturbances of dopamine and GABA function in schizophrenia, and ii) systemically impaired functioning of Treg cells contributes to the dysregulation of glial function, the low-grade peripheral inflammation, and the hitherto unexplained predisposition to auto-immunity and reduced life-expectancy in schizophrenia, including greater COVID-19 mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabiana Corsi-Zuelli
- Department of Neuroscience and Behaviour, Division of Psychiatry, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, 14048-900, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Bill Deakin
- Division of Neuroscience and Experimental Psychology, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK.
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34
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TGF-β Pathway in Salivary Gland Fibrosis. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21239138. [PMID: 33266300 PMCID: PMC7730716 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21239138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2020] [Revised: 11/26/2020] [Accepted: 11/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Fibrosis is presented in various physiologic and pathologic conditions of the salivary gland. Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) pathway has a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of fibrosis in several organs, including the salivary glands. Among the TGF-β superfamily members, TGF-β1 and 2 are pro-fibrotic ligands, whereas TGF-β3 and some bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) are anti-fibrotic ligands. TGF-β1 is thought to be associated with the pro-fibrotic pathogenesis of sialadenitis, post-radiation salivary gland dysfunction, and Sjögren’s syndrome. Potential therapeutic strategies that target multiple levels in the TGF-β pathway are under preclinical and clinical research for fibrosis. Despite the anti-fibrotic effect of BMPs, their in vivo delivery poses a challenge in terms of adequate clinical efficacy. In this article, we will review the relevance of TGF-β signaling in salivary gland fibrosis and advances of potential therapeutic options in the field.
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35
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Zhou Y, Ng DYE, Richards AM, Wang P. microRNA-221 Inhibits Latent TGF-β1 Activation through Targeting Thrombospondin-1 to Attenuate Kidney Failure-Induced Cardiac Fibrosis. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2020; 22:803-814. [PMID: 33230477 PMCID: PMC7645417 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2020.09.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2019] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Kidney failure (KF) is associated with cardiac fibrosis and significantly increased mortality in heart failure. Thrombospondin-1 (TSP1), a key regulator of latent transforming growth factor-β1 (L-TGF-β1) activation, is a predicted target of miR-221. We hypothesized miR-221 attenuates severe KF-associated cardiac fibrosis via targeting of Thbs1 with subsequent inhibition of L-TGF-β1 activation. Rat cardiac fibroblasts (cFB) were isolated and transfected with microRNA-221 (miR-221) mimics or mimic control (miR-221 and MC) with or without exposure to L-TGF-β1. We demonstrate miR-221 downregulates Thbs1 via direct 3′ untranslated region (3′ UTR) targeting with consequent inhibition of L-TGF-β1 activation in cFB as proven by the significant reduction of myofibroblast activation, collagen secretion, TGF-β1 signaling, TSP1 secretion, and TGF-β1 bioactivity measured by Pai1 promoter reporter. The 5/6 nephrectomy (Nx) model of cardiac fibrosis was used to test the in vivo therapeutic efficacy of miR-221 (i.v. 1 mg/kg ×3). miR-221 significantly inhibited Nx-induced upregulation of TSP1 and p-SMAD3 in the heart at day-7 and reduced cardiac fibrosis (picro-sirius), improved cardiac function (±dP/dt), and improved 8-week survival rate (60% versus 36%; p = 0.038). miR-221 mimic treatment improved survival and reduced cardiac fibrosis in a model of severe KF. miR-221 is a therapeutic target to address cardiac fibrosis originating from renal disease and other causes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Zhou
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117599 Singapore.,Department of Medicine, National University Health System, Singapore 119228, Singapore
| | - Denise Yu En Ng
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117599 Singapore.,Department of Medicine, National University Health System, Singapore 119228, Singapore
| | - Arthur Mark Richards
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117599 Singapore.,Department of Medicine, National University Health System, Singapore 119228, Singapore.,Christchurch Heart Institute, Department of Medicine, University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Peipei Wang
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117599 Singapore.,Department of Medicine, National University Health System, Singapore 119228, Singapore
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36
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Artigas L, Coma M, Matos-Filipe P, Aguirre-Plans J, Farrés J, Valls R, Fernandez-Fuentes N, de la Haba-Rodriguez J, Olvera A, Barbera J, Morales R, Oliva B, Mas JM. In-silico drug repurposing study predicts the combination of pirfenidone and melatonin as a promising candidate therapy to reduce SARS-CoV-2 infection progression and respiratory distress caused by cytokine storm. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0240149. [PMID: 33006999 PMCID: PMC7531795 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0240149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
From January 2020, COVID-19 is spreading around the world producing serious respiratory symptoms in infected patients that in some cases can be complicated by the severe acute respiratory syndrome, sepsis and septic shock, multiorgan failure, including acute kidney injury and cardiac injury. Cost and time efficient approaches to reduce the burthen of the disease are needed. To find potential COVID-19 treatments among the whole arsenal of existing drugs, we combined system biology and artificial intelligence-based approaches. The drug combination of pirfenidone and melatonin has been identified as a candidate treatment that may contribute to reduce the virus infection. Starting from different drug targets the effect of the drugs converges on human proteins with a known role in SARS-CoV-2 infection cycle. Simultaneously, GUILDify v2.0 web server has been used as an alternative method to corroborate the effect of pirfenidone and melatonin against the infection of SARS-CoV-2. We have also predicted a potential therapeutic effect of the drug combination over the respiratory associated pathology, thus tackling at the same time two important issues in COVID-19. These evidences, together with the fact that from a medical point of view both drugs are considered safe and can be combined with the current standard of care treatments for COVID-19 makes this combination very attractive for treating patients at stage II, non-severe symptomatic patients with the presence of virus and those patients who are at risk of developing severe pulmonary complications.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Pedro Matos-Filipe
- Anaxomics Biotech, Barcelona, Spain
- Structural Bioinformatics Group, Research Programme on Biomedical Informatics, Department of Experimental and Health Science, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Joaquim Aguirre-Plans
- Structural Bioinformatics Group, Research Programme on Biomedical Informatics, Department of Experimental and Health Science, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | | | | | - Narcis Fernandez-Fuentes
- Department of Biosciences, U Science Tech, Universitat de Vic—Universitat Central de Catalunya, Vic, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Juan de la Haba-Rodriguez
- Maimonides Biomedical Research Institute, Reina Sofia Hospital, University of Cordoba, Cordoba, Spain
| | - Alex Olvera
- Institut de Recerca de la Sida—IrsiCaixa, Hospital Universitari Germans Trias i Pujol, Badalona (Barcelona), Spain
| | - Jose Barbera
- Servicio de Medicina interna—Unidad de Infecciosas, La Mancha—Centro Hospital, Alcázar de San Juan, Spain
| | - Rafael Morales
- Servicio de Medicina interna—Unidad de Infecciosas, La Mancha—Centro Hospital, Alcázar de San Juan, Spain
| | - Baldo Oliva
- Structural Bioinformatics Group, Research Programme on Biomedical Informatics, Department of Experimental and Health Science, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
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37
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Abstract
Within the past several decades, the emergence of new viral diseases with severe health complications and mortality is evidence of an age-dependent, compromised bodily response to abrupt stress with concomitantly reduced immunity. The new severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, SARS-CoV-2, causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). It has increased morbidity and mortality in persons with underlying chronic diseases and those with a compromised immune system regardless of age and in older adults who are more likely to have these conditions. While SARS-CoV-2 is highly virulent, there is variability in the severity of the disease and its complications in humans. Severe pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome, lung fibrosis, cardiovascular events, acute kidney injury, stroke, hospitalization, and mortality have been reported that result from pathogen-host interactions. Hallmarks of aging, interacting with one another, have been proposed to influence health span in older adults, possibly via mechanisms regulating the immune system. Here, we review the potential roles of the hallmarks of aging, coupled with host-coronavirus interactions. Of these hallmarks, we focused on those that directly or indirectly interact with viral infections, including immunosenescence, inflammation and inflammasomes, adaptive immunosenescence, genomic instability, mitochondrial dysfunction, epigenetic alterations, telomere attrition, and impaired autophagy. These hallmarks likely contribute to the increased pathophysiological responses to SARS-CoV-2 among older adults and may play roles as an additive risk of accelerated biological aging even after recovery. We also briefly discuss the role of antiaging drug candidates that require paramount attention in COVID-19 research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shabnam Salimi
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Division of Gerontology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore
| | - John M Hamlyn
- Department of Physiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore
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Cao R, Zhang Y, Du J, Chen S, Wang N, Ying H, Shen B. Increased FURIN expression in rheumatoid arthritis patients and its anti-inflammatory effect. J Clin Lab Anal 2020; 34:e23530. [PMID: 32840921 PMCID: PMC7755791 DOI: 10.1002/jcla.23530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2020] [Revised: 06/19/2020] [Accepted: 07/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background FURIN belongs to the proprotein convertase family that processes proproteins and is involved in many diseases. However, the role of FURIN in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) remains unknown. In this study, we investigated the association between circulating FURIN and disease activity in patients with RA and the effect of FURIN in THP‐1‐derived macrophages. Methods A total of 108 RA patients and 39 healthy controls participants were included in this study. RA patients were divided into four disease activity groups determined by the Disease Activity Score of 28 joints (DAS28). FURIN expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and serum was detected by using quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), respectively. Western blotting and qRT‐PCR were used to detect cytokines level after interfering FURIN expressed in THP‐1‐derived macrophages. Results Both FURIN mRNA and protein levels were significantly higher in RA patients than in healthy controls participants (P < .001). No significant difference in FURIN expression was observed among the four RA groups (P > .05). Spearman correlation revealed that FURIN positively correlated with transforming growth factor‐β1(TGF‐β1), rheumatoid factor (RF), and anti‐cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti‐CCP). Moreover, the inhibition of FURIN in THP‐1‐derived macrophages promoted the caspase‐1 and IL‐1β expression (P < .05). Conclusion FURIN levels were significantly increased in the peripheral blood of RA patients and were not associated with disease activity. The inhibition of FURIN in THP‐1‐derived macrophages with elevated IL‐1β levels shows that FURIN may have an anti‐inflammatory effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong Cao
- School of Laboratory Medicine and Life Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- School of Laboratory Medicine and Life Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Juping Du
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Taizhou Enze Medical Center (Group), Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Taizhou, China
| | - Shuaishuai Chen
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Taizhou Enze Medical Center (Group), Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Taizhou, China
| | - Na Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Taizhou Enze Medical Center (Group), Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Taizhou, China
| | - Haijian Ying
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Taizhou Enze Medical Center (Group), Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Taizhou, China
| | - Bo Shen
- School of Laboratory Medicine and Life Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
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Shedding of cancer susceptibility candidate 4 by the convertases PC7/furin unravels a novel secretory protein implicated in cancer progression. Cell Death Dis 2020; 11:665. [PMID: 32820145 PMCID: PMC7441151 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-020-02893-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2020] [Revised: 07/30/2020] [Accepted: 07/31/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The proprotein convertases (PCs) are responsible for the maturation of precursor proteins, and are involved in multiple and critical biological processes. Over the past 30 years, the PCs have had great translational applications, but the physiological roles of PC7, the seventh member of the family, are still obscure. Searching for new substrates of PC7, a quantitative proteomics screen for selective enrichment of N-glycosylated polypeptides secreted from hepatic HuH7 cells identified two human type-II transmembrane proteins of unknown function(s): Cancer Susceptibility Candidate 4 (CASC4) and Golgi Phosphoprotein of 130 kDa (GPP130/GOLIM4). Concentrating on CASC4, its mutagenesis characterized the PC7/Furin-shedding site to occur at KR66↓NS, in HEK293 cells. We defined PC7 and Furin trafficking and activity, and demonstrated that CASC4 shedding occurs in acidic endosomes and/or in the trans-Golgi Network. Our data unraveled a cancer-protective role for CASC4, because siRNA silencing of endogenous CASC4 expression in the invasive triple-negative breast cancer human cell line MDA-MB-231 resulted in a significantly increased cellular migration and invasion. Conversely, MDA-MB-231 cells stably expressing CASC4 exhibited reduced migration and invasion, which can be explained by an increased number of paxillin-positive focal adhesions. This phenotypic cancer-protective role of CASC4 is reversed in cells overexpressing an optimally PC7/Furin-cleaved CASC4 mutant, or upon overexpression of the N-terminally convertase-generated membrane-bound segment. This phenotype was associated with increased formation of podosome-like structures, especially evident in cells overexpressing the N-terminal fragment. In accord, breast cancer patients’ data sets show that high CASC4 and PCSK7 expression levels predict a significantly worse prognosis compared to high CASC4 but low PCSK7 levels. In conclusion, CASC4 shedding not only disrupts its anti-migratory/invasive role, but also generates a membrane-bound fragment that drastically modifies the actin cytoskeleton, resulting in an enhanced cellular migration and invasion. This phenotype might be clinically relevant in the prognosis of breast cancer patients.
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Nair B, Nath LR. Inevitable role of TGF-β1 in progression of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. J Recept Signal Transduct Res 2020; 40:195-200. [PMID: 32054379 DOI: 10.1080/10799893.2020.1726952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a major health concern and the most commonly diagnosed chronic liver manifestation among 25% worldwide population. Obesity, insulin resistance, accumulation of toxic lipid free radicals, generation of oxidative stress, overconsumption of fat containing dietary meals and lack of exercise are the paramount factors accountable for the development of NAFLD. During NAFLD, increased oxidative stress and production of enormous number of toxic free radicals activates a number of pro-inflammatory and inflammatory pathways. TGF-β signaling mechanisms play a central role in maintaining the normal homeostasis of liver. TGF-β1, one of the three isoforms of TGF-β family has significant role in different stages of chronic liver conditions. TGF-β1 promotes HSC activation and extracellular matrix production (ECM), which further contributes in the progression of NAFLD. In this review, we outline the role of TGF-β1 in different phases of progressive NAFLD along with the signaling mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bhagyalakshmi Nair
- Amrita School of Pharmacy, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Ponekkara P.O, Kochi, India
| | - Lekshmi R Nath
- Amrita School of Pharmacy, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Ponekkara P.O, Kochi, India
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Yin J, Chang HM, Yi Y, Yao Y, Leung PC. TGF-β1 Increases GDNF Production by Upregulating the Expression of GDNF and Furin in Human Granulosa-Lutein Cells. Cells 2020; 9:cells9010185. [PMID: 31936902 PMCID: PMC7016865 DOI: 10.3390/cells9010185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2019] [Revised: 12/22/2019] [Accepted: 01/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) is expressed at a high level in the human ovary and GDNF signaling is involved in the direct control of follicular activation and oocyte maturation. Transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) plays an important role in the regulation of various ovarian functions. Furin is an intracellular serine endopeptidase of the subtilisin family that is closely associated with the activation of multiple protein precursors. Despite the important roles of GDNF and TGF-β1 in the regulation of follicular development, whether TGF-β is able to regulate the expression and production of GDNF in human granulosa cells remains to be determined. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of TGF-β1 on the production of GDNF and its underlying mechanisms in human granulosa-lutein (hGL) cells. We used two types of hGL cells (primary hGL cells and an established immortalized hGL cell line, SVOG cells) as study models. Our results show that TGF-β1 significantly induced the expression of GDNF and furin, which, in turn, increased the production of mature GDNF. Using a dual inhibition approach combining RNA interference and kinase inhibitors against cell signaling components, we showed that the TβRII type II receptor and ALK5 type I receptor are the principal receptors that mediated TGF-β1-induced cellular activity in hGL cells. Additionally, Sma- and Mad-related protein (SMAD)3 and SMAD4 are the downstream signaling transducers that mediate the biological response induced by TGF-β1. Furthermore, furin is the main proprotein convertase that induces the production of GDNF. These findings provide additional regulatory mechanisms by which an intrafollicular factor influences the production of another growth factor through a paracrine or autocrine interaction in hGL cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingwen Yin
- School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China;
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of British Columbia, and BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4H4, Canada; (H.-M.C.); (Y.Y.)
| | - Hsun-Ming Chang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of British Columbia, and BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4H4, Canada; (H.-M.C.); (Y.Y.)
| | - Yuyin Yi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of British Columbia, and BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4H4, Canada; (H.-M.C.); (Y.Y.)
| | - Yuanqing Yao
- School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China;
- Correspondence: (Y.Y.); (P.C.K.L.)
| | - Peter C.K. Leung
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of British Columbia, and BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4H4, Canada; (H.-M.C.); (Y.Y.)
- Correspondence: (Y.Y.); (P.C.K.L.)
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He Y, Ren L, Zhang Q, Zhang M, Shi J, Hu W, Peng H, Zhang Y. Serum furin as a biomarker of high blood pressure: findings from a longitudinal study in Chinese adults. Hypertens Res 2019; 42:1808-1815. [PMID: 31253944 DOI: 10.1038/s41440-019-0295-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2019] [Revised: 06/07/2019] [Accepted: 06/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The cardiovascular protective role of furin has been suggested by some animal-based studies but has not been well studied in humans. Therefore, the objective of this study was to examine the prospective association between serum furin and high blood pressure in a longitudinal cohort of Chinese adults. Leveraging a longitudinal prospective cohort with blood pressure examined twice on average 4 years apart, we systemically examined the cross-sectional, longitudinal, and prospective associations of baseline serum furin with blood pressure and incident hypertension. Conventional risk factors, including age, sex, education level, cigarette smoking, alcohol consumption, BMI, fasting glucose, and lipids, were controlled. All participants included were free of cardiovascular and kidney disease at baseline. The cross-sectional analysis of 2312 participants (mean age 53 years) revealed that individuals with the lowest quartile of serum furin had average systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial blood pressures that were 2.58, 1.38, and 1.61 mmHg higher, respectively, than the corresponding pressures in individuals with the highest quartile (all P < 0.001). These negative associations remained significant after controlling for the dynamic risk profiles during follow-up in the longitudinal analysis. The prospective analysis of 1088 participants free of prevalent hypertension at baseline revealed that compared with participants with the highest quartile of serum furin, those with the lowest quartile had a 46% increased risk of incident hypertension (HR = 1.46, P = 0.003). These results indicate that lower serum furin is significantly associated with higher blood pressure and predicts an increased future risk of developing hypertension in Chinese adults. Furin may be a protective factor or marker of hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan He
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Preventive and Translational Medicine for Geriatric Diseases, Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Liyun Ren
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Preventive and Translational Medicine for Geriatric Diseases, Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Qiu Zhang
- Department of Chronic Disease Management, Center for Disease Prevention and Control of Gusu District, Suzhou, China
| | - Mingzhi Zhang
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Preventive and Translational Medicine for Geriatric Diseases, Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Jijun Shi
- Department of Neurology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Weidong Hu
- Department of Neurology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Hao Peng
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Preventive and Translational Medicine for Geriatric Diseases, Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, China.
| | - Yonghong Zhang
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Preventive and Translational Medicine for Geriatric Diseases, Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, China.
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BMP6 increases TGF-β1 production by up-regulating furin expression in human granulosa-lutein cells. Cell Signal 2019; 55:109-118. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2019.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2018] [Revised: 01/04/2019] [Accepted: 01/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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Sachan V, Lodge R, Mihara K, Hamelin J, Power C, Gelman BB, Hollenberg MD, Cohen ÉA, Seidah NG. HIV-induced neuroinflammation: impact of PAR1 and PAR2 processing by Furin. Cell Death Differ 2019; 26:1942-1954. [PMID: 30683917 DOI: 10.1038/s41418-018-0264-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2018] [Revised: 12/12/2018] [Accepted: 12/17/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND) is a syndrome defined by neurocognitive deficits that are driven by viral neurotoxins, cytokines, free radicals, and proteases expressed in the brain. This neurological disease has also been linked to activation of Protease-Activated Receptors 1 and 2 (PAR1,2). These receptors are highly expressed in the central nervous system and are upregulated in HAND. Secretory basic-amino-acid-specific Proprotein Convertases (PCs), which cleave precursor proteins at basic residues, are also induced in HAND. They are vital for many biological processes including HIV-1 entry into cells. The cytoprotective role of Furin, PC5, and PACE4 has been linked to the presence of a potential PC-cleavage site R41XXXXR46↓ in PAR1. Furthermore, Furin binds PAR1 and both are trapped in the trans-Golgi-network (TGN) as inactive proteins, likely due to the intermediary trafficking role of phospho-Furin acidic cluster sorting protein 1 (PACS1). Nothing is known about PAR2 and its possible recognition by PCs at its putative R31XXXXR36↓ processing site. The present study implicates PACS1 in the retrograde trafficking of PAR1 to the TGN and demonstrates that the cytosolic extreme C-terminal tail of PAR1 contains an acidic phosphorylatable PACS1-sensitive domain. We further show the requirement of Asn47 in PAR1 for its Furin-dependent TGN localization. Our data revealed that Furin is the only convertase that efficiently cleaves PAR2 at Arg36↓. N-glycosylation of PAR2 at Asn30 reduces the efficacy, but enhances selectivity of the Furin cleavage. Finally, in co-cultures comprised of human neuroblastoma SK-N-SH cells (stably expressing PAR1/2 and/or Furin) and HIV-1-infected primary macrophages, we demonstrate that the expression of Furin enhances neuronal cell viability in the context of PAR1- or PAR2-induced neuronal cytotoxicity. The present study provides insights into early stages of HIV-1 induced neuronal injury and the protective role of Furin in neurons co-expressing PAR1 and/or PAR2, as observed in HAND.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vatsal Sachan
- Laboratory of Biochemical Neuroendocrinology, Montreal Clinical Research Institute (affiliated to the University of Montreal), 110 Pine Ave West, Montreal, QC, H2W1R7, Canada
| | - Robert Lodge
- Laboratory of Human Retrovirology, Montreal Clinical Research Institute (affiliated to the University of Montreal), 110 Pine Ave West, Montreal, QC, H2W1R7, Canada
| | - Koichiro Mihara
- Inflammation Research Network-Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N4N1, Canada
| | - Josée Hamelin
- Laboratory of Biochemical Neuroendocrinology, Montreal Clinical Research Institute (affiliated to the University of Montreal), 110 Pine Ave West, Montreal, QC, H2W1R7, Canada
| | - Christopher Power
- Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G2S2, Canada
| | - Benjamin B Gelman
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch Houston, Galveston, 77555, TX, USA
| | - Morley D Hollenberg
- Inflammation Research Network-Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N4N1, Canada
| | - Éric A Cohen
- Laboratory of Human Retrovirology, Montreal Clinical Research Institute (affiliated to the University of Montreal), 110 Pine Ave West, Montreal, QC, H2W1R7, Canada
| | - Nabil G Seidah
- Laboratory of Biochemical Neuroendocrinology, Montreal Clinical Research Institute (affiliated to the University of Montreal), 110 Pine Ave West, Montreal, QC, H2W1R7, Canada.
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Growth Differentiation Factor 15 Maturation Requires Proteolytic Cleavage by PCSK3, -5, and -6. Mol Cell Biol 2018; 38:MCB.00249-18. [PMID: 30104250 DOI: 10.1128/mcb.00249-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2018] [Accepted: 08/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15) is a secreted protein with pleotropic functions from the transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) family. GDF15 is synthesized as a precursor and undergoes proteolytic cleavage to generate mature GDF15. The strong appetite-suppressing effect of mature GDF15 makes it an attractive therapeutic agent/target for diseases such as obesity and cachexia. In addition, clinical studies indicate that circulating, mature GDF15 is an independent biomarker for heart failure. We recently found that GDF15 functions as a heart-derived hormone that inhibits liver growth hormone signaling and postnatal body growth in the pediatric period. However, little is known about the mechanism of GDF15 maturation, in particular the enzymes that mediate GDF15 precursor cleavage. We investigated which candidate proteases can cleave GDF15 precursor and generate mature GDF15 in cardiomyocytes in vitro and mouse hearts in vivo We discovered that three members of the proprotein convertase, subtilisin/kexin-type (PCSK) family, namely, PCSK3, PCSK5, and PCSK6, can efficiently cleave GDF15 precursor, therefore licensing its maturation both in vitro and in vivo Our studies suggest that PCSK3, -5, and -6 mediate a crucial step of GDF15 maturation through proteolytic cleavage of the precursor. These results also reveal new targets for therapeutic application of GDF15 in treating obesity and cachexia.
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Zhao G, Yang W, Wu J, Chen B, Yang X, Chen J, McVey DG, Andreadi C, Gong P, Webb TR, Samani NJ, Ye S. Influence of a Coronary Artery Disease-Associated Genetic Variant on FURIN Expression and Effect of Furin on Macrophage Behavior. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2018; 38:1837-1844. [PMID: 29976768 PMCID: PMC6092112 DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.118.311030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2018] [Accepted: 06/13/2018] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Objective- Genome-wide association studies have revealed a robust association between genetic variation on chromosome 15q26.1 and coronary artery disease (CAD) susceptibility; however, the underlying biological mechanism is still unknown. The lead CAD-associated genetic variant (rs17514846) at this locus resides in the FURIN gene. In advanced atherosclerotic plaques, furin is expressed primarily in macrophages. We investigated whether this CAD-associated variant alters FURIN expression and whether furin affects monocyte/macrophage behavior. Approach and Results- A quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction analysis showed that leukocytes from individuals carrying the CAD risk allele (A) of rs17514846 had increased FURIN expression. A chromatin immunoprecipitation assay revealed higher RNA polymerase II occupancy in the FURIN gene in mononuclear cells of individuals carrying this allele. A reporter gene assay in transiently transfected monocytes/macrophages indicated that the CAD risk allele had higher transcriptional activity than the nonrisk allele (C). An analysis of isogenic monocyte cell lines created by CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats)-mediated genome editing showed that isogenic cells with the A/A genotype for rs17514846 had higher FURIN expression levels than the isogenic cells with the C/C genotype. An electrophoretic mobility shift assay exhibited preferential binding of a nuclear protein to the risk allele. Studies of monocytes/macrophages with lentivirus-mediated furin overexpression or shRNA (short hairpin RNA)-induced furin knockdown showed that furin overexpression promoted monocyte/macrophage migration, increased proliferation, and reduced apoptosis whereas furin knockdown had the opposite effects. Conclusions- Our study shows that the CAD-associated genetic variant increases FURIN expression and that furin promotes monocyte/macrophage migration and proliferation while inhibiting apoptosis, providing a biological mechanism for the association between variation at the chromosome 15q26.1 locus and CAD risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guojun Zhao
- From the Shantou University Medical College, China (G.Z., W.Y., J.W., B.C., X.Y., S.Y.)
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Guilin Medical University, China (G.Z.)
| | - Wei Yang
- From the Shantou University Medical College, China (G.Z., W.Y., J.W., B.C., X.Y., S.Y.)
| | - Jingchun Wu
- From the Shantou University Medical College, China (G.Z., W.Y., J.W., B.C., X.Y., S.Y.)
| | - Bairu Chen
- From the Shantou University Medical College, China (G.Z., W.Y., J.W., B.C., X.Y., S.Y.)
| | - Xu Yang
- From the Shantou University Medical College, China (G.Z., W.Y., J.W., B.C., X.Y., S.Y.)
| | - Junhui Chen
- Department of Minimally Invasive Intervention, Beijing University Shenzhen Hospital, China (J.C.)
| | - David G. McVey
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences and NIHR Leicester Biomedical Research Centre, University of Leicester, United Kingdom (D.G.M., C.A., P.G., T.R.W., N.J.S., S.Y.)
| | - Catherine Andreadi
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences and NIHR Leicester Biomedical Research Centre, University of Leicester, United Kingdom (D.G.M., C.A., P.G., T.R.W., N.J.S., S.Y.)
| | - Peng Gong
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences and NIHR Leicester Biomedical Research Centre, University of Leicester, United Kingdom (D.G.M., C.A., P.G., T.R.W., N.J.S., S.Y.)
| | - Tom R. Webb
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences and NIHR Leicester Biomedical Research Centre, University of Leicester, United Kingdom (D.G.M., C.A., P.G., T.R.W., N.J.S., S.Y.)
| | - Nilesh J. Samani
- From the Shantou University Medical College, China (G.Z., W.Y., J.W., B.C., X.Y., S.Y.)
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences and NIHR Leicester Biomedical Research Centre, University of Leicester, United Kingdom (D.G.M., C.A., P.G., T.R.W., N.J.S., S.Y.)
| | - Shu Ye
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences and NIHR Leicester Biomedical Research Centre, University of Leicester, United Kingdom (D.G.M., C.A., P.G., T.R.W., N.J.S., S.Y.)
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Cordova ZM, Grönholm A, Kytölä V, Taverniti V, Hämäläinen S, Aittomäki S, Niininen W, Junttila I, Ylipää A, Nykter M, Pesu M. Myeloid cell expressed proprotein convertase FURIN attenuates inflammation. Oncotarget 2018; 7:54392-54404. [PMID: 27527873 PMCID: PMC5342350 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.11106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2016] [Accepted: 07/22/2016] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The proprotein convertase enzyme FURIN processes immature pro-proteins into functional end- products. FURIN is upregulated in activated immune cells and it regulates T-cell dependent peripheral tolerance and the Th1/Th2 balance. FURIN also promotes the infectivity of pathogens by activating bacterial toxins and by processing viral proteins. Here, we evaluated the role of FURIN in LysM+ myeloid cells in vivo. Mice with a conditional deletion of FURIN in their myeloid cells (LysMCre-fur(fl/fl)) were healthy and showed unchanged proportions of neutrophils and macrophages. Instead, LysMCre-fur(fl/fl) mice had elevated serum IL-1β levels and reduced numbers of splenocytes. An LPS injection resulted in accelerated mortality, elevated serum pro-inflammatory cytokines and upregulated numbers of pro-inflammatory macrophages. A genome-wide gene expression analysis revealed the overexpression of several pro-inflammatory genes in resting FURIN-deficient macrophages. Moreover, FURIN inhibited Nos2 and promoted the expression of Arg1, which implies that FURIN regulates the M1/M2-type macrophage balance. FURIN was required for the normal production of the bioactive TGF-β1 cytokine, but it inhibited the maturation of the inflammation-provoking TACE and Caspase-1 enzymes. In conclusion, FURIN has an anti-inflammatory function in LysM+ myeloid cells in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zuzet Martinez Cordova
- Immunoregulation, Institute of Biosciences and Medical Technology (BioMediTech), University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland
| | - Anna Grönholm
- Immunoregulation, Institute of Biosciences and Medical Technology (BioMediTech), University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland
| | - Ville Kytölä
- Computational Biology, Institute of Biosciences and Medical Technology (BioMediTech), University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland
| | - Valentina Taverniti
- Department of Food, Environmental and Nutritional Sciences (DeFENS), Division of Food Microbiology and Bioprocessing, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Sanna Hämäläinen
- Immunoregulation, Institute of Biosciences and Medical Technology (BioMediTech), University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland
| | - Saara Aittomäki
- Immunoregulation, Institute of Biosciences and Medical Technology (BioMediTech), University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland
| | - Wilhelmiina Niininen
- Immunoregulation, Institute of Biosciences and Medical Technology (BioMediTech), University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland
| | - Ilkka Junttila
- School of Medicine, University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland.,Fimlab Laboratories, Pirkanmaa Hospital District, Tampere, Finland
| | - Antti Ylipää
- Computational Biology, Institute of Biosciences and Medical Technology (BioMediTech), University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland
| | - Matti Nykter
- Computational Biology, Institute of Biosciences and Medical Technology (BioMediTech), University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland
| | - Marko Pesu
- Immunoregulation, Institute of Biosciences and Medical Technology (BioMediTech), University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland.,Department of Dermatology, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
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49
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Zhou M, Zhang Y, Wei H, He J, Wang D, Chen B, Zeng J, Gong A, Xu M. Furin inhibitor D6R suppresses epithelial-mesenchymal transition in SW1990 and PaTu8988 cells via the Hippo-YAP signaling pathway. Oncol Lett 2017; 15:3192-3196. [PMID: 29435056 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2017.7672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2016] [Accepted: 10/03/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Hexa-D-arginine (D6R), an inhibitor of furin, has potential therapeutic applications in different types of human tumor. However, the function of D6R in targeting pancreatic cancer cells remains to be elucidated. In the present study, the proliferation, invasion and migration abilities of SW1990 and PaTu8988 cells were examined using a Cell Counting Kit-8, and Transwell and wound healing assays. Subsequently, the expression of proteins associated with epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and the Hippo-yes-associated protein (YAP) pathway were detected using western blot analysis. It was revealed that D6R significantly inhibited the proliferation, migration and invasion abilities of SW1990 and PaTu8988 cells. Additionally, D6R led to the upregulation of E-cadherin (an epithelial marker), and the downregulation of N-cadherin and vimentin (mesenchymal markers) in SW1990 and PaTu8988 cells. Furthermore, the results of the present study revealed that D6R significantly affected the YAP phosphorylation level and the total YAP protein level, indicating that D6R was functionally involved in the Hippo-YAP signaling pathway. It has been suggested that D6R-suppressed EMT in SW1990 and PaTu8988 cells may occur via the Hippo-YAP pathway and that it may be a feasible drug to ameliorate the malignant phenotype of SW1990 and PaTu8988 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Zhou
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, P.R. China
| | - Youli Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, P.R. China
| | - Hong Wei
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, P.R. China
| | - Junbo He
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, P.R. China
| | - Dawei Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, P.R. China
| | - Baoding Chen
- Department of Ultrasound Diagnosis, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, P.R. China
| | - Jian Zeng
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, P.R. China
| | - Aihua Gong
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, P.R. China
| | - Min Xu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, P.R. China
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50
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Roman BL, Hinck AP. ALK1 signaling in development and disease: new paradigms. Cell Mol Life Sci 2017; 74:4539-4560. [PMID: 28871312 PMCID: PMC5687069 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-017-2636-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2017] [Revised: 08/01/2017] [Accepted: 08/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Activin A receptor like type 1 (ALK1) is a transmembrane serine/threonine receptor kinase in the transforming growth factor-beta receptor family that is expressed on endothelial cells. Defects in ALK1 signaling cause the autosomal dominant vascular disorder, hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT), which is characterized by development of direct connections between arteries and veins, or arteriovenous malformations (AVMs). Although previous studies have implicated ALK1 in various aspects of sprouting angiogenesis, including tip/stalk cell selection, migration, and proliferation, recent work suggests an intriguing role for ALK1 in transducing a flow-based signal that governs directed endothelial cell migration within patent, perfused vessels. In this review, we present an updated view of the mechanism of ALK1 signaling, put forth a unified hypothesis to explain the cellular missteps that lead to AVMs associated with ALK1 deficiency, and discuss emerging roles for ALK1 signaling in diseases beyond HHT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beth L Roman
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health, 130 DeSoto St, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, USA.
| | - Andrew P Hinck
- Department of Structural Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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