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Wu M, Guan G, Yin H, Niu Q. A Review of the Bromodomain and Extraterminal Domain Epigenetic Reader Proteins: Function on Virus Infection and Cancer. Viruses 2024; 16:1096. [PMID: 39066258 PMCID: PMC11281655 DOI: 10.3390/v16071096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2024] [Revised: 06/28/2024] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The BET (bromodomain and extraterminal domain) family of proteins, particularly BRD4 (bromodomain-containing protein 4), plays a crucial role in transcription regulation and epigenetic mechanisms, impacting key cellular processes such as proliferation, differentiation, and the DNA damage response. BRD4, the most studied member of this family, binds to acetylated lysines on both histones and non-histone proteins, thereby regulating gene expression and influencing diverse cellular functions such as the cell cycle, tumorigenesis, and immune responses to viral infections. Given BRD4's involvement in these fundamental processes, it is implicated in various diseases, including cancer and inflammation, making it a promising target for therapeutic development. This review comprehensively explores the roles of the BET family in gene transcription, DNA damage response, and viral infection, discussing the potential of targeted small-molecule compounds and highlighting BET proteins as promising candidates for anticancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengli Wu
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, College of Veterinary Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, China; (M.W.); (G.G.); (H.Y.)
- African Swine Fever Regional Laboratory of China (Lanzhou), Gansu Province Research Center for Basic Disciplines of Pathogen Biology, Lanzhou 730046, China
| | - Guiquan Guan
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, College of Veterinary Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, China; (M.W.); (G.G.); (H.Y.)
- African Swine Fever Regional Laboratory of China (Lanzhou), Gansu Province Research Center for Basic Disciplines of Pathogen Biology, Lanzhou 730046, China
| | - Hong Yin
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, College of Veterinary Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, China; (M.W.); (G.G.); (H.Y.)
- African Swine Fever Regional Laboratory of China (Lanzhou), Gansu Province Research Center for Basic Disciplines of Pathogen Biology, Lanzhou 730046, China
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for the Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Disease and Zoonosis, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Qingli Niu
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, College of Veterinary Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, China; (M.W.); (G.G.); (H.Y.)
- African Swine Fever Regional Laboratory of China (Lanzhou), Gansu Province Research Center for Basic Disciplines of Pathogen Biology, Lanzhou 730046, China
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Skibba ME, Brasier AR. NF-κB/RelA signaling in secretoglobin progenitors mediates plasticity and MMP-induced barrier disruption in house dust mite-induced allergic asthma. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 2024; 327:L86-L101. [PMID: 38713619 DOI: 10.1152/ajplung.00066.2024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2024] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/09/2024] Open
Abstract
The mechanisms how aeroallergens induce sensitization are incompletely understood. The house dust mite (HDM) Dermatophagoides pteronyssius (Der p) is a ubiquitous aeroallergen that represents a major cause of allergic rhinitis and asthma. Herein, we tested whether HDM-induced aeroallergen exposure sensitivity is caused by the innate-immune response in small airway epithelial cells. HDM exposure is a rapid activator of NF-κB/RelA in the Secretoglobin (Scgb1a1+) lineage associated with upregulation of NF-κB/RelA-dependent markers of epithelial plasticity. To determine the effect of epithelial NF-κB signaling, NF-κB was depleted in a tamoxifen (TMX)-inducible Scgb1a1-CreERTM mouse within a CL57B/L6 background. Corn oil or TMX-treated/RelA-depleted [RelA knockdown (KD)] mice were repetitively exposed to airway HDM challenges to induce airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR). Strikingly, we observed that HDM induces hallmarks of epithelial plasticity through upregulation of the mesenchymal core factors SNAI1 and ZEB1 and production of metalloproteinase (MMP)9 that are RelA-dependent. Downstream, HDM-induced mucous metaplasia, Th2 polarization, allergen sensitivity, and airway hyperreactivity were all reduced in the RelA-depleted mice. Mechanistically, HDM-induced functional and structural barrier disruption was dependent on RelA signaling and associated with active MMP secretion into the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. To establish the role of MMP2/9 in barrier disruption, we observe that a small-molecule MMP inhibitor (SB-3CT) blocked HDM-induced barrier disruption and activation of plasticity in naïve wild-type (WT) mice. Loss of functional barrier was associated with MMP disruption of zona occludens (ZO)-1 containing adherens junctions. Overall, this data indicates that host innate signaling in the Scgb1a1+ progenitors is directly linked to epithelial plasticity, MMP9 secretion, and enhanced barrier permeability that allows allergen penetration, sensitization producing allergic asthma (AA) in vivo. We propose that maintenance of epithelial integrity may reduce allergic sensitization and AA.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Allergic asthma from house dust mite (HDM) allergy causes substantial morbidity. This study examines the dynamic changes in small airway epithelial cells in a mouse model of HDM exposure. Our findings indicate that NF-κB/RelA signaling mediates matrix metalloproteinase production, disrupting the epithelial barrier resulting in allergic sensitization. Our findings bring new insight into mechanisms for epithelial cell-state change in the allergen response, creating a potential therapeutic pathway for maintaining barrier function in asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa E Skibba
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States
| | - Allan R Brasier
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States
- Institute for Clinical and Translational Research, Madison, Wisconsin, United States
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Yongprayoon V, Wattanakul N, Khomate W, Apithanangsiri N, Kasitipradit T, Nantajit D, Tavassoli M. Targeting BRD4: Potential therapeutic strategy for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (Review). Oncol Rep 2024; 51:74. [PMID: 38606512 DOI: 10.3892/or.2024.8733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
As a member of BET (bromodomain and extra-terminal) protein family, BRD4 (bromodomain‑containing protein 4) is a chromatin‑associated protein that interacts with acetylated histones and actively recruits regulatory proteins, leading to the modulation of gene expression and chromatin remodeling. The cellular and epigenetic functions of BRD4 implicate normal development, fibrosis and inflammation. BRD4 has been suggested as a potential therapeutic target as it is often overexpressed and plays a critical role in regulating gene expression programs that drive tumor cell proliferation, survival, migration and drug resistance. To address the roles of BRD4 in cancer, several drugs that specifically target BRD4 have been developed. Inhibition of BRD4 has shown promising results in preclinical models, with several BRD4 inhibitors undergoing clinical trials for the treatment of various cancers. Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), a heterogeneous group of cancers, remains a health challenge with a high incidence rate and poor prognosis. Conventional therapies for HNSCC often cause adverse effects to the patients. Targeting BRD4, therefore, represents a promising strategy to sensitize HNSCC to chemo‑ and radiotherapy allowing de‑intensification of the current therapeutic regime and subsequent reduced side effects. However, further studies are required to fully understand the underlying mechanisms of action of BRD4 in HNSCC in order to determine the optimal dosing and administration of BRD4‑targeted drugs for the treatment of patients with HNSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Voraporn Yongprayoon
- Princess Srisavangavadhana College of Medicine, Chulabhorn Royal Academy, Bangkok 10210, Thailand
| | - Napasporn Wattanakul
- Princess Srisavangavadhana College of Medicine, Chulabhorn Royal Academy, Bangkok 10210, Thailand
| | - Winnada Khomate
- Princess Srisavangavadhana College of Medicine, Chulabhorn Royal Academy, Bangkok 10210, Thailand
| | - Nathakrit Apithanangsiri
- Princess Srisavangavadhana College of Medicine, Chulabhorn Royal Academy, Bangkok 10210, Thailand
| | - Tarathip Kasitipradit
- Princess Srisavangavadhana College of Medicine, Chulabhorn Royal Academy, Bangkok 10210, Thailand
| | - Danupon Nantajit
- Princess Srisavangavadhana College of Medicine, Chulabhorn Royal Academy, Bangkok 10210, Thailand
| | - Mahvash Tavassoli
- Centre for Host Microbiome Interactions, King's College London, London SE1 1UL, UK
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Wu X, Li W, Luo Z, Chen Y. Exploring the efficacy and molecular mechanism of Danhong injection comprehensively in the treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis by combining meta-analysis, network pharmacology, and molecular docking methods. Medicine (Baltimore) 2024; 103:e38133. [PMID: 38728523 PMCID: PMC11081554 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000038133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Danhong injection, a compound injection of Chinese herbal medicine, has been widely used in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) at present as an adjuvant treatment. However, the clinical efficacy and molecular mechanism of IPF are still unclear. This study will evaluate and explore the clinical efficacy and molecular mechanism of Danhong injection in the treatment of IPF. METHODS In meta-analysis, the computer was used to search 8 databases (PubMed, EMbase, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, CBM, CNKI, WanFang, and VIP) to collect the RCTs, and RevMan 5.3 and Stata 14.0 were used for statistical analysis. It has been registered on PROSPERO: CRD42020221096. In network pharmacology, the main chemical components and targets of the chemical components of Danhong injection were obtained in TCMSP and Swiss Target Prediction databases. The main targets of IPF were obtained through Gencards, Disgenet, OMIM, TTD, and DRUGBANK databases. The String platform was used to construct PPI networks. Cytoscape 3.8.2 was used to construct the "Danhong components - IPF targets-pathways" network. The molecular docking verification was conducted by Auto Dock. RESULTS Twelve RCTs were finally included with a total of 896 patients. The meta-analysis showed that Danhong injection could improve the clinical efficiency ([OR] = 0.25, 95% CI [0.15, 0.41]), lung function, arterial blood gas analysis, inflammatory cytokines, and serum cytokines associated with pulmonary fibrosis of IPF patients, respectively (P < .05). The core active components of Danhong injection on IPF were Luteolin, Quercetin, and Kaempferol, and the core targets were PTGS2, AR, ESR1, PPARG, and RELA. Danhong injection mainly improved IPF through PD-L1 expression and PD-1 checkpoint path in cancer, pathways in cancer, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, etc. CONCLUSION These results provided scientific basis for the clinical use of Danhong injection for the treatment of IPF, and provided a new direction to explore the potential mechanism of action of Danhong injection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaozheng Wu
- Department of Preclinical Medicine, Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, China
| | - Wen Li
- Department of Preclinical Medicine, Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, China
| | - Zhenliang Luo
- Department of Preclinical Medicine, Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, China
| | - Yunzhi Chen
- Department of Preclinical Medicine, Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, China
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Ding Y, Wang Z, Zhang Z, You R, Wu Y, Bian T. GLUT3-mediated cigarette smoke-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease through the NF-kB/ZEB1 pathway. Respir Res 2024; 25:158. [PMID: 38594707 PMCID: PMC11005242 DOI: 10.1186/s12931-024-02785-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 03/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Airway remodelling plays an important role in the pathogenesis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a significant process during the occurrence of airway remodelling. Increasing evidence suggests that glucose transporter 3 (GLUT3) is involved in the epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) process of various diseases. However, the role of GLUT3 in EMT in the airway epithelial cells of COPD patients remains unclear. METHODS We detected the levels of GLUT3 in the peripheral lung tissue of COPD patients and cigarette smoke (CS)-exposed mice. Two Gene Expression Omnibus GEO datasets were utilised to analyse GLUT3 gene expression profiles in COPD. Western blot and immunofluorescence were used to detect GLUT3 expression. In addition, we used the AAV9-GLUT3 inhibitor to reduce GLUT3 expression in the mice model. Masson's staining and lung function measurement were used detect the collagen deposition and penh in the mice. A cell study was performed to confirm the regulatory effect of GLUT3. Inhibition of GLUT3 expression with siRNA, Western blot, and immunofluorescence were used to detect the expression of E-cadherin, N-cadherin, vimentin, p65, and ZEB1. RESULTS Based on the GEO data set analysis, GLUT3 expression in COPD patients was higher than in non-smokers. Moreover, GLUT3 was highly expressed in COPD patients, CS exposed mice, and BEAS-2B cells treated with CS extract (CSE). Further research revealed that down-regulation of GLUT3 significantly alleviated airway remodelling in vivo and in vitro. Lung function measurement showed that GLUT3 reduction reduced airway resistance in experimental COPD mice. Mechanistically, our study showed that reduction of GLUT3 inhibited CSE-induced EMT by down-regulating the NF-κB/ZEB1 pathway. CONCLUSION We demonstrate that CS enhances the expression of GLUT3 in COPD and further confirm that GLUT3 may regulate airway remodelling in COPD through the NF-κB/ZEB1 pathway; these findings have potential value in the diagnosis and treatment of COPD. The down-regulation of GLUT3 significantly alleviated airway remodelling and reduced airway resistance in vivo. Our observations uncover a key role of GLUT3 in modulating airway remodelling and shed light on the development of GLUT3-targeted therapeutics for COPD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Ding
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Wuxi People's Hospital, Wuxi Medical Center, The Affiliated Wuxi People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, 214023, People's Republic of China
| | - Ziteng Wang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Wuxi People's Hospital, Wuxi Medical Center, The Affiliated Wuxi People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, 214023, People's Republic of China
| | - Zheming Zhang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Wuxi People's Hospital, Wuxi Medical Center, The Affiliated Wuxi People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, 214023, People's Republic of China
| | - Rong You
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Wuxi People's Hospital, Wuxi Medical Center, The Affiliated Wuxi People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, 214023, People's Republic of China
| | - Yan Wu
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Wuxi People's Hospital, Wuxi Medical Center, The Affiliated Wuxi People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, 214023, People's Republic of China.
| | - Tao Bian
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Wuxi People's Hospital, Wuxi Medical Center, The Affiliated Wuxi People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, 214023, People's Republic of China.
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Xu X, Qiao D, Brasier AR. Cooperative interaction of interferon regulatory factor -1 and bromodomain-containing protein 4 on RNA polymerase activation for intrinsic innate immunity. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1366235. [PMID: 38601157 PMCID: PMC11004252 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1366235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction The human orthopneumovirus, Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), is the causative agent of severe lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI) and exacerbations of chronic lung diseases. In immune competent hosts, RSV productively infects highly differentiated epithelial cells, where it elicits robust anti-viral, cytokine and remodeling programs. By contrast, basal cells are relatively resistant to RSV infection, in part, because of constitutive expression of an intrinsic innate immune response (IIR) consisting of a subgroup of interferon (IFN) responsive genes. The mechanisms controlling the intrinsic IIR are not known. Methods Here, we use human small airway epithelial cell hSAECs as a multipotent airway stem cell model to examine regulatory control of an intrinsic IIR pathway. Results We find hSAECs express patterns of intrinsic IIRs, highly conserved with pluri- and multi-potent stem cells. We demonstrate a core intrinsic IIR network consisting of Bone Marrow Stromal Cell Antigen 2 (Bst2), Interferon Induced Transmembrane Protein 1 (IFITM1) and Toll-like receptor (TLR3) expression are directly under IRF1 control. Moreover, expression of this intrinsic core is rate-limited by ambient IRF1• phospho-Ser 2 CTD RNA Polymerase II (pSer2 Pol II) complexes binding to their proximal promoters. In response to RSV infection, the abundance of IRF1 and pSer2 Pol II binding is dramatically increased, with IRF1 complexing to the BRD4 chromatin remodeling complex (CRC). Using chromatin immunoprecipitation in IRF1 KD cells, we find that the binding of BRD4 is IRF1 independent. Using a small molecule inhibitor of the BRD4 acetyl lysine binding bromodomain (BRD4i), we further find that BRD4 bromodomain interactions are required for stable BRD4 promoter binding to the intrinsic IIR core promoters, as well as for RSV-inducible pSer2 Pol II recruitment. Surprisingly, BRD4i does not disrupt IRF1-BRD4 interactions, but disrupts both RSV-induced BRD4 and IRF1 interactions with pSer2 Pol II. Conclusions We conclude that the IRF1 functions in two modes- in absence of infection, ambient IRF1 mediates constitutive expression of the intrinsic IIR, whereas in response to RSV infection, the BRD4 CRC independently activates pSer2 Pol II to mediates robust expression of the intrinsic IIR. These data provide insight into molecular control of anti-viral defenses of airway basal cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaofang Xu
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health (SMPH), Madison, WI, United States
| | - Dianhua Qiao
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health (SMPH), Madison, WI, United States
| | - Allan R. Brasier
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health (SMPH), Madison, WI, United States
- Institute for Clinical and Translational Research, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
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Wang Y, Zheng J, Long Y, Wu W, Zhu Y. Direct degradation and stabilization of proteins: New horizons in treatment of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. Biochem Pharmacol 2024; 220:115989. [PMID: 38122854 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is featured with excessive hepatic lipid accumulation and its global prevalence is soaring. Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), the severe systemic inflammatory subtype of NAFLD, is tightly associated with metabolic comorbidities, and the hepatocytes manifest severe inflammation and ballooning. Currently the therapeutic options for treating NASH are limited. Potent small molecules specifically intervene with the signaling pathways that promote pathogenesis of NASH. Nevertheless they have obvious adverse effects and show long-term ineffectiveness in clinical trials. It poses the fundamental question to efficiently and safely inhibit the pathogenic processes. Targeted protein degradation (TPD) belongs to the direct degradation strategies and is a burgeoning strategy. It utilizes the small molecules to bind to the target proteins and recruit the endogenous proteasome, lysosome and autophagosome-mediated degradation machineries. They effectively and specifically degrade the target proteins. It has exhibited promising therapeutic effects in treatment of cancer, neurodegenerative diseases and other diseases in a catalytic manner at low doses. We critically discuss the principles of multiple direct degradation strategies, especially PROTAC and ATTEC. We extensively analyze their emerging application in degradation of excessive pathogenic proteins and lipid droplets, which promote the progression of NASH. Moreover, we discuss the opposite strategy that utilizes the small molecules to recruit deubiquinases to stabilize the NASH/MASH-suppressing proteins. Their advantages, limitations, as well as the solutions to address the limitations have been analyzed. In summary, the innovative direct degradation strategies provide new insights into design of next-generation therapeutics to combat NASH with optimal safety paradigm and efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yibing Wang
- School of Kinesiology, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai 200438, PR China; Shanghai Frontiers Science Research Base of Exercise and Metabolic Health, PR China.
| | - Jianan Zheng
- School of Kinesiology, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai 200438, PR China
| | - Yun Long
- Department of Endocrinology, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510120, PR China
| | - Wenyi Wu
- School of Kinesiology, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai 200438, PR China
| | - Yutong Zhu
- School of Kinesiology, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai 200438, PR China
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Tzani A, Haemmig S, Cheng HS, Perez-Cremades D, Augusto Heuschkel M, Jamaiyar A, Singh S, Aikawa M, Yu P, Wang T, Ye S, Feinberg MW, Plutzky J. FAM222A, Part of the BET-Regulated Basal Endothelial Transcriptome, Is a Novel Determinant of Endothelial Biology and Angiogenesis-Brief Report. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2024; 44:143-155. [PMID: 37942611 PMCID: PMC10840377 DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.123.319909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND BETs (bromodomain and extraterminal domain-containing epigenetic reader proteins), including BRD4 (bromodomain-containing protein 4), orchestrate transcriptional programs induced by pathogenic stimuli, as intensively studied in cardiovascular disease and elsewhere. In endothelial cells (ECs), BRD4 directs induced proinflammatory, proatherosclerotic transcriptional responses; BET inhibitors, like JQ1, repress these effects and decrease atherosclerosis. While BET effects in pathogenic conditions have prompted therapeutic BET inhibitor development, BET action under basal conditions, including ECs, has remained understudied. To understand BET action in basal endothelial transcriptional programs, we first analyzed EC RNA-Seq data in the absence versus presence of JQ1 before using BET regulation to identify novel determinants of EC biology and function. METHODS RNA-Seq datasets of human umbilical vein ECs without and with JQ1 treatment were analyzed. After identifying C12orf34, also known as FAM222A (family with sequence similarity 222 member A), as a previously unreported, basally expressed, potently JQ1-induced EC gene, FAM222A was studied in endothelial and angiogenic responses in vitro using small-interference RNA silencing and lentiviral overexpression, in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo, including aortic sprouting, matrigel plug assays, and murine neonatal oxygen-induced retinopathy. RESULTS Resting EC RNA-Seq data indicate BETs direct transcriptional programs underlying core endothelial properties including migration, proliferation, and angiogenesis. BET inhibition in resting ECs also significantly induced a subset of mRNAs, including FAM222A-a unique BRD4-regulated gene with no reported EC role. Silencing endothelial FAM222A significantly decreased cellular proliferation, migration, network formation, aorta sprouting, and Matrigel plug vascularization through coordinated modulation of VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) and NOTCH mediator expression in vitro, ex vivo, in vivo; lentiviral FAM222A overexpression had opposite effects. In vivo, siFAM222A significantly repressed retinal revascularization in neonatal murine oxygen-induced retinopathy through similar angiogenic signaling modulation. CONCLUSIONS BET control over the basal endothelial transcriptome includes FAM222A, a novel, BRD4-regulated, key determinant of endothelial biology and angiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aspasia Tzani
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115
| | - Stefan Haemmig
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115
| | - Henry S. Cheng
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115
| | - Daniel Perez-Cremades
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115
| | - Marina Augusto Heuschkel
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115
| | - Anurag Jamaiyar
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115
| | - Sasha Singh
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115
| | - Masanori Aikawa
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115
| | - Paul Yu
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115
| | - Tianxi Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115
| | - Sun Ye
- Department of Ophthalmology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115
| | - Mark W. Feinberg
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115
| | - Jorge Plutzky
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115
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Sun J, Gui Y, Zhou S, Zheng XL. Unlocking the secrets of aging: Epigenetic reader BRD4 as the target to combatting aging-related diseases. J Adv Res 2023:S2090-1232(23)00329-6. [PMID: 37956861 DOI: 10.1016/j.jare.2023.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2023] [Revised: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Aging, a complex and profound journey, leads us through a labyrinth of physiological and pathological transformations, rendering us increasingly susceptible to aging-related diseases. Emerging investigations have unveiled the function of bromodomain containing protein 4 (BRD4) in manipulating the aging process and driving the emergence and progression of aging-related diseases. AIM OF REVIEW This review aims to offer a comprehensive outline of BRD4's functions involved in the aging process, and potential mechanisms through which BRD4 governs the initiation and progression of various aging-related diseases. KEY SCIENTIFIC CONCEPTS OF REVIEW BRD4 has a fundamental role in regulating the cell cycle, apoptosis, cellular senescence, the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP), senolysis, autophagy, and mitochondrial function, which are involved in the aging process. Several studies have indicated that BRD4 governs the initiation and progression of various aging-related diseases, including Alzheimer's disease, ischemic cerebrovascular diseases, hypertension, atherosclerosis, heart failure, aging-related pulmonary fibrosis, and intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD). Thus, the evidence from this review supports that BRD4 could be a promising target for managing various aging-related diseases, while further investigation is warranted to gain a thorough understanding of BRD4's role in these diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaxing Sun
- Departments of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, AB, Canada; Department of Cardiology, the Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yu Gui
- Departments of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Shenghua Zhou
- Department of Cardiology, the Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China.
| | - Xi-Long Zheng
- Departments of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, AB, Canada.
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Vadla R, Miki S, Taylor B, Kawauchi D, Jones BM, Nathwani N, Pham P, Tsang J, Nathanson DA, Furnari FB. Glioblastoma Mesenchymal Transition and Invasion are Dependent on a NF-κB/BRD2 Chromatin Complex. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.07.03.546613. [PMID: 37461511 PMCID: PMC10349949 DOI: 10.1101/2023.07.03.546613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/25/2023]
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) represents the most aggressive subtype of glioma, noted for its profound invasiveness and molecular heterogeneity. The mesenchymal (MES) transcriptomic subtype is frequently associated with therapy resistance, rapid recurrence, and increased tumor-associated macrophages. Notably, activation of the NF-κB pathway and alterations in the PTEN gene are both associated with this malignant transition. Although PTEN aberrations have been shown to be associated with enhanced NF-κB signaling, the relationships between PTEN, NF-κB and MES transition are poorly understood in GBM. Here, we show that PTEN regulates the chromatin binding of bromodomain and extraterminal (BET) family proteins, BRD2 and BRD4, mediated by p65/RelA localization to the chromatin. By utilizing patient-derived glioblastoma stem cells and CRISPR gene editing of the RELA gene, we demonstrate a crucial role for RelA lysine 310 acetylation in recruiting BET proteins to chromatin for MES gene expression and GBM cell invasion upon PTEN loss. Remarkably, we found that BRD2 is dependent on chromatin associated acetylated RelA for its recruitment to MES gene promoters and their expression. Furthermore, loss of BRD2 results in the loss of MES signature, accompanied by an enrichment of proneural signature and enhanced therapy responsiveness. Finally, we demonstrate that disrupting the NFκB/BRD2 interaction with a brain penetrant BET-BD2 inhibitor reduces mesenchymal gene expression, GBM invasion, and therapy resistance in GBM models. This study uncovers the role of hitherto unexplored PTEN-NF-κB-BRD2 pathway in promoting MES transition and suggests inhibiting this complex with BET-BD2 specific inhibitors as a therapeutic approach to target the MES phenotype in GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raghavendra Vadla
- Division of Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Shunichiro Miki
- Division of Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Brett Taylor
- Division of Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Daisuke Kawauchi
- Division of Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Brandon M Jones
- Division of Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Nidhi Nathwani
- Division of Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Philip Pham
- Division of Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Jonathan Tsang
- Departments of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
| | - David A Nathanson
- Departments of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
| | - Frank B Furnari
- Division of Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
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11
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Mann MW, Fu Y, Gearhart RL, Xu X, Roberts DS, Li Y, Zhou J, Ge Y, Brasier AR. Bromodomain-containing Protein 4 regulates innate inflammation via modulation of alternative splicing. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1212770. [PMID: 37435059 PMCID: PMC10331468 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1212770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Bromodomain-containing Protein 4 (BRD4) is a transcriptional regulator which coordinates gene expression programs controlling cancer biology, inflammation, and fibrosis. In the context of airway viral infection, BRD4-specific inhibitors (BRD4i) block the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and prevent downstream epithelial plasticity. Although the chromatin modifying functions of BRD4 in inducible gene expression have been extensively investigated, its roles in post-transcriptional regulation are not well understood. Given BRD4's interaction with the transcriptional elongation complex and spliceosome, we hypothesize that BRD4 is a functional regulator of mRNA processing. Methods To address this question, we combine data-independent analysis - parallel accumulation-serial fragmentation (diaPASEF) with RNA-sequencing to achieve deep and integrated coverage of the proteomic and transcriptomic landscapes of human small airway epithelial cells exposed to viral challenge and treated with BRD4i. Results We discover that BRD4 regulates alternative splicing of key genes, including Interferon-related Developmental Regulator 1 (IFRD1) and X-Box Binding Protein 1 (XBP1), related to the innate immune response and the unfolded protein response (UPR). We identify requirement of BRD4 for expression of serine-arginine splicing factors, splicosome components and the Inositol-Requiring Enzyme 1 IREα affecting immediate early innate response and the UPR. Discussion These findings extend the transcriptional elongation-facilitating actions of BRD4 in control of post-transcriptional RNA processing via modulating splicing factor expression in virus-induced innate signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morgan W. Mann
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin – Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Yao Fu
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin – Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Robert L. Gearhart
- Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin – Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Xiaofang Xu
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin – Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - David S. Roberts
- Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin – Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Yi Li
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, United States
| | - Jia Zhou
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, United States
| | - Ying Ge
- Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin – Madison, Madison, WI, United States
- Department of Cell and Regenerative Biology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
- Human Proteomics Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Allan R. Brasier
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin – Madison, Madison, WI, United States
- Institute for Clinical and Translational Research, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
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12
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Qiao D, Skibba M, Xu X, Brasier AR. Genomic targets of the IRE1-XBP1s pathway in mediating metabolic adaptation in epithelial plasticity. Nucleic Acids Res 2023; 51:3650-3670. [PMID: 36772828 PMCID: PMC10164557 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkad077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Epithelial mesenchymal plasticity (EMP) is a complex cellular reprogramming event that plays a major role in tissue homeostasis. Recently we observed the unfolded protein response (UPR) triggers EMP through the inositol-requiring protein 1 (IRE1α)-X-box-binding protein 1 spliced (XBP1s) axis, enhancing glucose shunting to protein N glycosylation. To better understand the genomic targets of XBP1s, we identified its genomic targets using Cleavage Under Targets and Release Using Nuclease (CUT&RUN) of a FLAG-epitope tagged XBP1s in RSV infection. CUT&RUN identified 7086 binding sites in chromatin that were enriched in AP-1 motifs and GC-sequences. Of these binding sites, XBP1s peaks mapped to 4827 genes controlling Rho-GTPase signaling, N-linked glycosylation and ER-Golgi transport. Strikingly, XBP1s peaks were within 1 kb of transcription start sites of 2119 promoters. In addition to binding core mesenchymal transcription factors SNAI1 and ZEB1, we observed that hexosamine biosynthetic pathway (HBP) enzymes were induced and contained proximal XBP1s peaks. We demonstrate that IRE1α -XBP1s signaling is necessary and sufficient to activate core enzymes by recruiting elongation-competent phospho-Ser2 CTD modified RNA Pol II. We conclude that the IRE1α-XBP1s pathway coordinately regulates mesenchymal transcription factors and hexosamine biosynthesis in EMP by a mechanism involving recruitment of activated pSer2-Pol II to GC-rich promoters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dianhua Qiao
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health (SMPH), Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Melissa Skibba
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health (SMPH), Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Xiaofang Xu
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health (SMPH), Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Allan R Brasier
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health (SMPH), Madison, WI 53705, USA
- Institute for Clinical and Translational Research (ICTR), University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 1053705, USA
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13
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Liu Y, Wen D, Ho C, Yu L, Zheng D, O'Reilly S, Gao Y, Li Q, Zhang Y. Epigenetics as a versatile regulator of fibrosis. J Transl Med 2023; 21:164. [PMID: 36864460 PMCID: PMC9983257 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-04018-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibrosis, a process caused by excessive deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM), is a common cause and outcome of organ failure and even death. Researchers have made many efforts to understand the mechanism of fibrogenesis and to develop therapeutic strategies; yet, the outcome remains unsatisfactory. In recent years, advances in epigenetics, including chromatin remodeling, histone modification, DNA methylation, and noncoding RNA (ncRNA), have provided more insights into the fibrotic process and have suggested the possibility of novel therapy for organ fibrosis. In this review, we summarize the current research on the epigenetic mechanisms involved in organ fibrosis and their possible clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yangdan Liu
- Department of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, School of Medicine, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 639 Zhizaoju Road, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Dongsheng Wen
- Department of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, School of Medicine, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 639 Zhizaoju Road, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Chiakang Ho
- Department of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, School of Medicine, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 639 Zhizaoju Road, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Li Yu
- Department of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, School of Medicine, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 639 Zhizaoju Road, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Danning Zheng
- Department of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, School of Medicine, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 639 Zhizaoju Road, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | | | - Ya Gao
- Department of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, School of Medicine, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 639 Zhizaoju Road, Shanghai, 200011, China.
| | - Qingfeng Li
- Department of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, School of Medicine, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 639 Zhizaoju Road, Shanghai, 200011, China.
| | - Yifan Zhang
- Department of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, School of Medicine, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 639 Zhizaoju Road, Shanghai, 200011, China.
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14
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Pan L, Hao W, Xue Y, Wang K, Zheng X, Luo J, Ba X, Xiang Y, Qin X, Bergwik J, Tanner L, Egesten A, Brasier AR, Boldogh I. 8-Oxoguanine targeted by 8-oxoguanine DNA glycosylase 1 (OGG1) is central to fibrogenic gene activation upon lung injury. Nucleic Acids Res 2023; 51:1087-1102. [PMID: 36651270 PMCID: PMC9943661 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkac1241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Revised: 12/04/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are implicated in epithelial cell-state transition and deposition of extracellular matrix upon airway injury. Of the many cellular targets of ROS, oxidative DNA modification is a major driving signal. However, the role of oxidative DNA damage in modulation profibrotic processes has not been fully delineated. Herein, we report that oxidative DNA base lesions, 8-oxoG, complexed with 8-oxoguanine DNA glycosylase 1 (OGG1) functions as a pioneer factor, contributing to transcriptional reprogramming within airway epithelial cells. We show that TGFβ1-induced ROS increased 8-oxoG levels in open chromatin, dynamically reconfigure the chromatin state. OGG1 complexed with 8-oxoG recruits transcription factors, including phosphorylated SMAD3, to pro-fibrotic gene promoters thereby facilitating gene activation. Moreover, 8-oxoG levels are elevated in lungs of mice subjected to TGFβ1-induced injury. Pharmacologic targeting of OGG1 with the selective small molecule inhibitor of 8-oxoG binding, TH5487, abrogates fibrotic gene expression and remodeling in this model. Collectively, our study implicates that 8-oxoG substrate-specific binding by OGG1 is a central modulator of transcriptional regulation in response to tissue repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lang Pan
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Wenjing Hao
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
- Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Yaoyao Xue
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Ke Wang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Xu Zheng
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Jixian Luo
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
- School of Life Sciences, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030006, China
| | - Xueqing Ba
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Epigenetics of Ministry of Education, School of Life Science, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, Jilin 130024, China
| | - Yang Xiang
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410000, China
| | - Xiaoqun Qin
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410000, China
| | - Jesper Bergwik
- Respiratory Medicine, Allergology, & Palliative Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Lund University and Skåne University Hospital, SE-221 84 Lund, Sweden
| | - Lloyd Tanner
- Respiratory Medicine, Allergology, & Palliative Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Lund University and Skåne University Hospital, SE-221 84 Lund, Sweden
| | - Arne Egesten
- Respiratory Medicine, Allergology, & Palliative Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Lund University and Skåne University Hospital, SE-221 84 Lund, Sweden
| | - Allan R Brasier
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health (SMPH), Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Istvan Boldogh
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
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15
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Pooladanda V, Thatikonda S, Priya Muvvala S, Godugu C. Acute respiratory distress syndrome enhances tumor metastasis into lungs: Role of BRD4 in the tumor microenvironment. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 115:109701. [PMID: 36641892 PMCID: PMC9827001 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.109701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Revised: 12/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is associated with severe lung inflammation, edema, hypoxia, and high vascular permeability. The COVID-19-associated pandemic ARDS caused by SARS-CoV-2 has created dire global conditions and has been highly contagious. Chronic inflammatory disease enhances cancer cell proliferation, progression, and invasion. We investigated how acute lung inflammation activates the tumor microenvironment and enhances lung metastasis in LPS induced in vitro and in vivo models. Respiratory illness is mainly caused by cytokine storm, which further influences oxidative and nitrosative stress. The LPS-induced inflammatory cytokines made the conditions suitable for the tumor microenvironment in the lungs. In the present study, we observed that LPS induced the cytokine storm and promoted lung inflammation via BRD4, which further caused the nuclear translocation of p65 NF-κB and STAT3. The transcriptional activation additionally triggers the tumor microenvironment and lung metastasis. Thus, BRD4-regulated p65 and STAT3 transcriptional activity in ARDS enhances lung tumor metastasis. Moreover, LPS-induced ARDS might promote the tumor microenvironment and increase cancer metastasis into the lungs. Collectively, BRD4 plays a vital role in inflammation-mediated tumor metastasis and is found to be a diagnostic and molecular target in inflammation-associated cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Venkatesh Pooladanda
- Department of Regulatory Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Balanagar, Hyderabad, Telangana 500037, India,Vincent Center for Reproductive Biology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA,Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Sowjanya Thatikonda
- Department of Regulatory Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Balanagar, Hyderabad, Telangana 500037, India,Department of Head and Neck‐Endocrine Oncology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Sai Priya Muvvala
- Department of Regulatory Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Balanagar, Hyderabad, Telangana 500037, India
| | - Chandraiah Godugu
- Department of Regulatory Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Balanagar, Hyderabad, Telangana 500037, India.
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16
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Mann M, Fu Y, Xu X, Roberts DS, Li Y, Zhou J, Ge Y, Brasier AR. Bromodomain-containing Protein 4 Regulates Innate Inflammation in Airway Epithelial Cells via Modulation of Alternative Splicing. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.01.17.524257. [PMID: 36711789 PMCID: PMC9882210 DOI: 10.1101/2023.01.17.524257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Bromodomain-containing Protein 4 (BRD4) is a transcriptional regulator which coordinates gene expression programs controlling cancer biology, inflammation, and fibrosis. In airway viral infection, non-toxic BRD4-specific inhibitors (BRD4i) block the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and prevent downstream remodeling. Although the chromatin modifying functions of BRD4 in inducible gene expression have been extensively investigated, its roles in post-transcriptional regulation are not as well understood. Based on its interaction with the transcriptional elongation complex and spliceosome, we hypothesize that BRD4 is a functional regulator of mRNA processing. To address this question, we combine data-independent analysis - parallel accumulation-serial fragmentation (diaPASEF) with RNA-sequencing to achieve deep and integrated coverage of the proteomic and transcriptomic landscapes of human small airway epithelial cells exposed to viral challenge and treated with BRD4i. The transcript-level data was further interrogated for alternative splicing analysis, and the resulting data sets were correlated to identify pathways subject to post-transcriptional regulation. We discover that BRD4 regulates alternative splicing of key genes, including Interferon-related Developmental Regulator 1 ( IFRD1 ) and X-Box Binding Protein 1 ( XBP1 ), related to the innate immune response and the unfolded protein response, respectively. These findings extend the transcriptional elongation-facilitating actions of BRD4 in control of post-transcriptional RNA processing in innate signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morgan Mann
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin – Madison, Madison, 53705, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Yao Fu
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin – Madison, Madison, 53705, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Xiaofang Xu
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin – Madison, Madison, 53705, Wisconsin, USA
| | - David S. Roberts
- Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin – Madison, Madison, 53705, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Yi Li
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas, Medical Branch, Galveston, 77550, Texas, USA
| | - Jia Zhou
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas, Medical Branch, Galveston, 77550, Texas, USA
| | - Ying Ge
- Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin – Madison, Madison, 53705, Wisconsin, USA,Human Proteomics Program, University of Wisconsin – Madison, Madison, 53705, Wisconsin, USA,Department of Cell and Regenerative Biology, University of Wisconsin – Madison, Madison, 53705, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Allan R. Brasier
- Institute for Clinical and Translational Research (ICTR), University of Wisconsin – Madison, Madison, 53705, Wisconsin, USA
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17
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Ma Z, Bolinger AA, Zhou J, Tian B. Bromodomain-containing protein 4 (BRD4): a key player in inflammatory bowel disease and potential to inspire epigenetic therapeutics. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2023; 27:1-7. [PMID: 36710583 PMCID: PMC11092387 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2023.2175317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) are debilitating chronic inflammatory disorders with increasing prevalence worldwide. Epigenetic regulator bromodomain-containing protein 4 (BRD4) is critical in controlling gene expression of IBD-associated inflammatory cytokine networks. BRD4 as a promising therapeutic target is also tightly associated with many other diseases, such as airway inflammation and fibrosis, cancers, infectious diseases and central nervous system disorders. AREAS COVERED This review briefly summarized the critical role of BRD4 in the pathogenesis of IBDs and the current clinical landscape of developing bromodomain and extra terminal domain (BET) inhibitors. The challenges and opportunities as well as future directions of targeting BRD4 inhibition for potential IBD medications were also discussed. EXPERT OPINION Targeting BRD4 with potent and specific inhibitors may offer novel effective therapeutics for IBD patients, particularly those who are refractory to anti-TNFα therapy and IBD-related profibrotic. Developing highly specific BRD4 inhibitors for IBD medications may help erase the drawbacks of most current pan-BET/BRD4 inhibitors, such as off-target effects, poor oral bioavailability, and low gut mucosal absorbance. Novel strategies such as combinatorial therapy, BRD4-based dual inhibitors and proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs) may also have great potential to mitigate side effects and overcome drug resistance during IBD treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zonghui Ma
- Chemical Biology Program, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Andrew A. Bolinger
- Chemical Biology Program, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Jia Zhou
- Chemical Biology Program, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Bing Tian
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
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18
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Brasier AR. Innate Immunity, Epithelial Plasticity, and Remodeling in Asthma. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2023; 1426:265-285. [PMID: 37464126 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-32259-4_13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/20/2023]
Abstract
Innate immune responses (IIR) of the epithelium play a critical role in the initiation and progression of asthma. The core of the IIR is an intracellular signaling pathway activated by pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) to limit the spread of infectious organisms. This chapter will focus on the epithelium as the major innate sentinel cell and its role in acute exacerbations (AEs). Although the pathways of how the IIR activates the NFκB transcription factor, triggering cytokine secretion, dendritic cell activation, and Th2 polarization are well-described, recent exciting work has developed mechanistic insights into how chronic activation of the IIR is linked to mucosal adaptive responses. These adaptations include changes in cell state, now called epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity (EMP). EMP is a coordinated, genomic response to airway injury disrupting epithelial barrier function, expanding the basal lamina, and producing airway remodeling. EMP is driven by activation of the unfolded protein response (UPR), a transcriptional response producing metabolic shunting of glucose through the hexosamine biosynthetic pathway (HBP) to protein N-glycosylation. NFκB signaling and UPR activation pathways potentiate each other in remodeling the basement membrane. Understanding of injury-repair process of epithelium provides new therapeutic targets for precision approaches to the treatment of asthma exacerbations and their sequelae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allan R Brasier
- Department of Medicine and Institute for Clinical and Translational Research (ICTR), School of Medicine and Public Health (SMPH), University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA.
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19
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Li X, Zhu H, Wen J, Huang J, Chen Y, Tian M, Ren J, Zhou L, Yang Q. Inhibition of BRD4 decreases fibrous scarring after ischemic stroke in rats by inhibiting the phosphorylation of Smad2/3. Brain Res 2022; 1797:148126. [PMID: 36244457 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2022.148126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Revised: 09/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Fibrous scarring may play a much more important role in preventing secondary expansion of tissue damage and hindering repair and regeneration than glial scarring after central nervous system (CNS) injury. However, relatively little is known about how fibrous scars form and how fibrous scar formation is regulated after CNS injury. Bromodomain-containing protein 4 (BRD4) is involved in fibrosis in many tissues, and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)/Smad2/3 signaling is one of the critical pathways of fibrosis. However, it is unclear whether and how BRD4 affects fibrous scar formation after ischemicbraininjury. In the present study, whether BRD4 can regulate the formation of fibrous scars after ischemic stroke via TGF-β1/Smad2/3 signaling was assessed. MATERIALS AND METHODS Primary meningeal fibroblasts isolated from neonatal SD rats were treated with TGF-β1, SB431542 (a TGF-β1 receptor inhibitor) and JQ1 (a small-molecule BET inhibitor that can also inhibit BRD4). BRD4 was knocked down in adult Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats by using adenovirus before middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion (MCAO/R) injury. The proliferation and migration of meningeal fibroblasts in vitro were evaluated with the Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay and scratch test, respectively. Neurological function was assessed with Longa scores, modified Bederson Scores and modified neurological severity scores (mNSSs). The infarct volume was assessed with TTC staining. The protein expression of synaptophysin (SY), BRD4, Smad2/3, p-Smad2/3, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), collagen-1 (COL1) and fibronectin (FN) in vivo and in vitro was examined with immunocytochemistry, immunofluorescence, and Western blotting. KEY FINDINGS BRD4 expression was upregulated in a TGF-β1-induced meningeal fibroblast fibrosis model and was downregulated by the TGF-β1 receptor inhibitor SB431542 in vitro. JQ1, a small-molecule BET inhibitor, inhibited BRD4 and decreased TGF-β1-induced meningeal fibroblast proliferation, migration and activation. Furthermore, MCAO/R injury induced fibrosis and upregulated BRD4 expression in the cerebral infarct center. BRD4 knockdown by adenovirus inhibited fibrous scarring, promoted synaptic survival, decreased the infarct volume, and improved neurological function after MCAO/R injury. Moreover, inhibition of BRD4, either by JQ1 in vitro or adenovirus in vivo, decreased the phosphorylation of Smad2/3. CONCLUSIONS This study is the first to indicate that inhibition of BRD4 delays fibrous scarring after ischemic stroke through mechanisms involving the phosphorylation of Smad2/3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuemei Li
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Huimin Zhu
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jun Wen
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jiagui Huang
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yue Chen
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Mingfen Tian
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jiangxia Ren
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Li Zhou
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Qin Yang
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.
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20
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RELA∙8-Oxoguanine DNA Glycosylase1 Is an Epigenetic Regulatory Complex Coordinating the Hexosamine Biosynthetic Pathway in RSV Infection. Cells 2022; 11:cells11142210. [PMID: 35883652 PMCID: PMC9319012 DOI: 10.3390/cells11142210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Revised: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), or human orthopneumovirus, is a negative-sense RNA virus that is the causative agent of severe lower respiratory tract infections in children and is associated with exacerbations of adult lung disease. The mechanisms how severe and/or repetitive virus infections cause declines in pulmonary capacity are not fully understood. We have recently discovered that viral replication triggers epithelial plasticity and metabolic reprogramming involving the hexosamine biosynthetic pathway (HBP). In this study, we examine the relationship between viral induced innate inflammation and the activation of hexosamine biosynthesis in small airway epithelial cells. We observe that RSV induces ~2-fold accumulation of intracellular UDP-GlcNAc, the end-product of the HBP and the obligate substrate of N glycosylation. Using two different silencing approaches, we observe that RSV replication activates the HBP pathway in a manner dependent on the RELA proto-oncogene (65 kDa subunit). To better understand the effect of RSV on the cellular N glycoproteome, and its RELA dependence, we conduct affinity enriched LC-MS profiling in wild-type and RELA-silenced cells. We find that RSV induces the accumulation of 171 N glycosylated peptides in a RELA-dependent manner; these proteins are functionally enriched in integrins and basal lamina formation. To elaborate this mechanism of HBP expression, we demonstrate that RSV infection coordinately induces the HBP pathway enzymes in a manner requiring RELA; these genes include Glutamine-Fructose-6-Phosphate Transaminase 1 (GFPT)-1/2, Glucosamine-Phosphate N-Acetyltransferase (GNPNAT)-1, phosphoglucomutase (PGM)-3 and UDP-N-Acetylglucosamine Pyrophosphorylase (UAP)-1. Using small-molecule inhibitor(s) of 8-oxoguanine DNA glycosylase1 (OGG1), we observe that OGG1 is also required for the expression of HBP pathway. In proximity ligation assays, RSV induces the formation of a nuclear and mitochondrial RELA∙OGG1 complex. In co-immunoprecipitaton (IP) experiments, we discover that RSV induces Ser 536-phosphorylated RELA to complex with OGG1. Chromatin IP experiments demonstrate a major role of OGG1 in supporting the recruitment of RELA and phosphorylated RNA Pol II to the HBP pathway genes. We conclude that the RELA∙OGG1 complex is an epigenetic regulator mediating metabolic reprogramming and N glycoprotein modifications of integrins in response to RSV. These findings have implications for viral-induced adaptive epithelial responses.
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21
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Bernau K, Skibba M, Leet JP, Furey S, Gehl C, Li Y, Zhou J, Sandbo N, Brasier AR. Selective Inhibition of Bromodomain-Containing Protein 4 Reduces Myofibroblast Transdifferentiation and Pulmonary Fibrosis. FRONTIERS IN MOLECULAR MEDICINE 2022; 2. [PMID: 35782526 PMCID: PMC9245900 DOI: 10.3389/fmmed.2022.842558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is a lethal disease driven by myofibroblast expansion. Currently no therapies exist that target the epigenetic mechanisms controlling myofibroblast transdifferentiation, which is responsible for unregulated extracellular matrix (ECM) production. We have recently shown that bromodomain-containing protein 4 (BRD4), an epigenetic regulator that forms a scaffold for nuclear activators and transcription factors, is essential for TGFβ-induced myofibroblast transdifferentiation. However, its role in the development and progression of pulmonary fibrosis in vivo has not been established. Here, we evaluate the hypothesis that BRD4 bromodomain interactions mediate myofibroblast expansion and fibrosing disease in vivo. C57BL/6J mice challenged with intratracheal bleomycin were systemically treated with a selective allosteric inhibitor of the BRD4 bromodomain 1 (BD1), ZL0591 (10 mg/kg), during the established fibrotic phase (14 days post-bleomycin) in a rigorous therapeutic paradigm. Eleven days after initiation of ZL0591 treatment (25 days post-bleomycin), we detected a significant improvement in blood O2 saturation compared to bleomycin/vehicle control. Twenty-eight days post-bleomycin, we observed a reduction in the volumetric Hounsfield Unit (HU) density by micro computed tomography (µCT) in the ZL0591-treated group, as well as a reduction in collagen deposition (hydroxyproline content) and severity of injury (Ashcroft scoring). Myofibroblast transdifferentiation was measured by smooth muscle α-actin (αSMA) staining, indicating a loss of this cell population in the ZL0591-treated group, and corresponded to reduced transcript levels of myofibroblast-associated extracellular matrix genes, tenascin-C and collagen 1α1. We conclude that BRD4 BD1 interactions are critical for myofibroblast transdifferentiation and fibrotic progression in a mouse model of pulmonary fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ksenija Bernau
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine and Public Health (SMPH), University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
- Correspondence: Ksenija Bernau,
| | - Melissa Skibba
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine and Public Health (SMPH), University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Jonathan P. Leet
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine and Public Health (SMPH), University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Sierra Furey
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine and Public Health (SMPH), University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Carson Gehl
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine and Public Health (SMPH), University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Yi Li
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, United States
| | - Jia Zhou
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, United States
| | - Nathan Sandbo
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine and Public Health (SMPH), University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Allan R. Brasier
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine and Public Health (SMPH), University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
- Institute for Clinical and Translational Research (ICTR), University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
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22
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Mines RC, Lipniacki T, Shen X. Slow nucleosome dynamics set the transcriptional speed limit and induce RNA polymerase II traffic jams and bursts. PLoS Comput Biol 2022; 18:e1009811. [PMID: 35143483 PMCID: PMC8865691 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1009811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Revised: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Nucleosomes are recognized as key regulators of transcription. However, the relationship between slow nucleosome unwrapping dynamics and bulk transcriptional properties has not been thoroughly explored. Here, an agent-based model that we call the dynamic defect Totally Asymmetric Simple Exclusion Process (ddTASEP) was constructed to investigate the effects of nucleosome-induced pausing on transcriptional dynamics. Pausing due to slow nucleosome dynamics induced RNAPII convoy formation, which would cooperatively prevent nucleosome rebinding leading to bursts of transcription. The mean first passage time (MFPT) and the variance of first passage time (VFPT) were analytically expressed in terms of the nucleosome rate constants, allowing for the direct quantification of the effects of nucleosome-induced pausing on pioneering polymerase dynamics. The mean first passage elongation rate γ(hc, ho) is inversely proportional to the MFPT and can be considered to be a new axis of the ddTASEP phase diagram, orthogonal to the classical αβ-plane (where α and β are the initiation and termination rates). Subsequently, we showed that, for β = 1, there is a novel jamming transition in the αγ-plane that separates the ddTASEP dynamics into initiation-limited and nucleosome pausing-limited regions. We propose analytical estimates for the RNAPII density ρ, average elongation rate v, and transcription flux J and verified them numerically. We demonstrate that the intra-burst RNAPII waiting times tin follow the time-headway distribution of a max flux TASEP and that the average inter-burst interval tIBI¯ correlates with the index of dispersion De. In the limit γ→0, the average burst size reaches a maximum set by the closing rate hc. When α≪1, the burst sizes are geometrically distributed, allowing large bursts even while the average burst size NB¯ is small. Last, preliminary results on the relative effects of static and dynamic defects are presented to show that dynamic defects can induce equal or greater pausing than static bottle necks. To perform specific functions, cells must express specific genes by copying the information in DNA into RNA via transcription. Structural proteins called nucleosomes are spaced every 200 base pairs along the length of a strand of DNA and play a crucial function in the regulation of gene activity by tightly binding DNA strands and condensing them into heterochromatin, preventing transcription by RNA polymerase II (RNAPII). Even on active genes where nucleosomes are loosely attached to DNA strands, the wrapping and unwrapping of nucleosomes pause transcription as RNAPII passes by. Previous mathematical models of transcription have compared this biological process to traffic on a one lane highway without obstructions. In contrast, our proposed model simulates transcription like traffic in a grid system where nucleosomes can be thought of as pedestrians or other vehicles crossing the road at regularly spaced intersections. Just as side street traffic and pedestrian crossings can cause cars to form convoys and cause jams limiting the max speed in an area, nucleosomes can cause RNAPII to form convoys that lead to bursts of mRNA production and limit the average polymerase flux through the gene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert C. Mines
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Tomasz Lipniacki
- Department of Biosystems and Soft Matter, Institute of Fundamental Technological Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
- * E-mail: (TL); (XS)
| | - Xiling Shen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
- Center for Genomic and Computational Biology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
- Woo Center for Big Data and Precision Health, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
- * E-mail: (TL); (XS)
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23
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Brasier AR, Qiao D, Zhao Y. The Hexosamine Biosynthetic Pathway Links Innate Inflammation With Epithelial-Mesenchymal Plasticity in Airway Remodeling. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:808735. [PMID: 35002741 PMCID: PMC8727908 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.808735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Disruption of the lower airway epithelial barrier plays a major role in the initiation and progression of chronic lung disease. Here, repetitive environmental insults produced by viral and allergens triggers metabolic adaptations, epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity (EMP) and airway remodeling. Epithelial plasticity disrupts epithelial barrier function, stimulates release of fibroblastic growth factors, and remodels the extracellular matrix (ECM). This review will focus on recent work demonstrating how the hexosamine biosynthetic pathway (HBP) links innate inflammation to airway remodeling. The HBP is a core metabolic pathway of the unfolded protein response (UPR) responsible for protein N-glycosylation, relief of proteotoxic stress and secretion of ECM modifiers. We will overview findings that the IκB kinase (IKK)-NFκB pathway directly activates expression of the SNAI-ZEB1 mesenchymal transcription factor module through regulation of the Bromodomain Containing Protein 4 (BRD4) chromatin modifier. BRD4 mediates transcriptional elongation of SNAI1-ZEB as well as enhancing chromatin accessibility and transcription of fibroblast growth factors, ECM and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). In addition, recent exciting findings that IKK cross-talks with the UPR by controlling phosphorylation and nuclear translocation of the autoregulatory XBP1s transcription factor are presented. HBP is required for N glycosylation and secretion of ECM components that play an important signaling role in airway remodeling. This interplay between innate inflammation, metabolic reprogramming and lower airway plasticity expands a population of subepithelial myofibroblasts by secreting fibroblastic growth factors, producing changes in ECM tensile strength, and fibroblast stimulation by MMP binding. Through these actions on myofibroblasts, EMP in lower airway cells produces expansion of the lamina reticularis and promotes airway remodeling. In this manner, metabolic reprogramming by the HBP mediates environmental insult-induced inflammation with remodeling in chronic airway diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allan R. Brasier
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health (SMPH), Madison, WI, United States
- Institute for Clinical and Translational Research (ICTR), University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Dianhua Qiao
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health (SMPH), Madison, WI, United States
| | - Yingxin Zhao
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Medical Branch Galveston, Galveston, TX, United States
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24
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Skibba ME, Xu X, Weiss K, Huisken J, Brasier AR. Role of Secretoglobin + (club cell) NFκB/RelA-TGFβ signaling in aero-allergen-induced epithelial plasticity and subepithelial myofibroblast transdifferentiation. Respir Res 2021; 22:315. [PMID: 34930252 PMCID: PMC8690490 DOI: 10.1186/s12931-021-01910-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Repetitive aeroallergen exposure is linked to sensitization and airway remodeling through incompletely understood mechanisms. In this study, we examine the dynamic mucosal response to cat dander extract (CDE), a ubiquitous aero-allergen linked to remodeling, sensitization and asthma. We find that daily exposure of CDE in naïve C57BL/6 mice activates innate neutrophilic inflammation followed by transition to a lymphocytic response associated with waves of mucosal transforming growth factor (TGF) isoform expression. In parallel, enhanced bronchiolar Smad3 expression and accumulation of phospho-SMAD3 was observed, indicating paracrine activation of canonical TGFβR signaling. CDE exposure similarly triggered epithelial cell plasticity, associated with expression of mesenchymal regulatory factors (Snai1 and Zeb1), reduction of epithelial markers (Cdh1) and activation of the NFκB/RelA transcriptional activator. To determine whether NFκB functionally mediates CDE-induced growth factor response, mice were stimulated with CDE in the absence or presence of a selective IKK inhibitor. IKK inhibition substantially reduced the level of CDE-induced TGFβ1 expression, pSMAD3 accumulation, Snai1 and Zeb1 expression. Activation of epithelial plasticity was demonstrated by flow cytometry in whole lung homogenates, where CDE induces accumulation of SMA+Epcam+ population. Club cells are important sources of cytokine and growth factor production. To determine whether Club cell innate signaling through NFκB/RelA mediated CDE induced TGFβ signaling, we depleted RelA in Secretoglobin (Scgb1a1)-expressing bronchiolar cells. Immunofluorescence-optical clearing light sheet microscopy showed a punctate distribution of Scgb1a1 progenitors throughout the small airway. We found that RelA depletion in Secretoglobin+ cells results in inhibition of the mucosal TGFβ response, blockade of EMT and reduced subepithelial myofibroblast expansion. We conclude that the Secretoglobin—derived bronchiolar cell is central to coordinating the innate response required for mucosal TGFβ1 response, EMT and myofibroblast expansion. These data have important mechanistic implications for how aero-allergens trigger mucosal injury response and remodeling in the small airway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa E Skibba
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin Madison, 4248 Health Sciences Learning Center, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
| | - Xiaofang Xu
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin Madison, 4248 Health Sciences Learning Center, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
| | - Kurt Weiss
- Morgridge Institute for Research, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Jan Huisken
- Morgridge Institute for Research, Madison, WI, USA.,Dept. of Integrative Biology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Allan R Brasier
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin Madison, 4248 Health Sciences Learning Center, Madison, WI, 53705, USA. .,Institute for Clinical and Translational Research, Madison, WI, USA.
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25
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Li Y, Chen J, Bolinger AA, Chen H, Liu Z, Cong Y, Brasier AR, Pinchuk IV, Tian B, Zhou J. Target-Based Small Molecule Drug Discovery Towards Novel Therapeutics for Inflammatory Bowel Diseases. Inflamm Bowel Dis 2021; 27:S38-S62. [PMID: 34791293 DOI: 10.1093/ibd/izab190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD), is a class of severe and chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract with recurrent symptoms and significant morbidity. Long-term persistence of chronic inflammation in IBD is a major contributing factor to neoplastic transformation and the development of colitis-associated colorectal cancer. Conversely, persistence of transmural inflammation in CD is associated with formation of fibrosing strictures, resulting in substantial morbidity. The recent introduction of biological response modifiers as IBD therapies, such as antibodies neutralizing tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, have replaced nonselective anti-inflammatory corticosteroids in disease management. However, a large proportion (~40%) of patients with the treatment of anti-TNF-α antibodies are discontinued or withdrawn from therapy because of (1) primary nonresponse, (2) secondary loss of response, (3) opportunistic infection, or (4) onset of cancer. Therefore, the development of novel and effective therapeutics targeting specific signaling pathways in the pathogenesis of IBD is urgently needed. In this comprehensive review, we summarize the recent advances in drug discovery of new small molecules in preclinical or clinical development for treating IBD that target biologically relevant pathways in mucosal inflammation. These include intracellular enzymes (Janus kinases, receptor interacting protein, phosphodiesterase 4, IκB kinase), integrins, G protein-coupled receptors (S1P, CCR9, CXCR4, CB2) and inflammasome mediators (NLRP3), etc. We will also discuss emerging evidence of a distinct mechanism of action, bromodomain-containing protein 4, an epigenetic regulator of pathways involved in the activation, communication, and trafficking of immune cells. We highlight their chemotypes, mode of actions, structure-activity relationships, characterizations, and their in vitro/in vivo activities and therapeutic potential. The perspectives on the relevant challenges, new opportunities, and future directions in this field are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Li
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Jianping Chen
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Andrew A Bolinger
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Haiying Chen
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Zhiqing Liu
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Yingzi Cong
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Allan R Brasier
- Institute for Clinical and Translational Research (ICTR), University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Irina V Pinchuk
- Department of Medicine, Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, PA, USA
| | - Bing Tian
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Jia Zhou
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
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26
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Xu X, Mann M, Qiao D, Li Y, Zhou J, Brasier AR. Bromodomain Containing Protein 4 (BRD4) Regulates Expression of its Interacting Coactivators in the Innate Response to Respiratory Syncytial Virus. Front Mol Biosci 2021; 8:728661. [PMID: 34765643 PMCID: PMC8577543 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.728661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Bromodomain-containing protein 4 plays a central role in coordinating the complex epigenetic component of the innate immune response. Previous studies implicated BRD4 as a component of a chromatin-modifying complex that is dynamically recruited to a network of protective cytokines by binding activated transcription factors, polymerases, and histones to trigger their rapid expression via transcriptional elongation. Our previous study extended our understanding of the airway epithelial BRD4 interactome by identifying over 100 functionally important coactivators and transcription factors, whose association is induced by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection. RSV is an etiological agent of recurrent respiratory tract infections associated with exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Using a highly selective small-molecule BRD4 inhibitor (ZL0454) developed by us, we extend these findings to identify the gene regulatory network dependent on BRD4 bromodomain (BD) interactions. Human small airway epithelial cells were infected in the absence or presence of ZL0454, and gene expression profiling was performed. A highly reproducible dataset was obtained which indicated that BRD4 mediates both activation and repression of RSV-inducible gene regulatory networks controlling cytokine expression, interferon (IFN) production, and extracellular matrix remodeling. Index genes of functionally significant clusters were validated independently. We discover that BRD4 regulates the expression of its own gene during the innate immune response. Interestingly, BRD4 activates the expression of NFκB/RelA, a coactivator that binds to BRD4 in a BD-dependent manner. We extend this finding to show that BRD4 also regulates other components of its functional interactome, including the Mediator (Med) coactivator complex and the SWI/SNF-related, matrix-associated, actin-dependent regulator of chromatin (SMARC) subunits. To provide further insight into mechanisms for BRD4 in RSV expression, we mapped 7,845 RSV-inducible Tn5 transposase peaks onto the BRD4-dependent gene bodies. These were located in promoters and introns of cytostructural and extracellular matrix (ECM) formation genes. These data indicate that BRD4 mediates the dynamic response of airway epithelial cells to RNA infection by modulating the expression of its coactivators, controlling the expression of host defense mechanisms and remodeling genes through changes in promoter accessibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaofang Xu
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health (SMPH), Madison, WI, United States
| | - Morgan Mann
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health (SMPH), Madison, WI, United States
| | - Dianhua Qiao
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health (SMPH), Madison, WI, United States
| | - Yi Li
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, United States
| | - Jia Zhou
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, United States
| | - Allan R Brasier
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health (SMPH), Madison, WI, United States.,Institute for Clinical and Translational Research (ICTR), University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
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27
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Lu X, Zhang H, Wang M, Qu F, Li J, Li R, Yan X. Novel insights into the role of BRD4 in fine particulate matter induced airway hyperresponsiveness. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2021; 221:112440. [PMID: 34175826 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2021.112440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Revised: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Epidemiological research has identified that exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) can increase airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) which is considered a typical characteristic of asthma. Although the effect of PM2.5 on AHR has been elucidated to a certain degree, its exact mechanism remains unclear. Bromodomain-containing protein 4 (BRD4) is recognized as a member of the bromodomain and extraterminal (BET) family, with the ability to maintain higher-order chromatin configuration and regulate gene expression programs. The primary objective of our study was to examine the role of BRD4 in AHR triggered by PM2.5, and to elucidate its possible molecular mechanism. A mouse model with AHR was established using a nose-only PM2.5 exposure system. We observed that PM2.5 enhanced AHR in the experimental group compared to the control group, and this alteration was accompanied by increased lung inflammation and BRD4 expression in bronchi-lung tissue. However, the BRD4 inhibitor (ZL0420) could alleviate the aforementioned alterations in the mouse model with PM2.5 exposure. To explore the exact molecular mechanism, we further examined the role of BRD4 in human airway smooth muscle cells (hASMCs) after exposure to PM2.5 DMSO extracts. We found that PM2.5 DMSO extracts, which promoted the contraction and migration of hASMCs, was accompanied by an increase in the levels of BRD4, kallikrein 14 (KLK14), bradykinin 2 receptor (B2R), matrix metalloproteinases2(MMP-2), matrix metalloproteinases9(MMP-9), vimentin and bradykinin (BK) secretion, while ZL0420 and BRD4 gene silencing could reverse this response. In summary, these results demonstrate that BRD4 is an important player in AHR triggered by PM2.5, and BRD4 inhibition can ameliorate AHR induced by PM2.5. In addition, PM2.5 DMSO extracts can promote the contraction and migration of hASMCs by increasing BRD4 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Lu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050000, China
| | - Huiran Zhang
- Department of Biopharmacy, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050000, China
| | - Min Wang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050000, China
| | - Fangfang Qu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050000, China
| | - Jingwen Li
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050000, China
| | - Rongqin Li
- Department of Central Laboratory, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050000, China
| | - Xixin Yan
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050000, China.
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28
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Dey A, Uppal S, Giri J, Misra HS. Emerging roles of bromodomain protein 4 in regulation of stem cell identity. Stem Cells 2021; 39:1615-1624. [PMID: 34520583 DOI: 10.1002/stem.3454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Understanding the mechanism of fate decision and lineage commitment is the key step for developing novel stem cell applications in therapeutics. This process is coordinately regulated through systematic epigenetic reprogramming and concomitant changes in the transcriptional landscape of the stem cells. One of the bromo- and extra-terminal domain (BET) family member proteins, bromodomain protein 4 (BRD4), performs the role of epigenetic reader and modulates gene expression by recruiting other transcription factors and directly regulating RNA polymerase II elongation. Controlled gene regulation is the critical step in maintenance of stem cell potency and dysregulation may lead to tumor formation. As a key transcriptional factor and epigenetic regulator, BRD4 contributes to stem cell maintenance in several ways. Being a druggable target, BRD4 is an attractive candidate for exploiting its potential in stem cell therapeutics. Therefore, it is crucial to elucidate how BRD4, through its interplay with pluripotency transcriptional regulators, control lineage commitment in stem cells. Here, we systemically review the role of BRD4 in complex gene regulatory network during three specific states of stem cell transitions: cell differentiation, cell reprogramming and transdifferentiation. A thorough understanding of BRD4 mediated epigenetic regulation in the maintenance of stem cell potency will be helpful to strategically control stem cell fates in regenerative medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anusree Dey
- Molecular Biology Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai, India.,Life Sciences, Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai, India
| | - Sheetal Uppal
- Molecular Biology Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai, India.,Life Sciences, Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai, India
| | - Jayeeta Giri
- TIFR Complex, 605 Raman, Homi Bhabha Road, Navy Nagar, Colaba, Mumbai, India
| | - Hari Sharan Misra
- Molecular Biology Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai, India.,Life Sciences, Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai, India
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29
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Jiménez-Uribe AP, Gómez-Sierra T, Aparicio-Trejo OE, Orozco-Ibarra M, Pedraza-Chaverri J. Backstage players of fibrosis: NOX4, mTOR, HDAC, and S1P; companions of TGF-β. Cell Signal 2021; 87:110123. [PMID: 34438016 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2021.110123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Revised: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The fibrotic process could be easily defined as a pathological excess of extracellular matrix deposition, leading to disruption of tissue architecture and eventually loss of function; however, this process involves a complex network of several signal transduction pathways. Virtually almost all organs could be affected by fibrosis, the most affected are the liver, lung, skin, kidney, heart, and eyes; in all of them, the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) has a central role. The canonical and non-canonical signal pathways of TGF-β impact the fibrotic process at the cellular and molecular levels, inducing the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and the induction of profibrotic gene expression with the consequent increase in proteins such as alpha-smooth actin (α-SMA), fibronectin, collagen, and other extracellular matrix proteins. Recently, it has been reported that some molecules that have not been typically associated with the fibrotic process, such as nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase 4 (NOX4), mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), histone deacetylases (HDAC), and sphingosine-1 phosphate (S1P); are critical in its development. In this review, we describe and discuss the role of these new players of fibrosis and the convergence with TGF-β signaling pathways, unveiling new insights into the panorama of fibrosis that could be useful for future therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tania Gómez-Sierra
- Facultad de Química, Departamento de Biología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, CDMX 04510, Mexico
| | - Omar Emiliano Aparicio-Trejo
- Departamento de Fisiopatología Cardio-Renal, Instituto Nacional de Cardiología "Ignacio Chávez", Mexico City 14080, Mexico
| | - Marisol Orozco-Ibarra
- Laboratorio de Neurobiología Molecular y Celular, Instituto Nacional de Neurología y Neurocirugía, Manuel Velasco Suárez, Av. Insurgentes Sur # 3877, La Fama, Alcaldía Tlalpan, CP 14269 Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - José Pedraza-Chaverri
- Facultad de Química, Departamento de Biología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, CDMX 04510, Mexico.
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Yin J, Han B, Shen Y. RETRACTED: LncRNA NEAT1 inhibition upregulates miR-16-5p to restrain the progression of sepsis-induced lung injury via suppressing BRD4 in a mouse model. Int Immunopharmacol 2021; 97:107691. [PMID: 33962228 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2021.107691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Revised: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 04/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
This article has been retracted: please see Elsevier Policy on Article Withdrawal (http://www.elsevier.com/locate/withdrawalpolicy). This article has been retracted at the request of the Editor-in-Chief. Concern was raised about the reliability of the Western blot results in Figs. 5B and 6B, which appear to have the same eyebrow shaped phenotype as many other publications tabulated here (https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/149EjFXVxpwkBXYJOnOHb6RhAqT4a2llhj9LM60MBffM/edit#gid=0 [docs.google.com]). The journal requested the corresponding author comment on these concerns and provide the raw data. However, the authors were not responsive to the request for comment. Since original data could not be provided, the overall validity of the results could not be confirmed. Therefore, the Editor-in-Chief decided to retract the article.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianhong Yin
- Department of Emergency, the First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, Kunming, 650032 Yunnan, China; The Affiliated Hospital of Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, 650032 Yunnan, China
| | - Bin Han
- Department of Emergency, the First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, Kunming, 650032 Yunnan, China; The Affiliated Hospital of Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, 650032 Yunnan, China
| | - Yuan Shen
- Department of Emergency, the First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, Kunming, 650032 Yunnan, China; The Affiliated Hospital of Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, 650032 Yunnan, China.
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31
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Wu C, Cheng D, Peng Y, Li Y, Fu C, Wang Y, Fu L, Peng S, Ni X. Hepatic BRD4 Is Upregulated in Liver Fibrosis of Various Etiologies and Positively Correlated to Fibrotic Severity. Front Med (Lausanne) 2021; 8:683506. [PMID: 34336890 PMCID: PMC8317578 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2021.683506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Bromodomain-containing protein 4 (BRD4) has been implicated to play a regulatory role in fibrogenic gene expression in animal models of liver fibrosis. The potential role of BRD4 in liver fibrosis in humans remains unclear. We sought to investigate the expression and cellular localization of BRD4 in fibrotic liver tissues. Human liver tissues were collected from healthy individuals and patients with liver fibrosis of various etiologies. RNA-seq showed that hepatic BRD4 mRNA was elevated in patients with liver fibrosis compared with that in healthy controls. Subsequent multiple manipulations such as western blotting, real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and dual immunofluorescence analysis confirmed the abnormal elevation of the BRD4 expression in liver fibrosis of various etiologies compared to healthy controls. BRD4 expression was positively correlated with the severity of liver fibrosis, and also correlated with the serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase and total bilirubin. Moreover, the expression of C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 6 (CXCL6), a factor interplayed with BRD4, was increased in hepatic tissues of the patients with liver fibrosis. Its expression level was positively correlated with BRD4 level. BRD4 is up-regulated in liver fibrosis, regardless of etiology, and its increased expression is positively correlated with higher degrees of liver fibrosis. Our data indicate that BRD4 play a critical role in the progress of liver fibrosis, and it holds promise as a potential target for intervention of liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cichun Wu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Xiangya Hospital Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Da Cheng
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Xiangya Hospital Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yanghui Peng
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Xiangya Hospital Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Ying Li
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Xiangya Hospital Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Chunyan Fu
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Ying Wang
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Lei Fu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Xiangya Hospital Central South University, Changsha, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Shifang Peng
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Xiangya Hospital Central South University, Changsha, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xin Ni
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital Central South University, Changsha, China.,International Collaborative Research Center for Medical Metabolomics, Xiangya Hospital Central South University, Changsha, China
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An optimized BRD4 inhibitor effectively eliminates NF-κB-driven triple-negative breast cancer cells. Bioorg Chem 2021; 114:105158. [PMID: 34378541 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2021.105158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2021] [Revised: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Acetylation of NF-κB's RelA subunit at lysine-310 (AcLys310) helps to maintain constitutive NF-κB activity in cancers such as triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Bromodomain-containing factor BRD4 binds to acetylated RelA to promote the activity of NF-κB. Hence, interfering with the acetylated RelA-BRD4 interaction is a potential strategy for treating NF-κB-driven TNBC. Here, a new compound 13a was obtained by structural optimization and modification of our previously reported compound. In comparison with the well-known BRD4 inhibitor (+)-JQ1, 13a showed more potent anticancer activity in NF-κB-active MDA-MB-231 cells. Mechanistically, 13a antagonized the protein-protein interaction (PPI) between BRD4 and acetylated RelA, decreased levels of IL-6, IL-8, Snail, Vimentin, and ZEB1, induced cell senescence and DNA damage, and weakened the adhesion, metastasis, and invasion ability of TNBC cells. Our results provide insights into avenues for the further development of potent BRD4-acetylated RelA PPI inhibitors. Moreover, our findings highlight the effectiveness and feasibility of blocking the interaction between BRD4 and acetylated RelA against NF-κB-active cancers, and of screening antagonists of this PPI.
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Ijaz T, Burke MA. BET Protein-Mediated Transcriptional Regulation in Heart Failure. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:6059. [PMID: 34199719 PMCID: PMC8199980 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22116059] [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: 04/16/2021] [Revised: 05/29/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Heart failure is a complex disease process with underlying aberrations in neurohormonal systems that promote dysregulated cellular signaling and gene transcription. Over the past 10 years, the advent of small-molecule inhibitors that target transcriptional machinery has demonstrated the importance of the bromodomain and extraterminal (BET) family of epigenetic reader proteins in regulating gene transcription in multiple mouse models of cardiomyopathy. BETs bind to acetylated histone tails and transcription factors to integrate disparate stress signaling networks into a defined gene expression program. Under myocardial stress, BRD4, a BET family member, is recruited to superenhancers and promoter regions of inflammatory and profibrotic genes to promote transcription elongation. Whole-transcriptome analysis of BET-dependent gene networks suggests a major role of nuclear-factor kappa b and transforming growth factor-beta in the development of cardiac fibrosis and systolic dysfunction. Recent investigations also suggest a prominent role of BRD4 in maintaining cardiomyocyte mitochondrial respiration under basal conditions. In this review, we summarize the data from preclinical heart failure studies that explore the role of BET-regulated transcriptional mechanisms and delve into landmark studies that define BET bromodomain-independent processes involved in cardiac homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Michael A. Burke
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA;
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Mann M, Brasier AR. Evolution of proteomics technologies for understanding respiratory syncytial virus pathogenesis. Expert Rev Proteomics 2021; 18:379-394. [PMID: 34018899 PMCID: PMC8277732 DOI: 10.1080/14789450.2021.1931130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 05/14/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a major human pathogen associated with long term morbidity. RSV replication occurs primarily in the epithelium, producing a complex cellular response associated with acute inflammation and long-lived changes in pulmonary function and allergic disease. Proteomics approaches provide important insights into post-transcriptional regulatory processes including alterations in cellular complexes regulating the coordinated innate response and epigenome.Areas covered: Peer-reviewed proteomics studies of host responses to RSV infections and proteomics techniques were analyzed. Methodologies identified include 1)." bottom-up" discovery proteomics, 2). Organellar proteomics by LC-gel fractionation; 3). Dynamic changes in protein interaction networks by LC-MS; and 4). selective reaction monitoring MS. We introduce recent developments in single-cell proteomics, top-down mass spectrometry, and photo-cleavable surfactant chemistries that will have impact on understanding how RSV induces extracellular matrix (ECM) composition and airway remodeling.Expert opinion: RSV replication induces global changes in the cellular proteome, dynamic shifts in nuclear proteins, and remodeling of epigenetic regulatory complexes linked to the innate response. Pathways discovered by proteomics technologies have led to deeper mechanistic understanding of the roles of heat shock proteins, redox response, transcriptional elongation complex remodeling and ECM secretion remodeling in host responses to RSV infections and pathological sequelae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morgan Mann
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health (SMPH), Madison, WI, USA
| | - Allan R Brasier
- Department of Internal Medicine and Institute for Clinical and Translational Research (ICTR), University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
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Zheng C, Zhang Y, Zhao Y, Duan Y, Mu Q, Wang X. Circ-OSBPL2 Contributes to Smoke-Related Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease by Targeting miR-193a-5p/BRD4 Axis. Int J Chron Obstruct Pulmon Dis 2021; 16:919-931. [PMID: 33854310 PMCID: PMC8039023 DOI: 10.2147/copd.s298465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been identified to play roles in the respiratory diseases. Here, this study aimed to elucidate the function of circRNA oxysterol binding protein like 2 (circOSBPL2) in the development of smoke-related chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD). Methods The expression of circ-OSBPL2, microRNA (miR)-193a-5p, and bromodomain-containing protein 4 (BRD4) was detected using qRT-PCR and Western blot assays. Cigarette smoke extract (CSE)-induced human bronchial epithelial cells (HBECs) was applied to mimic smoke-related COPD in vitro. Flow cytometric analysis of cell apoptosis and ELISA analysis of interleukins (IL)-6, IL-8, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels were performed. The malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) production levels were analyzed according to the kit instructions. The binding interaction between miR-193a-5p and circ-OSBPL2 or BRD4 was confirmed by dual-luciferase reporter assay and RNA immunoprecipitation assays. Results Circ-OSBPL2 was highly expressed in lung tissues of smokers without or with COPD, particularly in smokers with COPD. Also, the expression of circ-OSBPL2 was dose and time-dependently elevated in CSE-induced HBECs. Circ-OSBPL2 down-regulation in HBECs attenuated CSE-evoked cell proliferation arrest, and cell apoptosis, inflammation and oxidative stress promotion. Mechanistically, circ-OSBPL2 served as a sponge for miR-193a-5p, and miR-193a-5p inhibition reversed the effects of circ-OSBPL2 knockdown on CSE-mediated HBECs. Besides that, miR-193a-5p directly targeted BRD4, and miR-193a-5p re-expression in HBECs abolished CSE-induced HBEC injury, which was reverted by BRD4 up-regulation. Additionally, we also found circ-OSBPL2 could indirectly regulate BRD4 via miR-193a-5p. Conclusion Circ-OSBPL2 contributed to the apoptosis, inflammation, and oxidative stress of HBECs in smoke-related COPD by miR-193a-5p/BRD4 axis, suggesting a novel insight on the pathogenesis of COPD and a potential therapeutic strategy for future clinic intervention in COPD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caifen Zheng
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The First People's Hospital of Lianyungang, Lianyungang, People's Republic of China
| | - Yongping Zhang
- Blood Purifying Center, The First People's Hospital of Lianyungang, Lianyungang, People's Republic of China
| | - Yingchun Zhao
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The First People's Hospital of Lianyungang, Lianyungang, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuanfang Duan
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The First People's Hospital of Lianyungang, Lianyungang, People's Republic of China
| | - Qianghua Mu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The First People's Hospital of Lianyungang, Lianyungang, People's Republic of China
| | - Xinying Wang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The First People's Hospital of Lianyungang, Lianyungang, People's Republic of China
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Regulation of Transcription Factor NF-κB in Its Natural Habitat: The Nucleus. Cells 2021; 10:cells10040753. [PMID: 33805563 PMCID: PMC8066257 DOI: 10.3390/cells10040753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Revised: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Activation of the transcription factor NF-κB elicits an individually tailored transcriptional response in order to meet the particular requirements of specific cell types, tissues, or organs. Control of the induction kinetics, amplitude, and termination of gene expression involves multiple layers of NF-κB regulation in the nucleus. Here we discuss some recent advances in our understanding of the mutual relations between NF-κB and chromatin regulators also in the context of different levels of genome organization. Changes in the 3D folding of the genome, as they occur during senescence or in cancer cells, can causally contribute to sustained increases in NF-κB activity. We also highlight the participation of NF-κB in the formation of hierarchically organized super enhancers, which enable the coordinated expression of co-regulated sets of NF-κB target genes. The identification of mechanisms allowing the specific regulation of NF-κB target gene clusters could potentially enable targeted therapeutic interventions, allowing selective interference with subsets of the NF-κB response without a complete inactivation of this key signaling system.
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Pooladanda V, Thatikonda S, Muvvala SP, Devabattula G, Godugu C. BRD4 targeting nanotherapy prevents lipopolysaccharide induced acute respiratory distress syndrome. Int J Pharm 2021; 601:120536. [PMID: 33781885 PMCID: PMC7997899 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2021.120536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Revised: 03/21/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a life threatening respiratory disease associated with pulmonary edema, alveolar dysfunction, hypoxia, and inflammatory cell accumulation. The most contagious form of COVID-19 associated with ARDS caused by SARS-CoV-2. SARS-CoV-2 majorly produces the cytokine storm and severe lung inflammation and ultimately leads to respiratory failure. ARDS is a complex disease and there is no proper therapeutics for effective therapy. Still, there is a huge scope to identify novel targets to combat respiratory illness. In the current study, we have identified the epigenetic regulating protein BRD4 and developed siRNA based nanomedicine to treat the ARDS. The liposomes were prepared by thin-film hydration method, where BRD4 siRNA complexed with cationic lipid and exhibited 96.24 ± 18.01 nm size and stable even in the presence of RNase. BRD4 siRNA lipoplexes (BRD4-siRNA-LP) inhibited inflammatory cells in lungs and suppressed the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced the neutrophil infiltration and mast cell accumulation. Also, BRD4 siRNA based nanomedicine significantly reduced the LPS induced cytokine storm followed by inflammatory signaling pathways. Interestingly, BRD4-siRNA-LP suppressed the LPS-induced p65 and STAT3 nuclear translocation and ameliorated the lung inflammation. Thus, BRD4-siRNA-LP could be a plausible therapeutic option for treating ARDS and might be useful for combating the COVID-19 associated respiratory illness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Venkatesh Pooladanda
- Department of Regulatory Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Balanagar, Hyderabad, Telangana 500037, India
| | - Sowjanya Thatikonda
- Department of Regulatory Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Balanagar, Hyderabad, Telangana 500037, India
| | - Sai Priya Muvvala
- Department of Regulatory Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Balanagar, Hyderabad, Telangana 500037, India
| | - Geetanjali Devabattula
- Department of Regulatory Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Balanagar, Hyderabad, Telangana 500037, India
| | - Chandraiah Godugu
- Department of Regulatory Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Balanagar, Hyderabad, Telangana 500037, India.
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Mann M, Roberts DS, Zhu Y, Li Y, Zhou J, Ge Y, Brasier AR. Discovery of RSV-Induced BRD4 Protein Interactions Using Native Immunoprecipitation and Parallel Accumulation-Serial Fragmentation (PASEF) Mass Spectrometry. Viruses 2021; 13:v13030454. [PMID: 33799525 PMCID: PMC8000986 DOI: 10.3390/v13030454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Revised: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) causes severe inflammation and airway pathology in children and the elderly by infecting the epithelial cells of the upper and lower respiratory tract. RSV replication is sensed by intracellular pattern recognition receptors upstream of the IRF and NF-κB transcription factors. These proteins coordinate an innate inflammatory response via Bromodomain-containing protein 4 (BRD4), a protein that functions as a scaffold for unknown transcriptional regulators. To better understand the pleiotropic regulatory function of BRD4, we examine the BRD4 interactome and identify how RSV infection dynamically alters it. To accomplish these goals, we leverage native immunoprecipitation and Parallel Accumulation—Serial Fragmentation (PASEF) mass spectrometry to examine BRD4 complexes isolated from human alveolar epithelial cells in the absence or presence of RSV infection. In addition, we explore the role of BRD4’s acetyl-lysine binding bromodomains in mediating these interactions by using a highly selective competitive bromodomain inhibitor. We identify 101 proteins that are significantly enriched in the BRD4 complex and are responsive to both RSV-infection and BRD4 inhibition. These proteins are highly enriched in transcription factors and transcriptional coactivators. Among them, we identify members of the AP1 transcription factor complex, a complex important in innate signaling and cell stress responses. We independently confirm the BRD4/AP1 interaction in primary human small airway epithelial cells. We conclude that BRD4 recruits multiple transcription factors during RSV infection in a manner dependent on acetyl-lysine binding domain interactions. This data suggests that BRD4 recruits transcription factors to target its RNA processing complex to regulate gene expression in innate immunity and inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morgan Mann
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health (SMPH), Madison, WI 53705, USA;
| | - David S. Roberts
- Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA; (D.S.R.); (Y.G.)
| | - Yanlong Zhu
- Human Proteomics Program, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA;
- Department of Cell and Regenerative Biology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Yi Li
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77550, USA; (Y.L.); (J.Z.)
| | - Jia Zhou
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77550, USA; (Y.L.); (J.Z.)
| | - Ying Ge
- Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA; (D.S.R.); (Y.G.)
- Human Proteomics Program, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA;
- Department of Cell and Regenerative Biology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Allan R. Brasier
- Institute for Clinical and Translational Research (ICTR), University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-608-263-7371
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Noncoding RNAs Associated with Therapeutic Resistance in Pancreatic Cancer. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9030263. [PMID: 33799952 PMCID: PMC7998345 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9030263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2021] [Revised: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Therapeutic resistance is an inevitable impediment towards effective cancer therapies. Evidence accumulated has shown that the signaling pathways and related factors are fundamentally responsible for therapeutic resistance via regulating diverse cellular events, such as epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), stemness, cell survival/apoptosis, autophagy, etcetera. Noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) have been identified as essential cellular components in gene regulation. The expression of ncRNAs is altered in cancer, and dysregulated ncRNAs participate in gene regulatory networks in pathological contexts. An in-depth understanding of molecular mechanisms underlying the modulation of therapeutic resistance is required to refine therapeutic benefits. This review presents an overview of the recent evidence concerning the role of human ncRNAs in therapeutic resistance, together with the feasibility of ncRNAs as therapeutic targets in pancreatic cancer.
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Xu X, Qiao D, Dong C, Mann M, Garofalo RP, Keles S, Brasier AR. The SWI/SNF-Related, Matrix Associated, Actin-Dependent Regulator of Chromatin A4 Core Complex Represses Respiratory Syncytial Virus-Induced Syncytia Formation and Subepithelial Myofibroblast Transition. Front Immunol 2021; 12:633654. [PMID: 33732255 PMCID: PMC7957062 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.633654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2020] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Epigenetics plays an important role in the priming the dynamic response of airway epithelial cells to infectious and environmental stressors. Here, we examine the epigenetic role of the SWI/SNF Related, Matrix Associated, Actin Dependent Regulator of Chromatin A4 (SMARCA4) in the epithelial response to RSV infection. Depletion of SMARCA4 destabilized the abundance of the SMARCE1/ARID1A SWI/SNF subunits, disrupting the innate response and triggering a hybrid epithelial/mesenchymal (E/M) state. Assaying SMARCA4 complex-regulated open chromatin domains by transposase cleavage -next generation sequencing (ATAC-Seq), we observed that the majority of cleavage sites in uninfected cells have reduced chromatin accessibility. Paradoxically, SMARCA4 complex-depleted cells showed enhanced RSV-inducible chromatin opening and gene expression in the EMT pathway genes, MMP9, SNAI1/2, VIM, and CDH2. Focusing on the key MMP9, we observed that SMARCA4 complex depletion reduced basal BRD4 and RNA Polymerase II binding, but enhanced BRD4/Pol II binding in response to RSV infection. In addition, we observed that MMP9 secretion in SMARCA4 complex deficient cells contributes to mesenchymal transition, cellular fusion (syncytia) and subepithelial myofibroblast transition. We conclude the SMARCA4 complex is a transcriptional repressor of epithelial plasticity, whose depletion triggers a hybrid E/M state that affects the dynamic response of the small airway epithelial cell in mucosal remodeling via paracrine MMP9 activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaofang Xu
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health (SMPH), Madison, WI, United States
| | - Dianhua Qiao
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health (SMPH), Madison, WI, United States
| | - Chenyang Dong
- Department of Statistics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Morgan Mann
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health (SMPH), Madison, WI, United States
| | - Roberto P. Garofalo
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, United States
| | - Sunduz Keles
- Department of Statistics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
- Department of Biostatistics & Medical Informatics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Allan R. Brasier
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health (SMPH), Madison, WI, United States
- Institute for Clinical and Translational Research (ICTR), University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
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Li X, Peng C, Zhu Z, Cai H, Zhuang Q. The networks of m 6A-SARS-CoV-2 related genes and immune infiltration patterns in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Aging (Albany NY) 2021; 13:6273-6288. [PMID: 33647885 PMCID: PMC7993677 DOI: 10.18632/aging.202725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2020] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic progressive lung disease with a poor prognosis. The current coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) shares some similarities with IPF. SARS-CoV-2 related genes have been reported to be broadly regulated by N6-methyladenosine (m6A) RNA modification. Here, we identified the association between m6A methylation regulators, COVID-19 infection pathways, and immune responses in IPF. The characteristic gene expression networks and immune infiltration patterns of m6A-SARS-CoV-2 related genes in different tissues of IPF were revealed. We subsequently evaluated the influence of these related gene expression patterns and immune infiltration patterns on the prognosis/lung function of IPF patients. The IPF cohort was obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus dataset. Pearson correlation analysis was performed to identify the correlations among genes or cells. The CIBERSORT algorithm was used to assess the infiltration of 22 types of immune cells. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) and proportional hazards model (Cox model) were used to develop the prognosis prediction model. Our research is pivotal for further understanding of the cellular and genetic links between IPF and SARS-CoV-2 infection in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, which may contribute to providing new ideas for prognosis assessment and treatment of both diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyu Li
- Transplantation Center, The 3rd Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410013, Hunan, China.,Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha 410013, Hunan, China
| | - Cheng Peng
- Department of Plastic Surgery, The 3rd Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410013, Hunan, China
| | - Ziqing Zhu
- Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha 410013, Hunan, China
| | - Haozheng Cai
- Transplantation Center, The 3rd Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410013, Hunan, China
| | - Quan Zhuang
- Transplantation Center, The 3rd Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410013, Hunan, China.,Research Center of National Health Ministry on Transplantation Medicine, Changsha 410013, Hunan, China
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42
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Wang N, Wu R, Tang D, Kang R. The BET family in immunity and disease. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2021; 6:23. [PMID: 33462181 PMCID: PMC7813845 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-020-00384-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 122] [Impact Index Per Article: 40.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2020] [Revised: 09/27/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Innate immunity serves as the rapid and first-line defense against invading pathogens, and this process can be regulated at various levels, including epigenetic mechanisms. The bromodomain and extraterminal domain (BET) family of proteins consists of four conserved mammalian members (BRD2, BRD3, BRD4, and BRDT) that regulate the expression of many immunity-associated genes and pathways. In particular, in response to infection and sterile inflammation, abnormally expressed or dysfunctional BETs are involved in the activation of pattern recognition receptor (e.g., TLR, NLR, and CGAS) pathways, thereby linking chromatin machinery to innate immunity under disease or pathological conditions. Mechanistically, the BET family controls the transcription of a wide range of proinflammatory and immunoregulatory genes by recognizing acetylated histones (mainly H3 and H4) and recruiting transcription factors (e.g., RELA) and transcription elongation complex (e.g., P-TEFb) to the chromatin, thereby promoting the phosphorylation of RNA polymerase II and subsequent transcription initiation and elongation. This review covers the accumulating data about the roles of the BET family in innate immunity, and discusses the attractive prospect of manipulating the BET family as a new treatment for disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nian Wang
- Department of Surgery, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Runliu Wu
- Department of Surgery, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Daolin Tang
- Department of Surgery, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA.
| | - Rui Kang
- Department of Surgery, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA.
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43
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Skibba M, Drelich A, Poellmann M, Hong S, Brasier AR. Nanoapproaches to Modifying Epigenetics of Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition for Treatment of Pulmonary Fibrosis. Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:607689. [PMID: 33384604 PMCID: PMC7770469 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.607689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) is a chronically progressive interstitial lung that affects over 3 M people worldwide and rising in incidence. With a median survival of 2-3 years, IPF is consequently associated with high morbidity, mortality, and healthcare burden. Although two antifibrotic therapies, pirfenidone and nintedanib, are approved for human use, these agents reduce the rate of decline of pulmonary function but are not curative and do not reverse established fibrosis. In this review, we discuss the prevailing epithelial injury hypothesis, wherein pathogenic airway epithelial cell-state changes known as Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) promotes the expansion of myofibroblast populations. Myofibroblasts are principal components of extracellular matrix production that result in airspace loss and mortality. We review the epigenetic transition driving EMT, a process produced by changes in histone acetylation regulating mesenchymal gene expression programs. This mechanistic work has focused on the central role of bromodomain-containing protein 4 in mediating EMT and myofibroblast transition and initial preclinical work has provided evidence of efficacy. As nanomedicine presents a promising approach to enhancing the efficacy of such anti-IPF agents, we then focus on the state of nanomedicine formulations for inhalable delivery in the treatment of pulmonary diseases, including liposomes, polymeric nanoparticles (NPs), inorganic NPs, and exosomes. These nanoscale agents potentially provide unique properties to existing pulmonary therapeutics, including controlled release, reduced systemic toxicity, and combination delivery. NP-based approaches for pulmonary delivery thus offer substantial promise to modify epigenetic regulators of EMT and advance treatments for IPF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa Skibba
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health (SMPH), Madison, WI, United States
| | - Adam Drelich
- School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Michael Poellmann
- School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Seungpyo Hong
- School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
- Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health (SMPH), Madison, WI, United States
- Yonsei Frontier Lab, Department of Pharmacy, Yonsei University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Allan R. Brasier
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health (SMPH), Madison, WI, United States
- Institute for Clinical and Translational Research (ICTR), University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
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44
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Li Y, Xiang J, Zhang J, Lin J, Wu Y, Wang X. Inhibition of Brd4 by JQ1 Promotes Functional Recovery From Spinal Cord Injury by Activating Autophagy. Front Cell Neurosci 2020; 14:555591. [PMID: 32982695 PMCID: PMC7493001 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2020.555591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2020] [Accepted: 08/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a destructive neurological disorder that is characterized by impaired sensory and motor function. Inhibition of bromodomain protein 4 (Brd4) has been shown to promote the maintenance of cell homeostasis by activating autophagy. However, the role of Brd4 inhibition in SCI and the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. Thus, the goal of the present study was to evaluate the effects of sustained Brd4 inhibition using the bromodomain and extraterminal domain (BET) inhibitor JQ1 on the regulation of apoptosis, oxidative stress and autophagy in a mouse model of SCI. First, we observed that Brd4 expression at the lesion sites of mouse spinal cords increased after SCI. Treatment with JQ1 significantly decreased the expression of Brd4 and improved functional recovery for up to 28 day after SCI. In addition, JQ1-mediated inhibition of Brd4 reduced oxidative stress and inhibited the expression of apoptotic proteins to promote neural survival. Our results also revealed that JQ1 treatment activated autophagy and restored autophagic flux, while the positive effects of JQ1 were abrogated by autophagy inhibitor 3-MA intervention, indicating that autophagy plays a crucial role in therapeutic effects Brd4 induced by inhibition of the functional recovery SCI. In the mechanistic analysis, we observed that modulation of the AMPK-mTOR-ULK1 pathway is involved in the activation of autophagy mediated by Brd4 inhibition. Taken together, the results of our investigation provides compelling evidence that Brd4 inhibition by JQ1 promotes functional recovery after SCI and that Brd4 may serve as a potential target for SCI treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao Li
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Jie Xiang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Taizhou, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Molecular Pharmacology Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Jiahao Lin
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Yaosen Wu
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Xiangyang Wang
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
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45
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Zhou X, Cui Z, Liu Y, Yue Z, Xie F, Ding L, Xu S, Han J, Zhang H. Correlation of Bromodomain Protein BRD4 Expression With Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition and Disease Severity in Chronic Rhinosinusitis With Nasal Polyps. Front Med (Lausanne) 2020; 7:413. [PMID: 32923445 PMCID: PMC7456959 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2020.00413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2020] [Accepted: 06/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives: This study aimed to explore the relationship between bromodomain-containing protein 4 (BRD4), epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), and disease severity in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP). Methods: We performed immunofluorescent (IF) staining to evaluate the expression of BRD4 in the polyp tissues of CRSwNP and inferior turbinate mucosa of healthy controls. The relationship between BRD4 and EMT was evaluated by the BRD inhibitor JQ1 and BRD4 siRNA in primary human nasal polyp–derived epithelial cells. Disease severity was scored by using the Lund–Mackay scores of paranasal sinus computed tomography (CT) scans. Results: The expression of BRD4 in patients with CRSwNP was significantly higher than that in healthy controls. The loss of BRD4 function by the BRD inhibitor JQ1 and BRD4 siRNA resulted in the reduction of E-cadherin, increasing vimentin, and Snai1 mRNA expression. Moreover, the expression of BRD4 was related to the total CT scan scores (r = 0.4682, P = 0.0210). Conclusions: BRD4 had higher expression in CRSwNP than in healthy controls and might be associated with EMT in CRSwNP. BRD4 mRNA expression was associated with disease severity in CRSwNP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuanchen Zhou
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China.,Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Zhaoyang Cui
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Yiqing Liu
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Zhiyong Yue
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Fengyang Xie
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Ling Ding
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Shuai Xu
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Jie Han
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China.,Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Hong Zhang
- Health Management Center, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
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46
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Zhou Z, Li X, Liu Z, Huang L, Yao Y, Li L, Chen J, Zhang R, Zhou J, Wang L, Zhang QQ. A Bromodomain-Containing Protein 4 (BRD4) Inhibitor Suppresses Angiogenesis by Regulating AP-1 Expression. Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:1043. [PMID: 32765266 PMCID: PMC7381267 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.01043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2020] [Accepted: 06/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Angiogenesis dysregulation contributes to inflammation, infections, immune disorders, and carcinogenesis. Bromodomain-containing protein 4 (BRD4) is an epigenetic reader that recognizes histone proteins and acts as a transcriptional regulator to trigger tumor growth and the inflammatory response. The pan-bromodomain and extra-terminal domain (BET) inhibitor, (+)-JQ1 (1), was reported to inhibit angiogenesis. However, owing to the non-selectivity action of (+)-JQ1 towards all BET family members, the role of BRD4 and that of its bromodomains (BD1 and BD2) in angiogenesis remains elusive. Herein, we identified a potent BRD4 inhibitor, ZL0513 (7), which exhibited significant anti-angiogenic effects in chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) and yolk sac membrane (YSM) models. This inhibitor also directly suppressed the viability and tube formation of human umbilical vascular endothelial cells (HUVECs). Moreover, ZL0513 (7) was found to inhibit the phosphorylation of c-jun and c-fos, important members of activating protein-1 (AP-1) transcription factor complexes that enhance angiogenesis. The findings on this novel BRD4 inhibitor indicate that, in addition to being a powerful pharmacological tool for further elucidating the roles and functions of BRD4 and its BD domains in angiogenesis, it may serve as a potential therapeutic strategy for targeting the vasculature in various angiogenesis-dysregulated human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zijun Zhou
- School of Life Sciences and Biopharmaceutics, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoming Li
- Department of Pathology, People's Hospital of Baoan District, Affiliated Baoan Hospital of Shenzhen, Southern Medical University, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Zhiqing Liu
- Chemical Biology Program, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, United States
| | - Lixun Huang
- School of Life Sciences and Biopharmaceutics, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuying Yao
- School of Life Sciences and Biopharmaceutics, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Liuyou Li
- School of Life Sciences and Biopharmaceutics, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jian Chen
- School of Life Sciences and Biopharmaceutics, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Rongxin Zhang
- School of Life Sciences and Biopharmaceutics, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Province Key Laboratory for Biotechnology Drug Candidates, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jia Zhou
- Chemical Biology Program, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, United States
| | - Lijing Wang
- School of Life Sciences and Biopharmaceutics, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Province Key Laboratory for Biotechnology Drug Candidates, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qian-Qian Zhang
- School of Life Sciences and Biopharmaceutics, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Province Key Laboratory for Biotechnology Drug Candidates, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
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47
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Zhang R, Xu L, An X, Sui X, Lin S. Astragalus polysaccharides attenuate pulmonary fibrosis by inhibiting the epithelial-mesenchymal transition and NF-κB pathway activation. Int J Mol Med 2020; 46:331-339. [PMID: 32319542 PMCID: PMC7255476 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2020.4574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [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: 01/27/2020] [Accepted: 03/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Astragalus polysaccharides (APS), the active ingredients isolated from the plant Astragalus, have been reported to have numerous biological activities, including anti‑inflammatory and antitumor activities. However, the effect of APS on pulmonary fibrosis (PF) remains unknown. The present study aimed to evaluate the protective effect of APS against PF and to explore its underlying mechanisms by using in vivo and in vitro models. A mouse in vivo model of bleomycin‑induced PF and an in vitro model of transforming growth factor β1 (TGF‑β1)‑stimulated human lung epithelial A549 cells were established. Histopathologic examination and collagen deposition were investigated by hematoxylin and eosin staining and Masson staining, and by detecting the hydroxyproline content. The expression of related genes was analyzed by western blotting, reverse transcription‑quantitative (RT‑q) PCR, immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry. The results from the in vivo mouse model demonstrated that treatment with APS could ameliorate collagen deposition and reduce fibrotic area and hydroxyproline content in the matrix. Furthermore, APS significantly inhibited the epithelial‑mesenchymal transition (EMT), as evidenced by an increased level of E‑cadherin and a decreased expression of vimentin and alpha smooth muscle actin. Furthermore, APS treatment significantly decreased TGF‑β1‑induced EMT and NF‑κB pathway activation in vitro. The results from the present study provided new insights on PF regression via the anti‑fibrotic effects of APS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Zhang
- Department of Internal Medicine, The Wuyun Mountain Sanatorium of Hangzhou
| | - Liming Xu
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University
| | - Xiaoxia An
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University
| | - Xinbing Sui
- Department of Medical Oncology, Holistic Integrative Oncology Institutes and Holistic Integrative Cancer Center of Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Hangzhou Normal University, College of Medicine, Hangzhou Normal University
| | - Shuang Lin
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310000, P.R. China
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48
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miR-135a Alleviates Silica-Induced Pulmonary Fibrosis by Targeting NF- κB/Inflammatory Signaling Pathway. Mediators Inflamm 2020; 2020:1231243. [PMID: 32617074 PMCID: PMC7317310 DOI: 10.1155/2020/1231243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2019] [Revised: 01/21/2020] [Accepted: 05/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Silica exposure triggers inflammatory response and pulmonary fibrosis that is a severe occupational or environmental lung disease with no effective therapies. The complicated biological and molecular mechanisms underlying silica-induced lung damages have not yet been fully understood. miR-135a inhibits inflammation, apoptosis, and cancer cell proliferation. But the roles of miRNA135a involved in the silica-induced lung damages remain largely unexplored. We investigated the roles and mechanisms of miR-135a underlying silica-induced pulmonary fibrosis. The present study showed silica exposure caused the decrease in miR-135a level but the increase in inflammatory mediators. Transduction of lentivirus expressing miR-135a reduced the level of inflammatory mediators in lung tissues from silica-treated mice and improved pulmonary fibrosis which was consistent with the downregulated α-SMA but enhanced E-cadherin. Moreover, miR-135a overexpression inhibited p-p65 level in lung tissues. Overexpression of miR-135a inhibitor strengthened TLR4 protein level and NF-κB activation in BEAS-2B cells. Injection of PDTC, an inhibitor of NF-κB, further reinforced miR-135a-mediated amelioration of inflammation and pulmonary fibrosis induced by silica. The collective data indicate miR-135a restrains NF-κB activation probably through targeting TLR4 to alleviate silica-induced inflammatory response and pulmonary fibrosis.
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49
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Zhu F, Xiong F, He J, Liu K, You Y, Xu Q, Miao J, Du Y, Zhang L, Ren H, Wang X, Chen J, Li J, Chen S, Liu X, Huang N, Wang Y. Brd4 inhibition ameliorates Pyocyanin-mediated macrophage dysfunction via transcriptional repression of reactive oxygen and nitrogen free radical pathways. Cell Death Dis 2020; 11:459. [PMID: 32541671 PMCID: PMC7295752 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-020-2672-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2020] [Revised: 05/31/2020] [Accepted: 06/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Macrophages play critical roles in the first-line immune defense against airway infections caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA). The redox-active phenazine-pyocyanin (PCN), as one of the most essential virulence factors, facilities PA-related infection via a wide spectrum of cellular oxidative damages. However, little is known for PCN cytotoxicity in macrophages. In this study, besides showing PCN-mediated reactive oxygen species (ROS) indeed involved in macrophage viability and function impairment, we at the first time demonstrated a novel role of reactive nitrogen species (RNS) pathway causing cellular damage in PCN-challenged macrophages. Using small molecule inhibitor JQ1 targeting Bromodomain and extra-terminal family proteins, we showed restrained iNOS-dependent nitric oxide (NO) production correlated with abolished Brd4 recruitment to the NOS2 (encoding inducible nitric oxide synthase-iNOS) promoter. Application of JQ1 diminished PCN-mediated peroxynitrite (ONOO-) that followed ROS and NO induction, restored macrophage survival and bacteria clearance as well as repressed local inflammation in PA/PCN-challenged mice lungs. Our results uncover a novel link between PCN-mediated macrophage dysfunction and reactive free radicals that rely on Brd4-dependent transcription modulation of multiple stress-response genes, suggesting Brd4 could be a promising therapeutic target in treating PA-related lung infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feimei Zhu
- Department of Pathophysiology, West China College of Basic medical sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, 610041, Chengdu, China
| | - Feng Xiong
- Department of Cardiology, The third People's Hospital of Chengdu, 610031, Chengdu, China
| | - Jinchen He
- Department of Pathophysiology, West China College of Basic medical sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, 610041, Chengdu, China
| | - Keyun Liu
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Hubei University for Nationalities, 445000, Enshi, China
| | - Yuanyuan You
- Department of Pathophysiology, West China College of Basic medical sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, 610041, Chengdu, China
| | - Qian Xu
- Department of Pathophysiology, West China College of Basic medical sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, 610041, Chengdu, China
| | - Junming Miao
- Department of Pathophysiology, West China College of Basic medical sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, 610041, Chengdu, China
| | - Yu Du
- Department of Pathophysiology, West China College of Basic medical sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, 610041, Chengdu, China
| | - Lijuan Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, The third People's Hospital of Chengdu, 610031, Chengdu, China
| | - Hongyu Ren
- Department of Pathophysiology, West China College of Basic medical sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, 610041, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiaoying Wang
- Department of Pathophysiology, West China College of Basic medical sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, 610041, Chengdu, China
| | - Junli Chen
- Department of Pathophysiology, West China College of Basic medical sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, 610041, Chengdu, China
| | - Jingyu Li
- Department of Pathophysiology, West China College of Basic medical sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, 610041, Chengdu, China
| | - Shanze Chen
- Department of Pathophysiology, West China College of Basic medical sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, 610041, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiaokang Liu
- Department of Pharmacology, West China College of Basic medical sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, 610041, Chengdu, China
| | - Ning Huang
- Department of Pathophysiology, West China College of Basic medical sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, 610041, Chengdu, China.
| | - Yi Wang
- Department of Pathophysiology, West China College of Basic medical sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, 610041, Chengdu, China.
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50
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Eyvazi S, Hejazi MS, Kahroba H, Abasi M, Zamiri RE, Tarhriz V. CDK9 as an Appealing Target for Therapeutic Interventions. Curr Drug Targets 2020; 20:453-464. [PMID: 30362418 DOI: 10.2174/1389450119666181026152221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2018] [Revised: 10/15/2018] [Accepted: 10/16/2018] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Cyclin Dependent Kinase 9 (CDK9) as a serine/threonine kinase belongs to a great number of CDKs. CDK9 is the main core of PTEF-b complex and phosphorylates RNA polymerase (RNAP) II besides other transcription factors which regulate gene transcription elongation in numerous physiological processes. Multi-functional nature of CDK9 in diverse cellular pathways proposes that it is as an appealing target. In this review, we summarized the recent findings on the molecular interaction of CDK9 with critical participant molecules to modulate their activity in various diseases. Furthermore, the presented review provides a rationale supporting the use of CDK9 as a therapeutic target in clinical developments for crucial diseases; particularly cancers will be reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shirin Eyvazi
- Molecular Medicine Research Center, Biomedicine Institute, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Cellular and Molecular Biology Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Saeid Hejazi
- Molecular Medicine Research Center, Biomedicine Institute, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Faculty of Pharmacy, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Homan Kahroba
- Molecular Medicine Research Center, Biomedicine Institute, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mozghan Abasi
- Molecular Medicine Research Center, Biomedicine Institute, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Cellular and Molecular Biology Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Reza Eghdam Zamiri
- Faculty of medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Vahideh Tarhriz
- Molecular Medicine Research Center, Biomedicine Institute, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
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