Inhibition of adrenergic human prostate smooth muscle contraction by the inhibitors of c-Jun N-terminal kinase, SP600125 and BI-78D3

Targeting JNK kinase inhibitors via molecular docking: A promising strategy to address tumorigenesis and drug resistance

Among members of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) family, c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNKs) are vital for cellular responses to stress, inflammation, and apoptosis. Recent advances have highlighted their important implications in cancer biology, where dysregulated JNK signalling plays a role in the growth, progression, and metastasis of tumors. The present understanding of JNK kinase and its function in the etiology of cancer is summarized in this review. By modifying a number of downstream targets, such as transcription factors, apoptotic regulators, and cell cycle proteins, JNKs exert diverse effects on cancer cells. Apoptosis avoidance, cell survival, and proliferation are all promoted by abnormal JNK activation in many types of cancer, which leads to tumor growth and resistance to treatment. JNKs also affect the tumour microenvironment by controlling the generation of inflammatory cytokines, angiogenesis, and immune cell activity. However, challenges remain in deciphering the context-specific roles of JNK isoforms and their intricate crosstalk with other signalling pathways within the complex tumor environment. Further research is warranted to delineate the precise mechanisms underlying JNK-mediated tumorigenesis and to develop tailored therapeutic strategies targeting JNK signalling to improve cancer management. The review emphasizes the role of JNK kinases in cancer biology, as well as their potential as pharmaceutical targets for precision oncology therapy and cancer resistance. Also, this review summarizes all the available promising JNK inhibitors that are suggested to promote the responsiveness of cancer cells to cancer treatment.

Insights into the associative role of hypertension and angiotensin II receptor in lower urinary tract dysfunction

In men, the lower urinary tract comprises the urinary bladder, urethra, and prostate, and its primary functions include urine storage and voiding. Hypertension is a condition that causes multi-organ damage and an age-dependent condition. Hypertension and the renin-angiotensin system activation are associated with the development of lower urinary tract dysfunction. Hypertensive animal models show bladder dysfunction, urethral dysfunction, and prostatic hyperplasia. In the renin-angiotensin system, angiotensin II and the angiotensin II type 1 receptor, which are expressed in the lower urinary tract, have been implicated in the pathogenesis of lower urinary tract dysfunction. Moreover, among the several antihypertensives, renin-angiotensin system inhibitors have proven effective in human and animal models of lower urinary tract dysfunction. This review aimed to elucidate the hitherto known mechanisms underlying the development of lower urinary tract dysfunction in relation to hypertension and the angiotensin II/angiotensin II type 1 receptor axis and the effect of renin-angiotensin system inhibitors on lower urinary tract dysfunction. Possible mechanisms through which hypertension or activation of Ang II/AT1 receptor axis causes LUTD such as bladder dysfunction, urethral dysfunction, and prostatic hyperplasia. LUT: lower urinary tract, LUTD: lower urinary tract dysfunction, AT1: angiotensin II type 1, ACE: angiotensin-converting enzyme.

Inhibition of Prostate Smooth Muscle Contraction by Inhibitors of Polo-Like Kinases

Background: Prostate smooth muscle contraction plays an important role for pathophysiology and treatment of male lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) but is incompletely understood. Because the efficacy of available medication is limited, novel options and improved understanding of prostate smooth muscle contraction are of high demand. Recently, a possible role of polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1) has been suggested for smooth muscle contraction outside the lower urinary tract. Here, we examined effects of PLK inhibitors on contraction of human prostate tissue.

Methods: Prostate tissues were obtained from radical prostatectomy. RT-PCR, Western blot and immunofluorescence were performed to detect PLK expression and phosphorylated PLK. Smooth muscle contractions were induced by electric field stimulation (EFS), α₁-agonists, endothelin-1, or the thromboxane A₂ analog U46619 in organ bath.

Results: RT-PCR, Western blot, and immunofluorescence suggested expression of PLK1 in the human prostate, which may be located and active in smooth muscle cells. EFS-induced contractions of prostate strips were reduced by SBE 13 (1 μM), cyclapolin 9 (3 μM), TAK 960 (100 nM), and Ro 3280 (100 nM). SBE 13 and cyclapolin 9 inhibited contractions by the α₁-agonists methoxamine, phenylephrine, and noradrenaline. In contrast, no effects of SBE 13 or cyclapolin 9 on endothelin-1- or U46619-induced contractions were observed.

Conclusion: Alpha1-adrenergic smooth muscle contraction in the human prostate can be inhibited by PLK inhibitors. PLK-dependent signaling may be a new pathway, which promotes α₁-adrenergic contraction of prostate smooth muscle cells. As contractions by endothelin and U46619 are not susceptible to PLK inhibition, this reflects divergent regulation of adrenergic and non-adrenergic prostate smooth muscle contraction.

Inhibition of human prostate smooth muscle contraction by the LIM kinase inhibitors, SR7826 and LIMKi3

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

In men with benign prostatic hyperplasia, increased smooth muscle tone in the prostate may lead to bladder outlet obstruction and subsequent lower urinary tract symptoms. Consequently, medical treatment aims to inhibit prostate smooth muscle contraction. However, the efficacy of the treatment options available is limited, and improved understanding of mechanisms of prostate smooth muscle contraction and identification of new targets for medical intervention are mandatory. Several studies suggest that LIM kinases (LIMKs) promote smooth muscle contraction; however, this has not yet been examined. Here, we studied effects of the LIMK inhibitors on prostate smooth muscle contraction.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

Human prostate tissues were obtained from radical prostatectomy. Phosphorylation of cofilin, a LIMK substrate, was examined using a phospho-specific antibody. Smooth muscle contractions were studied in organ bath experiments.

KEY RESULTS

Real-time PCR, Western blot and immunofluorescence suggested LIMKs are expressed in smooth muscle cells of prostate tissues. Two different LIMK inhibitors, SR7826 (1 μM) and LIMKi3 (1 μM), inhibited contractions of prostate strips, which were induced by electrical field stimulation, α₁ -adrenoceptor agonists phenylephrine and methoxamine and the TXA₂ analogue, U46619. LIMK inhibition in prostate tissues and cultured stromal cells (WPMY-1) was confirmed by cofilin phosphorylation, which was reduced by SR7826 and LIMKi3. In WPMY-1 cells, SR7826 and LIMKi3 caused breakdown of actin filaments and reduced viability.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

Smooth muscle tone in the hyperplastic human prostate may underlie the effects of LIMKs, which promote contraction. Contraction of prostate strips can be inhibited by small molecule LIMK inhibitors.

Role of C-Jun N-terminal Kinase in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Development

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is among the most frequently occurring cancers and the leading causes of cancer mortality worldwide. Identification of the signaling pathways regulating liver carcinogenesis is critical for developing novel chemoprevention and targeted therapies. C-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) is a member of a larger group of serine/threonine (Ser/Thr) protein kinases known as the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) family. JNK is an important signaling component that converts external stimuli into a wide range of cellular responses, including cell proliferation, differentiation, survival, migration, invasion, and apoptosis, as well as the development of inflammation, fibrosis, cancer growth, and metabolic diseases. Because of the essential roles of JNK in these cellular functions, deregulated JNK is often found to contribute to the development of HCC. Recently, the functions and molecular mechanisms of JNK in HCC development have been addressed using mouse models and human HCC cell lines. Furthermore, recent studies demonstrate that the activation of JNK by oncogenes can promote the development of cancers by regulating the transforming growth factor (TGF)-β/Smad pathway, which makes the oncogenes/JNK/Smad signaling pathway an attractive target for cancer therapy. Additionally, JNK-targeted therapy has a broad potential for clinical applications. In summary, we are convinced that promising new avenues for the treatment of HCC by targeting JNK are on the horizon, which will undoubtedly lead to better, more effective, and faster therapies in the years to come.

P21-Activated Kinase Inhibitors FRAX486 and IPA3: Inhibition of Prostate Stromal Cell Growth and Effects on Smooth Muscle Contraction in the Human Prostate

Prostate smooth muscle tone and hyperplastic growth are involved in the pathophysiology and treatment of male lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). Available drugs are characterized by limited efficacy. Patients' adherence is particularly low to combination therapies of 5α-reductase inhibitors and α1-adrenoceptor antagonists, which are supposed to target contraction and growth simultaneously. Consequently, molecular etiology of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and new compounds interfering with smooth muscle contraction or growth in the prostate are of high interest. Here, we studied effects of p21-activated kinase (PAK) inhibitors (FRAX486, IPA3) in hyperplastic human prostate tissues, and in stromal cells (WPMY-1). In hyperplastic prostate tissues, PAK1, -2, -4, and -6 may be constitutively expressed in catecholaminergic neurons, while PAK1 was detected in smooth muscle and WPMY-1 cells. Neurogenic contractions of prostate strips by electric field stimulation were significantly inhibited by high concentrations of FRAX486 (30 μM) or IPA3 (300 μM), while noradrenaline- and phenylephrine-induced contractions were not affected. FRAX486 (30 μM) inhibited endothelin-1- and -2-induced contractions. In WPMY-1 cells, FRAX486 or IPA3 (24 h) induced concentration-dependent (1-10 μM) degeneration of actin filaments. This was paralleled by attenuation of proliferation rate, being observed from 1 to 10 μM FRAX486 or IPA3. Cytotoxicity of FRAX486 and IPA3 in WPMY-1 cells was time- and concentration-dependent. Stimulation of WPMY-1 cells with endothelin-1 or dihydrotestosterone, but not noradrenaline induced PAK phosphorylation, indicating PAK activation by endothelin-1. Thus, PAK inhibitors may inhibit neurogenic and endothelin-induced smooth muscle contractions in the hyperplastic human prostate, and growth of stromal cells. Targeting prostate smooth muscle contraction and stromal growth at once by a single compound is principally possible, at least under experimental conditions.

Cell membrane chromatography coupled with UHPLC-ESI-MS/MS method to screen target components from Peucedanum praeruptorum Dunn acting on α1A adrenergic receptor

Peucedanum praeruptorum Dunn (BaiHuaQianHu in Chinese) is a traditional Chinese medicine that has a long history of use in China. In this study, HEK 293 α1A adrenergic cell membrane chromatography was coupled with UHPLC-ESI-MS/MS and successfully used to identify active components from Peucedanum praeruptorum Dunn. Paeruptorin A, paeruptorin B, and paeruptorin C were identified with α1A adrenergic receptor activity. Pharmacological assays showed that tamsulosin hydrochloride, paeruptorin A, paeruptorin B, and paeruptorin C in concentrations of 1×10(-8) to 1×10(-4)mol/mL could relax prostate strips pre-contracted with adrenalin in a concentration dependent manner. Therefore, the HEK293 α1A cell membrane chromatography coupled UHPLC-ESI-MS/MS system may be a potentially useful drug discovery method for screening for medicinal herbal components with α1A adrenergic receptor inhibitory activity.

A New Combinatorial Optimization Approach for Integrated Feature Selection Using Different Datasets: A Prostate Cancer Transcriptomic Study

Background

The joint study of multiple datasets has become a common technique for increasing statistical power in detecting biomarkers obtained from smaller studies. The approach generally followed is based on the fact that as the total number of samples increases, we expect to have greater power to detect associations of interest. This methodology has been applied to genome-wide association and transcriptomic studies due to the availability of datasets in the public domain. While this approach is well established in biostatistics, the introduction of new combinatorial optimization models to address this issue has not been explored in depth. In this study, we introduce a new model for the integration of multiple datasets and we show its application in transcriptomics.

Methods

We propose a new combinatorial optimization problem that addresses the core issue of biomarker detection in integrated datasets. Optimal solutions for this model deliver a feature selection from a panel of prospective biomarkers. The model we propose is a generalised version of the (α,β)-k-Feature Set problem. We illustrate the performance of this new methodology via a challenging meta-analysis task involving six prostate cancer microarray datasets. The results are then compared to the popular RankProd meta-analysis tool and to what can be obtained by analysing the individual datasets by statistical and combinatorial methods alone.

Results

Application of the integrated method resulted in a more informative signature than the rank-based meta-analysis or individual dataset results, and overcomes problems arising from real world datasets. The set of genes identified is highly significant in the context of prostate cancer. The method used does not rely on homogenisation or transformation of values to a common scale, and at the same time is able to capture markers associated with subgroups of the disease.

Inhibition of smooth muscle force generation by focal adhesion kinase inhibitors in the hyperplastic human prostate

Smooth muscle contraction may be critical for lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in patients with benign prostate hyperplasia and requires stable anchorage of the cytoskeleton to the cell membrane. These connections are regulated by focal adhesion kinase (FAK). Here, we addressed the involvement of FAK in the regulation of smooth muscle contraction in hyperplastic human prostate tissues. Prostate tissues were obtained from radical prostatectomy. Expression of FAK and focal adhesion proteins was assessed by Western blot analysis and immunohistochemical stainings. Effects of the FAK inhibitors PF-573228 and Y-11 on contraction of prostate strips were examined in the organ bath. Expression of FAK and focal adhesion proteins (integrin-5α, paxilin, and c-Src) was detected by Western blot analysis in prostate samples. By double immunofluorescence staining with calponin and pan-cytokeratin, expression of FAK was observed in stromal and epithelial cells. Immunoreactivity for FAK colocalized with integrin-5α, paxilin, talin, and c-Src. Stimulation of prostate tissues with the α1-adrenergic agonist phenylephrine increased the phosphorylation state of FAK at Tyr397 and Tyr925 with different kinetics, which was blocked by the α1-adrenoceptor antagonist tamsulosin. Norepinephrine and phenylephrine induced concentration-dependent contractions of prostate strips. Both FAK inhibitors PF-573228 and Y-11 significantly inhibited norepinephrine- and phenylephrine-induced contractions. Finally, PF-573228 and Y-11 inhibited contractions induced by electric field stimulation, which was significant at the highest frequency. In conclusion, α1-adrenergic smooth muscle contraction or its regulation involves FAK in the human prostate. Consequently, FAK may be involved in the pathophysiology of LUTS and in current or future LUTS therapies.

Involvement of MAPK signaling pathway in the osteogenic gene expressions of Cervi Pantotrichum Cornu in MG-63 human osteoblast-like cells

AIMS

The purposes of this study were to determine whether Cervi Pantotrichum Cornu (CPC) has osteogenic activities in human osteoblastic MG-63 cells and to investigate the underlying molecular mechanism.

MAIN METHODS

The effects of CPC on alkaline phosphatase activity, collagen synthesis, and calcium deposits were measured. The COL1A1, ALPL, BGLAP, and SPP1 expressions were measured by real-time PCR. Phosphorylated MAP kinases (ERK1/2, JNK1/2, p38, ELK1, and cJUN) were studied by western blot analysis. The involvement of MAPK pathway in osteogenic gene expressions was determined by using each selective MAPK inhibitor (PD98059, SP600125, and SB203580).

KEY FINDINGS

CPC increased alkaline phosphatase activity, collagen synthesis, and calcium deposits. CPC activated ERK1/2, JNK1/2, p38, and ELK1 phosphorylation except cJUN. CPC increased the COL1A1, ALPL, BGLAP, and SPP1 gene expressions. The elevated COL1A1 and BGLAP expressions were inhibited by PD98059, SP600125 or SB203580. The elevated ALPL expression was blocked by SB203580. The elevated SPP1 expression was inhibited by SP600125 or SB203580. CPC increased COL1A1 and BGLAP expressions via ERK1/2, JNK1/2, and p38 MAPKs pathways and SPP1 expression via JNK1/2 and p38 pathways. p38 pathway is needed for ALPL expression.

SIGNIFICANCE

These results imply that MAPK signaling pathway is an indispensable factor for bone matrix genes expression of CPC in MG-63 human osteoblast-like cells.

Age-related changes in the innervation of the prostate gland: implications for prostate cancer initiation and progression

The adult prostate gland grows and develops under hormonal control while its physiological functions are controlled by the autonomic nervous system. The prostate gland receives sympathetic input via the hypogastric nerve and parasympathetic input via the pelvic nerve. In addition, the hypogastric and pelvic nerves also provide sensory inputs to the gland. This review provides a summary of the innervation of the adult prostate gland and describes the changes which occur with age and disease. Growth and development of the prostate gland is age dependent as is the occurrence of both benign prostate disease and prostate cancer. In parallel, the activity and influence of both the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system changes with age. The influence of the sympathetic nervous system on benign prostatic hyperplasia is well documented and this review considers the possibility of a link between changes in autonomic innervation and prostate cancer progression.

Noradrenaline induces binding of Clathrin light chain A to α1-adrenoceptors in the human prostate

BACKGROUND

Binding of clathrins or caveolin to G protein-coupled receptors may induce post-translational modifications of receptor function. Receptor regulation by clathrin requires cofactors ADP-ribosylation factor 6 (ARF6) and adaptin, while dynamin is required for clathrin- and caveolin-dependent mechanisms.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the expression and α1-adrenoceptor binding of clathrins, caveolin, and their cofactors in the human prostate.

METHODS

Prostate tissue was obtained from radical prostatectomy. Expression of clathrin heavy chain (HC), clathrin light chain A and B (LCA, LCB), caveolin-1, ARF6, β-adaptin, and dynamin-2 was studied by RT-PCR, Western blot, immunohistochemistry, and fluorescence staining. Interaction of α1A-adrenoceptors with clathrins and caveolin-1 was studied by coimmunoprecipitation.

RESULTS

mRNA and protein expression of clathrin HC, LCA, LCB, caveolin-1, dynamin-2, and β-adaptin was detected in prostate tissues of each patient. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated the expression of clathrin HC, LCA, LCB, caveolin, dynamin, and β-adaptin in stromal cells. Immunoreactivity for these proteins colocalized with α-smooth muscle actin and α1A-adrenoceptors in double fluorescence staining. Coimmunoprecipitation demonstrated that α1A-adrenoceptors in prostate tissue interact with clathrin HC and LCB under resting conditions, but not with caveolin-1. Stimulation of prostate tissues with noradrenaline (30 µM) in vitro induced binding of clathrin LCA to α1A-adrenoceptors.

CONCLUSIONS

The prostatic α1-adrenoceptor population is at least partially bound to clathrin HC and LCB. Upon receptor activation, prostate α1A-adrenoceptors bind clathrin LCA. This points to a new concept of post-translational α1-adrenoceptor regulation in the prostate, which includes receptor interaction with accessory binding partners.

Silodosin inhibits noradrenaline-activated transcription factors Elk1 and SRF in human prostate smooth muscle

Background

The transcription factors Elk1 and serum response factor (SRF) are central regulators of cell cycle and phenotype in various cell types. Elk1 is activated by phosphorylation (serine-383), while activation of SRF requires its co-factor, myocardin. Activation of Elk1 and SRF results in binding to specific DNA sequences in promoter regions, and may be induced by adrenergic receptor activation in different organs.

Objective

To examine the effects of adrenergic stimulation on Elk1 and SRF in the human prostate and the ability of the highly selective α1A-adrenoceptor antagonist, silodosin, on transcription factor activation.

Methods

Prostate tissue was obtained from patients undergoing radical prostatectomy. Expression of Elk1, SRF, and myocardin was estimated by Western blot and immunohistochemistry. Colocalizations were studied by double immunofluorescence staining. Noradrenaline- (NA-) and phenylephrine- (PE-) induced phosphorylation of Elk1 was assessed by Western blot analysis using a phospho-specific antibody. NA-induced activation of Elk1 and SRF was investigated by electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA).

Results

Immunoreactivity for Elk1, SRF, and myocardin was observed in stromal cells of tissues from each patient. In fluorescence stainings, SRF colocalized with myocardin and α-smooth muscle actin (αSMA). Stimulation of prostate tissues with PE (10 µM) or NA (30 µM) increased the phosphorylation of Elk1 at serine-383. NA-induced Elk1 activation was confirmed by EMSA, where a NA-induced binding of Elk1 to the DNA sequence TTTGCAAAATGCAGGAATTGTTTTCACAGT was observed. Similarly, NA caused SRF binding to the SRF-specific DNA sequence CCATATTAGGCCATATTAGG. Application of silodosin (3 µM) to prostate tissues reduced the activity of Elk1 and SRF in NA-stimulated tissues.

Conclusions

Silodosin blocks the activation of the two transcription factors, Elk1 and SRF, which is induced by noradrenaline in the human prostate. A role of α1-adrenoceptors beyond smooth muscle contraction may be considered, which includes a function in transcriptional regulation.