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Boucher M, Henry C, Gélinas L, Packwood R, Rojas-Ruiz A, Fereydoonzad L, Graham P, Bossé Y. High throughput screening of airway constriction in mouse lung slices. Sci Rep 2024; 14:20133. [PMID: 39210022 PMCID: PMC11362152 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-71170-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 08/26/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
The level of airway constriction in thin slices of lung tissue is highly variable. Owing to the labor-intensive nature of these experiments, determining the number of airways to be analyzed in order to allocate a reliable value of constriction in one mouse is challenging. Herein, a new automated device for physiology and image analysis was used to facilitate high throughput screening of airway constriction in lung slices. Airway constriction was first quantified in slices of lungs from male BALB/c mice with and without experimental asthma that were inflated with agarose through the trachea or trans-parenchymal injections. Random sampling simulations were then conducted to determine the number of airways required per mouse to quantify maximal constriction. The constriction of 45 ± 12 airways per mouse in 32 mice were analyzed. Mean maximal constriction was 37.4 ± 32.0%. The agarose inflating technique did not affect the methacholine response. However, the methacholine constriction was affected by experimental asthma (p = 0.003), shifting the methacholine concentration-response curve to the right, indicating a decreased sensitivity. Simulations then predicted that approximately 35, 16 and 29 airways per mouse are needed to quantify the maximal constriction mean, standard deviation and coefficient of variation, respectively; these numbers varying between mice and with experimental asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magali Boucher
- Institut Universitaire de Cardiologie et de Pneumologie de Québec (IUCPQ)-Université Laval, Pavillon M, room 2687, 2725, chemin Sainte-Foy, Quebec, Qc, G1V 4G5, Canada
| | - Cyndi Henry
- Institut Universitaire de Cardiologie et de Pneumologie de Québec (IUCPQ)-Université Laval, Pavillon M, room 2687, 2725, chemin Sainte-Foy, Quebec, Qc, G1V 4G5, Canada
| | - Louis Gélinas
- Institut Universitaire de Cardiologie et de Pneumologie de Québec (IUCPQ)-Université Laval, Pavillon M, room 2687, 2725, chemin Sainte-Foy, Quebec, Qc, G1V 4G5, Canada
| | - Rosalie Packwood
- Institut Universitaire de Cardiologie et de Pneumologie de Québec (IUCPQ)-Université Laval, Pavillon M, room 2687, 2725, chemin Sainte-Foy, Quebec, Qc, G1V 4G5, Canada
| | - Andrés Rojas-Ruiz
- Institut Universitaire de Cardiologie et de Pneumologie de Québec (IUCPQ)-Université Laval, Pavillon M, room 2687, 2725, chemin Sainte-Foy, Quebec, Qc, G1V 4G5, Canada
| | | | | | - Ynuk Bossé
- Institut Universitaire de Cardiologie et de Pneumologie de Québec (IUCPQ)-Université Laval, Pavillon M, room 2687, 2725, chemin Sainte-Foy, Quebec, Qc, G1V 4G5, Canada.
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2
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Conaway S, Huang W, Hernandez-Lara MA, Kane MA, Penn RB, Deshpande DA. Molecular mechanism of bitter taste receptor agonist-mediated relaxation of airway smooth muscle. FASEB J 2024; 38:e23842. [PMID: 39037554 PMCID: PMC11299423 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202400452r] [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: 02/29/2024] [Revised: 06/24/2024] [Accepted: 07/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) belonging to the type 2 taste receptors (TAS2Rs) family are predominantly present in taste cells to allow the perception of bitter-tasting compounds. TAS2Rs have also been shown to be expressed in human airway smooth muscle (ASM), and TAS2R agonists relax ASM cells and bronchodilate airways despite elevating intracellular calcium. This calcium "paradox" (calcium mediates contraction by pro-contractile Gq-coupled GPCRs) and the mechanisms by which TAS2R agonists relax ASM remain poorly understood. To gain insight into pro-relaxant mechanisms effected by TAS2Rs, we employed an unbiased phosphoproteomic approach involving dual-mass spectrometry to determine differences in the phosphorylation of contractile-related proteins in ASM following the stimulation of cells with TAS2R agonists, histamine (an agonist of the Gq-coupled H1 histamine receptor) or isoproterenol (an agonist of the Gs-coupled β2-adrenoceptor) alone or in combination. Our study identified differential phosphorylation of proteins regulating contraction, including A-kinase anchoring protein (AKAP)2, AKAP12, and RhoA guanine nucleotide exchange factor (ARHGEF)12. Subsequent signaling analyses revealed RhoA and the T853 residue on myosin light chain phosphatase (MYPT)1 as points of mechanistic divergence between TAS2R and Gs-coupled GPCR pathways. Unlike Gs-coupled receptor signaling, which inhibits histamine-induced myosin light chain (MLC)20 phosphorylation via protein kinase A (PKA)-dependent inhibition of intracellular calcium mobilization, HSP20 and ERK1/2 activity, TAS2Rs are shown to inhibit histamine-induced pMLC20 via inhibition of RhoA activity and MYPT1 phosphorylation at the T853 residue. These findings provide insight into the TAS2R signaling in ASM by defining a distinct signaling mechanism modulating inhibition of pMLC20 to relax contracted ASM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stanley Conaway
- Center for Translational Medicine, Jane and Leonard Korman Lung Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, U.S.A., 19107
| | - Weiliang Huang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, U.S.A., 21201
| | - Miguel A. Hernandez-Lara
- Center for Translational Medicine, Jane and Leonard Korman Lung Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, U.S.A., 19107
| | - Maureen A. Kane
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, U.S.A., 21201
| | - Raymond B. Penn
- Center for Translational Medicine, Jane and Leonard Korman Lung Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, U.S.A., 19107
| | - Deepak A. Deshpande
- Center for Translational Medicine, Jane and Leonard Korman Lung Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, U.S.A., 19107
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3
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Koziol-White C, Gebski E, Cao G, Panettieri RA. Precision cut lung slices: an integrated ex vivo model for studying lung physiology, pharmacology, disease pathogenesis and drug discovery. Respir Res 2024; 25:231. [PMID: 38824592 PMCID: PMC11144351 DOI: 10.1186/s12931-024-02855-6] [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: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Precision Cut Lung Slices (PCLS) have emerged as a sophisticated and physiologically relevant ex vivo model for studying the intricacies of lung diseases, including fibrosis, injury, repair, and host defense mechanisms. This innovative methodology presents a unique opportunity to bridge the gap between traditional in vitro cell cultures and in vivo animal models, offering researchers a more accurate representation of the intricate microenvironment of the lung. PCLS require the precise sectioning of lung tissue to maintain its structural and functional integrity. These thin slices serve as invaluable tools for various research endeavors, particularly in the realm of airway diseases. By providing a controlled microenvironment, precision-cut lung slices empower researchers to dissect and comprehend the multifaceted interactions and responses within lung tissue, thereby advancing our understanding of pulmonary pathophysiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cynthia Koziol-White
- Rutgers Institute for Translational Medicine and Science, The State University of NJ, 08901, Rutgers, New Brunswick, NJ, USA.
| | - Eric Gebski
- Rutgers Institute for Translational Medicine and Science, The State University of NJ, 08901, Rutgers, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Gaoyaun Cao
- Rutgers Institute for Translational Medicine and Science, The State University of NJ, 08901, Rutgers, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Reynold A Panettieri
- Rutgers Institute for Translational Medicine and Science, The State University of NJ, 08901, Rutgers, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
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4
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Qu M, Lu P, Lifshitz LM, Moore Simas TA, Delpapa E, ZhuGe R. Phenanthroline relaxes uterine contractions induced by diverse contractile agents by decreasing cytosolic calcium concentration. Eur J Pharmacol 2024; 968:176343. [PMID: 38281680 PMCID: PMC10939717 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2024.176343] [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: 08/22/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
Uterine contractions during labor and preterm labor are influenced by a complex interplay of factors, including hormones and inflammatory mediators. This complexity may contribute to the limited efficacy of current tocolytics for preterm labor, a significant challenge in obstetrics with 15 million cases annually and approximately 1 million resulting deaths worldwide. We have previously shown that the myometrium expresses bitter taste receptors (TAS2Rs) and that their activation leads to uterine relaxation. Here, we investigated whether the selective TAS2R5 agonist phenanthroline can induce relaxation across a spectrum of human uterine contractions and whether the underlying mechanism involves changes in intracellular Ca2+ signaling. We performed experiments using samples from pregnant women undergoing scheduled cesarean delivery, assessing responses to various inflammatory mediators and oxytocin with and without phenanthroline. Our results showed that phenanthroline concentration-dependently inhibited contractions induced by PGF2α, U46619, 5-HT, endothelin-1 and oxytocin. Furthermore, in hTERT-infected human myometrial cells exposed to uterotonics, phenanthroline effectively suppressed the increase in intracellular Ca2+ concentration induced by PGF2α, U46619, oxytocin, and endothelin-1. These results suggest that the selective TAS2R5 agonist may not only significantly reduce uterine contractions but also decrease intracellular Ca2+ levels. This study highlights the potential development of TAS2R5 agonists as a new class of uterine relaxants, providing a novel avenue for improving the management of preterm labor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingzi Qu
- Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, UMass Chan Medical School, 363 Plantation St., Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Ping Lu
- Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, UMass Chan Medical School, 363 Plantation St., Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Lawrence M Lifshitz
- Program in Molecular Medicine, UMass Chan Medical School, 373 Plantation St., Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Tiffany A Moore Simas
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, UMass Chan Medical School/UMass Memorial Health, 119 Belmont St, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Ellen Delpapa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, UMass Chan Medical School/UMass Memorial Health, 119 Belmont St, Worcester, MA, USA.
| | - Ronghua ZhuGe
- Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, UMass Chan Medical School, 363 Plantation St., Worcester, MA, USA.
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Loube JM, Gidner S, Venezia J, Ryan H, Neptune ER, Mitzner W, Dalesio NM. Nebulized caffeine alleviates airway hyperresponsiveness in a murine asthma model. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 2023; 325:L500-L507. [PMID: 37643013 DOI: 10.1152/ajplung.00065.2023] [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: 02/24/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
The clinical definition of "difficult asthma" has expanded recently to include an ever-growing subset of patients with symptoms that cannot be controlled by conventional means, forcing the medical community to develop innovative therapeutics. Beneficial effects of coffee for subjects with asthma, primarily the effect of methylxanthine components, have long been described. Methylxanthines, including theophylline and caffeine, inhibit phosphodiesterases and downstream cAMP signaling to prevent mast cell degranulation while promoting immunomodulation (Peleman RA, Kips JC, Pauwels RA. Clin Exp Allergy 28: 53-56, 1998; Deshpande DA, Wang WCH, McIlmoyle EL, Robinett KS, Schillinger RM, An SS, Sham JSK, Liggett SB. Nat Med 16: 1299-1304, 2010). Caffeine is also a bitter taste receptor agonist, binding to taste-sensing type 2 receptors (TAS2R) before releasing calcium to hyperpolarize airway smooth muscle membranes, inducing bronchodilation (Workman AD, Palmer JN, Adappa ND, Cohen NA. Curr Allergy Asthma Rep 15: 72, 2015; Devillier P, Naline E, Grassin-Delyle S. Pharmacol Ther 155: 11-21, 2015). Theophylline is conventionally used to treat asthma, whereas, according to the literature, the dosage required for orally administered caffeine has yielded modest improvement (Alfaro TM, Monteiro RA, Cunha RA, Cordeiro CR. Clin Respir J 12: 1283-1294, 2018). We sought to determine whether aerosolization of ultrafine caffeine particles (2.5-4 μm) directly to the lungs of susceptible A/J mice challenged with methacholine would improve pulmonary function via forced oscillation technique. In addition, we assessed whether nebulization of caffeine leads to changes in lung pathophysiology and bronchoalveolar lavage cell profiles. We found that mice that received aerosolized caffeine had statistically significant decreases in maximum airway resistance [6.3 vs. 3.9 cmH2O·s/mL at 62.5 mg/mL caffeine; confidence interval (CI) = -4.3, -0.4; P = 0.02] and significant delays in the time required to reach maximum resistance compared with that of controls (64.7 vs. 172.1 sec at 62.5 mg/mL caffeine, CI = 96.0, 118.9; P < 0.0001). Nebulized caffeine yielded a consistent effect on airway hyperresponsiveness at a range of doses without evidence of significant pathology relative to vehicle control.NEW & NOTEWORTHY For decades, coffee has been shown to improve symptoms in patients with asthma. One component, theophylline, is conventionally used to treat asthma, whereas the dosage required for orally administered caffeine has yielded modest improvement. We sought to determine whether aerosolization of caffeine directly to the lungs of susceptible A/J mice challenged with methacholine would alter pulmonary function via forced oscillation technique. We found nebulized caffeine yielded a consistent improvement on murine AHR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey M Loube
- Department of Environmental Health and Engineering, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
- Department of Cell Biology & Molecular Genetics, Maryland Pathogen Research Institute, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, United States
| | - Sarah Gidner
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
| | - Jarrett Venezia
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
| | - Hurley Ryan
- Department of Environmental Health and Engineering, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
| | - Enid R Neptune
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
| | - Wayne Mitzner
- Department of Environmental Health and Engineering, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
| | - Nicholas M Dalesio
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
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6
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Pybus HJ, O'Dea RD, Brook BS. A dynamical model of TGF-β activation in asthmatic airways. MATHEMATICAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY : A JOURNAL OF THE IMA 2023; 40:238-265. [PMID: 37285178 DOI: 10.1093/imammb/dqad004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Excessive activation of the regulatory cytokine transforming growth factor $\beta $ (TGF-$\beta $) via contraction of airway smooth muscle (ASM) is associated with the development of asthma. In this study, we develop an ordinary differential equation model that describes the change in density of the key airway wall constituents, ASM and extracellular matrix (ECM), and their interplay with subcellular signalling pathways leading to the activation of TGF-$\beta $. We identify bistable parameter regimes where there are two positive steady states, corresponding to either reduced or elevated TGF-$\beta $ concentration, with the latter leading additionally to increased ASM and ECM density. We associate the former with a healthy homeostatic state and the latter with a diseased (asthmatic) state. We demonstrate that external stimuli, inducing TGF-$\beta $ activation via ASM contraction (mimicking an asthmatic exacerbation), can perturb the system irreversibly from the healthy state to the diseased one. We show that the properties of the stimuli, such as their frequency or strength, and the clearance of surplus active TGF-$\beta $, are important in determining the long-term dynamics and the development of disease. Finally, we demonstrate the utility of this model in investigating temporal responses to bronchial thermoplasty, a therapeutic intervention in which ASM is ablated by applying thermal energy to the airway wall. The model predicts the parameter-dependent threshold damage required to obtain irreversible reduction in ASM content, suggesting that certain asthma phenotypes are more likely to benefit from this intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah J Pybus
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, South Kensington Campus, London, SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Reuben D O'Dea
- School of Mathematical Sciences, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Bindi S Brook
- School of Mathematical Sciences, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
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7
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Lam M, Lamanna E, Organ L, Donovan C, Bourke JE. Perspectives on precision cut lung slices-powerful tools for investigation of mechanisms and therapeutic targets in lung diseases. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1162889. [PMID: 37261291 PMCID: PMC10228656 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1162889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Precision cut lung slices (PCLS) have emerged as powerful experimental tools for respiratory research. Pioneering studies using mouse PCLS to visualize intrapulmonary airway contractility have been extended to pulmonary arteries and for assessment of novel bronchodilators and vasodilators as therapeutics. Additional disease-relevant outcomes, including inflammatory, fibrotic, and regenerative responses, are now routinely measured in PCLS from multiple species, including humans. This review provides an overview of established and innovative uses of PCLS as an intermediary between cellular and organ-based studies and focuses on opportunities to increase their application to investigate mechanisms and therapeutic targets to oppose excessive airway contraction and fibrosis in lung diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maggie Lam
- Department of Pharmacology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- Centre for Innate Immunity and Infectious Diseases, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Emma Lamanna
- Department of Pharmacology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- Institut Pasteur, Unit of Antibodies in Therapy and Pathology, INSERM UMR1222, Paris, France
| | - Louise Organ
- Department of Pharmacology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Chantal Donovan
- School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute and The University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
| | - Jane E. Bourke
- Department of Pharmacology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- Centre for Innate Immunity and Infectious Diseases, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia
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8
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Talmon M, Pollastro F, Fresu LG. The Complex Journey of the Calcium Regulation Downstream of TAS2R Activation. Cells 2022; 11:cells11223638. [PMID: 36429066 PMCID: PMC9688576 DOI: 10.3390/cells11223638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Bitter taste receptors (TAS2Rs) have recently arisen as a potential drug target for asthma due to their localization in airway cells. These receptors are expressed in all cell types of the respiratory system comprising epithelial, smooth muscle and immune cells; however, the expression pattern of the subtypes is different in each cell type and, accordingly, so is their role, for example, anti-inflammatory or bronchodilator. The most challenging aspect in studying TAS2Rs has been the identification of the downstream signaling cascades. Indeed, TAS2R activation leads to canonical IP3-dependent calcium release from the ER, but, alongside, there are other mechanisms that differ according to the histological localization. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on the cytosolic calcium modulation downstream of TAS2R activation in the epithelial, smooth muscle and immune cells of the airway system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Talmon
- Department of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale, Via Solaroli 17, 28100 Novara, Italy
- Correspondence: (M.T.); (L.G.F.); Tel.: +39-0321-660589 (M.T.); +39-0321-660687 (L.G.F.)
| | - Federica Pollastro
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Piemonte Orientale, Largo Donegani 2/3, 28100 Novara, Italy
| | - Luigia Grazia Fresu
- Department of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale, Via Solaroli 17, 28100 Novara, Italy
- Correspondence: (M.T.); (L.G.F.); Tel.: +39-0321-660589 (M.T.); +39-0321-660687 (L.G.F.)
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De León G, Fröhlich E, Fink E, Di Pizio A, Salar-Behzadi S. Premexotac: Machine learning bitterants predictor for advancing pharmaceutical development. Int J Pharm 2022; 628:122263. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2022.122263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Revised: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
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10
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Ren Y, Zhong X, Wang H, Chen Z, Liu Y, Zeng X, Ma Y. Chloroquine Attenuates Asthma Development by Restoring Airway Smooth Muscle Cell Phenotype Via the ROS-AKT Pathway. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:916508. [PMID: 35721212 PMCID: PMC9198701 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.916508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Switching of airway smooth muscle (ASM) cell phenotype from differentiated-contractile to dedifferentiated-proliferative/synthetic state often occurs in asthmatic subjects with airway dysfunction. Evidence has been provided that chloroquine (an agonist of bitter taste receptors) presented benefits to ASM cell function implicated in asthma. However, the underlying mechanism is unclear. House dust mite (HDM)-sensitized mice were administered with chloroquine or dexamethasone before challenge. BALF and lung tissue were obtained for cell counting, histological analysis or ELISA. Primary cultured ASM cells were stimulated with transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 or H2O2. Cells and supernatant were collected for the detection of ASM phenotype, ROS level, and proinflammatory cytokine production. In HDM-sensitized mice, chloroquine attenuated airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR), inflammation and remodeling with an inhibition of immunoglobulin E, IL-4/-13, and TGF-β1 in BALF. ASM cell proliferation (PCNA), hypertrophy (α-SMA), and parasecretion (MMP-9 and MMP-13) were strongly suppressed by chloroquine, hinting the rebalance of the heterogeneous ASM populations in asthmatic airway. Our data in vitro indicated that chloroquine markedly restrained maladaptive alteration in ASM phenotype in concert with a remission of ROS. Using H2O2 and PI3K inhibitor (LY294002), we found that the inhibition of oxidative stress level and ROS-AKT signal by chloroquine may serve as a potential mechanism that dedicates to the restoration of the phenotypic imbalance in ASM cells. Overall, the present findings suggested that chloroquine improves asthmatic airway function by controlling ASM cell phenotype shift, sketching a novel profile of chloroquine as a new therapeutic candidate for airway remodeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Ren
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Department of Medical Genetics, Nanjing University School of Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiuhua Zhong
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Hongyu Wang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhongqi Chen
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yanan Liu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Xiaoning Zeng
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yuan Ma
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
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11
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Carey RM, Hariri BM, Adappa ND, Palmer JN, Lee RJ. HSP90 Modulates T2R Bitter Taste Receptor Nitric Oxide Production and Innate Immune Responses in Human Airway Epithelial Cells and Macrophages. Cells 2022; 11:1478. [PMID: 35563784 PMCID: PMC9101439 DOI: 10.3390/cells11091478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Revised: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Bitter taste receptors (T2Rs) are G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) expressed in various cell types including ciliated airway epithelial cells and macrophages. T2Rs in these two innate immune cell types are activated by bitter products, including those secreted by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, leading to Ca2+-dependent activation of endothelial nitric oxide (NO) synthase (eNOS). NO enhances mucociliary clearance and has direct antibacterial effects in ciliated epithelial cells. NO also increases phagocytosis by macrophages. Using biochemistry and live-cell imaging, we explored the role of heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) in regulating T2R-dependent NO pathways in primary sinonasal epithelial cells, primary monocyte-derived macrophages, and a human bronchiolar cell line (H441). Immunofluorescence showed that H441 cells express eNOS and T2Rs and that the bitter agonist denatonium benzoate activates NO production in a Ca2+- and HSP90-dependent manner in cells grown either as submerged cultures or at the air-liquid interface. In primary sinonasal epithelial cells, we determined that HSP90 inhibition reduces T2R-stimulated NO production and ciliary beating, which likely limits pathogen clearance. In primary monocyte-derived macrophages, we found that HSP-90 is integral to T2R-stimulated NO production and phagocytosis of FITC-labeled Escherichia coli and pHrodo-Staphylococcus aureus. Our study demonstrates that HSP90 serves as an innate immune modulator by regulating NO production downstream of T2R signaling by augmenting eNOS activation without impairing upstream Ca2+ signaling. These findings suggest that HSP90 plays an important role in airway antibacterial innate immunity and may be an important target in airway diseases such as chronic rhinosinusitis, asthma, or cystic fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan M. Carey
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; (B.M.H.); (N.D.A.); (J.N.P.)
| | - Benjamin M. Hariri
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; (B.M.H.); (N.D.A.); (J.N.P.)
| | - Nithin D. Adappa
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; (B.M.H.); (N.D.A.); (J.N.P.)
| | - James N. Palmer
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; (B.M.H.); (N.D.A.); (J.N.P.)
| | - Robert J. Lee
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; (B.M.H.); (N.D.A.); (J.N.P.)
- Department of Physiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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12
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McMahon DB, Kuek LE, Johnson ME, Johnson PO, Horn RL, Carey RM, Adappa ND, Palmer JN, Lee RJ. The bitter end: T2R bitter receptor agonists elevate nuclear calcium and induce apoptosis in non-ciliated airway epithelial cells. Cell Calcium 2022; 101:102499. [PMID: 34839223 PMCID: PMC8752513 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceca.2021.102499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2021] [Revised: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 10/31/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Bitter taste receptors (T2Rs) localize to airway motile cilia and initiate innate immune responses in retaliation to bacterial quorum sensing molecules. Activation of cilia T2Rs leads to calcium-driven NO production that increases cilia beating and directly kills bacteria. Several diseases, including chronic rhinosinusitis, COPD, and cystic fibrosis, are characterized by loss of motile cilia and/or squamous metaplasia. To understand T2R function within the altered landscape of airway disease, we studied T2Rs in non-ciliated airway cell lines and primary cells. Several T2Rs localize to the nucleus in de-differentiated cells that typically localize to cilia in differentiated cells. As cilia and nuclear import utilize shared proteins, some T2Rs may target to the nucleus in the absence of motile cilia. T2R agonists selectively elevated nuclear and mitochondrial calcium through a G-protein-coupled receptor phospholipase C mechanism. Additionally, T2R agonists decreased nuclear cAMP, increased nitric oxide, and increased cGMP, consistent with T2R signaling. Furthermore, exposure to T2R agonists led to nuclear calcium-induced mitochondrial depolarization and caspase activation. T2R agonists induced apoptosis in primary bronchial and nasal cells differentiated at air-liquid interface but then induced to a squamous phenotype by apical submersion. Air-exposed well-differentiated cells did not die. This may be a last-resort defense against bacterial infection. However, it may also increase susceptibility of de-differentiated or remodeled epithelia to damage by bacterial metabolites. Moreover, the T2R-activated apoptosis pathway occurs in airway cancer cells. T2Rs may thus contribute to microbiome-tumor cell crosstalk in airway cancers. Targeting T2Rs may be useful for activating cancer cell apoptosis while sparing surrounding tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Derek B. McMahon
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA,Correspondence: Derek B. McMahon, PhD or Robert J. Lee, PhD, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA USA, 215-573-9766, (D.B.M.) or (R.J.L)
| | - Li Eon Kuek
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Madeline E. Johnson
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Paige O. Johnson
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Rachel L.J. Horn
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Ryan M. Carey
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Nithin D. Adappa
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - James N. Palmer
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Robert J. Lee
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA,Department of Physiology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA,Correspondence: Derek B. McMahon, PhD or Robert J. Lee, PhD, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA USA, 215-573-9766, (D.B.M.) or (R.J.L)
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13
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Qu M, Lu P, Bellve K, Lifshitz LM, ZhuGe R. Mode Switch of Ca 2 + Oscillation-Mediated Uterine Peristalsis and Associated Embryo Implantation Impairments in Mouse Adenomyosis. Front Physiol 2021; 12:744745. [PMID: 34803733 PMCID: PMC8599363 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.744745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Adenomyosis is a debilitating gynecological disease of the uterus with no medicinal cure. The tissue injury and repair hypothesis for adenomyosis suggests that uterine hyperperistalsis or dysperistalsis plays a pivotal role in establishing adenomyotic lesions. However, specific impairments in uterine peristalsis and the underlying cellular signals for these changes in adenomyosis remain elusive. Here, we report a precision-cut uterine slice preparation that preserves in vivo uterine architecture and generates peristalsis similar to that seen in the whole uterus. We found that uterine peristalsis in neonatal mice at day 14 and adult mice at day 55 presents as bursts with multiple peaks induced by intracellular Ca2+ oscillations. Using a mouse model of adenomyosis induced by tamoxifen, a selective estrogen receptor modulator, we discovered that uterine peristalsis and Ca2+ oscillations from adenomyotic uteri on days 14 and 55 become spikes (single peaks) with smaller amplitudes. The peak frequency of Ca2+ oscillations or peristalsis does not show a difference between control and adenomyotic mice. However, both the estimated force generated by uterine peristalsis and the total Ca2+ raised by Ca2+ oscillations are smaller in uteri from adenomyotic mice. Uteri from adenomyotic mice on day 14, but not on day 55, exhibit hyperresponsiveness to oxytocin. Embryo implantations are decreased in adenomyotic adult mice. Our results reveal a mode switch from bursts to spikes (rather than an increased peak frequency) of uterine Ca2+ oscillations and peristalsis and concurrent hyperresponsiveness to oxytocin in the neonatal stage are two characteristics of adenomyosis. These characteristics may contribute to embryo implantation impairments and decreased fertility in adenomyosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingzi Qu
- Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
| | - Ping Lu
- Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
| | - Karl Bellve
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
| | - Lawrence M Lifshitz
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
| | - Ronghua ZhuGe
- Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
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14
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Abstract
Bitter taste-sensing type 2 receptors (TAS2Rs or T2Rs), belonging to the subgroup of family A G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs), are of crucial importance in the perception of bitterness. Although in the first instance, TAS2Rs were considered to be exclusively distributed in the apical microvilli of taste bud cells, numerous studies have detected these sensory receptor proteins in several extra-oral tissues, such as in pancreatic or ovarian tissues, as well as in their corresponding malignancies. Critical points of extra-oral TAS2Rs biology, such as their structure, roles, signaling transduction pathways, extensive mutational polymorphism, and molecular evolution, have been currently broadly studied. The TAS2R cascade, for instance, has been recently considered to be a pivotal modulator of a number of (patho)physiological processes, including adipogenesis or carcinogenesis. The latest advances in taste receptor biology further raise the possibility of utilizing TAS2Rs as a therapeutic target or as an informative index to predict treatment responses in various disorders. Thus, the focus of this review is to provide an update on the expression and molecular basis of TAS2Rs functions in distinct extra-oral tissues in health and disease. We shall also discuss the therapeutic potential of novel TAS2Rs targets, which are appealing due to their ligand selectivity, expression pattern, or pharmacological profiles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamila Tuzim
- Department of Clinical Pathomorphology, Medical University of Lublin, ul. Jaczewskiego 8b, 20-090, Lublin, Poland.
| | - Agnieszka Korolczuk
- Department of Clinical Pathomorphology, Medical University of Lublin, ul. Jaczewskiego 8b, 20-090, Lublin, Poland
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15
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Lu P, ElMallah MK, Liu Z, Wu C, Chen J, Lifshitz LM, ZhuGe R. Genetic deletion of the Tas2r143/Tas2r135/Tas2r126 cluster reveals that TAS2Rs may not mediate bitter tastant-induced bronchodilation. J Cell Physiol 2021; 236:6407-6423. [PMID: 33559206 PMCID: PMC8223514 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.30315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2020] [Revised: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Bitter taste receptors (TAS2Rs) and their signaling elements are detected throughout the body, and bitter tastants induce a wide variety of biological responses in tissues and organs outside the mouth. However, the roles of TAS2Rs in these responses remain to be tested and established genetically. Here, we employed the CRISPR/Cas9 gene-editing technique to delete three bitter taste receptors-Tas2r143/Tas2r135/Tas2r126 (i.e., Tas2r triple knockout [TKO]) in mice. The fidelity and effectiveness of the Tas2r deletions were validated genetically at DNA and messenger RNA levels and functionally based on the tasting of TAS2R135 and TAS2R126 agonists. Bitter tastants are known to relax airways completely. However, TAS2R135 or TAS2R126 agonists either failed to induce relaxation of pre-contracted airways in wild-type mice and Tas2r TKO mice or relaxed them dose-dependently, but to the same extent in both types of mice. These results indicate that TAS2Rs are not required for bitter tastant-induced bronchodilation. The Tas2r TKO mice also provide a valuable model to resolve whether TAS2Rs mediate bitter tastant-induced responses in many other extraoral tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Lu
- Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Mai K ElMallah
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Zeyu Liu
- Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Chan Wu
- Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jun Chen
- Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Lawrence M Lifshitz
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Ronghua ZhuGe
- Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
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16
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Lu P, Chen J, Zhang C, Saur D, Baer CE, Lifshitz LM, Fogarty KE, ZhuGe R. Oscillating calcium signals in smooth muscle cells underlie the persistent basal tone of internal anal sphincter. J Cell Physiol 2021; 236:5937-5952. [PMID: 33452672 PMCID: PMC8132622 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.30279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Revised: 12/29/2020] [Accepted: 12/31/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
A persistent basal tone in the internal anal sphincter (IAS) is essential for keeping the anal canal closed and fecal continence; its inhibition via the rectoanal inhibitory reflex (RAIR) is required for successful defecation. However, cellular signals underlying the IAS basal tone remain enigmatic. Here we report the origin and molecular mechanisms of calcium signals that control the IAS basal tone, using a combination approach including a novel IAS slice preparation that retains cell arrangement and architecture as in vivo, 2-photon imaging, and cell-specific gene-modified mice. We found that IAS smooth muscle cells generate two forms of contractions (i.e., phasic and sustained contraction) and Ca2+ signals (i.e., synchronized Ca2+ oscillations [SCaOs] and asynchronized Ca2+ oscillations [ACaOs]) that last for hours. RyRs, TMEM16A, L-type Ca2+ channels, and gap junctions are required for SCaOs, which account for phasic contraction and 75% of sustained contraction. Nevertheless, only RyRs are required for ACaOs, which contribute 25% of sustained contraction. Nitric oxide, the primary neurotransmitter mediating the RAIR, blocks both types of Ca2+ signals, leading to IAS's full relaxation. Our results show that the oscillating nature of Ca2+ signals generates and maintains the basal tone without causing cytotoxicity to IAS. Our study provides insight into fecal continence and normal defecation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Lu
- Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Jun Chen
- Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Chenghai Zhang
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Blavatnik Institute at Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Dieter Saur
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, München, Germany
| | - Christina E Baer
- Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
- Sanderson Center for Optical Experimentation, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Lawrence M Lifshitz
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Kevin E Fogarty
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Ronghua ZhuGe
- Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
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17
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Sharma P, Penn RB. Can GPCRs Be Targeted to Control Inflammation in Asthma? ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021; 1304:1-20. [PMID: 34019260 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-68748-9_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Historically, the drugs used to manage obstructive lung diseases (OLDs), asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) either (1) directly regulate airway contraction by blocking or relaxing airway smooth muscle (ASM) contraction or (2) indirectly regulate ASM contraction by inhibiting the principal cause of ASM contraction/bronchoconstriction and airway inflammation. To date, these tasks have been respectively assigned to two diverse drug types: agonists/antagonists of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) and inhaled or systemic steroids. These two types of drugs "stay in their lane" with respect to their actions and consequently require the addition of the other drug to effectively manage both inflammation and bronchoconstriction in OLDs. Indeed, it has been speculated that safety issues historically associated with beta-agonist use (beta-agonists activate the beta-2-adrenoceptor (β2AR) on airway smooth muscle (ASM) to provide bronchoprotection/bronchorelaxation) are a function of pro-inflammatory actions of β2AR agonism. Recently, however, previously unappreciated roles of various GPCRs on ASM contractility and on airway inflammation have been elucidated, raising the possibility that novel GPCR ligands targeting these GPCRs can be developed as anti-inflammatory therapeutics. Moreover, we now know that many GPCRs can be "tuned" and not just turned "off" or "on" to specifically activate the beneficial therapeutic signaling a receptor can transduce while avoiding detrimental signaling. Thus, the fledging field of biased agonism pharmacology has the potential to turn the β2AR into an anti-inflammatory facilitator in asthma, possibly reducing or eliminating the need for steroids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pawan Sharma
- Center for Translational Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, & Critical Care Medicine Jane & Leonard Korman Respiratory Institute, Sidney Kimmel Medical College Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Raymond B Penn
- Center for Translational Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, & Critical Care Medicine Jane & Leonard Korman Respiratory Institute, Sidney Kimmel Medical College Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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18
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Romero-Martínez BS, Montaño LM, Solís-Chagoyán H, Sommer B, Ramírez-Salinas GL, Pérez-Figueroa GE, Flores-Soto E. Possible Beneficial Actions of Caffeine in SARS-CoV-2. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:5460. [PMID: 34067243 PMCID: PMC8196824 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22115460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Revised: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has established an unparalleled necessity to rapidly find effective treatments for the illness; unfortunately, no specific treatment has been found yet. As this is a new emerging chaotic situation, already existing drugs have been suggested to ameliorate the infection of SARS-CoV-2. The consumption of caffeine has been suggested primarily because it improves exercise performance, reduces fatigue, and increases wakefulness and awareness. Caffeine has been proven to be an effective anti-inflammatory and immunomodulator. In airway smooth muscle, it has bronchodilator effects mainly due to its activity as a phosphodiesterase inhibitor and adenosine receptor antagonist. In addition, a recent published document has suggested the potential antiviral activity of this drug using in silico molecular dynamics and molecular docking; in this regard, caffeine might block the viral entrance into host cells by inhibiting the formation of a receptor-binding domain and the angiotensin-converting enzyme complex and, additionally, might reduce viral replication by the inhibition of the activity of 3-chymotrypsin-like proteases. Here, we discuss how caffeine through certain mechanisms of action could be beneficial in SARS-CoV-2. Nevertheless, further studies are required for validation through in vitro and in vivo models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bianca S. Romero-Martínez
- Departamento de Farmacología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, CDMX CP 04510, Mexico; (B.S.R.-M.); (L.M.M.)
| | - Luis M. Montaño
- Departamento de Farmacología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, CDMX CP 04510, Mexico; (B.S.R.-M.); (L.M.M.)
| | - Héctor Solís-Chagoyán
- Laboratorio de Neurofarmacología, Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatría Ramón de la Fuente Muñiz, CDMX CP 14370, Mexico;
| | - Bettina Sommer
- Laboratorio de Hiperreactividad Bronquial, Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Respiratorias “Ismael Cosío Villegas”, CDMX CP 14080, Mexico;
| | - Gemma Lizbeth Ramírez-Salinas
- Laboratorio de Diseño y Desarrollo de Nuevos Fármacos e Innovación Biotécnológica (Laboratory for the Design and Development of New Drugs and Biotechnological Innovation), Escuela Superior de Medicina, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, CDMX CP 11340, Mexico;
| | - Gloria E. Pérez-Figueroa
- Laboratorio de Investigación en Inmunología y Proteómica, Hospital Infantil de México Federico Gómez, CDMX CP 06720, Mexico;
| | - Edgar Flores-Soto
- Departamento de Farmacología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, CDMX CP 04510, Mexico; (B.S.R.-M.); (L.M.M.)
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19
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Jamieson RR, Stasiak SE, Polio SR, Augspurg RD, McCormick CA, Ruberti JW, Parameswaran H. Stiffening of the extracellular matrix is a sufficient condition for airway hyperreactivity. J Appl Physiol (1985) 2021; 130:1635-1645. [PMID: 33792403 DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00554.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The current therapeutic approach to asthma focuses exclusively on targeting inflammation and reducing airway smooth muscle force to prevent the recurrence of symptoms. However, even when inflammation is brought under control, airways in an asthmatic can still hyperconstrict when exposed to a low dose of agonist. This suggests that there are mechanisms at play that are likely triggered by inflammation and eventually become self-sustaining so that even when airway inflammation is brought back under control, these alternative mechanisms continue to drive airway hyperreactivity in asthmatics. In this study, we hypothesized that stiffening of the airway extracellular matrix is a core pathological change sufficient to support excessive bronchoconstriction even in the absence of inflammation. To test this hypothesis, we increased the stiffness of the airway extracellular matrix by photo-crosslinking collagen fibers within the airway wall of freshly dissected bovine rings using riboflavin (vitamin B2) and Ultraviolet-A radiation. In our experiments, collagen crosslinking led to a twofold increase in the stiffness of the airway extracellular matrix. This change was sufficient to cause airways to constrict to a greater degree, and at a faster rate when they were exposed to 10-5 M acetylcholine for 5 min. Our results show that stiffening of the extracellular matrix is sufficient to drive excessive airway constriction even in the absence of inflammatory signals.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Targeting inflammation is the central dogma on which current asthma therapy is based. Here, we show that a healthy airway can be made to constrict excessively and at a faster rate in response to the same stimulus by increasing the stiffness of the extracellular matrix, without the use of inflammatory agents. Our results provide an independent mechanism by which airway remodeling in asthma can sustain airway hyperreactivity even in the absence of inflammatory signals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan R Jamieson
- Department of Bioengineering, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Suzanne E Stasiak
- Department of Bioengineering, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Samuel R Polio
- Department of Bioengineering, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Ralston D Augspurg
- Department of Bioengineering, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts
| | | | - Jeffrey W Ruberti
- Department of Bioengineering, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts
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20
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Qin C, Yuan Q, Zhang S, He C, Wei X, Liu M, Jiang N, Huang L, Zhuang L, Wang P. Biomimetic in vitro respiratory system using smooth muscle cells on ECIS chips for anti-asthma TCMs screening. Anal Chim Acta 2021; 1162:338452. [PMID: 33926702 DOI: 10.1016/j.aca.2021.338452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2020] [Revised: 02/13/2021] [Accepted: 03/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Airway smooth muscle (ASM) contraction is a major pathophysiological characteristic of asthma. Although β2-adrenoceptor (β2-AR) agonists are currently used as bronchodilators, they cause rapid effect and long-term agonist-induced desensitization. Thus, it is necessary to search for more effective and safer relaxant agents for ASM cells. In this work, bitter taste receptors (TAS2Rs) were demonstrated to be expressed in primary mouse ASM cells endogenously, and they were considered as new drug targets for asthma treatment. Traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) contained a wide range of TAS2R agonists and some of them had the efficacy of relieving cough and asthma with less toxic side effects. Then the electronic cell-substrate impedance sensor (ECIS) was used for the first time to establish a method to detect the contraction/relaxation effects of ASM cells. Therefore, we introduced a biomimetic in vitro respiratory system using ASM cells on ECIS chips to screen for potential TCMs against asthma. Quinine, nobiletin, and picfeltarraenin IA screened in this study could effectively inhibit the ASM contraction in a concentration-dependent manner, showing potential value as novel anti-asthma drugs. Furthermore, the effective screening of anti-asthma drugs was realized based on 3D ASM cell arrays and gel imaging system. Consistent results were found and the reliability of the biomimetic in vitro respiratory system for the screening of TCMs against asthma was further verified. The biomimetic system designed in this study has the advantages of operation simplicity, high throughput, non-invasive, real-time, and high sensitivity, and therefore provides a promising drug screening platform for asthma disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunlian Qin
- Biosensor National Special Laboratory, Key Laboratory for Biomedical Engineering of Education Ministry, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China
| | - Qunchen Yuan
- Biosensor National Special Laboratory, Key Laboratory for Biomedical Engineering of Education Ministry, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China
| | - Saisai Zhang
- College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Chuanjiang He
- Biosensor National Special Laboratory, Key Laboratory for Biomedical Engineering of Education Ministry, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China
| | - Xinwei Wei
- Biosensor National Special Laboratory, Key Laboratory for Biomedical Engineering of Education Ministry, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China
| | - Mengxue Liu
- Biosensor National Special Laboratory, Key Laboratory for Biomedical Engineering of Education Ministry, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China
| | - Nan Jiang
- Biosensor National Special Laboratory, Key Laboratory for Biomedical Engineering of Education Ministry, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China
| | - Liquan Huang
- College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
| | - Liujing Zhuang
- Biosensor National Special Laboratory, Key Laboratory for Biomedical Engineering of Education Ministry, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China.
| | - Ping Wang
- Biosensor National Special Laboratory, Key Laboratory for Biomedical Engineering of Education Ministry, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China.
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21
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Bitter taste in silico: A review on virtual ligand screening and characterization methods for TAS2R-bitterant interactions. Int J Pharm 2021; 600:120486. [PMID: 33744445 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2021.120486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Revised: 02/21/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The growing pharmaceutical interest in the human bitter taste receptors (hTAS2Rs) has two dimensions; i) evaluation of the bitterness of active pharmaceutical compounds, in order to develop strategies for improving patients' adherence to medication, and ii) application of ligands for extra-cellular hTAS2Rs for potential preventive therapeutic achievements. The result is an increasing demand on robust tools for bitterness assessment and screening the receptor-ligand affinity. In silico tools are useful for aiding experimental-screening, as well as to elucide ligand-receptor interactions. In this review, the ligand-based and structure-based approaches are described as the two main in silico tools for bitter taste analysis. The strengths and weaknesses of each approach are discussed. Both approaches provide key tools for understanding and exploiting bitter taste for human health applications.
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22
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Pybus HJ, Tatler AL, Edgar LT, O'Dea RD, Brook BS. Reduced biomechanical models for precision-cut lung-slice stretching experiments. J Math Biol 2021; 82:35. [PMID: 33721103 PMCID: PMC7960642 DOI: 10.1007/s00285-021-01578-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2020] [Revised: 08/25/2020] [Accepted: 02/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Precision-cut lung-slices (PCLS), in which viable airways embedded within lung parenchyma are stretched or induced to contract, are a widely used ex vivo assay to investigate bronchoconstriction and, more recently, mechanical activation of pro-remodelling cytokines in asthmatic airways. We develop a nonlinear fibre-reinforced biomechanical model accounting for smooth muscle contraction and extracellular matrix strain-stiffening. Through numerical simulation, we describe the stresses and contractile responses of an airway within a PCLS of finite thickness, exposing the importance of smooth muscle contraction on the local stress state within the airway. We then consider two simplifying limits of the model (a membrane representation and an asymptotic reduction in the thin-PCLS-limit), that permit analytical progress. Comparison against numerical solution of the full problem shows that the asymptotic reduction successfully captures the key elements of the full model behaviour. The more tractable reduced model that we develop is suitable to be employed in investigations to elucidate the time-dependent feedback mechanisms linking airway mechanics and cytokine activation in asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah J Pybus
- School of Mathematical Sciences, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK.
| | - Amanda L Tatler
- Respiratory Medicine, NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Lowell T Edgar
- Usher Institute of Population Health Sciences and Informatics, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Reuben D O'Dea
- School of Mathematical Sciences, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Bindi S Brook
- School of Mathematical Sciences, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
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23
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Abstract
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) play a central role in regulating the functions of a diverse range of cell types in the airway. Taste 2 receptor (T2R) family of GPCRs is responsible for the transduction of bitter taste; however, recent studies have demonstrated that different subtypes of T2Rs and key components of T2R signaling are expressed in several extra-oral tissues including airways with many physiological roles. In the lung, expression of T2Rs has been confirmed in multiple airway cell types including airway smooth muscle (ASM) cells, various epithelial cell subtypes, and on both resident and migratory immune cells. Most importantly, activation of T2Rs with a variety of putative agonists elicits unique signaling in ASM and specialized airway epithelial cells resulting in the inhibition of ASM contraction and proliferation, promotion of ciliary motility, and innate immune response in chemosensory airway epithelial cells. Here we discuss the expression of T2Rs and the mechanistic basis of their function in the structural cells of the airways with some useful insights on immune cells in the context of allergic asthma and other upper airway inflammatory disorders. Emphasis on T2R biology and pharmacology in airway cells has an ulterior goal of exploiting T2Rs for therapeutic benefit in obstructive airway diseases.
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Bitter taste receptors in the treatment of asthma: Opportunities and challenges. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2020; 146:776-779. [PMID: 32407838 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2020.04.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2020] [Revised: 04/02/2020] [Accepted: 04/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Conaway S, Nayak AP, Deshpande DA. Therapeutic potential and challenges of bitter taste receptors on lung cells. Curr Opin Pharmacol 2020; 51:43-49. [PMID: 32810767 PMCID: PMC7530014 DOI: 10.1016/j.coph.2020.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2020] [Revised: 04/27/2020] [Accepted: 07/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Airway smooth muscle (ASM) hyperresponsiveness and airway remodeling are pathological drivers of disease progression and mortality in asthma. Importantly, approximately 50% of affected individuals are unable to reliably manage disease symptoms using the current standard of care. Recently, T2Rs have been identified as a novel class of G protein-coupled receptors expressed in the airway that on activation can induce ASM relaxation and reduction in airway tone. Further, agonists of T2Rs may also remedy airway remodeling, which has been difficult to manage with currently available medications. In this review, we will discuss the recent developments in T2R biology and their role in cellular physiology (particularly ASM) and expand on the therapeutic potential of T2R agonists in treatment of asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stanley Conaway
- Center for Translational Medicine, Jane and Leonard Korman Lung Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, United States
| | - Ajay P Nayak
- Center for Translational Medicine, Jane and Leonard Korman Lung Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, United States
| | - Deepak A Deshpande
- Center for Translational Medicine, Jane and Leonard Korman Lung Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, United States.
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Zhu H, Liu L, Ren L, Ma J, Hu S, Zhu Z, Zhao X, Shi C, Wang X, Zhang C, Gu M, Li X. Systematic prediction of the biological functions of TAS2R10 using positive co-expression analysis. Exp Ther Med 2020; 19:1733-1738. [PMID: 32104227 PMCID: PMC7027137 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2019.8397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2019] [Accepted: 11/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Type 2 taste receptor 10 (TAS2R10), belonging to the TAS2R family of bitter receptors, is widely expressed in extra-oral tissues. However, its biological roles beyond bitterness sensing in the tongue have remained largely elusive. The present study aimed to perform a positive co-expression analysis using 60,000 Affymetrix expression arrays and 5,000 The Cancer Genome Atlas datasets to uncover such roles. Based on the functional enrichment analysis, it was indicated that in the Gene Ontology (GO) category biological process, TAS2R10 was mostly involved in 'cellular protein metabolic process', 'protein modification process', 'cellular protein modification process' and 'cellular component assembly'. In the GO category cellular component, the co-expressed genes were accumulated in 'Spt-Ada-Gcn5 acetyltransferase (SAGA)-type complex' and 'SAGA complex', and in the category molecular function, they were concentrated in 'hexosaminidase activity', 'cytoskeletal adaptor activity', 'cyclin binding' and 'β-N-acetylhexosaminidase activity'. Of note, it was indicated that TAS2R10 may be involved in 'ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis', which may provide a starting point to fully investigate the detailed functions of TAS2R10 in the future. TAS2R10 was also indicated to be associated with human diseases, i.e. 'Salmonella infection'. Overall, the present study was the first to perform a comprehensive bioinformatics analysis of the functions of TAS2R10 and provide insight regarding the notion that this gene may have crucial roles beyond bitterness sensing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongling Zhu
- Department of Endocrinology, Shanghai Gongli Hospital, The Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200135, P.R. China
| | - Lianyong Liu
- Department of Endocrinology, Punan Hospital of Pudong New District, Shanghai 200125, P.R. China
| | - Li Ren
- Department of Endocrinology, Shanghai Gongli Hospital, The Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200135, P.R. China
| | - Junhua Ma
- Department of Endocrinology, Shanghai Gongli Hospital, The Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200135, P.R. China
| | - Shuanggang Hu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200135, P.R. China
| | - Zhaohui Zhu
- Department of Endocrinology, Shanghai Gongli Hospital, The Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200135, P.R. China
| | - Xuemei Zhao
- Department of Endocrinology, Shanghai Gongli Hospital, The Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200135, P.R. China
| | - Chao Shi
- Department of Endocrinology, Shanghai Gongli Hospital, The Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200135, P.R. China
| | - Xing Wang
- Department of Endocrinology, Shanghai Gongli Hospital, The Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200135, P.R. China
| | - Chaobao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, P.R. China
| | - Mingjun Gu
- Department of Endocrinology, Shanghai Gongli Hospital, The Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200135, P.R. China
| | - Xiangqi Li
- Department of Endocrinology, Shanghai Gongli Hospital, The Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200135, P.R. China
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Welcome MO. The bitterness of genitourinary infections: Properties, ligands of genitourinary bitter taste receptors and mechanisms linking taste sensing to inflammatory processes in the genitourinary tract. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2020; 247:101-110. [PMID: 32088528 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2020.02.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2019] [Revised: 02/03/2020] [Accepted: 02/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Though, first identified in the gastrointestinal tract, bitter taste receptors are now believed to be ubiquitously expressed in several regions of the body, including the respiratory tract, where they play a critical role in sensing and clearance of excess metabolic substrates, toxins, debris, and pathogens. More recently, bitter taste receptor expression has been reported in cells, tissues and organs of the genitourinary (GU) system, suggesting that these receptors may play an integral role in mediating inflammatory responses to microbial aggression in the GU tract. However, the mechanisms, linking bitter taste receptor sensing with inflammatory responses are not exactly clear. Here, I review recent data on the properties and ligands of bitter taste receptors and suggest mechanisms of bitter taste receptor signaling in the GU tract, and the molecular pathways that link taste sensing to inflammatory responses in GU tract. METHOD Computer-aided search was conducted in Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science and Google Scholar for relevant peer-reviewed articles published between 1990 and 2018, investigating the functional implication of bitter taste receptors in GU infections, using the following keywords: extra-oral bitter taste receptors, bitter taste receptors, GU bitter taste receptors, kidney OR renal OR ureteral OR urethral OR bladder OR detrusor smooth muscle OR testes OR spermatozoa OR prostate OR vaginal OR cervix OR ovarian OR endometrial OR myometrial OR placenta OR cutaneous bitter taste receptors. To identify research gaps on etiopathogenesis of GU infections/inflammation, additional search was conducted using the following keywords: GU inflammatory signaling, GU microbes, GU bacteria, GU virus, GU protozoa, GU microbial metabolites, and GU infection. The retrieved articles were filtered and further screened for relevance according to the aim of the study. A narrative review was performed for selected literatures. RESULTS Bitter taste receptors of the GU tract may constitute essential components of the pathogenetic mechanisms of GU infections/inflammation that are activated by microbial components, known as quorum sensing signal molecules. Based on accumulating evidences, indicating that taste receptors may signal downstream to activate inflammatory cascades, in addition to the nitric oxide-induced microbicidal effects produced upon taste receptor activation, it is suggested that the anti-inflammatory activities of bitter taste receptor stimulation are mediated via pathways involving the nuclear factor κB by downstream signaling of the metabolic and stress sensors, adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide-dependent silent mating type information regulation 2 homolog 1 (sirtuin 1), resulting to the synthesis of anti-inflammatory cytokines/chemokines, and antimicrobial factors, which ultimately, under normal conditions, leads to the elimination of microbial aggression. CONCLUSIONS GU bitter taste receptors may represent critical players in GU tract infections/inflammation. Bitter taste receptors may serve as important therapeutic target for treatment of a number of infectious diseases that affect the GU tract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Menizibeya O Welcome
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Nile University of Nigeria, Abuja, Nigeria.
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28
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Urso A, D'Ovidio F, Xu D, Emala CW, Bunnett NW, Perez-Zoghbi JF. Bile acids inhibit cholinergic constriction in proximal and peripheral airways from humans and rodents. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 2019; 318:L264-L275. [PMID: 31800261 DOI: 10.1152/ajplung.00242.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Duodenogastroesophageal reflux (DGER) is associated with chronic lung disease. Bile acids (BAs) are established markers of DGER aspiration and are important risk factors for reduced post-transplant lung allograft survival by disrupting the organ-specific innate immunity, facilitating airway infection and allograft failure. However, it is unknown whether BAs also affect airway reactivity. We investigated the acute effects of 13 BAs detected in post-lung-transplant surveillance bronchial washings (BW) on airway contraction. We exposed precision-cut slices from human and mouse lungs to BAs and monitored dynamic changes in the cross-sectional luminal area of peripheral airways using video phase-contrast microscopy. We also used guinea pig tracheal rings in organ baths to study BA effects in proximal airway contraction induced by electrical field stimulation. We found that most secondary BAs at low micromolar concentrations strongly and reversibly relaxed smooth muscle and inhibited peripheral airway constriction induced by acetylcholine but not by noncholinergic bronchoconstrictors. Similarly, secondary BAs strongly inhibited cholinergic constrictions in tracheal rings. In contrast, TC-G 1005, a specific agonist of the BA receptor Takeda G protein-coupled receptor 5 (TGR5), did not cause airway relaxation, and Tgr5 deletion in knockout mice did not affect BA-induced relaxation, suggesting that this receptor is not involved. BAs inhibited acetylcholine-induced inositol phosphate synthesis in human airway smooth muscle cells overexpressing the muscarinic M3 receptor. Our results demonstrate that select BAs found in BW of patients with lung transplantation can affect airway reactivity by inhibiting the cholinergic contractile responses of the proximal and peripheral airways, possibly by acting as antagonists of M3 muscarinic receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreacarola Urso
- Department of Surgery, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - Frank D'Ovidio
- Department of Surgery, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - Dingbang Xu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - Charles W Emala
- Department of Anesthesiology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - Nigel W Bunnett
- Department of Surgery, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York.,Department of Pharmacology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - Jose F Perez-Zoghbi
- Department of Anesthesiology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York
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29
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Ram-Mohan S, Bai Y, Schaible N, Ehrlicher AJ, Cook DP, Suki B, Stoltz DA, Solway J, Ai X, Krishnan R. Tissue traction microscopy to quantify muscle contraction within precision-cut lung slices. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 2019; 318:L323-L330. [PMID: 31774304 DOI: 10.1152/ajplung.00297.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
In asthma, acute bronchospasm is driven by contractile forces of airway smooth muscle (ASM). These forces can be imaged in the cultured ASM cell or assessed in the muscle strip and the tracheal/bronchial ring, but in each case, the ASM is studied in isolation from the native airway milieu. Here, we introduce a novel platform called tissue traction microscopy (TTM) to measure ASM contractile force within porcine and human precision-cut lung slices (PCLS). Compared with the conventional measurements of lumen area changes in PCLS, TTM measurements of ASM force changes are 1) more sensitive to bronchoconstrictor stimuli, 2) less variable across airways, and 3) provide spatial information. Notably, within every human airway, TTM measurements revealed local regions of high ASM contraction that we call "stress hotspots". As an acute response to cyclic stretch, these hotspots promptly decreased but eventually recovered in magnitude, spatial location, and orientation, consistent with local ASM fluidization and resolidification. By enabling direct and precise measurements of ASM force, TTM should accelerate preclinical studies of airway reactivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sumati Ram-Mohan
- Center for Vascular Biology Research, Department of Emergency Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Yan Bai
- Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Niccole Schaible
- Center for Vascular Biology Research, Department of Emergency Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Allen J Ehrlicher
- Department of Bioengineering, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Daniel P Cook
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Bela Suki
- Biomedical Engineering Department, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - David A Stoltz
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Julian Solway
- Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Xingbin Ai
- Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Ramaswamy Krishnan
- Center for Vascular Biology Research, Department of Emergency Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts
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30
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The senses of the choroid plexus. Prog Neurobiol 2019; 182:101680. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2019.101680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2019] [Revised: 07/26/2019] [Accepted: 08/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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31
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Tomás J, Santos CRA, Duarte AC, Maltez M, Quintela T, Lemos MC, Gonçalves I. Bitter taste signaling mediated by Tas2r144 is down-regulated by 17β-estradiol and progesterone in the rat choroid plexus. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2019; 495:110521. [PMID: 31352039 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2019.110521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2019] [Revised: 07/18/2019] [Accepted: 07/24/2019] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
The blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier is constituted by choroid plexus epithelial cells (CPEC) that regulate molecular trafficking between the blood and the cerebrospinal fluid. We hypothesize that taste receptors expressed in CPEC monitor the composition of these body fluids in a sex hormone dependent way. Thus, we compared the expression of taste related genes in the choroid plexus of sham and ovariectomized female rats, and then studied the effect of 17β-estradiol and progesterone in their expression and function. We found that the bitter receptors Tas2r109, Tas2r144, and the taste-related genes Plcb2 and Trpm5 were down-regulated by ovarian hormones in vivo and ex vivo with functional implications. Knocking-down Tas2r144 with a specific siRNA in a CPEC line (Z310) effectively reduced the Ca2+ response to the bitter compound denatonium benzoate, in a similar manner to female sex hormones alone, suggesting that female sex hormones downregulated the responses of CPEC to chemical stimuli by reducing Tas2r144.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana Tomás
- CICS-UBI - Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Avenida Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Cecília R A Santos
- CICS-UBI - Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Avenida Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Ana C Duarte
- CICS-UBI - Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Avenida Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Maria Maltez
- CICS-UBI - Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Avenida Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Telma Quintela
- CICS-UBI - Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Avenida Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Manuel C Lemos
- CICS-UBI - Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Avenida Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Isabel Gonçalves
- CICS-UBI - Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Avenida Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506, Covilhã, Portugal.
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Regulation of Airway Smooth Muscle Contraction in Health and Disease. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2019; 1124:381-422. [PMID: 31183836 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-13-5895-1_16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Airway smooth muscle (ASM) extends from the trachea throughout the bronchial tree to the terminal bronchioles. In utero, spontaneous phasic contraction of fetal ASM is critical for normal lung development by regulating intraluminal fluid movement, ASM differentiation, and release of key growth factors. In contrast, phasic contraction appears to be absent in the adult lung, and regulation of tonic contraction and airflow is under neuronal and humoral control. Accumulating evidence suggests that changes in ASM responsiveness contribute to the pathophysiology of lung diseases with lifelong health impacts.Functional assessments of fetal and adult ASM and airways have defined pharmacological responses and signaling pathways that drive airway contraction and relaxation. Studies using precision-cut lung slices, in which contraction of intrapulmonary airways and ASM calcium signaling can be assessed simultaneously in situ, have been particularly informative. These combined approaches have defined the relative importance of calcium entry into ASM and calcium release from intracellular stores as drivers of spontaneous phasic contraction in utero and excitation-contraction coupling.Increased contractility of ASM in asthma contributes to airway hyperresponsiveness. Studies using animal models and human ASM and airways have characterized inflammatory and other mechanisms underlying increased reactivity to contractile agonists and reduced bronchodilator efficacy of β2-adrenoceptor agonists in severe diseases. Novel bronchodilators and the application of bronchial thermoplasty to ablate increased ASM within asthmatic airways have the potential to overcome limitations of current therapies. These approaches may directly limit excessive airway contraction to improve outcomes for difficult-to-control asthma and other chronic lung diseases.
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33
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Ngekure M X K, Jiang J, Enayatullah H, Ennab W, Mustafa S, Rodeni S, Wei Q, Shi F. Sweet taste receptor agonists alter ovarian functions and ovarian cycles in aged mice. Reprod Biol 2019; 19:230-236. [PMID: 31399370 DOI: 10.1016/j.repbio.2019.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2019] [Revised: 07/24/2019] [Accepted: 07/29/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Saccharine sodium and rebaudioside A are low-calorie sweeteners, and the biologic effects of these sweeteners in rat ovaries are related to the activity of sweet taste receptors. Data on the impact and regulatory mechanisms underlying such sweeteners on the reproduction of aged animals are currently lacking. In the present study we assessed how the consumption of sweeteners affects the ovarian cycle, ovulation, biochemical indices, and other biologic functions. Thirty-six 1-year-old mice were randomly divided into 3 groups: a control (C) group receiving regular water, a saccharin sodium group receiving a 7.5 mM solution, and the rebaudioside A group receiving a 2.5 mM solution for 30 days. We observed no significant changes in body weights in any group. However, uterine weight in the rebaudioside A group significantly increased in diestrus, and we recorded a significant increase in the percentage of abnormal estrous cycles and the number of corpora lutea in the treatment groups. TUNEL staining and Immunoreactivity for the apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF) confirmed apoptosis in granulosa cells, oocyte, and corpus luteum. Serum glucose increased significantly in both treatment groups and there was a significant increase in cholesterol in the rebaudioside A group. Furthermore, the saccharin sodium-treated group exhibited elevated serum progesterone levels compared with the other groups. In conclusion, sweeteners manifested deleterious effects on reproductive indices in aged mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kavita Ngekure M X
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Jingle Jiang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Hamdard Enayatullah
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Wael Ennab
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Sheeraz Mustafa
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Saif Rodeni
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Quanwei Wei
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Fangxiong Shi
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China.
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34
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Nayak AP, Shah SD, Michael JV, Deshpande DA. Bitter Taste Receptors for Asthma Therapeutics. Front Physiol 2019; 10:884. [PMID: 31379597 PMCID: PMC6647873 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2019.00884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2019] [Accepted: 06/24/2019] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Clinical management of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has primarily relied on the use of beta 2 adrenergic receptor agonists (bronchodilators) and corticosteroids, and more recently, monoclonal antibody therapies (biologics) targeting specific cytokines and their functions. Although these approaches provide relief from exacerbations, questions remain on their long-term efficacy and safety. Furthermore, current therapeutics do not address progressive airway remodeling (AR), a key pathological feature of severe obstructive lung disease. Strikingly, agonists of the bitter taste receptors (TAS2Rs) deliver robust bronchodilation, curtail allergen-induced inflammatory responses in the airways and regulate airway smooth muscle (ASM) cell proliferation and mitigate features of AR in vitro and in animal models. The scope of this review is to provide a comprehensive and systematic insight into our current understanding of TAS2Rs with an emphasis on the molecular events that ensue TAS2R activation in distinct airway cell types and expand on the pleiotropic effects of TAS2R targeting in mitigating various pathological features of obstructive lung diseases. Finally, we will discuss specific opportunities that could help the development of selective agonists for specific TAS2R subtypes in the treatment of asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ajay P Nayak
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, Center for Translational Medicine, Department of Medicine, Jane and Leonard Korman Respiratory Institute, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Sushrut D Shah
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, Center for Translational Medicine, Department of Medicine, Jane and Leonard Korman Respiratory Institute, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - James V Michael
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, Center for Translational Medicine, Department of Medicine, Jane and Leonard Korman Respiratory Institute, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Deepak A Deshpande
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, Center for Translational Medicine, Department of Medicine, Jane and Leonard Korman Respiratory Institute, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
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35
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Talmon M, Rossi S, Lim D, Pollastro F, Palattella G, Ruffinatti FA, Marotta P, Boldorini R, Genazzani AA, Fresu LG. Absinthin, an agonist of the bitter taste receptor hTAS2R46, uncovers an ER-to-mitochondria Ca 2+-shuttling event. J Biol Chem 2019; 294:12472-12482. [PMID: 31248983 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra119.007763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2019] [Revised: 06/17/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Type 2 taste receptors (TAS2R) are G protein-coupled receptors first described in the gustatory system, but have also been shown to have extraoral localizations, including airway smooth muscle (ASM) cells, in which TAS2R have been reported to induce relaxation. TAS2R46 is an unexplored subtype that responds to its highly specific agonist absinthin. Here, we first demonstrate that, unlike other bitter-taste receptor agonists, absinthin alone (1 μm) in ASM cells does not induce Ca2+ signals but reduces histamine-induced cytosolic Ca2+ increases. To investigate this mechanism, we introduced into ASM cells aequorin-based Ca2+ probes targeted to the cytosol, subplasma membrane domain, or the mitochondrial matrix. We show that absinthin reduces cytosolic histamine-induced Ca2+ rises and simultaneously increases Ca2+ influx into mitochondria. We found that this effect is inhibited by the potent human TAS2R46 (hTAS2R46) antagonist 3β-hydroxydihydrocostunolide and is no longer evident in hTAS2R46-silenced ASM cells, indicating that it is hTAS2R46-dependent. Furthermore, these changes were sensitive to the mitochondrial uncoupler carbonyl cyanide p-(trifluoromethoxy)phenyl-hydrazone (FCCP); the mitochondrial calcium uniporter inhibitor KB-R7943 (carbamimidothioic acid); the cytoskeletal disrupter latrunculin; and an inhibitor of the exchange protein directly activated by cAMP (EPAC), ESI-09. Similarly, the β2 agonist salbutamol also could induce Ca2+ shuttling from cytoplasm to mitochondria, suggesting that this new mechanism might be generalizable. Moreover, forskolin and an EPAC activator mimicked this effect in HeLa cells. Our findings support the hypothesis that plasma membrane receptors can positively regulate mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake, adding a further facet to the ability of cells to encode complex Ca2+ signals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Talmon
- Department of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale, Via Solaroli, 17-28100 Novara, Italy
| | - Silvia Rossi
- Department of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale, Via Solaroli, 17-28100 Novara, Italy
| | - Dmitry Lim
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Piemonte Orientale, Via Bovio, 6-28100 Novara, Italy
| | - Federica Pollastro
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Piemonte Orientale, Via Bovio, 6-28100 Novara, Italy
| | - Gioele Palattella
- Department of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale, Via Solaroli, 17-28100 Novara, Italy
| | - Federico A Ruffinatti
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Piemonte Orientale, Via Bovio, 6-28100 Novara, Italy
| | - Patrizia Marotta
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Piemonte Orientale, Via Bovio, 6-28100 Novara, Italy
| | - Renzo Boldorini
- Department of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale, Via Solaroli, 17-28100 Novara, Italy
| | - Armando A Genazzani
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Piemonte Orientale, Via Bovio, 6-28100 Novara, Italy.
| | - Luigia G Fresu
- Department of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale, Via Solaroli, 17-28100 Novara, Italy.
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Cai Y, Lei Y, Chen J, Cao L, Yang X, Zhang K, Cao Y. Erythromycin relaxes BALB/c mouse airway smooth muscle. Life Sci 2019; 221:135-142. [PMID: 30731142 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2019.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2018] [Revised: 01/20/2019] [Accepted: 02/03/2019] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Bitter taste receptor (TAS2R) agonists have bronchodilatory potentials. Erythromycin is a ligand of TAS2R10, but its relaxant profile is unknown. This study was performed to understand the relaxant effects of erythromycin and its potential mechanism. MAIN METHODS Airway resistance was tested by the whole body plethysmography in the ovalbumin-aluminum hydroxide induced asthma model mice. Tracheal ring segment myography was used to investigate the isometric tension of the smooth muscle. The cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) concentration was measured by enzyme immunoassay kit. Changes in the calcium influx in airway smooth muscle cells (ASMCs) were surveyed using a real-time confocal microscopy. KEY FINDINGS Erythromycin significantly relieved airway hyperreactivity in asthma model mice. Erythromycin relaxed mouse tracheal segments precontracted with carbachol, KCl, 5-hydroxytryptamine and U46619, and further dilated the tracheal rings relaxed by isoprenaline or atropine. Epithelium removal, indomethacin or NS-398 partially reduced the relaxation. U73122, 2-APB, iberiotoxin or ouabain did not change the concentration-relaxation curves of erythromycin on tracheal segments. Erythromycin didn't elevate cAMP level. CaCl2-induced contraction in the K+-rich solution was impaired by erythromycin in the Ca2+-free solution. The intercellular Ca2+ level in the ASMCs was decreased by erythromycin, which was partly inhibited by Bay K8644 but not gallein. SIGNIFICANCE Erythromycin had marked bronchodilatory effect. The relaxation might be related to the L-type voltage-dependent calcium channel, but not the gustducin-associated βγ/phospholipase-Cβ/inositol 1,4,5-tri-phosphate receptor/large conductance Ca2+-activated K+ channel pathway or a cAMP-dependent way.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Cai
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an 710061, China; Department of Pharmacy, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710004, China
| | - Ying Lei
- Department of Pharmacy, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710004, China
| | - Jingguo Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an 710061, China
| | - Lei Cao
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an 710061, China.
| | - Xudong Yang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an 710061, China
| | - Kanghuai Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710004, China
| | - Yongxiao Cao
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an 710061, China.
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37
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Dalesio NM, Barreto Ortiz SF, Pluznick JL, Berkowitz DE. Olfactory, Taste, and Photo Sensory Receptors in Non-sensory Organs: It Just Makes Sense. Front Physiol 2018; 9:1673. [PMID: 30542293 PMCID: PMC6278613 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2018.01673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2018] [Accepted: 11/07/2018] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Sensory receptors that detect and respond to light, taste, and smell primarily belong to the G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) superfamily. In addition to their established roles in the nose, tongue, and eyes, these sensory GPCRs have been found in many ‘non-sensory' organs where they respond to different physicochemical stimuli, initiating signaling cascades in these extrasensory systems. For example, taste receptors in the airway, and photoreceptors in vascular smooth muscle cells, both cause smooth muscle relaxation when activated. In addition, olfactory receptors are present within the vascular system, where they play roles in angiogenesis as well as in modulating vascular tone. By better understanding the physiological and pathophysiological roles of sensory receptors in non-sensory organs, novel therapeutic agents can be developed targeting these receptors, ultimately leading to treatments for pathological conditions and potential cures for various disease states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas M Dalesio
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States.,Department of Otolaryngology/Head & Neck Surgery, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Sebastian F Barreto Ortiz
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Jennifer L Pluznick
- Department of Physiology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Dan E Berkowitz
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
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38
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Chen J, Miller M, Unno H, Rosenthal P, Sanderson MJ, Broide DH. Orosomucoid-like 3 (ORMDL3) upregulates airway smooth muscle proliferation, contraction, and Ca 2+ oscillations in asthma. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2018; 142:207-218.e6. [PMID: 28889952 PMCID: PMC5842097 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2017.08.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2017] [Revised: 07/25/2017] [Accepted: 08/24/2017] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Airway hyperresponsiveness is a major feature of asthma attributed predominantly to an extrinsic immune/inflammatory response increasing airway smooth muscle (ASM) contractility. OBJECTIVE We investigated whether increased ASM expression of orosomucoid-like 3 (ORMDL3), a gene on chromosome 17q21 highly linked to asthma, induced increased ASM proliferation and contractility in vitro and influenced airway contractility and calcium flux in ASM in precision-cut lung slices (PCLSs) from wild-type and hORMDL3Zp3-Cre mice (which express increased levels of human ORMDL3 [hORMDL3]). METHODS Levels of ASM proliferation and contraction were assessed in ASM cells transfected with ORMDL3 in vitro. In addition, airway contractility and calcium oscillations were quantitated in ASM cells in PCLSs derived from naive wild-type and naive hORMDL3Zp3-Cre mice, which do not have a blood supply. RESULTS Increased ASM expression of ORMDL3 in vitro resulted in increased ASM proliferation and contractility. PCLSs derived from naive hORMDL3Zp3-Cre mice, which do not have airway inflammation, exhibit increased airway contractility with increased calcium oscillations in ASM cells. Increased ASM ORMDL3 expression increases levels of ASM sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ ATPase 2b (SERCA2b), which increases ASM proliferation and contractility. CONCLUSION Overall, these studies provide evidence that an intrinsic increase in ORMDL3 expression in ASM can induce increased ASM proliferation and contractility, which might contribute to increased airway hyperresponsiveness in the absence of airway inflammation in asthmatic patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Chen
- Division of Pulmonary Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, and the Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China; Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Mass
| | - Marina Miller
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, Calif
| | - Hirotoshi Unno
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, Calif
| | - Peter Rosenthal
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, Calif
| | - Michael J Sanderson
- Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Mass
| | - David H Broide
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, Calif.
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Freund JR, Mansfield CJ, Doghramji LJ, Adappa ND, Palmer JN, Kennedy DW, Reed DR, Jiang P, Lee RJ. Activation of airway epithelial bitter taste receptors by Pseudomonas aeruginosa quinolones modulates calcium, cyclic-AMP, and nitric oxide signaling. J Biol Chem 2018; 293:9824-9840. [PMID: 29748385 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra117.001005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2017] [Revised: 04/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Bitter taste receptors (taste family 2 bitter receptor proteins; T2Rs), discovered in many tissues outside the tongue, have recently become potential therapeutic targets. We have shown previously that airway epithelial cells express several T2Rs that activate innate immune responses that may be important for treatment of airway diseases such as chronic rhinosinusitis. It is imperative to more clearly understand what compounds activate airway T2Rs as well as their full range of functions. T2R isoforms in airway motile cilia (T2R4, -14, -16, and -38) produce bactericidal levels of nitric oxide (NO) that also increase ciliary beating, promoting clearance of mucus and trapped pathogens. Bacterial quorum-sensing acyl-homoserine lactones activate T2Rs and stimulate these responses in primary airway cells. Quinolones are another type of quorum-sensing molecule used by Pseudomonas aeruginosa To elucidate whether bacterial quinolones activate airway T2Rs, we analyzed calcium, cAMP, and NO dynamics using a combination of fluorescent indicator dyes and FRET-based protein biosensors. T2R-transfected HEK293T cells, several lung epithelial cell lines, and primary sinonasal cells grown and differentiated at the air-liquid interface were tested with 2-heptyl-3-hydroxy-4-quinolone (known as Pseudomonas quinolone signal; PQS), 2,4-dihydroxyquinolone, and 4-hydroxy-2-heptylquinolone (HHQ). In HEK293T cells, PQS activated T2R4, -16, and -38, whereas HHQ activated T2R14. 2,4-Dihydroxyquinolone had no effect. PQS and HHQ increased calcium and decreased both baseline and stimulated cAMP levels in cultured and primary airway cells. In primary cells, PQS and HHQ activated levels of NO synthesis previously shown to be bactericidal. This study suggests that airway T2R-mediated immune responses are activated by bacterial quinolones as well as acyl-homoserine lactones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenna R Freund
- From the Departments of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery and
| | | | | | - Nithin D Adappa
- From the Departments of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery and
| | - James N Palmer
- From the Departments of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery and
| | - David W Kennedy
- From the Departments of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery and
| | - Danielle R Reed
- the Monell Chemical Senses Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104
| | - Peihua Jiang
- the Monell Chemical Senses Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104
| | - Robert J Lee
- From the Departments of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery and .,Physiology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104 and
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40
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Stern L, Giese N, Hackert T, Strobel O, Schirmacher P, Felix K, Gaida MM. Overcoming chemoresistance in pancreatic cancer cells: role of the bitter taste receptor T2R10. J Cancer 2018; 9:711-725. [PMID: 29556329 PMCID: PMC5858493 DOI: 10.7150/jca.21803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2017] [Accepted: 11/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Bitter taste receptors (T2Rs) are G-protein coupled transmembrane proteins initially identified in the gustatory system as sensors for the taste of bitter. Recent evidence on expression of these receptors outside gustatory tissues suggested alternative functions, and there is growing interest of their potential role in cancer biology. In this study, we report for the first time, expression and functionality of the bitter receptor family member T2R10 in both human pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) tissue and PDAC derived cell lines. Caffeine, a known ligand for T2R10, rendered the tumor cells more susceptible to two standard chemotherapeutics, Gemcitabine and 5-Fluoruracil. Knocking down T2R10 in the cell line BxPC-3 reduced the caffeine-induced effect. As possible underlying mechanism, we found that caffeine via triggering T2R10 inhibited Akt phosphorylation and subsequently downregulated expression of ABCG2, the so-called multi-drug resistance protein that participates in rendering cells resistant to a variety of chemotherapeutics. In conclusion, T2R10 is expressed in pancreatic cancer and it downmodulates the chemoresistance of the tumor cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louisa Stern
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Nathalia Giese
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Thilo Hackert
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Oliver Strobel
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Peter Schirmacher
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Klaus Felix
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Matthias M Gaida
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
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41
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Lautenschläger I, Wong YL, Sarau J, Goldmann T, Zitta K, Albrecht M, Frerichs I, Weiler N, Uhlig S. Signalling mechanisms in PAF-induced intestinal failure. Sci Rep 2017; 7:13382. [PMID: 29042668 PMCID: PMC5645457 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-13850-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2017] [Accepted: 09/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Capillary leakage syndrome, vasomotor disturbances and gut atony are common clinical problems in intensive care medicine. Various inflammatory mediators and signalling pathways are involved in these pathophysiological alterations among them platelet-activating factor (PAF). The related signalling mechanisms of the PAF-induced dysfunctions are only poorly understood. Here we used the model of the isolated perfused rat small intestine to analyse the role of calcium (using calcium deprivation, IP-receptor blockade (2-APB)), cAMP (PDE-inhibition plus AC activator), myosin light chain kinase (inhibitor ML-7) and Rho-kinase (inhibitor Y27632) in the following PAF-induced malfunctions: vasoconstriction, capillary and mucosal leakage, oedema formation, malabsorption and atony. Among these, the PAF-induced vasoconstriction and hyperpermeability appear to be governed by similar mechanisms that involve IP3 receptors, extracellular calcium and the Rho-kinase. Our findings further suggest that cAMP-elevating treatments - while effective against hypertension and oedema - bear the risk of dysmotility and reduced nutrient uptake. Agents such as 2-APB or Y27632, on the other hand, showed no negative side effects and improved most of the PAF-induced malfunctions suggesting that their therapeutic usefulness should be explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ingmar Lautenschläger
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, University Medical Centre Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Kiel, Germany.
| | - Yuk Lung Wong
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, University Medical Centre Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Jürgen Sarau
- Division of Mucosal Immunology and Diagnostic, Research Centre Borstel, Leibniz-Centre for Medicine and Biosciences, Borstel, Germany
| | - Torsten Goldmann
- Division of Clinical and Experimental Pathology, Research Centre Borstel, Leibniz-Centre for Medicine and Biosciences, Borstel, Germany
| | - Karina Zitta
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, University Medical Centre Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Martin Albrecht
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, University Medical Centre Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Inéz Frerichs
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, University Medical Centre Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Norbert Weiler
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, University Medical Centre Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Stefan Uhlig
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
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42
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Wu K, Zhang Q, Wu X, Lu W, Tang H, Liang Z, Gu Y, Song S, Ayon RJ, Wang Z, McDermott KM, Balistrieri A, Wang C, Black SM, Garcia JGN, Makino A, Yuan JXJ, Wang J. Chloroquine is a potent pulmonary vasodilator that attenuates hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension. Br J Pharmacol 2017; 174:4155-4172. [PMID: 28849593 DOI: 10.1111/bph.13990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2017] [Revised: 08/09/2017] [Accepted: 08/14/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Sustained pulmonary vasoconstriction and excessive pulmonary vascular remodelling are two major causes of elevated pulmonary vascular resistance in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether chloroquine induced relaxation in the pulmonary artery (PA) and attenuates hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension (HPH). EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Isometric tension was measured in rat PA rings pre-constricted with phenylephrine or high K+ solution. PA pressure was measured in mouse isolated, perfused and ventilated lungs. Fura-2 fluorescence microscopy was used to measure cytosolic free Ca2+ concentration levels in PA smooth muscle cells (PASMCs). Patch-clamp experiments were performed to assess the activity of voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels (VDCCs) in PASMC. Rats exposed to hypoxia (10% O2 ) for 3 weeks were used as the model of HPH or Sugen5416/hypoxia (SuHx) for in vivo experiments. KEY RESULTS Chloroquine attenuated agonist-induced and high K+ -induced contraction in isolated rat PA. Pretreatment with l-NAME or indomethacin and functional removal of endothelium failed to inhibit chloroquine-induced PA relaxation. In PASMC, extracellular application of chloroquine attenuated store-operated Ca2+ entry and ATP-induced Ca2+ entry. Furthermore, chloroquine also inhibited whole-cell Ba2+ currents through VDCC in PASMC. In vivo experiments demonstrated that chloroquine treatment ameliorated the HPH and SuHx models. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Chloroquine is a potent pulmonary vasodilator that may directly or indirectly block VDCC, store-operated Ca2+ channels and receptor-operated Ca2+ channels in PASMC. The therapeutic potential of chloroquine in pulmonary hypertension is probably due to the combination of its vasodilator, anti-proliferative and anti-autophagic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kang Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,Division of Translational and Regenerative Medicine, The University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, AZ, USA.,Department of Medicine, The University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Qian Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,Division of Translational and Regenerative Medicine, The University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, AZ, USA.,Department of Medicine, The University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, AZ, USA.,Department of Physiology, The University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Xiongting Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wenju Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Haiyang Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,Division of Translational and Regenerative Medicine, The University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, AZ, USA.,Department of Medicine, The University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Zhihao Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yali Gu
- Division of Translational and Regenerative Medicine, The University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, AZ, USA.,Department of Medicine, The University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Shanshan Song
- Division of Translational and Regenerative Medicine, The University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, AZ, USA.,Department of Medicine, The University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Ramon J Ayon
- Division of Translational and Regenerative Medicine, The University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, AZ, USA.,Department of Medicine, The University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Ziyi Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,Division of Translational and Regenerative Medicine, The University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, AZ, USA.,Department of Medicine, The University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Kimberly M McDermott
- Division of Translational and Regenerative Medicine, The University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, AZ, USA.,Department of Medicine, The University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Angela Balistrieri
- Division of Translational and Regenerative Medicine, The University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Christina Wang
- Division of Translational and Regenerative Medicine, The University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Stephen M Black
- Division of Translational and Regenerative Medicine, The University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, AZ, USA.,Department of Medicine, The University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, AZ, USA.,Department of Physiology, The University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Joe G N Garcia
- Division of Translational and Regenerative Medicine, The University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, AZ, USA.,Department of Medicine, The University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Ayako Makino
- Division of Translational and Regenerative Medicine, The University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, AZ, USA.,Department of Medicine, The University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, AZ, USA.,Department of Physiology, The University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Jason X-J Yuan
- Division of Translational and Regenerative Medicine, The University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, AZ, USA.,Department of Medicine, The University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, AZ, USA.,Department of Physiology, The University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Jian Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,Division of Translational and Regenerative Medicine, The University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, AZ, USA.,Department of Medicine, The University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, AZ, USA
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Zheng K, Lu P, Delpapa E, Bellve K, Deng R, Condon JC, Fogarty K, Lifshitz LM, Simas TAM, Shi F, ZhuGe R. Bitter taste receptors as targets for tocolytics in preterm labor therapy. FASEB J 2017; 31:4037-4052. [PMID: 28559440 PMCID: PMC5572693 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201601323rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2016] [Accepted: 05/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Preterm birth (PTB) is the leading cause of neonatal mortality and morbidity, with few prevention and treatment options. Uterine contraction is a central feature of PTB, so gaining new insights into the mechanisms of this contraction and consequently identifying novel targets for tocolytics are essential for more successful management of PTB. Here we report that myometrial cells from human and mouse express bitter taste receptors (TAS2Rs) and their canonical signaling components (i.e., G-protein gustducin and phospholipase C β2). Bitter tastants can completely relax myometrium precontracted by different uterotonics. In isolated single mouse myometrial cells, a phenotypical bitter tastant (chloroquine, ChQ) reverses the rise in intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) and cell shortening induced by uterotonics, and this reversal effect is inhibited by pertussis toxin and by genetic deletion of α-gustducin. In human myometrial cells, knockdown of TAS2R14 but not TAS2R10 inhibits ChQ's reversal effect on an oxytocin-induced rise in [Ca2+]i Finally, ChQ prevents mouse PTBs induced by bacterial endotoxin LPS or progesterone receptor antagonist mifepristone more often than current commonly used tocolytics, and this prevention is largely lost in α-gustducin-knockout mice. Collectively, our results reveal that activation of the canonical TAS2R signaling system in myometrial cells produces profound relaxation of myometrium precontracted by a broad spectrum of contractile agonists, and that targeting TAS2Rs is an attractive approach to developing effective tocolytics for PTB management.-Zheng, K., Lu, P., Delpapa, E., Bellve, K., Deng, R., Condon, J. C., Fogarty, K., Lifshitz, L. M., Simas, T. A. M., Shi, F., ZhuGe, R. Bitter taste receptors as targets for tocolytics in preterm labor therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaizhi Zheng
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
- Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Ping Lu
- Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Ellen Delpapa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Karl Bellve
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Ruitang Deng
- College of Pharmacy, University of Rhode Island, Kingstown, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Jennifer C Condon
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Kevin Fogarty
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Lawrence M Lifshitz
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Tiffany A Moore Simas
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Fangxiong Shi
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China;
| | - Ronghua ZhuGe
- Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA;
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44
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Abstract
β2-adrenoceptor agonists, often used in combination with corticosteroids, have been extensively used for the treatment of asthma. However, concerns have been raised regarding their adverse effects and safety including poor asthma control, life-threatening exacerbations, exacerbations that often require hospitalization, and asthma-related deaths. The question as to whether these adverse effects relate to the loss of their bronchoprotective action remains an interesting possibility. In the chapter, we will review the experimental evidence that describes the different potential factors and associated mechanisms that can blunt the therapeutic action of β2-adrenoceptor agonists in asthma. We show here evidence that various key inflammatory cytokines, growth factors, some respiratory viruses, certain allergens, unknown factors present in serum from atopic asthmatics have the capacity to impair β2-adrenoceptor function in airway smooth muscle, the main target of these drugs. More importantly, we present our latest research describing the role played by mast cells in impairing β2-adrenoceptor function. Although no definitive conclusion could be made regarding the implication of one single mechanism, receptor uncoupling, or receptor desensitization due to phosphorylation represents the main inhibitory pathways associated with a loss of β2-adrenoceptor function in airway smooth muscle. Targeting the pathways leading to β2-adrenoceptor dysfunction will likely provide novel therapies to improve the efficacy of β2-agonists in asthma.
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45
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Bai Y, Krishnamoorthy N, Patel KR, Rosas I, Sanderson MJ, Ai X. Cryopreserved Human Precision-Cut Lung Slices as a Bioassay for Live Tissue Banking. A Viability Study of Bronchodilation with Bitter-Taste Receptor Agonists. Am J Respir Cell Mol Biol 2017; 54:656-63. [PMID: 26550921 DOI: 10.1165/rcmb.2015-0290ma] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Human precision-cut lung slices (hPCLSs) provide a unique ex vivo model for translational research. However, the limited and unpredictable availability of human lung tissue greatly impedes their use. Here, we demonstrate that cryopreservation of hPCLSs facilitates banking of live human lung tissue for routine use. Our results show that cryopreservation had little effect on overall cell viability and vital functions of immune cells, including phagocytes and T lymphocytes. In addition, airway contraction and relaxation in response to specific agonists and antagonists, respectively, were unchanged after cryopreservation. At the subcellular level, cryopreserved hPCLSs maintained Ca(2+)-dependent regulatory mechanisms for the control of airway smooth muscle cell contractility. To exemplify the use of cryopreserved hPCLSs in smooth muscle research, we provide evidence that bitter-taste receptor (TAS2R) agonists relax airways by blocking Ca(2+) oscillations in airway smooth muscle cells. In conclusion, the banking of cryopreserved hPCLSs provides a robust bioassay for translational research of lung physiology and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Bai
- 1 Pulmonary, Allergy, Sleep and Critical Care Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Nandini Krishnamoorthy
- 2 Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts; and
| | - Kruti R Patel
- 1 Pulmonary, Allergy, Sleep and Critical Care Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Ivan Rosas
- 2 Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts; and
| | - Michael J Sanderson
- 3 Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts
| | - Xingbin Ai
- 1 Pulmonary, Allergy, Sleep and Critical Care Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts.,2 Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts; and
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46
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Bitter Taste Receptor Agonists Mitigate Features of Allergic Asthma in Mice. Sci Rep 2017; 7:46166. [PMID: 28397820 PMCID: PMC5387415 DOI: 10.1038/srep46166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2016] [Accepted: 03/09/2017] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Asthma is characterized by airway inflammation, mucus secretion, remodeling and hyperresponsiveness (AHR). Recent research has established the bronchodilatory effect of bitter taste receptor (TAS2R) agonists in various models. Comprehensive pre-clinical studies aimed at establishing effectiveness of TAS2R agonists in disease models are lacking. Here we aimed to determine the effect of TAS2R agonists on features of asthma. Further, we elucidated a mechanism by which TAS2R agonists mitigate features of asthma. Asthma was induced in mice using intranasal house dust mite or aerosol ova-albumin challenge, and chloroquine or quinine were tested in both prophylactic and treatment models. Allergen challenge resulted in airway inflammation as evidenced by increased immune cells infiltration and release of cytokines and chemokines in the lungs, which were significantly attenuated in TAS2R agonists treated mice. TAS2R agonists attenuated features of airway remodeling including smooth muscle mass, extracellular matrix deposition and pro-fibrotic signaling, and also prevented mucus accumulation and development of AHR in mice. Mechanistic studies using human neutrophils demonstrated that inhibition of immune cell chemotaxis is a key mechanism by which TAS2R agonists blocked allergic airway inflammation and exerted anti-asthma effects. Our comprehensive studies establish the effectiveness of TAS2R agonists in mitigating multiple features of allergic asthma.
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47
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Yocum GT, Chen J, Choi CH, Townsend EA, Zhang Y, Xu D, Fu XW, Sanderson MJ, Emala CW. Role of transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 in the modulation of airway smooth muscle tone and calcium handling. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 2017; 312:L812-L821. [PMID: 28336810 DOI: 10.1152/ajplung.00064.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2017] [Revised: 03/10/2017] [Accepted: 03/21/2017] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Asthma is a common disorder characterized, in part, by airway smooth muscle (ASM) hyperresponsiveness. Transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) is a nonselective cation channel expressed on airway nerve fibers that modulates afferent signals, resulting in cough, and potentially bronchoconstriction. In the present study, the TRPV1 transcript was detected by RT-PCR in primary cultured human ASM cells, and the TRPV1 protein was detected in ASM of human trachea by immunohistochemistry. Proximity ligation assays suggest that TRPV1 is expressed in the sarcoplasmic reticulum membrane of human ASM cells in close association with sarco/endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase-2. In guinea pig tracheal ring organ bath experiments, the TRPV1 agonist capsaicin led to ASM contraction, but this contraction was significantly attenuated by the sodium channel inhibitor bupivacaine (n = 4, P < 0.05) and the neurokinin-2 receptor antagonist GR-159897 (n = 4, P < 0.05), suggesting that this contraction is neutrally mediated. However, pretreatment of guinea pig and human ASM in organ bath experiments with the TRPV1 antagonist capsazepine inhibited the maintenance phase of an acetylcholine-induced contraction (n = 4, P < 0.01 for both species). Similarly, capsazepine inhibited methacholine-induced contraction of peripheral airways in mouse precision-cut lung slice (PCLS) experiments (n = 4-5, P < 0.05). Although capsazepine did not inhibit store-operated calcium entry in mouse ASM cells in PCLS (n = 4-7, P = nonsignificant), it did inhibit calcium oscillations (n = 3, P < 0.001). These studies suggest that TRPV1 is expressed on ASM, including the SR, but that ASM TRPV1 activation does not play a significant role in initiation of ASM contraction. However, capsazepine does inhibit maintenance of contraction, likely by inhibiting calcium oscillations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gene T Yocum
- Department of Anesthesiology, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York; and
| | - Jun Chen
- Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts
| | - Christine H Choi
- Department of Anesthesiology, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York; and
| | - Elizabeth A Townsend
- Department of Anesthesiology, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York; and
| | - Yi Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York; and
| | - Dingbang Xu
- Department of Anesthesiology, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York; and
| | - Xiao W Fu
- Department of Anesthesiology, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York; and
| | - Michael J Sanderson
- Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts
| | - Charles W Emala
- Department of Anesthesiology, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York; and
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48
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Mattson JM, Turcotte R, Zhang Y. Glycosaminoglycans contribute to extracellular matrix fiber recruitment and arterial wall mechanics. Biomech Model Mechanobiol 2017; 16:213-225. [PMID: 27491312 PMCID: PMC5288264 DOI: 10.1007/s10237-016-0811-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2016] [Accepted: 07/26/2016] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Elastic and collagen fibers are well known to be the major load-bearing extracellular matrix (ECM) components of the arterial wall. Studies of the structural components and mechanics of arterial ECM generally focus on elastin and collagen fibers, and glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) are often neglected. Although GAGs represent only a small component of the vessel wall ECM, they are considerably important because of their diverse functionality and their role in pathological processes. The goal of this study was to study the mechanical and structural contributions of GAGs to the arterial wall. Biaxial tensile testing was paired with multiphoton microscopic imaging of elastic and collagen fibers in order to establish the structure-function relationships of porcine thoracic aorta before and after enzymatic GAG removal. Removal of GAGs results in an earlier transition point of the nonlinear stress-strain curves [Formula: see text]. However, stiffness was not significantly different after GAG removal treatment, indicating earlier but not absolute stiffening. Multiphoton microscopy showed that when GAGs are removed, the adventitial collagen fibers are straighter, and both elastin and collagen fibers are recruited at lower levels of strain, in agreement with the mechanical change. The amount of stress relaxation also decreased in GAG-depleted arteries [Formula: see text]. These findings suggest that the interaction between GAGs and other ECM constituents plays an important role in the mechanics of the arterial wall, and GAGs should be considered in addition to elastic and collagen fibers when studying arterial function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey M Mattson
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Raphaël Turcotte
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
- Advanced Microscopy Program, Center for Systems Biology, Wellman Center for Photomedicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Yanhang Zhang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA.
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA.
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49
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Nakano H, Lyons-Cohen MR, Whitehead GS, Nakano K, Cook DN. Distinct functions of CXCR4, CCR2, and CX3CR1 direct dendritic cell precursors from the bone marrow to the lung. J Leukoc Biol 2017; 101:1143-1153. [PMID: 28148720 DOI: 10.1189/jlb.1a0616-285r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2016] [Revised: 01/11/2017] [Accepted: 01/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Precursors of dendritic cells (pre-DCs) arise in the bone marrow (BM), egress to the blood, and finally migrate to peripheral tissue, where they differentiate to conventional dendritic cells (cDCs). Upon their activation, antigen-bearing cDCs migrate from peripheral tissue to regional lymph nodes (LNs) in a manner dependent on the chemokine receptor, CCR7. To maintain immune homeostasis, these departing cDCs must be replenished by new cDCs that develop from pre-DCs, but the molecular signals that direct pre-DC trafficking from the BM to the blood and peripheral tissues remain poorly understood. In the present study, we found that pre-DCs express the chemokine receptors CXCR4, CCR2, and CX3CR1, and that each of these receptors has a distinct role in pre-DC trafficking. Flow cytometric analysis of pre-DCs lacking CXCR4 revealed that this receptor is required for the retention of pre-DCs in the BM. Analyses of mice lacking CCR2 or CX3CR1, or both, revealed that they promote pre-DC migration to the lung at steady state. CCR2, but not CX3CR1, was required for pre-DC migration to the inflamed lung. Thus, these multiple chemokine receptors cooperate in a step-wise fashion to coordinate the trafficking of pre-DCs from the BM to the circulation and peripheral tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hideki Nakano
- Immunity, Inflammation, and Disease Laboratory, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Miranda R Lyons-Cohen
- Immunity, Inflammation, and Disease Laboratory, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Gregory S Whitehead
- Immunity, Inflammation, and Disease Laboratory, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Keiko Nakano
- Immunity, Inflammation, and Disease Laboratory, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Donald N Cook
- Immunity, Inflammation, and Disease Laboratory, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
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50
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Lu P, Zhang CH, Lifshitz LM, ZhuGe R. Extraoral bitter taste receptors in health and disease. J Gen Physiol 2017; 149:181-197. [PMID: 28053191 PMCID: PMC5299619 DOI: 10.1085/jgp.201611637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 138] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2016] [Revised: 10/06/2016] [Accepted: 12/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Bitter taste receptors (TAS2Rs or T2Rs) belong to the superfamily of seven-transmembrane G protein-coupled receptors, which are the targets of >50% of drugs currently on the market. Canonically, T2Rs are located in taste buds of the tongue, where they initiate bitter taste perception. However, accumulating evidence indicates that T2Rs are widely expressed throughout the body and mediate diverse nontasting roles through various specialized mechanisms. It has also become apparent that T2Rs and their polymorphisms are associated with human disorders. In this review, we summarize the physiological and pathophysiological roles that extraoral T2Rs play in processes as diverse as innate immunity and reproduction, and the major challenges in this emerging field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Lu
- Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605
| | - Cheng-Hai Zhang
- Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605
| | - Lawrence M Lifshitz
- Biomedical Imaging Group, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605.,Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605
| | - Ronghua ZhuGe
- Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605 .,Biomedical Imaging Group, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605
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