1
|
Pal R, Seleem MN. Antisense inhibition of RNA polymerase α subunit of Clostridioides difficile. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0175523. [PMID: 37772833 PMCID: PMC10581251 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.01755-23] [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: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Clostridioides difficile, the causative agent of antibiotic-associated diarrhea and pseudomembranous colitis, has emerged as a major enteric pathogen in recent years. Antibiotic treatment perturbs the gut microbiome homeostasis, which facilitates the colonization and proliferation of the pathogen in the host intestine. Paradoxically, the clinical repertoire for C. difficile infection includes the antibiotics vancomycin and/or fidaxomicin. The current therapies do not address the perturbed gut microbiome, which supports the recurrence of infection after cessation of antibiotic therapy. Peptide nucleic acids (PNAs) are novel alternatives to traditional antimicrobial therapy capable of forming strong and stable complexes with RNA and DNA, thus permitting targeted inhibition of specific genes. Here, we report a novel PNA that can target the RNA polymerase α subunit (rpoA) in C. difficile. The designed anti-rpoA construct inhibited clinical isolates of C. difficile (minimum inhibitory concentration values ranged between 4 and 8 µM) and exhibited bactericidal activity. Furthermore, silencing of the rpoA gene suppressed the expression of genes that encode virulence factors [toxin A (tcdA), toxin B (tcdB)] in C. difficile, and the gene that encodes the transcription factor stage 0 sporulation protein (spoOA). Interestingly, the efficacy of the designed PNA conjugate remained unaffected even when tested at different pH levels and against a high inoculum of the pathogen. The rpoA-TAT conjugate was very specific against C. difficile and did not inhibit members of the beneficial gut microflora. Taken altogether, our study confirms that the rpoA gene can be a promising narrow-spectrum therapeutic target to curb C. difficile infection. IMPORTANCE The widespread use of antibiotics can destroy beneficial intestinal microflora, opening the door for spores of Clostridioides difficile to run rampant in the digestive system, causing life-threatening diarrhea. Alternative approaches to target this deadly pathogen are urgently needed. We utilized targeted therapeutics called peptide nucleic acids (PNAs) to inhibit gene expression in C. difficile. Inhibition of the RNA polymerase α subunit gene (rpoA) by PNA was found to be lethal for C. difficile and could also disarm its virulence factors. Additionally, antisense inhibition of the C. difficile rpoA gene did not impact healthy microflora. We also propose a novel approach to manipulate gene expression in C. difficile without the need for established genetic tools.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rusha Pal
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia, USA
| | - Mohamed N. Seleem
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia, USA
- Center for Emerging Zoonotic and Arthropod-borne Pathogens, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Stillger K, Neundorf I. Cell-permeable peptide-based delivery vehicles useful for subcellular targeting and beyond. Cell Signal 2023:110796. [PMID: 37423344 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2023.110796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2023] [Revised: 07/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
Personal medicine aims to provide tailor-made diagnostics and treatments and has been emerged as a promising but challenging strategy during the last years. This includes the active delivery and localization of a therapeutic compound to a targeted site of action within a cell. An example being targeting the interference of a distinct protein-protein interaction (PPI) within the cell nucleus, mitochondria or other subcellular location. Therefore, not only the cell membrane has to be overcome but also the final intracellular destination has to be reached. One approach which fulfills both requirements is to use short peptide sequences that are able to translocate into cells as targeting and delivery vehicles. In fact, recent progress in this field demonstrates how these tools can modulate the pharmacological parameters of a drug without compromising its biological activity. Beside classical targets that are addressed by various small molecule drugs such as receptors, enzymes, or ion channels, PPIs have received increasing attention as potential therapeutic targets. Within this review, we will provide a recent update on cell-permeable peptides targeting subcellular destinations. We include chimeric peptide probes that combine cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) and a targeting sequence, as well peptides having intrinsic cell-permeability and which are often used to target PPIs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Stillger
- Institute for Biochemistry, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Cologne, Zuelpicher Str. 47a, 50674 Cologne, Germany
| | - Ines Neundorf
- Institute for Biochemistry, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Cologne, Zuelpicher Str. 47a, 50674 Cologne, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
MAPK Pathways in Ocular Pathophysiology: Potential Therapeutic Drugs and Challenges. Cells 2023; 12:cells12040617. [PMID: 36831285 PMCID: PMC9954064 DOI: 10.3390/cells12040617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways represent ubiquitous cellular signal transduction pathways that regulate all aspects of life and are frequently altered in disease. Once activated through phosphorylation, these MAPKs in turn phosphorylate and activate transcription factors present either in the cytoplasm or in the nucleus, leading to the expression of target genes and, as a consequence, they elicit various biological responses. The aim of this work is to provide a comprehensive review focusing on the roles of MAPK signaling pathways in ocular pathophysiology and the potential to influence these for the treatment of eye diseases. We summarize the current knowledge of identified MAPK-targeting compounds in the context of ocular diseases such as macular degeneration, cataract, glaucoma and keratopathy, but also in rare ocular diseases where the cell differentiation, proliferation or migration are defective. Potential therapeutic interventions are also discussed. Additionally, we discuss challenges in overcoming the reported eye toxicity of some MAPK inhibitors.
Collapse
|
4
|
Non-kinase targeting of oncogenic c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) signaling: the future of clinically viable cancer treatments. Biochem Soc Trans 2022; 50:1823-1836. [PMID: 36454622 PMCID: PMC9788565 DOI: 10.1042/bst20220808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
c-Jun N-terminal Kinases (JNKs) have been identified as key disease drivers in a number of pathophysiological settings and central oncogenic signaling nodes in various cancers. Their roles in driving primary tumor growth, positively regulating cancer stem cell populations, promoting invasion and facilitating metastatic outgrowth have led JNKs to be considered attractive targets for anti-cancer therapies. However, the homeostatic, apoptotic and tumor-suppressive activities of JNK proteins limit the use of direct JNK inhibitors in a clinical setting. In this review, we will provide an overview of the different JNK targeting strategies developed to date, which include various ATP-competitive, non-kinase and substrate-competitive inhibitors. We aim to summarize their distinct mechanisms of action, review some of the insights they have provided regarding JNK-targeting in cancer, and outline the limitations as well as challenges of all strategies that target JNKs directly. Furthermore, we will highlight alternate drug targets within JNK signaling complexes, including recently identified scaffold proteins, and discuss how these findings may open up novel therapeutic options for targeting discrete oncogenic JNK signaling complexes in specific cancer settings.
Collapse
|
5
|
Matei N, Leahy S, Blair NP, Burford J, Rahimi M, Shahidi M. Retinal Vascular Physiology Biomarkers in a 5XFAD Mouse Model of Alzheimer's Disease. Cells 2022; 11:2413. [PMID: 35954257 PMCID: PMC9368483 DOI: 10.3390/cells11152413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Revised: 07/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects the brain and retina and lacks reliable biomarkers for early diagnosis. As amyloid beta (Aβ) manifestations emerge prior to clinical symptoms and plaques of amyloid may cause vascular damage, identification of retinal vascular biomarkers may improve knowledge of AD pathophysiology and potentially serve as therapeutic targets. The purpose of the current study was to test the hypothesis that retinal hemodynamic and oxygen metrics are altered in 5XFAD mice. METHODS Thirty-two male mice were evaluated at 3 months of age: sixteen 5XFAD transgenic and sixteen wild-type mice. Spectral-domain optical coherence tomography, vascular oxygen tension, and blood flow imaging were performed in one eye of each mouse. After imaging, the imaged and fellow retinal tissues were submitted for histological sectioning and amyloid protein analysis, respectively. Protein analysis was also performed on the brain tissues. RESULTS Retinal physiological changes in venous diameter and blood velocity, arterial and venous oxygen contents, coupled with anatomical alterations in the thickness of retinal cell layers were detected in 5XFAD mice. Moreover, an increase in Aβ42 levels in both the retina and brain tissues was observed in 5XFAD mice. Significant changes in retinal oxygen delivery, metabolism, or extraction fraction were not detected. Based on compiled data from both groups, arterial oxygen content was inversely related to venous blood velocity and nerve fiber/ganglion cell layer thickness. CONCLUSIONS Concurrent alterations in retinal hemodynamic and oxygen metrics, thickness, and tissue Aβ42 protein levels in 5XFAD mice at 3 months of age corresponded to previously reported findings in human AD. Overall, these results suggest that this mouse model can be utilized for studying pathophysiology of AD and evaluating potential therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nathanael Matei
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Sophie Leahy
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Norman P. Blair
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - James Burford
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Mansour Rahimi
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Mahnaz Shahidi
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Xu Z, Chu M. Advances in Immunosuppressive Agents Based on Signal Pathway. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:917162. [PMID: 35694243 PMCID: PMC9178660 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.917162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Immune abnormality involves in various diseases, such as infection, allergic diseases, autoimmune diseases, as well as transplantation. Several signal pathways have been demonstrated to play a central role in the immune response, including JAK/STAT, NF-κB, PI3K/AKT-mTOR, MAPK, and Keap1/Nrf2/ARE pathway, in which multiple targets have been used to develop immunosuppressive agents. In recent years, varieties of immunosuppressive agents have been approved for clinical use, such as the JAK inhibitor tofacitinib and the mTOR inhibitor everolimus, which have shown good therapeutic effects. Additionally, many immunosuppressive agents are still in clinical trials or preclinical studies. In this review, we classified the immunosuppressive agents according to the immunopharmacological mechanisms, and summarized the phase of immunosuppressive agents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhiqing Xu
- Department of Immunology, National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology (Peking University), School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Department of Pharmacology, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Ming Chu
- Department of Immunology, National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology (Peking University), School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Wang XL, Jiang RW. Therapeutic Potential of Superoxide Dismutase Fused with Cell-Penetrating Peptides in Oxidative Stress-Related Diseases. Mini Rev Med Chem 2022; 22:2287-2298. [PMID: 35227183 DOI: 10.2174/1389557522666220228150127] [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: 11/26/2021] [Revised: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Superoxide dismutase (SOD) is a well-known cellular antioxidant enzyme. However, exogenous SOD cannot be used to protect tissues from oxidative damage due to the low permeability of the cell membrane. Cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) are a class of short peptides that can cross the cell membrane. Recombinant fusion protein that fuses SOD protein with CPP (CPP-SOD) can cross various tissues and organs as well as the blood-brain barrier. CPP-SODs can relieve severe oxidative damage in various tissues caused by radiation, ischemia, inflammation, and chemotherapy by clearing the reactive oxygen species, reducing the expression of inflammatory factors, and inhibiting NF-κB/MAPK signaling pathways. Therefore, the clinical application of CPP-SODs provide new therapeutic strategies for a variety of oxidative stress-related disorders, such as Parkinson's disease, diabetes, obesity, cardiac fibrosis, and premature aging.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Lu Wang
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmacodynamic Constituents of TCM and New Drugs Research, and International Cooperative Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Modernization and Innovative Drug Development of Chinese Ministry of Education, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Ren-Wang Jiang
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmacodynamic Constituents of TCM and New Drugs Research, and International Cooperative Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Modernization and Innovative Drug Development of Chinese Ministry of Education, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Peptide Regulation of Gene Expression: A Systematic Review. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26227053. [PMID: 34834147 PMCID: PMC8619776 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26227053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Revised: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Peptides are characterized by their wide range of biological activity: they regulate functions of the endocrine, nervous, and immune systems. The mechanism of such action of peptides involves their ability to regulate gene expression and protein synthesis in plants, microorganisms, insects, birds, rodents, primates, and humans. Short peptides, consisting of 2-7 amino acid residues, can penetrate into the nuclei and nucleoli of cells and interact with the nucleosome, the histone proteins, and both single- and double-stranded DNA. DNA-peptide interactions, including sequence recognition in gene promoters, are important for template-directed synthetic reactions, replication, transcription, and reparation. Peptides can regulate the status of DNA methylation, which is an epigenetic mechanism for the activation or repression of genes in both the normal condition, as well as in cases of pathology and senescence. In this context, one can assume that short peptides were evolutionarily among the first signaling molecules that regulated the reactions of template-directed syntheses. This situation enhances the prospects of developing effective and safe immunoregulatory, neuroprotective, antimicrobial, antiviral, and other drugs based on short peptides.
Collapse
|
9
|
Fang Y, Liu Z, Qiu Y, Kong J, Fu Y, Liu Y, Wang C, Quan J, Wang Q, Xu W, Yin L, Cui J, Xu Y, Curry S, Jiang S, Lu L, Zhou X. Inhibition of viral suppressor of RNAi proteins by designer peptides protects from enteroviral infection in vivo. Immunity 2021; 54:2231-2244.e6. [PMID: 34555337 DOI: 10.1016/j.immuni.2021.08.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2020] [Revised: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi) is the major antiviral mechanism in plants and invertebrates, but the absence of detectable viral (v)siRNAs in mammalian cells upon viral infection has questioned the functional relevance of this pathway in mammalian immunity. We designed a series of peptides specifically targeting enterovirus A71 (EV-A71)-encoded protein 3A, a viral suppressor of RNAi (VSR). These peptides abrogated the VSR function of EV-A71 in infected cells and resulted in the accumulation of vsiRNAs and reduced viral replication. These vsiRNAs were functional, as evidenced by RISC-loading and silencing of target RNAs. The effects of VSR-targeting peptides (VTPs) on infection with EV-A71 as well as another enterovirus, Coxsackievirus-A16, were ablated upon deletion of Dicer1 or AGO2, core components of the RNAi pathway. In vivo, VTP treatment protected mice against lethal EV-A71 challenge, with detectable vsiRNAs. Our findings provide evidence for the functional relevance of RNAi in mammalian immunity and present a therapeutic strategy for infectious disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Fang
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China; State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Zezhong Liu
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/NHC/CAMS), School of Basic Medical Sciences and Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and Biosecurity, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Yang Qiu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Jing Kong
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Yuhong Fu
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/NHC/CAMS), School of Basic Medical Sciences and Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and Biosecurity, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Yujie Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China; State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Chong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Wuhan 430071, China; Guangzhou Institute of Pediatrics, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Jia Quan
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China; State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Qian Wang
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/NHC/CAMS), School of Basic Medical Sciences and Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and Biosecurity, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Wei Xu
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/NHC/CAMS), School of Basic Medical Sciences and Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and Biosecurity, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Lei Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Jie Cui
- CAS Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology & Immunology, Institut Pasteur of Shanghai, CAS, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Yi Xu
- Guangzhou Institute of Pediatrics, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Stephen Curry
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Shibo Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/NHC/CAMS), School of Basic Medical Sciences and Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and Biosecurity, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Lu Lu
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/NHC/CAMS), School of Basic Medical Sciences and Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and Biosecurity, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.
| | - Xi Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Wuhan 430071, China.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Wang S, Dai T, Qin Z, Pan T, Chu F, Lou L, Zhang L, Yang B, Huang H, Lu H, Zhou F. Targeting liquid-liquid phase separation of SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein promotes innate antiviral immunity by elevating MAVS activity. Nat Cell Biol 2021; 23:718-732. [PMID: 34239064 DOI: 10.1038/s41556-021-00710-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 138] [Impact Index Per Article: 46.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Patients with Coronavirus disease 2019 exhibit low expression of interferon-stimulated genes, contributing to a limited antiviral response. Uncovering the underlying mechanism of innate immune suppression and rescuing the innate antiviral response remain urgent issues in the current pandemic. Here we identified that the dimerization domain of the SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein (SARS2-NP) is required for SARS2-NP to undergo liquid-liquid phase separation with RNA, which inhibits Lys63-linked poly-ubiquitination and aggregation of MAVS and thereby suppresses the innate antiviral immune response. Mice infected with an RNA virus carrying SARS2-NP exhibited reduced innate immunity, an increased viral load and high morbidity. Notably, we identified SARS2-NP acetylation at Lys375 by host acetyltransferase and reported frequently occurring acetylation-mimicking mutations of Lys375, all of which impaired SARS2-NP liquid-liquid phase separation with RNA. Importantly, a peptide targeting the dimerization domain was screened out to disrupt the SARS2-NP liquid-liquid phase separation and demonstrated to inhibit SARS-CoV-2 replication and rescue innate antiviral immunity both in vitro and in vivo.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shuai Wang
- Institutes of Biology and Medical Science, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Tong Dai
- Institutes of Biology and Medical Science, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Ziran Qin
- Institutes of Biology and Medical Science, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Ting Pan
- Center for Infection and Immunity Studies, School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Feng Chu
- Institutes of Biology and Medical Science, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Lingfeng Lou
- Institutes of Biology and Medical Science, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Long Zhang
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis and Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Bing Yang
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis and Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and the Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Huizhe Huang
- Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Chonqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Huasong Lu
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis and Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Fangfang Zhou
- Institutes of Biology and Medical Science, Soochow University, Suzhou, China.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Hepp Rehfeldt SC, Majolo F, Goettert MI, Laufer S. c-Jun N-Terminal Kinase Inhibitors as Potential Leads for New Therapeutics for Alzheimer's Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E9677. [PMID: 33352989 PMCID: PMC7765872 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21249677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2020] [Revised: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/12/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is becoming more prevalent as the population lives longer. For individuals over 60 years of age, the prevalence of AD is estimated at 40.19% across the world. Regarding the cognitive decline caused by the disease, mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) pathways such as the c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) pathway are involved in the progressive loss of neurons and synapses, brain atrophy, and augmentation of the brain ventricles, being activated by synaptic dysfunction, oxidative stress, and excitotoxicity. Nowadays, AD symptoms are manageable, but the disease itself remains incurable, thus the inhibition of JNK3 has been explored as a possible therapeutic target, considering that JNK is best known for its involvement in propagating pro-apoptotic signals. This review aims to present biological aspects of JNK, focusing on JNK3 and how it relates to AD. It was also explored the recent development of inhibitors that could be used in AD treatment since several drugs/compounds in phase III clinical trials failed. General aspects of the MAPK family, therapeutic targets, and experimental treatment in models are described and discussed throughout this review.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Cristine Hepp Rehfeldt
- Graduate Program in Biotechnology, University of Vale do Taquari (Univates), Lajeado CEP 95914-014, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil; (S.C.H.R.); (F.M.)
| | - Fernanda Majolo
- Graduate Program in Biotechnology, University of Vale do Taquari (Univates), Lajeado CEP 95914-014, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil; (S.C.H.R.); (F.M.)
- Brain Institute of Rio Grande do Sul (BraIns), Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre CEP 90619-900, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Márcia Inês Goettert
- Graduate Program in Biotechnology, University of Vale do Taquari (Univates), Lajeado CEP 95914-014, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil; (S.C.H.R.); (F.M.)
| | - Stefan Laufer
- Department of Pharmaceutical/Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, University of Tuebingen, D-72076 Tuebingen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
de Jong H, Bonger KM, Löwik DWPM. Activatable cell-penetrating peptides: 15 years of research. RSC Chem Biol 2020; 1:192-203. [PMID: 34458758 PMCID: PMC8341016 DOI: 10.1039/d0cb00114g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2020] [Accepted: 08/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
An important hurdle for the intracellular delivery of large cargo is the cellular membrane, which protects the cell from exogenous substances. Cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) can cross this barrier but their use as drug delivery vehicles is hampered by their lack of cell type specificity. Over the past years, several approaches have been explored to control the activity of CPPs that can be primed for cellular uptake. Since the first report on such activatable CPPs (ACPPs) in 2004, various methods of activation have been developed. Here, we provide an overview of the different ACPPs strategies known to date and summarize the benefits, drawbacks, and future directions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Heleen de Jong
- Department of Synthetic Organic Chemistry, Institute for Molecules and Materials, Radboud University Nijmegen The Netherlands
| | - Kimberly M Bonger
- Department of Synthetic Organic Chemistry, Institute for Molecules and Materials, Radboud University Nijmegen The Netherlands
| | - Dennis W P M Löwik
- Department of Synthetic Organic Chemistry, Institute for Molecules and Materials, Radboud University Nijmegen The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Vedadghavami A, Zhang C, Bajpayee AG. Overcoming negatively charged tissue barriers: Drug delivery using cationic peptides and proteins. NANO TODAY 2020; 34:100898. [PMID: 32802145 PMCID: PMC7425807 DOI: 10.1016/j.nantod.2020.100898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Negatively charged tissues are ubiquitous in the human body and are associated with a number of common diseases yet remain an outstanding challenge for targeted drug delivery. While the anionic proteoglycans are critical for tissue structure and function, they make tissue matrix dense, conferring a high negative fixed charge density (FCD) that makes drug penetration through the tissue deep zones and drug delivery to resident cells extremely challenging. The high negative FCD of these tissues is now being utilized by taking advantage of electrostatic interactions to create positively charged multi-stage delivery methods that can sequentially penetrate through the full thickness of tissues, create a drug depot and target cells. After decades of work on attempting delivery using strong binding interactions, significant advances have recently been made using weak and reversible electrostatic interactions, a characteristic now considered essential to drug penetration and retention in negatively charged tissues. Here we discuss these advances using examples of negatively charged tissues (cartilage, meniscus, tendons and ligaments, nucleus pulposus, vitreous of eye, mucin, skin), and delve into how each of their structures, tissue matrix compositions and high negative FCDs create barriers to drug entry and explore how charge interactions are being used to overcome these barriers. We review work on tissue targeting cationic peptide and protein-based drug delivery, compare and contrast drug delivery designs, and also present examples of technologies that are entering clinical trials. We also present strategies on further enhancing drug retention within diseased tissues of lower FCD by using synergistic effects of short-range binding interactions like hydrophobic and H-bonds that stabilize long-range charge interactions. As electrostatic interactions are incorporated into design of drug delivery materials and used as a strategy to create properties that are reversible, tunable and dynamic, bio-electroceuticals are becoming an exciting new direction of research and clinical work.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Armin Vedadghavami
- Department of Bioengineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Chenzhen Zhang
- Department of Bioengineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Ambika G. Bajpayee
- Department of Bioengineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Young CC, Vedadghavami A, Bajpayee AG. Bioelectricity for Drug Delivery: The Promise of Cationic Therapeutics. Bioelectricity 2020; 2:68-81. [PMID: 32803148 DOI: 10.1089/bioe.2020.0012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Biological systems overwhelmingly comprise charged entities generating electrical activity that can have significant impact on biological structure and function. This intrinsic bio-electrical activity can also be harnessed for overcoming the tissue matrix and cell membrane barriers, which have been outstanding challenges for targeted drug delivery, by using rationally designed cationic carriers. The weak and reversible long-range electrostatic interactions with fixed negatively charged groups facilitate electro-diffusive transport of cationic therapeutics through full-tissue thickness to effectively reach intra-tissue, cellular, and intracellular target sites. This article presents a perspective on the promise of using rationally designed cationic biomaterials in targeted drug delivery, the underlying charge-based mechanisms, and bio-transport phenomena while addressing outstanding concerns around toxicity and methods to mitigate them. We also discuss electrically charged drugs that are currently being evaluated in clinical trials and identify areas of further development that have the potential to usher in new treatments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cameron C Young
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Armin Vedadghavami
- Department of Bioengineering, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Ambika G Bajpayee
- Department of Bioengineering, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Wu Q, Wu W, Jacevic V, Franca TCC, Wang X, Kuca K. Selective inhibitors for JNK signalling: a potential targeted therapy in cancer. J Enzyme Inhib Med Chem 2020; 35:574-583. [PMID: 31994958 PMCID: PMC7034130 DOI: 10.1080/14756366.2020.1720013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) signalling regulates both cancer cell apoptosis and survival. Emerging evidence show that JNK promoted tumour progression is involved in various cancers, that include human pancreatic-, lung-, and breast cancer. The pro-survival JNK oncoprotein functions in a cell context- and cell type-specific manner to affect signal pathways that modulate tumour initiation, proliferation, and migration. JNK is therefore considered a potential oncogenic target for cancer therapy. Currently, designing effective and specific JNK inhibitors is an active area in the cancer treatment. Some ATP-competitive inhibitors of JNK, such as SP600125 and AS601245, are widely used in vitro; however, this type of inhibitor lacks specificity as they indiscriminately inhibit phosphorylation of all JNK substrates. Moreover, JNK has at least three isoforms with different functions in cancer development and identifying specific selective inhibitors is crucial for the development of targeted therapy in cancer. Some selective inhibitors of JNK are identified; however, their clinical studies in cancer are relatively less conducted. In this review, we first summarised the function of JNK signalling in cancer progression; there is a focus on the discussion of the novel selective JNK inhibitors as potential targeting therapy in cancer. Finally, we have offered a future perspective of the selective JNK inhibitors in the context of cancer therapies. We hope this review will help to further understand the role of JNK in cancer progression and provide insight into the design of novel selective JNK inhibitors in cancer treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qinghua Wu
- College of Life Science, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China.,College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China.,Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Hradec Kralove, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Wenda Wu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China.,Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Hradec Kralove, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Vesna Jacevic
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Hradec Kralove, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic.,National Poison Control Centre, Military Medical Academy, Belgrade, Serbia.,Medical Faculty of the Military Medical Academy, University of Defence, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Tanos C C Franca
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Hradec Kralove, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic.,Laboratory of Molecular Modeling Applied to the Chemical and Biological Defense, Military Institute of Engineering, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Xu Wang
- National Reference Laboratory of Veterinary Drug Residues (HZAU) and MAO Key Laboratory for Detection of Veterinary Drug Residues, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Kamil Kuca
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Hradec Kralove, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Peptide Conjugates with Small Molecules Designed to Enhance Efficacy and Safety. Molecules 2019; 24:molecules24101855. [PMID: 31091786 PMCID: PMC6572008 DOI: 10.3390/molecules24101855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2019] [Revised: 05/10/2019] [Accepted: 05/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Peptides constitute molecular diversity with unique molecular mechanisms of action that are proven indispensable in the management of many human diseases, but of only a mere fraction relative to more traditional small molecule-based medicines. The integration of these two therapeutic modalities offers the potential to enhance and broaden pharmacology while minimizing dose-dependent toxicology. This review summarizes numerous advances in drug design, synthesis and development that provide direction for next-generation research endeavors in this field. Medicinal studies in this area have largely focused upon the application of peptides to selectively enhance small molecule cytotoxicity to more effectively treat multiple oncologic diseases. To a lesser and steadily emerging extent peptides are being therapeutically employed to complement and diversify the pharmacology of small molecule drugs in diseases other than just cancer. No matter the disease, the purpose of the molecular integration remains constant and it is to achieve superior therapeutic outcomes with diminished adverse effects. We review linker technology and conjugation chemistries that have enabled integrated and targeted pharmacology with controlled release. Finally, we offer our perspective on opportunities and obstacles in the field.
Collapse
|
17
|
Wong CW, Wong TT. Posterior segment drug delivery for the treatment of exudative age-related macular degeneration and diabetic macular oedema. Br J Ophthalmol 2019; 103:1356-1360. [PMID: 31040133 DOI: 10.1136/bjophthalmol-2018-313462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2018] [Revised: 04/04/2019] [Accepted: 04/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Inhibitors of vascular endothelial growth factors are used to treat a myriad of retinal conditions, including exudative age-related macular degeneration (AMD), diabetic macular oedema (DME) and diabetic retinopathy. Although effective, long-term efficacy is limited by the need for frequent and invasive intravitreal injections. The quest for sustained action therapeutics that can be delivered to target tissue in the least invasive manner is an arduous endeavour that has ended in premature failure for several technologies in Phase II or III trials. Nevertheless, there have been promising preclinical studies, and more are on the horizon: port delivery systems for the treatment of exudative AMD have entered Phase III trials and a wide array of preclinical studies have demonstrated the potential for nanoparticles, such as liposomes, dendrimers and cell penetrating peptides to deliver therapeutics into the posterior segment via minimally invasive routes. In this review, we discuss the challenges posed by ocular barriers for drug penetration and present the recent advancements of the most pertinent drug delivery platforms with a focus on the treatment of exudative AMD and DME.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chee Wai Wong
- Surgical Retina, Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore, Singapore.,Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Tina T Wong
- Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School, Singapore, Singapore .,Glaucoma, Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore, Singapore
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Eshraghi AA, Aranke M, Salvi R, Ding D, Coleman JK, Ocak E, Mittal R, Meyer T. Preclinical and clinical otoprotective applications of cell-penetrating peptide D-JNKI-1 (AM-111). Hear Res 2018; 368:86-91. [DOI: 10.1016/j.heares.2018.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2017] [Revised: 02/07/2018] [Accepted: 03/02/2018] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
|
19
|
Wang J, Tai G. Role of C-Jun N-terminal Kinase in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Development. Target Oncol 2017; 11:723-738. [PMID: 27392951 DOI: 10.1007/s11523-016-0446-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is among the most frequently occurring cancers and the leading causes of cancer mortality worldwide. Identification of the signaling pathways regulating liver carcinogenesis is critical for developing novel chemoprevention and targeted therapies. C-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) is a member of a larger group of serine/threonine (Ser/Thr) protein kinases known as the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) family. JNK is an important signaling component that converts external stimuli into a wide range of cellular responses, including cell proliferation, differentiation, survival, migration, invasion, and apoptosis, as well as the development of inflammation, fibrosis, cancer growth, and metabolic diseases. Because of the essential roles of JNK in these cellular functions, deregulated JNK is often found to contribute to the development of HCC. Recently, the functions and molecular mechanisms of JNK in HCC development have been addressed using mouse models and human HCC cell lines. Furthermore, recent studies demonstrate that the activation of JNK by oncogenes can promote the development of cancers by regulating the transforming growth factor (TGF)-β/Smad pathway, which makes the oncogenes/JNK/Smad signaling pathway an attractive target for cancer therapy. Additionally, JNK-targeted therapy has a broad potential for clinical applications. In summary, we are convinced that promising new avenues for the treatment of HCC by targeting JNK are on the horizon, which will undoubtedly lead to better, more effective, and faster therapies in the years to come.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Juan Wang
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, 126 Xinmin Street, Jilin, Changchun, 130021, China
| | - Guixiang Tai
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, 126 Xinmin Street, Jilin, Changchun, 130021, China.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Buccarello L, Sclip A, Sacchi M, Castaldo AM, Bertani I, ReCecconi A, Maestroni S, Zerbini G, Nucci P, Borsello T. The c-jun N-terminal kinase plays a key role in ocular degenerative changes in a mouse model of Alzheimer disease suggesting a correlation between ocular and brain pathologies. Oncotarget 2017; 8:83038-83051. [PMID: 29137322 PMCID: PMC5669948 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.19886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2017] [Accepted: 07/12/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Recently a range of ocular manifestations such as retinal and lens amyloid-beta accumulation and retinal nerve fiber layer loss have been proposed as potential biomarkers in Alzheimer disease (AD). The TgCRND8 mouse model of AD exhibits age-dependent amyloid β (Aβ) oligomers accumulation and cognitive defects, amyloid plaques and hyperphosphorylated Tau deposition and inflammation. We proved the correlation between ocular pathologies and AD, observing increased levels of p-APP and p-Tau, accumulation of Aβ oligomers in the retina, eye, and optic nerve. The accumulation of amyloid markers was significantly stronger in the retinal ganglion cell (RGC) layer, suggesting that RGC might be more susceptible to degeneration. We detected a thinning of the RGC layer as well as RGC death in the retina of TgCRND8 mice, by using a combination of Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), immunofluorescence, immunohistochemistry and Western blotting techniques. We proved for the first time the key role of C-Jun N-terminal Kinase (JNK) in the ocular degeneration. In support of this, the administration of the JNK inhibitor, D-JNKI1, was able to counteract the Aβ and p-Tau accumulation in the retina of TgCRND8 mice, and consequently reduce RGCs loss. These results confirm that degenerative changes in the retina/eye of AD mouse model mirrors the events observed in the brain parenchyma. Ocular changes can be detected by non-invasive imaging techniques, such as OCT, to study and test different therapeutic strategies against degenerative events associated to AD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Buccarello
- IRCCS-Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche "Mario Negri", Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandra Sclip
- IRCCS-Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche "Mario Negri", Milan, Italy
| | - Matteo Sacchi
- University Eye Clinic, San Giuseppe Hospital, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Ilaria Bertani
- IRCCS-Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche "Mario Negri", Milan, Italy
| | - Andrea ReCecconi
- IRCCS-Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche "Mario Negri", Milan, Italy
| | - Silvia Maestroni
- Unità Complicanze del Diabete, Istituto Scientifico San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Gianpaolo Zerbini
- Unità Complicanze del Diabete, Istituto Scientifico San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Paolo Nucci
- University Eye Clinic, San Giuseppe Hospital, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Tiziana Borsello
- IRCCS-Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche "Mario Negri", Milan, Italy.,Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Baar MP, Brandt RMC, Putavet DA, Klein JDD, Derks KWJ, Bourgeois BRM, Stryeck S, Rijksen Y, van Willigenburg H, Feijtel DA, van der Pluijm I, Essers J, van Cappellen WA, van IJcken WF, Houtsmuller AB, Pothof J, de Bruin RWF, Madl T, Hoeijmakers JHJ, Campisi J, de Keizer PLJ. Targeted Apoptosis of Senescent Cells Restores Tissue Homeostasis in Response to Chemotoxicity and Aging. Cell 2017; 169:132-147.e16. [PMID: 28340339 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2017.02.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 861] [Impact Index Per Article: 123.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2016] [Revised: 12/29/2016] [Accepted: 02/22/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The accumulation of irreparable cellular damage restricts healthspan after acute stress or natural aging. Senescent cells are thought to impair tissue function, and their genetic clearance can delay features of aging. Identifying how senescent cells avoid apoptosis allows for the prospective design of anti-senescence compounds to address whether homeostasis can also be restored. Here, we identify FOXO4 as a pivot in senescent cell viability. We designed a FOXO4 peptide that perturbs the FOXO4 interaction with p53. In senescent cells, this selectively causes p53 nuclear exclusion and cell-intrinsic apoptosis. Under conditions where it was well tolerated in vivo, this FOXO4 peptide neutralized doxorubicin-induced chemotoxicity. Moreover, it restored fitness, fur density, and renal function in both fast aging XpdTTD/TTD and naturally aged mice. Thus, therapeutic targeting of senescent cells is feasible under conditions where loss of health has already occurred, and in doing so tissue homeostasis can effectively be restored.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marjolein P Baar
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Erasmus University Medical Center Rotterdam, Wytemaweg 80, 3015CN, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Renata M C Brandt
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Erasmus University Medical Center Rotterdam, Wytemaweg 80, 3015CN, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Diana A Putavet
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Erasmus University Medical Center Rotterdam, Wytemaweg 80, 3015CN, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Julian D D Klein
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Erasmus University Medical Center Rotterdam, Wytemaweg 80, 3015CN, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Kasper W J Derks
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Erasmus University Medical Center Rotterdam, Wytemaweg 80, 3015CN, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Benjamin R M Bourgeois
- Institute of Molecular Biology & Biochemistry, Center of Molecular Medicine, Medical University of Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Sarah Stryeck
- Institute of Molecular Biology & Biochemistry, Center of Molecular Medicine, Medical University of Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Yvonne Rijksen
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Erasmus University Medical Center Rotterdam, Wytemaweg 80, 3015CN, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Hester van Willigenburg
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Erasmus University Medical Center Rotterdam, Wytemaweg 80, 3015CN, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Danny A Feijtel
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Erasmus University Medical Center Rotterdam, Wytemaweg 80, 3015CN, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Ingrid van der Pluijm
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Erasmus University Medical Center Rotterdam, Wytemaweg 80, 3015CN, Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Vascular Surgery, Erasmus University Medical Center Rotterdam, Wytemaweg 80, 3015CN, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Jeroen Essers
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Erasmus University Medical Center Rotterdam, Wytemaweg 80, 3015CN, Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Vascular Surgery, Erasmus University Medical Center Rotterdam, Wytemaweg 80, 3015CN, Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Radiation Oncology, Erasmus University Medical Center Rotterdam, Wytemaweg 80, 3015CN, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Wiggert A van Cappellen
- Erasmus Optical Imaging Center and Department of Pathology, Erasmus University Medical Center Rotterdam, Wytemaweg 80, 3015CN, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Wilfred F van IJcken
- Department of Cell Biology, Erasmus University Medical Center Rotterdam, Wytemaweg 80, 3015CN, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Adriaan B Houtsmuller
- Erasmus Optical Imaging Center and Department of Pathology, Erasmus University Medical Center Rotterdam, Wytemaweg 80, 3015CN, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Joris Pothof
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Erasmus University Medical Center Rotterdam, Wytemaweg 80, 3015CN, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Ron W F de Bruin
- Department of Surgery, Erasmus University Medical Center Rotterdam, Wytemaweg 80, 3015CN, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Tobias Madl
- Institute of Molecular Biology & Biochemistry, Center of Molecular Medicine, Medical University of Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Jan H J Hoeijmakers
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Erasmus University Medical Center Rotterdam, Wytemaweg 80, 3015CN, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Judith Campisi
- The Buck Institute for Research on Aging, 8001 Redwood Blvd., Novato, CA 94945, USA; Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratories, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Peter L J de Keizer
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Erasmus University Medical Center Rotterdam, Wytemaweg 80, 3015CN, Rotterdam, the Netherlands; The Buck Institute for Research on Aging, 8001 Redwood Blvd., Novato, CA 94945, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Wang J, Ni WH, Hu KB, Zhai XY, Xie F, Jie J, Zhang NN, Jiang LN, Yuan HY, Tai GX. Targeting MUC1 and JNK by RNA interference and inhibitor inhibit the development of hepatocellular carcinoma. Cancer Sci 2017; 108:504-511. [PMID: 28012230 PMCID: PMC5378288 DOI: 10.1111/cas.13144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2016] [Revised: 12/14/2016] [Accepted: 12/18/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Mucin 1 (MUC1), as an oncogene, is overexpressed in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells and promotes the progression and tumorigenesis of HCC through JNK/TGF-β signaling pathway. In the present study, RNA interference (RNAi) and JNK inhibitor SP600125, which target MUC1 and/or JNK, were used to treat HCC cells in vitro, and the results showed that both silencing the expression of MUC1 and blocking the activity of JNK inhibited the proliferation of HCC cells. In addition, MUC1-stable-knockdown and SP600125 significantly inhibited the growth of tumors in the subcutaneous transplant tumor models that established in BALB/c nude mice rather than MUC1 or JNK siRNAs transiently transfection. Furthermore, the results from immunohistochemical staining assays showed that the inhibitory effects of MUC1 gene silencing and SP600125 on the proliferation of HCC cells in vivo were through the JNK/TGF-β signaling pathway. These results indicate that MUC1 and JNK are attractive targets for HCC therapy and may provide new therapeutic strategies for the treatment of HCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Juan Wang
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Wei-Hua Ni
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Ke-Bang Hu
- Department of Urology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xiao-Yu Zhai
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Fei Xie
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jing Jie
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Nan-Nan Zhang
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Li-Na Jiang
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Hong-Yan Yuan
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Gui-Xiang Tai
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Chiquet C, Aptel F, Creuzot-Garcher C, Berrod JP, Kodjikian L, Massin P, Deloche C, Perino J, Kirwan BA, de Brouwer S, Combette JM, Behar-Cohen F. Postoperative Ocular Inflammation: A Single Subconjunctival Injection of XG-102 Compared to Dexamethasone Drops in a Randomized Trial. Am J Ophthalmol 2017; 174:76-84. [PMID: 27810317 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajo.2016.10.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2016] [Revised: 10/21/2016] [Accepted: 10/22/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate the efficacy and safety of XG-102 (brimapitide) compared to dexamethasone eye drops in the treatment of postoperative ocular inflammation. DESIGN Multicenter, randomized, parallel group, double-masked, noninferiority clinical trial. METHODS Patients who underwent anterior and posterior segments combined surgery or glaucoma surgery or complex posterior segment surgery were eligible to participate. Patients were administered a single subconjunctival injection of 250 μL XG-102 90 μg (n = 47) or 900 μg (n = 48) or placebo (n = 50) at the end of ocular surgery. Subconjunctival injection for each group (XG-102 90 μg, XG-102 900 μg, or placebo) was followed by eye drops instilled 4 times per day for 21 days with placebo, placebo, or dexamethasone solution, respectively. The primary outcome measure was anterior chamber cell grades at day 28 comparing XG-102 900 μg with dexamethasone. RESULTS The anterior cell grades for both XG-102 groups were noninferior to dexamethasone (-0.054 anterior cell grade [95% confidence interval -0.350-0.242]; P < .001 for noninferiority) for XG-102 900 μg and -0.086 anterior cell grade (95% confidence interval -0.214-0.385; P = .003 for noninferiority) for XG-102 90 μg. Rescue medication was introduced for 10 (21%), 7 (15%), and 2 (4%) patients allocated to the XG-102 90 μg, XG-102 900 μg, and dexamethasone groups, respectively. The difference between XG-102 90 μg and dexamethasone was statistically significant (P = .013). The number of patients for whom adverse events were reported and the nature of the events reported was similar between the 3 treatment groups. CONCLUSIONS A single subconjunctival injection of XG-102 at the end of ocular surgery is noninferior to dexamethasone eye drops in the treatment of postoperative ocular inflammation.
Collapse
|
24
|
de Keizer PL. The Fountain of Youth by Targeting Senescent Cells? Trends Mol Med 2017; 23:6-17. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2016.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2016] [Revised: 11/16/2016] [Accepted: 11/17/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
|
25
|
Krautwald S, Dewitz C, Fändrich F, Kunzendorf U. Inhibition of regulated cell death by cell-penetrating peptides. Cell Mol Life Sci 2016; 73:2269-84. [PMID: 27048815 PMCID: PMC4887531 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-016-2200-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2016] [Accepted: 03/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Development of the means to efficiently and continuously renew missing and non-functional proteins in diseased cells remains a major goal in modern molecular medicine. While gene therapy has the potential to achieve this, substantial obstacles must be overcome before clinical application can be considered. A promising alternative approach is the direct delivery of non-permeant active biomolecules, such as oligonucleotides, peptides and proteins, to the affected cells with the purpose of ameliorating an advanced disease process. In addition to receptor-mediated endocytosis, cell-penetrating peptides are widely used as vectors for rapid translocation of conjugated molecules across cell membranes into intracellular compartments and the delivery of these therapeutic molecules is generally referred to as novel prospective protein therapy. As a broad coverage of the enormous amount of published data in this field is unrewarding, this review will provide a brief, focused overview of the technology and a summary of recent studies of the most commonly used protein transduction domains and their potential as therapeutic agents for the treatment of cellular damage and the prevention of regulated cell death.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Krautwald
- Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, 24105, Kiel, Germany.
| | - Christin Dewitz
- Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, 24105, Kiel, Germany
| | - Fred Fändrich
- Clinic for Applied Cellular Medicine, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, 24105, Kiel, Germany
| | - Ulrich Kunzendorf
- Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, 24105, Kiel, Germany
| |
Collapse
|