1
|
Qie S, Xiong H, Liu Y, Yan C, Wang Y, Tian L, Wang C, Sang N. Stanniocalcin 2 governs cancer cell adaptation to nutrient insufficiency through alleviation of oxidative stress. RESEARCH SQUARE 2024:rs.3.rs-3904465. [PMID: 38464261 PMCID: PMC10925426 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3904465/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
Solid tumours often endure nutrient insufficiency during progression. How tumour cells adapt to temporal and spatial nutrient insufficiency remains unclear. We previously identified STC2 as one of the most upregulated genes in cells exposed to nutrient insufficiency by transcriptome screening, indicating the potential of STC2 in cellular adaptation to nutrient insufficiency. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying STC2 induction by nutrient insufficiency and subsequent adaptation remain elusive. Here, we report that STC2 protein is dramatically increased and secreted into the culture media by Gln-/Glc-deprivation. STC2 promoter contains cis-elements that are activated by ATF4 and p65/RelA, two transcription factors activated by a variety of cellular stress. Biologically, STC2 induction and secretion promote cell survival but attenuate cell proliferation during nutrient insufficiency, thus switching the priority of cancer cells from proliferation to survival. Loss of STC2 impairs tumour growth by inducing both apoptosis and necrosis in mouse xenografts. Mechanistically, under nutrient insufficient conditions, cells have increased levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and lack of STC2 further elevates ROS levels that lead to increased apoptosis. RNA-Seq analyses reveal STC2 induction suppresses the expression of monoamine oxidase B (MAOB), a mitochondrial membrane enzyme that produces ROS. Moreover, a negative correlation between STC2 and MAOB levels is also identified in human tumour samples. Importantly, the administration of recombinant STC2 to the culture media effectively suppresses MAOB expression as well as apoptosis, suggesting STC2 functions in an autocrine/paracrine manner. Taken together, our findings indicate that nutrient insufficiency induces STC2 expression, which in turn governs the adaptation of cancer cells to nutrient insufficiency through the maintenance of redox homeostasis, highlighting the potential of STC2 as a therapeutic target for cancer treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shuo Qie
- Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital
| | - Haijuan Xiong
- Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital
| | - Yaqi Liu
- Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital
| | - Chenhui Yan
- Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital
| | | | - Lifeng Tian
- Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
2
|
Patil NY, Rus I, Joshi AD. Role of ERK1/2 Signaling in Cinnabarinic Acid-Driven Stanniocalcin 2-Mediated Protection against Alcohol-Induced Apoptosis. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2023; 387:111-120. [PMID: 37562971 PMCID: PMC10519581 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.123.001670] [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: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Abstract
We have previously shown that a bona fide aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) agonist, cinnabarinic acid (CA), protects against alcohol-induced hepatocyte apoptosis via activation of a novel AhR target gene, stanniocalcin 2 (Stc2). Stc2 translates to a secreted disulfide-linked hormone, STC2, known to function in cell development, calcium and phosphate regulation, angiogenesis, and antiapoptosis-albeit the comprehensive mechanism by which the CA-AhR-STC2 axis confers antiapoptosis is yet to be characterized. In this study, using RNA interference library screening, downstream antiapoptotic molecular signaling components involved in CA-induced STC2-mediated protection against ethanol-induced apoptosis were investigated. RNA interference library screening of kinases and phosphatases in Hepa1 cells and subsequent pathway analysis identified mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling as a critical molecular pathway involved in CA-mediated protection. Specifically, phosphorylation of ERK1/2 was induced in response to CA treatment without alterations in p38 and JNK signaling pathways. Silencing Stc2 in Hepa1 cells and in vivo experiments performed in Stc2-/- (Stc2 knockout) mice, which failed to confer CA-mediated protection against ethanol-induced apoptosis, showed abrogation of ERK1/2 activation, underlining the significance of ERK1/2 signaling in CA-STC2-mediated protection. In conclusion, activation of ERK1/2 signaling in CA-driven AhR-dependent Stc2-mediated protection represents a novel mechanism of protection against acute alcohol-induced apoptosis. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Previous studies have shown the role of stanniocalcin 2 (Stc2) in cinnabarinic acid (CA)-mediated protection against alcohol-induced apoptosis. Here, using RNA interference library screening and subsequent in vivo studies, the functional significance of ERK1/2 activation in CA-induced Stc2-mediated protection against acute ethanol-induced apoptosis was identified. This study is thus significant as it illustrates a comprehensive downstream mechanism by which CA-induced Stc2 protects against alcoholic liver disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nikhil Y Patil
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
| | - Iulia Rus
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
| | - Aditya D Joshi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Kayacık Günday Ö, Fırat F, Yalçın GŞ, Yılmazer M. Association of endometrial polyps with STC-1 and STC-2 in infertile patients. J Obstet Gynaecol Res 2023. [PMID: 37082818 DOI: 10.1111/jog.15658] [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: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 04/22/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The present study aimed to evaluate the impact of endometrial polyps (EPs) on the endometrium of patients with unexplained infertility using stanniocalcin-1 and -2 proteins (STC), whose effects on endometrial receptivity have been reported recently. MATERIALS AND METHODS A case-control study was performed, consisting of 26 patients who underwent endometrial sampling for diagnosis and/or treatment and diagnosed with EP on biopsy and/or excision material, and 23 patients with normal endometrial findings in the pathology, for a total of 49 patients with unexplained infertility. An immunohistochemistry examination was performed on paraffin-embedded tissue samples from both groups to understand whether there was a relationship between EP and STC. Staining results of the polyp and control groups for STC-1 and STC-2 were compared, and it was investigated whether STCs were predictive for EP. RESULTS In the comparison performed between the H-score evaluation results of the control and polyp groups after the immunohistochemical staining method, the staining in the polyp group was significantly higher for both STC-1 (p < 0.001) and STC-2 (p < 0.001). There was more staining with STC-1 than STC-2 in all groups (STC-1: 15.08; STC-2: 8.27; p < 0.05). In the logistic regression analysis established with STC-1, STC-2, and age, the predictive effect of STC-1 for EP was statistically significant (p = 0.040; odds ratio: 1.66; 95% confidence interval: 1.02-2.68). In EP, according to receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, area under the curve was 0.980 (likelihood ratio: 20.35; p < 0.05), and the cut-off value was 18 for STC-1. CONCLUSION In infertile patients, since STC-1, which affects endometrial receptivity, is found to be significantly higher in polyps and has a predictive effect on polyps, in patients with unexplained infertility, routine uterine cavity evaluation and routine excision of polypoid lesions detected during this period may have a positive effect on endometrial receptivity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Özlem Kayacık Günday
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Afyonkarahisar University of Health Sciences, Afyonkarahisar, Turkey
| | - Fatma Fırat
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, Afyonkarahisar University of Health Sciences, Afyonkarahisar, Turkey
| | - Gülsüm Şeyma Yalçın
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pathology, Afyonkarahisar University of Health Sciences, Afyonkarahisar, Turkey
| | - Mehmet Yılmazer
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Afyonkarahisar University of Health Sciences, Afyonkarahisar, Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Patil NY, Friedman JE, Joshi AD. Role of Hepatic Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor in Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease. RECEPTORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 2:1-15. [PMID: 37284280 PMCID: PMC10240927 DOI: 10.3390/receptors2010001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Numerous nuclear receptors including farnesoid X receptor, liver X receptor, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors, pregnane X receptor, hepatic nuclear factors have been extensively studied within the context of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Following the first description of the Aryl hydrocarbon Receptor (AhR) in the 1970s and decades of research which unveiled its role in toxicity and pathophysiological processes, the functional significance of AhR in NAFLD has not been completely decoded. Recently, multiple research groups have utilized a plethora of in vitro and in vivo models that mimic NAFLD pathology to investigate the functional significance of AhR in fatty liver disease. This review provides a comprehensive account of studies describing both the beneficial and possible detrimental role of AhR in NAFLD. A plausible reconciliation for the paradox indicating AhR as a 'double-edged sword' in NAFLD is discussed. Finally, understanding AhR ligands and their signaling in NAFLD will facilitate us to probe AhR as a potential drug target to design innovative therapeutics against NAFLD in the near future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nikhil Y. Patil
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73117, USA
| | - Jacob E. Friedman
- Harold Hamm Diabetes Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73117, USA
| | - Aditya D. Joshi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73117, USA
- Harold Hamm Diabetes Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73117, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Patil NY, Rus I, Downing E, Mandala A, Friedman JE, Joshi AD. Cinnabarinic Acid Provides Hepatoprotection Against Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2022; 383:32-43. [PMID: 35933113 PMCID: PMC9513857 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.122.001301] [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: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a chronic condition in which excess lipids accumulate in the liver and can lead to a range of progressive liver disorders including non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, liver cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. While lifestyle and diet modifications have proven to be effective as NAFLD treatments, they are not sustainable in the long-term, and currently no pharmacological therapies are approved to treat NAFLD. Our previous studies demonstrated that cinnabarinic acid (CA), a novel endogenous Aryl hydrocarbon Receptor (AhR) agonist, activates the AhR target gene, Stanniocalcin 2, and confers cytoprotection against a plethora of ER/oxidative stressors. In this study, the hepatoprotective and anti-steatotic properties of CA were examined against free fatty-acid-induced in vitro and high-fat-diet fed in vivo NAFLD models. The results demonstrated that CA treatment significantly lowered weight gain and attenuated hepatic lipotoxicity both before and after the established fatty liver, thereby protecting against steatosis, inflammation, and liver injury. CA mitigated intracellular free fatty acid uptake concomitant with the downregulation of CD36/fatty acid translocase. Genes involved in fatty acid and triglyceride synthesis were also downregulated in response to CA treatment. Additionally, suppressing AhR and Stc2 expression using RNA interference in vitro verified that the hepatoprotective effects of CA were absolutely dependent on both AhR and its target, Stc2. Collectively, our results demonstrate that the endogenous AhR agonist, CA, confers hepatoprotection against NAFLD by regulating hepatic fatty acid uptake and lipogenesis. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: In this study using in vitro and in vivo models, we demonstrate that cinnabarinic acid (CA), an endogenous AhR agonist, provides protection against non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. CA bestows cytoprotection against steatosis and liver injury by controlling expression of several key genes associated with lipid metabolism pathways, limiting the hepatic lipid uptake, and controlling liver inflammation. Moreover, CA-induced hepatoprotection is absolutely dependent on AhR and Stc2 expression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nikhil Y Patil
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences (N.Y.P., I.R., E.D., A.D.J.) and Harold Hamm Diabetes Center (A.M., J.E.F., A.D.J.), University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
| | - Iulia Rus
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences (N.Y.P., I.R., E.D., A.D.J.) and Harold Hamm Diabetes Center (A.M., J.E.F., A.D.J.), University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
| | - Emma Downing
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences (N.Y.P., I.R., E.D., A.D.J.) and Harold Hamm Diabetes Center (A.M., J.E.F., A.D.J.), University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
| | - Ashok Mandala
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences (N.Y.P., I.R., E.D., A.D.J.) and Harold Hamm Diabetes Center (A.M., J.E.F., A.D.J.), University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
| | - Jacob E Friedman
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences (N.Y.P., I.R., E.D., A.D.J.) and Harold Hamm Diabetes Center (A.M., J.E.F., A.D.J.), University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
| | - Aditya D Joshi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences (N.Y.P., I.R., E.D., A.D.J.) and Harold Hamm Diabetes Center (A.M., J.E.F., A.D.J.), University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Jiang ZH, Shen X, Wei Y, Chen Y, Chai H, Xia L, Leng W. A Pan-Cancer Analysis Reveals the Prognostic and Immunotherapeutic Value of Stanniocalcin-2 (STC2). Front Genet 2022; 13:927046. [PMID: 35937984 PMCID: PMC9354991 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.927046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Stanniocalcin-2 (STC2) is a secreted glycoprotein which plays an important role in regulating the homeostasis of calcium, glucose homeostasis, and phosphorus metastasis. Accumulating evidence suggests that STC2 is implicated in cancer mechanisms. However, the effects of STC2 on cancer development and progression across pan-cancer are not yet completely known.Methods: Data were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas database to obtain differentially expressed genes significantly associated with prognosis (key genes). A gene was selected for subsequent correlation studies by integrating the significance of prognosis and the time-dependent ROC curve. Gene expression of different tumor types was analyzed based on the UCSC XENA website. Furthermore, our study investigated the correlation of STC2 expression between prognosis, immune cell infiltration, immune checkpoint genes (ICGs), mismatch repair genes (MMRs), tumor mutation burden (TMB), microsatellite instability (MSI), and drug sensitivity in various malignant tumors. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was conducted for correlated genes of STC2 to explore potential mechanisms.Results: A total of 3,429 differentially expressed genes and 397 prognosis-related genes were identified from the TCGA database. Twenty-six key genes were found by crossing the former and the latter, and the highest risk gene, STC2, was selected for subsequent correlation studies. STC2 had good diagnostic performance for HNSCC, and was closely related to the survival status and clinicopathological stage of HNSCC patients. In pan-cancer analysis, STC2 was upregulated in 20 cancers and downregulated in seven cancers. STC2 overexpression was overall negatively correlated with overall survival, disease-free survival, disease-specific survival, and progress-free survival. STC2 was profoundly correlated with the tumor immune microenvironment, including immune cell infiltration, ICGs, MMRs, TMB, and MSI. Moreover, STC2 was significantly negatively correlated with the sensitivity or resistance of multiple drugs.Conclusion: STC2 was a potential prognostic biomarker for pan-cancer and a new immunotherapy target.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Lingyun Xia
- *Correspondence: Lingyun Xia, ; Weidong Leng,
| | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Ail D, Samardzija M, Chang ACM, Keck J, Reddel RR, Grimm C. Stanniocalcin2, but Not Stanniocalcin1, Responds to Hypoxia in a HIF1-Dependent Manner in the Retina. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:882559. [PMID: 35812222 PMCID: PMC9259883 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.882559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The quest for neuroprotective factors that can prevent or slow down the progression of retinal degeneration is still ongoing. Acute hypoxic stress has been shown to provide transient protection against subsequent damage in the retina. Stanniocalcins – STC1 and STC2 – are secreted glycoproteins that are hypoxia-regulated and were shown to be cytoprotective in various in vitro studies. Hence, we investigated the expression of stanniocalcins in the normal, degenerating and hypoxic retina. We show that the expression of Stc1 and Stc2 in the retina was detectable as early as postnatal day 10 and persisted during aging. Retinal expression of Stc2, but not Stc1, was induced in mice in an in vivo model of acute hypoxia and a genetic model of chronic hypoxia. Furthermore, we show that HIF1, not HIF2, is responsible for regulating Stc2 in cells with the molecular response to hypoxia activated due to the absence of von Hippel Lindau protein. Surprisingly, Stc2 was not normally expressed in photoreceptors but in the inner retina, as shown by laser capture microdissection and immunofluorescence data. The expression of both Stc1 and Stc2 remained unchanged in the degenerative retina with an almost complete loss of photoreceptors, confirming their expression in the inner retina. However, the absence of either Stc1 or Stc2 had no effect on retinal architecture, as was evident from retinal morphology of the respective knockout mice. Taken together our data provides evidence for the differential regulation of STC1 and STC2 in the retina and the prospect of investigating STC2 as a retinal neuroprotective factor.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Divya Ail
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, Paris, France
- Lab for Retinal Cell Biology, Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Neuroscience Center Zurich (ZNZ), University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Marijana Samardzija
- Lab for Retinal Cell Biology, Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Andy C. M. Chang
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, Children’s Medical Research Institute, University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW, Australia
| | - Jadwiga Keck
- Lab for Retinal Cell Biology, Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Roger R. Reddel
- Neuroscience Center Zurich (ZNZ), University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Christian Grimm
- Lab for Retinal Cell Biology, Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Neuroscience Center Zurich (ZNZ), University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Zurich Center for Integrative Human Physiology (ZIHP), University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- *Correspondence: Christian Grimm,
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Hu S, Hu C, Luo L, Zhang H, Zhao S, Liu Z, Zeng L. Pu-erh tea increases the metabolite Cinnabarinic acid to improve circadian rhythm disorder-induced obesity. Food Chem 2022; 394:133500. [PMID: 35749873 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2022.133500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Revised: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Obesity is one of the circadian rhythm disorders (CRD)-mediated metabolic disorder syndromes. Pu-erh tea is a viable dietary intervention for CRD, however its effect on CRD-induced obesity is unclear. Here, we found that Pu-erh tea improved obesity in CRD-induced mice, which stemmed from the production of Cinnabarinic acid (CA). CA promoted adipose tissue lipolysis and thermogenic response (HSL, ATGL, Pparα, CKB, UCP1) and increased adipocyte sensitivity to hormones and neurotransmitters by targeting the expression of adipose tissue receptor proteins (Q6KAT8, P51655, A2AKQ0, M0QWX7, Q6ZQ33, and mGluR4). This improved mitochondrial activity and facilitated adipose tissue metabolic processes, thereby accelerating glucolipid metabolism. Also, CA-induced alterations in gut microbes and short-chain fatty acids further improved CRD-mediated lipid accumulation. These results suggest that the increase of CA caused by Pu-erh tea, targeted to adipose tissue via the metabolite-blood circulation-adipose tissue axis, maybe a key mechanism for reducing the development of CRD-induced obesity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shanshan Hu
- College of Food Science, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Changhua Hu
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Liyong Luo
- College of Food Science, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing 400715, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Speciality Food Co-Built by Sichuan and Chongqing, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Haotian Zhang
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Sibo Zhao
- College of Food Science, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Zhonghua Liu
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Tea Science, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China.
| | - Liang Zeng
- College of Food Science, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing 400715, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Speciality Food Co-Built by Sichuan and Chongqing, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing 400715, China.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Yang CE, Wang YN, Hua MR, Miao H, Zhao YY, Cao G. Aryl hydrocarbon receptor: From pathogenesis to therapeutic targets in aging-related tissue fibrosis. Ageing Res Rev 2022; 79:101662. [PMID: 35688331 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2022.101662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Revised: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Aging promotes chronic inflammation, which contributes to fibrosis and decreases organ function. Fibrosis, the excessive synthesis and deposition of extracellular matrix components, is the main cause of most chronic diseases including aging-related organ failure. Organ fibrosis in the heart, liver, and kidneys is the final manifestation of many chronic diseases. The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) is a cytoplasmic receptor and highly conserved transcription factor that is activated by a variety of small-molecule ligands to affect a wide array of tissue homeostasis functions. In recent years, mounting evidence has revealed that AHR plays an important role in multi-organ fibrosis initiation, progression, and therapy. In this review, we summarise the relationship between AHR and the pathogenesis of aging-related tissue fibrosis, and further discuss how AHR modulates tissue fibrosis by regulating transforming growth factor-β signalling, immune response, and mitochondrial function, which may offer novel targets for the prevention and treatment of this condition.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chang-E Yang
- Faculty of Life Science & Medicine, Northwest University, No. 229 Taibai North Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710069, China
| | - Yan-Ni Wang
- Faculty of Life Science & Medicine, Northwest University, No. 229 Taibai North Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710069, China
| | - Meng-Ru Hua
- Faculty of Life Science & Medicine, Northwest University, No. 229 Taibai North Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710069, China
| | - Hua Miao
- Faculty of Life Science & Medicine, Northwest University, No. 229 Taibai North Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710069, China.
| | - Ying-Yong Zhao
- Faculty of Life Science & Medicine, Northwest University, No. 229 Taibai North Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710069, China.
| | - Gang Cao
- School of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, No. 548 Binwen Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310053, China.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Yu HX, Feng Z, Lin W, Yang K, Liu RQ, Li JQ, Liu XY, Pei M, Yang HT. Ongoing Clinical Trials in Aging-Related Tissue Fibrosis and New Findings Related to AhR Pathways. Aging Dis 2022; 13:732-752. [PMID: 35656117 PMCID: PMC9116921 DOI: 10.14336/ad.2021.1105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Fibrosis is a pathological manifestation of wound healing that replaces dead/damaged tissue with collagen-rich scar tissue to maintain homeostasis, and complications from fibrosis contribute to nearly half of all deaths in the industrialized world. Ageing is closely associated with a progressive decline in organ function, and the prevalence of tissue fibrosis dramatically increases with age. Despite the heavy clinical and economic burden of organ fibrosis as the population ages, to date, there is a paucity of therapeutic strategies that are specifically designed to slow fibrosis. Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is an environment-sensing transcription factor that exacerbates aging phenotypes in different tissues that has been brought back into the spotlight again with economic development since AhR could interact with persistent organic pollutants derived from incomplete waste combustion. In addition, gut microbiota dysbiosis plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of numerous diseases, and microbiota-associated tryptophan metabolites are dedicated contributors to fibrogenesis by acting as AhR ligands. Therefore, a better understanding of the effects of tryptophan metabolites on fibrosis modulation through AhR may facilitate the exploitation of new therapeutic avenues for patients with organ fibrosis. In this review, we primarily focus on how tryptophan-derived metabolites are involved in renal fibrosis, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, hepatic fibrosis and cardiac fibrosis. Moreover, a series of ongoing clinical trials are highlighted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hang-Xing Yu
- 1Department of Nephrology, First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China.,2National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
| | - Zhe Feng
- 3Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, Shaanxi, China
| | - Wei Lin
- 1Department of Nephrology, First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China.,2National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
| | - Kang Yang
- 4Kidney Disease Treatment Center, The first affiliated hospital of Henan university of CM, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Rui-Qi Liu
- 1Department of Nephrology, First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China.,2National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
| | - Jia-Qi Li
- 1Department of Nephrology, First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China.,2National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
| | - Xin-Yue Liu
- 1Department of Nephrology, First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China.,2National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
| | - Ming Pei
- 1Department of Nephrology, First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China.,2National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
| | - Hong-Tao Yang
- 1Department of Nephrology, First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China.,2National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Stanniocalcin 2 (STC2): a universal tumour biomarker and a potential therapeutical target. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2022; 41:161. [PMID: 35501821 PMCID: PMC9063168 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-022-02370-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Stanniocalcin 2 (STC2) is a glycoprotein which is expressed in a broad spectrum of tumour cells and tumour tissues derived from human breast, colorectum, stomach, esophagus, prostate, kidney, liver, bone, ovary, lung and so forth. The expression of STC2 is regulated at both transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels; particularly, STC2 is significantly stimulated under various stress conditions like ER stress, hypoxia and nutrient deprivation. Biologically, STC2 facilitates cells dealing with stress conditions and prevents apoptosis. Importantly, STC2 also promotes the development of acquired resistance to chemo- and radio- therapies. In addition, multiple groups have reported that STC2 overexpression promotes cell proliferation, migration and immune response. Therefore, the overexpression of STC2 is positively correlated with tumour growth, invasion, metastasis and patients' prognosis, highlighting its potential as a biomarker and a therapeutic target. This review focuses on discussing the regulation, biological functions and clinical importance of STC2 in human cancers. Future perspectives in this field will also be discussed.
Collapse
|
12
|
Tan YQ, Wang YN, Feng HY, Guo ZY, Li X, Nie XL, Zhao YY. Host/microbiota interactions-derived tryptophan metabolites modulate oxidative stress and inflammation via aryl hydrocarbon receptor signaling. Free Radic Biol Med 2022; 184:30-41. [PMID: 35367341 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2022.03.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2021] [Revised: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a ligand-activated transcription factor that induces the expression of a broad range of downstream genes such as cytochromes P450 enzymes and cyclooxygenase-2. Recent research focuses are shifting from AhR activation induced by xenobiotics to its response patterns to physiological ligands that expand our understanding of how endogenous metabolites as ligands to modulate AhR signaling pathway under homeostasis and pathological conditions. With increasing interest in AhR and its endogenous ligands, it would seem advisable to summarize a variety of endogenous ligands especially host/gut microbiota-derived tryptophan metabolites. Mounting evidence has indicated that AhR play a critical role in the regulation of redox homeostasis and immune responses. In this review, we outline the canonical and non-canonical AhR signalling pathway that is mediated by host/gut microbiota-derived tryptophan metabolites. Through several typical endogenous AhR ligands, we investigated the molecular mechanisms of AhR-induced oxidative stress and inflammation in the pathological milieu, including diabetes, diabetic kidney disease and end-stage renal disease. Finally, we summarize and emphasize the limitations and breakthrough of endogenous AhR ligands from host/microbial tryptophan catabolites. This review might provide novel diagnostic and prognostic approach for refractory human diseases and establish new therapeutic strategies for AhR activation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yue-Qi Tan
- Faculty of Life Science & Medicine, Northwest University, No. 229 Taibai North Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710069, China
| | - Yan-Ni Wang
- Faculty of Life Science & Medicine, Northwest University, No. 229 Taibai North Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710069, China
| | - Hao-Yu Feng
- Faculty of Life Science & Medicine, Northwest University, No. 229 Taibai North Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710069, China
| | - Zhi-Yuan Guo
- Faculty of Life Science & Medicine, Northwest University, No. 229 Taibai North Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710069, China
| | - Xia Li
- Faculty of Life Science & Medicine, Northwest University, No. 229 Taibai North Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710069, China; Department of General Practice, Xi'an International Medical Center Hospital, Northwest University, No. 777 Xitai Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710100, China.
| | - Xiao-Li Nie
- Department of Nephrology, Integrated Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, No.13, Shi Liu Gang Road, Haizhu District, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510315, China.
| | - Ying-Yong Zhao
- Faculty of Life Science & Medicine, Northwest University, No. 229 Taibai North Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710069, China.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Joshi AD, Thinakaran G, Elferink C. Cinnabarinic Acid-Induced Stanniocalcin 2 Confers Cytoprotection against Alcohol-Induced Liver Injury. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2022; 381:1-11. [PMID: 35078862 PMCID: PMC8998678 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.121.000999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 01/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
We recently identified upregulation of a novel aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) target gene, stanniocalcin 2 (STC2), by an endogenous AhR agonist, cinnabarinic acid (CA). STC2 is a disulfide-linked homodimeric secreted glycoprotein that plays a role in various physiologic processes, including cell metabolism, inflammation, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and oxidative stress, calcium regulation, cell proliferation, and apoptosis. Our previous studies have confirmed that CA-induced AhR-dependent STC2 expression was able to confer cytoprotection both in vitro and in vivo in response to injury induced by variety of ER/oxidative insults. Here, we used mouse models of chronic and acute ethanol feeding and demonstrated that upregulation of STC2 by CA was critical for cytoprotection. In STC2 knockout mice (STC2-/-), CA failed to protect against both acute as well as chronic-plus-binge ethanol-induced liver injury, whereas re-expression of STC2 in the liver using in vivo gene delivery restored cytoprotection against injury based on measures of apoptosis and serum levels of liver enzymes, underlining STC2's indispensable function in cell survival. In conclusion, the identification of STC2 as an AhR target gene receptive to CA-mediated endogenous AhR signaling and STC2's role in providing cytoprotection against liver injury represents a key finding with potentially significant therapeutic implications. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: We recently identified stanniocalcin 2 (STC2) as a novel aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) target gene regulated by endogenous AhR agonist and tryptophan metabolite, cinnabarinic acid (CA). Here, we showed that CA-induced STC2 expression conferred cytoprotection against apoptosis, steatosis, and liver injury in chronic as well as acute models of ethanol feeding. Therefore, this study will prove instrumental in developing CA as a promising lead compound for future drug development against hepatic diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aditya D Joshi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma (A.D.J.); Byrd Alzheimer's Center and Research Institute and Department of Molecular Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida (G.T.); and Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas (C.E.)
| | - Gopal Thinakaran
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma (A.D.J.); Byrd Alzheimer's Center and Research Institute and Department of Molecular Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida (G.T.); and Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas (C.E.)
| | - Cornelis Elferink
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma (A.D.J.); Byrd Alzheimer's Center and Research Institute and Department of Molecular Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida (G.T.); and Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas (C.E.)
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Gómez-Piñeiro RJ, Dali M, Mansuy D, Boucher JL. Unstability of cinnabarinic acid, an endogenous metabolite of tryptophan, under situations mimicking physiological conditions. Biochimie 2022; 199:150-157. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2022.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Revised: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
|
15
|
Zhang W, Xie HQ, Li Y, Zhou M, Zhou Z, Wang R, Hahn ME, Zhao B. The aryl hydrocarbon receptor: A predominant mediator for the toxicity of emerging dioxin-like compounds. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2022; 426:128084. [PMID: 34952507 PMCID: PMC9039345 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.128084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/12/2021] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) is a member of the basic helix-loop-helix/Per-ARNT-Sim (bHLH-PAS) family of transcription factors and has broad biological functions. Early after the identification of the AHR, most studies focused on its roles in regulating the expression of drug-metabolizing enzymes and mediating the toxicity of dioxins and dioxin-like compounds (DLCs). Currently, more diverse functions of AHR have been identified, indicating that AHR is not just a dioxin receptor. Dioxins and DLCs occur ubiquitously and have diverse health/ecological risks. Additional research is required to identify both shared and compound-specific mechanisms, especially for emerging DLCs such as polyhalogenated carbazoles (PHCZs), polychlorinated diphenyl sulfides (PCDPSs), and others, of which only a few investigations have been performed at present. Many of the toxic effects of emerging DLCs were observed to be predominantly mediated by the AHR because of their structural similarity as dioxins, and the in vitro TCDD-relative potencies of certain emerging DLC congeners are comparable to or even greater than the WHO-TEFs of OctaCDD, OctaCDF, and most coplanar PCBs. Due to the close relationship between AHR biology and environmental science, this review begins by providing novel insights into AHR signaling (canonical and non-canonical), AHR's biochemical properties (AHR structure, AHR-ligand interaction, AHR-DNA binding), and the variations during AHR transactivation. Then, AHR ligand classification and the corresponding mechanisms are discussed, especially the shared and compound-specific, AHR-mediated effects and mechanisms of emerging DLCs. Accordingly, a series of in vivo and in vitro toxicity evaluation methods based on the AHR signaling pathway are reviewed. In light of current advances, future research on traditional and emerging DLCs will enhance our understanding of their mechanisms, toxicity, potency, and ecological impacts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wanglong Zhang
- College of Life Sciences, Qufu Normal University, Qufu, Shandong 273165, China
| | - Heidi Qunhui Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yunping Li
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Mingxi Zhou
- Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences v.v.i, Institute of Plant Molecular Biology, Branišovská 31, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Zhiguang Zhou
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Dioxin Pollution Control, National Research Center for Environmental Analysis and Measurement, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Renjun Wang
- College of Life Sciences, Qufu Normal University, Qufu, Shandong 273165, China
| | - Mark E Hahn
- Biology Department, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI), Woods Hole, MA 02543, USA; Boston University Superfund Research Program, Boston University, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Bin Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Patil NY, Tang H, Rus I, Zhang K, Joshi AD. Decoding Cinnabarinic Acid-Specific Stanniocalcin 2 Induction by Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor. Mol Pharmacol 2022; 101:45-55. [PMID: 34764210 PMCID: PMC8969126 DOI: 10.1124/molpharm.121.000376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 10/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a ligand-mediated transcription factor known for regulating response to xenobiotics, including prototypical 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) through the activation of CYP1A1 expression. Upon ligand-binding, AhR translocates to the nucleus, interacts with the AhR nuclear translocator, and binds to xenobiotic response elements (XREs; GCGTG) present in the promoter region of AhR-regulated genes. Recently, we identified a novel tryptophan catabolite, cinnabarinic acid (CA), as an endogenous AhR agonist capable of activating expression of AhR target gene stanniocalcin 2 (stc2). The CA-driven stc2 induction bestowed cytoprotection against hepatotoxicity in an AhR-dependent manner. Interestingly, only CA but not TCDD was able to induce stc2 expression in liver, and CA was unable to upregulate the TCDD responsive cyp1a1 gene. In this report, we identified CA-specific histone H4 lysine 5 acetylation and H3 lysine 79 methylation at the AhR-bound stc2 promoter. Moreover, histone H4 lysine 5 acetylation writer, activating transcription factor 2 (Atf2), and H3 lysine 79 methylation writer, disruptor of telomeric silencing 1-like histone lysine methyltransferase (Dot1l), were interacting with the AhR complex at the stc2 promoter exclusively in response to CA treatment concurrent with the histone epigenetic marks. Suppressing Atf2 and Dot1l expression using RNA interference confirmed their role in stc2 expression. CRISPR/Cas9-assisted replacement of cyp1a1 promoter-encompassing XREs with stc2 promoter XREs resulted in CA-dependent induction of cyp1a1, underlining a fundamental role of quaternary structure of XRE sequence in agonist-specific gene regulation. In conclusion, CA-driven recruitment of specific chromatin regulators to the AhR complex and resulting histone epigenetic modifications may serve as a molecular basis for agonist-specific stc2 regulation by AhR. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Results reported here provide a mechanistic explanation for the agonist-specific differential gene regulation by identifying interaction of aryl hydrogen receptor with specific chromatin regulators concomitant with unique histone epigenetic marks. This study also demonstrated that the agonist-specific target-gene expression can be transferred with the gene-specific promoter xenobiotic response element-sequence in the context of chromatin architecture.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nikhil Y Patil
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma (N.Y.P., I.R., A.D.J.); and Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas (H.T., K.Z.)
| | - Hui Tang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma (N.Y.P., I.R., A.D.J.); and Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas (H.T., K.Z.)
| | - Iulia Rus
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma (N.Y.P., I.R., A.D.J.); and Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas (H.T., K.Z.)
| | - Kangling Zhang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma (N.Y.P., I.R., A.D.J.); and Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas (H.T., K.Z.)
| | - Aditya D Joshi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma (N.Y.P., I.R., A.D.J.); and Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas (H.T., K.Z.)
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Recent advances in clinical trials targeting the kynurenine pathway. Pharmacol Ther 2021; 236:108055. [PMID: 34929198 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2021.108055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Revised: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The kynurenine pathway (KP) is the major catabolic pathway for the essential amino acid tryptophan leading to the production of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide. In inflammatory conditions, the activation of the KP leads to the production of several bioactive metabolites including kynurenine, 3-hydroxykynurenine, 3-hydroxyanthranilic acid, kynurenic acid and quinolinic acid. These metabolites can have redox and immune suppressive activity, be neurotoxic or neuroprotective. While the activity of the pathway is tightly regulated under normal physiological condition, it can be upregulated by immunological activation and inflammation. The dysregulation of the KP has been implicated in wide range of neurological diseases and psychiatric disorders. In this review, we discuss the mechanisms involved in KP-mediated neurotoxicity and immune suppression, and its role in diseases of our expertise including cancer, chronic pain and multiple sclerosis. We also provide updates on the clinical trials evaluating the efficacy of KP inhibitors and/or analogues in each respective disease.
Collapse
|
18
|
Ni C, Yang S, Ji Y, Duan Y, Yang W, Yang X, Li M, Xie J, Zhang C, Lu Y, Lu H. Hsa_circ_0011385 knockdown represses cell proliferation in hepatocellular carcinoma. Cell Death Discov 2021; 7:270. [PMID: 34599150 PMCID: PMC8486831 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-021-00664-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2021] [Revised: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Circular RNAs (circRNAs), continuous loops of single-stranded RNA, regulate gene expression during the development of various cancers. However, the function of circRNAs in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is rarely discussed. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to determine the mRNA levels of circ_0011385, miR-361-3p, and STC2 in 96 pairs of HCC tissues (tumor tissues and adjacent normal tissues), HCC cell lines, and L02 (human normal liver cell line) cells. The relationships between circ_0011385 expression and clinical features of HCC were evaluated. Functional experiments in vitro or in vivo were used to evaluate the biological function of circ_0011385. Bioinformatics analysis was performed to predict miRNAs and mRNAs sponged by circ_0011385. RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) and dual-luciferase reporter gene assays were used to elucidate the interactions among circ_0011385, miR-361-3p, and STC2 (stanniocalcin 2). ChIP and dual-luciferase reporter gene assays were used to identify the upstream regulator of circ_0011385. High expression of circ_0011385 was observed in HCC tissues and cell lines and was significantly associated with tumor size, TNM stage, and prognosis. In addition, inhibition of circ_0011385 expression prevented the proliferation of HCC cells in vitro and in vivo. Circ_0011385 sponged miR-361-3p, thereby regulating the mRNA expression of STC2. In addition, the transcription of circ_0011385 was regulated by SP3. Circ_0011385 knockdown suppressed cell proliferation and tumor activity in HCC. Circ_0011385 may therefore serve as a new biomarker in the diagnosis and treatment of HCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chuangye Ni
- Hepatobiliary/Liver Transplantation Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University; Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanjing, 210029, China
| | - Shikun Yang
- Hepatobiliary/Liver Transplantation Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University; Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanjing, 210029, China
| | - Yang Ji
- Hepatobiliary/Liver Transplantation Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University; Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanjing, 210029, China
| | - Yunfei Duan
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First People's Hospital of Changzhou, The Third Hospital Affiliated to Soochow University, Changzhou, 213000, China
| | - Wenjie Yang
- Hepatobiliary/Liver Transplantation Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University; Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanjing, 210029, China
| | - Xinchen Yang
- Hepatobiliary/Liver Transplantation Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University; Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanjing, 210029, China
| | - Min Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First People's Hospital of Changzhou, The Third Hospital Affiliated to Soochow University, Changzhou, 213000, China
| | - Jun Xie
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First People's Hospital of Changzhou, The Third Hospital Affiliated to Soochow University, Changzhou, 213000, China
| | - Chuanyong Zhang
- Hepatobiliary/Liver Transplantation Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University; Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanjing, 210029, China.
| | - Yunjie Lu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First People's Hospital of Changzhou, The Third Hospital Affiliated to Soochow University, Changzhou, 213000, China.
| | - Hao Lu
- Hepatobiliary/Liver Transplantation Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University; Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanjing, 210029, China.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
A New Insight into the Potential Role of Tryptophan-Derived AhR Ligands in Skin Physiological and Pathological Processes. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22031104. [PMID: 33499346 PMCID: PMC7865493 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22031104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2020] [Revised: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) plays a crucial role in environmental responses and xenobiotic metabolism, as it controls the transcription profiles of several genes in a ligand-specific and cell-type-specific manner. Various barrier tissues, including skin, display the expression of AhR. Recent studies revealed multiple roles of AhR in skin physiology and disease, including melanogenesis, inflammation and cancer. Tryptophan metabolites are distinguished among the groups of natural and synthetic AhR ligands, and these include kynurenine, kynurenic acid and 6-formylindolo[3,2-b]carbazole (FICZ). Tryptophan derivatives can affect and regulate a variety of signaling pathways. Thus, the interest in how these substances influence physiological and pathological processes in the skin is expanding rapidly. The widespread presence of these substances and potential continuous exposure of the skin to their biological effects indicate the important role of AhR and its ligands in the prevention, pathogenesis and progression of skin diseases. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge of AhR in skin physiology. Moreover, we discuss the role of AhR in skin pathological processes, including inflammatory skin diseases, pigmentation disorders and cancer. Finally, the impact of FICZ, kynurenic acid, and kynurenine on physiological and pathological processes in the skin is considered. However, the mechanisms of how AhR regulates skin function require further investigation.
Collapse
|
20
|
Ma N, He T, Johnston LJ, Ma X. Host-microbiome interactions: the aryl hydrocarbon receptor as a critical node in tryptophan metabolites to brain signaling. Gut Microbes 2020; 11:1203-1219. [PMID: 32401136 PMCID: PMC7524279 DOI: 10.1080/19490976.2020.1758008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Tryptophan (Trp) is not only a nutrient enhancer but also has systemic effects. Trp metabolites signaling through the well-known aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) constitute the interface of microbiome-gut-brain axis. However, the pathway through which Trp metabolites affect central nervous system (CNS) function have not been fully elucidated. AhR participates in a broad variety of physiological and pathological processes that also highly relevant to intestinal homeostasis and CNS diseases. Via the AhR-dependent mechanism, Trp metabolites connect bidirectional signaling between the gut microbiome and the brain, mediated via immune, metabolic, and neural (vagal) signaling mechanisms, with downstream effects on behavior and CNS function. These findings shed light on the complex Trp regulation of microbiome-gut-brain axis and add another facet to our understanding that dietary Trp is expected to be a promising noninvasive approach for alleviating systemic diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ning Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Ting He
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Lee J. Johnston
- West Central Research & Outreach Center, University of Minnesota, Morris, MN, USA
| | - Xi Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China,CONTACT Xi Ma State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, No. 2, Yuanmingyuan West Road, Haidian District, Beijing100193, China
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Kim SK, Choe JY, Park KY. Ethanol Augments Monosodium Urate-Induced NLRP3 Inflammasome Activation via Regulation of AhR and TXNIP in Human Macrophages. Yonsei Med J 2020; 61:533-541. [PMID: 32469177 PMCID: PMC7255999 DOI: 10.3349/ymj.2020.61.6.533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2020] [Revised: 04/13/2020] [Accepted: 04/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Ethanol elicits several inflammatory responses and affects the innate immune response. The aim of this study was to identify the mechanism by which ethanol affects uric acid-induced NLR family pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome activation by regulation of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) and thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP). MATERIALS AND METHODS Human myeloid leukemia cells (U937 cells) were used to assess the role of ethanol in NLRP3 inflammasome activation induced by monosodium urate (MSU) crystals. Expression of target molecules, such as NLRP3 inflammasome components, AhR, and TXNIP, were measured using quantitative real-time PCR and Western blot analyses. The effect of ethanol-induced TXNIP on the NLRP3 inflammasome was assessed in human macrophages transfected with TXNIP siRNA. RESULTS U937 cells treated with 100 mM ethanol for 24 h induced NLRP3 and interleukin (IL)-1β expression. Ethanol increased reactive oxygen species generation in a time- and dose-dependent manner. AhR mRNA expression was downregulated in U937 cells treated with 100 mM ethanol, whereas CYP1A1 mRNA expression increased. Treatment with ethanol increased NLRP3 and IL-1β mRNA and protein expression in U937 cells exposed to 1.0 mg/mL of MSU crystals for 24 h. TXNIP expression in U937 cells incubated with both 100 mM ethanol and 1.0 mg/mL of MSU crystals was significantly higher than in cells incubated with MSU crystals alone. Treatment with 100mM ethanol for 24 h downregulated NLRP3 and IL-1β expression in MSU crystal-activated U937 cells transfected with TXNIP siRNA, compared to those with scramble siRNA. CONCLUSION Ethanol stimulates uric acid-induced NLRP3 inflammasome activation through regression of AhR and upregulation of TXNIP.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Seong Kyu Kim
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Catholic University of Daegu School of Medicine, Daegu, Korea
- Arthritis and Autoimmunity Research Center, Catholic University of Daegu, Daegu, Korea.
| | - Jung Yoon Choe
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Catholic University of Daegu School of Medicine, Daegu, Korea
- Arthritis and Autoimmunity Research Center, Catholic University of Daegu, Daegu, Korea
| | - Ki Yeun Park
- Arthritis and Autoimmunity Research Center, Catholic University of Daegu, Daegu, Korea
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Martin KS, Azzolini M, Lira Ruas J. The kynurenine connection: how exercise shifts muscle tryptophan metabolism and affects energy homeostasis, the immune system, and the brain. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2020; 318:C818-C830. [DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00580.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Tryptophan catabolism through the kynurenine pathway generates a variety of bioactive metabolites. Physical exercise can modulate kynurenine pathway metabolism in skeletal muscle and thus change the concentrations of select compounds in peripheral tissues and in the central nervous system. Here we review recent advances in our understanding of how exercise alters tryptophan-kynurenine metabolism in muscle and its subsequent local and distal effects. We propose that the effects of kynurenine pathway metabolites on skeletal muscle, adipose tissue, immune system, and the brain suggest that some of these compounds could qualify as exercise-induced myokines. Indeed, some of the more recently discovered biological activities for kynurenines include many of the best-known benefits of exercise: improved energy homeostasis, promotion of an anti-inflammatory environment, and neuroprotection. Finally, by considering the tissue expression of the different membrane and cytosolic receptors for kynurenines, we discuss known and potential biological activities for these tryptophan metabolites.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kyle S. Martin
- Molecular and Cellular Exercise Physiology, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Biomedicum, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Michele Azzolini
- Molecular and Cellular Exercise Physiology, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Biomedicum, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jorge Lira Ruas
- Molecular and Cellular Exercise Physiology, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Biomedicum, Stockholm, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Joshi AD. New Insights Into Physiological and Pathophysiological Functions of Stanniocalcin 2. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2020; 11:172. [PMID: 32296395 PMCID: PMC7136389 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2020.00172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2020] [Accepted: 03/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Stanniocalcin, a glycosylated peptide hormone, first discovered in a bony fish has originally been shown to play critical role in calcium and phosphate homeostasis. Two paralogs of stanniocalcin (STC1 and STC2) identified in mammals are widely expressed in variety of tissues. This review provides historical perspective on the discovery of fish and mammalian stanniocalcin, describes molecular regulation of STC2 gene, catalogs distribution as well as expression of STC2 in tissues, and provides key structural information known till date regarding mammalian STC2. Additionally, this mini review summarizes pivotal functions of STC2 in calcium and phosphate regulation, cytoprotection, cell development, and angiogenesis. Finally, STC2's role as a novel marker for human cancers has also been outlined. Reviewing these studies will provide an opportunity to understand STC2's structure, biological functions as well as key molecular pathways involving STC2, which will help us design innovative therapeutic interventions using this novel hormone.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aditya D. Joshi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, United States
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Positive allosteric modulation of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 restrains neuroinflammation. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2020; 117:3848-3857. [PMID: 32024760 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1918215117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
l-tryptophan (Trp), an essential amino acid for mammals, is the precursor of a wide array of immunomodulatory metabolites produced by the kynurenine and serotonin pathways. The kynurenine pathway is a paramount source of several immunoregulatory metabolites, including l-kynurenine (Kyn), the main product of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1) that catalyzes the rate-limiting step of the pathway. In the serotonin pathway, the metabolite N-acetylserotonin (NAS) has been shown to possess antioxidant, antiinflammatory, and neuroprotective properties in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), an animal model of multiple sclerosis (MS). However, little is known about the exact mode of action of the serotonin metabolite and the possible interplay between the 2 Trp metabolic pathways. Prompted by the discovery that NAS neuroprotective effects in EAE are abrogated in mice lacking IDO1 expression, we investigated the NAS mode of action in neuroinflammation. We found that NAS directly binds IDO1 and acts as a positive allosteric modulator (PAM) of the IDO1 enzyme in vitro and in vivo. As a result, increased Kyn will activate the ligand-activated transcription factor aryl hydrocarbon receptor and, consequently, antiinflammatory and immunoregulatory effects. Because NAS also increased IDO1 activity in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of a significant proportion of MS patients, our data may set the basis for the development of IDO1 PAMs as first-in-class drugs in autoimmune/neuroinflammatory diseases.
Collapse
|
25
|
Faber SC, Soshilov AA, Giani Tagliabue S, Bonati L, Denison MS. Comparative In Vitro and In Silico Analysis of the Selectivity of Indirubin as a Human Ah Receptor Agonist. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:E2692. [PMID: 30201897 PMCID: PMC6165432 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19092692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2018] [Revised: 09/06/2018] [Accepted: 09/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a ligand-dependent transcription factor that modulates gene expression following its binding and activation by structurally diverse chemicals. Species differences in AhR functionality have been observed, with the mouse AhR (mAhR) and human AhR (hAhR) exhibiting significant differences in ligand binding, coactivator recruitment, gene expression and response. While the AhR agonist indirubin (IR) is a more potent activator of hAhR-dependent gene expression than the prototypical ligand 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD), it is a significantly less potent activator of the mAhR. DNA binding analysis confirmed the greater potency/efficacy of IR in stimulating transformation/DNA binding of the hAhR in vitro and domain-swapping experiments demonstrated that the enhanced response to IR was primarily due to the hAhR ligand binding domain (LBD). Site-directed mutagenesis and functional analysis studies revealed that mutation of H326 and A349 in the mAhR LBD to the corresponding residues in the hAhR LBD significantly increased the potency of IR. Since these mutations had no significant effect on ligand binding, these residues likely contribute to an enhanced efficiency of transformation/DNA binding by IR-bound hAhR. Molecular docking to mAhR LBD homology models further elucidated the different roles of the A375V mutation in TCDD and IR binding, as revealed by [³H]TCDD competitive binding results. These results demonstrate the differential binding of structurally diverse ligands within the LBD of a given AhR and confirm that amino acid differences within the LBD of AhRs contribute to significant species differences in ligand response.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Samantha C Faber
- Department of Environmental Toxicology, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA.
| | - Anatoly A Soshilov
- Department of Environmental Toxicology, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA.
| | - Sara Giani Tagliabue
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan 20126, Italy.
| | - Laura Bonati
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan 20126, Italy.
| | - Michael S Denison
- Department of Environmental Toxicology, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Procházková J, Strapáčová S, Svržková L, Andrysík Z, Hýžďalová M, Hrubá E, Pěnčíková K, Líbalová H, Topinka J, Kléma J, Espinosa JM, Vondráček J, Machala M. Adaptive changes in global gene expression profile of lung carcinoma A549 cells acutely exposed to distinct types of AhR ligands. Toxicol Lett 2018; 292:162-174. [PMID: 29704546 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2018.04.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2018] [Revised: 03/28/2018] [Accepted: 04/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Exposure to persistent ligands of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) has been found to cause lung cancer in experimental animals, and lung adenocarcinomas are often associated with enhanced AhR expression and aberrant AhR activation. In order to better understand the action of toxic AhR ligands in lung epithelial cells, we performed global gene expression profiling and analyze TCDD-induced changes in A549 transcriptome, both sensitive and non-sensitive to CH223191 co-treatment. Comparison of our data with results from previously reported microarray and ChIP-seq experiments enabled us to identify candidate genes, which expression status reflects exposure of lung cancer cells to TCDD, and to predict processes, pathways (e.g. ER stress, Wnt/β-cat, IFNɣ, EGFR/Erbb1), putative TFs (e.g. STAT, AP1, E2F1, TCF4), which may be implicated in adaptive response of lung cells to TCDD-induced AhR activation. Importantly, TCDD-like expression fingerprint of selected genes was observed also in A549 cells exposed acutely to both toxic (benzo[a]pyrene, benzo[k]fluoranthene) and endogenous AhR ligands (2-(1H-Indol-3-ylcarbonyl)-4-thiazolecarboxylic acid methyl ester and 6-formylindolo[3,2-b]carbazole). Overall, our results suggest novel cellular candidates, which could help to improve monitoring of AhR-dependent transcriptional activity during acute exposure of lung cells to distinct types of environmental pollutants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiřina Procházková
- Department of Chemistry and Toxicology, Veterinary Research Institute, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Simona Strapáčová
- Department of Chemistry and Toxicology, Veterinary Research Institute, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Lucie Svržková
- Department of Chemistry and Toxicology, Veterinary Research Institute, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Zdeněk Andrysík
- 1 Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Martina Hýžďalová
- Department of Chemistry and Toxicology, Veterinary Research Institute, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Eva Hrubá
- Department of Chemistry and Toxicology, Veterinary Research Institute, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Kateřina Pěnčíková
- Department of Chemistry and Toxicology, Veterinary Research Institute, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Helena Líbalová
- Department of Genetic Toxicology and Nanotoxicology, Institute of Experimental Medicine of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Topinka
- Department of Genetic Toxicology and Nanotoxicology, Institute of Experimental Medicine of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jiří Kléma
- Department of Computer Science, Czech Technical University in Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Joaquín M Espinosa
- 1 Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Jan Vondráček
- Department of Cytokinetics, Institute of Biophysics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Miroslav Machala
- Department of Chemistry and Toxicology, Veterinary Research Institute, Brno, Czech Republic.
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Joshi AD, Hossain E, Elferink CJ. Epigenetic Regulation by Agonist-Specific Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Recruitment of Metastasis-Associated Protein 2 Selectively Induces Stanniocalcin 2 Expression. Mol Pharmacol 2017; 92:366-374. [PMID: 28696214 DOI: 10.1124/mol.117.108878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2017] [Accepted: 06/28/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a ligand-activated transcription factor that regulates a plethora of target genes. Historically, the AhR has been studied as a regulator of xenobiotic metabolizing enzyme genes, notably cytochrome P4501A1 encoded by CYP1A1, in response to the exogenous prototypical ligand 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD). AhR activity depends on its binding to the xenobiotic response element (XRE) in partnership with the AhR nuclear translocator (Arnt). Recent studies identified stanniocalcin 2 (Stc2) as a novel AhR target gene responsive to the endogenous AhR agonist cinnabarinic acid (CA). CA-dependent AhR-XRE-mediated Stc2 upregulation is responsible for cytoprotection against ectoplasmic reticulum/oxidative stress-induced apoptosis both in vitro and in vivo. Significantly, CA but not TCDD induces expression of Stc2 in hepatocytes. In contrast to TCDD, CA is unable to induce the CYP1A1 gene, thus revealing an AhR agonist-specific mutually exclusive dichotomous transcriptional response. Studies reported here provide a mechanistic explanation for this differential response by identifying an interaction between the AhR and the metastasis-associated protein 2 (MTA2). Moreover, the AhR-MTA2 interaction is CA-dependent and results in MTA2 recruitment to the Stc2 promoter, concomitant with agonist-specific epigenetic modifications targeting histone H4 lysine acetylation. The results demonstrate that histone H4 acetylation is absolutely dependent on CA-induced AhR and MTA2 recruitment to the Stc2 regulatory region and induced Stc2 gene expression, which in turn confers cytoprotection to liver cells exposed to chemical insults.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aditya D Joshi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology (A.D.J., C.J.E.) and Sealy Center for Environmental Health and Medicine (E.H., C.J.E.), University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas
| | - Ekram Hossain
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology (A.D.J., C.J.E.) and Sealy Center for Environmental Health and Medicine (E.H., C.J.E.), University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas
| | - Cornelis J Elferink
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology (A.D.J., C.J.E.) and Sealy Center for Environmental Health and Medicine (E.H., C.J.E.), University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Denison MS, Faber SC. And Now for Something Completely Different: Diversity in Ligand-Dependent Activation of Ah Receptor Responses. CURRENT OPINION IN TOXICOLOGY 2017; 2:124-131. [PMID: 28845473 PMCID: PMC5570615 DOI: 10.1016/j.cotox.2017.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Ligand-dependent activation of the Ah receptor (AhR) can result in an extremely diverse spectrum of biological and toxic effects that occur in a ligand-, species- and tissue-specific manner. While the classical mechanism of AhR-dependent signal transduction is directly related to its ability to modulate gene expression, the dramatic diversity in responses observed following AhR activation or inhibition is inconsistent with a single molecular mechanism of AhR action. Recent studies have revealed that key molecular events underlying the AhR signaling pathway are significantly more varied and complex than previously established, and the specificity and diversity in AhR response can be selectively modulated by a variety of factors. Here we describe new insights into the mechanistic diversity in AhR signal transduction that can contribute to ligand-, species- and tissue-specific differences in AhR reponse.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael S Denison
- Department of Environmental Toxicology, University of California, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Samantha C Faber
- Department of Environmental Toxicology, University of California, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Fazio F, Lionetto L, Curto M, Iacovelli L, Copeland CS, Neale SA, Bruno V, Battaglia G, Salt TE, Nicoletti F. Cinnabarinic acid and xanthurenic acid: Two kynurenine metabolites that interact with metabotropic glutamate receptors. Neuropharmacology 2017; 112:365-372. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2016.06.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2016] [Revised: 06/16/2016] [Accepted: 06/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
|
30
|
Ito S, Osaka M, Edamatsu T, Itoh Y, Yoshida M. Crucial Role of the Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor (AhR) in Indoxyl Sulfate-Induced Vascular Inflammation. J Atheroscler Thromb 2016; 23:960-75. [PMID: 26860885 DOI: 10.5551/jat.34462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), a ligand-inducible transcription factor mediating toxic effects of dioxins and uremic toxins, has recently emerged as a pathophysiological regulator of immune-inflammatory conditions. Indoxyl sulfate, a uremic toxin, is associated with cardiovascular disease in patients with chronic kidney disease and has been shown to be a ligand for AhR. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential role of AhR in indoxyl sulfate-induced leukocyte-endothelial interactions. METHODS Endothelial cell-specific AhR knockout (eAhR KO) mice were produced by crossing AhR floxed mice with Tie2 Cre mice. Indoxyl sulfate was administered for 2 weeks, followed by injection of TNF-α. Leukocyte recruitment to the femoral artery was assessed by intravital microscopy. Vascular endothelial cells were transfected with siRNA specific to AhR (siAhR) and treated with indoxyl sulfate, followed by stimulation with TNF-α. RESULTS Indoxyl sulfate dramatically enhanced TNF-α-induced leukocyte recruitment to the vascular wall in control animals but not in eAhR KO mice. In endothelial cells, siAhR significantly reduced indoxyl sulfate-enhanced leukocyte adhesion as well as E-selectin expression, whereas the activation of JNK and nuclear factor-κB was not affected. A luciferase assay revealed that the region between -153 and -146 bps in the E-selectin promoter was responsible for indoxyl sulfate activity via AhR. Mutational analysis of this region revealed that activator protein-1 (AP-1) is responsible for indoxyl sulfate-triggered E-selectin expression via AhR. CONCLUSION AhR mediates indoxyl sulfate-enhanced leukocyte-endothelial interactions through AP-1 transcriptional activity, which may constitute a new mechanism of vascular inflammation in patients with renal disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shunsuke Ito
- Life Science and Bioethics, Department of International Health Development, Tokyo Medical and Dental University
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
31
|
Dell'Orco M, Milani P, Arrigoni L, Pansarasa O, Sardone V, Maffioli E, Polveraccio F, Bordoni M, Diamanti L, Ceroni M, Peverali FA, Tedeschi G, Cereda C. Hydrogen peroxide-mediated induction of SOD1 gene transcription is independent from Nrf2 in a cellular model of neurodegeneration. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-GENE REGULATORY MECHANISMS 2016; 1859:315-23. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagrm.2015.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2015] [Revised: 11/19/2015] [Accepted: 11/23/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
|
32
|
Hubbard TD, Murray IA, Perdew GH. Indole and Tryptophan Metabolism: Endogenous and Dietary Routes to Ah Receptor Activation. Drug Metab Dispos 2015; 43:1522-35. [PMID: 26041783 PMCID: PMC4576673 DOI: 10.1124/dmd.115.064246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 409] [Impact Index Per Article: 45.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2015] [Accepted: 06/02/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) is a ligand-activated transcription factor recognized for its role in xenobiotic metabolism. The physiologic function of AHR has expanded to include roles in immune regulation, organogenesis, mucosal barrier function, and the cell cycle. These functions are likely dependent upon ligand-mediated activation of the receptor. High-affinity ligands of AHR have been classically defined as xenobiotics, such as polychlorinated biphenyls and dioxins. Identification of endogenous AHR ligands is key to understanding the physiologic functions of this enigmatic receptor. Metabolic pathways targeting the amino acid tryptophan and indole can lead to a myriad of metabolites, some of which are AHR ligands. Many of these ligands exhibit species selective preferential binding to AHR. The discovery of specific tryptophan metabolites as AHR ligands may provide insight concerning where AHR is activated in an organism, such as at the site of inflammation and within the intestinal tract.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Troy D Hubbard
- Graduate Program in Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Molecular Biology (T.D.H.), and Center for Molecular Toxicology and Carcinogenesis and the Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences (T.D.H., I.A.M., G.H.P)., Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania
| | - Iain A Murray
- Graduate Program in Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Molecular Biology (T.D.H.), and Center for Molecular Toxicology and Carcinogenesis and the Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences (T.D.H., I.A.M., G.H.P)., Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania
| | - Gary H Perdew
- Graduate Program in Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Molecular Biology (T.D.H.), and Center for Molecular Toxicology and Carcinogenesis and the Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences (T.D.H., I.A.M., G.H.P)., Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania
| |
Collapse
|