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Fleming H, Preston RJS. Mimicking activated protein C-progress by PARtnering peptides. J Thromb Haemost 2024; 22:2153-2155. [PMID: 39048268 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtha.2024.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Harry Fleming
- Irish Centre for Vascular Biology, School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland; National Children's Research Centre, Children's Health Ireland Crumlin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Roger J S Preston
- Irish Centre for Vascular Biology, School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland; National Children's Research Centre, Children's Health Ireland Crumlin, Dublin, Ireland.
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Healy LD, Fernández JA, Aiolfi R, Mosnier LO, Griffin JH. An orthosteric/allosteric bivalent peptide agonist comprising covalently linked protease-activated receptor-derived peptides mimics in vitro and in vivo activities of activated protein C. J Thromb Haemost 2024; 22:2039-2051. [PMID: 38670314 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtha.2024.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Revised: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Activated protein C (APC) has anticoagulant and cytoprotective cell-signaling activities, which often require protease-activated receptor (PAR) 1 and PAR3 and PAR cleavages at noncanonical sites (R46-N47 and R41-G42, respectively). Some PAR1-derived (P1) peptides and PAR3-derived (P3) peptides, eg, P1-47-66 and P3-42-65, mimic APC's cell signaling. In anti-inflammatory assays, these 2 peptides at low concentrations synergistically attenuate cellular inflammation. OBJECTIVES To determine whether a P1 peptide covalently linked to a P3 peptide mimics APC's anti-inflammatory and endothelial barrier stabilization activities. METHODS Anti-inflammatory assays employed stimulated THP-1 cells and caspase-1 measurements. Cultured human EA.hy926 or murine aortic endothelial cells (ECs) exposed to thrombin were monitored for transendothelial electrical resistance. Bivalent covalently linked P1:P3 peptides were studied for APC-like activities. RESULTS In anti-inflammatory assays, P1-47-55 was as active as P1-47-66 and some P3 peptides (eg, P3-44-54 and P3-51-65) were as active as P3-42-65. The bivalent P1:P3 peptide comprising P1-47-55-(Gly[10 residues])-P3-51-65 (designated "G10 peptide") was more potently anti-inflammatory than the P1 or P3 peptide alone. In transendothelial electrical resistance studies of thrombin-challenged ECs, P1-47-55 and the G10 peptide mimicked APC's protective actions. In dose-response studies, the G10 peptide was more potent than the P1-47-55 peptide. In murine EC studies, the murine PAR-sequence-derived G10 peptide mimicked murine APC's activity. Anti-PAR1 and anti-PAR3 antibodies, but not anti-endothelial protein C receptor antibodies, abated G10's cytoprotection, showing that G10's actions involve PAR1:PAR3. G10 significantly increased survival in murine endotoxemia. CONCLUSION The PAR-sequence-derived G10 peptide is a bivalent agonist that mimics APC's cytoprotective, anti-inflammatory, and endothelial barrier-stabilizing actions and APC's protection against endotoxemic mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura D Healy
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - José A Fernández
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Roberto Aiolfi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Laurent O Mosnier
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - John H Griffin
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California, USA.
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Ramadas N, Lowder K, Dutton J, Trebak F, Faes C, Griffin JH, Pawlinski R, Mosnier LO, Sparkenbaugh E. Biased agonism of protease-activated receptor-1 regulates thromboinflammation in murine sickle cell disease. Blood Adv 2024; 8:3272-3283. [PMID: 38640339 PMCID: PMC11226968 DOI: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2023011907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a hereditary hemoglobinopathy marked by hemolytic anemia and vaso-occlusive events (VOEs). Chronic endothelial activation, inflammation, and coagulation activation contribute to vascular congestion, VOEs, and end-organ damage. Coagulation proteases such as thrombin and activated protein C (APC) modulate inflammation and endothelial dysfunction by activating protease-activated receptor 1 (PAR1), a G-protein-coupled receptor. Thrombin cleaves PAR1 at Arg41, while APC cleaves PAR1 at Arg46, initiating either proinflammatory or cytoprotective signaling, respectively, a signaling conundrum known as biased agonism. Our prior research established the role of thrombin and PAR1 in vascular stasis in an SCD mouse model. However, the role of APC and APC-biased PAR1 signaling in thrombin generation, inflammation, and endothelial activation in SCD remains unexplored. Inhibition of APC in SCD mice increased thrombin generation, inflammation, and endothelial activation during both steady state and tumor necrosis factor α challenge. To dissect the individual contributions of thrombin-PAR1 and APC-PAR1 signaling, we used transgenic mice with point mutations at 2 PAR1 cleavage sites, ArgR41Gln (R41Q) imparting insensitivity to thrombin and Arg46Gln (R46Q) imparting insensitivity to APC. Sickle bone marrow chimeras expressing PAR1-R41Q exhibited reduced thrombo-inflammatory responses compared with wild type PAR1 or PAR1-R46Q mice. These findings highlight the potential benefit of reducing thrombin-dependent PAR1 activation while preserving APC-PAR1 signaling in SCD thromboinflammation. These results also suggest that pharmacological strategies promoting biased PAR1 signaling could effectively mitigate vascular complications associated with SCD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nirupama Ramadas
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Blood Research Center, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Kailyn Lowder
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Blood Research Center, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Joshua Dutton
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Blood Research Center, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Fatima Trebak
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Blood Research Center, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Camille Faes
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Blood Research Center, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - John H. Griffin
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA
| | - Rafal Pawlinski
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Blood Research Center, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Laurent O. Mosnier
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA
| | - Erica Sparkenbaugh
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Blood Research Center, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
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Paul S, Mukherjee T, Das K. Coagulation Protease-Driven Cancer Immune Evasion: Potential Targets for Cancer Immunotherapy. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:1568. [PMID: 38672649 PMCID: PMC11048528 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16081568] [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: 03/13/2024] [Revised: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Blood coagulation and cancer are intrinsically connected, hypercoagulation-associated thrombotic complications are commonly observed in certain types of cancer, often leading to decreased survival in cancer patients. Apart from the common role in coagulation, coagulation proteases often trigger intracellular signaling in various cancers via the activation of a G protein-coupled receptor superfamily protease: protease-activated receptors (PARs). Although the role of PARs is well-established in the development and progression of certain types of cancer, their impact on cancer immune response is only just emerging. The present review highlights how coagulation protease-driven PAR signaling plays a key role in modulating innate and adaptive immune responses. This is followed by a detailed discussion on the contribution of coagulation protease-induced signaling in cancer immune evasion, thereby supporting the growth and development of certain tumors. A special section of the review demonstrates the role of coagulation proteases, thrombin, factor VIIa, and factor Xa in cancer immune evasion. Targeting coagulation protease-induced signaling might be a potential therapeutic strategy to boost the immune surveillance mechanism of a host fighting against cancer, thereby augmenting the clinical consequences of targeted immunotherapeutic regimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Subhojit Paul
- School of Biological Sciences, Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science, Jadavpur, Kolkata 700032, West Bengal, India;
| | - Tanmoy Mukherjee
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, The University of Texas at Tyler Health Science Center, Tyler, TX 75708, USA;
| | - Kaushik Das
- Biotechnology Research and Innovation Council-National Institute of Biomedical Genomics, Kalyani 741251, West Bengal, India
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5
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Biswas I, Giri H, Panicker SR, Rezaie AR. Thrombomodulin Switches Signaling and Protease-Activated Receptor 1 Cleavage Specificity of Thrombin. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2024; 44:603-616. [PMID: 38174561 PMCID: PMC10922642 DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.123.320185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cleavage of the extracellular domain of PAR1 (protease-activated receptor 1) by thrombin at Arg41 and by APC (activated protein C) at Arg46 initiates paradoxical cytopathic and cytoprotective signaling in endothelial cells. In the latter case, the ligand-dependent coreceptor signaling by EPCR (endothelial protein C receptor) is required for the protective PAR1 signaling by APC. Here, we investigated the role of thrombomodulin in determining the specificity of PAR1 signaling by thrombin. METHODS We prepared a PAR1 knockout (PAR1-/-) EA.hy926 endothelial cell line by CRISPR/Cas9 and transduced PAR1-/- cells with lentivirus vectors expressing PAR1 mutants in which either Arg41 or Arg46 was replaced with an Ala. Furthermore, human embryonic kidney 293 cells were transfected with wild-type or mutant PAR1 cleavage reporter constructs carrying N-terminal Nluc (NanoLuc luciferase) and C-terminal enhanced yellow fluorescent protein tags. RESULTS Characterization of transfected cells in signaling and receptor cleavage assays revealed that, upon interaction with thrombomodulin, thrombin cleaves Arg46 to elicit cytoprotective effects by a β-arrestin-2 biased signaling mechanism. Analysis of functional data and cleavage rates indicated that thrombin-thrombomodulin cleaves Arg46>10-fold faster than APC. Upon interaction with thrombin, the cytoplasmic domain of thrombomodulin recruited both β-arrestin-1 and -2 to the plasma membrane. Thus, the thrombin cleavage of Arg41 was also cytoprotective in thrombomodulin-expressing cells by β-arrestin-1-biased signaling. APC in the absence of EPCR cleaved Arg41 to initiate disruptive signaling responses like thrombin. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that coreceptor signaling by thrombomodulin and EPCR determines the PAR1 cleavage and signaling specificity of thrombin and APC, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Indranil Biswas
- Cardiovascular Biology Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation
| | - Hemant Giri
- Cardiovascular Biology Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation
| | - Sumith R. Panicker
- Cardiovascular Biology Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation
| | - Alireza R. Rezaie
- Cardiovascular Biology Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73104
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Hirano K. New Mechanistic Insight Into Biased Signaling of Proteinase-Activated Receptor 1. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2024; 44:617-619. [PMID: 38269587 DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.123.320616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Katsuya Hirano
- Department of Cardiovascular Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Kagawa University, Japan
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Aleman M, Arepally GM, Baglin T, Buitrago L, Davizon-Castillo P, Dayal S, Flick MJ, Gerber G, Hisada Y, Kolev K, O’Loghlen A, Rezaie AR, Sparkenbaugh EM, Stavrou EX, Ünlü B, Vercellotti GM. Coagulation and platelet biology at the intersection of health and disease: illustrated capsules of the 11th Symposium on Hemostasis at the University of North Carolina. Res Pract Thromb Haemost 2024; 8:102395. [PMID: 38699410 PMCID: PMC11063502 DOI: 10.1016/j.rpth.2024.102395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2024] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024] Open
Abstract
The University of North Carolina Symposia on Hemostasis began in 2002, with The First Symposium on Hemostasis with a Special Focus on FVIIa and Tissue Factor. They have occurred biannually since and have maintained the primary goal of establishing a forum for the sharing of outstanding advances made in the basic sciences of hemostasis. The 2024 11th Symposium on Hemostasis will bring together leading scientists from around the globe to present and discuss the latest research related to coagulation factors and platelet biology. In keeping with the tradition of the conference, we expect novel cross-disciplinary collaborations to result from bringing together fundamental scientists and physician-scientists from different backgrounds and perspectives. The aim of these collaborations is to springboard the next generation of important advances in the field. This year's program was designed to discuss Coagulation and Platelet Biology at the Intersection of Health and Disease. The goal is to develop a better understanding of the pathophysiologic mechanisms leading to hemostatic and thrombotic disorders as this understanding is critical for the continued development of safe and efficacious therapeutics. Included in this review article are illustrated capsules provided by our speakers that highlight the main conclusions of the invited talks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Aleman
- Blood Research Center, Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Gowthami M. Arepally
- Division of Hematology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Trevor Baglin
- Centessa Pharmaceuticals plc, Cheshire, United Kingdom
| | - Lorena Buitrago
- Allen and Frances Adler Laboratory of Blood and Vascular Biology, Rockefeller University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Pavel Davizon-Castillo
- Department of Pediatrics Hematology/Oncology and Bone Marrow Transplantation, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Sanjana Dayal
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Matthew J. Flick
- Blood Research Center, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Gloria Gerber
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Yohei Hisada
- Blood Research Center, Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Krasimir Kolev
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Ana O’Loghlen
- Epigenetics & Cellular Senescence Group, Blizard Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Alireza R. Rezaie
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Cardiovascular Biology Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Erica M. Sparkenbaugh
- Blood Research Center, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
- Blood Research Center, Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Evi X. Stavrou
- Department of Medicine, Hematology and Oncology Division, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
- Medicine Service, Section of Hematology-Oncology, Louise Stokes Cleveland Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Betül Ünlü
- Einthoven Laboratory for Experimental Vascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
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Giri H, Biswas I, Rezaie AR. Thrombomodulin Regulates PTEN/AKT Signaling Axis in Endothelial Cells. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2024; 44:352-365. [PMID: 38059351 PMCID: PMC10841639 DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.123.320000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We recently demonstrated that deletion of thrombomodulin gene from endothelial cells results in upregulation of proinflammatory phenotype. In this study, we investigated the molecular basis for the altered phenotype in thrombomodulin-deficient (TM-/-) cells. METHODS Different constructs containing deletions or mutations in the cytoplasmic domain of thrombomodulin were prepared and introduced to TM-/- cells. The phenotype of cells expressing different derivatives of thrombomodulin and tissue samples of thrombomodulin-knockout mice were analyzed for expression of distinct regulatory genes in established signaling assays. RESULTS The phosphatase and tensin homolog were phosphorylated and its recruitment to the plasma membrane was impaired in TM-/- cells, leading to hyperactivation of AKT (protein kinase B) and phosphorylation-dependent nuclear exclusion of the transcription factor, forkhead box O1. The proliferative/migratory properties of TM-/- cells were enhanced, and cells exhibited hypersensitivity to stimulation by angiopoietin 1 and vascular endothelial growth factor. Reexpression of wild-type thrombomodulin in TM-/- cells normalized the cellular phenotype; however, thrombomodulin lacking its cytoplasmic domain failed to restore the normal phenotype in TM-/- cells. Increased basal permeability and loss of VE-cadherin were restored to normal levels by reexpression of wild-type thrombomodulin but not by a thrombomodulin construct lacking its cytoplasmic domain. A thrombomodulin cytoplasmic domain deletion mutant containing 3-membrane-proximal Arg-Lys-Lys residues restored the barrier-permeability function of TM-/- cells. Enhanced phosphatase and tensin homolog phosphorylation and activation of AKT and mTORC1 (mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1) were also observed in the liver of thrombomodulin-KO mice. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that the cytoplasmic domain of thrombomodulin interacts with the actin cytoskeleton and plays a crucial role in regulation of phosphatase and tensin homolog/AKT signaling in endothelial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hemant Giri
- Cardiovascular Biology Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation
| | - Indranil Biswas
- Cardiovascular Biology Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation
| | - Alireza R. Rezaie
- Cardiovascular Biology Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73104
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Babkina I, Savinkova I, Molchanova T, Sidorova M, Surin A, Gorbacheva L. Neuroprotective Effects of Noncanonical PAR1 Agonists on Cultured Neurons in Excitotoxicity. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1221. [PMID: 38279219 PMCID: PMC10816171 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25021221] [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: 12/27/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 01/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Serine proteases regulate cell functions through G protein-coupled protease-activated receptors (PARs). Cleavage of one peptide bond of the receptor amino terminus results in the formation of a new N-terminus ("tethered ligand") that can specifically interact with the second extracellular loop of the PAR receptor and activate it. Activation of PAR1 by thrombin (canonical agonist) and activated protein C (APC, noncanonical agonist) was described as a biased agonism. Here, we have supposed that synthetic peptide analogs to the PAR1 tethered ligand liberated by APC could have neuroprotective effects like APC. To verify this hypothesis, a model of the ischemic brain impairment based on glutamate (Glu) excitotoxicity in primary neuronal cultures of neonatal rats has been used. It was shown that the nanopeptide NPNDKYEPF-NH2 (AP9) effectively reduced the neuronal death induced by Glu. The influence of AP9 on cell survival was comparable to that of APC. Both APC and AP9 reduced the dysregulation of intracellular calcium homeostasis in cultured neurons induced by excitotoxic Glu (100 µM) or NMDA (200 µM) concentrations. PAR1 agonist synthetic peptides might be noncanonical PAR1 agonists and a basis for novel neuroprotective drugs for disorders related to Glu excitotoxicity such as brain ischemia, trauma and some neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irina Babkina
- Faculty of Medical Biology, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (I.B.); (I.S.)
| | - Irina Savinkova
- Faculty of Medical Biology, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (I.B.); (I.S.)
| | - Tatiana Molchanova
- Faculty of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119991 Moscow, Russia;
| | - Maria Sidorova
- Chazov National Medical Research Center for Cardiology, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, 121552 Moscow, Russia;
| | - Alexander Surin
- Laboratory of Fundamental and Applied Problems of Pain, Institute of General Pathology and Pathophysiology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia;
| | - Liubov Gorbacheva
- Faculty of Medical Biology, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (I.B.); (I.S.)
- Faculty of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119991 Moscow, Russia;
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Thielen O, Mitra S, Debot M, Schaid T, Hallas W, Gallagher LT, Erickson C, Cralley A, Stafford P, Silliman C, D'Alessandro A, Hansen K, Sauaia A, Moore E, Mosnier L, Griffin J, Cohen M. Mitigation of trauma-induced endotheliopathy by activated protein C: A potential therapeutic for postinjury thromboinflammation. J Trauma Acute Care Surg 2024; 96:116-122. [PMID: 37733304 PMCID: PMC10841096 DOI: 10.1097/ta.0000000000004142] [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] [Indexed: 09/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Activated Protein C (aPC) plays dual roles after injury, driving both trauma-induced coagulopathy (TIC) by cleaving, and thus inactivating, factors Va and VIIIa and depressing fibrinolysis while also mediating an inflammomodulatory milieu via protease activated receptor-1 (PAR-1) cytoprotective signaling. Because of this dual role, it represents and ideal target for study and therapeutics after trauma. A known aPC variant, 3K3A-aPC, has been engineered to preserve cytoprotective activity while retaining minimal anticoagulant activity rendering it potentially ideal as a cytoprotective therapeutic after trauma. We hypothesized that 3K3A-aPC would mitigate the endotheliopathy of trauma by protecting against endothelial permeability. METHODS We used electric cell-substrate impedance sensing to measure permeability changes in real time in primary endothelial cells. These were cultured, grown to confluence, and treated with a 2 μg/mL solution of 3K3A-aPC at 180 minutes, 120 minutes, 60 minutes, 30 minutes prior to stimulation with ex vivo plasma taken from severely injured trauma patients (Injury Severity Score > 15 and BD < -6) (trauma plasma [TP]). Cells treated with thrombin and untreated cells were included in this study as control groups. Permeability changes were recorded in real time via electric cell-substrate impedance sensing for 30 minutes after treatment with TP. We quantified permeability changes in the control and treatment groups as area under the curve (AUC). Rac1/RhoA activity was also compared between these groups. Statistical significance was determined by one-way ANOVA followed by a post hoc analysis using Tukey's multiple comparison's test. RESULTS Treatment with aPC mitigated endothelial permeability induced by ex vivo trauma plasma at all pre-treatment time points. The AUC of the 30-minute 3K3A-aPC pretreatment group was higher than TP alone (mean diff. 22.12 95% CI [13.75, 30.49], p < 0.0001) (Figure). Moreover, the AUC of the 60-minute, 120-minute, and 180-minute pretreatment groups was also higher than TP alone (mean diff., 16.30; 95% confidence interval [CI], 7.93-24.67; 19.43; 95% CI, 11.06-27.80, and 18.65; 95% CI, 10.28-27.02;, all p < 0.0001, respectively). Rac1/RhoA activity was higher in the aPC pretreatment group when compared with all other groups ( p < 0.01). CONCLUSION Pretreatment with 3K3A-aPC, which retains its cytoprotective function but has only ~5% of its anticoagulant function, abrogates the effects of trauma-induced endotheliopathy. This represents a potential therapeutic treatment for dysregulated thromboinflammation for injured patients by minimizing aPC's role in trauma-induced coagulopathy while concurrently amplifying its essential cytoprotective function. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Prognostic and Epidemiological; Level III.
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Affiliation(s)
- Otto Thielen
- From the Department of Gastrointestinal, Trauma, and Endocrine Surgery (O.T., S.M., M.D., T.S., W.H., L.T.G., C.E., A.C., P.S., C.S., A.D'A., K.H., A.S., E.M., M.C.), University of Colorado, Denver, Colorado; Department of Surgery (A.S., E.M.), Denver Health Medical Center, Denver, Colorado; and Department of Molecular Medicine (L.M., J.G.), Scripps Research, La Jolla, California
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O'Donnell JS, Fleming H, Noone D, Preston RJS. Unraveling coagulation factor-mediated cellular signaling. J Thromb Haemost 2023; 21:3342-3353. [PMID: 37391097 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtha.2023.06.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Revised: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/02/2023]
Abstract
Blood coagulation is initiated in response to blood vessel injury or proinflammatory stimuli, which activate coagulation factors to coordinate complex biochemical and cellular responses necessary for clot formation. In addition to these critical physiologic functions, plasma protein factors activated during coagulation mediate a spectrum of signaling responses via receptor-binding interactions on different cell types. In this review, we describe examples and mechanisms of coagulation factor signaling. We detail the molecular basis for cell signaling mediated by coagulation factor proteases via the protease-activated receptor family, considering new insights into the role of protease-specific cleavage sites, cofactor and coreceptor interactions, and distinct signaling intermediate interactions in shaping protease-activated receptor signaling diversity. Moreover, we discuss examples of how injury-dependent conformational activation of other coagulation proteins, such as fibrin(ogen) and von Willebrand factor, decrypts their signaling potential, unlocking their capacity to contribute to aberrant proinflammatory signaling. Finally, we consider the role of coagulation factor signaling in disease development and the status of pharmacologic approaches to either attenuate or enhance coagulation factor signaling for therapeutic benefit, emphasizing new approaches to inhibit deleterious coagulation factor signaling without impacting hemostatic activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- James S O'Donnell
- Irish Centre for Vascular Biology, School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland; National Children's Research Centre, Children's Health Ireland, Crumlin, Dublin, Ireland. https://twitter.com/profJSOdonnell
| | - Harry Fleming
- Irish Centre for Vascular Biology, School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland. https://www.twitter.com/PrestonLab_RCSI
| | - David Noone
- Irish Centre for Vascular Biology, School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland. https://www.twitter.com/PrestonLab_RCSI
| | - Roger J S Preston
- Irish Centre for Vascular Biology, School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland; National Children's Research Centre, Children's Health Ireland, Crumlin, Dublin, Ireland.
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Sharma S, Ursery LT, Bharathi V, Miles SD, Williams WA, Elzawam AZ, Schmedes CM, Egnatz GJ, Fernandez JA, Palumbo JS, Griffin JH, Mackman N, Antoniak S. APC-PAR1-R46 signaling limits CXCL1 expression during poly IC-induced airway inflammation in mice. J Thromb Haemost 2023; 21:3279-3282. [PMID: 37634652 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtha.2023.08.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Swati Sharma
- UNC Blood Research Center, Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Lauryn T Ursery
- UNC Blood Research Center, Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Vanthana Bharathi
- UNC Blood Research Center, Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Stephen D Miles
- UNC Blood Research Center, Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Willie A Williams
- UNC Blood Research Center, Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Aymen Z Elzawam
- UNC Blood Research Center, Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Clare M Schmedes
- UNC Blood Research Center, Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Grant J Egnatz
- UNC Blood Research Center, Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Jose A Fernandez
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Joseph S Palumbo
- Cancer and Blood Diseases Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center and the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - John H Griffin
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California, USA; Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Nigel Mackman
- UNC Blood Research Center, Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Silvio Antoniak
- UNC Blood Research Center, UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, UNC McAllister Heart Institute, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA.
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13
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Zoungrana LI, Didik S, Wang H, Slotabec L, Li J. Activated protein C in epilepsy pathophysiology. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1251017. [PMID: 37901428 PMCID: PMC10603301 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1251017] [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: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Epilepsy is one of the most common neurologic disorders that is characterized by recurrent seizures, and depending on the type of seizure, it could lead to a severe outcome. Epilepsy's mechanism of development is not fully understood yet, but some of the common features of the disease are blood-brain barrier disruption, microglia activation, and neuroinflammation. Those are also targets of activated protein C (APC). In fact, by downregulating thrombin, known as a pro-inflammatory, APC acts as an anti-inflammatory. APC is also an anti-apoptotic protein, instance by blocking p53-mediated apoptosis. APC's neuroprotective effect could prevent blood-brain barrier dysfunction by acting on endothelial cells. Furthermore, through the downregulation of proapoptotic, and proinflammatory genes, APC's neuroprotection could reduce the effect or prevent epilepsy pathogenesis. APC's activity acts on blood-brain barrier disruption, inflammation, and apoptosis and causes neurogenesis, all hallmarks that could potentially treat or prevent epilepsy. Here we review both Activated Protein C and epilepsy mechanism, function, and the possible association between them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Ines Zoungrana
- Department of Surgery, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, United States
| | - Steven Didik
- Department of Surgery, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, United States
| | - Hao Wang
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, United States
| | - Lily Slotabec
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, United States
| | - Ji Li
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, United States
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14
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Birch CA, Wedegaertner H, Orduña-Castillo LB, Gonzalez Ramirez ML, Qin H, Trejo J. Endothelial APC/PAR1 distinctly regulates cytokine-induced pro-inflammatory VCAM-1 expression. Front Mol Biosci 2023; 10:1211597. [PMID: 37692066 PMCID: PMC10483999 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2023.1211597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Dysfunction of the endothelium impairs its' protective role and promotes inflammation and progression of vascular diseases. Activated Protein C (APC) elicits endothelial cytoprotective responses including barrier stabilization, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic responses through the activation of the G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) protease-activated receptor-1 (PAR1) and is a promising therapeutic. Despite recent advancements in developing new Activated protein C variants with clinical potential, the mechanism by which APC/PAR1 promotes different cytoprotective responses remains unclear and is important to understand to advance Activated protein C and new targets as future therapeutics. Here we examined the mechanisms by which APC/PAR1 attenuates cytokine-induced pro-inflammatory vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM-1) expression, a key mediator of endothelial inflammatory responses. Methods: Quantitative multiplexed mass spectrometry analysis of Activated protein C treated endothelial cells, endothelial cell transcriptomics database (EndoDB) online repository queries, biochemical measurements of protein expression, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) measurement of mRNA transcript abundance, pharmacological inhibitors and siRNA transfections of human cultured endothelial cells. Results: Here we report that Activated Protein C modulates phosphorylation of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α signaling pathway components and attenuates of TNF-α induced VCAM-1 expression independent of mRNA stability. Unexpectedly, we found a critical role for the G protein-coupled receptor co-receptor sphingosine-1 phosphate receptor-1 (S1PR1) and the G protein receptor kinase-2 (GRK2) in mediating APC/PAR1 anti-inflammatory responses in endothelial cells. Discussion: This study provides new knowledge of the mechanisms by which different APC/PAR1 cytoprotective responses are mediated through discrete β-arrestin-2-driven signaling pathways modulated by specific G protein-coupled receptor co-receptors and GRKs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cierra A. Birch
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Helen Wedegaertner
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, CA, United States
- Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, University of California, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Lennis B. Orduña-Castillo
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, CA, United States
| | | | - Huaping Qin
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - JoAnn Trejo
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, CA, United States
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15
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Sim DS, Shukla M, Mallari CR, Fernández JA, Xu X, Schneider D, Bauzon M, Hermiston TW, Mosnier LO. Selective modulation of activated protein C activities by a nonactive site-targeting nanobody library. Blood Adv 2023; 7:3036-3048. [PMID: 36735416 PMCID: PMC10331410 DOI: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2022008740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Revised: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Activated protein C (APC) is a pleiotropic coagulation protease with anticoagulant, anti-inflammatory, and cytoprotective activities. Selective modulation of these APC activities contributes to our understanding of the regulation of these physiological mechanisms and permits the development of therapeutics for the pathologies associated with these pathways. An antibody library targeting the nonactive site of APC was generated using llama antibodies (nanobodies). Twenty-one nanobodies were identified that selectively recognize APC compared with the protein C zymogen. Overall, 3 clusters of nanobodies were identified based on the competition for APC in biolayer interferometry studies. APC functional assays for anticoagulant activity, histone H3 cleavage, and protease-activated receptor 1 (PAR1) cleavage were used to understand their diversity. These functional assays revealed 13 novel nanobody-induced APC activity profiles via the selective modulation of APC pleiotropic activities, with the potential to regulate specific mechanisms for therapeutic purposes. Within these, 3 nanobodies (LP2, LP8, and LP17) inhibited all 3 APC functions. Four nanobodies (LP1, LP5, LP16, and LP20) inhibited only 2 of the 3 functions. Monofunction inhibition specific to APC anticoagulation activity was observed only by 2 nanobodies (LP9 and LP11). LP11 was also found to shift the ratio of APC cleavage of PAR1 at R46 relative to R41, which results in APC-mediated biased PAR1 signaling and APC cytoprotective effects. Thus, LP11 has an activity profile that could potentially promote hemostasis and cytoprotection in bleedings associated with hemophilia or coagulopathy by selectively modulating APC anticoagulation and PAR1 cleavage profile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Derek S. Sim
- Coagulant Therapeutics Corporation, Berkeley, CA
| | - Meenal Shukla
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Scripps Research, La Jolla, CA
| | | | | | - Xiao Xu
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Scripps Research, La Jolla, CA
| | | | - Maxine Bauzon
- Consultants for Coagulant Therapeutics, Berkeley, CA
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16
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Ramadas N, Sparkenbaugh EM. The APC-EPCR-PAR1 axis in sickle cell disease. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 10:1141020. [PMID: 37497271 PMCID: PMC10366386 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1141020] [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: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is a group of inherited hemoglobinopathies. Sickle cell anemia (SCA) is caused by a homozygous mutation in the β-globin generating sickle hemoglobin (HbS). Deoxygenation leads to pathologic polymerization of HbS and sickling of erythrocytes. The two predominant pathologies of SCD are hemolytic anemia and vaso-occlusive episodes (VOE), along with sequelae of complications including acute chest syndrome, hepatopathy, nephropathy, pulmonary hypertension, venous thromboembolism, and stroke. SCD is associated with endothelial activation due to the release of danger-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) such as heme, recurrent ischemia-reperfusion injury, and chronic thrombin generation and inflammation. Endothelial cell activation is mediated, in part, by thrombin-dependent activation of protease-activated receptor 1 (PAR1), a G protein coupled receptor that plays a role in platelet activation, endothelial permeability, inflammation, and cytotoxicity. PAR1 can also be activated by activated protein C (APC), which promotes endothelial barrier protection and cytoprotective signaling. Notably, the APC system is dysregulated in SCD. This mini-review will discuss activation of PAR1 by APC and thrombin, the APC-EPCR-PAR1 axis, and their potential roles in SCD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nirupama Ramadas
- Department of Medicine, Blood Research Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Erica M. Sparkenbaugh
- Department of Medicine, Blood Research Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
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17
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Pan CC, Maeso-Díaz R, Lewis TR, Xiang K, Tan L, Liang Y, Wang L, Yang F, Yin T, Wang C, Du K, Huang D, Oh SH, Wang E, Lim BJW, Chong M, Alexander PB, Yao X, Arshavsky VY, Li QJ, Diehl AM, Wang XF. Antagonizing the irreversible thrombomodulin-initiated proteolytic signaling alleviates age-related liver fibrosis via senescent cell killing. Cell Res 2023; 33:516-532. [PMID: 37169907 PMCID: PMC10313785 DOI: 10.1038/s41422-023-00820-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2022] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Cellular senescence is a stress-induced, stable cell cycle arrest phenotype which generates a pro-inflammatory microenvironment, leading to chronic inflammation and age-associated diseases. Determining the fundamental molecular pathways driving senescence instead of apoptosis could enable the identification of senolytic agents to restore tissue homeostasis. Here, we identify thrombomodulin (THBD) signaling as a key molecular determinant of the senescent cell fate. Although normally restricted to endothelial cells, THBD is rapidly upregulated and maintained throughout all phases of the senescence program in aged mammalian tissues and in senescent cell models. Mechanistically, THBD activates a proteolytic feed-forward signaling pathway by stabilizing a multi-protein complex in early endosomes, thus forming a molecular basis for the irreversibility of the senescence program and ensuring senescent cell viability. Therapeutically, THBD signaling depletion or inhibition using vorapaxar, an FDA-approved drug, effectively ablates senescent cells and restores tissue homeostasis in liver fibrosis models. Collectively, these results uncover proteolytic THBD signaling as a conserved pro-survival pathway essential for senescent cell viability, thus providing a pharmacologically exploitable senolytic target for senescence-associated diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher C Pan
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Raquel Maeso-Díaz
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Tylor R Lewis
- Division of Ophthalmology, Department of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Kun Xiang
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Lianmei Tan
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Yaosi Liang
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Liuyang Wang
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Fengrui Yang
- Department of Physiology, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Tao Yin
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Calvin Wang
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Kuo Du
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - De Huang
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Seh Hoon Oh
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Ergang Wang
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | | | - Mengyang Chong
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Peter B Alexander
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Xuebiao Yao
- Department of Physiology, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Vadim Y Arshavsky
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Division of Ophthalmology, Department of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Qi-Jing Li
- Department of Immunology, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Anna Mae Diehl
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Xiao-Fan Wang
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA.
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18
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Grover SP, Bharathi V, Posma JJ, Griffin JH, Palumbo JS, Mackman N, Antoniak S. Thrombin-mediated activation of PAR1 enhances doxorubicin-induced cardiac injury in mice. Blood Adv 2023; 7:1945-1953. [PMID: 36477178 PMCID: PMC10189413 DOI: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2022008637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The chemotherapeutic drug doxorubicin is cardiotoxic and can cause irreversible heart failure. In addition to being cardiotoxic, doxorubicin also induces the activation of coagulation. We determined the effect of thrombin-mediated activation of protease-activated receptor 1 (PAR1) on doxorubicin-induced cardiac injury. Administration of doxorubicin to mice resulted in a significant increase in plasma prothrombin fragment 1+2, thrombin-antithrombin complexes, and extracellular vesicle tissue factor activity. Doxorubicin-treated mice expressing low levels of tissue factor, but not factor XII-deficient mice, had reduced plasma thrombin-antithrombin complexes compared to controls. To evaluate the role of thrombin-mediated activation of PAR1, transgenic mice insensitive to thrombin (Par1R41Q) or activated protein C (Par1R46Q) were subjected to acute and chronic models of doxorubicin-induced cardiac injury and compared with Par1 wild-type (Par1+/+) and PAR1 deficient (Par1-/-) mice. Par1R41Q and Par1-/- mice, but not Par1R46Q mice, demonstrated similar reductions in the cardiac injury marker cardiac troponin I, preserved cardiac function, and reduced cardiac fibrosis compared to Par1+/+ controls after administration of doxorubicin. Furthermore, inhibition of Gαq signaling downstream of PAR1 with the small molecule inhibitor Q94 significantly preserved cardiac function in Par1+/+ mice, but not in Par1R41Q mice subjected to the acute model of cardiac injury when compared to vehicle controls. In addition, mice with PAR1 deleted in either cardiomyocytes or cardiac fibroblasts demonstrated reduced cardiac injury compared to controls. Taken together, these data suggest that thrombin-mediated activation of PAR1 contributes to doxorubicin-induced cardiac injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven P. Grover
- University of North Carolina (UNC) Blood Research Center, Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Vanthana Bharathi
- University of North Carolina (UNC) Blood Research Center, Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Jens J. Posma
- University of North Carolina (UNC) Blood Research Center, Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
- Laboratory for Clinical Thrombosis and Haemostasis, Department of Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Research Institute, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Center for Thrombosis and Hemostasis, University Medical Center Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - John H. Griffin
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA
| | - Joseph S. Palumbo
- Cancer and Blood Diseases Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center and the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH
| | - Nigel Mackman
- University of North Carolina (UNC) Blood Research Center, Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Silvio Antoniak
- UNC Blood Research Center, UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, UNC McAllister Heart Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
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19
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Scimone C, Alibrandi S, Donato L, De Gaetano GV, Fusco C, Nardella G, Castori M, Rinaldi C, Alafaci C, Germanò A, D'Angelo R, Sidoti A. Amplification of protease-activated receptors signaling in sporadic cerebral cavernous malformation endothelial cells. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2023; 1870:119474. [PMID: 37030452 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2023.119474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Revised: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/10/2023]
Abstract
In the central nervous system, thrombin-mediated activation of protease-activated receptors (PARs) results in neuroinflammation and increased vascular permeability. These events have been linked to cancer and neurodegeneration. Endothelial cells (ECs) isolated from sporadic cerebral cavernous malformation (CCM) specimens showed dysregulation of genes involved in "thrombin-mediated PAR-1 activation" signaling. CCM is a vascular disease involving brain capillaries. In CCM, ECs show defective cell junctions. Oxidative stress and neuroinflammation play a key role in disease onset and progression. In order to confirm the possible role of thrombin pathway in sporadic CCM pathogenesis, we evaluated PARs expression in CCM-ECs. We found that sporadic CCM-ECs overexpress PAR1, PAR3 and PAR4, together with other coagulation factor encoding genes. Moreover, we investigated about expression of the three familial CCM genes (KRIT1, CCM2 and PDCD10) in human cerebral microvascular ECs, following thrombin exposure, as well as protein level. Thrombin exposure affects EC viability and results in dysregulation of CCM gene expression and, then, in decreased protein level. Our results confirm amplification of PAR pathway in CCM suggesting, for the first time, the possible role of PAR1-mediated thrombin signaling in sporadic CCM. Thrombin-mediated PARs over activation results in increased blood-brain barrier permeability due to loss of cell junction integrity and, in this context, also the three familial CCM genes may be involved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Concetta Scimone
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, via Consolare Valeria 1, 98125 Messina, Italy; Department of Biomolecular Strategies, Genetics, Cutting-edge Therapies, I.E.ME.S.T., via Michele Miraglia 20, Palermo 90139, Italy
| | - Simona Alibrandi
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, via Consolare Valeria 1, 98125 Messina, Italy; Department of Biomolecular Strategies, Genetics, Cutting-edge Therapies, I.E.ME.S.T., via Michele Miraglia 20, Palermo 90139, Italy; Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, C.da Papardo-Sperone 31, 98100 Messina, Italy
| | - Luigi Donato
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, via Consolare Valeria 1, 98125 Messina, Italy; Department of Biomolecular Strategies, Genetics, Cutting-edge Therapies, I.E.ME.S.T., via Michele Miraglia 20, Palermo 90139, Italy
| | | | - Carmela Fusco
- Division of Medical Genetics, Fondazione IRCCS-Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, San Giovanni Rotondo, 71013 Foggia, Italy
| | - Grazia Nardella
- Division of Medical Genetics, Fondazione IRCCS-Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, San Giovanni Rotondo, 71013 Foggia, Italy
| | - Marco Castori
- Division of Medical Genetics, Fondazione IRCCS-Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, San Giovanni Rotondo, 71013 Foggia, Italy
| | - Carmela Rinaldi
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, via Consolare Valeria 1, 98125 Messina, Italy.
| | - Concetta Alafaci
- Neurosurgery Unit, Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, via Consolare Valeria 1, 98125 Messina, Italy
| | - Antonino Germanò
- Neurosurgery Unit, Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, via Consolare Valeria 1, 98125 Messina, Italy
| | - Rosalia D'Angelo
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, via Consolare Valeria 1, 98125 Messina, Italy; Department of Biomolecular Strategies, Genetics, Cutting-edge Therapies, I.E.ME.S.T., via Michele Miraglia 20, Palermo 90139, Italy
| | - Antonina Sidoti
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, via Consolare Valeria 1, 98125 Messina, Italy; Department of Biomolecular Strategies, Genetics, Cutting-edge Therapies, I.E.ME.S.T., via Michele Miraglia 20, Palermo 90139, Italy
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20
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Zhang X, Lee MD, Buckley C, Hollenberg MD, Wilson C, McCarron JG. Endothelial PAR2 activation evokes resistance artery relaxation. J Cell Physiol 2023; 238:776-789. [PMID: 36791026 PMCID: PMC10952239 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.30973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Revised: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
Protease-activated receptor-1 & -2 (PAR1 and PAR2) are expressed widely in cardiovascular tissues including endothelial and smooth muscle cells. PAR1 and PAR2 may regulate blood pressure via changes in vascular contraction or relaxation mediated by endothelial Ca2+ signaling, but the mechanisms are incompletely understood. By using single-cell Ca2+ imaging across hundreds of endothelial cells in intact blood vessels, we explored PAR-mediated regulation of blood vessel function using PAR1 and PAR2 activators. We show that PAR2 activation evoked multicellular Ca2+ waves that propagated across the endothelium. The PAR2-evoked Ca2+ waves were temporally distinct from those generated by muscarinic receptor activation. PAR2 activated distinct clusters of endothelial cells, and these cells were different from those activated by muscarinic receptor stimulation. These results indicate that distinct cell clusters facilitate spatial segregation of endothelial signal processing. We also demonstrate that PAR2 is a phospholipase C-coupled receptor that evokes Ca2+ release from the IP3 -sensitive store in endothelial cells. A physiological consequence of this PAR2 signaling system is endothelium-dependent relaxation. Conversely, PAR1 activation did not trigger endothelial cell Ca2+ signaling nor relax or contract mesenteric arteries. Neither did PAR1 activators alter the response to PAR2 or muscarinic receptor activation. Collectively, these results suggest that endothelial PAR2 but not PAR1 evokes mesenteric artery relaxation by evoking IP3 -mediated Ca2+ release from the internal store. Sensing mediated by PAR2 receptors is distributed to spatially separated clusters of endothelial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xun Zhang
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical SciencesUniversity of StrathclydeGlasgowUK
| | - Matthew D. Lee
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical SciencesUniversity of StrathclydeGlasgowUK
| | - Charlotte Buckley
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical SciencesUniversity of StrathclydeGlasgowUK
| | - Morley D. Hollenberg
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology and Department of MedicineUniversity of Calgary Cumming School of MedicineCalgaryAlbertaCanada
| | - Calum Wilson
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical SciencesUniversity of StrathclydeGlasgowUK
| | - John G. McCarron
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical SciencesUniversity of StrathclydeGlasgowUK
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21
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Peach CJ, Edgington-Mitchell LE, Bunnett NW, Schmidt BL. Protease-activated receptors in health and disease. Physiol Rev 2023; 103:717-785. [PMID: 35901239 PMCID: PMC9662810 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00044.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2021] [Revised: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Proteases are signaling molecules that specifically control cellular functions by cleaving protease-activated receptors (PARs). The four known PARs are members of the large family of G protein-coupled receptors. These transmembrane receptors control most physiological and pathological processes and are the target of a large proportion of therapeutic drugs. Signaling proteases include enzymes from the circulation; from immune, inflammatory epithelial, and cancer cells; as well as from commensal and pathogenic bacteria. Advances in our understanding of the structure and function of PARs provide insights into how diverse proteases activate these receptors to regulate physiological and pathological processes in most tissues and organ systems. The realization that proteases and PARs are key mediators of disease, coupled with advances in understanding the atomic level structure of PARs and their mechanisms of signaling in subcellular microdomains, has spurred the development of antagonists, some of which have advanced to the clinic. Herein we review the discovery, structure, and function of this receptor system, highlight the contribution of PARs to homeostatic control, and discuss the potential of PAR antagonists for the treatment of major diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chloe J Peach
- Department of Molecular Pathobiology, College of Dentistry, New York University, New York, New York
- Department of Neuroscience and Physiology and Neuroscience Institute, Grossman School of Medicine, New York University, New York, New York
| | - Laura E Edgington-Mitchell
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Bluestone Center for Clinical Research, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, New York University College of Dentistry, New York, New York
| | - Nigel W Bunnett
- Department of Molecular Pathobiology, College of Dentistry, New York University, New York, New York
- Department of Neuroscience and Physiology and Neuroscience Institute, Grossman School of Medicine, New York University, New York, New York
| | - Brian L Schmidt
- Department of Molecular Pathobiology, College of Dentistry, New York University, New York, New York
- Bluestone Center for Clinical Research, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, New York University College of Dentistry, New York, New York
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22
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Dysregulated Hemostasis and Immunothrombosis in Cerebral Cavernous Malformations. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232012575. [PMID: 36293431 PMCID: PMC9604397 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232012575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Revised: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Cerebral cavernous malformation (CCM) is a neurovascular disease that affects 0.5% of the general population. For a long time, CCM research focused on genetic mutations, endothelial junctions and proliferation, but recently, transcriptome and proteome studies have revealed that the hemostatic system and neuroinflammation play a crucial role in the development and severity of cavernomas, with some of these publications coming from our group. The aim of this review is to give an overview of the latest molecular insights into the interaction between CCM-deficient endothelial cells with blood components and the neurovascular unit. Specifically, we underscore how endothelial dysfunction can result in dysregulated hemostasis, bleeding, hypoxia and neurological symptoms. We conducted a thorough review of the literature and found a field that is increasingly poised to regard CCM as a hemostatic disease, which may have implications for therapy.
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23
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW To provide an overview of the state-of-the-art in protein C (PC) pathway research. RECENT FINDINGS The PC pathway is crucial for maintaining hemostasis to prevent venous thromboembolism. This is evident from genetic mutations that result in impaired PC pathway activity and contribute to increased venous thromboembolism risk in affected individuals. In addition to its anticoagulant role, activated PC (APC) also mediates a complex, pleiotropic role in the maintenance of vascular cell health, which it achieves via anti-inflammatory and antiapoptotic cell signaling on endothelial cells. Emerging data have demonstrated that cell signaling by APC, mediated by multiple receptor interactions on different cell types, also confers cytoprotective and anti-inflammatory benefits. Defects in both arms of the PC pathway are associated with increased susceptibility to thrombo-inflammatory disease in various preclinical thrombotic, proinflammatory and neurological disease models. Moreover, recent studies have identified attenuation of anticoagulant PC pathway activity as an exciting therapeutic opportunity to promote hemostasis in patients with inherited or acquired bleeding disorders. SUMMARY In this review, we provide an overview of some recent developments in our understanding of the PC pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gemma Leon
- Irish Centre for Vascular Biology, School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland
- National Children's Research Centre, Our Lady's Children's Hospital Crumlin, Crumlin, Dublin 12, Ireland
| | - Aisling M Rehill
- Irish Centre for Vascular Biology, School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland
| | - Roger J S Preston
- Irish Centre for Vascular Biology, School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland
- National Children's Research Centre, Our Lady's Children's Hospital Crumlin, Crumlin, Dublin 12, Ireland
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24
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Zhuo X, Wu Y, Fu X, Liang X, Xiang Y, Li J, Mao C, Jiang Y. The Yin‐Yang roles of protease‐activated receptors in inflammatory signalling and diseases. FEBS J 2022; 289:4000-4020. [DOI: 10.1111/febs.16406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2021] [Revised: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Xin Zhuo
- School of Life Science and Engineering Southwest Jiaotong University Chengdu China
| | - Yue Wu
- School of Life Science and Engineering Southwest Jiaotong University Chengdu China
| | - Xiujuan Fu
- School of Life Science and Engineering Southwest Jiaotong University Chengdu China
| | - Xiaoyu Liang
- School of Life Science and Engineering Southwest Jiaotong University Chengdu China
| | - Yuxin Xiang
- School of Life Science and Engineering Southwest Jiaotong University Chengdu China
| | - Jianbin Li
- School of Life Science and Engineering Southwest Jiaotong University Chengdu China
| | - Canquan Mao
- School of Life Science and Engineering Southwest Jiaotong University Chengdu China
| | - Yuhong Jiang
- School of Life Science and Engineering Southwest Jiaotong University Chengdu China
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25
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Bochenek ML, Gogiraju R, Großmann S, Krug J, Orth J, Reyda S, Georgiadis GS, Spronk H, Konstantinides S, Münzel T, Griffin JH, Wild PS, Espinola-Klein C, Ruf W, Schäfer K. EPCR-PAR1 biased signaling regulates perfusion recovery and neovascularization in peripheral ischemia. JCI Insight 2022; 7:157701. [PMID: 35700057 PMCID: PMC9431695 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.157701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Blood clot formation initiates ischemic events, but coagulation roles during postischemic tissue repair are poorly understood. The endothelial protein C receptor (EPCR) regulates coagulation, as well as immune and vascular signaling, by protease activated receptors (PARs). Here, we show that endothelial EPCR-PAR1 signaling supports reperfusion and neovascularization in hindlimb ischemia in mice. Whereas deletion of PAR2 or PAR4 did not impair angiogenesis, EPCR and PAR1 deficiency or PAR1 resistance to cleavage by activated protein C caused markedly reduced postischemic reperfusion in vivo and angiogenesis in vitro. These findings were corroborated by biased PAR1 agonism in isolated primary endothelial cells. Loss of EPCR-PAR1 signaling upregulated hemoglobin expression and reduced endothelial nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability. Defective angiogenic sprouting was rescued by the NO donor DETA-NO, whereas NO scavenging increased hemoglobin and mesenchymal marker expression in human and mouse endothelial cells. Vascular specimens from patients with ischemic peripheral artery disease exhibited increased hemoglobin expression, and soluble EPCR and NO levels were reduced in plasma. Our data implicate endothelial EPCR-PAR1 signaling in the hypoxic response of endothelial cells and identify suppression of hemoglobin expression as an unexpected link between coagulation signaling, preservation of endothelial cell NO bioavailability, support of neovascularization, and prevention of fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena L Bochenek
- Center for Thrombosis and Hemostasis, University Medical Center Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | | | - Stefanie Großmann
- Department of Cardiology, University Medical Center Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Janina Krug
- Department of Cardiology, University Medical Center Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Jennifer Orth
- Department of Cardiology, University Medical Center Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Sabine Reyda
- Center for Thrombosis and Hemostasis, University Medical Center Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - George S Georgiadis
- Department of Vascular Surgery, University Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Henri Spronk
- CARIM School for Cardiovascular Disease, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | | | - Thomas Münzel
- Center for Thrombosis and Hemostasis, University Medical Center Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - John H Griffin
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, United States of America
| | - Philipp S Wild
- Center for Thrombosis and Hemostasis, University Medical Center Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | | | - Wolfram Ruf
- Center for Thrombosis and Hemostasis, University Medical Center Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Katrin Schäfer
- Center for Thrombosis and Hemostasis, University Medical Center Mainz, Mainz, Germany
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26
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Protease Activated Receptors: A Pathway to Boosting Mesenchymal Stromal Cell Therapeutic Efficacy in Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome? Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23031277. [PMID: 35163205 PMCID: PMC8836081 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23031277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2021] [Revised: 01/16/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome is the most common cause of respiratory failure among critically ill patients, and its importance has been heightened during the COVID-19 pandemic. Even with the best supportive care, the mortality rate in the most severe cases is 40–50%, and the only pharmacological agent shown to be of possible benefit has been steroids. Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) have been tested in several pre-clinical models of lung injury and been found to have significant therapeutic benefit related to: (a) potent immunomodulation; (b) secretion of epithelial and endothelial growth factors; and (c) augmentation of host defense to infection. Initial translational efforts have shown signs of promise, but the results have not yielded the anticipated outcomes. One potential reason is the relatively low survival of MSCs in inflammatory conditions as shown in several studies. Therefore, strategies to boost the survival of MSCs are needed to enhance their therapeutic effect. Protease-activated receptors (PARs) may represent one such possibility as they are G-protein coupled receptors expressed by MSCs and control several facets of cell behavior. This review summarizes some of the existing literature about PARs and MSCs and presents possible future areas of investigation in order to develop potential, PAR-modified MSCs with enhanced therapeutic efficiency.
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Ren D, Fedorova J, Davitt K, Van Le TN, Griffin JH, Liaw PC, Esmon CT, Rezaie AR, Li J. Activated Protein C Strengthens Cardiac Tolerance to Ischemic Insults in Aging. Circ Res 2022; 130:252-272. [PMID: 34930019 PMCID: PMC8882057 DOI: 10.1161/circresaha.121.319044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND APC (activated protein C) is a plasma serine protease with anticoagulant and anti-inflammatory activities. EPCR (Endothelial protein C receptor) is associated with APC's activity and mediates its downstream signaling events. APC exerts cardioprotective effects during ischemia and reperfusion (I/R). This study aims to characterize the role of the APC-EPCR axis in ischemic insults in aging. METHODS Young (3-4 months) and aged (24-26 months) wild-type C57BL/6J mice, as well as EPCR point mutation (EPCRR84A/R84A) knockin C57BL/6J mice incapable of interaction with APC and its wild type of littermate C57BL/6J mice, were subjected to I/R. Wild-type APC, signaling-selective APC-2Cys, or anticoagulant-selective APC-E170A were administrated before reperfusion. RESULTS The results demonstrated that cardiac I/R reduces APC activity, and the APC activity was impaired in the aged versus young hearts possibly attributable to the declined EPCR level with aging. Serum EPCR measurement showed that I/R triggered the shedding of membrane EPCR into circulation, while administration of APC attenuated the I/R-induced EPCR shedding in both young and aged hearts. Subsequent echocardiography showed that APC and APC-2Cys but not APC-E170A ameliorated cardiac dysfunction during I/R in both young and aged mice. Importantly, APC elevated the resistance of the aged heart to ischemic insults through stabilizing EPCR. However, all these cardioprotective effects of APC were blunted in the EPCRR84A/R84A mice versus its wild-type littermates. The ex vivo working heart and metabolomics results demonstrated that AMPK (AMP-activated protein kinase) mediates acute adaptive response while AKT (protein kinase B) is involved in chronic metabolic programming in the hearts with APC treatment. CONCLUSIONS I/R stress causes shedding of the membrane EPCR in the heart, and administration of APC prevents I/R-induced cardiac EPCR shedding that is critical for limiting cardiac damage in aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Di Ren
- Department of Surgery, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612
| | - Julia Fedorova
- Department of Surgery, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612
| | - Kayla Davitt
- Department of Surgery, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612
| | - Tran Ngoc Van Le
- Department of Surgery, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612
| | - John H. Griffin
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037
| | - Patricia C. Liaw
- Thrombosis and Atherosclerosis Research Institute, Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Charles T. Esmon
- Cardiovascular Biology Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK 73104
| | - Alireza R. Rezaie
- Cardiovascular Biology Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK 73104
| | - Ji Li
- Department of Surgery, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612
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Shavit-Stein E, Berkowitz S, Gofrit SG, Altman K, Weinberg N, Maggio N. Neurocoagulation from a Mechanistic Point of View in the Central Nervous System. Semin Thromb Hemost 2022; 48:277-287. [PMID: 35052009 DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1741569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Coagulation mechanisms are critical for maintaining homeostasis in the central nervous system (CNS). Thrombin, an important player of the coagulation cascade, activates protease activator receptors (PARs), members of the G-protein coupled receptor family. PAR1 is located on neurons and glia. Following thrombin activation, PAR1 signals through the extracellular signal-regulated kinase pathway, causing alterations in neuronal glutamate release and astrocytic morphological changes. Similarly, the anticoagulation factor activated protein C (aPC) can cleave PAR1, following interaction with the endothelial protein C receptor. Both thrombin and aPC are expressed on endothelial cells and pericytes in the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Thrombin-induced PAR1 activation increases cytosolic Ca2+ concentration in brain vessels, resulting in nitric oxide release and increasing F-actin stress fibers, damaging BBB integrity. aPC also induces PAR1 activation and preserves BBB vascular integrity via coupling to sphingosine 1 phosphate receptors. Thrombin-induced PAR1 overactivation and BBB disruption are evident in CNS pathologies. During epileptic seizures, BBB disruption promotes thrombin penetration. Thrombin induces PAR1 activation and potentiates N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors, inducing glutamate-mediated hyperexcitability. Specific PAR1 inhibition decreases status epilepticus severity in vivo. In stroke, the elevation of brain thrombin levels further compromises BBB integrity, with direct parenchymal damage, while systemic factor Xa inhibition improves neurological outcomes. In multiple sclerosis (MS), brain thrombin inhibitory capacity correlates with clinical presentation. Both thrombin inhibition by hirudin and the use of recombinant aPC improve disease severity in an MS animal model. This review presents the mechanisms underlying the effects of coagulation on the physiology and pathophysiology of the CNS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Efrat Shavit-Stein
- Department of Neurology, The Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan, Israel.,Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Sackler School of Medicine and Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Shani Berkowitz
- Department of Neurology, The Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan, Israel.,Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Sackler School of Medicine and Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Shany Guly Gofrit
- Department of Neurology, The Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Keren Altman
- Department of Neurology, The Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Nitai Weinberg
- Department of Neurology, The Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Nicola Maggio
- Department of Neurology, The Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan, Israel.,Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Sackler School of Medicine and Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.,Talpiot Medical Leadership Program, The Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan, Israel
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29
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Activated Protein C Protects against Murine Contact Dermatitis by Suppressing Protease-Activated Receptor 2. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23010516. [PMID: 35008942 PMCID: PMC8745259 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23010516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Revised: 12/31/2021] [Accepted: 12/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease associated with excessive inflammation and defective skin barrier function. Activated protein C (APC) is a natural anticoagulant with anti-inflammatory and barrier protective functions. However, the effect of APC on AD and its engagement with protease activated receptor (PAR)1 and PAR2 are unknown. Methods: Contact hypersensitivity (CHS), a model for human AD, was induced in PAR1 knockout (KO), PAR2KO and matched wild type (WT) mice using 2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB). Recombinant human APC was administered into these mice as preventative or therapeutic treatment. The effect of APC and PAR1KO or PARKO on CHS was assessed via measurement of ear thickness, skin histologic changes, inflammatory cytokine levels, Th cell phenotypes and keratinocyte function. Results: Compared to WT, PAR2KO but not PAR1KO mice displayed less severe CHS when assessed by ear thickness; PAR1KO CHS skin had less mast cells, lower levels of IFN-γ, IL-4, IL-17 and IL-22, and higher levels of IL-1β, IL-6 and TGF-β1, whereas PAR2KO CHS skin only contained lower levels of IL-22 and IgE. Both PAR1KO and PAR2KO spleen cells had less Th1/Th17/Th22/Treg cells. In normal skin, PAR1 was present at the stratum granulosum and spinosum, whereas PAR2 at the upper layers of the epidermis. In CHS, however, the expression of PAR1 and PAR2 were increased and spread to the whole epidermis. In vitro, compared to WT cells, PAR1KO keratinocytes grew much slower, had a lower survival rate and higher para permeability, while PAR2KO cells grew faster, were resistant to apoptosis and para permeability. APC inhibited CHS as a therapeutic but not as a preventative treatment only in WT and PAR1KO mice. APC therapy reduced skin inflammation, suppressed epidermal PAR2 expression, promoted keratinocyte growth, survival, and barrier function in both WT and PAR1KO cells, but not in PAR2KO cells. Conclusions: APC therapy can mitigate CHS. Although APC acts through both PAR1 and PAR2 to regulate Th and mast cells, suppression of clinical disease in mice is achieved mainly via inhibition of PAR2 alone. Thus, APC may confer broad therapeutic benefits as a disease-modifying treatment for AD.
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30
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Huuskonen MT, Wang Y, Nikolakopoulou AM, Montagne A, Dai Z, Lazic D, Sagare AP, Zhao Z, Fernandez JA, Griffin JH, Zlokovic BV. Protection of ischemic white matter and oligodendrocytes in mice by 3K3A-activated protein C. J Exp Med 2022; 219:e20211372. [PMID: 34846535 PMCID: PMC8635278 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20211372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2021] [Revised: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Subcortical white matter (WM) stroke accounts for 25% of all strokes and is the second leading cause of dementia. Despite such clinical importance, we still do not have an effective treatment for ischemic WM stroke, and the mechanisms of WM postischemic neuroprotection remain elusive. 3K3A-activated protein C (APC) is a signaling-selective analogue of endogenous blood protease APC that is currently in development as a neuroprotectant for ischemic stroke patients. Here, we show that 3K3A-APC protects WM tracts and oligodendrocytes from ischemic injury in the corpus callosum in middle-aged mice by activating protease-activated receptor 1 (PAR1) and PAR3. We show that PAR1 and PAR3 were also required for 3K3A-APC's suppression of post-WM stroke microglia and astrocyte responses and overall improvement in neuropathologic and functional outcomes. Our data provide new insights into the neuroprotective APC pathway in the WM and illustrate 3K3A-APC's potential for treating WM stroke in humans, possibly including multiple WM strokes that result in vascular dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikko T. Huuskonen
- Department of Physiology and Neuroscience, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
- The Zilkha Neurogenetic Institute, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Yaoming Wang
- Department of Physiology and Neuroscience, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
- The Zilkha Neurogenetic Institute, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Angeliki Maria Nikolakopoulou
- Department of Physiology and Neuroscience, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
- The Zilkha Neurogenetic Institute, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Axel Montagne
- Department of Physiology and Neuroscience, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
- The Zilkha Neurogenetic Institute, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Zhonghua Dai
- Department of Physiology and Neuroscience, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
- The Zilkha Neurogenetic Institute, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Divna Lazic
- Department of Physiology and Neuroscience, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
- The Zilkha Neurogenetic Institute, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Abhay P. Sagare
- Department of Physiology and Neuroscience, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
- The Zilkha Neurogenetic Institute, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Zhen Zhao
- Department of Physiology and Neuroscience, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
- The Zilkha Neurogenetic Institute, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Jose A. Fernandez
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA
| | - John H. Griffin
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA
| | - Berislav V. Zlokovic
- The Zilkha Neurogenetic Institute, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
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31
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Berkowitz S, Chapman J, Dori A, Gofrit SG, Maggio N, Shavit-Stein E. Complement and Coagulation System Crosstalk in Synaptic and Neural Conduction in the Central and Peripheral Nervous Systems. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9121950. [PMID: 34944766 PMCID: PMC8698364 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9121950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2021] [Revised: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Complement and coagulation are both key systems that defend the body from harm. They share multiple features and are similarly activated. They each play individual roles in the systemic circulation in physiology and pathophysiology, with significant crosstalk between them. Components from both systems are mapped to important structures in the central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral nervous system (PNS). Complement and coagulation participate in critical functions in neuronal development and synaptic plasticity. During pathophysiological states, complement and coagulation factors are upregulated and can modulate synaptic transmission and neuronal conduction. This review summarizes the current evidence regarding the roles of the complement system and the coagulation cascade in the CNS and PNS. Possible crosstalk between the two systems regarding neuroinflammatory-related effects on synaptic transmission and neuronal conduction is explored. Novel treatment based on the modulation of crosstalk between complement and coagulation may perhaps help to alleviate neuroinflammatory effects in diseased states of the CNS and PNS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shani Berkowitz
- Department of Neurology, The Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan 5266202, Israel; (S.B.); (J.C.); (A.D.); (S.G.G.); (N.M.)
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
| | - Joab Chapman
- Department of Neurology, The Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan 5266202, Israel; (S.B.); (J.C.); (A.D.); (S.G.G.); (N.M.)
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
- Robert and Martha Harden Chair in Mental and Neurological Diseases, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
| | - Amir Dori
- Department of Neurology, The Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan 5266202, Israel; (S.B.); (J.C.); (A.D.); (S.G.G.); (N.M.)
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
- Talpiot Medical Leadership Program, The Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan 6997801, Israel
| | - Shany Guly Gofrit
- Department of Neurology, The Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan 5266202, Israel; (S.B.); (J.C.); (A.D.); (S.G.G.); (N.M.)
| | - Nicola Maggio
- Department of Neurology, The Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan 5266202, Israel; (S.B.); (J.C.); (A.D.); (S.G.G.); (N.M.)
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
- Talpiot Medical Leadership Program, The Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan 6997801, Israel
- Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
| | - Efrat Shavit-Stein
- Department of Neurology, The Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan 5266202, Israel; (S.B.); (J.C.); (A.D.); (S.G.G.); (N.M.)
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +972-50-921-0400
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aPC/PAR1 confers endothelial anti-apoptotic activity via a discrete, β-arrestin-2-mediated SphK1-S1PR1-Akt signaling axis. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:2106623118. [PMID: 34873055 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2106623118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Endothelial dysfunction is associated with vascular disease and results in disruption of endothelial barrier function and increased sensitivity to apoptosis. Currently, there are limited treatments for improving endothelial dysfunction. Activated protein C (aPC), a promising therapeutic, signals via protease-activated receptor-1 (PAR1) and mediates several cytoprotective responses, including endothelial barrier stabilization and anti-apoptotic responses. We showed that aPC-activated PAR1 signals preferentially via β-arrestin-2 (β-arr2) and dishevelled-2 (Dvl2) scaffolds rather than G proteins to promote Rac1 activation and barrier protection. However, the signaling pathways utilized by aPC/PAR1 to mediate anti-apoptotic activities are not known. aPC/PAR1 cytoprotective responses also require coreceptors; however, it is not clear how coreceptors impact different aPC/PAR1 signaling pathways to drive distinct cytoprotective responses. Here, we define a β-arr2-mediated sphingosine kinase-1 (SphK1)-sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor-1 (S1PR1)-Akt signaling axis that confers aPC/PAR1-mediated protection against cell death. Using human cultured endothelial cells, we found that endogenous PAR1 and S1PR1 coexist in caveolin-1 (Cav1)-rich microdomains and that S1PR1 coassociation with Cav1 is increased by aPC activation of PAR1. Our study further shows that aPC stimulates β-arr2-dependent SphK1 activation independent of Dvl2 and is required for transactivation of S1PR1-Akt signaling and protection against cell death. While aPC/PAR1-induced, extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) activation is also dependent on β-arr2, neither SphK1 nor S1PR1 are integrated into the ERK1/2 pathway. Finally, aPC activation of PAR1-β-arr2-mediated protection against apoptosis is dependent on Cav1, the principal structural protein of endothelial caveolae. These studies reveal that different aPC/PAR1 cytoprotective responses are mediated by discrete, β-arr2-driven signaling pathways in caveolae.
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Pompili E, De Franchis V, Giampietri C, Leone S, De Santis E, Fornai F, Fumagalli L, Fabrizi C. Protease Activated Receptor 1 and Its Ligands as Main Regulators of the Regeneration of Peripheral Nerves. Biomolecules 2021; 11:1668. [PMID: 34827666 PMCID: PMC8615415 DOI: 10.3390/biom11111668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Revised: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In contrast with the brain and spinal cord, peripheral nerves possess a striking ability to regenerate after damage. This characteristic of the peripheral nervous system is mainly due to a specific population of glial cells, the Schwann cells. Schwann cells promptly activate after nerve injury, dedifferentiate assuming a repair phenotype, and assist axon regrowth. In general, tissue injury determines the release of a variety of proteases which, in parallel with the degradation of their specific targets, also activate plasma membrane receptors known as protease-activated receptors (PARs). PAR1, the prototypical member of the PAR family, is also known as thrombin receptor and is present at the Schwann cell plasma membrane. This receptor is emerging as a possible regulator of the pro-regenerative capacity of Schwann cells. Here, we summarize the most recent literature data describing the possible contribution of PAR1 and PAR1-activating proteases in regulating the regeneration of peripheral nerves.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Pompili
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedics, Sapienza University of Rome, Via A. Borelli 50, 00161 Rome, Italy; (V.D.F.); (C.G.); (E.D.S.); (L.F.); (C.F.)
| | - Valerio De Franchis
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedics, Sapienza University of Rome, Via A. Borelli 50, 00161 Rome, Italy; (V.D.F.); (C.G.); (E.D.S.); (L.F.); (C.F.)
| | - Claudia Giampietri
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedics, Sapienza University of Rome, Via A. Borelli 50, 00161 Rome, Italy; (V.D.F.); (C.G.); (E.D.S.); (L.F.); (C.F.)
| | - Stefano Leone
- Department of Science, Roma Tre University, Viale Guglielmo Marconi 446, 00146 Rome, Italy;
| | - Elena De Santis
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedics, Sapienza University of Rome, Via A. Borelli 50, 00161 Rome, Italy; (V.D.F.); (C.G.); (E.D.S.); (L.F.); (C.F.)
| | - Francesco Fornai
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Via Roma 55, 56126 Pisa, Italy;
- I.R.C.C.S. Neuromed, Via Atinense 18, 86077 Pozzilli, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Fumagalli
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedics, Sapienza University of Rome, Via A. Borelli 50, 00161 Rome, Italy; (V.D.F.); (C.G.); (E.D.S.); (L.F.); (C.F.)
| | - Cinzia Fabrizi
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedics, Sapienza University of Rome, Via A. Borelli 50, 00161 Rome, Italy; (V.D.F.); (C.G.); (E.D.S.); (L.F.); (C.F.)
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Festoff BW, Dockendorff C. The Evolving Concept of Neuro-Thromboinflammation for Neurodegenerative Disorders and Neurotrauma: A Rationale for PAR1-Targeting Therapies. Biomolecules 2021; 11:1558. [PMID: 34827556 PMCID: PMC8615608 DOI: 10.3390/biom11111558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2021] [Revised: 10/10/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Interest in the role of coagulation and fibrinolysis in the nervous system was active in several laboratories dating back before cloning of the functional thrombin receptor in 1991. As one of those, our attention was initially on thrombin and plasminogen activators in synapse formation and elimination in the neuromuscular system, with orientation towards diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and how clotting and fibrinolytic pathways fit into its pathogenesis. This perspective is on neuro-thromboinflammation, emphasizing this emerging concept from studies and reports over more than three decades. It underscores how it may lead to novel therapeutic approaches to treat the ravages of neurotrauma and neurodegenerative diseases, with a focus on PAR1, ALS, and parmodulins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barry W. Festoff
- PHLOGISTIX LLC, Department of Neurology, University of Kansas Medical School, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA
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Xue M, Lin H, Liang HPH, McKelvey K, Zhao R, March L, Jackson C. Deficiency of protease-activated receptor (PAR) 1 and PAR2 exacerbates collagen-induced arthritis in mice via differing mechanisms. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2021; 60:2990-3003. [PMID: 33823532 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/keaa701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Revised: 09/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Protease-activated receptor (PAR) 1 and PAR2 have been implicated in RA, however their exact role is unclear. Here, we detailed the mechanistic impact of these receptors on the onset and development of inflammatory arthritis in murine CIA and antigen-induced arthritis (AIA) models. METHODS CIA or AIA was induced in PAR1 or PAR2 gene knockout (KO) and matched wild type mice. The onset and development of arthritis was monitored clinically and histologically. Immune cells, cytokines and MMPs were detected by ELISA, zymography, flow cytometry, western blot or immunohistochemistry. RESULTS In CIA, PAR1KO and PAR2KO exacerbated arthritis, in opposition to their effects in AIA. These deficient mice had high plasma levels of IL-17, IFN-γ, TGF-β1 and MMP-13, and lower levels of TNF-α; T cells and B cells were higher in both KO spleen and thymus, and myeloid-derived suppressor cells were lower only in PAR1KO spleen, when compared with wild type cells. Th1, Th2 and Th17 cells were lower in PAR1KO spleens cells, whereas Th1 and Th2 cells were lower and Th17 cells higher in both KO thymus cells, when compared with wild type cells. PAR1KO synovial fibroblasts proliferated faster and produced the most abundant MMP-9 amongst three type cells in the control, lipopolysaccharides or TNF stimulated conditions. CONCLUSION This is the first study demonstrated that deficiency of PAR1 or PAR2 aggravates inflammatory arthritis in CIA. Furthermore, the protective functions of PAR1 and PAR2 in CIA likely occur via differing mechanisms involving immune cell differentiation and cytokines/MMPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meilang Xue
- Sutton Arthritis Research Laboratory, Institute of Bone and Joint Research, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Haiyan Lin
- Sutton Arthritis Research Laboratory, Institute of Bone and Joint Research, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Hai Po Helena Liang
- Sutton Arthritis Research Laboratory, Institute of Bone and Joint Research, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Kelly McKelvey
- Bill Walsh Translational Cancer Research Laboratory, Kolling Institute of Medical Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Ruilong Zhao
- Sutton Arthritis Research Laboratory, Institute of Bone and Joint Research, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Lyn March
- Sutton Arthritis Research Laboratory, Institute of Bone and Joint Research, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Christopher Jackson
- Sutton Arthritis Research Laboratory, Institute of Bone and Joint Research, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Abstract
We search for ischemic stroke treatment knowing we have failed-intensely and often-to translate mechanistic knowledge into treatments that alleviate our patients' functional impairments. Lessons can be derived from our shared failures that may point to new directions and new strategies. First, the principle criticisms of both preclinical and clinical assessments are summarized. Next, previous efforts to develop single-mechanism treatments are reviewed. Finally, new definitions, novel approaches, and different directions are presented. In previous development efforts, the basic science and preclinical assessment of candidate treatments often lacked rigor and sufficiency; the clinical trials may have lacked power, rigor, or rectitude; or most likely both preclinical and clinical investigations were flawed. Single-target agents directed against specific molecular mechanisms proved unsuccessful. The term neuroprotection should be replaced as it has become ambiguous: protection of the entire neurovascular unit may be called cerebral cytoprotection or cerebroprotection. Success in developing cerebroprotection-either as an adjunct to recanalization or as stand-alone treatment-will require new definitions that recognize the importance of differential vulnerability in the neurovascular unit. Recent focus on pleiotropic multi-target agents that act via multiple mechanisms of action to interrupt ischemia at multiple steps may be more fruitful. Examples of pleiotropic treatments include therapeutic hypothermia and 3K3A-APC (activated protein C). Alternatively, the single-target drug NA-1 triggers multiple downstream signaling events. Renewed commitment to scientific rigor is essential, and funding agencies and journals may enforce quality principles of rigor in preclinical science. Appropriate animal models should be selected that are suited to the purpose of the investigation. Before clinical trials, preclinical assessment could include subjects that are aged, of both sexes, and harbor comorbid conditions such as diabetes or hypertension. With these new definitions, novel approaches, and renewed attention to rigor, the prospect for successful cerebroprotective therapy should improve.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick D Lyden
- Department of Physiology and Neuroscience, Department of Neurology, Zilkha Neurogenetic Institute, Keck School of Medicine of USC, Los Angeles, CA
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ten Cate H, Guzik TJ, Eikelboom J, Spronk HMH. Pleiotropic actions of factor Xa inhibition in cardiovascular prevention: mechanistic insights and implications for anti-thrombotic treatment. Cardiovasc Res 2021; 117:2030-2044. [PMID: 32931586 PMCID: PMC8318102 DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvaa263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2020] [Revised: 07/10/2020] [Accepted: 09/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease in which atherothrombotic complications lead to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. At advanced stages, myocardial infarction, ischaemic stroke, and peripheral artery disease, including major adverse limb events, are caused either by acute occlusive atherothrombosis or by thromboembolism. Endothelial dysfunction, vascular smooth muscle cell activation, and vascular inflammation are essential in the development of acute cardiovascular events. Effects of the coagulation system on vascular biology extend beyond thrombosis. Under physiological conditions, coagulation proteases in blood are pivotal in maintaining haemostasis and vascular integrity. Under pathological conditions, including atherosclerosis, the same coagulation proteases (including factor Xa, factor VIIa, and thrombin) become drivers of atherothrombosis, working in concert with platelets and vessel wall components. While initially atherothrombosis was attributed primarily to platelets, recent advances indicate the critical role of fibrin clot and plasma coagulation factors. Mechanisms of atherothrombosis and hypercoagulability vary depending on plaque erosion or plaque rupture. In addition to contributing to thrombus formation, factor Xa and thrombin can affect endothelial dysfunction, oxidative stress, vascular smooth muscle cell function as well as immune cell activation and vascular inflammation. By these mechanisms, they promote atherosclerosis and contribute to plaque instability. In this review, we first discuss the postulated vasoprotective mechanisms of protease-activated receptor signalling induced by coagulation enzymes under physiological conditions. Next, we discuss preclinical studies linking coagulation with endothelial cell dysfunction, thromboinflammation, and atherogenesis. Understanding these mechanisms is pivotal for the introduction of novel strategies in cardiovascular prevention and therapy. We therefore translate these findings to clinical studies of direct oral anticoagulant drugs and discuss the potential relevance of dual pathway inhibition for atherothrombosis prevention and vascular protection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hugo ten Cate
- Department of Internal Medicine, Thrombosis Expertise Center, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 50, PO Box 616, 6200 MD, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Biochemistry, Thrombosis Expertise Center, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 50, PO Box 616, 6200 MD, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Tomasz J Guzik
- Institute of Cardiovascular & Medical Sciences, British Heart Foundation Glasgow Cardiovascular Research Centre, Glasgow, UK
- Department of Medicine, Jagiellonian University, Collegium Medicum, Krakow, Poland
| | - John Eikelboom
- Population Health Research Institute, Hamilton General Hospital and McMaster University, Hamilton, L8L 2x2, ON, Canada
| | - Henri M H Spronk
- Department of Internal Medicine, Thrombosis Expertise Center, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 50, PO Box 616, 6200 MD, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Biochemistry, Thrombosis Expertise Center, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 50, PO Box 616, 6200 MD, Maastricht, The Netherlands
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Das K, Keshava S, Ansari SA, Kondreddy V, Esmon CT, Griffin JH, Pendurthi UR, Rao LVM. Factor VIIa induces extracellular vesicles from the endothelium: a potential mechanism for its hemostatic effect. Blood 2021; 137:3428-3442. [PMID: 33534910 PMCID: PMC8212509 DOI: 10.1182/blood.2020008417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Recombinant factor FVIIa (rFVIIa) is used as a hemostatic agent to treat bleeding disorders in hemophilia patients with inhibitors and other groups of patients. Our recent studies showed that FVIIa binds endothelial cell protein C receptor (EPCR) and induces protease-activated receptor 1 (PAR1)-mediated biased signaling. The importance of FVIIa-EPCR-PAR1-mediated signaling in hemostasis is unknown. In the present study, we show that FVIIa induces the release of extracellular vesicles (EVs) from endothelial cells both in vitro and in vivo. Silencing of EPCR or PAR1 in endothelial cells blocked the FVIIa-induced generation of EVs. Consistent with these data, FVIIa treatment enhanced the release of EVs from murine brain endothelial cells isolated from wild-type (WT), EPCR-overexpressing, and PAR1-R46Q-mutant mice, but not EPCR-deficient or PAR1-R41Q-mutant mice. In vivo studies revealed that administration of FVIIa to WT, EPCR-overexpressing, and PAR1-R46Q-mutant mice, but not EPCR-deficient or PAR1-R41Q-mutant mice, increased the number of circulating EVs. EVs released in response to FVIIa treatment exhibit enhanced procoagulant activity. Infusion of FVIIa-generated EVs and not control EVs to platelet-depleted mice increased thrombin generation at the site of injury and reduced blood loss. Administration of FVIIa-generated EVs or generation of EVs endogenously by administering FVIIa augmented the hemostatic effect of FVIIa. Overall, our data reveal that FVIIa treatment, through FVIIa-EPCR-PAR1 signaling, releases EVs from the endothelium into the circulation, and these EVs contribute to the hemostatic effect of FVIIa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaushik Das
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler, Tyler, TX
| | - Shiva Keshava
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler, Tyler, TX
| | - Shabbir A Ansari
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler, Tyler, TX
| | - Vijay Kondreddy
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler, Tyler, TX
| | - Charles T Esmon
- Coagulation Biology Laboratory, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK; and
| | - John H Griffin
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA
| | - Usha R Pendurthi
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler, Tyler, TX
| | - L Vijaya Mohan Rao
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler, Tyler, TX
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Seo Y, Heo Y, Jo S, Park SH, Lee C, Chang J, Jeon DK, Kim TG, Han G, Namkung W. Novel positive allosteric modulator of protease-activated receptor 1 promotes skin wound healing in hairless mice. Br J Pharmacol 2021; 178:3414-3427. [PMID: 33837955 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2020] [Revised: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Protease-activated receptor 1 (PAR1) is a GPCR expressed in several skin cell types, including keratinocyte and dermal fibroblast. PAR1 activation plays a crucial role in the process of skin wound healing such as thrombosis, inflammation, proliferation and tissue repair. In the present study, we identified a novel positive allosteric modulator of PAR1, GB83, and investigated its effect on skin wound healing. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH The enhancement of PAR1 activity by GB83 was measured using Fluo-4 calcium assay. In silico docking analysis of GB83 in PAR1 was performed using dock ligands method (CDOCKER) with CHARMm force field. Effects of GB83 on cell viability and gene expression were observed using MTS assay and quantitative real-time PCRs, respectively. SKH-1 hairless mice were used to investigate the wound healing effect of GB83. KEY RESULTS We demonstrated that GB83 did not activate PAR1 by itself but strongly enhanced PAR1 activation by thrombin and PAR1-activating peptide (AP). In silico docking analysis revealed that GB83 can bind to the PAR1 binding site of vorapaxar. GB83 significantly promoted PAR1-mediated cell viability and migration. In addition, the enhancement of PAR1 activity by GB83 strongly increased gene expression of TGF-β, fibronectin and type I collagen in vitro and promoted skin wound healing in vivo. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS Our results revealed that GB83 is the first positive allosteric modulator of PAR1 and it can be a useful pharmacological tool for studying PAR1 and a potential therapeutic agent for skin wound healing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yohan Seo
- College of Pharmacy, Yonsei Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Yonsei University, Incheon, Republic of Korea.,Department of Integrated OMICS for Biomedical Science, WCU Program of Graduate School, Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,New Drug Development Center, Daegu-Gyeongbuk Medical Innovation Foundation, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Yunkyung Heo
- College of Pharmacy, Yonsei Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Yonsei University, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Sungwoo Jo
- College of Pharmacy, Yonsei Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Yonsei University, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - So-Hyeon Park
- Graduate Program of Industrial Pharmaceutical Science, Yonsei University, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Chulho Lee
- Department of Integrated OMICS for Biomedical Science, WCU Program of Graduate School, Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jiwon Chang
- College of Pharmacy, Yonsei Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Yonsei University, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong-Kyu Jeon
- College of Pharmacy, Yonsei Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Yonsei University, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Tae Gun Kim
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Gyoonhee Han
- Department of Integrated OMICS for Biomedical Science, WCU Program of Graduate School, Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Wan Namkung
- College of Pharmacy, Yonsei Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Yonsei University, Incheon, Republic of Korea.,Department of Integrated OMICS for Biomedical Science, WCU Program of Graduate School, Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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40
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Apolipoprotein A-I enhances activated protein C cytoprotective activity. Blood Adv 2021; 4:2404-2408. [PMID: 32484855 DOI: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2019001316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2019] [Accepted: 05/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Key Points
High-density lipoprotein and apolipoprotein A-I enhance activated protein C cytoprotective activity. High-density lipoprotein and apolipoprotein A-I significantly increase the rate at which activated protein C degrades cytotoxic extracellular histones.
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41
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Chandrabalan A, Ramachandran R. Molecular mechanisms regulating Proteinase‐Activated Receptors (PARs). FEBS J 2021; 288:2697-2726. [DOI: 10.1111/febs.15829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Revised: 03/10/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Arundhasa Chandrabalan
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry University of Western Ontario London Canada
| | - Rithwik Ramachandran
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry University of Western Ontario London Canada
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Rovai ES, Alves T, Holzhausen M. Protease-activated receptor 1 as a potential therapeutic target for COVID-19. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2021; 246:688-694. [PMID: 33302737 PMCID: PMC7746952 DOI: 10.1177/1535370220978372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute respiratory disease caused by a novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) has spread all over the world, since its discovery in 2019, Wuhan, China. This disease is called COVID-19 and already killed over 1 million people worldwide. The clinical symptoms include fever, dry cough, dyspnea, headache, dizziness, generalized weakness, vomiting, and diarrhea. Unfortunately, so far, there is no validated vaccine, and its management consists mainly of supportive care. Venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism are highly prevalent in patients suffering from severe COVID-19. In fact, a prothrombotic state seems to be present in most fatal cases of the disease. SARS-CoV-2 leads to the production of proinflammatory cytokines, causing immune-mediated tissue damage, disruption of the endothelial barrier, and uncontrolled thrombogenesis. Thrombin is the key regulator of coagulation and fibrin formation. In severe COVID-19, a dysfunctional of physiological anticoagulant mechanisms leads to a progressive increase of thrombin activity, which is associated with acute respiratory distress syndrome development and a poor prognosis. Protease-activated receptor type 1 (PAR1) is the main thrombin receptor and may represent an essential link between coagulation and inflammation in the pathophysiology of COVID-19. In this review, we discuss the potential role of PAR1 inhibition and regulation in COVID-19 treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuel S. Rovai
- Department of Dentistry, University of Taubate, Taubate 12010-490, Brazil
| | - Tomaz Alves
- Division of Periodontics, Department of Stomatology, School of Dentistry, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Marinella Holzhausen
- Division of Periodontics, Department of Stomatology, School of Dentistry, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil
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Jordan KR, Parra-Izquierdo I, Gruber A, Shatzel JJ, Pham P, Sherman LS, McCarty OJT, Verbout NG. Thrombin generation and activity in multiple sclerosis. Metab Brain Dis 2021; 36:407-420. [PMID: 33411219 PMCID: PMC7864536 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-020-00652-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
The coagulation cascade and immune system are intricately linked, highly regulated and respond cooperatively in response to injury and infection. Increasingly, evidence of hyper-coagulation has been associated with autoimmune disorders, including multiple sclerosis (MS). The pathophysiology of MS includes immune cell activation and recruitment to the central nervous system (CNS) where they degrade myelin sheaths, leaving neuronal axons exposed to damaging inflammatory mediators. Breakdown of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) facilitates the entry of peripheral immune cells. Evidence of thrombin activity has been identified within the CNS of MS patients and studies using animal models of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), suggest increased thrombin generation and activity may play a role in the pathogenesis of MS as well as inhibit remyelination processes. Thrombin is a serine protease capable of cleaving multiple substrates, including protease activated receptors (PARs), fibrinogen, and protein C. Cleavage of all three of these substrates represent pathways through which thrombin activity may exert immuno-regulatory effects and regulate permeability of the BBB during MS and EAE. In this review, we summarize evidence that thrombin activity directly, through PARs, and indirectly, through fibrin formation and activation of protein C influences neuro-immune responses associated with MS and EAE pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelley R Jordan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Oregon Health and Science University, School of Medicine, 3303 SW Bond Avenue, Portland, OR, 97239, USA.
| | - Ivan Parra-Izquierdo
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Oregon Health and Science University, School of Medicine, 3303 SW Bond Avenue, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Oregon Health and Science University, Knight Cancer Institute, Portland, OR, USA
| | - András Gruber
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Oregon Health and Science University, School of Medicine, 3303 SW Bond Avenue, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Oregon Health and Science University, Knight Cancer Institute, Portland, OR, USA
- Aronora Inc, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Joseph J Shatzel
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Oregon Health and Science University, School of Medicine, 3303 SW Bond Avenue, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Oregon Health and Science University, Knight Cancer Institute, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Peter Pham
- Division of Neuroscience, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health and Science University, Beaverton, OR, USA
| | - Larry S Sherman
- Division of Neuroscience, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health and Science University, Beaverton, OR, USA
| | - Owen J T McCarty
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Oregon Health and Science University, School of Medicine, 3303 SW Bond Avenue, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Oregon Health and Science University, Knight Cancer Institute, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Norah G Verbout
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Oregon Health and Science University, School of Medicine, 3303 SW Bond Avenue, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
- Aronora Inc, Portland, OR, USA
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Healy LD, Fernández JA, Mosnier LO, Griffin JH. Activated protein C and PAR1-derived and PAR3-derived peptides are anti-inflammatory by suppressing macrophage NLRP3 inflammasomes. J Thromb Haemost 2021; 19:269-280. [PMID: 33049092 PMCID: PMC7790994 DOI: 10.1111/jth.15133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2020] [Revised: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 10/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Essentials Activated protein C (APC) is a serine protease with anticoagulant and cytoprotective effects. We tested whether APC or non-canonical PAR-derived peptides suppress inflammasome activity. APC or PAR1- and PAR3-derived peptides restrict inflammasome-dependent caspase-1 activity. Combined PAR1-derived and PAR3-derived peptides synergistically suppress caspase-1 activity. ABSTRACT: Background Activated protein C (APC) has been shown to restrict murine inflammasome activity. However, whether APC can exert anti-inflammatory activity in part through suppression of inflammasome activation in human systems is unknown. Objectives Studies were made to determine whether either APC or protease activated receptor (PAR)-derived peptides can reduce NLRP3 inflammasome activity in differentiated human THP-1 macrophage-like cells or in primary human monocytes stimulated to activate the inflammasome. Methods Human THP-1 cells or primary human monocytes were differentiated, treated with APC or PAR-derived peptides, and then stimulated with lipopolysaccharide and ATP to induce caspase-1 activity, a product of inflammasome activation. Results Activated protein C or noncanonical PAR1-derived or PAR3-derived peptides significantly reduced caspase-1 activity, detection of fluorescent NLRP3, and IL-1β release from THP-1 cells. At low concentrations where no effect was observed for each individual peptide, combinations of the PAR1-derived peptide and the PAR3-derived peptide resulted in a significant synergistic decrease in caspase-1 and IL-1β release. Caspase-1 activity was also reduced in primary human monocytes. Studies using blocking antibodies and small molecule PAR1 inhibitors suggest that EPCR, PAR1, and PAR3 each play roles in the observed anti-inflammatory effects. Several shortened versions of the PAR1- and PAR3-derived peptide reduced caspase-1 activity and exhibited synergistic anti-inflammatory effects. Conclusions The results indicate that both APC and certain PAR1- and PAR3-derived peptides, which are biased agonists for PAR1 or PAR3, can reduce inflammasome activity in stimulated human monocytes as measured by caspase-1 activity and IL-1β release and that PAR-derived biased peptide agonist combinations are synergistically anti-inflammatory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura D Healy
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - José A Fernández
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Laurent O Mosnier
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - John H Griffin
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
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Gerasimov A, Golderman V, Gofrit SG, Aharoni SA, Zohar DN, Itsekson-Hayosh Z, Fay-Karmon T, Hassin-Baer S, Chapman J, Maggio N, Shavit-Stein E. Markers for neural degeneration and regeneration: novel highly sensitive methods for the measurement of thrombin and activated protein C in human cerebrospinal fluid. Neural Regen Res 2021; 16:2086-2092. [PMID: 33642398 PMCID: PMC8343305 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.308098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Inflammation and coagulation are tightly interconnected in the pathophysiology of neuronal diseases. Thrombin, a pro-coagulant serine protease is associated with neurodegeneration and its indirect inhibitor, activated protein C (aPC), is considered neuroprotective. While levels of thrombin and aPC activity are readily measured in the blood, similar assays in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) have not been described. The aim of this study was to establish a specific and sensitive enzymatic assay to measure both thrombin and aPC activity in the CSF. CSF was collected from 14 patients with suspected normal pressure hydrocephalus served as a control group, while seven patients with central nervous system infections served as an acute neuro-inflammatory study group and one sample of CSF following traumatic lumbar puncture served as a positive control. Thrombin and aPC activities were measured by fluorescence released by specific proteolytic cleavage in the presence of endopeptidase and amino-peptidase inhibitors to ensure specificity. Specificity of the method was verified by thrombin and serine-protease inhibitors N-alpha-((2-naphthylsulfinyl)glycyl)-DL-p-amidinophenylalanylpiperidine and phenylmethanesulfonyl fluoride. Inhibition of thrombin activity by CSF samples and levels of specific thrombin inhibitors were also assessed. Thrombin and aPC activities were reliably measured and were significantly higher in the CSF of patients with central nervous system infections compared to normal pressure hydrocephalus controls, suggesting the involvement of these factors in neuro-inflammation. CSF thrombin activity levels in the presence of known thrombin concentration were high in patients with central nervous system infections, and low in normal pressure hydrocephalus patients. Quantification of endogenous thrombin inhibitors protease nexin 1, amyloid precursor protein and anti-thrombin III in CSF by western blot indicated a significant elevation of amyloid precursor protein in infectious CSF. In conclusion, this study describes a novel and sensitive assay aimed at the detection of thrombin and aPC activity in CSF. This method may be useful for measuring these factors that reflect degenerative and protective influences of coagulation on neurological disorders. The study procedure was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Chaim Sheba Medical Center (approval No. 4245-17-SMC) on October 18, 2018.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Valery Golderman
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Shany Guly Gofrit
- Department of Neurology, The Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Shay Anat Aharoni
- Department of Neurology, The Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Daniela Noa Zohar
- Department of Neurology, The Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | | | - Tsviya Fay-Karmon
- Department of Neurology; The Movement Disorders Institute, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Sharon Hassin-Baer
- Department of Neurology, The Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan; Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv; The Movement Disorders Institute, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan; Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Joab Chapman
- Department of Neurology, The Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan; Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Sackler Faculty of Medicine; Sagol School of Neuroscience; Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine; Robert and Martha Harden Chair in Mental and Neurological Diseases, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Nicola Maggio
- Department of Neurology, The Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan; Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Sackler Faculty of Medicine; Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv; Talpiot Medical Leadership Program, The Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Efrat Shavit-Stein
- Department of Neurology, The Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan; Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
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Schweickert PG, Yang Y, White EE, Cresswell GM, Elzey BD, Ratliff TL, Arumugam P, Antoniak S, Mackman N, Flick MJ, Konieczny SF. Thrombin-PAR1 signaling in pancreatic cancer promotes an immunosuppressive microenvironment. J Thromb Haemost 2021; 19:161-172. [PMID: 33064371 PMCID: PMC7790967 DOI: 10.1111/jth.15115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2020] [Revised: 09/11/2020] [Accepted: 09/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Essentials Elimination of PDAC tumor cell PAR1 increased cytotoxic T cells and reduced tumor macrophages. PAR1KO PDAC cells are preferentially eliminated from growing tumors. Thrombin-PAR1 signaling in PDAC tumor cells drives an immunosuppressive gene signature. Csf2 and Ptgs2 are thrombin-PAR1 downstream immune suppressor genes in PDAC tumor cells. ABSTRACT: Background Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is characterized by a prothrombotic state and a lack of host antitumor immune responsiveness. Linking these two key features, we previously demonstrated that tumor-derived coagulation activity promotes immune evasion. Specifically, thrombin-protease-activated receptor-1 (PAR1) signaling in mouse PDAC cells drives tumor growth by evading cytotoxic CD8a+ cells. Methods Syngeneic mixed cell tumor growth, transcriptional analyses, and functional tests of immunosuppressive response genes were used to identify cellular and molecular immune evasion mechanisms mediated by thrombin-PAR-1 signaling in mouse PDAC tumor cells. Results Elimination of tumor cell PAR1 in syngeneic graft studies increased cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) infiltration and decreased tumor-associated macrophages in the tumor microenvironment. Co-injection of PAR1-expressing and PAR1-knockout (PAR-1KO ) tumor cells into immunocompetent mice resulted in preferential elimination of PAR-1KO cells from developing tumors, suggesting that PAR1-dependent immune evasion is not reliant on CTL exclusion. Transcriptomics analyses revealed no PAR1-dependent changes in the expression of immune checkpoint proteins and no difference in major histocompatibility complex-I cell surface expression. Importantly, thrombin-PAR1 signaling in PDAC cells upregulated genes linked to immunosuppression, including Csf2 and Ptgs2. Functional analyses confirmed that both Csf2 and Ptgs2 are critical for PDAC syngeneic graft tumor growth and overexpression of each factor partially restored tumor growth of PAR1KO cells in immunocompetent mice. Conclusions Our results provide novel insight into the mechanisms of a previously unrecognized pathway coupling coagulation to PDAC immune evasion by identifying PAR1-dependent changes in the tumor microenvironment, a PAR1-driven immunosuppressive gene signature, and Csf2 and Ptgs2 as critical PAR1 downstream targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick G. Schweickert
- Purdue University, Department of Biological Sciences and
the Purdue Center for Cancer Research, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
| | - Yi Yang
- University of North Carolina, Department of Pathology and
Laboratory Medicine, the Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, and the UNC Blood
Research Center, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Emily E. White
- Purdue University, Department of Biological Sciences and
the Purdue Center for Cancer Research, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
| | - Gregory M. Cresswell
- Purdue University, Department of Comparative Pathobiology
and the Purdue Center for Cancer Research, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
| | - Bennett D. Elzey
- Purdue University, Department of Comparative Pathobiology
and the Purdue Center for Cancer Research, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
| | - Timothy L. Ratliff
- Purdue University, Department of Comparative Pathobiology
and the Purdue Center for Cancer Research, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
| | - Paritha Arumugam
- Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center,
Division of Pulmonary Biology, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Silvio Antoniak
- University of North Carolina, Department of Pathology and
Laboratory Medicine, the Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, and the UNC Blood
Research Center, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Nigel Mackman
- University of North Carolina, Department of Medicine and
the UNC Blood Research Center, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Matthew J. Flick
- University of North Carolina, Department of Pathology and
Laboratory Medicine, the Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, and the UNC Blood
Research Center, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Stephen F. Konieczny
- Purdue University, Department of Biological Sciences and
the Purdue Center for Cancer Research, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
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Lyden PD, Pryor KE, Minigh J, Davis TP, Griffin JH, Levy H, Zlokovic BV. Stroke Treatment With PAR-1 Agents to Decrease Hemorrhagic Transformation. Front Neurol 2021; 12:593582. [PMID: 33790846 PMCID: PMC8005555 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2021.593582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2020] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Ischemic stroke is the most widespread cause of disability and a leading cause of death in developed countries. To date, the most potent approved treatment for acute stroke is recanalization therapy with thrombolytic drugs such as tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA or tPA) or endovascular mechanical thrombectomy. Although tPA and thrombectomy are widely available in the United States, it is currently estimated that only 10-20% of stroke patients get tPA treatment, in part due to restrictive selection criteria. Recently, however, tPA and thrombectomy selection criteria have loosened, potentially allowing more patients to qualify. The relatively low rate of treatment may also reflect the perceived risk of brain hemorrhage following treatment with tPA. In translational research and a single patient study, protease activated receptor 1 (PAR-1) targeted therapies given along with thrombolysis and thrombectomy appear to reduce hemorrhagic transformation after recanalization. Such adjuncts may likely enhance the availability of recanalization and encourage more physicians to use the recently expanded selection criteria for applying recanalization therapies. This narrative review discusses stroke therapies, the role of hemorrhagic transformation in producing poor outcomes, and presents the data suggesting that PAR-1 acting agents show promise for decreasing hemorrhagic transformation and improving outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick D. Lyden
- Department of Physiology and Neuroscience, Keck School of Medicine, Zilkha Neurogenetic Institute, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- *Correspondence: Patrick D. Lyden
| | | | | | - Thomas P. Davis
- Department of Medical Pharmacology, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - John H. Griffin
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Howard Levy
- Howard Levy Consulting LLC, Hopewell, NJ, United States
| | - Berislav V. Zlokovic
- Department of Physiology and Neuroscience, Keck School of Medicine, Zilkha Neurogenetic Institute, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
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48
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Lee C, Viswanathan G, Choi I, Jassal C, Kohlmann T, Rajagopal S. Beta-Arrestins and Receptor Signaling in the Vascular Endothelium. Biomolecules 2020; 11:biom11010009. [PMID: 33374806 PMCID: PMC7824595 DOI: 10.3390/biom11010009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2020] [Revised: 12/13/2020] [Accepted: 12/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The vascular endothelium is the innermost layer of blood vessels and is a key regulator of vascular tone. Endothelial function is controlled by receptor signaling through G protein-coupled receptors, receptor tyrosine kinases and receptor serine-threonine kinases. The β-arrestins, multifunctional adapter proteins, have the potential to regulate all of these receptor families, although it is unclear as to whether they serve to integrate signaling across all of these different axes. Notably, the β-arrestins have been shown to regulate signaling by a number of receptors important in endothelial function, such as chemokine receptors and receptors for vasoactive substances such as angiotensin II, endothelin-1 and prostaglandins. β-arrestin-mediated signaling pathways have been shown to play central roles in pathways that control vasodilation, cell proliferation, migration, and immune function. At this time, the physiological impact of this signaling has not been studied in detail, but a deeper understanding of it could lead to the development of novel therapies for the treatment of vascular disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Lee
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA;
| | - Gayathri Viswanathan
- Medical Center, Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA; (G.V.); (I.C.)
| | - Issac Choi
- Medical Center, Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA; (G.V.); (I.C.)
| | - Chanpreet Jassal
- College of Arts and Sciences, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA;
| | - Taylor Kohlmann
- Trinity College of Arts and Sciences, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA;
| | - Sudarshan Rajagopal
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA;
- Medical Center, Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA; (G.V.); (I.C.)
- Correspondence:
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49
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Juffermans NP, van den Brom CE, Kleinveld DJB. Targeting Endothelial Dysfunction in Acute Critical Illness to Reduce Organ Failure. Anesth Analg 2020; 131:1708-1720. [PMID: 33186159 DOI: 10.1213/ane.0000000000005023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
During hyperinflammatory conditions that can occur in acute critical illness, such as shock or hypoperfusion, inflammatory mediators activate the endothelium, fueling a proinflammatory host-response as well as procoagulant processes. These changes result in shedding of the glycocalyx, endothelial hyperpermeability, edema formation, and lead to disturbed microcirculatory perfusion and organ failure. Different fluid strategies that are used in shock may have differential effects on endothelial integrity. Collectively, low protein content fluids seem to have negative effects on the endothelial glycocalyx, aggravating endothelial hyperpermeability, whereas fluids containing albumin or plasma proteins may be superior to normal saline in protecting the glycocalyx and endothelial barrier function. Targeting the endothelium may be a therapeutic strategy to limit organ failure, which hitherto has not received much attention. Treatment targets aimed at restoring the endothelium should focus on maintaining glycocalyx function and/or targeting coagulation pathways or specific endothelial receptors. Potential treatments could be supplementing glycocalyx constituents or inhibiting glycocalyx breakdown. In this review, we summarize mechanisms of endothelial dysfunction during acute critical illness, such as the systemic inflammatory response, shedding of the glycocalyx, endothelial activation, and activation of coagulation. In addition, this review focuses on the effects of different fluid strategies on endothelial permeability. Also, potential mechanisms for treatment options to reduce endothelial hyperpermeability with ensuing organ failure are evaluated. Future research is needed to elucidate these pathways and to translate these data to the first human safety and feasibility trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole P Juffermans
- From the Department of Intensive Care, Onze Lieve Vrouwe Gasthuis, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.,Laboratory of Experimental Intensive Care and Anesthesiology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Charissa E van den Brom
- Department of Anesthesiology, Amsterdam UMC, VU Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.,Experimental Laboratory for Vital Signs, Amsterdam UMC, VU Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Derek J B Kleinveld
- Laboratory of Experimental Intensive Care and Anesthesiology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.,Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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50
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Bicker J, Alves G, Fonseca C, Falcão A, Fortuna A. Repairing blood-CNS barriers: Future therapeutic approaches for neuropsychiatric disorders. Pharmacol Res 2020; 162:105226. [PMID: 33007420 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2020.105226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2020] [Revised: 09/21/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Central nervous system (CNS) drug development faces significant difficulties that translate into high rates of failure and lack of innovation. The pathophysiology of neurological and psychiatric disorders often results in the breakdown of blood-CNS barriers, disturbing the CNS microenvironment and worsening disease progression. Therefore, restoring the integrity of blood-CNS barriers may have a beneficial influence in several CNS disorders and improve treatment outcomes. In this review, pathways that may be modulated to protect blood-CNS barriers from neuroinflammatory and oxidative insults are featured. First, the participation of the brain endothelium and glial cells in disruption processes is discussed. Then, the relevance of regulatory systems is analysed, specifically the hypothalamic-pituitary axis, the renin-angiotensin system, sleep and circadian rhythms, and glutamate neurotransmission. Lastly, compounds of endogenous and exogenous origin that are known to mediate the repair of blood-CNS barriers are presented. We believe that enhancing the protection of blood-CNS barriers is a promising therapeutic strategy to pursue in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana Bicker
- University of Coimbra, Faculty of Pharmacy, Coimbra, Portugal; University of Coimbra, Coimbra Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Translational Research, Coimbra, Portugal.
| | - Gilberto Alves
- CICS-UBI, Health Sciences Research Center, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Carla Fonseca
- University of Coimbra, Faculty of Pharmacy, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Amílcar Falcão
- University of Coimbra, Faculty of Pharmacy, Coimbra, Portugal; University of Coimbra, Coimbra Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Translational Research, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Ana Fortuna
- University of Coimbra, Faculty of Pharmacy, Coimbra, Portugal; University of Coimbra, Coimbra Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Translational Research, Coimbra, Portugal
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