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Kleuser B, Schumacher F, Gulbins E. New Therapeutic Options in Pulmonal Diseases: Sphingolipids and Modulation of Sphingolipid Metabolism. Handb Exp Pharmacol 2024; 284:289-312. [PMID: 37922034 DOI: 10.1007/164_2023_700] [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] [Indexed: 11/05/2023]
Abstract
Sphingolipids are crucial molecules in the respiratory airways. As in most other tissues and organs, in the lung sphingolipids play an essential role as structural constituents as they regulate barrier function and fluidity of cell membranes. A lung-specific feature is the occurrence of sphingolipids as minor structural components in the surfactant. However, sphingolipids are also key signaling molecules involved in airway cell signaling and their dynamical formation and metabolism are important for normal lung physiology. Dysregulation of sphingolipid metabolism and signaling is involved in altering lung tissue and initiates inflammatory processes promoting the pathogenesis of pulmonal diseases including cystic fibrosis (CF), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and asthma.In the present review, the important role of specific sphingolipid species in pulmonal diseases will be discussed. Only such an understanding opens up the possibility of developing new therapeutic strategies with the aim of correcting the imbalance in sphingolipid metabolism and signaling. Such delivery strategies have already been studied in animal models of these lung diseases, demonstrating that targeting the sphingolipid profile represents new therapeutic opportunities for lung disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Burkhard Kleuser
- Institute of Pharmacy, Pharmacology and Toxicology, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Fabian Schumacher
- Institute of Pharmacy, Pharmacology and Toxicology, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Erich Gulbins
- Institute of Molecular Biology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany.
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2
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Schnitker F, Liu Y, Keitsch S, Soddemann M, Verhasselt HL, Kehrmann J, Grassmé H, Kamler M, Gulbins E, Wu Y. Reduced Sphingosine in Cystic Fibrosis Increases Susceptibility to Mycobacterium abscessus Infections. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14004. [PMID: 37762308 PMCID: PMC10530875 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241814004] [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: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an autosomal recessive disorder caused by the deficiency of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) and often leads to pulmonary infections caused by various pathogens, including Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and nontuberculous mycobacteria, particularly Mycobacterium abscessus. Unfortunately, M. abscessus infections are increasing in prevalence and are associated with the rapid deterioration of CF patients. The treatment options for M. abscessus infections are limited, requiring the urgent need to comprehend infectious pathogenesis and develop new therapeutic interventions targeting affected CF patients. Here, we show that the deficiency of CFTR reduces sphingosine levels in bronchial and alveolar epithelial cells and macrophages from CF mice and humans. Decreased sphingosine contributes to the susceptibility of CF tissues to M. abscessus infection, resulting in a higher incidence of infections in CF mice. Notably, treatment of M. abscessus with sphingosine demonstrated potent bactericidal activity against the pathogen. Most importantly, restoration of sphingosine levels in CF cells, whether human or mouse, and in the lungs of CF mice, provided protection against M. abscessus infections. Our findings demonstrate that pulmonary sphingosine levels are important in controlling M. abscessus infection. These results offer a promising therapeutic avenue for CF patients with pulmonary M. abscessus infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabian Schnitker
- Department of Molecular Biology, Institute of Molecular Biology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45122 Essen, Germany; (F.S.); (Y.L.); (S.K.); (M.S.); (H.G.); (E.G.)
| | - Yongjie Liu
- Department of Molecular Biology, Institute of Molecular Biology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45122 Essen, Germany; (F.S.); (Y.L.); (S.K.); (M.S.); (H.G.); (E.G.)
- West German Heart and Vascular Center, Thoracic Transplantation, Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, 45122 Essen, Germany;
| | - Simone Keitsch
- Department of Molecular Biology, Institute of Molecular Biology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45122 Essen, Germany; (F.S.); (Y.L.); (S.K.); (M.S.); (H.G.); (E.G.)
| | - Matthias Soddemann
- Department of Molecular Biology, Institute of Molecular Biology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45122 Essen, Germany; (F.S.); (Y.L.); (S.K.); (M.S.); (H.G.); (E.G.)
| | - Hedda Luise Verhasselt
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45122 Essen, Germany; (H.L.V.); (J.K.)
| | - Jan Kehrmann
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45122 Essen, Germany; (H.L.V.); (J.K.)
| | - Heike Grassmé
- Department of Molecular Biology, Institute of Molecular Biology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45122 Essen, Germany; (F.S.); (Y.L.); (S.K.); (M.S.); (H.G.); (E.G.)
| | - Markus Kamler
- West German Heart and Vascular Center, Thoracic Transplantation, Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, 45122 Essen, Germany;
| | - Erich Gulbins
- Department of Molecular Biology, Institute of Molecular Biology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45122 Essen, Germany; (F.S.); (Y.L.); (S.K.); (M.S.); (H.G.); (E.G.)
- Department of Surgery, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
| | - Yuqing Wu
- Department of Molecular Biology, Institute of Molecular Biology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45122 Essen, Germany; (F.S.); (Y.L.); (S.K.); (M.S.); (H.G.); (E.G.)
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Lee M, Lee SY, Bae YS. Functional roles of sphingolipids in immunity and their implication in disease. Exp Mol Med 2023; 55:1110-1130. [PMID: 37258585 PMCID: PMC10318102 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-023-01018-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Sphingolipids, which are components of cellular membranes and organ tissues, can be synthesized or degraded to modulate cellular responses according to environmental cues, and the balance among the different sphingolipids is important for directing immune responses, regardless of whether they originate, as intra- or extracellular immune events. Recent progress in multiomics-based analyses and methodological approaches has revealed that human health and diseases are closely related to the homeostasis of sphingolipid metabolism, and disease-specific alterations in sphingolipids and related enzymes can be prognostic markers of human disease progression. Accumulating human clinical data from genome-wide association studies and preclinical data from disease models provide support for the notion that sphingolipids are the missing pieces that supplement our understanding of immune responses and diseases in which the functions of the involved proteins and nucleotides have been established. In this review, we analyze sphingolipid-related enzymes and reported human diseases to understand the important roles of sphingolipid metabolism. We discuss the defects and alterations in sphingolipid metabolism in human disease, along with functional roles in immune cells. We also introduce several methodological approaches and provide summaries of research on sphingolipid modulators in this review that should be helpful in studying the roles of sphingolipids in preclinical studies for the investigation of experimental and molecular medicines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingyu Lee
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, SAIHST, Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul, 06355, Republic of Korea
| | - Suh Yeon Lee
- Department of Biological Sciences, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Yoe-Sik Bae
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, SAIHST, Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul, 06355, Republic of Korea.
- Department of Biological Sciences, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea.
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Kleynerman A, Rybova J, Faber ML, McKillop WM, Levade T, Medin JA. Acid Ceramidase Deficiency: Bridging Gaps between Clinical Presentation, Mouse Models, and Future Therapeutic Interventions. Biomolecules 2023; 13:biom13020274. [PMID: 36830643 PMCID: PMC9953133 DOI: 10.3390/biom13020274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Revised: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Farber disease (FD) and spinal muscular atrophy with progressive myoclonic epilepsy (SMA-PME) are ultra-rare, autosomal-recessive, acid ceramidase (ACDase) deficiency disorders caused by ASAH1 gene mutations. Currently, 73 different mutations in the ASAH1 gene have been described in humans. These mutations lead to reduced ACDase activity and ceramide (Cer) accumulation in many tissues. Presenting as divergent clinical phenotypes, the symptoms of FD vary depending on central nervous system (CNS) involvement and severity. Classic signs of FD include, but are not limited to, a hoarse voice, distended joints, and lipogranulomas found subcutaneously and in other tissues. Patients with SMA-PME lack the most prominent clinical signs seen in FD. Instead, they demonstrate muscle weakness, tremors, and myoclonic epilepsy. Several ACDase-deficient mouse models have been developed to help elucidate the complex consequences of Cer accumulation. In this review, we compare clinical reports on FD patients and experimental descriptions of ACDase-deficient mouse models. We also discuss clinical presentations, potential therapeutic strategies, and future directions for the study of FD and SMA-PME.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annie Kleynerman
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | - Jitka Rybova
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | - Mary L. Faber
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | - William M. McKillop
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | - Thierry Levade
- Laboratoire de Biochimie Métabolique, CHU Toulouse, and INSERM U1037, Centre de Recherches en Cancérologie de Toulouse, Université Paul Sabatier, 31062 Toulouse, France
| | - Jeffrey A. Medin
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-414-955-4118
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Caterino M, Fedele R, Carnovale V, Castaldo A, Gelzo M, Iacotucci P, Ruoppolo M, Castaldo G. Lipidomic alterations in human saliva from cystic fibrosis patients. Sci Rep 2023; 13:600. [PMID: 36635275 PMCID: PMC9837121 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-24429-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Cystic fibrosis is a hereditary metabolic disorder characterized by impaired traffic of chloride ions and water through membranes of the respiratory and gastrointestinal, that causes inadequate hydration of airway surfaces, dehydrated mucous secretions and a high-sodium chloride sweat. Although the classical presentation of the condition is well known, a better characterization of metabolic alterations related is need. In particular, the metabolic composition alterations of biological fluids may be influence by the disease state and could be captured as putative signature to set targeted therapeutic strategies. A targeted comprehensive mass spectrometry-based platform was employed to dissect the lipid content of saliva samples form CF patients, in order to investigate alterations in the lipid metabolic homeostasis related to the pathology, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, Pseudomonas Aeruginosa infection, pancreatic insufficiency, liver disfunction and diabetes-related complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianna Caterino
- grid.4691.a0000 0001 0790 385XDepartment of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, School of Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy ,grid.511947.f0000 0004 1758 0953CEINGE - Biotecnologie Avanzate F. Salvatore, s.c.ar.l, 80145 Napoli, Italy
| | - Roberta Fedele
- grid.511947.f0000 0004 1758 0953CEINGE - Biotecnologie Avanzate F. Salvatore, s.c.ar.l, 80145 Napoli, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Carnovale
- grid.4691.a0000 0001 0790 385XDepartment of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Alice Castaldo
- grid.4691.a0000 0001 0790 385XDepartment of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Monica Gelzo
- grid.4691.a0000 0001 0790 385XDepartment of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, School of Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy ,grid.511947.f0000 0004 1758 0953CEINGE - Biotecnologie Avanzate F. Salvatore, s.c.ar.l, 80145 Napoli, Italy
| | - Paola Iacotucci
- grid.4691.a0000 0001 0790 385XDepartment of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Margherita Ruoppolo
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, School of Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, 80131, Naples, Italy. .,CEINGE - Biotecnologie Avanzate F. Salvatore, s.c.ar.l, 80145, Napoli, Italy.
| | - Giuseppe Castaldo
- grid.4691.a0000 0001 0790 385XDepartment of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, School of Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy ,grid.511947.f0000 0004 1758 0953CEINGE - Biotecnologie Avanzate F. Salvatore, s.c.ar.l, 80145 Napoli, Italy
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Chen Y, Peng M, Li W, Zhao M, Cao X, Li C, Zhang H, Yang M, Liang L, Yue Y, Xia T, Zhong R, Wang Y, Shu Z. Inhibition of inflammasome activation via sphingolipid pathway in acute lung injury by Huanglian Jiedu decoction: An integrative pharmacology approach. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2022; 107:154469. [PMID: 36202056 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2022.154469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Revised: 08/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acute lung injury (ALI) is a serious health issue which causes significant morbidity and mortality. Inflammation is an important factor in the pathogenesis of ALI. Even though ALI has been successfully managed using a traditiomal Chinese medicine (TCM), Huanglian Jiedu Decoction (HLD), its mechanism of action remains unknown. PURPOSE This study explored the therapeutic potential of HLD in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced ALI rats by utilizing integrative pharmacology. METHODS Here, the therapeutic efficacy of HLD was evaluated using lung wet/dry weight ratio (W/D), myeloperoxide (MPO) activity, and levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6. Network pharmacology predictd the active components of HLD in ALI. Lung tissues were subjected to perform Hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) staining, metabolomics, and transcriptomics. The acid ceramidase (ASAH1) inhibitor, carmofur, was employedto suppress the sphingolipid signaling pathway. RESULTS HLD reduced pulmonary edema and vascular permeability, and suppressed the levels of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β in lung tissue, Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), and serum. Network pharmacology combined with transcriptomics and metabolomics showed that sphingolipid signaling was the main regulatory pathway for HLD to ameliorate ALI, as confirmed by immunohistochemical analysis. Then, we reverse verified that the sphingolipid signaling pathway was the main pathway involed in ALI. Finally, berberine, baicalein, obacunone, and geniposide were docked with acid ceramidase to further explore the mechanisms of interaction between the compound and protein. CONCLUSION HLD does have a better therapeutic effect on ALI, and its molecular mechanism is better elucidated from the whole, which is to balance lipid metabolism, energy metabolism and amino acid metabolism, and inhibit NLRP3 inflammasome activation by regulating the sphingolipid pathway. Therefore, HLD and its active components can be used to develop new therapies for ALI and provide a new model for exploring complex TCM systems for treating ALI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Chen
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Mingming Peng
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Wei Li
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Mantong Zhao
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Xia Cao
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Chuanqiu Li
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Han Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Jiamusi University, Jiamusi 154000, China
| | - Mengru Yang
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Lanyuan Liang
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Yiming Yue
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Tianyi Xia
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Renxing Zhong
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Yi Wang
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Zunpeng Shu
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China.
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Günther A, Hose M, Abberger H, Schumacher F, Veith Y, Kleuser B, Matuschewski K, Lang KS, Gulbins E, Buer J, Westendorf A, Hansen W. The acid ceramidase/ceramide axis controls parasitemia in Plasmodium yoelii-infected mice by regulating erythropoiesis. eLife 2022; 11:77975. [PMID: 36094170 PMCID: PMC9499531 DOI: 10.7554/elife.77975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Acid ceramidase (Ac) is part of the sphingolipid metabolism and responsible for the degradation of ceramide. As bioactive molecule, ceramide is involved in the regulation of many cellular processes. However, the impact of cell-intrinsic Ac activity and ceramide on the course of Plasmodium infection remains elusive. Here, we use Ac-deficient mice with ubiquitously increased ceramide levels to elucidate the role of endogenous Ac activity in a murine malaria model. Interestingly, ablation of Ac leads to alleviated parasitemia associated with decreased T cell responses in the early phase of Plasmodium yoelii infection. Mechanistically, we identified dysregulated erythropoiesis with reduced numbers of reticulocytes, the preferred host cells of P. yoelii, in Ac-deficient mice. Furthermore, we demonstrate that administration of the Ac inhibitor carmofur to wildtype mice has similar effects on P. yoelii infection and erythropoiesis. Notably, therapeutic carmofur treatment after manifestation of P. yoelii infection is efficient in reducing parasitemia. Hence, our results provide evidence for the involvement of Ac and ceramide in controlling P. yoelii infection by regulating red blood cell development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Günther
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Matthias Hose
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Hanna Abberger
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | | | - Ylva Veith
- Institute of Biology, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Burkhard Kleuser
- Institute of Pharmacy, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Kai Matuschewski
- Institute of Biology, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Erich Gulbins
- Institute of Molecular Biology, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Jan Buer
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Astrid Westendorf
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, University of Duisburg-Essen, Duisburg, Germany
| | - Wiebke Hansen
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
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Westhölter D, Schumacher F, Wülfinghoff N, Sutharsan S, Strassburg S, Kleuser B, Horn PA, Reuter S, Gulbins E, Taube C, Welsner M. CFTR modulator therapy alters plasma sphingolipid profiles in people with cystic fibrosis. J Cyst Fibros 2022; 21:713-720. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcf.2022.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Revised: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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Gardner AI, Wu Y, Verhaegh R, Liu Y, Wilker B, Soddemann M, Keitsch S, Edwards MJ, Haq IJ, Kamler M, Becker KA, Brodlie M, Gulbins E. Interferon regulatory factor 8 regulates expression of acid ceramidase and infection susceptibility in cystic fibrosis. J Biol Chem 2021; 296:100650. [PMID: 33839155 PMCID: PMC8113888 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2021.100650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2021] [Revised: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Most patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) suffer from acute and chronic pulmonary infections with bacterial pathogens, which often determine their life quality and expectancy. Previous studies have demonstrated a downregulation of the acid ceramidase in CF epithelial cells resulting in an increase of ceramide and a decrease of sphingosine. Sphingosine kills many bacterial pathogens, and the downregulation of sphingosine seems to determine the infection susceptibility of cystic fibrosis mice and patients. It is presently unknown how deficiency of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) connects to a marked downregulation of the acid ceramidase in human and murine CF epithelial cells. Here, we employed quantitative PCR, western blot analysis, and enzyme activity measurements to study the role of IRF8 for acid ceramidase regulation. We report that genetic deficiency or functional inhibition of CFTR/Cftr results in an upregulation of interferon regulatory factor 8 (IRF8) and a concomitant downregulation of acid ceramidase expression with CF and an increase of ceramide and a reduction of sphingosine levels in tracheal and bronchial epithelial cells from both human individuals or mice. CRISPR/Cas9- or siRNA-mediated downregulation of IRF8 prevented changes of acid ceramidase, ceramide, and sphingosine in CF epithelial cells and restored resistance to Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections, which is one of the most important and common pathogens in lung infection of patients with CF. These studies indicate that CFTR deficiency causes a downregulation of acid ceramidase via upregulation of IRF8, which is a central pathway to control infection susceptibility of CF cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron Ions Gardner
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Yuqing Wu
- Department of Molecular Biology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Rabea Verhaegh
- Department of Molecular Biology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Yongjie Liu
- Department of Molecular Biology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany; Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Barbara Wilker
- Department of Molecular Biology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Matthias Soddemann
- Department of Molecular Biology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Simone Keitsch
- Department of Molecular Biology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Michael J Edwards
- Department of Surgery, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Iram J Haq
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK; Pediatric Respiratory Medicine, Great North Children's Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Markus Kamler
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Katrin Anne Becker
- Department of Molecular Biology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Malcolm Brodlie
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK; Pediatric Respiratory Medicine, Great North Children's Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.
| | - Erich Gulbins
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany; Department of Surgery, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA.
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