Inhibiting Hyper-O-GlcNAcylation of c-Myc accelerate diabetic wound healing by alleviating keratinocyte dysfunction

HMGB1 Accelerates Wound Healing by Promoting the Differentiation of Epidermal Stem Cells via the "HMGB1-TLR4-Wnt/Notch" Axis

Objective: Impairments in the differentiation and migratory capacity of epidermal stem cells (ESCs) are pivotal factors contributing to delayed wound healing. High mobility group box1 (HMGB1) has recently emerged as a potential target for tissue repair. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the role and molecular mechanisms of HMGB1 in ESCs during the wound-healing process. Approach: Initially, we examined the expression of HMGB1 and the differentiation of ESCs in normal skin, normal wounds and chronic wounds. Then, we assessed the ESC migration and differentiation, and the key markers in the Wnt/Notch signaling pathways, after treatment of HMGB1 and inhibitor, and the knockdown of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), using scratch assay, qPCR, western blotting, and immunofluorescence. Finally, we conducted mice models to analyze the healing rates and quality in vivo. Results: HMGB1 was decreased across all epidermal layers, and the differentiation of ESCs was hindered in diabetic foot ulcer. In vitro, HMGB1 enhanced both the migration and differentiation of ESCs while stimulating the expression of the Wnt/Notch pathway within ESCs. However, the downregulation of TLR4 negated these effects. Finally, our in vivo experiments provided evidence that HMGB1 facilitates wound healing and epidermis differentiation via TLR4 and Wnt/Notch signaling pathways. Innovation: This study innovatively introduces HMGB1 as a novel target for skin wound healing and elucidates its mechanisms of action. Conclusions: HMGB1 accelerated wound healing by promoting the differentiation of epidermal stem cells through the "HMGB1-TLR4-Wnt/Notch" axis, which reveals a new potential mechanism and target to expedite wound healing.

O-GlcNAcylation: Crosstalk between Hemostasis, Inflammation, and Cancer

O-linked β-N-acetylglucosamine (O-GlcNAc, O-GlcNAcylation) is a post-translational modification of serine/threonine residues of proteins. Alterations in O-GlcNAcylation have been implicated in several types of cancer, regulation of tumor progression, inflammation, and thrombosis through its interaction with signaling pathways. We aim to explore the relationship between O-GlcNAcylation and hemostasis, inflammation, and cancer, which could serve as potential prognostic tools or clinical predictions for cancer patients' healthcare and as an approach to combat cancer. We found that cancer is characterized by high glucose demand and consumption, a chronic inflammatory state, a state of hypercoagulability, and platelet hyperaggregability that favors thrombosis; the latter is a major cause of death in these patients. Furthermore, we review transcription factors and pathways associated with O-GlcNAcylation, thrombosis, inflammation, and cancer, such as the PI3K/Akt/c-Myc pathway, the nuclear factor kappa B pathway, and the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. We also review infectious agents associated with cancer and chronic inflammation and potential inhibitors of cancer cell development. We conclude that it is necessary to approach both the diagnosis and treatment of cancer as a network in which multiple signaling pathways are integrated, and to search for a combination of potential drugs that regulate this signaling network.

Targeting senescent HDF with the USP7 inhibitor P5091 to enhance DFU wound healing through the p53 pathway

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to examine the potential of USP7 as a target for senolytic therapy and to investigate the molecular mechanism by which its inhibitor selectively induced apoptosis in senescent HDF and enhanced DFU wound healing.

METHODS

Clinical samples of DFU were collected to detect the expression of USP7 and aging-related proteins using immunohistochemistry and Western blot. In addition, β-galactosidase staining, qPCR, flow cytometry, ROS and MMP kits, and Western blot were used to analyze the biological functions of P5091 on senescence, cycle, and apoptosis. RNAseq was employed to further analyze the molecular mechanism of P5091. Finally, the DFU rat model was established to evaluate the effect of P5091 on wound healing.

RESULTS

The expression of USP7 and p21 were increased in DFU clinical samples. After treatment with d-glucose (30 mM, 7 days), β-galactosidase staining was deepened, proliferation rate decreased. USP7 inhibitors (P5091) could reduce the release of SASP factors, activate the production of ROS, and reduce MMP. In addition, it induced apoptosis and selectively clears senescent cells through the p53 signaling pathway. Finally, P5091 can improve diabetic wound healing in rats.

CONCLUSION

This study clarified the molecular mechanism of USP7 inhibitor (P5091) selectively inducing apoptosis of high glucose senescent HDF cells. This provides a new senolytics target and experimental basis for promoting DFU wound healing.

H2S donor S-propargyl-cysteine for skin wound healing improvement via smart transdermal delivery

Hydrogen sulfide for wound healing has drawn a lot of attention recently. In this research, the S-propargyl-cysteine (SPRC), an endogenous H2S donor, was loaded on carbomer hydrogel, and a copper sheet rat burn model was developed. Pathological changes in rat skin tissue were examined using hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and Masson staining. The immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining was performed to detect the expression of Collagen I (Col I) and Collagen III (Col III). The mRNA levels of interleukin (IL)-6, Col Iα2, Col IIIα1, tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase (TIMP)-1, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 were examined by quantitative real-time chain polymerase reaction. The findings demonstrated that the collagen layer was thicker in the SPRC group during the proliferative phase, SPRC hydrogel promoted VEGF expression. In the late stage of wound healing, the expression of IL-6, TIMP-1, MMP-9, and TGF-β1 was inhibited, and the Col I content was closer to that of normal tissue. These results surface that SPRC hydrogel can promote wound healing and play a positive role in reducing scar formation. Our results imply that SPRC can facilitate wound healing and play a positive role in reducing scar formation.

O-GlcNAcylation: cellular physiology and therapeutic target for human diseases

O-linked-β-N-acetylglucosamine (O-GlcNAcylation) is a distinctive posttranslational protein modification involving the coordinated action of O-GlcNAc transferase and O-GlcNAcase, primarily targeting serine or threonine residues in various proteins. This modification impacts protein functionality, influencing stability, protein-protein interactions, and localization. Its interaction with other modifications such as phosphorylation and ubiquitination is becoming increasingly evident. Dysregulation of O-GlcNAcylation is associated with numerous human diseases, including diabetes, nervous system degeneration, and cancers. This review extensively explores the regulatory mechanisms of O-GlcNAcylation, its effects on cellular physiology, and its role in the pathogenesis of diseases. It examines the implications of aberrant O-GlcNAcylation in diabetes and tumorigenesis, highlighting novel insights into its potential role in cardiovascular diseases. The review also discusses the interplay of O-GlcNAcylation with other protein modifications and its impact on cell growth and metabolism. By synthesizing current research, this review elucidates the multifaceted roles of O-GlcNAcylation, providing a comprehensive reference for future studies. It underscores the potential of targeting the O-GlcNAcylation cycle in developing novel therapeutic strategies for various pathologies.

Peptide RL-QN15 promotes wound healing of diabetic foot ulcers through p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase and smad3/miR-4482-3p/vascular endothelial growth factor B axis

Background

Wound management of diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) is a complex and challenging task, and existing strategies fail to meet clinical needs. Therefore, it is important to develop novel drug candidates and discover new therapeutic targets. However, reports on peptides as molecular probes for resolving issues related to DFUs remain rare. This study utilized peptide RL-QN15 as an exogenous molecular probe to investigate the underlying mechanism of endogenous non-coding RNA in DFU wound healing. The aim was to generate novel insights for the clinical management of DFUs and identify potential drug targets.

Methods

We investigated the wound-healing efficiency of peptide RL-QN15 under diabetic conditions using in vitro and in vivo experimental models. RNA sequencing, in vitro transfection, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, western blotting, dual luciferase reporter gene detection, in vitro cell scratches, and cell proliferation and migration assays were performed to explore the potential mechanism underlying the promoting effects of RL-QN15 on DFU repair.

Results

Peptide RL-QN15 enhanced the migration and proliferation of human immortalized keratinocytes (HaCaT cells) in a high-glucose environment and accelerated wound healing in a DFU rat model. Based on results from RNA sequencing, we defined a new microRNA (miR-4482-3p) related to the promotion of wound healing. The bioactivity of miR-4482-3p was verified by inhibiting and overexpressing miR-4482-3p. Inhibition of miR-4482-3p enhanced the migration and proliferation ability of HaCaT cells as well as the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor B (VEGFB). RL-QN15 also promoted the migration and proliferation ability of HaCaT cells, and VEGFB expression was mediated via inhibition of miR-4482-3p expression by the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38MAPK) and smad3 signaling pathways.

Conclusions

RL-QN15 is an effective molecule for the treatment of DFUs, with the underlying mechanism related to the inhibition of miR-4482-3p expression via the p38MAPK and smad3 signaling pathways, ultimately promoting re-epithelialization, angiogenesis and wound healing. This study provides a theoretical basis for the clinical application of RL-QN15 as a molecular probe in promoting DFU wound healing.

Growing and dividing: how O-GlcNAcylation leads the way

Cell cycle errors can lead to mutations, chromosomal instability, or death; thus, the precise control of cell cycle progression is essential for viability. The nutrient-sensing posttranslational modification, O-GlcNAc, regulates the cell cycle allowing one central control point directing progression of the cell cycle. O-GlcNAc is a single N-acetylglucosamine sugar modification to intracellular proteins that is dynamically added and removed by O-GlcNAc transferase (OGT) and O-GlcNAcase (OGA), respectively. These enzymes act as a rheostat to fine-tune protein function in response to a plethora of stimuli from nutrients to hormones. O-GlcNAc modulates mitogenic growth signaling, senses nutrient flux through the hexosamine biosynthetic pathway, and coordinates with other nutrient-sensing enzymes to progress cells through Gap phase 1 (G1). At the G1/S transition, O-GlcNAc modulates checkpoint control, while in S Phase, O-GlcNAcylation coordinates the replication fork. DNA replication errors activate O-GlcNAcylation to control the function of the tumor-suppressor p53 at Gap Phase 2 (G2). Finally, in mitosis (M phase), O-GlcNAc controls M phase progression and the organization of the mitotic spindle and midbody. Critical for M phase control is the interplay between OGT and OGA with mitotic kinases. Importantly, disruptions in OGT and OGA activity induce M phase defects and aneuploidy. These data point to an essential role for the O-GlcNAc rheostat in regulating cell division. In this review, we highlight O-GlcNAc nutrient sensing regulating G1, O-GlcNAc control of DNA replication and repair, and finally, O-GlcNAc organization of mitotic progression and spindle dynamics.

Macrophage polarization in diabetic wound healing

Impaired wound healing is one of the severe complications of diabetes. Macrophages have been shown to play a vital role in wound healing. In different wound environments, macrophages are classified into two phenotypes: classically activated macrophages and alternatively activated macrophages. Dysregulation of macrophage phenotypes leads to severely impaired wound healing in diabetes. Particularly, uncontrolled inflammation and abnormal macrophage phenotype are important reasons hindering the closure of diabetic wounds. This article reviews the functions of macrophages at various stages of wound healing, the relationship between macrophage phenotypic dysregulation and diabetic wound healing and the mechanism of macrophage polarization in diabetic wound healing. New therapeutic drugs targeting phagocyte polarization to promote the healing of diabetic wounds might provide a new strategy for treating chronic diabetic wound healing.

Betulinic acid accelerates diabetic wound healing by modulating hyperglycemia-induced oxidative stress, inflammation and glucose intolerance

BACKGROUND

Diabetes significantly delays wound healing through oxidative stress, inflammation and impaired re-epithelialization that lead to defective regulation of the healing process, although the related mechanism remains unclear. Here, we aim to investigate the potential role and mechanism for the beneficial effect of betulinic acid (BA) on diabetic wound healing.

METHODS

The molecular effect of BA on hyperglycemia-mediated gene expression, oxidative stress, inflammation and glucose uptake was evaluated in endothelial, fibroblast and muscle cells. Burn injury was introduced to streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats and BA administration through either an intraperitoneal (IP) or topical (TOP) technique was used for wound treatment. Glucose tolerance was evaluated in both muscle tissue and fibroblasts, while oxidative stress and inflammation were determined in both the circulatory system and in wound tissues. The effect of BA on the wound healing process was also evaluated.

RESULTS

BA treatment reversed hyperglycemia-induced glucose transporter type 4 (GLUT4) suppression in both muscle and fibroblast cells. This treatment also partly reversed hyperglycemia-mediated suppression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling and nuclear factor NFκB p65 subunit (NFκB p65) activation in endothelial cells. An in vivo rat study showed that BA administration ameliorated diabetes-mediated glucose intolerance and partly attenuated diabetes-mediated oxidative stress and inflammation in both the circulatory system and wound tissues. BA administration by both IP and TOP techniques significantly accelerated diabetic wound healing, while BA administration by either IP or TOP methods alone had a significantly lower effect.

CONCLUSIONS

BA treatment ameliorates hyperglycemia-mediated glucose intolerance, endothelial dysfunction, oxidative stress and inflammation. Administration of BA by both IP and TOP techniques was found to significantly accelerate diabetic wound healing, indicating that BA could be a potential therapeutic candidate for diabetic wound healing.