1
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Wen M, Sun X, Pan L, Jing S, Zhang X, Liang L, Xiao H, Liu P, Xu Z, Zhang Q, Huang H. Dihydromyricetin ameliorates diabetic renal fibrosis via regulating SphK1 to suppress the activation of NF-κB pathway. Eur J Pharmacol 2024; 978:176799. [PMID: 38945289 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2024.176799] [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: 12/12/2023] [Revised: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
Dihydromyricetin (DHM) is a flavonoid from vine tea with broad pharmacological benefits, which improve inflammation by blocking the NF-κB pathway. A growing body of research indicates that chronic kidney inflammation is vital to the pathogenesis of diabetic renal fibrosis. Sphingosine kinase-1 (SphK1) is a key regulator of diabetic renal inflammation, which triggers the NF-κB pathway. Hence, we evaluated whether DHM regulates diabetic renal inflammatory fibrosis by acting on SphK1. Here, we demonstrated that DHM effectively suppressed the synthesis of fibrotic and inflammatory adhesion factors like ICAM-1, and VCAM-1 in streptozotocin-treated high-fat diet-induced diabetic mice and HG-induced glomerular mesangial cells (GMCs). Moreover, DHM significantly suppressed NF-κB pathway activation and reduced SphK1 activity and protein expression under diabetic conditions. Mechanistically, the results of molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulation, and cellular thermal shift assay revealed that DHM stably bound to the binding pocket of SphK1, thereby reducing sphingosine-1-phosphate content and SphK1 enzymatic activity, which ultimately inhibited NF-κB DNA binding, transcriptional activity, and nuclear translocation. In conclusion, our data suggested that DHM inhibited SphK1 phosphorylation to prevent NF-κB activation thus ameliorating diabetic renal fibrosis. This supported the clinical use and further drug development of DHM as a potential candidate for treating diabetic renal fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Wen
- Laboratory of Pharmacology & Toxicology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, China; Guangzhou Hospital of Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine, Guangzhou, 510801, China
| | - Xiaohong Sun
- Department of Pharmacy, Shenzhen Children's Hospital, Shenzhen, 518026, China
| | - Linjie Pan
- Laboratory of Pharmacology & Toxicology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Shujin Jing
- Laboratory of Pharmacology & Toxicology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Xuting Zhang
- Laboratory of Pharmacology & Toxicology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Liyin Liang
- Laboratory of Pharmacology & Toxicology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Haiming Xiao
- Laboratory of Pharmacology & Toxicology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Peiqing Liu
- Laboratory of Pharmacology & Toxicology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Zhanchi Xu
- Laboratory of Pharmacology & Toxicology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, China.
| | - Qun Zhang
- Good Clinical Practice Development, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Bone and Joint Degeneration Diseases, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510630, China.
| | - Heqing Huang
- Guangzhou Hospital of Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine, Guangzhou, 510801, China.
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2
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Jones BA, Myakala K, Guha M, Davidson S, Adapa S, Lopez Santiago I, Schaffer I, Yue Y, Allegood JC, Cowart LA, Wang XX, Rosenberg AZ, Levi M. Farnesoid X receptor prevents neutrophil extracellular traps via reduced sphingosine-1-phosphate in chronic kidney disease. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol 2023; 325:F792-F810. [PMID: 37823198 PMCID: PMC10894665 DOI: 10.1152/ajprenal.00292.2023] [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: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Farnesoid X receptor (FXR) activation reduces renal inflammation, but the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) are webs of DNA formed when neutrophils undergo specialized programmed cell death (NETosis). The signaling lipid sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) stimulates NETosis via its receptor on neutrophils. Here, we identify FXR as a negative regulator of NETosis via repressing S1P signaling. We determined the effects of the FXR agonist obeticholic acid (OCA) in mouse models of adenosine phosphoribosyltransferase (APRT) deficiency and Alport syndrome, both genetic disorders that cause chronic kidney disease. Renal FXR activity is greatly reduced in both models, and FXR agonism reduces disease severity. Renal NETosis and sphingosine kinase 1 (Sphk1) expression are increased in diseased mice, and they are reduced by OCA in both models. Genetic deletion of FXR increases Sphk1 expression, and Sphk1 expression correlates with NETosis. Importantly, kidney S1P levels in Alport mice are two-fold higher than controls, and FXR agonism restores them back to baseline. Short-term inhibition of sphingosine synthesis in Alport mice with severe kidney disease reverses NETosis, establishing a causal relationship between S1P signaling and renal NETosis. Finally, extensive NETosis is present in human Alport kidney biopsies (six male, nine female), and NETosis severity correlates with clinical markers of kidney disease. This suggests the potential clinical relevance of the newly identified FXR-S1P-NETosis pathway. In summary, FXR agonism represses kidney Sphk1 expression. This inhibits renal S1P signaling, thereby reducing neutrophilic inflammation and NETosis.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Many preclinical studies have shown that the farnesoid X receptor (FXR) reduces renal inflammation, but the mechanism is poorly understood. This report identifies FXR as a novel regulator of neutrophilic inflammation and NETosis via the inhibition of sphingosine-1-phosphate signaling. Additionally, NETosis severity in human Alport kidney biopsies correlates with clinical markers of kidney disease. A better understanding of this signaling axis may lead to novel treatments that prevent renal inflammation and chronic kidney disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryce A Jones
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia, United States
| | - Komuraiah Myakala
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular and Cellular Biology, Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia, United States
| | - Mahilan Guha
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular and Cellular Biology, Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia, United States
| | - Shania Davidson
- Department of Biology, Howard University, Washington, District of Columbia, United States
| | - Sharmila Adapa
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular and Cellular Biology, Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia, United States
| | - Isabel Lopez Santiago
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular and Cellular Biology, Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia, United States
| | - Isabel Schaffer
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular and Cellular Biology, Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia, United States
| | - Yang Yue
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, United States
| | - Jeremy C Allegood
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, United States
| | - L Ashley Cowart
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, United States
| | - Xiaoxin X Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular and Cellular Biology, Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia, United States
| | - Avi Z Rosenberg
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
| | - Moshe Levi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular and Cellular Biology, Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia, United States
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3
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Sun G, Jiao M, Cui Y, Liang X, Liang X, Zhang S, Guo C. Identifying the mechanisms and molecular targets of Hongjingtian injection on treatment of TGFβ1-induced HK-2 cells: coupling network pharmacology with experimental verification. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2022; 10:1329. [PMID: 36660701 PMCID: PMC9843345 DOI: 10.21037/atm-22-5035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Background The study was designed to investigate the mechanism of Hongjingtian injection (HJT) in treating tubulointerstitial fibrosis (TIF) in chronic kidney diseases (CKD) based on network pharmacology and experimental verification. Methods First, active ingredients of HJT obtained from literature were screened using the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology (TCMSP) database and putative targets of active ingredients were predicted using the Chemmapper, SEA and Swiss Target Prediction database. Subsequently, the "compound-target" network for HJT was established. In addition, TIF disease targets were obtained from the GEO gene chips (accession number GSE20247). The intersecting targets of HJT and TIF obtained through Venny 2.1.0. The key targets and signaling pathways were determined by protein-protein interaction (PPI) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis. Finally, quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and Western blot (WB) were used to validate the predicted five key genes targets (GAD1, SPHK1, P4HA2, AKR1B1, PTGES). And immunofluorescence, wound healing assay and transwell assay were used to verify the anti-fibrosis effect of HJT on TGFβ1-induced HK-2 cells. Results The network pharmacology analysis results showed that there are 36 active compounds and 1,044 putative target genes in HJT. HJT may exert its inhibitory effects against TIF by acting on 79 key targets. Besides, KEGG analysis indicated that the anti-TIF effect of HJT was mediated by multiple pathways, such as the metabolic pathway, pathways in cancer and gap junction. Among them, GAD1, SPHK1, P4HA2, AKR1B1 and PTGES are enriched in the metabolic pathway. In vitro induced cell model experiments, the immunofluorescence experience showed that HJT could restore EMT of HK-2 cells. In addition, the qPCR and WB results showed that HJT significantly restored the expression of the SPHK1 in HK-2 cells induced by TGF-β1. Conclusions This study comprehensively illuminated the active compounds, potential targets, and molecular mechanism of HJT against TIF. HJT treatment of TIF may reverse EMT caused by TGF-β1 by targeting SPHK1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guanghui Sun
- First Clinical Medical College, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Mingwen Jiao
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Jinan, China
| | - Yuying Cui
- First Clinical Medical College, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Xuezhen Liang
- First Clinical Medical College, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China;,Orthopaedic Microsurgery, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Xiaodong Liang
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Shanshan Zhang
- First Clinical Medical College, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Congcong Guo
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabology, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China;,Department of Endocrinology and Metabology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Jinan, China
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4
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Ueda N. A Rheostat of Ceramide and Sphingosine-1-Phosphate as a Determinant of Oxidative Stress-Mediated Kidney Injury. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23074010. [PMID: 35409370 PMCID: PMC9000186 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23074010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Revised: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Reactive oxygen species (ROS) modulate sphingolipid metabolism, including enzymes that generate ceramide and sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P), and a ROS-antioxidant rheostat determines the metabolism of ceramide-S1P. ROS induce ceramide production by activating ceramide-producing enzymes, leading to apoptosis, while they inhibit S1P production, which promotes survival by suppressing sphingosine kinases (SphKs). A ceramide-S1P rheostat regulates ROS-induced mitochondrial dysfunction, apoptotic/anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 family proteins and signaling pathways, leading to apoptosis, survival, cell proliferation, inflammation and fibrosis in the kidney. Ceramide inhibits the mitochondrial respiration chain and induces ceramide channel formation and the closure of voltage-dependent anion channels, leading to mitochondrial dysfunction, altered Bcl-2 family protein expression, ROS generation and disturbed calcium homeostasis. This activates ceramide-induced signaling pathways, leading to apoptosis. These events are mitigated by S1P/S1P receptors (S1PRs) that restore mitochondrial function and activate signaling pathways. SphK1 promotes survival and cell proliferation and inhibits inflammation, while SphK2 has the opposite effect. However, both SphK1 and SphK2 promote fibrosis. Thus, a ceramide-SphKs/S1P rheostat modulates oxidant-induced kidney injury by affecting mitochondrial function, ROS production, Bcl-2 family proteins, calcium homeostasis and their downstream signaling pathways. This review will summarize the current evidence for a role of interaction between ROS-antioxidants and ceramide-SphKs/S1P and of a ceramide-SphKs/S1P rheostat in the regulation of oxidative stress-mediated kidney diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norishi Ueda
- Department of Pediatrics, Public Central Hospital of Matto Ishikawa, 3-8 Kuramitsu, Hakusan 924-8588, Japan
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5
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Protein kinase CK2: a potential therapeutic target for diverse human diseases. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2021; 6:183. [PMID: 33994545 PMCID: PMC8126563 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-021-00567-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 139] [Impact Index Per Article: 46.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2020] [Revised: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
CK2 is a constitutively active Ser/Thr protein kinase, which phosphorylates hundreds of substrates, controls several signaling pathways, and is implicated in a plethora of human diseases. Its best documented role is in cancer, where it regulates practically all malignant hallmarks. Other well-known functions of CK2 are in human infections; in particular, several viruses exploit host cell CK2 for their life cycle. Very recently, also SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic, has been found to enhance CK2 activity and to induce the phosphorylation of several CK2 substrates (either viral and host proteins). CK2 is also considered an emerging target for neurological diseases, inflammation and autoimmune disorders, diverse ophthalmic pathologies, diabetes, and obesity. In addition, CK2 activity has been associated with cardiovascular diseases, as cardiac ischemia-reperfusion injury, atherosclerosis, and cardiac hypertrophy. The hypothesis of considering CK2 inhibition for cystic fibrosis therapies has been also entertained for many years. Moreover, psychiatric disorders and syndromes due to CK2 mutations have been recently identified. On these bases, CK2 is emerging as an increasingly attractive target in various fields of human medicine, with the advantage that several very specific and effective inhibitors are already available. Here, we review the literature on CK2 implication in different human pathologies and evaluate its potential as a pharmacological target in the light of the most recent findings.
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6
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Donati C, Cencetti F, Bernacchioni C, Vannuzzi V, Bruni P. Role of sphingosine 1-phosphate signalling in tissue fibrosis. Cell Signal 2020; 78:109861. [PMID: 33253915 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2020.109861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2020] [Revised: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Fibrosis is characterized by the excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix components, leading to loss of tissue function in affected organs. Although the majority of fibrotic diseases have different origins, they have in common a persistent inflammatory stimulus and lymphocyte-monocyte interactions that determine the production of numerous fibrogenic cytokines. Treatment to contrast fibrosis is urgently needed, since some fibrotic diseases lead to systemic fibrosis and represent a major cause of death. In this article, the role of the bioactive sphingolipid sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) and its signalling pathway in the fibrosis of different tissue contexts is extensively reviewed, highlighting that it may represent an innovative and promising pharmacological therapeutic target for treating this devastating multifaceted disease. In multiple tissues S1P influences different aspects of fibrosis modulating the recruitment of inflammatory cells, as well as cell proliferation, migration and transdifferentiation into myofibroblasts, the cell type mainly involved in fibrosis development. Moreover, at the level of fibrotic lesions, S1P metabolism is profoundly influenced by multiple cross-talk with profibrotic mediators, such as transforming growth factor β, thus finely regulating the development of fibrosis. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled "Physiological and pathological roles of bioactive sphingolipids".
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Donati
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "M. Serio", University of Florence, viale GB Morgagni 50, 50134 Florence, Italy.
| | - Francesca Cencetti
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "M. Serio", University of Florence, viale GB Morgagni 50, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Caterina Bernacchioni
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "M. Serio", University of Florence, viale GB Morgagni 50, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Valentina Vannuzzi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "M. Serio", University of Florence, viale GB Morgagni 50, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Paola Bruni
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "M. Serio", University of Florence, viale GB Morgagni 50, 50134 Florence, Italy
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7
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Jairajpuri D, Mohammad T, Adhikari K, Gupta P, Hasan GM, Alajmi MF, Rehman MT, Hussain A, Hassan MI. Identification of Sphingosine Kinase-1 Inhibitors from Bioactive Natural Products Targeting Cancer Therapy. ACS OMEGA 2020; 5:14720-14729. [PMID: 32596609 PMCID: PMC7315586 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.0c01511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2020] [Accepted: 05/28/2020] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Sphingosine kinase 1 (SphK1) is an oncogenic lipid kinase that catalyzes the formation of sphingosine-1-phosphate via phosphorylation of sphingosine and known to play a crucial role in angiogenesis, lymphocyte trafficking, signal transduction pathways, and response to apoptotic stimuli. SphK1 has received attention because of its involvement in varying types of cancer and inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, renal fibrosis, pulmonary fibrosis, asthma, and neurodegenerative disorders. In the malignancies of breast, lung, uterus, ovary, kidney, and leukemia, overexpression of SphK1 has been reported and thus considered as a potential drug target. In this study, we have performed virtual high-throughput screening of ∼90,000 natural products from the ZINC database to find potential SphK1-inhibitors. Initially, the hits were selected by applying absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity properties, Lipinski's rule, and PAINS filters. Further, docking analysis was performed to estimate the binding affinities and specificity to find safe and effective preclinical leads against SphK1. Two compounds, ZINC05434006 and ZINC04260971, bearing appreciable binding affinity and SphK1 selectivity were selected for 100 ns molecular dynamics (MD) simulations under explicit water conditions. The all-atom MD simulation results suggested that the ZINC05434006 and ZINC04260971 binding induces a slight structural change and stabilizes the SphK1 structure. In conclusion, we propose natural compounds, ZINC05434006 and ZINC04260971, as potential inhibitors of SphK1, which may be further exploited as potential leads to develop effective therapeutics against SphK1-associated diseases including cancer after in vitro and in vivo validations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deeba
Shamim Jairajpuri
- Department
of Medical Biochemistry, College of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Arabian Gulf University, P.O. Box 22971, Manama, Bahrain
| | - Taj Mohammad
- Center
for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, Jamia Nagar, New Delhi 110025, India
| | - Kirtika Adhikari
- Department
of Computer Science, Jamia Millia Islamia, Jamia Nagar, New Delhi 110025, India
| | - Preeti Gupta
- Center
for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, Jamia Nagar, New Delhi 110025, India
| | - Gulam Mustafa Hasan
- Department
of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Prince
Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, P.O. Box 173, Al-Kharj 11942, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohamed F. Alajmi
- Department
of Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, King
Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Md. Tabish Rehman
- Department
of Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, King
Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Afzal Hussain
- Department
of Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, King
Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Md. Imtaiyaz Hassan
- Center
for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, Jamia Nagar, New Delhi 110025, India
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8
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Gupta P, Khan FI, Roy S, Anwar S, Dahiya R, Alajmi MF, Hussain A, Rehman MT, Lai D, Hassan MI. Functional implications of pH-induced conformational changes in the Sphingosine kinase 1. SPECTROCHIMICA ACTA. PART A, MOLECULAR AND BIOMOLECULAR SPECTROSCOPY 2020; 225:117453. [PMID: 31446356 DOI: 10.1016/j.saa.2019.117453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2019] [Revised: 06/21/2019] [Accepted: 08/05/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Sphingosine kinase 1 (SphK1) catalyzes the conversion of sphingosine to sphingosine-1-phosphate that acts as a bioactive signalling molecule, and regulates various cellular processes including lymphocyte trafficking, angiogenesis and response to apoptotic stimuli. Abnormal expression of SphK1 has been observed in a wide range of cancers highlighting their role in tumour growth and metastasis. This enzyme also plays a critical role in metabolic and inflammatory diseases, including pulmonary fibrosis, diabetic neuropathy and Alzheimer's disease. In the present study, we have investigated the structural and conformational changes in SphK1 at varying pH using various spectroscopic techniques. Consistent results were observed with the function of SphK1 at corresponding pH values. SphK1 maintains its secondary and tertiary structure in the pH range of 7.5-10.0. However, protein aggregation was observed in the acidic pH range (4.0-6.5). At pH 2.0, the SphK1 exists in the molten-globule state. Kinase assay also shows that SphK1 activity was optimal in the pH range of 7.5-8.5. To complement in vitro results, we have performed 100 ns molecular dynamics simulation to examine the effect of pH on the structural stability of SphK1 at molecular level. SphK1 maintains its native conformation in the alkaline pH range with some residual fluctuations detected at acidic pH. A considerable correlation was noticed between spectroscopic, enzymatic activity and MD simulation studies. pH dependent structural changes can be further implicated to understand its association with disease condition, and cellular homeostasis with respect to protein function under variable pH conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Preeti Gupta
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi 110025, India
| | - Faez Iqbal Khan
- School of Electronic Science and Engineering, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Sonam Roy
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi 110025, India
| | - Saleha Anwar
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi 110025, India
| | - Rashmi Dahiya
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi 110025, India
| | - Mohammed F Alajmi
- Department of Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Afzal Hussain
- Department of Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Md Tabish Rehman
- Department of Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Dakun Lai
- School of Electronic Science and Engineering, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Md Imtaiyaz Hassan
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi 110025, India.
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9
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Yoon YM, Go G, Yun CW, Lim JH, Lee SH. Knockdown of CK2α reduces P-cresol-induced fibrosis in human renal proximal tubule epithelial cells via the downregulation of profilin-1. Int J Med Sci 2020; 17:2850-2860. [PMID: 33162813 PMCID: PMC7645352 DOI: 10.7150/ijms.48429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Accepted: 09/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Renal fibrosis is one of the main causes of chronic kidney disease. Many studies have focused on fibroblasts and myofibroblasts involved in renal fibrogenesis. Recently, several studies have reported that renal proximal tubule epithelial cells are possible initiators of renal fibrosis. However, the mechanism through which cells induce renal fibrosis is poorly understood. In this study, we found that CK2α induces fibrosis in renal proximal tubule epithelial cells (TH1) by regulating the expression of profilin-1 (Pfn1). CKD mouse model and TH1 cells treated with P-cresol also showed an increased level of Pfn1. The knockdown of CK2α suppressed fibrosis in TH1 cells via the downregulation of Pfn1. In particular, CK2α knockdown inhibited the expression of stress fibers and fibrosis-related proteins in P-cresol-treated TH1 cells. Furthermore, the knockdown of CK2α inhibited mitochondrial dysfunction and restored cellular senescence and cell cycle in P-cresol-treated TH1 cells. These results indicate that CK2α induces renal fibrosis through Pfn1, which makes CK2α a key target molecule in the treatment of fibrosis related to chronic kidney disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yeo Min Yoon
- Medical Science Research Institute, Soonchunhyang University Seoul Hospital, Seoul, 04401, Republic of Korea
| | - Gyeongyun Go
- Department of Biochemistry, Soonchunhyang University College of Medicine, Cheonan, 31151, Republic of Korea
| | - Chul Won Yun
- Medical Science Research Institute, Soonchunhyang University Seoul Hospital, Seoul, 04401, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji Ho Lim
- Medical Science Research Institute, Soonchunhyang University Seoul Hospital, Seoul, 04401, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang Hun Lee
- Medical Science Research Institute, Soonchunhyang University Seoul Hospital, Seoul, 04401, Republic of Korea.,Department of Biochemistry, Soonchunhyang University College of Medicine, Cheonan, 31151, Republic of Korea
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10
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Liu K, Zhou S, Liu J, Wang Y, Zhu F, Liu M. Silibinin attenuates high-fat diet-induced renal fibrosis of diabetic nephropathy. DRUG DESIGN DEVELOPMENT AND THERAPY 2019; 13:3117-3126. [PMID: 31695328 PMCID: PMC6718242 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s209981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2019] [Accepted: 07/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Aim Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is the leading cause of end-stage renal disease. Silibinin is a flavonoid compound which has medicinal value. Previous studies revealed that silibinin exhibited an anti-fibrotic effect. However, whether silibinin could attenuate high-fat diet (HFD)-induced renal fibrosis remains unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the molecular mechanism by which silibinin regulated renal fibrosis induced by HFD. Methods In the present study, human renal glomerular endothelial cells (HRGECs) were treated with various concentrations of silibinin. Then, cell viability and apoptosis were measured by MTT assay and flow cytometry, respectively. In addition, HRGECs were exposed to 100 nM TGF-β1 for mimicking in vitro renal fibrosis. The expressions of collagen I, fibronectin, and α-SMA were detected by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase
chain reaction and Western blot. Protein levels of p-IκB and p-p65 were examined by Western blot; meanwhile, level of NF-κB was measured by immunofluorescence staining. Furthermore, HFD-induced mouse model of renal fibrosis was established. The mouse body weight, fasting glucose, kidney weight/body weight, microalbuminuria, kidney histopathology, and fibrotic area were measured to assess the severity of renal fibrosis. Results Low concentration of silibinin (≤50 μM) had no cytotoxicity, while high concentration of silibinin (≥75 μM) exhibited significant cytotoxicity. Additionally, TGF-β1 increased the expressions of collagen I, fibronectin, α-SMA, p-IκB, and p-p65 and decreased the level NF-κB, while these effects were notably reversed by 50 μM silibinin. Moreover, both 50 and 100 mg/kg silibinin greatly decreased HFD-induced the upregulation of kidney weight/body weight, microalbuminuria, and fibrotic area. 100 mg/kg silibinin markedly reduced collagen I, fibronectin, and p-p65 expressions in mice renal tissues. Conclusion Silibinin was able to attenuate renal fibrosis in vitro and in vivo via inhibition of NF-κB. These data suggested that silibinin may serve as a potential agent to alleviate the renal fibrosis of DN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kun Liu
- Department of Nephrology, Jining No. 1 People's Hospital, Jining 272000, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Shiju Zhou
- Department of Nephrology, Jining No. 1 People's Hospital, Jining 272000, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Jinyan Liu
- Department of Nephrology, Jining No. 1 People's Hospital, Jining 272000, Shandong, People's Republic of China.,Department of Nephrology, Jining Medical University, Jining 272000, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Yingying Wang
- Department of Nephrology, Jining No. 1 People's Hospital, Jining 272000, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Fengxian Zhu
- Department of Nephrology, Jining No. 1 People's Hospital, Jining 272000, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Man Liu
- Department of Nephrology, Jining No. 1 People's Hospital, Jining 272000, Shandong, People's Republic of China
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Gupta P, Mohammad T, Khan P, Alajmi MF, Hussain A, Rehman MT, Hassan MI. Evaluation of ellagic acid as an inhibitor of sphingosine kinase 1: A targeted approach towards anticancer therapy. Biomed Pharmacother 2019; 118:109245. [PMID: 31352240 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2019.109245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2019] [Revised: 07/17/2019] [Accepted: 07/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Sphingosine kinase 1 (SphK1) is one of the central enzymes of sphingolipid metabolism whose high expression level is presumed to be correlated with cancer and other inflammatory diseases. Using a virtual screening approach and in vitro studies, we have identified the ellagic acid (EA), a dietary polyphenol, as a potent inhibitor of SphK1. Molecular docking study has suggested a strong binding affinity of EA to the SphK1. Fluorescence binding and isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) measurements has also indicated an appreciable binding affinity. Kinase inhibition assay revealed an excellent inhibitory action of EA towards SphK1 (IC50 = 0.74 ± 0.06 μM). Cell viability studies point towards the antiproliferative effects of EA on lung cancer cell line (A549) without affecting human embryonic kidney cells (HEK293). Binding and inhibition mechanism of EA was unveiled by docking analysis of SphK1-EA complex. EA binds to the SphK1 and forms several interactions with catalytically important residues of ATP-binding pocket. Structural stability and dynamics analysis of SphK1-EA complex during 100 ns molecular dynamic simulation studies suggested that EA forms a stable complex with SphK1 without inducing any significant conformational shift. Taken together, our study suggests that EA can be utilized as a chemical prototype to develop potent therapeutics targeting SphK1-associated pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Preeti Gupta
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, Jamia Nagar, New Delhi, 110025, India
| | - Taj Mohammad
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, Jamia Nagar, New Delhi, 110025, India
| | - Parvez Khan
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, Jamia Nagar, New Delhi, 110025, India
| | - Mohamed F Alajmi
- Department of Pharmacognosy College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Afzal Hussain
- Department of Pharmacognosy College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Md Tabish Rehman
- Department of Pharmacognosy College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Md Imtaiyaz Hassan
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, Jamia Nagar, New Delhi, 110025, India.
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Zhu X, Shi D, Cao K, Ru D, Ren J, Rao Z, Chen Y, You Q, Dai C, Liu L, Zhou H. Sphingosine kinase 2 cooperating with Fyn promotes kidney fibroblast activation and fibrosis via STAT3 and AKT. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2018; 1864:3824-3836. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2018.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2018] [Revised: 08/25/2018] [Accepted: 09/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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