1
|
Chong CF, Hasnizan NYU, Ahmad Mokhtar AM. Navigating the landscape of Rho GTPase signalling system in autoimmunity: A bibliometric analysis spanning over three decades (1990 to 2023). Cell Signal 2023; 111:110855. [PMID: 37598919 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2023.110855] [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: 07/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023]
Abstract
Ras-homologous (Rho) guanosine triphosphatases (GTPases) are considered a central player in regulating various biological processes, extending to immune regulation. Perturbations in Rho GTPase signalling have been implicated in immune-related dysregulation, contributing to the development of autoimmunity. This study presents a scientometric analysis exploring the interlink between the Rho GTPase signalling system and autoimmunity, while also delving into the trends of past studies. A total of 967 relevant publications from 1990 to 2023 were retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection database after throrough manual filtering of irrelevant articles. The findings show an upward trajectory in publications related to this field since 2006. Over the past three decades, the United States of America (41.68%) emerged as the primary contributor in advancing our understanding of the association between the Rho GTPase signalling system and autoimmunity. Research in autoimmunity has mainly centered around therapeutic interventions, with an emphasis on studying leukocyte (macrophage) and endothelial remodelling. Interestingly, within the domains of multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis, the current focus has been directed towards comprehending the role of RhoA, Rac1, and Cdc42. Notably, certain subfamilies of Rho (such as RhoB and RhoC), Rac (including Rac2 and RhoG), Cdc42 (specifically RhoJ), and other atypical Rho GTPases (like RhoE and RhoH) consistently demonstrating compelling link with autoimmunity, but still warrants emphasis in the future study. Hence, strategic manipulation of the Rho signalling system holds immense promise as a pivotal approach to addressing the global challenge of autoimmunity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chien Fung Chong
- Bioprocess Technology Division, School of Industrial Technology, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 Gelugor, Penang, Malaysia.
| | - Nik Yasmin Umaira Hasnizan
- Bioprocess Technology Division, School of Industrial Technology, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 Gelugor, Penang, Malaysia.
| | - Ana Masara Ahmad Mokhtar
- Bioprocess Technology Division, School of Industrial Technology, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 Gelugor, Penang, Malaysia.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Tan D, Lu M, Cai Y, Qi W, Wu F, Bao H, Qv M, He Q, Xu Y, Wang X, Shen T, Luo J, He Y, Wu J, Tang L, Barkat MQ, Xu C, Wu X. SUMOylation of Rho-associated protein kinase 2 induces goblet cell metaplasia in allergic airways. Nat Commun 2023; 14:3887. [PMID: 37393345 PMCID: PMC10314948 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-39600-4] [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: 12/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Allergic asthma is characterized by goblet cell metaplasia and subsequent mucus hypersecretion that contribute to the morbidity and mortality of this disease. Here, we explore the potential role and underlying mechanism of protein SUMOylation-mediated goblet cell metaplasia. The components of SUMOylaion machinery are specifically expressed in healthy human bronchial epithelia and robustly upregulated in bronchial epithelia of patients or mouse models with allergic asthma. Intratracheal suppression of SUMOylation by 2-D08 robustly attenuates not only allergen-induced airway inflammation, goblet cell metaplasia, and hyperreactivity, but IL-13-induced goblet cell metaplasia. Phosphoproteomics and biochemical analyses reveal SUMOylation on K1007 activates ROCK2, a master regulator of goblet cell metaplasia, by facilitating its binding to and activation by RhoA, and an E3 ligase PIAS1 is responsible for SUMOylation on K1007. As a result, knockdown of PIAS1 in bronchial epithelia inactivates ROCK2 to attenuate IL-13-induced goblet cell metaplasia, and bronchial epithelial knock-in of ROCK2(K1007R) consistently inactivates ROCK2 to alleviate not only allergen-induced airway inflammation, goblet cell metaplasia, and hyperreactivity, but IL-13-induced goblet cell metaplasia. Together, SUMOylation-mediated ROCK2 activation is an integral component of Rho/ROCK signaling in regulating the pathological conditions of asthma and thus SUMOylation is an additional target for the therapeutic intervention of this disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dan Tan
- Department of Pharmacology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China
- Key Laboratory of CFDA for Respiratory Drug Research, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Meiping Lu
- National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, the Children's Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310053, China.
| | - Yuqing Cai
- National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, the Children's Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310053, China
| | - Weibo Qi
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, the Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, 314001, China
| | - Fugen Wu
- Department of Paediatrics, the First People's Hospital of Wenling City, Wenling City, 317500, China
| | - Hangyang Bao
- Department of Pharmacology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Meiyu Qv
- Department of Pharmacology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Qiangqiang He
- Department of Pharmacology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Yana Xu
- Department of Pharmacology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Xiangzhi Wang
- National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, the Children's Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310053, China
| | - Tingyu Shen
- Department of Pharmacology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Jiahao Luo
- Department of Pharmacology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Yangxun He
- Department of Pharmacology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Junsong Wu
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310003, China
| | - Lanfang Tang
- National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, the Children's Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310053, China
| | - Muhammad Qasim Barkat
- Department of Pharmacology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Chengyun Xu
- Department of Pharmacology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
- Key Laboratory of CFDA for Respiratory Drug Research, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
- National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, the Children's Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310053, China.
| | - Ximei Wu
- Department of Pharmacology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
- Key Laboratory of CFDA for Respiratory Drug Research, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Franova S, Molitorisova M, Kalmanova L, Palencarova J, Joskova M, Smiesko L, Mazerik J, Sutovska M. The anti-asthmatic potential of Rho-kinase inhibitor hydroxyfasudil in the model of experimentally induced allergic airway inflammation. Eur J Pharmacol 2022; 938:175450. [PMID: 36473595 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2022.175450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Revised: 11/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This experimental study evaluated the anti-asthmatic potential of the Rho-kinase inhibitor hydroxyfasudil in the settings of allergen-induced allergen-induced experimental asthma. METHODS Chronic allergic airway inflammation was caused by 28 days-sensitisation of guinea pigs with ovalbumin (OVA). Hydroxyfasudil was administered intraperitoneally in two doses for the last two weeks (1 mg/kg b.w.; 10 mg/kg b.w.). The degree of allergic inflammation was determined based on concentrations of inflammatory Th2 cytokines (IL-4, IL-13), Th1 cytokines (TNF-α and IFN-γ) in the lung homogenate and leukocyte count in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). The markers of remodelling and fibrosis, the growth factors (TGF-β1, EGF), EGF receptor, collagen type III and V were estimated in lung homogenate. The changes in specific airway resistance (sRaw) were used as an in vivo bronchial hyperreactivity parameter. RESULTS Hydroxyfasudil administration at both doses significantly reduced sRaw after a week of therapy. We observed a decline of IL-13, TNF-α and IFN-γ in lung homogenate and a lower presence of lymphocytes in BALF after 14 days of hydroxyfasudil administration at both tested doses. Hydroxyfasudil 14 days-treatment at both doses effectively reduced the concentrations of TGF-β1, EGF receptors, collagen type III and V in BALF and modulated EGF levels. CONCLUSIONS These findings indicate that RhoA/Rho-kinase is involved in the pathophysiology of allergic airway inflammation and suggest that Rho-kinase inhibitor hydroxyfasudil has therapeutic potential for asthma management.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sona Franova
- Comenius University in Bratislava, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin, Department of Pharmacology, Mala Hora 4C, 036 01, Martin, Slovakia.
| | - Miroslava Molitorisova
- Comenius University in Bratislava, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin, Department of Pharmacology, Mala Hora 4C, 036 01, Martin, Slovakia
| | - Lenka Kalmanova
- Comenius University in Bratislava, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin, Department of Pharmacology, Mala Hora 4C, 036 01, Martin, Slovakia
| | - Jarmila Palencarova
- Comenius University in Bratislava, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin, Department of Pharmacology, Mala Hora 4C, 036 01, Martin, Slovakia
| | - Marta Joskova
- Comenius University in Bratislava, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin, Department of Pharmacology, Mala Hora 4C, 036 01, Martin, Slovakia
| | - Lukas Smiesko
- Comenius University in Bratislava, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin, Department of Pharmacology, Mala Hora 4C, 036 01, Martin, Slovakia
| | - Jozef Mazerik
- Comenius University in Bratislava, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin, Department of Pharmacology, Mala Hora 4C, 036 01, Martin, Slovakia
| | - Martina Sutovska
- Comenius University in Bratislava, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin, Department of Pharmacology, Mala Hora 4C, 036 01, Martin, Slovakia
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Silencing ROCK1 ameliorates ventilator-induced lung injury in mice by inhibiting macrophages' NLRP3 signaling. Int Immunopharmacol 2021; 101:108208. [PMID: 34619496 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2021.108208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2021] [Revised: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Rho kinase, including two subtypes, ROCK1 and ROCK2, controls a variety of biological processes helping coordinate the tissues response to stress and injury. Some authors believe that alveolar macrophages (AMs) play a key role in the early phase of ventilator-induced lung injury (VILI), which is closely related to the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome and NF-κB signaling. However, there is currently little known about the relationship between ROCK signaling and NLRP3 inflammasome. Accordingly, we focused on exploring the effect of ROCK for NLRP3 inflammasome, the results showed that VILI in C57BL/6 mice significantly increased NF-κB, NLRP3, ASC, caspase1 expression, and the secretion of cytokines, which was reversed by applying the ROCK Inhibitor-Y27632. Moreover, the use of AMs and mechanical stretching suggested that ROCK regulated transcriptional level of NF-κB and NLRP3 inflammasome in AMs. Specifically, we silenced the ROCK1 and ROCK2 respectively, and found that the inflammation of MH-S cells after LPS and ATP priming could be regulated by ROCK1 and ROCK2, while the NLRP3 was only dependent upon ROCK1. Meantime, the related genes of NLRP3 signal are also regulated by ROCK1. Collectively, our data suggest that silencing ROCK1 ameliorates VILI in mice in part by inhibiting AMs' NLRP3 signaling pathway.
Collapse
|
5
|
Saadeldin IM, Tukur HA, Aljumaah RS, Sindi RA. Rocking the Boat: The Decisive Roles of Rho Kinases During Oocyte, Blastocyst, and Stem Cell Development. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 8:616762. [PMID: 33505968 PMCID: PMC7829335 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.616762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The rho-associated coiled-coil-containing proteins (ROCKs or rho kinase) are effectors of the small rho-GTPase rhoA, which acts as a signaling molecule to regulate a variety of cellular processes, including cell proliferation, adhesion, polarity, cytokinesis, and survival. Owing to the multifunctionality of these kinases, an increasing number of studies focus on understanding the pleiotropic effects of the ROCK signaling pathway in the coordination and control of growth (proliferation, initiation, and progression), development (morphology and differentiation), and survival in many cell types. There is growing evidence that ROCKs actively phosphorylate several actin-binding proteins and intermediate filament proteins during oocyte cytokinesis, the preimplantation embryos as well as the stem cell development and differentiation. In this review, we focus on the participation of ROCK proteins in oocyte maturation, blastocyst formation, and stem cell development with a special focus on the selective targeting of ROCK isoforms, ROCK1, and ROCK2. The selective switching of cell fate through ROCK inhibition would provide a novel paradigm for in vitro oocyte maturation, experimental embryology, and clinical applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Islam M Saadeldin
- Department of Animal Production, College of Food and Agricultural Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.,Department of Comparative Medicine, King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hammed A Tukur
- Department of Animal Production, College of Food and Agricultural Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Riyadh S Aljumaah
- Department of Animal Production, College of Food and Agricultural Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ramya A Sindi
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Dos Santos TM, Righetti RF, Rezende BG, Campos EC, Camargo LDN, Saraiva-Romanholo BM, Fukuzaki S, Prado CM, Leick EA, Martins MA, Tibério IFLC. Effect of anti-IL17 and/or Rho-kinase inhibitor treatments on vascular remodeling induced by chronic allergic pulmonary inflammation. Ther Adv Respir Dis 2020; 14:1753466620962665. [PMID: 33357114 PMCID: PMC7768836 DOI: 10.1177/1753466620962665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and aims: Expansion and morphological dysregulation of the bronchial vascular network occurs in asthmatic airways. Interleukin (IL) -17 and Rho-kinase (ROCK) are known to act in inflammation control and remodeling. Modulation of Rho-kinase proteins and IL-17 may be a promising approach for the treatment of asthma through the control of angiogenesis. Our objective was to analyze the effects of treatment with anti-IL17 and/or Rho-kinase inhibitor on vascular changes in mice with chronic allergic pulmonary inflammation. Methods: Sixty-four BALB/c mice, with pulmonary inflammation induced by ovalbumin were treated with anti-IL17A (7.5/µg per dose, intraperitoneal) and/or Rho-kinase inhibitor (Y-27632-10 mg/kg, intranasal), 1 h before each ovalbumin challenge (22, 24, 26, and 28/days). Control animals were made to inhale saline. At the end of the protocol, lungs were removed, and morphometric analysis was performed to quantify vascular inflammatory, remodeling, and oxidative stress responses. Results: Anti-IL17 or Rho-kinase inhibitor reduced the number of CD4+, CD8+, dendritic cells, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-10, IL-13, IL-17, Rho-kinase 1 and 2, transforming growth factor (TGF-β), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), nuclear factor (NF)-KappaB, iNOS, metalloproteinase (MMP)-9, MMP-12, metalloproteinase inhibitor-1 (TIMP-1), FOXP-3, signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1) and phospho-STAT1-positive cells, and actin, endothelin-1, isoprostane, biglycan, decorin, fibronectin and the collagen fibers volume fraction compared with the ovalbumin group (p < 0.05). The combination treatment, when compared with anti-IL17, resulted in potentiation of decrease in the number of IL1β- and dendritic cells-positive cells. When we compared the OVA-RHO inhibitor-anti-IL17 with OVA-RHO inhibitor we found a reduction in the number of CD8+ and IL-17, TGF-β, and phospho-STAT1-positive cells and endothelin-1 in the vessels (p < 0.05). There was an attenuation in the number of ROCK 2-positive cells in the group with the combined treatment when compared with anti-IL17 or Rho-kinase inhibitor-treated groups (p < 0.05). Conclusion: We observed no difference in angiogenesis after treatment with Rho-kinase inhibitor and anti-IL17. Although the treatments did not show differences in angiogenesis, they showed differences in the markers involved in the angiogenesis process contributing to inflammation control and vascular remodeling. The reviews of this paper are available via the supplemental material section.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tabata M Dos Santos
- Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP, BR; Hospital Sirio-Libanes, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Renato F Righetti
- Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP, BR; Hospital Sirio-Libanes, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Bianca G Rezende
- Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Elaine C Campos
- Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil; Hospital Sirio-Libanes, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Leandro do N Camargo
- Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP, BR. Hospital Sirio-Libanes, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Beatriz M Saraiva-Romanholo
- Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil.,Department of Medicine, University City of São Paulo (UNICID), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Silvia Fukuzaki
- Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Carla M Prado
- Department of Biosciences, Federal University os Sao Paulo, Santos, SP, Brazil
| | - Edna A Leick
- Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Milton A Martins
- Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Iolanda F L C Tibério
- Departamento de Clínica Médica, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Dr. Arnaldo, 455- Sala 1210, São Paulo, SP 01246-903, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Haploinsufficient Rock1+/- and Rock2+/- Mice Are Not Protected from Cardiac Inflammation and Postinflammatory Fibrosis in Experimental Autoimmune Myocarditis. Cells 2020; 9:cells9030700. [PMID: 32178482 PMCID: PMC7140701 DOI: 10.3390/cells9030700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2020] [Revised: 03/02/2020] [Accepted: 03/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Progressive cardiac fibrosis is a common cause of heart failure. Rho-associated, coiled-coil-containing protein kinases (ROCKs) have been shown to enhance fibrotic processes in the heart and in other organs. In this study, using wild-type, Rock1+/− and Rock2+/− haploinsufficient mice and mouse model of experimental autoimmune myocarditis (EAM) we addressed the role of ROCK1 and ROCK2 in development of myocarditis and postinflammatory fibrosis. We found that myocarditis severity was comparable in wild-type, Rock1+/− and Rock2+/− mice at day 21 of EAM. During the acute stage of the disease, hearts of Rock1+/− mice showed unaffected numbers of CD11b+CD36+ macrophages, CD11b+CD36–Ly6GhiLy6chi neutrophils, CD11b+CD36–Ly6G–Ly6chi inflammatory monocytes, CD11b+CD36–Ly6G–Ly6c– monocytes, CD11b+SiglecF+ eosinophils, CD11b+CD11c+ inflammatory dendritic cells and type I collagen-producing fibroblasts. Isolated Rock1+/− cardiac fibroblasts treated with transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) showed attenuated Smad2 and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (Erk) phosphorylations that were associated with impaired upregulation of smooth muscle actin alpha (αSMA) protein. In contrast to cardiac fibroblasts, expanded Rock1+/− heart inflammatory myeloid cells showed unaffected Smad2 activation but enhanced Erk phosphorylation following TGF-β treatment. Rock1+/− inflammatory cells responded to TGF-β by a reduced transcriptional profibrotic response and failed to upregulate αSMA and fibronectin at the protein levels. Unexpectedly, in the EAM model wild-type, Rock1+/− and Rock2+/− mice developed a similar extent of cardiac fibrosis at day 40. In addition, hearts of the wild-type and Rock1+/− mice showed comparable levels of cardiac vimentin, periostin and αSMA. In conclusion, despite the fact that ROCK1 regulates TGF-β-dependent profibrotic response, neither ROCK1 nor ROCK2 is critically involved in the development of postinflammatory fibrosis in the EAM model.
Collapse
|
8
|
Porazinski S, Parkin A, Pajic M. Rho-ROCK Signaling in Normal Physiology and as a Key Player in Shaping the Tumor Microenvironment. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2020; 1223:99-127. [PMID: 32030687 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-35582-1_6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The Rho-ROCK signaling network has a range of specialized functions of key biological importance, including control of essential developmental processes such as morphogenesis and physiological processes including homeostasis, immunity, and wound healing. Deregulation of Rho-ROCK signaling actively contributes to multiple pathological conditions, and plays a major role in cancer development and progression. This dynamic network is critical in modulating the intricate communication between tumor cells, surrounding diverse stromal cells and the matrix, shaping the ever-changing microenvironment of aggressive tumors. In this chapter, we overview the complex regulation of the Rho-ROCK signaling axis, its role in health and disease, and analyze progress made with key approaches targeting the Rho-ROCK pathway for therapeutic benefit. Finally, we conclude by outlining likely future trends and key questions in the field of Rho-ROCK research, in particular surrounding Rho-ROCK signaling within the tumor microenvironment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sean Porazinski
- Personalised Cancer Therapeutics Lab, The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine, St Vincent's Clinical School, University of NSW, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Ashleigh Parkin
- Personalised Cancer Therapeutics Lab, The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Marina Pajic
- Personalised Cancer Therapeutics Lab, The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Sydney, NSW, Australia. .,Faculty of Medicine, St Vincent's Clinical School, University of NSW, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Yu B, Sladojevic N, Blair JE, Liao JK. Targeting Rho-associated coiled-coil forming protein kinase (ROCK) in cardiovascular fibrosis and stiffening. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2020; 24:47-62. [PMID: 31906742 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2020.1712593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: Pathological cardiac fibrosis, through excessive extracellular matrix protein deposition from fibroblasts and pro-fibrotic immune responses and vascular stiffening is associated with most forms of cardiovascular disease. Pathological cardiac fibrosis and stiffening can lead to heart failure and arrythmias and vascular stiffening may lead to hypertension. ROCK, a serine/threonine kinase downstream of the Rho-family of GTPases, may regulate many pro-fibrotic and pro-stiffening signaling pathways in numerous cell types.Areas covered: This article outlines the molecular mechanisms by which ROCK in fibroblasts, T helper cells, endothelial cells, vascular smooth muscle cells, and macrophages mediate fibrosis and stiffening. We speculate on how ROCK could be targeted to inhibit cardiovascular fibrosis and stiffening.Expert opinion: Critical gaps in knowledge must be addressed if ROCK inhibitors are to be used in the clinic. Numerous studies indicate that each ROCK isoform may play differential roles in regulating fibrosis and may have opposing roles in specific tissues. Future work needs to highlight the isoform- and tissue-specific contributions of ROCK in fibrosis, and how isoform-specific ROCK inhibitors in murine models and in clinical trials affect the pathophysiology of cardiac fibrosis and stiffening. This could progress knowledge regarding new treatments for heart failure, arrythmias and hypertension and the repair processes after myocardial infarction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brian Yu
- Section of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Nikola Sladojevic
- Section of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - John E Blair
- Section of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - James K Liao
- Section of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
McKerracher L, Shenkar R, Abbinanti M, Cao Y, Peiper A, Liao JK, Lightle R, Moore T, Hobson N, Gallione C, Ruschel J, Koskimäki J, Girard R, Rosen K, Marchuk DA, Awad IA. A Brain-Targeted Orally Available ROCK2 Inhibitor Benefits Mild and Aggressive Cavernous Angioma Disease. Transl Stroke Res 2019; 11:365-376. [PMID: 31446620 DOI: 10.1007/s12975-019-00725-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2019] [Revised: 08/01/2019] [Accepted: 08/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Cavernous angioma (CA) is a vascular pathology caused by loss of function in one of the 3 CA genes (CCM1, CCM2, and CCM3) that result in rho kinase (ROCK) activation. We investigated a novel ROCK2 selective inhibitor for the ability to reduce brain lesion formation, growth, and maturation. We used genetic methods to explore the use of a ROCK2-selective kinase inhibitor to reduce growth and hemorrhage of CAs. The role of ROCK2 in CA was investigated by crossing Rock1 or Rock2 hemizygous mice with Ccm1 or Ccm3 hemizygous mice, and we found reduced lesions in the Rock2 hemizygous mice. A ROCK2-selective inhibitor, BA-1049 was used to investigate efficacy in reducing CA lesions after oral administration to Ccm1+/- and Ccm3+/- mice that were bred into a mutator background. After assessing the dose range effective to target brain endothelial cells in an ischemic brain model, Ccm1+/- and Ccm3+/- transgenic mice were treated for 3 (Ccm3+/-) or 4 months (Ccm1+/-), concurrently, randomized to receive one of three doses of BA-1049 in drinking water, or placebo. Lesion volumes were assessed by micro-computed tomography. BA-1049 reduced activation of ROCK2 in Ccm3+/-Trp53-/- lesions. Ccm1+/-Msh2-/- (n=68) and Ccm3+/-Trp53-/- (n=71) mice treated with BA-1049 or placebo showed a significant dose-dependent reduction in lesion volume after treatment with BA-1049, and a reduction in hemorrhage (iron deposition) near lesions at all doses. These translational studies show that BA-1049 is a promising therapeutic agent for the treatment of CA, a disease with no current treatment except surgical removal of the brain lesions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lisa McKerracher
- BioAxone BioSciences Inc., Cambridge, MA, USA.,Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Robert Shenkar
- Neurovascular Surgery Program, Section of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, The University of Chicago Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | | | - Ying Cao
- Neurovascular Surgery Program, Section of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, The University of Chicago Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Amy Peiper
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - James K Liao
- Section of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Rhonda Lightle
- Neurovascular Surgery Program, Section of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, The University of Chicago Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Thomas Moore
- Neurovascular Surgery Program, Section of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, The University of Chicago Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Nicholas Hobson
- Neurovascular Surgery Program, Section of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, The University of Chicago Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Carol Gallione
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | | | - Janne Koskimäki
- Neurovascular Surgery Program, Section of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, The University of Chicago Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Romuald Girard
- Neurovascular Surgery Program, Section of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, The University of Chicago Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | | | - Douglas A Marchuk
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Issam A Awad
- Neurovascular Surgery Program, Section of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, The University of Chicago Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Knipe RS, Probst CK, Lagares D, Franklin A, Spinney JJ, Brazee PL, Grasberger P, Zhang L, Black KE, Sakai N, Shea BS, Liao JK, Medoff BD, Tager AM. The Rho Kinase Isoforms ROCK1 and ROCK2 Each Contribute to the Development of Experimental Pulmonary Fibrosis. Am J Respir Cell Mol Biol 2019; 58:471-481. [PMID: 29211497 DOI: 10.1165/rcmb.2017-0075oc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary fibrosis is thought to result from dysregulated wound repair after repetitive lung injury. Many cellular responses to injury involve rearrangements of the actin cytoskeleton mediated by the two isoforms of the Rho-associated coiled-coil-forming protein kinase (ROCK), ROCK1 and ROCK2. In addition, profibrotic mediators such as transforming growth factor-β, thrombin, and lysophosphatidic acid act through receptors that activate ROCK. Inhibition of ROCK activation may be a potent therapeutic strategy for human pulmonary fibrosis. Pharmacological inhibition of ROCK using nonselective ROCK inhibitors has been shown to prevent fibrosis in animal models; however, the specific roles of each ROCK isoform are poorly understood. Furthermore, the pleiotropic effects of this kinase have raised concerns about on-target adverse effects of ROCK inhibition such as hypotension. Selective inhibition of one isoform might be a better-tolerated strategy. In the present study, we used a genetic approach to determine the roles of ROCK1 and ROCK2 in a mouse model of bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis. Using ROCK1- or ROCK2-haploinsufficient mice, we found that reduced expression of either ROCK1 or ROCK2 was sufficient to protect them from bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis. In addition, we found that both isoforms contribute to the profibrotic responses of epithelial cells, endothelial cells, and fibroblasts. Interestingly, ROCK1- and ROCK2-haploinsufficient mice exhibited similar protection from bleomycin-induced vascular leak, myofibroblast differentiation, and fibrosis; however, ROCK1-haploinsufficient mice demonstrated greater attenuation of epithelial cell apoptosis. These findings suggest that selective inhibition of either ROCK isoform has the potential to be an effective therapeutic strategy for pulmonary fibrosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rachel S Knipe
- 1 Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine.,2 The Andrew M. Tager Fibrosis Research Center, and.,3 Center for Immunology and Inflammatory Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Clemens K Probst
- 1 Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine.,2 The Andrew M. Tager Fibrosis Research Center, and.,3 Center for Immunology and Inflammatory Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - David Lagares
- 1 Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine.,2 The Andrew M. Tager Fibrosis Research Center, and.,3 Center for Immunology and Inflammatory Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Alicia Franklin
- 1 Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine.,2 The Andrew M. Tager Fibrosis Research Center, and.,3 Center for Immunology and Inflammatory Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Jillian J Spinney
- 1 Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine.,2 The Andrew M. Tager Fibrosis Research Center, and.,3 Center for Immunology and Inflammatory Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Patricia L Brazee
- 4 Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Paula Grasberger
- 1 Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine.,2 The Andrew M. Tager Fibrosis Research Center, and.,3 Center for Immunology and Inflammatory Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Linlin Zhang
- 5 Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Katharine E Black
- 1 Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine.,2 The Andrew M. Tager Fibrosis Research Center, and.,3 Center for Immunology and Inflammatory Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Norihiko Sakai
- 6 Division of Nephrology and.,7 Division of Blood Purification, Kanazawa University Hospital, Kanazawa, Japan; and
| | - Barry S Shea
- 8 Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Rhode Island Hospital and Alpert Medical School, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - James K Liao
- 5 Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Benjamin D Medoff
- 1 Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine.,2 The Andrew M. Tager Fibrosis Research Center, and.,3 Center for Immunology and Inflammatory Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Andrew M Tager
- 1 Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine.,2 The Andrew M. Tager Fibrosis Research Center, and.,3 Center for Immunology and Inflammatory Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Rho–ROCK signaling regulates tumor-microenvironment interactions. Biochem Soc Trans 2018; 47:101-108. [DOI: 10.1042/bst20180334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2018] [Revised: 10/27/2018] [Accepted: 11/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Reciprocal biochemical and biophysical interactions between tumor cells, stromal cells and the extracellular matrix (ECM) result in a unique tumor microenvironment that determines disease outcome. The cellular component of the tumor microenvironment contributes to tumor growth by providing nutrients, assisting in the infiltration of immune cells and regulating the production and remodeling of the ECM. The ECM is a noncellular component of the tumor microenvironment and provides both physical and biochemical support to the tumor cells. Rho–ROCK signaling is a key regulator of actomyosin contractility and regulates cell shape, cytoskeletal arrangement and thereby cellular functions such as cell proliferation, differentiation, motility and adhesion. Rho–ROCK signaling has been shown to promote cancer cell growth, migration and invasion. However, it is becoming clear that this pathway also regulates key tumor-promoting properties of the cellular and noncellular components of the tumor microenvironment. There is accumulating evidence that Rho–ROCK signaling enhances ECM stiffness, modifies ECM composition, increases the motility of tumor-associated fibroblasts and lymphocytes and promotes trans-endothelial migration of tumor-associated lymphocytes. In this review, we briefly discuss the current state of knowledge on the role of Rho–ROCK signaling in regulating the tumor microenvironment and the implications of this knowledge for therapy, potentially via the development of selective inhibitors of the components of this pathway to permit the tuning of signaling flux, including one example with demonstrated utility in pre-clinical models.
Collapse
|
13
|
Narumiya S, Thumkeo D. Rho signaling research: history, current status and future directions. FEBS Lett 2018; 592:1763-1776. [PMID: 29749605 PMCID: PMC6032899 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.13087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2018] [Revised: 04/30/2018] [Accepted: 05/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
One of the main research areas in biology from the mid‐1980s through the 1990s was the elucidation of signaling pathways governing cell responses. These studies brought, among other molecules, the small GTPase Rho to the epicenter. Rho signaling research has since expanded to all areas of biology and medicine. Here, we describe how Rho emerged as a key molecule governing cell morphogenesis and movement, how it was linked to actin reorganization, and how the study of Rho signaling has expanded from cultured cells to whole biological systems. We then give an overview of the current research status of Rho signaling in development, brain, cardiovascular system, immunity and cancer, and discuss the future directions of Rho signaling research, with emphasis on one Rho effector, ROCK*.
*The Rho GTPase family. Rho family GTPases have now expanded to contain 20 members. Amino acid sequences of 20 Rho GTPases found in human were aligned and the phylogenetic tree was generated by ClustalW2 software (EMBL‐EBI) based on NJ algorithm. The subfamilies of the Rho GTPases are highlighted by the circle and labeled on the right side. Rho cited in this review refers to the original members of Rho subfamily, RhoA, RhoB and RhoC, that are C3 substrates, and, unless specified, not to other members of the Rho subfamily such as Rac, Cdc42, and Rnd. ![]()
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shuh Narumiya
- Department of Drug Discovery Medicine, Medical Innovation Center, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Japan
| | - Dean Thumkeo
- Department of Drug Discovery Medicine, Medical Innovation Center, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Pazhoohan S, Raoufy MR, Javan M, Hajizadeh S. Effect of Rho-kinase inhibition on complexity of breathing pattern in a guinea pig model of asthma. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0187249. [PMID: 29088265 PMCID: PMC5663484 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0187249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2017] [Accepted: 10/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Asthma represents an episodic and fluctuating behavior characterized with decreased complexity of respiratory dynamics. Several evidence indicate that asthma severity or control is associated with alteration in variability of lung function. The pathophysiological basis of alteration in complexity of breathing pattern in asthma has remained poorly understood. Regarding the point that Rho-kinase is involved in pathophysiology of asthma, in present study we investigated the effect of Rho-kinase inhibition on complexity of respiratory dynamics in a guinea pig model of asthma. Male Dunkin Hartley guinea pigs were exposed to 12 series of inhalations with ovalbumin or saline. Animals were treated by the Rho-kinase inhibitor Y-27632 (1mM aerosols) prior to each allergen challenge. We recorded respiration of conscious animals using whole-body plethysmography. Exposure to ovalbumin induced lung inflammation, airway hyperresponsiveness and remodeling including goblet cell hyperplasia, increase in the thickness of airways smooth muscles and subepithelial collagen deposition. Complexity analysis of respiratory dynamics revealed a dramatic decrease in irregularity of respiratory rhythm representing less complexity in asthmatic guinea pigs. Inhibition of Rho-kinase reduced the airway remodeling and hyperreponsiveness, but had no significant effect on lung inflammation and complexity of respiratory dynamics in asthmatic animals. It seems that airway hyperresponsiveness and remodeling do not significantly affect the complexity of respiratory dynamics. Our results suggest that inflammation might be the probable cause of shift in the respiratory dynamics away from the normal fluctuation in asthma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Saeed Pazhoohan
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Raoufy
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
- * E-mail: (MRR); (SH)
| | - Mohammad Javan
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sohrab Hajizadeh
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
- * E-mail: (MRR); (SH)
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Kasahara DI, Mathews JA, Ninin FMC, Wurmbrand AP, Liao JK, Shore SA. Role of ROCK2 in CD4 + cells in allergic airways responses in mice. Clin Exp Allergy 2017; 47:224-235. [PMID: 27886408 PMCID: PMC5280456 DOI: 10.1111/cea.12866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2016] [Revised: 10/28/2016] [Accepted: 11/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rho kinases (ROCKs) contribute to allergic airways disease. ROCKs also play a role in lymphocyte proliferation and migration. OBJECTIVE To determine the role of ROCK2 acting within CD4+ cells in allergic airways responses. METHODS ROCK2-haploinsufficient (ROCK2+/- ) and wild-type mice were sensitized with ovalbumin (OVA). ROCK2+/- mice then received either CD4+ cells from ROCK2-sufficient OVA TCR transgenic (OT-II) mice or saline i.v. 48 h before challenge with aerosolized OVA. Wild-type mice received saline before challenge. Allergic airways responses were measured 48 h after the last challenge. Allergic airways responses were also assessed in mice lacking ROCK2 only in CD4+ cells (ROCK2CD4Cre mice) vs. control (CD4-Cre and ROCK2flox/flox ) mice. RESULTS OVA-induced increases in bronchoalveolar lavage lymphocytes, eosinophils, IL-13, IL-5, and eotaxin were reduced in ROCK2+/- vs. wild-type mice, as were airway hyperresponsiveness and mucous hypersecretion. In ROCK2+/- mice, adoptive transfer with CD4+ cells from OT-II mice restored effects of OVA on lymphocytes, eosinophils, IL-13, IL-5, and mucous hypersecretion to wild-type levels, whereas eotaxin and airway hyperresponsiveness were not affected. ROCK2 inhibitors reduced IL-13-induced release of eotaxin from airway smooth muscle (ASM), similar to effects of these inhibitors on ASM contractility. Despite the ability of adoptive transfer to restore allergic airways inflammation in ROCK2-insufficient mice, allergic inflammation was not different in ROCK2CD4Cre vs. control mice. CONCLUSION ROCK2 contributes to allergic airways responses likely via effects within ASM cells and within non-lymphocyte cells involved in lymphocyte activation and migration into the airways.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David I. Kasahara
- Physiology Program, Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115-6021
| | - Joel A. Mathews
- Physiology Program, Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115-6021
| | - Fernanda M. C. Ninin
- Physiology Program, Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115-6021
| | - Allison P. Wurmbrand
- Physiology Program, Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115-6021
| | - James K. Liao
- Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
| | - Stephanie A. Shore
- Physiology Program, Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115-6021
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Menchero S, Rayon T, Andreu MJ, Manzanares M. Signaling pathways in mammalian preimplantation development: Linking cellular phenotypes to lineage decisions. Dev Dyn 2016; 246:245-261. [DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.24471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2016] [Revised: 11/16/2016] [Accepted: 11/16/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Sergio Menchero
- Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC); Madrid Spain
| | - Teresa Rayon
- Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC); Madrid Spain
| | - Maria Jose Andreu
- Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC); Madrid Spain
| | - Miguel Manzanares
- Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC); Madrid Spain
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Abstract
Effective immune responses require the precise regulation of dynamic interactions between hematopoietic and non-hematopoietic cells. The Rho subfamily of GTPases, which includes RhoA, is rapidly activated downstream of a diverse array of biochemical and biomechanical signals, and is emerging as an important mediator of this cross-talk. Key downstream effectors of RhoA are the Rho kinases, or ROCKs. The ROCKs are two serine-threonine kinases that can act as global coordinators of a tissue’s response to stress and injury because of their ability to regulate a wide range of biological processes. Although the RhoA-ROCK pathway has been extensively investigated in the non-hematopoietic compartment, its role in the immune system is just now becoming appreciated. In this commentary, we provide a brief overview of recent findings that highlight the contribution of this pathway to lymphocyte development and activation, and the impact that dysregulation in the activation of RhoA and/or the ROCKs may exert on a growing list of autoimmune and lymphoproliferative disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Edd Ricker
- Autoimmunity and Inflammation Program, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, New York, 10021, USA; Graduate Program in Immunology and Microbial Pathogenesis, Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences, New York, New York, 10065, USA
| | - Luvana Chowdhury
- Autoimmunity and Inflammation Program, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, New York, 10021, USA
| | - Woelsung Yi
- Autoimmunity and Inflammation Program, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, New York, 10021, USA; David Z. Rosensweig Genomics Research Center, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, New York, 10021, USA
| | - Alessandra B Pernis
- Autoimmunity and Inflammation Program, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, New York, 10021, USA; Graduate Program in Immunology and Microbial Pathogenesis, Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences, New York, New York, 10065, USA; David Z. Rosensweig Genomics Research Center, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, New York, 10021, USA; Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York, 10021, USA
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Xie T, Luo G, Zhang Y, Wang X, Wang X, Wu M, Li G. Rho-kinase inhibitor fasudil reduces allergic airway inflammation and mucus hypersecretion by regulating STAT6 and NFκB. Clin Exp Allergy 2016; 45:1812-22. [PMID: 26245530 DOI: 10.1111/cea.12606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2015] [Revised: 07/07/2015] [Accepted: 07/24/2015] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Airway mucus hypersecretion is a key pathophysiological feature in asthma. Fasudil, a selective Rho-A/Rho kinase inhibitor, has been used in clinical trials to treat pulmonary hypertension. However, its function in modulating airway mucus hypersecretion in asthma remains undefined. OBJECTIVE We examined whether fasudil, a selective Rho-A/Rho kinase inhibitor, affects the mucus hypersecretion by suppressing MUC5AC via signal transducer and activator of transcription factor 6 (STAT6) and nuclear factor-kappa B (NFκB) in mice and cells. METHODS We measured mucus secretion and the expression of Rho-kinase in the airway tissue of patients with asthma. BALB/c mice were sensitized and challenged with ovalbumin (OVA) followed with fasudil treatment. The lung tissues were assessed for airway inflammation and mucus secretion. Cytokine levels and airway responsiveness were determined. STAT6 and NFκB were quantified by Western blot. 16HBE cells were stimulated with house dust mite (HDM) extracts. MUC5AC and muc5ac promoter activities were measured. Using siRNA to knockdown STAT6 in epithelial cells, we determined the impact of STAT6 on muc5ac promoter activity. NFκB nuclear translocation was observed with immunostaining. RESULTS Fasudil administration significantly decreased the number of inflammatory cells, inflammation index in the lung and airway responsiveness. Fasudil also reduced mucous secretion and MUC5AC expression in OVA-challenged mice. Fasudil down-regulated the levels of IL-17, IL-4 and IL-13 in the lung tissue of OVA-challenged mice. Fasudil also decreased the expression and phosphorylation of NFκB and STAT6 as well as the nuclear translocation of NFκB. In addition, human airway epithelial cells (16HBE) were challenged with HDM extracts and then treated with fasudil. Fasudil inhibited HDM extract-induced MUC5AC expression, which is associated with a reduction in STAT6 and NFκB in epithelial cells. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE These findings indicate that the Rho-A/Rho kinase inhibitor, fasudil, plays a negative regulatory role in allergen-induced mucus secretion and MUC5AC expression by regulating STAT6 and NFκB.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- T Xie
- Inflammations & Allergic Diseases Research Unit, First Affiliated Hospital of Sichuan Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Gy Luo
- Staff Health Clinic, Sichuan Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Y Zhang
- Inflammations & Allergic Diseases Research Unit, First Affiliated Hospital of Sichuan Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - X Wang
- Inflammations & Allergic Diseases Research Unit, First Affiliated Hospital of Sichuan Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Xy Wang
- Inflammations & Allergic Diseases Research Unit, First Affiliated Hospital of Sichuan Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - M Wu
- Department of Basic Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND, USA
| | - Gp Li
- Inflammations & Allergic Diseases Research Unit, First Affiliated Hospital of Sichuan Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China.,State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease for Allergy, School of Medicine, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Loirand G. Rho Kinases in Health and Disease: From Basic Science to Translational Research. Pharmacol Rev 2016; 67:1074-95. [PMID: 26419448 DOI: 10.1124/pr.115.010595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 131] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Rho-associated kinases ROCK1 and ROCK2 are key regulators of actin cytoskeleton dynamics downstream of Rho GTPases that participate in the control of important physiologic functions, S including cell contraction, migration, proliferation, adhesion, and inflammation. Several excellent review articles dealing with ROCK function and regulation have been published over the past few years. Although a brief overview of general molecular, biochemical, and functional properties of ROCKs is included, an effort has been made to produce an original work by collecting and synthesizing recent studies aimed at translating basic discoveries from cell and experimental models into knowledge of human physiology, pathophysiological mechanisms, and medical therapeutics. This review points out the specificity and distinct roles of ROCK1 and ROCK2 isoforms highlighted in the last few years. Results obtained from genetically modified mice and genetic analysis in humans are discussed. This review also addresses the involvement of ROCKs in human diseases and the potential use of ROCK activity as a biomarker or a pharmacological target for specific inhibitors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gervaise Loirand
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale UMR1087, Université de Nantes, CHU Nantes, l'institut du thorax, Nantes, France
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra B. Pernis
- Autoimmunity and Inflammation Program, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, NY 10021; , ,
- Graduate Program in Immunology and Microbial Pathogenesis, Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences, New York, NY 10065;
- David Z. Rosensweig Genomics Research Center, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, NY 10021
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, Cornell University, New York, NY 10021
| | - Edd Ricker
- Autoimmunity and Inflammation Program, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, NY 10021; , ,
- Graduate Program in Immunology and Microbial Pathogenesis, Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences, New York, NY 10065;
| | - Chien-Huan Weng
- Autoimmunity and Inflammation Program, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, NY 10021; , ,
- Graduate Program in Biochemistry Cell and Molecular Biology, Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences, New York, NY 10065;
| | - Cristina Rozo
- Autoimmunity and Inflammation Program, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, NY 10021; , ,
| | - Woelsung Yi
- Autoimmunity and Inflammation Program, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, NY 10021; , ,
- David Z. Rosensweig Genomics Research Center, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, NY 10021
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Piyadasa H, Altieri A, Basu S, Schwartz J, Halayko AJ, Mookherjee N. Biosignature for airway inflammation in a house dust mite-challenged murine model of allergic asthma. Biol Open 2016; 5:112-21. [PMID: 26740570 PMCID: PMC4823983 DOI: 10.1242/bio.014464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
House dust mite (HDM) challenge is commonly used in murine models of allergic asthma for preclinical pathophysiological studies. However, few studies define objective readouts or biomarkers in this model. In this study we characterized immune responses and defined molecular markers that are specifically altered after HDM challenge. In this murine model, we used repeated HDM challenge for two weeks which induced hallmarks of allergic asthma seen in humans, including airway hyper-responsiveness (AHR) and elevated levels of circulating total and HDM-specific IgE and IgG1. Kinetic studies showed that at least 24 h after last HDM challenge results in significant AHR along with eosinophil infiltration in the lungs. Histologic assessment of lung revealed increased epithelial thickness and goblet cell hyperplasia, in the absence of airway wall collagen deposition, suggesting ongoing tissue repair concomitant with acute allergic lung inflammation. Thus, this model may be suitable to delineate airway inflammation processes that precede airway remodeling and development of fixed airway obstruction. We observed that a panel of cytokines e.g. IFN-γ, IL-1β, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, KC, TNF-α, IL-13, IL-33, MDC and TARC were elevated in lung tissue and bronchoalveolar fluid, indicating local lung inflammation. However, levels of these cytokines remained unchanged in serum, reflecting lack of systemic inflammation in this model. Based on these findings, we further monitored the expression of 84 selected genes in lung tissues by quantitative real-time PCR array, and identified 31 mRNAs that were significantly up-regulated in lung tissue from HDM-challenged mice. These included genes associated with human asthma (e.g. clca3, ear11, il-13, il-13ra2, il-10, il-21, arg1 and chia1) and leukocyte recruitment in the lungs (e.g. ccl11, ccl12 and ccl24). This study describes a biosignature to enable broad and systematic interrogation of molecular mechanisms and intervention strategies for airway inflammation pertinent to allergic asthma that precedes and possibly potentiates airway remodeling and fibrosis. Summary: This study describes a systematic analysis of molecular end points in an murine model of allergic asthma. The biosignature described can be used to interrogate molecular mechanisms and intervention strategies for airway inflammation pertinent to allergic asthma that precedes and possibly potentiates airway remodeling and fibrosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hadeesha Piyadasa
- Manitoba Centre for Proteomics and Systems Biology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3E 3P4, Canada Department of Immunology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3E 0T5, Canada
| | - Anthony Altieri
- Manitoba Centre for Proteomics and Systems Biology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3E 3P4, Canada Department of Immunology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3E 0T5, Canada
| | - Sujata Basu
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3E 0J9, Canada Biology of Breathing Group, Children's Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3E 3P4, Canada
| | - Jacquie Schwartz
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3E 0J9, Canada Biology of Breathing Group, Children's Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3E 3P4, Canada
| | - Andrew J Halayko
- Department of Immunology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3E 0T5, Canada Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3E 0J9, Canada Biology of Breathing Group, Children's Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3E 3P4, Canada Department of Internal Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3T 2N2, Canada Canadian Respiratory Research Network
| | - Neeloffer Mookherjee
- Manitoba Centre for Proteomics and Systems Biology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3E 3P4, Canada Department of Immunology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3E 0T5, Canada Biology of Breathing Group, Children's Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3E 3P4, Canada Department of Internal Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3T 2N2, Canada Canadian Respiratory Research Network
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Lambert JA, Song W. Ozone-induced airway hyperresponsiveness: roles of ROCK isoforms. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 2015; 309:L1394-7. [PMID: 26519207 DOI: 10.1152/ajplung.00353.2015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2015] [Accepted: 10/30/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute ozone (O3) inhalation has been shown to cause airway and pulmonary epithelial injury with accompanying inflammation responses. Robust evidence exists that O3 induces airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) in humans and in animal models. Several pathways exist that culminate in airway smooth muscle contraction, but the mechanism(s) by which O3 elicits AHR are unclear. Here, we review the recent report by Kasahara et al. (Kasahara DI, Mathews JA, Park CY, Cho Y, Hunt G, Wurmbrand AP, Liao JK, Shore SA. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 309: L736-L746, 2015.) describing the role of two Rho kinase (ROCK) isoforms in O3-induced AHR utilizing a murine haploinsufficiency model. Compared with wild-type (WT) mice, the authors report that ROCK1(+/-) and ROCK2(+/-) mice exhibited significantly reduced AHR following acute exposure to O3. Additionally, WT mice treated with fasudil, an FDA-approved ROCK1/2 inhibitor, recapitulated reduction in AHR as seen in ROCK haplotypes. It was suggested that, although the two ROCK isoforms are both induced by Rho, they have different mechanisms by which they mediate O3-induced AHR: ROCK1 via hyaluronan signaling vs. ROCK2 acting downstream of inflammation at the level of airway smooth muscle contraction. These observations provide an important framework to develop novel ROCK-targeting therapies for acute O3-induced AHR.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- James A Lambert
- Department of Anesthesiology, School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama; and Pulmonary Injury and Repair Center, School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Weifeng Song
- Department of Anesthesiology, School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama; and Pulmonary Injury and Repair Center, School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Kasahara DI, Ninin FMC, Wurmbrand AP, Liao JK, Shore SA. Abrogation of airway hyperresponsiveness but not inflammation by rho kinase insufficiency. Clin Exp Allergy 2015; 45:457-70. [PMID: 25323425 DOI: 10.1111/cea.12438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2014] [Revised: 08/22/2014] [Accepted: 10/03/2014] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Major features of allergic asthma include airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR), eosinophilic inflammation, and goblet cell metaplasia. Rho kinase (ROCK) is a serine/threonine protein kinase that regulates the actin cytoskeleton. By doing so, it can modulate airway smooth muscle cell contraction and leucocyte migration and proliferation. This study was designed to determine the contributions of the two ROCK isoforms, ROCK1 and ROCK2, to AHR, inflammation and goblet cell metaplasia in a mast cell-dependent model of allergic airways disease. METHODS AND RESULTS Repeated intranasal challenges with OVA caused AHR, eosinophilic inflammation, and goblet cell hyperplasia in wild-type (WT) mice. OVA-induced AHR was partially or completely abrogated in mice haploinsufficient for ROCK2 (ROCK2(+/-) ) or ROCK1 (ROCK1(+/-) ), respectively. In contrast, there was no effect of ROCK insufficiency on allergic airways inflammation, although both ROCK1 and ROCK2 insufficiency attenuated mast cell degranulation. Goblet cell hyperplasia, as indicated by PAS staining, was not different in ROCK1(+/-) vs. WT mice. However, in ROCK2(+/-) mice, goblet cell hyperplasia was reduced in medium but not large airways. Maximal acetylcholine-induced force generation was reduced in tracheal rings from ROCK1(+/-) and ROCK2(+/-) vs. WT mice. The ROCK inhibitor, fasudil, also reduced airway responsiveness in OVA-challenged mice, without affecting inflammatory responses. CONCLUSION In a mast cell model of allergic airways disease, ROCK1 and ROCK2 both contribute to AHR, likely through direct effects on smooth muscle cell and effects on mast cell degranulation. In addition, ROCK2 but not ROCK1 plays a role in allergen-induced goblet cell hyperplasia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David I Kasahara
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
24
|
Kasahara DI, Mathews JA, Park CY, Cho Y, Hunt G, Wurmbrand AP, Liao JK, Shore SA. ROCK insufficiency attenuates ozone-induced airway hyperresponsiveness in mice. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 2015; 309:L736-46. [PMID: 26276827 DOI: 10.1152/ajplung.00372.2014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2014] [Accepted: 08/09/2015] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Ozone causes airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) and pulmonary inflammation. Rho kinase (ROCK) is a key regulator of smooth muscle cell contraction and inflammatory cell migration. To determine the contribution of the two ROCK isoforms ROCK1 and ROCK2 to ozone-induced AHR, we exposed wild-type, ROCK1(+/-), and ROCK2(+/-) mice to air or ozone (2 ppm for 3 h) and evaluated mice 24 h later. ROCK1 or ROCK2 haploinsufficiency did not affect airway responsiveness in air-exposed mice but significantly reduced ozone-induced AHR, with a greater reduction in ROCK2(+/-) mice despite increased bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) inflammatory cells in ROCK2(+/-) mice. Compared with wild-type mice, ozone-induced increases in BAL hyaluronan, a matrix protein implicated in ozone-induced AHR, were lower in ROCK1(+/-) but not ROCK2(+/-) mice. Ozone-induced increases in other inflammatory moieties reported to contribute to ozone-induced AHR (IL-17A, osteopontin, TNFα) were not different in wild-type vs. ROCK1(+/-) or ROCK2(+/-) mice. We also observed a dose-dependent reduction in ozone-induced AHR after treatment with the ROCK1/ROCK2 inhibitor fasudil, even though fasudil was administered after induction of inflammation. Ozone increased pulmonary expression of ROCK2 but not ROCK1 or RhoA. A ROCK2 inhibitor, SR3677, reduced contractile forces in primary human airway smooth muscle cells, confirming a role for ROCK2 in airway smooth muscle contraction. Our results demonstrate that ozone-induced AHR requires ROCK. Whereas ROCK1-dependent changes in hyaluronan may contribute to ROCK1's role in O3-induced AHR, the role of ROCK2 is downstream of inflammation, likely at the level of airway smooth muscle contraction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David I Kasahara
- Molecular and Integrative Physiological Sciences Program, Department of Environmental Health, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts; and
| | - Joel A Mathews
- Molecular and Integrative Physiological Sciences Program, Department of Environmental Health, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts; and
| | - Chan Y Park
- Molecular and Integrative Physiological Sciences Program, Department of Environmental Health, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts; and
| | - Youngji Cho
- Molecular and Integrative Physiological Sciences Program, Department of Environmental Health, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts; and
| | - Gabrielle Hunt
- Molecular and Integrative Physiological Sciences Program, Department of Environmental Health, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts; and
| | - Allison P Wurmbrand
- Molecular and Integrative Physiological Sciences Program, Department of Environmental Health, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts; and
| | - James K Liao
- Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Stephanie A Shore
- Molecular and Integrative Physiological Sciences Program, Department of Environmental Health, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts; and
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Zhang JY, Dong HS, Oqani RK, Lin T, Kang JW, Jin DI. Distinct roles of ROCK1 and ROCK2 during development of porcine preimplantation embryos. Reproduction 2014; 148:99-107. [DOI: 10.1530/rep-13-0556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Cell-to-cell contact mediated by cell adhesion is fundamental to the compaction process that ensures blastocyst quality during embryonic development. In this study, we first showed that Rho-associated coiled-coil protein kinases (ROCK1 and ROCK2) were expressed both in porcine oocytes and IVF preimplantation embryos, playing different roles in oocytes maturation and embryo development. The amount of mRNA encoding ROCK1 and the protein concentration clearly increased between the eight-cell and morula stages, but decreased significantly when blastocysts were formed. Conversely, ROCK2 was more abundant in the blastocyst compared with other embryonic stages. Moreover, immunostaining showed that ROCK1 protein distribution changed as the embryo progressed through cleavage and compaction to the morula stage. Initially, the protein was predominantly associated with the plasma membrane but later became cytoplasmic. By contrast, ROCK2 protein was localized in both the cytoplasm and the spindle rotation region during oocyte meiosis, but in the cytoplasm and nucleus as the embryo developed. In addition, ROCK2 was present in the trophectoderm cells of the blastocyst. Treatment with 15 μM Y27632, a specific inhibitor of ROCKs, completely blocked further development of early four-cell stage embryos. Moreover, we did not detect the expression ofROCK1but did detectROCK2expression in blastocysts. Moreover, lysophosphatidic acid an activator of ROCKs significantly improved the rates of blastocyst formation. These data demonstrate that ROCKs are required for embryo development to the blastocyst stage. Together, our results indicate that ROCK1 and ROCK2 may exert different biological functions during the regulation of compaction and in ensuring development of porcine preimplantation embryos to the blastocyst stage.
Collapse
|
26
|
Abstract
Rho kinase (ROCK) is a major downstream effector of the small GTPase RhoA. ROCK family, consisting of ROCK1 and ROCK2, plays central roles in the organization of actin cytoskeleton and is involved in a wide range of fundamental cellular functions, such as contraction, adhesion, migration, proliferation, and apoptosis. Due to the discovery of effective inhibitors, such as fasudil and Y27632, the biological roles of ROCK have been extensively explored with particular attention on the cardiovascular system. In many preclinical models of cardiovascular diseases, including vasospasm, arteriosclerosis, hypertension, pulmonary hypertension, stroke, ischemia-reperfusion injury, and heart failure, ROCK inhibitors have shown a remarkable efficacy in reducing vascular smooth muscle cell hypercontraction, endothelial dysfunction, inflammatory cell recruitment, vascular remodeling, and cardiac remodeling. Moreover, fasudil has been used in the clinical trials of several cardiovascular diseases. The continuing utilization of available pharmacological inhibitors and the development of more potent or isoform-selective inhibitors in ROCK signaling research and in treating human diseases are escalating. In this review, we discuss the recent molecular, cellular, animal, and clinical studies with a focus on the current understanding of ROCK signaling in cardiovascular physiology and diseases. We particularly note that emerging evidence suggests that selective targeting ROCK isoform based on the disease pathophysiology may represent a novel therapeutic approach for the disease treatment including cardiovascular diseases.
Collapse
|
27
|
Mazzeo C, Gámez C, Rodriguez Marco A, de Zulueta A, Sanz V, Bilbao I, Ruiz-Cabello J, Zubeldia JM, del Pozo V. Gene silencing of SOCS3 by siRNA intranasal delivery inhibits asthma phenotype in mice. PLoS One 2014; 9:e91996. [PMID: 24637581 PMCID: PMC3956882 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0091996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2013] [Accepted: 02/16/2014] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Suppresors of cytokine signaling (SOCS) proteins regulate cytokine responses and control immune balance. Several studies have confirmed that SOCS3 is increased in asthmatic patients, and SOCS3 expression is correlated with disease severity. The objective of this study was to evaluate if delivering of SOCS3 short interfering RNA (siRNA) intranasally in lungs could be a good therapeutic approach in an asthma chronic mouse model. Our results showed that intranasal treatment with SOCS3-siRNA led to an improvement in the eosinophil count and the normalization of hyperresponsiveness to methacholine. Concomitantly, this treatment resulted in an improvement in mucus secretion, a reduction in lung collagen, which are prominent features of airway remodeling. The mechanism implies JAK/STAT and RhoA/Rho-kinase signaling pathway, because we found a decreasing in STAT3 phosphorylation status and down regulation of RhoA/Rho-kinase protein expression. These results might lead to a new therapy for the treatment of chronic asthma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ma Paz Zafra
- Department of Immunology, IIS-Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Madrid, Spain
- CIBER de Enfermedades Respiratorias, Madrid, Spain
| | - Carla Mazzeo
- Department of Immunology, IIS-Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Madrid, Spain
- CIBER de Enfermedades Respiratorias, Madrid, Spain
| | - Cristina Gámez
- Department of Immunology, IIS-Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Madrid, Spain
- CIBER de Enfermedades Respiratorias, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Ana de Zulueta
- Department of Immunology, IIS-Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Madrid, Spain
- CIBER de Enfermedades Respiratorias, Madrid, Spain
| | - Veronica Sanz
- Department of Immunology, IIS-Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Madrid, Spain
- CIBER de Enfermedades Respiratorias, Madrid, Spain
| | - Izaskun Bilbao
- CIBER de Enfermedades Respiratorias, Madrid, Spain
- Advanced Imaging Unit, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares, and Universidad Complutense Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jesús Ruiz-Cabello
- CIBER de Enfermedades Respiratorias, Madrid, Spain
- Advanced Imaging Unit, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares, and Universidad Complutense Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jose M. Zubeldia
- Allergy Section and Experimental Medicine Unit, Gregorio Marañón Hospital, Madrid, Spain
| | - Victoria del Pozo
- Department of Immunology, IIS-Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Madrid, Spain
- CIBER de Enfermedades Respiratorias, Madrid, Spain
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Omichi K, Wato E, Kaneko Y, Yoneyama S, Matsuda A, Sasaki M, Bull A, Coleman D, Kagawa M, Amano Y. Nonclinical safety assessment for the sensitizing potential of K-115. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014. [DOI: 10.2131/fts.1.19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kozo Omichi
- Xenobiotics Group, Fuji Research Laboratories, Kowa Company, Ltd
| | - Eiji Wato
- Toxicology Group, Fuji Research Laboratories, Kowa Company, Ltd
| | - Yoshiki Kaneko
- Pharmacology Group, Tokyo New Drug Research Laboratories, Kowa Company, Ltd
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Masataka Kagawa
- Toxicology Group, Fuji Research Laboratories, Kowa Company, Ltd
| | - Yukinori Amano
- Toxicology Group, Fuji Research Laboratories, Kowa Company, Ltd
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Impact of adiponectin overexpression on allergic airways responses in mice. J Allergy (Cairo) 2013; 2013:349520. [PMID: 23861690 PMCID: PMC3686156 DOI: 10.1155/2013/349520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2013] [Accepted: 05/07/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Obesity is an important risk factor for asthma. Obese individuals have decreased circulating adiponectin, an adipose-derived hormone with anti-inflammatory properties. We hypothesized that transgenic overexpression of adiponectin would attenuate allergic airways inflammation and mucous hyperplasia in mice. To test this hypothesis, we used mice overexpressing adiponectin (Adipo Tg). Adipo Tg mice had marked increases in both serum adiponectin and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid adiponectin. Both acute and chronic ovalbumin (OVA) sensitization and challenge protocols were used. In both protocols, OVA-induced increases in total BAL cells were attenuated in Adipo Tg versus WT mice. In the acute protocol, OVA-induced increases in several IL-13 dependent genes were attenuated in Adipo Tg versus WT mice, even though IL-13 per se was not affected. With chronic exposure, though OVA-induced increases in goblet cells numbers per millimeter of basement membrane were greater in Adipo Tg versus WT mice, mRNA abundance of mucous genes in lungs was not different. Also, adiponectin overexpression did not induce M2 polarization in alveolar macrophages. Our results indicate that adiponectin protects against allergen-induced inflammatory cell recruitment to the airspaces, but not development of goblet cell hyperplasia.
Collapse
|
30
|
Possa SS, Leick EA, Prado CM, Martins MA, Tibério IFLC. Eosinophilic inflammation in allergic asthma. Front Pharmacol 2013; 4:46. [PMID: 23616768 PMCID: PMC3627984 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2013.00046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 124] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2012] [Accepted: 03/28/2013] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Eosinophils are circulating granulocytes involved in pathogenesis of asthma. A cascade of processes directed by Th2 cytokine producing T-cells influence the recruitment of eosinophils into the lungs. Furthermore, multiple elements including interleukin (IL)-5, IL-13, chemoattractants such as eotaxin, Clara cells, and CC chemokine receptor (CCR)3 are already directly involved in recruiting eosinophils to the lung during allergic inflammation. Once recruited, eosinophils participate in the modulation of immune response, induction of airway hyperresponsiveness and remodeling, characteristic features of asthma. Various types of promising treatments for reducing asthmatic response are related to reduction in eosinophil counts both in human and experimental models of pulmonary allergic inflammation, showing that the recruitment of these cells really plays an important role in the pathophysiology of allergic diseases such asthma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Samantha S Possa
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of São Paulo São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
31
|
Role of the adiponectin binding protein, T-cadherin (Cdh13), in allergic airways responses in mice. PLoS One 2012; 7:e41088. [PMID: 22815927 PMCID: PMC3398886 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0041088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2012] [Accepted: 06/18/2012] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Adiponectin is an adipose derived hormone that declines in obesity. We have previously shown that exogenous administration of adiponectin reduces allergic airways responses in mice. T-cadherin (T-cad; Cdh13) is a binding protein for the high molecular weight isoforms of adiponectin. To determine whether the beneficial effects of adiponectin on allergic airways responses require T-cad, we sensitized wildtype (WT), T-cadherin deficient (T-cad(-/-)) and adiponectin and T-cad bideficient mice to ovalbumin (OVA) and challenged the mice with aerosolized OVA or PBS. Compared to WT, T-cad(-/-) mice were protected against OVA-induced airway hyperresponsiveness, increases in BAL inflammatory cells, and induction of IL-13, IL-17, and eotaxin expression. Histological analysis of the lungs of OVA-challenged T-cad(-/-) versus WT mice indicated reduced inflammation around the airways, and reduced mucous cell hyperplasia. Combined adiponectin and T-cad deficiency reversed the effects of T-cad deficiency alone, indicating that the observed effects of T-cad deficiency require adiponectin. Compared to WT, serum adiponectin was markedly increased in T-cad(-/-) mice, likely because adiponectin that is normally sequestered by endothelial T-cad remains free in the circulation. In conclusion, T-cad does not mediate the protective effects of adiponectin. Instead, mice lacking T-cad have reduced allergic airways disease, likely because elevated serum adiponectin levels act on other adiponectin signaling pathways.
Collapse
|