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Siddiqui MR, Reddy NM, Faridi HM, Shahid M, Shanley TP. Metformin alleviates lung-endothelial hyperpermeability by regulating cofilin-1/PP2AC pathway. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1211460. [PMID: 37361221 PMCID: PMC10285707 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1211460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Microvascular endothelial hyperpermeability is an earliest pathological hallmark in Acute Lung Injury (ALI), which progressively leads to Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS). Recently, vascular protective and anti-inflammatory effect of metformin, irrespective of glycemic control, has garnered significant interest. However, the underlying molecular mechanism(s) of metformin's barrier protective benefits in lung-endothelial cells (ECs) has not been clearly elucidated. Many vascular permeability-increasing agents weakened adherens junctions (AJ) integrity by inducing the reorganization of the actin cytoskeleton and stress fibers formation. Here, we hypothesized that metformin abrogated endothelial hyperpermeability and strengthen AJ integrity via inhibiting stress fibers formation through cofilin-1-PP2AC pathway. Methods: We pretreated human lung microvascular ECs (human-lung-ECs) with metformin and then challenged with thrombin. To investigate the vascular protective effects of metformin, we studied changes in ECs barrier function using electric cell-substrate impedance sensing, levels of actin stress fibers formation and inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and IL-6 expression. To explore the downstream mechanism, we studied the Ser3-phosphorylation-cofilin-1 levels in scramble and PP2AC-siRNA depleted ECs in response to thrombin with and without metformin pretreatment. Results: In-vitro analyses showed that metformin pretreatment attenuated thrombin-induced hyperpermeability, stress fibers formation, and the levels of inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and IL-β in human-lung-ECs. We found that metformin mitigated Ser3-phosphorylation mediated inhibition of cofilin-1 in response to thrombin. Furthermore, genetic deletion of PP2AC subunit significantly inhibited metformin efficacy to mitigate thrombin-induced Ser3-phosphorylation cofilin-1, AJ disruption and stress fibers formation. We further demonstrated that metformin increases PP2AC activity by upregulating PP2AC-Leu309 methylation in human-lung-ECs. We also found that the ectopic expression of PP2AC dampened thrombin-induced Ser3-phosphorylation-mediated inhibition of cofilin-1, stress fibers formation and endothelial hyperpermeability. Conclusion: Together, these data reveal the unprecedented endothelial cofilin-1/PP2AC signaling axis downstream of metformin in protecting against lung vascular endothelial injury and inflammation. Therefore, pharmacologically enhancing endothelial PP2AC activity may lead to the development of novel therapeutic approaches for prevention of deleterious effects of ALI on vascular ECs.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. Rizwan Siddiqui
- Department of Pediatrics, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Stanley Manne Children’s Research Institute, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Narsa M. Reddy
- Department of Pediatrics, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Stanley Manne Children’s Research Institute, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Hafeez M. Faridi
- Drug Discovery Center, Department of Internal Medicine, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Mohd Shahid
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Thomas P. Shanley
- Department of Pediatrics, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Stanley Manne Children’s Research Institute, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States
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2
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Hollósi A, Pászty K, Bunta BL, Bozó T, Kellermayer M, Debreczeni ML, Cervenak L, Baccarini M, Varga A. BRAF increases endothelial cell stiffness through reorganization of the actin cytoskeleton. FASEB J 2022; 36:e22478. [PMID: 35916021 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202200344r] [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: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
The dynamics of the actin cytoskeleton and its connection to endothelial cell-cell junctions determine the barrier function of endothelial cells. The proper regulation of barrier opening/closing is necessary for the normal function of vessels, and its dysregulation can result in chronic and acute inflammation leading to edema formation. By using atomic force microscopy, we show here that thrombin-induced permeability of human umbilical vein endothelial cells, associated with actin stress fiber formation, stiffens the cell center. The depletion of the MEK/ERK kinase BRAF reduces thrombin-induced permeability prevents stress fiber formation and cell stiffening. The peripheral actin ring becomes stabilized by phosphorylated myosin light chain, while cofilin is excluded from the cell periphery. All these changes can be reverted by the inhibition of ROCK, but not of the MEK/ERK module. We propose that the balance between the binding of cofilin and myosin to F-actin in the cell periphery, which is regulated by the activity of ROCK, determines the local dynamics of actin reorganization, ultimately driving or preventing stress fiber formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Hollósi
- Department of Biophysics and Radiation Biology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Katalin Pászty
- Department of Biophysics and Radiation Biology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Bálint Levente Bunta
- Department of Biophysics and Radiation Biology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Tamás Bozó
- Department of Biophysics and Radiation Biology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Miklós Kellermayer
- Department of Biophysics and Radiation Biology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Márta Lídia Debreczeni
- Department of Internal Medicine and Haematology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - László Cervenak
- Department of Internal Medicine and Haematology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Manuela Baccarini
- Department of Microbiology, Immunobiology and Genetics, Max Perutz Labs, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Andrea Varga
- Department of Biophysics and Radiation Biology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
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3
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Dankwa S, Dols MM, Wei L, Glennon EKK, Kain HS, Kaushansky A, Smith JD. Exploiting polypharmacology to dissect host kinases and kinase inhibitors that modulate endothelial barrier integrity. Cell Chem Biol 2021; 28:1679-1692.e4. [PMID: 34216546 PMCID: PMC8688180 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2021.06.004] [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: 12/18/2020] [Revised: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Kinase inhibitors are promising drugs to stabilize the endothelial barrier following inflammatory damage. However, our limited knowledge of how kinase signaling activates barrier-restorative pathways and the complexity of multi-target drugs have hindered drug discovery and repurposing efforts. Here, we apply a kinase regression approach that exploits drug polypharmacology to investigate endothelial barrier regulation. A screen of 28 kinase inhibitors identified multiple inhibitors that promote endothelial barrier integrity and revealed divergent barrier phenotypes for BCR-ABL drugs. Target deconvolution predicted 50 barrier-regulating kinases from diverse kinase families. Using gene knockdowns, we identified kinases with a role in endothelial barrier regulation and dissected different mechanisms of action of barrier-protective kinase inhibitors. These results demonstrate the importance of polypharmacology in the endothelial barrier phenotype of kinase inhibitors and provide promising new leads for barrier-strengthening therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Selasi Dankwa
- Center for Global Infectious Disease Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Mary-Margaret Dols
- Center for Global Infectious Disease Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Ling Wei
- Center for Global Infectious Disease Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Elizabeth K K Glennon
- Center for Global Infectious Disease Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Heather S Kain
- Center for Global Infectious Disease Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Alexis Kaushansky
- Center for Global Infectious Disease Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98105, USA.
| | - Joseph D Smith
- Center for Global Infectious Disease Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98105, USA.
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4
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Breuer M. The FEBS Journal: hidden gems. FEBS J 2021; 289:858-860. [PMID: 34689410 DOI: 10.1111/febs.16223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Every quarter, The FEBS Journal presents some of its 'hidden gems'-original research and review-type articles that provide a significant advance or discuss recent developments in the molecular or cellular life sciences. These articles are of high value to the scientific community, and we like to take the opportunity to promote these contributions from previous issues of the journal, as we feel their scientific content merits a boost in exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Breuer
- The FEBS Journal Editorial Office Suite B1, Cambridge, UK
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5
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Hollósi A, Pászty K, Kellermayer M, Charras G, Varga A. BRAF Modulates Stretch-Induced Intercellular Gap Formation through Localized Actin Reorganization. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22168989. [PMID: 34445693 PMCID: PMC8396467 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22168989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Revised: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Mechanical forces acting on cell–cell adhesion modulate the barrier function of endothelial cells. The actively remodeled actin cytoskeleton impinges on cell–cell adhesion to counteract external forces. We applied stress on endothelial monolayers by mechanical stretch to uncover the role of BRAF in the stress-induced response. Control cells responded to external forces by organizing and stabilizing actin cables in the stretched cell junctions. This was accompanied by an increase in intercellular gap formation, which was prevented in BRAF knockdown monolayers. In the absence of BRAF, there was excess stress fiber formation due to the enhanced reorganization of actin fibers. Our findings suggest that stretch-induced intercellular gap formation, leading to a decrease in barrier function of blood vessels, can be reverted by BRAF RNAi. This is important when the endothelium experiences changes in external stresses caused by high blood pressure, leading to edema, or by immune or cancer cells in inflammation or metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Hollósi
- Department of Biophysics and Radiation Biology, Semmelweis University, H-1094 Budapest, Hungary; (A.H.); (K.P.); (M.K.)
| | - Katalin Pászty
- Department of Biophysics and Radiation Biology, Semmelweis University, H-1094 Budapest, Hungary; (A.H.); (K.P.); (M.K.)
| | - Miklós Kellermayer
- Department of Biophysics and Radiation Biology, Semmelweis University, H-1094 Budapest, Hungary; (A.H.); (K.P.); (M.K.)
| | - Guillaume Charras
- London Centre for Nanotechnology, University College London, London WC1H 0AH, UK;
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Andrea Varga
- Department of Biophysics and Radiation Biology, Semmelweis University, H-1094 Budapest, Hungary; (A.H.); (K.P.); (M.K.)
- Correspondence:
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Rho-Proteins and Downstream Pathways as Potential Targets in Sepsis and Septic Shock: What Have We Learned from Basic Research. Cells 2021; 10:cells10081844. [PMID: 34440613 PMCID: PMC8391638 DOI: 10.3390/cells10081844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Revised: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 07/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Sepsis and septic shock are associated with acute and sustained impairment in the function of the cardiovascular system, kidneys, lungs, liver, and brain, among others. Despite the significant advances in prevention and treatment, sepsis and septic shock sepsis remain global health problems with elevated mortality rates. Rho proteins can interact with a considerable number of targets, directly affecting cellular contractility, actin filament assembly and growing, cell motility and migration, cytoskeleton rearrangement, and actin polymerization, physiological functions that are intensively impaired during inflammatory conditions, such as the one that occurs in sepsis. In the last few decades, Rho proteins and their downstream pathways have been investigated in sepsis-associated experimental models. The most frequently used experimental design included the exposure to bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS), in both in vitro and in vivo approaches, but experiments using the cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) model of sepsis have also been performed. The findings described in this review indicate that Rho proteins, mainly RhoA and Rac1, are associated with the development of crucial sepsis-associated dysfunction in different systems and cells, including the endothelium, vessels, and heart. Notably, the data found in the literature suggest that either the inhibition or activation of Rho proteins and associated pathways might be desirable in sepsis and septic shock, accordingly with the cellular system evaluated. This review included the main findings, relevance, and limitations of the current knowledge connecting Rho proteins and sepsis-associated experimental models.
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Soriano O, Alcón-Pérez M, Vicente-Manzanares M, Castellano E. The Crossroads between RAS and RHO Signaling Pathways in Cellular Transformation, Motility and Contraction. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12060819. [PMID: 34071831 PMCID: PMC8229961 DOI: 10.3390/genes12060819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Revised: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Ras and Rho proteins are GTP-regulated molecular switches that control multiple signaling pathways in eukaryotic cells. Ras was among the first identified oncogenes, and it appears mutated in many forms of human cancer. It mainly promotes proliferation and survival through the MAPK pathway and the PI3K/AKT pathways, respectively. However, the myriad proteins close to the plasma membrane that activate or inhibit Ras make it a major regulator of many apparently unrelated pathways. On the other hand, Rho is weakly oncogenic by itself, but it critically regulates microfilament dynamics; that is, actin polymerization, disassembly and contraction. Polymerization is driven mainly by the Arp2/3 complex and formins, whereas contraction depends on myosin mini-filament assembly and activity. These two pathways intersect at numerous points: from Ras-dependent triggering of Rho activators, some of which act through PI3K, to mechanical feedback driven by actomyosin action. Here, we describe the main points of connection between the Ras and Rho pathways as they coordinately drive oncogenic transformation. We emphasize the biochemical crosstalk that drives actomyosin contraction driven by Ras in a Rho-dependent manner. We also describe possible routes of mechanical feedback through which myosin II activation may control Ras/Rho activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga Soriano
- Tumor Biophysics Laboratory, Centro de Investigación del Cáncer and Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC)-University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain;
| | - Marta Alcón-Pérez
- Tumour-Stroma Signalling Laboratory, Centro de Investigación del Cáncer and Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC)-University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain;
| | - Miguel Vicente-Manzanares
- Tumor Biophysics Laboratory, Centro de Investigación del Cáncer and Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC)-University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain;
- Correspondence: (M.V.-M.); (E.C.)
| | - Esther Castellano
- Tumour-Stroma Signalling Laboratory, Centro de Investigación del Cáncer and Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC)-University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain;
- Correspondence: (M.V.-M.); (E.C.)
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8
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Wang J, Han C, Ta W, Liu R, He X, Lu W. Development a multicellular model to investigate the intestinal-vascular transport barrier of drug. J Drug Deliv Sci Technol 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jddst.2021.102366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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9
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Xu M, Zhou J, Zhang Q, Le K, Xi Z, Yi P, Zhao X, Tan J, Huang T. MiR-3121-3p promotes tumor invasion and metastasis by suppressing Rap1GAP in papillary thyroid cancer in vitro. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2020; 8:1229. [PMID: 33178761 PMCID: PMC7607113 DOI: 10.21037/atm-20-4469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Background Rap1GAP is a tumor suppressor and is downregulated in human malignancies including papillary thyroid cancer (PTC). The mechanism of its suppression in PTC remains unclear. Methods Bioinformatic analyses were carried out to evaluate clinical significance and to predict upstream miRNA bindings of Rap1GAP. Three PTC cell lines, TPC-1, B-CPAP, and K1, were employed for functional verification and further experiments. We used dual-luciferase reporter gene assay to confirm the miRNA binding prediction, Western blotting and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) to explore miRNA and Rap1GAP regulation, Transwell and wound healing assays to compare cell migration and invasion after protein knockout or overexpression, and Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay to evaluate cell proliferation. Results Rap1GAP expression was suppressed in thyroid cancer compared to adjacent normal tissues and was a potential diagnostic marker of PTC. Rap1GAP suppression was correlated to younger age, advanced T stage, N stage, extrathyroidal extension, BRAF-like tumors, and higher risk of recurrence. Combined analysis of bioinformatic prediction and dual-luciferase assay revealed binding between miR-3121-3p with 3'UTR of Rap1GAP promoter. MiR-3121-3p promoted cell migration, invasion, and proliferation via inhibiting Rap1GAP and thus upregulating MAPK pathway. Overexpression and knockdown of Rap1GAP could counteract the influence on cell migration and invasion carried out by miR-3121-3p mimic and inhibitor, respectively. Rap1GAP partially impaired the effect of miR-3121-3p in cell growth in the CCK-8 assay. Conclusions Rap1GAP expression is suppressed in PTC and is a potential diagnostic marker. Its upstream regulator, miR-3121-3p, affects tumor metastasis and proliferation via regulating Rap1GAP expression. MAPK signaling pathway may be involved in this effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Xu
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jun Zhou
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Qiulei Zhang
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Kehao Le
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Zihan Xi
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Pengfei Yi
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiangwang Zhao
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jie Tan
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Tao Huang
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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Declercq M, Treps L. BRAF, A gatekeeper controlling endothelial permeability. FEBS J 2019; 286:2273-2276. [PMID: 31081213 DOI: 10.1111/febs.14861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2019] [Accepted: 04/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The RAF/MEK/ERK signal transduction pathway is commonly deregulated in cancer and is activated by various stimuli regulating a variety of cell responses. In wild-type endothelial cells, upon permeability stimuli, ROKα, RAF1, BRAF, and RAP1 become activated, inducing a cascade of reactions resulting in F-actin remodeling and increased cell permeability. Here, Dorard et al. showed that BRAF ablated cells had more RAF1/ROKα dimerization and relocalization to VE-cadherin occurred, ultimately leading to less F-actin content and reduced vessel permeability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathias Declercq
- Laboratory of Angiogenesis and Vascular Metabolism, Department of Oncology and Leuven Cancer Institute (LKI), KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Laboratory of Angiogenesis and Vascular Metabolism, Center for Cancer Biology, VIB, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Lucas Treps
- Laboratory of Angiogenesis and Vascular Metabolism, Department of Oncology and Leuven Cancer Institute (LKI), KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Laboratory of Angiogenesis and Vascular Metabolism, Center for Cancer Biology, VIB, Leuven, Belgium
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