1
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Zhang Q, Zhu X, Xiao Y. The critical role of endothelial cell in the toxicity associated with chimeric antigen receptor T cell therapy and intervention strategies. Ann Hematol 2024; 103:2197-2206. [PMID: 38329486 PMCID: PMC11224091 DOI: 10.1007/s00277-024-05640-z] [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: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/21/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapy has shown promising results in patients with hematological malignancies. However, many patients still have poor prognoses or even fatal outcomes due to the life-threatening toxicities associated with the therapy. Moreover, even after improving the known influencing factors (such as number or type of CAR-T infusion) related to CAR-T cell infusion, the results remain unsatisfactory. In recent years, it has been found that endothelial cells (ECs), which are key components of the organization, play a crucial role in various aspects of immune system activation and inflammatory response. The levels of typical markers of endothelial activation positively correlated with the severity of cytokine release syndrome (CRS) and immune effector cell-associated neurotoxic syndrome (ICANS), suggesting that ECs are important targets for intervention and toxicity prevention. This review focuses on the critical role of ECs in CRS and ICANS and the intervention strategies adopted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Zhang
- Department of Hematology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Xiaojian Zhu
- Department of Hematology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
| | - Yi Xiao
- Department of Hematology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
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2
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Yang J, Ou X, Shu M, Wang J, Zhang X, Wu Z, Hao W, Zeng H, Shao L. Inhibition of p38MAPK signalling pathway alleviates radiation-induced testicular damage through improving spermatogenesis. Br J Pharmacol 2024; 181:393-412. [PMID: 37580308 DOI: 10.1111/bph.16217] [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: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Damage to the testis following exposure to ionizing radiation has become an urgent problem to be solved. Here we have investigated if inhibition of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38MAPK) signalling could alleviate radiation-induced testicular damage. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH In mice exposed to whole body radiation (2-6 Gy), morphological changes of the epididymis and testis was measured by histochemical staining. immunohistochemical and immunofluorescence procedures and western blotting were used to monitor expression and cellular location of proteins. Expression of genes was assessed by qPCR and RNA-Seq was used to profile gene expression. KEY RESULTS Exposure to ionizing radiation induced dose-dependent damage to mouse testis. The sperm quality decreased at 6 and 8 weeks after 6 Gy X-ray radiation. Radiation decreased PLZF+ cells and increased SOX9+ cells, and affected the expression of 969 genes, compared with data from non-irradiated mice. Expression of genes related to p38MAPK were enriched by GO analysis and were increased in the irradiated testis, and confirmed by qPCR. Levels of phospho-p38MAPK protein increased at 28 days after irradiation. In irradiated mice, SB203580 treatment increased spermatozoa, SOX9+ cells, the area and diameter of seminiferous tubules, sperm movement rate and density. Furthermore, SB203580 treatment increased SCP3+ cells, accelerating the process of spermatogenesis. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS Exposure to ionizing radiation clearly changed gene expression in mouse testis, involving activation of p38MAPK signalling pathways. Inhibition of p38MAPK by SB203580 partly alleviated the testicular damage caused by radiation and accelerated the recovery of sperms through promoting spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Yang
- School of Public Health, Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Xiangying Ou
- School of Public Health, Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Manling Shu
- School of Public Health, Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Jie Wang
- School of Basic Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Xuan Zhang
- School of Public Health, Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Zhenyu Wu
- School of Public Health, Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Wei Hao
- School of Basic Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Huihong Zeng
- School of Basic Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Lijian Shao
- School of Public Health, Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
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3
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Shi Y, Liang X, Hu S, Wang M, Wang Y, Zhao Z. Role of TRAF6 from obscure puffer (Takifugu obscurus) in immune response against Edwardsiella tarda infection. JOURNAL OF FISH DISEASES 2024; 47:e13877. [PMID: 37876121 DOI: 10.1111/jfd.13877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Revised: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023]
Abstract
Tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 6 (TRAF6) is a vital molecule of inflammatory signaling pathways in innate immune response against pathogens. To elucidate its role in defense against Edwardsiella tarda infection in teleost fish, TRAF6 homologue was identified from obscure puffer (Takifugu obscurus) and functionally analyzed in this study. The obscure puffer TRAF6 (ToTRAF6) is a protein of 565 amino acids containing conserved RING domain, zinc finger-TRAF and MATH_TRAF6 domain. ToTRAF6 mRNA distributed in various healthy tissues of obscure puffer and was upregulated in the immune related tissues after E. tarda infection. ToTRAF6 protein was localized in the cytoplasm and aggregate as dots around the nuclei in FHM cells. The overexpression of ToTRAF6 in FHM cells decreased the quantity of E. tarda and induced the significant upregulation of downstream MAPK signaling pathway genes. These data suggest that ToTRAF6 is a key molecule of MAPK signaling pathway in defense against E. tarda infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Shi
- Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center for Marine Bio-resources Sustainable Utilization, College of Oceanography, Hohai University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaying Liang
- Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center for Marine Bio-resources Sustainable Utilization, College of Oceanography, Hohai University, Nanjing, China
| | - Sufei Hu
- Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center for Marine Bio-resources Sustainable Utilization, College of Oceanography, Hohai University, Nanjing, China
| | - MengMeng Wang
- Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center for Marine Bio-resources Sustainable Utilization, College of Oceanography, Hohai University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yifan Wang
- Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center for Marine Bio-resources Sustainable Utilization, College of Oceanography, Hohai University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhe Zhao
- Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center for Marine Bio-resources Sustainable Utilization, College of Oceanography, Hohai University, Nanjing, China
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4
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Lepore Signorile M, Fasano C, Forte G, De Marco K, Sanese P, Disciglio V, Di Nicola E, Pantaleo A, Simone C, Grossi V. Uncoupling p38α nuclear and cytoplasmic functions and identification of two p38α phosphorylation sites on β-catenin: implications for the Wnt signaling pathway in CRC models. Cell Biosci 2023; 13:223. [PMID: 38041178 PMCID: PMC10693086 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-023-01175-4] [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: 08/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Activation of the Wnt pathway has been linked to colorectal cancer (CRC). Previous reports suggest that Wnt3a can activate p38. Besides, p38α feeds into the canonical Wnt/β-catenin pathway by inhibiting GSK3β through phosphorylation. Recently, we identified p38α as a new druggable member of β-catenin chromatin-associated kinase complexes in CRC. METHODS The functional relationship between p38α and β-catenin was characterized in CRC cells, patient-derived CRC stem cells, patient-derived tumor intestinal organoids, and in vivo models (C57BL/6-APCMin/+ mice). The role of p38α in β-catenin transcriptional activity was assessed by pharmacological inhibition with ralimetinib. RESULTS We used the GSK3β inhibitor TWS-119, which promotes the activation of Wnt signaling, to uncouple p38α nuclear/cytoplasmatic functions in the Wnt pathway. Upon GSK3β inhibition, nuclear p38α phosphorylates β-catenin at residues S111 and T112, allowing its binding to promoter regions of Wnt target genes and the activation of a transcriptional program implicated in cancer progression. If p38α is pharmacologically inhibited in addition to GSK3β, β-catenin is prevented from promoting target gene transcription, which is expected to impair carcinogenesis. CONCLUSIONS p38α seems to play a dual role as a member of the β-catenin destruction complex and as a β-catenin chromatin-associated kinase in CRC. This finding may help elucidate mechanisms contributing to human colon tumor pathogenesis and devise new strategies for personalized CRC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Lepore Signorile
- Medical Genetics, National Institute of Gastroenterology, IRCCS "Saverio de Bellis" Research Hospital, Castellana Grotte (Ba), 70013, Bari, Italy
| | - Candida Fasano
- Medical Genetics, National Institute of Gastroenterology, IRCCS "Saverio de Bellis" Research Hospital, Castellana Grotte (Ba), 70013, Bari, Italy
| | - Giovanna Forte
- Medical Genetics, National Institute of Gastroenterology, IRCCS "Saverio de Bellis" Research Hospital, Castellana Grotte (Ba), 70013, Bari, Italy
| | - Katia De Marco
- Medical Genetics, National Institute of Gastroenterology, IRCCS "Saverio de Bellis" Research Hospital, Castellana Grotte (Ba), 70013, Bari, Italy
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Sanese
- Medical Genetics, National Institute of Gastroenterology, IRCCS "Saverio de Bellis" Research Hospital, Castellana Grotte (Ba), 70013, Bari, Italy
| | - Vittoria Disciglio
- Medical Genetics, National Institute of Gastroenterology, IRCCS "Saverio de Bellis" Research Hospital, Castellana Grotte (Ba), 70013, Bari, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Di Nicola
- Medical Genetics, National Institute of Gastroenterology, IRCCS "Saverio de Bellis" Research Hospital, Castellana Grotte (Ba), 70013, Bari, Italy
| | - Antonino Pantaleo
- Medical Genetics, National Institute of Gastroenterology, IRCCS "Saverio de Bellis" Research Hospital, Castellana Grotte (Ba), 70013, Bari, Italy
| | - Cristiano Simone
- Medical Genetics, National Institute of Gastroenterology, IRCCS "Saverio de Bellis" Research Hospital, Castellana Grotte (Ba), 70013, Bari, Italy.
- Medical Genetics, Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Jonic Area (DiMePRe-J), University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70124, Bari, Italy.
| | - Valentina Grossi
- Medical Genetics, National Institute of Gastroenterology, IRCCS "Saverio de Bellis" Research Hospital, Castellana Grotte (Ba), 70013, Bari, Italy.
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5
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Chassé M, Vasdev N. Synthesis and Preclinical Positron Emission Tomography Imaging of the p38 MAPK Inhibitor [ 11C]Talmapimod: Effects of Drug Efflux and Sex Differences. ACS Chem Neurosci 2023. [PMID: 37186961 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.3c00205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Stress-activated kinases are targets of interest in neurodegenerative disease due to their involvement in inflammatory signaling and synaptic dysfunction. The p38α kinase has shown clinical and preclinical promise as a druggable target in several neurodegenerative conditions. We report the radiosynthesis and evaluation of the first positron emission tomography (PET) radiotracer for imaging MAPK p38α/β through radiolabeling of the inhibitor talmapimod (SCIO-469) with carbon-11. [11C]Talmapimod was reliably synthesized by carbon-11 methylation with non-decay corrected radiochemical yields of 3.1 ± 0.7%, molar activities of 38.9 ± 13 GBq/μmol, and >95% radiochemical purity (n = 20). Preclinical PET imaging in rodents revealed a low baseline brain uptake and retention with standardized uptake values (SUV) of ∼0.2 over 90 min; however, pretreatment with the P-glycoprotein (P-gp) drug efflux transporter inhibitor elacridar enabled [11C]talmapimod to pass the blood-brain barrier (>1.0 SUV) with distinct sex differences in washout kinetics. Blocking studies with a structurally dissimilar p38α/β inhibitor, neflamapimod (VX-745), and displacement imaging studies with talmapimod were attempted in elacridar-pretreated rodents, but neither compound displaced radiotracer uptake in the brain of either sex. Ex vivo radiometabolite analysis revealed substantial differences in the composition of radioactive species present in blood plasma but not in brain homogenates at 40 min post radiotracer injection. Digital autoradiography in fresh-frozen rodent brain tissue confirmed that the radiotracer signal was largely non-displaceable in vitro, where self-blocking and blocking with neflamapimod marginally decreased the total signal by 12.9 ± 8.8% and 2.66 ± 2.1% in C57bl/6 healthy controls and 29.3 ± 2.7% and 26.7 ± 12% in Tg2576 rodent brains, respectively. An MDCK-MDR1 assay suggests that talmapimod is likely to suffer from drug efflux in humans as well as rodents. Future efforts should focus on radiolabeling p38 inhibitors from other structural classes to avoid P-gp efflux and non-displaceable binding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa Chassé
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A1, Canada
- Azrieli Centre for Neuro-Radiochemistry, Brain Health Imaging Centre, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto M5T-1R8, Canada
| | - Neil Vasdev
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A1, Canada
- Azrieli Centre for Neuro-Radiochemistry, Brain Health Imaging Centre, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto M5T-1R8, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A1, Canada
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6
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Han M, Ma J, Ouyang S, Wang Y, Zheng T, Lu P, Zheng Z, Zhao W, Li H, Wu Y, Zhang B, Hu R, Otsu K, Liu X, Wan Y, Li H, Huang G. The kinase p38α functions in dendritic cells to regulate Th2-cell differentiation and allergic inflammation. Cell Mol Immunol 2022; 19:805-819. [PMID: 35551270 PMCID: PMC9243149 DOI: 10.1038/s41423-022-00873-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 04/02/2022] [Accepted: 04/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Dendritic cells (DCs) play a critical role in controlling T helper 2 (Th2) cell-dependent diseases, but the signaling mechanism that triggers this function is not fully understood. We showed that p38α activity in DCs was decreased upon HDM stimulation and dynamically regulated by both extrinsic signals and Th2-instructive cytokines. p38α-specific deletion in cDC1s but not in cDC2s or macrophages promoted Th2 responses under HDM stimulation. Further study showed that p38α in cDC1s regulated Th2-cell differentiation by modulating the MK2−c-FOS−IL-12 axis. Importantly, crosstalk between p38α-dependent DCs and Th2 cells occurred during the sensitization phase, not the effector phase, and was conserved between mice and humans. Our results identify p38α signaling as a central pathway in DCs that integrates allergic and parasitic instructive signals with Th2-instructive cytokines from the microenvironment to regulate Th2-cell differentiation and function, and this finding may offer a novel strategy for the treatment of allergic diseases and parasitic infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miaomiao Han
- ENT Institute and Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Eye & ENT Hospital, Fudan University, 200031, Shanghai, China
| | - Jingyu Ma
- Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 200025, Shanghai, China
| | - Suidong Ouyang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Diagnostics, Guangdong Medical University, 523808, Dongguan, China
| | - Yanyan Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Diagnostics, Guangdong Medical University, 523808, Dongguan, China
| | - Tingting Zheng
- Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 200025, Shanghai, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Diagnostics, Guangdong Medical University, 523808, Dongguan, China
| | - Peishan Lu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Diagnostics, Guangdong Medical University, 523808, Dongguan, China
| | - Zihan Zheng
- Biomedical Analysis Center, Army Medical University, 400038, Chongqing, China
| | - Weiheng Zhao
- Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 200025, Shanghai, China.,Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 430030, Wuhan, China
| | - Hongjin Li
- Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 200025, Shanghai, China.,Department of Dermatology, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 200437, Shanghai, China
| | - Yun Wu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Diagnostics, Guangdong Medical University, 523808, Dongguan, China
| | - Baohua Zhang
- Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 200025, Shanghai, China.,Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital of Tongji University, 200072, Shanghai, China
| | - Ran Hu
- Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 200025, Shanghai, China.,Basic Department of Cancer Center, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital of Tongji University, 200072, Shanghai, China
| | - Kinya Otsu
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan.,School of Cardiovascular Medicine and Sciences, King's College London, London, SE59NU, UK
| | - Xinguang Liu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Diagnostics, Guangdong Medical University, 523808, Dongguan, China
| | - Ying Wan
- Biomedical Analysis Center, Army Medical University, 400038, Chongqing, China.
| | - Huabin Li
- ENT Institute and Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Eye & ENT Hospital, Fudan University, 200031, Shanghai, China.
| | - Gonghua Huang
- Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 200025, Shanghai, China. .,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Diagnostics, Guangdong Medical University, 523808, Dongguan, China.
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7
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Meng D, Zhang B, Wang Y, Zheng T, Hu R, Wang B, Otsu K, Wang Y, Huang G. p38α Deficiency in T Cells Ameliorates Diet-Induced Obesity, Insulin Resistance, and Adipose Tissue Senescence. Diabetes 2022; 71:1205-1217. [PMID: 35349644 DOI: 10.2337/db21-0653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Adipose tissue-resident T cells play vital roles in regulating inflammation and metabolism in obesity, but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we show that high-fat diet (HFD) feeding enhances p38 activity in adipose-resident T cells. T cell-specific deletion of p38α, an essential subunit of p38 expressed in most immune cells, protected mice from HFD-induced obesity, hepatic steatosis, adipose tissue inflammation, and insulin resistance. Mice with p38α deletion in T cells exhibited higher energy expenditure. Mechanistically, p38α promoted T-cell glycolysis through mechanistic target of rapamycin signaling, leading to enhanced Th1 differentiation. Accordingly, genetic deletion of p38α alleviated ongoing diet-induced obesity. Unexpectedly, p38α signaling in T cells promoted adipose tissue senescence during obesity and aging. Taken together, our results identify p38α in T cells as an essential regulator of obesity, insulin resistance, and adipose tissue senescence, and p38α may be a therapeutic target for obese- or aging-associated diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deyun Meng
- Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Baohua Zhang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital of Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yanyan Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Diagnostics, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, China
| | - Tingting Zheng
- Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Diagnostics, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, China
| | - Ran Hu
- Basic Department of Cancer Center, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital of Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Bin Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Diagnostics, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, China
| | - Kinya Otsu
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
- School of Cardiovascular Medicine and Sciences, King's College London, London, U.K
| | - Ying Wang
- Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Gonghua Huang
- Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Diagnostics, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, China
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8
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Denny WA. Inhibitors and Activators of the p38 Mitogen- Activated MAP Kinase (MAPK) Family as Drugs to Treat Cancer and Inflammation. Curr Cancer Drug Targets 2022; 22:209-220. [PMID: 35168519 DOI: 10.2174/1568009622666220215142837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Revised: 11/27/2021] [Accepted: 12/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The p38 MAP kinases are a sub-family of the broad group of mitogen-activated serine-threonine protein kinases. The best-characterised, most widely expressed, and most targeted by drugs is p38α MAP kinase. This review briefly summarises the place of p38α MAP kinase in cellular signalling and discusses the structures and activity profiles of representative examples of the major classes of inhibitors and activators (both synthetic compounds and natural products) of this enzyme. Primary screening was primarily direct in vitro inhibition of isolated p38α enzyme.
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Affiliation(s)
- William A Denny
- Auckland Cancer Society Research Centre, School of Medical Sciences, Private Bag 92019, Auckland 1142, New Zealand
- Maurice Wilkins Centre, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland 1142, New Zealand
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9
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Brunetti JE, Quintana VM, Scolaro LA, Castilla V. Inhibitors of the p38 cell signaling pathway as antiviral compounds against Junín virus. Arch Virol 2022; 167:935-940. [PMID: 35133480 PMCID: PMC8852809 DOI: 10.1007/s00705-022-05388-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
In the present study, we analyzed the modulation of p38 cell signaling by Junín virus (JUNV) and evaluated the antiviral activity of p38 inhibitors against JUNV. While JUNV induced a progressive activation of p38 throughout the infection in Vero cells, a partial downregulation of p38 phosphorylation was observed in HEK293 and HeLa cells. The compounds SB203580 and SB202190, which are selective inhibitors of p38, significantly reduced viral protein expression and viral yield in the cell lines examined, indicating that the p38 signaling pathway might be a promising antiviral target against JUNV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesús Emanuel Brunetti
- Laboratorio de Virología, Departamento de Química Biológica, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA), 1428, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,IQUIBICEN, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET)-UBA, Ciudad Universitaria, 1428, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Virus Immunology Group, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Verónica Mara Quintana
- Laboratorio de Virología, Departamento de Química Biológica, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA), 1428, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,IQUIBICEN, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET)-UBA, Ciudad Universitaria, 1428, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Instituto de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas, Universidad Nacional de San Martín, 1650, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Luis Alberto Scolaro
- Laboratorio de Virología, Departamento de Química Biológica, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA), 1428, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,IQUIBICEN, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET)-UBA, Ciudad Universitaria, 1428, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Viviana Castilla
- Laboratorio de Virología, Departamento de Química Biológica, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA), 1428, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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10
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Castro P, Palomo M, Moreno-Castaño AB, Fernández S, Torramadé-Moix S, Pascual G, Martinez-Sanchez J, Richardson E, Téllez A, Nicolas JM, Carreras E, Richardson PG, Badimon JJ, Escolar G, Diaz-Ricart M. Is the Endothelium the Missing Link in the Pathophysiology and Treatment of COVID-19 Complications? Cardiovasc Drugs Ther 2022; 36:547-560. [PMID: 34097193 PMCID: PMC8181544 DOI: 10.1007/s10557-021-07207-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Patients with COVID-19 present a wide spectrum of disease severity, from asymptomatic cases in the majority to serious disease leading to critical care and even death. Clinically, four different scenarios occur within the typical disease timeline: first, an incubation and asymptomatic period; second, a stage with mild symptoms due mainly to the virus itself; third, in up to 20% of the patients, a stage with severe symptoms where a hyperinflammatory response with a cytokine storm driven by host immunity induces acute respiratory distress syndrome; and finally, a post-acute sequelae (PASC) phase, which present symptoms that can range from mild or annoying to actually quite incapacitating. Although the most common manifestation is acute respiratory failure of the lungs, other organs are also frequently involved. The clinical manifestations of the COVID-19 infection support a key role for endothelial dysfunction in the pathobiology of this condition. The virus enters into the organism via its interaction with angiotensin-converting enzyme 2-receptor that is present prominently in the alveoli, but also in endothelial cells, which can be directly infected by the virus. Cytokine release syndrome can also drive endothelial damage independently. Consequently, a distinctive feature of SARS-CoV-2 infection is vascular harm, with severe endothelial injury, widespread thrombosis, microangiopathy, and neo-angiogenesis in response to endothelial damage. Therefore, endothelial dysfunction seems to be the pathophysiological substrate for severe COVID-19 complications. Biomarkers of endothelial injury could constitute strong indicators of disease progression and severity. In addition, the endothelium could represent a very attractive target to both prevent and treat these complications. To establish an adequate therapy, the underlying pathophysiology and corresponding clinical stage should be clearly identified. In this review, the clinical features of COVID-19, the central role of the endothelium in COVID-19 and in other pathologies, and the potential of specific therapies aimed at protecting the endothelium in COVID-19 patients are addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Castro
- Medical Intensive Care Unit, Hospital Clinic, Barcelona, Spain
- School of Medicine, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- IDIBAPS, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marta Palomo
- Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute, Hospital Clinic, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Barcelona Endothelium Team, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ana Belen Moreno-Castaño
- Barcelona Endothelium Team, Barcelona, Spain
- Hematopathology, Pathology Department, CDB, Hospital Clinic, Villarroel 170, 08036, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sara Fernández
- Medical Intensive Care Unit, Hospital Clinic, Barcelona, Spain
- Barcelona Endothelium Team, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sergi Torramadé-Moix
- IDIBAPS, Barcelona, Spain
- Hematopathology, Pathology Department, CDB, Hospital Clinic, Villarroel 170, 08036, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Julia Martinez-Sanchez
- Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute, Hospital Clinic, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Barcelona Endothelium Team, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Edward Richardson
- Frank H. Netter M.D. School of Medicine At, Quinnipiac University, North Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Surgery, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Adrián Téllez
- Medical Intensive Care Unit, Hospital Clinic, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Josep M Nicolas
- Medical Intensive Care Unit, Hospital Clinic, Barcelona, Spain
- School of Medicine, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- IDIBAPS, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Enric Carreras
- Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute, Hospital Clinic, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Barcelona Endothelium Team, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Paul G Richardson
- Jerome Lipper Multiple Myeloma Center, Division of Hematologic Malignancy, Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Juan José Badimon
- Cardiology Department, Cardiovascular Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, New York, NY, USA
- AtheroThrombosis Research Unit, Cardiovascular Institute, Icahn School of Medicine At Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Gines Escolar
- School of Medicine, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- IDIBAPS, Barcelona, Spain
- Barcelona Endothelium Team, Barcelona, Spain
- Hematopathology, Pathology Department, CDB, Hospital Clinic, Villarroel 170, 08036, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Maribel Diaz-Ricart
- School of Medicine, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
- IDIBAPS, Barcelona, Spain.
- Barcelona Endothelium Team, Barcelona, Spain.
- Hematopathology, Pathology Department, CDB, Hospital Clinic, Villarroel 170, 08036, Barcelona, Spain.
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11
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Obsilova V, Honzejkova K, Obsil T. Structural Insights Support Targeting ASK1 Kinase for Therapeutic Interventions. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222413395. [PMID: 34948191 PMCID: PMC8705584 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222413395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Revised: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Apoptosis signal-regulating kinase (ASK) 1, a member of the mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase (MAP3K) family, modulates diverse responses to oxidative and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and calcium influx. As a crucial cellular stress sensor, ASK1 activates c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNKs) and p38 MAPKs. Their excessive and sustained activation leads to cell death, inflammation and fibrosis in various tissues and is implicated in the development of many neurological disorders, such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and Huntington disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, in addition to cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and cancer. However, currently available inhibitors of JNK and p38 kinases either lack efficacy or have undesirable side effects. Therefore, targeted inhibition of their upstream activator, ASK1, stands out as a promising therapeutic strategy for treating such severe pathological conditions. This review summarizes recent structural findings on ASK1 regulation and its role in various diseases, highlighting prospects for ASK1 inhibition in the treatment of these pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronika Obsilova
- Department of Structural Biology of Signaling Proteins, Division BIOCEV, Institute of Physiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, 25250 Vestec, Czech Republic
- Correspondence: (V.O.); (T.O.); Tel.: +420-325-87-3513 (V.O.); +420-22-195-1303 (T.O.)
| | - Karolina Honzejkova
- Department of Physical and Macromolecular Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Charles University, 12843 Prague, Czech Republic;
| | - Tomas Obsil
- Department of Structural Biology of Signaling Proteins, Division BIOCEV, Institute of Physiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, 25250 Vestec, Czech Republic
- Department of Physical and Macromolecular Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Charles University, 12843 Prague, Czech Republic;
- Correspondence: (V.O.); (T.O.); Tel.: +420-325-87-3513 (V.O.); +420-22-195-1303 (T.O.)
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12
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Carrasco E, Gomez-Gutierrez P, Campos PM, Messeguer A, Perez JJ, Vega M. Structure-Activity Studies of Novel di-substituted [1,2,5]oxadiazolo[3,4-b]pyrazine Analogs Targeting the A-loop Regulatory Site of p38 MAP Kinase. Curr Med Chem 2021; 29:1640-1653. [PMID: 34931978 DOI: 10.2174/0929867328666210712165659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2021] [Revised: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In the quest for novel allosteric inhibitors of the p38 MAP kinase, we recently described the A-loop regulatory site, identified through molecular modeling studies together with the disclosure of a small molecule hit with a moderate inhibitory profile. Starting from this structure, we subsequently identified two additional hits with simpler molecular structures from an in silico screening study, using a substructure search in the SciFinder database. After corroboration of their inhibitory profile, analysis of their structures permitted to conclude about the suitability of the [1,2,5]oxadiazolo[3,4-b]pyrazine (furazano[3,4-b]pyrazine) scaffold for the development of potent A-loop regulatory site p38 MAP kinase inhibitors. Accordingly, we report the synthesis and pharmacological evaluation of a series of di-substituted analogs with a potent inhibitory profile of p38 MAP kinase, as shown by in vitro assays of their capability to inhibit IL-1β secretion in human monocyte-derived macrophages. BACKGROUND In the quest for novel allosteric inhibitors of the p38 MAP kinase, we recently described the A-loop regulatory site, identified through molecular modeling studies together with the disclosure of a small molecule hit with a moderate inhibitory profile. OBJECTIVE To find small molecule potent inhibitors of the p38 MAP kinase A-loop regulatory site. METHODS Starting from this structure, we subsequently identified two additional hits with simpler molecular structures from an in silico screening study, using a substructure search in the SciFinder database. After corroboration of their inhibitory profile, we carried out a hit-to-lead optimization process guided by molecular modeling using a [1,2,5]oxadiazolo[3,4-b]pyrazine (furazano[3,4-b]pyrazine) scaffold. RESULTS We report the synthesis and pharmacological evaluation of a series of di-substituted analogs with a potent inhibitory profile of p38 MAP kinase, as shown by in vitro assays of their capability to inhibit IL-1β secretion in human monocyte-derived macrophages. CONCLUSIONS We describe in the present work a series of [1,2,5]oxadiazolo[3,4-b]pyrazine (furazano[3,4-b]pyrazine), potent inhibitors of IL-1β secretion in human monocyte-derived macrophages allosteric modulators of the p38 MAP kinase A-loop regulatory site.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esther Carrasco
- Allinky Biopharma, Campus de Cantoblanco, Faraday 7, 28049 Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Pedro M Campos
- Allinky Biopharma, Campus de Cantoblanco, Faraday 7, 28049 Madrid, Spain
| | - Angel Messeguer
- IQAC CSIC, Institute of Advanced Chemistry of Catalonia, Dept. Biol. Chem., Jordi Girona 18-26, 08034 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Juan Jesus Perez
- Dept. of Chemical Engineering, Universitat Politecnica de Catalunya, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Miguel Vega
- Allinky Biopharma, Campus de Cantoblanco, Faraday 7, 28049 Madrid, Spain
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13
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Richardson E, García-Bernal D, Calabretta E, Jara R, Palomo M, Baron RM, Yanik G, Fareed J, Vlodavsky I, Iacobelli M, Díaz-Ricart M, Richardson PG, Carlo-Stella C, Moraleda JM. Defibrotide: potential for treating endothelial dysfunction related to viral and post-infectious syndromes. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2021; 25:423-433. [PMID: 34167431 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2021.1944101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Defibrotide (DF) is a polyribonucleotide with antithrombotic, pro-fibrinolytic, and anti-inflammatory effects on endothelium. These effects and the established safety of DF present DF as a strong candidate to treat viral and post-infectious syndromes involving endothelial dysfunction. AREAS COVERED We discuss DF and other therapeutic agents that have the potential to target endothelial components of pathogenesis in viral and post-infectious syndromes. We introduce defibrotide (DF), describe its mechanisms of action, and explore its established pleiotropic effects on the endothelium. We describe the established pathophysiology of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and highlight the processes specific to COVID-19 potentially modulated by DF. We also present influenza A and viral hemorrhagic fevers, especially those caused by hantavirus, Ebola virus, and dengue virus, as viral syndromes in which DF might serve therapeutic benefit. Finally, we offer our opinion on novel treatment strategies targeting endothelial dysfunction in viral infections and their severe manifestations. EXPERT OPINION Given the critical role of endothelial dysfunction in numerous infectious syndromes, in particular COVID-19, therapeutic pharmacology for these conditions should increasingly prioritize endothelial stabilization. Several agents with endothelial protective properties should be further studied as treatments for severe viral infections and vasculitides, especially where other therapeutic modalities have failed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward Richardson
- Frank H. Netter M.D. School of Medicine at Quinnipiac University, North Haven, Connecticut, USA.,Department of Surgery, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - David García-Bernal
- Department of Medicine, Stem Cell Transplant and Cell Therapy Unit, IMIB-Arrixaca, Virgen De La Arrixaca University Hospital, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Eleonora Calabretta
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Rozzano-Milano, Italy.,Department of Oncology and Hematology, IRCCS - Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano-Milano, Italy
| | - Rubén Jara
- Intensive Care Unit, Virgen De La Arrixaca University Hospital, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Marta Palomo
- Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute, Hospital Clinic, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Barcelona Endothelium Team, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Rebecca M Baron
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Gregory Yanik
- Department of Pediatrics, Blood and Marrow Transplantation Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.,Department of Internal Medicine, Blood and Marrow Transplantation Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Jawed Fareed
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Hemostasis and Thrombosis Research Laboratories, Loyola University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Israel Vlodavsky
- Technion Integrated Cancer Center, Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion, Haifa, Israel
| | | | - Maribel Díaz-Ricart
- Barcelona Endothelium Team, Barcelona, Spain.,Hematopathology, Pathology Department, CDB, Hospital Clinic, Barcelona, Spain.,IDIBAPS, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Paul G Richardson
- Frank H. Netter M.D. School of Medicine at Quinnipiac University, North Haven, Connecticut, USA.,Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Division of Hematologic Malignancy, Department of Medical Oncology, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Carmelo Carlo-Stella
- Frank H. Netter M.D. School of Medicine at Quinnipiac University, North Haven, Connecticut, USA.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Rozzano-Milano, Italy.,Department of Oncology and Hematology, IRCCS - Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano-Milano, Italy.,Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jose M Moraleda
- Department of Medicine, Stem Cell Transplant and Cell Therapy Unit, IMIB-Arrixaca, Virgen De La Arrixaca University Hospital, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
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14
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Lepore Signorile M, Grossi V, Di Franco S, Forte G, Disciglio V, Fasano C, Sanese P, De Marco K, Susca FC, Mangiapane LR, Nicotra A, Di Carlo G, Dituri F, Giannelli G, Ingravallo G, Canettieri G, Stassi G, Simone C. Pharmacological targeting of the novel β-catenin chromatin-associated kinase p38α in colorectal cancer stem cell tumorspheres and organoids. Cell Death Dis 2021; 12:316. [PMID: 33767160 PMCID: PMC7994846 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-021-03572-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Revised: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
The prognosis of locally advanced colorectal cancer (CRC) is currently unsatisfactory. This is mainly due to drug resistance, recurrence, and subsequent metastatic dissemination, which are sustained by the cancer stem cell (CSC) population. The main driver of the CSC gene expression program is Wnt signaling, and previous reports indicate that Wnt3a can activate p38 MAPK. Besides, p38 was shown to feed into the canonical Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Here we show that patient-derived locally advanced CRC stem cells (CRC-SCs) are characterized by increased expression of p38α and are "addicted" to its kinase activity. Of note, we found that stage III CRC patients with high p38α levels display reduced disease-free and progression-free survival. Extensive molecular analysis in patient-derived CRC-SC tumorspheres and APCMin/+ mice intestinal organoids revealed that p38α acts as a β-catenin chromatin-associated kinase required for the regulation of a signaling platform involved in tumor proliferation, metastatic dissemination, and chemoresistance in these CRC model systems. In particular, the p38α kinase inhibitor ralimetinib, which has already entered clinical trials, promoted sensitization of patient-derived CRC-SCs to chemotherapeutic agents commonly used for CRC treatment and showed a synthetic lethality effect when used in combination with the MEK1 inhibitor trametinib. Taken together, these results suggest that p38α may be targeted in CSCs to devise new personalized CRC treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Lepore Signorile
- Medical Genetics, National Institute for Gastroenterology, IRCCS 'S. de Bellis' Research Hospital, 70013, Castellana Grotte (Ba), Italy
| | - Valentina Grossi
- Medical Genetics, National Institute for Gastroenterology, IRCCS 'S. de Bellis' Research Hospital, 70013, Castellana Grotte (Ba), Italy.
| | - Simone Di Franco
- Cellular & Molecular Pathophysiology Laboratory, Department of Surgical & Oncological Sciences, University of Palermo, 90127, Palermo, Italy
| | - Giovanna Forte
- Medical Genetics, National Institute for Gastroenterology, IRCCS 'S. de Bellis' Research Hospital, 70013, Castellana Grotte (Ba), Italy
| | - Vittoria Disciglio
- Medical Genetics, National Institute for Gastroenterology, IRCCS 'S. de Bellis' Research Hospital, 70013, Castellana Grotte (Ba), Italy
| | - Candida Fasano
- Medical Genetics, National Institute for Gastroenterology, IRCCS 'S. de Bellis' Research Hospital, 70013, Castellana Grotte (Ba), Italy
| | - Paola Sanese
- Medical Genetics, National Institute for Gastroenterology, IRCCS 'S. de Bellis' Research Hospital, 70013, Castellana Grotte (Ba), Italy
| | - Katia De Marco
- Medical Genetics, National Institute for Gastroenterology, IRCCS 'S. de Bellis' Research Hospital, 70013, Castellana Grotte (Ba), Italy
| | - Francesco Claudio Susca
- Medical Genetics, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology (DIMO), University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70124, Bari, Italy
| | - Laura Rosa Mangiapane
- Cellular & Molecular Pathophysiology Laboratory, Department of Surgical & Oncological Sciences, University of Palermo, 90127, Palermo, Italy
| | - Annalisa Nicotra
- Cellular & Molecular Pathophysiology Laboratory, Department of Surgical & Oncological Sciences, University of Palermo, 90127, Palermo, Italy
| | - Gabriella Di Carlo
- Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation, Operating Unit of Pathological Anatomy, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70124, Bari, Italy
| | - Francesco Dituri
- Personalized Medicine, National Institute for Gastroenterology, IRCCS 'S. de Bellis' Research Hospital, 70013, Castellana Grotte (Ba), Italy
| | - Gianluigi Giannelli
- Personalized Medicine, National Institute for Gastroenterology, IRCCS 'S. de Bellis' Research Hospital, 70013, Castellana Grotte (Ba), Italy
| | - Giuseppe Ingravallo
- Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation, Operating Unit of Pathological Anatomy, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70124, Bari, Italy
| | - Gianluca Canettieri
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Giorgio Stassi
- Cellular & Molecular Pathophysiology Laboratory, Department of Surgical & Oncological Sciences, University of Palermo, 90127, Palermo, Italy
| | - Cristiano Simone
- Medical Genetics, National Institute for Gastroenterology, IRCCS 'S. de Bellis' Research Hospital, 70013, Castellana Grotte (Ba), Italy.
- Medical Genetics, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology (DIMO), University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70124, Bari, Italy.
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15
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Raubo P, Evans R, Willis P. The discovery and evaluation of 3-amino-2(1H)-pyrazinones as a novel series of selective p38α MAP kinase inhibitors. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2020; 30:127412. [PMID: 32717614 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2020.127412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2020] [Revised: 07/03/2020] [Accepted: 07/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The discovery and optimisation of a novel series of potent and selective p38α inhibitors is described. Evaluating the structure-activity relationship of an aminoalkyl substituent at the 3 position of the 2(1H)-pyrazinone core, p38α potency was increased 20000-fold. The most advanced compound (25) demonstrated excellent in vivo properties suitable for an inhaled route of administration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piotr Raubo
- Medicinal Chemistry, Research and Early Development, Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK; AstraZeneca R&D Charnwood, Loughborough, UK.
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16
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Hwang S, Wang X, Rodrigues RM, Ma J, He Y, Seo W, Park SH, Kim SJ, Feng D, Gao B. Protective and Detrimental Roles of p38α Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase in Different Stages of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease. Hepatology 2020; 72:873-891. [PMID: 32463484 PMCID: PMC7704563 DOI: 10.1002/hep.31390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2020] [Revised: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 04/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Neutrophil infiltration is a hallmark of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), but how this occurs during the progression from steatosis to NASH remains obscure. Human NASH features hepatic neutrophil infiltration and up-regulation of major neutrophil-recruiting chemokines (e.g., chemokine [C-X-C motif] ligand 1 [CXCL1] and interleukin [IL]-8). However, mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD) only develop fatty liver without significant neutrophil infiltration or elevation of chemokines. The aim of this study was to determine why mice are resistant to NASH development and the involvement of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38) activated by neutrophil-derived oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of NASH. APPROACH AND RESULTS Inflamed human hepatocytes attracted neutrophils more effectively than inflamed mouse hepatocytes because of the greater induction of CXCL1 and IL-8 in human hepatocytes. Hepatic overexpression of Cxcl1 and/or IL-8 promoted steatosis-to-NASH progression in HFD-fed mice by inducing liver inflammation, injury, and p38 activation. Pharmacological inhibition of p38α/β or hepatocyte-specific deletion of p38a (a predominant form in the liver) attenuated liver injury and fibrosis in the HFD+Cxcl1 -induced NASH model that is associated with strong hepatic p38α activation. In contrast, hepatocyte-specific deletion of p38a in HFD-induced fatty liver where p38α activation is relatively weak exacerbated steatosis and liver injury. Mechanistically, weak p38α activation in fatty liver up-regulated the genes involved in fatty acid β-oxidation through peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha phosphorylation, thereby reducing steatosis. Conversely, strong p38α activation in NASH promoted caspase-3 cleavage, CCAAT-enhancer-binding proteins homologous protein expression, and B cell lymphoma 2 phosphorylation, thereby exacerbating hepatocyte death. CONCLUSIONS Genetic ablation of hepatic p38a increases simple steatosis but ameliorates oxidative stress-driven NASH, indicating that p38α plays distinct roles depending on the disease stages, which may set the stage for investigating p38α as a therapeutic target for the treatment of NASH.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Bin Gao
- Corresponding author: Bin Gao, M.D., Ph.D., Laboratory of Liver Diseases, NIAAA/NIH, 5625 Fishers Lane, Bethesda, MD 20892; Tel: 301-443-3998.
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17
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Pedreira JGB, Nahidino P, Kudolo M, Pantsar T, Berger BT, Forster M, Knapp S, Laufer S, Barreiro EJ. Bioisosteric Replacement of Arylamide-Linked Spine Residues with N-Acylhydrazones and Selenophenes as a Design Strategy to Novel Dibenzosuberone Derivatives as Type I 1/2 p38α MAP Kinase Inhibitors. J Med Chem 2020; 63:7347-7354. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c00508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Júlia G. B. Pedreira
- Laboratory of Evaluation and Synthesis of Bioactive Substances (LASSBio), Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), 21944-971 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Graduate Program of Chemistry (PGQu), Chemistry Institute, UFRJ, 21941-909 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Philipp Nahidino
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Eberhard Karls Universität, Auf der Morgenstelle 8, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Mark Kudolo
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Eberhard Karls Universität, Auf der Morgenstelle 8, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Tatu Pantsar
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Eberhard Karls Universität, Auf der Morgenstelle 8, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- School of Pharmacy, University of Eastern Finland, Yliopistonranta 1, 70210 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Benedict-Tilman Berger
- Institute for Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, D-60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Structural Genomics Consortium (SGC), Buchman Institute for Life Sciences, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University, Max-von-Laue-Str. 15, D-60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Michael Forster
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Eberhard Karls Universität, Auf der Morgenstelle 8, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Stefan Knapp
- Institute for Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, D-60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Structural Genomics Consortium (SGC), Buchman Institute for Life Sciences, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University, Max-von-Laue-Str. 15, D-60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Stefan Laufer
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Eberhard Karls Universität, Auf der Morgenstelle 8, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC 2180) “Image-Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies”, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- Tübingen Center for Academic Drug Discovery & Development (TüCAD2), 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Eliezer J. Barreiro
- Laboratory of Evaluation and Synthesis of Bioactive Substances (LASSBio), Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), 21944-971 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Graduate Program of Chemistry (PGQu), Chemistry Institute, UFRJ, 21941-909 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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18
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Brys R, Gibson K, Poljak T, Van Der Plas S, Amantini D. Discovery and development of ASK1 inhibitors. PROGRESS IN MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY 2020; 59:101-179. [PMID: 32362327 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmch.2020.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Aberrant activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) like c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and p38 is an event involved in the pathophysiology of numerous human diseases. The apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1 (ASK1) is an upstream target that gets activated only under pathological conditions and as such is a promising target for therapeutic intervention. In the first part of this review the molecular mechanisms leading to ASK1 activation and regulation will be described as well as the evidences supporting a pathogenic role for ASK1 in human disease. In the second part, an update on drug discovery efforts towards the discovery and development of ASK1-targeting therapies will be provided.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Karl Gibson
- Sandexis Medicinal Chemistry Ltd, Innovation House Discovery ParkSandwich, Kent, United Kingdom
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19
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Haller V, Nahidino P, Forster M, Laufer SA. An updated patent review of p38 MAP kinase inhibitors (2014-2019). Expert Opin Ther Pat 2020; 30:453-466. [PMID: 32228113 DOI: 10.1080/13543776.2020.1749263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: During the first half of the last decade the p38 MAP kinase family was a very popular target in academic as well as industrial research programs. Many attempts to achieve marketing authorization for a p38 MAPK inhibitor for the treatment of pro-inflammatory diseases, like rheumatoid arthritis (RA), failed at the state of clinical trials, mostly due to selectivity and/or toxicity issues.Areas covered: Herein, the patents and corresponding publications of international companies, universities and other research institutions, which focus on the development, identification and optimization of new selective p38 inhibitors and their fields of use are summarized.Expert opinion: p38 MAP kinase inhibitors are a mature field with many pre-clinically validated structural classes, more than 20 candidates in clinical trials but still (except the weak and unselective p38 inhibitor pirfenidone) no approved drug. Big Pharma hasn't contributed much to the patents of the last five years but remarkable contribution have come from academic environment or small biotech companies. Three general punchlines of innovation have shown up. Tailor-made molecules with properties for local application, mainly type-II (Urea-type) inhibitors for lung- or skin diseases, isoform p38γ,δ-selective inhibitors for the treatment of cutaneous t-cell lymphoma (CTCL) and substrate-specific inhibitors (e.g. p38/MK2).
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Haller
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Philipp Nahidino
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Michael Forster
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Stefan A Laufer
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC 2180) "Image-Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies", University of Tuebingen, Germany.,Tübingen Center for Academic Drug Discovery & Development (TüCAD2)
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20
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Jiang J, Wang Z, Liang X, Nie Y, Chang X, Xue H, Li S, Min C. Intranasal MMI-0100 Attenuates Aβ 1-42- and LPS-Induced Neuroinflammation and Memory Impairments via the MK2 Signaling Pathway. Front Immunol 2019; 10:2707. [PMID: 31849936 PMCID: PMC6901946 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.02707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2019] [Accepted: 11/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Accumulating evidence suggests inhibiting neuroinflammation as a potential target in therapeutic or preventive strategies for Alzheimer's disease (AD). MAPK-activated protein kinase II (MK2), downstream kinase of p38 mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) p38 MAPK, was unveiled as a promising option for the treatment of AD. Increasing evidence points at MK2 as involved in neuroinflammatory responses. MMI-0100, a cell-penetrating peptide inhibitor of MK2, exhibits anti-inflammatory effects and is in current clinical trials for the treatment of pulmonary fibrosis. Therefore, it is important to understand the actions of MMI-0100 in neuroinflammation. Methods: The mouse memory function was evaluated using novel object recognition (NOR) and object location recognition (OLR) tasks. Brain hippocampus tissue samples were analyzed by quantitative PCR, Western blotting, and immunostaining. Near-infrared fluorescent and confocal microscopy experiments were used to detect the brain uptake and distribution after intranasal MMI-0100 application. Results: Central MMI-0100 was able to ameliorate the memory deficit induced by Aβ1−42 or LPS in novel object and location memory tasks. MMI-0100 suppressed LPS-induced activation of astrocytes and microglia, and dramatically decreased a series of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, COX-2, and iNOS via inhibiting phosphorylation of MK2, but not ERK, JNK, and p38 in vivo and in vitro. Importantly, one of the reasons for the failure of macromolecular protein or peptide drugs in the treatment of AD is that they cannot cross the blood–brain barrier. Our data showed that intranasal administration of MMI-0100 significantly ameliorates the memory deficit induced by Aβ1−42 or LPS. Near-infrared fluorescent and confocal microscopy experiment results showed that a strong fluorescent signal, coming from mouse brains, was observed at 2 h after nasal applications of Cy7.5-MMI-0100. However, brains from control mice treated with saline or Cy7.5 alone displayed no significant signal. Conclusions: MMI-0100 attenuates Aβ1−42- and LPS-induced neuroinflammation and memory impairments via the MK2 signaling pathway. Meanwhile, these data suggest that the MMI-0100/MK2 system may provide a new potential target for treatment of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- JinHong Jiang
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China.,Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory in Anesthesiology, School of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Zhe Wang
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China.,School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - XueYa Liang
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - YaoYan Nie
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xin Chang
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - HongXiang Xue
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Shu Li
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Chang Min
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
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21
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Kridin K, Kowalski EH, Kneiber D, Laufer-Britva R, Amber KT. From bench to bedside: evolving therapeutic targets in autoimmune blistering disease. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2019; 33:2239-2252. [PMID: 31314932 DOI: 10.1111/jdv.15816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2019] [Accepted: 07/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Autoimmune blistering diseases comprise a group of heterogenous conditions characterized by the loss of tolerance and subsequent development of autoantibodies targeting epidermal and subepidermal adhesion proteins. Blisters and erosions form on the skin and mucous membranes leading to significant morbidity and mortality. Traditional therapies rely on systemic immunosuppression. Advancements in our understanding of the pathophysiology of pemphigus and pemphigoid have led to the development of molecules which target specific pathways involved in induction and perpetuation of disease. In this review, we outline the novel therapeutic strategies including B-cell depletion, T-regulatory cell repletion, cell signalling inhibitors and small molecular inhibitors, inhibitory monoclonal antibodies, as well as complement inhibition. We additionally review their current level of clinical evidence. We lastly review therapeutics targets gleaned from the experimental epidermolysis bullosa acquisita mouse model. These emerging treatments offer an exciting progression from basic science discoveries that have the potential to transform the treatment paradigm in autoimmune blistering diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Kridin
- Department of Dermatology, Rambam Healthcare Campus, Haifa, Israel
| | - E H Kowalski
- Department of Dermatology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - D Kneiber
- Department of Dermatology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - R Laufer-Britva
- Department of Dermatology, Rambam Healthcare Campus, Haifa, Israel
| | - K T Amber
- Department of Dermatology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
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22
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Astolfi A, Kudolo M, Brea J, Manni G, Manfroni G, Palazzotti D, Sabatini S, Cecchetti F, Felicetti T, Cannalire R, Massari S, Tabarrini O, Loza MI, Fallarino F, Cecchetti V, Laufer SA, Barreca ML. Discovery of potent p38α MAPK inhibitors through a funnel like workflow combining in silico screening and in vitro validation. Eur J Med Chem 2019; 182:111624. [PMID: 31445234 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2019.111624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2019] [Revised: 08/05/2019] [Accepted: 08/12/2019] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
This work describes the rational discovery of novel chemotypes of p38α MAPK inhibitors using a funnel approach consisting of several computer-aided drug discovery methods and biological experiments. Among the identified hits, four compounds belonging to different chemical families showed IC50 values lower than 10 μM. In particular, the 1,4-benzodioxane derivative 5 turned out to be a potent and efficient p38α MAPK inhibitor having IC50 = 0.07 μM, and LEexp and LipE values of 0.38 and 4.8, respectively; noteworthy, the compound had also a promising kinase selectivity profile and the capability to suppress p38α MAPK effects in human immune cells. Overall, the collected findings highlight that the applied strategy has been successful in generating chemical novelty in the inhibitor kinase field, providing suitable chemical candidates for further inhibitor optimization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Astolfi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, "Department of Excellence 2018-2022", University of Perugia, Via del Liceo 1, 06123, Perugia, Italy
| | - Mark Kudolo
- Department of Pharmaceutical & Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy, Eberhard-Karls University Tuebingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 8, 72076, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Jose Brea
- CIMUS Research Center, University of Santiago de Compostela, Avda de Barcelona s/n, Planta 3, Despacho1, 15782, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Giorgia Manni
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Piazzale Gambuli, 06100, Perugia, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Manfroni
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, "Department of Excellence 2018-2022", University of Perugia, Via del Liceo 1, 06123, Perugia, Italy
| | - Deborah Palazzotti
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, "Department of Excellence 2018-2022", University of Perugia, Via del Liceo 1, 06123, Perugia, Italy
| | - Stefano Sabatini
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, "Department of Excellence 2018-2022", University of Perugia, Via del Liceo 1, 06123, Perugia, Italy
| | - Federica Cecchetti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Piazzale Gambuli, 06100, Perugia, Italy
| | - Tommaso Felicetti
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, "Department of Excellence 2018-2022", University of Perugia, Via del Liceo 1, 06123, Perugia, Italy
| | - Rolando Cannalire
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, "Department of Excellence 2018-2022", University of Perugia, Via del Liceo 1, 06123, Perugia, Italy
| | - Serena Massari
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, "Department of Excellence 2018-2022", University of Perugia, Via del Liceo 1, 06123, Perugia, Italy
| | - Oriana Tabarrini
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, "Department of Excellence 2018-2022", University of Perugia, Via del Liceo 1, 06123, Perugia, Italy
| | - Maria Isabel Loza
- CIMUS Research Center, University of Santiago de Compostela, Avda de Barcelona s/n, Planta 3, Despacho1, 15782, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Francesca Fallarino
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Piazzale Gambuli, 06100, Perugia, Italy
| | - Violetta Cecchetti
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, "Department of Excellence 2018-2022", University of Perugia, Via del Liceo 1, 06123, Perugia, Italy
| | - Stefan A Laufer
- Department of Pharmaceutical & Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy, Eberhard-Karls University Tuebingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 8, 72076, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Maria Letizia Barreca
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, "Department of Excellence 2018-2022", University of Perugia, Via del Liceo 1, 06123, Perugia, Italy.
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23
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You W, Tang Z, Chang CEA. Potential Mean Force from Umbrella Sampling Simulations: What Can We Learn and What Is Missed? J Chem Theory Comput 2019; 15:2433-2443. [PMID: 30811931 PMCID: PMC6456367 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jctc.8b01142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Changes in free energy provide valuable information for molecular recognition, including both ligand-receptor binding thermodynamics and kinetics. Umbrella sampling (US), a widely used free energy calculation method, has long been used to explore the dissociation process of ligand-receptor systems and compute binding free energy. In existing publications, the binding free energy computed from the potential of mean force (PMF) with US simulation mostly yielded "ball park" values with experimental data. However, the computed PMF values are highly influenced by factors such as initial conformations and/or trajectories provided, the reaction coordinate, and sampling of conformational space in each US window. These critical factors have rarely been carefully studied. Here we used US to study the guest aspirin and 1-butanol dissociation processes of β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) and an inhibitor SB2 dissociation from a p38α mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) complex. For β-CD, we used three different β-CD conformations to generate the dissociation path with US windows. For p38α, we generated the dissociation pathway by using accelerated molecular dynamics followed by conformational relaxing with short conventional MD, steered MD, and manual pulling. We found that, even for small β-CD complexes, different β-CD conformations altered the height of the PMF, but the pattern of PMF was not affected if the MD sampling in each US window was well-converged. Because changing the macrocyclic ring conformation needs to rotate dihedral angles in the ring, a bound ligand largely restrains the motion of cyclodextrin. Therefore, once a guest is in the binding site, cyclodextrin cannot freely change its initial conformation, resulting in different absolute heights of the PMF, which cannot be overcome by running excessively long MD simulations for each US window. Moreover, if the US simulations were not converged, the important barrier and minimum were missed. For ligand-protein systems, our studies also suggest that the dissociation trajectories modeled by an enhanced sampling method must maintain a natural molecular movement to avoid biased PMF plots when using US simulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanli You
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Riverside, California 92521, United States
| | - Zhiye Tang
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Riverside, California 92521, United States
| | - Chia-en A. Chang
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Riverside, California 92521, United States
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24
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Protein kinase p38α signaling in dendritic cells regulates colon inflammation and tumorigenesis. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2018; 115:E12313-E12322. [PMID: 30541887 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1814705115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Dendritic cells (DCs) play pivotal roles in maintaining intestinal homeostasis, but how the DCs regulate diverse immune networks on homeostasis breakdown remains largely unknown. Here, we report that, in response to epithelial barrier disruption, colonic DCs regulate the differentiation of type 1 regulatory T (Tr1) cells through p38α-dependent IL-27 production to initiate an effective immune response. Deletion of p38α in DCs, but not in T cells, led to increased Tr1 and protected mice from dextran sodium sulfate-induced acute colitis and chronic colitis-associated colorectal cancer. We show that higher levels of IL-27 in p38α-deficient colonic cDC1s, but not cDC2s, were responsible for the increase of Tr1 cells. Moreover, p38α-dependent IL-27 enhanced IL-22 secretion from intestinal group 3 innate lymphoid cells and protected epithelial barrier function. In p38α-deficient DCs, the TAK1-MKK4/7-JNK-c-Jun axis was hyperactivated, leading to high IL-27 levels, and inhibition of the JNK-c-Jun axis suppressed IL-27 expression. ChIP assay revealed direct binding of c-Jun to the promoter of Il27p28, which was further enhanced in p38α-deficient DCs. In summary, here we identify a key role for p38α signaling in DCs in regulating intestinal inflammatory response and tumorigenesis, and our finding may provide targets for the treatment of inflammatory intestinal diseases.
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25
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Abstract
The transcription factor NF-κB is a critical regulator of immune and inflammatory responses. In mammals, the NF-κB/Rel family comprises five members: p50, p52, p65 (Rel-A), c-Rel, and Rel-B proteins, which form homo- or heterodimers and remain as an inactive complex with the inhibitory molecules called IκB proteins in resting cells. Two distinct NF-κB signaling pathways have been described: 1) the canonical pathway primarily activated by pathogens and inflammatory mediators, and 2) the noncanonical pathway mostly activated by developmental cues. The most abundant form of NF-κB activated by pathologic stimuli via the canonical pathway is the p65:p50 heterodimer. Disproportionate increase in activated p65 and subsequent transactivation of effector molecules is integral to the pathogenesis of many chronic diseases such as the rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, multiple sclerosis, and even neurodegenerative pathologies. Hence, the NF-κB p65 signaling pathway has been a pivotal point for intense drug discovery and development. This review begins with an overview of p65-mediated signaling followed by discussion of strategies that directly target NF-κB p65 in the context of chronic inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sivagami Giridharan
- Department of Oral Medicine, Madha Dental College, Kundrathur, Chennai, TN, India
| | - Mythily Srinivasan
- Department of Oral Pathology, Medicine and Radiology, Indiana University School of Dentistry, Indiana University Purdue University at Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN, USA,
- Provaidya LLC, Indianapolis, IN, USA,
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26
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You W, Chang CEA. Role of Molecular Interactions and Protein Rearrangement in the Dissociation Kinetics of p38α MAP Kinase Type-I/II/III Inhibitors. J Chem Inf Model 2018; 58:968-981. [PMID: 29620886 PMCID: PMC5975198 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.7b00640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Understanding the governing factors of fast or slow inhibitor binding/unbinding assists in developing drugs with preferred kinetic properties. For inhibitors with the same binding affinity targeting different binding sites of the same protein, the kinetic behavior can profoundly differ. In this study, we investigated unbinding kinetics and mechanisms of fast (type-I) and slow (type-II/III) binders of p38α mitogen-activated protein kinase, where the crystal structures showed that type-I and type-II/III inhibitors bind to pockets with different conformations of the Asp-Phe-Gly (DFG) motif. The work used methods that combine conventional molecular dynamics (MD), accelerated molecular dynamics (AMD) simulations, and the newly developed pathway search guided by internal motions (PSIM) method to find dissociation pathways. The study focuses on revealing key interactions and molecular rearrangements that hinder ligand dissociation by using umbrella sampling and post-MD processing to examine changes in free energy during ligand unbinding. As anticipated, the initial dissociation steps all require breaking interactions that appeared in crystal structures of the bound complexes. Interestingly, for type-I inhibitors such as SB2, p38α keeps barrier-free conformational fluctuation in the ligand-bound complex and during ligand dissociation. In contrast, with a type-II/III inhibitor such as BIRB796, with the rearrangements of p38α in its bound state, ligand unbinding features energetically unfavorable protein-ligand concerted movement. Our results also show that the type-II/III inhibitors preferred dissociation pathways through the allosteric channel, which is consistent with an existing publication. The study suggests that the level of required protein rearrangement is one major determining factor of drug binding kinetics in p38α systems, providing useful information for development of inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanli You
- Department of Chemistry, University of California at Riverside, Riverside, California 92521, United States
| | - Chia-en A. Chang
- Department of Chemistry, University of California at Riverside, Riverside, California 92521, United States
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27
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Roy S, Roy S, Rana A, Akhter Y, Hande MP, Banerjee B. The role of p38 MAPK pathway in p53 compromised state and telomere mediated DNA damage response. MUTATION RESEARCH-GENETIC TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL MUTAGENESIS 2018; 836:89-97. [PMID: 30389168 DOI: 10.1016/j.mrgentox.2018.05.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2018] [Revised: 04/17/2018] [Accepted: 05/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
There is an intricate balance of DNA damage response and repair which determines the homeostasis of human genome function. p53 protein is widely known for its role in cell cycle regulation and tumor suppressor activity. In case of several cancers where function of p53 gene gets compromised either by mutation or partial inactivation, the role of p53 in response to DNA damage needs to be supplemented by another molecule or pathway. Due to sedentary lifestyle and exposure to genotoxic agents, genome is predisposed to chronic stress, which ultimately leads to unrepaired or background DNA damage. p38 MAPK signaling pathway is strongly activated in response to various environmental and cellular stresses. DNA damage response and the repair options have crucial links with chromosomal integrity. Telomere that regulates integrity of genome is protected by a six member shielding unit called shelterin complex which communicates with other pathways for functionality of telomeres. There are evidences that p38 gets activated through ATM in response to DNA damage. Dysfunctional telomere leads to activation of ATM which subsequently activates p38 suggesting a crosstalk between p38, ATM and shelterin complex. This review focuses on activation of p38 in response to genotoxic stress induced DNA damage in p53 mutated or compromised state and its possible cross talk with telomere shelterin proteins. Thus p38 may act as an important target to treat various diseases and in majority of cancers in p53 mutated state.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shomereeta Roy
- Molecular Stress and Stem Cell Biology Group, School of Biotechnology, KIIT University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha-751024, India
| | - Souvick Roy
- Molecular Stress and Stem Cell Biology Group, School of Biotechnology, KIIT University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha-751024, India
| | - Aarti Rana
- Centre for Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, School of Life Sciences, Central University of Himachal Pradesh, Shahpur, Himachal Pradesh-176206, India
| | - Yusuf Akhter
- Department of Biotechnology, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Vidya Vihar, Raebareli Road, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh 226025, India
| | - Manoor Prakash Hande
- Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117593, Singapore
| | - Birendranath Banerjee
- Molecular Stress and Stem Cell Biology Group, School of Biotechnology, KIIT University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha-751024, India.
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28
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Zheng T, Zhao W, Li H, Xiao S, Hu R, Han M, Liu H, Liu Y, Otsu K, Liu X, Huang G. p38α signaling in Langerhans cells promotes the development of IL-17-producing T cells and psoriasiform skin inflammation. Sci Signal 2018. [PMID: 29535261 DOI: 10.1126/scisignal.aao1685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Dendritic cells (DCs) contribute to psoriasis pathogenesis. In a mouse model of imiquimod-induced psoriasiform skin inflammation, we found that p38α activity in Langerhans cells (LCs), a skin-resident subset of DCs, promoted the generation of T cells that produce IL-17, a proinflammatory cytokine that is implicated in autoimmune disease. Deletion of p38α in LCs, but not in other skin or circulating DC subsets or T cells, decreased T cell-mediated psoriasiform skin inflammation in mice. The activity of p38α in LCs specifically promoted IL-17 production from γδ and CD4+ T cells by increasing the abundance of IL-23 and IL-6, two cytokines that stimulate IL-17 secretion. Inhibition of p38 activity through either pharmacological inhibition or genetic deletion also reduced the severity of established psoriasiform skin inflammation. Together, our findings indicate a critical role for p38α signaling in LCs in promoting inflammatory responses in the skin and suggest that targeting p38α signaling in LCs may offer an effective therapeutic approach to treat psoriasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingting Zheng
- Hongqiao International Institute of Medicine, Shanghai Tongren Hospital/Faculty of Basic Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Weiheng Zhao
- Hongqiao International Institute of Medicine, Shanghai Tongren Hospital/Faculty of Basic Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Hongjin Li
- Hongqiao International Institute of Medicine, Shanghai Tongren Hospital/Faculty of Basic Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Shuxiu Xiao
- Hongqiao International Institute of Medicine, Shanghai Tongren Hospital/Faculty of Basic Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Ran Hu
- Hongqiao International Institute of Medicine, Shanghai Tongren Hospital/Faculty of Basic Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Miaomiao Han
- Xin Hua Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Heng Liu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Diagnostics, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan 523808, China
| | - Yeqiang Liu
- Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, Tongji University, Shanghai 200443, China
| | - Kinya Otsu
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka 565-0871, Japan.,Cardiovascular Division, King's College London, London WC2R 2LS, UK
| | - Xinguang Liu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Diagnostics, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan 523808, China
| | - Gonghua Huang
- Hongqiao International Institute of Medicine, Shanghai Tongren Hospital/Faculty of Basic Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China.
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29
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Ansideri F, Andreev S, Kuhn A, Albrecht W, Laufer SA, Koch P. A Diverse and Versatile Regiospecific Synthesis of Tetrasubstituted Alkylsulfanylimidazoles as p38α Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Inhibitors. Molecules 2018; 23:molecules23010221. [PMID: 29361698 PMCID: PMC6017033 DOI: 10.3390/molecules23010221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2017] [Revised: 01/16/2018] [Accepted: 01/17/2018] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
An alternative strategy for the synthesis of 1-aryl- and 1-alkyl-2-methylsulfanyl-4-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(pyridin-4-yl)imidazoles as potential p38α mitogen-activated protein kinase inhibitors is reported. The regioselective N-substitution of the imidazole ring was achieved by treatment of α-aminoketones with different aryl or alkyl isothiocyanates. In contrast to previously published synthesis routes starting from 2-amino-4-methylpyridine, the presented route is characterized by a higher flexibility and a lower number of steps. This strategy was also applied to access 1-alkyl-2-methylsulfanyl-5-(4-fluorophenyl)-4-(pyridin-4-yl)imidazoles in six steps starting from 2-chloro-4-methylpyridine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Ansideri
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Medicinal and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 8, 72076 Tübingen, Germany.
| | - Stanislav Andreev
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Medicinal and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 8, 72076 Tübingen, Germany.
| | - Annette Kuhn
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Medicinal and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 8, 72076 Tübingen, Germany.
| | | | - Stefan A Laufer
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Medicinal and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 8, 72076 Tübingen, Germany.
| | - Pierre Koch
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Medicinal and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 8, 72076 Tübingen, Germany.
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30
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Fujisawa T. Therapeutic application of apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1 inhibitors. Adv Biol Regul 2017; 66:85-90. [PMID: 29066277 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbior.2017.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2017] [Revised: 10/13/2017] [Accepted: 10/13/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1 (ASK1) is a member of the stress-activated mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase (MAP3K) family. ASK1 is an attractive drug target, owing to its essential role in a wide variety of human diseases including neurodegenerative disorders, inflammatory diseases and cancer. Recent studies have suggested that pharmacological manipulations using small molecule ASK1 inhibitors may be beneficial in experimental human disease models. In this review, we highlight the current understanding of ASK1 inhibitors as a potential therapy for human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takao Fujisawa
- Laboratory of Cell Signaling, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan.
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31
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Ludwig RJ. Signalling and targeted therapy of inflammatory cells in epidermolysis bullosa acquisita. Exp Dermatol 2017; 26:1179-1186. [DOI: 10.1111/exd.13335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ralf J. Ludwig
- Lübeck Institute of Experimental Dermatology and Department of Dermatology; University of Lübeck; Lübeck Germany
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32
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Bhatia HS, Roelofs N, Muñoz E, Fiebich BL. Alleviation of Microglial Activation Induced by p38 MAPK/MK2/PGE 2 Axis by Capsaicin: Potential Involvement of other than TRPV1 Mechanism/s. Sci Rep 2017; 7:116. [PMID: 28273917 PMCID: PMC5428011 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-00225-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2016] [Accepted: 02/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Exaggerated inflammatory responses in microglia represent one of the major risk factors for various central nervous system’s (CNS) associated pathologies. Release of excessive inflammatory mediators such as prostaglandins and cytokines are the hallmark of hyper-activated microglia. Here we have investigated the hitherto unknown effects of capsaicin (cap) - a transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) agonist- in murine primary microglia, organotypic hippocampal slice cultures (OHSCs) and human primary monocytes. Results demonstrate that cap (0.1–25 µM) significantly (p < 0.05) inhibited the release of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), 8-iso-PGF2α, and differentially regulated the levels of cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6 & IL-1β). Pharmacological blockade (via capsazepine & SB366791) and genetic deficiency of TRPV1 (TRPV1−/−) did not prevent cap-mediated suppression of PGE2 in activated microglia and OHSCs. Inhibition of PGE2 was partially dependent on the reduced levels of PGE2 synthesising enzymes, COX-2 and mPGES-1. To evaluate potential molecular targets, we discovered that cap significantly suppressed the activation of p38 MAPK and MAPKAPK2 (MK2). Altogether, we demonstrate that cap alleviates excessive inflammatory events by targeting the PGE2 pathway in in vitro and ex vivo immune cell models. These findings have broad relevance in understanding and paving new avenues for ongoing TRPV1 based drug therapies in neuroinflammatory-associated diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harsharan S Bhatia
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Freiburg Medical School, Hauptstrasse 5, D-79104, Freiburg, Germany. .,VivaCell Biotechnology GmbH, Ferdinand-Porsche-Strasse 5, D-79211, Denzlingen, Germany.
| | - Nora Roelofs
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Freiburg Medical School, Hauptstrasse 5, D-79104, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Eduardo Muñoz
- Maimonides Biomedical Research Institute of Córdoba, Reina Sofía University Hospital, Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, University of Córdoba, Avda Menéndez Pidal s/n., 14004, Córdoba, Spain.,VivaCell Biotechnology España, Parque Científico Tecnológico Rabanales 21, 14014, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Bernd L Fiebich
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Freiburg Medical School, Hauptstrasse 5, D-79104, Freiburg, Germany.,VivaCell Biotechnology GmbH, Ferdinand-Porsche-Strasse 5, D-79211, Denzlingen, Germany
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Zhao B, Pan Y, Wang Z, Xu H, Song X. Hyperbaric Oxygen Pretreatment Improves Cognition and Reduces Hippocampal Damage Via p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase in a Rat Model. Yonsei Med J 2017; 58:131-138. [PMID: 27873505 PMCID: PMC5122628 DOI: 10.3349/ymj.2017.58.1.131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2016] [Revised: 05/26/2016] [Accepted: 07/06/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate the effects of hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) pretreatment on cognitive decline and neuronal damage in an Alzheimer's disease (AD) rat model. MATERIALS AND METHODS Rats were divided into three groups: normal saline (NS), AD, and HBO+AD. In the AD group, amyloid β peptide (Aβ)₁₋₄₀ was injected into the hippocampal CA1 region of the brain. NS rats received NS injection. In the HBO+AD group, rats received 5 days of daily HBO therapy following Aβ₁₋₄₀ injection. Learning and memory capabilities were examined using the Morris water maze task. Neuronal damage and astrocyte activation were evaluated by hematoxylin-eosin staining and immunohistochemistry, respectively. Dendritic spine density was determined by Golgi-Cox staining. Tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β, and interleukin-10 production was assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Neuron apoptosis was evaluated by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling. Protein expression was examined by western blotting. RESULTS Learning and memory dysfunction was ameliorated in the HBO+AD group, as shown by significantly lower swimming distances and escape latency, compared to the AD group. Lower rates of neuronal damage, astrocyte activation, dendritic spine loss, and hippocampal neuron apoptosis were seen in the HBO+AD than in the AD group. A lower rate of hippocampal p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) phosphorylation was observed in the HBO+AD than in the AD group. CONCLUSION HBO pretreatment improves cognition and reduces hippocampal damage via p38 MAPK in AD rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baisong Zhao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yongying Pan
- Department of Anesthesiology, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zixin Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Haiping Xu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xingrong Song
- Department of Anesthesiology, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou, China.
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Park SH, Seong MA, Lee HY. p38 MAPK-induced MDM2 degradation confers paclitaxel resistance through p53-mediated regulation of EGFR in human lung cancer cells. Oncotarget 2016; 7:8184-99. [PMID: 26799187 PMCID: PMC4884985 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.6945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2015] [Accepted: 01/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Paclitaxel (PTX) is a chemotherapeutic agent that is used to treat a variety of cancers, including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, the emergence of drug resistance limits the utility of PTX. This study determined the signaling pathway that contributes to PTX resistance. We first established PTX resistant cell lines (H460/R and 226B/R) using a dose-escalating maintenance of PTX. We found that p38 MAPK and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) were constitutively activated in these cell lines. The inhibition of p38 MAPK activity by SB203580 treatment or the transfection of dominant-negative p38 MAPK sensitized both cell lines to PTX treatment. Erlotinib, an EGFR inhibitor, also increased PTX-induced apoptosis in PTX resistant cells, which suggests a role for p38 MAPK and EGFR in the development of PTX resistance. We demonstrated that p38 MAPK enhanced EGFR expression via the induction of the rapid degradation of mouse double-minute 2 homolog (MDM2) and the consequent stabilization of p53, a transcription factor of EGFR. These results suggest for the first time that the p38 MAPK/p53/EGFR axis is crucial for the facilitation of PTX resistance in NSCLCs. We also propose a mechanism for the role of the tumor-suppressor p53 in drug resistance. These results provide a foundation for the future development of potential therapeutic strategies to regulate the p38 MAPK/p53/EGFR pathway for the treatment of lung cancer patients with PTX resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shin-Hyung Park
- College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Myeong-A Seong
- College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Ho-Young Lee
- College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
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35
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Gao B, Sun W, Meng X, Xue D, Zhang W. Screening of differentially expressed protein kinases in bone marrow endothelial cells and the protective effects of the p38a inhibitor SB203580 on bone marrow in liver fibrosis. Mol Med Rep 2016; 14:4629-4637. [PMID: 27748901 PMCID: PMC5102023 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2016.5837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2015] [Accepted: 08/18/2016] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Hematological abnormalities are frequently observed in patients with liver cirrhosis (LC). A previous study demonstrated that the apoptosis and damage of endothelial cells could cause the hematological abnormalities in LC. Protein kinases are one of the most important factors that regulate cell behavior, and are potential therapeutic targets for the treatment of a number of diseases. In a previous study, whole genome profiling was used to identify differentially expressed genes in human bone marrow endothelial cells treated with serum from 26 patients with LC. From this data set, the present study identified 14 differentially expressed kinase genes in human bone marrow endothelial cells in LC from the microarray data, including p38a, AKT1 and PDK1. Pathway analysis revealed that these kinase genes were enriched in certain important LC‑associated pathways (e.g. MAPK and WNT signaling pathway). Literature mining revealed that p38a was associated with bone marrow apoptosis; therefore, p38a and its inhibitor, SB203580, were selected as potential therapeutic targets in the present study. The results of hematoxylin‑eosin and Masson's trichrome staining of livers from a rat model of liver fibrosis (LF) that underwent ligation of the bile duct demonstrated that SB203580 reduced the degree of LF. In addition, SB203580‑treated rats with LF demonstrated a significantly higher number of platelets when compared with the untreated group. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) analysis indicated that apoptosis of bone marrow tissue in rats with LF was inhibited by SB203580. In addition, the results from the immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated that SB203580 reduced the expression of von Willebrand factor and caspase 3 in the bone marrow of rats with LF. In conclusion, the results from the present study indicate that the p38a kinase inhibitor, SB203580, may exhibit a protective effect on bone marrow tissues in rats with LF. This suggests that protein kinases and their inhibitors may present novel therapeutic strategies for the treatment of hematological abnormalities in patients with LC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Gao
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150001, P.R. China
| | - Wang Sun
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150001, P.R. China
| | - Xianzhi Meng
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150001, P.R. China
| | - Dongbo Xue
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150001, P.R. China
| | - Weihui Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150001, P.R. China
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36
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Ansideri F, Lange A, El-Gokha A, Boeckler FM, Koch P. Fluorescence polarization-based assays for detecting compounds binding to inactive c-Jun N-terminal kinase 3 and p38α mitogen-activated protein kinase. Anal Biochem 2016; 503:28-40. [PMID: 26954235 DOI: 10.1016/j.ab.2016.02.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2015] [Revised: 02/25/2016] [Accepted: 02/26/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Two fluorescein-labeled pyridinylimidazoles were synthesized and evaluated as probes for the binding affinity determination of potential kinase inhibitors to the c-Jun N-terminal kinase 3 (JNK3) and p38α mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK). Fluorescence polarization (FP)-based competition binding assays were developed for both enzymes using 1-(3',6'-dihydroxy-3-oxo-3H-spiro[isobenzofuran-1,9'-xanthen]-5-yl)-3-(4-((4-(4-(4-fluorophenyl)-2-(methylthio)-1H-imidazol-5-yl)pyridin-2-yl)amino)phenyl)thiourea (5) as an FP probe (JNK3: Kd = 3.0 nM; p38α MAPK: Kd = 5.7 nM). The validation of the assays with known inhibitors of JNK3 and p38α MAPK revealed that both FP assays correlate very well with inhibition data received by the activity assays. This, in addition to the viability of both FP-based binding assays for the high-throughput screening procedure, makes the assays suitable as inexpensive prescreening protocols for JNK3 and p38α MAPK inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Ansideri
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Medicinal and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Andreas Lange
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Molecular Design and Pharmaceutical Biophysics, Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Ahmed El-Gokha
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Medicinal and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany; Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Menofia University, Menofia, Egypt
| | - Frank M Boeckler
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Molecular Design and Pharmaceutical Biophysics, Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Pierre Koch
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Medicinal and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany.
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37
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Yeo JH, Yoon SY, Kim SJ, Oh SB, Lee JH, Beitz AJ, Roh DH. Clonidine, an alpha-2 adrenoceptor agonist relieves mechanical allodynia in oxaliplatin-induced neuropathic mice; potentiation by spinal p38 MAPK inhibition without motor dysfunction and hypotension. Int J Cancer 2016; 138:2466-76. [PMID: 26704560 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.29980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2015] [Revised: 11/26/2015] [Accepted: 12/14/2015] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Cancer chemotherapy with platinum-based antineoplastic agents including oxaliplatin frequently results in a debilitating and painful peripheral neuropathy. We evaluated the antinociceptive effects of the alpha-2 adrenoceptor agonist, clonidine on oxaliplatin-induced neuropathic pain. Specifically, we determined if (i) the intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of clonidine reduces mechanical allodynia in mice with an oxaliplatin-induced neuropathy and (ii) concurrent inhibition of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) activity by the p38 MAPK inhibitor SB203580 enhances clonidine's antiallodynic effect. Clonidine (0.01-0.1 mg kg(-1), i.p.), with or without SB203580(1-10 nmol, intrathecal) was administered two weeks after oxaliplatin injection(10 mg kg(-1), i.p.) to mice. Mechanical withdrawal threshold, motor coordination and blood pressure were measured. Postmortem expression of p38 MAPK and ERK as well as their phosphorylated forms(p-p38 and p-ERK) were quantified 30 min or 4 hr after drug injection in the spinal cord dorsal horn of treated and control mice. Clonidine dose-dependently reduced oxaliplatin-induced mechanical allodynia and spinal p-p38 MAPK expression, but not p-ERK. At 0.1 mg kg(-1), clonidine also impaired motor coordination and decreased blood pressure. A 10 nmol dose of SB203580 alone significantly reduced mechanical allodynia and p-p38 MAPK expression, while a subeffective dose(3 nmol) potentiated the antiallodynic effect of 0.03 mg kg(-1) clonidine and reduced the increased p-p38 MAPK. Coadministration of SB203580 and 0.03 mg kg(-1) clonidine decreased allodynia similar to that of 0.10 mg kg(-1) clonidine, but without significant motor or vascular effects. These findings demonstrate that clonidine treatment reduces oxaliplatin-induced mechanical allodynia. The concurrent administration of SB203580 reduces the dosage requirements for clonidine, thereby alleviating allodynia without producing undesirable motor or cardiovascular effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji-Hee Yeo
- Department of Oral Physiology and Research Center for Tooth and Periodontal Tissue Regeneration, School of Dentistry, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Seo-Yeon Yoon
- Pain Cognitive Function Research Center, Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences College of Natural Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Department of Neurobiology and Physiology, Dental Research Institute, School of Dentistry, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sol-Ji Kim
- Department of Oral Physiology and Research Center for Tooth and Periodontal Tissue Regeneration, School of Dentistry, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Seog-Bae Oh
- Pain Cognitive Function Research Center, Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences College of Natural Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Department of Neurobiology and Physiology, Dental Research Institute, School of Dentistry, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jang-Hern Lee
- Department of Veterinary Physiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Alvin J Beitz
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, St Paul, MN
| | - Dae-Hyun Roh
- Department of Oral Physiology and Research Center for Tooth and Periodontal Tissue Regeneration, School of Dentistry, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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38
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Sergi CM. Hepatocellular Carcinoma, Fibrolamellar Variant: Diagnostic Pathologic Criteria and Molecular Pathology Update. A Primer. Diagnostics (Basel) 2015; 6:diagnostics6010003. [PMID: 26838800 PMCID: PMC4808818 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics6010003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2015] [Revised: 12/21/2015] [Accepted: 12/23/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Fibrolamellar hepatocellular carcinoma (FL-HCC) is generally a fairly rare event in routine pathology practice. This variant of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is peculiarly intriguing and,in addition, poorly understood. Young people or children are often the target individuals with this type of cancer. Previously, I highlighted some pathology aspects of FL-HCC, but in this review, the distinctive clinico-pathologic features of FL-HCC and the diagnostic pathologic criteria of FL-HCC are fractionally reviewed and expanded upon. Further, molecular genetics update data with reference to this specific tumor are particularly highlighted as a primer for general pathologists and pediatric histopathologists. FL-HCC may present with metastases, and regional lymph nodes may be sites of metastatic spread. However, peritoneal and pulmonary metastatic foci have also been reported. To the best of our knowledge, FL-HCC was initially considered having an indolent course, but survival outcomes have recently been updated reconsidering the prognosis of this tumor. Patients seem to respond well to surgical resection, but recurrences are common. Thus, alternative therapies, such as chemotherapy and radiation, are ongoing. Overall, it seems that this aspect has not been well-studied for this variant of HCC and should be considered as target for future clinical trials. Remarkably, FL-HCC data seem to point to a liver neoplasm of uncertain origin and unveiled outcome. A functional chimeric transcript incorporating DNAJB1 and PRKACA was recently added to FL-HCC. This sensational result may give remarkable insights into the understanding of this rare disease and potentially provide the basis for its specific diagnostic marker. Detection of DNAJB1-PRKACA seems to be, indeed, a very sensitive and specific finding in supporting the diagnosis of FL-HCC. In a quite diffuse opinion, prognosis of this tumor should be reconsidered following the potentially mandatory application of new molecular biological tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Consolato M Sergi
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, 8440 112 St., AB T6G2B7, Canada.
- Department of Pediatrics, Stollery Children's Hospital, Edmonton, AB T6G2B7, Canada.
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39
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Salgado E, Bes-Rastrollo M, de Irala J, Carmona L, Gómez-Reino JJ. High Sodium Intake Is Associated With Self-Reported Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Cross Sectional and Case Control Analysis Within the SUN Cohort. Medicine (Baltimore) 2015; 94:e0924. [PMID: 26376372 PMCID: PMC4635786 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000000924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Sodium intake is a potential environmental factor for immune-mediated inflammatory diseases. The aim of this study is to investigate the association of sodium intake with rheumatoid arthritis. We performed a cross-sectional study nested in a highly educated cohort investigating dietary habits as determinants of disease. Daily sodium intake in grams per day was estimated from a validated food frequency questionnaire. We identified prevalent self-reported cases of rheumatoid arthritis. Logistic regression models were used to estimate the odds ratio for rheumatoid arthritis by sodium intake adjusting for confounders. Linear trend tests and interactions between variables were explored. Sensitivity analyses included age- and sex-matched case-control study, logistic multivariate model adjusted by residuals, and analysis excluding individuals with prevalent diabetes or cardiovascular disease. The effective sample size was 18,555 individuals (mean age 38-years old, 60% women) including 392 self-reported rheumatoid arthritis. Median daily sodium intake (estimated from foods plus added salt) was 3.47 (P25-75: 2.63-4.55) grams. Total sodium intake in the fourth quartile showed a significant association with rheumatoid arthritis (fully adjusted odds ratio 1.5; 95% CI 1.1-2.1, P for trend = 0.02). Never smokers with high sodium intake had higher association than ever smokers with high sodium intake (P for interaction = 0.007). Dose-dependent association was replicated in the case-control study. High sodium intake may be associated with a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis. This confirms previous clinical and experimental research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Salgado
- From the Rheumatology Unit, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Santiago de Compostela, IDIS Ramon Dominguez, Santiago, A Coruña (ES, LC, JJG-R); Rheumatology Unit, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Ourense, Ourense (ES); Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, School of Medicine, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Navarra (MB-R, JDI); Instituto de Salud Musculoesquelética; Universidad Camilo José Cela, Madrid (LC); and Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, A Coruña, Spain (JJG-R)
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40
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Cheng B, Lin Y, Kuang M, Fang S, Gu Q, Xu J, Wang L. Synthesis and Anti-neuroinflammatory Activity of Lactone Benzoyl Hydrazine and 2-nitro-1-phenyl-1H
-Indole Derivatives as p38α
MAPK Inhibitors. Chem Biol Drug Des 2015; 86:1121-30. [DOI: 10.1111/cbdd.12581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2015] [Revised: 04/08/2015] [Accepted: 04/27/2015] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Bao Cheng
- Guangdong Metabolic Diseases Research Center of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine; Guangdong TCM Key Laboratory against Metabolic Diseases; Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Centre; Guangdong Pharmaceutical University; Guangzhou 510006 China
| | - Yongsheng Lin
- Research Center for Drug Discovery; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences; Sun Yat-Sen University; Guangzhou 510006 China
| | - Ming Kuang
- Guangdong Metabolic Diseases Research Center of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine; Guangdong TCM Key Laboratory against Metabolic Diseases; Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Centre; Guangdong Pharmaceutical University; Guangzhou 510006 China
| | - Sai Fang
- Research Center for Drug Discovery; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences; Sun Yat-Sen University; Guangzhou 510006 China
| | - Qiong Gu
- Research Center for Drug Discovery; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences; Sun Yat-Sen University; Guangzhou 510006 China
| | - Jun Xu
- Research Center for Drug Discovery; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences; Sun Yat-Sen University; Guangzhou 510006 China
| | - Laiyou Wang
- Guangdong Metabolic Diseases Research Center of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine; Guangdong TCM Key Laboratory against Metabolic Diseases; Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Centre; Guangdong Pharmaceutical University; Guangzhou 510006 China
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41
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Glossop P, Whitlock G, Gibson K. Small-molecule anti-inflammatory drug compositions for the treatment of asthma: a patent review (2013 - 2014). Expert Opin Ther Pat 2015; 25:743-54. [PMID: 25972122 DOI: 10.1517/13543776.2015.1041923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Asthma is a chronic condition affecting 235 million people worldwide, with prevalence continuing to increase. A significant number of patients have poorly controlled asthma but despite this, a new mechanistic class of small-molecule asthma therapy has not emerged over the past 15 years. AREAS COVERED In this article, the authors review the published patent literature from 2013 to 2014 that describes the discovery of novel small-molecule anti-inflammatory agents for the treatment of asthma. This patent analysis was performed using multiple search engines including SciFinder and Free Patents Online. EXPERT OPINION This review highlights that significant research is still directed towards the development of novel anti-inflammatory agents for the treatment of asthma. Current standard-of-care therapies are given topically to the lung via an inhaled dose, which the authors believe can offer significant advantages in terms of efficacy and therapeutic index, compared with an oral dose. Several of the patents reviewed disclose preferred compounds and data that suggest an inhaled approach is being specifically pursued. The patents reviewed target a wide range of inflammatory pathways, although none have yet delivered an approved novel medicine for asthma; this gives an indication of both the opportunity and challenge involved in such an endeavor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Glossop
- Sandexis Medicinal Chemistry Ltd , Innovation House, Discovery Park, Ramsgate Road, Sandwich, Kent, CT13 9ND , UK +44 0 1304 892369 ;
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Astolfi A, Iraci N, Manfroni G, Barreca ML, Cecchetti V. A Comprehensive Structural Overview of p38α MAPK in Complex with Type I Inhibitors. ChemMedChem 2015; 10:957-69. [PMID: 26012502 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.201500030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2015] [Revised: 03/05/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
p38α mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) is a well-recognized therapeutic target for the treatment of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. Over the past two decades, tremendous efforts have been focused on the discovery and development of small-molecule p38α MAPK inhibitors, although currently no drugs targeting this protein are clinically available. Therefore, the identification of novel chemotypes that are able to inhibit p38α MAPK function is still of great therapeutic significance. With the objective to support drug discovery programs aimed at identifying new immunomodulators acting on p38α MAPK, herein we present a complete overview of the available crystal structures of this protein in complex with ATP-site type I inhibitors. The 85 available complexes are classified by chemotype and experimental binding mode, and the ligand-protein interactions are discussed using the most representative inhibitors. The type and frequency of key inhibitor features are analyzed to give a final summary of the chemical requirements of promising p38α MAPK inhibitors. The proposed pharmacophore can be exploited to enhance the opportunities to identify novel type I inhibitors of p38α MAPK.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Astolfi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, Via A. Fabretti 48, 06123 Perugia (Italy)
| | - Nunzio Iraci
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, Via A. Fabretti 48, 06123 Perugia (Italy)
| | - Giuseppe Manfroni
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, Via A. Fabretti 48, 06123 Perugia (Italy)
| | - Maria Letizia Barreca
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, Via A. Fabretti 48, 06123 Perugia (Italy).
| | - Violetta Cecchetti
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, Via A. Fabretti 48, 06123 Perugia (Italy)
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43
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Sabatini S, Manfroni G, Barreca ML, Bauer SM, Gargaro M, Cannalire R, Astolfi A, Brea J, Vacca C, Pirro M, Massari S, Tabarrini O, Loza MI, Fallarino F, Laufer SA, Cecchetti V. The Pyrazolobenzothiazine Core as a New Chemotype of p38 Alpha Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Inhibitors. Chem Biol Drug Des 2015; 86:531-45. [DOI: 10.1111/cbdd.12516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2014] [Revised: 12/19/2014] [Accepted: 01/05/2015] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Sabatini
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences; University of Perugia; Via A. Fabretti, 48 06123 Perugia Italy
| | - Giuseppe Manfroni
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences; University of Perugia; Via A. Fabretti, 48 06123 Perugia Italy
| | - Maria Letizia Barreca
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences; University of Perugia; Via A. Fabretti, 48 06123 Perugia Italy
| | - Silke M. Bauer
- Department of Pharmaceutical & Medicinal Chemistry; Institute of Pharmacy; Eberhard-Karls University Tuebingen; Auf der Morgenstelle 8 72076 Tuebingen Germany
| | - Marco Gargaro
- Department of Experimental Medicine; University of Perugia; Piazzale Gambuli 06100 Perugia Italy
| | - Rolando Cannalire
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences; University of Perugia; Via A. Fabretti, 48 06123 Perugia Italy
| | - Andrea Astolfi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences; University of Perugia; Via A. Fabretti, 48 06123 Perugia Italy
| | - Jose Brea
- CIMUS Research Center; University of Santiago de Compostela; Avda de Barcelona s/n, Planta 3. Despacho 1 15782 Santiago de Compostela Spain
| | - Carmine Vacca
- Department of Experimental Medicine; University of Perugia; Piazzale Gambuli 06100 Perugia Italy
| | - Matteo Pirro
- Department of Medicine; University of Perugia; Piazzale Gambuli 06100 Perugia Italy
| | - Serena Massari
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences; University of Perugia; Via A. Fabretti, 48 06123 Perugia Italy
| | - Oriana Tabarrini
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences; University of Perugia; Via A. Fabretti, 48 06123 Perugia Italy
| | - Maria Isabel Loza
- CIMUS Research Center; University of Santiago de Compostela; Avda de Barcelona s/n, Planta 3. Despacho 1 15782 Santiago de Compostela Spain
| | - Francesca Fallarino
- Department of Experimental Medicine; University of Perugia; Piazzale Gambuli 06100 Perugia Italy
| | - Stefan A. Laufer
- Department of Pharmaceutical & Medicinal Chemistry; Institute of Pharmacy; Eberhard-Karls University Tuebingen; Auf der Morgenstelle 8 72076 Tuebingen Germany
| | - Violetta Cecchetti
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences; University of Perugia; Via A. Fabretti, 48 06123 Perugia Italy
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Babu KS, Morjaria JB. Emerging therapeutic strategies in COPD. Drug Discov Today 2014; 20:371-9. [PMID: 25462534 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2014.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2014] [Revised: 10/19/2014] [Accepted: 11/06/2014] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) management is changing with the advent of newer inhaled medications and devices that belong to the current group of therapies [i.e. inhaled corticosteroid (ICS), long-acting β2 agonists (LABAs) and long-acting muscarinic antagonists (LAMAs)], providing patients as well as physicians with a wider range of options. In this review, we examine Phase II studies currently underway in COPD patients. With improved understanding of the condition, the role for biological and immunomodulatory therapies in COPD patients is also an interesting and important aspect looked upon with great enthusiasm. It is indeed interesting to note that the future COPD treatment options could include novel interventional strategies in addition to innovative inhaled therapies, which have been the backbone of COPD management for the past couple of decades.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kesavan S Babu
- Dept of Respiratory Medicine, Queen Alexandra Hospital, Southwick Road, Cosham, Portsmouth PO6 3LY, UK
| | - Jaymin B Morjaria
- Dept of Academic Respiratory Medicine, Hull York Medical School, University of Hull, Castle Hill Hospital, Castle Road, Cottingham HU16 5JQ, UK.
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Small-molecule inhibitors for autoimmune arthritis: success, failure and the future. Eur J Pharmacol 2014; 747:200-5. [PMID: 25220243 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2014.08.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2014] [Revised: 08/21/2014] [Accepted: 08/24/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Treatment of patients with aggressive autoimmune arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), is a considerable challenge for physicians, particularly rheumatologists. Because of the nature of autoimmune arthritis, effective and complete suppression of disease activity has been the primary therapeutic goal. Although currently available disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) can successfully control the disease progression in a large proportion of patients, the benefit/risk ratio is not very much satisfied. The introduction of biologic agents such as anti-tumor necrosis factor-α, anti-interleukin-6, and anti-CD20 brings significant help to those patients with an inadequate response to treatment with DMARDs. In considering the limitation of currently available DMARDs and biologics, the development of new DMARDs, small-molecule inhibitors (SMIs), has recently emerged. In the past few years, a great volume of knowledge has been revealed from the experience of examining the usefulness of several SMIs for therapeutics of autoimmune arthritis. This paper addresses the up-to-date knowledge regarding autoimmune arthritis, therapeutics, findings from recently developed SMIs and the benefits and drawbacks of the development of SMIs. In addition, perspectives on the future development of SMIs for autoimmune arthritis will be described and discussed.
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SHEN YUANYUAN, DU YINGYING, ZHANG YING, PAN YUEYIN. Synergistic effects of combined treatment with simvastatin and exemestane on MCF-7 human breast cancer cells. Mol Med Rep 2012; 12:456-62. [DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2015.3406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2014] [Accepted: 01/27/2015] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
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