Hypoxia-inducible factor-1 drives divergent immunomodulatory functions in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases

Partial hepatectomy accelerates colorectal metastasis by priming an inflammatory premetastatic niche in the liver

Background

Resection of colorectal liver metastasis is the standard of care for patients with Stage IV CRC. Despite undoubtedly improving the overall survival of patients, pHx for colorectal liver metastasis frequently leads to disease recurrence. The contribution of this procedure to metastatic colorectal cancer at a molecular level is poorly understood. We designed a mouse model of orthograde metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC) to investigate the effect of partial hepatectomy (pHx) on tumor progression.

Methods

CRC organoids were implanted into the cecal walls of wild type mice, and animals were screened for liver metastasis. At the time of metastasis, 1/3 partial hepatectomy was performed and the tumor burden was assessed longitudinally using MRI. After euthanasia, different tissues were analyzed for immunological and transcriptional changes using FACS, qPCR, RNA sequencing, and immunohistochemistry.

Results

Mice that underwent pHx presented significant liver hypertrophy and an increased overall metastatic load compared with SHAM operated mice in MRI. Elevation in the metastatic volume was defined by an increase in de novo liver metastasis without any effect on the growth of each metastasis. Concordantly, the livers of pHx mice were characterized by neutrophil and bacterial infiltration, inflammatory response, extracellular remodeling, and an increased abundance of tight junctions, resulting in the formation of a premetastatic niche, thus facilitating metastatic seeding.

Conclusions

Regenerative pathways following pHx accelerate colorectal metastasis to the liver by priming a premetastatic niche.

Analysis of HIF-1α expression and genetic polymorphisms in human clear cell renal cell carcinoma

Introduction: Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is mostly diagnosed incidentally and has relatively high recurrence rates. Alterations in VHL/HIF and mTOR pathways are commonly present in ccRCC. The present study attempted to identify potential diagnostic markers at the biochemical and molecular level. Methods: In total, 54 subjects (36 patients with ccRCC and 18 cancer-free controls) were enrolled. ELISA was used to measure the levels of HIF-1α in the tumor and healthy kidney tissue. The association between five selected SNPs (rs779805, rs11549465, rs2057482, rs2295080 and rs701848) located in genes of pathologically relevant pathways (VHL/HIF and mTOR) and the risk of ccRCC in the Slovak cohort was studied using real-time PCR. Results: Significant differences in HIF-1α tissue levels were observed between the tumor and healthy kidney tissue (p < 0.001). In the majority (69%) of cases, the levels of HIF-1α were higher in the kidney than in the tumor. Furthermore, the concentration of HIF-1α in the tumor showed a significant positive correlation with CCL3 and IL-1β (p (R2) 0.007 (0.47); p (R2) 0.011 (0.38). No relationship between intratumoral levels of HIF-1α and clinical tumor characteristics was observed. Rs11549465, rs2057482 in the HIF1A gene did not correlate with the expression of HIF-1α either in the tumor or in the normal kidney. None of the selected SNPs has influenced the susceptibility to ccRCC. Conclusion: More research is neccesary to elucidate the role of HIF-1α in the pathogenesis of ccRCC and the association between selected SNPs and susceptibility to this cancer.

Network pharmacology identifies the inhibitory effect of Yiqiyangyinquyu prescription on salivary gland inflammation in Sjögren's syndrome

This study aimed to explore the mode of action of Yiqiyangyinquyu prescription (YP) against Sjögren's syndrome (SS) by combining network pharmacology with molecular docking techniques. YP's active components and target proteins were identified using the BATMAN-traditional Chinese medicine database. Concurrently, targets associated with SS were extracted from databases, including Genecards, Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man, and Therapeutic Target Database. The standard targets were then imported into the STRING database to construct a protein-protein interaction network. We then conducted gene ontology and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes enrichment analyses, which were succeeded by molecular docking studies to validate core active components and key targets. Finally, in vitro experiments and molecular dynamics simulation were conducted to substantiate the therapeutic efficacy of YP in treating SS. A total of 206 intersection targets and 46 active compounds were identified. Gene ontology analysis unveiled that YP targets were primarily enriched in cellular responses to chemical stress, inflammation, and cell proliferation. Key enriched signaling pathways encompassed the interleukin 17, hypoxia-inducible factor-1, tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), and advanced glycation end products-receptor for AGEs (AGE-RAGE) signaling pathways. Molecular docking results demonstrated high-affinity between neotanshinone C, tanshiquinone B, miltionone I, TNF-α, interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β), and interleukin 6 (IL-6). Noteworthy, TNF-α, considered the most important gene in YP against SS, binds to YP most stably, which was further validated by molecular dynamics simulation. In vitro experiments confirmed YP's capacity to reduce TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 expression, effectively alleviating SS-related inflammation. YP demonstrated a significant anti-inflammatory effect by suppressing inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β), providing experimental evidence for its clinical application in treating SS.

Unleashing the pathological imprinting of cancer in autoimmunity: Is ZEB1 the answer?

The intriguing scientific relationship between autoimmunity and cancer immunology have been traditionally indulged to throw spotlight on novel pathological targets. Understandably, these "slowly killing" diseases are on the opposite ends of the immune spectrum. However, the immune regulatory mechanisms between autoimmunity and cancer are not always contradictory and sometimes mirror each other based on disease stage, location, and timepoint. Moreover, the blockade of immune checkpoint molecules or signalling pathways that unleashes the immune response against cancer is being leveraged to preserve self-tolerance and treat many autoimmune disorders. Therefore, understanding the common crucial factors involved in cancer is of paramount importance to paint the autoimmune disease spectrum and validate novel drug candidates. In the current review, we will broadly describe how ZEB1, or Zinc-finger E-box Binding Homeobox 1, reinforces immune exhaustion in cancer or contributes to loss of self-tolerance in auto-immune conditions. We made an effort to exchange information about the molecular pathways and pathological responses (immune regulation, cell proliferation, senescence, autophagy, hypoxia, and circadian rhythm) that can be regulated by ZEB1 in the context of autoimmunity. This will help untwine the intricate and closely postured pathogenesis of ZEB1, that is less explored from the perspective of autoimmunity than its counterpart, cancer. This review will further consider several approaches for targeting ZEB1 in autoimmunity.

Cbx4 governs HIF-1α to involve in Th9 cell differentiation promoting asthma by its SUMO E3 ligase activity

The potential role of polycomb chromobox 4 (Cbx4), as a small ubiquitin-like ligase (SUMO) E3 ligase, in the development and exacerbation of asthma remains unclear. Hypoxia inducible factor-1 (HIF-1) is a key transcription factor in the cellular response to hypoxia and contributes to the pathogenesis and progression of a range of diseases, including asthma. Here, we aimed to investigate the interaction of Cbx4 with Hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) and the potent mechanism of action in asthma progression. In present study, in vitro and ex vivo results demonstrated that Cbx4 interacts with HIF-1α protein through its SUMO E3 ligase activity and enhances the sumoylation, which increases HIF-1 transactivation through Cbx4 and promotes the differentiation of Th9 cells, then in turn promotes the process of asthma. Treatment of inhibitors targeting SUMO E3 ligase activity of Cbx4 or HIF-1α can effectively reduce HIF-1α activation and differentiation of Th9 cells, which further attenuates the asthma in mouse model. Current results collectively demonstrated Cbx4 can govern HIF-1α to involve in Th9 cell differentiation promoting asthma by its SUMO E3 ligase activity, providing a new direction for clinical treatment of asthma.

Whole-genome bisulfite sequencing identified the key role of the Src family tyrosine kinases and related genes in systemic lupus erythematosus

BACKGROUND

As a multisystemic autoimmune illness, the basic mechanisms behind the pathophysiology of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) remain poorly understood.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to investigate the possible significance of SLE's DNA methylation and gain further insight into potential SLE-related biomarkers and therapeutic targets.

METHODS

We used whole genome bisulfite sequencing (WGBS) method to analyze DNA methylation in 4 SLE patients and 4 healthy people.

RESULTS

702 differentially methylated regions (DMRs) were identified, and 480 DMR-associated genes were annotated. We found the majority of the DMR-associated elements were enriched in repeat and gene bodies. The top 10 hub genes identified were LCK, FYB, PTK2B, LYN, CTNNB1, MAPK1, GNAQ, PRKCA, ABL1, and CD247. Compared to the control group, LCK and PTK2B had considerably decreased levels of mRNA expression in the SLE group. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve suggested that LCK and PTK2B may be potential candidate biomarkers to predict SLE.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study improved comprehension of the DNA methylation patterns of SLE and identified potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for SLE.

Overexpression of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α in hidradenitis suppurativa: the link between deviated immunity and metabolism

Hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) is the master transcription factor of glycolysis, Th17 cell differentiation and suppression of regulatory T cells. In the skin and serum of patients with psoriasis vulgaris, increased expression of HIF-1α has been reported, whereas HIF-1α expression in the skin and serum of patients with hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) has not yet been studied. The objective of the study is to demonstrate is there a role for HIF-1α in the pathogenesis of hidradenitis suppurativa, and its relation to HS severity. Twenty patients suffering from hidradenitis suppurativa were included in the study. Punch biopsies were taken from lesional skin for the determination of HIF-1α expression by immunohistochemical staining, and HIF-1α gene expression by quantitative reverse transcription real time PCR. Quantification of HIF-1α protein concentration was done by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Twenty socio-demographically cross-matched healthy volunteers served as controls. We found increased serum levels of HIF-1α. Literature-derived evidence indicates that the major clinical triggering factors of HS, obesity, and smoking are associated with hypoxia and enhanced HIF-1α expression. Pro-inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-[Formula: see text] via upregulation of nuclear factor [Formula: see text]B enhance HIF-1α expression. HIF-1α plays an important role for keratinocyte proliferation, especially for keratinocytes of the anagen hair follicle, which requires abundant glycolysis providing sufficient precursors molecules for biosynthetic pathways. Metformin via inhibition of mTORC1 as well as adalimumab attenuate HIF-1α expression, the key mediator between Th17-driven deviated immunity and keratinocyte hyperproliferation. In accordance with psoriasis, our study identifies HS as an HIF-1α-driven inflammatory skin disease and offers a new rationale for the prevention and treatment of HS by targeting HIF-1[Formula: see text] overexpression.

Advances in Hypoxia-Inducible Factor-1α Stabilizer Deferoxamine in Tissue Engineering

Deferoxamine (DFO) is an iron chelator with FDA approval for the clinical treatment of iron excess. As a well-established stabilizer of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), DFO can efficiently upregulate HIF-1α and relevant downstream angiogenic factors, leading to accelerated vascularization. Moreover, as increasing studies have focused on DFO as a hypoxia-mimetic agent in recent years, it has been shown that DFO exhibited multiple functions, including stem cell regulation, immunoregulation, provascularization, and pro-osteogenesis. On the contrary, DFO can bind excess iron ions in wounds of chronic inflammation, while serving as an antioxidant with the characteristic of removing reactive oxygen species. Collectively, these characteristics make DFO a potent modulator in tissue engineering for increasing tissue integration of biomaterials in vivo and facilitating wound healing. This review outlines the activity of DFO as a representative hypoxia-mimetic agent in cells as well as the evolution of its application in tissue engineering. It can be concluded that DFO is a medication with tremendous promise and application value in future trends, which can optimize biomaterials and existing tissue engineering techniques for tissue regeneration.

HIF-1 signaling: an emerging mechanism for mitochondrial dynamics

A growing emphasis has been paid to the function of mitochondria in tumors, neurodegenerative disorders (NDs), and cardiovascular diseases. Mitochondria are oxygen-sensitive organelles whose function depends on their structural basis. Mitochondrial dynamics are critical in regulating the structure. Mitochondrial dynamics include fission, fusion, motility, cristae remodeling, and mitophagy. These processes could alter mitochondrial morphology, number, as well as distribution, to regulate complicated cellular signaling processes like metabolism. Meanwhile, they also could modulate cell proliferation and apoptosis. The initiation and progression of several diseases, such as tumors, NDs, cardiovascular disease, were all interrelated with mitochondrial dynamics. HIF-1 is a nuclear protein presented as heterodimers, and its transcriptional activity is triggered by hypoxia. It plays an important role in numerous physiological processes including the development of cardiovascular system, immune system, and cartilage. Additionally, it could evoke compensatory responses in cells during hypoxia through upstream and downstream signaling networks. Moreover, the alteration of oxygen level is a pivotal factor to promote mitochondrial dynamics and HIF-1 activation. HIF-1α might be a promising target for modulating mitochondrial dynamics to develop therapeutic approaches for NDs, immunological diseases, and other related diseases. Here, we reviewed the research progress of mitochondrial dynamics and the potential regulatory mechanism of HIF-1 in mitochondrial dynamics.

Construction and validation of a hypoxia-related risk signature identified EXO1 as a prognostic biomarker based on 12 genes in lung adenocarcinoma

BACKGROUND

Increasing evidence has demonstrated the clinical importance of hypoxia and its related factors in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD).

METHODS

RNA-seq datasets from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) were analyzed using the differentially expressed genes in hypoxia pathway by the Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) model. Applying gene ontology (GO) and gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA), a risk signature associated with the survival of LUAD patients was constructed between LUAD and normal tissue.

RESULTS

In total, 166 hypoxia-related genes were identified. Based on the LASSO Cox regression, 12 genes were selected for the development of the risk signature. Then, we designed an OS-associated nomogram that included the risk score and clinical factors. The concordance index of the nomogram was 0.724. ROC curve showed better predictive ability using the nomogram (AUC = 0.811 for 5-year OS). Finally, the expressions of the 12 genes were validated in two external datasets and EXO1 was recognized as a potential biomarker in the progression of LUAD patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, our data suggested that hypoxia is associated with the prognosis, and EXO1 acted as a promising biomarker in LUAD.

Polyamine metabolism impacts T cell dysfunction in the oral mucosa of people living with HIV

Metabolic changes in immune cells contribute to both physiological and pathophysiological outcomes of immune reactions. Here, by comparing protein expression, transcriptome, and salivary metabolome profiles of uninfected and HIV+ individuals, we found perturbations of polyamine metabolism in the oral mucosa of HIV+ patients. Mechanistic studies using an in vitro human tonsil organoid infection model revealed that HIV infection of T cells also resulted in increased polyamine synthesis, which was dependent on the activities of caspase-1, IL-1β, and ornithine decarboxylase-1. HIV-1 also led to a heightened expression of polyamine synthesis intermediates including ornithine decarboxylase-1 as well as an elevated dysfunctional regulatory T cell (T_regDys)/T helper 17 (Th17) cell ratios. Blockade of caspase-1 and polyamine synthesis intermediates reversed the T_regDys phenotype showing the direct role of polyamine pathway in altering T cell functions during HIV-1 infection. Lastly, oral mucosal T_regDys/Th17 ratios and CD4 hyperactivation positively correlated with salivary putrescine levels, which were found to be elevated in the saliva of HIV+ patients. Thus, by revealing the role of aberrantly increased polyamine synthesis during HIV infection, our study unveils a mechanism by which chronic viral infections could drive distinct T cell effector programs and T_reg dysfunction.

Hypoxia and TNF-α Synergistically Induce Expression of IL-6 and IL-8 in Human Fibroblast-like Synoviocytes via Enhancing TAK1/NF-κB/HIF-1α Signaling

Hypoxia and increased levels of inflammatory cytokines in the joints are characteristics of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, the effects of hypoxia and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) on interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-8 production on fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLSs) remain to be clarified. This study aimed to explore how hypoxia and TNF-α affect the expression of IL-6 and IL-8 in human FLSs isolated from RA patients. Hypoxia or TNF-α treatment alone significantly increased the expression and promoter activity of IL-6, IL-8, and hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α). Treatment of hypoxic FLSs with TNF-α further significantly elevated the expression of these cytokines and enhanced promoter activity of HIF-1α, which was abrogated by treatment with the HIF-1α inhibitor YC-1. Similarly, TNF-α alone elevated the phosphorylation and promoter activity of nuclear factor-κBp65 (NF-κBp65) in the FLSs. These effects were further enhanced by the combined treatment of hypoxia and TNFα but were attenuated by the NF-κB inhibitor BAY11-7082. NF-κB-p65 inhibition decreased the effect of TNF-α on HIF-1α upregulation in the FLSs in response to hypoxia. The combination of hypoxia and TNF-α also significantly upregulated transforming growth factor-β-activated kinase 1 (TAK1) expression, and silencing TAK1 dramatically decreased NF-κB-p65, HIF-1α, IL-6, and IL-8 expression under the same conditions. Our results indicate that hypoxia and TNF-α synergistically increase IL-6 and IL-8 expression in human FLSs via enhancing TAK1/NF-κB/HIF-1α signaling.

Role of inflammatory factors in the etiology and treatment of recurrent implantation failure

Recurrent implantation failure (RIF) is characterized by the absence of implantation after high-grade embryos are transferred to the endometrium by at least three in vitro fertilization cycles. It is one of the most important factors contributing to reproductive failure. After numerous barriers have been overcome to obtain good-quality embryos, RIF causes extreme distress and frustration in women and couples. In recent years, significant progress has been made in understanding how inflammatory factors, which include pro-inflammatory factors, anti-inflammatory factors, chemokines, and other molecules, contribute to RIF. Immunological abnormalities, hypercoagulability, and reproductive diseases are considered potential causes of RIF. In alloimmune disorders, inflammatory factors can affect the success rate of embryo implantation by altering T helper (Th)1/Th2 and Th17/regulatory T cell ratios and causing imbalances of uterine natural killer cells and macrophages. Autoimmune disorders can also lead to RIF. Inflammatory factors also play key roles in RIF-related disorders such as hypercoagulability, chronic endometritis, adenomyosis, hydrosalpinx, and endometriosis. This review focuses on the roles of inflammatory factors in RIF, including immune factors, blood hypercoagulable states, and reproductive diseases such as chronic endometritis, adenomyosis, hydrosalpinx, and endometriosis. It also summarizes the different treatments according to the causes of RIF and discusses the efficacy of sirolimus, peripheral blood mononuclear cells, low-dose aspirin combined with low-molecular-weight heparin, blocking interleukin-22, and gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists in the treatment of RIF.

Neutrophil-Epithelial Crosstalk During Intestinal Inflammation

Neutrophils are the most abundant leukocyte population in the human circulatory system and are rapidly recruited to sites of inflammation. Neutrophils play a multifaceted role in intestinal inflammation, as they contribute to the elimination of invading pathogens. Recently, their role in epithelial restitution has been widely recognized; however, they are also associated with bystander tissue damage. The intestinal epithelium provides a physical barrier to prevent direct contact of luminal contents with subepithelial tissues, which is extremely important for the maintenance of intestinal homeostasis. Numerous studies have demonstrated that transepithelial migration of neutrophils is closely related to disease symptoms and disruption of crypt architecture in inflammatory bowel disease and experimental colitis. There has been growing interest in how neutrophils interact with the epithelium under inflammatory conditions. Most studies focus on the effects of neutrophils on intestinal epithelial cells; however, the effects of intestinal epithelial cells on neutrophils during intestinal inflammation need to be well-established. Based on these data, we have summarized recent articles on the role of neutrophil-epithelial interactions in intestinal inflammation, particularly highlighting the epithelium-derived molecular regulators that mediate neutrophil recruitment, transepithelial migration, and detachment from the epithelium, as well as the functional consequences of their crosstalk. A better understanding of these molecular events may help develop novel therapeutic targets for mitigating the deleterious effects of neutrophils in inflammatory bowel disease.

Th17 cells and inflammation in neurological disorders: Possible mechanisms of action

Neurological disorders (NDs) are one of the leading causes of global death. A sustained neuroinflammatory response has been reported to be associated with the pathogenesis of multiple NDs, including Parkinson’s disease (PD), multiple sclerosis (MS), Alzheimer’s disease (AD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and major depressive disorder (MDD). Accumulating evidence shows that the recruitment of abundant lymphocytes in the central nervous system may contribute to promoting the development and progress of inflammation in neurological disorders. As one subset of T lymphocytes, CD4⁺ T cells have a critical impact on the inflammation of neurological disorders. T helper (Th) 17 is one of the most studied CD4⁺ Th subpopulations that produces cytokines (e.g., IL-17A, IL-23, IL-21, IL-6, and IFN-γ), leading to the abnormal neuroinflammatory response including the excessive activation of microglia and the recruitment of other immune cell types. All these factors are involved in several neurological disorders. However, the possible mechanisms of Th17 cells and their associated cytokines in the immunopathology of the abovementioned neurological disorders have not been clarified completely. This review will summarize the mechanisms by which encephalitogenic inflammatory Th17 cells and their related cytokines strongly contribute to chronic neuroinflammation, thus perpetuating neurodegenerative processes in NDs. Finally, the potential therapeutic prospects of Th17 cells and their cytokines in NDs will also be discussed.

Transcriptional regulatory networks of circulating immune cells in type 1 diabetes: A community knowledgebase

Investigator-generated transcriptomic datasets interrogating circulating immune cell (CIC) gene expression in clinical type 1 diabetes (T1D) have underappreciated re-use value. Here, we repurposed these datasets to create an open science environment for the generation of hypotheses around CIC signaling pathways whose gain or loss of function contributes to T1D pathogenesis. We firstly computed sets of genes that were preferentially induced or repressed in T1D CICs and validated these against community benchmarks. We then inferred and validated signaling node networks regulating expression of these gene sets, as well as differentially expressed genes in the original underlying T1D case:control datasets. In a set of three use cases, we demonstrated how informed integration of these networks with complementary digital resources supports substantive, actionable hypotheses around signaling pathway dysfunction in T1D CICs. Finally, we developed a federated, cloud-based web resource that exposes the entire data matrix for unrestricted access and re-use by the research community.

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Re-use of transcriptomic type 1 diabetes (T1D) circulating immune cells (CICs) datasets

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We generated transcriptional regulatory networks for T1D CICs

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Use cases generate substantive hypotheses around signaling pathway dysfunction in T1D CICs

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Networks are freely accessible on the web for re-use by the research community

Oleuropein ameliorated lung ischemia-reperfusion injury by inhibiting TLR4 signaling cascade in alveolar macrophages

Lung ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury is a common postoperative complication in patients with lung transplantation, pulmonary embolism, and cardiopulmonary bypass. Lung I/R injury is a sterile inflammatory process that leads to lung dysfunction, and is an important cause of patient death. Effectively alleviating lung I/R injury can thus improve the prognosis of patients. In this study, we created a mouse model of lung I/R injury by transient unilateral left pulmonary artery occlusion. 6-8 weeks male C57BL/6 mice were randomly assigned to four groups: Sham, I/R, I/R + oleuropein (OLE) and OLE. OLE (50 mg/kg) was orally 24 h and 30 min before anesthesia. Measurement of lung pathohistological, isolated alveolar macrophages (AMs), inflammatory mediators, TLR4 and its downstream factors (MyD88, NF-κB) were performed. We then evaluated the ability of oleuropein (OLE) to ameliorate I/R-induced lung injury and explored the possible molecular mechanisms. OLE ameliorated I/R-induced lung injury and edema and decreased inflammatory factors in lung tissue and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. This protection required toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4). OLE significantly inhibited I/R-induced expression of TLR4 and its downstream factors in lung tissue and alveolar macrophages. In addition, hypoxia-inducible factor 1α protein accumulated in TLR4-mediated lung I/R injury, and further induced the production of inflammatory factors. Collectively, these data suggest that OLE ameliorates I/R-induced lung injury. The mechanism responsible for its protective effect may involve inhibition of the I/R-induced inflammatory response by downregulating the TLR4 signaling cascade in AMs.

Sesamin inhibits hypoxia-stimulated angiogenesis via NF-κB p65/HIF-1α/VEGFA signaling pathway in human colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Tumor angiogenesis plays a critical role in CRC metastasis, and hypoxia, widely existed in the tumor mass, drives tumor...

HAX1 maintains the glioma progression in hypoxia through promoting mitochondrial fission

HCLS1‐associated protein X‐1 (HAX1), an anti‐apoptotic molecular, overexpresses in glioma. However, the role of HAX1 in glioma cell surviving in hypoxic environment remains unclear. Western blotting, qRT‐PCR, Transwell assay, TUNEL assay, wounding healing assay, clone formation, tumour xenograft model and immunohistochemical staining were used to investigate the role of HAX1 in glioma. HAX1 regulated by HIF‐1α was increased in glioma cells cultured in hypoxia. Silencing of HAX1 could cause an increased apoptosis of glioma cells cultured in hypoxia. Silencing of HAX1 also decreased the proliferation, migration and invasion of glioma cells cultured in hypoxia. Increased mitochondrial fission could prevent glioma cells from the damage induced by HAX1 knockdown in hypoxia. Furthermore, HAX1 was found to regulate glioma cells through phosphorylated AKT/Drp signal pathway. In conclusion, our study suggested that HAX1 promoted survival of glioma cells in hypoxic environment via AKT/Drp signal pathway. Our study also provided a potential therapeutic target for glioma.