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Sorraksa N, Kaokaen P, Kunhorm P, Heebkaew N, Promjantuek W, Noisa P. Rapid induction of dopaminergic neuron-like cells from human fibroblasts by autophagy activation with only 2-small molecules. 3 Biotech 2024; 14:115. [PMID: 38524239 PMCID: PMC10954591 DOI: 10.1007/s13205-024-03957-0] [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: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
The dopaminergic neurons are responsible for the release of dopamine. Several diseases that affect motor function, including Parkinson's disease (PD), are rooted in inadequate dopamine (DA) neurotransmission. The study's goal was to create a quick way to make dopaminergic neuron-like cells from human fibroblasts (hNF) using only two small molecules: hedgehog pathway inhibitor 1 (HPI-1) and neurodazine (NZ). Two small compounds have been shown to induce the transdifferentiation of hNF cells into dopaminergic neuron-like cells. After 10 days of treatment, hNF cells had a big drop in fibroblastic markers (Col1A1, KRT18, and Elastin) and a rise in neuron marker genes (TUJ1, PAX6, and SOX1). Different proteins and factors related to dopaminergic neurons (TH, TUJ1, and dopamine) were significantly increased in cells that behave like dopaminergic neurons after treatment. A study of the autophagy signaling pathway showed that apoptotic genes were downregulated while autophagy genes (LC3, ATG5, and ATG12) were significantly upregulated. Our results showed that treating hNF cells with both HPI-1 and NZ together can quickly change them into mature neurons that have dopaminergic activity. However, the current understanding of the underlying mechanisms involved in nerve guidance remains unstable and complex. Ongoing research in this field must continue to advance for a more in-depth understanding. This is crucial for the safe and highly effective clinical application of the knowledge gained to promote neural regeneration in different neurological diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natchadaporn Sorraksa
- Laboratory of Cell-Based Assays and Innovations, School of Biotechnology, Institute of Agricultural Technology, Suranaree University of Technology, 111 University Avenue, Nakhon Ratchasima, 30000 Thailand
| | - Palakorn Kaokaen
- Laboratory of Cell-Based Assays and Innovations, School of Biotechnology, Institute of Agricultural Technology, Suranaree University of Technology, 111 University Avenue, Nakhon Ratchasima, 30000 Thailand
| | - Phongsakorn Kunhorm
- Laboratory of Cell-Based Assays and Innovations, School of Biotechnology, Institute of Agricultural Technology, Suranaree University of Technology, 111 University Avenue, Nakhon Ratchasima, 30000 Thailand
| | - Nudjanad Heebkaew
- Laboratory of Cell-Based Assays and Innovations, School of Biotechnology, Institute of Agricultural Technology, Suranaree University of Technology, 111 University Avenue, Nakhon Ratchasima, 30000 Thailand
| | - Wilasinee Promjantuek
- Laboratory of Cell-Based Assays and Innovations, School of Biotechnology, Institute of Agricultural Technology, Suranaree University of Technology, 111 University Avenue, Nakhon Ratchasima, 30000 Thailand
| | - Parinya Noisa
- Laboratory of Cell-Based Assays and Innovations, School of Biotechnology, Institute of Agricultural Technology, Suranaree University of Technology, 111 University Avenue, Nakhon Ratchasima, 30000 Thailand
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Bian Y, Hahn H, Uhmann A. The hidden hedgehog of the pituitary: hedgehog signaling in development, adulthood and disease of the hypothalamic-pituitary axis. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1219018. [PMID: 37476499 PMCID: PMC10355329 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1219018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Hedgehog signaling plays pivotal roles in embryonic development, adult homeostasis and tumorigenesis. However, its engagement in the pituitary gland has been long underestimated although Hedgehog signaling and pituitary embryogenic development are closely linked. Thus, deregulation of this signaling pathway during pituitary development results in malformation of the gland. Research of the last years further implicates a regulatory role of Hedgehog signaling in the function of the adult pituitary, because its activity is also interlinked with homeostasis, hormone production, and most likely also formation of neoplasms of the gland. The fact that this pathway can be efficiently targeted by validated therapeutic strategies makes it a promising candidate for treating pituitary diseases. We here summarize the current knowledge about the importance of Hedgehog signaling during pituitary development and review recent data that highlight the impact of Hedgehog signaling in the healthy and the diseased adult pituitary gland.
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He CH, Lv JM, Khan GJ, Duan H, Wang W, Zhai KF, Zou GA, Aisa HA. Total flavonoid extract from Dracocephalum moldavica L. improves pulmonary fibrosis by reducing inflammation and inhibiting the hedgehog signaling pathway. Phytother Res 2023. [PMID: 36794391 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.7771] [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: 08/28/2022] [Revised: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 12/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/17/2023]
Abstract
Dracocephalum Moldavica L. is a traditional herb for improving pharynx and relieving cough. However, the effect on pulmonary fibrosis is not clear. In this study, we explored the impact and molecular mechanism of total flavonoid extract from Dracocephalum moldavica L. (TFDM) on bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis mouse model. Lung function testing, lung inflammation and fibrosis, and the related factors were detected by the lung function analysis system, HE and Masson staining, ELISA, respectively. The expression of proteins was studied through Western Blot, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence while the expression of genes was analyzed by RT-PCR. The results showed that TFDM significantly improved lung function in mice, reduced the content of inflammatory factors, thereby reducing the inflammation. It was found that expression of collagen type I, fibronectin, and α-smooth muscle actin was significantly decreased by TFDM. The results further showed that TFDM interferes with hedgehog signaling pathway by decreasing the expression of Shh, Ptch1, and SMO proteins and thereby inhibiting the generation of downstream target gene Gli1 and thus improving pulmonary fibrosis. Conclusively, these findings suggest that TFDM improve pulmonary fibrosis by reducing inflammation and inhibition of the hedgehog signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng-Hui He
- State Key Laboratory Basis of Xinjiang Indigenous Medicinal Plants Resource Utilization, Xinjiang Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Urumqi, China
- Pharmaceutical Preparation Laboratory, Xinjiang Medicine Research Institute, Urumqi, China
- Xinjiang Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jia-Min Lv
- Pharmaceutical Preparation Laboratory, Xinjiang Medicine Research Institute, Urumqi, China
- Engineering Research Center for Development and High Value Utilization of Genuine Medicinal Materials in North Anhui Province, School of Biological and Food Engineering, Suzhou University, Suzhou, China
| | - Ghulam Jilany Khan
- Department of Pharmacology and therapeutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Central Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Hong Duan
- Engineering Research Center for Development and High Value Utilization of Genuine Medicinal Materials in North Anhui Province, School of Biological and Food Engineering, Suzhou University, Suzhou, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Engineering Research Center for Development and High Value Utilization of Genuine Medicinal Materials in North Anhui Province, School of Biological and Food Engineering, Suzhou University, Suzhou, China
| | - Ke-Feng Zhai
- Pharmaceutical Preparation Laboratory, Xinjiang Medicine Research Institute, Urumqi, China
- Engineering Research Center for Development and High Value Utilization of Genuine Medicinal Materials in North Anhui Province, School of Biological and Food Engineering, Suzhou University, Suzhou, China
| | - Guo-An Zou
- State Key Laboratory Basis of Xinjiang Indigenous Medicinal Plants Resource Utilization, Xinjiang Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Urumqi, China
| | - Haji Akber Aisa
- State Key Laboratory Basis of Xinjiang Indigenous Medicinal Plants Resource Utilization, Xinjiang Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Urumqi, China
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Smyczynska U, Stanczak M, Kuljanin M, Włodarczyk A, Stoczynska-Fidelus E, Taha J, Pawlik B, Borowiec M, Mancias JD, Mlynarski W, Rieske P, Fendler W, Zmysłowska A. Proteomic and Transcriptomic Landscapes of Alström and Bardet-Biedl Syndromes. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13122370. [PMID: 36553637 PMCID: PMC9777683 DOI: 10.3390/genes13122370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2022] [Revised: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Alström syndrome (ALMS) and Bardet-Biedl syndrome (BBS) are rare genetic diseases with a number of common clinical features ranging from early-childhood obesity and retinal degeneration. ALMS and BBS belong to the ciliopathies, which are known to have the expression products of genes, encoding them as cilia-localized proteins in multiple target organs. The aim of this study was to perform transcriptomic and proteomic analysis on cellular models of ALMS and BBS syndromes to identify common and distinct pathological mechanisms present in both syndromes. For this purpose, epithelial cells were isolated from the urine of patients and healthy subjects, which were then cultured and reprogrammed into induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells. The pathways of genes associated with the metabolism of lipids and glycosaminoglycan and the transport of small molecules were found to be concomitantly downregulated in both diseases, while transcripts related to signal transduction, the immune system, cell cycle control and DNA replication and repair were upregulated. Furthermore, protein pathways associated with autophagy, apoptosis, cilium assembly and Gli1 protein were upregulated in both ciliopathies. These results provide new insights into the common and divergent pathogenic pathways between two similar genetic syndromes, particularly in relation to primary cilium function and abnormalities in cell differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Urszula Smyczynska
- Department of Biostatistics and Translational Medicine, Medical University of Lodz, 92-215 Lodz, Poland
| | - Marcin Stanczak
- Department of Biostatistics and Translational Medicine, Medical University of Lodz, 92-215 Lodz, Poland
| | - Miljan Kuljanin
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Aneta Włodarczyk
- Department of Tumor Biology, Medical University of Lodz, 90-752 Lodz, Poland
| | | | - Joanna Taha
- Central Laboratory for Genetic Research in Pediatric Oncology “Oncolab”, Medical University of Lodz, 90-752 Lodz, Poland
| | - Bartłomiej Pawlik
- Department of Pediatrics, Oncology and Hematology, Medical University of Lodz, 90-752 Lodz, Poland
- Postgraduate School of Molecular Medicine, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-004 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Maciej Borowiec
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Medical University of Lodz, 90-419 Lodz, Poland
| | - Joseph D. Mancias
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Wojciech Mlynarski
- Department of Pediatrics, Oncology and Hematology, Medical University of Lodz, 90-752 Lodz, Poland
| | - Piotr Rieske
- Department of Tumor Biology, Medical University of Lodz, 90-752 Lodz, Poland
| | - Wojciech Fendler
- Department of Biostatistics and Translational Medicine, Medical University of Lodz, 92-215 Lodz, Poland
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Agnieszka Zmysłowska
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Medical University of Lodz, 90-419 Lodz, Poland
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +48-42-272-57-67
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Li CL, Fang ZX, Wu Z, Hou YY, Wu HT, Liu J. Repurposed itraconazole for use in the treatment of malignancies as a promising therapeutic strategy. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 154:113616. [PMID: 36055112 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Revised: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Understanding cancer biology and the development of novel agents for cancer treatment has always been the goal of cancer researchers. However, the research and development of new drugs is hindered by its long development time, exorbitant cost, high regulatory hurdles, and staggering failure rates. Given the challenges involved drug development for cancer therapies, alternative strategies, in particular the repurposing of 'old' drugs that have been approved for other indications, are attractive. Itraconazole is an FDA-approved anti-fungal drug of the triazole class, and has been used clinically for more than 30 years. Recent drug repurposing screens revealed itraconazole exerts anti-cancer activity via inhibiting angiogenesis and multiple oncogenic signaling pathways. To explore the potential utilization of itraconazole in different types of malignancies, we retrieved the published literature relating to itraconazole in cancer and reviewed the mechanisms of itraconazole in preclinical and clinical cancer studies. Current research predicts the hedgehog signaling pathway as the main target by which itraconazole inhibits a variety of solid and hematological cancers. As clinical trial results become available, itraconazole could emerge as a new antitumor drug that can be used in combination with first-line antitumor drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun-Lan Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Breast Cancer, Cancer Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China; Department of Physiology/Changjiang Scholar's Laboratory, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China
| | - Ze-Xuan Fang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Breast Cancer, Cancer Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China; Department of Physiology/Changjiang Scholar's Laboratory, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China
| | - Zheng Wu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Breast Cancer, Cancer Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China; Department of Physiology/Changjiang Scholar's Laboratory, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China
| | - Yan-Yu Hou
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Breast Cancer, Cancer Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China; Department of Physiology/Changjiang Scholar's Laboratory, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China
| | - Hua-Tao Wu
- Department of General Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China
| | - Jing Liu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Breast Cancer, Cancer Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China
- Department of Physiology/Changjiang Scholar's Laboratory, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China
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