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Bai Q, Shao E, Ma D, Jiao B, Scheetz SD, Hartnett-Scott KA, Ilin VA, Aizenman E, Kofler J, Burton EA. A human Tau expressing zebrafish model of progressive supranuclear palsy identifies Brd4 as a regulator of microglial synaptic elimination. Nat Commun 2024; 15:8195. [PMID: 39294122 PMCID: PMC11410960 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-52173-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2024] [Accepted: 08/28/2024] [Indexed: 09/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) is an incurable neurodegenerative disease characterized by 4-repeat (0N/4R)-Tau protein accumulation in CNS neurons. We generated transgenic zebrafish expressing human 0N/4R-Tau to investigate PSP pathophysiology. Tau zebrafish replicated multiple features of PSP, including: decreased survival; hypokinesia; impaired optokinetic responses; neurodegeneration; neuroinflammation; synapse loss; and Tau hyperphosphorylation, misfolding, mislocalization, insolubility, truncation, and oligomerization. Using automated assays, we screened 147 small molecules for activity in rescuing neurological deficits in Tau zebrafish. (+)JQ1, a bromodomain inhibitor, improved hypokinesia, survival, microgliosis, and brain synapse elimination. A heterozygous brd4+/- mutant reducing expression of the bromodomain protein Brd4 similarly rescued these phenotypes. Microglial phagocytosis of synaptic material was decreased by (+)JQ1 in both Tau zebrafish and rat primary cortical cultures. Microglia in human PSP brains expressed Brd4. Our findings implicate Brd4 as a regulator of microglial synaptic elimination in tauopathy and provide an unbiased approach for identifying mechanisms and therapeutic targets in PSP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Bai
- Department of Neurology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
- Pittsburgh Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Enhua Shao
- Department of Neurology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
- Pittsburgh Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
- Tsinghua University School of Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Denglei Ma
- Department of Neurology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
- Pittsburgh Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Binxuan Jiao
- Department of Neurology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
- Pittsburgh Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
- Tsinghua University School of Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Seth D Scheetz
- Department of Neurology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
- Pittsburgh Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Karen A Hartnett-Scott
- Pittsburgh Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Vladimir A Ilin
- Department of Neurology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
- Pittsburgh Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Elias Aizenman
- Pittsburgh Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Julia Kofler
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
- Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Edward A Burton
- Department of Neurology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA.
- Pittsburgh Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA.
- Geriatrics Research, Education and Clinical Center, Pittsburgh VA Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA, 15240, USA.
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Fu GQ, Wang YY, Xu YM, Bian MM, Zhang L, Yan HZ, Gao JX, Li JL, Chen YQ, Zhang N, Ding SQ, Wang R, Li JY, Hu JG, Lü HZ. Exosomes derived from vMIP-II-Lamp2b gene-modified M2 cells provide neuroprotection by targeting the injured spinal cord, inhibiting chemokine signals and modulating microglia/macrophage polarization in mice. Exp Neurol 2024; 377:114784. [PMID: 38642665 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2024.114784] [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: 02/06/2024] [Revised: 04/07/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/22/2024]
Abstract
Inflammation is one of the key injury factors for spinal cord injury (SCI). Exosomes (Exos) derived from M2 macrophages have been shown to inhibit inflammation and be beneficial in SCI animal models. However, lacking targetability restricts their application prospects. Considering that chemokine receptors increase dramatically after SCI, viral macrophage inflammatory protein II (vMIP-II) is a broad-spectrum chemokine receptor binding peptide, and lysosomal associated membrane protein 2b (Lamp2b) is the key membrane component of Exos, we speculated that vMIP-II-Lamp2b gene-modified M2 macrophage-derived Exos (vMIP-II-Lamp2b-M2-Exo) not only have anti-inflammatory properties, but also can target the injured area by vMIP-II. In this study, using a murine contusive SCI model, we revealed that vMIP-II-Lamp2b-M2-Exo could target the chemokine receptors which highly expressed in the injured spinal cords, inhibit some key chemokine receptor signaling pathways (such as MAPK and Akt), further inhibit proinflammatory factors (such as IL-1β, IL-6, IL-17, IL-18, TNF-α, and iNOS), and promote anti-inflammatory factors (such as IL-4 and Arg1) productions, and the transformation of microglia/macrophages from M1 into M2. Moreover, the improved histological and functional recoveries were also found. Collectively, our results suggest that vMIP-II-Lamp2b-M2-Exo may provide neuroprotection by targeting the injured spinal cord, inhibiting some chemokine signals, reducing proinflammatory factor production and modulating microglia/macrophage polarization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gui-Qiang Fu
- Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, Anhui 233004, PR China; Anhui Key Laboratory of Tissue Transplantation, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, Anhui 233004, PR China; Department of Immunology, Bengbu Medical College, and Anhui Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity at Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, Anhui 233030, PR China; Department of Clinical Laboratory, Air Force Medical Center, Air Force Medical University, Beijing, 100142, PR China
| | - Yang-Yang Wang
- Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, Anhui 233004, PR China; Anhui Key Laboratory of Tissue Transplantation, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, Anhui 233004, PR China
| | - Yao-Mei Xu
- Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, Anhui 233004, PR China; Anhui Key Laboratory of Tissue Transplantation, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, Anhui 233004, PR China
| | - Ming-Ming Bian
- Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, Anhui 233004, PR China; Anhui Key Laboratory of Tissue Transplantation, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, Anhui 233004, PR China; Department of Immunology, Bengbu Medical College, and Anhui Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity at Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, Anhui 233030, PR China
| | - Lin Zhang
- Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, Anhui 233004, PR China; Anhui Key Laboratory of Tissue Transplantation, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, Anhui 233004, PR China; Anhui Engineering Research Center for Neural Regeneration Technology and Medical New Materials, Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, Anhui 233030, PR China
| | - Hua-Zheng Yan
- Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, Anhui 233004, PR China; Anhui Key Laboratory of Tissue Transplantation, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, Anhui 233004, PR China
| | - Jian-Xiong Gao
- Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, Anhui 233004, PR China; Anhui Key Laboratory of Tissue Transplantation, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, Anhui 233004, PR China; Anhui Engineering Research Center for Neural Regeneration Technology and Medical New Materials, Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, Anhui 233030, PR China
| | - Jing-Lu Li
- Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, Anhui 233004, PR China; Anhui Key Laboratory of Tissue Transplantation, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, Anhui 233004, PR China
| | - Yu-Qing Chen
- Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, Anhui 233004, PR China; Anhui Key Laboratory of Tissue Transplantation, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, Anhui 233004, PR China
| | - Nan Zhang
- Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, Anhui 233004, PR China; Anhui Key Laboratory of Tissue Transplantation, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, Anhui 233004, PR China
| | - Shu-Qin Ding
- Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, Anhui 233004, PR China; Anhui Key Laboratory of Tissue Transplantation, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, Anhui 233004, PR China
| | - Rui Wang
- Anhui Key Laboratory of Tissue Transplantation, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, Anhui 233004, PR China
| | - Jiang-Yan Li
- Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, Anhui 233004, PR China; Anhui Key Laboratory of Tissue Transplantation, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, Anhui 233004, PR China
| | - Jian-Guo Hu
- Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, Anhui 233004, PR China; Anhui Key Laboratory of Tissue Transplantation, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, Anhui 233004, PR China; Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Basic and Translational Research of Inflammation-related Diseases, Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, Anhui 233030, PR China.
| | - He-Zuo Lü
- Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, Anhui 233004, PR China; Anhui Key Laboratory of Tissue Transplantation, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, Anhui 233004, PR China; Department of Immunology, Bengbu Medical College, and Anhui Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity at Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, Anhui 233030, PR China; Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Basic and Translational Research of Inflammation-related Diseases, Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, Anhui 233030, PR China; Anhui Engineering Research Center for Neural Regeneration Technology and Medical New Materials, Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, Anhui 233030, PR China.
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Lin K, Zhang Y, Shen Y, Xu Y, Huang M, Liu X. Hydrogen Sulfide can Scavenge Free Radicals to Improve Spinal Cord Injury by Inhibiting the p38MAPK/mTOR/NF-κB Signaling Pathway. Neuromolecular Med 2024; 26:26. [PMID: 38907170 DOI: 10.1007/s12017-024-08794-1] [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: 04/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 06/23/2024]
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) causes irreversible cell loss and neurological dysfunctions. Presently, there is no an effective clinical treatment for SCI. It can be the only intervention measure by relieving the symptoms of patients such as pain and fever. Free radical-induced damage is one of the validated mechanisms in the complex secondary injury following primary SCI. Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) as an antioxidant can effectively scavenge free radicals, protect neurons, and improve SCI by inhibiting the p38MAPK/mTOR/NF-κB signaling pathway. In this report, we analyze the pathological mechanism of SCI, the role of free radical-mediated the p38MAPK/mTOR/NF-κB signaling pathway in SCI, and the role of H2S in scavenging free radicals and improving SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kexin Lin
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine, Shaoxing University, Shaoxing, 312000, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Yong Zhang
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine, Shaoxing University, Shaoxing, 312000, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Yanyang Shen
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine, Shaoxing University, Shaoxing, 312000, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Yiqin Xu
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine, Shaoxing University, Shaoxing, 312000, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Min Huang
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine, Shaoxing University, Shaoxing, 312000, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Xuehong Liu
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine, Shaoxing University, Shaoxing, 312000, Zhejiang Province, China.
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Huang S, Zhang Y, Shu H, Liu W, Zhou X, Zhou X. Advances of the MAPK pathway in the treatment of spinal cord injury. CNS Neurosci Ther 2024; 30:e14807. [PMID: 38887853 PMCID: PMC11183187 DOI: 10.1111/cns.14807] [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: 02/05/2024] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) represents a complex pathology within the central nervous system (CNS), leading to severe sensory and motor impairments. It activates various signaling pathways, notably the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway. Present treatment approaches primarily focus on symptomatic relief, lacking efficacy in addressing the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms. Emerging research underscores the significance of the MAPK pathway in neuronal differentiation, growth, survival, axonal regeneration, and inflammatory responses post-SCI. Modulating this pathway post-injury has shown promise in attenuating inflammation, minimizing apoptosis, alleviating neuropathic pain, and fostering neural regeneration. Given its pivotal role, the MAPK pathway emerges as a potential therapeutic target in SCI management. This review synthesizes current knowledge on SCI pathology, delineates the MAPK pathway's characteristics, and explores its dual roles in SCI pathology and therapeutic interventions. Furthermore, it addresses the existing challenges in MAPK research in the context of SCI, proposing solutions to overcome these hurdles. Our aim is to offer a comprehensive reference for future research on the MAPK pathway and SCI, laying the groundwork for targeted therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shixue Huang
- Department of Orthopedics, Changzheng HospitalSecond Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Yinuo Zhang
- Department of Orthopedics, Changzheng HospitalSecond Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Haoming Shu
- Department of Orthopedics, Changzheng HospitalSecond Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Wei Liu
- Department of Orthopedics, Changzheng HospitalSecond Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Xin Zhou
- Department of Orthopedics, Changzheng HospitalSecond Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Xuhui Zhou
- Department of Orthopedics, Changzheng HospitalSecond Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical UniversityShanghaiChina
- Translational Research Centre of Orthopedics, Shanghai General HospitalShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
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Li D, Deng Y, Wen G, Wang L, Shi X, Chen S, Chen R. Targeting BRD4 with PROTAC degrader ameliorates LPS-induced acute lung injury by inhibiting M1 alveolar macrophage polarization. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 132:111991. [PMID: 38581996 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.111991] [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: 12/12/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/08/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Acute lung injury (ALI) is a highly inflammatory condition with the involvement of M1 alveolar macrophages (AMs) polarization, eventually leading to the development of non-cardiogenic edema in alveolar and interstitial regions, accompanied by persistent hypoxemia. Given the significant mortality rate associated with ALI, it is imperative to investigate the underlying mechanisms of this condition so as to identify potential therapeutic targets. The therapeutic effects of the inhibition of bromodomain containing protein 4 (BRD4), an epigenetic reader, has been proven with high efficacy in ameliorating various inflammatory diseases through mediating immune cell activation. However, little is known about the therapeutic potential of BRD4 degradation in acute lung injury. METHODS This study aimed to assess the protective efficacy of ARV-825, a novel BRD4-targeted proteolysis targeting chimera (PROTAC), against ALI through histopathological examination in lung tissues and biochemical analysis in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). Additionally, the underlying mechanism by which BRD4 regulated M1 AMs was elucidated by using CUT & Tag assay. RESULTS In this study, we found the upregulation of BRD4 in a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced ALI model. Furthermore, we observed that intraperitoneal administration of ARV-825, significantly alleviated LPS-induced pulmonary pathological changes and inflammatory responses. These effects were accompanied by the suppression of M1 AMs. In addition, our findings revealed that the administration of ARV-825 effectively suppressed M1 AMs by inhibiting the expression of IRF7, a crucial transcriptional factor involved in M1 macrophages. CONCLUSION Our study suggested that targeting BRD4 using ARV-825 is a potential therapeutic approach for ALI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Difei Li
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Shenzhen Institute of Respiratory Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital (Shenzhen People's Hospital) and School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Yao Deng
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Shenzhen Institute of Respiratory Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital (Shenzhen People's Hospital) and School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Guanxi Wen
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Shenzhen Institute of Respiratory Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital (Shenzhen People's Hospital) and School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Lingwei Wang
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Shenzhen Institute of Respiratory Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital (Shenzhen People's Hospital) and School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Xing Shi
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Shenzhen Institute of Respiratory Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital (Shenzhen People's Hospital) and School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China.
| | - Shanze Chen
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Shenzhen Institute of Respiratory Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital (Shenzhen People's Hospital) and School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China.
| | - Rongchang Chen
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Shenzhen Institute of Respiratory Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital (Shenzhen People's Hospital) and School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China.
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Guo H, Du M, Yang Y, Lin X, Wang Y, Li H, Ren J, Xu W, Yan J, Wang N. Sp1 Regulates the M1 Polarization of Microglia Through the HuR/NF-κB Axis after Spinal Cord Injury. Neuroscience 2024; 544:50-63. [PMID: 38387733 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2024.02.014] [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: 11/26/2023] [Revised: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
The M1 polarization of microglia, followed by the production of pro-inflammatory mediators, hinders functional recovery after spinal cord injury (SCI). Our previous study has illuminated that specificity protein 1 (Sp1) expression is increased following SCI, whereas the function and regulatory mechanism of Sp1 during M1 polarization of microglia following SCI remain unknown. RNA binding protein, HuR, has been shown to be up-regulated in the injured spinal cord through analysis of the GEO database. Further investigation using Chip-Atlas data suggests a binding between Sp1 and HuR. Emerging evidence indicates that HuR plays a pivotal role in neuroinflammation after SCI. In this research, Sp1 and HuR levels in mice with SCI and BV2 cells treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was determined by using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting techniques. A series of in vitro assays were performed to investigate the function of Sp1 during M1 polarization of microglia. The association between Sp1 and its target gene HuR was confirmed through gene transfection and luciferase reporter assay. Enhanced expression of HuR was observed in both SCI mice and LPS-treated BV2 cells, while Sp1 knockdown restrained M1 polarization of microglia and its associated inflammation by inhibiting the NF-κB signaling pathway. Silencing Sp1 also suppressed microglia activation and its mediated inflammatory response, which could be reversed by overexpression of HuR. In conclusion, silencing Sp1 restrains M1 polarization of microglia through the HuR/NF-κB axis, leading to neuroprotection, and thus promotes functional restoration following SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hangyu Guo
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150081, PR China
| | - Mingyu Du
- Department of Operating Room, First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150007, PR China
| | - Yang Yang
- Department of Spine Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510630, PR China
| | - Xin Lin
- Shengli Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350001, PR China
| | - Yufu Wang
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150081, PR China
| | - Helin Li
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150081, PR China
| | - Jiyu Ren
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150081, PR China
| | - Wenbo Xu
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150081, PR China
| | - Jinglong Yan
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150081, PR China.
| | - Nanxiang Wang
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150081, PR China.
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Jia X, Ju J, Li Z, Peng X, Wang J, Gao F. Inhibition of spinal BRD4 alleviates pyroptosis and M1 microglia polarization via STING-IRF3 pathway in morphine-tolerant rats. Eur J Pharmacol 2024; 969:176428. [PMID: 38432572 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2024.176428] [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: 11/13/2023] [Revised: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Morphine tolerance has been a challenging medical issue. Neuroinflammation is considered as a critical mechanism for the development of morphine tolerance. Bromodomain-containing protein 4 (BRD4), a key regulator in cell damage and inflammation, participates in the development of chronic pain. However, whether BRD4 is involved in morphine tolerance and the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. METHODS The morphine-tolerant rat model was established by intrathecal administration of morphine twice daily for 7 days. Behavior test was assessed by a tail-flick latency test. The roles of BRD4, pyroptosis, microglia polarization and related signaling pathways in morphine tolerance were elucidated by Western blot, real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and immunofluorescence. RESULTS Repeated morphine administration upregulated BRD4 level, induced pyroptosis, and promoted microglia M1-polarization in spinal cord, accompanied by the release of proinflammatory cytokines, such as TNF-α and IL-1β. JQ-1, a BRD4 antagonist, alleviated the development of morphine tolerance, diminished pyroptosis and induced the switch of microglia from M1 to M2 phenotype. Mechanistically, stimulator of interferon gene (STING)- interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3) pathway was activated and the protective effect of JQ-1 against morphine tolerance was at least partially mediated by inhibition of STING-IRF3 pathway. CONCLUSION This study demonstrated for the first time that spinal BRD4 contributes to pyroptosis and switch of microglia polarization via STING-IRF3 signaling pathway during the development of morphine tolerance, which extend the understanding of the neuroinflammation mechanism of morphine tolerance and provide an alternative strategy for the precaution against of this medical condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoqian Jia
- Department of Anesthesiology, Hubei Key Laboratory of Geriatric Anesthesia and Perioperative Brain Health, and Wuhan Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Anesthesia, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Jie Ju
- Department of Anesthesiology, Hubei Key Laboratory of Geriatric Anesthesia and Perioperative Brain Health, and Wuhan Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Anesthesia, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Zheng Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, Hubei Key Laboratory of Geriatric Anesthesia and Perioperative Brain Health, and Wuhan Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Anesthesia, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Xiaoling Peng
- Department of Anesthesiology, Hubei Key Laboratory of Geriatric Anesthesia and Perioperative Brain Health, and Wuhan Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Anesthesia, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Jihong Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Hubei Key Laboratory of Geriatric Anesthesia and Perioperative Brain Health, and Wuhan Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Anesthesia, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Feng Gao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Hubei Key Laboratory of Geriatric Anesthesia and Perioperative Brain Health, and Wuhan Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Anesthesia, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.
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Ding Y, Chen Q. The NF-κB Pathway: a Focus on Inflammatory Responses in Spinal Cord Injury. Mol Neurobiol 2023; 60:5292-5308. [PMID: 37286724 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-023-03411-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a type of central nervous system trauma that can lead to severe nerve injury. Inflammatory reaction after injury is an important pathological process leading to secondary injury. Long-term stimulation of inflammation can further deteriorate the microenvironment of the injured site, leading to the deterioration of neural function. Understanding the signaling pathways that regulate responses after SCI, especially inflammatory responses, is critical for the development of new therapeutic targets and approaches. Nuclear transfer factor-κB (NF-κB) has long been recognized as a key factor in regulating inflammatory responses. The NF-κB pathway is closely related to the pathological process of SCI. Inhibition of this pathway can improve the inflammatory microenvironment and promote the recovery of neural function after SCI. Therefore, the NF-κB pathway may be a potential therapeutic target for SCI. This article reviews the mechanism of inflammatory response after SCI and the characteristics of NF-κB pathway, emphasizing the effect of inhibiting NF-κB on the inflammatory response of SCI to provide a theoretical basis for the biological treatment of SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Ding
- Department of Spine Surgery, Ganzhou People's Hospital, 16 Meiguan Avenue, Ganzhou, Jiangxi Province, 341000, People's Republic of China
- The Affiliated Ganzhou Hospital of Nanchang University, 16 Meiguan Avenue, Ganzhou, Jiangxi Province, 341000, People's Republic of China
| | - Qin Chen
- Department of Spine Surgery, Ganzhou People's Hospital, 16 Meiguan Avenue, Ganzhou, Jiangxi Province, 341000, People's Republic of China.
- The Affiliated Ganzhou Hospital of Nanchang University, 16 Meiguan Avenue, Ganzhou, Jiangxi Province, 341000, People's Republic of China.
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9
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Frasch MG, Yoon BJ, Helbing DL, Snir G, Antonelli MC, Bauer R. Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Neuro-Immunometabolic Hypothesis of the Developmental Origins. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:914. [PMID: 37508346 PMCID: PMC10375982 DOI: 10.3390/biology12070914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Revised: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
Fetal neuroinflammation and prenatal stress (PS) may contribute to lifelong neurological disabilities. Astrocytes and microglia, among the brain's non-neuronal "glia" cell populations, play a pivotal role in neurodevelopment and predisposition to and initiation of disease throughout lifespan. One of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders manifesting between 1-4 years of age is the autism spectrum disorder (ASD). A pathological glial-neuronal interplay is thought to increase the risk for clinical manifestation of ASD in at-risk children, but the mechanisms remain poorly understood, and integrative, multi-scale models are needed. We propose a model that integrates the data across the scales of physiological organization, from genome to phenotype, and provides a foundation to explain the disparate findings on the genomic level. We hypothesize that via gene-environment interactions, fetal neuroinflammation and PS may reprogram glial immunometabolic phenotypes that impact neurodevelopment and neurobehavior. Drawing on genomic data from the recently published series of ovine and rodent glial transcriptome analyses with fetuses exposed to neuroinflammation or PS, we conducted an analysis on the Simons Foundation Autism Research Initiative (SFARI) Gene database. We confirmed 21 gene hits. Using unsupervised statistical network analysis, we then identified six clusters of probable protein-protein interactions mapping onto the immunometabolic and stress response networks and epigenetic memory. These findings support our hypothesis. We discuss the implications for ASD etiology, early detection, and novel therapeutic approaches. We conclude with delineation of the next steps to verify our model on the individual gene level in an assumption-free manner. The proposed model is of interest for the multidisciplinary community of stakeholders engaged in ASD research, the development of novel pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments, early prevention, and detection as well as for policy makers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin G Frasch
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
- Center on Human Development and Disability, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Byung-Jun Yoon
- Electrical and Computer Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Dario Lucas Helbing
- Institute for Molecular Cell Biology, Jena University Hospital, Friedrich Schiller University, 07747 Jena, Germany
- Leibniz Institute on Aging, Fritz Lipmann Institute, 07745 Jena, Germany
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Jena University Hospital, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, 07747 Jena, Germany
- Center for Intervention and Research on Adaptive and Maladaptive Brain Circuits Underlying Mental Health (C-I-R-C), Jena-Magdeburg-Halle, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Gal Snir
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Marta C Antonelli
- Instituto de Biología Celular y Neurociencia "Prof. Eduardo De Robertis", Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires 1121, Argentina
- Institute for Advanced Study, Technical University of Munich, Lichtenbergstrasse 2 a, 85748 Garching, Germany
| | - Reinhard Bauer
- Institute for Molecular Cell Biology, Jena University Hospital, Friedrich Schiller University, 07747 Jena, Germany
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10
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Gilbert EAB, Livingston J, Garcia-Flores E, Kehtari T, Morshead CM. Metformin Improves Functional Outcomes, Activates Neural Precursor Cells, and Modulates Microglia in a Sex-Dependent Manner After Spinal Cord Injury. Stem Cells Transl Med 2023:7174953. [PMID: 37209417 DOI: 10.1093/stcltm/szad030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) results in devastating patient outcomes with few treatment options. A promising approach to improve outcomes following SCI involves the activation of endogenous precursor populations including neural stem and progenitor cells (NSPCs) which are located in the periventricular zone (PVZ), and oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) found throughout the parenchyma. In the adult spinal cord, resident NSPCs are primarily mitotically quiescent and aneurogenic, while OPCs contribute to ongoing oligodendrogenesis into adulthood. Each of these populations is responsive to SCI, increasing their proliferation and migration to the site of injury; however, their activation is not sufficient to support functional recovery. Previous work has shown that administration of the FDA-approved drug metformin is effective at promoting endogenous brain repair following injury, and this is correlated with enhanced NSPC activation. Here, we ask whether metformin can promote functional recovery and neural repair following SCI in both males and females. Our results reveal that acute, but not delayed metformin administration improves functional outcomes following SCI in both sexes. The functional improvement is concomitant with OPC activation and oligodendrogenesis. Our data also reveal sex-dependent effects of metformin following SCI with increased activation of NSPCs in females and reduced microglia activation in males. Taken together, these findings support metformin as a viable therapeutic strategy following SCI and highlight its pleiotropic effects in the spinal cord.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily A B Gilbert
- Division of Anatomy, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Jessica Livingston
- Division of Anatomy, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Emilio Garcia-Flores
- Division of Anatomy, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Tarlan Kehtari
- Division of Anatomy, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Cindi M Morshead
- Division of Anatomy, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
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11
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He L, Chang Q, Zhang Y, Guan X, Ma Z, Chen X, Liu W, Li Y, Feng H. MiR-155-5p Aggravated Astrocyte Activation and Glial Scarring in a Spinal Cord Injury Model by Inhibiting Ndfip1 Expression and PTEN Nuclear Translocation. Neurochem Res 2023; 48:1912-1924. [PMID: 36750528 PMCID: PMC10119073 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-023-03862-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Revised: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
Central nervous injury and regeneration repair have always been a hot and difficult scientific questions in neuroscience, such as spinal cord injury (SCI) caused by a traffic accident, fall injury, and war. After SCI, astrocytes further migrate to the injured area and form dense glial scar through proliferation, which not only limits the infiltration of inflammatory cells but also affects axon regeneration. We aim to explore the effect and underlying mechanism of miR-155-5p overexpression promoted astrocyte activation and glial scarring in an SCI model. MiR-155-5p mimic (50 or 100 nm) was used to transfect CTX-TNA2 rat brain primary astrocyte cell line. MiR-155-5p antagonist and miR-155-5p agomir were performed to treat SCI rats. MiR-155-5p mimic dose-dependently promoted astrocyte proliferation, and inhibited cell apoptosis. MiR-155-5p overexpression inhibited nuclear PTEN expression by targeting Nedd4 family interacting protein 1 (Ndfip1). Ndfip1 overexpression reversed astrocyte activation which was induced by miR-155-5p mimic. Meanwhile, Ndfip1 overexpression abolished the inhibition effect of miR-155-5p mimic on PTEN nuclear translocation. In vivo, miR-155-5p silencing improved SCI rat locomotor function and promoted astrocyte activation and glial scar formation. And miR-155-5p overexpression showed the opposite results. MiR-155-5p aggravated astrocyte activation and glial scarring in a SCI model by targeting Ndfip1 expression and inhibiting PTEN nuclear translocation. These findings have ramifications for the development of miRNAs as SCI therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liming He
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Qiang Chang
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Yannan Zhang
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Xiaoming Guan
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Zhuo Ma
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Xu Chen
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Wenbo Liu
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Yakun Li
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Haoyu Feng
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China.
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China.
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China.
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12
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Sterner RC, Sterner RM. Immune response following traumatic spinal cord injury: Pathophysiology and therapies. Front Immunol 2023; 13:1084101. [PMID: 36685598 PMCID: PMC9853461 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1084101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) is a devastating condition that is often associated with significant loss of function and/or permanent disability. The pathophysiology of SCI is complex and occurs in two phases. First, the mechanical damage from the trauma causes immediate acute cell dysfunction and cell death. Then, secondary mechanisms of injury further propagate the cell dysfunction and cell death over the course of days, weeks, or even months. Among the secondary injury mechanisms, inflammation has been shown to be a key determinant of the secondary injury severity and significantly worsens cell death and functional outcomes. Thus, in addition to surgical management of SCI, selectively targeting the immune response following SCI could substantially decrease the progression of secondary injury and improve patient outcomes. In order to develop such therapies, a detailed molecular understanding of the timing of the immune response following SCI is necessary. Recently, several studies have mapped the cytokine/chemokine and cell proliferation patterns following SCI. In this review, we examine the immune response underlying the pathophysiology of SCI and assess both current and future therapies including pharmaceutical therapies, stem cell therapy, and the exciting potential of extracellular vesicle therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert C. Sterner
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Rosalie M. Sterner
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States,*Correspondence: Rosalie M. Sterner,
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13
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Zhang X, Xu L, Chen X, Zhou X, Cao L. Acacetin alleviates neuroinflammation and oxidative stress injury via the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway in a mouse model of spinal cord injury. Transl Neurosci 2022; 13:483-494. [PMID: 36590896 PMCID: PMC9773099 DOI: 10.1515/tnsci-2022-0266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a severe central nervous system disease, which may cause serious locomotor deficit. Acacetin is a flavone that possesses antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects in different human diseases. The main purpose of this study was to explore whether acacetin ameliorates SCI in mice. A model of SCI was established in C57BL/6 mice. The Basso Mouse Scale (BMS) score, BMS subscore, mechanical hypersensitivity, and thermal hypersensitivity of mice were tested for determining the motor function. Immunofluorescence staining was utilized to detect NeuN, GFAP, and Iba-1 levels in spinal cord tissues. ELISA was utilized to assess the contents of proinflammatory factors such as interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-18, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) in spinal cord tissues. The levels of oxidative stress markers, reactive oxygen species, thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances, superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione were detected using their corresponding kits. Western blot was employed for estimating the levels of heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1), nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), and Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap-1). In this study, acacetin treatment recovered the motor function in SCI mice. Acacetin improved neuron integrity and repressed glial cell activation in the spinal cord tissues of SCI mice. Furthermore, acacetin administration reduced the SCI-induced high concentrations of IL-1β, IL-18, and TNF-α, as well as inhibited oxidative stress in SCI mice. Moreover, acacetin activated HO-1/Nrf2 pathway in SCI mice. The neuroprotective effects of acacetin against SCI were reversed by Nrf2 inhibitor. Overall, acacetin alleviated neuroinflammation and oxidative stress injury by activating the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway in the mouse models of SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Zhang
- Department of Orthopedic, Huangshi Central Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei Polytechnic University, Edong Healthcare Group, No. 141 Tianjin Road, Huangshi 435000, Hubei, China
| | - Lijun Xu
- Department of Radiology, Huangshi Central Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei Polytechnic University, Edong Healthcare Group, Huangshi 435000, Hubei, China
| | - Xiang Chen
- Department of Orthopedic, Huangshi Central Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei Polytechnic University, Edong Healthcare Group, No. 141 Tianjin Road, Huangshi 435000, Hubei, China
| | - Xianjie Zhou
- Department of Orthopedic, Huangshi Central Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei Polytechnic University, Edong Healthcare Group, No. 141 Tianjin Road, Huangshi 435000, Hubei, China
| | - Lanhua Cao
- Department of Orthopedic, Huangshi Central Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei Polytechnic University, Edong Healthcare Group, No. 141 Tianjin Road, Huangshi 435000, Hubei, China
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14
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Fu SP, Chen SY, Pang QM, Zhang M, Wu XC, Wan X, Wan WH, Ao J, Zhang T. Advances in the research of the role of macrophage/microglia polarization-mediated inflammatory response in spinal cord injury. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1014013. [PMID: 36532022 PMCID: PMC9751019 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1014013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
It is often difficult to regain neurological function following spinal cord injury (SCI). Neuroinflammation is thought to be responsible for this failure. Regulating the inflammatory response post-SCI may contribute to the recovery of neurological function. Over the past few decades, studies have found that macrophages/microglia are one of the primary effector cells in the inflammatory response following SCI. Growing evidence has documented that macrophages/microglia are plastic cells that can polarize in response to microenvironmental signals into M1 and M2 macrophages/microglia. M1 produces pro-inflammatory cytokines to induce inflammation and worsen tissue damage, while M2 has anti-inflammatory activities in wound healing and tissue regeneration. Recent studies have indicated that the transition from the M1 to the M2 phenotype of macrophage/microglia supports the regression of inflammation and tissue repair. Here, we will review the role of the inflammatory response and macrophages/microglia in SCI and repair. In addition, we will discuss potential molecular mechanisms that induce macrophage/microglia polarization, with emphasis on neuroprotective therapies that modulate macrophage/microglia polarization, which will provide new insights into therapeutic strategies for SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheng-Ping Fu
- Key Laboratory of Cell Engineering of Guizhou Province, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China,Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
| | - Si-Yu Chen
- Key Laboratory of Cell Engineering of Guizhou Province, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
| | - Qi-Ming Pang
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
| | - Meng Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Cell Engineering of Guizhou Province, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
| | - Xiang-Chong Wu
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
| | - Xue Wan
- Key Laboratory of Cell Engineering of Guizhou Province, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China,Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Ministry of Education, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
| | - Wei-Hong Wan
- Key Laboratory of Cell Engineering of Guizhou Province, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China,Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Ministry of Education, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
| | - Jun Ao
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
| | - Tao Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Cell Engineering of Guizhou Province, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China,Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China,Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Ministry of Education, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China,The Clinical Stem Cell Research Institute, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China,*Correspondence: Tao Zhang,
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15
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Patil V, Bohara R, Winter C, Kilcoyne M, McMahon S, Pandit A. An insight into new glycotherapeutics in glial inflammation: Understanding the role of glycosylation in mitochondrial function and acute to the chronic phases of inflammation. CNS Neurosci Ther 2022; 29:429-444. [PMID: 36377513 PMCID: PMC9804060 DOI: 10.1111/cns.14016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Revised: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Glycosylation plays a critical role during inflammation and glial scar formation upon spinal cord injury (SCI) disease progression. Astrocytes and microglia are involved in this cascade to modulate the inflammation and tissue remodeling from acute to chronic phases. Therefore, understating the glycan changes in these glial cells is paramount. METHOD AND RESULTS A lectin microarray was undertaken using a cytokine-driven inflammatory mixed glial culture model, revealing considerable differential glycosylation from the acute to the chronic phase in a cytokine-combination generated inflamed MGC model. It was found that several N- and O-linked glycans associated with glia during SCI were differentially regulated. Pearson's correlation hierarchical clustering showed that groups were separated into several clusters, illustrating the heterogenicity among the control, cytokine combination, and LPS treated groups and the day on which treatment was given. Control and LPS treatments were observed to be in dense clusters. This was further confirmed with lectin immunostaining in which GalNAc, GlcNAc, mannose, fucose and sialic acid-binding residues were detected in astrocytes and microglia. However, the sialyltransferase inhibitor inhibited this modification (upregulation of the sialic acid expression), which indeed modulates the mitochondrial functions. CONCLUSIONS The present study is the first functional investigation of glycosylation modulation in a mixed glial culture model, which elucidates the role of the glycome in neuroinflammation in progression and identified potential therapeutic targets for future glyco therapeutics in neuroinflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vaibhav Patil
- CÚRAM, SFI Research Centre for Medical DevicesUniversity of GalwayGalwayIreland
| | - Raghvendra Bohara
- CÚRAM, SFI Research Centre for Medical DevicesUniversity of GalwayGalwayIreland
| | - Carla Winter
- CÚRAM, SFI Research Centre for Medical DevicesUniversity of GalwayGalwayIreland
| | - Michelle Kilcoyne
- CÚRAM, SFI Research Centre for Medical DevicesUniversity of GalwayGalwayIreland,MicrobiologyUniversity of GalwayGalwayIreland
| | - Siobhan McMahon
- CÚRAM, SFI Research Centre for Medical DevicesUniversity of GalwayGalwayIreland,AnatomyGalwayIreland
| | - Abhay Pandit
- CÚRAM, SFI Research Centre for Medical DevicesUniversity of GalwayGalwayIreland
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16
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Zhong X, Chen Z, Wang Y, Mao M, Deng Y, Shi M, Xu Y, Chen L, Cao W. JQ1 attenuates neuroinflammation by inhibiting the inflammasome-dependent canonical pyroptosis pathway in SAE. Brain Res Bull 2022; 189:174-183. [PMID: 36100190 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2022.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Revised: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Sepsis-associated encephalopathy (SAE) manifests clinically in hyperneuroinflammation. Pyroptosis, which can induce an inflammatory cascade response, has been considered to be a causative factor of SAE. Evidence has shown that the bromo- and extraterminal (BET) proteins (including BRD2, BRD3, BRD4 and BRDT) inhibitor JQ1 can inhibit inflammation and suppress pyroptosis in various diseases. Therefore, we examined the effect of JQ1 on inflammasome-induced pyroptosis in the hippocampus in a mouse model of sepsis induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) injection. The results showed that JQ1 treatment alleviated sepsis-related symptoms, protected the blood-brain barrier (BBB), as indicated by upregulated expression of the tight junction proteins occludin and ZO-1, and remarkably rescued neuronal damage in SAE mice. Mechanistically, we demonstrated that JQ1 intervention inhibited the expression of BRD proteins and decreased the expression of inflammasomes by blocking phospho-nuclear factor kappa B (p-NF-κB) signalling, attenuating the canonical pyroptosis (mediated by cleaved-Caspase1/11) pathway and the release of proinflammatory factors in the hippocampus of septic mice. Interestingly, we also found that JQ1 selectively suppressed the activation of hippocampal microglia in SAE mice. Thus, JQ1 protected the hippocampal BBB and neuronal damage through the attenuation of neuroinflammation by inhibiting the inflammasome-dependent canonical pyroptosis pathway induced by LPS injection in mice, and JQ1 may be a promising target for the prevention of SAE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolin Zhong
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, 421001 Hengyang, Hunan, China
| | - Zuyao Chen
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, 421001 Hengyang, Hunan, China
| | - Yajuan Wang
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, 421001, Hengyang, Hunan, China
| | - Mingli Mao
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, 421001 Hengyang, Hunan, China
| | - Yingcheng Deng
- Clinical Anatomy & Reproductive Medicine Application Institute, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, 421001 Hengyang, Hunan, China
| | - Mengmeng Shi
- Clinical Anatomy & Reproductive Medicine Application Institute, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, 421001 Hengyang, Hunan, China
| | - Yang Xu
- Institute of Neuroscience, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, 421001 Hengyang, Hunan, China
| | - Ling Chen
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, 421001 Hengyang, Hunan, China.
| | - Wenyu Cao
- Clinical Anatomy & Reproductive Medicine Application Institute, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, 421001 Hengyang, Hunan, China.
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17
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WKYMVm/FPR2 Alleviates Spinal Cord Injury by Attenuating the Inflammatory Response of Microglia. Mediators Inflamm 2022; 2022:4408099. [PMID: 35935810 PMCID: PMC9348919 DOI: 10.1155/2022/4408099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a common traumatic disease of the nervous system. The pathophysiological process of SCI includes primary injury and secondary injuries. An excessive inflammatory response leads to secondary tissue damage, which in turn exacerbates cellular and organ dysfunction. Due to the irreversibility of primary injury, current research on SCI mainly focuses on secondary injury, and the inflammatory response is considered the primary target. Thus, modulating the inflammatory response has been suggested as a new strategy for the treatment of SCI. In this study, microglial cell lines, primary microglia, and a rat SCI model were used, and we found that WKYMVm/FPR2 plays an anti-inflammatory role and reduces tissue damage after SCI by suppressing the extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1 and 2 (ERK1/2) and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling pathways. FPR2 was activated by WKYMVm, suppressing the secretion of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) by inhibiting M1 microglial polarization. Moreover, FPR2 activation by WKYMVm could reduce structural disorders and neuronal loss in SCI rats. Overall, this study illustrated that the activation of FPR2 by WKYMVm repressed M1 microglial polarization by suppressing the ERK1/2 and NF-κB signaling pathways to alleviate tissue damage and locomotor decline after SCI. These findings provide further insight into SCI and help identify novel treatment strategies.
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18
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Xia L, Qi J, Tang M, Liu J, Zhang D, Zhu Y, Hu B. Continual Deletion of Spinal Microglia Reforms Astrocyte Scar Favoring Axonal Regeneration. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:881195. [PMID: 35833026 PMCID: PMC9271995 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.881195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Astrocyte scar formation after spinal cord injury (SCI) efficiently limits the accurate damage but physically restricts the following axon regeneration. Lately, fine tuning scar formation is becoming a novel strategy to develop SCI treatment, yet how to leverage these opposite effects remains challenging. Here, utilizing an improved drug administration approach, we show that in a mouse model of spinal cord injury, continual deletion of microglia, especially upon scar formation, by pexidartinib decreases the amount of microglia-derived collagen I and reforms the astrocyte scar. The astrocytes become less compacted in the scar, which permits axon regeneration and extension. Although continual microglia deletion did not significantly improve the locomotive performance of the SCI mice, it did ameliorate their weight loss, possibly by improving their relevant health conditions. We thus identified a novel approach to regulate astrocyte scars for improved axon regeneration, which is indicative of the clinical treatment of SCI patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Longkuo Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Beijing, China
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Jianhuan Qi
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Beijing, China
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Mingming Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Beijing, China
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Beijing, China
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Da Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Beijing, China
| | - Yanbing Zhu
- Beijing Clinical Research Institute, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Yanbing Zhu, ; Baoyang Hu,
| | - Baoyang Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Beijing, China
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, China
- National Stem Cell Resource Center, Institute of Zoology (CAS), Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Yanbing Zhu, ; Baoyang Hu,
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19
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Cerqueira SR, Benavides S, Lee HE, Ayad NG, Lee JK. BET protein inhibition promotes non-myeloid cell mediated neuroprotection after rodent spinal cord contusion. Exp Neurol 2022; 352:114035. [PMID: 35276206 PMCID: PMC10998280 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2022.114035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Revised: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Spinal cord injuries (SCI) often lead to multiple neurological deficits as a result from the initial trauma and also the secondary damage that follows. Despite abundant preclinical data proposing anti-inflammatory therapies to minimize secondary injury and improve functional recovery, the field still lacks an effective neuroprotective treatment. Epigenetic proteins, such as bromodomain and extraterminal domain (BET) proteins, are emerging as new targets to regulate inflammation. More importantly, pharmacological inhibition of BET proteins suppresses pro-inflammatory gene transcription after SCI. In this study, we tested the therapeutic potential of inhibiting BET proteins after SCI with clinically relevant compounds, and investigated the role of the BET protein BRD4 in macrophages during progression of SCI pathology. Systemic inhibition of BET proteins with I-BET762 significantly reduced lesion size 8 weeks after a contusion injury in rats. However, we observed no histological or locomotor improvements after SCI when we deleted Brd4 in macrophages through the use of myeloid-specific Brd4 knockout mice or after macrophage-targeted pharmacological BET inhibition. Taken together, our data indicate that systemic I-BET762 treatment is neuroprotective, and the histopathological improvement observed is likely to be a result of effects on non-macrophage targets. Expanding our understanding on the role of BET proteins after SCI is necessary to identify novel therapeutic targets that can effectively promote repair after SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susana R Cerqueira
- The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Sofia Benavides
- The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Ha Eun Lee
- The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Nagi G Ayad
- The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA; The University of Miami Brain Tumor Initiative, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA.
| | - Jae K Lee
- The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA.
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20
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Zhang S, Bai P, Lei D, Liang Y, Zhen S, Bakiasi G, Pang H, Choi SH, Wang C, Tanzi RE, Zhang C. Degradation and inhibition of epigenetic regulatory protein BRD4 exacerbate Alzheimer's disease-related neuropathology in cell models. J Biol Chem 2022; 298:101794. [PMID: 35248531 PMCID: PMC8958546 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2022.101794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [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: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic regulation plays substantial roles in human pathophysiology, which provides opportunities for intervention in human disorders through the targeting of epigenetic pathways. Recently, emerging evidence from preclinical studies suggested the potential in developing therapeutics of Alzheimer's disease (AD) by targeting bromodomain containing protein 4 (BRD4), an epigenetic regulatory protein. However, further characterization of AD-related pathological events is urgently required. Here, we investigated the effects of pharmacological degradation or inhibition of BRD4 on AD cell models. Interestingly, we found that both degradation and inhibition of BRD4 by ARV-825 and JQ1, respectively, robustly increased the levels of amyloid-beta (Aβ), which has been associated with the neuropathology of AD. Subsequently, we characterized the mechanisms by which downregulation of BRD4 increases Aβ levels. We found that both degradation and inhibition of BRD4 increased the levels of BACE1, the enzyme responsible for cleavage of the amyloid-beta protein precursor (APP) to generate Aβ. Consistent with Aβ increase, we also found that downregulation of BRD4 increased AD-related phosphorylated Tau (pTau) protein in our 3D-AD human neural cell culture model. Therefore, our results suggest that downregulation of BRD4 would not be a viable strategy for AD intervention. Collectively, our study not only shows that BRD4 is a novel epigenetic component that regulates BACE1 and Aβ levels, but also provides novel and translational insights into the targeting of BRD4 for potential clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siyi Zhang
- Genetics and Aging Research Unit, McCance Center for Brain Health, MassGeneral Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases (MIND), Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, Massachusetts, USA; Department of Forensic Medicine, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Ping Bai
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Dan Lei
- Genetics and Aging Research Unit, McCance Center for Brain Health, MassGeneral Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases (MIND), Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Yingxia Liang
- Genetics and Aging Research Unit, McCance Center for Brain Health, MassGeneral Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases (MIND), Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Sherri Zhen
- Genetics and Aging Research Unit, McCance Center for Brain Health, MassGeneral Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases (MIND), Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Grisilda Bakiasi
- Genetics and Aging Research Unit, McCance Center for Brain Health, MassGeneral Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases (MIND), Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Hao Pang
- Department of Forensic Medicine, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Se Hoon Choi
- Genetics and Aging Research Unit, McCance Center for Brain Health, MassGeneral Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases (MIND), Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Changning Wang
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, Massachusetts, USA.
| | - Rudolph E Tanzi
- Genetics and Aging Research Unit, McCance Center for Brain Health, MassGeneral Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases (MIND), Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Can Zhang
- Genetics and Aging Research Unit, McCance Center for Brain Health, MassGeneral Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases (MIND), Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, Massachusetts, USA.
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21
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Zhou HJ, Wang LQ, Zhan RY, Zheng XJ, Zheng JS. lncRNA MEG3 restrained the M1 polarization of microglia in acute spinal cord injury through the HuR/A20/NF-κB axis. Brain Pathol 2022; 32:e13070. [PMID: 35338543 PMCID: PMC9425005 DOI: 10.1111/bpa.13070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2021] [Revised: 12/31/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The M1 polarization of microglia and neuroinflammation restrict the treatment of acute spinal cord injury (ASCI), and long non‐coding ribonucleic acid (lncRNA) maternally expressed gene 3 (MEG3) expression is lessened in ASCI. However, the function and mechanism of lncRNA MEG3 in the M1 polarization of microglia and neuroinflammation in ASCI are unclear. The expressions of lncRNA MEG3 in ASCI mouse spinal cord tissues and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐treated primary microglia and BV2 cells were quantified through a quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction. In‐vitro assays were conducted to explore the function of lncRNA MEG3 in the M1 polarization of microglia and neuroinflammation in ASCI. RNA degradation, RNA immunoprecipitation, RNA pull‐down, cycloheximide‐chase, and ubiquitination analyses were carried out to probe into the mechanism of lncRNA MEG3 in the M1 polarization of microglia and neuroinflammation in ASCI. The lncRNA MEG3 expression was lessened in the ASCI mouse spinal cord tissues and LPS‐treated primary microglia and BV2 cells, and the overexpression of lncRNA MEG3 restrained the M1 polarization of microglia and the neuroinflammation by regulating the NF‐κB signaling pathway. For the investigation of the potential mechanism of such, the overexpression of lncRNA MEG3 restrained the M1 polarization of microglia through the HuR/A20/NF‐κB axis and boosted the motor function recovery and neuroinflammation relief in the mice with SCI. The overexpression of lncRNA MEG3 restrained the M1 polarization of microglia through the HuR/A20/NF‐κB axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heng-Jun Zhou
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Li-Qing Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ren-Ya Zhan
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiu-Jue Zheng
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jie-Sheng Zheng
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
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22
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A synthetic resveratrol analog termed Q205 reactivates latent HIV-1 through activation of P-TEFb. Biochem Pharmacol 2021; 197:114901. [PMID: 34971588 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2021.114901] [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: 09/02/2021] [Revised: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The persistence of HIV-1 latent reservoir creates the major obstacle toward an HIV-1 cure. The "shock and kill" strategy aims to reverse HIV-1 proviral latency using latency-reversing agents (LRAs), thus boosting immune recognition and clearance to residual infected cells. Unfortunately, to date, none of these tested LRA candidates has been demonstrated effectiveness and/or safety in reactivation HIV-1 latency. The discovery and development of effective, safe and affordable LRA candidates are urgently needed for creating an HIV-1 functional cure. Here, we designed and synthesized a series of small-molecule phenoxyacetic acid derivatives based on the resveratrol scaffold and found one of them, named 5, 7-dimethoxy-2-(5-(methoxymethyl) furan-2-yl) quinazolin-4(3H)-one (Q205), effectively reactivated latent HIV-1 in latent HIV-1-infected cells without a corresponding increase in induction of potentially damaging cytokines. The molecular mechanism of Q205 is shown to increase the phosphorylation of the CDK9 T-loop at position Thr186, dissociate positive transcription elongation factor b (P-TEFb) from BRD4, and promote the Tat-mediated HIV-1 transcription and RNA polymerase II (RNAPII) C-terminal domain (CTD) on Ser (CTD-Ser2P) to bind to the HIV promoter. This study provides a unique insight into resveratrol modified derivatives as promising leads for preclinical LRAs, which in turn may help toward inhibitor design and chemical optimization for improving HIV-1 shock-and kill-based efforts.
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23
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Hellenbrand DJ, Quinn CM, Piper ZJ, Morehouse CN, Fixel JA, Hanna AS. Inflammation after spinal cord injury: a review of the critical timeline of signaling cues and cellular infiltration. J Neuroinflammation 2021; 18:284. [PMID: 34876174 PMCID: PMC8653609 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-021-02337-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 205] [Impact Index Per Article: 68.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 03/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) is a devastating neurological condition that results in a loss of motor and sensory function. Although extensive research to develop treatments for SCI has been performed, to date, none of these treatments have produced a meaningful amount of functional recovery after injury. The primary injury is caused by the initial trauma to the spinal cord and results in ischemia, oxidative damage, edema, and glutamate excitotoxicity. This process initiates a secondary injury cascade, which starts just a few hours post-injury and may continue for more than 6 months, leading to additional cell death and spinal cord damage. Inflammation after SCI is complex and driven by a diverse set of cells and signaling molecules. In this review, we utilize an extensive literature survey to develop the timeline of local immune cell and cytokine behavior after SCI in rodent models. We discuss the precise functional roles of several key cytokines and their effects on a variety of cell types involved in the secondary injury cascade. Furthermore, variations in the inflammatory response between rats and mice are highlighted. Since current SCI treatment options do not successfully initiate functional recovery or axonal regeneration, identifying the specific mechanisms attributed to secondary injury is critical. With a more thorough understanding of the complex SCI pathophysiology, effective therapeutic targets with realistic timelines for intervention may be established to successfully attenuate secondary damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J Hellenbrand
- Department of Neurological Surgery, School of Medicine and Public Health (UWSMPH), University of Wisconsin, 600 Highland Ave, Madison, WI, 53792, USA
| | - Charles M Quinn
- Department of Neurological Surgery, School of Medicine and Public Health (UWSMPH), University of Wisconsin, 600 Highland Ave, Madison, WI, 53792, USA
| | - Zachariah J Piper
- Department of Neurological Surgery, School of Medicine and Public Health (UWSMPH), University of Wisconsin, 600 Highland Ave, Madison, WI, 53792, USA
| | - Carolyn N Morehouse
- Department of Neurological Surgery, School of Medicine and Public Health (UWSMPH), University of Wisconsin, 600 Highland Ave, Madison, WI, 53792, USA
| | - Jordyn A Fixel
- Department of Neurological Surgery, School of Medicine and Public Health (UWSMPH), University of Wisconsin, 600 Highland Ave, Madison, WI, 53792, USA
| | - Amgad S Hanna
- Department of Neurological Surgery, School of Medicine and Public Health (UWSMPH), University of Wisconsin, 600 Highland Ave, Madison, WI, 53792, USA.
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24
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Sun X, Yang P. Inhibition of BRD4 inhibits proliferation and promotes apoptosis of psoriatic keratinocytes. Biomed Eng Online 2021; 20:107. [PMID: 34674702 PMCID: PMC8529830 DOI: 10.1186/s12938-021-00943-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Psoriasis is a common chronic recurrent inflammatory skin disease. The pathogenesis of psoriasis, such as other autoimmune diseases, is still unclear, which brings great difficulties to the treatment. This study aimed to investigate the role of bromine domain protein 4 (BRD4) in affecting the psoriatic keratinocytes. Methods Imiquimod-induced psoriasis mice model and TNF-α or IL-17A induced HaCAT cells, an experimental model in vitro for psoriasis, were constructed. The pathological skin changes at the back of mice were observed by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) assay and evaluated by psoriasis area and severity index (PASI). KI67 expression and keratinocyte apoptosis at the skin tissues were, respectively, detected by Immunohistochemical analysis and TUNEL assay. The inflammatory factors in mice serum and culture supernatant were determined by ELISA assay. The related proteins expression of proliferation, apoptosis and MAPK pathway were detected by Western blot analysis. Results BRD4 expression was upregulated in injured skin on the back of imiquimod-induced mice and (+)-JQ1 relieved the skin injury by suppressing the inflammation and promoting apoptosis of keratinocytes. Consistently, BRD4 expression was also increased in TNF-α or IL-17A induced HaCAT cells. (+)-JQ1 suppressed the viability and inflammation, and promoted apoptosis of TNF-α or IL-17A induced HaCAT cells. In addition, the MAPK signaling pathway was inhibited by (+)-JQ1 whether in mice or HaCAT cells. Conclusions Inhibition of BRD4 inhibited proliferation and inflammation and promoted apoptosis of psoriatic keratinocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohui Sun
- Department of Dermatology, Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250014, Shandong, China
| | - Pengfei Yang
- Department of Dermatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Jinan Clinical Research Center for Tissue Engineering Skin Regeneration and Wound Repair, 16766 Jingshi Road, Jinan, 250014, Shandong, China.
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25
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Liu L, Yang C, Candelario-Jalil E. Role of BET Proteins in Inflammation and CNS Diseases. Front Mol Biosci 2021; 8:748449. [PMID: 34604312 PMCID: PMC8481655 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.748449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Bromodomain and extra-terminal domain (BET) proteins consist of four mammalian members (BRD2, BRD3, BRD4, and BRDT), which play a pivotal role in the transcriptional regulation of the inflammatory response. Dysregulated inflammation is a key pathological process in various CNS disorders through multiple mechanisms, including NF-κB and Nrf2 pathways, two well-known master regulators of inflammation. A better mechanistic understanding of the BET proteins’ role in regulating the inflammatory process is of great significance since it could reveal novel therapeutic targets to reduce neuroinflammation associated with many CNS diseases. In this minireview, we first outline the structural features of BET proteins and summarize genetic and pharmacological approaches for BET inhibition, including novel strategies using proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs). We emphasize in vitro and in vivo evidence of the interplay between BET proteins and NF-κB and Nrf2 signaling pathways. Finally, we summarize recent studies showing that BET proteins are essential regulators of inflammation and neuropathology in various CNS diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Liu
- Department of Neuroscience, McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Changjun Yang
- Department of Neuroscience, McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Eduardo Candelario-Jalil
- Department of Neuroscience, McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
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26
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Romanelli MN, Borgonetti V, Galeotti N. Dual BET/HDAC inhibition to relieve neuropathic pain: Recent advances, perspectives, and future opportunities. Pharmacol Res 2021; 173:105901. [PMID: 34547384 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2021.105901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Revised: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Despite the intense research on developing new therapies for neuropathic pain states, available treatments have limited efficacy and unfavorable safety profiles. Epigenetic alterations have a great influence on the development of cancer and neurological diseases, as well as neuropathic pain. Histone acetylation has prevailed as one of the well investigated epigenetic modifications in these diseases. Altered spinal activity of histone deacetylase (HDAC) and Bromo and Extra terminal domain (BET) have been described in neuropathic pain models and restoration of these aberrant epigenetic modifications showed pain-relieving activity. Over the last decades HDACs and BETs have been the focus of drug discovery studies, leading to the development of numerous small-molecule inhibitors. Clinical trials to evaluate their anticancer activity showed good efficacy but raised toxicity concerns that limited translation to the clinic. To maximize activity and minimize toxicity, these compounds can be applied in combination of sub-maximal doses to produce additive or synergistic interactions (combination therapy). Recently, of particular interest, dual BET/HDAC inhibitors (multi-target drugs) have been developed to assure simultaneous modulation of BET and HDAC activity by a single molecule. This review will summarize the most recent advances with these strategies, describing advantages and limitations of single drug treatment vs combination regimens. This review will also provide a focus on dual BET/HDAC drug discovery investigations as future therapeutic opportunity for human therapy of neuropathic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Novella Romanelli
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health (NEUROFARBA), Section of Pharmaceutical and Nutraceutical Sciences, University of Florence, Via Ugo Schiff 6, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Vittoria Borgonetti
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health (NEUROFARBA), Section of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Florence, Viale G. Pieraccini 6, 50139 Florence, Italy
| | - Nicoletta Galeotti
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health (NEUROFARBA), Section of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Florence, Viale G. Pieraccini 6, 50139 Florence, Italy.
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27
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Gong Z, Liu G, Liu W, Zou H, Song R, Zhao H, Yuan Y, Gu J, Bian J, Zhu J, Liu Z. The epigenetic regulator BRD4 is involved in cadmium-triggered inflammatory response in rat kidney. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2021; 224:112620. [PMID: 34392152 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2021.112620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2021] [Revised: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 08/08/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Cadmium (Cd) has been described as a potential inflammatory inducer, while increasing evidence shows that inappropriate inflammation is a contributing factor to kidney injury. Hence, research on Cd-triggered inflammatory response is of great significance for elucidating the mechanism of Cd-induced nephrotoxicity. Bromodomain-containing 4 (BRD4) is an important epigenetic regulator involved in the development of many inflammatory diseases, but its regulatory roles in Cd-triggered inflammatory response remain to be clarified. Here, we found that treatment with Cd in Sprague-Dawley rats (2 mg/kg bw, i.p., 5 consecutive days) and in rat kidney cell line (NRK-52E, 0-10 μM, 12 h) induced the transcription of inflammatory cytokines, which could be reduced by JQ1 (BRD4 inhibitor, 25 mg/kg bw, i.p., 3 consecutive days in vivo; 0.5 μM, 12 h in vitro) or BRD4 small interfering RNA (siRNA, in vitro), suggesting that BRD4 participates in Cd-triggered inflammatory response. Next, our study clarified the roles of BRD4 in Cd-triggered inflammatory response. The inhibition of BRD4 decreased Cd-promoted NF-κB nuclear translocation and activation in vivo and in vitro. Cd increased the acetylation level of RelA K310 and enhanced BRD4 binding to acetylated NF-κB RelA in vivo and in vitro, which were abrogated by inhibiting BRD4. In summary, our study suggests that BRD4 is involved in Cd-triggered transcription of inflammatory cytokines by mediating the activation of NF-κB signaling pathway and increasing itself binding to acetylated NF-κB RelA in rat kidney, therefore, BRD4 could be a potential therapeutic target for Cd-induced renal diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhonggui Gong
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, PR China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of the Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, PR China; Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, PR China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Yangzhou, PR China
| | - Gang Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, PR China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of the Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, PR China; Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, PR China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Yangzhou, PR China
| | - Wenjing Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, PR China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of the Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, PR China; Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, PR China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Yangzhou, PR China
| | - Hui Zou
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, PR China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of the Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, PR China; Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, PR China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Yangzhou, PR China
| | - Ruilong Song
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, PR China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of the Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, PR China; Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, PR China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Yangzhou, PR China
| | - Hongyan Zhao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, PR China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of the Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, PR China; Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, PR China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Yangzhou, PR China
| | - Yan Yuan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, PR China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of the Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, PR China; Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, PR China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Yangzhou, PR China
| | - Jianhong Gu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, PR China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of the Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, PR China; Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, PR China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Yangzhou, PR China
| | - Jianchun Bian
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, PR China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of the Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, PR China; Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, PR China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Yangzhou, PR China
| | - Jiaqiao Zhu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, PR China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of the Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, PR China; Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, PR China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Yangzhou, PR China.
| | - Zongping Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, PR China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of the Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, PR China; Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, PR China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Yangzhou, PR China.
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Lara-Ureña N, García-Domínguez M. Relevance of BET Family Proteins in SARS-CoV-2 Infection. Biomolecules 2021; 11:1126. [PMID: 34439792 PMCID: PMC8391731 DOI: 10.3390/biom11081126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Revised: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The recent pandemic we are experiencing caused by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has put the world's population on the rack, with more than 191 million cases and more than 4.1 million deaths confirmed to date. This disease is caused by a new type of coronavirus, the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). A massive proteomic analysis has revealed that one of the structural proteins of the virus, the E protein, interacts with BRD2 and BRD4 proteins of the Bromodomain and Extra Terminal domain (BET) family of proteins. BETs are essential to cell cycle progression, inflammation and immune response and have also been strongly associated with infection by different types of viruses. The fundamental role BET proteins play in transcription makes them appropriate targets for the propagation strategies of some viruses. Recognition of histone acetylation by BET bromodomains is essential for transcription control. The development of drugs mimicking acetyl groups, and thereby able to displace BET proteins from chromatin, has boosted interest on BETs as attractive targets for therapeutic intervention. The success of these drugs against a variety of diseases in cellular and animal models has been recently enlarged with promising results from SARS-CoV-2 infection studies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mario García-Domínguez
- Andalusian Centre for Molecular Biology and Regenerative Medicine (CABIMER), CSIC-Universidad de Sevilla-Universidad Pablo de Olavide, Av. Américo Vespucio 24, 41092 Seville, Spain;
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Wang W, Wang R, Jiang Z, Li H, Zhu Z, Khalid A, Liu D, Pan F. Inhibiting Brd4 alleviated PTSD-like behaviors and fear memory through regulating immediate early genes expression and neuroinflammation in rats. J Neurochem 2021; 158:912-927. [PMID: 34050937 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2021] [Revised: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is characterized by depression/anxiety and memory failure, primarily fear memory. According to the reports, neuroinflammation and synaptic plasticity can play a role in the neurophysiological mechanisms underlying PTSD. Bromodomain-containing protein 4 (Brd4) intriguingly affects regulating of inflammatory responses and learning and memory. This study aimed to explore the effect of inhibiting Brd4 on depression/anxiety-like behaviors, spatial and fear memory, and underlying mechanisms in a model of PTSD. Inescapable foot shocks (IFS) with a sound reminder in 6 days were used to induce PTSD-like behaviors which were tested using contextual and cue fear tests, sucrose preference test, open-field test, elevated plus maze test, and Y-maze test. Meanwhile, the Brd4 inhibitor JQ1 was used as an intervention. The results found that IFS induced PTSD-like behaviors and indicated obvious Brd4 expression in microglia of the prefrontal cortex (PFC), hippocampus, and amygdala, pro-inflammatory cytokines over-expression, microglial activation, and nuclear factor-kappa B over-expression in PFC and hippocampus but not in amygdala. Meanwhile, the alterations of immediate early genes (IEGs) were found in PFC, hippocampus, and amygdala. Besides, dendritic spine density was reduced in PFC and hippocampus but was elevated in amygdala of rats with IFS. In addition, treatment with JQ1 significantly reduced freezing time in the contextual and cue fear test, reversed the behavioral impairment, decreased the elevated neuroinflammation, and normalized the alteration in IEGs and dendritic spine densities. The results suggested that Brd4 was involved in IFS-induced PTSD-like behaviors through regulating neuroinflammation, dynamics of IEGs, and synaptic plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Wang
- Department of Medical Psychology and Ethics, School of Basic Medical Medicine Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, P.R. China
| | - Rui Wang
- Department of Medical Psychology and Ethics, School of Basic Medical Medicine Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, P.R. China
| | - Zhijun Jiang
- Department of Medical Psychology and Ethics, School of Basic Medical Medicine Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, P.R. China
| | - Haonan Li
- Department of Medical Psychology and Ethics, School of Basic Medical Medicine Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, P.R. China
| | - Zemeng Zhu
- Department of Medical Psychology and Ethics, School of Basic Medical Medicine Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, P.R. China
| | - Arslan Khalid
- Department of Medical Psychology and Ethics, School of Basic Medical Medicine Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, P.R. China
| | - Dexiang Liu
- Department of Medical Psychology and Ethics, School of Basic Medical Medicine Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, P.R. China
| | - Fang Pan
- Department of Medical Psychology and Ethics, School of Basic Medical Medicine Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, P.R. China
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30
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Rao J, Shao L, Lin M, Huang J, Fan L. LncRNA UCA1 Accelerates the Progression of Ulcerative Colitis via Mediating the miR-331-3p/BRD4 Axis. Int J Gen Med 2021; 14:2427-2435. [PMID: 34140798 PMCID: PMC8203302 DOI: 10.2147/ijgm.s304837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Ulcerative colitis (UC) has become one of the fastest-growing severe diseases worldwide with high morbidity. This research aimed to explore the function of lncRNA UCA1 in UC progression. Methods RT-qPCR analysis was used to examine the expression of UCA1 level in colonic mucosa tissues of UC patients. Then, fetal human cells (FHCs) were stimulated by LPS to induce inflammatory injury. CCK-8, flow cytometry and ELISA were adopted to determine the influence of UCA1 depletion on cell viability, apoptosis and pro-inflammatory factors levels in LPS-induced FHCs. The interaction between UCA1 and miR-331-3p or BRD4 was confirmed by luciferase reporter assay. The expressions of key factors involved in NF-κB pathway were assessed by Western blotting. Results LncRNA UCA1 level was elevated in colonic mucosa tissues of UC patients. LPS stimulation restrained cell viability and promoted the apoptosis and inflammatory factors levels, thus inducing FHCs inflammatory injury, while these effects were partially abolished by UCA1 knockdown. Moreover, it was found that UCA1 silence improved LPS-triggered cell injury via miR-331-3p. In addition, BRD4 was directly targeted by miR-331-3p, and BRD4 deficiency neutralized the effects of miR-331-3p repression on LPS-triggered injury in LPS-treated FHCs. Conclusion Our data determined that UCA1 knockdown attenuated UC development via targeting the miR-331-3p/BRD4/NF-κB pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Rao
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Affiliated Changzhou No.2 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Lihua Shao
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Affiliated Changzhou No.2 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Min Lin
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Affiliated Changzhou No.2 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Jin Huang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Affiliated Changzhou No.2 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Li Fan
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Affiliated Changzhou No.2 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, People's Republic of China
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31
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Jia X, Huang G, Wang S, Long M, Tang X, Feng D, Zhou Q. Extracellular vesicles derived from mesenchymal stem cells containing microRNA-381 protect against spinal cord injury in a rat model via the BRD4/WNT5A axis. Bone Joint Res 2021; 10:328-339. [PMID: 34024119 PMCID: PMC8160032 DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.105.bjr-2020-0020.r1] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS Non-coding microRNA (miRNA) in extracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) may promote neuronal repair after spinal cord injury (SCI). In this paper we report on the effects of MSC-EV-microRNA-381 (miR-381) in a rodent model of SCI. METHODS In the current study, the luciferase assay confirmed a binding site of bromodomain-containing protein 4 (BRD4) and Wnt family member 5A (WNT5A). Then we detected expression of miR-381, BRD4, and WNT5A in dorsal root ganglia (DRG) cells treated with MSC-isolated EVs and measured neuron apoptosis in culture by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) staining. A rat model of SCI was established to detect the in vivo effect of miR-381 and MSC-EVs on SCI. RESULTS We confirmed an interaction between miR-381 and BRD4, and showed that miR-381 overexpression inhibited the expression of BRD4 in DRG cells as well as the apoptosis of DRG cells through WNT5A via activation of Ras homologous A (RhoA)/Rho-kinase activity. Moreover, treatment of MSC-EVs rescued neuron apoptosis and promoted the recovery of SCI through inhibition of the BRD4/WNT5A axis. CONCLUSION Taken altogether, miR-381 derived from MSC-EVs can promote the recovery of SCI through BRD4/WNT5A axis, providing a new perspective on SCI treatment. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2021;10(5):328-339.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xufeng Jia
- The People's Hospital of Jianyang City, Jianyang, China
| | | | - Shaohua Wang
- The People's Hospital of Jianyang City, Jianyang, China
| | - Miao Long
- The People's Hospital of Jianyang City, Jianyang, China
| | - Xiaojun Tang
- The People's Hospital of Jianyang City, Jianyang, China
| | - Daxiong Feng
- The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Qingzhong Zhou
- The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
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32
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The BET inhibitor attenuates the inflammatory response and cell migration in human microglial HMC3 cell line. Sci Rep 2021; 11:8828. [PMID: 33893325 PMCID: PMC8065145 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-87828-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Accepted: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Microglia, resident macrophages of the brain that act as primary immune cells, play essential roles in innate immunity and neuroinflammatory pathologies. Microglial cells are rapidly activated in response to infection and inflammation/injury, associated with the expression of proinflammatory genes and secretion of cytokines. The bromodomain and extra-terminal (BET) inhibitor JQ1 has been shown to be an epigenetic agent that reduces inflammation. In this study, we investigated the mechanisms underlying the anti-inflammatory and anti-migratory functions of JQ1 and the genes targeted by JQ1 in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated human microglial clone 3 (HMC3) cells using RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq). We analyzed the pattern of inflammation-related genes (chemokines, cytokines, and interferon-stimulated genes) and migration-related genes with JQ1 treatment from differentially expressed genes analysis in HMC3 cells. We found that LPS-induced IRF1 directly regulated inflammation- and migration-related genes and that JQ1 significantly reduced IRF1 and its target genes. Additionally, IRF1 attenuation significantly downregulated target genes and inhibited microglial migration. Our data suggest that the BET inhibitor JQ1 can modulate the inflammatory response and migration through the regulation of LPS-induced IRF1 in human microglia.
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33
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Yang F, Hua Q, Yao LG, Liang LF, Lu YH, An FL, Guo YW. Further new nardosinane-type sesquiterpenoids from the Xisha soft coral Litophyton nigrum. Fitoterapia 2021; 151:104906. [PMID: 33857589 DOI: 10.1016/j.fitote.2021.104906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Revised: 04/02/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Further chemical investigation of the Xisha soft coral Litophyton nigrum has resulted in the isolation of four new nardosinane-type sesquiterpenoids, namely linardosinenes D-G (1-4). The structures of new compounds were elucidated by extensive analyses of their spectroscopic data and by comparison with the reported data of known related ones. All compounds exhibited weak inhibitory effect against bromodomain-containing protein 4 (BRD4), a promising therapeutic target in various human diseases, at a concentration of 10 μM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fan Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Meilong Road, Shanghai 200237, People's Republic of China; State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zu Chong Zhi Road, Zhangjiang Hi-Tech Park, Shanghai 201203, China; Shanghai Collaborative Innovation Center for Biomanufacturing Technology, 130 Meilong Road, Shanghai 200237, People's Republic of China; Biology Department, College of Life and Environment Science, Shanghai Normal University, 100 Guilin Road, Shanghai 200234, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiang Hua
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Meilong Road, Shanghai 200237, People's Republic of China; Shanghai Collaborative Innovation Center for Biomanufacturing Technology, 130 Meilong Road, Shanghai 200237, People's Republic of China
| | - Li-Gong Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zu Chong Zhi Road, Zhangjiang Hi-Tech Park, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Lin-Fu Liang
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, 498 South Shaoshan Road, Changsha 410004, China
| | - Yan-Hua Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Meilong Road, Shanghai 200237, People's Republic of China; Shanghai Collaborative Innovation Center for Biomanufacturing Technology, 130 Meilong Road, Shanghai 200237, People's Republic of China
| | - Fa-Liang An
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Meilong Road, Shanghai 200237, People's Republic of China; Shanghai Collaborative Innovation Center for Biomanufacturing Technology, 130 Meilong Road, Shanghai 200237, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yue-Wei Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zu Chong Zhi Road, Zhangjiang Hi-Tech Park, Shanghai 201203, China.
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34
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Patil V, O'Connell E, Quinlan LR, Fearnhead H, McMahon S, Pandit A. A robust platform for high-throughput screening of therapeutic strategies for acute and chronic spinal cord injury. iScience 2021; 24:102182. [PMID: 33718834 PMCID: PMC7921603 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2021.102182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2020] [Revised: 12/25/2020] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes and microglia are critical regulators of inflammatory cascade after spinal cord injury (SCI). Existing glial in vitro studies do not replicate inflammatory phases associated with SCI. Here, we report an in vitro model of mixed glial culture where inflammation is induced by the administration of pro-inflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β, and interleukin-6) to promote pathologically relevant “acute” and “chronic” inflammatory phases. We observed SCI relevant differential modulation of inflammatory pathways, cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors over 21 days. Mitochondrial dysfunction was associated with a cytokine combination treatment. Highly expressed cytokine induced neutrophil chemoattractant (CINC-3) chemokine was used as a biomarker to establish an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay-based high-throughput screening (HTS) platform. We screened a 786-compound drug library to demonstrate the efficacy of the HTS platform. The developed model is robust and will facilitate in vitro screening of anti-reactive glial therapeutics for the treatment of SCI. An in vitro MGC model replicates the inflammatory phases associated with SCI Differential modulation in NF-κB, MAPK, and immunomodulatory pathways over 21 days Change in mitochondrial bioenergetics over seven days ELISA-based HTS platform using CINC-3 as a biomarker is established
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Affiliation(s)
- Vaibhav Patil
- CÚRAM, SFI Research Centre for Medical Devices, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland
| | - Enda O'Connell
- Genomics and Screening Core Facility, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland
| | - Leo R Quinlan
- CÚRAM, SFI Research Centre for Medical Devices, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland.,Physiology, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland
| | - Howard Fearnhead
- Pharmacology and Therapeutics, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland
| | - Siobhan McMahon
- CÚRAM, SFI Research Centre for Medical Devices, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland.,Anatomy, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland
| | - Abhay Pandit
- CÚRAM, SFI Research Centre for Medical Devices, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland
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35
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Li J, Zhang W, Qiu Q, Zhou D, Feng Z, Tong Z, Wei J, Huang W, Li J, Qian H, Shi W. Design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of novel 4,4-difluoro-1-methyl-N, 6-diphenyl-5, 6-dihydro-4H-pyrimido [4, 5-b] [1, 2, 4] triazolo [4, 3-d] [1, 4] diazepin-8-amine derivatives as potential BRD4 inhibitors. Chem Biol Drug Des 2021; 97:1117-1128. [PMID: 33638254 DOI: 10.1111/cbdd.13833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Revised: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 02/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Bromodomain-containing protein 4 (BRD4) plays an extremely important physiological role in cancer, and the BRD4 inhibitors can effectively inhibit the proliferation of tumor cells. By taking BI-2536 (PLK1 and BRD4 inhibitor) as the lead compound, sixteen novel BRD4 inhibitors with the 4,4-difluoro-1-methyl-N,6-diphenyl-5,6-dihydro-4H-pyrimido[4,5-b] [1,2,4] triazolo[4,3-d] [1,4] diazepine-8-amine structure were designed and synthetized. Among the target compounds, compound 15h exhibited outstanding inhibition for BRD4-BD1 (IC50 value of 0.42 μM) in the BRD4-BD1 inhibitory activity assay. Additionally, cell growth inhibition assay demonstrated that compound 15h potently suppressed the proliferation of MV4-11 cells (IC50 value of 0.51 μM). Besides, compound 15h induced apoptosis and G0/G1 cycle arrest in MV4-11 leukemia cells effectively, and downregulated the expression of c-Myc in a dose-dependent manner. In summary, the optimal compound 15h is expected to become the clinical therapeutic drug for further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiuhui Li
- Center of Drug Discovery, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Wenjie Zhang
- Center of Drug Discovery, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China.,Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Discovery for Metabolic Disease, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Qianqian Qiu
- Center of Drug Discovery, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Daoguang Zhou
- Center of Drug Discovery, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ziying Feng
- Center of Drug Discovery, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhenzhen Tong
- Center of Drug Discovery, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jiaxin Wei
- Center of Drug Discovery, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Wenlong Huang
- Center of Drug Discovery, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China.,Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Discovery for Metabolic Disease, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jieming Li
- Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Hai Qian
- Center of Drug Discovery, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China.,Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Discovery for Metabolic Disease, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Wei Shi
- Center of Drug Discovery, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
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36
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Wang N, Wu R, Tang D, Kang R. The BET family in immunity and disease. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2021; 6:23. [PMID: 33462181 PMCID: PMC7813845 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-020-00384-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 122] [Impact Index Per Article: 40.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2020] [Revised: 09/27/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Innate immunity serves as the rapid and first-line defense against invading pathogens, and this process can be regulated at various levels, including epigenetic mechanisms. The bromodomain and extraterminal domain (BET) family of proteins consists of four conserved mammalian members (BRD2, BRD3, BRD4, and BRDT) that regulate the expression of many immunity-associated genes and pathways. In particular, in response to infection and sterile inflammation, abnormally expressed or dysfunctional BETs are involved in the activation of pattern recognition receptor (e.g., TLR, NLR, and CGAS) pathways, thereby linking chromatin machinery to innate immunity under disease or pathological conditions. Mechanistically, the BET family controls the transcription of a wide range of proinflammatory and immunoregulatory genes by recognizing acetylated histones (mainly H3 and H4) and recruiting transcription factors (e.g., RELA) and transcription elongation complex (e.g., P-TEFb) to the chromatin, thereby promoting the phosphorylation of RNA polymerase II and subsequent transcription initiation and elongation. This review covers the accumulating data about the roles of the BET family in innate immunity, and discusses the attractive prospect of manipulating the BET family as a new treatment for disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nian Wang
- Department of Surgery, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Runliu Wu
- Department of Surgery, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Daolin Tang
- Department of Surgery, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA.
| | - Rui Kang
- Department of Surgery, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA.
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37
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Rai MF. Nip it in the bud: potential for the early treatment of osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis Cartilage 2021; 29:6-7. [PMID: 33075482 DOI: 10.1016/j.joca.2020.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2020] [Revised: 09/05/2020] [Accepted: 09/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- M F Rai
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA; Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA.
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38
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Ye A, Li W, Zhou L, Ao L, Fang W, Li Y. Targeting pyroptosis to regulate ischemic stroke injury: Molecular mechanisms and preclinical evidences. Brain Res Bull 2020; 165:146-160. [PMID: 33065175 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2020.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2020] [Revised: 09/24/2020] [Accepted: 10/01/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Stroke is one of the leading causes of death worldwide with limited therapies. After ischemic stroke occurs, a robust sterile inflammatory response happens and lasts for days and determines neurological prognosis. Pyroptosis is an inflammatory programmed cell death characterized by cleavage of pore-forming proteins gasdermins as a result of activating caspases and inflammasomes. It has morphological characteristics of rapid plasma-membrane rupture and release of proinflammatory intracellular contents as well as cytokines. Recent researches implicate pyroptosis involvement in the pathogenesis of ischemic stroke and inhibition of pyroptosis attenuates ischemic brain injury. In this review, we discussed molecular mechanisms of pyroptosis, evidences for pyroptosis involvement in different kinds of the central nervous system cells, as well as potential inhibitors for intervention of pyroptosis. Based on the review, we hypothesize the feasibility of therapeutic strategies targeting pyroptosis in the context of ischemic stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anqi Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Basic Medical Sciences and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, PR China
| | - Wanting Li
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Basic Medical Sciences and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, PR China
| | - Lin Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Basic Medical Sciences and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, PR China
| | - Luyao Ao
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Basic Medical Sciences and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, PR China
| | - Weirong Fang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Basic Medical Sciences and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, PR China.
| | - Yunman Li
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Basic Medical Sciences and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, PR China.
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39
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Li Y, Xiang J, Zhang J, Lin J, Wu Y, Wang X. Inhibition of Brd4 by JQ1 Promotes Functional Recovery From Spinal Cord Injury by Activating Autophagy. Front Cell Neurosci 2020; 14:555591. [PMID: 32982695 PMCID: PMC7493001 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2020.555591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2020] [Accepted: 08/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a destructive neurological disorder that is characterized by impaired sensory and motor function. Inhibition of bromodomain protein 4 (Brd4) has been shown to promote the maintenance of cell homeostasis by activating autophagy. However, the role of Brd4 inhibition in SCI and the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. Thus, the goal of the present study was to evaluate the effects of sustained Brd4 inhibition using the bromodomain and extraterminal domain (BET) inhibitor JQ1 on the regulation of apoptosis, oxidative stress and autophagy in a mouse model of SCI. First, we observed that Brd4 expression at the lesion sites of mouse spinal cords increased after SCI. Treatment with JQ1 significantly decreased the expression of Brd4 and improved functional recovery for up to 28 day after SCI. In addition, JQ1-mediated inhibition of Brd4 reduced oxidative stress and inhibited the expression of apoptotic proteins to promote neural survival. Our results also revealed that JQ1 treatment activated autophagy and restored autophagic flux, while the positive effects of JQ1 were abrogated by autophagy inhibitor 3-MA intervention, indicating that autophagy plays a crucial role in therapeutic effects Brd4 induced by inhibition of the functional recovery SCI. In the mechanistic analysis, we observed that modulation of the AMPK-mTOR-ULK1 pathway is involved in the activation of autophagy mediated by Brd4 inhibition. Taken together, the results of our investigation provides compelling evidence that Brd4 inhibition by JQ1 promotes functional recovery after SCI and that Brd4 may serve as a potential target for SCI treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao Li
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Jie Xiang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Taizhou, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Molecular Pharmacology Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Jiahao Lin
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Yaosen Wu
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Xiangyang Wang
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
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40
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BET bromodomains as novel epigenetic targets for brain health and disease. Neuropharmacology 2020; 181:108306. [PMID: 32946883 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2020.108306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2020] [Revised: 09/09/2020] [Accepted: 09/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Epigenetic pharmacotherapy for CNS-related diseases is a burgeoning area of research. In particular, members of the bromodomain and extra-terminal domain (BET) family of proteins have emerged as intriguing therapeutic targets due to their putative involvement in an array of brain diseases. With their ability to bind to acetylated histones and act as a scaffold for chromatin modifying complexes, BET proteins were originally thought of as passive epigenetic 'reader' proteins. However, new research depicts a more complex reality where BET proteins act as key nodes in lineage-specific and signal-dependent transcriptional mechanisms to influence disease-relevant functions. Amid a recent wave of drug development efforts from basic scientists and pharmaceutical companies, BET inhibitors are currently being studied in several CNS-related disease models, but safety and tolerability remain a concern. Here we review the progress in understanding the neurobiological mechanisms of BET proteins and the therapeutic potential of targeting BET proteins for brain health and disease.
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Zhang K, Xu Y. Suppressing BRD4 exhibits protective effects against vincristine-induced peripheral neuropathy by alleviating inflammation and oxidative stress. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2020; 532:271-279. [PMID: 32868081 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2020.06.142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2020] [Accepted: 06/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Vincristine (VCR) is a well-known anticancer drug, and frequently causes painful neuropathy and impairs the quality of life of patients. However, the molecular mechanisms revealing VCR-induced neuropathy are still unclear, and effectively therapeutic strategy is still necessary. Bromodomain-containing protein 4 (BRD4) has long been implicated in many different pathological processes, in particular, the development of oxidative stress and inflammation. In the present study, we showed that BRD4 played a mechanistic role in VCR-induced peripheral neuropathy. Using the in vivo transfection of BRD4 siRNA, we found that BRD4 suppression markedly alleviated VCR-induced neuropathic pain. Macrophage infiltration in sciatic nerve was effectively inhibited in VCR-challenged mice with BRD4 knockdown, as evidenced by the markedly reduced expression of F4/80. In the VCR-induced sciatic nerve tissues, we found that the mRNA and protein expression levels of C-X3-C motif chemokine receptor 1 (CX3CR1) and C-C chemokine receptor type 2 (CCR2) were greatly elevated, which were, however, mitigated by siBRD4 injection. In addition, oxidative stress induced by VCR was markedly restrained in sciatic nerve from mice with BRD4 knockdown, which was closely associated with the improved activation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf-2) signaling. The in vitro studies indicated that in H2O2-stimulated primary neurons, BRD4 silence markedly reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and improved Nrf-2 activation, exhibiting anti-oxidant effects. Finally, BRD4 selective inhibitor JQ1 was subjected to mice challenged with VCR. The results confirmed that reducing BRD4 expression by JQ1 effectively ameliorated VCR-induced peripheral neuropathy also through repressing macrophage infiltration, inflammatory response and oxidative stress. Taken together, these findings demonstrated that BRD4 played a critical role in VCR-induced neuropathy, and developing novel and new therapies might be effective for the treatment of VCR-induced neuropathic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke Zhang
- Department of Painless Endoscopy, People's Hospital of Linzi District, Zibo City, Affiliated Hospital of Binzhou Medical University, Shandong Province, 255400, China
| | - Yanbing Xu
- Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, 250021, China.
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Hu W, Li Y, Zhang L, Cai Q, Wang G, Hu X. A novel model of acute closed ventral spinal cord injury and its pathological changes in rats. Am J Transl Res 2020; 12:3792-3802. [PMID: 32774735 PMCID: PMC7407696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2019] [Accepted: 05/31/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To establish a spinal cord injury (SCI) model by ventral violence and explore its pathological changes. METHODS We first designed and made a shape-suitable impinger. SD rats were divided into 4 groups according to force momentum calculated by weight and height: Group A (350 g*28 cm), Group B (280 g*28 cm), Group C (210 g*28 cm), and Group D (sham, 0 g*0 cm). Then the anterior border of the rat's T11 centrum was hit by the by impinger via a free-falling method. Locomotor functional (Basso, Beattie and Bresnahan scale-BBB scale), GFAP expression and pathological changes, complications, and mortality were observed. RESULTS The BBB scale scores were significantly different among all groups. Contusion, hematoma, and subarachnoid hemorrhage appeared at 1-6 h after injury in group A and B. Edema was obvious and the inflammatory cell infiltrated at the time of 6-48 h. Cicatricial contracture and porosis formed at 3-4 weeks, while group C only showed sporadic punctate hemorrhage. GFAP expression changed by time and location dynamically compared with group D. Various complications appeared in the experimental groups. Intestinal obstruction was the main cause of death. The mortality was significantly different among the groups (P<0.05). CONCLUSION The acute ventral closing SCI model could be set up successfully by a shape-suitable impinger. The procedure was simple and repetitive. Neural function deficiency, pathological changes, and mortality were consistent with the injury controlled by coup momentum. Under the condition of this model, astrocytes went through an acute damage period and continued in the further hyperplasia stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Hu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province Affiliated to Wenzhou Medical UniversityTaizhou 317000, China
| | - Ye Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province Affiliated to Wenzhou Medical UniversityTaizhou 317000, China
| | - Lingzhi Zhang
- Department of Hospital Infection, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province Affiliated to Wenzhou Medical UniversityTaizhou 317000, China
| | - Qingfeng Cai
- Department of Neurosurgery, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province Affiliated to Wenzhou Medical UniversityTaizhou 317000, China
| | - Guanfu Wang
- Department of Urinary Surgery, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province Affiliated to Wenzhou Medical UniversityTaizhou 317000, China
| | - Xiaoming Hu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province Affiliated to Wenzhou Medical UniversityTaizhou 317000, China
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Lan Y, Yan R, Shan W, Chu J, Sun R, Wang R, Zhao Y, Wang Z, Zhang N, Yao J. Salvianic acid A alleviates chronic alcoholic liver disease by inhibiting HMGB1 translocation via down-regulating BRD4. J Cell Mol Med 2020; 24:8518-8531. [PMID: 32596881 PMCID: PMC7412690 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.15473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2020] [Revised: 05/05/2020] [Accepted: 05/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is the major cause of chronic liver disease and a global health concern. ALD pathogenesis is initiated with liver steatosis, and ALD can progress to steatohepatitis, fibrosis, cirrhosis and even hepatocellular carcinoma. Salvianic acid A (SAA) is a phenolic acid component of Danshen, a Chinese herbal medicine with possible hepatoprotective properties. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of SAA on chronic alcoholic liver injury and its molecular mechanism. We found that SAA significantly inhibited alcohol‐induced liver injury and ameliorated ethanol‐induced hepatic inflammation. These protective effects of SAA were likely carried out through its suppression of the BRD4/HMGB1 signalling pathway, because SAA treatment largely diminished alcohol‐induced BRD4 expression and HMGB1 nuclear translocation and release. Importantly, BRD4 knockdown prevented ethanol‐induced HMGB1 release and inflammatory cytokine production in AML‐12 cells. Similarly, alcohol‐induced pro‐inflammatory cytokines were blocked by HMGB1 siRNA. Collectively, our results reveal that activation of the BRD4/HMGB1 pathway is involved in ALD pathogenesis. Therefore, manipulation of the BRD4/HMGB1 pathway through strategies such as SAA treatment holds great therapeutic potential for chronic alcoholic liver disease therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanwen Lan
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China.,Department of Pharmacology, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China.,Department of Pharmacy, Dalian Seventh People's Hospital, Dalian, China
| | - Ran Yan
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China.,Department of Pharmacology, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Wen Shan
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China.,Department of Pharmacy, The Third Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Junyi Chu
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China.,Department of Pharmacology, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Ruimin Sun
- Department of Pharmacology, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Ruiwen Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Yan Zhao
- Department of Pharmacology, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Zhanyu Wang
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Ning Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Jihong Yao
- Department of Pharmacology, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
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44
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Abstract
Epigenetic mechanisms involve the placing (writing) or removal (erasing) of histone modifications that allow heterochromatin to transition to the open, activated euchromatin state necessary for transcription. A third, less studied epigenetic pathway involves the reading of these specific histone marks once placed. The BETs (bromodomain and extraterminal-containing protein family), which includes BRD2, BRD3, and BRD4 and the testis-restricted BRDT, are epigenetic reader proteins that bind to specific acetylated lysine residues on histone tails where they facilitate the assembly of transcription complexes including transcription factors and transcriptional machinery like RNA Polymerase II. As reviewed here, considerable recent data establishes BETs as novel determinants of induced transcriptional programs in vascular cells, like endothelial cells and vascular smooth muscle cells, cardiac myocytes and inflammatory cells, like monocyte/macrophages, cellular settings where these epigenetic reader proteins couple proximal stimuli to chromatin, acting at super-enhancer regulatory regions to direct gene expression. BET inhibition, including the use of specific chemical BET inhibitors like JQ-1, has many reported effects in vivo in the cardiovascular setting, like decreasing atherosclerosis, angiogenesis, intimal hyperplasia, pulmonary arterial hypertension, and cardiac hypertrophy. At the same time, data in endothelial cells, adipocytes, and elsewhere suggest BETs also help regulate gene expression under basal conditions. Studies in the cardiovascular setting have highlighted BET action as a means of controlling gene expression in differentiation, cell identity, and cell state transitions, whether physiological or pathological, adaptive, or maladaptive. While distinct BET inhibitors are being pursued as therapies in oncology, a large prospective clinical cardiovascular outcome study investigating the BET inhibitor RVX-208 (now called apabetalone) has already been completed. Independent of this specific agent and this one trial or the numerous unanswered questions that remain, BETs have emerged as novel epigenetic players involved in the execution of coordinated transcriptional programs in cardiovascular health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Cristine Borck
- From the Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA (P.C.B., J.P.)
| | - Lian-Wang Guo
- Davis Heart and Lung Institute, Wexner Medical Center, Ohio State University, Columbus (L.-W.G.)
| | - Jorge Plutzky
- From the Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA (P.C.B., J.P.)
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45
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Tan YF, Wang M, Chen ZY, Wang L, Liu XH. Inhibition of BRD4 prevents proliferation and epithelial-mesenchymal transition in renal cell carcinoma via NLRP3 inflammasome-induced pyroptosis. Cell Death Dis 2020; 11:239. [PMID: 32303673 PMCID: PMC7165180 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-020-2431-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2019] [Revised: 03/23/2020] [Accepted: 03/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
BRD4 has long been implicated in many different pathological processes, in particular, the development of cancer and inflammation. Pyroptosis is a newly recognized type of inflammatory programmed cell death. However, the correlation between BRD4 and pyroptosis in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) remains elusive. The present study demonstrates that BRD4 expression levels are markedly upregulated, while pyroptosis-associated proteins are significantly reduced, in RCC tissues and cells. Inhibition of BRD4, via either genetic knockdown or use of bromodomain inhibitor JQ1, prevented cell proliferation and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) progression and induced caspase-1-dependent pyroptosis in RCC both in vitro and in vivo. In addition, BRD4 inhibition suppressed proliferation and EMT though pyroptosis in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, NLRP3, which mediates caspase-1-dependent pyroptosis, was increased upon BRD4 inhibition. Furthermore, the transcriptional activity of NLRP3 was enhanced by BRD4 inhibition, and this enhancement was blocked by activation of NF-κB phosphorylation, indicating that NF-κB is an upstream regulator of NLRP3. Collectively, these results show that BRD4 inhibition prevents cell proliferation and EMT, and exerts an antitumor effect in RCC by activating the NF-κB-NLRP3-caspase-1 pyroptosis signaling pathway. Thus, BRD4 is a potential target for RCC treatment, and JQ1 shows promise as a therapeutic agent for this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Fan Tan
- Department of Urology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, 430060, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Min Wang
- Department of Urology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, 430060, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
| | - Zhi-Yuan Chen
- Department of Urology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, 430060, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
| | - Lei Wang
- Department of Urology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, 430060, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Xiu-Heng Liu
- Department of Urology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, 430060, Wuhan, Hubei, China
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46
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Phillipou AN, Lay CS, Carver CE, Messenger C, Evans JP, Lewis AJ, Gordon LJ, Mahmood M, Greenhough LA, Sammon D, Cheng AT, Chakraborty S, Jones EJ, Lucas SCC, Gatfield KM, Brierley DJ, Craggs PD. Cellular Target Engagement Approaches to Monitor Epigenetic Reader Domain Interactions. SLAS DISCOVERY 2019; 25:163-175. [PMID: 31875412 DOI: 10.1177/2472555219896278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Malfunctions in the basic epigenetic mechanisms such as histone modifications, DNA methylation, and chromatin remodeling are implicated in a number of cancers and immunological and neurodegenerative conditions. Within GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) we have utilized a number of variations of the NanoBRET technology for the direct measurement of compound-target engagement within native cellular environments to drive high-throughput, routine structure-activity relationship (SAR) profiling across differing epigenetic targets. NanoBRET is a variation of the bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET) methodology utilizing proteins of interest fused to either NanoLuc, a small, high-emission-intensity luciferase, or HaloTag, a modified dehalogenase enzyme that can be selectively labeled with a fluorophore. The combination of these two technologies has enabled the application of NanoBRET to biological systems such as epigenetic protein-protein interactions, which have previously been challenging. By synergizing target engagement assays with more complex primary cell phenotypic assays, we have been able to demonstrate compound-target selectivity profiles to enhance cellular potency and offset potential liability risks. Additionally, we have shown that in the absence of a robust, cell phenotypic assay, it is possible to utilize NanoBRET target engagement assays to aid chemistry in progressing at a higher scale than would have otherwise been achievable. The NanoBRET target engagement assays utilized have further shown an excellent correlation with more reductionist biochemical and biophysical assay systems, clearly demonstrating the possibility of using such assay systems at scale, in tandem with, or in preference to, lower-throughput cell phenotypic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander N Phillipou
- Medicine Design, Medicinal Science and Technology, GlaxoSmithKline, Stevenage, Hertfordshire, UK
| | - Charles S Lay
- Medicine Design, Medicinal Science and Technology, GlaxoSmithKline, Stevenage, Hertfordshire, UK
| | - Charlotte E Carver
- Medicine Design, Medicinal Science and Technology, GlaxoSmithKline, Stevenage, Hertfordshire, UK
| | - Cassie Messenger
- Medicine Design, Medicinal Science and Technology, GlaxoSmithKline, Stevenage, Hertfordshire, UK
| | - John P Evans
- Medicine Design, Medicinal Science and Technology, GlaxoSmithKline, Stevenage, Hertfordshire, UK
| | - Antonia J Lewis
- Medicine Design, Medicinal Science and Technology, GlaxoSmithKline, Stevenage, Hertfordshire, UK
| | - Laurie J Gordon
- Medicine Design, Medicinal Science and Technology, GlaxoSmithKline, Stevenage, Hertfordshire, UK
| | - Mahnoor Mahmood
- Medicine Design, Medicinal Science and Technology, GlaxoSmithKline, Stevenage, Hertfordshire, UK
| | - Luke A Greenhough
- Medicine Design, Medicinal Science and Technology, GlaxoSmithKline, Stevenage, Hertfordshire, UK
| | - Douglas Sammon
- Medicine Design, Medicinal Science and Technology, GlaxoSmithKline, Stevenage, Hertfordshire, UK
| | - Aaron T Cheng
- Functional Genomics, Medicinal Science and Technology, GlaxoSmithKline, Collegeville, PA, USA
| | - Syandan Chakraborty
- Functional Genomics, Medicinal Science and Technology, GlaxoSmithKline, Collegeville, PA, USA
| | - Emma J Jones
- Medicine Design, Medicinal Science and Technology, GlaxoSmithKline, Stevenage, Hertfordshire, UK
| | - Simon C C Lucas
- Epigenetics Research Unit, GlaxoSmithKline, Stevenage, Hertfordshire, UK
| | - Kelly M Gatfield
- Medicine Design, Medicinal Science and Technology, GlaxoSmithKline, Stevenage, Hertfordshire, UK
| | - David J Brierley
- Medicine Design, Medicinal Science and Technology, GlaxoSmithKline, Stevenage, Hertfordshire, UK
| | - Peter D Craggs
- Medicine Design, Medicinal Science and Technology, GlaxoSmithKline, Stevenage, Hertfordshire, UK
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47
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Wang J, Chen J, Jin H, Lin D, Chen Y, Chen X, Wang B, Hu S, Wu Y, Wu Y, Zhou Y, Tian N, Gao W, Wang X, Zhang X. BRD4 inhibition attenuates inflammatory response in microglia and facilitates recovery after spinal cord injury in rats. J Cell Mol Med 2019; 23:3214-3223. [PMID: 30809946 PMCID: PMC6484335 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.14196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2018] [Revised: 12/12/2018] [Accepted: 01/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The pathophysiology of spinal cord injury (SCI) involves primary injury and secondary injury. For the irreversibility of primary injury, therapies of SCI mainly focus on secondary injury, whereas inflammation is considered to be a major target for secondary injury; however the regulation of inflammation in SCI is unclear and targeted therapies are still lacking. In this study, we found that the expression of BRD4 was correlated with pro‐inflammatory cytokines after SCI in rats; in vitro study in microglia showed that BRD4 inhibition either by lentivirus or JQ1 may both suppress the MAPK and NF‐κB signalling pathways, which are the two major signalling pathways involved in inflammatory response in microglia. BRD4 inhibition by JQ1 not only blocked microglial M1 polarization, but also repressed the level of pro‐inflammatory cytokines in microglia in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, BRD4 inhibition by JQ1 can improve functional recovery and structural disorder as well as reduce neuron loss in SCI rats. Overall, this study illustrates that microglial BRD4 level is increased after SCI and BRD4 inhibition is able to suppress M1 polarization and pro‐inflammatory cytokine production in microglia which ultimately promotes functional recovery after SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianle Wang
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China.,Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China.,The Second School of Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jiaoxiang Chen
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China.,Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China.,The Second School of Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Haiming Jin
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China.,Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China.,The Second School of Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Dongdong Lin
- Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China.,The Second School of Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yu Chen
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China.,Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China.,The Second School of Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ximiao Chen
- Department of Orthopaedics, Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical College, Guilin, Guangxi, China
| | - Ben Wang
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China.,Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China.,The Second School of Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Sunli Hu
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China.,Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China.,The Second School of Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yan Wu
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yaosen Wu
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China.,Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China.,The Second School of Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yifei Zhou
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China.,Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China.,The Second School of Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Naifeng Tian
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China.,Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China.,The Second School of Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Weiyang Gao
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China.,Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China.,The Second School of Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiangyang Wang
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China.,Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China.,The Second School of Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiaolei Zhang
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China.,Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China.,The Second School of Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China.,Chinese Orthopaedic Regenerative Medicine Society, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
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