The role of profilin-1 in endothelial cell injury induced by advanced glycation end products (AGEs)

Comprehensive Assessment of Ischemic Stroke in Nonhuman Primates: Neuroimaging, Behavioral, and Serum Proteomic Analysis

Ischemic strokes, prevalence and impactful, underscore the necessity of advanced research models closely resembling human physiology. Our study utilizes nonhuman primates (NHPs) to provide a detailed exploration of ischemic stroke, integrating neuroimaging data, behavioral outcomes, and serum proteomics to elucidate the complex interplay of factors involved in stroke pathophysiology. We observed a consistent pattern in infarct volume, peaking at 1-month postmiddle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) and then stabilized. This pattern was strongly correlated to notable changes in motor function and working memory performance. Using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), we detected significant alterations in fractional anisotropy (FA) and mean diffusivity (MD) values, signaling microstructural changes in the brain. These alterations closely correlated with the neurological and cognitive deficits that we observed, highlighting the sensitivity of DTI metrics in stroke assessment. Behaviorally, the monkeys exhibited a reliance on their unaffected limb for compensatory movements, a common response to stroke impairment. This adaptation, along with consistent DTI findings, suggests a significant impact of stroke on motor function and spatial perception. Proteomic analysis through MS/MS functional enrichment identified two distinct groups of proteins with significant changes post-MCAO. Notably, MMP9, THBS1, MB, PFN1, and YWHAZ were identified as potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for ischemic stroke. Our results underscore the complex nature of stroke and advocate for an integrated approach, combining neuroimaging, behavioral studies, and proteomics, for advancing our understanding and treatment of this condition.

Profilin1 Promotes Renal Tubular Epithelial Cell Apoptosis in Diabetic Nephropathy Through the Hedgehog Signaling Pathway

Background

Profilin-1 (PFN1) regulates the dynamic balance of actin and plays an important role in cell functions as a hub protein in signaling molecule interaction networks. Dysregulation of PFN1 is related to pathologic kidney diseases. Diabetic nephropathy (DN) was recently reported as an inflammatory disorder, however, the molecular mechanisms of PFN1 in DN remain unclear. Therefore, the present study was conducted to explore the molecular and bioinformatic characteristics of PFN1 in DN.

Methods

Bioinformatics analyses were performed on the chip of database in DN kidney tissues. A cellular model of DN was established in human renal tubular epithelial cells (HK-2) induced by high glucose. The PFN1 gene was overexpressed or knocked-down to investigate its function in DN. Flow cytometry was used to detect cell proliferation and apoptosis. PFN1 and proteins in the related signaling pathways were evaluated by Western blotting.

Results

The expression of PFN1 was significantly increased in DN kidney tissues (P < 0.001) and was correlated with a high apoptosis-associated score (Pearson's correlation = 0.664) and cellular senescence-associated score (Pearson's correlation = 0.703). PFN1 protein was mainly located in cytoplasm. Overexpression of PFN1 promoted apoptosis and blocked the proliferation of HK-2 cells treated with high levels of glucose. Knockdown of PFN1 led to the opposite effects. Additionally, we found that PFN1 was correlated with the inactivation of the Hedgehog signaling pathway in HK-2 cells treated with high levels of glucose.

Conclusion

PFN1 might play an integral role in the regulation of cell proliferation and apoptosis during DN development by activating the Hedgehog signaling pathway. This study provided molecular and bioinformatic characterizations of PFN1, and contributed to the understanding of the molecular mechanisms leading to DN.

Role of profilin-1 in vasculopathy induced by advanced glycation end products (AGEs)

AIMS

To construct a simple and feasible rat model to mimic diabetic vasculopathy by chronic injection of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) and further determine the role of profilin-1 in vasculopathy in AGE-injection rats.

METHODS

Sprague-Dawley rats were injected with AGEs-BSA (25 mg/kg/day) for 0, 20, 30, 40, and 60 days by caudal vein. Then, the morphological changes in the aorta, heart, and kidney and the expression of profilin-1 were assessed. In cultured endothelial cells, shRNA profilin-1 was used to clarify the role of profilin-1 in AGEs-induced vascular endothelial lesions and inflammatory reactions.

RESULTS

The aorta, heart, and kidney of the AGE-injection rats had obvious morphological changes. Also, the indicators of vascular remodeling in the aorta significantly increased, accompanied by the increased expression of profilin-1 in the aorta, heart, and kidney and polysaccharide content on the kidney basement membrane. In addition, the protein level of profilin-1 was markedly upregulated in the aorta of AGEs-injected rats and endothelial cells incubated with AGEs. shRNA profilin-1 markedly attenuated the upregulated expression of profilin-1, receptor for AGEs (RAGE), and NF-κB in endothelial cells incubated with AGEs, as well as reduced the high levels of ICAM-1, IL-8, TNF-α, ROS, and apoptosis induced by AGEs.

CONCLUSIONS

Exogenous AGEs can mimic diabetic vasculopathy in vivo to some extent and increase profilin-1 expression in the target organs of diabetic complications. Blockade of profilin-1 attenuates vascular lesions and inflammatory reactions, suggesting its critical role in the metabolic memory mediated by AGEs.

Trophoblast Exosomal UCA1 Induces Endothelial Injury through the PFN1-RhoA/ROCK Pathway in Preeclampsia: A Human-Specific Adaptive Pathogenic Mechanism

Preeclampsia is regarded as an evolution-related disease that has only been observed in humans and our closest relatives, and the important factor contributing to its pathogenesis is endothelial dysregulation secondary to a stressed placenta. Hypoxia-inducible factor 1 subunit alpha (HIF1α), a highly conserved molecule in virtually all mammals, is regarded as a crucial regulator of the hypoxia adaptation and evolution. Persistent high expression of HIF1α in the placenta is one of the pathogenic mechanisms of preeclampsia. Therefore, human-specific molecules should link increased HIF1α to preeclampsia. We reported that urothelial cancer associated 1 (UCA1) is a potential mediator because it is a human-specific long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) that is upregulated in placental tissues and maternal serum from women with preeclampsia and is regulated by HIF1α. The cellular HIF1α-UCA1 pathway promoted the adaptation of trophoblasts to hypoxia by inducing vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) secretion and changes in the levels of key enzymes in glycolysis. On the other hand, circulating exosomal UCA1 secreted from stressed trophoblasts induced vascular endothelial dysfunction, especially excess ROS production, as measured by exosome extraction and a coculture system. At the molecular level, UCA1 physically bound to ubiquitin-specific peptidase 14 (USP14), which is a deubiquitinating enzyme, and UCA1 functioned as a scaffold to recruit USP14 to profilin 1 (PFN1), an actin-binding protein contributing to endothelial abnormalities and vascular diseases. This ternary complex inhibited the ubiquitination-dependent degradation of PFN1 and prolonged its half-life, further activating the RhoA/Rho-kinase (ROCK) pathway to induce ROS production in endothelial cells. Taken together, these observations suggest a role for the evolution-related UCA1 in the HIF1α-induced adaptive pathogenic mechanism of preeclampsia, promoting the survival of hypoxic trophoblasts and injuring maternal endothelial cells.

Increased expression of Profilin potentiates chemotherapeutic agent-mediated tumour regression

BACKGROUND

Targeted cancer therapy is an alternative to standard chemotherapy for a better prognosis. Although its incompetency for triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), treatment still relies on classical chemotherapy. Increasing evidence suggest that chemotherapeutic drug-induced toxic effect could be minimised by combinatorial therapy. Profilin's familiar anti-tumorigenic activity can be utilised in combination with the drug to improve efficacy, which could be promising therapeutics to treat TNBC.

METHODS

All-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) in combination with vinblastine was tested on human MDA MB-231 cell line (MB-231) (in vitro) and MB-231 borne breast cancer in nude mice (in vivo). Effects of combination treatment on tumour growth inhibition and apoptosis were examined by tumour volume, histology and PARP cleavage. ATRA-induced transcriptional regulation of profilin had been evaluated by gel-shift and reporter gene assays. Profilin's role in ATRA-induced vinblastine efficacy was validated in profilin-stable and profilin-silenced cells.

RESULTS

ATRA binds with RAR/RXR to increase the profilin expression that potentiated cell death by chemotherapeutics. ATRA priming led to vinblastine-mediated potentiation of G2-M phase cell cycle arrest in MB-231 cells and regression of breast cancer in xenograft mice at very low concentration without any adverse effects. Moreover, increased p53 and PTEN but downregulated p65 in the tumour tissues further supported the involvement of profilin for tumour regression.

CONCLUSIONS

Vinblastine at very low concentration (20 times lesser than the recommended dose for breast cancer therapeutic) significantly regress tumour growth in ATRA-primed mice without any toxic effects suggesting potential combinatorial therapeutics for TNBC.

Advanced Glycation End Products: key player of the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis is the most common type of cardiovascular disease, and it causes intima thickening, plaque development, and ultimate blockage of the artery lumen. Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) are thought to have a role in the development and progression of atherosclerosis. there is developing an enthusiasm for AGEs as a potential remedial target. AGES mainly induce arterial damage and exacerbate the development of atherosclerotic plaques by triggering cell receptor-dependent signalling. The interplay of AGEs with RAGE, a transmembrane signalling receptor present across all cells important to atherosclerosis, changes cell activity, boosts expression of genes, and increases the outflow of inflammatory compounds, resulting in arterial wall injury and plaque formation. Here in this review, function of AGEs in the genesis, progression, and instability of atherosclerosis is discussed. In endothelial and smooth muscle cells, as well as platelets, the interaction of AGEs with their transmembrane cell receptor, RAGE, triggers intracellular signalling, resulting in endothelial damage, vascular smooth muscle cell function modification, and changed platelet activity.

Role of advanced glycation end products on vascular smooth muscle cells under diabetic atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory disease and leading cause of cardiovascular diseases. The progression of AS is a multi-step process leading to high morbidity and mortality. Hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, advanced glycation end products (AGEs), inflammation and insulin resistance which strictly involved in diabetes are closely related to the pathogenesis of AS. A growing number of studies have linked AGEs to AS. As one of the risk factors of cardiac metabolic diseases, dysfunction of VSMCs plays an important role in AS pathogenesis. AGEs are increased in diabetes, participate in the occurrence and progression of AS through multiple molecular mechanisms of vascular cell injury. As the main functional cells of vascular, vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) play different roles in each stage of atherosclerotic lesions. The interaction between AGEs and receptor for AGEs (RAGE) accelerates AS by affecting the proliferation and migration of VSMCs. In addition, increasing researches have reported that AGEs promote osteogenic transformation and macrophage-like transformation of VSMCs, and affect the progression of AS through other aspects such as autophagy and cell cycle. In this review, we summarize the effect of AGEs on VSMCs in atherosclerotic plaque development and progression. We also discuss the AGEs that link AS and diabetes mellitus, including oxidative stress, inflammation, RAGE ligands, small noncoding RNAs.

Profilin-1 is involved in macroangiopathy induced by advanced glycation end products via vascular remodeling and inflammation

BACKGROUND

The accumulation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) have been implicated in the development and progression of diabetic vasculopathy. However, the role of profilin-1 as a multifunctional actin-binding protein in AGEs-induced atherosclerosis (AS) is largely unknown.

AIM

To explore the potential role of profilin-1 in the pathogenesis of AS induced by AGEs, particularly in relation to the Janus kinase 2 (JAK2) and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) signaling pathway.

METHODS

Eighty-nine individuals undergoing coronary angiography were enrolled in the study. Plasma cytokine levels were detected using ELISA kits. Rat aortic vascular smooth muscle cells (RASMCs) were incubated with different compounds for different times. Cell proliferation was determined by performing the MTT assay and EdU staining. An AGEs-induced vascular remodeling model was established in rats and histological and immunohistochemical analyses were performed. The mRNA and protein levels were detected using real-time PCR and Western blot analysis, respectively. In vivo, shRNA transfection was performed to verify the role of profilin-1 in AGEs-induced proatherogenic mediator release and aortic remodeling. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS 22.0 software.

RESULTS

Compared with the control group, plasma levels of profilin-1 and receptor for AGEs (RAGE) were significantly increased in patients with coronary artery disease, especially in those complicated with diabetes mellitus (P < 0.01). The levels of profilin-1 were positively correlated with the levels of RAGE (P < 0.01); additionally, the levels of both molecules were positively associated with the degree of coronary artery stenosis (P < 0.01). In vivo, tail vein injections of AGEs induced the release of proatherogenic mediators, such as asymmetric dimethylarginine, intercellular adhesion molecule-1, and the N-terminus of procollagen III peptide, concomitant with apparent aortic morphological changes and significantly upregulated expression of the profilin-1 mRNA and protein in the thoracic aorta (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). Downregulation of profilin-1 expression with an shRNA significantly attenuated AGEs-induced proatherogenic mediator release (P < 0.05) and aortic remodeling. In vitro, incubation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) with AGEs significantly promoted cell proliferation and upregulated the expression of the profilin-1 mRNA and protein (P < 0.05). AGEs (200 μg/mL, 24 h) significantly upregulated the expression of the STAT3 mRNA and protein and JAK2 protein, which was blocked by a JAK2 inhibitor (T3042-1) and/or STAT3 inhibitor (T6308-1) (P < 0.05). In addition, pretreatment with T3042-1 or T6308-1 significantly inhibited AGEs-induced RASMC proliferation (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

AGEs induce proatherogenic events such as VSMC proliferation, proatherogenic mediator release, and vascular remodeling, changes that can be attenuated by silencing profilin-1 expression. These results suggest a crucial role for profilin-1 in AGEs-induced vasculopathy.

Phytoglycoprotein isolated from Dioscorea batatas Decne promotes intestinal epithelial wound healing

Dioscorea batatas Decne (DBD) has been used to heal various illnesses of the kidney and intestine as an herbal medicine in Asia. As a source of therapeutic agents, many glycoproteins have been isolated from mushrooms and plants, but the functional role of glycoprotein in intestinal epithelial wound healing has not been understood yet. In the present study, we investigated the wound healing potentials of the 30 kDa glycoprotein (DBD glycoprotein) isolated from DBD in human intestinal epithelial (INT-407) cells. We found that DBD glycoprotein (100 μg·mL^-1) significantly increased the motility of INT-407 cells for 24 h by activating protein kinase C (PKC). DBD glycoprotein stimulated the activation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), which is responsible for the phosphorylation of NF-κB inhibitor α (IκBα). DBD glycoprotein increased the level of profilin-1 (PFN1), α-actinin and F-actin expression via activation of transcription factor, nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) during its promotion of cell migration. Experimental mouse colitis was induced by adding dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) to the drinking water at a concentration of 4% (W/V) for 7 days. We figured out that administration of DBD glycoprotein (10 and 20 mg·kg^-1) lowers the levels of disease activity index and histological inflammation in DSS-treated ICR mice. In this regard, we suggest that DBD glycoprotein has ability to promote the F-actin-related migration signaling events via activation of PKC and NF-κB in intestinal epithelial cells and prevent inflammatory bowel disease.

The role of profilin-1 in cardiovascular diseases

Dynamic remodeling of the actin cytoskeleton is an essential feature for virtually all actin-dependent cellular processes, including cell migration, cell cycle progression, chromatin remodeling and gene expression, and even the DNA damage response. An altered actin cytoskeleton is a structural hallmark associated with numerous pathologies ranging from cardiovascular diseases to immune disorders, neurological diseases and cancer. The actin cytoskeleton in cells is regulated through the orchestrated actions of a myriad of actin-binding proteins. In this Review, we provide a brief overview of the structure and functions of the actin-monomer-binding protein profilin-1 (Pfn1) and then discuss how dysregulated expression of Pfn1 contributes to diseases associated with the cardiovascular system.

Profilin 1 and Mitochondria-Partners in the Pathogenesis of Coronary Artery Disease?

Atherosclerosis remains a large health and economic burden. Even though it has been studied for more than a century, its complex pathophysiology has not been elucidated. The relatively well-established contributors include: chronic inflammation in response to oxidized cholesterol, reactive oxygen species-induced damage and apoptosis. Recently, profilin 1, a regulator of actin dynamics emerged as a potential new player in the field. Profilin is abundant in stable atherosclerotic plaques and in thrombi extracted from infarct-related arteries in patients with acute myocardial infarction. The exact role of profilin in atherosclerosis and its complications, as well as its mechanisms of action, remain unknown. Here, we summarize several pathways in which profilin may act through mitochondria in a number of processes implicated in atherosclerosis.

Profilin: many facets of a small protein

Profilin is a ubiquitously expressed protein well known as a key regulator of actin polymerisation. The actin cytoskeleton is involved in almost all cellular processes including motility, endocytosis, metabolism, signal transduction and gene transcription. Hence, profilin's role in the cell goes beyond its direct and essential function in regulating actin dynamics. This review will focus on the interactions of Profilin 1 and its ligands at the plasma membrane, in the cytoplasm and the nucleus of the cells and the regulation of profilin activity within those cell compartments. We will discuss the interactions of profilin in cell signalling pathways and highlight the importance of the cell context in the multiple functions that this small essential protein has in conjunction with its role in cytoskeletal organisation and dynamics. We will review some of the mechanisms that control profilin expression and the implications of changed expression of profilin in the light of cancer biology and other pathologies.

Disruption of profilin1 function suppresses developmental and pathological retinal neovascularization

Angiogenesis-mediated neovascularization in the eye is usually associated with visual complications. Pathological angiogenesis is particularly prominent in the retina in the settings of proliferative diabetic retinopathy, in which it can lead to permanent loss of vision. In this study, by bioinformatics analyses, we provide evidence for elevated expression of actin-binding protein PFN1 (profilin1) in the retinal vascular endothelial cells (VECs) of individuals with proliferative diabetic retinopathy, findings further supported by gene expression analyses for PFN1 in experimentally induced abnormal retinal neovascularization in an oxygen-induced retinopathy murine model. We observed that in a conditional knockout mouse model, postnatal deletion of the Pfn1 gene in VECs leads to defects in tip cell activity (marked by impaired filopodial protrusions) and reduced vascular sprouting, resulting in hypovascularization during developmental angiogenesis in the retina. Consistent with these findings, an investigative small molecule compound targeting the PFN1-actin interaction reduced random motility, proliferation, and cord morphogenesis of retinal VECs in vitro and experimentally induced abnormal retinal neovascularization in vivo In summary, these findings provide the first direct in vivo evidence that PFN1 is required for formation of actin-based protrusive structures and developmental angiogenesis in the retina. The proof of concept of susceptibility of abnormal angiogenesis to small molecule intervention of PFN1-actin interaction reported here lays a conceptual foundation for targeting PFN1 as a possible strategy in angiogenesis-dependent retinal diseases.

Quantitative alterations in bovine milk proteome from healthy, subclinical and clinical mastitis during S. aureus infection

Bovine mastitis, caused by Staphylococcus aureus, is a major impediment to milk production and lacks markers to indicate disease progression in cows and buffaloes. Thus, the focus of this study was to identify proteins marking the transition from subclinical to clinical mastitis. Whey proteins were isolated from 6 group's i.e. healthy, subclinical and clinical mastitis of Holstein Friesian cow and Murrah buffalo. Mass spectrometry and statistical analysis (ANOVA and t-tests) were performed on 12 biological samples each from cow and buffalo (4 per healthy, subclinical and clinical mastitis) resulting in a total of 24 proteome datasets. Collectively, 1479 proteins were identified of which significant proteins were shortlisted by a combination of fold change (≤ 0.5 or ≥ 2) and q < 0.05. Of these proteins, 128 and 163 indicated disease progression in cow and buffalo, respectively. Change in expression of haptoglobin and fibronectin from Holstein Friesian while spermadhesin and osteopontin from Murrah correlated with disease progression. Similarly, angiogenin and cofilin-1 were upregulated while ubiquitin family members were downregulated during disease transition. Subsequently, selected proteins (e.g. osteopontin and fibrinogen-α) were validated by Western blots. The results of this study provide deeper insights into whey proteome dynamics and signature patterns indicative of disease progression. BIOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Bovine mastitis is the most lethal infectious disease causing a huge economic loss in the dairy industry. In an attempt, to understand the dynamics of whey proteome in response to S. aureus infection, whey protein collected from healthy, subclinical and clinical mastitic HF and Mu were investigated. A total of 1479 proteins were identified, of which 128 and 163 had signature pattern in each stage indicative of the progression of the disease. The results of the present study provide a foundation to better understand the complexity of mastitis that will ultimately help facilitate early therapeutic and husbandry-based intervention to improve animal health and milk quality.

Impact of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) signaling in coronary artery disease

Coronary artery disease remains the leading cause of mortality in adult diabetic population with however, a high predominance also in non-diabetic subjects. In search of common molecular mechanisms and metabolic by-products with potential pathogenic role, increased advanced glycation end products (AGEs) present a critical biomarker for CAD development in both cases. Interaction of AGEs with their transmembrane cell receptor, RAGE in endothelial and smooth muscle cells as well as in platelets, activates intracellular signaling that leads to endothelial injury, modulation of vascular smooth muscle cell function and altered platelet activity. Furthermore, tissue accumulation of AGEs affects current treatment approaches being involved in stent restenosis. The present review provides an update of AGE-induced molecular mechanisms involved in CAD pathophysiology while it discusses emerging therapeutic interventions targeting AGE reduction and AGE-RAGE signaling with beneficial clinical outcome.

Cofilin and profilin: partners in cancer aggressiveness

This review covers aspects of cofilin and profilin regulations and their influence on actin polymerisation responsible for cell motility and metastasis. The regulation of their activity by phosphorylation and nitration, miRs, PI(4,5)P₂ binding, pH, oxidative stress and post-translational modification is described. In this review, we have highlighted selected similarities, complementarities and differences between the two proteins and how their interplay affects actin filament dynamics.

A Positive Feedback Loop of Profilin-1 and RhoA/ROCK1 Promotes Endothelial Dysfunction and Oxidative Stress

Vascular endothelial dysfunction is considered critical development in the progression of cardiovascular events and is associated with vascular damage and oxidative stress. Previous studies have shown that profilin-1 could be induced by advanced glycation end products (AGEs) and contributes to vascular hyperpermeability; however, the mechanisms are not fully understood. In this study, we sought to assess whether reactive oxygen species (ROS) were involved in profilin-1-mediated RhoA/ROCK1 signaling. Treatment with AGEs significantly induced the expression of profilin-1 and ROS production in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), whereas knockdown of profilin-1 diminished AGE-induced RhoA and ROCK1 activation and ROS production. Moreover, ectopic overexpression of profilin-1 also increased RhoA and ROCK1 activation and ROS production under low AGE concentration. Furthermore, blockage of RhoA/ROCK1 with the inhibitors CT04 and Y27632 significantly attenuated the profilin-1-mediated cell damage and ROS production. Additionally, ROS inhibition resulted in a significant decrease in profilin-1-mediated RhoA/ROCK1 expression, suggesting that the regulation of RhoA/ROCK1 signaling was partly independent of ROS. Taken together, these results suggested that the RhoA/ROCK1 pathway activated by excessive ROS is responsible for profilin-1-mediated endothelial damage.

Proteomic Analysis of Differentially-Expressed Proteins in the Liver of Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats Treated with Parkia biglobosa Protein Isolate

Protein isolate from Parkia biglobosa seeds is believed to possess excellent anti-diabetic properties. The purpose of this study was to identify differentially expressed proteins in liver of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats treated with Parkia biglobosa seeds protein isolate (PBPi). In this study, total proteins extracted from rat liver were separated on one-dimensional SDS polyacrylamide gel (1D SDS-PAGE) and stained with Coomassie brilliant blue (CBB) to visualize protein bands. We observed that protein bands in the region of 10-15 kDa were altered by the different treatments; these bands were selected and excised for in-gel digestion and peptide extraction followed by nLC-MS, MALDI-TOF MS, and LIFT MS/MS. A database search with the Mascot algorithm positively identified four differentially expressed proteins. These proteins are known to be responsible for diverse biological functions within various organs and tissues. The present result gives insight and understanding into possible molecular mechanisms by which streptozotocin causes various alterations in proteins found in the liver of diabetic rats and the possible modulatory role of PBPi in the management of streptozotocin-induced diabetes.

Downregulation of Profilin-1 Expression Attenuates Cardiomyocytes Hypertrophy and Apoptosis Induced by Advanced Glycation End Products in H9c2 Cells

Cardiomyocytes hypertrophy and apoptosis induced by advanced glycation end products (AGEs) is the crucial pathological foundation contributing to the onset and development of diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM). However, the mechanism remains poorly understood. Here, we report that profilin-1 (PFN-1), a well-known actin-binding protein, serves as a potent regulator in AGEs-induced cardiomyocytes hypertrophy and apoptosis. PFN-1 was upregulated in AGEs-treated H9c2 cells, which was associated with increased cardiomyocytes hypertrophy and apoptosis. Silencing PFN-1 expression remarkably attenuated AGEs-induced H9c2 cell hypertrophy and apoptosis. Mechanistically, AGEs increased PFN-1 expression through elevating ROS production and RhoA and ROCK2 expression. Consequently, elevated PFN-1 promoted actin cytoskeleton disorganization. When either ROS production/ROCK activation was blocked or cells were treated with Cytochalasin D (actin depolymerizer), H9c2 cells were protected against AGEs-induced cardiac myocyte abnormalities, concomitantly with downregulated expression of PFN-1 and improved actin cytoskeleton alteration. Collectively, these data suggest that PFN-1 may play an important role in AGEs-induced hypertrophy and apoptosis in H9c2 cells.

Profilin‑1 contributes to cardiac injury induced by advanced glycation end‑products in rats

Cardiac injury, including hypertrophy and fibrosis, induced by advanced glycation end products (AGEs) has an important function in the onset and development of diabetic cardiomyopathy. Profilin-1, a ubiquitously expressed and multifunctional actin-binding protein, has been reported to be an important mediator in cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis. However, whether profilin-1 is involved in AGE-induced cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis remains to be determined. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the function of profilin-1 in cardiac injury induced by AGEs. The model of cardiac injury was established by chronic tail vein injection of AGEs (50 mg/kg/day for 8 weeks) in Sprague-Dawley rats. Rats were randomly assigned to control, AGEs, AGEs + profilin-1 shRNA adenovirus vectors (AGEs + S)or AGEs + control adenovirus vectors (AGEs + V) groups. Profilin-1 shRNA adenovirus vectors were injected via the tail vein to knockdown profilin-1 expression at a dose of 3×10⁹ plaque forming units every 4 weeks. Echocardiography was performed to measure cardiac contractile function. Cardiac tissues were stained with Masson's trichrome stain to evaluate ventricular remodeling. The serum levels of procollagen type III N-terminal peptide were detected by ELISA. The expression of profilin-1, receptor for AGEs (RAGE), Rho, p65, atrial natriuretic peptide, β-myosin heavy chain, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9 were determined using reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and/or western blot analysis and immunohistochemistry staining. The results demonstrated that chronic injection of exogenous AGEs led to cardiac dysfunction, hypertrophy and fibrosis, as determined by echocardiography, Masson trichrome staining and the expression of associated genes. The expression of profilin-1 was markedly increased in heart tissue at the mRNA and protein level following AGE administration, as determined by RT-qPCR and western blotting, which was further confirmed by immunohistochemistry staining. Furthermore, the expression of RAGE, Rho and p65 was also increased at the protein level. Notably, knockdown of profilin-1 expression ameliorated AGE-induced cardiac injury and reduced the expression of RAGE, Rho and p65. These results indicate an important role for profilin-1 in AGE-induced cardiac injury, which may provide a novel therapeutic target for patients with diabetic heart failure.

Profilin1 biology and its mutation, actin(g) in disease

Profilins were discovered in the 1970s and were extensively studied for their significant physiological roles. Profilin1 is the most prominent isoform and has drawn special attention due to its role in the cytoskeleton, cell signaling, and its link to conditions such as cancer and vascular hypertrophy. Recently, multiple mutations in the profilin1 gene were linked to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). In this review, we will discuss the physiological and pathological roles of profilin1. We will further highlight the cytoskeletal function and dysfunction caused by profilin1 dysregulation. Finally, we will discuss the implications of mutant profilin1 in various diseases with an emphasis on its contribution to the pathogenesis of ALS.

Hypochlorite-Modified Albumin Upregulates ICAM-1 Expression via a MAPK-NF-κB Signaling Cascade: Protective Effects of Apocynin

Hypochlorite-modified albumin (HOCl-alb) has been linked to endothelial dysfunction, which plays an important role in the development of hypertension, diabetes, and chronic kidney disease. However, whether HOCl-alb induces endothelial dysfunction via vascular inflammation and whether a signaling pathway is involved are unknown and have not been investigated. HOCl-alb was found to upregulate ICAM-1 expression in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) in a time- and dose-dependent manner. HOCl-alb time-dependently phosphorylated ERK1/2 and p38(MAPK). HOCl-alb also activated NF-κB. ICAM-1 expression was dose-dependently inhibited by U0126 (a specific inhibitor of MEK1/2, a signal upstream from ERK1/2), SB203580 (a specific inhibitor of p38(MAPK)), and SN50 (a specific inhibitor of NF-κB). U0126 and SB203580 both counteracted the activation of NF-κB, whereas the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and p38(MAPK) was not blocked by SN50. ERK1/2 phosphorylation was blocked by U0126 but not by SB203580, and p38(MAPK) activity was reduced by SB203580 but not by U0126. Apocynin, a specific NADPH oxidase (NOX) inhibitor, inhibited ICAM-1 expression and the activity of ERK1/2, p38(MAPK), and NF-κB. These results indicate that HOCl-alb-induced ICAM-1 expression is caused by the activation of a redox-sensitive intracellular signal cascade involving ERK1/2 and p38(MAPK), culminating in the activation of NF-κB and involving NOXs among the upstream signals.

The role of actin-binding proteins in the control of endothelial barrier integrity

The endothelial barrier of the vasculature is of utmost importance for separating the blood stream from underlying tissues. This barrier is formed by tight and adherens junctions (TJ and AJ) that form intercellular endothelial contacts. TJ and AJ are integral membrane structures that are connected to the actin cytoskeleton via various adaptor molecules. Consequently, the actin cytoskeleton plays a crucial role in regulating the stability of endothelial cell contacts and vascular permeability. While a circumferential cortical actin ring stabilises junctions, the formation of contractile stress fibres, e. g. under inflammatory conditions, can contribute to junction destabilisation. However, the role of actin-binding proteins (ABP) in the control of vascular permeability has long been underestimated. Naturally, ABP regulate permeability via regulation of actin remodelling but some actin-binding molecules can also act independently of actin and control vascular permeability via various signalling mechanisms such as activation of small GTPases. Several studies have recently been published highlighting the importance of actin-binding molecules such as cortactin, ezrin/radixin/moesin, Arp2/3, VASP or WASP for the control of vascular permeability by various mechanisms. These proteins have been described to regulate vascular permeability under various pathophysiological conditions and are thus of clinical relevance as targets for the development of treatment strategies for disorders that are characterised by vascular hyperpermeability such as sepsis. This review highlights recent advances in determining the role of ABP in the control of endothelial cell contacts and vascular permeability.

The landscape of protein biomarkers proposed for periodontal disease: markers with functional meaning

Periodontal disease (PD) is characterized by a deregulated inflammatory response which fails to resolve, activating bone resorption. The identification of the proteomes associated with PD has fuelled biomarker proposals; nevertheless, many questions remain. Biomarker selection should favour molecules representing an event which occurs throughout the disease progress. The analysis of proteome results and the information available for each protein, including its functional role, was accomplished using the OralOme database. The integrated analysis of this information ascertains if the suggested proteins reflect the cell and/or molecular mechanisms underlying the different forms of periodontal disease. The evaluation of the proteins present/absent or with very different concentrations in the proteome of each disease state was used for the identification of the mechanisms shared by different PD variants or specific to such state. The information presented is relevant for the adequate design of biomarker panels for PD. Furthermore, it will open new perspectives and help envisage future studies targeted to unveil the functional role of specific proteins and help clarify the deregulation process in the PD inflammatory response.

Vaspin inhibits cytokine-induced nuclear factor-kappa B activation and adhesion molecule expression via AMP-activated protein kinase activation in vascular endothelial cells

Background

Vaspin is an adipocytokine that was recently identified in the visceral adipose tissue of diabetic rats and has anti-diabetic and anti-atherogenic effects. We hypothesized that vaspin prevents inflammatory cytokine-induced nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) activation by activating AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) in vascular endothelial cells.

Methods

We examined the effects of vaspin on NF-κB activation and the expression of the NF-κB-mediated genes intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), E-selectin, and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1). Human aortic endothelial cells (HAECS) were used. Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) was used as a representative proinflammatory cytokine.

Results

Treatment with vaspin significantly increased the phosphorylation of AMPK and acetyl-CoA carboxylase, the down-stream target of AMPK. Furthermore, treatment with vaspin significantly decreased TNFα-induced activation of NF-κB, as well as the expression of the adhesion molecules ICAM-1, VCAM-1, E-selectin, and MCP-1. These effects were abolished following transfection of AMPKα1-specific small interfering RNA. In an adhesion assay using THP-1 cells, vaspin reduced TNFα-induced adhesion of monocytes to HAECS in an AMPK-dependent manner.

Conclusions

Vaspin might attenuate the cytokine-induced expression of adhesion molecule genes by inhibiting NF-κB following AMPK activation.