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Mohammadi-Bardbori A, Shadboorestan A, Niknahad H, Noorafshan A, Fardid R, Nadimi E, Bakhtari A, Omidi M. Disrupting Development: Unraveling the Interplay of Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor (AHR) and Wnt/β-Catenin Pathways in Kidney Development Under the Influence of Environmental Pollutants. Biol Trace Elem Res 2023:10.1007/s12011-023-04009-z. [PMID: 38117383 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-023-04009-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
Understanding the intricate molecular mechanisms governing aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) and Wnt/β-Catenin pathways crosstalk is of paramount importance for elucidating normal development. We investigated the repercussions of aberrant activation of these signaling pathways on kidney development. HEK-293 cells were subjected to AHR and Wnt activators and inhibitors for 3 and 24 h. Subsequently, pregnant adult female BALB/c mice were administered treatments at gestation day 9 (GD-9), and embryos were analyzed at GD-18 using a combination of cellular, molecular, stereological, and histopathological techniques. Our results demonstrated a noteworthy escalation in oxidative stress and gene expression endpoints associated with apoptosis. Moreover, stereological analyses exhibited alterations in cortex, proximal tubule, and kidney tissue vessels volumes. Remarkably, co-treatment with 6-formylindolo [3,2-b] carbazole (FICZ) and cadmium (Cd) resulted in a significant reduction in glomerulus volume, while elevating the volumes of distal tubule, Henle loop, and connective tissue, compared to the control group. Histopathological investigations further confirmed structural changes in the loop of Henle and proximal tubule, alongside a decline in glomerular volume. Additionally, the expression levels of AHR and Ctnnb1 genes significantly increased in the Cd-treated group compared to the control group. Enhanced expression of apoptosis-related genes, including Bcl-x, Bax, and Caspase3, along with alterations in mitochondrial membrane potential and cytochrome C release, was observed. In contrast, Gsk3 gene expression was significantly decreased. Our findings robustly establish that chemical pollutants, such as Cd, disrupt the AHR and Wnt/β-Catenin physiological roles during developmental stages by inhibiting the metabolic degradation of FICZ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Afshin Mohammadi-Bardbori
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Amir Shadboorestan
- Depertment of Toxicology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hossein Niknahad
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Ali Noorafshan
- Histomorphometry and Stereology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Departments of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Reza Fardid
- Department of Radiology, School of Paramedical Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Elham Nadimi
- Histomorphometry and Stereology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Azizollah Bakhtari
- Department of Reproductive Biology, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mahmoud Omidi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran.
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circSMARCA5 Is an Upstream Regulator of the Expression of miR-126-3p, miR-515-5p, and Their mRNA Targets, Insulin-like Growth Factor Binding Protein 2 ( IGFBP2) and NRAS Proto-Oncogene, GTPase ( NRAS) in Glioblastoma. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232213676. [PMID: 36430152 PMCID: PMC9690846 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232213676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2022] [Revised: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
The involvement of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) in glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) pathogenesis and progression has been ascertained but their cross-talk within GBM cells remains elusive. We previously demonstrated the role of circSMARCA5 as a tumor suppressor (TS) in GBM. In this paper, we explore the involvement of circSMARCA5 in the control of microRNA (miRNA) expression in GBM. By using TaqMan® low-density arrays, the expression of 748 miRNAs was assayed in U87MG overexpressing circSMARCA5. Differentially expressed (DE) miRNAs were validated through single TaqMan® assays in: (i) U87MG overexpressing circSMARCA5; (ii) four additional GBM cell lines (A172; CAS-1; SNB-19; U251MG); (iii) thirty-eight GBM biopsies; (iv) twenty biopsies of unaffected brain parenchyma (UC). Validated targets of DE miRNAs were selected from the databases TarBase and miRTarbase, and the literature; their expression was inferred from the GBM TCGA dataset. Expression was assayed in U87MG overexpressing circSMARCA5, GBM cell lines, and biopsies through real-time PCR. TS miRNAs 126-3p and 515-5p were upregulated following circSMARCA5 overexpression in U87MG and their expression was positively correlated with that of circSMARCA5 (r-values = 0.49 and 0.50, p-values = 9 × 10-5 and 7 × 10-5, respectively) in GBM biopsies. Among targets, IGFBP2 (target of miR-126-3p) and NRAS (target of miR-515-5p) mRNAs were positively correlated (r-value = 0.46, p-value = 0.00027), while their expression was negatively correlated with that of circSMARCA5 (r-values = -0.58 and -0.30, p-values = 0 and 0.019, respectively), miR-126-3p (r-value = -0.36, p-value = 0.0066), and miR-515-5p (r-value = -0.34, p-value = 0.010), respectively. Our data identified a new GBM subnetwork controlled by circSMARCA5, which regulates downstream miRNAs 126-3p and 515-5p, and their mRNA targets IGFBP2 and NRAS.
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OVOL1 inhibits breast cancer cell invasion by enhancing the degradation of TGF-β type I receptor. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2022; 7:126. [PMID: 35484112 PMCID: PMC9050647 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-022-00944-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2021] [Revised: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Ovo-like transcriptional repressor 1 (OVOL1) is a key mediator of epithelial lineage determination and mesenchymal-epithelial transition (MET). The cytokines transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) and bone morphogenetic proteins (BMP) control the epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity (EMP) of cancer cells, but whether this occurs through interplay with OVOL1 is not known. Here, we show that OVOL1 is inversely correlated with the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) signature, and is an indicator of a favorable prognosis for breast cancer patients. OVOL1 suppresses EMT, migration, extravasation, and early metastatic events of breast cancer cells. Importantly, BMP strongly promotes the expression of OVOL1, which enhances BMP signaling in turn. This positive feedback loop is established through the inhibition of TGF-β receptor signaling by OVOL1. Mechanistically, OVOL1 interacts with and prevents the ubiquitination and degradation of SMAD family member 7 (SMAD7), which is a negative regulator of TGF-β type I receptor stability. Moreover, a small-molecule compound 6-formylindolo(3,2-b)carbazole (FICZ) was identified to activate OVOL1 expression and thereby antagonizing (at least in part) TGF-β-mediated EMT and migration in breast cancer cells. Our results uncover a novel mechanism by which OVOL1 attenuates TGF-β/SMAD signaling and maintains the epithelial identity of breast cancer cells.
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Cannon AS, Nagarkatti PS, Nagarkatti M. Targeting AhR as a Novel Therapeutic Modality against Inflammatory Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 23:288. [PMID: 35008717 PMCID: PMC8745713 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23010288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2021] [Revised: 12/24/2021] [Accepted: 12/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
For decades, activation of Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor (AhR) was excluded from consideration as a therapeutic approach due to the potential toxic effects of AhR ligands and the induction of the cytochrome P450 enzyme, Cyp1a1, following AhR activation. However, it is now understood that AhR activation not only serves as an environmental sensor that regulates the effects of environmental toxins, but also as a key immunomodulator where ligands induce a variety of cellular and epigenetic mechanisms to attenuate inflammation. Thus, the emergence of further in-depth research into diverse groups of compounds capable of activating this receptor has prompted reconsideration of its use therapeutically. The aim of this review is to summarize the body of research surrounding AhR and its role in regulating inflammation. Specifically, evidence supporting the potential of targeting this receptor to modulate the immune response in inflammatory and autoimmune diseases will be highlighted. Additionally, the opportunities and challenges of developing AhR-based therapies to suppress inflammation will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Mitzi Nagarkatti
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC 29209, USA; (A.S.C.); (P.S.N.)
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Li L, Lai Q, Zhang M, Jia J. Long non-coding RNA DLGAP1-AS1 promotes the progression of gastric cancer via miR-515-5p/MARK4 axis. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 54:e10062. [PMID: 34037089 PMCID: PMC8148880 DOI: 10.1590/1414-431x2020e10062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2020] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) is an essential regulator of carcinogenesis and cancer progression. In the study, we explored the role of lncRNA DLGAP1-AS1 in gastric cancer (GC). qRT-PCR was carried out to detect DLGAP1-AS1 expression in GC tissues and cell lines. CCK-8 assay, EdU assay, and transwell experiments were employed to detect the malignant biological behaviors of GC cells with DLGAP1-AS1 knockdown or overexpression. Bioinformatics and dual-luciferase report assay were used to confirm the binding relationship between DLGAP1-AS1 and miR-515-5p. MARK4 expression was detected by western blot after DLGAP1-AS1/miR-515-5p was selectively regulated. DLGAP1-AS1 was up-regulated in GC tissues and cell lines, and its high expression was closely associated with larger tumor size, higher TNM stage, and lymph node metastasis. Furthermore, DLGAP1-AS1 overexpression enhanced cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, and miR-515-5p could reverse these effects. DLGAP1-AS1 participated in the regulation of the MARK4 signaling pathway by targeting miR-515-5p. DLGAP1-AS1 promoted GC progression through miR-515-5p/MARK4 signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liping Li
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dongguan People's Hospital, Dongguan, Guangdong, China
| | - Qingjun Lai
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dongguan People's Hospital, Dongguan, Guangdong, China
| | - Manman Zhang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dongguan People's Hospital, Dongguan, Guangdong, China
| | - Jun Jia
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dongguan People's Hospital, Dongguan, Guangdong, China
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Li Q, Liu S, Yan J, Sun MZ, Greenaway FT. The potential role of miR-124-3p in tumorigenesis and other related diseases. Mol Biol Rep 2021; 48:3579-3591. [PMID: 33877528 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-021-06347-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of single-stranded noncoding and endogenous RNA molecules with a length of 18-25 nucleotides. Previous work has shown that miR-124-3p leads to malignant progression of cancer including cell apoptosis, migration, invasion, drug resistance, and also recovers neural function, affects adipogenic differentiation, facilitates wound healing through control of various target genes. miR-124-3p has been mainly previously characterized as a tumor suppressor regulating tumorigenesis and progression in several cancers, such as hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), gastric cancer (GC), bladder cancer, ovarian cancer (OC), and leukemia, as a tumor promotor in breast cancer (BC), and it has been also widely studied in a variety of neurological diseases, like Parkinson's disease (PD), dementia and Alzheimer's disease (AD), and cardiovascular diseases, ulcerative colitis (UC), acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). To lay the groundwork for future therapeutic strategies, in this review we mainly focus on the most recent years of literature on the functions of miR-124-3p in related major cancers, as well as its downstream target genes. Although current work as yet provides an incomplete picture, miR-124-3p is still worthy of more attention as a practical and effective clinical biomarker.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Li
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Dalian Medical University, 9 West Section, Lvshun Southern Road, Dalian, 116044, China.,Department of Hematology, Dalian Key Laboratory of Hematology, Diamond Bay Institute of Hematology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116027, China
| | - Shuqing Liu
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Dalian Medical University, 9 West Section, Lvshun Southern Road, Dalian, 116044, China. .,Department of Hematology, Dalian Key Laboratory of Hematology, Diamond Bay Institute of Hematology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116027, China.
| | - Jinsong Yan
- Department of Hematology, Dalian Key Laboratory of Hematology, Diamond Bay Institute of Hematology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116027, China
| | - Ming-Zhong Sun
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Dalian Medical University, 9 West Section, Lvshun Southern Road, Dalian, 116044, China. .,Department of Hematology, Dalian Key Laboratory of Hematology, Diamond Bay Institute of Hematology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116027, China.
| | - Frederick T Greenaway
- Carlson School of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Clark University, Worcester, MA, 01610, USA
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Barroso A, Mahler JV, Fonseca-Castro PH, Quintana FJ. The aryl hydrocarbon receptor and the gut-brain axis. Cell Mol Immunol 2021; 18:259-268. [PMID: 33408340 PMCID: PMC8027889 DOI: 10.1038/s41423-020-00585-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) is a ligand-activated transcription factor initially identified as the receptor for dioxin. Almost half a century after its discovery, AHR is now recognized as a receptor for multiple physiological ligands, with important roles in health and disease. In this review, we discuss the role of AHR in the gut-brain axis and its potential value as a therapeutic target for immune-mediated diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreia Barroso
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - João Vitor Mahler
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Pedro Henrique Fonseca-Castro
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Francisco J Quintana
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA.
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