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Corboz MR, Nguyen TL, Stautberg A, Cipolla D, Perkins WR, Chapman RW. Current Overview of the Biology and Pharmacology in Sugen/Hypoxia-Induced Pulmonary Hypertension in Rats. J Aerosol Med Pulm Drug Deliv 2024; 37:241-283. [PMID: 39388691 DOI: 10.1089/jamp.2024.0016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The Sugen 5416/hypoxia (Su/Hx) rat model of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) demonstrates most of the distinguishing features of PAH in humans, including increased wall thickness and obstruction of the small pulmonary arteries along with plexiform lesion formation. Recently, significant advancement has been made describing the epidemiology, genomics, biochemistry, physiology, and pharmacology in Su/Hx challenge in rats. For example, there are differences in the overall reactivity to Su/Hx challenge in different rat strains and only female rats respond to estrogen treatments. These conditions are also encountered in human subjects with PAH. Also, there is a good translation in both the biochemical and metabolic pathways in the pulmonary vasculature and right heart between Su/Hx rats and humans, particularly during the transition from the adaptive to the nonadaptive phase of right heart failure. Noninvasive techniques such as echocardiography and magnetic resonance imaging have recently been used to evaluate the progression of the pulmonary vascular and cardiac hemodynamics, which are important parameters to monitor the efficacy of drug treatment over time. From a pharmacological perspective, most of the compounds approved clinically for the treatment of PAH are efficacious in Su/Hx rats. Several compounds that show efficacy in Su/Hx rats have advanced into phase II/phase III studies in humans with positive results. Results from these drug trials, if successful, will provide additional treatment options for patients with PAH and will also further validate the excellent translation that currently exists between Su/Hx rats and the human PAH condition.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tam L Nguyen
- Insmed Incorporated, Bridgewater, New Jersey, USA
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Wang M, Huang Z, Li X, He P, Sun H, Peng Y, Fan Q. Apabetalone, a BET protein inhibitor, inhibits kidney damage in diabetes by preventing pyroptosis via modulating the P300/H3K27ac/PLK1 axis. Pharmacol Res 2024; 207:107306. [PMID: 39002871 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2024.107306] [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: 03/24/2024] [Revised: 06/11/2024] [Accepted: 07/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/15/2024]
Abstract
Many inflammatory disorders, including diabetic kidney disease (DKD), are associated with pyroptosis, a type of inflammation-regulated cell death. The purpose of this work was to ascertain the effects of apabetalone, which targets BRD4, a specific inhibitor of the bromodomain (BRD) and extra-terminal (BET) proteins that target bromodomain 2, on kidney injury in DKD. This study utilized pharmacological and genetic approaches to investigate the effects of apabetalone on pyroptosis in db/db mice and human tubular epithelial cells (HK-2). BRD4 levels were elevated in HK-2 cells exposed to high glucose and in db/db mice. Modulating BRD4 levels led to changes in the generation of inflammatory cytokines and cell pyroptosis linked to NLRP3 inflammasome in HK-2 cells and db/db mice. Likewise, these cellular processes were mitigated by apabetalone through inhibition BRD4. Apabetalone or BRD4 siRNA suppressed PLK1 expression in HK-2 cells under high glucose by P300-dependent H3K27 acetylation on the PLK1 gene promoter, as demonstrated through chromatin immunoprecipitation and immunoprecipitation assays. To summarize, apabetalone relieves renal proptosis and fibrosis in DKD. BRD4 regulates the P300/H3K27ac/PLK1 axis, leading to the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome and subsequent cell pyroptosis, inflammation, and fibrosis. These results may provide new perspectives on DKD treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Wang
- Department of Nephrology, First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Zhaohui Huang
- Department of Nephrology, First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Xin Li
- Department of Nephrology, Fourth Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Ping He
- Department of Nephrology, First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - He Sun
- Department of Endocrinology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yali Peng
- Department of Nephrology, First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - QiuLing Fan
- Department of Nephrology, First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China; Department of Nephrology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
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Wei Q, Gan C, Sun M, Xie Y, Liu H, Xue T, Deng C, Mo C, Ye T. BRD4: an effective target for organ fibrosis. Biomark Res 2024; 12:92. [PMID: 39215370 PMCID: PMC11365212 DOI: 10.1186/s40364-024-00641-6] [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: 07/05/2024] [Accepted: 08/16/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Fibrosis is an excessive wound-healing response induced by repeated or chronic external stimuli to tissues, significantly impacting quality of life and primarily contributing to organ failure. Organ fibrosis is reported to cause 45% of all-cause mortality worldwide. Despite extensive efforts to develop new antifibrotic drugs, drug discovery has not kept pace with the clinical demand. Currently, only pirfenidone and nintedanib are approved by the FDA to treat pulmonary fibrotic illness, whereas there are currently no available antifibrotic drugs for hepatic, cardiac or renal fibrosis. The development of fibrosis is closely related to epigenetic alterations. The field of epigenetics primarily studies biological processes, including chromatin modifications, epigenetic readers, DNA transcription and RNA translation. The bromodomain and extra-terminal structural domain (BET) family, a class of epigenetic readers, specifically recognizes acetylated histone lysine residues and promotes the formation of transcriptional complexes. Bromodomain-containing protein 4 (BRD4) is one of the most well-researched proteins in the BET family. BRD4 is implicated in the expression of genes related to inflammation and pro-fibrosis during fibrosis. Inhibition of BRD4 has shown promising anti-fibrotic effects in preclinical studies; however, no BRD4 inhibitor has been approved for clinical use. This review introduces the structure and function of BET proteins, the research progress on BRD4 in organ fibrosis, and the inhibitors of BRD4 utilized in fibrosis. We emphasize the feasibility of targeting BRD4 as an anti-fibrotic strategy and discuss the therapeutic potential and challenges associated with BRD4 inhibitors in treating fibrotic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qun Wei
- Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Cancer and Liver Disease, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Cailing Gan
- Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Cancer and Liver Disease, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Meng Sun
- Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Cancer and Liver Disease, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Yuting Xie
- Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Cancer and Liver Disease, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Hongyao Liu
- Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Cancer and Liver Disease, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Taixiong Xue
- Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Cancer and Liver Disease, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Conghui Deng
- Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Cancer and Liver Disease, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Chunheng Mo
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children of MOE, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
| | - Tinghong Ye
- Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Cancer and Liver Disease, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
- Ningxia Medical University, Yin Chuan, 640100, China.
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Guignabert C, Aman J, Bonnet S, Dorfmüller P, Olschewski AJ, Pullamsetti S, Rabinovitch M, Schermuly RT, Humbert M, Stenmark KR. Pathology and pathobiology of pulmonary hypertension: current insights and future directions. Eur Respir J 2024:2401095. [PMID: 39209474 DOI: 10.1183/13993003.01095-2024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2024] [Accepted: 06/08/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
In recent years, major advances have been made in the understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms driving pulmonary vascular remodelling in various forms of pulmonary hypertension, including pulmonary arterial hypertension, pulmonary hypertension associated with left heart disease, pulmonary hypertension associated with chronic lung disease and hypoxia, and chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension. However, the survival rates for these different forms of pulmonary hypertension remain unsatisfactory, underscoring the crucial need to more effectively translate innovative scientific knowledge into healthcare interventions. In these proceedings of the 7th World Symposium on Pulmonary Hypertension, we delve into recent developments in the field of pathology and pathophysiology, prioritising them while questioning their relevance to different subsets of pulmonary hypertension. In addition, we explore how the latest omics and other technological advances can help us better and more rapidly understand the myriad basic mechanisms contributing to the initiation and progression of pulmonary vascular remodelling. Finally, we discuss strategies aimed at improving patient care, optimising drug development, and providing essential support to advance research in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christophe Guignabert
- Université Paris-Saclay, Hypertension Pulmonaire: Physiopathology and Innovation Thérapeutique, HPPIT, Faculté de Médecine, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
- INSERM UMR_S 999, HPPIT, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Jurjan Aman
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Amsterdam UMC, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Sébastien Bonnet
- Pulmonary Hypertension research group, Centre de Recherche de l'Institut de Cardiologie et de Pneumologie de Québec, Quebec City, QC, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Peter Dorfmüller
- Department of Pathology, University Hospital Giessen/Marburg, Giessen, Germany
| | - Andrea J Olschewski
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Lung Vascular Research, Graz, Austria
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Soni Pullamsetti
- Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research Bad Nauheim, Bad Nauheim, Germany
- Department of Internal Medicine, German Center for Lung Research (DZL) Cardio-Pulmonary Institute (CPI)
- Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Centre, Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Justus-Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Marlene Rabinovitch
- BASE Initiative, Betty Irene Moore Children's Heart Center, Lucile Packard Children's Hospital, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Vera Moulton Wall Center for Pulmonary Vascular Diseases, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Stanford Cardiovascular Institute, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Ralph T Schermuly
- Department of Internal Medicine, German Center for Lung Research (DZL) Cardio-Pulmonary Institute (CPI)
| | - Marc Humbert
- Université Paris-Saclay, Hypertension Pulmonaire: Physiopathology and Innovation Thérapeutique, HPPIT, Faculté de Médecine, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
- INSERM UMR_S 999, HPPIT, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
- Department of Respiratory and Intensive Care Medicine, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Bicêtre, ERN-LUNG, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Kurt R Stenmark
- Developmental Lung Biology and Cardiovascular Pulmonary Research Laboratories, University of Colorado, Denver, CO, USA
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Wang M, Huang Z, Fan Q. Correspondence: Reply to commentary on "Apabetalone, a BET protein inhibitor, inhibits kidney damage in diabetes by preventing pyroptosis via modulating the P300/H3K27ac/PLK1 axis". Pharmacol Res 2024; 208:107330. [PMID: 39142539 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2024.107330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2024] [Accepted: 07/28/2024] [Indexed: 08/16/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Min Wang
- Department of Nephrology, First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Zhaohui Huang
- Department of Nephrology, First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - QiuLing Fan
- Department of Nephrology, First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China; Department of Nephrology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
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6
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Safaie Qamsari E, Stewart DJ. Cellular senescence in the pathogenesis of pulmonary arterial hypertension: the good, the bad and the uncertain. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1403669. [PMID: 39156894 PMCID: PMC11329925 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1403669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 07/15/2024] [Indexed: 08/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Senescence refers to a cellular state marked by irreversible cell cycle arrest and the secretion of pro-inflammatory and tissue-remodeling factors. The senescence associated secretory phenotype (SASP) impacts the tissue microenvironment and provides cues for the immune system to eliminate senescent cells (SCs). Cellular senescence has a dual nature; it can be beneficial during embryonic development, tissue repair, and tumor suppression, but it can also be detrimental in the context of chronic stress, persistent tissue injury, together with an impairment in SC clearance. Recently, the accumulation of SCs has been implicated in the pathogenesis of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), a progressive condition affecting the pre-capillary pulmonary arterial bed. PAH is characterized by endothelial cell (EC) injury, inflammation, and proliferative arterial remodeling, which leads to right heart failure and premature mortality. While vasodilator therapies can improve symptoms, there are currently no approved treatments capable of reversing the obliterative arterial remodeling. Ongoing endothelial injury and dysfunction is central to the development of PAH, perpetuated by hemodynamic perturbation leading to pathological intimal shear stress. The precise role of senescent ECs in PAH remains unclear. Cellular senescence may facilitate endothelial repair, particularly in the early stages of disease. However, in more advanced disease the accumulation of senescent ECs may promote vascular inflammation and occlusive arterial remodeling. In this review, we will examine the evidence that supports a role of endothelial cell senescence to the pathogenesis of PAH. Furthermore, we will compare and discuss the apparent contradictory outcomes with the use of interventions targeting cellular senescence in the context of experimental models of pulmonary hypertension. Finally, we will attempt to propose a framework for the understanding of the complex interplay between EC injury, senescence, inflammation and arterial remodeling, which can guide further research in this area and the development of effective therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elmira Safaie Qamsari
- Sinclair Centre for Regenerative Medicine Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Duncan J. Stewart
- Sinclair Centre for Regenerative Medicine Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Division of Cardiology, University of Ottawa Heart Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
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7
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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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8
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Lemay SE, Montesinos MS, Grobs Y, Yokokawa T, Shimauchi T, Romanet C, Sauvaget M, Breuils-Bonnet S, Bourgeois A, Théberge C, Pelletier A, El Kabbout R, Martineau S, Yamamoto K, Ray AS, Lippa B, Goodwin B, Lin FY, Wang H, Dowling JE, Lu M, Qiao Q, McTeague TA, Moy TI, Potus F, Provencher S, Boucherat O, Bonnet S. Exploring Integrin α5β1 as a Potential Therapeutic Target for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Insights from Comprehensive Multicenter Preclinical Studies. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.27.596052. [PMID: 38854025 PMCID: PMC11160677 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.27.596052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is characterized by obliterative vascular remodeling of the small pulmonary arteries (PA) and progressive increase in pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) leading to right ventricular (RV) failure. Although several drugs are approved for the treatment of PAH, mortality remains high. Accumulating evidence supports a pathological function of integrins in vessel remodeling, which are gaining renewed interest as drug targets. However, their role in PAH remains largely unexplored. We found that the arginine-glycine-aspartate (RGD)-binding integrin α5β1 is upregulated in PA endothelial cells (PAEC) and PA smooth muscle cells (PASMC) from PAH patients and remodeled PAs from animal models. Blockade of the integrin α5β1 or depletion of the α5 subunit resulted in mitotic defects and inhibition of the pro-proliferative and apoptosis-resistant phenotype of PAH cells. Using a novel small molecule integrin inhibitor and neutralizing antibodies, we demonstrated that α5β1 integrin blockade attenuates pulmonary vascular remodeling and improves hemodynamics and RV function in multiple preclinical models. Our results provide converging evidence to consider α5β1 integrin inhibition as a promising therapy for pulmonary hypertension. One sentence summary The α5β1 integrin plays a crucial role in pulmonary vascular remodeling.
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9
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Wu T, Chen Y, You Q, Jiang Z, Chen X. Targeting bromodomian-containing protein 8 (BRD8): An advanced tool to interrogate BRD8. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 268:116271. [PMID: 38401187 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116271] [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: 01/11/2024] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/26/2024]
Abstract
Epigenetic modifications play crucial roles in physiological processes, including cell differentiation, proliferation, and death. Bromodomain/Brd-containing proteins (BCPs) regulate abnormal gene expression in various diseases by recognizing the lysine-ε-N-acetylated residues (KAc) or by acting as transcriptional co-activators. Small molecule inhibitors targeting BCPs offer an attractive strategy for modulating aberrant gene expression. Besides the extensive research on the bromodomain and extra-terminal (BET) domain family proteins, the non-BET proteins have gained increasing attention. Bromodomain containing protein 8 (BRD8), a reader of KAc and co-activator of nuclear receptors (NRs), plays a key role in various cancers. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the structure, disease-related functions, and inhibitor development of BRD8. Opportunities and challenges for future studies targeting BRD8 in disease treatment are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingting Wu
- Jiang Su Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China; Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Yali Chen
- Jiang Su Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China; Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Qidong You
- Jiang Su Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China; Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Zhengyu Jiang
- Jiang Su Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China; Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China.
| | - Xuetao Chen
- Jiang Su Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China; Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China.
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10
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Mahmoud AK, Abbas MT, Kamel MA, Farina JM, Pereyra M, Scalia IG, Barry T, Chao CJ, Marcotte F, Ayoub C, Scott RL, Majdalany DS, Arsanjani R. Current Management and Future Directions for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension Associated with Congenital Heart Disease. J Pers Med 2023; 14:5. [PMID: 38276220 PMCID: PMC10817644 DOI: 10.3390/jpm14010005] [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: 11/18/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Current management of patients with congenital heart disease has increased their survival into adulthood. This is accompanied by potential cardiac complications, including pulmonary hypertension associated with congenital heart disease (PAH-CHD). PAH-CHD constitutes a challenging subgroup of pulmonary hypertension and requires expert management to improve quality of life and prognosis. Novel agents have shown a significant improvement in morbidity and mortality in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension. However, the long-term effects of these medications on PAH-CHD patients remain somewhat uncertain, necessitating treatment plans largely founded on the clinical experience of the healthcare providers. The aim of this review is to summarize the current evidence and future perspectives regarding treatment strategies for PAH-CHD to help better guide management of this complex disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed K. Mahmoud
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Phoenix, AZ 85054, USA; (A.K.M.)
| | - Mohammed Tiseer Abbas
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Phoenix, AZ 85054, USA; (A.K.M.)
| | - Moaz A. Kamel
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Phoenix, AZ 85054, USA; (A.K.M.)
| | - Juan M. Farina
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Phoenix, AZ 85054, USA; (A.K.M.)
| | - Milagros Pereyra
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Phoenix, AZ 85054, USA; (A.K.M.)
| | - Isabel G. Scalia
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Phoenix, AZ 85054, USA; (A.K.M.)
| | - Timothy Barry
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Phoenix, AZ 85054, USA; (A.K.M.)
| | - Chieh-Ju Chao
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Francois Marcotte
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Phoenix, AZ 85054, USA; (A.K.M.)
| | - Chadi Ayoub
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Phoenix, AZ 85054, USA; (A.K.M.)
| | - Robert L. Scott
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Phoenix, AZ 85054, USA; (A.K.M.)
| | - David S. Majdalany
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Phoenix, AZ 85054, USA; (A.K.M.)
| | - Reza Arsanjani
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Phoenix, AZ 85054, USA; (A.K.M.)
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11
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Isobe S, Nair RV, Kang HY, Wang L, Moonen JR, Shinohara T, Cao A, Taylor S, Otsuki S, Marciano DP, Harper RL, Adil MS, Zhang C, Lago-Docampo M, Körbelin J, Engreitz JM, Snyder MP, Rabinovitch M. Reduced FOXF1 links unrepaired DNA damage to pulmonary arterial hypertension. Nat Commun 2023; 14:7578. [PMID: 37989727 PMCID: PMC10663616 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-43039-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a progressive disease in which pulmonary arterial (PA) endothelial cell (EC) dysfunction is associated with unrepaired DNA damage. BMPR2 is the most common genetic cause of PAH. We report that human PAEC with reduced BMPR2 have persistent DNA damage in room air after hypoxia (reoxygenation), as do mice with EC-specific deletion of Bmpr2 (EC-Bmpr2-/-) and persistent pulmonary hypertension. Similar findings are observed in PAEC with loss of the DNA damage sensor ATM, and in mice with Atm deleted in EC (EC-Atm-/-). Gene expression analysis of EC-Atm-/- and EC-Bmpr2-/- lung EC reveals reduced Foxf1, a transcription factor with selectivity for lung EC. Reducing FOXF1 in control PAEC induces DNA damage and impaired angiogenesis whereas transfection of FOXF1 in PAH PAEC repairs DNA damage and restores angiogenesis. Lung EC targeted delivery of Foxf1 to reoxygenated EC-Bmpr2-/- mice repairs DNA damage, induces angiogenesis and reverses pulmonary hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarasa Isobe
- Basic Science and Engineering (BASE) Initiative at the Betty Irene Moore Children's Heart Center, Lucile Packard Children's Hospital, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Vera Moulton Wall Center for Pulmonary Vascular Diseases, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Stanford Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics - Cardiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Ramesh V Nair
- Stanford Center for Genomics and Personalized Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Helen Y Kang
- Basic Science and Engineering (BASE) Initiative at the Betty Irene Moore Children's Heart Center, Lucile Packard Children's Hospital, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Lingli Wang
- Basic Science and Engineering (BASE) Initiative at the Betty Irene Moore Children's Heart Center, Lucile Packard Children's Hospital, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Vera Moulton Wall Center for Pulmonary Vascular Diseases, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Stanford Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics - Cardiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Jan-Renier Moonen
- Basic Science and Engineering (BASE) Initiative at the Betty Irene Moore Children's Heart Center, Lucile Packard Children's Hospital, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Vera Moulton Wall Center for Pulmonary Vascular Diseases, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Stanford Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics - Cardiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Tsutomu Shinohara
- Basic Science and Engineering (BASE) Initiative at the Betty Irene Moore Children's Heart Center, Lucile Packard Children's Hospital, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Vera Moulton Wall Center for Pulmonary Vascular Diseases, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Stanford Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics - Cardiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Aiqin Cao
- Basic Science and Engineering (BASE) Initiative at the Betty Irene Moore Children's Heart Center, Lucile Packard Children's Hospital, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Vera Moulton Wall Center for Pulmonary Vascular Diseases, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Stanford Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics - Cardiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Shalina Taylor
- Vera Moulton Wall Center for Pulmonary Vascular Diseases, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Stanford Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics - Cardiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Shoichiro Otsuki
- Vera Moulton Wall Center for Pulmonary Vascular Diseases, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Stanford Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics - Cardiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - David P Marciano
- Stanford Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Rebecca L Harper
- Vera Moulton Wall Center for Pulmonary Vascular Diseases, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Stanford Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics - Cardiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Mir S Adil
- Basic Science and Engineering (BASE) Initiative at the Betty Irene Moore Children's Heart Center, Lucile Packard Children's Hospital, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Vera Moulton Wall Center for Pulmonary Vascular Diseases, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Stanford Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics - Cardiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Chongyang Zhang
- Basic Science and Engineering (BASE) Initiative at the Betty Irene Moore Children's Heart Center, Lucile Packard Children's Hospital, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Vera Moulton Wall Center for Pulmonary Vascular Diseases, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Stanford Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics - Cardiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Mauro Lago-Docampo
- Basic Science and Engineering (BASE) Initiative at the Betty Irene Moore Children's Heart Center, Lucile Packard Children's Hospital, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Vera Moulton Wall Center for Pulmonary Vascular Diseases, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Stanford Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics - Cardiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Jakob Körbelin
- Department of Oncology, Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jesse M Engreitz
- Basic Science and Engineering (BASE) Initiative at the Betty Irene Moore Children's Heart Center, Lucile Packard Children's Hospital, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Stanford Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Michael P Snyder
- Stanford Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Marlene Rabinovitch
- Basic Science and Engineering (BASE) Initiative at the Betty Irene Moore Children's Heart Center, Lucile Packard Children's Hospital, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA.
- Vera Moulton Wall Center for Pulmonary Vascular Diseases, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
- Stanford Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics - Cardiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA.
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12
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Balsa A, Adão R, Brás-Silva C. Therapeutic Approaches in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension with Beneficial Effects on Right Ventricular Function-Preclinical Studies. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15539. [PMID: 37958522 PMCID: PMC10647677 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242115539] [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: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/21/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a progressive condition that affects the pulmonary vessels, but its main prognostic factor is the right ventricle (RV) function. Many mice/rat models are used for research in PAH, but results fail to translate to clinical trials. This study reviews studies that test interventions on pulmonary artery banding (PAB), a model of isolated RV disfunction, and PH models. Multiple tested drugs both improved pulmonary vascular hemodynamics in PH models and improved RV structure and function in PAB animals. PH models and PAB animals frequently exhibited similar results (73.1% concordance). Macitentan, sildenafil, and tadalafil improved most tested pathophysiological parameters in PH models, but almost none in PAB animals. Results are frequently not consistent with other studies, possibly due to the methodology, which greatly varied. Some research groups start treating the animals immediately, and others wait up to 4 weeks from model induction. Treatment duration and choice of anaesthetic are other important differences. This review shows that many drugs currently under research for PAH have a cardioprotective effect on animals that may translate to humans. However, a uniformization of methods may increase comparability between studies and, thus, improve translation to clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- André Balsa
- Cardiovascular R&D Centre—UnIC@RISE, Department of Surgery and Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal; (A.B.); (R.A.)
| | - Rui Adão
- Cardiovascular R&D Centre—UnIC@RISE, Department of Surgery and Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal; (A.B.); (R.A.)
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
- CIBER of Respiratory Diseases (CIBERES), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Carmen Brás-Silva
- Cardiovascular R&D Centre—UnIC@RISE, Department of Surgery and Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal; (A.B.); (R.A.)
- Faculty of Nutrition and Food Sciences, University of Porto, 4150-180 Porto, Portugal
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13
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Farha S, Aldred MA. Regulating the Regulators: Epigenetic Modulation of Regulatory T Cells in Pulmonary Hypertension. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2023; 208:834-836. [PMID: 37682657 PMCID: PMC10586243 DOI: 10.1164/rccm.202308-1456ed] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Samar Farha
- Respiratory Institute Cleveland Clinic Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Micheala A Aldred
- Department of Medicine Indiana University School of Medicine Indianapolis, Indiana
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14
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Jiang Y, Song S, Liu J, Zhang L, Guo X, Lu J, Li L, Yang C, Fu Q, Zeng B. Epigenetic regulation of programmed cell death in hypoxia-induced pulmonary arterial hypertension. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1206452. [PMID: 37753070 PMCID: PMC10518698 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1206452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a severe progressive disease that may cause early right ventricular failure and eventual cardiac failure. The pathogenesis of PAH involves endothelial dysfunction, aberrant proliferation of pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs), and vascular fibrosis. Hypoxia has been shown to induce elevated secretion of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), leading to the development of hypoxic PAH. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying hypoxic PAH remain incompletely understood. Programmed cell death (PCD) is a natural cell death and regulated by certain genes. Emerging evidence suggests that apoptotic resistance contributes to the development of PAH. Moreover, several novel types of PCD, such as autophagy, pyroptosis, and ferroptosis, have been reported to be involved in the development of PAH. Additionally, multiple diverse epigenetic mechanisms including RNA methylation, DNA methylation, histone modification, and the non-coding RNA molecule-mediated processes have been strongly linked to the development of PAH. These epigenetic modifications affect the expression of genes, which produce important changes in cellular biological processes, including PCD. Consequently, a better understanding of the PCD processes and epigenetic modification involved in PAH will provide novel, specific therapeutic strategies for diagnosis and treatment. In this review, we aim to discuss recent advances in epigenetic mechanisms and elucidate the role of epigenetic modifications in regulating PCD in hypoxia-induced PAH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Jiang
- College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Shasha Song
- College of Pharmacy, Shenzhen Technology University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jingxin Liu
- College of Pharmacy, Shenzhen Technology University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Liyuan Zhang
- Shanghai Baoxing Biological Equipment Engineering Co., Ltd, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaofei Guo
- National Engineering Research Center for Marine Aquaculture, Institute of Innovation & Application, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan, China
| | - Jiayao Lu
- College of Pharmacy, Shenzhen Technology University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Lie Li
- Shenzhen Reyson Biotechnology Co., Ltd, Shenzhen, China
- Nanjing Evertop Electronics Ltd., Nanjing, China
| | - Chao Yang
- National Engineering Research Center for Marine Aquaculture, Institute of Innovation & Application, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan, China
| | - Qiang Fu
- College of Pharmacy, Shenzhen Technology University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Bin Zeng
- College of Pharmacy, Shenzhen Technology University, Shenzhen, China
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15
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Smukowska-Gorynia A, Gościniak W, Woźniak P, Iwańczyk S, Jaxa-Kwiatkowska K, Sławek-Szmyt S, Janus M, Paluszkiewicz J, Mularek-Kubzdela T. Recent Advances in the Treatment of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension Associated with Connective Tissue Diseases. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:1252. [PMID: 37765060 PMCID: PMC10534675 DOI: 10.3390/ph16091252] [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: 08/09/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a severe vascular complication of connective tissue diseases (CTD). Patients with CTD may develop PH belonging to diverse groups: (1) pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), (2) PH due to left heart disease, (3) secondary PH due to lung disease and/or hypoxia and (4) chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH). PAH most often develops in systemic scleroderma (SSc), mostly in its limited variant. PAH-CTD is a progressive disease characterized by poor prognosis. Therefore, early diagnosis should be established. A specific treatment for PAH-CTD is currently available and recommended: prostacyclin derivative (treprostinil, epoprostenol, iloprost, selexipag), nitric oxide and natriuretic pathway: stimulators of soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC: riociguat) and phosphodiesterase-five inhibitors (PDE5i: sildenafil, tadalafil), endothelin receptor antagonists (ERA: bosentan, macitentan, ambrisentan). Moreover, novel drugs, e.g., sotatercept, have been intensively investigated in clinical trials. We aim to review the literature on recent advances in the treatment strategy and prognosis of patients with PAH-CTD. In this manuscript, we discuss the mechanism of action of PAH-specific drugs and new agents and the latest research conducted on PAH-CTD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Smukowska-Gorynia
- 1st Department of Cardiology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Długa 1/2 Street, 61-848 Poznan, Poland; (W.G.); (P.W.); (S.I.); (K.J.-K.); (S.S.-S.); (M.J.); (J.P.); (T.M.-K.)
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16
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Guo X, Olajuyin A, Tucker TA, Idell S, Qian G. BRD4 as a Therapeutic Target in Pulmonary Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13231. [PMID: 37686037 PMCID: PMC10487829 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241713231] [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: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Bromodomain and extra-terminal domain (BET) proteins are epigenetic modulators that regulate gene transcription through interacting with acetylated lysine residues of histone proteins. BET proteins have multiple roles in regulating key cellular functions such as cell proliferation, differentiation, inflammation, oxidative and redox balance, and immune responses. As a result, BET proteins have been found to be actively involved in a broad range of human lung diseases including acute lung inflammation, asthma, pulmonary arterial hypertension, pulmonary fibrosis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Due to the identification of specific small molecular inhibitors of BET proteins, targeting BET in these lung diseases has become an area of increasing interest. Emerging evidence has demonstrated the beneficial effects of BET inhibitors in preclinical models of various human lung diseases. This is, in general, largely related to the ability of BET proteins to bind to promoters of genes that are critical for inflammation, differentiation, and beyond. By modulating these critical genes, BET proteins are integrated into the pathogenesis of disease progression. The intrinsic histone acetyltransferase activity of bromodomain-containing protein 4 (BRD4) is of particular interest, seems to act independently of its bromodomain binding activity, and has implication in some contexts. In this review, we provide a brief overview of the research on BET proteins with a focus on BRD4 in several major human lung diseases, the underlying molecular mechanisms, as well as findings of targeting BET proteins using pharmaceutical inhibitors in different lung diseases preclinically.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Guoqing Qian
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler, Tyler, TX 75708, USA; (X.G.); (A.O.); (T.A.T.); (S.I.)
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17
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Chen R, Wang H, Zheng C, Zhang X, Li L, Wang S, Chen H, Duan J, Zhou X, Peng H, Guo J, Zhang A, Li F, Wang W, Zhang Y, Wang J, Wang C, Meng Y, Du X, Zhang H. Polo-like kinase 1 promotes pulmonary hypertension. Respir Res 2023; 24:204. [PMID: 37598171 PMCID: PMC10440037 DOI: 10.1186/s12931-023-02498-z] [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: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 07/22/2023] [Indexed: 08/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a lethal vascular disease with limited therapeutic options. The mechanistic connections between alveolar hypoxia and PH are not well understood. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of mitotic regulator Polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1) in PH development. METHODS Mouse lungs along with human pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells and endothelial cells were used to investigate the effects of hypoxia on PLK1. Hypoxia- or Sugen5416/hypoxia was applied to induce PH in mice. Plk1 heterozygous knockout mice and PLK1 inhibitors (BI 2536 and BI 6727)-treated mice were checked for the significance of PLK1 in the development of PH. RESULTS Hypoxia stimulated PLK1 expression through induction of HIF1α and RELA. Mice with heterozygous deletion of Plk1 were partially resistant to hypoxia-induced PH. PLK1 inhibitors ameliorated PH in mice. CONCLUSIONS Augmented PLK1 is essential for the development of PH and is a druggable target for PH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rongrong Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Common Mechanism Research for Major Diseases, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Department of Physiology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences and School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Hongfei Wang
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Cuiting Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Common Mechanism Research for Major Diseases, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Department of Physiology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences and School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- Department of Pathology, Beijing Lab for Cardiovascular Precision Medicine, Key Laboratory of Medical Engineering for Cardiovascular Disease, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiyu Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Beijing Lab for Cardiovascular Precision Medicine, Key Laboratory of Medical Engineering for Cardiovascular Disease, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Li Li
- State Key Laboratory of Common Mechanism Research for Major Diseases, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Department of Physiology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences and School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Shengwei Wang
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Hongyu Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Common Mechanism Research for Major Diseases, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Department of Physiology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences and School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Duan
- State Key Laboratory of Common Mechanism Research for Major Diseases, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Department of Physiology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences and School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xian Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Common Mechanism Research for Major Diseases, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Department of Physiology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences and School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Haiyong Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Common Mechanism Research for Major Diseases, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Department of Physiology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences and School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Common Mechanism Research for Major Diseases, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Department of Physiology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences and School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Anchen Zhang
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Feifei Li
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Wang Wang
- Department of Physiology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Jun Wang
- Department of Physiology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Chen Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Common Mechanism Research for Major Diseases, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Department of Physiology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences and School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yan Meng
- Department of Pathology, Beijing Lab for Cardiovascular Precision Medicine, Key Laboratory of Medical Engineering for Cardiovascular Disease, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
| | - Xinling Du
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
| | - Hongbing Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Common Mechanism Research for Major Diseases, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Department of Physiology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences and School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.
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18
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Mumby S, Perros F, Grynblat J, Manaud G, Papi A, Casolari P, Caramori G, Humbert M, John Wort S, Adcock IM. Differential responses of pulmonary vascular cells from PAH patients and controls to TNFα and the effect of the BET inhibitor JQ1. Respir Res 2023; 24:193. [PMID: 37516840 PMCID: PMC10386603 DOI: 10.1186/s12931-023-02499-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/31/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) encompasses a group of diseases characterized by raised pulmonary vascular resistance, resulting from vascular remodelling and inflammation. Bromodomain and extra-terminal (BET) proteins are required for the expression of a subset of NF-κB-induced inflammatory genes which can be inhibited by the BET mimic JQ1+. We hypothesised that JQ+ would supress TNFα-driven inflammatory responses in human pulmonary vascular cells from PAH patients. METHODS Immunohistochemical staining of human peripheral lung tissue (N = 14 PAH and N = 12 non-PAH) was performed for the BET proteins BRD2 and 4. Human pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells (HPMEC) and pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (HPASMC) from PAH patients (N = 4) and non-PAH controls (N = 4) were stimulated with TNFα in presence or absence of JQ1+ or its inactive isomer JQ1-. IL-6 and -8 mRNA was measured by RT-qPCR and protein levels by ELISA. Chromatin immunoprecipitation analysis was performed using EZ-ChIP™ and NF-κB p65 activation determined using a TransAm kit. MTT assay was used to measure cell viability. RESULTS Nuclear staining of BRD2 and BRD4 was significantly (p < 0.0001) increased in the lung vascular endothelial and smooth muscle cells from PAH patients compared to controls with normal lung function. TNFα-driven IL-6 release from both HPMECs and HPASMCs was greater in PAH cells than control cells. Levels of CXCL8/IL-8 protein release was higher in PAH HPASMCs than in control cells with similar release observed in HPMECs. TNFα-induced recruitment of activated NF-κB p65 to the IL-6 and CXCL8/IL-8 promoters were similar in both cell types and between subject groups. JQ1+ suppressed TNFα-induced IL-6 and CXCL8/IL-8 release and mRNA expression to a comparable extent in control and PAH HPMECs and HPASMCs. JQ1 had a greater efficacy on IL-6 release in HPMEC and on CXCL8/IL-8 release in HPASMC. CONCLUSION BET inhibition decreases TNFα driven inflammation in primary pulmonary vascular cells. The anti-inflammatory actions of JQ1 suggests distinct cell-specific regulatory control of these genes. BET proteins could be a target for future therapies for PAH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharon Mumby
- Respiratory Science, NHLI, Imperial College London, London, UK.
| | - Frederic Perros
- Inserm UMR-S 999, Hôpital Marie Lannelongue, Groupe Hospitalier Paris Saint Joseph, Université Paris-Saclay, Le Plessis-Robinson, France
- CarMeN Laboratory, INSERM U1060, INRAE U1397, Université Claude Bernard Lyon1, Pierre-Bénite, France
| | - Julien Grynblat
- Inserm UMR-S 999, Hôpital Marie Lannelongue, Groupe Hospitalier Paris Saint Joseph, Université Paris-Saclay, Le Plessis-Robinson, France
| | - Gregoire Manaud
- Inserm UMR-S 999, Hôpital Marie Lannelongue, Groupe Hospitalier Paris Saint Joseph, Université Paris-Saclay, Le Plessis-Robinson, France
| | - Alberto Papi
- Interdepartmental Study Center for Inflammatory and Smoke-Related Airway Diseases, Cardiorespiratory and Internal Medicine Section, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Paolo Casolari
- Interdepartmental Study Center for Inflammatory and Smoke-Related Airway Diseases, Cardiorespiratory and Internal Medicine Section, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Gaetano Caramori
- Pneumologia, Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche, Odontoiatriche e Delle Immagini Morfologiche e Funzionali (BIOMORF), Università Degli Studi di Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Marc Humbert
- Inserm UMR-S 999, Hôpital Marie Lannelongue, Groupe Hospitalier Paris Saint Joseph, Université Paris-Saclay, Le Plessis-Robinson, France
- Department of Respiratory and Intensive Care Medicine, AP-HP, Hôpital Bicêtre, Pulmonary Hypertension National Referral Center, Université Paris-Saclay, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - S John Wort
- Respiratory Science, NHLI, Imperial College London, London, UK
- National Pulmonary Hypertension Service, Royal Brompton Hospital, London, UK
| | - Ian M Adcock
- Respiratory Science, NHLI, Imperial College London, London, UK
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19
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Dave J, Jagana V, Janostiak R, Bisserier M. Unraveling the epigenetic landscape of pulmonary arterial hypertension: implications for personalized medicine development. J Transl Med 2023; 21:477. [PMID: 37461108 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-04339-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a multifactorial disease associated with the remodeling of pulmonary blood vessels. If left unaddressed, PAH can lead to right heart failure and even death. Multiple biological processes, such as smooth muscle proliferation, endothelial dysfunction, inflammation, and resistance to apoptosis, are associated with PAH. Increasing evidence suggests that epigenetic factors play an important role in PAH by regulating the chromatin structure and altering the expression of critical genes. For example, aberrant DNA methylation and histone modifications such as histone acetylation and methylation have been observed in patients with PAH and are linked to vascular remodeling and pulmonary vascular dysfunction. In this review article, we provide a comprehensive overview of the role of key epigenetic targets in PAH pathogenesis, including DNA methyltransferase (DNMT), ten-eleven translocation enzymes (TET), switch-independent 3A (SIN3A), enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2), histone deacetylase (HDAC), and bromodomain-containing protein 4 (BRD4). Finally, we discuss the potential of multi-omics integration to better understand the molecular signature and profile of PAH patients and how this approach can help identify personalized treatment approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaydev Dave
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, New York Medical College, 15 Dana Road, BSB 131A, Valhalla, NY, 10595, USA
- Department of Physiology, New York Medical College, 15 Dana Road, BSB 131A, Valhalla, NY, 10595, USA
| | - Vineeta Jagana
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, New York Medical College, 15 Dana Road, BSB 131A, Valhalla, NY, 10595, USA
- Department of Physiology, New York Medical College, 15 Dana Road, BSB 131A, Valhalla, NY, 10595, USA
| | - Radoslav Janostiak
- First Faculty of Medicine, BIOCEV, Charles University, Vestec, 25250, Czech Republic
| | - Malik Bisserier
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, New York Medical College, 15 Dana Road, BSB 131A, Valhalla, NY, 10595, USA.
- Department of Physiology, New York Medical College, 15 Dana Road, BSB 131A, Valhalla, NY, 10595, USA.
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20
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Zheng X, Diktonaite K, Qiu H. Epigenetic Reader Bromodomain-Containing Protein 4 in Aging-Related Vascular Pathologies and Diseases: Molecular Basis, Functional Relevance, and Clinical Potential. Biomolecules 2023; 13:1135. [PMID: 37509171 PMCID: PMC10376956 DOI: 10.3390/biom13071135] [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: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Aging is a key independent risk factor of various vascular diseases, for which the regulatory mechanisms remain largely unknown. Bromodomain-containing protein 4 (BRD4) is a member of the Bromodomain and Extra-Terminal domain (BET) family and is an epigenetic reader playing diverse roles in regulating transcriptional elongation, chromatin remodeling, DNA damage response, and alternative splicing in various cells and tissues. While BRD4 was initially recognized for its involvement in cancer progression, recent studies have revealed that the aberrant expression and impaired function of BRD4 were highly associated with aging-related vascular pathology, affecting multiple key biological processes in the vascular cells and tissues, providing new insights into the understanding of vascular pathophysiology and pathogenesis of vascular diseases. This review summarizes the recent advances in BRD4 biological function, and the progression of the studies related to BRD4 in aging-associated vascular pathologies and diseases, including atherosclerosis, aortic aneurism vascular neointima formation, pulmonary hypertension, and essential hypertension, providing updated information to advance our understanding of the epigenetic mechanisms in vascular diseases during aging and paving the way for future research and therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxu Zheng
- Center for Molecular and Translational Medicine, Institute of Biomedical Science, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA; (X.Z.); (K.D.)
| | - Kotryna Diktonaite
- Center for Molecular and Translational Medicine, Institute of Biomedical Science, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA; (X.Z.); (K.D.)
| | - Hongyu Qiu
- Center for Molecular and Translational Medicine, Institute of Biomedical Science, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA; (X.Z.); (K.D.)
- Department of Internal Medicine, Translational Cardiovascular Research Center, College of Medicine-Phoenix, University of Arizona, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA
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21
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Auth R, Klinger JR. Emerging pharmacotherapies for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2023; 32:1025-1042. [PMID: 37881882 DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2023.2274439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a progressive and life-threatening disease. Approved treatment options currently primarily target abnormal cell signaling pathways involved in vasoconstriction and proliferation, such as those mediated by prostacyclin, cyclic guanosine monophosphate, and endothelin. AREAS COVERED Recent advancements have led to new applications and modes of delivery of currently approved PAH medications. At the same time, novel drugs targeting specific molecular pathways involved in PAH pathogenesis have been developed and are being investigated in clinical trials. This review summarizes investigational drug trials for PAH gathered from a comprehensive search using PubMed and ClinicalTrials.gov between 2003 and 2023. It includes both currently approved medications studied at different doses or new administration forms and experimental drugs that have not yet been approved. EXPERT OPINION Approved treatments for PAH target imbalances in pulmonary vasoactive pathways that work primarily on enhancing pulmonary vasodilation with less salient effects on pulmonary vascular remodeling. The advent of more locally acting inhaled medications offers additional therapeutic options that may improve the ease of drug delivery and reduce adverse systemic effects. The more recent emphasis on developing and applying therapeutics that directly impact the aberrant signaling pathways implicated in PAH appears more likely to advance the treatment of this devastating disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roger Auth
- Division of Pulmonary, Sleep and Critical Care Medicine, Rhode Island Hospital and the Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - James R Klinger
- Division of Pulmonary, Sleep and Critical Care Medicine, Rhode Island Hospital and the Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
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22
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Liu R, Yuan T, Wang R, Gong D, Wang S, Du G, Fang L. Insights into Endothelin Receptors in Pulmonary Hypertension. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:10206. [PMID: 37373355 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241210206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a disease which affects the cardiopulmonary system; it is defined as a mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP) > 20 mmHg as measured by right heart catheterization at rest, and is caused by complex and diverse mechanisms. In response to stimuli such as hypoxia and ischemia, the expression and synthesis of endothelin (ET) increase, leading to the activation of various signaling pathways downstream of it and producing effects such as the induction of abnormal vascular proliferation during the development of the disease. This paper reviews the regulation of endothelin receptors and their pathways in normal physiological processes and disease processes, and describes the mechanistic roles of ET receptor antagonists that are currently approved and used in clinical studies. Current clinical researches on ET are focused on the development of multi-target combinations and novel delivery methods to improve efficacy and patient compliance while reducing side effects. In this review, future research directions and trends of ET targets are described, including monotherapy and precision medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruiqi Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Targets Identification and Drug Screening, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Tianyi Yuan
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Targets Identification and Drug Screening, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Ranran Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Targets Identification and Drug Screening, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Difei Gong
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Targets Identification and Drug Screening, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Shoubao Wang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Targets Identification and Drug Screening, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Guanhua Du
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Lianhua Fang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Targets Identification and Drug Screening, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
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23
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Gilham D, Wasiak S, Rakai BD, Fu L, Tsujikawa LM, Sarsons CD, Carestia A, Lebioda K, Johansson JO, Sweeney M, Kalantar-Zadeh K, Kulikowski E. Apabetalone Downregulates Fibrotic, Inflammatory and Calcific Processes in Renal Mesangial Cells and Patients with Renal Impairment. Biomedicines 2023; 11:1663. [PMID: 37371758 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11061663] [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: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 06/04/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic mechanisms are implicated in transcriptional programs driving chronic kidney disease (CKD). Apabetalone is an orally available inhibitor of bromodomain and extraterminal (BET) proteins, which are epigenetic readers that modulate gene expression. In the phase 3 BETonMACE trial, apabetalone reduced risk of major adverse cardiac events (MACE) by 50% in the CKD subpopulation, indicating favorable effects along the kidney-heart axis. Activation of human renal mesangial cells (HRMCs) to a contractile phenotype that overproduces extracellular matrix (ECM) and inflammatory cytokines, and promotes calcification, frequently accompanies CKD to drive pathology. Here, we show apabetalone downregulated HRMC activation with TGF-β1 stimulation by suppressing TGF-β1-induced α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) expression, α-SMA assembly into stress fibers, enhanced contraction, collagen overproduction, and expression of key drivers of fibrosis, inflammation, or calcification including thrombospondin, fibronectin, periostin, SPARC, interleukin 6, and alkaline phosphatase. Lipopolysaccharide-stimulated expression of inflammatory genes IL6, IL1B, and PTGS2 was also suppressed. Transcriptomics confirmed apabetalone affected gene sets of ECM remodeling and integrins. Clinical translation of in vitro results was indicated in CKD patients where a single dose of apabetalone reduced plasma levels of key pro-fibrotic and inflammatory markers, and indicated inhibition of TGF-β1 signaling. While plasma proteins cannot be traced to the kidney alone, anti-fibrotic and anti-inflammatory effects of apabetalone identified in this study are consistent with the observed decrease in cardiovascular risk in CKD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dean Gilham
- Resverlogix Corp., 300, 4820 Richard Road SW, Calgary, AB T3E 6L1, Canada
| | - Sylwia Wasiak
- Resverlogix Corp., 300, 4820 Richard Road SW, Calgary, AB T3E 6L1, Canada
| | - Brooke D Rakai
- Resverlogix Corp., 300, 4820 Richard Road SW, Calgary, AB T3E 6L1, Canada
| | - Li Fu
- Resverlogix Corp., 300, 4820 Richard Road SW, Calgary, AB T3E 6L1, Canada
| | - Laura M Tsujikawa
- Resverlogix Corp., 300, 4820 Richard Road SW, Calgary, AB T3E 6L1, Canada
| | | | - Agostina Carestia
- Resverlogix Corp., 300, 4820 Richard Road SW, Calgary, AB T3E 6L1, Canada
| | - Kenneth Lebioda
- Resverlogix Corp., 300, 4820 Richard Road SW, Calgary, AB T3E 6L1, Canada
| | - Jan O Johansson
- Resverlogix Inc., 535 Mission St, 14th Floor, San Francisco, CA 94105, USA
| | - Michael Sweeney
- Resverlogix Inc., 535 Mission St, 14th Floor, San Francisco, CA 94105, USA
| | - Kamyar Kalantar-Zadeh
- Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, University of California Los Angeles, 1000 W Carson St, Torrance, CA 90502, USA
| | - Ewelina Kulikowski
- Resverlogix Corp., 300, 4820 Richard Road SW, Calgary, AB T3E 6L1, Canada
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24
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Zhang Z, Li M, Sun T, Zhang Z, Liu C. FOXM1: Functional Roles of FOXM1 in Non-Malignant Diseases. Biomolecules 2023; 13:biom13050857. [PMID: 37238726 DOI: 10.3390/biom13050857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2023] [Revised: 05/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Forkhead box (FOX) proteins are a wing-like helix family of transcription factors in the DNA-binding region. By mediating the activation and inhibition of transcription and interactions with all kinds of transcriptional co-regulators (MuvB complexes, STAT3, β-catenin, etc.), they play significant roles in carbohydrate and fat metabolism, biological aging and immune regulation, development, and diseases in mammals. Recent studies have focused on translating these essential findings into clinical applications in order to improve quality of life, investigating areas such as diabetes, inflammation, and pulmonary fibrosis, and increase human lifespan. Early studies have shown that forkhead box M1 (FOXM1) functions as a key gene in pathological processes in multiple diseases by regulating genes related to proliferation, the cell cycle, migration, and apoptosis and genes related to diagnosis, therapy, and injury repair. Although FOXM1 has long been studied in relation to human diseases, its role needs to be elaborated on. FOXM1 expression is involved in the development or repair of multiple diseases, including pulmonary fibrosis, pneumonia, diabetes, liver injury repair, adrenal lesions, vascular diseases, brain diseases, arthritis, myasthenia gravis, and psoriasis. The complex mechanisms involve multiple signaling pathways, such as WNT/β-catenin, STAT3/FOXM1/GLUT1, c-Myc/FOXM1, FOXM1/SIRT4/NF-κB, and FOXM1/SEMA3C/NRP2/Hedgehog. This paper reviews the key roles and functions of FOXM1 in kidney, vascular, lung, brain, bone, heart, skin, and blood vessel diseases to elucidate the role of FOXM1 in the development and progression of human non-malignant diseases and makes suggestions for further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenwang Zhang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Diabetes and Angiopathy, Xianning Medical College, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning 437100, China
| | - Mengxi Li
- School of Nuclear Technology and Chemistry & Biology, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning 437100, China
| | - Tian Sun
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Diabetes and Angiopathy, Xianning Medical College, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning 437100, China
- Medical Research Institute, Xianning Medical College, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning 437100, China
| | - Zhengrong Zhang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Diabetes and Angiopathy, Xianning Medical College, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning 437100, China
- Medical Research Institute, Xianning Medical College, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning 437100, China
| | - Chao Liu
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Diabetes and Angiopathy, Xianning Medical College, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning 437100, China
- Medical Research Institute, Xianning Medical College, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning 437100, China
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25
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Cheng M, Li JJ, Niu XN, Zhu L, Liu JY, Jia PC, Zhu S, Meng HW, Lv XW, Huang C, Li J. BRD4 promotes hepatic stellate cells activation and hepatic fibrosis via mediating P300/H3K27ac/PLK1 axis. Biochem Pharmacol 2023; 210:115497. [PMID: 36907496 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023]
Abstract
Hepatic fibrosis (HF) is a reversible wound-healing response characterized by excessive extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition and secondary to persistent chronic injury. Bromodomain protein 4 (BRD4) commonly functions as a "reader" to regulate epigenetic modifications involved in various biological and pathological events, but the mechanism of HF remains unclear. In this study, we established a CCl4-induced HF model and spontaneous recovery model in mice and found aberrant BRD4 expression, which was consistent with the results in human hepatic stellate cells (HSCs)- LX2 cells in vitro. Subsequently, we found that distriction and inhibition of BRD4 restrained TGFβ-induced trans-differentiation of LX2 cells into activated, proliferative myofibroblasts and accelerated apoptosis, and BRD4 overexpression blocked MDI-induced LX2 cells inactivation and promoted the proliferation and inhibited apoptosis of inactivated cells. Additionally, adeno-associated virus serotype 8-loaded short hairpin RNA-mediated BRD4 knockdown in mice significantly attenuated CCl4-induced fibrotic responses including HSCs activation and collagen deposition. Mechanistically, BRD4 deficiency inhibited PLK1 expression in activated LX2 cells, and ChIP and Co-IP assays revealed that BRD4 regulation of PLK1 was dependent on P300-mediated acetylation modification for H3K27 on the PLK1 promoter. In conclusion, BRD4 deficiency in the liver alleviates CCl4-induced HF in mice, and BRD4 participates in the activation and reversal of HSCs through positively regulating the P300/H3K27ac/PLK1 axis, providing a potential insight for HF therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miao Cheng
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Juan-Juan Li
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Xue-Ni Niu
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Lin Zhu
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Jin-Yu Liu
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Peng-Cheng Jia
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Sai Zhu
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Hong-Wu Meng
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Xiong-Wen Lv
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China.
| | - Cheng Huang
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China.
| | - Jun Li
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China.
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26
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Novel Molecular Mechanisms Involved in the Medical Treatment of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24044147. [PMID: 36835558 PMCID: PMC9965798 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24044147] [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: 01/16/2023] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a severe condition with a high mortality rate despite advances in diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. In recent years, significant scientific progress has been made in the understanding of the underlying pathobiological mechanisms. Since current available treatments mainly target pulmonary vasodilation, but lack an effect on the pathological changes that develop in the pulmonary vasculature, there is need to develop novel therapeutic compounds aimed at antagonizing the pulmonary vascular remodeling. This review presents the main molecular mechanisms involved in the pathobiology of PAH, discusses the new molecular compounds currently being developed for the medical treatment of PAH and assesses their potential future role in the therapeutic algorithms of PAH.
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27
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Alamri AK, Shelburne NJ, Mayeux JD, Brittain E. Pulmonary Hypertension Association's 2022 International Conference Scientific Sessions Overview. Pulm Circ 2023; 13:e12182. [PMID: 36644322 PMCID: PMC9832865 DOI: 10.1002/pul2.12182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The considerable progress made in recent years in the diagnosis, risk stratification, and treatment of pulmonary hypertension was highlighted during the most recent edition of the Pulmonary Hypertension Association Scientific Sessions, which was held in Atlanta, Georgia from June 9 to 11, 2022, with the theme: Vision for the PHuture: The Evolving Science and Management of PH. Content presented over the 3-day conference focused on scientific and management updates since the last sessions were held in 2018 and included didactic talks, debates, and roundtable discussions across a broad spectrum of topics related to pulmonary hypertension. This article aims to summarize the key messages from each of the session talks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayedh K. Alamri
- Department of MedicineUniversity of UtahSalt Lake CityUtahUSA,Department of Medicine, College of MedicineNorthern Border UniversityArarSaudi Arabia
| | - Nicholas J. Shelburne
- Division of Allergy, Pulmonary, and Critical Care MedicineVanderbilt University Medical CenterNashvilleTennesseeUSA
| | - Jennalyn D. Mayeux
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care MedicineUniversity of UtahSalt Lake CityUtahUSA
| | - Evan Brittain
- Division of Cardiovascular MedicineVanderbilt University Medical CenterNashvilleTennesseeUSA
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28
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Wasiak S, Fu L, Daze E, Gilham D, Rakai BD, Stotz SC, Tsujikawa LM, Sarsons CD, Studer D, Rinker KD, Jahagirdar R, Wong NCW, Sweeney M, Johansson JO, Kulikowski E. The BET inhibitor apabetalone decreases neuroendothelial proinflammatory activation in vitro and in a mouse model of systemic inflammation. Transl Neurosci 2023; 14:20220332. [PMID: 38222824 PMCID: PMC10787226 DOI: 10.1515/tnsci-2022-0332] [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: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Brain vascular inflammation is characterized by endothelial activation and immune cell recruitment to the blood vessel wall, potentially causing a breach in the blood - brain barrier, brain parenchyma inflammation, and a decline of cognitive function. The clinical-stage small molecule, apabetalone, reduces circulating vascular endothelial inflammation markers and improves cognitive scores in elderly patients by targeting epigenetic regulators of gene transcription, bromodomain and extraterminal proteins. However, the effect of apabetalone on cytokine-activated brain vascular endothelial cells (BMVECs) is unknown. Here, we show that apabetalone treatment of BMVECs reduces hallmarks of in vitro endothelial activation, including monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and RANTES chemokine secretion, cell surface expression of endothelial cell adhesion molecule VCAM-1, as well as endothelial capture of THP-1 monocytes in static and shear stress conditions. Apabetalone pretreatment of THP-1 downregulates cell surface expression of chemokine receptors CCR1, CCR2, and CCR5, and of the VCAM-1 cognate receptor, integrin α4. Consequently, apabetalone reduces THP-1 chemoattraction towards soluble CCR ligands MCP-1 and RANTES, and THP-1 adhesion to activated BMVECs. In a mouse model of brain inflammation, apabetalone counters lipopolysaccharide-induced transcription of endothelial and myeloid cell markers, consistent with decreased neuroendothelial inflammation. In conclusion, apabetalone decreases proinflammatory activation of brain endothelial cells and monocytes in vitro and in the mouse brain during systemic inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylwia Wasiak
- Resverlogix Corp., Suite 300, 4820 Richard Road SW, Calgary, AB, T3e 6L1, Canada
| | - Li Fu
- Resverlogix Corp., Suite 300, 4820 Richard Road SW, Calgary, AB, T3e 6L1, Canada
| | - Emily Daze
- Resverlogix Corp., Suite 300, 4820 Richard Road SW, Calgary, AB, T3e 6L1, Canada
| | - Dean Gilham
- Resverlogix Corp., Suite 300, 4820 Richard Road SW, Calgary, AB, T3e 6L1, Canada
| | - Brooke D. Rakai
- Resverlogix Corp., Suite 300, 4820 Richard Road SW, Calgary, AB, T3e 6L1, Canada
| | - Stephanie C. Stotz
- Resverlogix Corp., Suite 300, 4820 Richard Road SW, Calgary, AB, T3e 6L1, Canada
| | - Laura M. Tsujikawa
- Resverlogix Corp., Suite 300, 4820 Richard Road SW, Calgary, AB, T3e 6L1, Canada
| | - Chris D. Sarsons
- Resverlogix Corp., Suite 300, 4820 Richard Road SW, Calgary, AB, T3e 6L1, Canada
| | - Deborah Studer
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Libin Cardiovascular Institute, University of Calgary, 2500 University Dr. NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Kristina D. Rinker
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Libin Cardiovascular Institute, University of Calgary, 2500 University Dr. NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Ravi Jahagirdar
- Resverlogix Corp., Suite 300, 4820 Richard Road SW, Calgary, AB, T3e 6L1, Canada
| | - Norman C. W. Wong
- Resverlogix Corp., Suite 300, 4820 Richard Road SW, Calgary, AB, T3e 6L1, Canada
| | - Michael Sweeney
- Resverlogix Corp., 535 Mission Street, 14th Floor, San Francisco, CA, 94105, USA
| | - Jan O. Johansson
- Resverlogix Corp., 535 Mission Street, 14th Floor, San Francisco, CA, 94105, USA
| | - Ewelina Kulikowski
- Resverlogix Corp., Suite 300, 4820 Richard Road SW, Calgary, AB, T3e 6L1, Canada
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29
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Duan Y, Zhou S, Wang J. BRD4 is involved in viral exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Respir Res 2023; 24:37. [PMID: 36721187 PMCID: PMC9887738 DOI: 10.1186/s12931-023-02348-y] [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: 06/25/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Our previous studies have suggested that bromodomain protein 4 (BRD4) is increased in the lung of stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients, which has been shown to be involved in inflammatory responses. We investigated its role in the viral exacerbation of COPD. METHODS BRD4, interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-8 were measured in the blood and sputum of stable COPD patients and patients with viral exacerbation. Mice were exposed to cigarette smoke (CS) and/or infected with influenza virus as an in vivo model. BRD4, IL-6 and keratinocyte-derived chemokine (KC) were measured in the lung. BEAS-2B cells were treated with CS extract and/or influenza virus as an in vitro model. BRD4, IL-6 and IL-8 were measured in the cells and/or culture supernatant. RESULTS BRD4 was increased in COPD patients with viral exacerbation compared with those in stable condition and its expression was correlated with IL-6 and IL-8 expression. Inflammatory cells, IL-6, KC and BRD4 were synergistically induced in the lung of mice by viral infection and CS exposure, and the former three were decreased by JQ1 (BRD4 inhibitor) treatment. IL-6, IL-8 and BRD4 were significantly induced by CS extract and influenza virus in bronchial epithelial cells, and this upregulation was suppressed by knockdown of BRD4 expression. CONCLUSIONS Our findings indicate that CS and viruses may synergistically induce IL-6 and IL-8 expression through their synergistic induction of BRD4 expression, which might contribute to the enhanced inflammatory response in the viral exacerbation of COPD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifei Duan
- grid.33199.310000 0004 0368 7223Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Road, Wuhan, 430030 China
| | - Siyi Zhou
- grid.33199.310000 0004 0368 7223Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Road, Wuhan, 430030 China
| | - Jianmiao Wang
- grid.33199.310000 0004 0368 7223Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Road, Wuhan, 430030 China
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30
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Weatherald J, Boucly A, Peters A, Montani D, Prasad K, Psotka MA, Zannad F, Gomberg-Maitland M, McLaughlin V, Simonneau G, Humbert M. The evolving landscape of pulmonary arterial hypertension clinical trials. Lancet 2022; 400:1884-1898. [PMID: 36436527 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(22)01601-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Revised: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Although it is a rare disease, the number of available therapeutic options for treating pulmonary arterial hypertension has increased since the late 1990s, with multiple drugs developed that are shown to be effective in phase 3 randomised controlled trials. Despite considerable advancements in pulmonary arterial hypertension treatment, prognosis remains poor. Existing therapies target pulmonary endothelial dysfunction with vasodilation and anti-proliferative effects. Novel therapies that target proliferative vascular remodelling and affect important outcomes are urgently needed. There is need for additional innovations in clinical trial design so that all emerging candidate therapies can be rigorously studied. Pulmonary arterial hypertension trial design has shifted from short-term submaximal exercise capacity as a primary endpoint, to larger clinical event-driven trial outcomes. Event-driven pulmonary arterial hypertension trials could face feasibility and efficiency issues in the future because increasing sample sizes and longer follow-up durations are needed, which would be problematic in such a rare disease. Enrichment strategies, innovative and alternative trial designs, and novel trial endpoints are potential solutions that could improve the efficiency of future pulmonary arterial hypertension trials while maintaining robustness and clinically meaningful evidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason Weatherald
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Athénaïs Boucly
- Faculty of Medicine, Université Paris-Saclay, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France; INSERM UMR_S 999, Hôpital Marie Lannelongue, Le Plessis Robinson, France; Department of Respiratory and Intensive Care Medicine, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Bicêtre, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Anthony Peters
- Duke University Medical Center, Duke Clinical Research Institute, Durham, NC, USA
| | - David Montani
- Faculty of Medicine, Université Paris-Saclay, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France; INSERM UMR_S 999, Hôpital Marie Lannelongue, Le Plessis Robinson, France; Department of Respiratory and Intensive Care Medicine, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Bicêtre, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Krishna Prasad
- Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency, London, UK
| | - Mitchell A Psotka
- Inova Heart and Vascular Institute, Falls Church, VA, USA; United States Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - Faiez Zannad
- Centre d'Investigations Cliniques Plurithématique, Cardiovascular and Renal Clinical Trialists, Université de Lorraine, Nancy, France
| | - Mardi Gomberg-Maitland
- George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Vallerie McLaughlin
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Frankel Cardiovascular Center, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI , USA
| | - Gérald Simonneau
- Faculty of Medicine, Université Paris-Saclay, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France; INSERM UMR_S 999, Hôpital Marie Lannelongue, Le Plessis Robinson, France; Department of Respiratory and Intensive Care Medicine, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Bicêtre, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Marc Humbert
- Faculty of Medicine, Université Paris-Saclay, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France; INSERM UMR_S 999, Hôpital Marie Lannelongue, Le Plessis Robinson, France; Department of Respiratory and Intensive Care Medicine, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Bicêtre, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France.
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31
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Ainscough AJ, Smith TJ, Haensel M, Rhodes CJ, Fellows A, Whitwell HJ, Vasilaki E, Gray K, Freeman A, Howard LS, Wharton J, Dunmore B, Upton PD, Wilkins MR, Edel JB, Wojciak-Stothard B. An organ-on-chip model of pulmonary arterial hypertension identifies a BMPR2-SOX17-prostacyclin signalling axis. Commun Biol 2022; 5:1192. [PMID: 36344664 PMCID: PMC9640600 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-022-04169-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is an unmet clinical need. The lack of models of human disease is a key obstacle to drug development. We present a biomimetic model of pulmonary arterial endothelial-smooth muscle cell interactions in PAH, combining natural and induced bone morphogenetic protein receptor 2 (BMPR2) dysfunction with hypoxia to induce smooth muscle activation and proliferation, which is responsive to drug treatment. BMPR2- and oxygenation-specific changes in endothelial and smooth muscle gene expression, consistent with observations made in genomic and biochemical studies of PAH, enable insights into underlying disease pathways and mechanisms of drug response. The model captures key changes in the pulmonary endothelial phenotype that are essential for the induction of SMC remodelling, including a BMPR2-SOX17-prostacyclin signalling axis and offers an easily accessible approach for researchers to study pulmonary vascular remodelling and advance drug development in PAH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander J Ainscough
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Department of Chemistry, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Timothy J Smith
- Department of Chemistry, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Maike Haensel
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | | | - Adam Fellows
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Harry J Whitwell
- National Phenome Centre and Imperial Clinical Phenotyping Centre, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Section of Bioanalytical Chemistry, Division of Systems Medicine, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Eleni Vasilaki
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Kelly Gray
- Emerging Innovations Unit, Discovery Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
| | - Adrian Freeman
- Emerging Innovations Unit, Discovery Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
| | - Luke S Howard
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - John Wharton
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Benjamin Dunmore
- Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, Addenbrooke's and Royal Papworth Hospitals, Cambridge, UK
| | - Paul D Upton
- Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, Addenbrooke's and Royal Papworth Hospitals, Cambridge, UK
| | - Martin R Wilkins
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Joshua B Edel
- Department of Chemistry, Imperial College London, London, UK
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Liu SF, Nambiar Veetil N, Li Q, Kucherenko MM, Knosalla C, Kuebler WM. Pulmonary hypertension: Linking inflammation and pulmonary arterial stiffening. Front Immunol 2022; 13:959209. [PMID: 36275740 PMCID: PMC9579293 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.959209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a progressive disease that arises from multiple etiologies and ultimately leads to right heart failure as the predominant cause of morbidity and mortality. In patients, distinct inflammatory responses are a prominent feature in different types of PH, and various immunomodulatory interventions have been shown to modulate disease development and progression in animal models. Specifically, PH-associated inflammation comprises infiltration of both innate and adaptive immune cells into the vascular wall of the pulmonary vasculature—specifically in pulmonary vascular lesions—as well as increased levels of cytokines and chemokines in circulating blood and in the perivascular tissue of pulmonary arteries (PAs). Previous studies suggest that altered hemodynamic forces cause lung endothelial dysfunction and, in turn, adherence of immune cells and release of inflammatory mediators, while the resulting perivascular inflammation, in turn, promotes vascular remodeling and the progression of PH. As such, a vicious cycle of endothelial activation, inflammation, and vascular remodeling may develop and drive the disease process. PA stiffening constitutes an emerging research area in PH, with relevance in PH diagnostics, prognostics, and as a therapeutic target. With respect to its prognostic value, PA stiffness rivals the well-established measurement of pulmonary vascular resistance as a predictor of disease outcome. Vascular remodeling of the arterial extracellular matrix (ECM) as well as vascular calcification, smooth muscle cell stiffening, vascular wall thickening, and tissue fibrosis contribute to PA stiffening. While associations between inflammation and vascular stiffening are well-established in systemic vascular diseases such as atherosclerosis or the vascular manifestations of systemic sclerosis, a similar connection between inflammatory processes and PA stiffening has so far not been addressed in the context of PH. In this review, we discuss potential links between inflammation and PA stiffening with a specific focus on vascular calcification and ECM remodeling in PH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shao-Fei Liu
- Institute of Physiology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Berlin, Germany
| | - Netra Nambiar Veetil
- Institute of Physiology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Berlin, Germany
- Department of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery, German Heart Center, Berlin, Germany
| | - Qiuhua Li
- Institute of Physiology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Berlin, Germany
| | - Mariya M. Kucherenko
- Institute of Physiology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Berlin, Germany
- Department of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery, German Heart Center, Berlin, Germany
- *Correspondence: Mariya M. Kucherenko,
| | - Christoph Knosalla
- German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Berlin, Germany
- Department of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery, German Heart Center, Berlin, Germany
- Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Wolfgang M. Kuebler
- Institute of Physiology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Berlin, Germany
- German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Gießen, Germany
- The Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Surgery and Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Integrating epigenetics and metabolomics to advance treatments for pulmonary arterial hypertension. Biochem Pharmacol 2022; 204:115245. [PMID: 36096239 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2022.115245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Revised: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a devastating vascular disease with multiple etiologies. Emerging evidence supports a fundamental role for epigenetic machinery and metabolism in the initiation and progression of PAH. Here, we summarize emerging epigenetic mechanisms that have been identified as contributors to PAH evolution, specifically, DNA methylation, histone modifications, and microRNAs. Furthermore, the interplay between epigenetics with metabolism is explored while new crosstalk targets to be investigated in PAH are proposed that highlight multi-omics strategies including integrated epigenomics and metabolomics. Therapeutic opportunities and challenges associated with epigenetics and metabolomics in PAH are examined, highlighting the role that epigenetics and metabolomics have in facilitating early detection, personalized dietary plans, and advanced drug therapy for PAH.
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Toth PP, Schwartz GG, Nicholls SJ, Khan A, Szarek M, Ginsberg HN, Johansson JO, Kalantar-Zadeh K, Kulikowski E, Lebioda K, Wong NC, Sweeney M, Ray KK. Reduction in the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events with the BET protein inhibitor apabetalone in patients with recent acute coronary syndrome, type 2 diabetes, and moderate to high likelihood of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Am J Prev Cardiol 2022; 11:100372. [PMID: 36039183 PMCID: PMC9419281 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpc.2022.100372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2022] [Revised: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is common among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and is associated with increased risk for coronary atherosclerosis and acute cardiovascular (CV) events. We employed the validated, non-invasive Angulo NAFLD fibrosis score (FS) in an intervention study in patients with T2DM and recent acute coronary syndrome (ACS) to determine the association of FS with CV risk and treatment response to apabetalone. Apabetalone is a novel selective inhibitor of the second bromodomain of bromodomain and extra-terminal (BET) proteins, epigenetic regulators of gene expression. Methods The Phase 3 BETonMACE trial compared apabetalone with placebo in 2,425 patients with T2DM and recent ACS. In this post hoc analysis, we evaluated the impact of apabetalone therapy on CV risk, defined as a composite of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE: CV death, non-fatal myocardial infarction [MI], or stroke) and hospitalization for heart failure (HHF) in two patient categories of FS that reflect the likelihood of underlying NAFLD. Patients were initially classified into three mutually exclusive categories according to a baseline Angulo FS <-1.455 (F0-F2), -1.455 to 0.675 (indeterminant), and >0.675 (F3-F4), where F0 through F4 connote fibrosis severity none, mild, moderate, severe, and cirrhosis, respectively. The composite of ischemic MACE and HHF in the placebo group was higher in indeterminant and F3-F4 categories compared to the F0-F2 category (17.2% vs 15.0% vs 9.7%). Therefore, for the present analysis, the former two categories were combined into an elevated NAFLD CVD risk group (FS+) that was compared with the F0-F2 group (lower NAFLD risk, FS0-2). Results In 73.7% of patients, FS was elevated and consistent with a moderate-to-high likelihood of advanced liver fibrosis (FS+); 26.3% of patients had a lower FS (FS0-2). In the placebo group, FS+ patients had a higher incidence of ischemic MACE and HHF (15.4%) than FS0-2 patients (9.7%). In FS+ patients, addition of apabetalone to standard of care treatment lowered the rate of ischemic MACE compared with placebo (HR = 0.79; 95% CI 0.60-1.05; p=0.10), HHF (HR = 0.53; 95% CI 0.33-0.86; p=0.01), and the composite of ischemic MACE and HHF (HR = 0.76; 95% CI 0.59-0.98; p=0.03). In contrast, there was no apparent benefit of apabetalone in FS0-2 patients (HR 1.24; 95% CI 0.75-2.07; p=0.40; HR 1.12; 95% CI 0.30-4.14; p=0.87; and HR 1.13; 95% CI 0.69-1.86; p=0.62, respectively). Over a median duration of 26.5 months, FS increased from baseline in both treatment groups, but the increase was smaller in patients assigned to apabetalone than to placebo (p=0.04). Conclusions Amongst patients with T2DM, recent ACS, and a moderate-to-high likelihood of advanced liver fibrosis, apabetalone was associated with a significantly lower rate of ischemic MACE and HHF and attenuated the increase in hepatic FS over time.
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Cober ND, VandenBroek MM, Ormiston ML, Stewart DJ. Evolving Concepts in Endothelial Pathobiology of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension. Hypertension 2022; 79:1580-1590. [PMID: 35582968 DOI: 10.1161/hypertensionaha.122.18261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a deadly disease, characterized by increased vascular resistance, pulmonary arteriolar loss, and occlusive arterial remodeling, leading to eventual right heart failure. Evidence increasingly points to the pulmonary endothelium as a central actor in PAH. Endothelial cell apoptosis can result directly in distal lung arteriolar pruning and indirectly in the formation of complex and occlusive arterial lesions, reflecting an imbalance between endothelial injury and repair in the development and progression of PAH. Many of the mutations implicated in PAH are in genes, which are predominantly, or solely, expressed in endothelial cells, and the endothelium is a major target for therapeutic interventions to restore BMP signaling. We explore how arterial pruning can promote the emergence of occlusive arterial remodeling mediated by ongoing endothelial injury secondary to hemodynamic perturbation and pathological increases in luminal shear stress. The emerging role of endothelial cell senescence is discussed in the transition from reversible to irreversible arterial remodeling in advanced PAH, and we review the sometimes conflicting evidence that female sex hormones can both protect or promote vascular changes in disease. Finally, we explore the contribution of the endothelium to metabolic changes and the altered inflammatory and immune state in the PAH lung, focusing on the role of excessive TGFβ signaling. Given the complexity of the endothelial pathobiology of PAH, we anticipate that emerging technologies that allow the study of molecular events at a single cell level will provide answers to many of the questions raised in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas D Cober
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, ON, Canada (N.D.C., D.J.S.).,Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, ON, Canada (N.D.C., D.J.S.)
| | - M Martin VandenBroek
- Department of Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada (M.M.V., M.L.O.)
| | - Mark L Ormiston
- Department of Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada (M.M.V., M.L.O.).,Departments of Surgery, and Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada (M.L.O.)
| | - Duncan J Stewart
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, ON, Canada (N.D.C., D.J.S.).,Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, ON, Canada (N.D.C., D.J.S.)
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Rai N, Sydykov A, Kojonazarov B, Wilhelm J, Manaud G, Veeroju S, Ruppert C, Perros F, Ghofrani HA, Weissmann N, Seeger W, Schermuly RT, Novoyatleva T. Targeting peptidyl-prolyl isomerase 1 in experimental pulmonary arterial hypertension. Eur Respir J 2022; 60:2101698. [PMID: 35058248 PMCID: PMC9403440 DOI: 10.1183/13993003.01698-2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2020] [Accepted: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a progressive disease characterised by pro-proliferative and anti-apoptotic phenotype in vascular cells, leading to pulmonary vascular remodelling and right heart failure. Peptidyl-prolyl cis/trans isomerase, NIMA interacting 1 (Pin1), a highly conserved enzyme, which binds to and catalyses the isomerisation of specific phosphorylated Ser/Thr-Pro motifs, acts as a molecular switch in multiple coordinated cellular processes. We hypothesised that Pin1 plays a substantial role in PAH, and its inhibition with a natural organic compound, Juglone, would reverse experimental pulmonary hypertension. RESULTS We demonstrated that the expression of Pin1 was markedly elevated in experimental pulmonary hypertension (i.e. hypoxia-induced mouse and Sugen/hypoxia-induced rat models) and pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells of patients with clinical PAH. In vitro Pin1 inhibition by either Juglone treatment or short interfering RNA knockdown resulted in an induction of apoptosis and decrease in proliferation of human pulmonary vascular cells. Stimulation with growth factors induced Pin1 expression, while its inhibition reduced the activity of numerous PAH-related transcription factors, such as hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-α and signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT). Juglone administration lowered pulmonary vascular resistance, enhanced right ventribular function, improved pulmonary vascular and cardiac remodelling in the Sugen/hypoxia rat model of PAH and the chronic hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension model in mice. CONCLUSION Our study demonstrates that targeting of Pin1 with small molecule inhibitor, Juglone, might be an attractive future therapeutic strategy for PAH and right heart disease secondary to PAH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nabham Rai
- Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center (UGMLC), Excellence Cluster Cardio Pulmonary Institute (CPI), Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Akylbek Sydykov
- Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center (UGMLC), Excellence Cluster Cardio Pulmonary Institute (CPI), Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Baktybek Kojonazarov
- Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center (UGMLC), Excellence Cluster Cardio Pulmonary Institute (CPI), Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
- Institute for Lung Health, Giessen, Germany
| | - Jochen Wilhelm
- Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center (UGMLC), Excellence Cluster Cardio Pulmonary Institute (CPI), Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
- Institute for Lung Health, Giessen, Germany
| | - Grégoire Manaud
- Université Paris-Saclay, AP-HP, INSERM UMR_S 999, Service de Pneumologie et Soins Intensifs Respiratoires, Hôpital de Bicêtre, Le Kremlin Bicêtre, France
| | - Swathi Veeroju
- Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center (UGMLC), Excellence Cluster Cardio Pulmonary Institute (CPI), Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Clemens Ruppert
- Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center (UGMLC), Excellence Cluster Cardio Pulmonary Institute (CPI), Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
- Institute for Lung Health, Giessen, Germany
| | - Frédéric Perros
- Université Paris-Saclay, AP-HP, INSERM UMR_S 999, Service de Pneumologie et Soins Intensifs Respiratoires, Hôpital de Bicêtre, Le Kremlin Bicêtre, France
| | - Hossein Ardeschir Ghofrani
- Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center (UGMLC), Excellence Cluster Cardio Pulmonary Institute (CPI), Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Norbert Weissmann
- Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center (UGMLC), Excellence Cluster Cardio Pulmonary Institute (CPI), Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Werner Seeger
- Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center (UGMLC), Excellence Cluster Cardio Pulmonary Institute (CPI), Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
- Institute for Lung Health, Giessen, Germany
- Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, Bad Nauheim, Germany
| | - Ralph T Schermuly
- Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center (UGMLC), Excellence Cluster Cardio Pulmonary Institute (CPI), Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
- These co-senior authors contributed equally to this work
| | - Tatyana Novoyatleva
- Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center (UGMLC), Excellence Cluster Cardio Pulmonary Institute (CPI), Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
- These co-senior authors contributed equally to this work
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Hsieh MCW, Wang WT, Yeh JL, Lin CY, Kuo YR, Lee SS, Hou MF, Wu YC. The Potential Application and Promising Role of Targeted Therapy in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10061415. [PMID: 35740436 PMCID: PMC9220101 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10061415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2022] [Revised: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a rare yet serious progressive disorder that is currently incurable. This female-predominant disease unfolds as a pan-vasculopathy that affects all layers of the vessel wall. Five classes of pharmacological agents currently exist to target the three major cellular signaling pathways identified in PAH but are incapable of effectively reversing the disease progression. While several targets have been identified for therapy, none of the current PAH specific therapies are curative and cost-effective as they fail to reverse vascular remodeling and do not address the cancer-like features of PAH. Our purpose is to review the current literature on the therapeutic management of PAH, as well as the molecular targets under consideration for therapy so as to shed light on the potential role and future promise of novel strategies in treating this high-mortality disease. This review study summarizes and discusses the potential therapeutic targets to be employed against PAH. In addition to the three major conventional pathways already used in PAH therapy, targeting PDGF/PDGFR signaling, regulators in glycolytic metabolism, PI3K/AKT pathways, mitochondrial heat shock protein 90 (HSP90), high-mobility group box-1 (HMGB1), and bromodomain and extra-terminal (BET) proteins by using their specific inhibitors, or a pharmacological induction of the p53 expression, could be attractive strategies for treating PAH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng-Chien Willie Hsieh
- Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan; (M.-C.W.H.); (W.-T.W.); (Y.-R.K.); (S.-S.L.)
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Kaohsiung Municipal Ta-Tung Hospital, Kaohsiung 80145, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Ting Wang
- Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan; (M.-C.W.H.); (W.-T.W.); (Y.-R.K.); (S.-S.L.)
| | - Jwu-Lai Yeh
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan;
| | - Chuang-Yu Lin
- Department of Biomedical Science and Environmental Biology, College of Life Science, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan;
| | - Yur-Ren Kuo
- Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan; (M.-C.W.H.); (W.-T.W.); (Y.-R.K.); (S.-S.L.)
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan;
- Regenerative Medicine and Cell Therapy Research Center, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
| | - Su-Shin Lee
- Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan; (M.-C.W.H.); (W.-T.W.); (Y.-R.K.); (S.-S.L.)
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan;
- Regenerative Medicine and Cell Therapy Research Center, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
- Department of Surgery, Kaohsiung Municipal Siaogang Hospital, Kaohsiung 81267, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Feng Hou
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan;
- Division of Breast Oncology and Surgery, Department of Surgery, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Chia Wu
- Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan; (M.-C.W.H.); (W.-T.W.); (Y.-R.K.); (S.-S.L.)
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Kaohsiung Municipal Ta-Tung Hospital, Kaohsiung 80145, Taiwan
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan;
- Regenerative Medicine and Cell Therapy Research Center, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
- Division of Breast Oncology and Surgery, Department of Surgery, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +886-7-312-1101 (ext. 7675)
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Lin Z, Li Z, Guo Z, Cao Y, Li J, Liu P, Li Z. Epigenetic Reader Bromodomain Containing Protein 2 Facilitates Pathological Cardiac Hypertrophy via Regulating the Expression of Citrate Cycle Genes. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:887991. [PMID: 35694272 PMCID: PMC9174549 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.887991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The bromodomain and extra-terminal domain proteins (BETs) family serve as epigenetic “readers”, which recognize the acetylated histones and recruit transcriptional regulator complexes to chromatin, eventually regulating gene transcription. Accumulating evidences demonstrate that pan BET inhibitors (BETi) confer protection against pathological cardiac hypertrophy, a precursor progress for developing heart failure. However, the roles of BET family members, except BRD4, remain unknown in pathological cardiac hypertrophy. The present study identified BRD2 as a novel regulator in cardiac hypertrophy, with a distinct mechanism from BRD4. BRD2 expression was elevated in cardiac hypertrophy induced by β-adrenergic agonist isoprenaline (ISO) in vivo and in vitro. Overexpression of BRD2 upregulated the expression of hypertrophic biomarkers and increased cell surface area, whereas BRD2 knockdown restrained ISO-induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy. In vivo, rats received intramyocardial injection of adeno-associated virus (AAV) encoding siBRD2 significantly reversed ISO-induced pathological cardiac hypertrophy, cardiac fibrosis, and cardiac function dysregulation. The bioinformatic analysis of whole-genome sequence data demonstrated that a majority of metabolic genes, in particular those involved in TCA cycle, were under regulation by BRD2. Real-time PCR results confirmed that the expressions of TCA cycle genes were upregulated by BRD2, but were downregulated by BRD2 silencing in ISO-treated cardiomyocytes. Results of mitochondrial oxygen consumption rate (OCR) and ATP production measurement demonstrated that BRD2 augmented cardiac metabolism during cardiac hypertrophy. In conclusion, the present study revealed that BRD2 could facilitate cardiac hypertrophy through upregulating TCA cycle genes. Strategies targeting inhibition of BRD2 might suggest therapeutic potential for pathological cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhirong Lin
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, National and Local United Engineering Lab of Druggability and New Drugs Evaluation, Guangdong Engineering Laboratory of Druggability and New Drug Evaluation, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Design and Evaluation, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhenzhen Li
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, National and Local United Engineering Lab of Druggability and New Drugs Evaluation, Guangdong Engineering Laboratory of Druggability and New Drug Evaluation, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Design and Evaluation, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhen Guo
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, National and Local United Engineering Lab of Druggability and New Drugs Evaluation, Guangdong Engineering Laboratory of Druggability and New Drug Evaluation, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Design and Evaluation, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yanjun Cao
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, National and Local United Engineering Lab of Druggability and New Drugs Evaluation, Guangdong Engineering Laboratory of Druggability and New Drug Evaluation, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Design and Evaluation, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jingyan Li
- International Institute for Translational Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Peiqing Liu
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, National and Local United Engineering Lab of Druggability and New Drugs Evaluation, Guangdong Engineering Laboratory of Druggability and New Drug Evaluation, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Design and Evaluation, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Peiqing Liu, ; Zhuoming Li,
| | - Zhuoming Li
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, National and Local United Engineering Lab of Druggability and New Drugs Evaluation, Guangdong Engineering Laboratory of Druggability and New Drug Evaluation, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Design and Evaluation, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Peiqing Liu, ; Zhuoming Li,
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Abstract
Pulmonary hypertension (PH) describes heterogeneous population of patients with a mean pulmonary arterial pressure >20 mm Hg. Rarely, PH presents as a primary disorder but is more commonly part of a complex phenotype associated with comorbidities. Regardless of the cause, PH reduces life expectancy and impacts quality of life. The current clinical classification divides PH into 1 of 5 diagnostic groups to assign treatment. There are currently no pharmacological cures for any form of PH. Animal models are essential to help decipher the molecular mechanisms underlying the disease, to assign genotype-phenotype relationships to help identify new therapeutic targets, and for clinical translation to assess the mechanism of action and putative efficacy of new therapies. However, limitations inherent of all animal models of disease limit the ability of any single model to fully recapitulate complex human disease. Within the PH community, we are often critical of animal models due to the perceived low success upon clinical translation of new drugs. In this review, we describe the characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages of existing animal models developed to gain insight into the molecular and pathological mechanisms and test new therapeutics, focusing on adult forms of PH from groups 1 to 3. We also discuss areas of improvement for animal models with approaches combining several hits to better reflect the clinical situation and elevate their translational value.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivier Boucherat
- Pulmonary Hypertension Research Group, Centre de Recherche de l’Institut Universitaire de Cardiologie et de Pneumologie de Québec, Québec, QC, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Vineet Agrawal
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Allan Lawrie
- Dept of Infection, Immunity and Cardiovascular Disease, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK & Insigneo institute for in silico medicine, Sheffield, UK
| | - Sebastien Bonnet
- Pulmonary Hypertension Research Group, Centre de Recherche de l’Institut Universitaire de Cardiologie et de Pneumologie de Québec, Québec, QC, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
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Predescu DN, Mokhlesi B, Predescu SA. The Impact of Sex Chromosomes in the Sexual Dimorphism of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2022; 192:582-594. [PMID: 35114193 PMCID: PMC8978209 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2022.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Revised: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a sex-biased disease with a poorly understood female prevalence. Emerging research suggests that nonhormonal factors, such as the XX or XY sex chromosome complement and sex bias in gene expression, may also lead to sex-based differences in PAH incidence, penetrance, and progression. Typically, one of females' two X chromosomes is epigenetically silenced to offer a gender-balanced gene expression. Recent data demonstrate that the long noncoding RNA X-inactive specific transcript, essential for X chromosome inactivation and dosage compensation of X-linked gene expression, shows elevated levels in female PAH lung specimens compared with controls. This molecular event leads to incomplete inactivation of the females' second X chromosome, abnormal expression of X-linked gene(s) involved in PAH pathophysiology, and a pulmonary artery endothelial cell (PAEC) proliferative phenotype. Moreover, the pathogenic proliferative p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase/ETS transcription factor ELK1 (Elk1)/cFos signaling is mechanistically linked to the sexually dimorphic proliferative response of PAECs in PAH. Apprehending the complicated relationship between long noncoding RNA X-inactive specific transcript and X-linked genes and how this relationship integrates into a sexually dimorphic proliferation of PAECs and PAH sex paradox remain challenging. We highlight herein new findings related to how the sex chromosome complement and sex-differentiated epigenetic mechanisms to control gene expression are decisive players in the sexual dimorphism of PAH. Pharmacologic interventions in the light of the newly elucidated mechanisms are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan N Predescu
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois.
| | - Babak Mokhlesi
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Sanda A Predescu
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois
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Abstract
Pulmonary hypertension is an enigmatic, deleterious disease driven by multiple heterogeneous causes with a burgeoning proportion of older patients with complex, chronic comorbidities without adequate treatment options. The underlying endothelial pathophenotypes that direct vasoconstriction and panvascular remodeling remain both controversial and incompletely defined. This review discusses emerging concepts centered on endothelial senescence in pulmonary vascular disease. This principle proposes a more heterogeneous, dynamic pulmonary endothelium in disease; it provides a potentially unifying feature of endothelial dysfunction in pulmonary hypertension irrespective of cause; and it supports a clinically relevant link between aging and pulmonary hypertension like other chronic illnesses. Thus, taking cues from studies on aging and age-related diseases, we present possible opportunities and barriers to diagnostic and therapeutic targeting of senescence in pulmonary hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miranda K Culley
- Center for Pulmonary Vascular Biology and Medicine, Pittsburgh Heart, Lung, Blood Vascular Medicine Institute, Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, PA
| | - Stephen Y Chan
- Center for Pulmonary Vascular Biology and Medicine, Pittsburgh Heart, Lung, Blood Vascular Medicine Institute, Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, PA
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Provencher S, Potus F, Blais-Lecours P, Bernard S, Martineau S, Breuils-Bonnet S, Weatherald J, Sweeney M, Kulikowski E, Boucherat O, Bonnet S. BET Protein Inhibition for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: A Pilot Study. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2022; 205:1357-1360. [PMID: 35289736 DOI: 10.1164/rccm.202109-2182le] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Steeve Provencher
- Institut universitaire de cardiologie et de pneumologie de Québec, 55973, Pneumologie, Quebec, Quebec, Canada;
| | - François Potus
- Institut universitaire de cardiologie et de pneumologie de Québec, Pulmonary Hypertension Research Group, Québec, Quebec, Canada
| | | | - Sarah Bernard
- Institut universitaire de cardiologie et de pneumologie de Québec Research Center, Université Laval, Quebec, Quebec, Canada
| | - Sandra Martineau
- Institut universitaire de cardiologie et de pneumologie de Québec, Pulmonary Hypertension Research Group, Québec, Quebec, Canada
| | - Sandra Breuils-Bonnet
- Institut universitaire de cardiologie et de pneumologie de Québec, Pulmonary Hypertension Research Group, Québec, Quebec, Canada
| | - Jason Weatherald
- University of Calgary Cumming School of Medicine, 70401, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | | | | | - Olivier Boucherat
- Centre de recherche de l'Institut Universitaire de Cardiologie et de Pneumologie de Québec, Pneumologie, Québec, Quebec, Canada
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Sun QW, Sun Z. Stem Cell Therapy for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: An Update. J Heart Lung Transplant 2022; 41:692-703. [DOI: 10.1016/j.healun.2022.02.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Revised: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/27/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
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Commentary on: Xbp1s-Ddit3, DNA damage and pulmonary hypertension. Clin Sci (Lond) 2022; 136:163-166. [PMID: 35005770 DOI: 10.1042/cs20211095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Revised: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
In this commentary, we discuss new observations stating that spliced X-box-binding protein 1 (Xbp1s)-DNA damage-inducible transcript 3 (Ddit3) promotes monocrotaline (MCT)-induced pulmonary hypertension (Jiang et al., Clinical Science (2021) 135(21), https://doi.org/10.1042/CS20210612). Xbp1s-Ddit3 is involved in the regulation of endoplasmic reticulum stress but is also associated with DNA damage repair machinery. Pathologic DNA damage repair mechanisms have emerged as critical determinants of pulmonary hypertension development. We discuss the potential relationship among Xbp1s-Ddit3, DNA damage, and pulmonary hypertension. Although Xbp1s-Ddit3 contributes to the regulation of cell proliferation and apoptosis and the development of vascular lesions, whether Xbp1s is a friend or foe remains controversial.
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Ho L, Hossen N, Nguyen T, Vo A, Ahsan F. Epigenetic Mechanisms as Emerging Therapeutic Targets and Microfluidic Chips Application in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10010170. [PMID: 35052850 PMCID: PMC8773438 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10010170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Revised: 01/09/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a disease that progress over time and is defined as an increase in pulmonary arterial pressure and pulmonary vascular resistance that frequently leads to right-ventricular (RV) failure and death. Epigenetic modifications comprising DNA methylation, histone remodeling, and noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) have been established to govern chromatin structure and transcriptional responses in various cell types during disease development. However, dysregulation of these epigenetic mechanisms has not yet been explored in detail in the pathology of pulmonary arterial hypertension and its progression with vascular remodeling and right-heart failure (RHF). Targeting epigenetic regulators including histone methylation, acetylation, or miRNAs offers many possible candidates for drug discovery and will no doubt be a tempting area to explore for PAH therapies. This review focuses on studies in epigenetic mechanisms including the writers, the readers, and the erasers of epigenetic marks and targeting epigenetic regulators or modifiers for treatment of PAH and its complications described as RHF. Data analyses from experimental cell models and animal induced PAH models have demonstrated that significant changes in the expression levels of multiple epigenetics modifiers such as HDMs, HDACs, sirtuins (Sirt1 and Sirt3), and BRD4 correlate strongly with proliferation, apoptosis, inflammation, and fibrosis linked to the pathological vascular remodeling during PAH development. The reversible characteristics of protein methylation and acetylation can be applied for exploring small-molecule modulators such as valproic acid (HDAC inhibitor) or resveratrol (Sirt1 activator) in different preclinical models for treatment of diseases including PAH and RHF. This review also presents to the readers the application of microfluidic devices to study sex differences in PAH pathophysiology, as well as for epigenetic analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linh Ho
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, California Northstate University, Elk Grove, CA 95757, USA; (N.H.); (T.N.)
- Correspondence: (L.H.); (F.A.); Tel.: +1-916-686-7370 (L.H.); +1-916-686-3529 (F.A.)
| | - Nazir Hossen
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, California Northstate University, Elk Grove, CA 95757, USA; (N.H.); (T.N.)
| | - Trieu Nguyen
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, California Northstate University, Elk Grove, CA 95757, USA; (N.H.); (T.N.)
- East Bay Institute for Research & Education (EBIRE), Mather, CA 95655, USA
| | - Au Vo
- Department of Life Sciences, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA;
| | - Fakhrul Ahsan
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, California Northstate University, Elk Grove, CA 95757, USA; (N.H.); (T.N.)
- Correspondence: (L.H.); (F.A.); Tel.: +1-916-686-7370 (L.H.); +1-916-686-3529 (F.A.)
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46
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Hu L, Zhao C, Chen Z, Hu G, Li X, Li Q. An emerging strategy for targeted therapy of pulmonary arterial hypertension: vasodilation plus vascular remodeling inhibition. Drug Discov Today 2022; 27:1457-1463. [DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2022.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Revised: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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Negi V, Yang J, Speyer G, Pulgarin A, Handen A, Zhao J, Tai YY, Tang Y, Culley MK, Yu Q, Forsythe P, Gorelova A, Watson AM, Al Aaraj Y, Satoh T, Sharifi-Sanjani M, Rajaratnam A, Sembrat J, Provencher S, Yin X, Vargas SO, Rojas M, Bonnet S, Torrino S, Wagner BK, Schreiber SL, Dai M, Bertero T, Al Ghouleh I, Kim S, Chan SY. Computational repurposing of therapeutic small molecules from cancer to pulmonary hypertension. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2021; 7:eabh3794. [PMID: 34669463 PMCID: PMC8528428 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abh3794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/27/2021] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Cancer therapies are being considered for treating rare noncancerous diseases like pulmonary hypertension (PH), but effective computational screening is lacking. Via transcriptomic differential dependency analyses leveraging parallels between cancer and PH, we mapped a landscape of cancer drug functions dependent upon rewiring of PH gene clusters. Bromodomain and extra-terminal motif (BET) protein inhibitors were predicted to rely upon several gene clusters inclusive of galectin-8 (LGALS8). Correspondingly, LGALS8 was found to mediate the BET inhibitor–dependent control of endothelial apoptosis, an essential role for PH in vivo. Separately, a piperlongumine analog’s actions were predicted to depend upon the iron-sulfur biogenesis gene ISCU. Correspondingly, the analog was found to inhibit ISCU glutathionylation, rescuing oxidative metabolism, decreasing endothelial apoptosis, and improving PH. Thus, we identified crucial drug-gene axes central to endothelial dysfunction and therapeutic priorities for PH. These results establish a wide-ranging, network dependency platform to redefine cancer drugs for use in noncancerous conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinny Negi
- Center for Pulmonary Vascular Biology and Medicine, Pittsburgh Heart, Lung, Blood, and Vascular Medicine Institute, Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Jimin Yang
- Center for Pulmonary Vascular Biology and Medicine, Pittsburgh Heart, Lung, Blood, and Vascular Medicine Institute, Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Gil Speyer
- Research Computing, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - Andres Pulgarin
- Center for Pulmonary Vascular Biology and Medicine, Pittsburgh Heart, Lung, Blood, and Vascular Medicine Institute, Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Adam Handen
- Center for Pulmonary Vascular Biology and Medicine, Pittsburgh Heart, Lung, Blood, and Vascular Medicine Institute, Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Jingsi Zhao
- Center for Pulmonary Vascular Biology and Medicine, Pittsburgh Heart, Lung, Blood, and Vascular Medicine Institute, Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Yi Yin Tai
- Center for Pulmonary Vascular Biology and Medicine, Pittsburgh Heart, Lung, Blood, and Vascular Medicine Institute, Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Ying Tang
- Center for Pulmonary Vascular Biology and Medicine, Pittsburgh Heart, Lung, Blood, and Vascular Medicine Institute, Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Miranda K. Culley
- Center for Pulmonary Vascular Biology and Medicine, Pittsburgh Heart, Lung, Blood, and Vascular Medicine Institute, Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Qiujun Yu
- Center for Pulmonary Vascular Biology and Medicine, Pittsburgh Heart, Lung, Blood, and Vascular Medicine Institute, Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Patricia Forsythe
- Center for Pulmonary Vascular Biology and Medicine, Pittsburgh Heart, Lung, Blood, and Vascular Medicine Institute, Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Anastasia Gorelova
- Center for Pulmonary Vascular Biology and Medicine, Pittsburgh Heart, Lung, Blood, and Vascular Medicine Institute, Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Annie M. Watson
- Center for Pulmonary Vascular Biology and Medicine, Pittsburgh Heart, Lung, Blood, and Vascular Medicine Institute, Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Yassmin Al Aaraj
- Center for Pulmonary Vascular Biology and Medicine, Pittsburgh Heart, Lung, Blood, and Vascular Medicine Institute, Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Taijyu Satoh
- Center for Pulmonary Vascular Biology and Medicine, Pittsburgh Heart, Lung, Blood, and Vascular Medicine Institute, Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Tohoku University of Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1 Seiryomachi, Aoba-ku, 980-8574 Sendai, Japan
| | - Maryam Sharifi-Sanjani
- Center for Pulmonary Vascular Biology and Medicine, Pittsburgh Heart, Lung, Blood, and Vascular Medicine Institute, Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Arun Rajaratnam
- Center for Pulmonary Vascular Biology and Medicine, Pittsburgh Heart, Lung, Blood, and Vascular Medicine Institute, Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - John Sembrat
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Steeve Provencher
- Pulmonary Hypertension and Vascular Biology Research Group, Faculty of Medicine, Laval University, Quebec, QC, Canada
| | - Xianglin Yin
- Department of Chemistry, Center for Cancer Research, Institute for Drug Discovery, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Sara O. Vargas
- Department of Pathology, Boston Children’s Hospital, MA, USA
| | - Mauricio Rojas
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Sébastien Bonnet
- Pulmonary Hypertension and Vascular Biology Research Group, Faculty of Medicine, Laval University, Quebec, QC, Canada
| | | | - Bridget K. Wagner
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University; Chemical Biology and Therapeutics Science Program, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Stuart L. Schreiber
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University; Chemical Biology and Therapeutics Science Program, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Mingji Dai
- Department of Chemistry, Center for Cancer Research, Institute for Drug Discovery, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Thomas Bertero
- Université Côte d’Azur, CNRS, IPMC, Sophia-Antipolis, France
| | - Imad Al Ghouleh
- Center for Pulmonary Vascular Biology and Medicine, Pittsburgh Heart, Lung, Blood, and Vascular Medicine Institute, Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | | | - Stephen Y. Chan
- Center for Pulmonary Vascular Biology and Medicine, Pittsburgh Heart, Lung, Blood, and Vascular Medicine Institute, Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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Condon DF, Agarwal S, Chakraborty A, Auer N, Vazquez R, Patel H, Zamanian RT, de Jesus Perez VA, Condon DF. "NOVEL MECHANISMS TARGETED BY DRUG TRIALS IN PULMONARY ARTERIAL HYPERTENSION". Chest 2021; 161:1060-1072. [PMID: 34655569 PMCID: PMC9005865 DOI: 10.1016/j.chest.2021.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Revised: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a rare disease associated with abnormally elevated pulmonary pressures and right heart failure resulting in high morbidity and mortality. While PAH prognosis has improved with the introduction of pulmonary vasodilators, disease progression remains a major problem. Given that available therapies are inadequate for preventing small vessel loss and obstruction, there is an active interest in identifying drugs capable of targeting angiogenesis and mechanisms involved in regulation of cell growth and fibrosis. Among the mechanisms linked to PAH pathogenesis, recent preclinical studies have identified promising compounds that are currently being tested in clinical trials. These drugs target seven of the major mechanisms associated with PAH pathogenesis: BMP signaling, tyrosine kinase receptors, estrogen metabolism, extracellular matrix, angiogenesis, epigenetics, and serotonin metabolism. In this review, we will discuss the preclinical studies that led to prioritization of these mechanisms and will discuss recently completed and ongoing phase 2/3 trials using novel interventions such as sotatercept, anastrozole, rodatristat ethyl, tyrosine kinase inhibitors, and endothelial progenitor cells among others. We anticipate that the next generation of compounds will build upon the success of the current standard of care and improve clinical outcomes and quality of life of patients afflicted with PAH.
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Affiliation(s)
- David F Condon
- Division of Pulmonary Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, Wall Center for Cardiopulmonary Research, Stanford University, Stanford, CA
| | - Stuti Agarwal
- Division of Pulmonary Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, Wall Center for Cardiopulmonary Research, Stanford University, Stanford, CA
| | - Ananya Chakraborty
- Division of Pulmonary Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, Wall Center for Cardiopulmonary Research, Stanford University, Stanford, CA
| | - Natasha Auer
- Division of Pulmonary Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, Wall Center for Cardiopulmonary Research, Stanford University, Stanford, CA
| | - Rocio Vazquez
- Division of Pulmonary Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, Wall Center for Cardiopulmonary Research, Stanford University, Stanford, CA
| | - Hiral Patel
- Division of Pulmonary Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, Wall Center for Cardiopulmonary Research, Stanford University, Stanford, CA
| | - Roham T Zamanian
- Division of Pulmonary Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, Wall Center for Cardiopulmonary Research, Stanford University, Stanford, CA
| | - Vinicio A de Jesus Perez
- Division of Pulmonary Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, Wall Center for Cardiopulmonary Research, Stanford University, Stanford, CA.
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Wang Q, Shao X, Leung ELH, Chen Y, Yao X. Selectively targeting individual bromodomain: Drug discovery and molecular mechanisms. Pharmacol Res 2021; 172:105804. [PMID: 34450309 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2021.105804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2021] [Revised: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Bromodomain-containing proteins include bromodomain and extra-terminal (BET) and non-BET families. Due to the conserved bromodomain (BD) module between BD-containing proteins, and especially BETs with each member having two BDs (BD1 and BD2), the high degree of structural similarity makes BD-selective inhibitors much difficult to be designed. However, increasing evidences emphasized that individual BDs had distinct functions and different cellular phenotypes after pharmacological inhibition, and selectively targeting one of the BDs could result in a different efficacy and tolerability profile. This review is to summarize the pioneering progress of BD-selective inhibitors targeting BET and non-BET proteins, focusing on their structural features, biological activity, therapeutic application and experimental/theoretical mechanisms. The present proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTAC) degraders targeting BDs, and clinical status of BD-selective inhibitors were also analyzed, providing a new insight into future direction of bromodomain-selective drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianqian Wang
- Chronic Disease Research Center, Medical College, Dalian University, Dalian 116622, China
| | - Xiaomin Shao
- Chronic Disease Research Center, Medical College, Dalian University, Dalian 116622, China
| | - Elaine Lai Han Leung
- Dr. Neher's Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Taipa, Macau(SAR) 999078, China
| | - Yingqing Chen
- Chronic Disease Research Center, Medical College, Dalian University, Dalian 116622, China.
| | - Xiaojun Yao
- Dr. Neher's Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Taipa, Macau(SAR) 999078, China.
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Jones KL, Beaumont DM, Bernard SG, Bit RA, Campbell SP, Chung CW, Cutler L, Demont EH, Dennis K, Gordon L, Gray JR, Haase MV, Lewis AJ, McCleary S, Mitchell DJ, Moore SM, Parr N, Robb OJ, Smithers N, Soden PE, Suckling CJ, Taylor S, Walker AL, Watson RJ, Prinjha RK. Discovery of a Novel Bromodomain and Extra Terminal Domain (BET) Protein Inhibitor, I-BET282E, Suitable for Clinical Progression. J Med Chem 2021; 64:12200-12227. [PMID: 34387088 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c00855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The functions of the bromodomain and extra terminal (BET) family of proteins have been implicated in a wide range of diseases, particularly in the oncology and immuno-inflammatory areas, and several inhibitors are under investigation in the clinic. To mitigate the risk of attrition of these compounds due to structurally related toxicity findings, additional molecules from distinct chemical series were required. Here we describe the structure- and property-based optimization of the in vivo tool molecule I-BET151 toward I-BET282E, a molecule with properties suitable for progression into clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine L Jones
- GlaxoSmithKline, Medicines Research Centre, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire, SG1 2NY, U.K
| | - Dominic M Beaumont
- GlaxoSmithKline, Medicines Research Centre, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire, SG1 2NY, U.K
| | - Sharon G Bernard
- GlaxoSmithKline, Medicines Research Centre, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire, SG1 2NY, U.K
| | - Rino A Bit
- GlaxoSmithKline, Medicines Research Centre, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire, SG1 2NY, U.K
| | - Simon P Campbell
- GlaxoSmithKline, Medicines Research Centre, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire, SG1 2NY, U.K
| | - Chun-Wa Chung
- GlaxoSmithKline, Medicines Research Centre, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire, SG1 2NY, U.K
| | - Leanne Cutler
- GlaxoSmithKline, Medicines Research Centre, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire, SG1 2NY, U.K
| | - Emmanuel H Demont
- GlaxoSmithKline, Medicines Research Centre, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire, SG1 2NY, U.K
| | - Kate Dennis
- GlaxoSmithKline, Medicines Research Centre, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire, SG1 2NY, U.K
| | - Laurie Gordon
- GlaxoSmithKline, Medicines Research Centre, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire, SG1 2NY, U.K
| | - James R Gray
- GlaxoSmithKline, Medicines Research Centre, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire, SG1 2NY, U.K
| | - Michael V Haase
- GlaxoSmithKline, Medicines Research Centre, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire, SG1 2NY, U.K
| | - Antonia J Lewis
- GlaxoSmithKline, Medicines Research Centre, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire, SG1 2NY, U.K
| | - Scott McCleary
- GlaxoSmithKline, Medicines Research Centre, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire, SG1 2NY, U.K
| | - Darren J Mitchell
- GlaxoSmithKline, Medicines Research Centre, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire, SG1 2NY, U.K
| | - Susanne M Moore
- GlaxoSmithKline, Medicines Research Centre, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire, SG1 2NY, U.K
| | - Nigel Parr
- GlaxoSmithKline, Medicines Research Centre, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire, SG1 2NY, U.K
| | - Olivia J Robb
- GlaxoSmithKline, Medicines Research Centre, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire, SG1 2NY, U.K
| | - Nicholas Smithers
- GlaxoSmithKline, Medicines Research Centre, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire, SG1 2NY, U.K
| | - Peter E Soden
- GlaxoSmithKline, Medicines Research Centre, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire, SG1 2NY, U.K
| | - Colin J Suckling
- Department of Pure & Applied Chemistry, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, G1 1XL, U.K
| | - Simon Taylor
- GlaxoSmithKline, Medicines Research Centre, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire, SG1 2NY, U.K
| | - Ann L Walker
- GlaxoSmithKline, Medicines Research Centre, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire, SG1 2NY, U.K
| | - Robert J Watson
- GlaxoSmithKline, Medicines Research Centre, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire, SG1 2NY, U.K
| | - Rab K Prinjha
- GlaxoSmithKline, Medicines Research Centre, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire, SG1 2NY, U.K
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