1
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Wang Z, Dong S, Zhou W. Pancreatic stellate cells: Key players in pancreatic health and diseases (Review). Mol Med Rep 2024; 30:109. [PMID: 38695254 PMCID: PMC11082724 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2024.13233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
As a pluripotent cell, activated pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) can differentiate into various pancreatic parenchymal cells and participate in the secretion of extracellular matrix and the repair of pancreatic damage. Additionally, PSCs characteristics allow them to contribute to pancreatic inflammation and carcinogenesis. Moreover, a detailed study of the pathogenesis of activated PSCs in pancreatic disease can offer promise for the development of innovative therapeutic strategies and improved patient prognoses. Therefore, the present study review aimed to examine the involvement of activated PSCs in pancreatic diseases and elucidate the underlying mechanisms to provide a viable therapeutic strategy for the management of pancreas‑related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengfeng Wang
- Department of General Surgery, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, P.R. China
| | - Shi Dong
- The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, P.R. China
| | - Wence Zhou
- Department of General Surgery, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, P.R. China
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2
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Guo Q, Yang A, Zhao R, Zhao H, Mu Y, Zhang J, Han Q, Su Y. Nimodipine ameliorates liver fibrosis via reshaping liver immune microenvironment in TAA-induced in mice. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 138:112586. [PMID: 38955030 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.112586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2024] [Revised: 06/24/2024] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024]
Abstract
Nimodipine, a calcium antagonist, exert beneficial neurovascular protective effects in clinic. Recently, Calcium channel blockers (CCBs) was reported to protect against liver fibrosis in mice, while the exact effects of Nimodipine on liver injury and hepatic fibrosis remain unclear. In this study, we assessed the effect of nimodipine in Thioacetamide (TAA)-induced liver fibrosis mouse model. Then, the collagen deposition and liver inflammation were assessed by HE straining. Also, the frequency and phenotype of NK cells, CD4+T and CD8+T cells and MDSC in liver and spleen were analyzed using flow cytometry. Furthermore, activation and apoptosis of primary Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and HSC line LX2 were detected using α-SMA staining and TUNEL assay, respectively. We found that nimodipine administration significantly attenuated liver inflammation and fibrosis. And the increase of the numbers of hepatic NK and NKT cells, a reversed CD4+/CD8+T ratio, and reduced the numbers of MDSC were observed after nimodipine treatment. Furthermore, nimodipine administration significantly decreased α-SMA expression in liver tissues, and increased TUNEL staining adjacent to hepatic stellate cells. Nimodipine also reduced the proliferation of LX2, and significantly promoted high level of apoptosis in vitro. Moreover, nimodipine downregulated Bcl-2 and Bcl-xl, simultaneously increased expression of JNK, p-JNK, and Caspase-3. Together, nimodipine mediated suppression of growth and fibrogenesis of HSCs may warrant its potential use in the treatment of liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quanjuan Guo
- Institute of Immunopharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China
| | - Ailu Yang
- Institute of Immunopharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China
| | - Rongrong Zhao
- Institute of Immunopharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China
| | - Huajun Zhao
- Institute of Immunopharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China
| | - Yongliang Mu
- Institute of Immunopharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China
| | - Jian Zhang
- Institute of Immunopharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China
| | - Qiuju Han
- Institute of Immunopharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China.
| | - Yuhang Su
- Department of Emergency Surgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China.
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3
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Zheng Y, Schupp JC, Adams T, Clair G, Justet A, Ahangari F, Yan X, Hansen P, Carlon M, Cortesi E, Vermant M, Vos R, De Sadeleer LJ, Rosas IO, Pineda R, Sembrat J, Königshoff M, McDonough JE, Vanaudenaerde BM, Wuyts WA, Kaminski N, Ding J. Unagi: Deep Generative Model for Deciphering Cellular Dynamics and In-Silico Drug Discovery in Complex Diseases. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-3676579. [PMID: 38196613 PMCID: PMC10775382 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3676579/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2024]
Abstract
Human diseases are characterized by intricate cellular dynamics. Single-cell sequencing provides critical insights, yet a persistent gap remains in computational tools for detailed disease progression analysis and targeted in-silico drug interventions. Here, we introduce UNAGI, a deep generative neural network tailored to analyze time-series single-cell transcriptomic data. This tool captures the complex cellular dynamics underlying disease progression, enhancing drug perturbation modeling and discovery. When applied to a dataset from patients with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF), UNAGI learns disease-informed cell embeddings that sharpen our understanding of disease progression, leading to the identification of potential therapeutic drug candidates. Validation via proteomics reveals the accuracy of UNAGI's cellular dynamics analyses, and the use of the Fibrotic Cocktail treated human Precision-cut Lung Slices confirms UNAGI's predictions that Nifedipine, an antihypertensive drug, may have antifibrotic effects on human tissues. UNAGI's versatility extends to other diseases, including a COVID dataset, demonstrating adaptability and confirming its broader applicability in decoding complex cellular dynamics beyond IPF, amplifying its utility in the quest for therapeutic solutions across diverse pathological landscapes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yumin Zheng
- Quantitative Life Sciences, Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Meakins-Christie Laboratories, Translational Research in Respiratory Diseases Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Jonas C. Schupp
- Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Yale University, School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Taylor Adams
- Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Yale University, School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Geremy Clair
- Biological Sciences Division, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA, United States
| | - Aurelien Justet
- Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Yale University, School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Farida Ahangari
- Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Yale University, School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Xiting Yan
- Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Yale University, School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Paul Hansen
- Meakins-Christie Laboratories, Translational Research in Respiratory Diseases Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Marianne Carlon
- Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases and Thoracic Surgery (BREATHE), Department of Chronic Diseases and Metabolism, KU Leuven, Belgium
| | - Emanuela Cortesi
- Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases and Thoracic Surgery (BREATHE), Department of Chronic Diseases and Metabolism, KU Leuven, Belgium
| | - Marie Vermant
- Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases and Thoracic Surgery (BREATHE), Department of Chronic Diseases and Metabolism, KU Leuven, Belgium
| | - Robin Vos
- Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases and Thoracic Surgery (BREATHE), Department of Chronic Diseases and Metabolism, KU Leuven, Belgium
| | - Laurens J. De Sadeleer
- Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases and Thoracic Surgery (BREATHE), Department of Chronic Diseases and Metabolism, KU Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ivan O Rosas
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Ricardo Pineda
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - John Sembrat
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Melanie Königshoff
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - John E. McDonough
- Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Yale University, School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Bart M. Vanaudenaerde
- Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases and Thoracic Surgery (BREATHE), Department of Chronic Diseases and Metabolism, KU Leuven, Belgium
| | - Wim A. Wuyts
- Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases and Thoracic Surgery (BREATHE), Department of Chronic Diseases and Metabolism, KU Leuven, Belgium
| | - Naftali Kaminski
- Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Yale University, School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Jun Ding
- Quantitative Life Sciences, Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Meakins-Christie Laboratories, Translational Research in Respiratory Diseases Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Mila - Quebec AI Institute, Montreal, QC, Canada
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Li JP, Liu YJ, Yin Y, Li RN, Huang W, Zou X. Stroma-associated FSTL3 is a factor of calcium channel-derived tumor fibrosis. Sci Rep 2023; 13:21317. [PMID: 38044354 PMCID: PMC10694158 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-48574-8] [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: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most widespread histological form of primary liver cancer, and it faces great diagnostic and therapeutic difficulties owing to its tumor diversity. Herein, we aim to establish a unique prognostic molecular subtype (MST) and based on this to find potential therapeutic targets to develop new immunotherapeutic strategies. Using calcium channel molecules expression-based consensus clustering, we screened 371 HCC patients from The Cancer Genome Atlas to screen for possible MSTs. We distinguished core differential gene modules between varying MSTs, and Tumor Immune Dysfunction and Exclusion scores were employed for the reliable assessment of HCC patient immunotherapeutic response rate. Immunohistochemistry and Immunofluorescence staining were used for validation of predicted immunotherapy outcomes and underlying biological mechanisms, respectively. We identified two MSTs with different clinical characteristics and prognoses. Based on the significant differences between the two MSTs, we further identified Follistatin-like 3 (FSTL3) as a potential indicator of immunotherapy resistance and validated this result in our own cohort. Finally, we found that FSTL3 is predominantly expressed in HCC stromal components and that it is a factor in enhancing fibroblast-M2 macrophage signaling crosstalk, the function of which is relevant to the pathogenesis of HCC. The presence of two MSTs associated with the calcium channel phenotype in HCC patients may provide promising directions for overcoming immunotherapy resistance in HCC, and the promotion of FSTL3 expressed in stromal components for HCC hyperfibrosis may be responsible for the poor response rate to immunotherapy in Cluster 2 (C2) patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie-Pin Li
- Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, China
- Key Laboratory of Tumor System Biology of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, China
- No. 1 Clinical Medical College, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yuan-Jie Liu
- Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, China
- No. 1 Clinical Medical College, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yi Yin
- Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, China
- No. 1 Clinical Medical College, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ruo-Nan Li
- Shihezi Labor Personnel Dispute Arbitration Committee, Shihezi, 832000, China
| | - Wei Huang
- Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, China.
- No. 1 Clinical Medical College, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Xi Zou
- Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, China.
- No. 1 Clinical Medical College, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, Jiangsu, China.
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Prevention and Treatment of Tumor, Nanjing, 210023, China.
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Li H, Kim JA, Jo SE, Lee H, Kim KC, Choi S, Suh SH. Modafinil exerts anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic effects by upregulating adenosine A 2A and A 2B receptors. Purinergic Signal 2023:10.1007/s11302-023-09973-8. [PMID: 37938538 DOI: 10.1007/s11302-023-09973-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Adenosine receptor (AR) suppresses inflammation and fibrosis by activating cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) signaling. We investigated whether altered AR expression contributes to the development of fibrotic diseases and whether A2AAR and A2BAR upregulation inhibits fibrotic responses. Primary human lung fibroblasts (HLFs) from normal (NHLFs) or patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (DHLF) were used for in vitro testing. Murine models of fibrotic liver or pulmonary disease were developed by injecting thioacetamide intraperitoneally, by feeding a high-fat diet, or by intratracheal instillation of bleomycin. Modafinil, which activates cAMP signaling via A2AAR and A2BAR, was administered orally. The protein amounts of A2AAR, A2BAR, and exchange protein directly activated by cAMP (Epac) were reduced, while collagen and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) were elevated in DHLFs compared to NHLFs. In liver or lung tissue from murine models of fibrotic diseases, A2AAR and A2BAR were downregulated, but A1AR and A3AR were not. Epac amounts decreased, and amounts of collagen, α-SMA, KCa2.3, and KCa3.1 increased compared to the control. Modafinil restored the amounts of A2AAR, A2BAR, and Epac, and reduced collagen, α-SMA, KCa2.3, and KCa3.1 in murine models of fibrotic diseases. Transforming growth factor-β reduced the amounts of A2AAR, A2BAR, and Epac, and elevated collagen, α-SMA, KCa2.3, and KCa3.1 in NHLFs; however, these alterations were inhibited by modafinil. Our investigation revealed that A2AAR and A2BAR downregulation induced liver and lung fibrotic diseases while upregulation attenuated fibrotic responses, suggesting that A2AAR and A2BAR-upregulating agents, such as modafinil, may serve as novel therapies for fibrotic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiyan Li
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, 25 Magokdong-ro 2-gil, Gangseo-gu, Seoul, 07084, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji Aee Kim
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, 25 Magokdong-ro 2-gil, Gangseo-gu, Seoul, 07084, Republic of Korea
| | - Seong-Eun Jo
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, 25 Magokdong-ro 2-gil, Gangseo-gu, Seoul, 07084, Republic of Korea
| | - Huisu Lee
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, 25 Magokdong-ro 2-gil, Gangseo-gu, Seoul, 07084, Republic of Korea
| | - Kwan-Chang Kim
- Department of Thoracic & Cardiovascular Surgery, College of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, 25 Magokdong-ro 2-gil, Gangseo-gu, Seoul, 07084, Republic of Korea.
| | - Shinkyu Choi
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, 25 Magokdong-ro 2-gil, Gangseo-gu, Seoul, 07084, Republic of Korea.
| | - Suk Hyo Suh
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, 25 Magokdong-ro 2-gil, Gangseo-gu, Seoul, 07084, Republic of Korea.
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6
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Vasileva VY, Khairullina ZM, Sudarikova AV, Chubinskiy-Nadezhdin VI. Role of Calcium-Activated Potassium Channels in Proliferation, Migration and Invasion of Human Chronic Myeloid Leukemia K562 Cells. MEMBRANES 2023; 13:583. [PMID: 37367787 DOI: 10.3390/membranes13060583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
Calcium-activated potassium channels (KCa) are important participants in calcium signaling pathways due to their ability to be activated by an increase in intracellular free calcium concentration. KCa channels are involved in the regulation of cellular processes in both normal and pathophysiological conditions, including oncotransformation. Previously, using patch-clamp, we registered the KCa currents in the plasma membrane of human chronic myeloid leukemia K562 cells, whose activity was controlled by local Ca2+ entry via mechanosensitive calcium-permeable channels. Here, we performed the molecular and functional identification of KCa channels and have uncovered their role in the proliferation, migration and invasion of K562 cells. Using a combined approach, we identified the functional activity of SK2, SK3 and IK channels in the plasma membrane of the cells. Selective SK and IK channel inhibitors, apamin and TRAM-34, respectively, reduced the proliferative, migratory and invasive capabilities of human myeloid leukemia cells. At the same time, the viability of K562 cells was not affected by KCa channel inhibitors. Ca2+ imaging showed that both SK and IK channel inhibitors affect Ca2+ entry and this could underlie the observed suppression of pathophysiological reactions of K562 cells. Our data imply that SK/IK channel inhibitors could be used to slow down the proliferation and spreading of chronic myeloid leukemia K562 cells that express functionally active KCa channels in the plasma membrane.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Y Vasileva
- Institute of Cytology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Tikhoretsky Ave. 4, 194064 Saint-Petersburg, Russia
| | - Zuleikha M Khairullina
- Institute of Cytology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Tikhoretsky Ave. 4, 194064 Saint-Petersburg, Russia
| | - Anastasia V Sudarikova
- Institute of Cytology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Tikhoretsky Ave. 4, 194064 Saint-Petersburg, Russia
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Nicolini G, Balzan S, Forini F. Activated fibroblasts in cardiac and cancer fibrosis: An overview of analogies and new potential therapeutic options. Life Sci 2023; 321:121575. [PMID: 36933828 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2023.121575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
Heart disease and cancer are two major causes of morbidity and mortality in the industrialized countries, and their increasingly recognized connections are shifting the focus from single disease studies to an interdisciplinary approach. Fibroblast-mediated intercellular crosstalk is critically involved in the evolution of both pathologies. In healthy myocardium and in non-cancerous conditions, resident fibroblasts are the main cell source for synthesis of the extracellular matrix (ECM) and important sentinels of tissue integrity. In the setting of myocardial disease or cancer, quiescent fibroblasts activate, respectively, into myofibroblasts (myoFbs) and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), characterized by increased production of contractile proteins, and by a highly proliferative and secretory phenotype. Although the initial activation of myoFbs/CAFs is an adaptive process to repair the damaged tissue, massive deposition of ECM proteins leads to maladaptive cardiac or cancer fibrosis, a recognized marker of adverse outcome. A better understanding of the key mechanisms orchestrating fibroblast hyperactivity may help developing innovative therapeutic options to restrain myocardial or tumor stiffness and improve patient prognosis. Albeit still unappreciated, the dynamic transition of myocardial and tumor fibroblasts into myoFbs and CAFs shares several common triggers and signaling pathways relevant to TGF-β dependent cascade, metabolic reprogramming, mechanotransduction, secretory properties, and epigenetic regulation, which might lay the foundation for future antifibrotic intervention. Therefore, the aim of this review is to highlight emerging analogies in the molecular signature underlying myoFbs and CAFs activation with the purpose of identifying novel prognostic/diagnostic biomarkers, and to elucidate the potential of drug repositioning strategies to mitigate cardiac/cancer fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Silvana Balzan
- CNR Institute of Clinical Physiology, Via G.Moruzzi 1, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Francesca Forini
- CNR Institute of Clinical Physiology, Via G.Moruzzi 1, 56124 Pisa, Italy.
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Khodeneva N, Sugimoto MA, Davan-Wetton CSA, Montero-Melendez T. Melanocortin therapies to resolve fibroblast-mediated diseases. Front Immunol 2023; 13:1084394. [PMID: 36793548 PMCID: PMC9922712 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1084394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Stromal cells have emerged as central drivers in multiple and diverse diseases, and consequently, as potential new cellular targets for the development of novel therapeutic strategies. In this review we revise the main roles of fibroblasts, not only as structural cells but also as players and regulators of immune responses. Important aspects like fibroblast heterogeneity, functional specialization and cellular plasticity are also discussed as well as the implications that these aspects may have in disease and in the design of novel therapeutics. An extensive revision of the actions of fibroblasts on different conditions uncovers the existence of numerous diseases in which this cell type plays a pathogenic role, either due to an exacerbation of their 'structural' side, or a dysregulation of their 'immune side'. In both cases, opportunities for the development of innovative therapeutic approaches exist. In this regard, here we revise the existing evidence pointing at the melanocortin pathway as a potential new strategy for the treatment and management of diseases mediated by aberrantly activated fibroblasts, including scleroderma or rheumatoid arthritis. This evidence derives from studies involving models of in vitro primary fibroblasts, in vivo models of disease as well as ongoing human clinical trials. Melanocortin drugs, which are pro-resolving mediators, have shown ability to reduce collagen deposition, activation of myofibroblasts, reduction of pro-inflammatory mediators and reduced scar formation. Here we also discuss existing challenges, both in approaching fibroblasts as therapeutic targets, and in the development of novel melanocortin drug candidates, that may help advance the field and deliver new medicines for the management of diseases with high medical needs.
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9
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Xing C, Bao L, Li W, Fan H. Progress on role of ion channels of cardiac fibroblasts in fibrosis. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1138306. [PMID: 36969589 PMCID: PMC10033868 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1138306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Cardiac fibrosis is defined as excessive deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) in pathological conditions. Cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) activated by injury or inflammation differentiate into myofibroblasts (MFs) with secretory and contractile functions. In the fibrotic heart, MFs produce ECM which is composed mainly of collagen and is initially involved in maintaining tissue integrity. However, persistent fibrosis disrupts the coordination of excitatory contractile coupling, leading to systolic and diastolic dysfunction, and ultimately heart failure. Numerous studies have demonstrated that both voltage- and non-voltage-gated ion channels alter intracellular ion levels and cellular activity, contributing to myofibroblast proliferation, contraction, and secretory function. However, an effective treatment strategy for myocardial fibrosis has not been established. Therefore, this review describes the progress made in research related to transient receptor potential (TRP) channels, Piezo1, Ca2+ release-activated Ca2+ (CRAC) channels, voltage-gated Ca2+ channels (VGCCs), sodium channels, and potassium channels in myocardial fibroblasts with the aim of providing new ideas for treating myocardial fibrosis.
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10
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Morotti M, Garofalo S, Cocozza G, Antonangeli F, Bianconi V, Mozzetta C, De Stefano ME, Capitani R, Wulff H, Limatola C, Catalano M, Grassi F. Muscle Damage in Dystrophic mdx Mice Is Influenced by the Activity of Ca2+-Activated KCa3.1 Channels. Life (Basel) 2022; 12:life12040538. [PMID: 35455028 PMCID: PMC9025295 DOI: 10.3390/life12040538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an X-linked disease, caused by a mutant dystrophin gene, leading to muscle membrane instability, followed by muscle inflammation, infiltration of pro-inflammatory macrophages and fibrosis. The calcium-activated potassium channel type 3.1 (KCa3.1) plays key roles in controlling both macrophage phenotype and fibroblast proliferation, two critical contributors to muscle damage. In this work, we demonstrate that pharmacological blockade of the channel in the mdx mouse model during the early degenerative phase favors the acquisition of an anti-inflammatory phenotype by tissue macrophages and reduces collagen deposition in muscles, with a concomitant reduction of muscle damage. As already observed with other treatments, no improvement in muscle performance was observed in vivo. In conclusion, this work supports the idea that KCa3.1 channels play a contributing role in controlling damage-causing cells in DMD. A more complete understanding of their function could lead to the identification of novel therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Morotti
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (M.M.); (S.G.); (R.C.); (M.C.)
| | - Stefano Garofalo
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (M.M.); (S.G.); (R.C.); (M.C.)
| | - Germana Cocozza
- Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Neuromed, 86077 Pozzilli, Italy; (G.C.); (C.L.)
| | - Fabrizio Antonangeli
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology-National Research Council (CNR), Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy;
| | - Valeria Bianconi
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology-National Research Council (CNR), Department of Biology and Biotechnology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (V.B.); (C.M.)
| | - Chiara Mozzetta
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology-National Research Council (CNR), Department of Biology and Biotechnology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (V.B.); (C.M.)
| | - Maria Egle De Stefano
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy;
| | - Riccardo Capitani
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (M.M.); (S.G.); (R.C.); (M.C.)
| | - Heike Wulff
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA;
| | - Cristina Limatola
- Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Neuromed, 86077 Pozzilli, Italy; (G.C.); (C.L.)
- Laboratory Affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Myriam Catalano
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (M.M.); (S.G.); (R.C.); (M.C.)
| | - Francesca Grassi
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (M.M.); (S.G.); (R.C.); (M.C.)
- Correspondence:
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Wang E, Wang Y, Zhou S, Xia X, Han R, Fei G, Zeng D, Wang R. Identification of three hub genes related to the prognosis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis using bioinformatics analysis. Int J Med Sci 2022; 19:1417-1429. [PMID: 36035368 PMCID: PMC9413564 DOI: 10.7150/ijms.73305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic respiratory disease characterized by peripheral distribution of bilateral pulmonary fibrosis that is more pronounced at the base. IPF has a short median survival time and a poor prognosis. Therefore, it is necessary to identify effective prognostic indicators to guide the treatment of patients with IPF. Methods: We downloaded microarray data of bronchoalveolar lavage cells from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO), containing 176 IPF patients and 20 controls. The top 5,000 genes in the median absolute deviation were classified into different color modules using weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), and the modules significantly associated with both survival time and survival status were identified as prognostic modules. We used Lasso Cox regression and multivariate Cox regression to search for hub genes related to prognosis from the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the prognostic modules and constructed a risk model and nomogram accordingly. Moreover, based on the risk model, we divided IPF patients into high-risk and low-risk groups to determine the biological functions and immune cell subtypes associated with the prognosis of IPF using gene set enrichment analysis and immune cell infiltration analysis. Results: A total of 153 DEGs located in the prognostic modules, three (TPST1, MRVI1, and TM4SF1) of which were eventually defined as prognostic hub genes. A risk model was constructed based on the expression levels of the three hub genes, and the accuracy of the model was evaluated using time-dependent receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. The areas under the curve for 1-, 2-, and 3-year survival rates were 0.862, 0.885, and 0.833, respectively. The results of enrichment analysis showed that inflammation and immune processes significantly affected the prognosis of patients with IPF. The degree of mast and natural killer (NK) cell infiltration also increases the prognostic risk of IPF. Conclusions: We identified three hub genes as independent molecular markers to predict the prognosis of patients with IPF and constructed a prognostic model that may be helpful in promoting therapeutic gains for IPF patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enze Wang
- Department of respiratory and critical care medicine, the first affiliated hospital of Anhui medical university, Hefei 230022, China
| | - Yue Wang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Hefei second people's hospital, Hefei 230001, China
| | - Sijing Zhou
- Department of occupational medicine, Hefei third clinical college of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, China
| | - Xingyuan Xia
- Department of respiratory and critical care medicine, the first affiliated hospital of Anhui medical university, Hefei 230022, China
| | - Rui Han
- Department of respiratory and critical care medicine, the first affiliated hospital of Anhui medical university, Hefei 230022, China
| | - Guanghe Fei
- Department of respiratory and critical care medicine, the first affiliated hospital of Anhui medical university, Hefei 230022, China
| | - Daxiong Zeng
- Department of pulmonary and critical care medicine, Suzhou Dushu Lake Hospital, Suzhou, 215006, China.,Department of pulmonary and critical care medicine, Dushu Lake Hospital Affiliated to Soochow University, Medical Center of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215006, China
| | - Ran Wang
- Department of respiratory and critical care medicine, the first affiliated hospital of Anhui medical university, Hefei 230022, China
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12
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KCa3.1 in diabetic kidney disease. Curr Opin Nephrol Hypertens 2022; 31:129-134. [PMID: 34710887 DOI: 10.1097/mnh.0000000000000751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is a significant health concern. Innovative strategies to prevent or limit the progression of DKD are urgently needed due to the limitation of existing treatments. KCa3.1, a potassium channel, is involved in a range of biological processes from cell survival to cell death. This review summarizes the current knowledge on the pathophysiological functions of the KCa3.1 channel, specifically its involvement in maintaining mitochondrial function. More specifically, the therapeutic potential of targeting KCa3.1 in DKD is systematically discussed in the review. RECENT FINDINGS Mitochondrial dysfunction contributes to the development and progression of DKD. Accumulating evidence indicates that KCa3.1 dysregulation plays a crucial role in mitochondrial dysfunction, in addition to driving cellular activation, proliferation and inflammation. Recent studies demonstrate that KCa3.1 deficiency improves diabetes-induced mitochondrial dysfunction in DKD, which is attributed to modulation of mitochondrial quality control through mitigating the altered mitochondrial dynamics and restoring abnormal BNIP3-mediated mitophagy. SUMMARY Based on its role in fibrosis, inflammation and mitochondrial dysfunction, pharmacological inhibition of KCa3.1 may offer a promising alternative for the treatment of DKD. Due to its safety profile in humans, the repurposing of senicapoc has the potential to expedite an urgently needed new drug in DKD.
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13
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Petersen AG, Lind PC, Mogensen S, Jensen ASB, Granfeldt A, Simonsen U. Treatment with senicapoc, a KCa3.1 channel blocker, alleviates hypoxemia in a mouse model for acute respiratory distress syndrome. Br J Pharmacol 2021; 179:2175-2192. [PMID: 34623632 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2021] [Revised: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is characterized by pulmonary oedema and severe hypoxaemia. We investigated whether genetic deficit or blockade of calcium-activated potassium (KCa3.1) channels would counteract pulmonary oedema and hypoxaemia in ventilator-induced lung injury, an experimental model for ARDS. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH KCa3.1 channel knockout mice were exposed to ventilator-induced lung injury. Control mice exposed to ventilator-induced lung injury were treated with the KCa3.1 channel inhibitor, senicapoc. The outcomes were oxygenation (PaO2 /FiO2 ratio), lung compliance, lung wet-to-dry weight, and protein and cytokines in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). KEY RESULTS Ventilator-induced lung injury resulted in lung oedema, decreased lung compliance, a severe drop in PaO2 /FiO2 ratio, increased protein, neutrophils, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα) in BALF from wild-type mice compared to KCa3.1 knockout mice. Pre-treatment with senicapoc (10-70 mg/kg) prevented the reduction in PaO2 /FiO2 ratio, decrease in lung compliance, increased protein, and TNFα. Senicapoc (30 mg/kg) reduced histopathological lung injury score and neutrophils in BALF. After injurious ventilation, administration of 30 mg/kg senicapoc also improved the PaO2 /FiO2 ratio and reduced lung injury score and neutrophils in the BALF compared to vehicle-treated mice. In human lung epithelial cells, senicapoc decreased TNFα-induced permeability. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Genetic deficiency of KCa3.1 channels and senicapoc improved the PaO2 /FiO2 ratio and decreased the cytokines after a ventilator-induced lung injury. Moreover, senicapoc directly affects lung epithelial cells and blocks neutrophil infiltration of the injured lung. These findings open the perspective that blocking KCa3.1 channels is a potential treatment in ARDS-like disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asbjørn Graver Petersen
- Department of Biomedicine, Pulmonary and Cardiovascular Pharmacology, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Peter Carøe Lind
- Department of Biomedicine, Pulmonary and Cardiovascular Pharmacology, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Susie Mogensen
- Department of Biomedicine, Pulmonary and Cardiovascular Pharmacology, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Anne-Sophie Bonde Jensen
- Department of Biomedicine, Pulmonary and Cardiovascular Pharmacology, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Asger Granfeldt
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Anaesthesiology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark.,Intensive care, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark.,Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Randers Regional Hospital, Randers, Denmark
| | - Ulf Simonsen
- Department of Biomedicine, Pulmonary and Cardiovascular Pharmacology, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
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14
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Targeting of Potassium Channels in Cardiac Arrhythmias. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2021; 42:491-506. [PMID: 33858691 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2021.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2020] [Revised: 03/14/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Cardiomyocytes are endowed with a complex repertoire of ion channels, responsible for the generation of action potentials (APs), travelling waves of electrical excitation, propagating throughout the heart and leading to cardiac contractions. Cardiac AP waveforms are shaped by a striking diversity of K+ channels. The pivotal role of K+ channels in cardiac health and disease is underscored by the dramatic impact that K+ channel dysfunction has on cardiac arrhythmias. The development of drugs targeted to specific K+ channels is expected to provide an optimized approach to antiarrhythmic therapy. Here, we review the functional roles of cardiac potassium channels under normal and diseased states. We survey current antiarrhythmic drugs (AADs) targeted to voltage-gated and Ca2+-activated K+ channels and highlight future research opportunities.
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15
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Sagar S, Kapoor H, Chaudhary N, Roy SS. Cellular and mitochondrial calcium communication in obstructive lung disorders. Mitochondrion 2021; 58:184-199. [PMID: 33766748 DOI: 10.1016/j.mito.2021.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Revised: 03/03/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Calcium (Ca2+) signalling is well known to dictate cellular functioning and fate. In recent years, the accumulation of Ca2+ in the mitochondria has emerged as an important factor in Chronic Respiratory Diseases (CRD) such as Asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Various reports underline an aberrant increase in the intracellular Ca2+, leading to mitochondrial ROS generation, and further activation of the apoptotic pathway in these diseases. Mitochondria contribute to Ca2+ buffering which in turn regulates mitochondrial metabolism and ATP production. Disruption of this Ca2+ balance leads to impaired cellular processes like apoptosis or necrosis and thus contributes to the pathophysiology of airway diseases. This review highlights the key role of cytoplasmic and mitochondrial Ca2+ signalling in regulating CRD, such as asthma and COPD. A better understanding of the dysregulation of mitochondrial Ca2+ homeostasis in these diseases could provide cues for the development of advanced therapeutic interventions in these diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shakti Sagar
- CSIR-Institute of Genomics & Integrative Biology, New Delhi, India; Academy of Scientific & Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
| | - Himanshi Kapoor
- CSIR-Institute of Genomics & Integrative Biology, New Delhi, India
| | - Nisha Chaudhary
- Multidisciplinary Center for Advanced Research and Studies, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, India
| | - Soumya Sinha Roy
- CSIR-Institute of Genomics & Integrative Biology, New Delhi, India; Academy of Scientific & Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India.
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16
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Sørensen LK, Petersen A, Granfeldt A, Simonsen U, Hasselstrøm JB. A validated UHPLC-MS/MS method for rapid determination of senicapoc in plasma samples. J Pharm Biomed Anal 2021; 197:113956. [PMID: 33626443 PMCID: PMC7869607 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpba.2021.113956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Revised: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The clinically tested KCa3.1 channel blocker, senicapoc, has been proven to have excellent pharmacological properties and prior clinical trials found it to be safe for use in patients with sickle cell anaemia. Currently, several preclinical projects are aiming to repurpose senicapoc for other indications, but well-described analytical methods in the literature are lacking. Our aim was to develop a sensitive, rapid and accurate ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method using pneumatically assisted electrospray ionisation (UHPLC-ESI-MS/MS) suitable for the determination of senicapoc in plasma samples. Unfortunately, direct analysis of senicapoc in crude acetonitrile extracts of human plasma samples by UHPLC-ESI-MS/MS was subjected to significant and variable ion suppression from coeluting phospholipids (PLs). The interferences were mainly caused by the presence of phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine classes of PLs, including their lyso-products. However, the PLs were easily removed from crude extracts by filtration through a sorbent with Lewis acid properties which decreased the total ion suppression effect to approximately 5%. Based on this technique, a simple high-throughput UHPLC-MS/MS method was developed and validated for the determination of senicapoc in 100-μL plasma samples. The lower limit of quantification was 0.1 ng/mL. The mean true extraction recovery was close to 100 %. The relative intra-laboratory reproducibility standard deviations of the measured concentrations were 8% and 4% at concentrations of 0.1 ng/mL and 250 ng/mL, respectively. The trueness expressed as the relative bias of the test results was within ± 2% at concentrations of 1 ng/mL or higher.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lambert K Sørensen
- Section for Forensic Chemistry, Department of Forensic Medicine, Aarhus University, Palle Juul-Jensens Boulevard 99, 8200, Aarhus N, Denmark.
| | - Asbjørn Petersen
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Ole Worms Allé 3, 8000, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Asger Granfeldt
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Anaesthesiology, Aarhus University Hospital, Palle Juul-Jensens Boulevard 35, 8200, Aarhus N, Denmark
| | - Ulf Simonsen
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Ole Worms Allé 3, 8000, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Jørgen B Hasselstrøm
- Section for Forensic Chemistry, Department of Forensic Medicine, Aarhus University, Palle Juul-Jensens Boulevard 99, 8200, Aarhus N, Denmark
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17
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Hofschröer V, Najder K, Rugi M, Bouazzi R, Cozzolino M, Arcangeli A, Panyi G, Schwab A. Ion Channels Orchestrate Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma Progression and Therapy. Front Pharmacol 2021; 11:586599. [PMID: 33841132 PMCID: PMC8025202 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.586599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2020] [Accepted: 10/30/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma is a devastating disease with a dismal prognosis. Therapeutic interventions are largely ineffective. A better understanding of the pathophysiology is required. Ion channels contribute substantially to the "hallmarks of cancer." Their expression is dysregulated in cancer, and they are "misused" to drive cancer progression, but the underlying mechanisms are unclear. Ion channels are located in the cell membrane at the interface between the intracellular and extracellular space. They sense and modify the tumor microenvironment which in itself is a driver of PDAC aggressiveness. Ion channels detect, for example, locally altered proton and electrolyte concentrations or mechanical stimuli and transduce signals triggered by these microenvironmental cues through association with intracellular signaling cascades. While these concepts have been firmly established for other cancers, evidence has emerged only recently that ion channels are drivers of PDAC aggressiveness. Particularly, they appear to contribute to two of the characteristic PDAC features: the massive fibrosis of the tumor stroma (desmoplasia) and the efficient immune evasion. Our critical review of the literature clearly shows that there is still a remarkable lack of knowledge with respect to the contribution of ion channels to these two typical PDAC properties. Yet, we can draw parallels from ion channel research in other fibrotic and inflammatory diseases. Evidence is accumulating that pancreatic stellate cells express the same "profibrotic" ion channels. Similarly, it is at least in part known which major ion channels are expressed in those innate and adaptive immune cells that populate the PDAC microenvironment. We explore potential therapeutic avenues derived thereof. Since drugs targeting PDAC-relevant ion channels are already in clinical use, we propose to repurpose those in PDAC. The quest for ion channel targets is both motivated and complicated by the fact that some of the relevant channels, for example, KCa3.1, are functionally expressed in the cancer, stroma, and immune cells. Only in vivo studies will reveal which arm of the balance we should put our weights on when developing channel-targeting PDAC therapies. The time is up to explore the efficacy of ion channel targeting in (transgenic) murine PDAC models before launching clinical trials with repurposed drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Karolina Najder
- Institute of Physiology II, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Micol Rugi
- Institute of Physiology II, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Rayhana Bouazzi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Section of Internal Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Marco Cozzolino
- Department of Biophysics and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Annarosa Arcangeli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Section of Internal Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Gyorgy Panyi
- Department of Biophysics and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Albrecht Schwab
- Institute of Physiology II, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
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18
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Roach KM, Castells E, Dixon K, Mason S, Elliott G, Marshall H, Poblocka MA, Macip S, Richardson M, Khalfaoui L, Bradding P. Evaluation of Pirfenidone and Nintedanib in a Human Lung Model of Fibrogenesis. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:679388. [PMID: 34712131 PMCID: PMC8546112 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.679388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive, fatal lung disease with a poor prognosis and increasing incidence. Pirfenidone and nintedanib are the only approved treatments for IPF but have limited efficacy and their mechanisms of action are poorly understood. Here we have examined the effects of pirfenidone and nintedanib in a human model of lung fibrogenesis, and compared these with the putative anti-fibrotic compounds Lipoxin A4 (LXA4), and senicapoc, a KCa3.1 ion channel blocker. Methods: Early fibrosis was induced in cultured human lung parenchyma using TGFβ1 for 7 days, ± pirfenidone, nintedanib, or LXA4. Pro-fibrotic responses were examined by RT-PCR, immunohistochemistry and soluble collagen secretion. Results: Thirty six out of eighty four IPF and fibrosis-associated genes tested were significantly upregulated by TGFβ1 in human lung parenchyma with a ≥0.5 log2FC (n = 32). Nintedanib (n = 13) reduced the mRNA expression of 14 fibrosis-associated genes including MMPs (MMP1,-4,-13,-14), integrin α2, CXCR4 and PDGFB, but upregulated α-smooth muscle actin (αSMA). Pirfenidone only reduced mRNA expression for MMP3 and -13. Senicapoc (n = 11) previously attenuated the expression of 28 fibrosis-associated genes, including αSMA, several growth factors, collagen type III, and αV/β6 integrins. Pirfenidone and nintedanib significantly inhibited TGFβ1-induced fibroblast proliferation within the tissue, but unlike senicapoc, neither pirfenidone nor nintedanib prevented increases in tissue αSMA expression. LXA4 was ineffective. Conclusions: Pirfenidone and nintedanib demonstrate modest anti-fibrotic effects and provide a benchmark for anti-fibrotic activity of new drugs in human lung tissue. Based on these data, we predict that the KCa3.1 blocker senicapoc will show greater benefit than either of these licensed drugs in IPF.
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Affiliation(s)
- K M Roach
- Department of Respiratory Sciences, Institute for Lung Health, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - E Castells
- Department of Respiratory Sciences, Institute for Lung Health, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - K Dixon
- Department of Respiratory Sciences, Institute for Lung Health, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - S Mason
- Department of Respiratory Sciences, Institute for Lung Health, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - G Elliott
- Department of Respiratory Sciences, Institute for Lung Health, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - H Marshall
- Department of Respiratory Sciences, Institute for Lung Health, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - M A Poblocka
- Mechanisms of Cancer and Ageing Lab, Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - S Macip
- Mechanisms of Cancer and Ageing Lab, Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom.,FoodLab, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universitat Oberta de Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain
| | - M Richardson
- Department of Respiratory Sciences, Institute for Lung Health, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - L Khalfaoui
- Department of Respiratory Sciences, Institute for Lung Health, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - P Bradding
- Department of Respiratory Sciences, Institute for Lung Health, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
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19
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Blass BE. Novel Potassium Channel Inhibitors. ACS Med Chem Lett 2020; 11:2357-2358. [PMID: 33335651 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.0c00569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin E. Blass
- Temple University, School of Pharmacy, Moulder Center for Drug Discovery Research, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19140, United States
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20
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Sun C, Zhang H, Wang X, Liu X. Ligamentum flavum fibrosis and hypertrophy: Molecular pathways, cellular mechanisms, and future directions. FASEB J 2020; 34:9854-9868. [PMID: 32608536 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202000635r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2020] [Revised: 06/03/2020] [Accepted: 06/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Hypertrophy of ligamentum flavum (LF), along with disk protrusion and facet joints degeneration, is associated with the development of lumbar spinal canal stenosis (LSCS). Of note, LF hypertrophy is deemed as an important cause of LSCS. Histologically, fibrosis is proved to be the main pathology of LF hypertrophy. Despite the numerous studies explored the mechanisms of LF fibrosis at the molecular and cellular levels, the exact mechanism remains unknown. It is suggested that pathophysiologic stimuli such as mechanical stress, aging, obesity, and some diseases are the causative factors. Then, many cytokines and growth factors secreted by LF cells and its surrounding tissues play different roles in activating the fibrotic response. Here, we summarize the current status of detailed knowledge available regarding the causative factors, pathology, molecular and cellular mechanisms implicated in LF fibrosis and hypertrophy, also focusing on the possible avenues for anti-fibrotic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Sun
- Department of Spine Surgery, The Affiliated Jiangning Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Han Zhang
- Department of Spine Surgery, The Affiliated Jiangning Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiang Wang
- Department of Spine Surgery, The Affiliated Jiangning Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xinhui Liu
- Department of Spine Surgery, The Affiliated Jiangning Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
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21
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Tinelli A. Pharmacological Scenarios in Translational Research: A Current Multidisciplinary Overview and Possible Developments. Curr Pharm Des 2020; 26:296-299. [PMID: 32213151 DOI: 10.2174/138161282603200306092551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Tinelli
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, "Veris delli Ponti" Hospital, Scorrano, Lecce, Italy
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22
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Therapeutic Effects of Apamin as a Bee Venom Component for Non-Neoplastic Disease. Toxins (Basel) 2020; 12:toxins12030195. [PMID: 32204567 PMCID: PMC7150898 DOI: 10.3390/toxins12030195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2020] [Revised: 03/15/2020] [Accepted: 03/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Bee venom is a natural toxin produced by honeybees and plays an important role in defending bee colonies. Bee venom has several kinds of peptides, including melittin, apamin, adolapamine, and mast cell degranulation peptides. Apamin accounts for about 2%-3% dry weight of bee venom and is a peptide neurotoxin that contains 18 amino acid residues that are tightly crosslinked by two disulfide bonds. It is well known for its pharmacological functions, which irreversibly block Ca2+-activated K+ (SK) channels. Apamin regulates gene expression in various signal transduction pathways involved in cell development. The aim of this study was to review the current understanding of apamin in the treatment of apoptosis, fibrosis, and central nervous system diseases, which are the pathological processes of various diseases. Apamin's potential therapeutic and pharmacological applications are also discussed.
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23
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Roach KM, Bradding P. Ca 2+ signalling in fibroblasts and the therapeutic potential of K Ca3.1 channel blockers in fibrotic diseases. Br J Pharmacol 2020; 177:1003-1024. [PMID: 31758702 DOI: 10.1111/bph.14939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2019] [Revised: 10/23/2019] [Accepted: 11/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The role of Ca2+ signalling in fibroblasts is of great interest in fibrosis-related diseases. Intracellular free Ca2+ ([Ca2+ ]i ) is a ubiquitous secondary messenger, regulating a number of cellular functions such as secretion, metabolism, differentiation, proliferation and contraction. The intermediate conductance Ca2+ -activated K+ channel KCa 3.1 is pivotal in Ca2+ signalling and plays a central role in fibroblast processes including cell activation, migration and proliferation through the regulation of cell membrane potential. Evidence from a number of approaches demonstrates that KCa 3.1 plays an important role in the development of many fibrotic diseases, including idiopathic pulmonary, renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis and cardiovascular disease. The KCa 3.1 selective blocker senicapoc was well tolerated in clinical trials for sickle cell disease, raising the possibility of rapid translation to the clinic for people suffering from pathological fibrosis. This review after analysing all the data, concludes that targeting KCa 3.1 should be a high priority for human fibrotic disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katy M Roach
- Institute for Lung Health, Department of Respiratory Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Peter Bradding
- Institute for Lung Health, Department of Respiratory Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
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