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Tian G, Chen Z, Shi K, Wang X, Xie L, Yang F. The evolution of small-molecule Akt inhibitors from hit to clinical candidate. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 279:116906. [PMID: 39353238 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2024] [Revised: 09/20/2024] [Accepted: 09/22/2024] [Indexed: 10/04/2024]
Abstract
Akt, a key regulator of cell survival, proliferation, and metabolism, has become a prominent target for treatment of cancer and inflammatory diseases. The journey of small-molecule Akt inhibitors from discovery to the clinic has faced numerous challenges, with a significant emphasis on optimization throughout the development process. Early discovery efforts identified various classes of inhibitors, including ATP-competitive and allosteric modulators. However, during preclinical and clinical development, several issues arose, including poor specificity, limited bioavailability, and toxicity. Optimization efforts have been central to overcoming these hurdles. Researchers focused on enhancing the selectivity of inhibitors to target Akt isoforms more precisely, reducing off-target effects, and improving pharmacokinetic properties to ensure better bioavailability and distribution. Structural modifications and the design of prodrugs have played a crucial role in refining the efficacy and safety profile of these inhibitors. Additionally, efforts have been made to optimize the therapeutic window, balancing effective dosing with minimal adverse effects. The review highlights how these optimization strategies have been key in advancing small-molecule Akt inhibitors toward clinical success and underscores the importance of continued refinement in their development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gengren Tian
- Department of Neurosurgery, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Zhuo Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Keqing Shi
- Department of Neurosurgery, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xinwai Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Lijuan Xie
- Department of Vascularsurgery, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China.
| | - Fuwei Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China.
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Deldadeh N, Shahbazi S, Ghiasvand S, Shahriari F, Javidi MA. COVID-19 vaccination anti-cancer impact on the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in MC4L2 mice models. Microb Pathog 2024; 196:106955. [PMID: 39303961 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2024.106955] [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: 11/15/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2024] [Accepted: 09/17/2024] [Indexed: 09/22/2024]
Abstract
The most promising method of containing the COVID-19 pandemic is considered to be vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 infection. However, research on the relationship between vaccination against COVID-19 and cancer has primarily examined induced immunity rather than the disease itself. Considering that breast cancer is the most common cancer among women, the main goal of this study was to examine the impact of the Sinopharm and AstraZeneca vaccination on tumor characteristics such as tumor size, important tumor markers, tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes, metastasis to vital organs, and investigation of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, and the expression levels of relevant genes (PTEN, mTOR, AKT, PI3K, GSK3, and FoxO1) of the luminal B (MC4L2) mouse model. The tumor size of the mice was measured and monitored every two days, and after thirty days, the mice were euthanized. Remarkably, after vaccination, all vaccinated mice showed a decrease in the size of their tumor and an increase in the number of lymphocytes that had invaded the tumors. Tumor marker levels (VEGF, Ki-67, MMP-2/9), CD4/CD8 ratio, metastasis to vital organs, hormone receptors (ER, PR, and HER-2), and expression of genes related to the advancement of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway were lower in vaccinated mice. Our research showed that the COVID-19 vaccine can have an anti-cancer effect by slowing the tumor progression and metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Negar Deldadeh
- Department of Integrative Oncology, Breast Cancer Research Center, Motamed Cancer Institute, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sahba Shahbazi
- Protein Biotechnology Research Lab (PBRL), Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, School of Biology, College of Science, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Saeedeh Ghiasvand
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Malayer University, Malayer, Iran.
| | - Fatemeh Shahriari
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Amin Javidi
- Department of Integrative Oncology, Breast Cancer Research Center, Motamed Cancer Institute, ACECR, Tehran, Iran.
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Bhandary P, Alagundagi DB, Shetty PK, Patil P. Identification of potential miRNA-mRNA regulatory network contributing to pathogenesis of polycystic ovarian syndrome. Ir J Med Sci 2024:10.1007/s11845-024-03795-2. [PMID: 39240275 DOI: 10.1007/s11845-024-03795-2] [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: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 08/19/2024] [Indexed: 09/07/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), a gynae-endocrine disorder, has a relatively high risk of differential expression of miRNA (DE-miRNA) in the disease progression. AIMS To identify the DE-miRNA in the progression of PCOS in the ovarian cumulus cells. METHODS The microarray dataset GSE72274 was analysed for PCOS-associated DE-miRNAs. miRNet identifies the target genes. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed and hub genes were analysed by topology and module analysis. Transcription factors (TFs) and protein kinases (PKs) regulating the hub genes were identified using X2K tool. Biological functions were analysed using DAVID software. Finally, the DGIdb drug-gene interaction tool identifies the candidate medications. RESULTS A total of 1577 DE-miRNAs linked to PCOS were identified, with 13 meeting the specified criteria. Subsequently, its 2053 target genes were retrieved through miRNet. Topology and module analysis identified the hub genes VEGFA, SOX2, KRAS, AKT1, and SMAD4 that are implicated in ovarian regulation. Notably, the study highlighted the significant role of the wnt signalling pathway, which is involved in ovarian function, specifically in follicle development, corpus luteum formation, and steroid production. Additionally, six TFs and PKs were identified as important regulators of these hub genes, and the potential medication interactions identified 11 medicines for VEGFA, KRAS, AKT1, and SMAD4 genes, while no suitable drug for SOX2 was identified. CONCLUSION Identified, hub genes are known to associate with the regulation of ovarian function such as oocyte development, and steroid synthesis via the wnt signalling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prajna Bhandary
- Central Research Laboratory, K S Hegde Medical Academy, NITTE (Deemed to Be University), Mangaluru, Karnataka, 575018, India
| | - Dhananjay B Alagundagi
- Central Research Laboratory, K S Hegde Medical Academy, NITTE (Deemed to Be University), Mangaluru, Karnataka, 575018, India
| | - Prasanna Kumar Shetty
- IVF-Fertility and Reproductive Medicine Centre, K S Hegde Medical Academy, Justice K S Hegde Charitable Hospital, NITTE (Deemed to Be University), Mangaluru, Karnataka, 575018, India
| | - Prakash Patil
- Central Research Laboratory, K S Hegde Medical Academy, NITTE (Deemed to Be University), Mangaluru, Karnataka, 575018, India.
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Xue X, Li Y, Zhang S, Yao Y, Peng C, Li Y. Hydroxysafflor yellow A exerts anti-fibrotic and anti-angiogenic effects through miR-29a-3p/PDGFRB axis in liver fibrosis. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 132:155830. [PMID: 38959553 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2024.155830] [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: 03/04/2024] [Revised: 06/03/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Liver fibrosis is a prevalent pathological process in chronic liver diseases characterized by excessive extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition and abnormal angiogenesis. Notably, hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are the primary source of ECM. Activated HSCs not only secrete numerous pro-fibrotic cytokines but also are endowed with a pro-angiogenic phenotype to promote pathological angiogenesis. Therefore, targeted modulation of HSCs has emerged as a pivotal strategy for addressing liver fibrosis. Hydroxysafflor yellow A (HSYA) is a homology of medicine and food colourant with good pharmacological activity. However, the precise mechanisms of HSYA against liver fibrosis remain unclear. PURPOSE The objective of this study was to elucidate the impact of HSYA on liver fibrosis and pathological angiogenesis, as well as the underlying mechanisms in vitro and in vivo studies. METHODS The efficacy and mechanisms of HSYA on TGF-β1-induced HSCs and VEGFA-induced endothelial cells were investigated by MTT assay, EdU cell proliferation assay, cell scratch assay, Elisa assay, immunofluorescence assay, molecular docking, cell transfection assay, western blot analysis and RT-qPCR analysis. In CCl4-induced liver fibrosis mice model, H&E, Masson, and Sirius red staining were used to observe histopathology. Serum transaminase activity and liver biochemical indexes were tested by biochemical kit. Immunohistochemical, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), western blot analysis and RT-qPCR analysis were implemented to determine the mechanism of HSYA in vivo. RESULTS Herein, our findings confirmed that HSYA inhibited the proliferation, migration and activation of HSCs, as evidenced by a reduction in cell viability, relative migration rate, EdU staining intensity, and pro-fibrotic mRNAs and proteins expression in vitro. Mechanistically, HSYA played an anti-fibrotic and anti-angiogenic role by partially silencing PDGFRB in activated HSCs, thereby disrupting PDGFRB/MEK/ERK signal transduction and inhibiting the expression of HIF-1α, VEGFA and VEGFR2 proteins. Importantly, PDGFRB was a target gene of miR-29a-3p. Treatment with HSYA reversed the down-regulation of miR-29a-3p and antagonized PDGFRB signaling pathway in TGF-β1-induced HSCs transfected with miR-29a-3p inhibitor. Consistent with our in vitro study, HSYA exhibited a good hepatoprotective effect in CCl4-induced liver fibrosis mice by reducing serum ALT and AST levels, decreasing the contents of four fibrosis indicators (HA, PIIIP, ColIV and LN) and hydroxyproline, and inhibiting the TGF-β1/TGFBR signaling pathway. In terms of mechanisms, HSYA alleviated pathological angiogenesis in fibrotic liver by deactivating PDGFRB signaling pathway and impairing the positive expression of CD31. Subsequently, FISH results further corroborated HSYA affected the activation of HSCs and angiogenesis achieved by the concurrent upregulation of miR-29a-3p and downregulation of α-SMA and VEGFA. Additionally, treatment with HSYA also forged a link between HSCs and endothelial cells, as supported by inhibiting the aberrant proliferation of endothelial cells. CONCLUSION Fundamentally, the current study has illustrated that HSYA ameliorates liver fibrosis by repressing HSCs-mediated pro-fibrotic and pro-angiogenic processes, which is contingent upon the regulatory effect of HSYA on the miR-29a-3p/PDGFRB axis. These findings provide compelling evidence bolstering the potential of HSYA as a therapeutic agent in liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyan Xue
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Key Laboratory of Standardization for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Yanzhi Li
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Key Laboratory of Standardization for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Shenglin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Key Laboratory of Standardization for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Yuxin Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Key Laboratory of Standardization for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Cheng Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Key Laboratory of Standardization for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China.
| | - Yunxia Li
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Key Laboratory of Standardization for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China.
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Zhang LL, Jia BW, Zhuo ZP, Wang HY, Yang Q, Gao W, Ju YN. Ac2-26 Reduced Lung Injury After Cardiopulmonary Bypass via the AKT1/GSK3β/eNOS Pathway. J Surg Res 2024; 301:324-335. [PMID: 39013279 DOI: 10.1016/j.jss.2024.06.009] [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: 11/22/2023] [Revised: 05/16/2024] [Accepted: 06/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/18/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) leads to severe inflammation and lung injury. Our previous study showed that Ac2-26 (an active n-terminal peptide of Annexin A1) can reduce acute lung injury. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of Ac2-26 on lung injury in CPB rats. METHODS Forty rats were randomly divided into the sham, CPB, Ac, Ac/serine/threonine kinase 1 (AKT1), and Ac/ glycogen synthase kinase (GSK)-3β groups. The rats in the sham group only received anesthesia, intubation, and cannulation. The rats in the other 4 groups received the standard CPB procedure. The rats in the CPB, Ac, Ac/AKT1, and Ac/GSK3β groups were immediately injected with saline, Ac2-26 (1 mg/kg), Ac2-26 combined with short hairpin RNA (AKT1), or Ac2-26 combined with a GSK3β inhibitor after CPB. At 12 h after the end of CPB, the PaO2/ fraction of inspired oxygen ratio, wet/dry weight ratio and protein content in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were recorded. The numbers of macrophages and neutrophils in the BALF and blood were determined. Cytokine levels in the blood and BALF were investigated. Lung tissue histology and apoptosis were estimated. The expression of nuclear factor kappa- B, AKT1, GSK3β, endothelial nitric oxide synthase and apoptosis-related proteins was analyzed. The survival of all the rats was recorded. RESULTS Compared with the rats in the sham group, all the parameters examined worsened in the rats that received CPB. Compared with those in the CPB group, Ac2-26 significantly improved pulmonary capillary permeability, reduced cytokine levels, and decreased histological scores and apoptosis. The protective effect of Ac2-26 on lung injury was significantly reversed by AKT1 short hairpin RNA or a GSK3β inhibitor. CONCLUSIONS Ac2-26 significantly reduced lung injury and inflammation after CPB. The protective effect of Ac2-26 mainly depended on the AKT1/GSK3β/endothelial nitric oxide synthase pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu-Lu Zhang
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Bao-Wei Jia
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Zi-Peng Zhuo
- Department of Intensive Care Unit, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Hong-Ying Wang
- Department of Intensive Care Unit, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Qing Yang
- Department of Intensive Care Unit, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Wei Gao
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China.
| | - Ying-Nan Ju
- Department of Intensive Care Unit, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China.
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Ma G, Qi H, Deng H, Dong L, Zhang Q, Ma J, Yang Y, Yan X, Duan Y, Lei H. Prime Editing of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor 2 Attenuates Angiogenesis In Vitro. CRISPR J 2024; 7:188-196. [PMID: 39111828 DOI: 10.1089/crispr.2024.0019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR)-2 is a key switch for angiogenesis, which is observed in various human diseases. In this study, a novel system for advanced prime editing (PE), termed PE6h, is developed, consisting of dual lentiviral vectors: (1) a clustered regularly interspaced palindromic repeat-associated protein 9 (H840A) nickase fused with reverse transcriptase and an enhanced PE guide RNA and (2) a dominant negative (DN) MutL homolog 1 gene with nicking guide RNA. PE6h was used to edit VEGFR2 (c.18315T>A, 50.8%) to generate a premature stop codon (TAG from AAG), resulting in the production of DN-VEGFR2 (787 aa) in human retinal microvascular endothelial cells (HRECs). DN-VEGFR2 impeded VEGF-induced phosphorylation of VEGFR2, Akt, and extracellular signal-regulated kinase-1/2 and tube formation in PE6h-edited HRECs in vitro. Overall, our results highlight the potential of PE6h to inhibit angiogenesis in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaoen Ma
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Hui Qi
- Shenzhen Eye Hospital, Jinan University, Shenzhen Eye Institute, Shenzhen, China
| | - Hongwei Deng
- Shenzhen Eye Hospital, Jinan University, Shenzhen Eye Institute, Shenzhen, China
| | - Lijun Dong
- Shenzhen Eye Hospital, Jinan University, Shenzhen Eye Institute, Shenzhen, China
| | - Qing Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Junkai Ma
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Yanhui Yang
- Ningxia Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control of Common Infectious Diseases, the School of Basic Medical Sciences, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Xiaohe Yan
- Shenzhen Eye Hospital, Jinan University, Shenzhen Eye Institute, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yajian Duan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Taiyuan, China
| | - Hetian Lei
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
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Zhang Y, Gao T, Wu M, Xu Z, Hu H. Value analysis of ITLN1 in the diagnostic and prognostic assessment of colorectal cancer. Transl Cancer Res 2024; 13:2877-2891. [PMID: 38988920 PMCID: PMC11231763 DOI: 10.21037/tcr-24-137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024]
Abstract
Background Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains the leading cause of cancer death worldwide. Less than half of the patients are diagnosed when the cancer is locally advanced. Several studies have shown that intelectin-1 (ITLN1) can serve as a key prognostic and therapeutic target for CRC. The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinical value of ITLN1 in CRC and to analyse its potential as a predictive biomarker for CRC. Methods Colon adenocarcinoma (COAD) is the main type of CRC. COAD project in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database served as the training cohort, and GSE39582 series in the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database served as the external independent validation cohort. First, the difference in the expression level of ITLN1 between COAD tissue and normal tissue was analysed, and the results were verified via immunohistochemistry. The relationship between ITLN1 expression and the prognosis of COAD patients was evaluated via the heatmap and the Kaplan-Meier (KM) curve. The ITLN1 coexpressed gene set obtained by Pearson correlation analysis was used. The prognostic signatures that were significantly correlated with survival status were screened by Cox and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression analyses. Finally, a nomogram related to ITLN1 was constructed based on the risk score of the prognostic signature and routine clinicopathological variables. Results ITLN1 is significantly underexpressed in tumour tissues and can be used as a valuable tool to distinguish COAD. The high-expression group of ITLN1 was verified to have a greater survival rate. ITLN1 is significantly associated with a good prognosis in COAD patients. Six candidate genes (ITLN1 and MORC2, SH2D7, LGALS4, ATOH1, and NAT2) were selected for use in the Cox-LASSO regression analysis to calculate the risk score. Finally, a nomogram was constructed with a comprehensive risk score and clinicopathologic factors to successfully predict and verify the 1-year, 3-year, and 5-year survival probability. Conclusions Our study established ITLN1 as an effective tool for CRC screening, diagnosis, and prognostic assessment, provided a basis for further study of the molecular function of ITLN1, and provided new insights for the mechanistic exploration and treatment of CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Zhang
- Department of Medical Engineering, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, China
| | - Tianyuan Gao
- Department of Pathology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, China
| | - Min Wu
- Sixteen Inpatient Ward, The Fourth People's Hospital of Wuhu, Wuhu, China
| | - Zhengyuan Xu
- Department of Medical Engineering, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, China
| | - Huixian Hu
- Department of Medical Engineering, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, China
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Wang D, Liu X, Hong W, Xiao T, Xu Y, Fang X, Tang H, Zheng Q, Meng X. Muscone abrogates breast cancer progression through tumor angiogenic suppression via VEGF/PI3K/Akt/MAPK signaling pathways. Cancer Cell Int 2024; 24:214. [PMID: 38898449 PMCID: PMC11188526 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-024-03401-6] [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: 03/16/2024] [Accepted: 06/09/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Angiogenesis strongly reflects poor breast cancer outcome and an important contributor to breast cancer (BC) metastasis; therefore, anti-angiogenic intervention is a potential tool for cancer treatment. However, currently used antibodies against vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) or inhibitors that target the VEGFA receptor are not effective due to weak penetration and low efficiency. Herein, we assessed the anti-BC angiogenic role of muscone, a natural bioactive musk constituent, and explored possible anti-cancer mechanisms of this compound. METHODS CCK-8, EdU, scratch and Transwell assessments were employed to detect the muscone-mediated regulation of breast cancer (BC) and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) proliferation and migration. Tube formation, matrigel plug assay and zebrafish assay were employed for assessment of regulation of tumor angiogenesis by muscone. In vivo xenograft mouse model was constructed to compare microvessel density (MVD), vascular leakage, vascular maturation and function in muscone-treated or untreated mice. RNA sequencing was performed for gene screening, and Western blot verified the effect of the VEGFA-VEGFR2 pathway on BC angiogenic inhibition by muscone. RESULTS Based on our findings, muscone suppressed BC progression via tumor angiogenic inhibition in cellular and animal models. Functionally, muscone inhibited BC cell proliferation and migration as well as tumor cell-conditioned medium-based endothelial cell proliferation and migration. Muscone exhibited a strong suppressive influence on tumor vasculature in cellular and animal models. It abrogated tumor cell growth in a xenograft BC mouse model and minimized tumor microvessel density and hypoxia, and increased vascular wall cell coverage and perfusion. Regarding the mechanism of action, we found that muscone suppressed phosphorylation of members of the VEGF/PI3K/Akt/MAPK axis, and it worked synergistically with a VEGFR2 inhibitor, an Akt inhibitor, and a MAPK inhibitor to further inhibit tube formation. CONCLUSION Overall, our results demonstrate that muscone may proficiently suppress tumor angiogenesis via modulation of the VEGF/PI3K/Akt/MAPK axis, facilitating its candidacy as a natural small molecule drug for BC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danhong Wang
- College of Pharmacy, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310014, Zhejiang, China
- Department of Breast Surgery, General Surgery, Cancer Center, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, 310014, Zhejiang, China
- Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Upper Limb Edema and Stasis of Breast Cancer, Hangzhou, 310014, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiaozhen Liu
- Department of Breast Surgery, General Surgery, Cancer Center, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, 310014, Zhejiang, China
- Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Upper Limb Edema and Stasis of Breast Cancer, Hangzhou, 310014, Zhejiang, China
| | - Weimin Hong
- Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, 310053, Zhejiang, China
- Department of Breast Surgery, General Surgery, Cancer Center, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, 310014, Zhejiang, China
- Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Upper Limb Edema and Stasis of Breast Cancer, Hangzhou, 310014, Zhejiang, China
| | - Tianzheng Xiao
- College of Pharmacy, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310014, Zhejiang, China
- Department of Breast Surgery, General Surgery, Cancer Center, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, 310014, Zhejiang, China
- Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Upper Limb Edema and Stasis of Breast Cancer, Hangzhou, 310014, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yadan Xu
- Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, 310053, Zhejiang, China
- Department of Breast Surgery, General Surgery, Cancer Center, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, 310014, Zhejiang, China
- Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Upper Limb Edema and Stasis of Breast Cancer, Hangzhou, 310014, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiang Fang
- Department of Breast Surgery, General Surgery, Cancer Center, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, 310014, Zhejiang, China
- Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Upper Limb Edema and Stasis of Breast Cancer, Hangzhou, 310014, Zhejiang, China
- College of Clinical Medicine, Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, 121001, Liaoning, China
| | - Hongchao Tang
- Department of Breast Surgery, General Surgery, Cancer Center, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, 310014, Zhejiang, China
- Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Upper Limb Edema and Stasis of Breast Cancer, Hangzhou, 310014, Zhejiang, China
| | - Qinghui Zheng
- Department of Breast Surgery, General Surgery, Cancer Center, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, 310014, Zhejiang, China.
- Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Upper Limb Edema and Stasis of Breast Cancer, Hangzhou, 310014, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Xuli Meng
- Department of Breast Surgery, General Surgery, Cancer Center, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, 310014, Zhejiang, China.
- Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Upper Limb Edema and Stasis of Breast Cancer, Hangzhou, 310014, Zhejiang, China.
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Srkalovic G, Nijim S, Srkalovic MB, Fajgenbaum D. Increase in Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) Expression and the Pathogenesis of iMCD-TAFRO. Biomedicines 2024; 12:1328. [PMID: 38927535 PMCID: PMC11201201 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12061328] [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: 04/30/2024] [Revised: 05/31/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
TAFRO (thrombocytopenia (T), anasarca (A), fever (F), reticulin fibrosis (F/R), renal failure (R), and organomegaly (O)) is a heterogeneous clinical subtype of idiopathic multicentric Castleman disease (iMCD) associated with a significantly poorer prognosis than other subtypes of iMCD. TAFRO symptomatology can also be seen in pathological contexts outside of iMCD, but it is unclear if those cases should be considered representative of a different disease entity or simply a severe presentation of other infectious, malignant, and rheumatological diseases. While interleukin-6 (IL-6) is an established driver of iMCD-TAFRO pathogenesis in a subset of patients, the etiology is unknown. Recent case reports and literature reviews on TAFRO patients suggest that vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and the interplay of VEGF and IL-6 in concert, rather than IL-6 as a single cytokine, may be drivers for iMCD-TAFRO pathophysiology, especially renal injury. In this review, we discuss the possible role of VEGF in the pathophysiology and clinical manifestations of iMCD-TAFRO. In particular, VEGF may be involved in iMCD-TAFRO pathology through its ability to activate RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK and PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathways. Further elucidating a role for the VEGF-IL-6 axis and additional disease drivers may shed light on therapeutic options for the treatment of TAFRO patients who do not respond to, or otherwise relapse following, treatment with IL-6 targeting drugs. This review investigates the potential role of VEGF in the pathophysiology of iMCD-TAFRO and the potential for targeting related signaling pathways in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gordan Srkalovic
- Herbert-Herman Cancer Center, University of Michigan Health-Sparrow, Lansing, MI 48912, USA
| | - Sally Nijim
- Center for Cytokine Storm Treatment & Laboratory, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; (S.N.); (D.F.)
| | | | - David Fajgenbaum
- Center for Cytokine Storm Treatment & Laboratory, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; (S.N.); (D.F.)
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10
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Ju YN, Zou ZW, Jia BW, Liu ZY, Sun XK, Qiu L, Gao W. Ac2-26 activated the AKT1/GSK3β pathway to reduce cerebral neurons pyroptosis and improve cerebral function in rats after cardiopulmonary bypass. BMC Cardiovasc Disord 2024; 24:266. [PMID: 38773462 PMCID: PMC11106860 DOI: 10.1186/s12872-024-03909-9] [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: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) results in brain injury, which is primarily caused by inflammation. Ac2-26 protects against ischemic or hemorrhage brain injury. The present study was to explore the effect and mechanism of Ac2-26 on brain injury in CPB rats. METHODS Forty-eight rats were randomized into sham, CPB, Ac, Ac/AKT1, Ac/GSK3βi and Ac/AKT1/GSK3βa groups. Rats in sham group only received anesthesia and in the other groups received standard CPB surgery. Rats in the sham and CPB groups received saline, and rats in the Ac, Ac/AKT1, Ac/GSK3βi and Ac/AKT1/GSK3βa groups received Ac2-26 immediately after CPB. Rats in the Ac/AKT1, Ac/GSK3βi and Ac/AKT1/GSK3βa groups were injected with shRNA, inhibitor and agonist of GSK3β respectively. The neurological function score, brain edema and histological score were evaluated. The neuronal survival and hippocampal pyroptosis were assessed. The cytokines, activity of NF-κB, S100 calcium-binding protein β(S100β) and neuron-specific enolase (NSE), and oxidative were tested. The NLRP3, cleaved-caspase-1 and cleaved-gadermin D (GSDMD) in the brain were also detected. RESULTS Compared to the sham group, all indicators were aggravated in rats that underwent CPB. Compared to the CPB group, Ac2-26 significantly improved neurological scores and brain edema and ameliorated pathological injury. Ac2-26 reduced the local and systemic inflammation, oxidative stress response and promoted neuronal survival. Ac2-26 reduced hippocampal pyroptosis and decreased pyroptotic proteins in brain tissue. The protection of Ac2-26 was notably lessened by shRNA and inhibitor of GSK3β. The agonist of GSK3β recovered the protection of Ac2-26 in presence of shRNA. CONCLUSIONS Ac2-26 significantly improved neurological function, reduced brain injury via regulating inflammation, oxidative stress response and pyroptosis after CPB. The protective effect of Ac2-26 primarily depended on AKT1/ GSK3β pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying-Nan Ju
- Department of Intensive Care Unit, Hainan General Hospital (Hainan Affiliated Hosptial of Hainan Medical University), Clinical College, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, 570311, China
| | - Zi-Wei Zou
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, 150081, China
| | - Bao-Wei Jia
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, 150081, China
| | - Zi-Ying Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, 150081, China
| | - Xi-Kun Sun
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, 150081, China
| | - Lin Qiu
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, 150081, China
| | - Wei Gao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Hainan General Hospital (Hainan Affiliated Hosptial of Hainan Medical University), Clinical College, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, 570311, China.
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Kim B, Kim S, Park S, Ko J. CD133-containing microvesicles promote colorectal cancer progression by inducing tumor angiogenesis. Heliyon 2024; 10:e29292. [PMID: 38601650 PMCID: PMC11004418 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e29292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Angiogenesis is an indispensable mechanism in cancer progression, as cancer cells need to establish blood vessels to supply oxygen and nutrients. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from cancer cells act as messengers in the tumor microenvironment and induce resistance to anti-angiogenic cancer treatment. EVs can be classified into two categories: exosomes and microvesicles (MVs). Although exosomes are involved in angiogenesis, the role of MVs in angiogenesis and cancer progression remains unclear. CD133 plays a key role in MV formation and oncoprotein trafficking. In this study, we investigated the role of CD133-containing MVs derived from colorectal cancer (CRC) in angiogenesis and cancer progression. CRC-derived MVs were incorporated into endothelial cells and increased the mesh area and tube length of endothelial cells. CD133-containing MVs also stimulate vessel sprouting in endothelial cell spheroids and mouse thoracic aortas. However, MVs derived from CD133-knockdown CRC cells exerted a limited effect on tube formation and vessel sprouting. CD133-containing MVs induced angiogenesis through p38 activation and angiogenesis induced by CD133-containing MVs was insensitive to the anti-vascular endothelial growth factor antibody bevacizumab. Survival analysis revealed that high expression level of CD133 correlated with poor prognosis in patients with metastatic CRC. These findings suggest that CD133-containing MVs act as key regulators of angiogenesis and are related to the prognosis of CRC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beomsu Kim
- Division of Life Sciences, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, South Korea
| | - Suhyun Kim
- Division of Life Sciences, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, South Korea
| | - Sungyeon Park
- Division of Life Sciences, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, South Korea
| | - Jesang Ko
- Division of Life Sciences, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, South Korea
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12
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Herrera JL, Komatsu M. Akt3 activation by R-Ras in an endothelial cell enforces quiescence and barrier stability of neighboring endothelial cells via Jagged1. Cell Rep 2024; 43:113837. [PMID: 38402584 PMCID: PMC11056028 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.113837] [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: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Communication between adjacent endothelial cells is important for the homeostasis of blood vessels. We show that quiescent endothelial cells use Jagged1 to instruct neighboring endothelial cells to assume a quiescent phenotype and secure the endothelial barrier. This phenotype enforcement by neighboring cells is operated by R-Ras through activation of Akt3, which results in upregulation of a Notch ligand Jagged1 and consequential upregulation of Notch target genes, such as UNC5B, and VE-cadherin accumulation in the neighboring cells. These signaling events lead to the stable interaction between neighboring endothelial cells to continue to fortify juxtacrine signaling via Jagged1-Notch. This mode of intercellular signaling provides a positive feedback regulation of endothelial cell-cell interactions and cellular quiescence required for the stabilization of the endothelium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose Luis Herrera
- Cancer and Blood Disorders Institute, Institute for Fundamental Biomedical Research, and Department of Surgery, Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, USA; Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Masanobu Komatsu
- Cancer and Blood Disorders Institute, Institute for Fundamental Biomedical Research, and Department of Surgery, Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, USA; Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA.
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13
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Wang X, Wang P. Effect of a protein kinase B (Akt) inhibitor on the angiogenesis of HUVECs and corneal neovascularization. Wien Klin Wochenschr 2024; 136:154-162. [PMID: 37261487 DOI: 10.1007/s00508-023-02208-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Corneal neovascularization (CNV) is a vision-threatening disease and an increasing public health concern. It was found that administering an Akt inhibitor in the second phase of retinopathy significantly decreased retinal neovascularization. METHODS This study investigated the effect of an Akt inhibitor on the angiogenesis of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and its impacts on the degree of CNV and corneal opacity in a rat keratoplasty model. Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) and 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU) assays, tube formation assays, cell scratch experiments, and a fully allogeneic corneal transplant model were performed. RESULTS It was found that an Akt inhibitor inhibited the proliferation, angiogenesis, and migration of HUVECs induced by vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). The results showed that both CNV and corneal opacity were decreased in rats after Akt inhibitor administration. CONCLUSION The research illustrates the vital role of Akt inhibitors in mediating CNV. The analysis shows that the Akt inhibitor may provide a novel and feasible therapeutic approach to prevent CNV, but its mechanism needs further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xing Wang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Chongqing Eye Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, No. 1, Youyi Road, Yuanjiagang, Yuzhong District, 400016, Chongqing, China
| | - Peng Wang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Chongqing Eye Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, No. 1, Youyi Road, Yuanjiagang, Yuzhong District, 400016, Chongqing, China.
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Di Pietro P, Abate AC, Prete V, Damato A, Venturini E, Rusciano MR, Izzo C, Visco V, Ciccarelli M, Vecchione C, Carrizzo A. C2CD4B Evokes Oxidative Stress and Vascular Dysfunction via a PI3K/Akt/PKCα-Signaling Pathway. Antioxidants (Basel) 2024; 13:101. [PMID: 38247525 PMCID: PMC10812653 DOI: 10.3390/antiox13010101] [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: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
High glucose-induced endothelial dysfunction is an important pathological feature of diabetic vasculopathy. While genome-wide studies have identified an association between type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and increased expression of a C2 calcium-dependent domain containing 4B (C2CD4B), no study has yet explored the possible direct effect of C2CD4B on vascular function. Vascular reactivity studies were conducted using a pressure myograph, and nitric oxide and oxidative stress were assessed through difluorofluorescein diacetate and dihydroethidium, respectively. We demonstrate that high glucose upregulated both mRNA and protein expression of C2CD4B in mice mesenteric arteries in a time-dependent manner. Notably, the inhibition of C2CD4B expression by genetic knockdown efficiently prevented hyperglycemia-induced oxidative stress, endothelial dysfunction, and loss of nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability. Recombinant C2CD4B evoked endothelial dysfunction of mice mesenteric arteries, an effect associated with increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) and decreased NO production. In isolated human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), C2CD4B increased phosphorylation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) at the inhibitory site Thr495 and reduced eNOS dimerization. Pharmacological inhibitors of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), Akt, and PKCα effectively attenuated oxidative stress, NO reduction, impairment of endothelial function, and eNOS uncoupling induced by C2CD4B. These data demonstrate, for the first time, that C2CD4B exerts a direct effect on vascular endothelium via a phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt/PKCα-signaling pathway, providing a new perspective on C2CD4B as a promising therapeutic target for the prevention of oxidative stress in diabetes-induced endothelial dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Di Pietro
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry “Scuola Medica Salernitana”, University of Salerno, 84081 Baronissi, Italy; (P.D.P.); (A.C.A.); (V.P.); (M.R.R.); (C.I.); (V.V.); (M.C.); (C.V.)
| | - Angela Carmelita Abate
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry “Scuola Medica Salernitana”, University of Salerno, 84081 Baronissi, Italy; (P.D.P.); (A.C.A.); (V.P.); (M.R.R.); (C.I.); (V.V.); (M.C.); (C.V.)
| | - Valeria Prete
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry “Scuola Medica Salernitana”, University of Salerno, 84081 Baronissi, Italy; (P.D.P.); (A.C.A.); (V.P.); (M.R.R.); (C.I.); (V.V.); (M.C.); (C.V.)
| | - Antonio Damato
- Vascular Physiopathology Unit, IRCCS Neuromed, 86077 Pozzilli, Italy; (A.D.); (E.V.)
| | - Eleonora Venturini
- Vascular Physiopathology Unit, IRCCS Neuromed, 86077 Pozzilli, Italy; (A.D.); (E.V.)
| | - Maria Rosaria Rusciano
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry “Scuola Medica Salernitana”, University of Salerno, 84081 Baronissi, Italy; (P.D.P.); (A.C.A.); (V.P.); (M.R.R.); (C.I.); (V.V.); (M.C.); (C.V.)
| | - Carmine Izzo
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry “Scuola Medica Salernitana”, University of Salerno, 84081 Baronissi, Italy; (P.D.P.); (A.C.A.); (V.P.); (M.R.R.); (C.I.); (V.V.); (M.C.); (C.V.)
| | - Valeria Visco
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry “Scuola Medica Salernitana”, University of Salerno, 84081 Baronissi, Italy; (P.D.P.); (A.C.A.); (V.P.); (M.R.R.); (C.I.); (V.V.); (M.C.); (C.V.)
| | - Michele Ciccarelli
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry “Scuola Medica Salernitana”, University of Salerno, 84081 Baronissi, Italy; (P.D.P.); (A.C.A.); (V.P.); (M.R.R.); (C.I.); (V.V.); (M.C.); (C.V.)
| | - Carmine Vecchione
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry “Scuola Medica Salernitana”, University of Salerno, 84081 Baronissi, Italy; (P.D.P.); (A.C.A.); (V.P.); (M.R.R.); (C.I.); (V.V.); (M.C.); (C.V.)
- Vascular Physiopathology Unit, IRCCS Neuromed, 86077 Pozzilli, Italy; (A.D.); (E.V.)
| | - Albino Carrizzo
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry “Scuola Medica Salernitana”, University of Salerno, 84081 Baronissi, Italy; (P.D.P.); (A.C.A.); (V.P.); (M.R.R.); (C.I.); (V.V.); (M.C.); (C.V.)
- Vascular Physiopathology Unit, IRCCS Neuromed, 86077 Pozzilli, Italy; (A.D.); (E.V.)
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15
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Liu J, Hua Z, Liao S, Li B, Tang S, Huang Q, Wei Z, Lu R, Lin C, Ding X. Prediction of the active compounds and mechanism of Biochanin A in the treatment of Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease based on network pharmacology and molecular docking. BMC Complement Med Ther 2024; 24:26. [PMID: 38195507 PMCID: PMC10775507 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-023-04298-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease is a special self-limited disease in pediatric orthopedics with a high disability rate and a long-term course, and there is still no clear and effective therapeutic drug in clinic. This study aimed to investigate the potential efficacy of biochanin A, a kind of oxygen-methylated isoflavone compound, in treating Perthes disease based on network pharmacology, molecular docking and in vitro experiments. METHODS IL-6 was used to stimulate human umbilical vein endothelial cells to construct endothelial cell dysfunction model. We demonstrated whether biochanin A could alleviate endothelial dysfunction through CCK8 assay, immunofluorescence. Targets of biochanin A from pharmMappeer, SWISS, and TargetNet databases were screened. Targets of endothelial dysfunction were obtained from Genecards and OMIM databases. Protein-protein interaction, Gene Ontology, and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomics analyses were used to analyze the potential target and the key pathway of the anti-endothelial dysfunction activity of biochanin A. To validate the potential target-drug interactions, molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations were performed and the result was proved by western blot. RESULTS It was found that biochanin A can promote the expression of ZO-1, reduce the expression of ICAM-1, which means improving endothelial dysfunction. A total of 585 targets of biochanin A from pharmMappeer, SWISS, and TargetNet databases were screened. A total of 10,832 targets of endothelial dysfunction were obtained from Genecards and OMIM databases. A total of 527 overlapping targets of endothelial dysfunction and biochanin A were obtained. AKT1, TNF-α, VCAM1, ICAM1, and NOS3 might be the key targets of the anti-endothelial dysfunction activity of biochanin A, and the key pathways might be PI3K-Akt and TNF signaling pathways. Molecular docking results indicated that the AKT1 and TNF-α had the highest affinity binding with biochanin A. CONCLUSION This study indicates that biochanin A can target AKT1 and TNF-α to alleviate endothelial dysfunction induced by IL-6 in Perthes disease, which provides a theoretical basis for the treatment of Perthes disease by using biochanin A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianhong Liu
- Department of Trauma Orthopedic and Hand Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, 6 Shuangyong Road, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Zhirui Hua
- Department of Trauma Orthopedic and Hand Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, 6 Shuangyong Road, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Shijie Liao
- Department of Trauma Orthopedic and Hand Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, 6 Shuangyong Road, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Regenerative Medicine, Research Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Boxiang Li
- Department of Orthopedics, Minzu Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Shengping Tang
- Department of Trauma Orthopedic and Hand Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, 6 Shuangyong Road, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Qian Huang
- Department of Trauma Orthopedic and Hand Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, 6 Shuangyong Road, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Zhendi Wei
- Department of Trauma Orthopedic and Hand Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, 6 Shuangyong Road, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Rongbin Lu
- Department of Trauma Orthopedic and Hand Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, 6 Shuangyong Road, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Chengsen Lin
- Trauma Center, Emergency Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, 6 Shuangyong Road, Nanning, Guangxi, 530021, China.
| | - Xiaofei Ding
- Department of Trauma Orthopedic and Hand Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, 6 Shuangyong Road, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China.
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Regenerative Medicine, Research Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China.
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16
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Wu W, Xia X, Tang L, Luo J, Xiong S, Ma G, Lei H. Phosphoinositide 3-kinase as a therapeutic target in angiogenic disease. Exp Eye Res 2023; 236:109646. [PMID: 37716399 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2023.109646] [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: 06/22/2022] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/18/2023]
Abstract
Phosphoinositide 3-kinases (PI3Ks) generate lipids that control multitudinous intracellular cell signaling events which participate in cell survival and proliferation. In addition, PI3K signaling also contributes to metabolism, immunity, angiogenesis and cardiovascular homeostasis, and many diseases. The diverse actions of PI3K stem from the existence of their various isoforms and a variety of protein effectors. Hence, PI3K isoform-specific inhibitors have already achieved a wonderful effect on treating cancer. Herein, we summarize the molecular mechanism of PI3K inhibitors in preventing the permeability of vessels and neovascularization. Additionally, we briefly illustrate how PI3K signaling modulates blood vessel growth and discuss the different roles that PI3K isoforms play in angiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenyi Wu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Changsha, China; National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.
| | - Xiaobo Xia
- Department of Ophthalmology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Changsha, China; National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Luosheng Tang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Jing Luo
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Siqi Xiong
- Department of Ophthalmology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Changsha, China; National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Gaoen Ma
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, 571199, China.
| | - Hetian Lei
- Shenzhen Eye Hospital, Jinan University, Shenzhen Eye Institute, Shenzhen, China.
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17
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Song M, Wang Y, Annex BH, Popel AS. Experiment-based computational model predicts that IL-6 classic and trans-signaling exhibit similar potency in inducing downstream signaling in endothelial cells. NPJ Syst Biol Appl 2023; 9:45. [PMID: 37735165 PMCID: PMC10514195 DOI: 10.1038/s41540-023-00308-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Inflammatory cytokine mediated responses are important in the development of many diseases that are associated with angiogenesis. Targeting angiogenesis as a prominent strategy has shown limited effects in many contexts such as cardiovascular diseases and cancer. One potential reason for the unsuccessful outcome is the mutual dependent role between inflammation and angiogenesis. Inflammation-based therapies primarily target inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-6 (IL-6) in T cells, macrophages, cancer cells, and muscle cells, and there is a limited understanding of how these cytokines act on endothelial cells. Thus, we focus on one of the major inflammatory cytokines, IL-6, mediated intracellular signaling in endothelial cells by developing a detailed computational model. Our model quantitatively characterized the effects of IL-6 classic and trans-signaling in activating the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt), and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling to phosphorylate STAT3, extracellular regulated kinase (ERK) and Akt, respectively. We applied the trained and validated experiment-based computational model to characterize the dynamics of phosphorylated STAT3 (pSTAT3), Akt (pAkt), and ERK (pERK) in response to IL-6 classic and/or trans-signaling. The model predicts that IL-6 classic and trans-signaling induced responses are IL-6 and soluble IL-6 receptor (sIL-6R) dose-dependent. Also, IL-6 classic and trans-signaling showed similar potency in inducing downstream signaling; however, trans-signaling induces stronger downstream responses and plays a dominant role in the overall effects from IL-6 due to the in vitro experimental setting of abundant sIL-6R. In addition, both IL-6 and sIL-6R levels regulate signaling strength. Moreover, our model identifies the influential species and kinetic parameters that specifically modulate the downstream inflammatory and/or angiogenic signals, pSTAT3, pAkt, and pERK responses. Overall, the model predicts the effects of IL-6 classic and/or trans-signaling stimulation quantitatively and provides a framework for analyzing and integrating experimental data. More broadly, this model can be utilized to identify potential targets that influence IL-6 mediated signaling in endothelial cells and to study their effects quantitatively in modulating STAT3, Akt, and ERK activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Song
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.
| | - Youli Wang
- Department of Medicine, Augusta University Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, GA, 30912, USA
| | - Brian H Annex
- Department of Medicine, Augusta University Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, GA, 30912, USA
| | - Aleksander S Popel
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
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18
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Lahooti B, Akwii RG, Zahra FT, Sajib MS, Lamprou M, Alobaida A, Lionakis MS, Mattheolabakis G, Mikelis CM. Targeting endothelial permeability in the EPR effect. J Control Release 2023; 361:212-235. [PMID: 37517543 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2023.07.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
The characteristics of the primary tumor blood vessels and the tumor microenvironment drive the enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect, which confers an advantage towards enhanced delivery of anti-cancer nanomedicine and has shown beneficial effects in preclinical models. Increased vascular permeability is a landmark feature of the tumor vessels and an important driver of the EPR. The main focus of this review is the endothelial regulation of vascular permeability. We discuss current challenges of targeting vascular permeability towards clinical translation and summarize the structural components and mechanisms of endothelial permeability, the principal mediators and signaling players, the targeted approaches that have been used and their outcomes to date. We also critically discuss the effects of the tumor-infiltrating immune cells, their interplay with the tumor vessels and the impact of immune responses on nanomedicine delivery, the impact of anti-angiogenic and tumor-stroma targeting approaches, and desirable nanoparticle design approaches for greater translational benefit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Behnaz Lahooti
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Amarillo, TX 79106, USA
| | - Racheal G Akwii
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Amarillo, TX 79106, USA
| | - Fatema Tuz Zahra
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Amarillo, TX 79106, USA
| | - Md Sanaullah Sajib
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Amarillo, TX 79106, USA
| | - Margarita Lamprou
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacy, University of Patras, Patras 26504, Greece
| | - Ahmed Alobaida
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Ha'il, Ha'il 81442, Saudi Arabia
| | - Michail S Lionakis
- Fungal Pathogenesis Section, Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - George Mattheolabakis
- School of Basic Pharmaceutical and Toxicological Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Louisiana at Monroe, Monroe, LA 71201, USA.
| | - Constantinos M Mikelis
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Amarillo, TX 79106, USA; Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacy, University of Patras, Patras 26504, Greece.
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Zhou W, Li W, Wang S, Salovska B, Hu Z, Tao B, Di Y, Punyamurtula U, Turk BE, Sessa WC, Liu Y. An optogenetic-phosphoproteomic study reveals dynamic Akt1 signaling profiles in endothelial cells. Nat Commun 2023; 14:3803. [PMID: 37365174 PMCID: PMC10293293 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-39514-1] [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: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The serine/threonine kinase AKT is a central node in cell signaling. While aberrant AKT activation underlies the development of a variety of human diseases, how different patterns of AKT-dependent phosphorylation dictate downstream signaling and phenotypic outcomes remains largely enigmatic. Herein, we perform a systems-level analysis that integrates methodological advances in optogenetics, mass spectrometry-based phosphoproteomics, and bioinformatics to elucidate how different intensity, duration, and pattern of Akt1 stimulation lead to distinct temporal phosphorylation profiles in vascular endothelial cells. Through the analysis of ~35,000 phosphorylation sites across multiple conditions precisely controlled by light stimulation, we identify a series of signaling circuits activated downstream of Akt1 and interrogate how Akt1 signaling integrates with growth factor signaling in endothelial cells. Furthermore, our results categorize kinase substrates that are preferably activated by oscillating, transient, and sustained Akt1 signals. We validate a list of phosphorylation sites that covaried with Akt1 phosphorylation across experimental conditions as potential Akt1 substrates. Our resulting dataset provides a rich resource for future studies on AKT signaling and dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenping Zhou
- Department of Pharmacology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA
- Department of Cell Biology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06511, USA
- Vascular Biology & Therapeutics Program, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Wenxue Li
- Department of Pharmacology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA
- Cancer Biology Institute, Yale University School of Medicine, West Haven, CT, 06516, USA
| | - Shisheng Wang
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, and Proteomics-Metabolomics Analysis Platform, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Barbora Salovska
- Department of Pharmacology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA
- Cancer Biology Institute, Yale University School of Medicine, West Haven, CT, 06516, USA
| | - Zhenyi Hu
- Department of Pharmacology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA
- Cancer Biology Institute, Yale University School of Medicine, West Haven, CT, 06516, USA
| | - Bo Tao
- Department of Pharmacology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA
- Vascular Biology & Therapeutics Program, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Yi Di
- Department of Pharmacology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA
- Cancer Biology Institute, Yale University School of Medicine, West Haven, CT, 06516, USA
| | - Ujwal Punyamurtula
- Master of Biotechnology ScM Program, Brown University, Providence, RI, 02912, USA
| | - Benjamin E Turk
- Department of Pharmacology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA
| | - William C Sessa
- Department of Pharmacology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA.
- Vascular Biology & Therapeutics Program, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA.
| | - Yansheng Liu
- Department of Pharmacology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA.
- Cancer Biology Institute, Yale University School of Medicine, West Haven, CT, 06516, USA.
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20
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Pham DL, Niemi A, Blank R, Lomenzo G, Tham J, Ko ML, Ko GYP. Peptide Lv Promotes Trafficking and Membrane Insertion of K Ca3.1 through the MEK1-ERK and PI3K-Akt Signaling Pathways. Cells 2023; 12:1651. [PMID: 37371121 PMCID: PMC10296961 DOI: 10.3390/cells12121651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Peptide Lv is a small endogenous secretory peptide that is proangiogenic through hyperpolarizing vascular endothelial cells (ECs) by enhancing the current densities of KCa3.1 channels. However, it is unclear how peptide Lv enhances these currents. One way to enhance the current densities of ion channels is to promote its trafficking and insertion into the plasma membrane. We hypothesized that peptide Lv-elicited KCa3.1 augmentation occurs through activating the mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 1 (MEK1)-extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)-protein kinase B (Akt) signaling pathways, which are known to mediate ion channel trafficking and membrane insertion in neurons. To test this hypothesis, we employed patch-clamp electrophysiological recordings and cell-surface biotinylation assays on ECs treated with peptide Lv and pharmaceutical inhibitors of ERK and Akt. Blocking ERK or Akt activation diminished peptide Lv-elicited EC hyperpolarization and increase in KCa3.1 current densities. Blocking PI3K or Akt activation decreased the level of plasma membrane-bound, but not the total amount of KCa3.1 protein in ECs. Therefore, the peptide Lv-elicited EC hyperpolarization and KCa3.1 augmentation occurred in part through channel trafficking and insertion mediated by MEK1-ERK and PI3K-Akt activation. These results demonstrate the molecular mechanisms of how peptide Lv promotes EC-mediated angiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dylan L. Pham
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA; (D.L.P.); (A.N.); (R.B.); (G.L.); (J.T.); (M.L.K.)
| | - Autumn Niemi
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA; (D.L.P.); (A.N.); (R.B.); (G.L.); (J.T.); (M.L.K.)
| | - Ria Blank
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA; (D.L.P.); (A.N.); (R.B.); (G.L.); (J.T.); (M.L.K.)
| | - Gabriella Lomenzo
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA; (D.L.P.); (A.N.); (R.B.); (G.L.); (J.T.); (M.L.K.)
| | - Jenivi Tham
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA; (D.L.P.); (A.N.); (R.B.); (G.L.); (J.T.); (M.L.K.)
| | - Michael L. Ko
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA; (D.L.P.); (A.N.); (R.B.); (G.L.); (J.T.); (M.L.K.)
- Department of Biology, Division of Natural and Physical Sciences, Blinn College, Bryan, TX 77802, USA
| | - Gladys Y.-P. Ko
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA; (D.L.P.); (A.N.); (R.B.); (G.L.); (J.T.); (M.L.K.)
- Texas A&M Institute for Neuroscience, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
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21
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Pan J, Tang J, Gai J, Jin Y, Tang B, Fan X. Exploring the mechanism of Ginkgo biloba L. leaves in the treatment of vascular dementia based on network pharmacology, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics simulation. Medicine (Baltimore) 2023; 102:e33877. [PMID: 37233418 PMCID: PMC10219709 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000033877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ginkgo biloba L. leaves (GBLs) play a substantial role in the treatment of vascular dementia (VD); however, the underlying mechanisms of action are unclear. OBJECTIVE This study was conducted to investigate the mechanisms of action of GBLs in the treatment of VD through network pharmacology, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics simulations. METHODS The active ingredients and related targets of GBLs were screened using the traditional Chinese medicine systems pharmacology, Swiss Target Prediction and GeneCards databases, and the VD-related targets were screened using the OMIM, DrugBank, GeneCards, and DisGeNET databases, and the potential targets were identified using a Venn diagram. We used Cytoscape 3.8.0 software and the STRING platform to construct traditional Chinese medicine-active ingredient-potential target and protein-protein interaction networks, respectively. After gene ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis of potential targets using the DAVID platform, the binding affinity between key active ingredients and targets was analyzed by molecular docking, and finally, the top 3 proteins-ligand pairs with the best binding were simulated by molecular dynamics to verify the molecular docking results. RESULTS A total of 27 active ingredients of GBLs were screened and 274 potential targets involved in the treatment of VD were identified. Quercetin, luteolin, kaempferol, and ginkgolide B were the core ingredients for treatment, and AKT1, TNF, IL6, VEGFA, IL1B, TP53, CASP3, SRC, EGFR, JUN, and EGFR were the main targets of action. The main biological processes involved apoptosis, inflammatory response, cell migration, lipopolysaccharide response, hypoxia response, and aging. PI3K/Akt appeared to be a key signaling pathway for GBLs in the treatment of VD. Molecular docking displayed strong binding affinity between the active ingredients and the targets. Molecular dynamics simulation results further verified the stability of their interactions. CONCLUSION SUBSECTIONS This study revealed the potential molecular mechanisms involved in the treatment of VD by GBLs using multi-ingredient, multi-target, and multi-pathway interactions, providing a theoretical basis for the clinical treatment and lead drug development of VD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jienuo Pan
- School of Rehabilitation Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Jiqin Tang
- School of Rehabilitation Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Jialin Gai
- School of Rehabilitation Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Yilan Jin
- School of International Education, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Bingshun Tang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Xiaohua Fan
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
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22
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Sani F, Sani M, Moayedfard Z, Darayee M, Tayebi L, Azarpira N. Potential advantages of genetically modified mesenchymal stem cells in the treatment of acute and chronic liver diseases. Stem Cell Res Ther 2023; 14:138. [PMID: 37226279 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-023-03364-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver damage caused by toxicity can lead to various severe conditions, such as acute liver failure (ALF), fibrogenesis, and cirrhosis. Among these, liver cirrhosis (LC) is recognized as the leading cause of liver-related deaths globally. Unfortunately, patients with progressive cirrhosis are often on a waiting list, with limited donor organs, postoperative complications, immune system side effects, and high financial costs being some of the factors restricting transplantation. Although the liver has some capacity for self-renewal due to the presence of stem cells, it is usually insufficient to prevent the progression of LC and ALF. One potential therapeutic approach to improving liver function is the transplantation of gene-engineered stem cells. Several types of mesenchymal stem cells from various sources have been suggested for stem cell therapy for liver disease. Genetic engineering is an effective strategy that enhances the regenerative potential of stem cells by releasing growth factors and cytokines. In this review, we primarily focus on the genetic engineering of stem cells to improve their ability to treat damaged liver function. We also recommend further research into accurate treatment methods that involve safe gene modification and long-term follow-up of patients to increase the effectiveness and reliability of these therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farnaz Sani
- Hematology and Cell Therapy Department, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahsa Sani
- Department of Tissue Engineering and Cell Therapy, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Zahra Moayedfard
- Department of Tissue Engineering and Cell Therapy, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Maryam Darayee
- Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Lobat Tayebi
- Marquette University School of Dentistry, Milwaukee, WI, 53233, USA
| | - Negar Azarpira
- Transplant Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Khalili Street, P.O. Box: 7193711351, Shiraz, Iran.
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23
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Santana Nunez D, Malik AB, Lee Q, Ahn SJ, Coctecon-Murillo A, Lazarko D, Levitan I, Mehta D, Komarova YA. Piezo1 induces endothelial responses to shear stress via soluble adenylyl Cyclase-IP 3R2 circuit. iScience 2023; 26:106661. [PMID: 37168565 PMCID: PMC10164902 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.106661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/07/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Endothelial cells (ECs) continuously sense and adapt to changes in shear stress generated by blood flow. Here, we show that the activation of the mechanosensitive channel Piezo1 by defined shear forces induces Ca2+ entry into the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) via the ER Ca2+ ATPase pump. This entry is followed by inositol trisphosphate receptor 2 (IP3R2)-elicited ER Ca2+ release into the cytosol. The mechanism of ER Ca2+ release involves the generation of cAMP by soluble adenylyl cyclase (sAC), leading to IP3R2-evoked Ca2+ gating. Depleting sAC or IP3R2 prevents ER Ca2+ release and blocks EC alignment in the direction of flow. Overexpression of constitutively active Akt1 restores the shear-induced alignment of ECs lacking Piezo1 or IP3R2, as well as the flow-induced vasodilation in endothelial restricted Piezo1 knockout mice. These studies describe an unknown Piezo1-cAMP-IP3R2 circuit as an essential mechanism activating Akt signaling and inducing adaptive changes in ECs to laminar flow.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dianicha Santana Nunez
- Department of Pharmacology and Regenerative Medicine, the Center for Lung and Vascular Biology, University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Asrar B. Malik
- Department of Pharmacology and Regenerative Medicine, the Center for Lung and Vascular Biology, University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Quinn Lee
- Department of Pharmacology and Regenerative Medicine, the Center for Lung and Vascular Biology, University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Sang Joon Ahn
- Department of Medicine, University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Arnold Coctecon-Murillo
- Department of Pharmacology and Regenerative Medicine, the Center for Lung and Vascular Biology, University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Dana Lazarko
- Department of Medicine, University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Irena Levitan
- Department of Medicine, University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Dolly Mehta
- Department of Pharmacology and Regenerative Medicine, the Center for Lung and Vascular Biology, University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Yulia A. Komarova
- Department of Pharmacology and Regenerative Medicine, the Center for Lung and Vascular Biology, University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
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24
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Shan S, Liu F, Ford E, Caldwell RB, Narayanan SP, Somanath PR. Triciribine attenuates pathological neovascularization and vascular permeability in a mouse model of proliferative retinopathy. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 162:114714. [PMID: 37080089 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.114714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Proliferative retinopathies are the leading cause of irreversible blindness in all ages, and there is a critical need to identify novel therapies. We investigated the impact of triciribine (TCBN), a tricyclic nucleoside analog and a weak Akt inhibitor, on retinal neurovascular injury, vascular permeability, and inflammation in oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR). Post-natal day 7 (P7) mouse pups were subjected to OIR, and treated (i.p.) with TCBN or vehicle from P14-P16 and compared with age-matched, normoxic, vehicle or TCBN-treated controls. P17 retinas were processed for flat mounts, immunostaining, Western blotting, and qRT-PCR studies. Fluorescein angiography, electroretinography, and spectral domain optical coherence tomography were performed on days P21, P26, and P30, respectively. TCBN treatment significantly reduced pathological neovascularization, vaso-obliteration, and inflammation marked by reduced TNFα, IL6, MCP-1, Iba1, and F4/80 (macrophage/microglia markers) expression compared to the vehicle-treated OIR mouse retinas. Pathological expression of VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor), and claudin-5 compromised the blood-retinal barrier integrity in the OIR retinas correlating with increased vascular permeability and neovascular tuft formation, which were blunted by TCBN treatment. Of note, there were no changes in the retinal architecture or retinal cell function in response to TCBN in the normoxia or OIR mice. We conclude that TCBN protects against pathological neovascularization, restores blood-retinal barrier homeostasis, and reduces retinal inflammation without adversely affecting the retinal structure and neuronal function in a mouse model of OIR. Our data suggest that TCBN may provide a novel therapeutic option for proliferative retinopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengshuai Shan
- Clinical and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia, Augusta, GA, 30912, USA; Research Department, Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center, Augusta, GA, 30901, USA; Vascular Biology Center, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, 30912, USA; Culver Vision Discovery Institute, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, 30912, USA
| | - Fang Liu
- Clinical and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia, Augusta, GA, 30912, USA; Research Department, Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center, Augusta, GA, 30901, USA; Vascular Biology Center, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, 30912, USA; Culver Vision Discovery Institute, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, 30912, USA
| | - Edith Ford
- Clinical and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia, Augusta, GA, 30912, USA
| | - Ruth B Caldwell
- Vascular Biology Center, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, 30912, USA; Culver Vision Discovery Institute, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, 30912, USA
| | - S Priya Narayanan
- Clinical and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia, Augusta, GA, 30912, USA; Research Department, Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center, Augusta, GA, 30901, USA; Vascular Biology Center, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, 30912, USA; Culver Vision Discovery Institute, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, 30912, USA.
| | - Payaningal R Somanath
- Clinical and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia, Augusta, GA, 30912, USA; Research Department, Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center, Augusta, GA, 30901, USA; Culver Vision Discovery Institute, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, 30912, USA.
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25
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Mansur A, Radovanovic I. Vascular malformations: An overview of their molecular pathways, detection of mutational profiles and subsequent targets for drug therapy. Front Neurol 2023; 14:1099328. [PMID: 36846125 PMCID: PMC9950274 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1099328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Vascular malformations are anomalies in vascular development that portend a significant risk of hemorrhage, morbidity and mortality. Conventional treatments with surgery, radiosurgery and/or endovascular approaches are often insufficient for cure, thereby presenting an ongoing challenge for physicians and their patients. In the last two decades, we have learned that each type of vascular malformation harbors inherited germline and somatic mutations in two well-known cellular pathways that are also implicated in cancer biology: the PI3K/AKT/mTOR and RAS/RAF/MEK pathways. This knowledge has led to recent efforts in: (1) identifying reliable mechanisms to detect a patient's mutational burden in a minimally-invasive manner, and then (2) understand how cancer drugs that target these mutations can be repurposed for vascular malformation care. The idea of precision medicine for vascular pathologies is growing in potential and will be critical in expanding the clinician's therapeutic armamentarium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann Mansur
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, School of Graduate Studies, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Ivan Radovanovic
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Krembil Brain Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
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26
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Song M, Wang Y, Annex BH, Popel AS. Experiment-based Computational Model Predicts that IL-6 Trans-Signaling Plays a Dominant Role in IL-6 mediated signaling in Endothelial Cells. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.02.03.526721. [PMID: 36778489 PMCID: PMC9915676 DOI: 10.1101/2023.02.03.526721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Inflammatory cytokine mediated responses are important in the development of many diseases that are associated with angiogenesis. Targeting angiogenesis as a prominent strategy has shown limited effects in many contexts such as peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and cancer. One potential reason for the unsuccessful outcome is the mutual dependent role between inflammation and angiogenesis. Inflammation-based therapies primarily target inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-6 (IL-6) in T cells, macrophages, cancer cells, muscle cells, and there is a limited understanding of how these cytokines act on endothelial cells. Thus, we focus on one of the major inflammatory cytokines, IL-6, mediated intracellular signaling in endothelial cells by developing a detailed computational model. Our model quantitatively characterized the effects of IL-6 classic and trans-signaling in activating the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt), and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling to phosphorylate STAT3, extracellular regulated kinase (ERK) and Akt, respectively. We applied the trained and validated experiment-based computational model to characterize the dynamics of phosphorylated STAT3 (pSTAT3), Akt (pAkt), and extracellular regulated kinase (pERK) in response to IL-6 classic and/or trans-signaling. The model predicts that IL-6 classic and trans-signaling induced responses are IL-6 and soluble IL-6 receptor (sIL-6R) dose-dependent. Also, IL-6 trans-signaling induces stronger downstream signaling and plays a dominant role in the overall effects from IL-6. In addition, both IL-6 and sIL-6R levels regulate signaling strength. Moreover, our model identifies the influential species and kinetic parameters that specifically modulate the pSTAT3, pAkt, and pERK responses, which represent potential targets for inflammatory cytokine mediated signaling and angiogenesis-based therapies. Overall, the model predicts the effects of IL-6 classic and/or trans-signaling stimulation quantitatively and provides a framework for analyzing and integrating experimental data. More broadly, this model can be utilized to identify targets that influence inflammatory cytokine mediated signaling in endothelial cells and to study the effects of angiogenesis- and inflammation-based therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Song
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA 21205
| | - Youli Wang
- Department of Medicine, Augusta University Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, Georgia, USA 30912
| | - Brian H. Annex
- Department of Medicine, Augusta University Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, Georgia, USA 30912
| | - Aleksander S. Popel
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA 21205
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27
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Yang P, Zhong C, Huang H, Li X, Du L, Zhang L, Bi S, Du H, Ma Q, Cao L. Potential pharmacological mechanisms of four active compounds of Macleaya cordata extract against enteritis based on network pharmacology and molecular docking technology. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1175227. [PMID: 37200837 PMCID: PMC10185776 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1175227] [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: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Macleaya cordata extract (MCE) is effective in the treatment of enteritis, but its mechanism has not been fully elucidated. Therefore, this study combined network pharmacology and molecular docking technologies to investigate the potential pharmacological mechanism of MCE in the treatment of enteritis. Methods: The information of active compounds in MCE was accessed through the literature. Furthermore, PubChem, PharmMapper, UniProt, and GeneCards databases were used to analyze the targets of MCE and enteritis. The intersection of drug and disease targets was imported into the STRING database, and the analysis results were imported into Cytoscape 3.7.1 software to construct a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network and to screen core targets. The Metascape database was used for conducting Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analyses. AutoDock Tools software was used for the molecular docking of active compounds with the core targets. Results: MCE has four active compounds, namely, sanguinarine, chelerythrine, protopine, and allocryptopine, and a total of 269 targets after de-duplication. Furthermore, a total of 1,237 targets were associated with enteritis, 70 of which were obtained by aiding the drug-disease intersection with the aforementioned four active compound targets of MCE. Five core targets including mitogen-activated protein kinase 1 (MAPK1) and AKT serine/threonine kinase 1 (AKT1) were obtained using the PPI network, which are considered the potential targets for the four active compounds of MCE in the treatment of enteritis. The GO enrichment analysis involved 749 biological processes, 47 cellular components, and 64 molecular functions. The KEGG pathway enrichment analysis revealed 142 pathways involved in the treatment of enteritis by the four active compounds of MCE, among which PI3K-Akt and MAPK signaling pathways were the most important pathways. The results of molecular docking showed that the four active compounds demonstrated good binding properties at the five core targets. Conclusion: The pharmacological effects of the four active compounds of MCE in the treatment of enteritis involve acting on signaling pathways such as PI3K-Akt and MAPK through key targets such as AKT1 and MAPK1, thus providing new indications for further research to verify its mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pingrui Yang
- Department of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Chonghua Zhong
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China
| | - Huan Huang
- Department of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xifeng Li
- Department of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Lin Du
- Department of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Lifang Zhang
- Department of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Shicheng Bi
- Department of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Chi Institute of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Hongxu Du
- Department of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Chi Institute of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Qi Ma
- Department of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Chi Institute of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Liting Cao
- Department of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Chi Institute of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- *Correspondence: Liting Cao,
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Norda S, Papadantonaki R. Regulation of cells of the arterial wall by hypoxia and its role in the development of atherosclerosis. VASA 2023; 52:6-21. [PMID: 36484144 DOI: 10.1024/0301-1526/a001044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The cell's response to hypoxia depends on stabilization of the hypoxia-inducible factor 1 complex and transactivation of nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB). HIF target gene transcription in cells resident to atherosclerotic lesions adjoins a complex interplay of cytokines and mediators of inflammation affecting cholesterol uptake, migration, and inflammation. Maladaptive activation of the HIF-pathway and transactivation of nuclear factor kappa-B causes monocytes to invade early atherosclerotic lesions, maintaining inflammation and aggravating a low-oxygen environment. Meanwhile HIF-dependent upregulation of the ATP-binding cassette transporter ABCA1 causes attenuation of cholesterol efflux and ultimately macrophages becoming foam cells. Hypoxia facilitates neovascularization by upregulation of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) secreted by endothelial cells and vascular smooth muscle cells lining the arterial wall destabilizing the plaque. HIF-knockout animal models and inhibitor studies were able to show beneficial effects on atherogenesis by counteracting the HIF-pathway in the cell wall. In this review the authors elaborate on the up-to-date literature on regulation of cells of the arterial wall through activation of HIF-1α and its effect on atherosclerotic plaque formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen Norda
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, University Hospital Münster, Germany
| | - Rosa Papadantonaki
- Emergency Department, West Middlesex University Hospital, Chelsea and Westminster NHS Trust, London, United Kingdom
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Liu J, Zhang M, Dong H, Liu J, Mao A, Ning G, Cao Y, Zhang Y, Wang Q. Chemokine signaling synchronizes angioblast proliferation and differentiation during pharyngeal arch artery vasculogenesis. Development 2022; 149:285824. [PMID: 36468454 PMCID: PMC10114070 DOI: 10.1242/dev.200754] [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: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
Developmentally, the great vessels of the heart originate from the pharyngeal arch arteries (PAAs). During PAA vasculogenesis, PAA precursors undergo sequential cell fate decisions that are accompanied by proliferative expansion. However, how these two processes are synchronized remains poorly understood. Here, we find that the zebrafish chemokine receptor Cxcr4a is expressed in PAA precursors, and genetic ablation of either cxcr4a or the ligand gene cxcl12b causes PAA stenosis. Cxcr4a is required for the activation of the downstream PI3K/AKT cascade, which promotes not only PAA angioblast proliferation, but also differentiation. AKT has a well-known role in accelerating cell-cycle progression through the activation of cyclin-dependent kinases. Despite this, we demonstrate that AKT phosphorylates Etv2 and Scl, the key regulators of angioblast commitment, on conserved serine residues, thereby protecting them from ubiquitin-mediated proteasomal degradation. Altogether, our study reveals a central role for chemokine signaling in PAA vasculogenesis through orchestrating angioblast proliferation and differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Mingming Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Haojian Dong
- Division of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China.,Department of Cardiology, Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Jingwen Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Aihua Mao
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Guozhu Ning
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Yu Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Yiyue Zhang
- Division of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Qiang Wang
- Division of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
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Afshar S, Abbasinazari M, Amin G, Farrokhian A, Sistanizad M, Afshar F, Khalili S. Endocannabinoids and related compounds as modulators of angiogenesis: Concepts and clinical significance. Cell Biochem Funct 2022; 40:826-837. [PMID: 36317321 DOI: 10.1002/cbf.3754] [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: 05/19/2022] [Revised: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Vasculogenesis (the process of differentiation of angioblasts toward endothelial cells and de novo formation of crude vascular networks) and angiogenesis (the process of harmonized sprouting and dispersal of new capillaries from previously existing ones) are two fundamentally complementary processes, obligatory for maintaining physiological functioning of vascular system. In clinical practice, however, the later one is of more importance as it guarantees correct embryonic nourishment, accelerates wound healing processes, prevents uncontrolled cell growth and tumorigenesis, contributes in supplying nutritional demand following occlusion of coronary vessels and is in direct relation with development of diabetic retinopathy. Hence, discovery of novel molecules capable of modulating angiogenic events are of great clinical importance. Recent studies have demonstrated multiple angio-regulatory activities for endocannabinoid system modulators and endocannabinoid-like molecules, as well as their metabolizing enzymes. Hence, in present article, we reviewed the regulatory roles of these molecules on angiogenesis and described molecular mechanisms underlying them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shima Afshar
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Abbasinazari
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Gholamreza Amin
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amir Farrokhian
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Sistanizad
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fariba Afshar
- Department of internal medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shayesteh Khalili
- Department of Internal Medicine, Imam Hossein Hospital, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Zeng X, Deng Y, Yuan M, He Q, Wu Y, Li S. Study on the Antioxidant Effect of Tanshinone IIA on Diabetic Retinopathy and Its Mechanism Based on Integrated Pharmacology. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE : ECAM 2022; 2022:9990937. [PMID: 36437835 PMCID: PMC9691304 DOI: 10.1155/2022/9990937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/13/2024]
Abstract
AIM To explore the effect of tanshinone IIA on diabetic retinopathy (DR) and its mechanism. METHODS GeneCards and OMM databases were used to mine DR-related genes. The chemical structure of tanshinone IIA was searched by PubChem, and the potential target was predicted by PharmMapper. Cystape 3.8.2 was used to visualize and analyze the tanshinone IIA-DR protein interaction network. DAVID ver 6.8 data were used to perform enrichment analysis of the tanshinone IIA-DR protein interaction network. Then animal experiments were carried out to further explore the mechanism of tanshinone IIA in the treatment of DR. Male SD rats were intraperitoneally injected with streptozotocin to establish a diabetes model and were randomly divided into a model group, a low-dose tanshinone IIA group and a high-dose group. Normal rats served as the control group. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to observe the structural changes of the retina; the SOD, GSH-Px, and MDA levels in the retina were detected by the xanthine oxidase method; the expression of VEGF, IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and caspase-3 mRNA were detected by qRT-PCR; and the Bcl-2, Bax, and VEGFA proteins were determined by the western blot. RESULTS A total of 213 tanshinone IIA potential targets and 223 DR-related genes were obtained. The enrichment analysis showed that tanshinone IIA may regulate hypoxia, oxidative stress, positive regulation of ERK1 and ERK2 cascade, steroid hormone-mediated signaling pathway, inflammatory response, angiogenesis, VEGF signaling pathway, apoptosis, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, TNF signaling pathway, and biological processes and signaling pathways. The structure of the retina in the normal control group was clear, the retina in the model group was not clear, the nerve fiber layer was edema, the retinal cell layers of the tanshinone IIA low-dose group are arranged neatly, the inner and outer nuclear layers are slightly disordered, and the tanshinone IIA low-dose group was large. The structure of the mouse retina was further improved compared with the low-dose tanshinone IIA group. Compared with the model group, the retinal tissue SOD and GSH-PX of rats in the tanshinone IIA group increased, and the MDA level decreased (P < 0.05). Compared with the model group, the expression of VEGF, IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and caspase-3 mRNA in the retina of tanshinone IIA groups was significantly reduced (P < 0.01). Compared with the model group, the Bcl-2 protein in the tanshinone IIA groups increased, while the Bax and VEGFA proteins decreased (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION Tanshinone IIA may improve the morphological performance of the retina of diabetic rats and inhibit DR, the mechanism of which may be anti-inflammatory, antiangiogenesis, etc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaomei Zeng
- People's Hospital of Ningxiang City, Ningxiang, China
| | - Ying Deng
- People's Hospital of Ningxiang City, Ningxiang, China
| | - Mengxia Yuan
- Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, China
| | - Qi He
- People's Hospital of Ningxiang City, Ningxiang, China
| | - Yonghe Wu
- Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, China
| | - Shibing Li
- Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, China
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Potential Mechanisms of Biejiajian Pill in the Treatment of Diabetic Atherosclerosis Based on Network Pharmacology, Molecular Docking, and Molecular Dynamics Simulation. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2022; 2022:3296279. [PMID: 35990823 PMCID: PMC9391107 DOI: 10.1155/2022/3296279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2022] [Revised: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Background Biejiajian pill (BJJP), a classical traditional Chinese formula, has been reported that it has an effective treatment for diabetic atherosclerosis in recent years, but its underlying mechanisms remain elusive. The study aimed to explore the potential mechanisms of BJJP on diabetic atherosclerosis by integrating network pharmacology, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics simulation. Methods The active components of BJJP were collected by TCMSP and TCMID, and then the potential targets were obtained from the SwissTargetPrediction database. The targets related to diabetic atherosclerosis were identified from the GeneCards and OMIM databases. The intersection of the potential targets regulated by active components of BJJP and the targets of diabetic atherosclerosis were common targets, which were visualized by the Venn diagram. The common targets were imported into the STRING database to construct a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network. The network of “Medicine-Compound-Target” was constructed with Cytoscape 3.7.1 software. GO functional enrichment analysis and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis were performed using the DAVID database and visualized through bioinformatics. The intersecting targets were input into Cytoscape 3.7.1 software, and the Network Analyzer tool was employed to screen out the key targets. Then molecular docking was used to verify the binding affinity between the active compounds and the key targets, and molecular dynamics simulation was used to investigate the stability of the binding models. Results A total of 81 active components, 186 targets of BJJP, and 4041 targets of diabetic atherosclerosis were obtained. Furthermore, 121 overlapping targets were identified. GO functional enrichment analysis revealed that these targets were correlated with the oxidation-reduction process, negative regulation of apoptotic process, inflammatory response, and other biological processes. The results of the KEGG pathway enrichment analysis showed that the common targets mainly participated in proteoglycans in cancer, PPAR signaling pathway, adherens junction, insulin resistance, HIF-1 signaling pathway, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, etc. The results of molecular docking confirmed that the core active components in BJJP could bind well to the key targets. Results from molecular dynamics simulation showed that the binding energies of AKT1-Luteolin, MMP9-quercetin, and MMP9-luteolin complexes were −28.93 kJ·mol−1, −37.12 kJ·mol−1, and −62.91 kJ·mol−1, respectively. Conclusion The study revealed that BJJP is characterized as multicomponent, multitarget, and multipathway to treat diabetic atherosclerosis, which is helpful to provide ideas and a basis for pharmacological research and clinical application in the future.
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Guo L, Zhou F, Liu H, Kou X, Zhang H, Chen X, Qiu J. Genomic mutation characteristics and prognosis of biliary tract cancer. Am J Transl Res 2022; 14:4990-5002. [PMID: 35958441 PMCID: PMC9360853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The incidence of biliary system cancer is higher in the Chinese population than in the West. The overall prognosis of gallbladder cancer and cholangiocarcinoma is poor, and the current treatment is limited. In order to explore the pathogenesis of biliary tract cancers and potential targeted therapies, we mapped the mutation landscape of biliary tract cancer in the Chinese population and analyzed the molecular mechanism related to prognosis. METHODS A total of 59 formalin fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue samples were obtained from patients with operable biliary tract cancer. We conducted targeted capture sequencing of 620 genes through high-throughput sequencing technology and analyzed the fusion information of 13 genes. RESULTS Mutations were detected in 88% samples, and the most frequent mutation base was C>T. Genes with higher single nucleotide variations (SNV) and copy number variations (CNV) frequency are TP53, KRAS, ARID1A, VEGFA, cyclin family related genes and cyclin-dependent kinase genes. Actionable mutations were detected in 59.3% samples, and germline mutations were detected in 22% samples. Patients with KRAS mutations, VEGFA pathway mutations and higher tumor mutation burden (TMB) may have poor prognosis. CONCLUSIONS We explored the mutation characteristics and prognostic mechanism of biliary tract cancers in the Chinese population. This study provides potential evidence for targeted therapy and immunotherapy of biliary tract cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingling Guo
- Department of Biological Therapy, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery HospitalShanghai 201805, China
| | - Fuping Zhou
- Department of Biological Therapy, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery HospitalShanghai 201805, China
| | - Huiying Liu
- Department of Biological Therapy, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery HospitalShanghai 201805, China
| | - Xiaoxia Kou
- Department of Biological Therapy, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery HospitalShanghai 201805, China
| | - Hongjuan Zhang
- Department of Biological Therapy, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery HospitalShanghai 201805, China
| | - Xiaofeng Chen
- Department of Oncology, Jiangsu Province People’s Hospital and Nanjing Medical University First Affiliated HospitalNanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jinrong Qiu
- Department of Biological Therapy, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery HospitalShanghai 201805, China
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Kobialka P, Sabata H, Vilalta O, Gouveia L, Angulo-Urarte A, Muixí L, Zanoncello J, Muñoz-Aznar O, Olaciregui NG, Fanlo L, Esteve-Codina A, Lavarino C, Javierre BM, Celis V, Rovira C, López-Fernández S, Baselga E, Mora J, Castillo SD, Graupera M. The onset of PI3K-related vascular malformations occurs during angiogenesis and is prevented by the AKT inhibitor miransertib. EMBO Mol Med 2022; 14:e15619. [PMID: 35695059 PMCID: PMC9260211 DOI: 10.15252/emmm.202115619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Revised: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Low‐flow vascular malformations are congenital overgrowths composed of abnormal blood vessels potentially causing pain, bleeding and obstruction of different organs. These diseases are caused by oncogenic mutations in the endothelium, which result in overactivation of the PI3K/AKT pathway. Lack of robust in vivo preclinical data has prevented the development and translation into clinical trials of specific molecular therapies for these diseases. Here, we demonstrate that the Pik3caH1047R activating mutation in endothelial cells triggers a transcriptome rewiring that leads to enhanced cell proliferation. We describe a new reproducible preclinical in vivo model of PI3K‐driven vascular malformations using the postnatal mouse retina. We show that active angiogenesis is required for the pathogenesis of vascular malformations caused by activating Pik3ca mutations. Using this model, we demonstrate that the AKT inhibitor miransertib both prevents and induces the regression of PI3K‐driven vascular malformations. We confirmed the efficacy of miransertib in isolated human endothelial cells with genotypes spanning most of human low‐flow vascular malformations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piotr Kobialka
- Endothelial Pathobiology and Microenvironment, Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Helena Sabata
- Endothelial Pathobiology and Microenvironment, Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Odena Vilalta
- Endothelial Pathobiology and Microenvironment, Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Leonor Gouveia
- Endothelial Pathobiology and Microenvironment, Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Immunology, Genetics, and Pathology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Ana Angulo-Urarte
- Endothelial Pathobiology and Microenvironment, Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Laia Muixí
- Endothelial Pathobiology and Microenvironment, Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jasmina Zanoncello
- Endothelial Pathobiology and Microenvironment, Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Oscar Muñoz-Aznar
- Developmental Tumor Biology Laboratory, Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Nagore G Olaciregui
- Developmental Tumor Biology Laboratory, Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Lucia Fanlo
- 3D Chromatin Organization, Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Anna Esteve-Codina
- CNAG-CRG, Centre for Genomic Regulation, Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain.,Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Cinzia Lavarino
- Developmental Tumor Biology Laboratory, Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Biola M Javierre
- 3D Chromatin Organization, Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Veronica Celis
- Pediatric Cancer Center Barcelona, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carlota Rovira
- Department of Pathology, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Susana López-Fernández
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Hospital de la Santa Creu i de Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Eulàlia Baselga
- Department of Dermatology, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jaume Mora
- Developmental Tumor Biology Laboratory, Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona, Spain.,Pediatric Cancer Center Barcelona, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sandra D Castillo
- Endothelial Pathobiology and Microenvironment, Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mariona Graupera
- Endothelial Pathobiology and Microenvironment, Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain.,CIBERONC, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
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Wei X, Zhang B, Wei F, Ding M, Luo Z, Han X, Tan X. Gegen Qinlian pills alleviate carrageenan-induced thrombosis in mice model by regulating the HMGB1/NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2022; 100:154083. [PMID: 35413645 PMCID: PMC9759718 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2022.154083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2021] [Revised: 03/19/2022] [Accepted: 03/26/2022] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The high incidence of thrombotic events is one of the clinical characteristics of coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19), due to a hyperinflammatory response caused by the virus. Gegen Qinlian Pills (GQP) is a Traditional Chinese Medicine that is included in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia and played an important role in the clinical fight against COVID-19. Although GQP has shown the potential to treat thrombosis, there is no relevant research on its treatment of thrombosis so far. HYPOTHESIS We hypothesized that GQP may be capable inhibit inflammation-induced thrombosis. STUDY DESIGN We tested our hypothesis in a carrageenan-induced thrombosis mouse model in vivo and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced human endothelial cells (HUVECs) in vitro. METHODS We used a carrageenan-induced mouse thrombus model to confirm the inhibitory effect of GQP on inflammation-induced thrombus. In vitro, studies in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and in silico network pharmacology analyses were performed to reveal the underlying mechanisms of GQP and determine the main components, targets, and pathways of GQP, respectively. RESULTS Oral administration of 227.5 mg/kg, 445 mg/kg and 910 mg/kg of GQP significantly inhibited thrombi in the lung, liver, and tail and augmented tail blood flow of carrageenan-induced mice with reduced plasma tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and diminished expression of high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) in lung tissues. GQP ethanol extract (1, 2, or 5 μg/ml) also reduced the adhesion of platelets to LPS stimulated HUVECs. The TNF-α and the expression of HMGB1, nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), and NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) in LPS stimulated HUVECs were also attenuated. Moreover, we analyzed the components of GQP and inferred the main targets, biological processes, and pathways of GQP in the treatment of inflammation-induced thrombosis through network pharmacology. CONCLUSION Overall, we demonstrated that GQP could reduce inflammation-induced thrombosis by inhibiting HMGB1/NFκB/NLRP3 signaling and provided an accurate explanation for the multi-target, multi-function mechanism of GQP in the treatment of thromboinflammation, and provides a reference for the clinical usage of GQP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohan Wei
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China; Guangzhou Provincial Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Pharmaceutics, Guangzhou 510515, China; Guangdong Provincial Engineering Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Preparation Technology, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Baoping Zhang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China; Guangzhou Provincial Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Pharmaceutics, Guangzhou 510515, China; Guangdong Provincial Engineering Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Preparation Technology, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Feiyan Wei
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China; Guangzhou Provincial Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Pharmaceutics, Guangzhou 510515, China; Guangdong Provincial Engineering Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Preparation Technology, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Mengze Ding
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China; Guangzhou Provincial Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Pharmaceutics, Guangzhou 510515, China; Guangdong Provincial Engineering Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Preparation Technology, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Zhenye Luo
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China; Guangzhou Provincial Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Pharmaceutics, Guangzhou 510515, China; Guangdong Provincial Engineering Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Preparation Technology, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Xinlong Han
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China; Guangzhou Provincial Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Pharmaceutics, Guangzhou 510515, China; Guangdong Provincial Engineering Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Preparation Technology, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Xiaomei Tan
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China; Guangzhou Provincial Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Pharmaceutics, Guangzhou 510515, China; Guangdong Provincial Engineering Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Preparation Technology, Guangzhou 510515, China.
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Yuan Z, Zeng Y, Tian Y, Wang S, Hong B, Yang M. SIRT6 serves as a polyhedron in glycolytic metabolism and ageing-related diseases. Exp Gerontol 2022; 162:111765. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exger.2022.111765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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Claudin-17 Deficiency in Mice Results in Kidney Injury Due to Electrolyte Imbalance and Oxidative Stress. Cells 2022; 11:cells11111782. [PMID: 35681477 PMCID: PMC9180152 DOI: 10.3390/cells11111782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Revised: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The multi-gene claudin (CLDN) family of tight junction proteins have isoform-specific roles in blood–tissue barrier regulation. CLDN17, a putative anion pore-forming CLDN based on its structural characterization, is assumed to regulate anion balance across the blood-tissue barriers. However, our knowledge about CLDN17 in physiology and pathology is limited. The current study investigated how Cldn17 deficiency in mice affects blood electrolytes and kidney structure. Cldn17−/− mice revealed no breeding abnormalities, but the newborn pups exhibited delayed growth. Adult Cldn17−/− mice displayed electrolyte imbalance, oxidative stress, and injury to the kidneys. Ingenuity pathway analysis followed by RNA-sequencing revealed hyperactivation of signaling pathways and downregulation of SOD1 expression in kidneys associated with inflammation and reactive oxygen species generation, demonstrating the importance of Cldn17 in the maintenance of electrolytes and reactive oxygen species across the blood-tissue barrier.
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Choi M, Lee SM, Lee JW, Kim I, Pack CG, Ha CH. Yeast beta-glucan mediates histone deacetylase 5-induced angiogenesis in vascular endothelial cells. Int J Biol Macromol 2022; 211:556-567. [PMID: 35569678 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2022.05.057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Revised: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The role of yeast-derived β-glucan in angiogenesis has not been elucidated because there have been few specific studies on its clinical and physiological significance. Therefore, this study investigated the correlation between β-glucan and histone deacetylase 5 (HDAC5) in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), revealing the role of β-glucan in angiogenesis. We confirmed that HDAC5 was phosphorylated by β-glucan stimulation and released from the nucleus to the cytoplasm. Furthermore, we found that β-glucan-stimulated HDAC5 translocation mediates the transcriptional activation of MEF2. As a result, the expression of KLF2, EGR2, and NR4A2, whose expression is MEF2-dependent and involved in angiogenesis, increased. Thus, we showed the activity of β-glucan in angiogenesis through in vitro and ex vivo assays including cell migration, tube formation, and aortic ring analyses. Specifically, application of an HDAC5 inhibitor repressed MEF2 transcriptional activation in both in vitro and ex vivo angiogenesis. HDAC5 inhibitor LMK235 inhibited the proangiogenic activity of beta-glucan, suggesting that β-glucan induces angiogenesis through HDAC5. These findings suggest that HDAC5 is essential for angiogenesis, and that β-glucan induces angiogenesis. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that β-glucan induces angiogenesis through HDAC5. It also suggests that β-glucan has potential value as a novel therapeutic agent for modulating angiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Choi
- Department of Convergence Medicine and Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung Min Lee
- Department of Convergence Medicine and Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin Woo Lee
- Department of Convergence Medicine and Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Inki Kim
- Department of Convergence Medicine and Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Chan-Gi Pack
- Department of Convergence Medicine and Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Chang Hoon Ha
- Department of Convergence Medicine and Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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Zhang MX, Song Y, Xu WL, Zhang LX, Li C, Li YL. Natural Herbal Medicine as a Treatment Strategy for Myocardial Infarction through the Regulation of Angiogenesis. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE : ECAM 2022; 2022:8831750. [PMID: 35600953 PMCID: PMC9119779 DOI: 10.1155/2022/8831750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Methods We conducted a literature search on the bioactive components of medicinal plants and their effects on angiogenesis after MI. We searched for articles in Web of Science, MEDLINE, PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure databases before April 2021. Results In this article, we summarized the mechanisms by which copper ions, microRNA, Akt1, inflammation, oxidative stress, mitochondria, and pericytes are involved in angiogenesis after myocardial infarction. In addition, we reviewed the angiogenic effects of natural herbal medicines such as Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge Bunge, Carthamus tinctorius L., Pueraria lobata, Astragalus, Panax ginseng C.A. Mey., Panax notoginseng (Burkill) F.H. Chen, Cinnamomum cassia (L.) J. Presl, Rehmannia glutinosa (Gaertn.) DC., Leonurus japonicus Houtt, Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi., and Geum macrophyllum Willd. Conclusions Some herbs have the effect of promoting angiogenesis. In the future, natural proangiogenic drugs may become candidates for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mu-xin Zhang
- First Clinical Medical College, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250355, China
| | - Yu Song
- Innovation Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250355, China
| | - Wan-li Xu
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250355, China
| | - Ling-xiao Zhang
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250355, China
| | - Chao Li
- Innovation Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250355, China
| | - Yun-lun Li
- Innovation Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250355, China
- Department of Cardiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250014, China
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40
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Wang DM, Soni D, Regmi SC, Vogel SM, Tiruppathi C. TAK1 is essential for endothelial barrier maintenance and repair after lung vascular injury. Mol Biol Cell 2022; 33:ar65. [PMID: 35324316 PMCID: PMC9561857 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e21-11-0563] [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] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
TGF–β-activated kinase 1 (TAK1) plays crucial roles in innate and adaptive immune responses and is required for embryonic vascular development. However, TAK1’s role in regulating vascular barrier integrity is not well defined. Here we show that endothelial TAK1 kinase function is required to maintain and repair the injured lung endothelial barrier. We observed that inhibition of TAK1 with 5Z-7-oxozeaenol markedly reduced expression of β-catenin (β-cat) and VE-cadherin at endothelial adherens junctions and augmented protease-activated receptor-1 (PAR-1)- or toll-like receptor-4 (TLR-4)-induced increases in lung vascular permeability. In inducible endothelial cell (EC)-restricted TAK1 knockout (TAK1i∆EC) mice, we observed that the lung endothelial barrier was compromised and in addition, TAK1i∆EC mice exhibited heightened sensitivity to septic shock. Consistent with these findings, we observed dramatically reduced β-cat expression in lung ECs of TAK1i∆EC mice. Further, either inhibition or knockdown of TAK1 blocked PAR-1- or TLR-4-induced inactivation of glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β), which in turn increased phosphorylation, ubiquitylation, and degradation of β-cat in ECs to destabilize the endothelial barrier. Importantly, we showed that TAK1 inactivates GSK3β through AKT activation in ECs. Thus our findings in this study point to the potential of targeting the TAK1-AKT-GSK3β axis as a therapeutic approach to treat uncontrolled lung vascular leak during sepsis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong-Mei Wang
- Department of Pharmacology and Regenerative Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Illinois, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Dheeraj Soni
- Department of Pharmacology and Regenerative Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Illinois, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Sushil C Regmi
- Department of Pharmacology and Regenerative Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Illinois, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Stephen M Vogel
- Department of Pharmacology and Regenerative Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Illinois, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Chinnaswamy Tiruppathi
- Department of Pharmacology and Regenerative Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Illinois, Chicago, IL, USA
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41
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Paval DR, Di Virgilio TG, Skipworth RJE, Gallagher IJ. The Emerging Role of Intelectin-1 in Cancer. Front Oncol 2022; 12:767859. [PMID: 35186726 PMCID: PMC8850632 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.767859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intelectin (ITLN) is an adipokine with two homologs-ITLN1 and ITLN2-that has various physiological functions. Studies analyzing the relationship between ITLN and cancer are focused on ITLN1; the available literature on ITLN2 and cancer is limited. This review aims to evaluate the role of ITLN1 in cancer without imposing any inclusion criteria, to examine pro- and anticancer roles for ITLN1 and to discuss whether the relationship between ITLN and cancer is mediated by obesity. FINDINGS Overall, ITLN1 level was highly variable in cancer patients but different from healthy individuals. Compared with control groups, patients with gastrointestinal and prostate cancer showed increased concentrations of circulating ITLN1, while patients with gynecological, breast, bladder, and renal cancer had lower ITLN1 levels. Several studies also evaluated tissue and tumor expression of ITLN1. In gastrointestinal cancer, ITLN1 was increased in tumor tissue compared with adjacent healthy tissue and elevated in the visceral adipose tissue of patients compared with controls. Consequently, the high levels of circulating ITLN1 might be determined by the tumor and by the cancer-associated weight loss in gastrointestinal cancer. ITLN1 can activate the phosphoinositide-3-kinase-protein kinase B/Akt (PI3K/Akt) pathway. The improper regulation of this pathway may contribute to a series of cellular events that favor tumor development and progression. Obesity has been linked with an increased risk of developing some cancers. Indeed, low circulating ITLN1 levels may be a marker of the metabolic effects of obesity, rather than obesity per se, and might contribute to a deregulation of the PI3K/Akt pathway. CONCLUSIONS ITLN1 could be associated with cancer formation and progression. Since circulating ITLN1 levels are highly variable and differ between cancer types, the local tumor production of ITLN1 could be more relevant in determining malignant behavior. Future research should aim to identify the source of ITLN1 variability, to understand the differences in ITLN1 between distinct tumor types, and to further explore the signaling pathways through which this adipokine influences cancer biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Robert Paval
- Faculty of Health Sciences and Sport, University of Stirling, Stirling, United Kingdom
| | | | - Richard J E Skipworth
- Clinical Surgery, University of Edinburgh, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Iain J Gallagher
- Faculty of Health Sciences and Sport, University of Stirling, Stirling, United Kingdom
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Wu W, Xu H, Meng Z, Zhu J, Xiong S, Xia X, Lei H. Axl Is Essential for in-vitro Angiogenesis Induced by Vitreous From Patients With Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 8:787150. [PMID: 35004753 PMCID: PMC8734562 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2021.787150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR), characterized mainly with abnormal epiretinal angiogenesis forming fibrovascular membranes (FVMs), threatens vision of people with diabetes; FVMs consist of extracellular matrix and a variety of cell types including vascular endothelial cells. Axl, one of receptor tyrosine kinases, can be activated indirectly by vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A) via an intracellular route for promoting angiogenesis. In this study, we revealed that growth arrest-specific protein 6 (Gas6), a specific ligand of Axl, was elevated in vitreous from patients with PDR and that Axl was activated in FVMs from patients with PDR. In addition, we demonstrated that in cultured human retinal microvascular endothelial cells (HRECs), Axl inhibition via suppression of Axl expression with Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats/ CRISPR-associated protein 9 or through inactivation with its specific inhibitor R428 blocked PDR vitreous-induced Akt activation and proliferation of HRECs. Furthermore, PDR vitreous-heightened migration and tube formation of HRECs were also blunted by restraining Axl. These results indicate that in the pathogenesis of PDR, Axl can be activated by Gas6 binding directly and by VEGF-A via an intracellular route indirectly, suggesting that Axl plays a pivotal role in the development of PDR and that Axl inhibition shows a bright promise for PDR therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenyi Wu
- Department of Ophthalmology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China.,Department of Ophthalmology, Hunan Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Changsha, China
| | - Huizuo Xu
- Department of Ophthalmology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China.,Department of Ophthalmology, Hunan Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Changsha, China
| | - Zhishang Meng
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jianxi Zhu
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Siqi Xiong
- Department of Ophthalmology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China.,Department of Ophthalmology, Hunan Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Changsha, China
| | - Xiaobo Xia
- Department of Ophthalmology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China.,Department of Ophthalmology, Hunan Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Changsha, China
| | - Hetian Lei
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shenzhen Eye Institute, Shenzhen Eye Hospital, Jinan University, Shenzhen, China
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43
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Javier-DesLoges J, Derweesh I, McKay RR. Targeted Therapy for Renal Cell Carcinoma. Urol Oncol 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-89891-5_13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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44
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Rudraraju M, Narayanan SP, Somanath PR. Distinct Mechanisms of Human Retinal Endothelial Barrier Modulation In Vitro by Mediators of Diabetes and Uveitis. Life (Basel) 2021; 12:life12010033. [PMID: 35054426 PMCID: PMC8779223 DOI: 10.3390/life12010033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Revised: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Ocular diseases such as diabetic retinopathy (DR) and uveitis are associated with injury to the blood–retinal barrier (BRB). Whereas high glucose (HG) and advanced glycation end products (AGE) contribute to DR, bacterial infections causing uveitis are triggered by endotoxins such as lipopolysaccharide (LPS). It is unclear how HG, AGE, and LPS affect human retinal endothelial cell (HREC) junctions. Moreover, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα) is elevated in both DR and ocular infections. In the current study, we determined the direct effects of HG, AGE, TNFα, and LPS on the expression and intracellular distribution of claudin-5, VE-cadherin, and β-catenin in HRECs and how these mediators affect Akt and P38 MAP kinase that have been implicated in ocular pathologies. In our results, whereas HG, AGE, and TNFα activated both Akt and P38 MAPK, LPS treatment suppressed Akt but increased P38 MAPK phosphorylation. Furthermore, while treatment with AGE and HG increased cell-junction protein expression in HRECs, LPS elicited a paradoxical effect. By contrast, when HG treatment increased HREC-barrier resistance, AGE and LPS stimulation compromised it, and TNFα had no effect. Together, our results demonstrated the differential effects of the mediators of diabetes and infection on HREC-barrier modulation leading to BRB injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madhuri Rudraraju
- Clinical and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia, Augusta, GA 30912, USA;
- Research Division, Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
| | - S. Priya Narayanan
- Clinical and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia, Augusta, GA 30912, USA;
- Research Division, Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
- Vascular Biology Center, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
- Vision Discovery Institute, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
- Correspondence: (S.P.N.); (P.R.S.); Tel.: +1-706-721-4250 (P.R.S.)
| | - Payaningal R. Somanath
- Clinical and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia, Augusta, GA 30912, USA;
- Research Division, Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
- Vascular Biology Center, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
- Correspondence: (S.P.N.); (P.R.S.); Tel.: +1-706-721-4250 (P.R.S.)
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45
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MEKK3-TGFβ crosstalk regulates inward arterial remodeling. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:2112625118. [PMID: 34911761 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2112625118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Arterial remodeling is an important adaptive mechanism that maintains normal fluid shear stress in a variety of physiologic and pathologic conditions. Inward remodeling, a process that leads to reduction in arterial diameter, plays a critical role in progression of such common diseases as hypertension and atherosclerosis. Yet, despite its pathogenic importance, molecular mechanisms controlling inward remodeling remain undefined. Mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) perform a number of functions ranging from control of proliferation to migration and cell-fate transitions. While the MAPK ERK1/2 signaling pathway has been extensively examined in the endothelium, less is known about the role of the MEKK3/ERK5 pathway in vascular remodeling. To better define the role played by this signaling cascade, we studied the effect of endothelial-specific deletion of its key upstream MAP3K, MEKK3, in adult mice. The gene's deletion resulted in a gradual inward remodeling of both pulmonary and systematic arteries, leading to spontaneous hypertension in both vascular circuits and accelerated progression of atherosclerosis in hyperlipidemic mice. Molecular analysis revealed activation of TGFβ-signaling both in vitro and in vivo. Endothelial-specific TGFβR1 knockout prevented inward arterial remodeling in MEKK3 endothelial knockout mice. These data point to the unexpected participation of endothelial MEKK3 in regulation of TGFβR1-Smad2/3 signaling and inward arterial remodeling in artery diseases.
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46
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He Y, Sun MM, Zhang GG, Yang J, Chen KS, Xu WW, Li B. Targeting PI3K/Akt signal transduction for cancer therapy. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2021; 6:425. [PMID: 34916492 PMCID: PMC8677728 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-021-00828-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 455] [Impact Index Per Article: 151.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2021] [Revised: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt pathway plays a crucial role in various cellular processes and is aberrantly activated in cancers, contributing to the occurrence and progression of tumors. Examining the upstream and downstream nodes of this pathway could allow full elucidation of its function. Based on accumulating evidence, strategies targeting major components of the pathway might provide new insights for cancer drug discovery. Researchers have explored the use of some inhibitors targeting this pathway to block survival pathways. However, because oncogenic PI3K pathway activation occurs through various mechanisms, the clinical efficacies of these inhibitors are limited. Moreover, pathway activation is accompanied by the development of therapeutic resistance. Therefore, strategies involving pathway inhibitors and other cancer treatments in combination might solve the therapeutic dilemma. In this review, we discuss the roles of the PI3K/Akt pathway in various cancer phenotypes, review the current statuses of different PI3K/Akt inhibitors, and introduce combination therapies consisting of signaling inhibitors and conventional cancer therapies. The information presented herein suggests that cascading inhibitors of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, either alone or in combination with other therapies, are the most effective treatment strategy for cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan He
- MOE Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Biology and Key Laboratory of Functional Protein Research of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Institute of Life and Health Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Miao Miao Sun
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Key Laboratory of Tumor Pathology, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Guo Geng Zhang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Biology and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Bioengineering Medicine, National Engineering Research Center of Genetic Medicine, Institute of Biomedicine, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jing Yang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Biology and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Bioengineering Medicine, National Engineering Research Center of Genetic Medicine, Institute of Biomedicine, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Kui Sheng Chen
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Key Laboratory of Tumor Pathology, Zhengzhou, China.
| | - Wen Wen Xu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Biology and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Bioengineering Medicine, National Engineering Research Center of Genetic Medicine, Institute of Biomedicine, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Bin Li
- MOE Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Biology and Key Laboratory of Functional Protein Research of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Institute of Life and Health Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China.
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47
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Song M, Finley SD. Mechanistic characterization of endothelial sprouting mediated by pro-angiogenic signaling. Microcirculation 2021; 29:e12744. [PMID: 34890488 PMCID: PMC9285777 DOI: 10.1111/micc.12744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2021] [Revised: 11/04/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Objective We aim to quantitatively characterize the crosstalk between VEGF‐ and FGF‐mediated angiogenic signaling and endothelial sprouting, to gain mechanistic insights and identify novel therapeutic strategies. Methods We constructed an experimentally validated hybrid agent‐based mathematical model that characterizes endothelial sprouting driven by FGF‐ and VEGF‐mediated signaling. We predicted the total sprout length, number of sprouts, and average length by the mono‐ and co‐stimulation of FGF and VEGF. Results The experimentally fitted and validated model predicts that FGF induces stronger angiogenic responses in the long‐term compared with VEGF stimulation. Also, FGF plays a dominant role in the combination effects in endothelial sprouting. Moreover, the model suggests that ERK and Akt pathways and cellular responses contribute differently to the sprouting process. Last, the model predicts that the strategies to modulate endothelial sprouting are context‐dependent, and our model can identify potential effective pro‐ and anti‐angiogenic targets under different conditions and study their efficacy. Conclusions The model provides detailed mechanistic insight into VEGF and FGF interactions in sprouting angiogenesis. More broadly, this model can be utilized to identify targets that influence angiogenic signaling leading to endothelial sprouting and to study the effects of pro‐ and anti‐angiogenic therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Song
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Stacey D Finley
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA.,Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA.,Department of Quantitative and Computational Biology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
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48
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aPC/PAR1 confers endothelial anti-apoptotic activity via a discrete, β-arrestin-2-mediated SphK1-S1PR1-Akt signaling axis. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:2106623118. [PMID: 34873055 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2106623118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Endothelial dysfunction is associated with vascular disease and results in disruption of endothelial barrier function and increased sensitivity to apoptosis. Currently, there are limited treatments for improving endothelial dysfunction. Activated protein C (aPC), a promising therapeutic, signals via protease-activated receptor-1 (PAR1) and mediates several cytoprotective responses, including endothelial barrier stabilization and anti-apoptotic responses. We showed that aPC-activated PAR1 signals preferentially via β-arrestin-2 (β-arr2) and dishevelled-2 (Dvl2) scaffolds rather than G proteins to promote Rac1 activation and barrier protection. However, the signaling pathways utilized by aPC/PAR1 to mediate anti-apoptotic activities are not known. aPC/PAR1 cytoprotective responses also require coreceptors; however, it is not clear how coreceptors impact different aPC/PAR1 signaling pathways to drive distinct cytoprotective responses. Here, we define a β-arr2-mediated sphingosine kinase-1 (SphK1)-sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor-1 (S1PR1)-Akt signaling axis that confers aPC/PAR1-mediated protection against cell death. Using human cultured endothelial cells, we found that endogenous PAR1 and S1PR1 coexist in caveolin-1 (Cav1)-rich microdomains and that S1PR1 coassociation with Cav1 is increased by aPC activation of PAR1. Our study further shows that aPC stimulates β-arr2-dependent SphK1 activation independent of Dvl2 and is required for transactivation of S1PR1-Akt signaling and protection against cell death. While aPC/PAR1-induced, extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) activation is also dependent on β-arr2, neither SphK1 nor S1PR1 are integrated into the ERK1/2 pathway. Finally, aPC activation of PAR1-β-arr2-mediated protection against apoptosis is dependent on Cav1, the principal structural protein of endothelial caveolae. These studies reveal that different aPC/PAR1 cytoprotective responses are mediated by discrete, β-arr2-driven signaling pathways in caveolae.
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49
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Feng L, Que D, Li Z, Zhong X, Yan J, Wei J, Zhang X, Yang P, Ou C, Chen M. Dihydromyricetin ameliorates vascular calcification in chronic kidney disease by targeting AKT signaling. Clin Sci (Lond) 2021; 135:2483-2502. [PMID: 34643227 DOI: 10.1042/cs20210259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Revised: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Vascular calcification is highly prevalent in chronic kidney disease (CKD), and is characterized by transdifferentiation from contractile vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) into an osteogenic phenotype. However, no effective and therapeutic option to prevent vascular calcification is yet available. Dihydromyricetin (DMY), a bioactive flavonoid isolated from Ampelopsis grossedentata, has been found to inhibit VSMCs proliferation and the injury-induced neointimal formation. However, whether DMY has an effect on osteogenic differentiation of VSMCs and vascular calcification is still unclear. In the present study, we sought to investigate the effect of DMY on vascular calcification in CKD and the underlying mechanism. DMY treatment significantly attenuated calcium/phosphate-induced calcification of rat and human VSMCs in a dose-dependent manner, as shown by Alizarin Red S staining and calcium content assay, associated with down-regulation of osteogenic markers including type I collagen (COL I), Runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2), bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2) and osteocalcin (OCN). These results were further confirmed in aortic rings ex vivo. Moreover, DMY ameliorated vascular calcification in rats with CKD. Additionally, we found that AKT signaling was activated during vascular calcification, whereas significantly inhibited by DMY administration. DMY treatment significantly reversed AKT activator-induced vascular calcification. Furthermore, inhibition of AKT signaling efficiently attenuated calcification, which was similar to that after treatment with DMY alone, and DMY had a better inhibitory effect on calcification as compared with AKT inhibitor. The present study demonstrated that DMY has a potent inhibitory role in vascular calcification partially by inhibiting AKT activation, suggesting that DMY may act as a promising therapeutic candidate for patients suffering from vascular calcification.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Aorta/drug effects
- Aorta/enzymology
- Aorta/pathology
- Aortic Diseases/enzymology
- Aortic Diseases/etiology
- Aortic Diseases/pathology
- Aortic Diseases/prevention & control
- Cells, Cultured
- Disease Models, Animal
- Flavonols/pharmacology
- Humans
- Male
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/drug effects
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/enzymology
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/pathology
- Myocytes, Smooth Muscle/drug effects
- Myocytes, Smooth Muscle/enzymology
- Myocytes, Smooth Muscle/pathology
- Osteogenesis/drug effects
- Phosphorylation
- Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt/genetics
- Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt/metabolism
- Rats, Sprague-Dawley
- Renal Insufficiency, Chronic/complications
- Renal Insufficiency, Chronic/drug therapy
- Renal Insufficiency, Chronic/enzymology
- Renal Insufficiency, Chronic/pathology
- Signal Transduction
- Vascular Calcification/enzymology
- Vascular Calcification/etiology
- Vascular Calcification/pathology
- Vascular Calcification/prevention & control
- Rats
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Affiliation(s)
- Liyun Feng
- Department of Cardiology, Laboratory of Heart Center, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
- Guangdong Provincial Biomedical Engineering Technology Research Center for Cardiovascular Disease, Guangzhou, P.R. China
- Sino-Japanese Cooperation Platform for Translational Research in Heart Failure, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Dongdong Que
- Department of Cardiology, Laboratory of Heart Center, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
- Guangdong Provincial Biomedical Engineering Technology Research Center for Cardiovascular Disease, Guangzhou, P.R. China
- Sino-Japanese Cooperation Platform for Translational Research in Heart Failure, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Zehua Li
- Department of Cardiology, Laboratory of Heart Center, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
- Guangdong Provincial Biomedical Engineering Technology Research Center for Cardiovascular Disease, Guangzhou, P.R. China
- Sino-Japanese Cooperation Platform for Translational Research in Heart Failure, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Xinglong Zhong
- Department of Cardiology, Laboratory of Heart Center, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
- Guangdong Provincial Biomedical Engineering Technology Research Center for Cardiovascular Disease, Guangzhou, P.R. China
- Sino-Japanese Cooperation Platform for Translational Research in Heart Failure, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Jing Yan
- Department of Cardiology, Laboratory of Heart Center, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
- Guangdong Provincial Biomedical Engineering Technology Research Center for Cardiovascular Disease, Guangzhou, P.R. China
- Sino-Japanese Cooperation Platform for Translational Research in Heart Failure, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Jintao Wei
- Department of Cardiology, Laboratory of Heart Center, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
- Guangdong Provincial Biomedical Engineering Technology Research Center for Cardiovascular Disease, Guangzhou, P.R. China
- Sino-Japanese Cooperation Platform for Translational Research in Heart Failure, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Xiuli Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, Laboratory of Heart Center, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
- Guangdong Provincial Biomedical Engineering Technology Research Center for Cardiovascular Disease, Guangzhou, P.R. China
- Sino-Japanese Cooperation Platform for Translational Research in Heart Failure, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Pingzhen Yang
- Department of Cardiology, Laboratory of Heart Center, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
- Guangdong Provincial Biomedical Engineering Technology Research Center for Cardiovascular Disease, Guangzhou, P.R. China
- Sino-Japanese Cooperation Platform for Translational Research in Heart Failure, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Caiwen Ou
- Department of Cardiology, Laboratory of Heart Center, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
- Guangdong Provincial Biomedical Engineering Technology Research Center for Cardiovascular Disease, Guangzhou, P.R. China
- Sino-Japanese Cooperation Platform for Translational Research in Heart Failure, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Minsheng Chen
- Department of Cardiology, Laboratory of Heart Center, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
- Guangdong Provincial Biomedical Engineering Technology Research Center for Cardiovascular Disease, Guangzhou, P.R. China
- Sino-Japanese Cooperation Platform for Translational Research in Heart Failure, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
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Study on the Mechanism of Liuwei Dihuang Pills in Treating Parkinson's Disease Based on Network Pharmacology. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 2021:4490081. [PMID: 34746302 PMCID: PMC8568527 DOI: 10.1155/2021/4490081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2021] [Revised: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Background Parkinson's disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative disease in middle-aged and elderly people. Liuwei Dihuang (LWDH) pills have a good effect on PD, but its mechanism remains unclear. Network pharmacology is the result of integrating basic theories and research methods of medicine, biology, computer science, bioinformatics, and other disciplines, which can systematically and comprehensively reflect the mechanism of drug intervention in disease networks. Methods The main components and targets of herbs in LWDH pills were obtained through Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform (TCMSP). Its active components were screened based on absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME); the PD-related targets were obtained from the Genecards, OMIM, TTD, and DRUGBANK databases. We used R to take the intersection of LWDH- and PD-related targets and Cytoscape software to construct the drug-component-target network. Moreover, STRING and Cytoscape software was used to analyze protein-protein interactions (PPI), construct a PPI network, and explore potential protein functional modules in the network. The Metascape platform was used to perform KEGG pathway and GO function enrichment analyses. Finally, molecular docking was performed to verify whether the compound and target have good binding activity. Results After screening and deduplication, 210 effective active ingredients, 204 drug targets, 4333 disease targets, and 162 drug-disease targets were obtained. We consequently constructed a drug-component-targets network and a PPI-drug-disease-targets network. The results showed that the hub components of LWDH pills were quercetin, stigmasterol, kaempferol, and beta-sitosterol; the hub targets were AKT1, VEGFA, and IL6. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses showed that these targets are involved in neuronal death, G protein-coupled amine receptor activity, reactive oxygen species metabolic processes, membrane rafts, MAPK signaling pathways, cellular senescence, and other biological processes. Molecular docking showed that the hub components were in good agreement with the hub targets. Conclusion LWDH pills have implications for the treatment of PD since they contain several active components, target multiple ligands, and activate various pathways. The hub components possibly include quercetin, stigmasterol, kaempferol, and beta-sitosterol and act through pairing with hub targets, such as AKT1, VEGFA, and IL6, to regulate neuronal death, G protein-coupled amine receptor activity, reactive oxygen species metabolic process, membrane raft, MAPK signaling pathway, and cellular senescence for the treatment of PD.
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