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Chen ZX, Jia WN, Sun Y, Jiang YX. Genotype-phenotype profile of global ASPH-associated ectopia lentis and clinical findings from a Chinese cohort. Gene 2024; 925:148600. [PMID: 38788814 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2024.148600] [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: 02/23/2024] [Revised: 05/01/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Traboulsi syndrome is an under-recognized syndromic form of ectopia lentis (EL) caused by the aspartate beta-Hydroxylase (ASPH) variant. The genotype-phenotype profile of ASPH-associated disease is poorly understood due to the rarity of the condition. METHODS We conducted targeted next-generation sequencing and bioinformatics analysis to identify potentially pathogenic ASPH variants in the cohort. Furthermore, we characterized the expression pattern of ASPH and major components of the zonules using single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) and evaluated the genotype-phenotype correlations by combining our data and those from the literature. RESULTS We identified a novel missense variant c.2075G > A (p.G692D) and a recurrent nonsense variant c.1126C > G (p.R376*) of ASPH in two pedigrees from a Chinese cohort of EL. Both probands were 5-year-old boys with canonical facial dysmorphisms and bilateral anteriorly-dislocated lenses. Other ocular comorbidities included microspherophakia, shallow anterior chamber, and narrow chamber angel. No cardiac involvements or filtering blebs were identified. The single-cell expression atlas of ciliary epithelium demonstrated the coexpression of ASPH with FBN1, FBN2, and LTBP2 in the non-pigmented ciliary epithelium cells. Furthermore, molecular modeling simulation of p.G692D revealed increased affinity to the cb EGF-like domain and a subsequent destabilized calcium-binding motif. The genotype-phenotype analysis demonstrated that patients with cardiac involvements all harbored biallelic truncation variants. CONCLUSIONS The data from this study provide new insights into the genotype-phenotype profile of ASPH-associated disease and implicate the potential role of ASPH in the pathogenesis of EL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ze-Xu Chen
- Eye Institute and Department of Ophthalmology, Eye & ENT Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200031, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Myopia (Fudan University), Key Laboratory of Myopia, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Visual Impairment and Restoration, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Wan-Nan Jia
- Eye Institute and Department of Ophthalmology, Eye & ENT Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200031, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Myopia (Fudan University), Key Laboratory of Myopia, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Visual Impairment and Restoration, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Yang Sun
- Eye Institute and Department of Ophthalmology, Eye & ENT Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200031, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Myopia (Fudan University), Key Laboratory of Myopia, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Visual Impairment and Restoration, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Yong-Xiang Jiang
- Eye Institute and Department of Ophthalmology, Eye & ENT Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200031, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Myopia (Fudan University), Key Laboratory of Myopia, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Visual Impairment and Restoration, Shanghai 200031, China.
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Krishnan A, Waheed SO, Melayikandy S, LaRouche C, Paik M, Schofield CJ, Karabencheva-Christova TG. Effects of Clinical Mutations in the Second Coordination Sphere and Remote Regions on the Catalytic Mechanism of Non-Heme Fe(II)/2-Oxoglutarate-Dependent Aspartyl Hydroxylase AspH. Chemphyschem 2024; 25:e202400303. [PMID: 38839574 DOI: 10.1002/cphc.202400303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2024] [Revised: 06/04/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
Aspartyl/asparaginyl hydroxylase (AspH) catalyzes the post-translational hydroxylations of vital human proteins, playing an essential role in maintaining their biological functions. Single-point mutations in the Second Coordination Sphere (SCS) and long-range (LR) residues of AspH have been linked to pathological conditions such as the ophthalmologic condition Traboulsi syndrome and chronic kidney disease (CKD). Although the clinical impacts of these mutations are established, there is a critical knowledge gap regarding their specific atomistic effects on the catalytic mechanism of AspH. In this study, we report integrated computational investigations on the potential mechanistic implications of four mutant forms of human AspH with clinical importance: R735W, R735Q, R688Q, and G434V. All the mutant forms exhibited altered binding interactions with the co-substrate 2-oxoglutarate (2OG) and the main substrate in the ferric-superoxo and ferryl complexes, which are critical for catalysis, compared to the wild-type (WT). Importantly, the mutations strongly influence the energetics of the frontier molecular orbitals (FMOs) and, thereby, the activation energies for the hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) step compared to the WT AspH. Insights from our study can contribute to enzyme engineering and the development of selective modulators for WT and mutants of AspH, ultimately aiding in treating cancers, Traboulsi syndrome and, CKD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anandhu Krishnan
- Department of Chemistry, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, MI-49931, USA
| | - Sodiq O Waheed
- Department of Chemistry, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, MI-49931, USA
| | - Sreerag Melayikandy
- Department of Chemistry, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, MI-49931, USA
| | - Ciara LaRouche
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Michigan Techno, Department of Chemistry, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, MI-49931, USA
| | - Meredith Paik
- Department of Chemistry, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, MI-49931, USA
| | - Christopher J Schofield
- Chemistry Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry and the Ineos Oxford Institute for Antimicrobial Research, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 3TA, United Kingdom
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Jaime-Lara RB, Colina-Prisco C, De Jesus Vega M, Williams S, Usdin T, Matikainen-Ankney B, Kinkead A, Brooks B, Wang Y, Franks AT, Kravitz A, Joseph PV. Diet-Induced Obesity Induces Transcriptomic Changes in Neuroimmunometabolic-Related Genes in the Striatum and Olfactory Bulb. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:9330. [PMID: 39273278 PMCID: PMC11395036 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25179330] [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: 07/15/2024] [Revised: 08/20/2024] [Accepted: 08/23/2024] [Indexed: 09/15/2024] Open
Abstract
The incidence of obesity has markedly increased globally over the last several decades and is believed to be associated with the easier availability of energy-dense foods, including high-fat foods. The reinforcing hedonic properties of high-fat foods, including olfactory cues, activate reward centers in the brain, motivating eating behavior. Thus, there is a growing interest in the understanding of the genetic changes that occur in the brain that are associated with obesity and eating behavior. This growing interest has paralleled advances in genomic methods that enable transcriptomic-wide analyses. Here, we examined the transcriptomic-level differences in the olfactory bulb and striatum, regions of the brain associated with olfaction and hedonic food-seeking, respectively, in high-fat-diet (HFD)-fed obese mice. To isolate the dietary effects from obesity, we also examined transcriptomic changes in normal-chow-fed and limited-HFD-fed groups, with the latter being pair-fed with an HFD isocaloric to the consumption of the normal-chow-fed mice. Using RNA sequencing, we identified 274 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the striatum and 11 in the olfactory bulb of ad libitum HFD-fed mice compared to the chow-fed group, and thirty-eight DEGs in the striatum between the ad libitum HFD and limited-HFD-fed groups. The DEGs in both tissues were associated with inflammation and immune-related pathways, including oxidative stress and immune function, and with mitochondrial dysfunction and reward pathways in the striatum. These results shed light on potential obesity-associated genes in these regions of the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosario B Jaime-Lara
- National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
- National Institute of Nursing Research, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
- School of Nursing, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Claudia Colina-Prisco
- National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
- National Institute of Nursing Research, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | | | - Sarah Williams
- National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Ted Usdin
- National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | | | - Alayna Kinkead
- National Institute of Nursing Research, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Brianna Brooks
- National Institute of Nursing Research, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Yupeng Wang
- National Institute of Nursing Research, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Alexis T Franks
- National Institute of Nursing Research, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Alexxai Kravitz
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Paule V Joseph
- National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
- National Institute of Nursing Research, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
- National Smell and Taste Center, National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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Leone R, Zuglian C, Brambilla R, Morella I. Understanding copy number variations through their genes: a molecular view on 16p11.2 deletion and duplication syndromes. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1407865. [PMID: 38948459 PMCID: PMC11211608 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1407865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) include a broad spectrum of pathological conditions that affect >4% of children worldwide, share common features and present a variegated genetic origin. They include clinically defined diseases, such as autism spectrum disorders (ASD), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), motor disorders such as Tics and Tourette's syndromes, but also much more heterogeneous conditions like intellectual disability (ID) and epilepsy. Schizophrenia (SCZ) has also recently been proposed to belong to NDDs. Relatively common causes of NDDs are copy number variations (CNVs), characterised by the gain or the loss of a portion of a chromosome. In this review, we focus on deletions and duplications at the 16p11.2 chromosomal region, associated with NDDs, ID, ASD but also epilepsy and SCZ. Some of the core phenotypes presented by human carriers could be recapitulated in animal and cellular models, which also highlighted prominent neurophysiological and signalling alterations underpinning 16p11.2 CNVs-associated phenotypes. In this review, we also provide an overview of the genes within the 16p11.2 locus, including those with partially known or unknown function as well as non-coding RNAs. A particularly interesting interplay was observed between MVP and MAPK3 in modulating some of the pathological phenotypes associated with the 16p11.2 deletion. Elucidating their role in intracellular signalling and their functional links will be a key step to devise novel therapeutic strategies for 16p11.2 CNVs-related syndromes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Leone
- Università di Pavia, Dipartimento di Biologia e Biotecnologie “Lazzaro Spallanzani”, Pavia, Italy
| | - Cecilia Zuglian
- Università di Pavia, Dipartimento di Biologia e Biotecnologie “Lazzaro Spallanzani”, Pavia, Italy
| | - Riccardo Brambilla
- Università di Pavia, Dipartimento di Biologia e Biotecnologie “Lazzaro Spallanzani”, Pavia, Italy
- Cardiff University, School of Biosciences, Neuroscience and Mental Health Innovation Institute, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Ilaria Morella
- Cardiff University, School of Biosciences, Neuroscience and Mental Health Innovation Institute, Cardiff, United Kingdom
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Smahelova J, Pokryvkova B, Stovickova E, Grega M, Vencalek O, Smahel M, Koucky V, Malerova S, Klozar J, Tachezy R. Aspartate-β-hydroxylase and hypoxia marker expression in head and neck carcinomas: implications for HPV-associated tumors. Infect Agent Cancer 2024; 19:26. [PMID: 38858774 PMCID: PMC11163809 DOI: 10.1186/s13027-024-00588-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A proportion of head and neck carcinomas (HNSCCs) are induced by high-risk human papillomaviruses (HPVs) and are associated with better patient outcomes compared to patients with HNSCCs related to tobacco and alcohol abuse. In the microenvironment of solid tumors, including HNSCCs, oxygen levels are often reduced, and a hypoxic state is induced. This can lead to a poor treatment response and a worse patient prognosis. One of the hypoxia-responsive genes is aspartate-β-hydroxylase (ASPH), whose activity promotes the growth, invasiveness, and metastasis of many types of solid tumors. METHODS In our study, HNSCC samples were analyzed for the expression of ASPH and selected endogenous hypoxia markers by real-time PCR and/or multiplex fluorescence immunohistochemistry. RESULTS Except for the EPAS1 gene, which had higher mRNA expression in the HPV-negative group of HNSCC (p < 0.05), we found no other differences in the expression of the tested genes that were related to HPV status. On the contrary, a statistically significantly higher number of cells producing ASPH (p < 0.0001), HIF1A (p < 0.0001), GLUT1 (p < 0.0001), and MMP13 (p < 0.05) proteins were detected in the HPV-positive tumor group than in the HPV-negative sample group. All the evaluated markers, except for MMP9/13, were more abundant in the tumor parenchyma than in the tumor stroma. The Cox proportional hazard models showed that increased numbers of cells with GLUT1 and HIF1A protein expression were positive prognostic markers for overall and disease-specific survival in patients independent of HPV tumor status. CONCLUSION The study examined HNSCC samples and found that elevated ASPH and hypoxia marker proteins, typically associated with poor prognosis, may actually indicate active HPV infection, the strongest prognostic factor in HNSCC patients. In cases where HPV status is uncertain, increased expression of HIF1A and GLUT1 can serve as positive prognostic factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jana Smahelova
- Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Faculty of Science BIOCEV, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Barbora Pokryvkova
- Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Faculty of Science BIOCEV, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Eliska Stovickova
- Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Faculty of Science BIOCEV, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Marek Grega
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and University Hospital Motol, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Ondrej Vencalek
- Department of Mathematical Analysis and Applications of Mathematics, Faculty of Science, Palacky University Olomouc, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Michal Smahel
- Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Faculty of Science BIOCEV, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Vladimir Koucky
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, First Medical Faculty, Charles University and University Hospital Motol, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Simona Malerova
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, First Medical Faculty, Charles University and University Hospital Motol, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Klozar
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, First Medical Faculty, Charles University and University Hospital Motol, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Ruth Tachezy
- Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Faculty of Science BIOCEV, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic.
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Liu Y, Yao Y, Zhang Y, Xu C, Yang T, Qu M, Lu B, Song X, Pan X, Zhou W, Cui X. Identification of prognostic stemness-related genes in kidney renal papillary cell carcinoma. BMC Med Genomics 2024; 17:121. [PMID: 38702698 PMCID: PMC11067181 DOI: 10.1186/s12920-024-01870-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Kidney renal papillary cell carcinoma (KIRP) is the second most prevalent malignant cancer originating from the renal epithelium. Nowadays, cancer stem cells and stemness-related genes (SRGs) are revealed to play important roles in the carcinogenesis and metastasis of various tumors. Consequently, we aim to investigate the underlying mechanisms of SRGs in KIRP. METHODS RNA-seq profiles of 141 KIRP samples were downloaded from the TCGA database, based on which we calculated the mRNA expression-based stemness index (mRNAsi). Next, we selected the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between low- and high-mRNAsi groups. Then, we utilized weighted gene correlation network analysis (WGCNA) and univariate Cox analysis to identify prognostic SRGs. Afterwards, SRGs were included in the multivariate Cox regression analysis to establish a prognostic model. In addition, a regulatory network was constructed by Pearson correlation analysis, incorporating key genes, upstream transcription factors (TFs), and downstream signaling pathways. Finally, we used Connectivity map analysis to identify the potential inhibitors. RESULTS In total, 1124 genes were characterized as DEGs between low- and high-RNAsi groups. Based on six prognostic SRGs (CCKBR, GPR50, GDNF, SPOCK3, KC877982.1, and MYO15A), a prediction model was established with an area under curve of 0.861. Furthermore, among the TFs, genes, and signaling pathways that had significant correlations, the CBX2-ASPH-Notch signaling pathway was the most significantly correlated. Finally, resveratrol might be a potential inhibitor for KIRP. CONCLUSIONS We suggested that CBX2 could regulate ASPH through activation of the Notch signaling pathway, which might be correlated with the carcinogenesis, development, and unfavorable prognosis of KIRP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifan Liu
- Department of Urology, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No.1665 Kongjiang Road, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Yuntao Yao
- Department of Urology, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No.1665 Kongjiang Road, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Chengdang Xu
- Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Tianyue Yang
- Department of Urology, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No.1665 Kongjiang Road, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Mingyu Qu
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Bingnan Lu
- Department of Urology, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No.1665 Kongjiang Road, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Xu Song
- Department of Urology, Shanghai Seventh People's Hospital, Shanghai, Shandong, 200137, China.
| | - Xiuwu Pan
- Department of Urology, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No.1665 Kongjiang Road, Shanghai, 200092, China.
| | - Wang Zhou
- Department of Urology, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No.1665 Kongjiang Road, Shanghai, 200092, China.
| | - Xingang Cui
- Department of Urology, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No.1665 Kongjiang Road, Shanghai, 200092, China.
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Krishnan A, Waheed SO, Varghese A, Cherilakkudy FH, Schofield CJ, Karabencheva-Christova TG. Unusual catalytic strategy by non-heme Fe(ii)/2-oxoglutarate-dependent aspartyl hydroxylase AspH. Chem Sci 2024; 15:3466-3484. [PMID: 38455014 PMCID: PMC10915816 DOI: 10.1039/d3sc05974j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Biocatalytic C-H oxidation reactions are of important synthetic utility, provide a sustainable route for selective synthesis of important organic molecules, and are an integral part of fundamental cell processes. The multidomain non-heme Fe(ii)/2-oxoglutarate (2OG) dependent oxygenase AspH catalyzes stereoselective (3R)-hydroxylation of aspartyl- and asparaginyl-residues. Unusually, compared to other 2OG hydroxylases, crystallography has shown that AspH lacks the carboxylate residue of the characteristic two-His-one-Asp/Glu Fe-binding triad. Instead, AspH has a water molecule that coordinates Fe(ii) in the coordination position usually occupied by the Asp/Glu carboxylate. Molecular dynamics (MD) and quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics (QM/MM) studies reveal that the iron coordinating water is stabilized by hydrogen bonding with a second coordination sphere (SCS) carboxylate residue Asp721, an arrangement that helps maintain the six coordinated Fe(ii) distorted octahedral coordination geometry and enable catalysis. AspH catalysis follows a dioxygen activation-hydrogen atom transfer (HAT)-rebound hydroxylation mechanism, unusually exhibiting higher activation energy for rebound hydroxylation than for HAT, indicating that the rebound step may be rate-limiting. The HAT step, along with substrate positioning modulated by the non-covalent interactions with SCS residues (Arg688, Arg686, Lys666, Asp721, and Gln664), are essential in determining stereoselectivity, which likely proceeds with retention of configuration. The tetratricopeptide repeat (TPR) domain of AspH influences substrate binding and manifests dynamic motions during catalysis, an observation of interest with respect to other 2OG oxygenases with TPR domains. The results provide unique insights into how non-heme Fe(ii) oxygenases can effectively catalyze stereoselective hydroxylation using only two enzyme-derived Fe-ligating residues, potentially guiding enzyme engineering for stereoselective biocatalysis, thus advancing the development of non-heme Fe(ii) based biomimetic C-H oxidation catalysts, and supporting the proposal that the 2OG oxygenase superfamily may be larger than once perceived.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anandhu Krishnan
- Department of Chemistry, Michigan Technological University Houghton MI 49931 USA
| | - Sodiq O Waheed
- Department of Chemistry, Michigan Technological University Houghton MI 49931 USA
| | - Ann Varghese
- Department of Chemistry, Michigan Technological University Houghton MI 49931 USA
| | | | - Christopher J Schofield
- Chemistry Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry and the Ineos Oxford Institute for Antimicrobial Research, University of Oxford OX1 3TA Oxford UK
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Meng H, Jiang L, Jia P, Niu R, Bu F, Zhu Y, Pan X, Li J, Liu J, Zhang Y, Huang C, Lv X, Li J. Inhibition of circular RNA ASPH reduces the proliferation and promotes the apoptosis of hepatic stellate cells in hepatic fibrosis. Biochem Pharmacol 2023; 210:115451. [PMID: 36758707 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115451] [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: 11/08/2022] [Revised: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a newly identified form of non-coding RNA that play a crucial role in various pathological processes. However, the expression profile and function of circRNAs in hepatic fibrosis (HF) remain largely unknown. In this study, we showed that a novel circRNA ASPH (circASPH) mediates HF by targeting the miR-139-5p/Notch1 axis. We investigated the expression profile of circRNAs in hepatocyte exosomes of mice with HF using circRNA-sequencing and found significant upregulation of circASPH. Loss- and gain-of-function analysis of circASPH was performed to assess its role in HF. Furthermore, we performed luciferase reporter assay, RNA pull-down, and fluorescence in situ hybridization analyses and confirmed that circASPH directly binds to miR-139-5p. We also found that circASPH was upregulated in liver fibrogenesis. Downregulation of circASPH expression inhibited hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation and proliferation, induced apoptosis, and attenuated mouse liver fibrogenic injury. Mechanistically, circASPH directly targeted miR-139-5p to regulate the expression of Notch1 in HF. Thus, downregulation of circASPH may suppress the activation of HSCs and HF through the circASPH/miR-139-5p/Notch1 axis. Our findings indicated that circASPH may be a potential biomarker for HF diagnosis and therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongwu Meng
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Lingfeng Jiang
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Pengcheng Jia
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Ruowen Niu
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, China
| | - Fangtian Bu
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Yan Zhu
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, China
| | - Xueyin Pan
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Juanjuan Li
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Jinyu Liu
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Yilong Zhang
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Cheng Huang
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China.
| | - Xiongwen Lv
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China.
| | - Jun Li
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China.
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9
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Corydon TJ, Schulz H, Richter P, Strauch SM, Böhmer M, Ricciardi DA, Wehland M, Krüger M, Erzinger GS, Lebert M, Infanger M, Wise PM, Grimm D. Current Knowledge about the Impact of Microgravity on Gene Regulation. Cells 2023; 12:cells12071043. [PMID: 37048115 PMCID: PMC10093652 DOI: 10.3390/cells12071043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/25/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Microgravity (µg) has a massive impact on the health of space explorers. Microgravity changes the proliferation, differentiation, and growth of cells. As crewed spaceflights into deep space are being planned along with the commercialization of space travelling, researchers have focused on gene regulation in cells and organisms exposed to real (r-) and simulated (s-) µg. In particular, cancer and metastasis research benefits from the findings obtained under µg conditions. Gene regulation is a key factor in a cell or an organism’s ability to sustain life and respond to environmental changes. It is a universal process to control the amount, location, and timing in which genes are expressed. In this review, we provide an overview of µg-induced changes in the numerous mechanisms involved in gene regulation, including regulatory proteins, microRNAs, and the chemical modification of DNA. In particular, we discuss the current knowledge about the impact of microgravity on gene regulation in different types of bacteria, protists, fungi, animals, humans, and cells with a focus on the brain, eye, endothelium, immune system, cartilage, muscle, bone, and various cancers as well as recent findings in plants. Importantly, the obtained data clearly imply that µg experiments can support translational medicine on Earth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas J. Corydon
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Hoegh Guldbergs Gade 10, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Ophthalmology, Aarhus University Hospital, Palle Juul-Jensens Blvd. 99, 8200 Aarhus, Denmark
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +45-28-992-179
| | - Herbert Schulz
- Department of Microgravity and Translational Regenerative Medicine, Medical Faculty, University Hospital Magdeburg, Otto von Guericke University, Universitätsplatz 2, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany
- Clinic for Plastic, Aesthetic and Hand Surgery, Medical Faculty, University Hospital Magdeburg, Otto von Guericke University, Leipziger Straße 44, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
- Research Group ‘Magdeburger Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Forschung unter Raumfahrt-und Schwerelosigkeitsbedingungen’ (MARS), Otto von Guericke University, Universitätsplatz 2, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Peter Richter
- Gravitational Biology Group, Department of Biology, Friedrich-Alexander University, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Sebastian M. Strauch
- Postgraduate Program in Health and Environment, University of Joinville Region, Joinville 89219-710, SC, Brazil
| | - Maik Böhmer
- Institute for Molecular Biosciences, Johann Wolfgang Goethe Universität, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Dario A. Ricciardi
- Institute for Molecular Biosciences, Johann Wolfgang Goethe Universität, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Markus Wehland
- Department of Microgravity and Translational Regenerative Medicine, Medical Faculty, University Hospital Magdeburg, Otto von Guericke University, Universitätsplatz 2, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany
- Clinic for Plastic, Aesthetic and Hand Surgery, Medical Faculty, University Hospital Magdeburg, Otto von Guericke University, Leipziger Straße 44, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
- Research Group ‘Magdeburger Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Forschung unter Raumfahrt-und Schwerelosigkeitsbedingungen’ (MARS), Otto von Guericke University, Universitätsplatz 2, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Marcus Krüger
- Department of Microgravity and Translational Regenerative Medicine, Medical Faculty, University Hospital Magdeburg, Otto von Guericke University, Universitätsplatz 2, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany
- Research Group ‘Magdeburger Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Forschung unter Raumfahrt-und Schwerelosigkeitsbedingungen’ (MARS), Otto von Guericke University, Universitätsplatz 2, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Gilmar S. Erzinger
- Postgraduate Program in Health and Environment, University of Joinville Region, Joinville 89219-710, SC, Brazil
| | - Michael Lebert
- Gravitational Biology Group, Department of Biology, Friedrich-Alexander University, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Manfred Infanger
- Department of Microgravity and Translational Regenerative Medicine, Medical Faculty, University Hospital Magdeburg, Otto von Guericke University, Universitätsplatz 2, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany
- Clinic for Plastic, Aesthetic and Hand Surgery, Medical Faculty, University Hospital Magdeburg, Otto von Guericke University, Leipziger Straße 44, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
- Research Group ‘Magdeburger Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Forschung unter Raumfahrt-und Schwerelosigkeitsbedingungen’ (MARS), Otto von Guericke University, Universitätsplatz 2, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Petra M. Wise
- Department of Microgravity and Translational Regenerative Medicine, Medical Faculty, University Hospital Magdeburg, Otto von Guericke University, Universitätsplatz 2, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany
- Research Group ‘Magdeburger Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Forschung unter Raumfahrt-und Schwerelosigkeitsbedingungen’ (MARS), Otto von Guericke University, Universitätsplatz 2, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany
- The Saban Research Institute, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, University of Southern California, 4650 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA
| | - Daniela Grimm
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Hoegh Guldbergs Gade 10, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Microgravity and Translational Regenerative Medicine, Medical Faculty, University Hospital Magdeburg, Otto von Guericke University, Universitätsplatz 2, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany
- Clinic for Plastic, Aesthetic and Hand Surgery, Medical Faculty, University Hospital Magdeburg, Otto von Guericke University, Leipziger Straße 44, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
- Research Group ‘Magdeburger Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Forschung unter Raumfahrt-und Schwerelosigkeitsbedingungen’ (MARS), Otto von Guericke University, Universitätsplatz 2, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany
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10
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Cocchetto A, Seymour C, Mothersill C. A Proposed New Model to Explain the Role of Low Dose Non-DNA Targeted Radiation Exposure in Chronic Fatigue and Immune Dysfunction Syndrome. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24076022. [PMID: 37046994 PMCID: PMC10094351 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24076022] [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: 02/22/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic Fatigue and Immune Dysfunction Syndrome (CFIDS) is considered to be a multidimensional illness whose etiology is unknown. However, reports from Chernobyl, as well as those from the United States, have revealed an association between radiation exposure and the development of CFIDS. As such, we present an expanded model using a systems biology approach to explain the etiology of CFIDS as it relates to this cohort of patients. This paper proposes an integrated model with ionizing radiation as a suggested trigger for CFIDS mediated through UVA induction and biophoton generation inside the body resulting from radiation-induced bystander effects (RIBE). Evidence in support of this approach has been organized into a systems view linking CFIDS illness markers with the initiating events, in this case, low-dose radiation exposure. This results in the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) as well as important immunologic and other downstream effects. Furthermore, the model implicates melanoma and subsequent hematopoietic dysregulation in this underlying process. Through the identification of this association with melanoma, clinical medicine, including dermatology, hematology, and oncology, can now begin to apply its expansive knowledge base to provide new treatment options for an illness that has had few effective treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan Cocchetto
- National CFIDS Foundation Inc., Hull, MA 02045-1602, USA
| | - Colin Seymour
- Department of Biology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada
| | - Carmel Mothersill
- Department of Biology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada
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11
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Clancy J, Hoffmann CS, Pickett BE. Transcriptomics secondary analysis of severe human infection with SARS-CoV-2 identifies gene expression changes and predicts three transcriptional biomarkers in leukocytes. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2023; 21:1403-1413. [PMID: 36785619 PMCID: PMC9908618 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2023.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Revised: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 is the causative agent of COVID-19, which has greatly affected human health since it first emerged. Defining the human factors and biomarkers that differentiate severe SARS-CoV-2 infection from mild infection has become of increasing interest to clinicians. To help address this need, we retrieved 269 public RNA-seq human transcriptome samples from GEO that had qualitative disease severity metadata. We then subjected these samples to a robust RNA-seq data processing workflow to calculate gene expression in PBMCs, whole blood, and leukocytes, as well as to predict transcriptional biomarkers in PBMCs and leukocytes. This process involved using Salmon for read mapping, edgeR to calculate significant differential expression levels, and gene ontology enrichment using Camera. We then performed a random forest machine learning analysis on the read counts data to identify genes that best classified samples based on the COVID-19 severity phenotype. This approach produced a ranked list of leukocyte genes based on their Gini values that includes TGFBI, TTYH2, and CD4, which are associated with both the immune response and inflammation. Our results show that these three genes can potentially classify samples with severe COVID-19 with accuracy of ∼88% and an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 92.6--indicating acceptable specificity and sensitivity. We expect that our findings can help contribute to the development of improved diagnostics that may aid in identifying severe COVID-19 cases, guide clinical treatment, and improve mortality rates.
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12
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Holtzman NG, Lebowitz MS, Koka R, Baer MR, Malhotra K, Shahlaee A, Ghanbari HA, Bentzen SM, Emadi A. Aspartate β-Hydroxylase (ASPH) Expression in Acute Myeloid Leukemia: A Potential Novel Therapeutic Target. Front Oncol 2022; 11:783744. [PMID: 35004304 PMCID: PMC8727599 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.783744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Aspartate β-hydroxylase (ASPH) is an embryonic transmembrane protein aberrantly upregulated in cancer cells, associated with malignant transformation and, in some reports, with poor clinical prognosis. Objective To report the expression patterns of ASPH in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Methods Cell surface expression of ASPH was measured via 8-color multiparameter flow cytometry in 41 AML patient samples (31 bone marrow, 10 blood) using fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-conjugated anti-ASPH antibody, SNS-622. A mean fluorescent intensity (MFI) of 10 was used as a cutoff for ASPH surface expression positivity. Data regarding patient and disease characteristics were collected. Results ASPH surface expression was found on AML blasts in 16 samples (39%). Higher ASPH expression was seen in myeloblasts of African American patients (p=0.02), but no correlation was found between ASPH expression and other patient or disease characteristics. No association was found between ASPH status and CR rate (p=0.53), EFS (p=0.87), or OS (p=0.17). Conclusions ASPH is expressed on blasts in approximately 40% of AML cases, and may serve as a new therapeutically targetable leukemia-associated antigen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noa G Holtzman
- Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States.,Immune Deficiency Cellular Therapy Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | | | - Rima Koka
- Department of Pathology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Maria R Baer
- Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States.,Department of Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Kanam Malhotra
- Sensei Biotherapeutics Inc., Gaithersburg, MD, United States
| | - Amir Shahlaee
- Sensei Biotherapeutics Inc., Gaithersburg, MD, United States
| | | | - Søren M Bentzen
- Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States.,Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Ashkan Emadi
- Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States.,Department of Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States.,Department of Pharmacology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
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13
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Mashayekhi V, Mocellin O, Fens MH, Krijger GC, Brosens LA, Oliveira S. Targeting of promising transmembrane proteins for diagnosis and treatment of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Theranostics 2021; 11:9022-9037. [PMID: 34522225 PMCID: PMC8419040 DOI: 10.7150/thno.60350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the most fatal types of cancer due to the relatively late diagnosis and the limited therapeutic options. Current treatment regimens mainly comprise the cytotoxic agents gemcitabine and FOLFIRINOX. These compounds have shown limited efficacy and severe side effects, highlighting the necessity for earlier detection and the development of more effective, and better-tolerated treatments. Although targeted therapies are promising for the treatment of several types of cancer, identification of suitable targets for early diagnosis and targeted therapy of PDAC is challenging. Interestingly, several transmembrane proteins are overexpressed in PDAC cells that show low expression in healthy pancreas and may therefore serve as potential targets for treatment and/or diagnostic purposes. In this review we describe the 11 most promising transmembrane proteins, carefully selected after a thorough literature search. Favorable features and potential applications of each target, as well as the results of the preclinical and clinical studies conducted in the past ten years, are discussed in detail.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vida Mashayekhi
- Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Biophysics, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, 3584 CH Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Orsola Mocellin
- Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Biophysics, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, 3584 CH Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Marcel H.A.M. Fens
- Pharmaceutics, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, 3584 CG Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Gerard C. Krijger
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, Faculty of Medicine, Utrecht University, 3584 CX Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Lodewijk A.A. Brosens
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Faculty of Medicine, Utrecht University, 3584 CX Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Sabrina Oliveira
- Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Biophysics, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, 3584 CH Utrecht, the Netherlands
- Pharmaceutics, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, 3584 CG Utrecht, the Netherlands
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14
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Barboro P, Benelli R, Tosetti F, Costa D, Capaia M, Astigiano S, Venè R, Poggi A, Ferrari N. Aspartate β-hydroxylase targeting in castration-resistant prostate cancer modulates the NOTCH/HIF1α/GSK3β crosstalk. Carcinogenesis 2021; 41:1246-1252. [PMID: 32525968 DOI: 10.1093/carcin/bgaa053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2020] [Revised: 05/17/2020] [Accepted: 06/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) is an incurable stage of the disease. A multivariate principal component analysis on CRPC in vitro models identified aspartyl (asparaginyl) β hydrolase (ASPH) as the most relevant molecule associated with the CRPC phenotype. ASPH is overexpressed in various malignant neoplasms and catalyzes the hydroxylation of aspartyl and asparaginyl residues in the epidermal growth factor (EGF)-like domains of proteins like NOTCH receptors and ligands, enhancing cell motility, invasion and metastatic spread. Bioinformatics analyses of ASPH in prostate cancer (PCa) and CRPC datasets indicate that ASPH gene alterations have prognostic value both in PCa and CRPC patients. In CRPC cells, inhibition of ASPH expression obtained through specific small interfering RNA or culturing cells in hypoxic conditions, reduced cell proliferation, invasion and cyclin D1 expression through modulation of the NOTCH signaling. ASPH and HIF1α crosstalk, within a hydroxylation-regulated signaling pathway, might be transiently driven by the oxidative stress evidenced inside CRPC cells. In addition, increased phosphorylation of GSK3β by ASPH silencing demonstrates that ASPH regulates GSK3β activity inhibiting its interactions with upstream kinases. These findings demonstrate the critical involvement of ASPH in CRPC development and may represent an attractive molecular target for therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Barboro
- Department of Oncology and Hematology, Academic Unit of Medical Oncology, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - Roberto Benelli
- Department of Scientific Direction, Molecular Oncology & Angiogenesis, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - Francesca Tosetti
- Department of Scientific Direction, Molecular Oncology & Angiogenesis, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - Delfina Costa
- Department of Scientific Direction, Molecular Oncology & Angiogenesis, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - Matteo Capaia
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (DIMI), School of Medicine, University of Genoa, Genova, Italy
| | - Simonetta Astigiano
- Department of Scientific Direction, Immunology, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - Roberta Venè
- Department of Scientific Direction, Molecular Oncology & Angiogenesis, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - Alessandro Poggi
- Department of Scientific Direction, Molecular Oncology & Angiogenesis, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - Nicoletta Ferrari
- Department of Scientific Direction, Molecular Oncology & Angiogenesis, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
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15
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Bakhtiari H, Palizban AA, Khanahmad H, Mofid MR. Novel Approach to Overcome Defects of Cell-SELEX in Developing Aptamers against Aspartate β-Hydroxylase. ACS OMEGA 2021; 6:11005-11014. [PMID: 34056254 PMCID: PMC8153902 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.1c00876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Cell-based aptamer selection (Cell-SELEX) against predefined protein targets that benefits using the native form of the targets is the most promising approach to achieve aptamer probes capable of recognizing targets under both in vitro and in vivo conditions. The major disadvantages in Cell-SELEX are the imperfectness of the negative selection step and the lengthy procedure of selection. Here, we introduced the Counter-SELEX as part of our modified Cell-SELEX and implemented deep sequencing to overcome these shortcomings in developing aptamers against aspartate β-hydroxylase (ASPH) as a known tumor marker. In parallel with the conventional Cell-SELEX, five consecutive cycles of counter selection were accomplished using sequences bound to negative cells (the Counter-SELEX) to detect oligos that are not specific for ASPH. After high-throughput sequencing, the representative of each promising achieved family was subjected to further confirmatory analysis via flow cytometry, followed by the fluorescence immunostaining of histopathological sections. Implementing our innovative complementary method, annoying mis-selected sequences in Cell-SELEX enriched pools were effectively identified and removed. According to the affinity assay on the cells displaying ASPH, three aptamers, AP-Cell 1, AP-Cell 2, and AP-Cell 3, with K d values of 47.51, 39.38, and 65.23 nM, respectively, were obtained, while AP-Cell 1 and 3 could then successfully spot ASPH displayed on the tissues. Our study showed that the Counter-SELEX could be considered as a complementary method for Cell-SELEX to overcome the imperfectness of the negative selection step. Moreover, high-throughput nucleotide sequencing could help to shorten the overall process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hadi Bakhtiari
- Department
of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Research, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan 8174673461, I. R. Iran
| | - Abbas Ali Palizban
- Department
of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Research, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan 8174673461, I. R. Iran
| | - Hossein Khanahmad
- Department
of Genetics and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan 8174673461, I. R. Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Mofid
- Department
of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Research, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan 8174673461, I. R. Iran
- . Tel: +983137927047. Fax: +983136680011
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16
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Zhang Y, Gao Y, Li Y, Zhang X, Xie H. Characterization of the Relationship Between the Expression of Aspartate β-Hydroxylase and the Pathological Characteristics of Breast Cancer. Med Sci Monit 2020; 26:e926752. [PMID: 33380715 PMCID: PMC7784592 DOI: 10.12659/msm.926752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the expression of aspartate β-hydroxylase (ASPH) and the molecular mechanisms of ASPH-related genes in breast cancer (BC). Material/Methods ASPH expression was determined by immunohistochemistry and western blot analysis in samples of BC tissues and adjacent normal tissues. ASPH mRNA expression data and their clinical significance in BC were retrieved from the Oncomine and GEPIA datasets. Enrichment analysis of genes coexpressed with ASPH and annotation of potential pathways were performed with Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) and gene ontology (GO) analysis. Hub genes were shown in an ASPH coexpression gene-interaction network. The expression of the hub genes associated with patient survival were analyzed to determine the role of ASPH in the progression of BC. Results ASPH levels were overexpressed in BC and correlated with cancer type, lymph node involvement, and TNM stage. Conversely, ASPH levels did not correlate with patient age, invasive carcinoma types, or molecular subtypes. Enrichment analysis showed the involvement of multiple pathways, including lipid metabolism and oxidation-reduction processes. Six hub genes, PPARG, LEP, PLIN1, AGPAT2, CAV1, and PNPLA2, were related to ASPH expression and had functional roles in the occurrence and progression of BC. Conclusions ASPH may be involved in the development of BC and may have utility as a prognostic biomarker in BC. The coexpression of ASPH-associated genes may also be beneficial in improving BC prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanan Zhang
- School of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, Qilu Institute of Technology, Jinan, Shandong, China (mainland).,Department of Pathology, Liaocheng People's Hospital and Liaocheng Clinical School of Shandong First Medical University, Liaocheng, Shandong, China (mainland)
| | - Yimeng Gao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Liaocheng People's Hospital and Liaocheng Clinical School of Shandong First Medical University, Liaocheng, Shandong, China (mainland)
| | - Yingxue Li
- Department of Pathology, Liaocheng People's Hospital and Liaocheng Clinical School of Shandong First Medical University, Liaocheng, Shandong, China (mainland)
| | - Xuedong Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Liaocheng People's Hospital and Liaocheng Clinical School of Shandong First Medical University, Liaocheng, Shandong, China (mainland)
| | - Haitao Xie
- Centre for Research, Xiankangda Bio-Tech Corporation, Dongguan, Guangdong, China (mainland)
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17
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Brewitz L, Nakashima Y, Schofield CJ. Synthesis of 2-oxoglutarate derivatives and their evaluation as cosubstrates and inhibitors of human aspartate/asparagine-β-hydroxylase. Chem Sci 2020; 12:1327-1342. [PMID: 34163896 PMCID: PMC8179049 DOI: 10.1039/d0sc04301j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 11/26/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
2-Oxoglutarate (2OG) is involved in biological processes including oxidations catalyzed by 2OG oxygenases for which it is a cosubstrate. Eukaryotic 2OG oxygenases have roles in collagen biosynthesis, lipid metabolism, DNA/RNA modification, transcriptional regulation, and the hypoxic response. Aspartate/asparagine-β-hydroxylase (AspH) is a human 2OG oxygenase catalyzing post-translational hydroxylation of Asp/Asn-residues in epidermal growth factor-like domains (EGFDs) in the endoplasmic reticulum. AspH is of chemical interest, because its Fe(ii) cofactor is complexed by two rather than the typical three residues. AspH is upregulated in hypoxia and is a prognostic marker on the surface of cancer cells. We describe studies on how derivatives of its natural 2OG cosubstrate modulate AspH activity. An efficient synthesis of C3- and/or C4-substituted 2OG derivatives, proceeding via cyanosulfur ylid intermediates, is reported. Mass spectrometry-based AspH assays with >30 2OG derivatives reveal that some efficiently inhibit AspH via competing with 2OG as evidenced by crystallographic and solution analyses. Other 2OG derivatives can substitute for 2OG enabling substrate hydroxylation. The results show that subtle changes, e.g. methyl- to ethyl-substitution, can significantly alter the balance between catalysis and inhibition. 3-Methyl-2OG, a natural product present in human nutrition, was the most efficient alternative cosubstrate identified; crystallographic analyses reveal the binding mode of (R)-3-methyl-2OG and other 2OG derivatives to AspH and inform on the balance between turnover and inhibition. The results will enable the use of 2OG derivatives as mechanistic probes for other 2OG utilizing enzymes and suggest 2-oxoacids other than 2OG may be employed by some 2OG oxygenases in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lennart Brewitz
- Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford 12 Mansfield Road OX1 3TA Oxford UK
| | - Yu Nakashima
- Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford 12 Mansfield Road OX1 3TA Oxford UK
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18
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Senthil S, Sharma S, Vishwakarma S, Kaur I. A novel mutation in the aspartate beta-hydroxylase ( ASPH) gene is associated with a rare form of Traboulsi syndrome. Ophthalmic Genet 2020; 42:28-34. [PMID: 33251883 DOI: 10.1080/13816810.2020.1836659] [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] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Traboulsi syndrome is a rare autosomal recessive genetic disorder. The present study aimed to identify the pathogenic variants in the ASPH gene responsible for a rare and unique presentation of Traboulsi syndrome associated with cardiac disorder. METHODOLOGY DNA was isolated from the blood samples from 3 clinically diagnosed Traboulsi syndrome patients (n = 3) after obtaining a prior-informed consent. All three had classical ocular and facial dysmorphic features, and two of them also had associated cardiac problems. Mutation screening was performed for the exons of ASPH gene by Sanger sequencing in these patients and 350 controls. Sequence data analysis was performed using Seqscape and insilico protein analysis by SIFT, PyMOL, and Dynamut softwares. RESULTS A novel homozygous variant(c.1853 T > A) in exon 21 was identified by Sanger sequencing in two of the three cases while a known pathogenic variant in exon 25 was identified in the third proband. The novel nonsense variant in exon 21 results in a premature truncation of gene resulting in a protein of 543 amino acids. This variant is not reported in ExAC, dbSNP and 1000 genome databases. Both the patients harboring this novel variant, had a unique presentation of Traboulsi syndrome with cardiac dysfunction. In silico analysis predicted the mutation to affect the calcium-binding activity of the gene which might explain the associated cardiac dysfunction in these two patients. CONCLUSION The novel pathogenic mutation displayed a perfect genotype-phenotype correlation in two probands of Traboulsi syndrome with cardiac dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sirisha Senthil
- VST Centre for Glaucoma Care, LV Prasad Eye Institute , Hyderabad, India
| | - Sarmeela Sharma
- Prof Brien Holden Eye Research Centre, LV Prasad Eye Institute , Hyderabad, India
| | - Sushma Vishwakarma
- Prof Brien Holden Eye Research Centre, LV Prasad Eye Institute , Hyderabad, India
| | - Inderjeet Kaur
- Prof Brien Holden Eye Research Centre, LV Prasad Eye Institute , Hyderabad, India
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19
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Bakhtiari H, Palizban AA, Khanahmad H, Mofid MR. An innovative cell selection approach in developing human cells overexpressing aspartyl/asparaginyl β-hydroxylase. Res Pharm Sci 2020; 15:291-299. [PMID: 33088329 PMCID: PMC7540811 DOI: 10.4103/1735-5362.288436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2020] [Revised: 05/22/2020] [Accepted: 05/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and purpose: Aspartyl/asparaginyl β-hydroxylase (ASPH) is abundantly expressed in malignant neoplastic cells. The establishment of a human cell line overexpressing ASPH could provide the native-like recombinant protein needed for developing theranostic probes. In the process of transfection, the obtained cells normally contain a range of cells expressing the different levels of the target of interest. In this paper, we report on our simple innovative approach in the selection of best-transfected cells with the highest expression of ASPH using subclone selection, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, and gradual increment of hygromycin concentration. Experimental approach: To achieve this goal, human embryonic kidney (HEK 293T) cells were transfected with an ASPH-bearing pcDNA3.1/Hygro(+) vector. During antibiotic selection, single accumulations of the resistant cells were separately cultured and the ASPH mRNA levels of each flask were evaluated. The best subclones were treated with a gradually increasing amount of hygromycin. The ASPH protein expression of the obtained cells was finally evaluated using flow cytometry and immunocytochemistry. Findings / Results: The results showed that different selected subclones expressed different levels of ASPH. Furthermore, the gradual increment of hygromycin (up to 400mg/mL) improved the expression of ASPH. The best relative fold change in mRNA levels was 57.59 ± 4.11. Approximately 90.2% of HEKASPH cells overexpressed ASPH on their surface. Conclusion and implications: The experiments indicated that we have successfully constructed and evaluated a recombinant human cell line overexpressing ASPH on the surface. Moreover, our innovative selection approach provided an effective procedure for enriching highly expressing recombinant cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hadi Bakhtiari
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, I.R. Iran
| | - Abbas Ali Palizban
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, I.R. Iran
| | - Hossein Khanahmad
- Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, I.R. Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Mofid
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, I.R. Iran
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20
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Brewitz L, Tumber A, Zhang X, Schofield CJ. Small-molecule active pharmaceutical ingredients of approved cancer therapeutics inhibit human aspartate/asparagine-β-hydroxylase. Bioorg Med Chem 2020; 28:115675. [PMID: 33069066 PMCID: PMC7588595 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2020.115675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2020] [Revised: 07/15/2020] [Accepted: 07/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Human aspartate/asparagine-β-hydroxylase (AspH) is a 2-oxoglutarate (2OG) dependent oxygenase that catalyses the hydroxylation of Asp/Asn-residues of epidermal growth factor-like domains (EGFDs). AspH is reported to be upregulated on the cell surface of invasive cancer cells in a manner distinguishing healthy from cancer cells. We report studies on the effect of small-molecule active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) of human cancer therapeutics on the catalytic activity of AspH using a high-throughput mass spectrometry (MS)-based inhibition assay. Human B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2)-protein inhibitors, including the (R)-enantiomer of the natural product gossypol, were observed to efficiently inhibit AspH, as does the antitumor antibiotic bleomycin A2. The results may help in the design of AspH inhibitors with the potential of increased selectivity compared to the previously identified Fe(II)-chelating or 2OG-competitive inhibitors. With regard to the clinical use of bleomycin A2 and of the Bcl-2 inhibitor venetoclax, the results suggest that possible side-effects mediated through the inhibition of AspH and other 2OG oxygenases should be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lennart Brewitz
- Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, 12 Mansfield Road, OX1 3TA Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Anthony Tumber
- Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, 12 Mansfield Road, OX1 3TA Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Xiaojin Zhang
- Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, 12 Mansfield Road, OX1 3TA Oxford, United Kingdom; Laboratory of Drug Design and Discovery, Department of Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Christopher J Schofield
- Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, 12 Mansfield Road, OX1 3TA Oxford, United Kingdom.
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21
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Adams V, Gußen V, Zozulya S, Cruz A, Moriscot A, Linke A, Labeit S. Small-Molecule Chemical Knockdown of MuRF1 in Melanoma Bearing Mice Attenuates Tumor Cachexia Associated Myopathy. Cells 2020; 9:E2272. [PMID: 33050629 PMCID: PMC7600862 DOI: 10.3390/cells9102272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2020] [Revised: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 09/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
: Patients with malignant tumors frequently suffer during disease progression from a syndrome referred to as cancer cachexia (CaCax): CaCax includes skeletal muscle atrophy and weakness, loss of bodyweight, and fat tissues. Currently, there are no FDA (Food and Drug Administration) approved treatments available for CaCax. Here, we studied skeletal muscle atrophy and dysfunction in a murine CaCax model by injecting B16F10 melanoma cells into mouse thighs and followed mice during melanoma outgrowth. Skeletal muscles developed progressive weakness as detected by wire hang tests (WHTs) during days 13-23. Individual muscles analyzed at day 24 had atrophy, mitochondrial dysfunction, augmented metabolic reactive oxygen species (ROS) stress, and a catabolically activated ubiquitin proteasome system (UPS), including upregulated MuRF1. Accordingly, we tested as an experimental intervention of recently identified small molecules, Myomed-205 and -946, that inhibit MuRF1 activity and MuRF1/MuRF2 expression. Results indicate that MuRF1 inhibitor fed attenuated induction of MuRF1 in tumor stressed muscles. In addition, the compounds augmented muscle performance in WHTs and attenuated muscle weight loss. Myomed-205 and -946 also rescued citrate synthase and complex-1 activities in tumor-stressed muscles, possibly suggesting that mitochondrial-metabolic and muscle wasting effects in this CaCax model are mechanistically connected. Inhibition of MuRF1 during tumor cachexia may represent a suitable strategy to attenuate skeletal muscle atrophy and dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Volker Adams
- Laboratory of Molecular and Experimental Cardiology, TU Dresden, Heart Center Dresden, 1307 Dresden, Germany; (V.G.); (A.L.)
- Dresden Cardiovascular Research Institute and Core Laboratories GmbH, 01067 Dresden, Germany
| | - Victoria Gußen
- Laboratory of Molecular and Experimental Cardiology, TU Dresden, Heart Center Dresden, 1307 Dresden, Germany; (V.G.); (A.L.)
| | - Sergey Zozulya
- Department of Drug Research, Enamine-Bienta Ltd., 02000 Kiev, Ukraine;
| | - André Cruz
- Department of Anatomy, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo 05508-000, Brazil; (A.C.); (A.M.)
| | - Anselmo Moriscot
- Department of Anatomy, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo 05508-000, Brazil; (A.C.); (A.M.)
| | - Axel Linke
- Laboratory of Molecular and Experimental Cardiology, TU Dresden, Heart Center Dresden, 1307 Dresden, Germany; (V.G.); (A.L.)
- Dresden Cardiovascular Research Institute and Core Laboratories GmbH, 01067 Dresden, Germany
| | - Siegfried Labeit
- Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, 68167 Mannheim, Germany;
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22
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Zheng W, Wang X, Hu J, Bai B, Zhu H. Diverse molecular functions of aspartate β‑hydroxylase in cancer (Review). Oncol Rep 2020; 44:2364-2372. [PMID: 33125119 PMCID: PMC7610305 DOI: 10.3892/or.2020.7792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2020] [Accepted: 09/11/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Aspartate/asparagine β-hydroxylase (AspH) is a type II transmembrane protein that catalyzes the post-translational hydroxylation of definite aspartyl and asparaginyl residues in epidermal growth factor-like domains of substrates. In the last few decades, accumulating evidence has indicated that AspH expression is upregulated in numerous types of human malignant cancer and is associated with poor survival and prognosis. The AspH protein aggregates on the surface of tumor cells, which contributes to inducing tumor cell migration, infiltration and metastasis. However, small-molecule inhibitors targeting hydroxylase activity can markedly block these processes, both in vitro and in vivo. Immunization of tumor-bearing mice with a phage vaccine fused with the AspH protein can substantially delay tumor growth and progression. Additionally, AspH antigen-specific CD4+ and CD8+ T cells were identified in the spleen of tumor-bearing mice. Therefore, these agents may be used as novel strategies for cancer treatment. The present review summarizes the current progress on the underlying mechanisms of AspH expression in cancer development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenqian Zheng
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310016, P.R. China
| | - Xiaowei Wang
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310016, P.R. China
| | - Jinhui Hu
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310016, P.R. China
| | - Bingjun Bai
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310016, P.R. China
| | - Hongbo Zhu
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310016, P.R. China
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23
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Dehbarez FM, Nezafat N, Mahmoodi S. In Silico Design of a Novel Multi-Epitope Peptide Vaccine Against Hepatocellular Carcinoma. LETT DRUG DES DISCOV 2020. [DOI: 10.2174/1570180817999200502030038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Background:
Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) is a prevalent cancer in the world. As
yet, there is no medication for complete treatment of HCC.
Objective:
There is a critical need to search for an innovative therapy for HCC. Recently, multiepitope
vaccines have been introduced as effective immunotherapy approach against HCC.
Methods:
In this research, several immunoinformatics methods were applied to create an original
multi-epitope vaccine against HCC consisting of CD8+ cytolytic T lymphocytes (CTLs) epitopes
selected from α- fetoprotein (AFP), glypican-3 (GPC3), aspartyl-β-hydroxylase (ASPH); CD4+
helper T lymphocytes (HTLs) epitopes from tetanus toxin fragment C (TTFC), and finally, two tandem
repeats of HSP70407-426 were used which stimulated strong innate and adaptive immune responses.
All the mentioned parts were connected together by relevant linkers.
Results:
According to physicochemical, structural, and immunological results, the designed
vaccine is stable, non-allergen, antigen; it also has a high-quality 3D structure, and numerous linear
and conformational B cell epitopes, whereby this vaccine may stimulate efficient humoral immunity.
Conclusion:
Center on the collected results, the designed vaccine potentially can induce cellular and
humoral immune responses in HCC cases; nonetheless, the efficiency of vaccine must be approved
within in vitro and in vivo immunological analyzes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Motamedi Dehbarez
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Medicine, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran
| | - Navid Nezafat
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Shirin Mahmoodi
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Medicine, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran
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24
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Peng H, Guo Q, Xiao Y, Su T, Jiang TJ, Guo LJ, Wang M. ASPH Regulates Osteogenic Differentiation and Cellular Senescence of BMSCs. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:872. [PMID: 33015050 PMCID: PMC7494742 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.00872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2020] [Accepted: 08/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Osteogenesis and senescence of BMSCs play great roles in age-related bone loss. However, the causes of these dysfunctions remain unclear. In this study, we identified a differentially expressed ASPH gene in middle-aged and elderly aged groups which were obtained from GSE35955. Subsequent analysis in various databases, such as TCGA, GTEx, and CCLE, revealed that ASPH had positive correlations with several osteogenic markers. The depletion of mouse Asph suppressed the capacity of osteogenic differentiation in bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs). Notably, the expression of ASPH in vitro decreased during aging and senescence. The deficiency of Asph accelerated cellular senescence in BMSCs. Conversely, the overexpression of Asph enhanced the capacity of osteogenic differentiation and inhibited cellular senescence. Mechanistically, ASPH regulated Wnt signaling mediated by Gsk3β. Taken together, our data established that ASPH was potentially involved in the pathogenesis of age-related bone loss through regulating cellular senescence and osteogenic differentiation, which provides some new insights to treat age-related bone loss.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Min Wang
- Department of Endocrinology, Endocrinology Research Center, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
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25
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Kanwal M, Smahel M, Olsen M, Smahelova J, Tachezy R. Aspartate β-hydroxylase as a target for cancer therapy. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2020; 39:163. [PMID: 32811566 PMCID: PMC7433162 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-020-01669-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 08/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
As metastasis is a major cause of death in cancer patients, new anti-metastatic strategies are needed to improve cancer therapy outcomes. Numerous pathways have been shown to contribute to migration and invasion of malignant tumors. Aspartate β-hydroxylase (ASPH) is a key player in the malignant transformation of solid tumors by enhancing cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. ASPH also promotes tumor growth by stimulation of angiogenesis and immunosuppression. These effects are mainly achieved via the activation of Notch and SRC signaling pathways. ASPH expression is upregulated by growth factors and hypoxia in different human tumors and its inactivation may have broad clinical impact. Therefore, small molecule inhibitors of ASPH enzymatic activity have been developed and their anti-metastatic effect confirmed in preclinical mouse models. ASPH can also be targeted by monoclonal antibodies and has also been used as a tumor-associated antigen to induce both cluster of differentiation (CD) 8+ and CD4+ T cells in mice. The PAN-301-1 vaccine against ASPH has already been tested in a phase 1 clinical trial in patients with prostate cancer. In summary, ASPH is a promising target for anti-tumor and anti-metastatic therapy based on inactivation of catalytic activity and/or immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madiha Kanwal
- Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, BIOCEV, Vestec, Czech Republic
| | - Michal Smahel
- Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, BIOCEV, Vestec, Czech Republic.
| | - Mark Olsen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy - Glendale, Midwestern University, Glendale, AZ, USA
- Crenae Therapeutics, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Jana Smahelova
- Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, BIOCEV, Vestec, Czech Republic
| | - Ruth Tachezy
- Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, BIOCEV, Vestec, Czech Republic
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26
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Brewitz L, Tumber A, Pfeffer I, McDonough MA, Schofield CJ. Aspartate/asparagine-β-hydroxylase: a high-throughput mass spectrometric assay for discovery of small molecule inhibitors. Sci Rep 2020; 10:8650. [PMID: 32457455 PMCID: PMC7251097 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-65123-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2019] [Accepted: 04/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The human 2-oxoglutarate dependent oxygenase aspartate/asparagine-β-hydroxylase (AspH) catalyses the hydroxylation of Asp/Asn-residues in epidermal growth factor-like domains (EGFDs). AspH is upregulated on the surface of malign cancer cells; increased AspH levels correlate with tumour invasiveness. Due to a lack of efficient assays to monitor the activity of isolated AspH, there are few reports of studies aimed at identifying small-molecule AspH inhibitors. Recently, it was reported that AspH substrates have a non-canonical EGFD disulfide pattern. Here we report that a stable synthetic thioether mimic of AspH substrates can be employed in solid phase extraction mass spectrometry based high-throughput AspH inhibition assays which are of excellent robustness, as indicated by high Z'-factors and good signal-to-noise/background ratios. The AspH inhibition assay was applied to screen approximately 1500 bioactive small-molecules, including natural products and active pharmaceutical ingredients of approved human therapeutics. Potent AspH inhibitors were identified from both compound classes. Our AspH inhibition assay should enable the development of potent and selective small-molecule AspH inhibitors and contribute towards the development of safer inhibitors for other 2OG oxygenases, e.g. screens of the hypoxia-inducible factor prolyl-hydroxylase inhibitors revealed that vadadustat inhibits AspH with moderate potency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lennart Brewitz
- Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, 12 Mansfield Road, OX1 3TA, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Anthony Tumber
- Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, 12 Mansfield Road, OX1 3TA, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Inga Pfeffer
- Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, 12 Mansfield Road, OX1 3TA, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Michael A McDonough
- Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, 12 Mansfield Road, OX1 3TA, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Christopher J Schofield
- Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, 12 Mansfield Road, OX1 3TA, Oxford, United Kingdom.
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27
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Brewitz L, Tumber A, Thalhammer A, Salah E, Christensen KE, Schofield CJ. Synthesis of Novel Pyridine-Carboxylates as Small-Molecule Inhibitors of Human Aspartate/Asparagine-β-Hydroxylase. ChemMedChem 2020; 15:1139-1149. [PMID: 32330361 PMCID: PMC7383925 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202000147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The human 2‐oxoglutarate (2OG)‐dependent oxygenase aspartate/asparagine‐β‐hydroxylase (AspH) is a potential medicinal chemistry target for anticancer therapy. AspH is present on the cell surface of invasive cancer cells and accepts epidermal growth factor‐like domain (EGFD) substrates with a noncanonical (i. e., Cys 1–2, 3–4, 5–6) disulfide pattern. We report a concise synthesis of C‐3‐substituted derivatives of pyridine‐2,4‐dicarboxylic acid (2,4‐PDCA) as 2OG competitors for use in SAR studies on AspH inhibition. AspH inhibition was assayed by using a mass spectrometry‐based assay with a stable thioether analogue of a natural EGFD AspH substrate. Certain C‐3‐substituted 2,4‐PDCA derivatives were potent AspH inhibitors, manifesting selectivity over some, but not all, other tested human 2OG oxygenases. The results raise questions about the use of pyridine‐carboxylate‐related 2OG analogues as selective functional probes for specific 2OG oxygenases, and should aid in the development of AspH inhibitors suitable for in vivo use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lennart Brewitz
- Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, 12 Mansfield Road, Oxford, OX1 3TA, UK
| | - Anthony Tumber
- Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, 12 Mansfield Road, Oxford, OX1 3TA, UK
| | - Armin Thalhammer
- Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, 12 Mansfield Road, Oxford, OX1 3TA, UK
| | - Eidarus Salah
- Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, 12 Mansfield Road, Oxford, OX1 3TA, UK
| | - Kirsten E Christensen
- Chemical Crystallography Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, 12 Mansfield Road, Oxford, OX1 3TA, UK
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28
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Benelli R, Costa D, Mastracci L, Grillo F, Olsen MJ, Barboro P, Poggi A, Ferrari N. Aspartate-β-Hydroxylase: A Promising Target to Limit the Local Invasiveness of Colorectal Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12040971. [PMID: 32295249 PMCID: PMC7226058 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12040971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2020] [Accepted: 04/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer's (CRC) ability to invade local tissues and lymph nodes and generate distant metastases is the key for TNM classification. Aspartate-β-hydroxylase (ASPH), a transmembrane protein that catalyzes Notch receptors and ligand activation, is involved in tumor invasion. Because Notch is involved in gut homeostasis, it could be a target for CRC therapy. ASPH mRNA and protein expression, promoter methylation and gene copy numbers were evaluated using the TCGA and CPTAC human CRC datasets. Using digital pathology, ASPH was scored in the luminal area (LM), center tumor (CT) and invasive margin (IM) of 100 human CRCs. The effect of ASPH targeting on invasiveness and viability was tested by siRNA knockdown and small molecule inhibitors (SMI). Bioinformatics analysis showed increased expression of ASPH mRNA and protein in CRC, paired with a decreased methylation profile. ASPH genetic gain or amplification was frequent (56%), while deletion was rare (0.03%). Digital pathology analysis showed that ASPH exerted its pathological activity in the invasive margin of the tumor, affecting invasive front morphology, tumor budding and patients' overall survival. In vitro, ASPH targeting by siRNA or SMI reduced cell invasion and growth and caused Notch-1 downregulation. This study demonstrates that ASPH targeting by specific inhibitors could improve CRC treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Benelli
- SSD Oncologia Molecolare e Angiogenesi, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genova, Italy; (D.C.); (A.P.); (N.F.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-010-5558234
| | - Delfina Costa
- SSD Oncologia Molecolare e Angiogenesi, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genova, Italy; (D.C.); (A.P.); (N.F.)
| | - Luca Mastracci
- Anatomia Patologica, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genova, Italy; (L.M.); (F.G.)
- Anatomia patologica, Dipartimento di Scienze Chirurgiche e Diagnostiche Integrate (DISC), Università di Genova, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Federica Grillo
- Anatomia Patologica, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genova, Italy; (L.M.); (F.G.)
- Anatomia patologica, Dipartimento di Scienze Chirurgiche e Diagnostiche Integrate (DISC), Università di Genova, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Mark Jon Olsen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Midwestern University, Campus Glendale, Glendale, AZ 85308, USA;
| | - Paola Barboro
- Clinica di Oncologia Medica, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genova, Italy;
| | - Alessandro Poggi
- SSD Oncologia Molecolare e Angiogenesi, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genova, Italy; (D.C.); (A.P.); (N.F.)
| | - Nicoletta Ferrari
- SSD Oncologia Molecolare e Angiogenesi, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genova, Italy; (D.C.); (A.P.); (N.F.)
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29
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Chen X, Jin P, Tang H, Zhang L. miR-135a acts as a tumor suppressor by targeting ASPH in endometrial cancer. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL PATHOLOGY 2019; 12:3384-3389. [PMID: 31934181 PMCID: PMC6949859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2019] [Accepted: 05/22/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Endometrial cancer (EC) ranks as the fourth most commonly diagnosed cancer type in women worldwide. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are important regulators with crucial roles in regulating diverse biologic processes, including tumor initiation and progression. Previous studies have demonstrated that miR-135a was correlated with tumorigenesis in various cancers. However, its expression and biologic role in EC remained to be determined. This study aimed to clarify whether miR-135a acts as a tumor suppressor in EC by regulating the expression of aspartate-β-hydroxylase (ASPH). Expression of miR-135a was measured by qRT-PCR and the results demonstrated that miR-135a was downregulated in EC cell lines compared to a normal cell line. Cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) and wound-healing assays demonstrated that overexpression of miR-135a significantly inhibited cell proliferation and migration. Online prediction algorithm and dual luciferase activity reporter assay revealed that ASPH acts as a direct target of miR-135a. ASPH expression was downregulated in EC cell lines when miR-135a was overexpressed. Collectively, our results indicate that miR-135a targets ASPH to inhibit EC cell proliferation and migration, suggesting a tumor suppressive role of miR-135a in EC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolin Chen
- Department of Gynaecology, Affiliated Shenzhen Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital, Southern Medical UniversityShenzhen, P. R. China
| | - Ping Jin
- Department of Gynaecology, Affiliated Shenzhen Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital, Southern Medical UniversityShenzhen, P. R. China
| | - Huiru Tang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Peking University Shenzhen HospitalShenzhen, P. R. China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Department of Gynaecology, Affiliated Shenzhen Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital, Southern Medical UniversityShenzhen, P. R. China
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