KPNA2 promotes angiogenesis by regulating STAT3 phosphorylation

Inhibition of KPNA2 by ivermectin reduces E2F1 nuclear translocation to attenuate keratinocyte proliferation and ameliorate psoriasis-like lesions

Psoriasis is a chronic, immune-mediated skin disease with a significant global prevalence. Karyopherin subunit alpha 2 (KPNA2), a nuclear transport protein involved in cellular activities such as differentiation, proliferation, apoptosis, and immune response, has emerged as a potential biomarker in several diseases. Our study found that KPNA2 was significantly upregulated in psoriasis patients and in imiquimod (IMQ)-induced psoriasis mouse models by bioinformatics and molecular biotechnology. In vivo, treatment with ivermectin, a KPNA2 inhibitor, significantly improved psoriasis symptoms in mice as evidenced by reduced erythema, desquamation, and skin thickness. Histopathological staining revealed decreased expression of KPNA2, K17, and Ki67 in ivermectin-treated mice, suggesting reduced abnormal differentiation and proliferation of keratinocytes. Transcriptome data and immunoblotting analysis showed that KPNA2 inhibition reduced inflammation and keratinocyte proliferation and differentiation in IMQ-induced mice. In vitro, EdU (5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine) and flow cytometry experiments demonstrated that the downregulation of KPNA2 expression in HaCaT cells was capable of inhibiting the EGF (Epidermal Growth Factor)-induced activation of AKT/STAT3 signaling and keratinocytes proliferation. In addition, nuclear-cytoplasmic protein separation and immunofluorescence localization experiments showed that KPNA2 inhibition affected the nuclear translocation of E2F transcription factor 1 (E2F1), a process critical for keratinocyte proliferation. This study elucidated the role of KPNA2 in the pathogenesis of psoriasis and highlighted its potential as a target for future psoriasis therapies. These findings provide new insights into targeted therapy for psoriasis and have significant implications for future clinical treatment.

Identification of STAT3 phosphorylation inhibitors using generative deep learning, virtual screening, molecular dynamics simulations, and biological evaluation for non-small cell lung cancer therapy

The development of phosphorylation-suppressing inhibitors targeting Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3 (STAT3) represents a promising therapeutic strategy for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). In this study, a generative model was developed using transfer learning and virtual screening, leveraging a comprehensive dataset of STAT3 inhibitors to explore the chemical space for novel candidates. This approach yielded a chemically diverse library of compounds, which were prioritized through molecular docking and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Among the identified candidates, the HG110 molecule demonstrated potent suppression of STAT3 phosphorylation at Tyr705 and inhibited its nuclear translocation in IL6-stimulated H441 cells. Rigorous MD simulations further confirmed the stability and interaction profiles of top candidates within the STAT3 binding site. Notably, HG106 and HG110 exhibited superior binding affinities and stable conformations, with favorable interactions involving key residues in the STAT3 binding pocket, outperforming known inhibitors. These findings underscore the potential of generative deep learning to expedite the discovery of selective STAT3 inhibitors, providing a compelling pathway for advancing NSCLC therapies.

Exosomal miR-320d promotes angiogenesis and colorectal cancer metastasis via targeting GNAI1 to affect the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway

Colorectal cancer is a common malignant tumor, whose growth and metastasis are influenced by numerous factors. MicroRNAs have garnered increasing attention in recent years due to their involvement in tumor development. Exosomes are involved in intercellular signaling and influence tumor development by promoting tumor cell proliferation and metastasis through activation of angiogenesis and other mechanisms. This study aimed to investigate how the exosomes containing miR-320d from colorectal cancer (CRC) cells promote colorectal cancer metastasis by regulating angiogenesis. CRC-derived exosomes containing miR-320d can be transferred to vascular endothelial cells, facilitating their proliferation, invasion, migration, and angiogenesis. By targeting GNAI1, miR-320d in these exosomes reduces GNAI1 levels in endothelial cells, causing more JAK2/STAT3 activation and VEGFA production. This ultimately enhances the migration and angiogenic capacity of vascular endothelial cells. Moreover, CRC patients with high levels of miR-320d in their blood respond better to treatment with bevacizumab. In vivo experiments further proved the role of miR-320d from CRC exosomes in increasing tumor size, blood vessel formation, and the spread of cancer to the liver. In this study, we have demonstrated that exosomal miR-320d promotes cancer cell metastasis and enhances angiogenesis by downregulating GNAI1 expression and enhancing JAK2/STAT3.

Tanshinone I inhibits the functions of T lymphocytes and exerts therapeutic effects on delayed-type hypersensitivity reaction via blocking STATs signaling pathways

Delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) reactions are a kind of chronic inflammatory diseases initiated by antigens and antigen-specific T cells. Currently, the therapy of DTH reactions is limited by the poor curative effects and serious adverse reactions of existing agents. In this study, we investigated the regulatory effects of tanshinone Ⅰ, a natural compound isolated from Salvia miltiorrhiza, on the functions of multiple immune cells and its therapeutic effects on DNFB-induced DTH reaction, and then explored its immunosuppressive mechanisms. The results showed that tanshinone Ⅰ at 5-20 μM moderately inhibited the activation of macrophages and dendritic cells, but did not weaken the activation of neutrophils. Tanshinone Ⅰ at 1-4 μM intensively suppressed the activation, proliferation, and differentiation of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, and slightly affected the functions of B cells. Tanshinone Ⅰ administration markedly alleviated the edema, inflammatory response, and the infiltrations of CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells, and CD11b+ cells in ear tissues of mice which were induced DTH reactions by DNFB. Transcriptome analysis revealed that tanshinone Ⅰ strongly inhibited CD4+ T cells to express genes involving in cell proliferation, metabolism, activation, and differentiation. Furthermore, immunoblotting analysis showed that tanshinone Ⅰ selectively inhibited the phosphorylation of STAT3 and STAT5 in CD4+ T cells stimulated by anti-CD3e and anti-CD28 antibodies or IL-2. Collectively, tanshinone Ⅰ can strongly inhibit the functions of T lymphocytes, exert therapeutic effects on DTH reaction by blocking STATs signaling pathways, and has potential to be developed into therapeutic drug for DTH reactions.

Weifuchun suppresses the malignancy of gastric cancer cells by targeting KPNA2 through miR-26a-5p-mediated destabilization and the deactivation of the MAPK signaling pathway

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Weifuchun (WFC) is a Traditional Chinese Medicine commonly used for treating atrophic gastritis and intestinal metaplasia. Till date, its antitumor effect on gastric cancer (GC) and the underlying mechanisms of the effect remains unelucidated.

AIM OF THE STUDY

We aim to investigate if WFC can suppress the malignancy of stomach cancer cells and dissect the molecular basis and the associated molecular and cellular features.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Stomach cancer cell lines and normal gastric epithelial cells were treated with WFC. CCK8 assay, caspase-3 activity assay, adhesion assay, microRNA database analysis, transfection, RT-PCR, Western Blotting, signaling pathway analysis, and in vivo GC model were employed to examine the changes in the features of the gastric cancer cells and the molecular mechanisms of the effect of WFC.

RESULTS

Here we present data demonstrating that WFC suppresses the malignant cellular phenotypes of GC and this inhibitory effect is mediated by downregulating the expression of oncogenic KPNA2. Furthermore, WFC downregulates KPNA2 through miR-26a-5p-mediated gene silencing and the deactivated phosphorylation dynamics of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK). The suppressive effect of WFC on stomach cancer cell behavior was further confirmed in animal model.

CONCLUSION

Therefore, WFC can exert inhibitory effect on the malignancy of GC cells by reducing the levels of KPNA2. Moreover, the miR-26a-5p rescue and the deactivation MAPK pathway induced by WFC result in the downregulation of KPNA2 expression. Thus, our findings suggest WFC as a potential treatment option against GC.

Bufalin Regulates STAT3 Signaling Pathway to Inhibit Corneal Neovascularization and Fibrosis After Alkali Burn in Rats

PURPOSE

Bufalin (BU) is a bioactive ingredient extracted from the skin and parotid venom glands of Bufo raddei, which can effectively inhibit angiogenesis. The aim of this study was to investigate whether BU could affect corneal neovascularization (CoNV).

METHODS

A rat CoNV model (right eye) was constructed by administration of NaOH, and the left eye served as a control. Corneal damage scores of rats were detected. Hematoxylin & eosin, TUNEL, and Masson staining examined pathological changes, apoptosis, and fibrosis of corneal tissues. Immunohistochemistry and western blotting assessed the expression of proteins.

RESULTS

BU intervention resulted in a significant reduction in corneal inflammatory cells, repair of corneal epithelial hyperplasia, significant reduction in stromal edema, and reduction in vascular proliferation. BU can inhibit corneal neovascularization.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrated that BU inhibits CoNV, fibrosis, and inflammation by modulating the STAT3 signaling pathway, elucidating the intrinsic mechanism of its protective effect. BU has great potential in the treatment of CoNV caused by corneal alkali burns.

Canagliflozin Inhibits Palmitic Acid-Induced Vascular Cell Aging In Vitro through ROS/ERK and Ferroptosis Pathways

Vascular aging is one of the reasons for the high incidence of cardiovascular diseases nowadays, as vascular cells age due to various internal and external factors. Among them, high fat is an important inducer. Canagliflozin (CAN) is one of the SGLT2 inhibitors that has been shown to have cardiovascular protective effects in addition to lowering blood sugar, but the specific mechanism is not clear. This study first established a vascular aging model using palmitic acid (PA), then tested the effect of CAN on PA-induced vascular aging, and finally examined the mechanism of CAN's anti-vascular aging via ROS/ERK and ferroptosis pathways. We found that CAN alleviates PA-induced vascular cell aging by inhibiting the activation of ROS/ERK and ferroptosis signaling pathways. This study reveals new mechanisms of lipid-induced vascular aging and CAN inhibition of vascular aging from the perspectives of ROS/ERK and ferroptosis pathways, which is expected to provide new ideas for the development of related drugs in the future.

Genomic structural variation contributes to evolved changes in gene expression in high-altitude Tibetan sheep

Tibetan sheep were introduced to the Qinghai Tibet plateau roughly 3,000 B.P., making this species a good model for investigating genetic mechanisms of high-altitude adaptation over a relatively short timescale. Here, we characterize genomic structural variants (SVs) that distinguish Tibetan sheep from closely related, low-altitude Hu sheep, and we examine associated changes in tissue-specific gene expression. We document differentiation between the two sheep breeds in frequencies of SVs associated with genes involved in cardiac function and circulation. In Tibetan sheep, we identified high-frequency SVs in a total of 462 genes, including EPAS1, PAPSS2, and PTPRD. Single-cell RNA-Seq data and luciferase reporter assays revealed that the SVs had cis-acting effects on the expression levels of these three genes in specific tissues and cell types. In Tibetan sheep, we identified a high-frequency chromosomal inversion that exhibited modified chromatin architectures relative to the noninverted allele that predominates in Hu sheep. The inversion harbors several genes with altered expression patterns related to heart protection, brown adipocyte proliferation, angiogenesis, and DNA repair. These findings indicate that SVs represent an important source of genetic variation in gene expression and may have contributed to high-altitude adaptation in Tibetan sheep.

Peripheral Blood miRNA Expression in Patients with Essential Hypertension in the Han Chinese Population in Hefei, China

Primary hypertension is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. However, the pathogenesis of primary hypertension involves multiple biological processes, including the nervous system, circulatory system, endocrine system, and more. Despite extensive research, there is no clear understanding of the regulatory mechanism underlying its pathogenesis. In recent years, miRNAs have gained attention as a regulatory factor capable of modulating the expression of related molecules through gene silencing. Therefore, exploring differentially expressed miRNAs in patients with essential hypertension (EH) may offer a novel approach for future diagnosis and treatment of EH. This study included a total of twenty Han Chinese population samples from Hefei, China. The samples consisted of 10 healthy individuals and 10 patients with EH. Statistical analysis was conducted to analyze the general information of the two-sample groups. High-throughput sequencing and base identification were performed to obtain the original sequencing sequences. These sequences were then annotated using various databases including Rfam, cDNA sequences, species repetitive sequences library, and miRBase database. The number of miRNA species contained in the samples was measured. Next, TPM values were calculated to determine the expression level of each miRNA. The bioinformatics of the differentiated miRNAs were analyzed using the OECloud tool, and RPM values were calculated. Furthermore, the reliability of the expression was analyzed by calculating the area under the Roc curve using the OECloud tools. Statistical analysis revealed no significant differences between the two samples in terms of age distribution, gender composition, smoking history, and alcohol consumption history (P > 0.05). However, there was a notable presence of family genetic history and high BMI in the EH population (P < 0.05). The sequencing results identified a total of 245 miRNAs, out of which 16 miRNAs exhibited differential expression. Among the highly expressed miRNAs were let-7d-5p, miR-101-3p, miR-122-5p, miR-122b-3p, miR-192-5p, and miR-6722-3p. On the other hand, the lowly expressed miRNAs included miR-103a-3p, miR-16-5p, miR-181a-2-3p, miR-200a-3p, miR-200b-3p, miR-200c-3p, miR-221-3p, miR-30d-5p, miR-342-5p, and miR-543. This study initially identified 16 miRNAs that are aberrantly expressed and function in various processes associated with the onset and progression of essential hypertension. These miRNAs have the potential to be targeted for future diagnosis and treatment of EH. However, further samples are required to provide additional support for this study.

Proteomics analysis of PK-15 cells infected with porcine parvovirus and the effect of PCBP1 on PPV replication

Porcine parvovirus (PPV) is one of the most important pathogens that cause reproductive failure in pigs. However, the pathogenesis of PPV infection remains unclear. Proteomics is a powerful tool to understand the interaction between virus and host cells. In the present study, we analyzed the proteomics of PPV-infected PK-15 cells. A total of 32 and 345 proteins were differentially expressed at the early and replication stages, respectively. Subsequent gene ontology annotation and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analysis showed these differentially expressed proteins were significantly enriched in pathways including toll-like receptor signaling pathway, tumor necrosis factor signaling pathway, and viral carcinogenesis. The expression of poly (rC) binding protein 1 (PCBP1) was observed to decrease after PPV infection. Overexpressed or silenced PCBP1 expression inhibited or promoted PPV infection. Our studies established a foundation for further exploration of the multiplication mechanism of PPV.

IMPORTANCE

Porcine parvovirus (PPV) is a cause of reproductive failure in the swine industry. Our knowledge of PPV remains limited, and there is no effective treatment for PPV infection. Proteomics of PPV-infected PK-15 cells was conducted to identify differentially expressed proteins at 6 hours post-infection (hpi) and 36 hpi. Gene ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analysis showed that various pathways participate in PPV infection. Poly (rC) binding protein 1 was confirmed to inhibit PPV replication, which provided potential targets for anti-PPV infection. Our findings improve the understanding of PPV infection and pave the way for future research in this area.

rESWT promoted angiogenesis via Bach1/Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway

Previous reports have established that rESWT fosters angiogenesis, yet the mechanism by which rESWT promotes cerebral angiogenesis remains elusive. rESWT stimulated HUVECs proliferation as evidenced by the CCK-8 test, with an optimal dosage of 2.0 Bar, 200 impulses, and 2 Hz. The tube formation assay of HUVECs revealed that tube formation peaked at 36 h post-rESWT treatment, concurrent with the lowest expression level of Bach1, as detected by both Western blot and immunofluorescence. The expression level of Wnt3a, β-catenin, and VEGF also peaked at 36 h. A Bach1 overexpression plasmid was transfected into HUVECs, resulting in a decreased expression level of Wnt3a, β-catenin, and VEGF. Upon treatment with rESWT, the down-regulation of Wnt3a, β-catenin, and VEGF expression in the transfected cells was reversed. The Wnt/β-catenin inhibitor DKK-1 was utilized to suppress Wnt3a and β-catenin expression, which led to a concurrent decrease in VEGF expression. However, rESWT treatment could restore the expression of these three proteins, even in the presence of DKK-1. Moreover, in the established OGD model, it was observed that rESWT could inhibit the overexpression of Bach1 and enhance VEGF and VEGFR-2 expression under the OGD environment.

Mebendazole induces apoptosis and inhibits migration via the reactive oxygen species-mediated STAT3 signaling downregulation in non-small cell lung cancer

Background

The incidence and mortality of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) are extremely high. Previous research has confirmed that the signal transducer and activator of the transcription 3 (STAT3) protein critically participate in the tumorigenesis of NSCLC. Mebendazole (MBZ) has exerts a larger number of pharmacological activities and has anticancer effects in lung cancer, but its mechanism of action remains unclear. This study thus aimed to clarify the impacts of MBZ on NSCLC cell.

Methods

Cell proliferation, migration, and apoptosis were investigated via cell counting kit 8 (CCK-8) assay, Transwell assay, colony formation assay, wound-healing assay, and flow cytometry. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) were detected with a multifunctional microplate reader. Markers of cell migration and apoptosis were detected with Western blotting. The transcriptional activity of STAT3 was detected via luciferase assay. ROS scavenger N-acetylcysteine (NAC) was used to determine the effect of MBZ on NSCLC via ROS-regulated STAT3 inactivation and apoptosis. A xenograft model was constructed in vivo to investigate the role of MBZ in NSCLC tumor growth.

Results

The findings demonstrated that MBZ inhibited NSCLC cell proliferation and migration while promoting apoptosis through triggering ROS generation. In addition, the Janus kinase 2 (JAK2)-STAT3 signaling pathway was abrogated with the treatment of MBZ. NAC could distinctly weaken MBZ-induced apoptosis and STAT3 inactivation. Moreover, MBZ inhibited the tumor growth of NSCLC in vivo.

Conclusions

In summary, MBZ inhibited NSCLC cell viability and migration by inducing cell apoptosis via the ROS-JAK2-STAT3 signaling pathway. These data provide a theoretical basis for the use of MBZ in treating NSCLC.

EXO1/P53/SREBP1 axis-regulated lipid metabolism promotes prostate cancer progression

Prostate cancer (PCa) is one of the most common malignant tumors affecting the male genitourinary system. However, there is currently a lack of effective treatments for patients with advanced prostate cancer, which significantly impacts men's overall health. Exonuclease 1 (EXO1), a protein with mismatch repair and recombination functions, has been found to play a vital role in various diseases. In our study, we discovered that EXO1 acts as a novel biomarker of PCa, which promotes prostate cancer progression by regulating lipid metabolism reprogramming in prostate cancer cells. Mechanistically, EXO1 promotes the expression of SREBP1 by inhibiting the P53 signaling pathway. In summary, our findings suggest that EXO1 regulated intracellular lipid reprogramming through the P53/SREBP1 axis, thus promoting PCa progression. The result could potentially lead to new insights and therapeutic targets for diagnosing and treating PCa.

Hypoxia-induced P4HA1 overexpression promotes post-ischemic angiogenesis by enhancing endothelial glycolysis through downregulating FBP1

BACKGROUND

Angiogenesis is essential for tissue repair in ischemic diseases, relying on glycolysis as its primary energy source. Prolyl 4-hydroxylase subunit alpha 1 (P4HA1), the catalytic subunit of collagen prolyl 4-hydroxylase, is a glycolysis-related gene in cancers. However, its role in glycolysis-induced angiogenesis remains unclear.

METHODS

P4HA1 expression was modulated using adenoviruses. Endothelial angiogenesis was evaluated through 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine incorporation, transwell migration, and tube formation assays in vitro. In vivo experiments measured blood flow and capillary density in the hindlimb ischemia (HLI) model. Glycolytic stress assays, glucose uptake, lactate production, and quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) were employed to assess glycolytic capacity. Transcriptome sequencing, validated by western blotting and RT-PCR, was utilized to determine underlying mechanisms.

RESULTS

P4HA1 was upregulated in endothelial cells under hypoxia and in the HLI model. P4HA1 overexpression promoted angiogenesis in vitro and in vivo, while its knockdown had the opposite effect. P4HA1 overexpression reduced cellular α-ketoglutarate (α-KG) levels by consuming α-KG during collagen hydroxylation. Downregulation of α-KG reduced the protein level of a DNA dioxygenase, ten-eleven translocation 2 (TET2), and its recruitment to the fructose-1,6-biphosphatase (FBP1) promoter, resulting in decreased FBP1 expression. The decrease in FBP1 enhanced glycolytic metabolism, thereby promoting endothelial angiogenesis.

CONCLUSIONS

Hypoxia-induced endothelial P4HA1 overexpression enhanced angiogenesis by promoting glycolytic metabolism reprogramming through the P4HA1/α-KG/TET2/FBP1 pathway. The study's findings underscore the significance of P4HA1 in post-ischemic angiogenesis, suggesting its therapeutic potential for post-ischemic tissue repair.

RPTOR blockade suppresses brain metastases of NSCLC by interfering the ceramide metabolism via hijacking YY1 binding

BACKGROUND

Ceramide metabolism is crucial in the progress of brain metastasis (BM). However, it remains unexplored whether targeting ceramide metabolism may arrest BM.

METHODS

RNA sequencing was applied to screen different genes in primary and metastatic foci and whole-exome sequencing (WES) to seek crucial abnormal pathway in BM + and BM-patients. Cellular arrays were applied to analyze the permeability of blood-brain barrier (BBB) and the activation or inhibition of pathway. Database and Co-Immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) assay were adopted to verify the protein-protein interaction. Xenograft and zebrafish model were further employed to verify the cellular results.

RESULTS

RNA sequencing and WES reported the involvement of RPTOR and ceramide metabolism in BM progress. RPTOR was significantly upregulated in BM foci and increased the permeability of BBB, while RPTOR deficiency attenuated the cell invasiveness and protected extracellular matrix. Exogenous RPTOR boosted the SPHK2/S1P/STAT3 cascades by binding YY1, in which YY1 bound to the regions of SPHK2 promoter (at -353 ~ -365 nt), further promoting the expression of SPHK2. The latter was rescued by YY1 RNAi. Xenograft and zebrafish model showed that RPTOR blockade suppressed BM of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and impaired the SPHK2/S1P/STAT3 pathway.

CONCLUSION

RPTOR is a key driver gene in the brain metastasis of lung cancer, which signifies that RPTOR blockade may serve as a promising therapeutic candidate for clinical application.

A New Frontier in Phytotherapy: Harnessing the Therapeutic Power of Medicinal Herb-derived miRNAs

Medicinal herbs have been utilized in the treatment of various pathologic conditions, including neoplasms, organ fibrosis, and diabetes mellitus. However, the precise pharmacological actions of plant miRNAs in animals remain to be fully elucidated, particularly in terms of their therapeutic efficacy and mechanism of action. In this review, some important miRNAs from foods and medicinal herbs are presented. Plant miRNAs exhibit a range of pharmacological properties, such as anti-cancer, anti-fibrosis, anti-viral, anti-inflammatory effects, and neuromodulation, among others. These results have not only demonstrated a cross-species regulatory effect, but also suggested that the miRNAs from medicinal herbs are their bioactive components. This shows a promising prospect for plant miRNAs to be used as drugs. Here, the pharmacological properties of plant miRNAs and their underlying mechanisms have been highlighted, which can provide new insights for clarifying the therapeutic mechanisms of medicinal herbs and suggest a new way for developing therapeutic drugs.

AIM2 promotes renal cell carcinoma progression and sunitinib resistance through FOXO3a-ACSL4 axis-regulated ferroptosis

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is a serious threat to people's health due to its rapid progression, and patients easily develop resistance to targeted therapy. The absent in melanoma 2 (AIM2) is a receptor protein that has recently been proposed to play an important role in various diseases. In this study, AIM2 was identified as a new biomarker of RCC and promoted RCC progression and sunitinib resistance in an inflammasome-independent manner. Mechanistically, AIM2 promoted FOXO3a phosphorylation and proteasome degradation, thereby reducing its transcriptional effect on ACSL4 and inhibiting ferroptosis. In summary, AIM2 promoted RCC progression and sunitinib resistance through FOXO3a-ACSL4 axis-regulated ferroptosis, which could provide new ideas and therapeutic targets for RCC diagnosis and treatment.