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Ilina A, Khavinson V, Linkova N, Petukhov M. Neuroepigenetic Mechanisms of Action of Ultrashort Peptides in Alzheimer's Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23084259. [PMID: 35457077 PMCID: PMC9032300 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23084259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Revised: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic regulation of gene expression is necessary for maintaining higher-order cognitive functions (learning and memory). The current understanding of the role of epigenetics in the mechanism of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is focused on DNA methylation, chromatin remodeling, histone modifications, and regulation of non-coding RNAs. The pathogenetic links of this disease are the misfolding and aggregation of tau protein and amyloid peptides, mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, impaired energy metabolism, destruction of the blood–brain barrier, and neuroinflammation, all of which lead to impaired synaptic plasticity and memory loss. Ultrashort peptides are promising neuroprotective compounds with a broad spectrum of activity and without reported side effects. The main aim of this review is to analyze the possible epigenetic mechanisms of the neuroprotective action of ultrashort peptides in AD. The review highlights the role of short peptides in the AD pathophysiology. We formulate the hypothesis that peptide regulation of gene expression can be mediated by the interaction of short peptides with histone proteins, cis- and transregulatory DNA elements and effector molecules (DNA/RNA-binding proteins and non-coding RNA). The development of therapeutic agents based on ultrashort peptides may offer a promising addition to the multifunctional treatment of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasiia Ilina
- Department of Biogerontology, Saint Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation and Gerontology, 19711 Saint Petersburg, Russia; (V.K.); (N.L.)
- Department of General Pathology and Pathological Physiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, 197376 Saint Petersburg, Russia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +7-(953)145-89-58
| | - Vladimir Khavinson
- Department of Biogerontology, Saint Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation and Gerontology, 19711 Saint Petersburg, Russia; (V.K.); (N.L.)
- Group of Peptide Regulation of Aging, Pavlov Institute of Physiology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 199034 Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Natalia Linkova
- Department of Biogerontology, Saint Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation and Gerontology, 19711 Saint Petersburg, Russia; (V.K.); (N.L.)
| | - Mikhael Petukhov
- Department of Molecular Radiation Biophysics, Petersburg Nuclear Physics Institute Named after B.P. Konstantinov, NRC “Kurchatov Institute”, 188300 Gatchina, Russia;
- Group of Biophysics, Higher Engineering and Technical School, Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, 195251 Saint Petersburg, Russia
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2
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Avolio F, Martinotti S, Khavinson VK, Esposito JE, Giambuzzi G, Marino A, Mironova E, Pulcini R, Robuffo I, Bologna G, Simeone P, Lanuti P, Guarnieri S, Trofimova S, Procopio AD, Toniato E. Peptides Regulating Proliferative Activity and Inflammatory Pathways in the Monocyte/Macrophage THP-1 Cell Line. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23073607. [PMID: 35408963 PMCID: PMC8999041 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23073607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Revised: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
This study evaluates the effects of five different peptides, the Epitalon® tetrapeptide, the Vilon® dipeptide, the Thymogen® dipeptide, the Thymalin® peptide complex, and the Chonluten® tripeptide, as regulators of inflammatory and proliferative processes in the human monocytic THP-1, which is a human leukemia monocytic cell line capable of differentiating into macrophages by PMA in vitro. These peptides (Khavinson Peptides®), characterized by Prof. Khavinson from 1973 onwards, were initially isolated from animal tissues and found to be organ specific. We tested the capacity of the five peptides to influence cell cultures in vitro by incubating THP-1 cells with peptides at certain concentrations known for being effective on recipient cells in culture. We found that all five peptides can modulate key proliferative patterns, increasing tyrosine phosphorylation of mitogen-activated cytoplasmic kinases. In addition, the Chonluten tripeptide, derived from bronchial epithelial cells, inhibited in vitro tumor necrosis factor (TNF) production of monocytes exposed to pro-inflammatory bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The low TNF release by monocytes is linked to a documented mechanism of TNF tolerance, promoting attenuation of inflammatory action. Therefore, all peptides inhibited the expression of TNF and pro-inflammatory IL-6 cytokine stimulated by LPS on terminally differentiated THP-1 cells. Lastly, by incubating the THP1 cells, treated with the peptides, on a layer of activated endothelial cells (HUVECs activated by LPS), we observed a reduction in cell adhesion, a typical pro-inflammatory mechanism. Overall, the results suggest that the Khavinson Peptides® cooperate as natural inducers of TNF tolerance in monocyte, and act on macrophages as anti-inflammatory molecules during inflammatory and microbial-mediated activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Avolio
- Department of Innovative Technology in Medicine and Odontoiatrics, Center of Advanced Studies and Technology University “G. d’Annunzio”, Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (F.A.); (S.M.); (J.E.E.); (G.G.); (A.M.); (R.P.)
| | - Stefano Martinotti
- Department of Innovative Technology in Medicine and Odontoiatrics, Center of Advanced Studies and Technology University “G. d’Annunzio”, Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (F.A.); (S.M.); (J.E.E.); (G.G.); (A.M.); (R.P.)
| | - Vladimir Kh. Khavinson
- Department of Biogerontology, Saint Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation and Gerontology, 197110 Saint Petersburg, Russia; (V.K.K.); (E.M.); (S.T.)
| | - Jessica Elisabetta Esposito
- Department of Innovative Technology in Medicine and Odontoiatrics, Center of Advanced Studies and Technology University “G. d’Annunzio”, Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (F.A.); (S.M.); (J.E.E.); (G.G.); (A.M.); (R.P.)
| | - Giulia Giambuzzi
- Department of Innovative Technology in Medicine and Odontoiatrics, Center of Advanced Studies and Technology University “G. d’Annunzio”, Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (F.A.); (S.M.); (J.E.E.); (G.G.); (A.M.); (R.P.)
| | - Antonio Marino
- Department of Innovative Technology in Medicine and Odontoiatrics, Center of Advanced Studies and Technology University “G. d’Annunzio”, Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (F.A.); (S.M.); (J.E.E.); (G.G.); (A.M.); (R.P.)
| | - Ekaterina Mironova
- Department of Biogerontology, Saint Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation and Gerontology, 197110 Saint Petersburg, Russia; (V.K.K.); (E.M.); (S.T.)
| | - Riccardo Pulcini
- Department of Innovative Technology in Medicine and Odontoiatrics, Center of Advanced Studies and Technology University “G. d’Annunzio”, Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (F.A.); (S.M.); (J.E.E.); (G.G.); (A.M.); (R.P.)
| | - Iole Robuffo
- Institute of Molecular Genetics, National Research Council, Section of Chieti, 66100 Chieti, Italy;
| | - Giuseppina Bologna
- Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, Center of Advanced Studies and Technology University “G. d’Annunzio”, Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (G.B.); (P.S.); (P.L.)
| | - Pasquale Simeone
- Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, Center of Advanced Studies and Technology University “G. d’Annunzio”, Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (G.B.); (P.S.); (P.L.)
| | - Paola Lanuti
- Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, Center of Advanced Studies and Technology University “G. d’Annunzio”, Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (G.B.); (P.S.); (P.L.)
| | - Simone Guarnieri
- Department of Neuroscience, Center of Advanced Studies and Technology, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, University of Chieti, 66100 Chieti, Italy;
| | - Svetlana Trofimova
- Department of Biogerontology, Saint Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation and Gerontology, 197110 Saint Petersburg, Russia; (V.K.K.); (E.M.); (S.T.)
| | - Antonio Domenico Procopio
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences, Politecnic University of Marche, 60121 Ancona, Italy;
- INRCA-IRCCS, Clinic of Laboratory and Precision Medicine, 60121 Ancona, Italy
| | - Elena Toniato
- Department of Innovative Technology in Medicine and Odontoiatrics, Center of Advanced Studies and Technology University “G. d’Annunzio”, Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (F.A.); (S.M.); (J.E.E.); (G.G.); (A.M.); (R.P.)
- Unicamillus—Saint Unicamillus of Health Science, 00131 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence:
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Ray SK, Mukherjee S. LncRNAs as Architects in Cancer Biomarkers with Interface of Epitranscriptomics- Incipient Targets in Cancer Therapy. Curr Cancer Drug Targets 2021; 21:416-427. [PMID: 33413062 DOI: 10.2174/1568009620666210106122421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2020] [Revised: 11/22/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Long non-coding RNAs (LncRNAs) epitomize a class of non-coding regulatory RNAs with more than 200 nucleotides, which are long and situated in the nucleus or cytoplasm and rarely encode proteins. Accruing evidence signposts that lncRNAs act as molecular switches in different cellular activities like differentiation, apoptosis, as well as reprogramming of cellular states by modifying gene expression patterns. The revelation of immense numbers of lncRNA with their wide variety of expression patterns in different kinds of malignancy, tumor explicitness, and their steadiness in circulating body fluids deliver an innovative groundwork for emerging diagnosis and treatments for cancer. Mechanisms associating lncRNAs in carcinogenesis are conquered by deregulation of cellular signaling pathways and altered epitranscriptome along with their expression. Specified these attributes, it becomes clear that the improvement of new tools to identify lncRNAs with higher affectability will be fundamental to allow the identification of the expression pattern of lncRNAs in various kinds of malignant growth and may likewise be utilized to envisage cancer prognosis in addition to the patients' outcome. Improvement of RNA targeting-based therapeutics is delivering incredible prospects to modulate lncRNAs for anti-cancer initiatives. Henceforth, lncRNAs can be used exclusively as possible cancer biomarkers for early diagnosis and anticipation of malignancy, as well as metastasis. In addition to the basic curative targets and along these, lncRNAs hold resilient assurance towards the revelation of innovative diagnostics and therapeutics for malignant growth with the interface of epitranscriptomics information. This review aims to briefly discuss the latest findings regarding the roles and mechanisms of some important lncRNAs in the pathogenesis, regulation, and lncRNA-associated epigenetics of cancer along with targeting lncRNAs with potential approaches for impending diagnosis and therapeutic intervention in malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suman Kumar Ray
- Independent Researcher, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh-462020, India
| | - Sukhes Mukherjee
- Department of Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh-462020, India
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Abstract
Short peptides are molecules with small molecular weight, capable of penetrating the cell membrane and nuclear membrane for epigenetic regulation of gene expression, including the genes responsible for cell differentiation. The direction of cell differentiation induction depends on the peptide structure and concentration. AEDG and AEDP peptides induce differentiation of pluripotent cells in the epidermis, mesenchyme and nervous tissue. Peptides KE, AED, KED, AEDG and AAAAEKAAAAEKAAAAEK activate neural differentiation. Peptides AEDL and KEDW induce lung and pancreatic cell differentiation. Differentiation of immune cells is stimulated by KE, DS, (Nα-(γ-E)-E), K(Н-E-OH)-OH, AED, KED, EDA, and KEDG peptides. IRW, GRGDS and YCWSQYLCY peptides activate osteogenic differentiation of stem cells. KE, AEDL, and AEDG peptides also induce plant cells differentiation. Short peptides can take part in activation of the signaling pathways regulating expression of differentiation genes. They can interact with histones changing the availability of genes for transcription, regulate gene methylation and activate or inhibit their expression, as well as directly interact with the DNA. Research in the area of directed stem cell differentiation by peptide regulation is of special importance for developing innovative approaches to molecular medicine and cell therapy.
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Gao Y, Wang JW, Ren JY, Guo M, Guo CW, Ning SW, Yu S. Long noncoding RNAs in gastric cancer: From molecular dissection to clinical application. World J Gastroenterol 2020; 26:3401-3412. [PMID: 32655264 PMCID: PMC7327794 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v26.i24.3401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2019] [Revised: 04/24/2020] [Accepted: 05/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are important regulators of cell processes that are usually dysregulated in gastric cancer (GC). Based on their high specificity and ease of detection in tissues and body fluids, increasing attention has spurred the study of the roles of lncRNAs in GC patients. Thus, it is necessary to elucidate the molecular mechanisms and further explore the clinical applications of lncRNAs in GC. In this review, we summarize current knowledge to examine dysregulated lncRNAs in GC and their underlying molecular mechanisms and activities in GC, which involve microRNA sponging, mRNA stability, genetic variants, alternative splicing, transcription factor binding, and epigenetic modification. More significantly, the potential of lncRNAs as prognostic, circulating, and drug-resistant biomarkers for GC is also described. This review highlights the method of dissecting molecular mechanisms to explore the clinical application of lncRNAs in GC. Overall, this review offers assistance in using lncRNAs as novel candidates for molecular mechanisms and for the identification of revolutionary biomarkers for GC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Gao
- College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150081, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Jun-Wei Wang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150081, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Jia-Yi Ren
- College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150081, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Mian Guo
- Department of Neurosurgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150081, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Cheng-Wang Guo
- Department of Gastroenterology and Gastrosurgery, Gansu Wuwei Tumor Hospital, Wuwei 733000, Gansu Province, China
| | - Shang-Wei Ning
- College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150081, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Shan Yu
- Department of Pathology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150081, Heilongjiang Province, China
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Ashapkin V, Khavinson V, Shilovsky G, Linkova N, Vanuyshin B. Gene expression in human mesenchymal stem cell aging cultures: modulation by short peptides. Mol Biol Rep 2020; 47:4323-4329. [PMID: 32399807 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-020-05506-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2020] [Accepted: 05/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Effects of the short peptides Ala-Glu-Asp (AED), Lys-Glu-Asp (KED) and Lys-Glu (KE) on the expression of IGF1, FOXO1, TERT, TNKS2, and NFκB genes were studied in human embryo bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (line FetMSCs) variously aged in "passages" or "stationary" cultures. Both cell aging models were similar in gene expression. The main difference was in the TERT gene expression level, which showed an eightfold increase at the "stationary" aging. IGF1 gene expression levels were very similar in both cell culture aging models, being enhanced by 3.5-5.6 fold upon the addition of the peptides. The FOXO1 gene was expressed twice more actively in the "stationary" than in the "passages" aging model. KED peptide inhibited FOXO1 gene expression by 1.6-2.3 fold. KE peptide increased FOXO1 gene expression by about two-fold in the "stationary" aging model but did not affect it in the "passage" aging model. The most striking difference in the peptide effect on cell aging between "passages" and "stationary" aging models was in the KED effects on TNKS2 gene expression; this expression was inhibited by KED in the "passages" model, while stimulation was observed in the "stationary" model. AED, KED, and KE stimulated expression of the NFκB gene in both models. Thus, the peptides studied at nanomolar concentrations modulate the expression of some genes known to be involved in cell aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vasily Ashapkin
- Belozersky Institute of Physical and Chemical Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Vladimir Khavinson
- Department of Biogerontology, Saint Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation and Gerontology, St. Petersburg, Russia.,Group of Peptide Regulation of Aging, Pavlov Institute of Physiology, Russian Academy of Sciences, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Gregory Shilovsky
- Belozersky Institute of Physical and Chemical Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia.,Faculty of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Natalia Linkova
- Department of Biogerontology, Saint Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation and Gerontology, St. Petersburg, Russia. .,Department of Therapy, Geriatrics, and Anti-Aging Medicine, Academy of Postgraduate Education, Moscow, Russia.
| | - Boris Vanuyshin
- Belozersky Institute of Physical and Chemical Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
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Khavinson V, Diomede F, Mironova E, Linkova N, Trofimova S, Trubiani O, Caputi S, Sinjari B. AEDG Peptide (Epitalon) Stimulates Gene Expression and Protein Synthesis during Neurogenesis: Possible Epigenetic Mechanism. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25030609. [PMID: 32019204 PMCID: PMC7037223 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25030609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2019] [Revised: 01/23/2020] [Accepted: 01/29/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
It was shown that AEDG peptide (Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly, Epitalon) regulates the function of the pineal gland, the retina, and the brain. AEDG peptide increases longevity in animals and decreases experimental cancerogenesis. AEDG peptide induces neuronal cell differentiation in retinal and human periodontal ligament stem cells. The aim of the study was to investigate the influence of AEDG peptide on neurogenic differentiation gene expression and protein synthesis in human gingival mesenchymal stem cells, and to suggest the basis for the epigenetic mechanism of this process. AEDG peptide increased the synthesis of neurogenic differentiation markers: Nestin, GAP43, β Tubulin III, Doublecortin in hGMSCs. AEDG peptide increased Nestin, GAP43, β Tubulin III and Doublecortin mRNA expression by 1.6–1.8 times in hGMSCs. Molecular modelling method showed, that AEDG peptide preferably binds with H1/6 and H1/3 histones in His-Pro-Ser-Tyr-Met-Ala-His-Pro-Ala-Arg-Lys and Tyr-Arg-Lys-Thr-Gln sites, which interact with DNA. These results correspond to previous experimental data. AEDG peptide and histones H1/3, H1/6 binding may be one of the mechanisms which provides an increase of Nestin, GAP43, β Tubulin III, and Doublecortin neuronal differentiation gene transcription. AEDG peptide can epigenetically regulate neuronal differentiation gene expression and protein synthesis in human stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vladimir Khavinson
- Saint Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation and Gerontology, Dynamo Ave., 3, 197110 St. Petersburg, Russia; (V.K.); (E.M.); (S.T.)
- Pavlov Institute of Physiology Russian Academy of Sciences, Makarova Emb., 6, 199034 St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Francesca Diomede
- Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, University “G. d’Annunzio” Chieti-Pescara, Via dei Vestini, 31, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (F.D.); (O.T.); (S.C.); (B.S.)
| | - Ekaterina Mironova
- Saint Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation and Gerontology, Dynamo Ave., 3, 197110 St. Petersburg, Russia; (V.K.); (E.M.); (S.T.)
| | - Natalia Linkova
- Saint Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation and Gerontology, Dynamo Ave., 3, 197110 St. Petersburg, Russia; (V.K.); (E.M.); (S.T.)
- Academy of postgraduate education under FSBU FSCC of FMBA of Russia, Volokolamskaya r., 91, 125371 Moscow, Russia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +7-921-311-4210
| | - Svetlana Trofimova
- Saint Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation and Gerontology, Dynamo Ave., 3, 197110 St. Petersburg, Russia; (V.K.); (E.M.); (S.T.)
- Academy of postgraduate education under FSBU FSCC of FMBA of Russia, Volokolamskaya r., 91, 125371 Moscow, Russia
| | - Oriana Trubiani
- Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, University “G. d’Annunzio” Chieti-Pescara, Via dei Vestini, 31, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (F.D.); (O.T.); (S.C.); (B.S.)
| | - Sergio Caputi
- Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, University “G. d’Annunzio” Chieti-Pescara, Via dei Vestini, 31, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (F.D.); (O.T.); (S.C.); (B.S.)
| | - Bruna Sinjari
- Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, University “G. d’Annunzio” Chieti-Pescara, Via dei Vestini, 31, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (F.D.); (O.T.); (S.C.); (B.S.)
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Janssens Y, Wynendaele E, Vanden Berghe W, De Spiegeleer B. Peptides as epigenetic modulators: therapeutic implications. Clin Epigenetics 2019; 11:101. [PMID: 31300053 PMCID: PMC6624906 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-019-0700-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2019] [Accepted: 07/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Peptides originating from different sources (endogenous, food derived, environmental, and synthetic) are able to influence different aspects of epigenetic regulation. Endogenous short peptides, resulting from proteolytic cleavage of proteins or upon translation of non-annotated out of frame transcripts, can block DNA methylation and hereby regulate gene expression. Peptides entering the body by digestion of food-related proteins can modulate DNA methylation and/or histone acetylation while environmental peptides, synthesized by bacteria, fungi, and marine sponges, mainly inhibit histone deacetylation. In addition, synthetic peptides that reverse or inhibit different epigenetic modifications of both histones and the DNA can be developed as well. Next to these DNA and histone modifications, peptides can also influence the expression of non-coding RNAs such as lncRNAs and the maturation of miRNAs. Seen the advantages over small molecules, the development of peptide therapeutics is an interesting approach to treat diseases with a strong epigenetic basis like cancer and Alzheimer’s disease. To date, only a limited number of drugs with a proven epigenetic mechanism of action have been approved by the FDA of which two (romidepsin and nesiritide) are peptides. A large knowledge gap concerning epigenetic effects of peptides is present, and this class of molecules deserves more attention in the development as epigenetic modulators. In addition, none of the currently approved peptide drugs are under investigation for their potential effects on epigenetics, hampering drug repositioning of these peptides to other indications with an epigenetic etiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yorick Janssens
- Drug Quality and Registration (DruQuaR) group, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Evelien Wynendaele
- Drug Quality and Registration (DruQuaR) group, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Wim Vanden Berghe
- Protein Science, Proteomics and Epigenetic Signaling (PPES), Department Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Bart De Spiegeleer
- Drug Quality and Registration (DruQuaR) group, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000, Ghent, Belgium.
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Zhou Z, Lin Z, Pang X, Tariq MA, Ao X, Li P, Wang J. Epigenetic regulation of long non-coding RNAs in gastric cancer. Oncotarget 2018; 9:19443-19458. [PMID: 29721215 PMCID: PMC5922409 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.23821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2017] [Accepted: 10/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Gastric cancer is one of the most common cancers and is the second leading cause of cancer mortality worldwide. Therefore, it is urgent to explore new molecular biomarkers for early diagnosis, early treatment and prognosis for gastric cancer patients. Recently, increasing evidence has shown that epigenetic changes, such as aberrant DNA methylation, histone modifications, and noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) expression, play substantial roles in the development and progression of malignancies. Among these changes, long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), a novel class of ncRNAs, are emerging as highly versatile actors in a variety of cellular processes by regulating gene expression at the epigenetic level as well as at the transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels. Hundreds of lncRNAs become dysregulated in the various pathological processes of gastric cancer, and multiple lncRNAs have been reported to function as tumor-suppressors or oncogenes, although the underlying mechanisms are still under investigation. Here, we provide an overview of the epigenetic regulation of chromatin and the molecular functions of lncRNAs; we focus on lncRNA-mediated epigenetic regulation of cancer-related gene expression in gastric cancer, as well as discuss the clinical implications of lncRNAs on epigenetic-related cancer treatments, which may contribute helpful approaches for the development of new potential strategies for future diagnosis and therapeutic intervention in human cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhixia Zhou
- Center for Tumor Molecular Biology, Institute for Translational Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266021, China
| | - Zhijuan Lin
- Center for Tumor Molecular Biology, Institute for Translational Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266021, China
| | - Xin Pang
- Center for Tumor Molecular Biology, Institute for Translational Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266021, China
| | - Muhammad Akram Tariq
- Center for Tumor Molecular Biology, Institute for Translational Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266021, China
| | - Xiang Ao
- Center for Tumor Molecular Biology, Institute for Translational Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266021, China
| | - Peifeng Li
- Center for Tumor Molecular Biology, Institute for Translational Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266021, China
| | - Jianxun Wang
- Center for Tumor Molecular Biology, Institute for Translational Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266021, China
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Effect of Polypeptides on Cell Proliferation and Apoptosis during Aging. Bull Exp Biol Med 2017; 162:534-538. [PMID: 28243903 DOI: 10.1007/s10517-017-3655-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2015] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Polypeptide complexes derived from the bronchi, blood vessels, muscles, kidneys, ovaries, testes, and retina stimulated the processes of cell renewal in organotypic cultures of the corresponding organs of young and old animals. A correlation between the intensity of regeneration and animal' age was revealed. The polypeptide complexes reduced the expression of apoptotic factors p53 and caspase 3 and increased the expression of proliferation protein Ki-67. These results provide the basis for further study of the polypeptide complexes as stimulators of regenerative processes in different tissues during ageing.
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Ashapkin VV, Kutueva LI, Vanyushin BF. Plant DNA Methyltransferase Genes: Multiplicity, Expression, Methylation Patterns. BIOCHEMISTRY (MOSCOW) 2017; 81:141-51. [PMID: 27260394 DOI: 10.1134/s0006297916020085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Expression and methylation patterns of genes encoding DNA methyltransferases and their functionally related proteins were studied in organs of Arabidopsis thaliana plants. Genes coding for the major maintenance-type DNA methyltransferases, MET1 and CMT3, and the major de novo-type DNA methyltransferase, DRM2, are actively expressed in all organs. Similar constitutively active expression was observed for genes encoding their functionally related proteins, a histone H3K9 methyltransferase KYP and a catalytically non-active protein DRM3. Expression of the MET1 and CMT3 genes is significantly lower in developing endosperm compared with embryo. Vice versa, expression of the MET2a, MET2b, MET3, and CMT2 genes in endosperm is much more active compared with embryo. A special maintenance DNA methylation system seems to operate in endosperm. The DNMT2 and N6AMT genes encoding putative methyltransferases are constitutively expressed at low levels. CMT1 and DRM1 genes are expressed rather weakly in all investigated organs. Most of the studied genes have methylation patterns conforming to the "body-methylated gene" prototype. A peculiar feature of the MET family genes is methylation at all three possible site types (CG, CHG, and CHH). The most weakly expressed among genes of their respective families, CMT1 and DRM1, are practically unmethylated. The MET3 and N6AMT genes have unusual methylation patterns, promoter region, and most of the gene body devoid of any methylation, and the 3'-end proximal part of the gene body is highly methylated.
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Affiliation(s)
- V V Ashapkin
- Belozersky Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, 119991, Russia.
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Shilovsky GA, Feniouk BA, Skulachev VP. Thymic Involution in Ontogenesis: Role in Aging Program. BIOCHEMISTRY (MOSCOW) 2016; 80:1629-31. [PMID: 26638690 DOI: 10.1134/s0006297915120135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
In most mammals, involution of the thymus occurs with aging. In this issue of Biochemistry (Moscow) devoted to phenoptosis, A. V. Khalyavkin considered involution of a thymus as an example of the program of development and further--of proliferation control and prevention of tumor growth. However, in animals devoid of a thymus (e.g. naked mice), stimulation of carcinogenesis, but not its prevention was observed. In this report, we focus on the involution of the thymus as a manifestation of the aging program (slow phenoptosis). We also consider methods of reversal/arrest of this program at different levels of organization of life (cell, tissue, and organism) including surgical manipulations, hormonal effects, genetic techniques, as well as the use of conventional and mitochondria-targeted antioxidants. We conclude that programmed aging (at least on the model of age-dependent thymic atrophy) can be inhibited.
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Affiliation(s)
- G A Shilovsky
- Lomonosov Moscow State University, Belozersky Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Moscow, 119991, Russia.
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