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Koeniger A, Polo P, Brichkina A, Finkernagel F, Visekruna A, Nist A, Stiewe T, Daude M, Diederich W, Gress T, Adhikary T, Lauth M. Tumor-suppressive disruption of cancer subtype-associated super enhancer circuits by small molecule treatment. NAR Cancer 2023; 5:zcad007. [PMID: 36755960 PMCID: PMC9900422 DOI: 10.1093/narcan/zcad007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Transcriptional cancer subtypes which correlate with traits such as tumor growth, drug sensitivity or the chances of relapse and metastasis, have been described for several malignancies. The core regulatory circuits (CRCs) defining these subtypes are established by chromatin super enhancers (SEs) driving key transcription factors (TFs) specific for the particular cell state. In neuroblastoma (NB), one of the most frequent solid pediatric cancer entities, two major SE-directed molecular subtypes have been described: A more lineage-committed adrenergic (ADRN) and a mesenchymal (MES) subtype. Here, we found that a small isoxazole molecule (ISX), a frequently used pro-neural drug, reprogrammed SE activity and switched NB cells from an ADRN subtype towards a growth-retarded MES-like state. The MES-like state shared strong transcriptional overlap with ganglioneuroma (GN), a benign and highly differentiated tumor of the neural crest. Mechanistically, ISX suppressed chromatin binding of N-MYC, a CRC-amplifying transcription factor, resulting in loss of key ADRN subtype-enriched components such as N-MYC itself, PHOX2B and ALK, while concomitently, MES subtype markers were induced. Globally, ISX treatment installed a chromatin accessibility landscape typically associated with low risk NB. In summary, we provide evidence that CRCs and cancer subtype reprogramming might be amenable to future therapeutic targeting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anke Koeniger
- Philipps University Marburg, Dept. of Gastroenterology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Center for Tumor- and Immune Biology, 35043 Marburg, Germany
| | - Pierfrancesco Polo
- Philipps University Marburg, Dept. of Gastroenterology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Center for Tumor- and Immune Biology, 35043 Marburg, Germany
| | - Anna Brichkina
- Philipps University Marburg, Dept. of Gastroenterology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Center for Tumor- and Immune Biology, 35043 Marburg, Germany
| | - Florian Finkernagel
- Philipps University Marburg, Bioinformatics Core Facility, Center for Tumor- and Immune Biology, 35043 Marburg, Germany
| | - Alexander Visekruna
- Philipps University Marburg, Institute for Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, 35043 Marburg, Germany
| | - Andrea Nist
- Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Center for Tumor- and Immune Biology, Genomics Core Facility, Institute of Molecular Oncology, Philipps University Marburg, 35043 Marburg, Germany
| | - Thorsten Stiewe
- Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Center for Tumor- and Immune Biology, Genomics Core Facility, Institute of Molecular Oncology, Philipps University Marburg, 35043 Marburg, Germany
| | - Michael Daude
- Philipps University Marburg, Core Facility Medical Chemistry, Center for Tumor- and Immune Biology, 35043 Marburg, Germany
| | - Wibke E Diederich
- Philipps University Marburg, Dept. of Medicinal Chemistry and Core Facility Medical Chemistry, Center for Tumor- and Immune Biology, 35043 Marburg, Germany
| | - Thomas M Gress
- Philipps University Marburg, Dept. of Gastroenterology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Center for Tumor- and Immune Biology, 35043 Marburg, Germany
| | - Till Adhikary
- Philipps University Marburg, Institute for Medical Bioinformatics and Biostatistics and Institute for Molecular Biology and Tumor Research, Marburg, Germany
| | - Matthias Lauth
- Philipps University Marburg, Dept. of Gastroenterology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Center for Tumor- and Immune Biology, 35043 Marburg, Germany
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2
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MRTF specifies a muscle-like contractile module in Porifera. Nat Commun 2022; 13:4134. [PMID: 35840552 PMCID: PMC9287330 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-31756-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Muscle-based movement is a hallmark of animal biology, but the evolutionary origins of myocytes are unknown. Although believed to lack muscles, sponges (Porifera) are capable of coordinated whole-body contractions that purge debris from internal water canals. This behavior has been observed for decades, but their contractile tissues remain uncharacterized with respect to their ultrastructure, regulation, and development. We examine the sponge Ephydatia muelleri and find tissue-wide organization of a contractile module composed of actin, striated-muscle myosin II, and transgelin, and that contractions are regulated by the release of internal Ca2+ stores upstream of the myosin-light-chain-kinase (MLCK) pathway. The development of this contractile module appears to involve myocardin-related transcription factor (MRTF) as part of an environmentally inducible transcriptional complex that also functions in muscle development, plasticity, and regeneration. As an actin-regulated force-sensor, MRTF-activity offers a mechanism for how the contractile tissues that line water canals can dynamically remodel in response to flow and can re-form normally from stem-cells in the absence of the intrinsic spatial cues typical of animal embryogenesis. We conclude that the contractile module of sponge tissues shares elements of homology with contractile tissues in other animals, including muscles, indicating descent from a common, multifunctional tissue in the animal stem-lineage. Myocytes are a key cell type that enable animal movement, but their evolutionary origins remain unclear. Colgren and Nichols describe molecular and functional similarities between a contractile module in tissues of a sponge and muscle tissues in other animals, indicating a common evolutionary origin.
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3
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Mahmood A, Seetharaman R, Kshatriya P, Patel D, Srivastava AS. Stem Cell Transplant for Advanced Stage Liver Disorders: Current Scenario and Future Prospects. Curr Med Chem 2021; 27:6276-6293. [PMID: 31584360 DOI: 10.2174/0929867326666191004161802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2019] [Revised: 09/11/2019] [Accepted: 09/22/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic Liver Disorders (CLD), caused by the lifestyle patterns like alcoholism or by non-alcoholic fatty liver disease or because of virus-mediated hepatitis, affect a large population fraction across the world. CLD progresses into end-stage diseases with a high mortality rate. Liver transplant is the only approved treatment available for such end-stage disease patients. However, the number of liver transplants is limited due to the limited availability of suitable donors and the extremely high cost of performing the procedure. Under such circumstances, Stem Cell (SC) mediated liver regeneration has emerged as a potential therapeutic alternative approach. OBJECTIVE This review aims to critically analyze the current status and future prospects of stem cellbased interventions for end-stage liver diseases. The clinical studies undertaken, the mechanism underlying therapeutic effects and future directions have been examined. METHOD The clinical trial databases were searched at https://clinicaltrials.gov.in and http://www.isrctn.com to identify randomized, non-randomized and controlled studies undertaken with keywords such as "liver disorder and Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs)", "liver cirrhosis and MSCs" and "liver disorder and SCs". Furthermore, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/ database was also explored with similar keywords for finding the available reports and their critical analyses. RESULTS The search results yielded a significant number of studies that used bone marrow-derived stem cells, MSCs and hepatocytes. The studies clearly indicated that SCs play a key role in the hepatoprotection process by some mechanisms involving anti-inflammation, auto-immune-suppression, angiogenesis and anti-apoptosis. Further, studies indicated that SCs derived paracrine factors promote angiogenesis, reduce inflammation and inhibit hepatocyte apoptosis. CONCLUSION The SC-based interventions provide a significant improvement in patients with CLD; however, there is a need for randomized, controlled studies with the analysis of a long-term follow-up.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Anand S Srivastava
- Global Institute of Stem Cell Therapy and Research, 4660 La Jolla Village Drive, San Diego, CA 92122, United States
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4
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Cashman JR. Small Molecule Regulation of Stem Cells that Generate Bone, Chondrocyte, and Cardiac Cells. Curr Top Med Chem 2020; 20:2344-2361. [PMID: 32819246 DOI: 10.2174/1568026620666200820143912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2020] [Revised: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 08/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Embryonic stem cells (ESCs) are stem cells (SCs) that can self-renew and differentiate into a myriad of cell types. The process of developing stemness is determined by signaling molecules that drive stem cells to a specific lineage. For example, ESCs can differentiate into mature cells (e.g., cardiomyocytes) and mature cardiomyocytes can be characterized for cell beating, action potential, and ion channel function. A goal of this Perspective is to show how small molecules can be used to differentiate ESCs into cardiomyocytes and how this can reveal novel aspects of SC biology. This approach can also lead to the discovery of new molecules of use in cardiovascular disease. Human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) afford the ability to produce unlimited numbers of normal human cells. The creation of patient-specific hiPSCs provides an opportunity to study cell models of human disease. The second goal is to show that small molecules can stimulate hiPSC commitment to cardiomyocytes. How iPSCs can be used in an approach to discover new molecules of use in cardiovascular disease will also be shown in this study. Adult SCs, including mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), can likewise participate in self-renewal and multilineage differentiation. MSCs are capable of differentiating into osteoblasts, adipocytes or chondrocytes. A third goal of this Perspective is to describe differentiation of MSCs into chondrogenic and osteogenic lineages. Small molecules can stimulate MSCs to specific cell fate both in vitro and in vivo. In this Perspective, some recent examples of applying small molecules for osteogenic and chondrogenic cell fate determination are summarized. Underlying molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways involved are described. Small molecule-based modulation of stem cells shows insight into cell regulation and potential approaches to therapeutic strategies for MSC-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- John R Cashman
- Human BioMolecular Research Institute, 5310 Eastgate Mall, San Diego, CA 92121, United States
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5
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Cardiac Progenitors Induced from Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells with Cardiogenic Small Molecule Effectively Regenerate Infarcted Hearts and Attenuate Fibrosis. Shock 2019; 50:627-639. [PMID: 29485473 DOI: 10.1097/shk.0000000000001133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Cardiac progenitor cells (CPCs) being multipotent offer a promising source for cardiac repair due to their ability to proliferate and multiply into cardiac lineage cells. Here, we explored a novel strategy for human CPCs generation from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) using a cardiogenic small molecule, isoxazole (ISX-9) and their ability to grow in the scar tissue for functional improvement in the infarcted myocardium. CPCs were induced from hiPSCs with ISX-9. CPCs were characterized by immunocytochemistry and RT-PCR. The CPC survival and differentiation in the infarcted hearts were determined by in vivo transplantation in immunodeficient mice following left anterior descending artery ligation and their effects were determined on fibrosis and functional improvement. ISX-9 simultaneously induced expression of cardiac transcription factors, NK2 homeobox 5, islet-1, GATA binding protein 4, myocyte enhancer factor-2 in hiPSCs within 3 days of treatment and successfully differentiated into three cardiac lineages in vitro. Messenger RNA and microRNA-sequencing results showed that ISX-9 targeted multiple cardiac differentiation, proliferation signaling pathways and upregulated myogenesis and cardiac hypertrophy related-microRNA. ISX-9 activated multiple pathways including transforming growth factor β induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition signaling, canonical, and non-canonical Wnt signaling at different stages of cardiac differentiation. CPCs transplantation promoted myoangiogenesis, attenuated fibrosis, and led to functional improvement in treated mice.
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6
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Qin H, Zhao A, Fu X. Chemical modulation of cell fates: in situ regeneration. SCIENCE CHINA-LIFE SCIENCES 2018; 61:1137-1150. [PMID: 30099708 DOI: 10.1007/s11427-018-9349-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2018] [Accepted: 05/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Chemical modulation of cell fates has been widely used to promote tissue and organ regeneration. Small molecules can target the self-renewal, expansion, differentiation, and survival of endogenous stem cells for enhancing their regenerative power or induce dedifferentiation or transdifferentiation of mature cells into proliferative progenitors or specialized cell types needed for regeneration. Here, we discuss current progress and potential using small molecules to promote in vivo regenerative processes by regulating the cell fate. Current studies of small molecules in regeneration will provide insights into developing safe and efficient chemical approaches for in situ tissue repair and regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hua Qin
- Graduate School of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070, China.,Cell Biology and Tissue Repair Laboratory, Key Laboratory of Wound Repair and Regeneration of PLA, the First Hospital Affiliated to the PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100048, China
| | - Andong Zhao
- Graduate School of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070, China.,Cell Biology and Tissue Repair Laboratory, Key Laboratory of Wound Repair and Regeneration of PLA, the First Hospital Affiliated to the PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100048, China
| | - Xiaobing Fu
- Cell Biology and Tissue Repair Laboratory, Key Laboratory of Wound Repair and Regeneration of PLA, the First Hospital Affiliated to the PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100048, China. .,College of Life Sciences, PLA General Hospital, PLA Medical College, Beijing, 100853, China.
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7
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Kinnunen SM, Tölli M, Välimäki MJ, Gao E, Szabo Z, Rysä J, Ferreira MPA, Ohukainen P, Serpi R, Correia A, Mäkilä E, Salonen J, Hirvonen J, Santos HA, Ruskoaho H. Cardiac Actions of a Small Molecule Inhibitor Targeting GATA4-NKX2-5 Interaction. Sci Rep 2018; 8:4611. [PMID: 29545582 PMCID: PMC5854571 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-22830-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2017] [Accepted: 02/23/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Transcription factors are fundamental regulators of gene transcription, and many diseases, such as heart diseases, are associated with deregulation of transcriptional networks. In the adult heart, zinc-finger transcription factor GATA4 is a critical regulator of cardiac repair and remodelling. Previous studies also suggest that NKX2-5 plays function role as a cofactor of GATA4. We have recently reported the identification of small molecules that either inhibit or enhance the GATA4–NKX2-5 transcriptional synergy. Here, we examined the cardiac actions of a potent inhibitor (3i-1000) of GATA4–NKX2-5 interaction in experimental models of myocardial ischemic injury and pressure overload. In mice after myocardial infarction, 3i-1000 significantly improved left ventricular ejection fraction and fractional shortening, and attenuated myocardial structural changes. The compound also improved cardiac function in an experimental model of angiotensin II -mediated hypertension in rats. Furthermore, the up-regulation of cardiac gene expression induced by myocardial infarction and ischemia reduced with treatment of 3i-1000 or when micro- and nanoparticles loaded with 3i-1000 were injected intramyocardially or intravenously, respectively. The compound inhibited stretch- and phenylephrine-induced hypertrophic response in neonatal rat cardiomyocytes. These results indicate significant potential for small molecules targeting GATA4–NKX2-5 interaction to promote myocardial repair after myocardial infarction and other cardiac injuries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sini M Kinnunen
- Drug Research Program, Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.,Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Marja Tölli
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Mika J Välimäki
- Drug Research Program, Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.,Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Erhe Gao
- Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Zoltan Szabo
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Jaana Rysä
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Mónica P A Ferreira
- Drug Research Program, Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Pauli Ohukainen
- Computational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oulu and Biocenter Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Raisa Serpi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Alexandra Correia
- Drug Research Program, Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Ermei Mäkilä
- Laboratory of Industrial Physics, Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Jarno Salonen
- Laboratory of Industrial Physics, Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Jouni Hirvonen
- Drug Research Program, Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Hélder A Santos
- Drug Research Program, Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.,Helsinki Institute of Life Sciences (HiLIFE), University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Heikki Ruskoaho
- Drug Research Program, Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland. .,Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland.
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8
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Um J, Lee JH, Jung DW, Williams DR. Re-education begins at home: an overview of the discovery of in vivo-active small molecule modulators of endogenous stem cells. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2018; 13:307-326. [PMID: 29421943 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2018.1437140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Degenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease, heart disease and arthritis cause great suffering and are major socioeconomic burdens. An attractive treatment approach is stem cell transplantation to regenerate damaged or destroyed tissues. However, this can be problematic. For example, donor cells may not functionally integrate into the host tissue. An alternative methodology is to deliver bioactive agents, such as small molecules, directly into the diseased tissue to enhance the regenerative potential of endogenous stem cells. Areas covered: In this review, the authors discuss the necessity of developing these small molecules to treat degenerative diseases and survey progress in their application as therapeutics. They describe both the successes and caveats of developing small molecules that target endogenous stem cells to induce tissue regeneration. This article is based on literature searches which encompass databases for biomedical research and clinical trials. These small molecules are also categorized per their target disease and mechanism of action. Expert opinion: The development of small molecules targeting endogenous stem cells is a high-profile research area. Some compounds have made the successful transition to the clinic. Novel approaches, such as modulating the stem cell niche or targeted delivery to disease sites, should increase the likelihood of future successes in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- JungIn Um
- a New Drug Targets Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology , Buk-Gu , Gwangju , Republic of Korea
| | - Ji-Hyung Lee
- a New Drug Targets Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology , Buk-Gu , Gwangju , Republic of Korea
| | - Da-Woon Jung
- a New Drug Targets Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology , Buk-Gu , Gwangju , Republic of Korea
| | - Darren R Williams
- a New Drug Targets Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology , Buk-Gu , Gwangju , Republic of Korea
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9
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Finch-Edmondson M, Sudol M. Framework to function: mechanosensitive regulators of gene transcription. Cell Mol Biol Lett 2016; 21:28. [PMID: 28536630 PMCID: PMC5415767 DOI: 10.1186/s11658-016-0028-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2016] [Accepted: 11/16/2016] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Mechanobiology has shifted our understanding of fundamental cellular and physiological functions. Changes to the stiffness of the extracellular matrix, cell rigidity, or shape of the cell environment were considered in the past to be a consequence of aging or pathological processes. We now understand that these factors can actually be causative biological mediators of cell growth to control organ size. Mechanical cues are known to trigger a relatively fast translocation of specific transcriptional co-factors such as MRTFs, YAP and TAZ from the cytoplasm to the cell nucleus to initiate discrete transcriptional programs. The focus of this review is the molecular mechanisms by which biophysical stimuli that induce changes in cytoplasmic actin dynamics are communicated within cells to elicit gene-specific transcription via nuclear localisation or activation of specialized transcription factors, namely MRTFs and the Hippo pathway effectors YAP and TAZ. We propose here that MRTFs, YAP and TAZ closely collaborate as mechano-effectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan Finch-Edmondson
- Mechanobiology Institute, National University of Singapore, 5A Engineering Drive 1, 117411 Singapore, Singapore.,Department of Physiology, National University of Singapore, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, 2 Medical Drive, 117597 Singapore, Singapore
| | - Marius Sudol
- Mechanobiology Institute, National University of Singapore, 5A Engineering Drive 1, 117411 Singapore, Singapore.,Department of Physiology, National University of Singapore, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, 2 Medical Drive, 117597 Singapore, Singapore
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10
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Kalwat MA, Huang Z, Wichaidit C, McGlynn K, Earnest S, Savoia C, Dioum EM, Schneider JW, Hutchison MR, Cobb MH. Isoxazole Alters Metabolites and Gene Expression, Decreasing Proliferation and Promoting a Neuroendocrine Phenotype in β-Cells. ACS Chem Biol 2016; 11:1128-36. [PMID: 26828310 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.5b00993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Novel strategies are needed to modulate β-cell differentiation and function as potential β-cell replacement or restorative therapies for diabetes. We previously demonstrated that small molecules based on the isoxazole scaffold drive neuroendocrine phenotypes. The nature of the effects of isoxazole compounds on β-cells was incompletely defined. We find that isoxazole induces genes that support neuroendocrine and β-cell phenotypes and suppresses genes important for proliferation. Isoxazole alters β-cell metabolites and protects glucose-responsive signaling pathways under lipotoxic conditions. Finally, we show that isoxazole improves glycemia in a mouse model of β-cell regeneration. Isoxazole is a prime candidate to alter cell fate in different contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Claudia Savoia
- Nestle Institute of Health Sciences, Lausanne, Switzerland
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11
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Rodgers K, Papinska A, Mordwinkin N. Regulatory aspects of small molecule drugs for heart regeneration. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2016; 96:245-52. [PMID: 26150343 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2015.06.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2015] [Revised: 06/05/2015] [Accepted: 06/30/2015] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Even though recent discoveries prove the existence of cardiac progenitor cells, internal regenerative capacity of the heart is minimal. As cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of deaths in the United States, a number of approaches are being used to develop treatments for heart repair and regeneration. Small molecule drugs are of particular interest as they are suited for oral administration and can be chemically synthesized. However, the regulatory process for the development of new treatment modalities is protracted, complex and expensive. One of the hurdles to development of appropriate therapies is the need for predictive preclinical models. The use of patient-derived cardiomyocytes from iPSC cells represents a novel tool for this purpose. Among other concepts for induction of heart regeneration, the most advanced is the combination of DPP-IV inhibitors with stem cell mobilizers. This review will focus on regulatory aspects as well as preclinical hurdles of development of new treatments for heart regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen Rodgers
- Titus Family Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacoeconomics and Policy, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, 1985 Zonal Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90089, United States.
| | - Anna Papinska
- Titus Family Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacoeconomics and Policy, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, 1985 Zonal Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90089, United States
| | - Nicholas Mordwinkin
- Miltenyi Biotec, Inc., 2303 Lindbergh Street, Auburn, CA 95602, United States
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12
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Small molecules that promote regenerative repair for pancreatic and cardiovascular health. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2015; 25:5465-71. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2015.10.054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2015] [Revised: 10/14/2015] [Accepted: 10/17/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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13
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Affiliation(s)
- Dennis Schade
- Department
of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, TU Dortmund University, Otto-Hahn-Strasse
6, 44227 Dortmund, Germany
| | - Alleyn T. Plowright
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry, Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases Innovative
Medicines, AstraZeneca, Pepparedsleden 1, Mölndal, 43183, Sweden
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14
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Lorden ER, Levinson HM, Leong KW. Integration of drug, protein, and gene delivery systems with regenerative medicine. Drug Deliv Transl Res 2015; 5:168-86. [PMID: 25787742 PMCID: PMC4382089 DOI: 10.1007/s13346-013-0165-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Regenerative medicine has the potential to drastically change the field of health care from reactive to preventative and restorative. Exciting advances in stem cell biology and cellular reprogramming have fueled the progress of this field. Biochemical cues in the form of small molecule drugs, growth factors, zinc finger protein transcription factors and nucleases, transcription activator-like effector nucleases, monoclonal antibodies, plasmid DNA, aptamers, or RNA interference agents can play an important role to influence stem cell differentiation and the outcome of tissue regeneration. Many of these biochemical factors are fragile and must act intracellularly at the molecular level. They require an effective delivery system, which can take the form of a scaffold (e.g., hydrogels and electrospun fibers), carrier (viral and nonviral), nano- and microparticle, or genetically modified cell. In this review, we will discuss the history and current technologies of drug, protein, and gene delivery in the context of regenerative medicine. Next, we will present case examples of how delivery technologies are being applied to promote angiogenesis in nonhealing wounds or prevent angiogenesis in age related macular degeneration. Finally, we will conclude with a brief discussion of the regulatory pathway from bench to bedside for the clinical translation of these novel therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Howard M. Levinson
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Kam W. Leong
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
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15
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Wegener M, Bader A, Giri S. How to mend a broken heart: adult and induced pluripotent stem cell therapy for heart repair and regeneration. Drug Discov Today 2015; 20:667-85. [PMID: 25720353 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2015.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2014] [Revised: 11/30/2014] [Accepted: 02/16/2015] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
The recently developed ability to differentiate primary adult stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) into cardiomyocytes is providing unprecedented opportunities to produce an unlimited supply of cardiomyocytes for use in patients with heart disease. Here, we examine the evidence for the preclinical use of such cells for successful heart regeneration. We also describe advances in the identification of new cardiac molecular and cellular targets to induce proliferation of cardiomyocytes for heart regeneration. Such new advances are paving the way for a new innovative drug development process for the treatment of heart disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Wegener
- Centre for Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Department of Cell Techniques and Applied Stem Cell Biology, Medical Faculty of University of Leipzig, Deutscher Platz 5, Leipzig D-04103, Germany
| | - Augustinus Bader
- Centre for Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Department of Cell Techniques and Applied Stem Cell Biology, Medical Faculty of University of Leipzig, Deutscher Platz 5, Leipzig D-04103, Germany
| | - Shibashish Giri
- Centre for Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Department of Cell Techniques and Applied Stem Cell Biology, Medical Faculty of University of Leipzig, Deutscher Platz 5, Leipzig D-04103, Germany.
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16
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Davies SG, Kennewell PD, Russell AJ, Seden PT, Westwood R, Wynne GM. Stemistry: the control of stem cells in situ using chemistry. J Med Chem 2015; 58:2863-94. [PMID: 25590360 DOI: 10.1021/jm500838d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
A new paradigm for drug research has emerged, namely the deliberate search for molecules able to selectively affect the proliferation, differentiation, and migration of adult stem cells within the tissues in which they exist. Recently, there has been significant interest in medicinal chemistry toward the discovery and design of low molecular weight molecules that affect stem cells and thus have novel therapeutic activity. We believe that a successful agent from such a discover program would have profound effects on the treatment of many long-term degenerative disorders. Among these conditions are examples such as cardiovascular decay, neurological disorders including Alzheimer's disease, and macular degeneration, all of which have significant unmet medical needs. This perspective will review evidence from the literature that indicates that discovery of such agents is achievable and represents a worthwhile pursuit for the skills of the medicinal chemist.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen G Davies
- †Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Chemistry Research Laboratory, Mansfield Road, Oxford, OX1 3TA, U.K
| | - Peter D Kennewell
- †Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Chemistry Research Laboratory, Mansfield Road, Oxford, OX1 3TA, U.K
| | - Angela J Russell
- †Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Chemistry Research Laboratory, Mansfield Road, Oxford, OX1 3TA, U.K.,‡Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford, OX1 3QT, U.K
| | - Peter T Seden
- †Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Chemistry Research Laboratory, Mansfield Road, Oxford, OX1 3TA, U.K
| | - Robert Westwood
- †Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Chemistry Research Laboratory, Mansfield Road, Oxford, OX1 3TA, U.K
| | - Graham M Wynne
- †Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Chemistry Research Laboratory, Mansfield Road, Oxford, OX1 3TA, U.K
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17
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Plowright AT, Engkvist O, Gill A, Knerr L, Wang QD. Heart regeneration: opportunities and challenges for drug discovery with novel chemical and therapeutic methods or agents. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2014; 53:4056-75. [PMID: 24470316 DOI: 10.1002/anie.201307034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2013] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Following a heart attack, more than a billion cardiac muscle cells (cardiomyocytes) can be killed, leading to heart failure and sudden death. Much research in this area is now focused on the regeneration of heart tissue through differentiation of stem cells, proliferation of existing cardiomyocytes and cardiac progenitor cells, and reprogramming of fibroblasts into cardiomyocytes. Different chemical modalities (i.e. methods or agents), ranging from small molecules and RNA approaches (including both microRNA and anti-microRNA) to modified peptides and proteins, are showing potential to meet this medical need. In this Review, we outline the recent advances in these areas and describe both the modality and progress, including novel screening strategies to identify hits, and the upcoming challenges and opportunities to develop these hits into pharmaceuticals, at which chemistry plays a key role.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alleyn T Plowright
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases Innovative Medicines, AstraZeneca, Pepparedsleden 1, Mölndal, 43183 (Sweden).
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18
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Plowright AT, Engkvist O, Gill A, Knerr L, Wang QD. Herzregeneration: Chancen und Aufgaben für die Wirkstoff-Forschung mit neuartigen chemischen und therapeutischen Methoden oder Agentien. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2014. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.201307034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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19
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Längle D, Halver J, Rathmer B, Willems E, Schade D. Small molecules targeting in vivo tissue regeneration. ACS Chem Biol 2014; 9:57-71. [PMID: 24372447 DOI: 10.1021/cb4008277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The field of regenerative medicine has boomed in recent years thanks to milestone discoveries in stem cell biology and tissue engineering, which has been driving paradigm shifts in the pharmacotherapy of degenerative and ischemic diseases. Small molecule-mediated replenishment of lost and/or dysfunctional tissue in vivo, however, is still in its infancy due to a limited understanding of mechanisms that control such endogenous processes of tissue homeostasis or regeneration. Here, we discuss current progress using small molecules targeting in vivo aspects of regeneration, including adult stem cells, stem cell niches, and mechanisms of homing, mobilization, and engraftment as well as somatic cell proliferation. Many of these compounds derived from both knowledge-based design and screening campaigns, illustrating the feasibility of translating in vitro discovery to in vivo regeneration. These early examples of drug-mediated in vivo regeneration provide a glimpse of the future directions of in vivo regenerative medicine approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Längle
- Faculty of Chemistry & Chemical Biology, TU Dortmund University, Otto-Hahn-Str. 6, 44227 Dortmund, Germany
| | - Jonas Halver
- Faculty of Chemistry & Chemical Biology, TU Dortmund University, Otto-Hahn-Str. 6, 44227 Dortmund, Germany
| | - Bernd Rathmer
- Faculty of Chemistry & Chemical Biology, TU Dortmund University, Otto-Hahn-Str. 6, 44227 Dortmund, Germany
| | - Erik Willems
- Muscle
Development and Regeneration Program, Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute, 10901 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, California 92037, United States
| | - Dennis Schade
- Faculty of Chemistry & Chemical Biology, TU Dortmund University, Otto-Hahn-Str. 6, 44227 Dortmund, Germany
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20
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Xie M, Cao N, Ding S. Small molecules for cell reprogramming and heart repair: progress and perspective. ACS Chem Biol 2014; 9:34-44. [PMID: 24372513 DOI: 10.1021/cb400865w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Regenerative medicine for heart failure seeks to replace lost cardiomyocytes. Chemical approaches for producing ample supplies of cells, such as pluripotent stem cells and cardiomyocytes, hold promise as practical means to achieve safe, facile cell-based therapy for cardiac repair and regenerative medicine. In this review, we describe recent advances in the application of small molecules to improve the generation and maintenance of pluripotent stem cells. We also describe new directions in heart repair and regeneration in which chemical approaches may find their application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Xie
- The Gladstone Institutes, 1650 Owens Street, San Francisco, California 94158, United States
| | - Nan Cao
- The Gladstone Institutes, 1650 Owens Street, San Francisco, California 94158, United States
| | - Sheng Ding
- The Gladstone Institutes, 1650 Owens Street, San Francisco, California 94158, United States
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21
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Mogi C, Nakakura T, Okajima F. Role of extracellular proton-sensing OGR1 in regulation of insulin secretion and pancreatic β-cell functions. Endocr J 2014; 61:101-10. [PMID: 24088601 DOI: 10.1507/endocrj.ej13-0380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Insulin secretion with respect to pH environments has been investigated for a long time but its mechanism remains largely unknown. Extracellular pH is usually maintained at around 7.4 and, its change has been thought to occur in non-physiological situations. Acidification takes place under ischemic and inflammatory microenvironments, where stimulation of anaerobic glycolysis results in the production of lactic acid. In addition to ionotropic ion channels, such as transient receptor potential V1 (TRPV1) and acid-sensing ion channels (ASICs), metabotropic proton-sensing G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) have also been identified recently as proton-sensing machineries. While ionotropic ion channels usually sense strong acidic pH, proton-sensing GPCRs sense pH of 7.6 to 6.0 and have been shown to mediate a variety of biological actions in neutral and mildly acidic pH environments. Studies with receptor knockout mice have revealed that proton-sensing receptors, including ovarian cancer G protein-coupled receptor 1 (OGR1), a proton-sensing GPCRs, play a role in the regulation of insulin secretion and glucose metabolism under physiological conditions. Small molecule 3,5-disubstituted isoxazoles have recently been identified as OGR1 agonists working at neutral pH and have been shown to stimulate pancreatic β-cell differentiation and insulin synthesis. Thus, proton-sensing OGR1 may be an important player for insulin secretion and a potential target for improving β-cell function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chihiro Mogi
- Laboratory of Signal Transduction, Institute for Molecular and Cellular Regulation, Gunma University, Maebashi 371-8512, Japan
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22
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Activation of MRTF-A-dependent gene expression with a small molecule promotes myofibroblast differentiation and wound healing. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2013; 110:16850-5. [PMID: 24082095 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1316764110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Myocardin-related transcription factors (MRTFs) regulate cellular contractility and motility by associating with serum response factor (SRF) and activating genes involved in cytoskeletal dynamics. We reported previously that MRTF-A contributes to pathological cardiac remodeling by promoting differentiation of fibroblasts to myofibroblasts following myocardial infarction. Here, we show that forced expression of MRTF-A in dermal fibroblasts stimulates contraction of a collagen matrix, whereas contractility of MRTF-A null fibroblasts is impaired under basal conditions and in response to TGF-β1 stimulation. We also identify an isoxazole ring-containing small molecule, previously shown to induce smooth muscle α-actin gene expression in cardiac progenitor cells, as an agonist of myofibroblast differentiation. Isoxazole stimulates myofibroblast differentiation via induction of MRTF-A-dependent gene expression. The MRTF-SRF signaling axis is activated in response to skin injury, and treatment of dermal wounds with isoxazole accelerates wound closure and suppresses the inflammatory response. These results reveal an important role for MRTF-SRF signaling in dermal myofibroblast differentiation and wound healing and suggest that targeting MRTFs pharmacologically may prove useful in treating diseases associated with inappropriate myofibroblast activity.
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Abstract
Despite declines in heart failure morbidity and mortality with current therapies, rehospitalization rates remain distressingly high, substantially affecting individuals, society, and the economy. As a result, the need for new therapeutic advances and novel medical devices is urgent. Disease-related left ventricular remodeling is a complex process involving cardiac myocyte growth and death, vascular rarefaction, fibrosis, inflammation, and electrophysiological remodeling. Because these events are highly interrelated, targeting a single molecule or process may not be sufficient. Here, we review molecular and cellular mechanisms governing pathological ventricular remodeling.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Joseph A. Hill
- Depts of Internal Medicine (Cardiology), University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX
- Dept of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX
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25
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Regulation of inflammation by extracellular acidification and proton-sensing GPCRs. Cell Signal 2013; 25:2263-71. [PMID: 23917207 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2013.07.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 129] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2013] [Accepted: 07/26/2013] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Under ischemic and inflammatory circumstances, such as allergic airway asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, atherosclerosis, and tumors, extracellular acidification occurs due to the stimulation of anaerobic glycolysis. An acidic microenvironment has been shown to modulate pro-inflammatory or anti-inflammatory responses, including cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression, prostaglandin synthesis, and cytokine expression, in a variety of cell types, and thereby to exacerbate or ameliorate inflammation. However, molecular mechanisms underlying extracellular acidic pH-induced actions have not been fully understood. Recent studies have shown that ovarian cancer G protein-coupled receptor 1 (OGR1)-family G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) can sense extracellular pH or protons, which in turn stimulates intracellular signaling pathways and subsequent diverse cellular responses. In the present review, I discuss extracellular acidic pH-induced inflammatory responses and related responses in inflammatory cells, such as macrophages and neutrophils, and non-inflammatory cells, such as smooth muscle cells and endothelial cells, focusing especially on proton-sensing GPCRs.
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26
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Mending broken hearts: cardiac development as a basis for adult heart regeneration and repair. Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol 2013; 14:529-41. [PMID: 23839576 DOI: 10.1038/nrm3619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 340] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
As the adult mammalian heart has limited potential for regeneration and repair, the loss of cardiomyocytes during injury and disease can result in heart failure and death. The cellular processes and regulatory mechanisms involved in heart growth and development can be exploited to repair the injured adult heart through 'reawakening' pathways that are active during embryogenesis. Heart function has been restored in rodents by reprogramming non-myocytes into cardiomyocytes, by expressing transcription factors (GATA4, HAND2, myocyte-specific enhancer factor 2C (MEF2C) and T-box 5 (TBX5)) and microRNAs (miR-1, miR-133, miR-208 and miR-499) that control cardiomyocyte identity. Stimulating cardiomyocyte dedifferentiation and proliferation by activating mitotic signalling pathways involved in embryonic heart growth represents a complementary approach for heart regeneration and repair. Recent advances in understanding the mechanistic basis of heart development offer exciting opportunities for effective therapies for heart failure.
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27
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Russell AJ. Regenerative medicinal chemistry: the in situ control of stem cells. ACS Med Chem Lett 2013; 4:365-8. [PMID: 24900675 DOI: 10.1021/ml400110b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, there has been mounting evidence to support the presence of stem and progenitor cells within many adult tissues that retain the capacity to proliferate and differentiate, thereby contributing to tissue homeostasis and repair. In line with these discoveries, there have been increasing efforts to develop new agents that target these resident stem and progenitor cell populations in situ to augment or to stimulate repair and regeneration processes. Two such agents are approved drugs, and several more are currently in clinical and preclinical development. Through this emerging therapeutic paradigm there is enormous scope for medicinal chemistry to play a pivotal role in regenerative medicine. The potential impact of regenerative medicinal chemistry is profound, and future studies will reveal which tissue types or disease states will prove most readily tractable through this approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela J. Russell
- Department of Chemistry,
Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3TA, United Kingdom; Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3PQ,
United Kingdom
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28
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Zelarayán LC, Zafiriou MP, Zimmermann WH. Emerging Concepts in Myocardial Pharmacoregeneration. Regen Med 2013. [DOI: 10.1007/978-94-007-5690-8_25] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
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29
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Jung DW, Williams DR. Reawakening atlas: chemical approaches to repair or replace dysfunctional musculature. ACS Chem Biol 2012; 7:1773-90. [PMID: 23043623 DOI: 10.1021/cb3003368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Muscle diseases are major health concerns. For example, ischemic heart disease is the third most common cause of death. Cell therapy is an attractive approach for treating muscle diseases, although this is hampered by the need to generate large numbers of functional muscle cells. Small molecules have become established as attractive tools for modulating cell behavior and, in this review, we discuss the recent, rapid research advances made in the development of small molecule methods to facilitate the production of functional cardiac, skeletal, and smooth muscle cells. We also describe how new developments in small molecule strategies for muscle disease aim to induce repair and remodelling of the damaged tissues in situ. Recent progress has been made in developing small molecule cocktails that induce skeletal muscle regeneration, and these are discussed in a broader context, because a similar phenomenon occurs in the early stages of salamander appendage regeneration. Although formidable technical hurdles still remain, these new advances in small molecule-based methodologies should provide hope that cell therapies for patients suffering from muscle disease can be developed in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Da-Woon Jung
- New Drug Targets Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, 1 Oryong-Dong,
Buk-Gu, Gwangju 500-712, Republic of Korea
| | - Darren R. Williams
- New Drug Targets Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, 1 Oryong-Dong,
Buk-Gu, Gwangju 500-712, Republic of Korea
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30
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Schneider JW, Goetsch SC, Leng X, Ludwig SM, Russell JL, Yang CP, Zhang QJ. Coupling hippocampal neurogenesis to brain pH through proneurogenic small molecules that regulate proton sensing G protein-coupled receptors. ACS Chem Neurosci 2012; 3:557-68. [PMID: 22860225 DOI: 10.1021/cn300025a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2012] [Accepted: 03/14/2012] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Acidosis, a critical aspect of central nervous system (CNS) pathophysiology and a metabolic corollary of the hypoxic stem cell niche, could be an expedient trigger for hippocampal neurogenesis and brain repair. We recently tracked the function of our isoxazole stem cell-modulator small molecules (Isx) through a chemical biology-target discovery strategy to GPR68, a proton (pH) sensing G protein-coupled receptor with no known function in brain. Isx and GPR68 coregulated neuronal target genes such as Bex1 (brain-enriched X-linked protein-1) in hippocampal neural progenitors (HCN cells), which further amplified GPR68 signaling by producing metabolic acid in response to Isx. To evaluate this proneurogenic small molecule/proton signaling circuit in vivo, we explored GPR68 and BEX1 expression in brain and probed brain function with Isx. We localized proton-sensing GPR68 to radial processes of hippocampal type 1 neural stem cells (NSCs) and, conversely, localized BEX1 to neurons. At the transcriptome level, Isx demonstrated unrivaled proneurogenic activity in primary hippocampal NSC cultures. In vivo, Isx pharmacologically targeted type 1 NSCs, promoting neurogenesis in young mice, depleting the progenitor pool without adversely affecting hippocampal learning and memory function. After traumatic brain injury, cerebral cortical astrocytes abundantly expressed GPR68, suggesting an additional role for proton-GPCR signaling in reactive astrogliosis. Thus, probing a novel proneurogenic synthetic small molecule's mechanism-of-action, candidate target, and pharmacological activity, we identified a new GPR68 regulatory pathway for integrating neural stem and astroglial cell functions with brain pH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jay W. Schneider
- Department
of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas,
United States
| | - Sean C. Goetsch
- Department
of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas,
United States
| | - Xiuyu Leng
- Department
of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas,
United States
| | - Sara M. Ludwig
- Department
of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas,
United States
| | - Jamie L. Russell
- Department
of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas,
United States
| | - Cui-Ping Yang
- Department
of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas,
United States
| | - Qing-Jun Zhang
- Department
of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas,
United States
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31
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Russell JL, Goetsch SC, Aguilar HR, Coe H, Luo X, Liu N, van Rooij E, Frantz DE, Schneider JW. Regulated expression of pH sensing G Protein-coupled receptor-68 identified through chemical biology defines a new drug target for ischemic heart disease. ACS Chem Biol 2012; 7:1077-83. [PMID: 22462679 DOI: 10.1021/cb300001m] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Chemical biology promises discovery of new and unexpected mechanistic pathways, protein functions and disease targets. Here, we probed the mechanism-of-action and protein targets of 3,5-disubstituted isoxazoles (Isx), cardiomyogenic small molecules that target Notch-activated epicardium-derived cells (NECs) in vivo and promote functional recovery after myocardial infarction (MI). Mechanistic studies in NECs led to an Isx-activated G(q) protein-coupled receptor (G(q)PCR) hypothesis tested in a cell-based functional target screen for GPCRs regulated by Isx. This screen identified one agonist hit, the extracellular proton/pH-sensing GPCR GPR68, confirmed through genetic gain- and loss-of-function. Overlooked until now, GPR68 expression and localization were highly regulated in early post-natal and adult post-infarct mouse heart, where GPR68-expressing cells accumulated subepicardially. Remarkably, GPR68-expressing cardiomyocytes established a proton-sensing cellular "buffer zone" surrounding the MI. Isx pharmacologically regulated gene expression (mRNAs and miRs) in this GPR68-enriched border zone, driving cardiomyogenic and pro-survival transcriptional programs in vivo. In conclusion, we tracked a (micromolar) bioactive small molecule's mechanism-of-action to a candidate target protein, GPR68, and validated this target as a previously unrecognized regulator of myocardial cellular responses to tissue acidosis, setting the stage for future (nanomolar) target-based drug lead discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Hector R. Aguilar
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas,
United States
| | | | | | | | | | - Doug E. Frantz
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas,
United States
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