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Zhou HH, Tang YL, Xu TH, Cheng B. C-reactive protein: structure, function, regulation, and role in clinical diseases. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1425168. [PMID: 38947332 PMCID: PMC11211361 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1425168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024] Open
Abstract
C-reactive protein (CRP) is a plasma protein that is evolutionarily conserved, found in both vertebrates and many invertebrates. It is a member of the pentraxin superfamily, characterized by its pentameric structure and calcium-dependent binding to ligands like phosphocholine (PC). In humans and various other species, the plasma concentration of this protein is markedly elevated during inflammatory conditions, establishing it as a prototypical acute phase protein that plays a role in innate immune responses. This feature can also be used clinically to evaluate the severity of inflammation in the organism. Human CRP (huCRP) can exhibit contrasting biological functions due to conformational transitions, while CRP in various species retains conserved protective functions in vivo. The focus of this review will be on the structural traits of CRP, the regulation of its expression, activate complement, and its function in related diseases in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hai-Hong Zhou
- Centre for Translational Medicine, Gansu Provincial Academic Institute for Medical Research, Lanzhou, China
- Centre for Translational Medicine, Gansu Provincial Cancer Hospital, Lanzhou, China
- Centre for Translational Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center Gansu Hospital, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yu-Long Tang
- Ministry of Education (MOE), Key Laboratory of Cell Activities and Stress Adaptations, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Tian-Hao Xu
- Ministry of Education (MOE), Key Laboratory of Cell Activities and Stress Adaptations, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Bin Cheng
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Research Unit of Peptide Science, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
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2
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Gao N, Yuan P, Tang ZM, Lei JG, Yang ZR, Ahmed M, Yao ZY, Liang D, Wu Y, Li HY. Monomeric C-reactive protein is associated with severity and prognosis of decompensated hepatitis B cirrhosis. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1407768. [PMID: 38895111 PMCID: PMC11183496 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1407768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
C-reactive protein (CRP) is an acute-phase protein produced by the liver in response to infection and during chronic inflammatory disorders. Systemic inflammation is a major driver of cirrhosis progression from the compensated to the decompensated stage. Previous studies have shown that pentameric CRP (pCRP) to be a weak predictor of disease severity and prognosis in patients with decompensated hepatitis B cirrhosis, with it being only helpful for identifying patients with a higher short-term risk of death under certain conditions. Accumulating evidence indicates that pCRP dissociates to and acts primarily as the monomeric conformation (mCRP) at inflammatory loci, suggesting that mCRP may be a potentially superior disease marker with higher specificity and relevance to pathogenesis. However, it is unknown whether mCRP and anti-mCRP autoantibodies are associated with disease severity, or progression in decompensated hepatitis B cirrhosis. In this study, we evaluated the serum levels of mCRP and anti-mCRP autoantibodies in patients with decompensated cirrhosis of hepatitis B and their association with disease severity and theoretical prognosis. The results showed that patients with high mCRP and anti-mCRP autoantibody levels had more severe liver damage and that coagulation function was worse in patients with high anti-mCRP autoantibodies. Analysis of the correlation between pCRP, mCRP and anti-mCRP autoantibody levels with Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD), Albumin-Bilirubin (ALBI), and Child-Turcotte-Pugh (CTP) prognostic scores showed that mCRP was the most strongly correlated with MELD score, followed by anti-mCRP autoantibodies; conversely, pCRP was not significantly correlated with prognostic score. Therefore, mCRP and anti-mCRP autoantibodies may be more advantageous clinical indicators than pCRP for evaluating the pathological state of decompensated hepatitis B cirrhosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning Gao
- Department of Infectious Disease, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
| | - Ping Yuan
- Ministry of Education (MOE) Key Laboratory of Cell Activities and Stress Adaptations, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Zhao-Ming Tang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
- Ministry of Education (MOE) Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
| | - Jia-Geng Lei
- Ministry of Education (MOE) Key Laboratory of Cell Activities and Stress Adaptations, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Ze-Rui Yang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
- Ministry of Education (MOE) Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
| | - Mustafa Ahmed
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
- Ministry of Education (MOE) Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
| | - Zhen-Yu Yao
- Department of Physiology, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, China
| | - Dan Liang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
- Ministry of Education (MOE) Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
| | - Yi Wu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
- Ministry of Education (MOE) Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
| | - Hai-Yun Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
- Ministry of Education (MOE) Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
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3
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Potempa LA, Qiu WQ, Stefanski A, Rajab IM. Relevance of lipoproteins, membranes, and extracellular vesicles in understanding C-reactive protein biochemical structure and biological activities. Front Cardiovasc Med 2022; 9:979461. [PMID: 36158829 PMCID: PMC9493015 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.979461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Early purification protocols for C-reactive protein (CRP) often involved co-isolation of lipoproteins, primarily very low-density lipoproteins (VLDLs). The interaction with lipid particles was initially attributed to CRP’s calcium-dependent binding affinity for its primary ligand—phosphocholine—the predominant hydrophilic head group expressed on phospholipids of most lipoprotein particles. Later, CRP was shown to additionally express binding affinity for apolipoprotein B (apo B), a predominant apolipoprotein of both VLDL and LDL particles. Apo B interaction with CRP was shown to be mediated by a cationic peptide sequence in apo B. Optimal apo B binding required CRP to be surface immobilized or aggregated, treatments now known to structurally change CRP from its serum soluble pentamer isoform (i.e., pCRP) into its poorly soluble, modified, monomeric isoform (i.e., mCRP). Other cationic ligands have been described for CRP which affect complement activation, histone bioactivities, and interactions with membranes. mCRP, but not pCRP, binds cholesterol and activates signaling pathways that activate pro-inflammatory bioactivities long associated with CRP as a biomarker. Hence, a key step to express CRP’s biofunctions is its conversion into its mCRP isoform. Conversion occurs when (1) pCRP binds to a membrane surface expressed ligand (often phosphocholine); (2) biochemical forces associated with binding cause relaxation/partial dissociation of secondary and tertiary structures into a swollen membrane bound intermediate (described as mCRPm or pCRP*); (3) further structural relaxation which leads to total, irreversible dissociation of the pentamer into mCRP and expression of a cholesterol/multi-ligand binding sequence that extends into the subunit core; (4) reduction of the CRP subunit intrachain disulfide bond which enhances CRP’s binding accessibility for various ligands and activates acute phase proinflammatory responses. Taken together, the biofunctions of CRP involve both lipid and protein interactions and a conformational rearrangement of higher order structure that affects its role as a mediator of inflammatory responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lawrence A. Potempa
- College of Science, Health and Pharmacy, Roosevelt University Schaumburg, Schaumburg, IL, United States
- *Correspondence: Lawrence A. Potempa,
| | - Wei Qiao Qiu
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States
- Alzheimer’s Disease Center, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Psychiatry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Ashley Stefanski
- College of Science, Health and Pharmacy, Roosevelt University Schaumburg, Schaumburg, IL, United States
| | - Ibraheem M. Rajab
- College of Science, Health and Pharmacy, Roosevelt University Schaumburg, Schaumburg, IL, United States
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4
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Popov LD. Deciphering the relationship between caveolae-mediated intracellular transport and signalling events. Cell Signal 2022; 97:110399. [PMID: 35820545 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2022.110399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Revised: 07/02/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The caveolae-mediated transport across polarized epithelial cell barriers has been largely deciphered in the last decades and is considered the second essential intracellular transfer mechanism, after the clathrin-dependent endocytosis. The basic cell biology knowledge was supplemented recently, with the molecular mechanisms beyond caveolae generation implying the key contribution of the lipid-binding proteins (the structural protein Caveolin and the adapter protein Cavin), along with the bulb coat stabilizing molecules PACSIN-2 and Eps15 homology domain protein-2. The current attention is focused also on caveolae architecture (such as the bulb coat, the neck, the membrane funnel inside the bulb, and the associated receptors), and their specific tasks during the intracellular transport of various cargoes. Here, we resume the present understanding of the assembly, detachment, and internalization of caveolae from the plasma membrane lipid raft domains, and give an updated view on transcytosis and endocytosis, the two itineraries of cargoes transport via caveolae. The review adds novel data on the signalling molecules regulating caveolae intracellular routes and on the transport dysregulation in diseases. The therapeutic possibilities offered by exploitation of Caveolin-1 expression and caveolae trafficking, and the urgent issues to be uncovered conclude the review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia-Doina Popov
- Institute of Cellular Biology and Pathology "Nicolae Simionescu" of the Romanian Academy, 8, B.P. Hasdeu Street, 050568 Bucharest, Romania.
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Li HY, Gao N, Liu CY, Liu XL, Wu F, Dai N, Han J, Li QY. The Cholesterol-Binding Sequence in Monomeric C-Reactive Protein Binds to the SARS-CoV-2 Spike Receptor-Binding Domain and Blocks Interaction With Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2. Front Immunol 2022; 13:918731. [PMID: 35874670 PMCID: PMC9304929 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.918731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the spike protein of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) binds to the human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor, which is a prerequisite for the virus to enter the cell. C-reactive protein (CRP) is an important marker of inflammation and is a putative soluble pattern recognition receptor. Clinical elevation of CRP levels in patients with COVID-19 is one of the characteristics of the disease; however, whether CRP is involved in COVID-19 pathogenesis is unknown. Here, we report that monomeric CRP (mCRP) can bind to the SARS-CoV-2 spike RBD and competitively inhibit its binding to ACE2. Furthermore, truncated mutant peptide competition assays and surface plasmon resonance binding experiments showed that the cholesterol-binding sequence (CBS, amino acids 35-47) in mCRP was critical for mediating the binding of mCRP to spike RBD. In a cell model of spike RBD and ACE2 interaction, the CBS motif effectively reduced the binding of spike RBD to ACE2 overexpressed on the cell surface. Thus, this study highlights the pattern recognition function of mCRP in innate immunity and provides a preliminary theoretical basis for the development of the CBS motif in mCRP into a functional peptide with both diagnostic significance and potential therapeutic capabilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hai-yun Li
- Ministry of Education (MOE) Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
| | - Ning Gao
- Department of Infectious Disease, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
| | - Cheng-yang Liu
- Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiao-ling Liu
- Ministry of Education (MOE) Key Laboratory of Cell Activities and Stress Adaptations, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Feng Wu
- Center of Teaching and Experiment for Medical Post Graduates, School of Medicine, Xian Jiotong University, Xian, China
| | - Nini Dai
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Han
- Ministry of Education (MOE) Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
| | - Qiu-yu Li
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Qiu-yu Li,
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Liang Y, Xu K, Liu W, Liu X, Yuan P, Xu P, Li H. Monomeric C‑reactive protein level is associated with osteoarthritis. Exp Ther Med 2022; 23:277. [PMID: 35317443 PMCID: PMC8908353 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2022.11206] [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: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic joint disease characterized by articular cartilage degeneration and secondary bone hyperplasia. C-reactive protein (CRP) is an acute-phase protein that is widely used as a marker of inflammation. Elevated plasma levels of CRP are commonly observed in patients with OA during the acute phase. Current evidence indicates that CRP dissociating into a monomeric form (mCRP) is the main functional conformation at inflammatory loci. However, it remains unclear whether mCRP is associated with OA and whether mCRP can be used as a biomarker for its pathogenesis. In the present study, the concentration of CRP, mCRP and anti-mCRP autoantibody were detected by performing ELISA. The levels of plasma CRP, mCRP and anti-mCRP autoantibody between healthy subjects and patients with OA were compared. The results revealed that plasma mCRP was strongly associated with OA, while mCRP autoantibodies exhibited little correlation with this condition. Additionally, it was identified that the plasma mCRP levels in Kellgren-Lawrence (KL) grade 4 patients were significantly higher than in those with KL grade 3. Thus, it was revealed in the present study that plasma level of mCRP is associated with OA, which may directly reflect the disease degree of patients. Therefore, mCRP may be a potential indicator that can be used to monitor the disease activity and evaluate the efficiency of OA therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yulin Liang
- Key Laboratory of Cell Activities and Stress Adaptations, Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, P.R. China
| | - Ke Xu
- Department of Joint Surgery, Hong Hui Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710054, P.R. China
| | - Wenguang Liu
- Department of Joint Surgery, Hong Hui Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710054, P.R. China
| | - Xiaoling Liu
- Key Laboratory of Cell Activities and Stress Adaptations, Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, P.R. China
| | - Ping Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Cell Activities and Stress Adaptations, Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, P.R. China
| | - Peng Xu
- Department of Joint Surgery, Hong Hui Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710054, P.R. China
| | - Haiyun Li
- MOE Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases, Ministry of Education, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, P.R. China
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7
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The Complex Role of C-Reactive Protein in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10245837. [PMID: 34945133 PMCID: PMC8708507 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10245837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Revised: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
C-reactive protein (CRP) is well-known as a sensitive albeit unspecific biomarker of inflammation. In most rheumatic conditions, the level of this evolutionarily highly conserved pattern recognition molecule conveys reliable information regarding the degree of ongoing inflammation, driven mainly by interleukin-6. However, the underlying causes of increased CRP levels are numerous, including both infections and malignancies. In addition, low to moderate increases in CRP predict subsequent cardiovascular events, often occurring years later, in patients with angina and in healthy individuals. However, autoimmune diseases characterized by the Type I interferon gene signature (e.g., systemic lupus erythematosus, primary Sjögren’s syndrome and inflammatory myopathies) represent exceptions to the general rule that the concentrations of CRP correlate with the extent and severity of inflammation. In fact, adequate levels of CRP can be beneficial in autoimmune conditions, in that they contribute to efficient clearance of cell remnants and immune complexes through complement activation/modulation, opsonization and phagocytosis. Furthermore, emerging data indicate that CRP constitutes an autoantigen in systemic lupus erythematosus. At the same time, the increased risks of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases in patients diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis are well-established, with significant impacts on quality of life, accrual of organ damage, and premature mortality. This review describes CRP-mediated biological effects and the regulation of CRP release in relation to aspects of cardiovascular disease and mechanisms of autoimmunity, with particular focus on systemic lupus erythematosus.
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Cheng B, Wu D, Wu K, Huang XP, Lv JM, Ji SR, Zhu L. Purification of Recombinant Mouse C-Reactive Protein from Pichia Pastoris GS115 by Nickel Chelating Sepharose Fast-Flow Affinity Chromatography and P-Aminophenyl Phosphoryl Choline Agarose Resin Affinity Chromatography in Tandem. J Chromatogr Sci 2021; 60:750-759. [PMID: 34625786 DOI: 10.1093/chromsci/bmab121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
C-reactive protein (CRP) is a circulating marker of inflammation yet with ill-defined biological functions. This is partly due to the uncharacterized activities of endogenous CRP in mice, the major animal model used to define protein function. The hurdles for purification and characterization of mouse CRP are its low circulating levels and the lack of specific antibodies. To clear these hurdles, here we developed an efficient expression system by constructing recombinant Pichia pastoris cells for secretion of native conformation mouse CRP. The recombinant expression of mouse CRP in Escherichia coli failed to yield sufficient amount of native protein, reflecting the importance of post-translational modification of glycosylation in aiding proper folding. By contrast, sufficient amount of native mouse CRP was successfully purified from P. pastoris. Preliminary purification was performed by Nickel Chelating Sepharose Fast-Flow affinity chromatography with 6 × His tags attached to the protein. Subsequently, p-Aminophenyl Phosphoryl Choline Agarose resin affinity chromatography was used for tandem purification. The purified mouse CRP showed native pentamer and capabilities of PC binding. Moreover, the 6 × His tag provides a convenient tool for detecting the interactions of mouse CRP with ligands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Cheng
- MOE Key Laboratory of Cell Activities and Stress Adaptations, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, No. 222 South Tianshui Road, Lanzhou 730000, PR China
| | - Di Wu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Cell Activities and Stress Adaptations, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, No. 222 South Tianshui Road, Lanzhou 730000, PR China
| | - Ke Wu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Cell Activities and Stress Adaptations, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, No. 222 South Tianshui Road, Lanzhou 730000, PR China
| | - Xiao-Ping Huang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Cell Activities and Stress Adaptations, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, No. 222 South Tianshui Road, Lanzhou 730000, PR China
| | - Jian-Min Lv
- MOE Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, PR China
| | - Shang-Rong Ji
- MOE Key Laboratory of Cell Activities and Stress Adaptations, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, No. 222 South Tianshui Road, Lanzhou 730000, PR China
| | - Li Zhu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Cell Activities and Stress Adaptations, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, No. 222 South Tianshui Road, Lanzhou 730000, PR China
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9
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Li HY, Tang ZM, Wang Z, Lv JM, Liu XL, Liang YL, Cheng B, Gao N, Ji SR, Wu Y. C-Reactive Protein Protects Against Acetaminophen-Induced Liver Injury by Preventing Complement Overactivation. Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol 2021; 13:289-307. [PMID: 34536564 PMCID: PMC8599171 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2021.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Revised: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS C-reactive protein (CRP) is a hepatocyte-produced marker of inflammation yet with undefined function in liver injury. We aimed to examine the role of CRP in acetaminophen-induced liver injury (AILI). METHODS The effects of CRP in AILI were investigated using CRP knockout mice and rats combined with human CRP rescue. The mechanisms of CRP action were investigated in vitro and in mice with Fcγ receptor 2B knockout, C3 knockout, or hepatic expression of CRP mutants defective in complement interaction. The therapeutic potential of CRP was investigated by intraperitoneal administration at 2 or 6 hours post-AILI induction in wild-type mice. RESULTS CRP knockout exacerbated AILI in mice and rats, which could be rescued by genetic knock-in, adeno-associated virus-mediated hepatic expression or direct administration of human CRP. Mechanistically, CRP does not act via its cellular receptor Fcγ receptor 2B to inhibit the early phase injury to hepatocytes induced by acetaminophen; instead, CRP acts via factor H to inhibit complement overactivation on already injured hepatocytes, thereby suppressing the late phase amplification of inflammation likely mediated by C3a-dependent actions of neutrophils. Importantly, CRP treatment effectively alleviated AILI with a significantly extended therapeutic time window than that of N-acetyl cysteine. CONCLUSION Our results thus identify CRP as a crucial checkpoint that limits destructive activation of complement in acute liver injury, and we argue that long-term suppression of CRP expression or function might increase the susceptibility to AILI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hai-Yun Li
- MOE Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, P.R. China
| | - Zhao-Ming Tang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, P.R. China
| | - Zhe Wang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, P.R. China
| | - Jian-Min Lv
- MOE Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, P.R. China
| | - Xiao-Ling Liu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Cell Activities and Stress Adaptations, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, P.R. China
| | - Yu-Lin Liang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Cell Activities and Stress Adaptations, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, P.R. China
| | - Bin Cheng
- MOE Key Laboratory of Cell Activities and Stress Adaptations, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, P.R. China
| | - Ning Gao
- Department of Infectious Disease, Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710004, P.R. China
| | - Shang-Rong Ji
- MOE Key Laboratory of Cell Activities and Stress Adaptations, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, P.R. China,Shang-Rong Ji, PhD, MOE Key Laboratory of Cell Activities and Stress Adaptations, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, P.R. China. fax: 86-931-8914102.
| | - Yi Wu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, P.R. China,Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine to Pediatric Diseases of Shaanxi Province, Xi’an Children’s Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, P.R. China,Correspondence Address correspondence to: Yi Wu, PhD, MOE Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, P.R. China. fax: 86-029-82657013.
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10
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Fu Y, Wu Y, Liu E. C-reactive protein and cardiovascular disease: From animal studies to the clinic (Review). Exp Ther Med 2020; 20:1211-1219. [PMID: 32765664 PMCID: PMC7388508 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2020.8840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2019] [Accepted: 05/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
C-reactive protein (CRP) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) have long been important research topics. CRP is an acute phase protein, while CVD is an inflammatory condition. The association between CRP and CVD remains controversial and has been attracting increasing attention. Traditionally, the main marker of CVD is considered to be low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. However, due to its unique characteristics, CRP may represent a novel marker or a new therapeutic target for CVD. Clinical studies have demonstrated that CRP is a predictor of CVD, but whether it is directly involved in the development and progression of CVD has yet to be fully elucidated. Recent clinical studies have demonstrated that lowering plasma CRP levels may reduce the incidence of CVD. The aim of the present review was to investigate the association between CRP and CVD, particularly atherosclerosis, from laboratory animal studies to clinical research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Fu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Cell Activities and Stress Adaptations, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, P.R. China.,Research Institute of Atherosclerotic Disease, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, P.R. China
| | - Yi Wu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Cell Activities and Stress Adaptations, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, P.R. China.,Research Institute of Atherosclerotic Disease, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, P.R. China
| | - Enqi Liu
- Research Institute of Atherosclerotic Disease, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, P.R. China
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11
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Wang MY, Zhou HH, Zhang CM, Su HX, Li SL, Ji SR, Liu E, Wu Y. A Functional Genetic Variant at the C-Reactive Protein Promoter (rs3091244) Is Not Associated With Cancer Risk in a Chinese Population. Front Immunol 2020; 11:926. [PMID: 32477370 PMCID: PMC7240006 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.00926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2020] [Accepted: 04/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: The association of genetically elevated levels of circulating C-reactive protein (CRP) with cancer risk has been extensively investigated in European populations; however, there are conflicting conclusions. The tri-allelic rs3091244 is a functionally validated genetic variant, and its allelic frequencies differ significantly between European and Asian populations. Here, we examined the association of rs3091244 with cancer risk in a Chinese population. Methods: rs3091244 was genotyped by Sanger sequencing in 4,971 cancer cases and 2,485 controls. The rs1205 and rs2794521 gene variants were also genotyped using TaqMan assays in subgroups. Results: No association was detected between the genotyped CRP variants and cancer risk, with or without distinguishing cancer types, suggesting that circulating CRP is not causally involved in tumorigenesis in Chinese populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming-Yu Wang
- Translational Medicine Research Center, MOE Key Laboratory of Cell Activities and Stress Adaptations, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Hai-Hong Zhou
- Children's Research Institute, Gansu Provincial Cancer Hospital, Lanzhou, China
| | - Chun-Miao Zhang
- Translational Medicine Research Center, MOE Key Laboratory of Cell Activities and Stress Adaptations, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Hai-Xiang Su
- Children's Research Institute, Gansu Provincial Cancer Hospital, Lanzhou, China
| | - Shuo-Lei Li
- Translational Medicine Research Center, MOE Key Laboratory of Cell Activities and Stress Adaptations, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Shang-Rong Ji
- Translational Medicine Research Center, MOE Key Laboratory of Cell Activities and Stress Adaptations, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Enqi Liu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yi Wu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China.,The Affiliated Children's Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
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Yao Z, Zhang Y, Wu H. Regulation of C-reactive protein conformation in inflammation. Inflamm Res 2019; 68:815-823. [PMID: 31312858 DOI: 10.1007/s00011-019-01269-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2019] [Revised: 07/02/2019] [Accepted: 07/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
C-reactive protein (CRP) is a non-specific diagnostic marker of inflammation and an evolutionarily conserved protein with roles in innate immune signaling. Natural CRP is composed of five identical globular subunits that form a pentamer, but the role of pentameric CRP (pCRP) during inflammatory pathogenesis remains controversial. Emerging evidence suggests that pCRP can be dissociated into monomeric CRP (mCRP) that has major roles in host defenses and inflammation. Here, we discuss our current knowledge of the dissociation mechanisms of pCRP and summarize the stepwise conformational transition model to mCRP to elucidate how CRP dissociation contributes to proinflammatory activity. These discussions will evoke new understanding of this ancient protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- ZhenYu Yao
- Children's Research Institute, Xi'an Key Laboratory of Children's Health and Diseases, Affiliated Children Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, 69# Xijuyuan Lane, Lianhu District, Xi'an, 710003, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yanmin Zhang
- Children's Research Institute, Xi'an Key Laboratory of Children's Health and Diseases, Affiliated Children Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, 69# Xijuyuan Lane, Lianhu District, Xi'an, 710003, Shaanxi, China
| | - HaiBin Wu
- Children's Research Institute, Xi'an Key Laboratory of Children's Health and Diseases, Affiliated Children Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, 69# Xijuyuan Lane, Lianhu District, Xi'an, 710003, Shaanxi, China.
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