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Marassi V, La Rocca G, Placci A, Muntiu A, Vincenzoni F, Vitali A, Desiderio C, Maraldi T, Beretti F, Russo E, Miceli V, Conaldi PG, Papait A, Romele P, Cargnoni A, Silini AR, Alviano F, Parolini O, Giordani S, Zattoni A, Reschiglian P, Roda B. Native characterization and QC profiling of human amniotic mesenchymal stromal cell vesicular fractions for secretome-based therapy. Talanta 2024; 276:126216. [PMID: 38761653 DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2024.126216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024]
Abstract
Human amniotic mesenchymal stromal cells (hAMSCs) have unique immunomodulatory properties making them attractive candidates for regenerative applications in inflammatory diseases. Most of their beneficial properties are mediated through their secretome. The bioactive factors concurring to its therapeutic activity are still unknown. Evidence suggests synergy between the two main components of the secretome, soluble factors and vesicular fractions, pivotal in shifting inflammation and promoting self-healing. Biological variability and the absence of quality control (QC) protocols hinder secretome-based therapy translation to clinical applications. Moreover, vesicular secretome contains a multitude of particles with varying size, cargos and functions whose complexity hinders full characterization and comprehension. This study achieved a significant advancement in secretome characterization by utilizing native, FFF-based separation and characterizing extracellular vesicles derived from hAMSCs. This was accomplished by obtaining dimensionally homogeneous fractions then characterized based on their protein content, potentially enabling the identification of subpopulations with diverse functionalities. This method proved to be successful as an independent technique for secretome profiling, with the potential to contribute to the standardization of a qualitative method. Additionally, it served as a preparative separation tool, streamlining populations before ELISA and LC-MS characterization. This approach facilitated the categorization of distinctive and recurring proteins, along with the identification of clusters associated with vesicle activity and functions. However, the presence of proteins unique to each fraction obtained through the FFF separation tool presents a challenge for further analysis of the protein content within these cargoes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Marassi
- Department of Chemistry G. Ciamician, University of Bologna, Italy; byFlow srl, Bologna, Italy
| | - Giampiero La Rocca
- Department of Biomedicine, Neurosciences and Advanced Diagnostics, University of Palermo, 90127, Palermo, Italy
| | - Anna Placci
- Department of Chemistry G. Ciamician, University of Bologna, Italy
| | - Alexandra Muntiu
- Istituto di Scienze e Tecnologie Chimiche "Giulio Natta", Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, 00168, Rome, Italy
| | - Federica Vincenzoni
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biotecnologiche di Base, Cliniche Intensivologiche e Perioperatorie, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168, Rome, Italy; Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168, Rome, Italy
| | - Alberto Vitali
- Istituto di Scienze e Tecnologie Chimiche "Giulio Natta", Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, 00168, Rome, Italy
| | - Claudia Desiderio
- Istituto di Scienze e Tecnologie Chimiche "Giulio Natta", Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, 00168, Rome, Italy
| | - Tullia Maraldi
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125, Modena, Italy
| | - Francesca Beretti
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125, Modena, Italy
| | - Eleonora Russo
- Department of Biomedicine, Neurosciences and Advanced Diagnostics, University of Palermo, 90127, Palermo, Italy
| | - Vitale Miceli
- Research Department, IRCCS ISMETT (Istituto Mediterraneo per i Trapianti e Terapie ad alta Specializzazione), 90127, Palermo, Italy
| | - Pier Giulio Conaldi
- Research Department, IRCCS ISMETT (Istituto Mediterraneo per i Trapianti e Terapie ad alta Specializzazione), 90127, Palermo, Italy
| | - Andrea Papait
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168, Rome, Italy; Department of Life Science and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168, Rome, Italy
| | - Pietro Romele
- Centro di Ricerca E. Menni, Fondazione Poliambulanza Istituto Ospedaliero, 25124, Brescia, Italy
| | - Anna Cargnoni
- Centro di Ricerca E. Menni, Fondazione Poliambulanza Istituto Ospedaliero, 25124, Brescia, Italy
| | - Antonietta Rosa Silini
- Centro di Ricerca E. Menni, Fondazione Poliambulanza Istituto Ospedaliero, 25124, Brescia, Italy
| | - Francesco Alviano
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Science, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Ornella Parolini
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168, Rome, Italy; Department of Life Science and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168, Rome, Italy
| | - Stefano Giordani
- Department of Chemistry G. Ciamician, University of Bologna, Italy
| | - Andrea Zattoni
- Department of Chemistry G. Ciamician, University of Bologna, Italy; byFlow srl, Bologna, Italy
| | - Pierluigi Reschiglian
- Department of Chemistry G. Ciamician, University of Bologna, Italy; byFlow srl, Bologna, Italy
| | - Barbara Roda
- Department of Chemistry G. Ciamician, University of Bologna, Italy; byFlow srl, Bologna, Italy.
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Rahaman KA, Muresan AR, Min H, Son J, Han HS, Kang MJ, Kwon OS. Simultaneous quantification of TB-500 and its metabolites in in-vitro experiments and rats by UHPLC-Q-Exactive orbitrap MS/MS and their screening by wound healing activities in-vitro. J Chromatogr B Analyt Technol Biomed Life Sci 2024; 1235:124033. [PMID: 38382158 DOI: 10.1016/j.jchromb.2024.124033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND TB-500 (Ac-LKKTETQ), derived from the active site of thymosin β4 (Tβ4), has various biological functions in its unacetylated form, LKKTETQ. These functions include actin binding, dermal wound healing, angiogenesis, and skin repair. The biological effects of TB-500, however, have not been documented. And the analysis of TB-500 and its metabolites have been neither simultaneously quantified nor structurally identified using synthesized authentic standards. METHODS This study was aimed to investigating simultaneous analytical methods of TB-500 and its metabolites in in-vitro and urine samples by using UHPLC-Q-Exactive orbitrap MS, and to comparing the biological activity of its metabolites with the parent TB-500. The metabolism of TB-500 was investigated in human serum, various in-vitro enzyme systems, and urine samples from rats treated with TB-500, and their biological activities measured by cytotoxicity and wound healing experiments were also evaluated in fibroblasts. RESULTS The simultaneous analytical method for TB-500 and its metabolites was developed and validated. The study found that Ac-LK was the primary metabolite with the highest concentration in rats at 0-6 h intervals. Also, the metabolite Ac-LKK was a long-term metabolite of TB-500 detected up to 72 hr. No cytotoxicity of the parent and its metabolites was found. Ac-LKKTE only showed a significant wound healing activity compared to the control. CONCLUSION The study provides a valuable tool for quantifying TB-500 and its metabolites, contributing to the understanding of metabolism and potential therapeutic applications. Our results also suggest that the previously reported wound-healing activity of TB-500 in literature may be due to its metabolite Ac-LKKTE rather than the parent form.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khandoker Asiqur Rahaman
- Division of Bio-Medical Science & Technology, KIST School, University of Science and Technology, Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea; Doping Control Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea; Center for Biomaterials, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Anca Raluca Muresan
- Division of Bio-Medical Science & Technology, KIST School, University of Science and Technology, Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea; Doping Control Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Hophil Min
- Doping Control Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Junghyun Son
- Doping Control Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyung-Seop Han
- Division of Bio-Medical Science & Technology, KIST School, University of Science and Technology, Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea; Center for Biomaterials, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Min-Jung Kang
- Division of Bio-Medical Science & Technology, KIST School, University of Science and Technology, Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea; Center for Advanced Biomolecular Recognition, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Oh-Seung Kwon
- Division of Bio-Medical Science & Technology, KIST School, University of Science and Technology, Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea; Doping Control Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea.
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Li Q, Zhang Q, Kim YR, Gaddam RR, Jacobs JS, Bachschmid MM, Younis T, Zhu Z, Zingman L, London B, Rauckhorst AJ, Taylor EB, Norris AW, Vikram A, Irani K. Deficiency of endothelial sirtuin1 in mice stimulates skeletal muscle insulin sensitivity by modifying the secretome. Nat Commun 2023; 14:5595. [PMID: 37696839 PMCID: PMC10495425 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-41351-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Downregulation of endothelial Sirtuin1 (Sirt1) in insulin resistant states contributes to vascular dysfunction. Furthermore, Sirt1 deficiency in skeletal myocytes promotes insulin resistance. Here, we show that deletion of endothelial Sirt1, while impairing endothelial function, paradoxically improves skeletal muscle insulin sensitivity. Compared to wild-type mice, male mice lacking endothelial Sirt1 (E-Sirt1-KO) preferentially utilize glucose over fat, and have higher insulin sensitivity, glucose uptake, and Akt signaling in fast-twitch skeletal muscle. Enhanced insulin sensitivity of E-Sirt1-KO mice is transferrable to wild-type mice via the systemic circulation. Endothelial Sirt1 deficiency, by inhibiting autophagy and activating nuclear factor-kappa B signaling, augments expression and secretion of thymosin beta-4 (Tβ4) that promotes insulin signaling in skeletal myotubes. Thus, unlike in skeletal myocytes, Sirt1 deficiency in the endothelium promotes glucose homeostasis by stimulating skeletal muscle insulin sensitivity through a blood-borne mechanism, and augmented secretion of Tβ4 by Sirt1-deficient endothelial cells boosts insulin signaling in skeletal muscle cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiuxia Li
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA.
- Abboud Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA.
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA.
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Hypertension, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine and UCLA Health, University of California-Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
| | - Quanjiang Zhang
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Hypertension, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine and UCLA Health, University of California-Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Young-Rae Kim
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
- Abboud Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
| | - Ravinder Reddy Gaddam
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
- Abboud Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
| | - Julia S Jacobs
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
- Abboud Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
| | | | - Tsneem Younis
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
- Abboud Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
| | - Zhiyong Zhu
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
- Abboud Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
- Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
| | - Leonid Zingman
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
- Abboud Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
- Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
| | - Barry London
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
- Abboud Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
| | - Adam J Rauckhorst
- Abboud Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
- Fraternal Order of Eagles Diabetes Research Center (FOEDRC), University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
- Pappajohn Biomedical Institute, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, USA
- FOEDRC Metabolomics Core Facility, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
| | - Eric B Taylor
- Abboud Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
- Fraternal Order of Eagles Diabetes Research Center (FOEDRC), University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
- Pappajohn Biomedical Institute, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, USA
- FOEDRC Metabolomics Core Facility, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
| | - Andrew W Norris
- Fraternal Order of Eagles Diabetes Research Center (FOEDRC), University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
- FOEDRC Metabolic Phenotyping Core Facility, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
| | - Ajit Vikram
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
- Abboud Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
- Fraternal Order of Eagles Diabetes Research Center (FOEDRC), University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
- Pappajohn Biomedical Institute, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Kaikobad Irani
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA.
- Abboud Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA.
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA.
- Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA.
- Fraternal Order of Eagles Diabetes Research Center (FOEDRC), University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA.
- Pappajohn Biomedical Institute, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, USA.
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Liu Y, Lu J. Mechanism and clinical application of thymosin in the treatment of lung cancer. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1237978. [PMID: 37701432 PMCID: PMC10493777 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1237978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. The burden of cancer on public health is becoming more widely acknowledged. Lung cancer has one of the highest incidence and mortality rates of all cancers. The prevalence of early screening, the emergence of targeted therapy, and the development of immunotherapy have all significantly improved the overall prognosis of lung cancer patients. The current state of affairs, however, is not encouraging, and there are issues like poor treatment outcomes for some patients and extremely poor prognoses for those with advanced lung cancer. Because of their potent immunomodulatory capabilities, thymosin drugs are frequently used in the treatment of tumors. The effectiveness of thymosin drugs in the treatment of lung cancer has been demonstrated in numerous studies, which amply demonstrates the potential and future of thymosin drugs for the treatment of lung cancer. The clinical research on thymosin peptide drugs in lung cancer and the basic research on the mechanism of thymosin drugs in anti-lung cancer are both systematically summarized and analyzed in this paper, along with future research directions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jibin Lu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
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Sosne G, Berger EA. Thymosin beta 4: A potential novel adjunct treatment for bacterial keratitis. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 118:109953. [PMID: 37018981 PMCID: PMC10403815 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.109953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2022] [Revised: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023]
Abstract
Microbial keratitis is a rapidly progressing, visually debilitating infection of the cornea that can lead to corneal scarring, endophthalmitis, and perforation. Corneal opacification or scarring, a complication of keratitis, is among the leading causes of legal blindness worldwide, second to cataracts.Pseudomonas aeruginosaandStaphylococcus aureusare the two bacteria most commonly associated with this type of infection. Risk factors include patients who are immunocompromised, those who have undergone refractive corneal surgery, and those with prior penetrating keratoplasty, as well as extended wear contact lens users. Current treatment of microbial keratitis primarily addresses the pathogen using antibiotics. Bacterial clearance is of utmost importance yet does not guarantee good visual outcome. Clinicians are often left to rely upon the eye's innate ability to heal itself, as there are limited options beyond antibiotics and corticosteroids for treating patients with corneal infection. Beyond antibiotics, agents in use, such as lubricating ointments, artificial tears, and anti-inflammatory drops, do not fully accommodate clinical needs and have many potential harmful complications. To this end, treatments are needed that both regulate the inflammatory response and promote corneal wound healing to resolve visual disturbances and improve quality of life. Thymosin beta 4 is a small, naturally occurring 43-amino-acid protein that promotes wound healing and reduces corneal inflammation and is currently in Phase 3 human clinical trials for dry eye disease. Our previous work has shown that topical Tβ4 as an adjunct to ciprofloxacin treatment reduces inflammatory mediators and inflammatory cell infiltrates (neutrophils/PMN and macrophages) while enhancing bacterial killing and wound healing pathway activation in an experimental model ofP. aeruginosa-induced keratitis. Adjunctive thymosin beta 4 treatment holds novel therapeutic potential to regulate and, optimally, resolve disease pathogenesis in the cornea and perhaps other infectious and immune-based inflammatory disease. We plan to establish the importance of thymosin beta 4 as a therapeutic agent in conjunction with antibiotics with high impact for immediate clinical development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel Sosne
- Department of Ophthalmology, Visual & Anatomical Sciences, Kresge Eye Institute, Wayne State University School of Medicine, 4717 St. Antoine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA.
| | - Elizabeth A Berger
- Department of Ophthalmology, Visual & Anatomical Sciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA.
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Mason WJ, Vasilopoulou E. The Pathophysiological Role of Thymosin β4 in the Kidney Glomerulus. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24097684. [PMID: 37175390 PMCID: PMC10177875 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24097684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Diseases affecting the glomerulus, the filtration unit of the kidney, are a major cause of chronic kidney disease. Glomerular disease is characterised by injury of glomerular cells and is often accompanied by an inflammatory response that drives disease progression. New strategies are needed to slow the progression to end-stage kidney disease, which requires dialysis or transplantation. Thymosin β4 (Tβ4), an endogenous peptide that sequesters G-actin, has shown potent anti-inflammatory function in experimental models of heart, kidney, liver, lung, and eye injury. In this review, we discuss the role of endogenous and exogenous Tβ4 in glomerular disease progression and the current understanding of the underlying mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- William J Mason
- Developmental Biology and Cancer Programme, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London WC1N 1EH, UK
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Piludu M, Pichiri G, Coni P, Piras M, Congiu T, Faa G, Lachowicz JI. Cell starvation increases uptake of extracellular Thymosin β4 and its complexes with calcium. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 116:109743. [PMID: 36706591 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.109743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Cell metastasis is the main cause of cancer mortality. Inhibiting early events during cell metastasis and invasion could significantly improve cancer prognosis, but the initial mechanisms of cell transition and migration are barely known. Calcium regulates cell migration, whilst Thymosin β4 is a G-actin and iron binding peptide associated with tumor metastasis and ferroptosis. Under normal cell growth conditions, intracellular free calcium ions and Thymosin β4 concentrations are strictly regulated, and are not influenced by extracellular supplementation. However, cell starvation decreases intracellular Thymosin β4 and increases extracellular peptide uptake above the normal range. Unexpectedly, cell starvation significantly increases internalization of extracellular Ca2+/Thymosin β4 complexes. Elucidating the role of Ca2+/Thymosin β4 in the early events of metastasis will likely be important in the future to develop therapies targeting metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Piludu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Pichiri
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Pierpaolo Coni
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Monica Piras
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Terenzio Congiu
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Gavino Faa
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
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Cellular Transcriptomics of Carboplatin Resistance in a Metastatic Canine Osteosarcoma Cell Line. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:genes14030558. [PMID: 36980828 PMCID: PMC10048144 DOI: 10.3390/genes14030558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 02/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Osteosarcoma prognosis has remained unchanged for the past three decades. In both humans and canines, treatment is limited to excision, radiation, and chemotherapy. Chemoresistance is the primary cause of treatment failure, and the trajectory of tumor evolution while under selective pressure from treatment is thought to be the major contributing factor in both species. We sought to understand the nature of platinum-based chemotherapy resistance by investigating cells that were subjected to repeated treatment and recovery cycles with increased carboplatin concentrations. Three HMPOS-derived cell lines, two resistant and one naïve, underwent single-cell RNA sequencing to examine transcriptomic perturbation and identify pathways leading to resistance and phenotypic changes. We identified the mechanisms of acquired chemoresistance and inferred the induced cellular trajectory that evolved with repeated exposure. The gene expression patterns indicated that acquired chemoresistance was strongly associated with a process similar to epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), a phenomenon associated with the acquisition of migratory and invasive properties associated with metastatic disease. We conclude that the observed trajectory of tumor adaptability is directly correlated with chemoresistance and the phase of the EMT-like phenotype is directly affected by the level of chemoresistance. We infer that the EMT-like phenotype is a critical component of tumor evolution under treatment pressure and is vital to understanding the mechanisms of chemoresistance and to improving osteosarcoma prognosis.
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Supramolecular chemistry of anionic boron clusters and its applications in biology. Coord Chem Rev 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ccr.2022.214940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Prepared for special issue on thymosins Thymosin β4 and the anti-fibrotic switch. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 115:109628. [PMID: 36580759 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2022.109628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Wound healing involves a rapid response to the injury by circulating cells, followed by inflammation with an influx of inflammatory cells that release various factors. Soon after, cellular proliferation begins to replace the damaged cells and extracellular matrix, and then tissue remodeling restores normal tissue function. Various factors can lead to pathological wound healing when excessive and irreversible connective tissue/extracellular matrix deposition occurs, resulting in fibrosis. The process is initiated when immune cells, such as macrophages, release soluble factors that stimulate fibroblasts. TGFβ is the most well-characterized macrophage derived pro-fibrotic mediator. Other soluble mediators of fibrosis include connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), and interleukin 10 (IL-10). Thymosin β4 (Tβ4) has shown therapeutic benefit in preventing fibrosis/scarring in various animal models of fibrosis/scarring. The mechanism of action of Tβ4 appears related, in part, to a reduction in the inflammatory response, including a reduction in macrophage infiltration, decreased levels of TGFβ and IL-10, and reduced CTGF activation, resulting in both prevention of fibroblast conversion to myofibroblasts and production of normally aligned collagen fibers. The amino N-terminal end of Tβ4, SDKP (serine-aspartate-lysine-proline), appears to contain the majority of anti-fibrotic activity and has shown excellent efficacy in many animal models of fibrosis, including liver, lung, heart, and kidney fibrosis. Ac-SDKP not only prevents fibrosis but can reverse fibrosis. Unanswered questions and future directions will be presented with regard to therapeutic uses alone and in combination with already approved drugs for fibrosis.
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Zhou L, Guan J, Wang L, Li X, Pan Z. Germinal peptide eye drop promotes corneal epithelial and stromal defect healing in rabbit model. Semin Ophthalmol 2022; 37:643-650. [PMID: 35389769 DOI: 10.1080/08820538.2022.2053726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Corneal defect is a common disease in ophthalmology caused by trauma, inflammation, drug toxicity, or surgery. To investigate the effect of germinal peptide eye drop on corneal epithelial and stromal defects after lamellar keratectomy in rabbit model. METHODS Eighty-five male New Zealand white rabbits were divided into five groups: Germinal Peptide eye drop at three different concentration groups, normal saline (negative control group), recombinant human epidermal growth factor (rh-EGF) eye drop (positive control group). Corneal epithelial and stromal defects of around 150-200 μm in depth were created with an 8 mm diameter trephine in the center of the right eyes of all animals. RESULTS Germinal peptide eye drop with the concentration of 0.001%, 0.002%, and 0.004% and rh-EGF eye drop were more effective in promoting healing, reducing opacity, and edema during the process of corneal epithelial and stromal defect regeneration compared with 0.9% normal saline. No significant difference was observed among the three different doses of germinal peptide eye drop. Compared with the saline control group, the structures of the regenerated corneas were more orderly and less inflammatory cell infiltration was observed in the germinal peptide eye drop groups and the rh-EGF eye drop group. CONCLUSION Germinal peptide eye drop (0.001%, 0.002%, and 0.004%) can significantly stimulate the regeneration of corneal epithelia and stroma and reduce corneal opacity and edema. Dose dependency was not observed in the current study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lijia Zhou
- Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, FI, China
| | - Jieying Guan
- Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, FI, China
| | - Li Wang
- Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, FI, China
| | - Xiaoyi Li
- Department of Medicine, Zhaoke (Guangzhou) Ophthalmology Pharmaceutical Ltd, Guangzhou, FI, China
| | - Zhiqiang Pan
- Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, FI, China
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12
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Synthesis of Novel Spiro-Tetrahydroquinoline Derivatives and Evaluation of Their Pharmacological Effects on Wound Healing. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22126251. [PMID: 34200731 PMCID: PMC8230376 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22126251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Revised: 06/03/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
A highly diastereoselective method for the synthesis of novel spiro-tetrahydroquinoline derivatives is reported here, using a one-pot reaction method. All compounds were characterized by 1H-nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and mass spectroscopy, and their stereo configurations were confirmed by X-ray analysis. These activities of these derivatives were then tested in human keratocyte cells. The responses of cells to treatment with selected compounds were studied using scratch analysis, and the compounds were tested in a mouse excision wound model. Three of the derivatives demonstrated significant wound-healing activities.
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13
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An HW, Kim SY, Kwon JW, Seok SH, Woo SH, Kim DY, Park JW. In vivo CRISPR-Cas9 knockout screening using quantitative PCR identifies thymosin beta-4 X-linked that promotes diffuse-type gastric cancer metastasis. Mol Carcinog 2021; 60:597-606. [PMID: 34081824 DOI: 10.1002/mc.23326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Revised: 05/13/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Gastric cancer (GC) is histologically classified into intestinal-type gastric cancer (IGC) and diffuse-type gastric cancer (DGC), and the latter is poorly differentiated and highly metastatic. In this study, using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, we described a complete protocol for in vivo CRISPR-Cas9-based knockout screening of essential genes for DGC metastasis. We functionally screened 30 candidate genes using our mouse DGC models lacking Smad4, p53, and E-cadherin. Pooled knockout mouse DGC cells were transplanted into a spleen of syngeneic immunocompetent mice to study clonal advantages in context of a complex process of liver metastasis. Tmsb4x (thymosin beta-4 X-linked), Hmox1, Ifitm3, Ldhb, and Itgb7 were identified as strong candidate genes that promote metastasis. In particular, Tmsb4x enhanced DGC metastasis and stomach organoid-generated tumor growth in in vivo transplantation models. Tmsb4x promoted tumor clonogenicity and anoikis resistance. In situ hybridization analysis showed that Tmsb4x is highly expressed in E-cadherin-negative mouse DGC models compared with mouse IGC and intestinal cancer models. E-cadherin deficiency also increased Tmsb4x expression in stomach organoids via Wnt signaling activation. Collectively, these results demonstrate that Tmsb4x promotes DGC metastasis. In addition, this experimental system will aid in the identification of novel target genes responsible for DGC metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyeok-Won An
- Division of Biomedical Convergence, College of Biomedical Science, Kangwon National University, ChunCheon-si, Gangwon-do, South Korea
| | - Si-You Kim
- Division of Biomedical Convergence, College of Biomedical Science, Kangwon National University, ChunCheon-si, Gangwon-do, South Korea
| | - Jong-Wan Kwon
- Division of Biomedical Convergence, College of Biomedical Science, Kangwon National University, ChunCheon-si, Gangwon-do, South Korea
| | - Sang-Hyuk Seok
- Division of Biomedical Convergence, College of Biomedical Science, Kangwon National University, ChunCheon-si, Gangwon-do, South Korea
| | - Sang-Ho Woo
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Dae-Yong Kim
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jun Won Park
- Division of Biomedical Convergence, College of Biomedical Science, Kangwon National University, ChunCheon-si, Gangwon-do, South Korea
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14
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Recombinant Human Thymosin Beta-4 Protects against Mouse Coronavirus Infection. Mediators Inflamm 2021; 2021:9979032. [PMID: 33967626 PMCID: PMC8081638 DOI: 10.1155/2021/9979032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2021] [Revised: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Coronaviruses (CoVs) are enveloped and harbor an unusually large (30-32 kb) positive-strand linear RNA genome. Highly pathogenic coronaviruses cause severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) (SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2) and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) (MERS-CoV) in humans. The coronavirus mouse hepatitis virus (MHV) infects mice and serves as an ideal model of viral pathogenesis, mainly because experiments can be conducted using animal-biosafety level-2 (A-BSL2) containment. Human thymosin beta-4 (Tβ4), a 43-residue peptide with an acetylated N-terminus, is widely expressed in human tissues. Tβ4 regulates actin polymerization and functions as an anti-inflammatory molecule and an antioxidant as well as a promoter of wound healing and angiogenesis. These activities led us to test whether Tβ4 serves to treat coronavirus infections of humans. To test this possibility, here, we established a BALB/c mouse model of coronavirus infection using mouse CoV MHV-A59 to evaluate the potential protective effect of recombinant human Tβ4 (rhTβ4). Such a system can be employed under A-BSL2 containment instead of A-BSL3 that is required to study coronaviruses infectious for humans. We found that rhTβ4 significantly increased the survival rate of mice infected with MHV-A59 through inhibiting virus replication, balancing the host's immune response, alleviating pathological damage, and promoting repair of the liver. These results will serve as the basis for further application of rhTβ4 to the treatment of human CoV diseases such as COVID-19.
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15
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Bjørklund G, Dadar M, Aaseth J, Chirumbolo S. Thymosin β4: A Multi-Faceted Tissue Repair Stimulating Protein in Heart Injury. Curr Med Chem 2021; 27:6294-6305. [PMID: 31333080 DOI: 10.2174/0929867326666190716125456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2019] [Revised: 07/01/2019] [Accepted: 07/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Thymosin Beta-4 (Tβ4) is known as a major pleiotropic actin-sequestering protein that is involved in tumorigenesis. Tβ4 is a water-soluble protein that has different promising clinical applications in the remodeling and ulcerated tissues repair following myocardial infarction, stroke, plasticity and neurovascular remodeling of the Peripheral Nervous System (PNS) and the Central Nervous System (CNS). On the other hand, similar effects have been observed for Tβ4 in other kinds of tissues, including cardiac muscle tissue. In recent reports, as it activates resident epicardial progenitor cells and modulates inflammatory-caused injuries, Tβ4 has been suggested as a promoter of the survival of cardiomyocytes. Furthermore, Tβ4 may act in skeletal muscle and different organs in association/synergism with numerous other tissue repair stimulating factors, including melatonin and C-fiber-derived peptides. For these reasons, the present review highlights the promising role of Tβ4 in cardiac healing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geir Bjørklund
- Council for Nutritional and Environmental Medicine, Mo i Rana, Norway
| | - Maryam Dadar
- Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Karaj, Iran
| | - Jan Aaseth
- Research Department, Innlandet Hospital Trust, Brumunddal, Norway,Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, Elverum, Norway
| | - Salvatore Chirumbolo
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences,
University of Verona, Verona, Italy
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16
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Qiu Y, Wang Z, Zhang X, Huang P, Zhang W, Zhang K, Wang S, He L, Guo Y, Xiang A, Zhang C, Hao Q, Li M, Li W, Zhang Y. A long-acting isomer of Ac-SDKP attenuates pulmonary fibrosis through SRPK1-mediated PI3K/AKT and Smad2 pathway inhibition. IUBMB Life 2020; 72:2611-2626. [PMID: 33135306 DOI: 10.1002/iub.2389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2020] [Revised: 09/12/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive, life-threatening lung disease with a poor prognosis. N-acetyl-seryl-aspartyl-lysyl-proline (Ac-SDKP) is a critical negative regulator of fibrosis development. However, it's extremely short half-life greatly limits its applications. Previously, we reported an Ac-SDKP analog peptide in which Asp and Lys residues were replaced with D-amino acids (Ac-SDD KD P). Ac-SDD KD P exhibits better resistance to angiotensin-1-converting enzyme (ACE)-mediated degradation and a longer half-life than Ac-SDKP in rat and human sera. The objective of this study was to explore the potential application of Ac-SDD KD P for the treatment of IPF and to clarify the underlying mechanisms. We found that Ac-SDD KD P exerted similar antifibrotic effects as Ac-SDKP on human fetal lung fibroblast-1 (HFL-1) proliferation, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), collagen I and collagen III expression, and Smad-2 phosphorylation in vitro. In vivo, Ac-SDD KD P exhibited significantly greater protective effects against bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis than Ac-SDKP in mice. α-SMA, CD45, collagen I and collagen III expression, and Smad-2 phosphorylation were significantly decreased in the lungs of Ac-SDD KD P-treated but not Ac-SDKP-treated mice. Furthermore, a pull-down experiment was used to screen for molecules that interact with Ac-SDKP. Co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) and computer-based molecular docking experiments demonstrated an interaction between Ac-SDKP or Ac-SDD KD P (Ac-SDKP/Ac-SDD KD P) and serine/arginine-rich protein-specific kinase 1 (SRPK1) that caused inhibition SRPK1-mediated phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase/ serine/threonine kinase (PIK3/AKT) signaling pathway activation and Smad2 phosphorylation and thereby attenuated lung fibrosis. Our data suggest that long-acting Ac-SDD KD P may potentially be an effective drug for the treatment of pulmonary fibrosis. The interacting molecule and antifibrotic mechanism of Ac-SDKP/Ac-SDD KD P were also identified, providing an experimental and theoretical foundation for the clinical application of the drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yueyuan Qiu
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Biotechnology Center, School of Pharmacy, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Zhaowei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Biotechnology Center, School of Pharmacy, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Xutao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Biotechnology Center, School of Pharmacy, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Ping Huang
- The Brigade of Undergraduates, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Wangqian Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Biotechnology Center, School of Pharmacy, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Kuo Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Biotechnology Center, School of Pharmacy, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Shuning Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Biotechnology Center, School of Pharmacy, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Lei He
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Biotechnology Center, School of Pharmacy, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yanhai Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Biotechnology Center, School of Pharmacy, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - An Xiang
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Biotechnology Center, School of Pharmacy, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Cun Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Biotechnology Center, School of Pharmacy, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Qiang Hao
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Biotechnology Center, School of Pharmacy, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Meng Li
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Biotechnology Center, School of Pharmacy, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Weina Li
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Biotechnology Center, School of Pharmacy, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yingqi Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Biotechnology Center, School of Pharmacy, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
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17
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Guan J, Zhou L, Wang L, Li X, Pan Z. Germinal peptide eye drops promote corneal wound healing and decrease inflammation after alkali injury. Exp Eye Res 2020; 199:108191. [PMID: 32810484 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2020.108191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2020] [Revised: 07/29/2020] [Accepted: 08/07/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Germinal peptide is being developed to treat corneal injuries. The purpose of this study was to investigate its effect on corneal epithelial cells in vitro and its ability to promote healing in an alkali injury model in vivo. Cultured rabbit corneal epithelial cells were treated with germinal peptide at three concentrations. Cell proliferation and migration were assessed and compared with the effect of recombinant human epidermal growth factor (rh-EGF). In vivo, the corneas of New Zealand albino rabbits were chemically burned with 1 mol/l NaOH for 30 s. The injured eyes were topically treated with germinal peptide (10, 20, and 40 μg/ml), rh-EGF, or phosphate-buffered saline thrice daily. At fixed time points post injury, the healing of the cornea and its histopathology were evaluated. There was no difference in the effect of germinal peptide on cultured cell proliferation. However, cell migration was significantly higher than that in the control groups, with germinal peptide at concentrations of 20 and 40 μg/ml being the most efficacious. In vivo, 20 and 40 μg/ml germinal peptide significantly alleviated corneal opacity and edema. By day 21, the areas of corneal neovascularization in the germinal peptide-treated groups were smaller than those in the rh-EGF and control groups. The repaired corneas in the germinal peptide- and rh-EGF-treated groups also had more corneal epithelial layers and fewer inflammatory cells than the controls. Germinal peptide may be developed as a novel topical treatment agent for corneal wound healing in clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jieying Guan
- Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100730, China; Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510060, China.
| | - Lijia Zhou
- Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100730, China.
| | - Li Wang
- Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100730, China.
| | - Xiaoyi Li
- Zhaoke (Guangzhou) Ophthalmology Pharmaceutical Ltd., Guangzhou, 510000, China.
| | - Zhiqiang Pan
- Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100730, China.
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18
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Lv S, Cai H, Xu Y, Dai J, Rong X, Zheng L. Thymosin‑β 4 induces angiogenesis in critical limb ischemia mice via regulating Notch/NF‑κB pathway. Int J Mol Med 2020; 46:1347-1358. [PMID: 32945357 PMCID: PMC7447324 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2020.4701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2019] [Accepted: 06/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Thymosin‑β 4 (Tβ4) has been reported to exert a pro‑angogenic effect on endothelial cells. However, little is known on the role and underlying mechanisms of Tβ4 on critical limb ischemia (CLI). The present study aimed therefore to investigate the mechanisms and pro‑angiogenic effects of Tβ4 in CLI mice. Tβ4 overexpression lentiviral vector was first transfected into HUVEC and CLI mice model, and inhibitors of Notch pathway (DAPT) and NF‑κB pathway (BMS) were also applied to HUVEC and CLI mice. Subsequently, MTT, tube formation and wound healing assays were used to determine the cell viability, angiogenesis and migratory ablity of HUVEC, respectively. Western blotting, reverse transcription, quantitative PCR, immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry were used to detect the expression of the angiogenesis‑related factors angiopoietin‑2 (Ang2), TEK receptor tyrosine kinase 2 (tie2), vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA), CD31 and α‑smooth muscle actin (α‑SMA) and the Notch/NF‑κB pathways‑related factors NOTCH1 intracellular domain (N1ICD), Notch receptor 3 (Notch3), NF‑κB and p65 in HUVEC or CLI mice muscle tissues. The results demonstrated that Tβ4 not only enhanced the cell viability, angiogenesis and migratory ability of HUVEC but also promoted the expression of Ang2, tie2, VEGFA, N1ICD, Notch3, NF‑κB, and phosphorylated (p)‑p65 in HUVEC. In addition, Tβ4 promoted the expression of CD31, α‑SMA Ang2, tie2, VEGFA, N1ICD and p‑p65 in CLI mice muscle tissues. Treatment with DAPT and BMS had opposite effects of Tβ4, whereas Tβ4 reversed the effect of DAPT and BMS. The findings from the present study suggested that Tβ4 may promote angiogenesis in CLI mice via regulation of Notch/NF‑κB pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shumin Lv
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310006, P.R. China
| | - Hongwen Cai
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310006, P.R. China
| | - Yifei Xu
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310006, P.R. China
| | - Jin Dai
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310006, P.R. China
| | - Xiqing Rong
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310006, P.R. China
| | - Lanzhi Zheng
- Department of Emergency Internal Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310006, P.R. China
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19
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Kanasaki K. N-acetyl-seryl-aspartyl-lysyl-proline is a valuable endogenous antifibrotic peptide for kidney fibrosis in diabetes: An update and translational aspects. J Diabetes Investig 2020; 11:516-526. [PMID: 31997585 PMCID: PMC7232267 DOI: 10.1111/jdi.13219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2020] [Revised: 01/23/2020] [Accepted: 01/24/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
N-acetyl-seryl-aspartyl-lysyl-proline (AcSDKP) is an endogenous peptide that has been confirmed to show excellent organ-protective effects. Even though originally discovered as a modulator of hemotopoietic stem cells, during the recent two decades, AcSDKP has been recognized as valuable antifibrotic peptide. The antifibrotic mechanism of AcSDKP is not yet clear; we have established that AcSDKP could target endothelial-mesenchymal transition program through the induction of the endothelial fibroblast growth factor receptor signaling pathway. Also, recent reports suggested the clinical significance of AcSDKP. The aim of this review was to update recent advances of the mechanistic action of AcSDKP and discuss translational research aspects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keizo Kanasaki
- Internal Medicine 1Faculty of MedicineShimane UniversityIzumoJapan
- Department of Diabetology and EndocrinologyKanazawa Medical UniversityUchinadaJapan
- Division of Anticipatory Molecular Food Science and TechnologyKanazawa Medical UniversityUchinadaJapan
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20
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Poh KK, Lee PSS, Djohan AH, Galupo MJ, Songco GG, Yeo TC, Tan HC, Richards AM, Ye L. Transplantation of Endothelial Progenitor Cells in Obese Diabetic Rats Following Myocardial Infarction: Role of Thymosin Beta-4. Cells 2020; 9:cells9040949. [PMID: 32290541 PMCID: PMC7226991 DOI: 10.3390/cells9040949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2020] [Revised: 03/17/2020] [Accepted: 04/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) are bone-marrow derived cells that are critical in the maintenance of endothelial wall integrity and protection of ischemic myocardium through the formation of new blood vessels (vasculogenesis) or proliferation of pre-existing vasculature (angiogenesis). Diabetes mellitus (DM) and the metabolic syndrome are commonly associated with ischemic heart disease through its pathological effects on the endothelium and consequent endothelial dysfunction. Thymosin-β4 (Tβ4) which expressed in the embryonic heart is critical in epicardial and coronary artery formation. In this study, we explored the effects of Tβ4 treatment on diabetic EPCs in vitro and intramyocardial injection of Tβ4-treated and non-Tβ4 treated EPCs following acute myocardial infarction (MI) of diabetic rats in vivo. It was found that 10 ng/mL Tβ4 increased migration, tubule formation, and angiogenic factor secretion of diabetic EPCs in vitro. In vivo, although implantation of Tβ4 treated diabetic EPCs significantly increased capillary density and attracted more c-Kit positive progenitor cells into the infarcted hearts as compared with implantation of non-Tβ4 treated diabetic EPCs, the significantly improved left ventricular ejection fraction was only found in the rats which received non-Tβ4 treated EPCs. The data suggests that a low dose Tβ4 increases diabetic EPC migration, tubule formation, and angiogenic factor secretion. However, it did not improve the effects of EPCs on left ventricular pump function in diabetic rats with MI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kian Keong Poh
- Department of Cardiology, National University Heart Centre Singapore, National University Health System, Singapore 119074, Singapore; (K.K.P.); (P.S.S.L.); (A.H.D.); (M.J.G.); (G.G.S.); (T.C.Y.); (H.C.T.); (A.M.R.)
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117597, Singapore
| | - Poay Sian Sabrina Lee
- Department of Cardiology, National University Heart Centre Singapore, National University Health System, Singapore 119074, Singapore; (K.K.P.); (P.S.S.L.); (A.H.D.); (M.J.G.); (G.G.S.); (T.C.Y.); (H.C.T.); (A.M.R.)
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117597, Singapore
| | - Andie Hartanto Djohan
- Department of Cardiology, National University Heart Centre Singapore, National University Health System, Singapore 119074, Singapore; (K.K.P.); (P.S.S.L.); (A.H.D.); (M.J.G.); (G.G.S.); (T.C.Y.); (H.C.T.); (A.M.R.)
| | - Mary Joyce Galupo
- Department of Cardiology, National University Heart Centre Singapore, National University Health System, Singapore 119074, Singapore; (K.K.P.); (P.S.S.L.); (A.H.D.); (M.J.G.); (G.G.S.); (T.C.Y.); (H.C.T.); (A.M.R.)
| | - Geronica Gorospe Songco
- Department of Cardiology, National University Heart Centre Singapore, National University Health System, Singapore 119074, Singapore; (K.K.P.); (P.S.S.L.); (A.H.D.); (M.J.G.); (G.G.S.); (T.C.Y.); (H.C.T.); (A.M.R.)
| | - Tiong Cheng Yeo
- Department of Cardiology, National University Heart Centre Singapore, National University Health System, Singapore 119074, Singapore; (K.K.P.); (P.S.S.L.); (A.H.D.); (M.J.G.); (G.G.S.); (T.C.Y.); (H.C.T.); (A.M.R.)
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117597, Singapore
| | - Huay Cheem Tan
- Department of Cardiology, National University Heart Centre Singapore, National University Health System, Singapore 119074, Singapore; (K.K.P.); (P.S.S.L.); (A.H.D.); (M.J.G.); (G.G.S.); (T.C.Y.); (H.C.T.); (A.M.R.)
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117597, Singapore
| | - Arthur Mark Richards
- Department of Cardiology, National University Heart Centre Singapore, National University Health System, Singapore 119074, Singapore; (K.K.P.); (P.S.S.L.); (A.H.D.); (M.J.G.); (G.G.S.); (T.C.Y.); (H.C.T.); (A.M.R.)
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117597, Singapore
| | - Lei Ye
- National Heart Research Institute Singapore, National Heart Centre Singapore, Singapore 169609, Singapore
- Correspondence:
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21
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Cloning, Expression and Effects of P. americana Thymosin on Wound Healing. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20194932. [PMID: 31590392 PMCID: PMC6801668 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20194932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2019] [Revised: 09/30/2019] [Accepted: 10/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The American cockroach (Periplaneta americana) is a medicinal insect. Its extract is used clinically to promote wound healing and tissue regeneration, but the effective medicinal components and mechanisms are not yet clear. It has been reported that human thymosin beta 4 (Tβ4) may accelerate skin wound healing, however, the role of P. americana thymosin (Pa-THYs) is still poorly understood. In the present study, we identify and analyze the DNA sequences of Pa-THYs by bioinformatics analysis. Then we clone, express, and purify the Pa-THYs proteins and evaluate the activity of recombinant Pa-THYs proteins by cell migration and proliferation assays in NIH/3T3 cells. To elucidate the role of Pa-THYs in wound healing, a mouse model is established, and we evaluate wound contraction, histopathological parameters, and the expressions of several key growth factors after Pa-THYs treatment. Our results showed that three THY variants were formed by skipping splicing of exons. Pa-THYs could promote fibroblast migration, but have no effect on fibroblast proliferation. In wound repair, Pa-THYs proteins could effectively promote wound healing through stimulating dermal tissue regeneration, angiogenesis, and collagen deposition. On the molecular mechanism, Pa-THYs also stimulated the expression of several key growth factors to promote wound healing. The data suggest that Pa-THYs could be a potential drug for promoting wound repair.
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Fink K, Boratyński J, Paprocka M, Goszczyński TM. Metallacarboranes as a tool for enhancing the activity of therapeutic peptides. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2019; 1457:128-141. [PMID: 31407357 DOI: 10.1111/nyas.14201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2019] [Revised: 06/19/2019] [Accepted: 07/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Metallacarboranes are anionic boron clusters with high affinity to serum albumin, ability to cross biological membranes, and no apparent toxicity in vitro and in vivo. Thus, conjugation with cobalt bis(1,2-dicarbollide), [COSAN]- , ([3,3'-Co(1,2-C2 B9 H11 )2 ]- ) may improve the properties of therapeutic peptides or proteins at both molecular and systemic levels. Here, we conjugated [COSAN]- with the therapeutic peptide thymosin β4 (Tβ4), which has a pleiotropic activity that results in enhanced healing and regeneration of injured tissues. Using fluorescence quenching of human serum albumin and surface plasmon resonance techniques, we showed that the conjugates have a high affinity to human serum albumin. Using an in vitro wound closure assay, we showed that conjugation with [COSAN]- enhances the activity of Tβ4 toward fibroblasts (MSU1.1 cell line). These results indicate an application of metallacarboranes in the development of analogs of various therapeutic peptides/proteins with superior pharmacological properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krzysztof Fink
- Laboratory of Biomedical Chemistry, Department of Experimental Oncology, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy PAS, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Janusz Boratyński
- Laboratory of Biomedical Chemistry, Department of Experimental Oncology, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy PAS, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Maria Paprocka
- Laboratory of Biology of Stem and Neoplastic Cells, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy PAS, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Tomasz M Goszczyński
- Laboratory of Biomedical Chemistry, Department of Experimental Oncology, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy PAS, Wrocław, Poland
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Chen Q, Shen Z, Mao Y, Li Q, Liu Y, Mei M, Qiu F, Wang M. Inhibition of microRNA-34a mediates protection of thymosin beta 4 in endothelial progenitor cells against advanced glycation endproducts by targeting B-cell lymphoma 2. Can J Physiol Pharmacol 2019; 97:945-951. [PMID: 31397599 DOI: 10.1139/cjpp-2018-0743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The aim of our work was to test whether thymosin beta 4 protected endothelial progenitor cells against apoptosis induced by advanced glycation endproducts and investigate the underlying mechanism. Treatment with thymosin beta 4 or transfection with microRNA-34a inhibitor enhanced cell viability, reduced apoptosis, abated oxidative stress, and attenuated mitochondrial dysfunction in endothelial progenitor cells exposed to advanced glycation endproducts. Incubation with advanced glycation endproducts led to increased levels of microRNA-34a, which was attenuated by treatment with thymosin beta 4. Transfection with microRNA-34a reversed the beneficial effect of thymosin beta 4 against injuries induced by advanced glycation endproducts. The microRNA-34a could directly bind to the 3'UTRs of the mRNA of B-cell lymphoma 2, and thymosin beta 4 treatment upregulated B-cell lymphoma 2 expression in endothelial progenitor cells exposed to advanced glycation endproducts. More importantly, knockdown of B-cell lymphoma 2 abolished the protection of thymosin beta 4 and microRNA-34a inhibitor against advanced glycation endproducts. In conclusion, inhibition of microRNA-34a mediated protection of thymosin beta 4 in endothelial progenitor cells against advanced glycation endproducts by targeting B-cell lymphoma 2, which was helpful for understanding the therapeutic potential of thymosin beta 4 for diabetic patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Chen
- Department of Cardiology, Biomedical Research Center, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhida Shen
- Department of Cardiology, Biomedical Research Center, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yanjun Mao
- Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Qinfeng Li
- Department of Cardiology, Biomedical Research Center, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yu Liu
- Department of Cardiology, Nanjing University Medical School Affiliated Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing, China
| | - Menghan Mei
- Department of Blood Transfusion, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Hangzhou, China
| | - Fuyu Qiu
- Department of Cardiology, Biomedical Research Center, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Meihui Wang
- Department of Cardiology, Biomedical Research Center, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
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Protective Effect of Thymosin β4 against Abdominal Aortic Ischemia-Reperfusion-Induced Acute Lung Injury in Rats. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 55:medicina55050187. [PMID: 31121838 PMCID: PMC6572620 DOI: 10.3390/medicina55050187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2019] [Revised: 02/25/2019] [Accepted: 05/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Background and objectives: Ischemia-reperfusion (IR) caused by infrarenal abdominal aorta cross-clamping is an important factor in the development of ischemia-reperfusion injury in various distant organs. Materials and Methods: We investigated potential antioxidant/anti-inflammatory effects of thymosin beta 4 (Tβ4) in a rat model of abdominal aortic surgery-induced IR. Tβ4 (10 mg/kg, intravenous (i.v.)) was administered to rats with IR (90-min ischemia, 180-min reperfusion) at two different periods. One group received Tβ4 1 h before ischemia, and the other received 15 min before the reperfusion period. Results: Results were compared to control and non-Tβ4-treated rats with IR. Serum, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and lung tissue levels of oxidant parameters were higher, while antioxidant levels were lower in the IR group compared to control. IR also increased inflammatory cytokine levels. Tβ4 reverted these parameters in both Tβ4-treated groups compared to the untreated IR group. Conclusions: Since there is no statistical difference between the prescribed results of both Tβ4-treated groups, our study demonstrates that Tβ4 reduced lung oxidative stress and inflammation following IR and prevented lung tissue injury regardless of timing of administration.
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Zhang X, Zhou J, Zhu Y, He L, Pang Z, Wang Z, Xu C, Zhang C, Hao Q, Li W, Zhang W, Zhang Y, Li M. d-amino acid modification protects N-Acetyl-seryl-aspartyl-lysyl-proline from physiological hydroxylation and increases its antifibrotic effects on hepatic fibrosis. IUBMB Life 2019; 71:1302-1312. [PMID: 30900390 DOI: 10.1002/iub.2037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2019] [Accepted: 03/07/2019] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
N-Acetyl-seryl-aspartyl-lysyl-proline (Ac-SDKP) is a critical negative regulator of fibrosis development in the liver. However, its extremely short half-life in vivo greatly compromises its potential applications. Here, we report an Ac-SDKP analog peptide with d-amino acid replacement (Ac-SDD KD P). The stability of Ac-SDD KD P and its prevention of liver fibrosis were investigated in vitro and in vivo. The stabilities of Ac-SDKP and Ac-SDD KD P exposed to angiotensin-1-converting enzyme (ACE) and their half-lives in rats and human sera were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography. The inhibitory effects of Ac-SDKP and Ac-SDD KD P on the proliferation and activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSC-T6) were evaluated using the Cell Counting Kit-8, Western blotting, reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and immunofluorescence assays. Finally, the protective effects of Ac-SDKP and Ac-SDD KD P on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4 )-induced liver fibrosis in rats were compared. d-Amino acid replacement significantly enhanced the stability of the peptide to ACE and prolonged the half-life of Ac-SDKP in rats and human sera. The Ac-SDKP-mediated inhibition of HSC-T6 cell proliferation was well preserved, and Ac-SDD KD P exerted inhibitory effects comparable to Ac-SDKP on α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), collagen I and III expression, and phosphorylated-Smad-2 expression. After intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration, Ac-SDD KD P exhibited significantly greater protection than Ac-SDKP against CCl4 -induced liver fibrosis in rats. The serum alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, albumin, and total protein levels of the Ac-SDD KD P-treated rats were significantly lower than those of the Ac-SDKP-treated rats. α-SMA, CD45, and collagen I and III expression, as well as Smad-2 phosphorylation were significantly attenuated in the livers of the Ac-SDD KD P-treated rats compared to those of the Ac-SDKP-treated rats. Furthermore, we showed that the Ac-SDD KD P concentration in the rat liver increased to a physiological level of 60 min after i.p. administration, although i.p. administration of Ac-SDKP failed to enhance the peptide concentration in the rat liver. Our findings indicate that d-amino acid replacement is a simple and effective method to enhance the stability of Ac-SDKP. Ac-SDD KD P represents potential application of Ac-SDKP in fibrosis treatment and provides a new potential treatment strategy for liver fibrosis. © 2019 IUBMB Life, 71(9):1302-1312, 2019.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xutao Zhang
- Biotechnology Center, School of Pharmacy, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xian, China
| | - Jiming Zhou
- Biotechnology Center, School of Pharmacy, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xian, China.,Department of Cardiology, 988 Central Hospital of People's Liberation Army, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yichao Zhu
- Biotechnology Center, School of Pharmacy, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xian, China.,The Brigade of Undergraduates, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Lei He
- Biotechnology Center, School of Pharmacy, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xian, China
| | - Zhijun Pang
- Biotechnology Center, School of Pharmacy, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xian, China
| | - Zhaowei Wang
- Biotechnology Center, School of Pharmacy, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xian, China
| | - Chuanyang Xu
- Biotechnology Center, School of Pharmacy, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xian, China
| | - Cun Zhang
- Biotechnology Center, School of Pharmacy, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xian, China
| | - Qiang Hao
- Biotechnology Center, School of Pharmacy, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xian, China
| | - Weina Li
- Biotechnology Center, School of Pharmacy, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xian, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Biotechnology Center, School of Pharmacy, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xian, China
| | - Yingqi Zhang
- Biotechnology Center, School of Pharmacy, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xian, China
| | - Meng Li
- Biotechnology Center, School of Pharmacy, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xian, China
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Gupta S, Li L. The role of Thymosin β4 in angiotensin II-induced cardiomyocytes growth. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2019; 18:105-110. [PMID: 30063846 DOI: 10.1080/14712598.2018.1494718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Thymosin beta-4 (Tβ4) is an actin sequestering protein and is furthermore involved in diverse biological processes including cell proliferation, differentiation, wound healing, stem- or progenitor cell differentiation, and modulates inflammatory mediators. Tβ4 also attenuates fibrosis. However, the role of Tβ4 in cardiomyocytes hypertrophy is unknown. AREAS COVERED In this review, we will discuss the role of Tβ4 in cardiac remodeling that specifically includes cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis only. Our review will further cover a new signaling pathway, the wingless and integrated-1 (Wnt) pathway in cardiac remodeling. In rat neonatal and adult cardiomyocytes stimulated with angiotensin II (Ang II), we showed that Tβ4 has the ability to reduce cell sizes, attenuate hypertrophy marker genes expression, along with a panel of WNT-associated gene expressions induced by Ang II. Selected target gene WNT1-inducible-signaling pathway protein 1 (WISP-1) was identified by Tβ4. Data further confirmed that WISP-1 overexpression promoted cardiomyocytes growth and was reversed by Tβ4 pretreatment. EXPERT OPINION Our data suggested that Tβ4 protects cardiomyocytes from hypertrophic response by targeting WISP-1. The new role of Tβ4 in cardiac hypertrophy advances our understanding, and the mechanism of action of Tβ4 may provide a solid foundation for the treatment of cardiac disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sudhiranjan Gupta
- a Department of Medical Physiology , Texas A&M University; Central Texas Veterans Health Care System , Temple , TX , USA
| | - Li Li
- a Department of Medical Physiology , Texas A&M University; Central Texas Veterans Health Care System , Temple , TX , USA
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Pardon MC. Anti-inflammatory potential of thymosin β4 in the central nervous system: implications for progressive neurodegenerative diseases. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2019; 18:165-169. [PMID: 30063850 DOI: 10.1080/14712598.2018.1486817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The actin-sequestering thymosin beta4 (Tβ4) is the most abundant member of the β-thymosins, and is widely expressed in the central nervous system (CNS), but its functions in the healthy and diseased brain are poorly understood. The expression of Tβ4 in neurons and microglia, the resident immune cells of the brain, suggests that it can play a role in modulating behavioral processes and immunological mechanisms in the brain. The purpose of this review is to shed lights on the role of Tβ4 in CNS function and diseases without antecedent autoimmune inflammation or injury, and to question its therapeutic potential for neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease. AREAS COVERED This review presents the evidence supporting a role for Tβ4 in behaviors that are affected in CNS disorders, as well as studies linking Tβ4 upregulation in microglia to neuroinflammatory processes associated with these disorders. Finally, the implication of Tβ4 in the process of microglial activation and the mechanisms underlying its ability to suppress pro-inflammatory signaling in microglia are discussed. EXPERT OPINION Tβ4 has the potential to control inflammatory processes in the brain, opening avenues for new therapeutic applications to a range of neurodegenerative conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie-Christine Pardon
- a School of Life Sciences, Division of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Queens Medical Centre , The University of Nottingham Medical School , Nottingham , UK
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Shah R, Reyes-Gordillo K, Rojkind M. Thymosin β4 inhibits PDGF-BB induced activation, proliferation, and migration of human hepatic stellate cells via its actin-binding domain. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2019; 18:177-184. [PMID: 30063851 DOI: 10.1080/14712598.2018.1478961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Hepatic stellate cells (HSC) trans-differentiation is central to the development of liver fibrosis, marked by the expression of pro-fibrogenic genes and the proliferation and migration of activated HSC. Therefore, preventing and/or reverting the activation, proliferation, and migration of HSC may lead to new therapies for treating fibrosis/cirrhosis. Thymosin β4 (Tβ4) inhibits PDGF-BB-induced fibrogenesis, proliferation and migration of HSC by blocking Akt phosphorylation. Here, we utilized Tβ4-derived peptides: amino-terminal-Ac-SDKPDMAEIEKFDKS (1-15aa) and actin-binding-LKKTETQ (17-23aa) to investigate the molecular mechanisms in the anti-fibrogenic actions of Tβ4. METHODS We used RT-PCR, Western blot, and proliferation and migration assays in early passages of human HSC cultures treated with PDGF-BB and/or Tβ4 peptides. RESULTS We showed that 17-23aa but not 1-15aa inhibited PDGF-BB-dependent up-regulation of PDGFβ receptor, α-SMA, and collagen 1. It also blunted the phosphorylation of Akt at T 308 and S473, resulting in the inhibition of phosphorylation of PRAS40, and HSC proliferation and migration. Interestingly, 1-15aa blocked Akt phosphorylation at S473, but not T308 by inhibiting mTOR phosphorylation, thus, it did not have any effect on HSC proliferation and migration. CONCLUSION These findings suggest that while 1-15aa has a minor effect on Akt phosphorylation, the anti-fibrogenic actions of Tβ4 are exerted via 17-23aa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruchi Shah
- a Lipid Research Laboratory , VA Medical Center , Washington , DC , USA.,b Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine , The George Washington University Medical Center , Washington , DC , USA
| | - Karina Reyes-Gordillo
- a Lipid Research Laboratory , VA Medical Center , Washington , DC , USA.,b Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine , The George Washington University Medical Center , Washington , DC , USA
| | - Marcos Rojkind
- b Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine , The George Washington University Medical Center , Washington , DC , USA
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Fink K, Kobak K, Kasztura M, Boratyński J, Goszczyński TM. Synthesis and Biological Activity of Thymosin β4-Anionic Boron Cluster Conjugates. Bioconjug Chem 2018; 29:3509-3515. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.8b00646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Krzysztof Fink
- Laboratory of Biomedical Chemistry, Department of Experimental Oncology, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy PAS, 12 Rudolf Weigl Street, 53-114 Wrocław, Poland
| | - Kamil Kobak
- Laboratory for Applied Research on Cardiovascular System, Department of Heart Diseases, Wrocław Medical University, 5 Rudolf Weigl Street, 50-981 Wrocław, Poland
| | - Monika Kasztura
- Laboratory for Applied Research on Cardiovascular System, Department of Heart Diseases, Wrocław Medical University, 5 Rudolf Weigl Street, 50-981 Wrocław, Poland
| | - Janusz Boratyński
- Laboratory of Biomedical Chemistry, Department of Experimental Oncology, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy PAS, 12 Rudolf Weigl Street, 53-114 Wrocław, Poland
| | - Tomasz M. Goszczyński
- Laboratory of Biomedical Chemistry, Department of Experimental Oncology, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy PAS, 12 Rudolf Weigl Street, 53-114 Wrocław, Poland
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An Investigation on the Therapeutic Effect of Thymosin β4 and Its Expression Levels in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Mice. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2018; 2018:3421568. [PMID: 30225249 PMCID: PMC6129858 DOI: 10.1155/2018/3421568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2018] [Revised: 08/01/2018] [Accepted: 08/12/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Thymosin β4 (Tβ4) treatment was known to show the potential therapeutic effects on diabetic complications. This study was performed to determine if Tβ4 expression is changed in both serum and tissues under diabetic conditions and can be a serum biomarker. Type 1 diabetic mice were induced in C57/BL6J mice by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ) at a dose of 50 mg/kg body weight. The mice were sacrificed at 16 weeks after STZ injection. Tissues and plasmas were obtained to determine the expression levels of Tβ4 using ELISA, real time RT-PCR, and immunohistochemistry. The average serum glucose level was increased to approximately 400 mg/dL beginning 2 weeks after the five injections of STZ and lasting for at least 13 weeks until sacrifice. The plasma and tissue levels of Tβ4 in the age-matched control mice were not significantly different from those of the diabetic mice. In conclusion, the Tβ4 expression level in the plasmas and tissues of diabetic mice was not affected by diabetic conditions. It indirectly suggests that the therapeutic effect of Tβ4 on diabetic complications is due to its regenerative effects on damaged tissue but not to the changed expression level of Tβ4 in plasma and tissues of diabetes.
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Ryan MC, Kochunov P, Sherman PM, Rowland LM, Wijtenburg SA, Acheson A, Hong LE, Sladky J, McGuire S. Miniature pig magnetic resonance spectroscopy model of normal adolescent brain development. J Neurosci Methods 2018; 308:173-182. [PMID: 30099002 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2018.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2018] [Revised: 08/07/2018] [Accepted: 08/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We are developing the miniature pig (Sus scrofa domestica), an in-vivo translational, gyrencephalic model for brain development, as an alternative to laboratory rodents/non-human primates. We analyzed longitudinal changes in adolescent pigs using proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS) and examined the relationship with white matter (WM) integrity derived from diffusion weighted imaging (DWI). NEW METHOD Twelve female Sinclair™ pigs underwent three imaging/spectroscopy sessions every 23.95 ± 3.73 days beginning at three months of age using a clinical 3 T scanner. 1H-MRS data were collected using 1.2 × 1.0 × 3.0 cm voxels placed in left and right hemisphere WM using a Point Resolved Spectroscopy sequence (TR = 2000 ms, TE = 30 ms). Concentrations of N-acetylaspartate, myo-inositol (MI), glutamate + glutamine, choline, creatine, and macromolecules (MM) 09 and 14 were averaged from both hemispheres. DWI data were collected using 15 shells of b-values (b = 0-3500 s/mm2) with 32 directions/shell and fit using the WM Tract Integrity model to calculate fractional anisotropy (FA), kurtosis anisotropy (KA) and permeability-diffusivity index. RESULTS MI and MM09 significantly declined with age. Increased FA and KA significantly correlated with decline in MI and MM09. Correlations lost significance once corrected for age. COMPARISON WITH EXISTING METHODS MRI scanners/protocols can be used to collect 1H-MRS and DWI data in pigs. Pigs have a larger, more complex, gyrencephalic brain than laboratory rodents but are less complex than non-human primates, thus satisfying the "replacement" principle of animal research. CONCLUSIONS Longitudinal effects in MRS measurements were similar to those reported in adolescent humans. MRS changes correlated with diffusion measurements indicating ongoing WM myelination/maturation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meghann C Ryan
- Maryland Psychiatric Research Center, Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 55 Wade Avenue, Catonsville, MD 21228, United States.
| | - Peter Kochunov
- Maryland Psychiatric Research Center, Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 55 Wade Avenue, Catonsville, MD 21228, United States.
| | - Paul M Sherman
- U.S. Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine, Aeromedical Research Department, 2510 5th Street, Building 840, Wright-Patterson AFB, OH 45433-7913, United States; Department of Radiology, 59thMedical Wing, 1100 Wilford Hall Loop, Bldg 4551, Joint Base San Antonio, TX, 78236, United States.
| | - Laura M Rowland
- Maryland Psychiatric Research Center, Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 55 Wade Avenue, Catonsville, MD 21228, United States.
| | - S Andrea Wijtenburg
- Maryland Psychiatric Research Center, Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 55 Wade Avenue, Catonsville, MD 21228, United States.
| | - Ashley Acheson
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, 4301 W Markham St., Little Rock, AR, 72205, United States.
| | - L Elliot Hong
- Maryland Psychiatric Research Center, Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 55 Wade Avenue, Catonsville, MD 21228, United States.
| | - John Sladky
- U.S. Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine, Aeromedical Research Department, 2510 5th Street, Building 840, Wright-Patterson AFB, OH 45433-7913, United States; Department of Neurology, 59th Medical Wing, 1100 Wilford Hall Loop, Bldg 4551, Joint Base San Antonio, Lackland AFB, TX, 78236, United States.
| | - Stephen McGuire
- Department of Neurology, University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, San Antonio, TX 78229, United States.
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Yu R, Cao S, Liu Y, Si X, Fang T, Sun X, Dai H, Xu J, Fang H, Chen W. Highly effective biosynthesis of N-acetylated human thymosin β4 (Tβ4) in Escherichia coli. ARTIFICIAL CELLS NANOMEDICINE AND BIOTECHNOLOGY 2018; 46:S95-S104. [DOI: 10.1080/21691401.2018.1489268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Rui Yu
- Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Sai Cao
- Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Yanhong Liu
- Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Xinxi Si
- Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Ting Fang
- Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Xu Sun
- Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Hongmei Dai
- Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Junjie Xu
- Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Hongqing Fang
- Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Wei Chen
- Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing, P. R. China
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Tan WKY, Purnamawati K, Pakkiri LS, Tan SH, Yang X, Chan MY, Drum CL. Sources of variability in quantifying circulating thymosin beta-4: literature review and recommendations. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2018; 18:141-147. [DOI: 10.1080/14712598.2018.1448382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Warren K. Y. Tan
- NUS Graduate School for Integrative Sciences and Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, National University Health System, Singapore
| | - Kristy Purnamawati
- Translational Laboratory in Genetic Medicine, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore
| | - Leroy S. Pakkiri
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, National University Health System, Singapore
| | - Sock Hwee Tan
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, National University Health System, Singapore
| | - Xiaoxun Yang
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, National University Health System, Singapore
| | - Mark Y. Chan
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, National University Health System, Singapore
| | - Chester L. Drum
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, National University Health System, Singapore
- Translational Laboratory in Genetic Medicine, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore
- Department of Surgery, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
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Belsky JB, Rivers EP, Filbin MR, Lee PJ, Morris DC. Thymosin beta 4 regulation of actin in sepsis. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2018; 18:193-197. [PMID: 29508629 DOI: 10.1080/14712598.2018.1448381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Sepsis is the dysregulated host response to an infection resulting in life-threatening organ damage. Thymosin Beta 4 is an actin binding protein that inhibits the polymerization of G-actin into F-actin and improves mortality when administered intravenously to septic rats. Thymosin Beta 4 decreases inflammatory mediators, lowers reactive oxygen species, up-regulates anti-oxidative enzymes, anti-inflammatory genes, and anti-apoptotic enzymes making it an interesting protein to study in sepsis. AREAS COVERED The authors summarize the current knowledge of actin and Thymosin Beta 4 as it relates to sepsis via a comprehensive literature search. EXPERT OPINION Sepsis results in measurable levels of F-actin in the circulation as well as a decreased concentration of Thymosin Beta 4. It is speculated that F-actinemia contributes to microcirculatory perturbations present in patients with sepsis by disturbing laminar flow. Given that Thymosin Beta 4 inhibits the polymerization of F-actin, it is possible that Thymosin Beta 4 decreases mortality in sepsis via the regulation of actin as well as its other anti-inflammatory properties and should be further pursued as a clinical trial in humans with sepsis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin B Belsky
- a Department of Emergency Medicine , Yale-New Haven Hospital , New Haven , CT , USA
| | - Emanuel P Rivers
- b Department of Emergency Medicine and Critical Care , Wayne State University , Detroit , MI , USA.,c Department of Emergency Medicine and Critical Care , Henry Ford Hospital , Detroit , MI , USA
| | - Michael R Filbin
- d Department of Emergency Medicine , Massachusetts General Hospital , Boston , MA , USA
| | - Patty J Lee
- e Department of Internal Medicine, Yale-New Haven Hospital , The Anlyan Center , New Haven , CT , USA
| | - Daniel C Morris
- f Department of Emergency Medicine , Henry Ford Hospital , Detroit , MI , USA
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Conte E, Fagone E, Gili E, Fruciano M, Iemmolo M, Pistorio MP, Impellizzeri D, Cordaro M, Cuzzocrea S, Vancheri C. Preventive and therapeutic effects of thymosin β4 N-terminal fragment Ac-SDKP in the bleomycin model of pulmonary fibrosis. Oncotarget 2017; 7:33841-54. [PMID: 27029074 PMCID: PMC5085123 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.8409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2016] [Accepted: 03/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study, the bleomycin model of pulmonary fibrosis was utilized to investigate putative anti-fibrotic activity of Ac-SDKP in vivo. Male CD-1 mice received intra-tracheal bleomycin (BLEO, 1 mg/kg) instillation in the absence or presence of Ac-SDKP (a dose of 0.6 mg/kg delivered intra-peritoneally on the day of BLEO treatment, d0, followed by bi-weekly additional doses). To evaluate therapeutic effects in a subset of mice, Ac-SDKP was administered one week after BLEO instillation (d7). Animals were sacrificed at one, two, or three weeks later. Measurement of fluid and collagen content in the lung, Broncho Alveolar Lavage Fluid (BALF) analysis, lung histology, immunohistochemistry (IHC), and molecular analysis were performed. Compared to BLEO-treated mice, animals that received also Ac-SDKP (at both d0 and d7) had significantly decreased mortality, weight loss, inflammation (edema, and leukocyte lung infiltration), lung damage (histological evidence of lung injury), and fibrosis (collagen histological staining and soluble collagen content in the lung) at up to 21 days. Moreover, IHC and quantitative RT-PCR results demonstrated a significant decrease in BLEO-induced IL-17 and TGF-β expression in lung tissue. Importantly, α-SMA expression, the hallmark of myofibroblast differentiation, was also decreased. This is the first report showing not only a preventive protective role of Ac-SDKP but also its significant therapeutic effects in the bleomycin model of pulmonary fibrosis, thus supporting further preclinical and clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrico Conte
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95124 Catania, Italy
| | - Evelina Fagone
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95124 Catania, Italy
| | - Elisa Gili
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95124 Catania, Italy
| | - Mary Fruciano
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95124 Catania, Italy
| | - Maria Iemmolo
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95124 Catania, Italy
| | | | - Daniela Impellizzeri
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Messina, 98166 Messina, Italy
| | - Marika Cordaro
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Messina, 98166 Messina, Italy
| | - Salvatore Cuzzocrea
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Messina, 98166 Messina, Italy
| | - Carlo Vancheri
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95124 Catania, Italy
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Juillerat-Jeanneret L, Tafelmeyer P, Golshayan D. Fibroblast activation protein-α in fibrogenic disorders and cancer: more than a prolyl-specific peptidase? Expert Opin Ther Targets 2017; 21:977-991. [DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2017.1370455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Lucienne Juillerat-Jeanneret
- Transplantation Center and Transplantation Immunopathology Laboratory, Department of Medicine, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois (CHUV) and University of Lausanne (UNIL), Lausanne, Switzerland
- CHUV and UNIL, University Institute of Pathology, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Petra Tafelmeyer
- Hybrigenics Services, Laboratories and Headquarters, Paris, France
- Hybrigenics Corporation, Cambridge Innovation Center, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Dela Golshayan
- Transplantation Center and Transplantation Immunopathology Laboratory, Department of Medicine, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois (CHUV) and University of Lausanne (UNIL), Lausanne, Switzerland
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Engineered M13 Nanofiber Accelerates Ischemic Neovascularization by Enhancing Endothelial Progenitor Cells. Tissue Eng Regen Med 2017; 14:787-802. [PMID: 30603528 DOI: 10.1007/s13770-017-0074-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2017] [Revised: 07/08/2017] [Accepted: 07/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Dysfunction or loss of blood vessel causes several ischemic diseases. Although endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) are a promising source for cell-based therapy, ischemia-induced pathophysiological condition limits the recovery rate by causing drastic cell death. To overcome this issue, we attempted to develop a cell-targeted peptide delivery and priming system to enhance EPC-based neovascularization using an engineered M13 bacteriophage harboring nanofibrous tubes displaying ~2700 multiple functional motifs. The M13 nanofiber was modified by displaying RGD, which is an integrin-docking peptide, on the minor coat protein, and by mutilayering SDKP motifs, which are the key active sites for thymosin β4, on the major coat protein. The engineered M13 nanofiber dramatically enhanced ischemic neovascularization by activating intracellular and extracellular processes such as proliferation, migration, and tube formation in the EPCs. Furthermore, transplantation of the primed EPCs with the M13 nanofiber harboring RGD and SDKP facilitated functional recovery and neovascularization in a murine hindlimb ischemia model. Overall, this study demonstrates the effectiveness of the M13 nanofiber-based novel peptide delivery and priming strategy in promoting EPC bioactivity and neovessel regeneration. To our knowledge, this is first report on M13 nanofibers harboring dual functional motifs, the use of which might be a novel strategy for stem and progenitor cell therapy against cardiovascular ischemic diseases.
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Abstract
The molecular mechanisms of thymosin beta-4 (TB4) involved in regulating hepatic stellate cell (HSC) functions remain unclear. Therefore, we hypothesize that TB4 influences HSC activation through hedgehog (Hh) pathway. HSC functions declined in a TB4 siRNA-treated LX-2. TB4 suppression down-regulated both integrin linked kinase (ILK), an activator of smoothened, and phosphorylated glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta (pGSK-3B), an inactive form of GSK-3B degrading glioblastoma 2 (GLI2), followed by the decreased expression of both smoothened and GLI2. A TB4 CRISPR also blocked the activation of primary HSCs, with decreased expression of smoothened, GLI2 and ILK compared with cells transfected with nontargeting control CRISPR. Double immunostaining and an immunoprecipitation assay revealed that TB4 interacted with either smoothened at the cytoplasm or GLI2 at the nucleus in LX-2. Smoothened suppression in primary HSCs using a Hh antagonist or adenovirus transduction decreased TB4 expression with the reduced activation of HSCs. Tb4-overexpressing transgenic mice treated with CCl4 were susceptible to the development hepatic fibrosis with higher levels of ILK, pGSK3b, and Hh activity, as compared with wild-type mice. These findings demonstrate that TB4 regulates HSC activation by influencing the activity of Smoothened and GLI2, suggesting TB4 as a novel therapeutic target in liver disease.
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Zhu J, Song J, Yu L, Zheng H, Zhou B, Weng S, Fu G. Safety and efficacy of autologous thymosin β4 pre-treated endothelial progenitor cell transplantation in patients with acute ST segment elevation myocardial infarction: A pilot study. Cytotherapy 2016; 18:1037-1042. [PMID: 27288307 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcyt.2016.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2016] [Revised: 04/07/2016] [Accepted: 05/10/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Experimental studies and clinical trials suggest that endothelial progenitor cell (EPC) transplantation can repair "broken" heart. However, transplantation of autologous EPCs has numerous limitations, including the limited supply of expanded EPCs, the impaired function and activity of the transplanted cells and so on. Therefore, we investigated the feasibility, safety and initial clinical outcome of autologous thymosin β4 (Tβ4) pre-treated EPC transplantation in patients with acute ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). METHODS Ten patients with STEMI were included; they were randomized to 2 groups: EPC transplantation group (control group; n = 5) and Tβ4-pre-treated EPC transplantation group (experimental group; n = 5). EPCs were pre-treated with Tβ4 24 hours before transplantation in experimental group. Cardiac function was evaluated using echocardiography and emission computed tomography, as well as the 6-min walking test before and 6 months after the intervention. RESULTS After 6 months of follow-up, the average 6-min walking distance was increased by 38.2 m (from 263 ± 42 m to 302 ± 34 m) in the control group and 75.7 m (from 264 ± 42 m to 340 ± 44 m) in the experimental group; the average difference of the 6-min walking distance was 37.5 m (95% confidence interval [CI], 28.7-56.3 m; P < 0.01). In addition, the cardiac function in the experimental group was more significantly improved than that of the control group. There were no severe complications related to the procedure in either group during the follow-up. DISCUSSION Our pilot study suggested that Tβ4-optimized EPC transplantation appeared to be feasible and safe, and might have beneficial effects on exercise capacity and left ventricular function in patients with STEMI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junhui Zhu
- Department of Cardiology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jiale Song
- Department of Cardiology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Lu Yu
- Department of Cardiology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hao Zheng
- Department of Cardiology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Binquan Zhou
- Department of Cardiology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Shaoxiang Weng
- Department of Cardiology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Guosheng Fu
- Department of Cardiology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.
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Lee PSS, Ye L, Khoo EYH, Yeo TC, Tan HC, Richards AM, Poh KK. Impairment in the number and function of CD34+/KDR+ circulating cells in diabetes and obesity with functional improvement after thymosin β4 treatment. Cardiovasc Endocrinol 2016. [DOI: 10.1097/xce.0000000000000076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
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Renault L. Intrinsic, Functional, and Structural Properties of β-Thymosins and β-Thymosin/WH2 Domains in the Regulation and Coordination of Actin Self-Assembly Dynamics and Cytoskeleton Remodeling. VITAMINS AND HORMONES 2016; 102:25-54. [PMID: 27450729 DOI: 10.1016/bs.vh.2016.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
β-Thymosins are a family of heat-stable multifunctional polypeptides that are expressed as small proteins of about 5kDa (~45 amino acids) almost exclusively in multicellular animals. They were first isolated from the thymus. As full-length or truncated polypeptides, they appear to stimulate a broad range of extracellular activities in various signaling pathways, including tissue repair and regeneration, inflammation, cell migration, and immune defense. However, their cell surface receptors and structural mechanisms of regulations in these multiple pathways remain still poorly understood. Besides their extracellular activities, they belong to a larger family of small, intrinsically disordered actin-binding domains called WH2/β-thymosin domains that have been identified in more than 1800 multidomain proteins found in different taxonomic domains of life and involved in various actin-based motile processes including cell morphogenesis, motility, adhesions, tissue development, intracellular trafficking, or pathogen infections. This review briefly surveys the main recent findings to understand how these small, intrinsically disordered but functional domains can interact with many unrelated partners and can thus integrate and coordinate various intracellular activities in actin self-assembly dynamics and cell signaling pathways linked to their cytoskeleton remodeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Renault
- Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell (I2BC), CEA, CNRS, Univ. Paris-Sud, Université Paris-Saclay, Gif-sur-Yvette, France.
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Abstract
No agent has been identified that significantly accelerates the repair of chronic dermal wounds in humans. Thymosin beta 4 (Tβ4) is a small, abundant, naturally occurring regenerative protein that is found in body fluids and inside cells. It was found to have angiogenic and antiinflammatory activity and to be high in platelets that aggregate at the wound site. Thus we used Tβ4 initially in dermal healing. It has since been shown to have many activities important in tissue protection, repair, and regeneration. Tβ4 increases the rate of dermal healing in various preclinical animal models, including diabetic and aged animals, and is active for burns as well. Tβ4 also accelerated the rate of repair in phase 2 trials with patients having pressure ulcers, stasis ulcers, and epidermolysis bullosa wounds. It is safe and well tolerated and will likely have additional uses in the skin and in injured organs for tissue repair and regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- H K Kleinman
- George Washington University, Washington, DC, United States.
| | - G Sosne
- Kresge Eye Institute, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, United States
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Stark CKJ, Tarkia M, Kentala R, Malmberg M, Vähäsilta T, Savo M, Hynninen VV, Helenius M, Ruohonen S, Jalkanen J, Taimen P, Alastalo TP, Saraste A, Knuuti J, Savunen T, Koskenvuo J. Systemic Dosing of Thymosin Beta 4 before and after Ischemia Does Not Attenuate Global Myocardial Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury in Pigs. Front Pharmacol 2016; 7:115. [PMID: 27199757 PMCID: PMC4853610 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2016.00115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2015] [Accepted: 04/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The use of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) and aortic cross-clamping causes myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury (I-RI) and can lead to reduced postoperative cardiac function. We investigated whether this injury could be attenuated by thymosin beta 4 (TB4), a peptide which has showed cardioprotective effects. Pigs received either TB4 or vehicle and underwent CPB and aortic cross-clamping for 60 min with cold intermittent blood-cardioplegia and were then followed for 30 h. Myocardial function and blood flow was studied by cardiac magnetic resonance and PET imaging. Tissue and plasma samples were analyzed to determine the amount of cardiomyocyte necrosis and apoptosis as well as pharmacokinetics of the peptide. In vitro studies were performed to assess its influence on blood coagulation and vasomotor tone. Serum levels of the peptide were increased after administration compared to control samples. TB4 did not decrease the amount of cell death. Cardiac function and global myocardial blood flow was similar between the study groups. At high doses a vasoconstrictor effect on mesentery arteries and a vasodilator effect on coronary arteries was observed and blood clot firmness was reduced when tested in the presence of an antiplatelet agent. Despite promising results in previous trials the cardioprotective effect of TB4 was not demonstrated in this model for global myocardial I-RI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christoffer K-J Stark
- Research Center of Applied and Preventive Cardiovascular Medicine, University of TurkuTurku, Finland; Heart Center, Turku University Hospital and University of TurkuTurku, Finland
| | - Miikka Tarkia
- Turku PET Centre, Turku University Hospital and University of Turku Turku, Finland
| | - Rasmus Kentala
- Research Center of Applied and Preventive Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Turku Turku, Finland
| | - Markus Malmberg
- Heart Center, Turku University Hospital and University of Turku Turku, Finland
| | - Tommi Vähäsilta
- Research Center of Applied and Preventive Cardiovascular Medicine, University of TurkuTurku, Finland; Heart Center, Turku University Hospital and University of TurkuTurku, Finland
| | - Matti Savo
- Research Center of Applied and Preventive Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Turku Turku, Finland
| | - Ville-Veikko Hynninen
- Department of Anesthesiology, Intensive Care, Emergency Care and Pain Medicine, Turku University Hospital Turku, Finland
| | - Mikko Helenius
- Children's Hospital, Pediatric Cardiology, Helsinki University Hospital Helsinki, Finland
| | - Saku Ruohonen
- Research Center of Applied and Preventive Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Turku Turku, Finland
| | - Juho Jalkanen
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Turku University Hospital and University of Turku Turku, Finland
| | - Pekka Taimen
- Department of Pathology, Turku University Hospital and University of Turku Turku, Finland
| | - Tero-Pekka Alastalo
- Children's Hospital, Pediatric Cardiology, Helsinki University Hospital Helsinki, Finland
| | - Antti Saraste
- Turku PET Centre, Turku University Hospital and University of Turku Turku, Finland
| | - Juhani Knuuti
- Turku PET Centre, Turku University Hospital and University of Turku Turku, Finland
| | - Timo Savunen
- Research Center of Applied and Preventive Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Turku Turku, Finland
| | - Juha Koskenvuo
- Research Center of Applied and Preventive Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Turku Turku, Finland
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Esipov RS, Makarov DA, Stepanenko VN, Miroshnikov AI. Development of the intein-mediated method for production of recombinant thymosin β4 from the acetylated in vivo fusion protein. J Biotechnol 2016; 228:73-81. [PMID: 27015974 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiotec.2016.02.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2015] [Revised: 02/09/2016] [Accepted: 02/12/2016] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Thymosin β4 is a 43 amino acid long peptide with an acetylated N-terminal serin that has a high potential as a remedy for healing ulcers, wounds and burns. Although protein biosynthesis offers attractive opportunities in terms of a large-scale production, currently thymosin β4 is mainly produced by chemical synthesis. The problems that hinder the successful commercialization of the biotechnological approach are associated with the small peptides expression and N-terminal acetylation. This work presents an innovative biotechnological method for thymosin β4 production that employs the peptide acetylation in vivo. A genetically engineered construct was created, where the Tβ4 coding sequence fused with the intein Mxe GyrA sequence and chitin-binding domain was combined with the acetyltransferase coding sequence to form a polycistronic construct under a stringent control of T7 promoter. This plasmid construct provided for the expression of the Tβ4-intein fusion protein. In the process of the post-translational modification in vivo formyl methionine was completely removed from the target peptide N-terminus and followed by the Tβ4 precursor N-terminal acetylation. The use of the intein-mediated expression system made it possible to extract thymosin β4 in only 2 chromatographic runs. The method is straightforward to implement and scale up.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roman S Esipov
- M.M. Shemyakin and Yu.A. Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences, GSP-7, Miklukho-Maklaya Str. 16/10, 117997 Moscow, Russian Federation.
| | - Dmitry A Makarov
- M.M. Shemyakin and Yu.A. Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences, GSP-7, Miklukho-Maklaya Str. 16/10, 117997 Moscow, Russian Federation.
| | - Vasily N Stepanenko
- M.M. Shemyakin and Yu.A. Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences, GSP-7, Miklukho-Maklaya Str. 16/10, 117997 Moscow, Russian Federation.
| | - Anatoly I Miroshnikov
- M.M. Shemyakin and Yu.A. Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences, GSP-7, Miklukho-Maklaya Str. 16/10, 117997 Moscow, Russian Federation.
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Wang YY, Zhu QS, Wang YW, Yin RF. Thymosin Beta-4 Recombinant Adeno-associated Virus Enhances Human Nucleus Pulposus Cell Proliferation and Reduces Cell Apoptosis and Senescence. Chin Med J (Engl) 2016; 128:1529-35. [PMID: 26021512 PMCID: PMC4733779 DOI: 10.4103/0366-6999.157686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Thymosin beta-4 (TB-4) is considered key roles in tissue development, maintenance and pathological processes. The study aimed to prove TB-4 positive biological function on nucleus pulposus (NP) cell apoptosis and slowing the process of cell aging while increasing the cell proliferation. Methods: TB-4 recombinant adeno-associated virus (AAV) was constructed and induced to human NP cells. Cell of same group were cultured without gene modification as controlled group. Proliferation capacity and cell apoptosis were observed during 6 passages of the cells. Morphology and expression of the TB-4 gene were documented as parameter of cell activity during cell passage. Results: NP cells with TB-4 transfection has normal TB-4 expression and exocytosis. NP cells with TB-4 transfection performed significantly higher cell activity than that at the control group in each generation. TB-4 recombinant AAV-transfected human NP cells also show slower cell aging, lower cell apoptosis and higher cell proliferation than control group. Conclusions: TB-4 can prevent NP cell apoptosis, slow NP cell aging and promote NP cell proliferation. AAV transfection technique was able to highly and stably express TB-4 in human NP cells, which may provide a new pathway for innovation in the treatment of intervertebral disc degenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Ruo-Feng Yin
- Department of Orthopedics, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, China
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Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy discriminates the response to microglial stimulation of wild type and Alzheimer's disease models. Sci Rep 2016; 6:19880. [PMID: 26813748 PMCID: PMC4728482 DOI: 10.1038/srep19880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2015] [Accepted: 12/18/2015] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Microglia activation has emerged as a potential key factor in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease. Metabolite levels assessed by magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) are used as markers of neuroinflammation in neurodegenerative diseases, but how they relate to microglial activation in health and chronic disease is incompletely understood. Using MRS, we monitored the brain metabolic response to lipopolysaccharides (LPS)-induced microglia activation in vivo in a transgenic mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease (APP/PS1) and healthy controls (wild-type (WT) littermates) over 4 hours. We assessed reactive gliosis by immunohistochemistry and correlated metabolic and histological measures. In WT mice, LPS induced a microglial phenotype consistent with activation, associated with a sustained increase in macromolecule and lipid levels (ML9). This effect was not seen in APP/PS1 mice, where LPS did not lead to a microglial response measured by histology, but induced a late increase in the putative inflammation marker myoinositol (mI) and metabolic changes in total creatine and taurine previously reported to be associated with amyloid load. We argue that ML9 and mI distinguish the response of WT and APP/PS1 mice to immune mediators. Lipid and macromolecule levels may represent a biomarker of activation of healthy microglia, while mI may not be a glial marker.
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Sosne G, Rimmer D, Kleinman H, Ousler G. Thymosin Beta 4. VITAMINS AND HORMONES 2016; 102:277-306. [DOI: 10.1016/bs.vh.2016.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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Ma S, Kang Z, Lü P, Yang Y, Yao Q, Xia H, Chen K. Molecular and Physiological Characterization of Two Novel Multirepeat β-Thymosins from Silkworm, Bombyx mori. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0140182. [PMID: 26474303 PMCID: PMC4608725 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0140182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2015] [Accepted: 09/21/2015] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
β-thymosin plays important roles in the development of the lymphatic system and the central nervous system in vertebrates. However, its role and function in invertebrates remain much less explored. Here, we firstly isolated a gene encoding β-thymosin in silkworm (Bombyx mori L.). Interestingly, this gene encodes two polypeptides, named as BmTHY1 and BmTHY2, via two different modes of RNA splicing. The recombinant proteins fused with an N-term GST tag were over-expressed in Escherichia coli (E. coli) and further purified to near homogenity to prepare mouse antibodies. The Western blot analysis showed that these proteins were expressed in various tissues and organs, as well as in different developmental stages. Amazingly, the expression of BmTHY2 was hugely increased during the pupae stage, indicating a specialized role in this period. The expression of these proteins was gradually decreased in BmN cells infected by BmNPV, suggesting they may play different roles in the virus infection. In addition, both BmTHY1 and BmTHY2 can interact with 14-3-3 of silkworm and Ubiquitin of BmNPV as shown by GST pull down and Co-IP assays, consistent with their roles in the regulation of the development of nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shangshang Ma
- Institute of Life Sciences, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, P. R. China
| | - Zhiqiong Kang
- Institute of Life Sciences, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, P. R. China
| | - Peng Lü
- Institute of Life Sciences, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, P. R. China
| | - Yanhua Yang
- Institute of Life Sciences, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, P. R. China
| | - Qin Yao
- Institute of Life Sciences, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, P. R. China
| | - Hengchuan Xia
- Institute of Life Sciences, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, P. R. China
- * E-mail: (KPC); (HCX)
| | - Keping Chen
- Institute of Life Sciences, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, P. R. China
- * E-mail: (KPC); (HCX)
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Semenistaya E, Zvereva I, Krotov G, Rodchenkov G. Solid-phase extraction of small biologically active peptides on cartridges and microelution 96-well plates from human urine. Drug Test Anal 2015; 8:940-9. [DOI: 10.1002/dta.1890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2015] [Revised: 08/12/2015] [Accepted: 09/02/2015] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Irina Zvereva
- Antidoping Center; Elizavetinsky per., 10/1 Moscow 105005 Russian Federation
| | - Grigory Krotov
- Antidoping Center; Elizavetinsky per., 10/1 Moscow 105005 Russian Federation
| | - Grigory Rodchenkov
- Antidoping Center; Elizavetinsky per., 10/1 Moscow 105005 Russian Federation
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50
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Thymosin β4 significantly improves signs and symptoms of severe dry eye in a phase 2 randomized trial. Cornea 2015; 34:491-6. [PMID: 25826322 DOI: 10.1097/ico.0000000000000379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Standard therapies for severe dry eye are limited and fail to resolve the problem. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of Thymosin β4 eye drops (RGN-259) as a novel therapy for severe dry eye disease (including that associated with graft vs. host disease). METHODS A small, multicenter, randomized, double-masked, placebo-controlled 56-day phase 2 clinical trial including a 28-day follow-up at 2 US sites. Nine patients with severe dry eye were treated with either RGN-259 (0.1%) or vehicle control 6 times daily over a period of 28 days. Dry eye sign and symptom assessments, such as ocular discomfort (using the OSDI questionnaire) and corneal fluorescein staining (using the NEI workshop grading system), were evaluated at various time points. RESULTS Statistically significant differences in both symptom and sign assessments, were seen at various time points throughout the study. Of particular note at day 56, the RGN-259-treated group (12 eyes) had 35.1% reduction of ocular discomfort compared with vehicle control (6 eyes) (P = 0.0141), and 59.1% reduction of total corneal fluorescein staining compared with vehicle control (P = 0.0108). Other improvements seen in the RGN-259-treated patients included tear film breakup time and increased tear volume production. CONCLUSIONS In this small trial, RGN-259 eye drops were safe and well tolerated and met key efficacy objectives with statistically significant symptom and sign improvements, compared with vehicle control, at various time intervals, including 28-days posttreatment. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION--URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT01393132.
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