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Williams TL, Nwokoye P, Kuc RE, Smith K, Paterson AL, Allinson K, Maguire JJ, Davenport AP. Expression of the apelin receptor, a novel potential therapeutic target, and its endogenous ligands in diverse stem cell populations in human glioblastoma. Front Neurosci 2024; 18:1379658. [PMID: 38803685 PMCID: PMC11128631 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2024.1379658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is one of the most common and lethal forms of brain cancer, carrying a very poor prognosis (median survival of ~15 months post-diagnosis). Treatment typically involves invasive surgical resection of the tumour mass, followed by radiotherapy and adjuvant chemotherapy using the alkylating agent temozolomide, but over half of patients do not respond to this drug and considerable resistance is observed. Tumour heterogeneity is the main cause of therapeutic failure, where diverse progenitor glioblastoma stem cell (GSC) lineages in the microenvironment drive tumour recurrence and therapeutic resistance. The apelin receptor is a class A GPCR that binds two endogenous peptide ligands, apelin and ELA, and plays a role in the proliferation and survival of cancer cells. Here, we used quantitative whole slide immunofluorescent imaging of human GBM samples to characterise expression of the apelin receptor and both its ligands in the distinct GSC lineages, namely neural-progenitor-like cells (NPCs), oligodendrocyte-progenitor-like cells (OPCs), and mesenchymal-like cells (MES), as well as reactive astrocytic cells. The data confirm the presence of the apelin receptor as a tractable drug target that is common across the key cell populations driving tumour growth and maintenance, offering a potential novel therapeutic approach for patients with GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas L. Williams
- Experimental Medicine and Immunotherapeutics, University of Cambridge, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Peter Nwokoye
- Experimental Medicine and Immunotherapeutics, University of Cambridge, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Rhoda E. Kuc
- Experimental Medicine and Immunotherapeutics, University of Cambridge, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Kieran Smith
- Experimental Medicine and Immunotherapeutics, University of Cambridge, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Anna L. Paterson
- Department of Pathology, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Kieren Allinson
- Department of Pathology, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Janet J. Maguire
- Experimental Medicine and Immunotherapeutics, University of Cambridge, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Anthony P. Davenport
- Experimental Medicine and Immunotherapeutics, University of Cambridge, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge, United Kingdom
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2
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Li A, Zhao Q, Chen L, Li Z. Apelin/APJ system: an emerging therapeutic target for neurological diseases. Mol Biol Rep 2023; 50:1639-1653. [PMID: 36378421 PMCID: PMC9665010 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-022-08075-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Apelin, an endogenous ligand for the G protein-coupled receptor APJ, is extensively expressed in various systems, especially the nervous system. This article reviews the role of apelin/APJ system in neurological diseases. In detail, apelin/APJ system can relieve acute brain injury including subarachnoid hemorrhage, traumatic brain injury, and ischemic stroke. Also, apelin/APJ system has therapeutic effects on chronic neurodegenerative disease models, involving the regulation of neurotrophic factors, neuroendocrine, oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, neuronal apoptosis, and autophagy. In addition, through different routes of administration, apelin/APJ system has a biphasic effect on depression, epilepsy, and pain. However, apelin/APJ system exacerbates the proliferation and invasion of glioblastoma. Thus, apelin/APJ system is expected to be a therapeutic target for the treatment of nervous system diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ao Li
- Institute of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment Responsive Drug Research, Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, Hunan, China
| | - Qun Zhao
- Health Management Center, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Linxi Chen
- Institute of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment Responsive Drug Research, Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, Hunan, China.
| | - Zhiyue Li
- Department of Orthopedics, Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
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3
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Ivanov MN, Stoyanov DS, Pavlov SP, Tonchev AB. Distribution, Function, and Expression of the Apelinergic System in the Healthy and Diseased Mammalian Brain. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:2172. [PMID: 36421846 PMCID: PMC9690544 DOI: 10.3390/genes13112172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Revised: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 07/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Apelin, a peptide initially isolated from bovine stomach extract, is an endogenous ligand for the Apelin Receptor (APLNR). Subsequently, a second peptide, ELABELA, that can bind to the receptor has been identified. The Apelin receptor and its endogenous ligands are widely distributed in mammalian organs. A growing body of evidence suggests that this system participates in various signaling cascades that can regulate cell proliferation, blood pressure, fluid homeostasis, feeding behavior, and pituitary hormone release. Additional research has been done to elucidate the system's potential role in neurogenesis, the pathophysiology of Glioblastoma multiforme, and the protective effects of apelin peptides on some neurological and psychiatric disorders-ischemic stroke, epilepsy, Parkinson's, and Alzheimer's disease. This review discusses the current knowledge on the apelinergic system's involvement in brain physiology in health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin N. Ivanov
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Medical University-Varna, 9000 Varna, Bulgaria
- Department of Stem Cell Biology, Research Institute, Medical University-Varna, 9000 Varna, Bulgaria
| | - Dimo S. Stoyanov
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Medical University-Varna, 9000 Varna, Bulgaria
| | - Stoyan P. Pavlov
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Medical University-Varna, 9000 Varna, Bulgaria
| | - Anton. B. Tonchev
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Medical University-Varna, 9000 Varna, Bulgaria
- Department of Stem Cell Biology, Research Institute, Medical University-Varna, 9000 Varna, Bulgaria
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Chen J, Li Z, Zhao Q, Chen L. Roles of apelin/APJ system in cancer: Biomarker, predictor, and emerging therapeutic target. J Cell Physiol 2022; 237:3734-3751. [DOI: 10.1002/jcp.30845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Revised: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jiawei Chen
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment Responsive Drug Research, Hengyang Medical School, Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, Institute of Pharmacy and Pharmacology University of South China Hengyang Hunan China
| | - Zhiyue Li
- Health Management Center, The Third Xiangya Hospital Central South University Changsha Hunan Province China
| | - Qun Zhao
- Department of Orthopedics Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University Changsha Hunan China
| | - Linxi Chen
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment Responsive Drug Research, Hengyang Medical School, Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, Institute of Pharmacy and Pharmacology University of South China Hengyang Hunan China
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5
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Yang Y, Chen M, Qiu Y, Li X, Huang Y, Zhang W. The Apelin/APLNR system modulates tumor immune response by reshaping the tumor microenvironment. Gene X 2022; 834:146564. [PMID: 35598689 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2022.146564] [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: 03/08/2022] [Revised: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Apelin is an endogenous ligand of the Apelin receptor (APLNR), a seven-transmembrane G protein-coupled receptor, which is widely distributed in human tissue. The Apelin/APLNR system is involved in regulating several physiological and pathological processes. The Apelin expression is increased in a variety of cancer and the Apelin/APLNR system could regulate the development of tumors through mediating autophagy, apoptosis, pyroptosis, and other biological processes to regulate tumor cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. The Apelin/APLNR system also participates in immune response and immune regulation through PI3K-Akt, ERK-MAPK, and other signal pathways. The latest research points out that there is a negative regulatory relationship between APLNR and immune checkpoint PD-L1. In this review, we outline the significance of the Apelin/APLNR signaling pathway in tumorigenesis and its immune regulation. These endeavors provide new insights into the translational application of Apelin/APLNR in cancer and may contribute to the promotion of more effective treatments for cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuqin Yang
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province 410013, PR China
| | - Meilin Chen
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province 410013, PR China
| | - Yanbing Qiu
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province 410013, PR China
| | - Xiaoxu Li
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province 410013, PR China
| | - Yumei Huang
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province 410013, PR China
| | - Wenling Zhang
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province 410013, PR China.
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Liu L, Yi X, Lu C, Wang Y, Xiao Q, Zhang L, Pang Y, Guan X. Study Progression of Apelin/APJ Signaling and Apela in Different Types of Cancer. Front Oncol 2021; 11:658253. [PMID: 33912466 PMCID: PMC8075258 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.658253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Apelin is an endogenous ligand that binds to the G protein-coupled receptor angiotensin-like-receptor 1 (APJ). Apelin and APJ are widely distributed in organs and tissues and are involved in multiple physiological and pathological processes including cardiovascular regulation, neuroendocrine stress response, energy metabolism, etc. Additionally, apelin/APJ axis was found to play an important role in cancer development and progression. Apela is a newly identified endogenous ligand for APJ. Several studies have revealed the potential role of Apela in cancers. In this article, we review the current studies focusing on the role of apelin/APJ signaling and Apela in different cancers. Potential mechanisms by which apelin/APJ and Apela mediate the regulation of cancer development and progression were also mentioned. The Apelin/APJ signaling and Apela may serve as potential therapeutic candidates for treatment of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Longfei Liu
- Department of Urology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xiaoping Yi
- Department of Radiology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Can Lu
- Department of Nephrology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yong Wang
- Department of Urology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Qiao Xiao
- Department of Urology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Liang Zhang
- Department of Urology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yingxian Pang
- Department of Urology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xiao Guan
- Department of Urology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
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Apelin-13 alleviated cardiac fibrosis via inhibiting the PI3K/Akt pathway to attenuate oxidative stress in rats with myocardial infarction-induced heart failure. Biosci Rep 2021; 40:222454. [PMID: 32207519 PMCID: PMC7133518 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20200040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2020] [Revised: 03/11/2020] [Accepted: 03/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study aimed to determine whether apelin-13 could attenuate cardiac fibrosis via inhibiting the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt) pathway to inhibit reactive oxygen species in heart failure (HF) rats. HF models were established by inducing ischemia myocardial infarction (MI) through ligation of the left anterior descending artery in Sprague–Dawley (SD) rats. MI-induced changes in hemodynamics and cardiac function were reversed by apelin-13 administration. The increases in the levels of collagen I, collagen III, α-smooth muscle actin (SMA), and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) in the heart of MI rats and cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) treated with angiotensin (Ang) II were inhibited by apelin-13. The levels of PI3K and p-Akt increased in Ang II-treated CFs, and these increases were blocked by apelin-13. The PI3K overexpression reversed the effects of apelin-13 on Ang II-induced increases in collagen I, collagen III, α-SMA, and TGF-β, NADPH oxidase activity and superoxide anions in CFs. Apelin-13 reduced the increases in the levels of NADPH oxidase activity and superoxide anions in the heart of MI rats and CFs with Ang II treatment. The results demonstrated that apelin-13 improved cardiac dysfunction, impaired cardiac hemodynamics, and attenuated fibrosis of CFs induced by Ang II via inhibiting the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway to inhibit oxidative stress.
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Masoumi J, Jafarzadeh A, Khorramdelazad H, Abbasloui M, Abdolalizadeh J, Jamali N. Role of Apelin/APJ axis in cancer development and progression. Adv Med Sci 2020; 65:202-213. [PMID: 32087570 DOI: 10.1016/j.advms.2020.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2019] [Revised: 05/26/2019] [Accepted: 02/11/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Apelin is an endogenous peptide, which is expressed in a vast board of organs such as the brain, placenta, heart, lungs, kidneys, pancreas, testis, prostate and adipose tissues. The apelin receptor, called angiotensin-like-receptor 1 (APJ), is also expressed in the brain, spleen, placenta, heart, liver, intestine, prostate, thymus, testis, ovary, lungs, kidneys, stomach, and adipose tissue. The apelin/APJ axis is involved in a number of physiological and pathological processes. The apelin expression is increased in various kinds of cancer and the apelin/APJ axis plays a key role in the development of tumors through enhancing angiogenesis, metastasis, cell proliferation and also through the development of cancer stem cells and drug resistance. The apelin also stops the apoptosis of cancer cells. The apelin/APJ axis was considered in this review as an attractive therapeutic target for cancer treatment.
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Zhao Y, Li Y, Li Z, Xu B, Chen P, Yang X. Superoxide anions modulate the performance of apelin in the paraventricular nucleus on sympathetic activity and blood pressure in spontaneously hypertensive rats. Peptides 2019; 121:170051. [PMID: 30582943 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2018.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2018] [Revised: 12/17/2018] [Accepted: 12/18/2018] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
The present study was designed to determine how apelin in paraventricular nucleus (PVN) modulates the renal sympathetic nerve activity (RSNA), arterial blood pressure (ABP), mean arterial pressure (MAP), and heart rate (HR), and whether superoxide anions regulate the performance of PVN apelin in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs). Acute experiment was carried out with 13-week-old male Wistar-Kyoto rats (WKY) and SHRs under anaesthesia. RSNA, ABP, MAP and HR after PVN microinjection were measured. Apelin microinjection into PVN increased RSNA, ABP, MAP and HR in WKY rats and SHRs, more obviously in SHRs. APJ antagonist F13A decreased the RSNA, ABP, MAP and HR in SHRs, and inhibited the effects of apelin. Apelin and APJ mRNA levels were higher in the PVN in SHRs. PVN microinjection of superoxide anion scavengers tempol and tiron, or NAD(P)H oxidase inhibitor apocynin, decreased the RSNA, ABP, MAP and HR in SHRs, and inhibited the effects of apelin, but the superoxide dismutase (SOD) inhibitor diethyldithiocarbamic acid (DETC) potentiated the effects of apelin. NAD(P)H oxidase activity and superoxide anion levels in PVN were increased by apelin, but decreased by APJ antagonist F13A. The apelin-induced increases in NAD(P)H oxidase activity and superoxide anion level were abolished by pre-treatment with F13A. These results indicate that apelin in PVN increases the sympathetic outflow and blood pressure via activating APJ receptor. The enhanced activity of endogenous apelin and APJ receptor in PVN contributes to sympathetic activation in hypertension, and the superoxide anion is involved in these apelin-mediated processes in PVN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuewu Zhao
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China; Department of Cardiology, Xuzhou No. 1 People's Hospital, Xuzhou, China
| | - Yong Li
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhengzhang Li
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Bing Xu
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Peng Chen
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Xiangjun Yang
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China.
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