β-Catenin and TCFs/LEF signaling discordantly regulate IL-6 expression in astrocytes

Oral inoculation of Fusobacterium nucleatum exacerbates ulcerative colitis via the secretion of virulence adhesin FadA

Fusobacterium nucleatum (F. nucleatum), an anaerobic resident of the oral cavity, is increasingly recognized as a contributing factor to ulcerative colitis (UC). The adhesive properties of F. nucleatum are mediated by its key virulence protein, FadA adhesin. However, further investigations are needed to understand the pathogenic mechanisms of this oral pathogen in UC. The present study aimed to explore the role of the FadA adhesin in the colonization and invasion of oral F. nucleatum in dextran sulphate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis mice via molecular techniques. In this study, we found that oral inoculation of F. nucleatum strain carrying the FadA adhesin further exacerbated DSS-induced colitis, leading to elevated alveolar bone loss, disease severity, and mortality. Additionally, CDH1 gene knockout mice treated with DSS presented increases in body weight and alveolar bone density, as well as a reduction in disease severity. Furthermore, FadA adhesin adhered to its mucosal receptor E-cadherin, leading to the phosphorylation of β-catenin and the degradation of IκBα, the activation of the NF-κB signalling pathway and the upregulation of downstream cytokines. In conclusion, this research revealed that oral inoculation with F. nucleatum facilitates experimental colitis via the secretion of the virulence adhesin FadA. Targeting the oral pathogen F. nucleatum and its virulence factor FadA may represent a promising therapeutic approach for a portion of UC patients.

Implementing losartan potassium-laden pegylated nanocubic vesicles as a novel nanoplatform to alleviate cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity via blocking apoptosis and activating the wnt/β-catenin/TCF-4 pathway

AIMS

Losartan potassium-laden pegylated nanocubic vesicles (LP-NCVs-PEG) have an intriguing kidney-targeted nanoplatform for acute renal injury via blocking apoptosis and activating wnt/β-catenin pathway.

MAIN METHODS

Utilizing a thin-film hydration methodology established on 42 full factorial design to produce LP loaded nanocubic formulations (LP-NCVs) which composed mainly from L-α-phosphatidylcholine and poloxamer. The optimization process was designed to select the formulation with maximum entrapment efficiency (EE %), maximum in-vitro drug release (Q8h), and minimum vesicle size (VS). The optimum formulation was then pegylated to obtain LP-NCVs-PEG formulation that shields NCVs from the harsh ecosystem of the stomach, improves their oral drug delivery performance and targets the proximal renal tubules with no systemic toxicity. Male albino rats were injected with Cisplatin (6 mg/kg, i.p.) alone or with LP-formulations (5 mg/kg/day). Kidney injury markers, inflammatory markers, apoptotic markers. Besides renal tissue expression of Wnt, β-Catenin, GSK-3β, renal RNA gene expression of TCF-4, LEF-1 and histopathology were also analyzed to display pharmacological study.

KEY FINDINGS

The pharmacokinetics studies demonstrated that LP-NCVs-PEG boosted LP bioavailability approximately 3.61 times compared to LP oral solution. Besides LP-NCVs-PEG may have an intriguing kidney-targeted nanoplatform for acute renal injury via decreased renal toxicity markers, renal expression of LEF-1, GSK3-β, caspase, TNF-α, NF-κB and TUNEL expression. Alternatively, increased renal tissue level of Bcl-2, wnt, β-catenin and TCF-4.

SIGNIFICANCE

LP-NCVs-PEG improved LP pharmacokinetics targeting the kidney and improved injury by activating wnt/β-catenin/TCF-4 pathway, blocking apoptosis, inflammation and renal toxicity markers suggesting it might be successful nephroprotective adjuvant therapy.

TCF3 as a multidimensional biomarker: oncogenicity, genomic alterations, and immune landscape in pan-cancer analysis

Transcription factor 3 (TCF3), a pivotal member of the TCF/LEF family, plays a critical role in tumorigenesis. Nonetheless, its impact on the tumor microenvironment (TME) and cancer phenotypes remains elusive. We perform an exhaustive analysis of TCF3 expression, DNA variation profiles, prognostic implications, and associations with the TME and immunological aspects. This study is based on a large-scale pan-cancer cohort, encompassing over 17,000 cancer patients from multiple independent datasets, validated by in vitro assays. Our results show that TCF3/4/7 exhibits differential expression patterns between normal and tumor tissues across pan-cancer analyses. Mutational analysis of TCF3 across diverse cancer types reveals the highest alteration rates in biliary tract cancer. Additionally, mutations and single nucleotide variants in TCF3/4/7 are found to exert varied effects on patient prognosis. Importantly, TCF3 emerges as a robust predictor of survival across all cancer cohorts and among patients receiving immune checkpoint inhibitors. Elevated TCF3 expression is correlated with more aggressive cancer subtypes, as validated by immunohistochemistry and diverse cohort data. Furthermore, TCF3 expression is positively correlated with intratumoral heterogeneity and angiogenesis. In vitro investigations demonstrate that TCF3 is involved in epithelial-mesenchymal transition, migration, invasion, and angiogenesis. These effects are likely mediated through the interaction of TCF3 with the NF-κB/MMP2 pathway, which is modulated by IL-17A in human uveal melanoma MUM2B cells. This study elucidates, for the first time, the significant associations of TCF3 with DNA variation profiles, prognostic outcomes, and the TME in multiple cancer contexts. TCF3 holds promise as a molecular marker for diagnosis and as a potential target for novel therapeutic strategies, particularly in uveal melanoma.

Hallmarks of cancer resistance

This review explores the hallmarks of cancer resistance, including drug efflux mediated by ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters, metabolic reprogramming characterized by the Warburg effect, and the dynamic interplay between cancer cells and mitochondria. The role of cancer stem cells (CSCs) in treatment resistance and the regulatory influence of non-coding RNAs, such as long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), microRNAs (miRNAs), and circular RNAs (circRNAs), are studied. The chapter emphasizes future directions, encompassing advancements in immunotherapy, strategies to counter adaptive resistance, integration of artificial intelligence for predictive modeling, and the identification of biomarkers for personalized treatment. The comprehensive exploration of these hallmarks provides a foundation for innovative therapeutic approaches, aiming to navigate the complex landscape of cancer resistance and enhance patient outcomes.

CBX8 Promotes Epithelial-mesenchymal Transition, Migration, and Invasion of Lung Cancer through Wnt/β-catenin Signaling Pathway

BACKGROUND

Lung cancer (LC) is primarily responsible for cancer-related deaths worldwide. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a process in which epithelial cells acquire mesenchymal features and is associated with the development of tumors. CBX8, a member of the PcG protein family, plays a critical role in various cancers, containing LC. However, specific regulatory mechanisms of CBX8 in LC progression are not fully understood. This study aimed to investigate the regulatory role of CBX8 in LC progression.

METHODS

Bioinformatics was used to analyze the relationship between CBX8 level and tumor and the enrichment pathway of CBX8 enrichment. qRT-PCR was used to detect the differential expression of CBX8 in LC cells and normal lung epithelial cells. The effects of knockdown or overexpression of CBX8 on the proliferation, migration and invasion of LC cells were evaluated by CCK- -8 assay and Transwell assay, and the levels of proteins associated with the EMT pathway and Wnt/ β-catenin signaling pathway were detected by western blot.

RESULTS

Bioinformatics analysis revealed that CBX8 was highly expressed in LC and enriched on the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. The expression level of CBX8 was significantly elevated in LC cells. Knockdown of CBX8 significantly inhibited cell proliferation, migration and invasion, and decreased the expression levels of EMT-related proteins and Wnt/β-catenin pathway-related proteins. Conversely, overexpression of CBX8 promoted cell proliferation, migration and invasion, and increased the expression levels of EMT-related proteins and Wnt/β-catenin pathway-related proteins. The Wnt inhibitor IWP-4 alleviated the effects produced by overexpression of CBX8.

CONCLUSION

Collectively, these data demonstrated that CBX8 induced EMT through Wnt/β-- catenin signaling, driving migration and invasion of LC cells.

The inhibitory effect of Gremlin-2 on adipogenesis suppresses breast cancer cell growth and metastasis

BACKGROUND

Gremlin-1 (GREM1) and Gremlin-2 (GREM2) are bone morphogenetic protein antagonists that play important roles in organogenesis, tissue differentiation, and tissue homeostasis. Although GREM1 has been reported to be involved in promoting various cancers, little has been reported about effects of GREM2 on cancer. Recently, it has been reported that GREM2 can inhibit adipogenesis in adipose-derived stromal/stem cells. However, as an inhibitor of adipogenesis, the role of GREM2 in cancer progression is not well understood yet.

METHODS

Pre-adipocyte 3T3-L1 cells overexpressing mock or Grem2 were established using a lentiviral transduction system and differentiated into adipocytes-mock and adipocytes-Grem2, respectively. To investigate the effect of adipocyte-Grem2 on breast cancer cells, we analyzed the proliferative and invasion abilities of spheroids using a 3D co-culture system of breast cancer cells and adipocytes or conditioned medium (CM) of adipocytes. An orthotopic breast cancer mouse model was used to examine the role of adipocytes-Grem2 in breast cancer progression.

RESULTS

Grem2 overexpression suppressed adipogenesis of 3T3-L1 cells. Proliferative and invasion abilities of spheroids formed by co-culturing MTV/TM-011 breast cancer cells and adipocytes-Grem2 were significantly reduced compared to those of spheroids formed by co-culturing MTV/TM-011 cells and adipocytes-mock. Compared to adipocytes-mock, adipocytes-Grem2 showed decreased mRNA expression of several adipokines, notably IL-6. The concentration of IL-6 in the CM of these cells was also decreased. Proliferative and invasive abilities of breast cancer cells reduced by adipocytes-Grem2 were restored by IL-6 treatment. Expression levels of vimentin, slug, and twist1 in breast cancer cells were decreased by treatment with CM of adipocytes-Grem2 but increased by IL-6 treatment. In orthotopic breast cancer mouse model, mice injected with both MTV/TM-011 cells and adipocytes-Grem2 showed smaller primary tumors and lower lung metastasis than controls. However, IL-6 administration increased both the size of primary tumor and the number of metastatic lung lesions, which were reduced by adipocytes-Grem2.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study suggests that GREM2 overexpression in adipocytes can inhibit adipogenesis, reduce the expression and secretion of several adipokines, including IL-6, and ultimately inhibit breast cancer progression.

An Efficient and Cost-Effective Approach to Generate Functional Human Inducible Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Astrocytes

Human inducible pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived astrocytes (iAs) are critical to study astrocytes in health and disease. They provide several advantages over human fetal astrocytes in research, which include consistency, availability, disease modeling, customization, and ethical considerations. The generation of iAs is hampered by the requirement of Matrigel matrix coating for survival and proliferation. We provide a protocol demonstrating that human iAs cultured in the absence of Matrigel are viable and proliferative. Further, through a side-by-side comparison of cultures with and without Matrigel, we show significant similarities in astrocyte-specific profiling, including morphology (shape and structure), phenotype (cell-specific markers), genotype (transcriptional expression), metabolic (respiration), and functional aspects (glutamate uptake and cytokine response). In addition, we report that, unlike other CNS cell types, such as neuronal progenitor cells and neurons, iAs can withstand the absence of Matrigel coating. Our study demonstrates that Matrigel is dispensable for the culture of human iPSC-derived astrocytes, facilitating an easy, streamlined, and cost-effective method of generating these cells.

Identification of key modules and driving genes in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease by weighted gene co-expression network analysis

BACKGROUND

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is characterized by excessive liver fat deposition, and progresses to liver cirrhosis, and even hepatocellular carcinoma. However, the invasive diagnosis of NAFLD with histopathological evaluation remains risky. This study investigated potential genes correlated with NAFLD, which may serve as diagnostic biomarkers and even potential treatment targets.

METHODS

The weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was constructed based on dataset E-MEXP-3291. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses were performed to evaluate the function of genes.

RESULTS

Blue module was positively correlated, and turquoise module negatively correlated with the severity of NAFLD. Furthermore, 8 driving genes (ANXA9, FBXO2, ORAI3, NAGS, C/EBPα, CRYAA, GOLM1, TRIM14) were identified from the overlap of genes in blue module and GSE89632. And another 8 driving genes were identified from the overlap of turquoise module and GSE89632. Among these driving genes, C/EBPα (CCAAT/enhancer binding protein α) was the most notable. By validating the expression of C/EBPα in the liver of NAFLD mice using immunohistochemistry, we discovered a significant upregulation of C/EBPα protein in NAFLD.

CONCLUSION

we identified two modules and 16 driving genes associated with the progression of NAFLD, and confirmed the protein expression of C/EBPα, which had been paid little attention to in the context of NAFLD, in the present study. Our study will advance the understanding of NAFLD. Moreover, these driving genes may serve as biomarkers and therapeutic targets of NAFLD.

Exosomal circ-AHCY promotes glioblastoma cell growth via Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway

BACKGROUND

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most aggressive brain tumor. Reportedly, circular RNAs (circRNAs) participate in regulation of the development and progression of diverse cancers, including GBM.

METHODS

Dysregulated circRNAs in GBM tissues were screened out from GEO database. The expression of candidate circRNAs in GBM cells was measured by qRT-PCR. Loss-of function assays, including colony formation assay, EdU assay, TUNEL assay, and flow cytometry analysis were conducted to determine the effects of circ-AHCY knockdown on GBM cell proliferation and apoptosis. Animal study was further used to prove the inhibitory effect of circ-AHCY silencing on GMB cell growth. Mechanistic experiments like luciferase reporter, RNA pull-down and RNA-binding protein immunoprecipitation (RIP) assays were performed to unveil the downstream molecular mechanism of circ-AHCY. Nanosight Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis (NTA) and PKH67 staining were applied to identify the existence of exosomes.

RESULTS

Circ-AHCY was confirmed to be highly expressed in GBM cells. Circ-AHCY silencing suppressed GBM cell proliferation both in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, circ-AHCY activates Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway by sequestering miR-1294 to up-regulate MYC which activated CTNNB1 transcription. It was also found that circ-AHCY recruited EIF4A3 to stabilize TCF4 mRNA. Enhanced levels of TCF4 and β-catenin contributed to the stability of TCF4/β-catenin complex. In turn, TCF4/β-catenin complex strengthened the transcriptional activity of circ-AHCY. Exosomal circ-AHCY derived from GBM cells induced abnormal proliferation of normal human astrocytes (NHAs).

CONCLUSION

Exosomal circ-AHCY forms a positive feedback loop with Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway to promote GBM cell growth.

Loss of alcohol dehydrogenase 1B in cancer-associated fibroblasts: contribution to the increase of tumor-promoting IL-6 in colon cancer

BACKGROUND

Increases in IL-6 by cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) contribute to colon cancer progression, but the mechanisms involved in the increase of this tumor-promoting cytokine are unknown. The aim of this study was to identify novel targets involved in the dysregulation of IL-6 expression by CAFs in colon cancer.

METHODS

Colonic normal (N), hyperplastic, tubular adenoma, adenocarcinoma tissues, and tissue-derived myo-/fibroblasts (MFs) were used in these studies.

RESULTS

Transcriptomic analysis demonstrated a striking decrease in alcohol dehydrogenase 1B (ADH1B) expression, a gene potentially involved in IL-6 dysregulation in CAFs. ADH1B expression was downregulated in approximately 50% of studied tubular adenomas and all T1-4 colon tumors, but not in hyperplastic polyps. ADH1B metabolizes alcohols, including retinol (RO), and is involved in the generation of all-trans retinoic acid (atRA). LPS-induced IL-6 production was inhibited by either RO or its byproduct atRA in N-MFs, but only atRA was effective in CAFs. Silencing ADH1B in N-MFs significantly upregulated LPS-induced IL-6 similar to those observed in CAFs and lead to the loss of RO inhibitory effect on inducible IL-6 expression.

CONCLUSION

Our data identify ADH1B as a novel potential mesenchymal tumor suppressor, which plays a critical role in ADH1B/retinoid-mediated regulation of tumor-promoting IL-6.

The regulatory role of N6-methyladenosine RNA modification in gastric cancer: Molecular mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets

N6-methyladenosinen (m⁶A) methylation is a frequent RNA methylation modification that is regulated by three proteins: "writers", "erasers", and "readers". The m⁶A modification regulates RNA stability and other mechanisms, including translation, cleavage, and degradation. Interestingly, recent research has linked m⁶A RNA modification to the occurrence and development of cancers, such as hepatocellular carcinoma and non-small cell lung cancer. This review summarizes the regulatory role of m⁶A RNA modification in gastric cancer (GC), including targets, the mechanisms of action, and the potential signaling pathways. Our present findings can facilitate our understanding of the significance of m⁶A RNA modification in GC.

Iron-dependent ferroptosis participated in benzene-induced anemia of inflammation through IRP1-DHODH-ALOX12 axis

Benzene, a widely existing environmental pollutant, gives huge harm to the hematopoietic system. Iron is one of the raw materials for the creation of blood cells, but the role of iron in the blood toxicity of benzene is still unknown. Here, we examined the role of iron homeostasis in benzene-induced toxicity both in vivo and in vitro. In this study, mice exposed to benzene at 50 ppm for 8 weeks demonstrated the anemia of inflammation, mainly manifested as the decreased serum Fe²⁺, increased serum ferritin and inflammation factors (TNF-α, IL6, IL1β) in the plasma of mice. Furthermore, we found that iron maldistribution in the spleen and bone marrow is accompanied by inflammation reaction and ferroptosis. In the vitro study, benzene metabolite 1,4-BQ stimulated the obvious ROS production and ferroptosis activation in the normal B lymphocytes cells. Meanwhile, from the molecular perspective, the combined proteomics and transcriptome enriched the ferroptosis pathway, and we further confirmed the increased expression of iron regulator IRP1, ferroptosis-regulator DHODH, and fatty acids metabolism enzyme ALOX12 were the crucial participators in regulating benzene-mediated iron metabolism imbalance and ferroptosis. Particularly, the targeted and un-targeted metabolomics in the vivo and vitro study further emphasized the importance of DHODH in benzene-induced ferroptosis. In conclusion, this study revealed that iron-dependent ferroptosis participated in benzene-induced anemia of inflammation and provided a constructive perspective on targeting ferroptosis for the prevention and control of benzene toxicity.

Chemotherapy induces feedback up-regulation of CD44v6 in colorectal cancer initiating cells through β-catenin/MDR1 signaling to sustain chemoresistance

Chemoresistance in colorectal cancer initiating cells (CICs) involves the sustained activation of multiple drug resistance (MDR) and WNT/β-catenin signaling pathways, as well as of alternatively spliced-isoforms of CD44 containing variable exon-6 (CD44v6). In spite of its importance, mechanisms underlying the sustained activity of WNT/β-catenin signaling have remained elusive. The presence of binding elements of the β-catenin-interacting transcription factor TCF4 in the MDR1 and CD44 promoters suggests that crosstalk between WNT/β-catenin/TCF4-activation and the expression of the CD44v6 isoform mediated by FOLFOX, a first-line chemotherapeutic agent for colorectal cancer, could be a fundamental mechanism of FOLFOX resistance. Our results identify that FOLFOX treatment induced WNT3A secretion, which stimulated a positive feedback loop coupling β-catenin signaling and CD44v6 splicing. In conjunction with FOLFOX induced WNT3A signal, specific CD44v6 variants produced by alternative splicing subsequently enhance the late wave of WNT/β-catenin activation to facilitate cell cycle progression. Moreover, we revealed that FOLFOX-mediated sustained WNT signal requires the formation of a CD44v6-LRP6-signalosome in caveolin microdomains, which leads to increased FOLFOX efflux. FOLFOX-resistance in colorectal CICs occurs in the absence of tumor-suppressor disabled-2 (DAB2), an inhibitor of WNT/β-catenin signaling. Conversely, in sensitive cells, DAB2 inhibition of WNT-signaling requires interaction with a clathrin containing CD44v6-LRP6-signalosome. Furthermore, full-length CD44v6, once internalized through the caveolin-signalosome, is translocated to the nucleus where in complex with TCF4, it binds to β-catenin/TCF4-regulated MDR1, or to CD44 promoters, which leads to FOLFOX-resistance and CD44v6 transcription through transcriptional-reprogramming. These findings provide evidence that targeting CD44v6-mediated LRP6/β-catenin-signaling and drug efflux may represent a novel approach to overcome FOLFOX resistance and inhibit tumor progression in colorectal CICs. Thus, sustained drug resistance in colorectal CICs is mediated by overexpression of CD44v6, which is both a functional biomarker and a therapeutic target in colorectal cancer.

Reactive and Senescent Astroglial Phenotypes as Hallmarks of Brain Pathologies

Astrocytes, as the most abundant glial cells in the central nervous system, are tightly integrated into neural networks and participate in numerous aspects of brain physiology and pathology. They are the main homeostatic cells in the central nervous system, and the loss of astrocyte physiological functions and/or gain of pro-inflammatory functions, due to their reactivation or cellular senescence, can have profound impacts on the surrounding microenvironment with pathological outcomes. Although the importance of astrocytes is generally recognized, and both senescence and reactive astrogliosis have been extensively reviewed independently, there are only a few comparative overviews of these complex processes. In this review, we summarize the latest data regarding astrocyte reactivation and senescence, and outline similarities and differences between these phenotypes from morphological, functional, and molecular points of view. A special focus has been given to neurodegenerative diseases, where these phenotypic alternations of astrocytes are significantly implicated. We also summarize current perspectives regarding new advances in model systems based on astrocytes as well as data pointing to these glial cells as potential therapeutic targets.

A comprehensive atlas of fetal splicing patterns in the brain of adult myotonic dystrophy type 1 patients

In patients with myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1), dysregulation of RNA-binding proteins like MBNL and CELF1 leads to alternative splicing of exons and is thought to induce a return to fetal splicing patterns in adult tissues, including the central nervous system (CNS). To comprehensively evaluate this, we created an atlas of developmentally regulated splicing patterns in the frontal cortex of healthy individuals and DM1 patients, by combining RNA-seq data from BrainSpan, GTEx and DM1 patients. Thirty-four splice events displayed an inclusion pattern in DM1 patients that is typical for the fetal situation in healthy individuals. The regulation of DM1-relevant splicing patterns could partly be explained by changes in mRNA expression of the splice regulators MBNL1, MBNL2 and CELF1. On the contrary, interindividual differences in splicing patterns between healthy adults could not be explained by differential expression of these splice regulators. Our findings lend transcriptome-wide evidence to the previously noted shift to fetal splicing patterns in the adult DM1 brain as a consequence of an imbalance in antagonistic MBNL and CELF1 activities. Our atlas serves as a solid foundation for further study and understanding of the cognitive phenotype in patients.

DNA methylation changes in glial cells of the normal-appearing white matter in Multiple Sclerosis patients

Multiple Sclerosis (MS), the leading cause of non-traumatic neurological disability in young adults, is a chronic inflammatory and neurodegenerative disease of the central nervous system (CNS). Due to the poor accessibility to the target organ, CNS-confined processes underpinning the later progressive form of MS remain elusive thereby limiting treatment options. We aimed to examine DNA methylation, a stable epigenetic mark of genome activity, in glial cells to capture relevant molecular changes underlying MS neuropathology. We profiled DNA methylation in nuclei of non-neuronal cells, isolated from 38 post-mortem normal-appearing white matter (NAWM) specimens of MS patients (n = 8) in comparison to white matter of control individuals (n = 14), using Infinium MethylationEPIC BeadChip. We identified 1,226 significant (genome-wide adjusted P-value < 0.05) differentially methylated positions (DMPs) between MS patients and controls. Functional annotation of the altered DMP-genes uncovered alterations of processes related to cellular motility, cytoskeleton dynamics, metabolic processes, synaptic support, neuroinflammation and signaling, such as Wnt and TGF-β pathways. A fraction of the affected genes displayed transcriptional differences in the brain of MS patients, as reported by publically available transcriptomic data. Cell type-restricted annotation of DMP-genes attributed alterations of cytoskeleton rearrangement and extracellular matrix remodelling to all glial cell types, while some processes, including ion transport, Wnt/TGF-β signaling and immune processes were more specifically linked to oligodendrocytes, astrocytes and microglial cells, respectively. Our findings strongly suggest that NAWM glial cells are highly altered, even in the absence of lesional insult, collectively exhibiting a multicellular reaction in response to diffuse inflammation.

IL-1β and TNFα Cooperativity in Regulating IL-6 Expression in Adipocytes Depends on CREB Binding and H3K14 Acetylation

IL-6 was found to be overexpressed in the adipose tissue of obese individuals, which may cause insulin resistance. However, the regulation of IL-6 in adipocytes in obesity setting remains to be explored. Since IL-1β and TNFα are increased in obese adipose tissue and promote inflammation, we investigated whether cooperation between IL-1β and TNFα influences the production of IL-6. Our data show that IL-1β and TNFα cooperatively enhance IL-6 expression in 3T3L-1 adipocytes. Similar results were seen in human adipocytes isolated from subcutaneous and visceral fat. Although adipocytes isolated from lean and obese adipose tissues showed similar responses for production of IL-6 when incubated with IL-1β/TNFα, secretion of IL-6 was higher in adipocytes from obese tissue. TNFα treatment enhanced CREB binding at CRE locus, which was further enhanced with IL-1β, and was associated with elevated histone acetylation at CRE locus. On the other hand, IL-1β treatments mediated C/EBPβ binding to NF-IL-6 consensus, but not sufficiently to mediate significant histone acetylation. Interestingly, treatment with both stimulatory factors amplifies CREB binding and H3K14 acetylation. Furthermore, histone acetylation inhibition by anacardic acid or curcumin reduces IL-6 production. Notably, inhibition of histone deacetylase (HDAC) activity by trichostatin A (TSA) resulted in the further elevation of IL-6 expression in response to combined treatment of adipocytes with IL-1β and TNFα. In conclusion, our results show that there is an additive interaction between IL-1β and TNFα that depends on CREB binding and H3K14 acetylation, and leads to the elevation of IL-6 expression in adipocytes, providing interesting pathophysiological connection among IL-1β, TNFα, and IL-6 in settings such as obesity.

STAT3 is required for Smo-dependent signaling and mediates Smo-targeted treatment resistance and tumorigenesis in Shh medulloblastoma

Sonic hedgehog (Shh)‐driven medulloblastoma (Shh MB) cells are dependent on constitutive Shh signaling, but targeted treatment of Shh MB has been ineffective due to drug resistance. The purpose of this study was to address the critical role of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) in Shh signaling and drug resistance in Shh MB cells. Herein, we show that STAT3 is required for Smoothened (Smo)‐dependent Shh signaling and, in turn, is reciprocally regulated by Shh signaling, and demonstrate that STAT3 activity is critical for expression of HCK proto‐oncogene, Src family tyrosine kinase (Hck) in Shh MB. We also demonstrate that maintained STAT3 activity suppresses p21 expression and promotes colony formation of Shh MB cells, whereas dual treatment with inhibitors of both Smo and STAT3 results in marked synergistic killing and overcomes drug resistance in vitro of Smo antagonist‐resistant Shh MB cells. Finally, STAT3 inhibitor treatment significantly prevents in vivo tumor formation in genetically engineered Shh MB mice. Collectively, we show that STAT3 is necessary to maintain Shh signaling and thus is a potential therapeutic target to treat Shh MB and overcome anti‐Smo drug resistance.

β-Catenin Restricts Zika Virus Internalization by Downregulating Axl

The latest outbreak of Zika virus (ZIKV) in the Americas was associated with significant neurologic complications, including microcephaly of newborns. We evaluated mechanisms that regulate ZIKV entry into human fetal astrocytes (HFAs). Astrocytes are key players in maintaining brain homeostasis. We show that the central mediator of canonical Wnt signaling, β-catenin, regulates Axl, a receptor for ZIKV infection of HFAs, at the transcriptional level. In turn, ZIKV inhibited β-catenin, potentially as a mechanism to overcome its restriction of ZIKV internalization through regulation of Axl. This was evident with three ZIKV strains tested but not with a laboratory-adapted strain which has a large deletion in its envelope gene. Finally, we show that β-catenin-mediated Axl-dependent internalization of ZIKV may be of increased importance for brain cells, as it regulated ZIKV infection of astrocytes and human brain microvascular cells but not kidney epithelial (Vero) cells. Collectively, our studies reveal a role for β-catenin in ZIKV infection and highlight a dynamic interplay between ZIKV and β-catenin to modulate ZIKV entry into susceptible target cells. IMPORTANCE ZIKV is an emerging pathogen with sporadic outbreaks throughout the world. The most recent outbreak in North America was associated with small brains (microcephaly) in newborns. We studied the mechanism(s) that may regulate ZIKV entry into astrocytes. Astrocytes are a critical resident brain cell population with diverse functions that maintain brain homeostasis, including neurogenesis and neuronal survival. We show that three ZIKV strains (and not a heavily laboratory-adapted strain with a large deletion in its envelope gene) require Axl for internalization. Most importantly, we show that β-catenin, the central mediator of canonical Wnt signaling, negatively regulates Axl at the transcriptional level to prevent ZIKV internalization into human fetal astrocytes. To overcome this restriction, ZIKV downregulates β-catenin to facilitate Axl expression. This highlights a dynamic host-virus interaction whereby ZIKV inhibits β-catenin to promote its internalization into human fetal astrocytes through the induction of Axl.

The Role of Tet2-mediated Hydroxymethylation in Poststroke Depression

Poststroke depression (PSD) is a common complication of stroke and has long been a serious threat to human health. PSD greatly affects neurological recovery, quality of life and mortality. Recent studies have shown that 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC), an important epigenetic modification, is enriched in the brain and associated with many neurological diseases. However, its role in PSD is still unclear. In this study, middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) and spatial restraint stress were used to successfully induce a PSD mouse model and resulted in reduced 5hmC levels, which were caused by Tet2. Furthermore, genome-wide analysis of 5hmC revealed that differentially hydroxymethylated regions (DhMRs) were associated with PSD. DhMRs were enriched among genes involved in the Wnt signaling pathway, neuron development and learning or memory. In particular,DhMRs were strongly enriched in genes with lymphoid enhancer factor 1 (LEF1) binding motifs. Finally, we demonstrated that decreases in TET2 expression in the brain caused PSD by decreasing Wnt/β-catenin/LEF1 pathway signaling to promote inflammatory factor IL-18 expression. In conclusion, our data highlight the potential for 5hmC modification as a therapeutic target for PSD.

Negative regulation of IL-8 in human astrocytes depends on β-catenin while positive regulation is mediated by TCFs/LEF/ATF2 interaction

Expression of cytokines/chemokines is tightly regulated at the transcription level. This is crucial in the central nervous system to maintain neuroimmune homeostasis. IL-8 a chemoattractant, which recruits neutrophils, T cells, and basophils into the brain in response to inflammation and/or injury is secreted predominantly by neurons, microglia, and astrocytes. Here, we investigated the mechanism by which astrocytes regulate IL-8 expression. We demonstrate that while β-catenin negatively regulated IL-8 transcription, its canonical transcriptional partners, members of the TCF/LEF transcription factors (TCF1, TCF3, TCF4 and LEF1) and Activating transcription factor 2 (ATF2) positively regulated IL-8 transcription. We further identified a putative TCF/LEF binding site at -175nt close to the minimal transcription region on the IL-8 promoter, mutation of which caused a significant reduction in IL-8 promoter activity. Chromatin immunoprecipitation demonstrated binding of TCF1, TCF4, LEF1 and ATF2 on the IL-8 promoter suggesting that TCFs/LEF partner with ATF2 to induce IL-8 transcription. These findings demonstrate a novel role for β-catenin in suppression of IL-8 expression and for TCFs/LEF/ATF2 in inducing IL-8. These findings reveal a unique mechanism by which astrocytes tightly regulate IL-8 expression.

β-Catenin Regulates Wound Healing and IL-6 Expression in Activated Human Astrocytes

Reactive astrogliosis is prominent in most neurodegenerative disorders and is often associated with neuroinflammation. The molecular mechanisms regulating astrocyte-linked neuropathogenesis during injury, aging and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND) are not fully understood. In this study, we investigated the implications of the wingless type (Wnt)/β-catenin signaling pathway in regulating astrocyte function during gliosis. First, we identified that HIV-associated inflammatory cytokines, interleukin (IL)-1β and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α induced mediators of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway including β-catenin and lymphoid enhancer-binding factor (LEF)-1 expression in astrocytes. Next, we investigated the regulatory role of β-catenin on primary aspects of reactive astrogliosis, including proliferation, migration and proinflammatory responses, such as IL-6. Knockdown of β-catenin impaired astrocyte proliferation and migration as shown by reduced cyclin-D1 levels, bromodeoxyuridine incorporation and wound healing. HIV-associated cytokines, IL-1β alone and in combination with TNF-α, strongly induced the expression of proinflammatory cytokines including C-C motif chemokine ligand (CCL)2, C-X-C motif chemokine ligand (CXCL)8 and IL-6; however, only IL-6 levels were regulated by β-catenin as demonstrated by knockdown and pharmacological stabilization. In this context, IL-6 levels were negatively regulated by β-catenin. To better understand this relationship, we examined the crossroads between β-catenin and nuclear factor (NF)-κB pathways. While NF-κB expression was significantly increased by IL-1β and TNF-α, NF-κB levels were not affected by β-catenin knockdown. IL-1β treatment significantly increased glycogen synthase kinase (GSK)-3β phosphorylation, which inhibits β-catenin degradation. Further, pharmacological inhibition of GSK-3β increased nuclear translocation of both β-catenin and NF-κB p65 into the nucleus in the absence of any other inflammatory stimuli. HIV+ human astrocytes show increased IL-6, β-catenin and NF-κB expression levels and are interconnected by regulatory associations during HAND. In summary, our study demonstrates that HIV-associated inflammation increases β-catenin pathway mediators to augment activated astrocyte responses including migration and proliferation, while mitigating IL-6 expression. These findings suggest that β-catenin plays an anti-inflammatory role in activated human astrocytes during neuroinflammatory pathologies, such as HAND.