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Jaganathan R, Kumaradhas P. Structural insights into Furin enzyme inhibition to block SARS-CoV-2 spike protein cleavage: an in-silico approach. 3 Biotech 2024; 14:213. [PMID: 39193012 PMCID: PMC11345345 DOI: 10.1007/s13205-024-04054-y] [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: 06/08/2024] [Accepted: 08/13/2024] [Indexed: 08/29/2024] Open
Abstract
This study investigates the binding affinity and interactions of the Furin enzyme with two inhibitors, Naphthofluorescein and decanoyl-RVKR-chloromethylketone (CMK), using molecular docking and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Molecular docking results showed binding affinities of - 9.18 kcal/mol for CMK and - 5.39 kcal/mol for Naphthofluorescein. To further understand the stability and conformational changes of these complexes, MD simulations were performed. Despite CMK's favorable docking score, MD simulations revealed that its binding interactions at the Furin-active site were unstable, with significant changes observed during the simulation. In contrast, Naphthofluorescein maintained strong and stable interactions throughout the MD simulation, as confirmed by RMSD and RMSF analyses. The binding-free-energy analysis also supported the stability of Naphthofluorescein. These findings indicate that Naphthofluorescein exhibits greater stability and binding affinity as a Furin inhibitor compared to CMK. The results of this in-silico study suggest that Naphthofluorescein, along with CMK, holds the potential for repurposing as a treatment for COVID-19, subject to further validation through clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramakrishnan Jaganathan
- Centre for Global Health Research, Saveetha Medical College and Hospital, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Saveetha University, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 602 105 India
| | - Poomani Kumaradhas
- Laboratory of Biocrystallography and Computational Molecular Biology, Department of Physics, Periyar University, Salem, 636 011 India
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2
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Kato S, Iwata O, Kato H, Fukaya S, Imai Y, Saitoh S. Furin Regulates the Alveolarization of Neonatal Lungs in a Mouse Model of Hyperoxic Lung Injury. Biomolecules 2023; 13:1656. [PMID: 38002338 PMCID: PMC10669361 DOI: 10.3390/biom13111656] [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: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite advances in treatment options, such as corticosteroid administration and less invasive respiratory support, bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) remains an important prognostic factor in preterm infants. We previously reported that furin regulates changes in lung smooth muscle cell phenotypes, suggesting that it plays a critical role in BPD pathogenesis. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to evaluate whether it regulates the alveolarization of immature lungs through activating alveolarization-driving proteins. We first examined furin expression levels, and its functions, using an established hyperoxia-induced BPD mouse model. Thereafter, we treated mice pups, as well as primary myofibroblast cell cultures, with furin inhibitors. Finally, we administered the hyperoxia-exposed mice pups with recombinant furin. Immunofluorescence revealed the co-expression of furin with alpha-smooth muscle actin. Hyperoxia exposure for 10 d decreased alveolar formation, as well as the expression of furin and its target, IGF-1R. Hexa-D-arginine administration also significantly inhibited alveolar formation. Another furin inhibitor, decanoyl-RVKR-chloromethylketone, accumulated pro-IGF-1R, and decreased IGF-1R phosphorylation in myofibroblast primary cultures. Finally, recombinant furin treatment significantly improved alveolarization in hyperoxia-exposed mice pups. Furin regulates alveolarization in immature lungs. Therefore, this study provides novel insights regarding the involvement of furin in BPD pathogenesis, and highlights a potential treatment target for ameliorating the impact of BPD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shin Kato
- Department of Pediatrics and Neonatology, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, 1 Kawasumi, Mizuho-Cho, Mizuho-Ku, Nagoya 467-8601, Japan; (O.I.); (S.F.); (S.S.)
| | - Osuke Iwata
- Department of Pediatrics and Neonatology, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, 1 Kawasumi, Mizuho-Cho, Mizuho-Ku, Nagoya 467-8601, Japan; (O.I.); (S.F.); (S.S.)
| | - Hiroyuki Kato
- Department of Experimental Pathology and Tumor Biology, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya 467-8601, Japan;
| | - Satoko Fukaya
- Department of Pediatrics and Neonatology, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, 1 Kawasumi, Mizuho-Cho, Mizuho-Ku, Nagoya 467-8601, Japan; (O.I.); (S.F.); (S.S.)
| | - Yukari Imai
- Department of Pharmacy, Kinjo Gakuin University, Nagoya 463-8521, Japan
| | - Shinji Saitoh
- Department of Pediatrics and Neonatology, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, 1 Kawasumi, Mizuho-Cho, Mizuho-Ku, Nagoya 467-8601, Japan; (O.I.); (S.F.); (S.S.)
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3
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Douglas LEJ, Reihill JA, Montgomery BM, Martin SL. Furin as a therapeutic target in cystic fibrosis airways disease. Eur Respir Rev 2023; 32:32/168/220256. [PMID: 37137509 PMCID: PMC10155048 DOI: 10.1183/16000617.0256-2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Clinical management of cystic fibrosis (CF) has been greatly improved by the development of small molecule modulators of the CF transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR). These drugs help to address some of the basic genetic defects of CFTR; however, no suitable CFTR modulators exist for 10% of people with CF (PWCF). An alternative, mutation-agnostic therapeutic approach is therefore still required. In CF airways, elevated levels of the proprotein convertase furin contribute to the dysregulation of key processes that drive disease pathogenesis. Furin plays a critical role in the proteolytic activation of the epithelial sodium channel; hyperactivity of which causes airways dehydration and loss of effective mucociliary clearance. Furin is also responsible for the processing of transforming growth factor-β, which is increased in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid from PWCF and is associated with neutrophilic inflammation and reduced pulmonary function. Pathogenic substrates of furin include Pseudomonas exotoxin A, a major toxic product associated with Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection and the spike glycoprotein of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, the causative pathogen for coronavirus disease 2019. In this review we discuss the importance of furin substrates in the progression of CF airways disease and highlight selective furin inhibition as a therapeutic strategy to provide clinical benefit to all PWCF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa E J Douglas
- School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - James A Reihill
- School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK
| | | | - S Lorraine Martin
- School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK
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4
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COVID-19 in patients with chronic lung disease. Clin Chest Med 2022; 44:385-393. [PMID: 37085227 PMCID: PMC9678841 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccm.2022.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a novel coronavirus that causes an acute respiratory tract infection known as coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). SARS-CoV-2 enters cells by binding the ACE2 receptor and coreceptors notably TMPRSS2 or Cathepsin L. Severe COVID-19 infection can lead to acute lung injury. Below we describe the current evidence of the impact of common chronic lung diseases (CLDs) on the development of COVID-19. The impact of treatment of CLD on COVID-19 and any risk of vaccination in patients with CLD are considered.
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5
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Douglas LEJ, Reihill JA, Ho MWY, Axten JM, Campobasso N, Schneck JL, Rendina AR, Wilcoxen KM, Martin SL. A highly selective, cell-permeable furin inhibitor BOS-318 rescues key features of cystic fibrosis airway disease. Cell Chem Biol 2022; 29:947-957.e8. [PMID: 35202587 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2022.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2021] [Revised: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
In cystic fibrosis (CF), excessive furin activity plays a critical role in the activation of the epithelial sodium channel (ENaC), dysregulation of which contributes to airway dehydration, ineffective mucociliary clearance (MCC), and mucus obstruction. Here, we report a highly selective, cell-permeable furin inhibitor, BOS-318, that derives selectivity by eliciting the formation of a new, unexpected binding pocket independent of the active site catalytic triad. Using human ex vivo models, BOS-318 showed significant suppression of ENaC, which led to enhanced airway hydration and an ∼30-fold increase in MCC rate. Furin inhibition also protected ENaC from subsequent activation by neutrophil elastase, a soluble protease dominant in CF airways. Additional therapeutic benefits include protection against epithelial cell death induced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa exotoxin A. Our findings demonstrate the utility of selective furin inhibition as a mutation-agnostic approach that can correct features of CF airway pathophysiology in a manner expected to deliver therapeutic value.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa E J Douglas
- School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7BL, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - James A Reihill
- School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7BL, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Melisa W Y Ho
- GlaxoSmithKline Research and Development, Collegeville, PA 19426, USA
| | - Jeffrey M Axten
- GlaxoSmithKline Research and Development, Collegeville, PA 19426, USA
| | - Nino Campobasso
- GlaxoSmithKline Research and Development, Collegeville, PA 19426, USA
| | - Jessica L Schneck
- GlaxoSmithKline Research and Development, Collegeville, PA 19426, USA
| | - Alan R Rendina
- GlaxoSmithKline Research and Development, Collegeville, PA 19426, USA
| | | | - S Lorraine Martin
- School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7BL, Northern Ireland, UK.
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6
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Laselva O, Guerra L, Castellani S, Favia M, Di Gioia S, Conese M. Small-molecule drugs for cystic fibrosis: Where are we now? Pulm Pharmacol Ther 2021; 72:102098. [PMID: 34793977 DOI: 10.1016/j.pupt.2021.102098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2021] [Revised: 10/24/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
The cystic fibrosis (CF) lung disease is due to the lack/dysfunction of the CF Transmembrane Conductance Regulator (CFTR), a chloride channel expressed by epithelial cells as the main regulator of ion and fluid homeostasis. More than 2000 genetic variation in the CFTR gene are known, among which those with identified pathomechanism have been divided into six VI mutation classes. A major advancement in the pharmacotherapy of CF has been the development of small-molecule drugs hitting the root of the disease, i.e. the altered ion and fluid transport through the airway epithelium. These drugs, called CFTR modulators, have been advanced to the clinics to treat nearly 90% of CF patients, including the CFTR potentiator ivacaftor, approved for residual function mutations (Classes III and IV), and combinations of correctors (lumacaftor, tezacaftor, elexacaftor) and ivacaftor for patients bearing at least one the F508del mutation, the most frequent mutation belonging to class II. To cover the 10% of CF patients without etiological therapies, other novel small-molecule CFTR modulators are in evaluation of their effectiveness in all the CFTR mutation classes: read-through agents for Class I, correctors, potentiators and amplifiers from different companies for Class II-V, stabilizers for Class VI. In alternative, other solute carriers, such as SLC26A9 and SLC6A14, are the focus of intensive investigation. Finally, other molecular targets are being evaluated for patients with no approved CFTR modulator therapy or as means of enhancing CFTR modulatory therapy, including small molecules forming ion channels, inhibitors of the ENaC sodium channel and potentiators of the calcium-activated chloride channel TMEM16A. This paper aims to give an up-to-date overview of old and novel CFTR modulators as well as of novel strategies based on small-molecule drugs. Further investigations in in-vivo and cell-based models as well as carrying out large prospective studies will be required to determine if novel CFTR modulators, stabilizers, amplifiers, and the ENaC inhibitors or TMEM16A potentiators will further improve the clinical outcomes in CF management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Onofrio Laselva
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Guerra
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Stefano Castellani
- Department of Medical Sciences and Human Oncology, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Maria Favia
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Sante Di Gioia
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Massimo Conese
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy.
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7
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Lara-Reyna S, Holbrook J, Jarosz-Griffiths HH, Peckham D, McDermott MF. Dysregulated signalling pathways in innate immune cells with cystic fibrosis mutations. Cell Mol Life Sci 2020; 77:4485-4503. [PMID: 32367193 PMCID: PMC7599191 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-020-03540-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2020] [Revised: 04/22/2020] [Accepted: 04/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is one of the most common life-limiting recessive genetic disorders in Caucasians, caused by mutations in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR). CF is a multi-organ disease that involves the lungs, pancreas, sweat glands, digestive and reproductive systems and several other tissues. This debilitating condition is associated with recurrent lower respiratory tract bacterial and viral infections, as well as inflammatory complications that may eventually lead to pulmonary failure. Immune cells play a crucial role in protecting the organs against opportunistic infections and also in the regulation of tissue homeostasis. Innate immune cells are generally affected by CFTR mutations in patients with CF, leading to dysregulation of several cellular signalling pathways that are in continuous use by these cells to elicit a proper immune response. There is substantial evidence to show that airway epithelial cells, neutrophils, monocytes and macrophages all contribute to the pathogenesis of CF, underlying the importance of the CFTR in innate immune responses. The goal of this review is to put into context the important role of the CFTR in different innate immune cells and how CFTR dysfunction contributes to the pathogenesis of CF, highlighting several signalling pathways that may be dysregulated in cells with CFTR mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Lara-Reyna
- Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS9 7TF, UK.
- Leeds Institute of Medical Research at St James's, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS9 7TF, UK.
- Leeds Cystic Fibrosis Trust Strategic Research Centre, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS9 7TF, UK.
| | - Jonathan Holbrook
- Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS9 7TF, UK
- Leeds Institute of Medical Research at St James's, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS9 7TF, UK
- Leeds Cystic Fibrosis Trust Strategic Research Centre, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS9 7TF, UK
| | - Heledd H Jarosz-Griffiths
- Leeds Institute of Medical Research at St James's, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS9 7TF, UK
- Leeds Cystic Fibrosis Trust Strategic Research Centre, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS9 7TF, UK
| | - Daniel Peckham
- Leeds Institute of Medical Research at St James's, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS9 7TF, UK
- Leeds Cystic Fibrosis Trust Strategic Research Centre, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS9 7TF, UK
- Adult Cystic Fibrosis Unit, St James's University Hospital, Leeds, LS9 7TF, UK
| | - Michael F McDermott
- Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS9 7TF, UK.
- Leeds Cystic Fibrosis Trust Strategic Research Centre, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS9 7TF, UK.
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8
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Stanton BA, Hampton TH, Ashare A. SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) and cystic fibrosis. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 2020; 319:L408-L415. [PMID: 32668165 PMCID: PMC7518058 DOI: 10.1152/ajplung.00225.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2020] [Revised: 07/06/2020] [Accepted: 07/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disease caused by mutations in the CFTR gene. Although viral respiratory tract infections are, in general, more severe in patients with CF compared with the general population, a small number of studies indicate that SARS-CoV-2 does not cause a worse infection in CF. This is surprising since comorbidities including preexisting lung disease have been reported to be associated with worse outcomes in SARS-CoV-2 infections. Several recent studies provide insight into why SARS-CoV-2 may not produce more severe outcomes in CF. First, ACE and ACE2, genes that play key roles in SARS-CoV-2 infection, have some variants that are predicted to reduce the severity of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Second, mRNA for ACE2 is elevated and mRNA for TMPRSS2, a serine protease, is decreased in CF airway epithelial cells. Increased ACE2 is predicted to enhance SARS-CoV-2 binding to cells but would increase conversion of angiotensin II, which is proinflammatory, to angiotensin-1-7, which is anti-inflammatory. Thus, increased ACE2 would reduce inflammation and lung damage due to SARS-CoV-2. Moreover, decreased TMPRSS2 would reduce SARS-CoV-2 entry into airway epithelial cells. Second, many CF patients are treated with azithromycin, which suppresses viral infection and lung inflammation and inhibits the activity of furin, a serine protease. Finally, the CF lung contains high levels of serine protease inhibitors including ecotin and SERPINB1, which are predicted to reduce the ability of TMPRSS2 to facilitate SARS-CoV-2 entry into airway epithelial cells. Thus, a variety of factors may mitigate the severity of SARS-CoV-2 in CF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruce A Stanton
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, New Hampshire
| | - Thomas H Hampton
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, New Hampshire
| | - Alix Ashare
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, New Hampshire
- Section of Pulmonology, Department of Medicine, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, New Hampshire
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9
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10
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Yousefi F, Shabaninejad Z, Vakili S, Derakhshan M, Movahedpour A, Dabiri H, Ghasemi Y, Mahjoubin-Tehran M, Nikoozadeh A, Savardashtaki A, Mirzaei H, Hamblin MR. TGF-β and WNT signaling pathways in cardiac fibrosis: non-coding RNAs come into focus. Cell Commun Signal 2020; 18:87. [PMID: 32517807 PMCID: PMC7281690 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-020-00555-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2020] [Accepted: 03/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiac fibrosis describes the inappropriate proliferation of cardiac fibroblasts (CFs), leading to accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins in the cardiac muscle, which is found in many pathophysiological heart conditions. A range of molecular components and cellular pathways, have been implicated in its pathogenesis. In this review, we focus on the TGF-β and WNT signaling pathways, and their mutual interaction, which have emerged as important factors involved in cardiac pathophysiology. The molecular and cellular processes involved in the initiation and progression of cardiac fibrosis are summarized. We focus on TGF-β and WNT signaling in cardiac fibrosis, ECM production, and myofibroblast transformation. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are one of the main players in the regulation of multiple pathways and cellular processes. MicroRNAs, long non-coding RNAs, and circular long non-coding RNAs can all interact with the TGF-β/WNT signaling axis to affect cardiac fibrosis. A better understanding of these processes may lead to new approaches for diagnosis and treatment of many cardiac conditions. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Yousefi
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zahra Shabaninejad
- Department of Nanotechnology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.,Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Sina Vakili
- Biochemistry Department, Medical School, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Maryam Derakhshan
- Department of Pathology, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Ahmad Movahedpour
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.,Student research committee, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Hamed Dabiri
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Stem Cell and Development Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Younes Ghasemi
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.,Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Maryam Mahjoubin-Tehran
- Student Research Committee, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.,Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Azin Nikoozadeh
- Pathology Department, School of Medicine,Mashhad Univesity of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Amir Savardashtaki
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran. .,Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
| | - Hamed Mirzaei
- Research Center for Biochemistry and Nutrition in Metabolic Diseases, Institute for Basic Sciences, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, IR, Iran.
| | - Michael R Hamblin
- Wellman Center for Photomedicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 40 Blossom Street, Boston, MA, 02114, USA. .,Laser Research Centre, Faculty of Health Science, University of Johannesburg, Doornfontein, 2028, South Africa.
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11
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Poschet JF, Perkett EA, Timmins GS, Deretic V. Azithromycin and ciprofloxacin have a chloroquine-like effect on respiratory epithelial cells. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2020:2020.03.29.008631. [PMID: 32511331 PMCID: PMC7239066 DOI: 10.1101/2020.03.29.008631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
There is interest in the use of chloroquine/hydroxychloroquine (CQ/HCQ) and azithromycin (AZT) in COVID-19 therapy. Employing cystic fibrosis respiratory epithelial cells, here we show that drugs AZT and ciprofloxacin (CPX) act as acidotropic lipophilic weak bases and confer in vitro effects on intracellular organelles similar to the effects of CQ. These seemingly disparate FDA-approved antimicrobials display a common property of modulating pH of endosomes and trans-Golgi network. We believe this may in part help understand the potentially beneficial effects of CQ/HCQ and AZT in COVID-19, and that the present considerations of HCQ and AZT for clinical trials should be extended to CPX.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jens F. Poschet
- Departments of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, University of New Mexico Health Science Center
| | - Elizabeth A. Perkett
- Departments of Pediatrics, University of New Mexico Health Science Center
- Departments of Internal Medicine, University of New Mexico Health Science Center
| | - Graham S. Timmins
- Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of New Mexico Health Science Center
| | - Vojo Deretic
- Departments of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, University of New Mexico Health Science Center
- Autophagy, Inflammation and Metabolism Center of Biomedical Research Excellence, University of New Mexico Health Science Center
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12
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Cystic fibrosis epithelial cells are primed for apoptosis as a result of increased Fas (CD95). J Cyst Fibros 2018; 17:616-623. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcf.2018.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2017] [Revised: 01/11/2018] [Accepted: 01/30/2018] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
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Moore PJ, Tarran R. The epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) as a therapeutic target for cystic fibrosis lung disease. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2018; 22:687-701. [PMID: 30028216 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2018.1501361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Cystic fibrosis is an autosomal recessive disorder caused by mutations in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene that codes for the CFTR anion channel. In the absence of functional CFTR, the epithelial Na+ channel is also dysregulated. Airway surface liquid (ASL) hydration is maintained by a balance between epithelial sodium channel (ENaC)-led Na+ absorption and CFTR-dependent anion secretion. This finely tuned homeostatic mechanism is required to maintain sufficient airway hydration to permit the efficient mucus clearance necessary for a sterile lung environment. In CF airways, the lack of CFTR and increased ENaC activity lead to ASL/mucus dehydration that causes mucus obstruction, neutrophilic infiltration, and chronic bacterial infection. Rehydration of ASL/mucus in CF airways can be achieved by inhibiting Na+ absorption with pharmacological inhibitors of ENaC. Areas covered: In this review, we discuss ENaC structure and function and its role in CF lung disease and focus on ENaC inhibition as a potential therapeutic target to rehydrate CF mucus. We also discuss the failure of the first generation of pharmacological inhibitors of ENaC and recent alternate strategies to attenuate ENaC activity in the CF lung. Expert opinion: ENaC is an attractive therapeutic target to rehydrate CF ASL that may serve as a monotherapy or function in parallel with other treatments. Given the increased number of strategies being employed to inhibit ENaC, this is an exciting and optimistic time to be in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick J Moore
- a Marsico Lung Institute , University of North Carolina , Chapel Hill , NC , USA
| | - Robert Tarran
- a Marsico Lung Institute , University of North Carolina , Chapel Hill , NC , USA.,b Department of Cell Biology & Physiology , University of North Carolina , Chapel Hill , NC , USA
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14
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Reihill JA, Walker B, Hamilton RA, Ferguson TEG, Elborn JS, Stutts MJ, Harvey BJ, Saint-Criq V, Hendrick SM, Martin SL. Inhibition of Protease-Epithelial Sodium Channel Signaling Improves Mucociliary Function in Cystic Fibrosis Airways. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2017; 194:701-10. [PMID: 27014936 DOI: 10.1164/rccm.201511-2216oc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
RATIONALE In cystic fibrosis (CF) a reduction in airway surface liquid (ASL) height compromises mucociliary clearance, favoring mucus plugging and chronic bacterial infection. Inhibitors of the epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) have therapeutic potential in CF airways to reduce hyperstimulated sodium and fluid absorption to levels that can restore airway hydration. OBJECTIVES To determine whether a novel compound (QUB-TL1) designed to inhibit protease/ENaC signaling in CF airways restores ASL volume and mucociliary function. METHODS Protease activity was measured using fluorogenic activity assays. Differentiated primary airway epithelial cell cultures (F508del homozygotes) were used to determined ENaC activity (Ussing chamber recordings), ASL height (confocal microscopy), and mucociliary function (by tracking the surface flow of apically applied microbeads). Cell toxicity was measured using a lactate dehydrogenase assay. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS QUB-TL1 inhibits extracellularly located channel activating proteases (CAPs), including prostasin, matriptase, and furin, the activities of which are observed at excessive levels at the apical surface of CF airway epithelial cells. QUB-TL1-mediated CAP inhibition results in diminished ENaC-mediated Na(+) absorption in CF airway epithelial cells caused by internalization of a prominent pool of cleaved (active) ENaCγ from the cell surface. Importantly, diminished ENaC activity correlates with improved airway hydration status and mucociliary clearance. We further demonstrate QUB-TL1-mediated furin inhibition, which is in contrast to other serine protease inhibitors (camostat mesylate and aprotinin), affords protection against neutrophil elastase-mediated ENaC activation and Pseudomonas aeruginosa exotoxin A-induced cell death. CONCLUSIONS QUB-TL1 corrects aberrant CAP activities, providing a mechanism to delay or prevent the development of CF lung disease in a manner independent of CF transmembrane conductance regulator mutation.
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Affiliation(s)
- James A Reihill
- 1 Biomolecular Sciences Research Group, School of Pharmacy, and
| | - Brian Walker
- 1 Biomolecular Sciences Research Group, School of Pharmacy, and
| | | | | | - J Stuart Elborn
- 2 School of Medicine, Dentistry & Biomedical Sciences, Queen's University, Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
| | - M Jackson Stutts
- 3 Marsico Lung Institute and Cystic Fibrosis Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina; and
| | - Brian J Harvey
- 4 Department of Molecular Medicine, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, RCSI-ERC Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Vinciane Saint-Criq
- 4 Department of Molecular Medicine, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, RCSI-ERC Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Siobhan M Hendrick
- 4 Department of Molecular Medicine, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, RCSI-ERC Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
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Ferguson TEG, Reihill JA, Walker B, Hamilton RA, Martin SL. A Selective Irreversible Inhibitor of Furin Does Not Prevent Pseudomonas Aeruginosa Exotoxin A-Induced Airway Epithelial Cytotoxicity. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0159868. [PMID: 27459298 PMCID: PMC4961418 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0159868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2016] [Accepted: 07/08/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Many bacterial and viral pathogens (or their toxins), including Pseudomonas aeruginosa exotoxin A, require processing by host pro-protein convertases such as furin to cause disease. We report the development of a novel irreversible inhibitor of furin (QUB-F1) consisting of a diphenyl phosphonate electrophilic warhead coupled with a substrate-like peptide (RVKR), that also includes a biotin tag, to facilitate activity-based profiling/visualisation. QUB-F1 displays greater selectivity for furin, in comparison to a widely used exemplar compound (furin I) which has a chloromethylketone warhead coupled to RVKR, when tested against the serine trypsin-like proteases (trypsin, prostasin and matriptase), factor Xa and the cysteine protease cathepsin B. We demonstrate QUB-F1 does not prevent P. aeruginosa exotoxin A-induced airway epithelial cell toxicity; in contrast to furin I, despite inhibiting cell surface furin-like activity to a similar degree. This finding indicates additional proteases, which are sensitive to the more broad-spectrum furin I compound, may be involved in this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy E. G. Ferguson
- Biomolecular Sciences Research Group, School of Pharmacy, Queen’s University Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
| | - James A. Reihill
- Biomolecular Sciences Research Group, School of Pharmacy, Queen’s University Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
| | - Brian Walker
- Biomolecular Sciences Research Group, School of Pharmacy, Queen’s University Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
| | - Robert A. Hamilton
- Biomolecular Sciences Research Group, School of Pharmacy, Queen’s University Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
| | - S. Lorraine Martin
- Biomolecular Sciences Research Group, School of Pharmacy, Queen’s University Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
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16
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UEYAMA CHIKARA, HORIBE HIDEKI, YAMASE YUICHIRO, FUJIMAKI TETSUO, OGURI MITSUTOSHI, KATO KIMIHIKO, ARAI MASAZUMI, WATANABE SACHIRO, MUROHARA TOYOAKI, YAMADA YOSHIJI. Association of FURIN and ZPR1 polymorphisms with metabolic syndrome. Biomed Rep 2015; 3:641-647. [PMID: 26405538 PMCID: PMC4534873 DOI: 10.3892/br.2015.484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2015] [Accepted: 06/08/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Although genome-wide association studies (GWASs) have identified various genes and loci in predisposition to metabolic syndrome (MetS) or each component of this condition, the genetic basis of MetS in individuals remains to be identified definitively. The aim of the present study was to examine the possible association of MetS in individuals with 29 polymorphisms that were previously identified as susceptibility loci for coronary artery disease or myocardial infarction by meta-analyses of GWASs. The study population comprised 1,822 subjects with MetS and 1,096 controls. Subjects with MetS had ≥3 of the 5 components of the diagnostic criteria for MetS, whereas control individuals had 0-1 of the 5 components. The genotypes for the 29 polymorphisms were determined by the multiplex bead-based Luminex assay. Comparisons of allele frequencies by the χ2 test revealed that rs17514846 (A→C) of the furin (paired basic amino acid-cleaving enzyme) gene (FURIN; P=0.0006), rs964184 (C→G) of the ZPR1 zinc finger gene (ZPR1; P=0.0078) and rs599839 (G→A) of the proline/serine-rich coiled-coil 1 gene (P=0.0486) were significantly (P<0.05) associated with the prevalence of MetS. Multivariable logistic regression analysis with adjustment for age, gender and smoking status revealed that rs17514846 of FURIN (P=0.0016; odds ratio, 0.76; dominant model) and rs964184 of ZPR1 (P=0.0164; odds ratio, 1.21; dominant model) were significantly associated with MetS. The minor A allele of rs17514846 of FURIN was significantly associated with a decrease in the serum concentration of triglycerides (P=0.0293) and to an increase in the serum concentration of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (P=0.0460). The minor G allele of rs964184 of ZPR1 was significantly associated with increases in the serum concentration of triglycerides (P=6.2×10-9) and fasting plasma glucose level (P=0.0028) and to a decrease in the serum concentration of HDL cholesterol (P=0.0105). FURIN and ZPR1 may thus be susceptibility loci for MetS.
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Affiliation(s)
- CHIKARA UEYAMA
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Gifu Prefectural Tajimi Hospital, Tajimi, Gifu 507-8522, Japan
| | - HIDEKI HORIBE
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Gifu Prefectural Tajimi Hospital, Tajimi, Gifu 507-8522, Japan
| | - YUICHIRO YAMASE
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Gifu Prefectural Tajimi Hospital, Tajimi, Gifu 507-8522, Japan
| | - TETSUO FUJIMAKI
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Inabe General Hospital, Inabe, Mie 511-0428, Japan
| | - MITSUTOSHI OGURI
- Department of Cardiology, Japanese Red Cross Nagoya First Hospital, Nagoya, Aichi 453-8511, Japan
| | - KIMIHIKO KATO
- Department of Internal Medicine, Meitoh Hospital, Nagoya, Aichi 465-0025, Japan
| | - MASAZUMI ARAI
- Department of Cardiology, Gifu Prefectural General Medical Center, Gifu 500-8717, Japan
| | - SACHIRO WATANABE
- Department of Cardiology, Gifu Prefectural General Medical Center, Gifu 500-8717, Japan
| | - TOYOAKI MUROHARA
- Department of Cardiology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi 466-8550, Japan
| | - YOSHIJI YAMADA
- Department of Human Functional Genomics, Life Science Research Center, Mie University, Tsu, Mie 514-8507, Japan
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Hiyoshi M, Okuma K, Tateyama S, Takizawa K, Saito M, Kuramitsu M, Araki K, Morishita K, Okada S, Yamamoto N, Biragyn A, Yamaguchi K, Hamaguchi I. Furin-dependent CCL17-fused recombinant toxin controls HTLV-1 infection by targeting and eliminating infected CCR4-expressing cells in vitro and in vivo. Retrovirology 2015; 12:73. [PMID: 26289727 PMCID: PMC4545545 DOI: 10.1186/s12977-015-0199-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2015] [Accepted: 08/12/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adult T-cell leukemia (ATL) is caused by human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1) infection. However, there are no therapies to prevent ATL development in high-risk asymptomatic carriers. To develop a therapy targeting HTLV-1-infected cells that are known to express CCR4 frequently, we tested whether truncated Pseudomonas exotoxin (PE38) fused to a CCR4 ligand, CCL17/thymus and activation-regulated chemokine (TARC), selectively eliminates such cells. RESULTS Our data show that TARC-PE38 efficiently killed HTLV-1-infected cell lines. It also shrank HTLV-1-associated solid tumors in an infected-cell-engrafted mouse model. In HTLV-1-positive humanized mice, TARC-PE38 markedly inhibited the proliferation of HTLV-1-infected human CD4(+)CD25(+) or CD4(+)CD25(+)CCR4(+) cells and reduced the proviral loads (PVLs) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Importantly, TARC-PE38 significantly reduced the PVLs in PBMCs obtained from asymptomatic carriers. We show that the cytotoxicity of TARC-PE38 is mediated by the expression of the proprotein convertase, furin. The expression of furin was enhanced in HTLV-1-infected cells and correlated positively with PVLs in HTLV-1-infected individuals, suggesting that infected cells are more susceptible to TARC-PE38 than normal cells. CONCLUSIONS TARC-PE38 robustly controls HTLV-1 infection by eliminating infected cells in both a CCR4- and furin-dependent manner, indicating the excellent therapeutic potential of TARC-PE38.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masateru Hiyoshi
- Department of Safety Research on Blood and Biological Products, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Musashimurayama, Tokyo, 208-0011, Japan.
| | - Kazu Okuma
- Department of Safety Research on Blood and Biological Products, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Musashimurayama, Tokyo, 208-0011, Japan.
| | - Seiji Tateyama
- Department of Safety Research on Blood and Biological Products, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Musashimurayama, Tokyo, 208-0011, Japan. .,Medical Facilities Support Department, Micron Inc., Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, 100-0005, Japan.
| | - Kazuya Takizawa
- Department of Safety Research on Blood and Biological Products, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Musashimurayama, Tokyo, 208-0011, Japan.
| | - Masumichi Saito
- Department of Safety Research on Blood and Biological Products, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Musashimurayama, Tokyo, 208-0011, Japan.
| | - Madoka Kuramitsu
- Department of Safety Research on Blood and Biological Products, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Musashimurayama, Tokyo, 208-0011, Japan.
| | - Kumiko Araki
- Department of Safety Research on Blood and Biological Products, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Musashimurayama, Tokyo, 208-0011, Japan.
| | - Kazuhiro Morishita
- Division of Tumor and Cellular Biochemistry, Department of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Miyazaki, Kiyotake, Miyazaki, 889-1692, Japan.
| | - Seiji Okada
- Division of Hematopoiesis, Center for AIDS Research, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, 860-0811, Japan.
| | - Naoki Yamamoto
- Department of Microbiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117599, Singapore.
| | - Arya Biragyn
- Immunoregulation Section, Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Immunology, National Institute on Aging, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA.
| | - Kazunari Yamaguchi
- Department of Safety Research on Blood and Biological Products, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Musashimurayama, Tokyo, 208-0011, Japan.
| | - Isao Hamaguchi
- Department of Safety Research on Blood and Biological Products, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Musashimurayama, Tokyo, 208-0011, Japan.
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18
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Ortutay Z, Oksanen A, Aittomäki S, Ortutay C, Pesu M. Proprotein convertase FURIN regulates T cell receptor-induced transactivation. J Leukoc Biol 2015; 98:73-83. [PMID: 25926688 DOI: 10.1189/jlb.2a0514-257rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2014] [Accepted: 04/08/2015] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Antigen emergence rapidly stimulates T cells, which leads to changes in cytokine production, cell proliferation, and differentiation. Some of the key molecules involved in these events, such as TGF-β1 and NOTCH1, are synthesized initially as inactive precursors and are proteolytically activated during T cell activation. PCSKs regulate proprotein maturation by catalyzing the proteolytic cleavage of their substrates. The prototype PCSK FURIN is induced upon TCR activation, and its expression in T cells is critical for the maintenance of peripheral immune tolerance. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that FURIN regulates T cell activation. Our data demonstrate that IL-2 is increased initially in FURIN-deficient mouse CD4(+) T cells, but the TCR-induced IL-2 mRNA expression is not sustained in the absence of FURIN. Accordingly, the inhibition of FURIN in human Jurkat T cell lines also results in a decrease in IL-2 production, whereas the overexpression of WT FURIN is associated with elevated IL-2 levels. In Jurkat cells, FURIN is dispensable for immediate TCR signaling steps, such as ERK, ZAP70, or LAT phosphorylation. However, with the use of gene reporter assays, we demonstrate that FURIN regulates the AP-1, NFAT, and NF-κB transcription factors. Finally, by performing a transcription factor-binding site enrichment analysis on FURIN-dependent transcriptomes, we identify the FURIN-regulated transcription factors in mouse CD4(+) T cell subsets. Collectively, our work confirms the hypothesis that the TCR-regulated protease FURIN plays an important role in T cell activation and that it can specifically modulate TCR-activated transactivation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zsuzsanna Ortutay
- *Immunoregulation, BioMediTech, University of Tampere, Finland; HiDucator Oy, Kangasala, Finland; and Department of Dermatology and Fimlab Laboratories, Tampere University Hospital, Pirkanmaa Hospital District, Tampere, Finland
| | - Anna Oksanen
- *Immunoregulation, BioMediTech, University of Tampere, Finland; HiDucator Oy, Kangasala, Finland; and Department of Dermatology and Fimlab Laboratories, Tampere University Hospital, Pirkanmaa Hospital District, Tampere, Finland
| | - Saara Aittomäki
- *Immunoregulation, BioMediTech, University of Tampere, Finland; HiDucator Oy, Kangasala, Finland; and Department of Dermatology and Fimlab Laboratories, Tampere University Hospital, Pirkanmaa Hospital District, Tampere, Finland
| | - Csaba Ortutay
- *Immunoregulation, BioMediTech, University of Tampere, Finland; HiDucator Oy, Kangasala, Finland; and Department of Dermatology and Fimlab Laboratories, Tampere University Hospital, Pirkanmaa Hospital District, Tampere, Finland
| | - Marko Pesu
- *Immunoregulation, BioMediTech, University of Tampere, Finland; HiDucator Oy, Kangasala, Finland; and Department of Dermatology and Fimlab Laboratories, Tampere University Hospital, Pirkanmaa Hospital District, Tampere, Finland
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Jacquot J, Tabary O, Clement A. Hyperinflammation in airways of cystic fibrosis patients: what’s new? Expert Rev Mol Diagn 2014; 8:359-63. [DOI: 10.1586/14737159.8.4.359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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20
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Turpeinen H, Ortutay Z, Pesu M. Genetics of the first seven proprotein convertase enzymes in health and disease. Curr Genomics 2014; 14:453-67. [PMID: 24396277 PMCID: PMC3867721 DOI: 10.2174/1389202911314050010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2013] [Revised: 09/13/2013] [Accepted: 09/14/2013] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Members of the substilisin/kexin like proprotein convertase (PCSK) protease family cleave and convert immature pro-proteins into their biologically active forms. By cleaving for example prohormones, cytokines and cell membrane proteins, PCSKs participate in maintaining the homeostasis in a healthy human body. Conversely, erratic enzymatic function is thought to contribute to the pathogenesis of a wide variety of diseases, including obesity and hypercholestrolemia. The first characterized seven PCSK enzymes (PCSK1-2, FURIN, PCSK4-7) process their substrates at a motif made up of paired basic amino acid residues. This feature results in a variable degree of biochemical redundancy in vitro, and consequently, shared substrate molecules between the different PCSK enzymes. This redundancy has confounded our understanding of the specific biological functions of PCSKs. The physiological roles of these enzymes have been best illustrated by the phenotypes of genetically engineered mice and patients that carry mutations in the PCSK genes. Recent developments in genome-wide methodology have generated a large amount of novel information on the genetics of the first seven proprotein convertases. In this review we summarize the reported genetic alterations and their associated phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannu Turpeinen
- Immunoregulation, Institute of Biomedical Technology, University of Tampere, and BioMediTech, Tampere, Finland
| | - Zsuzsanna Ortutay
- Immunoregulation, Institute of Biomedical Technology, University of Tampere, and BioMediTech, Tampere, Finland
| | - Marko Pesu
- Immunoregulation, Institute of Biomedical Technology, University of Tampere, and BioMediTech, Tampere, Finland; ; Fimlab laboratories, Pirkanmaa Hospital District, Finland
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21
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Wang J, Huang W, Xu R, Nie Y, Cao X, Meng J, Xu X, Hu S, Zheng Z. MicroRNA-24 regulates cardiac fibrosis after myocardial infarction. J Cell Mol Med 2013; 16:2150-60. [PMID: 22260784 PMCID: PMC3822985 DOI: 10.1111/j.1582-4934.2012.01523.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 209] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Cardiac fibrosis after myocardial infarction (MI) has been identified as a key factor in the development of heart failure. Although dysregulation of microRNA (miRNA) is involved in various pathophysiological processes in the heart, the role of miRNA in fibrosis regulation after MI is not clear. Previously we observed the correlation between fibrosis and the miR-24 expression in hypertrophic hearts, herein we assessed how miR-24 regulates fibrosis after MI. Using qRT-PCR, we showed that miR-24 was down-regulated in the MI heart; the change in miR-24 expression was closely related to extracellular matrix (ECM) remodelling. In vivo, miR-24 could improve heart function and attenuate fibrosis in the infarct border zone of the heart two weeks after MI through intramyocardial injection of Lentiviruses. Moreover, in vitro experiments suggested that up-regulation of miR-24 by synthetic miR-24 precursors could reduce fibrosis and also decrease the differentiation and migration of cardiac fibroblasts (CFs). TGF-β (a pathological mediator of fibrotic disease) increased miR-24 expression, overexpression of miR-24 reduced TGF-β secretion and Smad2/3 phosphorylation in CFs. By performing microarray analyses and bioinformatics analyses, we found furin to be a potential target for miR-24 in fibrosis (furin is a protease which controls latent TGF-β activation processing). Finally, we demonstrated that protein and mRNA levels of furin were regulated by miR-24 in CFs. These findings suggest that miR-24 has a critical role in CF function and cardiac fibrosis after MI through a furin–TGF-β pathway. Thus, miR-24 may be used as a target for treatment of MI and other fibrotic heart diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jue Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Translational Cardiovascular Medicine, Fuwai Hospital & Cardiovascular Institute, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
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22
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Zhang X, Liang D, Guo B, Sun L, Chi ZH, Cai Y, Wang L, Ma J. Zinc transporter 7 induced by high glucose attenuates epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition of peritoneal mesothelial cells. Biol Trace Elem Res 2013; 151:138-47. [PMID: 23104082 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-012-9533-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2012] [Accepted: 10/17/2012] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Zinc (Zn) is an essential micronutrient and cytoprotectant involved in preventing many types of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-driven fibrosis in vivo. The zinc-transporter family SLC30A (ZnT) is a pivotal factor in the regulation of Zn homeostasis. However, its function in EMT in peritoneal mesothelial cells (PMCs) remains unknown. This study explored the regulation of zinc transporters and the role they play in cell EMT, particularly in rat peritoneal mesothelial cells (RPMCs), surrounding glucose concentrations and the molecular mechanism involved. The effects of high glucose (HG) on zinc transporter gene expression were measured in RPMCs by real-time PCR. We explored ZnT7 (Slc30A7): the effect of ZnT7 over-expression and siRNA-mediated knock-down on HG-induced EMT was investigated as well as the underlying molecular mechanisms. Over-expression of ZnT7 resulted in significantly inhibited HG-induced EMT in RPMCs, while inhibition of ZnT7 expression using a considerable siRNA-mediated knock-down of RPMCs increased the levels of EMT. Furthermore, over-expression of ZnT7 is accompanied by down-regulation of TGF-β/Smad pathway, phospho-Smad3,4 expression levels. The finding suggests that the zinc-transporting system in RPMCs is influenced by the exposure to HG. The ZnT7 may account for the inhibition of HG-induced EMT in RPMCs, likely through targeting TGF-β/Smad signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiuli Zhang
- Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, 155th Nanjing North Street, Shenyang, Liaoning, People's Republic of China
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23
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Weldon JE, Xiang L, Zhang J, Beers R, Walker DA, Onda M, Hassan R, Pastan I. A recombinant immunotoxin against the tumor-associated antigen mesothelin reengineered for high activity, low off-target toxicity, and reduced antigenicity. Mol Cancer Ther 2012; 12:48-57. [PMID: 23136186 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-12-0336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
SS1P is a recombinant immunotoxin (RIT) engineered for the targeted elimination of malignant cells that express the tumor-associated antigen mesothelin. It is composed of an antimesothelin antibody variable fragment (Fv) linked to a cytotoxic fragment of Pseudomonas exotoxin A (PE) that includes domains II and III of native PE. The clinical use of SS1P is limited by its propensity to induce neutralizing antibodies and to cause a dose-limiting capillary leak syndrome (CLS) in patients. In this article, we describe a reengineered SS1P with improved properties that overcome these deficits. The redesign of SS1P consists of (i) removing the bulk of PE domain II (residues 251-273 and 284-394 of native PE), leaving only an 11-residue furin cleavage site, (ii) adding a Gly-Gly-Ser peptide linker after the furin cleavage site, and (iii) replacing eight highly solvent-exposed residues in the catalytic domain of PE. The new molecule, SS1-LR/GGS/8M, has cytotoxic activity comparable with SS1P on several mesothelin-expressing cell lines and remarkably improved activity on primary cells from patients with mesothelioma. In a mouse xenograft tumor model, high doses of SS1-LR/GGS/8M elicit antitumor activity superior to the activity of SS1P at its maximum-tolerated dose. In addition, SS1-LR/GGS/8M has greatly decreased ability to cause CLS in a rat model and reduced antigenicity or reactivity with antibodies to the sera of patients previously treated with SS1P.
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Affiliation(s)
- John E Weldon
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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Weldon JE, Pastan I. A guide to taming a toxin--recombinant immunotoxins constructed from Pseudomonas exotoxin A for the treatment of cancer. FEBS J 2011; 278:4683-700. [PMID: 21585657 PMCID: PMC3179548 DOI: 10.1111/j.1742-4658.2011.08182.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 181] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Pseudomonas exotoxin A (PE) is a highly toxic protein secreted by the opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The modular structure and corresponding mechanism of action of PE make it amenable to extensive modifications that can redirect its potent cytotoxicity from disease to a therapeutic function. In combination with a variety of artificial targeting elements, such as receptor ligands and antibody fragments, PE becomes a selective agent for the elimination of specific cell populations. This review summarizes our current understanding of PE, its intoxication pathway, and the ongoing efforts to convert this toxin into a treatment for cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- John E Weldon
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892-4264, USA
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25
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Méré J, Chopard C, Bonhoure A, Morlon-Guyot J, Beaumelle B. Increasing stability and toxicity of Pseudomonas exotoxin by attaching an antiproteasic Peptide. Biochemistry 2011; 50:10052-60. [PMID: 22014283 DOI: 10.1021/bi2010009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Trypsin-like activities are present within the endocytic pathway and allow cells to inactivate a fraction of incoming toxins, such as Pseudomonas exotoxin (PE), that require endocytic uptake before reaching the cytosol to inactivate protein synthesis. PE is a favorite toxin for building immunotoxins. The latter are promising molecules to fight cancer or transplant rejection, and producing more active toxins is a key challenge. More broadly, increasing protein stability is a potentially useful approach to improve the efficiency of therapeutic proteins. We report here that fusing an antiproteasic peptide (bovine pancreatic trypsin inhibitor, BPTI) to PE increases its toxicity to human cancer cell lines by 20-40-fold. Confocal microscopic examination of toxin endocytosis, digestion, and immunoprecipitation experiments showed that the fused antiproteasic peptide specifically protects PE from trypsin-like activities. Hence, the attached BPTI acts as a bodyguard for the toxin within the endocytic pathway. Moreover, it increased the PE elimination half-time in mice by 70%, indicating that the fused BPTI stabilizes the toxin in vivo. This BPTI-fusion approach may be useful for protecting other circulating or internalized proteins of therapeutic interest from premature degradation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jocelyn Méré
- CPBS, UMR 5236 CNRS, 1919 route de Mende, 34293 Montpellier, France
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Polyarginine peptide IND-1 enhances recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 yield in mammalian cells. Biotechnol Lett 2011; 34:221-30. [PMID: 22038549 DOI: 10.1007/s10529-011-0781-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2011] [Accepted: 10/12/2011] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Abstract
To improve recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2) yield, cell lines stably expressing hBMP2 were cultured in the presence of polyarginine peptide IND-1 and showed up to 6-fold increase in the yield of mature BMP-2. Repeated addition of IND-1 to cell cultures consistently improved BMP-2 yields over 53 days without affecting cell growth and viability. Investigation of its mechanism of action showed that IND-1 inhibited pro-protein convertase (PC) activity when incubated with cell lysates. However, when intact cells were cultured with IND-1, no change in cellular PC activity was observed. Furthermore, knockdown of furin (a prototypical member of the PCs) in cells did not affect their BMP-2 yields, suggesting furin/PC inhibition is unlikely the mechanism by which IND-1 enhances BMP-2 yields. IND-1 as a medium additive thus enhances BMP-2 production in mammalian cell expression systems.
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Mayer ML, Sheridan JA, Blohmke CJ, Turvey SE, Hancock REW. The Pseudomonas aeruginosa autoinducer 3O-C12 homoserine lactone provokes hyperinflammatory responses from cystic fibrosis airway epithelial cells. PLoS One 2011; 6:e16246. [PMID: 21305014 PMCID: PMC3031552 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0016246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2010] [Accepted: 12/07/2010] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The discovery of novel antiinflammatory targets to treat inflammation in the cystic fibrosis (CF) lung stands to benefit patient populations suffering with this disease. The Pseudomonas aeruginosa quorum sensing autoinducer N-3-oxododecanoyl homoserine lactone (3O-C12) is an important bacterial virulence factor that has been reported to induce proinflammatory cytokine production from a variety of cell types. The goal of this study was to examine the ability of 3O-C12 to induce proinflammatory cytokine production in normal and CF bronchial epithelial cells, and better understand the cellular mechanisms by which this cytokine induction occurs. 3O-C12 was found to induce higher levels of IL-6 production in the CF cell lines IB3-1 and CuFi, compared to their corresponding control cell lines C38 and NuLi. Systems biology and network analysis revealed a high predominance of over-represented innate immune pathways bridged together by calcium-dependant transcription factors governing the transcriptional responses of A549 airway cells to stimulation with 3O-C12. Using calcium-flux assays, 3O-C12 was found to induce larger and more sustained increases in intracellular calcium in IB3-1 cells compared to C38, and blocking this calcium flux with BAPTA-AM reduced the production of IL-6 by IB3-1 to the levels produced by C38. These data suggest that 3O-C12 induces proinflammatory cytokine production in airway epithelial cells in a calcium-dependent manner, and that dysregulated calcium storage or signalling in CF cells results in an increased production of proinflammatory cytokines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew L. Mayer
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
- Centre for Microbial Diseases and Immunity Research, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Jared A. Sheridan
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
- Centre for Microbial Diseases and Immunity Research, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Christoph J. Blohmke
- Department of Pediatrics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
- Child and Family Research Institute, BC Children's Hospital, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Stuart E. Turvey
- Department of Pediatrics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
- Child and Family Research Institute, BC Children's Hospital, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Robert E. W. Hancock
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
- Centre for Microbial Diseases and Immunity Research, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
- * E-mail:
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Regulation of the epithelial Na+ channel and airway surface liquid volume by serine proteases. Pflugers Arch 2010; 460:1-17. [PMID: 20401730 DOI: 10.1007/s00424-010-0827-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2010] [Revised: 03/10/2010] [Accepted: 03/12/2010] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Mammalian airways are protected from infection by a thin film of airway surface liquid (ASL) which covers airway epithelial surfaces and acts as a lubricant to keep mucus from adhering to the epithelial surface. Precise regulation of ASL volume is essential for efficient mucus clearance and too great a reduction in ASL volume causes mucus dehydration and mucus stasis which contributes to chronic airway infection. The epithelial Na(+) channel (ENaC) is the rate-limiting step that governs Na(+) absorption in the airways. Recent in vitro and in vivo data have demonstrated that ENaC is a critical determinant of ASL volume and hence mucus clearance. ENaC must be cleaved by either intracellular furin-type proteases or extracellular serine proteases to be active and conduct Na(+), and this process can be inhibited by protease inhibitors. ENaC can be regulated by multiple pathways, and once proteolytically cleaved ENaC may then be inhibited by intracellular second messengers such as cAMP and PIP(2). In the airways, however, regulation of ENaC by proteases seems to be the predominant mode of regulation since knockdown of either endogenous serine proteases such as prostasin, or inhibitors of ENaC proteolysis such as SPLUNC1, has large effects on ENaC activity in airway epithelia. In this review, we shall discuss how ENaC is proteolytically cleaved, how this process can regulate ASL volume, and how its failure to operate correctly may contribute to chronic airway disease.
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Morlon-Guyot J, Méré J, Bonhoure A, Beaumelle B. Processing of Pseudomonas aeruginosa exotoxin A is dispensable for cell intoxication. Infect Immun 2009; 77:3090-9. [PMID: 19380469 PMCID: PMC2708563 DOI: 10.1128/iai.01390-08] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2008] [Revised: 01/07/2009] [Accepted: 04/13/2009] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Exotoxin A is a major virulence factor of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. This toxin binds to a specific receptor on animal cells, allowing endocytosis of the toxin. Once in endosomes, the exotoxin can be processed by furin to generate a C-terminal toxin fragment that lacks the receptor binding domain and is retrogradely transported to the endoplasmic reticulum for retrotranslocation to the cytosol through the Sec61 channel. The toxin then blocks protein synthesis by ADP ribosylation of elongation factor 2, thereby triggering cell death. A shorter intracellular route has also been described for this toxin. It involves direct translocation of the entire toxin from endosomes to the cytosol and therefore does not rely on furin-mediated cleavage. To examine the implications of endosomal translocation in the intoxication process, we investigated whether the toxin required furin-mediated processing in order to kill cells. We used three different approaches. We first fused to the N terminus of the toxin proteins with different unfolding abilities so that they inhibited or did not inhibit endosomal translocation of the chimera. We then assayed the amount of toxin fragments delivered to the cytosol during cell intoxication. Finally we used furin inhibitors and examined the fate and intracellular localization of the toxin and its receptor. The results showed that exotoxin cytotoxicity results largely from endosomal translocation of the entire toxin. We found that the C-terminal fragment was unstable in the cytosol.
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Ahmad S, Ahmad A, Dremina ES, Sharov VS, Guo X, Jones TN, Loader JE, Tatreau JR, Perraud AL, Schöneich C, Randell SH, White CW. Bcl-2 suppresses sarcoplasmic/endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase expression in cystic fibrosis airways: role in oxidant-mediated cell death. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2009; 179:816-26. [PMID: 19201925 DOI: 10.1164/rccm.200807-1104oc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
RATIONALE Modulation of the activity of sarcoendoplasmic reticulum calcium ATPase (SERCA) can profoundly affect Ca(2+) homeostasis. Although altered calcium homeostasis is a characteristic of cystic fibrosis (CF), the role of SERCA is unknown. OBJECTIVES This study provides a comprehensive investigation of expression and activity of SERCA in CF airway epithelium. A detailed study of the mechanisms underlying SERCA changes and its consequences was also undertaken. METHODS Lung tissue samples (bronchus and bronchiole) from subjects with and without CF were evaluated by immunohistochemistry. Protein and mRNA expression in primary non-CF and CF cells was determined by Western and Northern blots. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS SERCA2 expression was decreased in bronchial and bronchiolar epithelia of subjects with CF. SERCA2 expression in lysates of polarized tracheobronchial epithelial cells from subjects with CF was decreased by 67% as compared with those from subjects without CF. Several non-CF and CF airway epithelial cell lines were also probed. SERCA2 expression and activity were consistently decreased in CF cell lines. Adenoviral expression of mutant F508 cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator gene (CFTR), inhibition of CFTR function pharmacologically (CFTR(inh)172), or stable expression of antisense oligonucleotides to inhibit CFTR expression caused decreased SERCA2 expression. In CF cells, SERCA2 interacted with Bcl-2, leading to its displacement from caveolae-related domains of endoplasmic reticulum membranes, as demonstrated in sucrose density gradient centrifugation and immunoprecipitation studies. Knockdown of SERCA2 using siRNA enhanced epithelial cell death due to ozone, hydrogen peroxide, and TNF-alpha. CONCLUSIONS Reduced SERCA2 expression may alter calcium signaling and apoptosis in CF. These findings decrease the likelihood of therapeutic benefit of SERCA inhibition in CF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shama Ahmad
- Department of Pediatrics, National Jewish Medical and Research Center, A440, 1400 Jackson Street, Denver, CO 80206, USA.
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Pesu M, Watford WT, Wei L, Xu L, Fuss I, Strober W, Andersson J, Shevach EM, Quezado M, Bouladoux N, Roebroek A, Belkaid Y, Creemers J, O'Shea JJ. T-cell-expressed proprotein convertase furin is essential for maintenance of peripheral immune tolerance. Nature 2008; 455:246-50. [PMID: 18701887 DOI: 10.1038/nature07210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 160] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2008] [Accepted: 06/25/2008] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Furin is one of seven proprotein convertase family members that promote proteolytic maturation of proproteins. It is induced in activated T cells and is reported to process a variety of substrates including the anti-inflammatory cytokine transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta1 (refs 2-4), but the non-redundant functions of furin versus other proprotein convertases in T cells are unclear. Here we show that conditional deletion of furin in T cells allowed for normal T-cell development but impaired the function of regulatory and effector T cells, which produced less TGF-beta1. Furin-deficient T regulatory (Treg) cells were less protective in a T-cell transfer colitis model and failed to induce Foxp3 in normal T cells. Additionally, furin-deficient effector cells were inherently over-active and were resistant to suppressive activity of wild-type Treg cells. Thus, our results indicate that furin is indispensable in maintaining peripheral tolerance, which is due, at least in part, to its non-redundant, essential function in regulating TGF-beta1 production. Targeting furin has emerged as a strategy in malignant and infectious disease. Our results suggest that inhibiting furin might activate immune responses, but may result in a breakdown in peripheral tolerance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marko Pesu
- Molecular Immunology and Inflammation Branch, National Institute for Arthritis, Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA.
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Jacquot J, Tabary O, Le Rouzic P, Clement A. Airway epithelial cell inflammatory signalling in cystic fibrosis. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2008; 40:1703-15. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2008.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2007] [Revised: 02/01/2008] [Accepted: 02/07/2008] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
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