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Badawy AAB, Dawood S. Molecular Insights into the Interaction of Tryptophan Metabolites with the Human Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor in Silico: Tryptophan as Antagonist and no Direct Involvement of Kynurenine. FRONT BIOSCI-LANDMRK 2024; 29:333. [PMID: 39344334 DOI: 10.31083/j.fbl2909333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2024] [Revised: 08/08/2024] [Accepted: 08/21/2024] [Indexed: 10/01/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A direct link between the tryptophan (Trp) metabolite kynurenine (Kyn) and the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is not supported by metabolic considerations and by studies demonstrating the failure of Kyn concentrations of up to 100 μM to activate the receptor in cell culture systems using the proxy system of cytochrome P-450-dependent metabolism. The Kyn metabolite kynurenic acid (KA) activates the AhR and may mediate the Kyn link. Recent studies demonstrated down regulation and antagonism of activation of the AhR by Trp. We have addressed the link between Kyn and the AhR by looking at their direct molecular interaction in silico. METHODS Molecular docking of Kyn, KA, Trp and a range of Trp metabolites to the crystal structure of the human AhR was performed under appropriate docking conditions. RESULTS Trp and 30 of its metabolites docked to the AhR to various degrees, whereas Kyn and 3-hydroxykynurenine did not. The strongest docking was observed with the Trp metabolite and photooxidation product 6-Formylindolo[3,2-b]carbazole (FICZ), cinnabarinic acid, 5-hydroxytryptophan, N-acetyl serotonin and indol-3-yllactic acid. Strong docking was also observed with other 5-hydroxyindoles. CONCLUSIONS We propose that the Kyn-AhR link is mediated by KA. The strong docking of Trp and its recently reported down regulation of the receptor suggest that Trp is an AhR antagonist and may thus play important roles in body homeostasis beyond known properties or simply being the precursor of biologically active metabolites. Differences in AhR activation reported in the literature are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdulla A-B Badawy
- Formerly School of Health Sciences, Cardiff Metropolitan University, CF5 2YB Wales, UK
| | - Shazia Dawood
- Pharmacy and Allied Health Sciences, Iqra University, 7580 Karachi, Pakistan
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2
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Campanale A, Inserra A, Comai S. Therapeutic modulation of the kynurenine pathway in severe mental illness and comorbidities: A potential role for serotonergic psychedelics. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2024; 134:111058. [PMID: 38885875 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2024.111058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 05/15/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
Mounting evidence points towards a crucial role of the kynurenine pathway (KP) in the altered gut-brain axis (GBA) balance in severe mental illness (SMI, namely depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia) and cardiometabolic comorbidities. Preliminary evidence shows that serotonergic psychedelics and their analogues may hold therapeutic potential in addressing the altered KP in the dysregulated GBA in SMI and comorbidities. In fact, aside from their effects on mood, psychedelics elicit therapeutic improvement in preclinical models of obesity, metabolic syndrome, and vascular inflammation, which are highly comorbid with SMI. Here, we review the literature on the therapeutic modulation of the KP in the dysregulated GBA in SMI and comorbidities, and the potential application of psychedelics to address the altered KP in the brain and systemic dysfunction underlying SMI and comorbidities. Psychedelics might therapeutically modulate the KP in the altered GBA in SMI and comorbidities either directly, via altering the metabolic pathway by influencing the rate-limiting enzymes of the KP and affecting the levels of available tryptophan, or indirectly, by affecting the gut microbiome, gut metabolome, metabolism, and the immune system. Despite promising preliminary evidence, the mechanisms and outcomes of the KP modulation with psychedelics in SMI and systemic comorbidities remain largely unknown and require further investigation. Several concerns are discussed surrounding the potential side effects of this approach in specific cohorts of individuals with SMI and systemic comorbidities.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Antonio Inserra
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Stefano Comai
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada; Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, PD, Italy.; IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy; Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padua, Padua, Italy.
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3
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Bahman F, Choudhry K, Al-Rashed F, Al-Mulla F, Sindhu S, Ahmad R. Aryl hydrocarbon receptor: current perspectives on key signaling partners and immunoregulatory role in inflammatory diseases. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1421346. [PMID: 39211042 PMCID: PMC11358079 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1421346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 07/26/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a versatile environmental sensor and transcription factor found throughout the body, responding to a wide range of small molecules originating from the environment, our diets, host microbiomes, and internal metabolic processes. Increasing evidence highlights AhR's role as a critical regulator of numerous biological functions, such as cellular differentiation, immune response, metabolism, and even tumor formation. Typically located in the cytoplasm, AhR moves to the nucleus upon activation by an agonist where it partners with either the aryl hydrocarbon receptor nuclear translocator (ARNT) or hypoxia-inducible factor 1β (HIF-1β). This complex then interacts with xenobiotic response elements (XREs) to control the expression of key genes. AhR is notably present in various crucial immune cells, and recent research underscores its significant impact on both innate and adaptive immunity. This review delves into the latest insights on AhR's structure, activating ligands, and its multifaceted roles. We explore the sophisticated molecular pathways through which AhR influences immune and lymphoid cells, emphasizing its emerging importance in managing inflammatory diseases. Furthermore, we discuss the exciting potential of developing targeted therapies that modulate AhR activity, opening new avenues for medical intervention in immune-related conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemah Bahman
- Department of Immunology & Microbiology, Dasman Diabetes Institute, Dasman, Kuwait
| | - Khubaib Choudhry
- Department of Human Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Fatema Al-Rashed
- Department of Immunology & Microbiology, Dasman Diabetes Institute, Dasman, Kuwait
| | - Fahd Al-Mulla
- Department of Translational Research, Dasman Diabetes Institute, Dasman, Kuwait
| | - Sardar Sindhu
- Department of Immunology & Microbiology, Dasman Diabetes Institute, Dasman, Kuwait
- Animal & Imaging Core Facilities, Dasman Diabetes Institute, Dasman, Kuwait
| | - Rasheed Ahmad
- Department of Immunology & Microbiology, Dasman Diabetes Institute, Dasman, Kuwait
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4
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Zhang J, Liu Y, Zhi X, Xu L, Tao J, Cui D, Liu TF. Tryptophan catabolism via the kynurenine pathway regulates infection and inflammation: from mechanisms to biomarkers and therapies. Inflamm Res 2024; 73:979-996. [PMID: 38592457 DOI: 10.1007/s00011-024-01878-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 03/24/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND L-Tryptophan (L-Trp), an essential amino acid, is the only amino acid whose level is regulated specifically by immune signals. Most proportions of Trp are catabolized via the kynurenine (Kyn) pathway (KP) which has evolved to align the food availability and environmental stimulation with the host pathophysiology and behavior. Especially, the KP plays an indispensable role in balancing the immune activation and tolerance in response to pathogens. SCOPE OF REVIEW In this review, we elucidate the underlying immunological regulatory network of Trp and its KP-dependent catabolites in the pathophysiological conditions by participating in multiple signaling pathways. Furthermore, the KP-based regulatory roles, biomarkers, and therapeutic strategies in pathologically immune disorders are summarized covering from acute to chronic infection and inflammation. MAJOR CONCLUSIONS The immunosuppressive effects dominate the functions of KP induced-Trp depletion and KP-produced metabolites during infection and inflammation. However, the extending minor branches from the KP are not confined to the immune tolerance, instead they go forward to various functions according to the specific condition. Nevertheless, persistent efforts should be made before the clinical use of KP-based strategies to monitor and cure infectious and inflammatory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingpu Zhang
- Scientific Research Center, Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, 2901 Caolang Highway, Shanghai, 201508, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yanlei Liu
- Institute of Nano Biomedicine and Engineering, Department of Instrument Science and Engineering, School of Electronic Information and Electrical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai, 200240, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiao Zhi
- Shanghai Institute of Virology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 227 South Chongqing Road, Shanghai, 200025, People's Republic of China
| | - Li Xu
- Scientific Research Center, Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, 2901 Caolang Highway, Shanghai, 201508, People's Republic of China
| | - Jie Tao
- Scientific Research Center, Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, 2901 Caolang Highway, Shanghai, 201508, People's Republic of China
| | - Daxiang Cui
- Institute of Nano Biomedicine and Engineering, Department of Instrument Science and Engineering, School of Electronic Information and Electrical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai, 200240, People's Republic of China
| | - Tie Fu Liu
- Scientific Research Center, Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, 2901 Caolang Highway, Shanghai, 201508, People's Republic of China.
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5
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Dehhaghi M, Heydari M, Panahi HKS, Lewin SR, Heng B, Brew BJ, Guillemin GJ. The roles of the kynurenine pathway in COVID-19 neuropathogenesis. Infection 2024:10.1007/s15010-024-02293-y. [PMID: 38802702 DOI: 10.1007/s15010-024-02293-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the causative agent of the highly contagious respiratory disease Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) that may lead to various neurological and psychological disorders that can be acute, lasting days to weeks or months and possibly longer. The latter is known as long-COVID or more recently post-acute sequelae of COVID (PASC). During acute COVID-19 infection, a strong inflammatory response, known as the cytokine storm, occurs in some patients. The levels of interferon-γ (IFN-γ), interferon-β (IFN-β), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) are particularly increased. These cytokines are known to activate the enzyme indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO-1), catalysing the first step of tryptophan (Trp) catabolism through the kynurenine pathway (KP) leading to the production of several neurotoxic and immunosuppressive metabolites. There is already data showing elevation in KP metabolites both acutely and in PASC, especially regarding cognitive impairment. Thus, it is likely that KP involvement is significant in SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis especially neurologically.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mona Dehhaghi
- Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Mostafa Heydari
- Department of Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamed Kazemi Shariat Panahi
- Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Sharon R Lewin
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The University of Melbourne at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Victorian Infectious Diseases Service, The Royal Melbourne Hospital at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Alfred Hospital and Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Benjamin Heng
- Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
| | - Bruce J Brew
- Peter Duncan Neurosciences Unit, St. Vincent's Centre for Applied Medical Research, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Sydney, NSW, Australia.
- Departments of Neurology and Immunology, St. Vincent's Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
- University of Notre Dame, Darlinghurst, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
| | - Gilles J Guillemin
- Peter Duncan Neurosciences Unit, St. Vincent's Centre for Applied Medical Research, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Institut Pertanian Bogor University, Bogor, Indonesia
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6
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Summers BS, Thomas Broome S, Pang TWR, Mundell HD, Koh Belic N, Tom NC, Ng ML, Yap M, Sen MK, Sedaghat S, Weible MW, Castorina A, Lim CK, Lovelace MD, Brew BJ. A Review of the Evidence for Tryptophan and the Kynurenine Pathway as a Regulator of Stem Cell Niches in Health and Disease. Int J Tryptophan Res 2024; 17:11786469241248287. [PMID: 38757094 PMCID: PMC11097742 DOI: 10.1177/11786469241248287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Stem cells are ubiquitously found in various tissues and organs in the body, and underpin the body's ability to repair itself following injury or disease initiation, though repair can sometimes be compromised. Understanding how stem cells are produced, and functional signaling systems between different niches is critical to understanding the potential use of stem cells in regenerative medicine. In this context, this review considers kynurenine pathway (KP) metabolism in multipotent adult progenitor cells, embryonic, haematopoietic, neural, cancer, cardiac and induced pluripotent stem cells, endothelial progenitor cells, and mesenchymal stromal cells. The KP is the major enzymatic pathway for sequentially catabolising the essential amino acid tryptophan (TRP), resulting in key metabolites including kynurenine, kynurenic acid, and quinolinic acid (QUIN). QUIN metabolism transitions into the adjoining de novo pathway for nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) production, a critical cofactor in many fundamental cellular biochemical pathways. How stem cells uptake and utilise TRP varies between different species and stem cell types, because of their expression of transporters and responses to inflammatory cytokines. Several KP metabolites are physiologically active, with either beneficial or detrimental outcomes, and evidence of this is presented relating to several stem cell types, which is important as they may exert a significant impact on surrounding differentiated cells, particularly if they metabolise or secrete metabolites differently. Interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) in mesenchymal stromal cells, for instance, highly upregulates rate-limiting enzyme indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase (IDO-1), initiating TRP depletion and production of metabolites including kynurenine/kynurenic acid, known agonists of the Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) transcription factor. AhR transcriptionally regulates an immunosuppressive phenotype, making them attractive for regenerative therapy. We also draw attention to important gaps in knowledge for future studies, which will underpin future application for stem cell-based cellular therapies or optimising drugs which can modulate the KP in innate stem cell populations, for disease treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Sebastian Summers
- Applied Neurosciences Program, Peter Duncan Neurosciences Research Unit, St. Vincent’s Centre for Applied Medical Research, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Sarah Thomas Broome
- Faculty of Science, Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Hamish D Mundell
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, New South Wales Brain Tissue Resource Centre, School of Medical Sciences, Charles Perkins Centre, University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Naomi Koh Belic
- School of Life Sciences, University of Technology, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Nicole C Tom
- Formerly of the Department of Physiology, University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Mei Li Ng
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Maylin Yap
- Formerly of the Atherothrombosis and Vascular Biology Laboratory, Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Monokesh K Sen
- Applied Neurosciences Program, Peter Duncan Neurosciences Research Unit, St. Vincent’s Centre for Applied Medical Research, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, NSW, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, School of Medical Sciences, Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Sara Sedaghat
- Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Michael W Weible
- School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Alessandro Castorina
- Faculty of Science, Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Chai K Lim
- Faculty of Medicine, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Michael D Lovelace
- Applied Neurosciences Program, Peter Duncan Neurosciences Research Unit, St. Vincent’s Centre for Applied Medical Research, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Bruce J Brew
- Applied Neurosciences Program, Peter Duncan Neurosciences Research Unit, St. Vincent’s Centre for Applied Medical Research, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Departments of Neurology and Immunology, St. Vincent’s Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- University of Notre Dame, Darlinghurst, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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7
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Guo L, Zaharie SD, Marceline van Furth A, van der Wel NN, Grootemaat AE, Zhang L, Bugiani M, Kruger M, van der Kuip M, Lutter R. Marked IDO2 expression and activity related to autophagy and apoptosis in brain tissue of fatal tuberculous meningitis. Tuberculosis (Edinb) 2024; 146:102495. [PMID: 38460493 DOI: 10.1016/j.tube.2024.102495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/11/2024]
Abstract
In about 1% of tuberculosis (TB) patients, Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tuberculosis) can disseminate to the meninges, causing tuberculous meningitis (TBM) with mortality rate up to 60%. Chronic granulomatous inflammation (non-necrotizing and necrotizing) in the brain is the histological hallmark of TBM. The tryptophan-catabolizing enzyme indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1) and the generated kynurenine metabolites exert major effector functions relevant to TB granuloma functioning. Here we have assessed immunohistochemically IDO1 expression and activity and its effector function and that of its isoform, IDO2, in post-mortem brain tissue of patients that demised with neurotuberculosis. We also related these findings to brain tissue of fatal/severe COVID-19. In this study, IDO1 and IDO2 were abundantly expressed and active in tuberculoid granulomas and were associated with the presence of M. tuberculosis as well as markers of autophagy and apoptosis. Like in fatal/severe COVID-19, IDO2 was also prominent in specific brain regions, such as the inferior olivary nucleus of medulla oblongata and cerebellum, but not associated with granulomas or with M. tuberculosis. Spatially associated apoptosis was observed in TBM, whereas in fatal COVID-19 autophagy dominated. Together, our findings highlight IDO2 as a potentially relevant effector enzyme in TBM, which may relate to the symptomology of TBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lihui Guo
- Department of Experimental Immunology, Amsterdam UMC, Location Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, 1105, AZ, the Netherlands.
| | - Stefan-Dan Zaharie
- Department of Anatomical Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa and National Health Laboratory Services, Francie Van Zijl Dr, Parow, Tygerberg Hospital, Cape Town, 7505, South Africa
| | - A Marceline van Furth
- Department of Pediatric Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Amsterdam Infection & Immunity Institute, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Nicole N van der Wel
- Electron Microscopy Center Amsterdam, Department of Medical Biology, Amsterdam UMC, Location Academic Medical Center, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Anita E Grootemaat
- Electron Microscopy Center Amsterdam, Department of Medical Biology, Amsterdam UMC, Location Academic Medical Center, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Lin Zhang
- Neuropsychiatric Disorders Lab, Neuroimmunology Group, Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, An Institute of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Marianna Bugiani
- Department of Pathology, Amsterdam UMC, Location VU University Medical Center, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081, HV Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Mariana Kruger
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University and Tygerberg Hospital, Francie van Zijl Dr, Parow, Bellville, Cape Town, 7505, South Africa
| | - Martijn van der Kuip
- Department of Pediatric Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Amsterdam Infection & Immunity Institute, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - René Lutter
- Department of Experimental Immunology, Amsterdam UMC, Location Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, 1105, AZ, the Netherlands; Pulmonary Medicine, Amsterdam UMC, Location Academic Medical Center, Meibergdreef 9, 1105, AZ, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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8
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Xie H, Yang N, Yu C, Lu L. Uremic toxins mediate kidney diseases: the role of aryl hydrocarbon receptor. Cell Mol Biol Lett 2024; 29:38. [PMID: 38491448 PMCID: PMC10943832 DOI: 10.1186/s11658-024-00550-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) was originally identified as an environmental sensor that responds to pollutants. Subsequent research has revealed that AhR recognizes multiple exogenous and endogenous molecules, including uremic toxins retained in the body due to the decline in renal function. Therefore, AhR is also considered to be a uremic toxin receptor. As a ligand-activated transcriptional factor, the activation of AhR is involved in cell differentiation and senescence, lipid metabolism and fibrogenesis. The accumulation of uremic toxins in the body is hazardous to all tissues and organs. The identification of the endogenous uremic toxin receptor opens the door to investigating the precise role and molecular mechanism of tissue and organ damage induced by uremic toxins. This review focuses on summarizing recent findings on the role of AhR activation induced by uremic toxins in chronic kidney disease, diabetic nephropathy and acute kidney injury. Furthermore, potential clinical approaches to mitigate the effects of uremic toxins are explored herein, such as enhancing uremic toxin clearance through dialysis, reducing uremic toxin production through dietary interventions or microbial manipulation, and manipulating metabolic pathways induced by uremic toxins through controlling AhR signaling. This information may also shed light on the mechanism of uremic toxin-induced injury to other organs, and provide insights into clinical approaches to manipulate the accumulated uremic toxins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongyan Xie
- Department of Nephrology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, 389 Xincun Road, Shanghai, 200065, China
| | - Ninghao Yang
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, 138 Yixueyuan Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Chen Yu
- Department of Nephrology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, 389 Xincun Road, Shanghai, 200065, China.
| | - Limin Lu
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, 138 Yixueyuan Road, Shanghai, 200032, China.
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9
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Gawel K. A Review on the Role and Function of Cinnabarinic Acid, a "Forgotten" Metabolite of the Kynurenine Pathway. Cells 2024; 13:453. [PMID: 38474418 DOI: 10.3390/cells13050453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2024] [Revised: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 03/02/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
In the human body, the majority of tryptophan is metabolized through the kynurenine pathway. This consists of several metabolites collectively called the kynurenines and includes, among others, kynurenic acid, L-kynurenine, or quinolinic acid. The wealth of metabolites, as well as the associated molecular targets and biological pathways, bring about a situation wherein even a slight imbalance in the kynurenine levels, both in the periphery and central nervous system, have broad consequences regarding general health. Cinnabarinic acid (CA) is the least known trace kynurenine, and its physiological and pathological roles are not widely understood. Some studies, however, indicate that it might be neuroprotective. Information on its hepatoprotective properties have also emerged, although these are pioneering studies and need to be replicated. Therefore, in this review, I aim to present and critically discuss the current knowledge on CA and its role in physiological and pathological settings to guide future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kinga Gawel
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University of Lublin, Jaczewskiego 8b Str., 20-090 Lublin, Poland
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10
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Yang T, Wan R, Tu W, Avvaru SN, Gao P. Aryl hydrocarbon receptor: Linking environment to aging process in elderly patients with asthma. Chin Med J (Engl) 2024; 137:382-393. [PMID: 38238253 PMCID: PMC10876263 DOI: 10.1097/cm9.0000000000002960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT Aging is a significant risk factor for various diseases, including asthma, and it often leads to poorer clinical outcomes, particularly in elderly individuals. It is recognized that age-related diseases are due to a time-dependent accumulation of cellular damage, resulting in a progressive decline in cellular and physiological functions and an increased susceptibility to chronic diseases. The effects of aging affect not only the elderly but also those of younger ages, posing significant challenges to global healthcare. Thus, understanding the molecular mechanisms associated with aging in different diseases is essential. One intriguing factor is the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), which serves as a cytoplasmic receptor and ligand-activated transcription factor and has been linked to the aging process. Here, we review the literature on several major hallmarks of aging, including mitochondrial dysfunction, cellular senescence, autophagy, mitophagy, epigenetic alterations, and microbiome disturbances. Moreover, we provide an overview of the impact of AhR on these hallmarks by mediating responses to environmental exposures, particularly in relation to the immune system. Furthermore, we explore how aging hallmarks affect clinical characteristics, inflammatory features, exacerbations, and the treatment of asthma. It is suggested that AhR signaling may potentially play a role in regulating asthma phenotypes in elderly populations as part of the aging process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianrui Yang
- Division of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, The First People’s Hospital of Yunnan Province, Kunming, Yunnan 650032, China
| | - Rongjun Wan
- Division of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
| | - Wei Tu
- Division of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
- The State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease for Allergy, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, Shenzhen University School of Medicine, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China
| | - Sai Nithin Avvaru
- Division of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Peisong Gao
- Division of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
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Ambrosio LF, Volpini X, Quiroz JN, Brugo MB, Knubel CP, Herrera MR, Fozzatti L, Avila Pacheco J, Clish CB, Takenaka MC, Beloscar J, Theumer MG, Quintana FJ, Perez AR, Motrán CC. Association between altered tryptophan metabolism, plasma aryl hydrocarbon receptor agonists, and inflammatory Chagas disease. Front Immunol 2024; 14:1267641. [PMID: 38283348 PMCID: PMC10811785 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1267641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Chagas disease causes a cardiac illness characterized by immunoinflammatory reactions leading to myocardial fibrosis and remodeling. The development of Chronic Chagas Cardiomyopathy (CCC) in some patients while others remain asymptomatic is not fully understood, but dysregulated inflammatory responses are implicated. The Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) plays a crucial role in regulating inflammation. Certain tryptophan (Trp) metabolites have been identified as AhR ligands with regulatory functions. Methods results and discussion We investigated AhR expression, agonist response, ligand production, and AhR-dependent responses, such as IDO activation and regulatory T (Treg) cells induction, in two T. cruzi-infected mouse strains (B6 and Balb/c) showing different polymorphisms in AhR. Furthermore, we assessed the metabolic profile of Trp catabolites and AhR agonistic activity levels in plasma samples from patients with chronic Chagas disease (CCD) and healthy donors (HD) using a luciferase reporter assay and liquid chromatography-mass spectrophotometry (LC-MS) analysis. T. cruzi-infected B6 mice showed impaired AhR-dependent responses compared to Balb/c mice, including reduced IDO activity, kynurenine levels, Treg cell induction, CYP1A1 up-regulation, and AhR expression following agonist activation. Additionally, B6 mice exhibited no detectable AhR agonist activity in plasma and displayed lower CYP1A1 up-regulation and AhR expression upon agonist activation. Similarly, CCC patients had decreased AhR agonistic activity in plasma compared to HD patients and exhibited dysregulation in Trp metabolic pathways, resulting in altered plasma metabolite profiles. Notably, patients with severe CCC specifically showed increased N-acetylserotonin levels in their plasma. The methods and findings presented here contribute to a better understanding of CCC development mechanisms and may identify potential specific biomarkers for T. cruzi infection and the severity of associated heart disease. These insights could be valuable in designing new therapeutic strategies. Ultimately, this research aims to establish the AhR agonistic activity and Trp metabolic profile in plasma as an innovative, non-invasive predictor of prognosis for chronic Chagas disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Fernanda Ambrosio
- Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
- Centro de Investigaciones en Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología (CIBICI), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Ximena Volpini
- Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
- Centro de Investigaciones en Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología (CIBICI), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Juan Nahuel Quiroz
- Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
- Centro de Investigaciones en Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología (CIBICI), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Córdoba, Argentina
| | - María Belén Brugo
- Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
- Centro de Investigaciones en Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología (CIBICI), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Carolina Paola Knubel
- Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
- Centro de Investigaciones en Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología (CIBICI), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Melisa Rocío Herrera
- Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
- Centro de Investigaciones en Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología (CIBICI), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Laura Fozzatti
- Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
- Centro de Investigaciones en Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología (CIBICI), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Julián Avila Pacheco
- Broad Institute of Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Clary B. Clish
- Broad Institute of Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Maisa C. Takenaka
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Juan Beloscar
- Servicio de Cardiología, Departamento de Chagas, Hospital Provincial del Centenario y Cátedra de Cardiología, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de Rosario, Rosario, Argentina
| | - Martín Gustavo Theumer
- Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
- Centro de Investigaciones en Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología (CIBICI), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Francisco Javier Quintana
- Broad Institute of Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, United States
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Ana Rosa Perez
- Instituto de Inmunología Clínica y Experimental de Rosario-CONICET-Universidad Nacional de Rosario (IDICER-CONICET-UNR), Rosario, Argentina
- Centro de Investigación y Producción de Reactivos Biológicos (CIPReB), Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de Rosario, Rosario, Argentina
| | - Claudia Cristina Motrán
- Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
- Centro de Investigaciones en Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología (CIBICI), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Córdoba, Argentina
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Espejo LS, DeNicola D, Chang LM, Hofschneider V, Haskins AE, Balsa J, Freitas SS, Antenor A, Hamming S, Hull B, Castro-Portuguez R, Dang H, Sutphin GL. The Emerging Role of 3-Hydroxyanthranilic Acid on C. elegans Aging Immune Function. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.01.07.574394. [PMID: 38260592 PMCID: PMC10802494 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.07.574394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
3-hydroxyanthranilic acid (3HAA) is considered to be a fleeting metabolic intermediate along tryptophan catabolism through the kynurenine pathway. 3HAA and the rest of the kynurenine pathway have been linked to immune response in mammals yet whether it is detrimental or advantageous is a point of contention. Recently we have shown that accumulation of this metabolite, either through supplementation or prevention of its degradation, extends healthy lifespan in C. elegans and mice, while the mechanism remained unknown. Utilizing C. elegans as a model we investigate how 3HAA and haao-1 inhibition impact the host and the potential pathogens. What we find is that 3HAA improves host immune function with aging and serves as an antimicrobial against gram-negative bacteria. Regulation of 3HAA's antimicrobial activity is accomplished via tissue separation. 3HAA is synthesized in the C. elegans hypodermal tissue, localized to the site of pathogen interaction within the gut granules, and degraded in the neuronal cells. This tissue separation creates a new possible function for 3HAA that may give insight to a larger evolutionarily conserved function within the immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis S Espejo
- Molecular & Cellular Biology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Destiny DeNicola
- Molecular & Cellular Biology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Leah M Chang
- Molecular & Cellular Biology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | | | - Anne E Haskins
- Molecular & Cellular Biology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Jonah Balsa
- Molecular & Cellular Biology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Samuel S Freitas
- Molecular & Cellular Biology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Angelo Antenor
- Molecular & Cellular Biology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Sage Hamming
- Molecular & Cellular Biology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Bradford Hull
- Molecular & Cellular Biology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | | | - Hope Dang
- Molecular & Cellular Biology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - George L Sutphin
- Molecular & Cellular Biology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
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13
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Shichkin VP, Kurchenko OV, Okhotnikova EN, Chopyak VV, Delfino DV. Enterosorbents in complex therapy of food allergies: a focus on digestive disorders and systemic toxicity in children. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1210481. [PMID: 37901242 PMCID: PMC10611465 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1210481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023] Open
Abstract
The review analyzes mechanisms and concomitant factors in developing IgE-associated allergic diseases provoked by food allergens and discusses clinical symptoms and current approaches for the treatment of food allergies. The expediency of using enterosorbents in complex therapy of food allergies and skin and respiratory manifestations associated with gastroenterological disorders is substantiated. The review summarizes the experience of using enterosorbents in post-Soviet countries to detoxify the human body. In this regard, special attention is paid to the enterosorbent White Coal (Carbowhite) based on silicon dioxide produced by the Ukrainian company OmniFarma.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Elena N. Okhotnikova
- Department of Pediatrics, Children’s Infectious Diseases, Immunology and Allergology, Shupyk National Healthcare University of Ukraine, Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Valentyna V. Chopyak
- Department of Clinical Immunology and Allergology, Danylo Halytsky Lviv National Medical University, Lviv, Ukraine
| | - Domenico V. Delfino
- Master in Musculoskeletal and Rheumatological Physiotherapy, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
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14
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Girithar HN, Staats Pires A, Ahn SB, Guillemin GJ, Gluch L, Heng B. Involvement of the kynurenine pathway in breast cancer: updates on clinical research and trials. Br J Cancer 2023; 129:185-203. [PMID: 37041200 PMCID: PMC10338682 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-023-02245-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Revised: 03/04/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer (BrCa) is the leading cause of cancer incidence and mortality in women worldwide. While BrCa treatment has been shown to be highly successful if detected at an early stage, there are few effective strategies to treat metastatic tumours. Hence, metastasis remains the main cause in most of BrCa deaths, highlighting the need for new approaches in this group of patients. Immunotherapy has been gaining attention as a new treatment for BrCa metastasis and the kynurenine pathway (KP) has been suggested as one of the potential targets. The KP is the major biochemical pathway in tryptophan (TRP) metabolism, catabolising TRP to nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+). The KP has been reported to be elevated under inflammatory conditions such as cancers and that its activity suppresses immune surveillance. Dysregulation of the KP has previously been reported implicated in BrCa. This review aims to discuss and provide an update on the current mechanisms involved in KP-mediated immune suppression and cancer growth. Furthermore, we also provide a summary on 58 studies about the involvement of the KP and BrCa and five clinical trials targeting KP enzymes and their outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hemaasri-Neya Girithar
- Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Ananda Staats Pires
- Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Seong Beom Ahn
- Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Gilles J Guillemin
- Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Laurence Gluch
- The Strathfield Breast Centre, Strathfield, NSW, Australia
| | - Benjamin Heng
- Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
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15
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Chen Y, Wang Y, Fu Y, Yin Y, Xu K. Modulating AHR function offers exciting therapeutic potential in gut immunity and inflammation. Cell Biosci 2023; 13:85. [PMID: 37179416 PMCID: PMC10182712 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-023-01046-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) is a ligand-dependent transcription factor. 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) is a classical exogenous synthetic ligand of AHR that has significant immunotoxic effects. Activation of AHR has beneficial effects on intestinal immune responses, but inactivation or overactivation of AHR can lead to intestinal immune dysregulation and even intestinal diseases. Sustained potent activation of AHR by TCDD results in impairment of the intestinal epithelial barrier. However, currently, AHR research has been more focused on elucidating physiologic AHR function than on dioxin toxicity. The appropriate level of AHR activation plays a role in maintaining gut health and protecting against intestinal inflammation. Therefore, AHR offers a crucial target to modulate intestinal immunity and inflammation. Herein, we summarize our current understanding of the relationship between AHR and intestinal immunity, the ways in which AHR affects intestinal immunity and inflammation, the effects of AHR activity on intestinal immunity and inflammation, and the effect of dietary habits on intestinal health through AHR. Finally, we discuss the therapeutic role of AHR in maintaining gut homeostasis and relieving inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Chen
- Key Laboratory of Agro-ecological Processes in Subtropical Region, Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changsha, 410125, China
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450000, China
| | - Yadong Wang
- Key Laboratory of Agro-ecological Processes in Subtropical Region, Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changsha, 410125, China
| | - Yawei Fu
- Key Laboratory of Agro-ecological Processes in Subtropical Region, Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changsha, 410125, China
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450000, China
| | - Yulong Yin
- Key Laboratory of Agro-ecological Processes in Subtropical Region, Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changsha, 410125, China
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450000, China
| | - Kang Xu
- Key Laboratory of Agro-ecological Processes in Subtropical Region, Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changsha, 410125, China.
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16
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Pinto CJG, Ávila-Gálvez MÁ, Lian Y, Moura-Alves P, Nunes Dos Santos C. Targeting the aryl hydrocarbon receptor by gut phenolic metabolites: A strategy towards gut inflammation. Redox Biol 2023; 61:102622. [PMID: 36812782 PMCID: PMC9958510 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2023.102622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2022] [Revised: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor (AHR) is a ligand-dependent transcription factor able to control complex transcriptional processes in several cell types, which has been correlated with various diseases, including inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). Numerous studies have described different compounds as ligands of this receptor, like xenobiotics, natural compounds, and several host-derived metabolites. Dietary (poly)phenols have been studied regarding their pleiotropic activities (e.g., neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory), but their AHR modulatory capabilities have also been considered. However, dietary (poly)phenols are submitted to extensive metabolism in the gut (e.g., gut microbiota). Thus, the resulting gut phenolic metabolites could be key players modulating AHR since they are the ones that reach the cells and may exert effects on the AHR throughout the gut and other organs. This review aims at a comprehensive search for the most abundant gut phenolic metabolites detected and quantified in humans to understand how many have been described as AHR modulators and what could be their impact on inflammatory gut processes. Even though several phenolic compounds have been studied regarding their anti-inflammatory capacities, only 1 gut phenolic metabolite, described as AHR modulator, has been evaluated on intestinal inflammatory models. Searching for AHR ligands could be a novel strategy against IBD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catarina J G Pinto
- iNOVA4Health, NOVA Medical School
- Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, NMS
- FCM, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal; IBMC, Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen, 208, 4200-135, Porto, Portugal; I3S, Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen, 208, 4200-135, Porto, Portugal
| | - María Ángeles Ávila-Gálvez
- iNOVA4Health, NOVA Medical School
- Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, NMS
- FCM, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal; iBET, Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica, Apartado 12, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Yilong Lian
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, OX3 7DQ, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Pedro Moura-Alves
- IBMC, Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen, 208, 4200-135, Porto, Portugal; I3S, Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen, 208, 4200-135, Porto, Portugal; Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, OX3 7DQ, Oxford, United Kingdom.
| | - Cláudia Nunes Dos Santos
- iNOVA4Health, NOVA Medical School
- Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, NMS
- FCM, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal; iBET, Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica, Apartado 12, Oeiras, Portugal.
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17
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Perez-Castro L, Garcia R, Venkateswaran N, Barnes S, Conacci-Sorrell M. Tryptophan and its metabolites in normal physiology and cancer etiology. FEBS J 2023; 290:7-27. [PMID: 34687129 PMCID: PMC9883803 DOI: 10.1111/febs.16245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2021] [Revised: 10/10/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Within the growing field of amino acid metabolism, tryptophan (Trp) catabolism is an area of increasing interest. Trp is essential for protein synthesis, and its metabolism gives rise to biologically active catabolites including serotonin and numerous metabolites in the kynurenine (Kyn) pathway. In normal tissues, the production of Trp metabolites is directly regulated by the tissue-specific expression of Trp-metabolizing enzymes. Alterations of these enzymes in cancers can shift the balance and lead to an increased production of specific byproducts that can function as oncometabolites. For example, increased expression of the enzyme indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase, which converts Trp into Kyn, leads to an increase in Kyn levels in numerous cancers. Kyn functions as an oncometabolite in cancer cells by promoting the activity of the transcription factor aryl hydrocarbon receptor, which regulates progrowth genes. Moreover, Kyn also inhibits T-cell activity and thus allows cancer cells to evade clearance by the immune system. Therefore, targeting the Kyn pathway has become a therapeutic focus as a novel means to abrogate tumor growth and immune resistance. This review summarizes the biological role and regulation of Trp metabolism and its catabolites with an emphasis on tumor cell growth and immune evasion and outlines areas for future research focus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lizbeth Perez-Castro
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Roy Garcia
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Niranjan Venkateswaran
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Spencer Barnes
- Lyda Hill Department of Bioinformatics, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Maralice Conacci-Sorrell
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
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18
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Stone TW, Clanchy FIL, Huang YS, Chiang NY, Darlington LG, Williams RO. An integrated cytokine and kynurenine network as the basis of neuroimmune communication. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:1002004. [PMID: 36507331 PMCID: PMC9729788 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.1002004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Two of the molecular families closely associated with mediating communication between the brain and immune system are cytokines and the kynurenine metabolites of tryptophan. Both groups regulate neuron and glial activity in the central nervous system (CNS) and leukocyte function in the immune system, although neither group alone completely explains neuroimmune function, disease occurrence or severity. This essay suggests that the two families perform complementary functions generating an integrated network. The kynurenine pathway determines overall neuronal excitability and plasticity by modulating glutamate receptors and GPR35 activity across the CNS, and regulates general features of immune cell status, surveillance and tolerance which often involves the Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor (AHR). Equally, cytokines and chemokines define and regulate specific populations of neurons, glia or immune system leukocytes, generating more specific responses within restricted CNS regions or leukocyte populations. In addition, as there is a much larger variety of these compounds, their homing properties enable the superimposition of dynamic variations of cell activity upon local, spatially limited, cell populations. This would in principle allow the targeting of potential treatments to restricted regions of the CNS. The proposed synergistic interface of 'tonic' kynurenine pathway affecting baseline activity and the superimposed 'phasic' cytokine system would constitute an integrated network explaining some features of neuroimmune communication. The concept would broaden the scope for the development of new treatments for disorders involving both the CNS and immune systems, with safer and more effective agents targeted to specific CNS regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trevor W. Stone
- The Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, NDORMS, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom,*Correspondence: Trevor W. Stone,
| | - Felix I. L. Clanchy
- The Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, NDORMS, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Yi-Shu Huang
- The Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, NDORMS, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Nien-Yi Chiang
- The Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, NDORMS, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - L. Gail Darlington
- Department of Internal Medicine, Ashtead Hospital, Ashtead, United Kingdom
| | - Richard O. Williams
- The Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, NDORMS, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
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19
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Sanmarco LM, Chao CC, Wang YC, Kenison JE, Li Z, Rone JM, Rejano-Gordillo CM, Polonio CM, Gutierrez-Vazquez C, Piester G, Plasencia A, Li L, Giovannoni F, Lee HG, Faust Akl C, Wheeler MA, Mascanfroni I, Jaronen M, Alsuwailm M, Hewson P, Yeste A, Andersen BM, Franks DG, Huang CJ, Ekwudo M, Tjon EC, Rothhammer V, Takenaka M, de Lima KA, Linnerbauer M, Guo L, Covacu R, Queva H, Fonseca-Castro PH, Bladi MA, Cox LM, Hodgetts KJ, Hahn ME, Mildner A, Korzenik J, Hauser R, Snapper SB, Quintana FJ. Identification of environmental factors that promote intestinal inflammation. Nature 2022; 611:801-809. [PMID: 36266581 PMCID: PMC9898826 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-022-05308-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Genome-wide association studies have identified risk loci linked to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)1-a complex chronic inflammatory disorder of the gastrointestinal tract. The increasing prevalence of IBD in industrialized countries and the augmented disease risk observed in migrants who move into areas of higher disease prevalence suggest that environmental factors are also important determinants of IBD susceptibility and severity2. However, the identification of environmental factors relevant to IBD and the mechanisms by which they influence disease has been hampered by the lack of platforms for their systematic investigation. Here we describe an integrated systems approach, combining publicly available databases, zebrafish chemical screens, machine learning and mouse preclinical models to identify environmental factors that control intestinal inflammation. This approach established that the herbicide propyzamide increases inflammation in the small and large intestine. Moreover, we show that an AHR-NF-κB-C/EBPβ signalling axis operates in T cells and dendritic cells to promote intestinal inflammation, and is targeted by propyzamide. In conclusion, we developed a pipeline for the identification of environmental factors and mechanisms of pathogenesis in IBD and, potentially, other inflammatory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liliana M Sanmarco
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Chun-Cheih Chao
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Yu-Chao Wang
- Institute of Biomedical Informatics, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jessica E Kenison
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Zhaorong Li
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Joseph M Rone
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Claudia M Rejano-Gordillo
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Carolina M Polonio
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Cristina Gutierrez-Vazquez
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Gavin Piester
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Agustin Plasencia
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Lucinda Li
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Federico Giovannoni
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Hong-Gyun Lee
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Camilo Faust Akl
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Michael A Wheeler
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- The Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Ivan Mascanfroni
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Merja Jaronen
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Moneera Alsuwailm
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Patrick Hewson
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ada Yeste
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Brian M Andersen
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Center for Neuro-Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Diana G Franks
- Biology Department, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, MA, USA
| | - Chien-Jung Huang
- Institute of Biomedical Informatics, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Millicent Ekwudo
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Emily C Tjon
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Veit Rothhammer
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Maisa Takenaka
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kalil Alves de Lima
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Mathias Linnerbauer
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Lydia Guo
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ruxandra Covacu
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Hugo Queva
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Maha Al Bladi
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Laura M Cox
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kevin J Hodgetts
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Mark E Hahn
- Biology Department, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, MA, USA
| | | | - Joshua Korzenik
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endoscopy, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Russ Hauser
- Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Scott B Snapper
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Francisco J Quintana
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
- The Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA.
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20
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Fujiwara Y, Kato S, Nesline MK, Conroy JM, DePietro P, Pabla S, Kurzrock R. Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) inhibitors and cancer immunotherapy. Cancer Treat Rev 2022; 110:102461. [PMID: 36058143 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctrv.2022.102461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 48.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Revised: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Strategies for unlocking immunosuppression in the tumor microenvironment have been investigated to overcome resistance to first-generation immune checkpoint blockade with anti- programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1)/ programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) and anti-cytotoxic T-lymphocyte associated protein 4 (CTLA-4) agents. Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) 1, an enzyme catabolizing tryptophan to kynurenine, creates an immunosuppressive environment in preclinical studies. Early phase clinical trials investigating inhibition of IDO1, especially together with checkpoint blockade, provided promising results. Unfortunately, the phase 3 trial of the IDO1 inhibitor epacadostat combined with the PD-1 inhibitor pembrolizumab did not show clinical benefit when compared with pembrolizumab monotherapy in patients with advanced malignant melanoma, which dampened enthusiasm for IDO inhibitors. Even so, several molecules, such as the aryl hydrocarbon receptor and tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase, were reported as additional potential targets for the modulation of the tryptophan pathway, which might enhance clinical effectiveness. Furthermore, the combination of IDO pathway blockade with agents inhibiting other signals, such as those generated by PIK3CA mutations that may accompany IDO1 upregulation, may be a novel way to enhance activity. Importantly, IDO1 expression level varies by tumor type and among patients with the same tumor type, suggesting that patient selection based on expression levels of IDO1 may be warranted in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Fujiwara
- Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Mount Sinai Beth Israel, New York, NY, United States.
| | - Shumei Kato
- Center for Personalized Cancer Therapy, University of California San Diego, Moores Cancer Center, La Jolla, CA, United States.
| | | | | | | | | | - Razelle Kurzrock
- MCW Cancer Center and Genomic Sciences and Precision Medicine Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States
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21
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Patil NY, Rus I, Downing E, Mandala A, Friedman JE, Joshi AD. Cinnabarinic Acid Provides Hepatoprotection Against Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2022; 383:32-43. [PMID: 35933113 PMCID: PMC9513857 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.122.001301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a chronic condition in which excess lipids accumulate in the liver and can lead to a range of progressive liver disorders including non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, liver cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. While lifestyle and diet modifications have proven to be effective as NAFLD treatments, they are not sustainable in the long-term, and currently no pharmacological therapies are approved to treat NAFLD. Our previous studies demonstrated that cinnabarinic acid (CA), a novel endogenous Aryl hydrocarbon Receptor (AhR) agonist, activates the AhR target gene, Stanniocalcin 2, and confers cytoprotection against a plethora of ER/oxidative stressors. In this study, the hepatoprotective and anti-steatotic properties of CA were examined against free fatty-acid-induced in vitro and high-fat-diet fed in vivo NAFLD models. The results demonstrated that CA treatment significantly lowered weight gain and attenuated hepatic lipotoxicity both before and after the established fatty liver, thereby protecting against steatosis, inflammation, and liver injury. CA mitigated intracellular free fatty acid uptake concomitant with the downregulation of CD36/fatty acid translocase. Genes involved in fatty acid and triglyceride synthesis were also downregulated in response to CA treatment. Additionally, suppressing AhR and Stc2 expression using RNA interference in vitro verified that the hepatoprotective effects of CA were absolutely dependent on both AhR and its target, Stc2. Collectively, our results demonstrate that the endogenous AhR agonist, CA, confers hepatoprotection against NAFLD by regulating hepatic fatty acid uptake and lipogenesis. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: In this study using in vitro and in vivo models, we demonstrate that cinnabarinic acid (CA), an endogenous AhR agonist, provides protection against non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. CA bestows cytoprotection against steatosis and liver injury by controlling expression of several key genes associated with lipid metabolism pathways, limiting the hepatic lipid uptake, and controlling liver inflammation. Moreover, CA-induced hepatoprotection is absolutely dependent on AhR and Stc2 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikhil Y Patil
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences (N.Y.P., I.R., E.D., A.D.J.) and Harold Hamm Diabetes Center (A.M., J.E.F., A.D.J.), University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
| | - Iulia Rus
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences (N.Y.P., I.R., E.D., A.D.J.) and Harold Hamm Diabetes Center (A.M., J.E.F., A.D.J.), University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
| | - Emma Downing
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences (N.Y.P., I.R., E.D., A.D.J.) and Harold Hamm Diabetes Center (A.M., J.E.F., A.D.J.), University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
| | - Ashok Mandala
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences (N.Y.P., I.R., E.D., A.D.J.) and Harold Hamm Diabetes Center (A.M., J.E.F., A.D.J.), University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
| | - Jacob E Friedman
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences (N.Y.P., I.R., E.D., A.D.J.) and Harold Hamm Diabetes Center (A.M., J.E.F., A.D.J.), University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
| | - Aditya D Joshi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences (N.Y.P., I.R., E.D., A.D.J.) and Harold Hamm Diabetes Center (A.M., J.E.F., A.D.J.), University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
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22
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Hu M, Yao W, Shen Q. Advances and challenges of immunocheckpoint inhibitors in the treatment of primary liver cancer. Front Genet 2022; 13:1005658. [PMID: 36246617 PMCID: PMC9561712 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.1005658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Primary liver cancer (PLC) is one of the most common malignant tumors, which clinically characterized by occult onset, rapid development, easy recurrence and poor prognosis. With the rapid development of tumor immunotherapy research, tumor immunotherapy has also achieved remarkable clinical efficacy, and jointly promoted the overall improvement of tumor immunology from mechanism research to clinical transformation, from single discipline to multi-disciplinary integration. Immunotherapy has obvious advantages in treatment-related toxicity and efficacy compared with traditional therapy. In hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), immunotherapy alone or in combination with other therapies may help to control tumor progression, and there are many immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) widely used in clinical or ongoing clinical trials. However, tumor immunology research is still facing many challenges. How to effectively evaluate the efficacy, whether there are related biomarkers, the generation of immune tolerance and the lack of clinical trials to objectively evaluate the efficacy are still urgent problems to be solved, but it also brings new research opportunities for basic and clinical immunology researchers. The study of treatment of ICIs of PLC has become a hot spot in clinical research field. This paper summarizes and prospects the research progress and challenges of ICIs for PLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Hu
- Department of Oncology, Jiangxi Provincial People’s Hospital, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang Medical College, Nanchang, China
| | - Weirong Yao
- Department of Oncology, Jiangxi Provincial People’s Hospital, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang Medical College, Nanchang, China
| | - Qinglin Shen
- Department of Oncology, Jiangxi Provincial People’s Hospital, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang Medical College, Nanchang, China
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Jiangxi Provincial People’s Hospital, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang Medical College, Nanchang, China
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23
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Notartomaso S, Boccella S, Antenucci N, Ricciardi F, Fazio F, Liberatore F, Scarselli P, Scioli M, Mascio G, Bruno V, Battaglia G, Nicoletti F, Maione S, Luongo L. Analgesic Activity of Cinnabarinic Acid in Models of Inflammatory and Neuropathic Pain. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:892870. [PMID: 35721314 PMCID: PMC9204652 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.892870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Cinnabarinic acid (CA) is a trace kynurenine metabolite, which activates both type-4 metabotropic glutamate (mGlu4) and arylic hydrocarbon (Ah) receptors. We examined the action of CA in models of inflammatory and neuropathic pain moving from the evidence that mGlu4 receptors are involved in the regulation of pain thresholds. Systemic administration of low doses of CA (0.125 and 0.25 mg/kg, i.p.) reduced nocifensive behaviour in the second phase of the formalin test. CA-induced analgesia was abrogated in mGlu4 receptor knockout mice, but was unaffected by treatment with the Ah receptor antagonist, CH223191 (1 mg/Kg, s.c.). Acute injection of low doses of CA (0.25 mg/kg, i.p.) also caused analgesia in mice subjected to Chronic Constriction Injury (CCI) of the sciatic nerve. Electrophysiological recording showed no effect of CA on spinal cord nociceptive neurons and a trend to a lowering effect on the frequency and duration of excitation of the rostral ventromedial medulla (RVM) ON cells in CCI mice. However, local application of CH223191 or the group-III mGlu receptor antagonist, MSOP disclosed a substantial lowering and enhancing effect of CA on both populations of neurons, respectively. When repeatedly administered to CCI mice, CA retained the analgesic activity only when combined with CH223191. Repeated administration of CA plus CH223191 restrained the activity of both spinal nociceptive neurons and RVM ON cells, in full agreement with the analgesic activity. These findings suggest that CA is involved in the regulation of pain transmission, and its overall effect depends on the recruitment of mGlu4 and Ah receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serena Notartomaso
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy
| | - Serena Boccella
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - N. Antenucci
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Flavia Ricciardi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Francesco Fazio
- Department of Psychiatry and Health Science, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - F. Liberatore
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy
| | - P. Scarselli
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy
| | - M. Scioli
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy
| | - Giada Mascio
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy
| | - V. Bruno
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Battaglia
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Ferdinando Nicoletti
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Sabatino Maione
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
- Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy
| | - Livio Luongo
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
- Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy
- *Correspondence: Livio Luongo,
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24
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Yu HX, Feng Z, Lin W, Yang K, Liu RQ, Li JQ, Liu XY, Pei M, Yang HT. Ongoing Clinical Trials in Aging-Related Tissue Fibrosis and New Findings Related to AhR Pathways. Aging Dis 2022; 13:732-752. [PMID: 35656117 PMCID: PMC9116921 DOI: 10.14336/ad.2021.1105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Fibrosis is a pathological manifestation of wound healing that replaces dead/damaged tissue with collagen-rich scar tissue to maintain homeostasis, and complications from fibrosis contribute to nearly half of all deaths in the industrialized world. Ageing is closely associated with a progressive decline in organ function, and the prevalence of tissue fibrosis dramatically increases with age. Despite the heavy clinical and economic burden of organ fibrosis as the population ages, to date, there is a paucity of therapeutic strategies that are specifically designed to slow fibrosis. Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is an environment-sensing transcription factor that exacerbates aging phenotypes in different tissues that has been brought back into the spotlight again with economic development since AhR could interact with persistent organic pollutants derived from incomplete waste combustion. In addition, gut microbiota dysbiosis plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of numerous diseases, and microbiota-associated tryptophan metabolites are dedicated contributors to fibrogenesis by acting as AhR ligands. Therefore, a better understanding of the effects of tryptophan metabolites on fibrosis modulation through AhR may facilitate the exploitation of new therapeutic avenues for patients with organ fibrosis. In this review, we primarily focus on how tryptophan-derived metabolites are involved in renal fibrosis, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, hepatic fibrosis and cardiac fibrosis. Moreover, a series of ongoing clinical trials are highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hang-Xing Yu
- 1Department of Nephrology, First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China.,2National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
| | - Zhe Feng
- 3Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, Shaanxi, China
| | - Wei Lin
- 1Department of Nephrology, First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China.,2National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
| | - Kang Yang
- 4Kidney Disease Treatment Center, The first affiliated hospital of Henan university of CM, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Rui-Qi Liu
- 1Department of Nephrology, First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China.,2National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
| | - Jia-Qi Li
- 1Department of Nephrology, First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China.,2National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
| | - Xin-Yue Liu
- 1Department of Nephrology, First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China.,2National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
| | - Ming Pei
- 1Department of Nephrology, First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China.,2National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
| | - Hong-Tao Yang
- 1Department of Nephrology, First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China.,2National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
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25
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Gill PA, Inniss S, Kumagai T, Rahman FZ, Smith AM. The Role of Diet and Gut Microbiota in Regulating Gastrointestinal and Inflammatory Disease. Front Immunol 2022; 13:866059. [PMID: 35450067 PMCID: PMC9016115 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.866059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Diet is an important lifestyle factor that is known to contribute in the development of human disease. It is well established that poor diet plays an active role in exacerbating metabolic diseases, such as obesity, diabetes and hypertension. Our understanding of how the immune system drives chronic inflammation and disease pathogenesis has evolved in recent years. However, the contribution of dietary factors to inflammatory conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease, multiple sclerosis and arthritis remain poorly defined. A western diet has been associated as pro-inflammatory, in contrast to traditional dietary patterns that are associated as being anti-inflammatory. This may be due to direct effects of nutrients on immune cell function. Diet may also affect the composition and function of gut microbiota, which consequently affects immunity. In animal models of inflammatory disease, diet may modulate inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract and in other peripheral sites. Despite limitations of animal models, there is now emerging evidence to show that anti-inflammatory effects of diet may translate to human gastrointestinal and inflammatory diseases. However, appropriately designed, larger clinical studies must be conducted to confirm the therapeutic benefit of dietary therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul A Gill
- Department of Microbial Diseases, UCL Eastman Dental Institute, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Saskia Inniss
- Department of Microbial Diseases, UCL Eastman Dental Institute, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Tomoko Kumagai
- Department of Microbial Diseases, UCL Eastman Dental Institute, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Farooq Z Rahman
- Department of Microbial Diseases, UCL Eastman Dental Institute, University College London, London, United Kingdom.,Department of Gastroenterology, University College London Hospitals National Health Service (NHS) Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew M Smith
- Department of Microbial Diseases, UCL Eastman Dental Institute, University College London, London, United Kingdom
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26
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Joshi AD, Thinakaran G, Elferink C. Cinnabarinic Acid-Induced Stanniocalcin 2 Confers Cytoprotection against Alcohol-Induced Liver Injury. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2022; 381:1-11. [PMID: 35078862 PMCID: PMC8998678 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.121.000999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 01/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
We recently identified upregulation of a novel aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) target gene, stanniocalcin 2 (STC2), by an endogenous AhR agonist, cinnabarinic acid (CA). STC2 is a disulfide-linked homodimeric secreted glycoprotein that plays a role in various physiologic processes, including cell metabolism, inflammation, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and oxidative stress, calcium regulation, cell proliferation, and apoptosis. Our previous studies have confirmed that CA-induced AhR-dependent STC2 expression was able to confer cytoprotection both in vitro and in vivo in response to injury induced by variety of ER/oxidative insults. Here, we used mouse models of chronic and acute ethanol feeding and demonstrated that upregulation of STC2 by CA was critical for cytoprotection. In STC2 knockout mice (STC2-/-), CA failed to protect against both acute as well as chronic-plus-binge ethanol-induced liver injury, whereas re-expression of STC2 in the liver using in vivo gene delivery restored cytoprotection against injury based on measures of apoptosis and serum levels of liver enzymes, underlining STC2's indispensable function in cell survival. In conclusion, the identification of STC2 as an AhR target gene receptive to CA-mediated endogenous AhR signaling and STC2's role in providing cytoprotection against liver injury represents a key finding with potentially significant therapeutic implications. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: We recently identified stanniocalcin 2 (STC2) as a novel aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) target gene regulated by endogenous AhR agonist and tryptophan metabolite, cinnabarinic acid (CA). Here, we showed that CA-induced STC2 expression conferred cytoprotection against apoptosis, steatosis, and liver injury in chronic as well as acute models of ethanol feeding. Therefore, this study will prove instrumental in developing CA as a promising lead compound for future drug development against hepatic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aditya D Joshi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma (A.D.J.); Byrd Alzheimer's Center and Research Institute and Department of Molecular Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida (G.T.); and Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas (C.E.)
| | - Gopal Thinakaran
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma (A.D.J.); Byrd Alzheimer's Center and Research Institute and Department of Molecular Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida (G.T.); and Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas (C.E.)
| | - Cornelis Elferink
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma (A.D.J.); Byrd Alzheimer's Center and Research Institute and Department of Molecular Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida (G.T.); and Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas (C.E.)
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27
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Gómez-Piñeiro RJ, Dali M, Mansuy D, Boucher JL. Unstability of cinnabarinic acid, an endogenous metabolite of tryptophan, under situations mimicking physiological conditions. Biochimie 2022; 199:150-157. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2022.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Revised: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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28
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Zhang W, Xie HQ, Li Y, Zhou M, Zhou Z, Wang R, Hahn ME, Zhao B. The aryl hydrocarbon receptor: A predominant mediator for the toxicity of emerging dioxin-like compounds. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2022; 426:128084. [PMID: 34952507 PMCID: PMC9039345 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.128084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/12/2021] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) is a member of the basic helix-loop-helix/Per-ARNT-Sim (bHLH-PAS) family of transcription factors and has broad biological functions. Early after the identification of the AHR, most studies focused on its roles in regulating the expression of drug-metabolizing enzymes and mediating the toxicity of dioxins and dioxin-like compounds (DLCs). Currently, more diverse functions of AHR have been identified, indicating that AHR is not just a dioxin receptor. Dioxins and DLCs occur ubiquitously and have diverse health/ecological risks. Additional research is required to identify both shared and compound-specific mechanisms, especially for emerging DLCs such as polyhalogenated carbazoles (PHCZs), polychlorinated diphenyl sulfides (PCDPSs), and others, of which only a few investigations have been performed at present. Many of the toxic effects of emerging DLCs were observed to be predominantly mediated by the AHR because of their structural similarity as dioxins, and the in vitro TCDD-relative potencies of certain emerging DLC congeners are comparable to or even greater than the WHO-TEFs of OctaCDD, OctaCDF, and most coplanar PCBs. Due to the close relationship between AHR biology and environmental science, this review begins by providing novel insights into AHR signaling (canonical and non-canonical), AHR's biochemical properties (AHR structure, AHR-ligand interaction, AHR-DNA binding), and the variations during AHR transactivation. Then, AHR ligand classification and the corresponding mechanisms are discussed, especially the shared and compound-specific, AHR-mediated effects and mechanisms of emerging DLCs. Accordingly, a series of in vivo and in vitro toxicity evaluation methods based on the AHR signaling pathway are reviewed. In light of current advances, future research on traditional and emerging DLCs will enhance our understanding of their mechanisms, toxicity, potency, and ecological impacts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanglong Zhang
- College of Life Sciences, Qufu Normal University, Qufu, Shandong 273165, China
| | - Heidi Qunhui Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yunping Li
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Mingxi Zhou
- Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences v.v.i, Institute of Plant Molecular Biology, Branišovská 31, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Zhiguang Zhou
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Dioxin Pollution Control, National Research Center for Environmental Analysis and Measurement, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Renjun Wang
- College of Life Sciences, Qufu Normal University, Qufu, Shandong 273165, China
| | - Mark E Hahn
- Biology Department, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI), Woods Hole, MA 02543, USA; Boston University Superfund Research Program, Boston University, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Bin Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
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Shilov YE, Baymeeva NV, Brusov OS, Oleichik IV, Sizov SV, Tyurin IA. [Cinnabarinic acid as a potential prognostic marker of schizophrenia]. Zh Nevrol Psikhiatr Im S S Korsakova 2022; 122:138-142. [PMID: 36537644 DOI: 10.17116/jnevro2022122121138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To develop a method for determining cinnabarinic acid (CA) and its immediate precursor 3-hydroxyanthranylic acid (3HAA) in blood plasma and to study their concentrations in patients with schizophrenia before and after treatment. MATERIAL AND METHODS The study was carried out on a sample of 23 female patients with an attack-like progredient schizophrenia (F20.01). The levels of CA and 3HAA in blood plasma were measured using liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry. RESULTS We found an inverse statistically significant correlation of the sum of CA and 3HAA concentrations before treatment with the total PANSS score after treatment (R=-0.50; p<0.05). There was also an inverse correlation of the CA concentration of before treatment with the total PANSS score after treatment (R=-0.41, p=0.052), statistically significant at the trend level (0.05<p<0.1). CONCLUSION CA concentrations in human blood were determined for the first time. The obtained correlations with clinical data show the potential prognostic significance of determining the levels of CA and 3HAA in blood plasma and increase the relevance of further studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu E Shilov
- Mental Health Research Center, Moscow, Russia
| | | | - O S Brusov
- Mental Health Research Center, Moscow, Russia
| | | | - S V Sizov
- Mental Health Research Center, Moscow, Russia
| | - I A Tyurin
- Sklifosovsky Research Institute of Emergency Medicine of Department of Health of Moscow, Moscow, Russia
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Patil NY, Tang H, Rus I, Zhang K, Joshi AD. Decoding Cinnabarinic Acid-Specific Stanniocalcin 2 Induction by Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor. Mol Pharmacol 2022; 101:45-55. [PMID: 34764210 PMCID: PMC8969126 DOI: 10.1124/molpharm.121.000376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 10/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a ligand-mediated transcription factor known for regulating response to xenobiotics, including prototypical 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) through the activation of CYP1A1 expression. Upon ligand-binding, AhR translocates to the nucleus, interacts with the AhR nuclear translocator, and binds to xenobiotic response elements (XREs; GCGTG) present in the promoter region of AhR-regulated genes. Recently, we identified a novel tryptophan catabolite, cinnabarinic acid (CA), as an endogenous AhR agonist capable of activating expression of AhR target gene stanniocalcin 2 (stc2). The CA-driven stc2 induction bestowed cytoprotection against hepatotoxicity in an AhR-dependent manner. Interestingly, only CA but not TCDD was able to induce stc2 expression in liver, and CA was unable to upregulate the TCDD responsive cyp1a1 gene. In this report, we identified CA-specific histone H4 lysine 5 acetylation and H3 lysine 79 methylation at the AhR-bound stc2 promoter. Moreover, histone H4 lysine 5 acetylation writer, activating transcription factor 2 (Atf2), and H3 lysine 79 methylation writer, disruptor of telomeric silencing 1-like histone lysine methyltransferase (Dot1l), were interacting with the AhR complex at the stc2 promoter exclusively in response to CA treatment concurrent with the histone epigenetic marks. Suppressing Atf2 and Dot1l expression using RNA interference confirmed their role in stc2 expression. CRISPR/Cas9-assisted replacement of cyp1a1 promoter-encompassing XREs with stc2 promoter XREs resulted in CA-dependent induction of cyp1a1, underlining a fundamental role of quaternary structure of XRE sequence in agonist-specific gene regulation. In conclusion, CA-driven recruitment of specific chromatin regulators to the AhR complex and resulting histone epigenetic modifications may serve as a molecular basis for agonist-specific stc2 regulation by AhR. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Results reported here provide a mechanistic explanation for the agonist-specific differential gene regulation by identifying interaction of aryl hydrogen receptor with specific chromatin regulators concomitant with unique histone epigenetic marks. This study also demonstrated that the agonist-specific target-gene expression can be transferred with the gene-specific promoter xenobiotic response element-sequence in the context of chromatin architecture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikhil Y Patil
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma (N.Y.P., I.R., A.D.J.); and Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas (H.T., K.Z.)
| | - Hui Tang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma (N.Y.P., I.R., A.D.J.); and Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas (H.T., K.Z.)
| | - Iulia Rus
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma (N.Y.P., I.R., A.D.J.); and Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas (H.T., K.Z.)
| | - Kangling Zhang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma (N.Y.P., I.R., A.D.J.); and Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas (H.T., K.Z.)
| | - Aditya D Joshi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma (N.Y.P., I.R., A.D.J.); and Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas (H.T., K.Z.)
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Huang Y, Zhao M, Chen X, Zhang R, Le A, Hong M, Zhang Y, Jia L, Zang W, Jiang C, Wang J, Fan X, Wang J. Tryptophan Metabolism in Central Nervous System Diseases: Pathophysiology and Potential Therapeutic Strategies. Aging Dis 2022; 14:858-878. [PMID: 37191427 DOI: 10.14336/ad.2022.0916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The metabolism of L-tryptophan (TRP) regulates homeostasis, immunity, and neuronal function. Altered TRP metabolism has been implicated in the pathophysiology of various diseases of the central nervous system. TRP is metabolized through two main pathways, the kynurenine pathway and the methoxyindole pathway. First, TRP is metabolized to kynurenine, then kynurenic acid, quinolinic acid, anthranilic acid, 3-hydroxykynurenine, and finally 3-hydroxyanthranilic acid along the kynurenine pathway. Second, TRP is metabolized to serotonin and melatonin along the methoxyindole pathway. In this review, we summarize the biological properties of key metabolites and their pathogenic functions in 12 disorders of the central nervous system: schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, ischemic stroke, intracerebral hemorrhage, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and Huntington's disease. Furthermore, we summarize preclinical and clinical studies, mainly since 2015, that investigated the metabolic pathway of TRP, focusing on changes in biomarkers of these neurologic disorders, their pathogenic implications, and potential therapeutic strategies targeting this metabolic pathway. This critical, comprehensive, and up-to-date review helps identify promising directions for future preclinical, clinical, and translational research on neuropsychiatric disorders.
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Recent advances in clinical trials targeting the kynurenine pathway. Pharmacol Ther 2021; 236:108055. [PMID: 34929198 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2021.108055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Revised: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The kynurenine pathway (KP) is the major catabolic pathway for the essential amino acid tryptophan leading to the production of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide. In inflammatory conditions, the activation of the KP leads to the production of several bioactive metabolites including kynurenine, 3-hydroxykynurenine, 3-hydroxyanthranilic acid, kynurenic acid and quinolinic acid. These metabolites can have redox and immune suppressive activity, be neurotoxic or neuroprotective. While the activity of the pathway is tightly regulated under normal physiological condition, it can be upregulated by immunological activation and inflammation. The dysregulation of the KP has been implicated in wide range of neurological diseases and psychiatric disorders. In this review, we discuss the mechanisms involved in KP-mediated neurotoxicity and immune suppression, and its role in diseases of our expertise including cancer, chronic pain and multiple sclerosis. We also provide updates on the clinical trials evaluating the efficacy of KP inhibitors and/or analogues in each respective disease.
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Kumar A, Patel VS, Harding JN, You D, Cormier SA. Exposure to combustion derived particulate matter exacerbates influenza infection in neonatal mice by inhibiting IL22 production. Part Fibre Toxicol 2021; 18:43. [PMID: 34906172 PMCID: PMC8670221 DOI: 10.1186/s12989-021-00438-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Particulate matter (PM) containing environmentally persistent free radicals (EPFRs) are formed during various combustion processes, including the thermal remediation of hazardous wastes. Exposure to PM adversely affects respiratory health in infants and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality due to acute lower respiratory tract infections. We previously reported that early-life exposure to PM damages the lung epithelium and suppresses immune responses to influenza virus (Flu) infection, thereby enhancing Flu severity. Interleukin 22 (IL22) is important in resolving lung injury following Flu infection. In the current study, we determined the effects of PM exposure on pulmonary IL22 responses using our neonatal mouse model of Flu infection. Results Exposure to PM resulted in an immediate (0.5–1-day post-exposure; dpe) increase in IL22 expression in the lungs of C57BL/6 neonatal mice; however, this IL22 expression was not maintained and failed to increase with either continued exposure to PM or subsequent Flu infection of PM-exposed mice. This contrasts with increased IL22 expression in age-matched mice exposed to vehicle and Flu infected. Activation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), which mediates the induction and release of IL22 from immune cells, was also transiently increased with PM exposure. The microbiome plays a major role in maintaining epithelial integrity and immune responses by producing various metabolites that act as ligands for AhR. Exposure to PM induced lung microbiota dysbiosis and altered the levels of indole, a microbial metabolite. Treatment with recombinant IL22 or indole-3-carboxaldehyde (I3A) prevented PM associated lung injury. In addition, I3A treatment also protected against increased mortality in Flu-infected mice exposed to PMs. Conclusions Together, these data suggest that exposure to PMs results in failure to sustain IL22 levels and an inability to induce IL22 upon Flu infection. Insufficient levels of IL22 may be responsible for aberrant epithelial repair and immune responses, leading to increased Flu severity in areas of high PM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avinash Kumar
- Department of Biological Sciences, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, USA.,Pennington Biomedical Research Center, 6400 Perkins Road, Baton Rouge, LA, USA
| | - Vivek S Patel
- Department of Biological Sciences, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, USA
| | - Jeffrey N Harding
- Department of Biological Sciences, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, USA
| | - Dahui You
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Stephania A Cormier
- Department of Biological Sciences, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, USA. .,Pennington Biomedical Research Center, 6400 Perkins Road, Baton Rouge, LA, USA.
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Kynurenine induces T cell fat catabolism and has limited suppressive effects in vivo. EBioMedicine 2021; 74:103734. [PMID: 34875457 PMCID: PMC8652007 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2021.103734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2021] [Revised: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Background L-kynurenine is a tryptophan-derived immunosuppressive metabolite and precursor to neurotoxic anthranilate and quinolinate. We evaluated the stereoisomer D-kynurenine as an immunosuppressive therapeutic which is hypothesized to produce less neurotoxic metabolites than L-kynurenine. Methods L-/D-kynurenine effects on human and murine T cell function were examined in vitro and in vivo (homeostatic proliferation, colitis, cardiac transplant). Kynurenine effects on T cell metabolism were interrogated using [13C] glucose, glutamine and palmitate tracing. Kynurenine was measured in tissues from human and murine tumours and kynurenine-fed mice. Findings We observed that 1 mM D-kynurenine inhibits T cell proliferation through apoptosis similar to L-kynurenine. Mechanistically, [13C]-tracing revealed that co-stimulated CD4+ T cells exposed to L-/D-kynurenine undergo increased β-oxidation depleting fatty acids. Replenishing oleate/palmitate restored effector T cell viability. We administered dietary D-kynurenine reaching tissue kynurenine concentrations of 19 μM, which is close to human kidney (6 μM) and head and neck cancer (14 μM) but well below the 1 mM required for apoptosis. D-kynurenine protected Rag1–/– mice from autoimmune colitis in an aryl-hydrocarbon receptor dependent manner but did not attenuate more stringent immunological challenges such as antigen mismatched cardiac allograft rejection. Interpretation Our dietary kynurenine model achieved tissue concentrations at or above human cancer kynurenine and exhibited only limited immunosuppression. Sub-suppressive kynurenine concentrations in human cancers may limit the responsiveness to indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase inhibition evaluated in clinical trials. Funding The study was supported by the NIH, the Else Kröner-Fresenius-Foundation, Laffey McHugh foundation, and American Society of Nephrology.
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Vazquez-Rivera E, Rojas B, Parrott JC, Shen AL, Xing Y, Carney PR, Bradfield CA. The aryl hydrocarbon receptor as a model PAS sensor. Toxicol Rep 2021; 9:1-11. [PMID: 34950569 PMCID: PMC8671103 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxrep.2021.11.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2021] [Revised: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Proteins containing PER-ARNT-SIM (PAS) domains are commonly associated with environmental adaptation in a variety of organisms. The PAS domain is found in proteins throughout Archaea, Bacteria, and Eukarya and often binds small-molecules, supports protein-protein interactions, and transduces input signals to mediate an adaptive physiological response. Signaling events mediated by PAS sensors can occur through induced phosphorelays or genomic events that are often dependent upon PAS domain interactions. In this perspective, we briefly discuss the diversity of PAS domain containing proteins, with particular emphasis on the prototype member, the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR). This ligand-activated transcription factor acts as a sensor of the chemical environment in humans and many chordates. We conclude with the idea that since mammalian PAS proteins often act through PAS-PAS dimers, undocumented interactions of this type may link biological processes that we currently think of as independent. To support this idea, we present a framework to guide future experiments aimed at fully elucidating the spectrum of PAS-PAS interactions with an eye towards understanding how they might influence environmental sensing in human and wildlife populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuel Vazquez-Rivera
- Molecular and Environmental Toxicology Center, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53706, United States
| | - Brenda Rojas
- Molecular and Environmental Toxicology Center, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53706, United States
| | - Jessica C. Parrott
- Molecular and Environmental Toxicology Center, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53706, United States
| | - Anna L. Shen
- Molecular and Environmental Toxicology Center, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53706, United States
- McArdle Laboratory for Cancer Research, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53706, United States
| | - Yongna Xing
- Molecular and Environmental Toxicology Center, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53706, United States
- McArdle Laboratory for Cancer Research, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53706, United States
| | - Patrick R. Carney
- Molecular and Environmental Toxicology Center, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53706, United States
- McArdle Laboratory for Cancer Research, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53706, United States
| | - Christopher A. Bradfield
- Molecular and Environmental Toxicology Center, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53706, United States
- McArdle Laboratory for Cancer Research, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53706, United States
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Fernández-Gallego N, Sánchez-Madrid F, Cibrian D. Role of AHR Ligands in Skin Homeostasis and Cutaneous Inflammation. Cells 2021; 10:cells10113176. [PMID: 34831399 PMCID: PMC8622815 DOI: 10.3390/cells10113176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Revised: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) is an important regulator of skin barrier function. It also controls immune-mediated skin responses. The AHR modulates various physiological functions by acting as a sensor that mediates environment–cell interactions, particularly during immune and inflammatory responses. Diverse experimental systems have been used to assess the AHR’s role in skin inflammation, including in vitro assays of keratinocyte stimulation and murine models of psoriasis and atopic dermatitis. Similar approaches have addressed the role of AHR ligands, e.g., TCDD, FICZ, and microbiota-derived metabolites, in skin homeostasis and pathology. Tapinarof is a novel AHR-modulating agent that inhibits skin inflammation and enhances skin barrier function. The topical application of tapinarof is being evaluated in clinical trials to treat psoriasis and atopic dermatitis. In the present review, we summarize the effects of natural and synthetic AHR ligands in keratinocytes and inflammatory cells, and their relevance in normal skin homeostasis and cutaneous inflammatory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nieves Fernández-Gallego
- Immunology Service, Hospital Universitario de la Princesa, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Universitario de La Princesa (IIS-IP), 28006 Madrid, Spain;
- Vascular Pathophysiology Area, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Francisco Sánchez-Madrid
- Immunology Service, Hospital Universitario de la Princesa, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Universitario de La Princesa (IIS-IP), 28006 Madrid, Spain;
- Vascular Pathophysiology Area, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- CIBER de Enfermedades Cardiovasculares, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Correspondence: (F.S.-M.); (D.C.)
| | - Danay Cibrian
- Immunology Service, Hospital Universitario de la Princesa, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Universitario de La Princesa (IIS-IP), 28006 Madrid, Spain;
- Vascular Pathophysiology Area, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- CIBER de Enfermedades Cardiovasculares, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Correspondence: (F.S.-M.); (D.C.)
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Han H, Safe S, Jayaraman A, Chapkin RS. Diet-Host-Microbiota Interactions Shape Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Ligand Production to Modulate Intestinal Homeostasis. Annu Rev Nutr 2021; 41:455-478. [PMID: 34633858 PMCID: PMC8667662 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-nutr-043020-090050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a ligand-activated basic-helix-loop-helix transcription factor that binds structurally diverse ligands and senses cues from environmental toxicants and physiologically relevant dietary/microbiota-derived ligands. The AhR is an ancient conserved protein and is widely expressed across different tissues in vertebrates and invertebrates. AhR signaling mediates a wide range of cellular functions in a ligand-, cell type-, species-, and context-specific manner. Dysregulation of AhR signaling is linked to many developmental defects and chronic diseases. In this review, we discuss the emerging role of AhR signaling in mediating bidirectional host-microbiome interactions. We also consider evidence showing the potential for the dietary/microbial enhancement ofhealth-promoting AhR ligands to improve clinical pathway management in the context of inflammatory bowel diseases and colon tumorigenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huajun Han
- Program in Integrative Nutrition and Complex Diseases and Department of Nutrition, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, USA;
- Department of Biochemistry & Biophysics, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, USA
| | - Stephen Safe
- Department of Biochemistry & Biophysics, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, USA
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, USA
| | - Arul Jayaraman
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, USA
| | - Robert S Chapkin
- Program in Integrative Nutrition and Complex Diseases and Department of Nutrition, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, USA;
- Department of Biochemistry & Biophysics, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, USA
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Von Dentz M, Gambato G, Ferrari A, Fontana RC, Rodrigues E, Salvador M, Camassola M, Jahn MP. Antihyperlipidemic effect of the hydroalcoholic extract of Basidiomycete Pycnoporus sanguineus (Fr.) Murr. in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. ADVANCES IN TRADITIONAL MEDICINE 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s13596-020-00459-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Dagenais-Lussier X, Loucif H, Beji C, Telittchenko R, Routy JP, van Grevenynghe J. Latest developments in tryptophan metabolism: Understanding its role in B cell immunity. Cytokine Growth Factor Rev 2021; 59:111-117. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cytogfr.2021.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2020] [Revised: 02/20/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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The aryl hydrocarbon receptor suppresses immunity to oral squamous cell carcinoma through immune checkpoint regulation. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:2012692118. [PMID: 33941684 PMCID: PMC8126867 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2012692118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors represent some of the most important cancer treatments developed in the last 20 y. However, existing immunotherapy approaches benefit only a minority of patients. Here, we provide evidence that the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a central player in the regulation of multiple immune checkpoints in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Orthotopic transplant of mouse OSCC cells from which the AhR has been deleted (MOC1AhR-KO) results, within 1 wk, in the growth of small tumors that are then completely rejected within 2 wk, concomitant with an increase in activated T cells in tumor-draining lymph nodes (tdLNs) and T cell signaling within the tumor. By 2 wk, AhR+ control cells (MOC1Cas9), but not MOC1AhR-KO cells up-regulate exhaustion pathways in the tumor-infiltrating T cells and expression of checkpoint molecules on CD4+ T cells (PD-1, CTLA4, Lag3, and CD39) and macrophages, dendritic cells, and Ly6G+ myeloid cells (PD-L1 and CD39) in tdLNs. Notably, MOC1AhR-KO cell transplant renders mice 100% immune to later challenge with wild-type tumors. Analysis of altered signaling pathways within MOC1AhR-KO cells shows that the AhR controls baseline and IFNγ-induced Ido and PD-L1 expression, the latter of which occurs through direct transcriptional control. These observations 1) confirm the importance of malignant cell AhR in suppression of tumor immunity, 2) demonstrate the involvement of the AhR in IFNγ control of PD-L1 and IDO expression in the cancer context, and 3) suggest that the AhR is a viable target for modulation of multiple immune checkpoints.
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Gargaro M, Manni G, Scalisi G, Puccetti P, Fallarino F. Tryptophan Metabolites at the Crossroad of Immune-Cell Interaction via the Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor: Implications for Tumor Immunotherapy. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22094644. [PMID: 33924971 PMCID: PMC8125364 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22094644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 04/25/2021] [Accepted: 04/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a critical regulator of both innate and adaptive immune responses, with potent immunomodulatory effects that makes this receptor an attractive molecular target for novel therapeutics. Accumulating evidence indicates that diverse—both host’s and microbial—tryptophan metabolites profoundly regulate the immune system in the host via AhR, promoting either tolerance or immunity, largely as a function of the qualitative and quantitative nature of the metabolites being contributed by either source. Additional findings indicate that host and microbiota-derived tryptophan metabolic pathways can influence the outcome of immune responses to tumors. Here, we review recent studies on the role and modalities of AhR activation by various ligands, derived from either host-cell or microbial-cell tryptophan metabolic pathways, in the regulation of immune responses. Moreover, we highlight potential implications of those ligands and pathways in tumor immunotherapy, with particular relevance to checkpoint-blockade immune intervention strategies.
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Platten M, Friedrich M, Wainwright DA, Panitz V, Opitz CA. Tryptophan metabolism in brain tumors - IDO and beyond. Curr Opin Immunol 2021; 70:57-66. [PMID: 33813026 DOI: 10.1016/j.coi.2021.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2021] [Revised: 02/27/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Metabolism of the essential amino acid tryptophan is a key metabolic pathway that restricts antitumor immunity and is a drug development target for cancer immunotherapy. Tryptophan metabolism is active in brain tumors including gliomas and promotes a malignant phenotype and contributes to the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. In recent years, improved understanding of the regulation and downstream function of tryptophan metabolism has been significantly expanded beyond the initial in vitro observation that the enzyme indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1) promotes the depletion of intracellular tryptophan. Here, we revisit the specific roles of tryptophan metabolites in regulating brain functioning and neuronal integrity as well as in the context of brain tumors. This review summarizes recent developments in identifying key regulators, as well as the cellular and molecular effects of tryptophan metabolism with a particular focus on potential therapeutic targets in glioma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Platten
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty Mannheim, MCTN, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany; DKTK CCU Neuroimmunology and Brain Tumor Immunology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Mirco Friedrich
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty Mannheim, MCTN, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany; DKTK CCU Neuroimmunology and Brain Tumor Immunology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Derek A Wainwright
- Departments of Neurological Surgery, Medicine - Division of Hematology/Oncology, and Microbiology-Immunology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Verena Panitz
- DKTK Brain Cancer Metabolism Group, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany; Department of Neurology and National Center for Tumor Diseases, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Christiane A Opitz
- DKTK Brain Cancer Metabolism Group, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany; Department of Neurology and National Center for Tumor Diseases, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany.
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Chen S, Tan J, Zhang A. The ups, downs and new trends of IDO1 inhibitors. Bioorg Chem 2021; 110:104815. [PMID: 33773223 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2021.104815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2021] [Revised: 02/14/2021] [Accepted: 03/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy has become an emerging driving force in the development of innovative strategies to fight against cancer. Despite the significant clinical benefits that many cancer patients have gained, the generally average response rate of ~ 20% is far behind the expectation for immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). Combination of ICIs with indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase-1 (IDO1) inhibitors is considered as an alternative solution and has proved effective in tremendous preclinical studies. However, the failure of phase III ECHO-301/KEYNOTE-252 trial seriously dampened the enthusiasm on the rationality of IDO1-targeting strategy. Fortunately, in spite of the ups and downs in the developmental journey of IDO1 inhibitors, multiple new approaches have been proposed to bridge the gap between lab to the clinic. Here, we review the recent advances in the development of small molecule inhibitors targeting IDO1 especially the new trend of IDO1 inhibitors after ECHO-301 clinical trials, including dual or pan-inhibitors targeting IDO1 and TDO or IDO2, apo-IDO1 inhibitors, IDO1 PROTACs, as well as other IDO1 inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shulun Chen
- Pharm-X Center, School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China; CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica (SIMM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Jing Tan
- Pharm-X Center, School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China; CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica (SIMM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Ao Zhang
- Pharm-X Center, School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China; CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica (SIMM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory for Molecular Engineering of Chiral Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China.
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Abstract
Interleukin-22 (IL-22) is secreted by a wide range of immune cells and its downstream effects are mediated by the IL-22 receptor, which is present on non-immune cells in many organs throughout the body. IL-22 is an inflammatory mediator that conditions the tissue compartment by upregulating innate immune responses and is also a homeostatic factor that promotes tissue integrity and regeneration. Interestingly, the IL-22 system has also been linked to many T cell driven inflammatory diseases. Despite this, the downstream effects of IL-22 on the adaptive immune system has received little attention. We have reviewed the literature for experimental data that suggest IL-22 mediated effects on T cells, either transduced directly or via mediators expressed by innate immune cells or non-immune cells in response to IL-22. Collectively, the reviewed data indicate that IL-22 has a hitherto unappreciated influence on T helper cell polarization, or the secretion of signature cytokines, that is context dependent but in many cases results in a reduction of the Th1 type response and to some extent promotion of regulatory T cells. Further studies are needed that specifically address these aspects of IL-22 signaling, which can benefit the understanding and treatment of a wide range of diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannes Lindahl
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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Tryptophan Metabolism via Kynurenine Pathway: Role in Solid Organ Transplantation. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22041921. [PMID: 33671985 PMCID: PMC7919278 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22041921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2021] [Revised: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 02/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Solid organ transplantation is a gold standard treatment for patients suffering from an end-stage organ disease. Patient and graft survival have vastly improved during the last couple of decades; however, the field of transplantation still encounters several unique challenges, such as a shortage of transplantable organs and increasing pool of extended criteria donor (ECD) organs, which are extremely prone to ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI), risk of graft rejection and challenges in immune regulation. Moreover, accurate and specific biomarkers, which can timely predict allograft dysfunction and/or rejection, are lacking. The essential amino acid tryptophan and, especially, its metabolites via the kynurenine pathway has been widely studied as a contributor and a therapeutic target in various diseases, such as neuropsychiatric, autoimmune disorders, allergies, infections and malignancies. The tryptophan-kynurenine pathway has also gained interest in solid organ transplantation and a variety of experimental studies investigating its role both in IRI and immune regulation after allograft implantation was first published. In this review, the current evidence regarding the role of tryptophan and its metabolites in solid organ transplantation is presented, giving insights into molecular mechanisms and into therapeutic and diagnostic/prognostic possibilities.
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Morales-Puerto N, Giménez-Gómez P, Pérez-Hernández M, Abuin-Martínez C, Gil de Biedma-Elduayen L, Vidal R, Gutiérrez-López MD, O'Shea E, Colado MI. Addiction and the kynurenine pathway: A new dancing couple? Pharmacol Ther 2021; 223:107807. [PMID: 33476641 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2021.107807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2020] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Drug use poses a serious threat to health systems throughout the world and the number of consumers rises relentlessly every year. The kynurenine pathway, main pathway of tryptophan degradation, has drawn interest in this field due to its relationship with addictive behaviour. Recently it has been confirmed that modulation of kynurenine metabolism at certain stages of the pathway can reduce, prevent or abolish drug seeking-like behaviours in studies with several different drugs. In this review, we present an up-to-date summary of the evidences of a relationship between drug use and the kynurenine pathway, both the alterations of the pathway due to drug use as well as modulation of the pathway as a potential approach to treat drug addiction. The review discusses ethanol, nicotine, cannabis, amphetamines, cocaine and opioids and new prospects in the drug research field are proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nuria Morales-Puerto
- Departamento de Farmacología y Toxicología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Hospital 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain; Red de Trastornos Adictivos del Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; Instituto Universitario de Investigación Neuroquímica (IUIN), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain
| | - Pablo Giménez-Gómez
- Departamento de Farmacología y Toxicología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Hospital 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain; Red de Trastornos Adictivos del Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; Instituto Universitario de Investigación Neuroquímica (IUIN), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain
| | - Mercedes Pérez-Hernández
- Departamento de Farmacología y Toxicología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Hospital 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain; Red de Trastornos Adictivos del Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; Instituto Universitario de Investigación Neuroquímica (IUIN), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain
| | - Cristina Abuin-Martínez
- Departamento de Farmacología y Toxicología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Hospital 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain; Red de Trastornos Adictivos del Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; Instituto Universitario de Investigación Neuroquímica (IUIN), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain
| | - Leticia Gil de Biedma-Elduayen
- Departamento de Farmacología y Toxicología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Hospital 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain; Red de Trastornos Adictivos del Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; Instituto Universitario de Investigación Neuroquímica (IUIN), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain
| | - Rebeca Vidal
- Departamento de Farmacología y Toxicología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Hospital 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain; Red de Trastornos Adictivos del Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; Instituto Universitario de Investigación Neuroquímica (IUIN), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain
| | - María Dolores Gutiérrez-López
- Departamento de Farmacología y Toxicología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Hospital 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain; Red de Trastornos Adictivos del Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; Instituto Universitario de Investigación Neuroquímica (IUIN), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain
| | - Esther O'Shea
- Departamento de Farmacología y Toxicología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Hospital 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain; Red de Trastornos Adictivos del Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; Instituto Universitario de Investigación Neuroquímica (IUIN), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain.
| | - María Isabel Colado
- Departamento de Farmacología y Toxicología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Hospital 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain; Red de Trastornos Adictivos del Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; Instituto Universitario de Investigación Neuroquímica (IUIN), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain.
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Wang Z, Snyder M, Kenison JE, Yang K, Lara B, Lydell E, Bennani K, Novikov O, Federico A, Monti S, Sherr DH. How the AHR Became Important in Cancer: The Role of Chronically Active AHR in Cancer Aggression. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 22:ijms22010387. [PMID: 33396563 PMCID: PMC7795223 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22010387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Revised: 12/25/2020] [Accepted: 12/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
For decades, the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) was studied for its role in environmental chemical toxicity i.e., as a quirk of nature and a mediator of unintended consequences of human pollution. During that period, it was not certain that the AHR had a “normal” physiological function. However, the ongoing accumulation of data from an ever-expanding variety of studies on cancer, cancer immunity, autoimmunity, organ development, and other areas bears witness to a staggering array of AHR-controlled normal and pathological activities. The objective of this review is to discuss how the AHR has gone from a likely contributor to genotoxic environmental carcinogen-induced cancer to a master regulator of malignant cell progression and cancer aggression. Particular focus is placed on the association between AHR activity and poor cancer outcomes, feedback loops that control chronic AHR activity in cancer, and the role of chronically active AHR in driving cancer cell invasion, migration, cancer stem cell characteristics, and survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongyan Wang
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02118, USA; (Z.W.); (K.Y.); (E.L.)
| | - Megan Snyder
- Graduate Program in Genetics and Genomics, Division of Graduate Medical Sciences, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, USA;
| | - Jessica E. Kenison
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, USA;
| | - Kangkang Yang
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02118, USA; (Z.W.); (K.Y.); (E.L.)
| | - Brian Lara
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University, Boston, MA 02118, USA; (B.L.); (K.B.)
| | - Emily Lydell
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02118, USA; (Z.W.); (K.Y.); (E.L.)
| | - Kawtar Bennani
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University, Boston, MA 02118, USA; (B.L.); (K.B.)
| | | | - Anthony Federico
- Division of Computational Biomedicine, Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, USA; (A.F.); (S.M.)
| | - Stefano Monti
- Division of Computational Biomedicine, Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, USA; (A.F.); (S.M.)
| | - David H. Sherr
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02118, USA; (Z.W.); (K.Y.); (E.L.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-617-358-1707
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Andreeva-Gateva P, Bakalov D, Sabit Z, Tafradjiiska-Hadjiolova R. Aryl hydrocarbon receptors as potential therapeutic targets. PHARMACIA 2020. [DOI: 10.3897/pharmacia.67.e47298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Aryl hydrocarbon receptors (AhR) are regulators of the expression of cytochrome P-450 isoforms, mediating a wide variety of the effects of substances from the endogenous or exogenous origin, including those produced from the microbiome. An exciting new aspect of their activity is their localization in the brain and their potential to modulate the action of the immune system. AhR is emerging as an essential toxicological and therapeutic target for neuromodulation. Further studies are needed for elucidating their utility as drug-targets.
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Ma N, He T, Johnston LJ, Ma X. Host-microbiome interactions: the aryl hydrocarbon receptor as a critical node in tryptophan metabolites to brain signaling. Gut Microbes 2020; 11:1203-1219. [PMID: 32401136 PMCID: PMC7524279 DOI: 10.1080/19490976.2020.1758008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Tryptophan (Trp) is not only a nutrient enhancer but also has systemic effects. Trp metabolites signaling through the well-known aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) constitute the interface of microbiome-gut-brain axis. However, the pathway through which Trp metabolites affect central nervous system (CNS) function have not been fully elucidated. AhR participates in a broad variety of physiological and pathological processes that also highly relevant to intestinal homeostasis and CNS diseases. Via the AhR-dependent mechanism, Trp metabolites connect bidirectional signaling between the gut microbiome and the brain, mediated via immune, metabolic, and neural (vagal) signaling mechanisms, with downstream effects on behavior and CNS function. These findings shed light on the complex Trp regulation of microbiome-gut-brain axis and add another facet to our understanding that dietary Trp is expected to be a promising noninvasive approach for alleviating systemic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Ting He
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Lee J. Johnston
- West Central Research & Outreach Center, University of Minnesota, Morris, MN, USA
| | - Xi Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China,CONTACT Xi Ma State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, No. 2, Yuanmingyuan West Road, Haidian District, Beijing100193, China
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Biernacki T, Sandi D, Bencsik K, Vécsei L. Kynurenines in the Pathogenesis of Multiple Sclerosis: Therapeutic Perspectives. Cells 2020; 9:cells9061564. [PMID: 32604956 PMCID: PMC7349747 DOI: 10.3390/cells9061564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Revised: 06/22/2020] [Accepted: 06/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the past years, an increasing amount of evidence has emerged in support of the kynurenine pathway’s (KP) pivotal role in the pathogenesis of several neurodegenerative, psychiatric, vascular and autoimmune diseases. Different neuroactive metabolites of the KP are known to exert opposite effects on neurons, some being neuroprotective (e.g., picolinic acid, kynurenic acid, and the cofactor nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide), while others are toxic to neurons (e.g., 3-hydroxykynurenine, quinolinic acid). Not only the alterations in the levels of the metabolites but also disturbances in their ratio (quinolinic acid/kynurenic acid) have been reported in several diseases. In addition to the metabolites, the enzymes participating in the KP have been unearthed to be involved in modulation of the immune system, the energetic upkeep of neurons and have been shown to influence redox processes and inflammatory cascades, revealing a sophisticated, intertwined system. This review considers various methods through which enzymes and metabolites of the kynurenine pathway influence the immune system, the roles they play in the pathogenesis of neuroinflammatory diseases based on current evidence with a focus on their involvement in multiple sclerosis, as well as therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamás Biernacki
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of General Medicine, Albert Szent-Györgyi Clinical Centre, University of Szeged, H-6725 Szeged, Hungary; (T.B.); (D.S.); (K.B.)
| | - Dániel Sandi
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of General Medicine, Albert Szent-Györgyi Clinical Centre, University of Szeged, H-6725 Szeged, Hungary; (T.B.); (D.S.); (K.B.)
| | - Krisztina Bencsik
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of General Medicine, Albert Szent-Györgyi Clinical Centre, University of Szeged, H-6725 Szeged, Hungary; (T.B.); (D.S.); (K.B.)
| | - László Vécsei
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of General Medicine, Albert Szent-Györgyi Clinical Centre, University of Szeged, H-6725 Szeged, Hungary; (T.B.); (D.S.); (K.B.)
- MTA—SZTE Neuroscience Research Group, H-6725 Szeged, Hungary
- Interdisciplinary Excellence Center, University of Szeged, H-6720 Szeged, Hungary
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +36-62-545-356; Fax: +36-62-545-597
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