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Caon E, Martins M, Hodgetts H, Blanken L, Vilia MG, Levi A, Thanapirom K, Al-Akkad W, Abu-Hanna J, Baselli G, Hall AR, Luong TV, Taanman JW, Vacca M, Valenti L, Romeo S, Mazza G, Pinzani M, Rombouts K. Exploring the impact of the PNPLA3 I148M variant on primary human hepatic stellate cells using 3D extracellular matrix models. J Hepatol 2024; 80:941-956. [PMID: 38365182 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2024.01.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 01/27/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS The PNPLA3 rs738409 C>G (encoding for I148M) variant is a risk locus for the fibrogenic progression of chronic liver diseases, a process driven by hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). We investigated how the PNPLA3 I148M variant affects HSC biology using transcriptomic data and validated findings in 3D-culture models. METHODS RNA sequencing was performed on 2D-cultured primary human HSCs and liver biopsies of individuals with obesity, genotyped for the PNPLA3 I148M variant. Data were validated in wild-type (WT) or PNPLA3 I148M variant-carrying HSCs cultured on 3D extracellular matrix (ECM) scaffolds from human healthy and cirrhotic livers, with/without TGFB1 or cytosporone B (Csn-B) treatment. RESULTS Transcriptomic analyses of liver biopsies and HSCs highlighted shared PNPLA3 I148M-driven dysregulated pathways related to mitochondrial function, antioxidant response, ECM remodelling and TGFB1 signalling. Analogous pathways were dysregulated in WT/PNPLA3-I148M HSCs cultured in 3D liver scaffolds. Mitochondrial dysfunction in PNPLA3-I148M cells was linked to respiratory chain complex IV insufficiency. Antioxidant capacity was lower in PNPLA3-I148M HSCs, while reactive oxygen species secretion was increased in PNPLA3-I148M HSCs and higher in bioengineered cirrhotic vs. healthy scaffolds. TGFB1 signalling followed the same trend. In PNPLA3-I148M cells, expression and activation of the endogenous TGFB1 inhibitor NR4A1 were decreased: treatment with the Csn-B agonist increased total NR4A1 in HSCs cultured in healthy but not in cirrhotic 3D scaffolds. NR4A1 regulation by TGFB1/Csn-B was linked to Akt signalling in PNPLA3-WT HSCs and to Erk signalling in PNPLA3-I148M HSCs. CONCLUSION HSCs carrying the PNPLA3 I148M variant have impaired mitochondrial function, antioxidant responses, and increased TGFB1 signalling, which dampens antifibrotic NR4A1 activity. These features are exacerbated by cirrhotic ECM, highlighting the dual impact of the PNPLA3 I148M variant and the fibrotic microenvironment in progressive chronic liver diseases. IMPACT AND IMPLICATIONS Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) play a key role in the fibrogenic process associated with chronic liver disease. The PNPLA3 genetic mutation has been linked with increased risk of fibrogenesis, but its role in HSCs requires further investigation. Here, by using comparative transcriptomics and a novel 3D in vitro model, we demonstrate the impact of the PNPLA3 genetic mutation on primary human HSCs' behaviour, and we show that it affects the cell's mitochondrial function and antioxidant response, as well as the antifibrotic gene NR4A1. Our publicly available transcriptomic data, 3D platform and our findings on NR4A1 could facilitate the discovery of targets to develop more effective treatments for chronic liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabetta Caon
- Regenerative Medicine and Fibrosis Group, Institute for Liver and Digestive Health, University College London, Royal Free Campus, London, UK
| | - Maria Martins
- Regenerative Medicine and Fibrosis Group, Institute for Liver and Digestive Health, University College London, Royal Free Campus, London, UK
| | - Harry Hodgetts
- Regenerative Medicine and Fibrosis Group, Institute for Liver and Digestive Health, University College London, Royal Free Campus, London, UK
| | - Lieke Blanken
- Regenerative Medicine and Fibrosis Group, Institute for Liver and Digestive Health, University College London, Royal Free Campus, London, UK
| | - Maria Giovanna Vilia
- Regenerative Medicine and Fibrosis Group, Institute for Liver and Digestive Health, University College London, Royal Free Campus, London, UK
| | - Ana Levi
- Regenerative Medicine and Fibrosis Group, Institute for Liver and Digestive Health, University College London, Royal Free Campus, London, UK
| | - Kessarin Thanapirom
- Regenerative Medicine and Fibrosis Group, Institute for Liver and Digestive Health, University College London, Royal Free Campus, London, UK
| | - Walid Al-Akkad
- Regenerative Medicine and Fibrosis Group, Institute for Liver and Digestive Health, University College London, Royal Free Campus, London, UK
| | - Jeries Abu-Hanna
- Research Department of Surgical Biotechnology, Division of Surgery and Interventional Science, University College London, London, UK
| | - Guido Baselli
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Andrew R Hall
- Sheila Sherlock Liver Centre, Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK; Department of Cellular Pathology, Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Tu Vinh Luong
- Sheila Sherlock Liver Centre, Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK; Department of Cellular Pathology, Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Jan-Willem Taanman
- Department of Clinical and Movement Neurosciences, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London UK
| | - Michele Vacca
- Laboratory of Hepatic Metabolism and NAFLD, Roger Williams Institute of Hepatology, London, UK; Clinica Medica "Frugoni", Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
| | - Luca Valenti
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy; Precision Medicine, Biological Resource Center, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Stefano Romeo
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, Wallenberg Laboratory, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Giuseppe Mazza
- Regenerative Medicine and Fibrosis Group, Institute for Liver and Digestive Health, University College London, Royal Free Campus, London, UK
| | - Massimo Pinzani
- Regenerative Medicine and Fibrosis Group, Institute for Liver and Digestive Health, University College London, Royal Free Campus, London, UK
| | - Krista Rombouts
- Regenerative Medicine and Fibrosis Group, Institute for Liver and Digestive Health, University College London, Royal Free Campus, London, UK.
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Safe S. Natural products and synthetic analogs as selective orphan nuclear receptor 4A (NR4A) modulators. Histol Histopathol 2024; 39:543-556. [PMID: 38116863 PMCID: PMC11267491 DOI: 10.14670/hh-18-689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
Although endogenous ligands for the orphan nuclear receptor 4A1 (NR4A1, Nur77), NR4A2 (Nurr1), and NR4A3 (Nor-1) have not been identified, several natural products and synthetic analogs bind NR4A members. These studies are becoming increasingly important since members of the NR4A subfamily of 3 receptors are potential drug targets for treating cancer and non-cancer endpoints and particularly those conditions associated with inflammatory diseases. Ligands that bind NR4A1, NR4A2, and NR4A3 including Cytosporone B, celastrol, bis-indole derived (CDIM) compounds, tryptophan/indolic, metabolites, prostaglandins, resveratrol, piperlongumine, fatty acids, flavonoids, alkaloids, peptides, and drug families including statins and antimalarial drugs. The structural diversity of NR4A ligands and their overlapping and unique effects on NR4A1, NR4A2, and NR4A3 suggest that NR4A ligands are selective NR4A modulators (SNR4AMs) that exhibit tissue-, structure-, and response-specific activities. The SNR4AM activities of NR4A ligands are exemplified among the Cytosporone B analogs where n-pentyl-2-[3,5-dihydroxy-2-(nonanoyl)]phenyl acetate (PDNPA) binds NR4A1, NR4A2 and NR4A3 but activates only NR4A1 and exhibits significant functional differences with other Cytosporone B analogs. The number of potential clinical applications of agents targeting NR4A is increasing and this should spur future development of SNR4AMs as therapeutics that act through NR4A1, NR4A2 and NR4A3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen Safe
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA.
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3
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Sun Y, Liu J, Wang J, He M, Chen X, Chen L. Network pharmacology integrated with experimental validation revealed the mechanism of Fengshi Gutong Capsule in the treatment of osteoarthritis. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 319:117261. [PMID: 37788787 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.117261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Fengshi Gutong Capsule (FSGTC) is a commonly used Chinese medicine for the treatment of joint pain caused by osteoarthritis (OA). However, the mechanism of action of FSGTC for OA remains unclear. AIM OF THE STUDY This study aimed to explore the alleviating effects and potential mechanisms of action of FSGTC for OA through data mining, network pharmacology, and in vitro experiments. MATERIALS AND METHODS High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was performed to establish the fingerprints of FSGTC and detect the components of FSGTC absorbed in the blood. The effects of FSGTC on inflammation, immunity, and liver and kidney functions in patients with OA were evaluated by mining clinical data. The potential targets and pathways of FSGTC were screened using network pharmacology. Subsequently, CCK-8 assay, flow cytometry, western blotting, RT-qPCR, ELISA, and immunofluorescence were performed in IL-1β-stimulated chondrocytes for further validation. RESULTS Eighty-seven common peaks and 10 components were identified using the HPLC fingerprints of 12 batches of samples, and the similarity was in the range of 0.973-0.998. Retrospective clinical analysis demonstrated a significant reduction in inflammatory response levels among patients with OA who received FSGTC treatment. Network pharmacology analysis revealed that FSGTC potentially targeted processes related to inflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis. The phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT), The nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), and janus kinase 2 (JAK2)/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) signaling pathways were predicted to be the main pathways involved in the therapeutic effects of FSGTC in OA. In vitro, FSGTC-containing serum aided the proliferation of chondrocytes stimulated by IL-1β, while concurrently mitigating apoptosis, suppressing the expression of inflammatory cytokines and oxidative molecules, and inhibiting the degradation of the chondrocyte extracellular matrix (ECM). CONCLUSIONS FSGTC alleviates the inflammatory response in patients with OA. This therapeutic effect was attributed to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, and its ability to promote IL-1β-induced chondrocyte proliferation, inhibit apoptosis, and prevent the degradation of extracellular matrix. These favorable results were associated with the inhibition of the PI3K/AKT, NF-κB, and JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanqiu Sun
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hefei, 230038, Anhui Province, China; Institute of Rheumatology, Anhui Academy of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, 230012, Anhui Province, China.
| | - Jian Liu
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hefei, 230038, Anhui Province, China; Institute of Rheumatology, Anhui Academy of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, 230012, Anhui Province, China.
| | - Jue Wang
- Sinopharm Group Jingfang (Anhui) Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd, Xuancheng City, 242000, Anhui Province, China.
| | - Mingyu He
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hefei, 230038, Anhui Province, China; Institute of Rheumatology, Anhui Academy of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, 230012, Anhui Province, China.
| | - Xiaolu Chen
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hefei, 230038, Anhui Province, China; Institute of Rheumatology, Anhui Academy of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, 230012, Anhui Province, China.
| | - Li Chen
- Pharmaceutical Department, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hefei, 230038, Anhui Province, China.
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Takács-Lovász K, Aczél T, Borbély É, Szőke É, Czuni L, Urbán P, Gyenesei A, Helyes Z, Kun J, Bölcskei K. Hemokinin-1 induces transcriptomic alterations in pain-related signaling processes in rat primary sensory neurons independent of NK1 tachykinin receptor activation. Front Mol Neurosci 2023; 16:1186279. [PMID: 37965042 PMCID: PMC10641776 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2023.1186279] [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: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The tachykinin hemokinin-1 (HK-1) is involved in immunological processes, inflammation, and pain. Although the neurokinin 1 receptor (NK1R) is described as its main target, several effects are mediated by currently unidentified receptor(s). The role of HK-1 in pain is controversial, depending on the involvement of peripheral and central sensitization mechanisms in different models. We earlier showed the ability of HK-1 to activate the trigeminovascular system, but the mechanisms need to be clarified. Therefore, in this study, we investigated HK-1-induced transcriptomic alterations in cultured rat trigeminal ganglion (TRG) primary sensory neurons. HK-1 was applied for 6 or 24 h in 1 μM causing calcium-influx in these neurons, 500 nM not inducing calcium-entry was used for comparison. Next-generation sequencing was performed on the isolated RNA, and transcriptomic changes were analyzed to identify differentially expressed (DE) genes. Functional analysis was performed for gene annotation using the Gene Ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), and Reactome databases. NK1R and Neurokinin receptor 2 (NK2R) were not detected. Neurokinin receptor 3 (NK3R) was around the detection limit, which suggests the involvement of other NKR isoforms or other receptors in HK-1-induced sensory neuronal activation. We found protease-activated receptor 1 (PAR1) and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) as DE genes in calcium signaling. The transmembrane protein anthrax toxin receptor 2 (ANTXR2), a potential novel pain-related target, was upregulated. Acid-sensing ion channel 1; 3 (Asic1,3), N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) and alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) glutamate receptors decreased, myelin production and maintenance related genes (Mbp, Pmp2, Myef2, Mpz) and GNDF changed by HK-1 treatment. Our data showed time and dose-dependent effects of HK-1 in TRG cell culture. Result showed calcium signaling as altered event, however, we did not detect any of NK receptors. Presumably, the activation of TRG neurons is independent of NK receptors. ANTXR2 is a potential new target, PAR-1 has also important role in pain, however their connection to HK-1 is unknown. These findings might highlight new targets or key mediators to solve how HK-1 acts on TRG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krisztina Takács-Lovász
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Medical School and Centre for Neuroscience, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Timea Aczél
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Medical School and Centre for Neuroscience, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Éva Borbély
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Medical School and Centre for Neuroscience, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- National Laboratory for Drug Research and Development, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Éva Szőke
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Medical School and Centre for Neuroscience, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- National Laboratory for Drug Research and Development, Budapest, Hungary
- Hungarian Research Network, PTE HUN-REN Chronic Research Group, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Lilla Czuni
- Szentágothai Research Centre, Bioinformatics Research Group, Genomics and Bioinformatics Core Facility, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Péter Urbán
- Szentágothai Research Centre, Bioinformatics Research Group, Genomics and Bioinformatics Core Facility, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Attila Gyenesei
- Szentágothai Research Centre, Bioinformatics Research Group, Genomics and Bioinformatics Core Facility, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Zsuzsanna Helyes
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Medical School and Centre for Neuroscience, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- National Laboratory for Drug Research and Development, Budapest, Hungary
- Hungarian Research Network, PTE HUN-REN Chronic Research Group, Budapest, Hungary
- PharmInVivo Ltd., Pécs, Hungary
| | - József Kun
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Medical School and Centre for Neuroscience, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- Szentágothai Research Centre, Bioinformatics Research Group, Genomics and Bioinformatics Core Facility, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Kata Bölcskei
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Medical School and Centre for Neuroscience, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
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Tao Y, Tang C, Wei J, Shan Y, Fang X, Li Y. Nr4a1 promotes renal interstitial fibrosis by regulating the p38 MAPK phosphorylation. Mol Med 2023; 29:63. [PMID: 37161357 PMCID: PMC10169452 DOI: 10.1186/s10020-023-00657-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Renal interstitial fibrosis (RIF) is a common pathway to end-stage renal disease regardless of the initial etiology. Currently, the molecular mechanisms for RIF remains not fully elucidated. Nuclear receptor subfamily 4 group A member 1(Nr4a1), a member of the NR4A subfamily of nuclear receptors, is a ligand-activated transcription factor. The role of Nr4a1 in RIF remains largely unknown. METHODS In this study, we determined the role and action mechanism of Nr4a1 in RIF. We used unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) mice and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1-treated human renal proximal tubular epithelial cells (HK-2 cells) as in vivo and in vitro models of RIF. A specific Nr4a1 agonist Cytosporone B (Csn-B) was applied to activate Nr4a1 both in vivo and in vitro, and Nr4a1 small interfering RNA was applied in vitro. Renal pathological changes were evaluated by hematoxylin and eosin and Masson staining, and the expression of fibrotic proteins including fibronectin (Fn) and collagen-I (Col-I), and phosphorylated p38 MAPK was measure by immunohistochemical staining and western blot analysis. RESULTS The results showed that Nr4a1 was upregulated in UUO mouse kidneys, and was positively correlated with the degree of interstitial kidney injury and the levels of fibrotic proteins. Csn-B treatment aggravated UUO-induced renal interstitial fibrosis, and induced p38 MAPK phosphorylation. In vitro, TGF-β induced Nr4a1 expression, and Nr4a1 downregulation prevented TGF-β1-induced expression of Fn and Col-I and the activation of p38 MAPK. Csn-B induced fibrotic proteins expression and p38 MAPK phosphorylation, and moreover Csn-B induced fibrotic proteins expression was abrogated by treatment with p38 MAPK inhibitor SB203580. We provided further evidence that Csn-B treatment promoted cytoplasmic accumulation of Nr4a1. CONCLUSION The findings in the present study indicate that Nr4a1 promotes renal fibrosis potentially through activating p38 MAPK kinase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yilin Tao
- Department of Nephrology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, Human, China
- Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease and Blood Purification in Human Province, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, China
| | - Chengyuan Tang
- Department of Nephrology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, Human, China
- Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease and Blood Purification in Human Province, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, China
| | - Ju Wei
- Department of Nephrology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, Human, China
- Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease and Blood Purification in Human Province, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, China
| | - Yi Shan
- Department of Nephrology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, Human, China
- Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease and Blood Purification in Human Province, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, China
| | - Xi Fang
- Department of Nephrology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, Human, China
- Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease and Blood Purification in Human Province, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, China
| | - Ying Li
- Department of Nephrology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, Human, China.
- Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease and Blood Purification in Human Province, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, China.
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Chen Z, Fan N, Shen G, Yang J. Silencing lncRNA CDKN2B-AS1 Alleviates Childhood Asthma Progression Through Inhibiting ZFP36 Promoter Methylation and Promoting NR4A1 Expression. Inflammation 2023; 46:700-717. [PMID: 36422840 DOI: 10.1007/s10753-022-01766-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Revised: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
LncRNA cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 2B antisense RNA 1 (CDKN2B-AS1) was found to be upregulated in plasma of patients with bronchial asthma. This study aimed to explore the roles and mechanisms of CDKN2B-AS1 in childhood asthma. We found that CDKN2B-AS1 was upregulated and zinc finger protein 36 (ZFP36) mRNA was downregulated in blood samples of children with asthma compared with healthy controls as measured by RT-qPCR. Human bronchial epithelial cell line BEAS-2B was treated with LPS to induce inflammation model. Small interfering RNA against CDKN2B-AS1 (si-CDKN2B-AS1) was transfected into LPS-treated BEAS-2B cells, and we observed that CDKN2B-AS1 silencing increased cell viability and inhibited apoptosis and inflammation cytokine levels in LPS-treated BEAS-2B cells. Methylation-specific PCR, ChIP, and RIP assays indicated that CDKN2B-AS1 inhibited ZFP36 expression by recruiting DNMT1 to promote ZFP36 promoter methylation. Co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) assay verified the interaction between ZFP36 and nuclear receptor subfamily 4 group A member 1 (NR4A1) proteins. Then rescue experiments revealed that ZFP36 knockdown reversed the effects of CDKN2B-AS1 silencing on BEAS-2B cell functions. ZFP36 overexpression facilitated apoptosis, inflammation, and p-p65 expression in BEAS-2B cells, while NR4A1 knockdown reversed these effects. Additionally, CDKN2B-AS1 silencing alleviated airway hyperresponsiveness and inflammation in ovalbumin (OVA)-induced asthma mice. In conclusion, silencing lncRNA CDKN2B-AS1 enhances BEAS-2B cell viability, reduces apoptosis and inflammation in vitro, and alleviated asthma symptoms in OVA-induced asthma mice in vivo through inhibiting ZFP36 promoter methylation and NR4A1-mediated NF-κB signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhixin Chen
- Department of Pediatrics, Nanyang Central Hospital, No. 312, Gongnong Road, Henan Province, 473000, China.
| | - Nuandong Fan
- Department of Pathology, Nanyang Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Henan Province, 473000, China
| | - Guangsheng Shen
- Department of Pediatrics, Nanyang Central Hospital, No. 312, Gongnong Road, Henan Province, 473000, China
| | - Jing Yang
- Department of Pediatrics, Nanyang Central Hospital, No. 312, Gongnong Road, Henan Province, 473000, China
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7
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Wang H, Zhang M, Fang F, Xu C, Liu J, Gao L, Zhao C, Wang Z, Zhong Y, Wang X. The nuclear receptor subfamily 4 group A1 in human disease. Biochem Cell Biol 2023; 101:148-159. [PMID: 36861809 DOI: 10.1139/bcb-2022-0331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Nuclear receptor 4A1 (NR4A1), a member of the NR4A subfamily, acts as a gene regulator in a wide range of signaling pathways and responses to human diseases. Here, we provide a brief overview of the current functions of NR4A1 in human diseases and the factors involved in its function. A deeper understanding of these mechanisms can potentially improve drug development and disease therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongshuang Wang
- Graduate School, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang 050091, China
| | - Mengjuan Zhang
- Graduate School, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang 050091, China
| | - Fang Fang
- Graduate School, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang 050091, China
| | - Chang Xu
- Graduate School, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang 050091, China
| | - Jiazhi Liu
- Graduate School, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang 050091, China
| | - Lanjun Gao
- Graduate School, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang 050091, China
| | - Chenchen Zhao
- Graduate School, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang 050091, China
| | - Zheng Wang
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine on Liver-Kidney Patterns Research, Shijiazhuang 050091, China.,Institute of Integrative Medicine, College of Integrative Medicine, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang 050200, China
| | - Yan Zhong
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine on Liver-Kidney Patterns Research, Shijiazhuang 050091, China.,Institute of Integrative Medicine, College of Integrative Medicine, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang 050200, China
| | - Xiangting Wang
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine on Liver-Kidney Patterns Research, Shijiazhuang 050091, China
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Huang Z, Song S, Zhang D, Bian Z, Han J. Protective effects of Tripterygium glycoside on IL-1β-induced inflammation and apoptosis of rat chondrocytes via microRNA-216a-5p/TLR4/NF-κB axis. Immunopharmacol Immunotoxicol 2023; 45:61-72. [PMID: 36052873 DOI: 10.1080/08923973.2022.2115924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study is designed to fill the research gap concerning the efficacy of Tripterygium glycoside (TG) on Interleukin-1β (IL-1β)-induced inflammation and injury in chondrocytes. METHODS Chondrocytes were isolated from Sprague-Dawley rats. After the treatment with IL-1β and TG and transfection, the viability and apoptosis of chondrocytes were determined via Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay and flow cytometry. The levels of inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and IL-8 were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Relative expression levels of potential microRNAs (miRNAs, miRs) that may target toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), as well as apoptosis- and TLR4/nuclear factor-κB (TLR4/NF-κB) pathway-associated factors were quantified using quantitative real-time (qRT) PCR and western blot. The targeting relationship between miR-216a-5p and TLR4 was predicted by TargetScan and further confirmed by dual-luciferase reporter assay. RESULTS The viability was reduced yet the apoptosis and inflammation were promoted in IL-1β-treated chondrocytes, where upregulation of Bax, Cleaved caspase 3, TLR4, Myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88), phosphorylation of P65 and IκBα yet downregulation of Bcl-2 and IκBα were evidenced. Strikingly, the above changes were reversed by TG. TG also offset the effects of IL-1β on repressing the expression of miR-216a-5p, the miRNA targeting TLR4. Additionally, TLR4 overexpression neutralized the impacts of TG upon viability, apoptosis, and TLR4 expression in IL-1β-treated chondrocytes, while all these effects induced by TLR4 overexpression could be restored by miR-216a-5p. CONCLUSIONS TG protects chondrocytes against IL-1β-induced inflammation and apoptosis via miR-216a-5p/TLR4/NF-κB axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Huang
- Acupuncture and Massage Department, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, PR China
| | - Shuanglin Song
- Acupuncture and Massage Department, Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Hangzhou, PR China
| | - Di Zhang
- Acupuncture and Massage Department, Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Hangzhou, PR China
| | - Zhenyu Bian
- Orthopedics Department, Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Hangzhou, PR China
| | - Jinsheng Han
- Massage Department, Hangzhou TCM Hospital Affiliated to Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, PR China
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Tong Z, Yang X, Li J. Research progress on the mechanism of interleukin-1β on epiphyseal plate chondrocytes. Eur J Med Res 2022; 27:313. [PMID: 36575508 PMCID: PMC9793524 DOI: 10.1186/s40001-022-00893-8] [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: 09/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Epiphyseal plate injury, a common problem in pediatric orthopedics, may result in poor bone repair or growth defects. Epiphyseal plate, also known as growth plate is a layer of hyaline cartilage tissue between the epiphysis and metaphyseal and has the ability to grow longitudinally. Under normal physiological conditions, the epiphyseal plate has a certain axial resistance to stress, but it is fragile in growth phase and can be damaged by excessive stress, leading to detachment or avulsion of the epiphysis, resulting in life-long devastating consequences for patients. There is an obvious inflammatory response in the phase of growth plate injury, the limited physiological inflammatory response locally favors tissue repair and the organism, but uncontrolled chronic inflammation always leads to tissue destruction and disease progression. Interleukin-1β (IL-1β), as representative inflammatory factors, not only affect the inflammatory phase response to bone and soft tissue injury, but have a potentially important role in the later repair phase, though the exact mechanism is not fully understood. At present, epiphyseal plate injuries are mainly treated by corrective and reconstructive surgery, which is highly invasive with limited effectiveness, thus new therapeutic approaches are urgently needed, so a deeper understanding and exploration of the pathological mechanisms of epiphyseal plate injuries at the cellular molecular level is an entry point. In this review, we fully introduced the key role of IL-1 in the progression of epiphyseal plate injury and repair, deeply explored the mechanism of IL-1 on the molecular transcript level and endocrine metabolism of chondrocytes from multiple aspects, and summarized other possible mechanisms to provide theoretical basis for the clinical treatment and in-depth study of epiphyseal plate injury in children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziyuan Tong
- grid.412467.20000 0004 1806 3501Department of Orthopedics, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 114000 Liaoning China
| | - Xu Yang
- grid.412467.20000 0004 1806 3501Department of Anesthesiology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 114000 Liaoning China
| | - Jianjun Li
- grid.412467.20000 0004 1806 3501Department of Orthopedics, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 114000 Liaoning China ,grid.412467.20000 0004 1806 3501Department of Anesthesiology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 114000 Liaoning China
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10
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Li Y, Wang SM, Li X, Lv CJ, Peng LY, Yu XF, Song YJ, Wang CJ. Pterostilbene pre-treatment reduces LPS-induced acute lung injury through activating NR4A1. PHARMACEUTICAL BIOLOGY 2022; 60:394-403. [PMID: 35271397 PMCID: PMC8920364 DOI: 10.1080/13880209.2022.2034893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2021] [Revised: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Pterostilbene (PTE), a common polyphenol compound, exerts an anti-inflammatory effect in many diseases, including acute lung injury (ALI). OBJECTIVE This study explores the potential mechanism of PTE pre-treatment against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced ALI. MATERIALS AND METHODS Sixty Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into control, ALI, 10 mg/kg PTE + LPS, 20 mg/kg PTE + LPS, and 40 mg/kg PTE + LPS groups. At 24 h before LPS instillation, PTE was administered orally. At 2 h before LPS instillation, PTE was again administered orally. After 24 h of LPS treatment, the rats were euthanized. The levels of inflammatory cells and inflammatory factors in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), the expression of nuclear receptor subfamily 4 group A member 1 (NR4A1), and the nuclear factor (NF)-κB pathway-related protein levels were detected. NR4A1 agonist was used to further investigate the mechanism of PTE pre-treatment. RESULTS After PTE pre-treatment, the LPS induced inflammation was controlled and the survival rate was increased to 100% from 70% after LPS treatment 24 h. For lung injury score, it decreased to 1.5 from 3.5 after treating 40 mg/kg PTE. Compared with the control group, the expression of NR4A1 in the ALI group was decreased by 20-40%. However, the 40 mg/kg PTE pre-treatment increased the NR4A1 expression by 20-40% in the lung tissue. The results obtained with pre-treatment NR4A1 agonist were similar to those obtained by pre-treatment 40 mg/kg PTE. CONCLUSIONS PTE pre-treatment might represent an appropriate therapeutic target and strategy for preventing ALI induced by LPS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Li
- Department of Emergency, Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital, Yantai, Shandong, China
| | - Shu-Min Wang
- Department of Emergency, Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital, Yantai, Shandong, China
| | - Xing Li
- Department of Station Intergrate Service, Yantai Central Blood, Yantai, Shandong, China
| | - Chang-Jun Lv
- Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, Shandong, China
| | - Ling-Yun Peng
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital, Yantai, Shandong, China
| | - Xiao-Feng Yu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital, Yantai, Shandong, China
| | - Ying-Jian Song
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital, Yantai, Shandong, China
| | - Cong-Jie Wang
- Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital, Yantai, Shandong, China
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11
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The Nurr7 agonist Cytosporone B differentially regulates inflammatory responses in human polarized macrophages. Immunobiology 2022; 227:152299. [DOI: 10.1016/j.imbio.2022.152299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Revised: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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12
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hUMSCs Transplantation Regulates AMPK/NR4A1 Signaling Axis to Inhibit Ovarian Fibrosis in POI Rats. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2022:10.1007/s12015-022-10469-y. [PMID: 36307672 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-022-10469-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The mechanism of human Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cells (hUMSCs) transplantation to improve ovarian function in the rats with Premature Ovarian Insufficiency (POI) is still unclear. The aim of this study is to investigate the signal axis mechanism that is involved in the ovarian function recovery of POI rats following hUMSCs transplantation. METHODS The rat model with POI was established by intraperitoneal injection of cisplatin. The hUMSCs were transplanted by caudal vein injection into POI rats. Hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) staining was performed to examine the morphology of rat ovarian tissue. Masson staining, Sirus red staining and immunofluorescence were used to observe the fibrosis extent of ovarian tissue. The levels of serum sex hormones and the expression of fibrosis related markers in ovarian tissues were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The expression of NR4A1, Phospho-NR4A1 and AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling in rat ovarian tissues was measured by immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence. The role of AMPK/NR4A1 signaling axis in the regulation of ovarian function recovery in POI rats following hUMSCs transplantation was further investigated by adenovirus and siRNA intervention in isolated stromal cells. RESULTS The results showed that the hUMSCs transplantation significantly inhibited ovarian tissue fibrosis and restored the ovarian function in POI rats. The level of NR4A1 and AMPK expression in ovarian tissue of POI rats after hUMSCs transplantation was significantly increased compared with the control group. In the cultured ovarian stromal cells, the similar results were obtained on the expression of NR4A1 and its regulation on fibrosis related molecular markers in Cisplatin (CDDP) damaged stromal cells following hUMSCs supernatant treatment. Both hUMSCs supernatant treatment and the addition of AMPK inhibitors increased NR4A1 expression in stromal cells. And after NR4A1 molecular intervention, fibrosis-related indicators in stromal cells changed. The data suggests that the AMPK/NR4A1 signaling axis is involved in the ovarian function changes in POI rats following hUMSCs transplantation. CONCLUSION The data from this study indicate that the inhibition of tissue fibrosis and recovery of ovarian function is regulated by AMPK/NR4A1 signaling axis in POI rats following hUMSCs transplantation.
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Buzzatto-Leite I, Afonso J, Silva-Vignato B, Coutinho L, Alvares L. Differential gene co-expression network analyses reveal novel molecules associated with transcriptional dysregulation of key biological processes in osteoarthritis knee cartilage. OSTEOARTHRITIS AND CARTILAGE OPEN 2022; 4:100316. [PMID: 36474801 PMCID: PMC9718204 DOI: 10.1016/j.ocarto.2022.100316] [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: 03/09/2022] [Revised: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To compare co-expression networks of normal and osteoarthritis knee cartilage to uncover molecules associated with the transcriptional misregulation compromising biological processes (BPs) critical for cartilage homeostasis. DESIGN Normal and osteoarthritis human knee cartilage RNA-seq GSE114007 dataset was obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. Partial Correlation and Information Theory (PCIT) algorithm was used to build co-expression networks containing all nodes connecting to at least one differentially expressed gene (DEG) in normal and osteoarthritis networks. Hub and hub centrality genes were used to perform functional enrichment analysis. Enriched BPs known to be associated with both healthy and diseased cartilage were compared in depth. RESULTS Differential co-expression network analyses allowed the identification of DDX43 and USP42 as exclusively co-expressed with DEGs in normal and osteoarthritis networks, respectively. The top hub and hub centrality genes of these networks were HIST1H3A and SNHG12 (normal) and TAF9B and OTUD1 (osteoarthritis). Enrichment analysis revealed several shared BPs between the contrasting groups, which are well-known in osteoarthritis pathogenesis. Protein-protein interaction network analysis for these BPs showed a global down-regulation of transcription factors in osteoarthritis. Specific transcription factors were identified as pleiotropic mediators in articular cartilage maintenance since they take part in several BPs. In addition, chromatin organisation and modification proteins were found relevant for osteoarthritis development. CONCLUSION Differential gene co-expression analysis allowed the identification of novel and high priority therapeutic candidate genes that may drive modifications in the transcriptional "status" of cartilage in osteoarthritis.
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Affiliation(s)
- I. Buzzatto-Leite
- Department of Biochemistry and Tissue Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil
| | - J. Afonso
- Department of Animal Science, College of Agriculture “Luiz de Queiroz”, University of São Paulo (ESALQ/USP), Piracicaba, Brazil
| | - B. Silva-Vignato
- Department of Animal Science, College of Agriculture “Luiz de Queiroz”, University of São Paulo (ESALQ/USP), Piracicaba, Brazil
| | - L.L. Coutinho
- Department of Animal Science, College of Agriculture “Luiz de Queiroz”, University of São Paulo (ESALQ/USP), Piracicaba, Brazil
| | - L.E. Alvares
- Department of Biochemistry and Tissue Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil,Corresponding author. Department of Biochemistry and Tissue Biology, University of Campinas – UNICAMP, Rua Monteiro Lobato 255, Cx. Postal 6109, CEP 13083-862, Campinas, SP, Brazil.
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14
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Murphy EP, Crean D. NR4A1-3 nuclear receptor activity and immune cell dysregulation in rheumatic diseases. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:874182. [PMID: 35935773 PMCID: PMC9354819 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.874182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The development and progression of immune-mediated rheumatic disease (IMRD) involves dysfunction of innate and adaptive immune cell populations leading to altered responses including inflammasome activation, dysregulated cytokine networks, increased immune cell numbers and multifaceted cell-cell communication. Several rheumatic diseases are further characterized by the presence of autoantibodies, immune complex mediated complement activation and the deficit of peripheral immune tolerance due to reduced regulatory T-lymphocyte cell function. Ultimately, in rheumatic disease the loss in cellular and tissue homeostasis culminates in the advancement of chronic inflammation. The three members of the NR4A subfamily of nuclear receptors are immediate early genes, and act as potent transcriptional responders to changes in the cellular and tissue microenvironment. Subfamily members are rapidly expressed in diseases characterized by inflammation and function to control the differentiation and activity of innate and adaptive immune cells in a cell-type and cell-context specific manner. Rheumatic disease including rheumatoid-, psoriatic-, osteo-arthritis and systemic sclerosis display altered NR4A1-3 activity in controlling immune cell migration and function, production of paracrine signaling molecules, synovial tissue hyperplasia, and regulating cartilage turn-over in vivo. Additionally, NR4A1-3 activities mediate cytokine, prostanoid and growth factor signaling to control angiogenesis, modulate the regulatory functions of mesenchymal stromal cells, alter the activation status of dendritic cells, influence the generation of peripheral myeloid and T-lymphocyte lineages and promote the maintenance of functional regulatory T-cells. Further reports uncover the potential of moderating NR4A 1-3 receptors as therapeutic targets in altering immune tolerance, pathological angiogenesis and controlling inflammation in several models of disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Daniel Crean
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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15
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Chen J, Huang XR, Yang F, Yiu WH, Yu X, Tang SCW, Lan HY. Single-cell RNA Sequencing Identified Novel Nr4a1 + Ear2 + Anti-Inflammatory Macrophage Phenotype under Myeloid-TLR4 Dependent Regulation in Anti-Glomerular Basement Membrane (GBM) Crescentic Glomerulonephritis (cGN). ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2022; 9:e2200668. [PMID: 35484716 PMCID: PMC9218767 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202200668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Revised: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Previously, this study demonstrates the critical role of myeloid specific TLR4 in macrophage-mediated progressive renal injury in anti-glomerular basement membrane (anti-GBM) crescentic glomerulonephritis (cGN); however, the underlying mechanism remains largely unknown. In this study, single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq), pseudotime trajectories reconstruction, and motif enrichment analysis are used, and macrophage diversity in anti-GBM cGN under tight regulation of myeloid-TLR4 is uncovered. Most significantly, a myeloid-TLR4 deletion-induced novel reparative macrophage phenotype (Nr4a1+ Ear2+) with significant upregulated anti-inflammatory and tissue repair-related signaling is discovered, thereby suppressing the M1 proinflammatory responses in anti-GBM cGN. This is further demonstrated in vitro that deletion of TLR4 from bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) induces the Nr4a1/Ear2-expressing anti-inflammatory macrophages while blocking LPS-stimulated M1 proinflammatory responses. Mechanistically, activation of the Nr4a1/Ear2-axis is recognized as a key mechanism through which deletion of myeloid-TLR4 promotes the anti-inflammatory macrophage differentiation in vivo and in vitro. This is confirmed by specifically silencing macrophage Nr4a1 or Ear2 to reverse the anti-inflammatory effects on TLR4 deficient BMDMs upon LPS stimulation. In conclusion, the findings decode a previously unidentified role for a myeloid-TLR4 dependent Nr4a1/Ear2 negative feedback mechanism in macrophage-mediated progressive renal injury, implying that activation of Nr4a1-Ear2 axis can be a novel and effective immunotherapy for anti-GBM cGN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaoyi Chen
- Department of Medicine and TherapeuticsLi Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciencesand Lui Che Woo Institute of Innovative MedicineThe Chinese University of Hong KongHong Kong999077P. R. China
| | - Xiao Ru Huang
- Department of Medicine and TherapeuticsLi Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciencesand Lui Che Woo Institute of Innovative MedicineThe Chinese University of Hong KongHong Kong999077P. R. China
- Guangdong‐Hong Kong Joint Laboratory on Immunological and Genetic Kidney DiseasesGuangdong Academy of Medical SciencesGuangdong Provincial People's HospitalGuangzhou510080P. R. China
| | - Fuye Yang
- Department of Medicine and TherapeuticsLi Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciencesand Lui Che Woo Institute of Innovative MedicineThe Chinese University of Hong KongHong Kong999077P. R. China
- Department of NephrologyThe Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouZhejiang31009P. R. China
| | - Wai Han Yiu
- Division of NephrologyDepartment of MedicineThe University of Hong KongHong Kong999077P. R. China
| | - Xueqing Yu
- Guangdong‐Hong Kong Joint Laboratory on Immunological and Genetic Kidney DiseasesGuangdong Academy of Medical SciencesGuangdong Provincial People's HospitalGuangzhou510080P. R. China
| | - Sydney C. W. Tang
- Division of NephrologyDepartment of MedicineThe University of Hong KongHong Kong999077P. R. China
| | - Hui Yao Lan
- Department of Medicine and TherapeuticsLi Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciencesand Lui Che Woo Institute of Innovative MedicineThe Chinese University of Hong KongHong Kong999077P. R. China
- The Chinese University of Hong Kong‐Guangdong Academy of Sciences/Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital Joint Research Laboratory on Immunological and Genetic Kidney DiseasesThe Chinese University of Hong KongHong Kong999077P. R. China
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16
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Lilley CM, Alarcon A, Ngo MH, Araujo JS, Marrero L, Mix KS. Orphan Nuclear Receptor NR4A2 Is Constitutively Expressed in Cartilage and Upregulated in Inflamed Synovium From hTNF-Alpha Transgenic Mice. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:835697. [PMID: 35529439 PMCID: PMC9067626 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.835697] [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: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Orphan nuclear receptor 4A2 (NR4A2/Nurr1) is a constitutively active transcription factor with potential roles in the onset and progression of inflammatory arthropathies. NR4A2 is overexpressed in synovium and cartilage from individuals with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriatic arthritis, and osteoarthritis. This study documents the expression and tissue localization of NR4A2 and upstream regulator nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) in the human tumor necrosis factor-alpha (hTNF-α) transgenic mouse model of RA. Since TNF-α is a potent inducer of NR4A2 in vitro, we hypothesized that NR4A2 would also be upregulated and active during disease progression in this model. Expression levels of NR4A2, related receptors NR4A1 (Nur77) and 3 (NOR1), and NF-κB1 transcripts were quantified by RT-qPCR in hTNF-α and wild-type joints at three stages of disease. The protein distribution of NR4A2 and NF-κB subunit RelA (p65) was analyzed by quantitative immunohistochemistry. Global gene expression of 88 RA-related genes was also screened and compared between groups. Consistent with previous reports on the hTNF-α model, transgenic mice exhibited significant weight loss and severely swollen paws by 19 weeks of age compared to age-matched wild-type controls. NR4A1-3 and NF-κB1 were constitutively expressed at disease onset and in healthy joints. NF-κB1 transcript levels increased 2-fold in hTNF-α paws with established disease (12 weeks), followed by a 2-fold increase in NR4A2 at the late disease stage (19 weeks). NR4A2 and RelA proteins were overexpressed in inflamed synovium prior to symptoms of arthritis, suggesting that gene expression changes documented in whole paws were largely driven by elevated expression in diseased synovium. Broader screening of RA-related genes by RT-qPCR identified several differentially expressed genes in hTNF-α joints including those encoding inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, matrix-degrading enzymes and inhibitors, cell surface receptors, intracellular signaling proteins and transcription factors. Consensus binding sites for NR4A receptors and NF-κB1 were enriched in the promoters of differentially expressed genes suggesting central roles for these transcription factors in this model. This study is the first comprehensive analysis of NR4A2 in an animal model of RA and validates the hTNF-α model for testing of small molecules and genetic strategies targeting this transcription factor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cullen M Lilley
- Department of Biological Sciences, Loyola University New Orleans, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Andrea Alarcon
- Department of Biological Sciences, Loyola University New Orleans, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - My-Huyen Ngo
- Department of Biological Sciences, Loyola University New Orleans, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Jackeline S Araujo
- Department of Biological Sciences, Loyola University New Orleans, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Luis Marrero
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Kimberlee S Mix
- Department of Biological Sciences, Loyola University New Orleans, New Orleans, LA, United States
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17
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Safe S, Shrestha R, Mohankumar K. Orphan nuclear receptor 4A1 (NR4A1) and novel ligands. Essays Biochem 2021; 65:877-886. [PMID: 34096590 PMCID: PMC11410023 DOI: 10.1042/ebc20200164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Revised: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The nuclear receptor (NR) superfamily of transcription factors encodes expression of 48 human genes that are important for maintaining cellular homeostasis and in pathophysiology, and this has been observed for all sub-families including orphan receptors for which endogenous ligands have not yet been identified. The orphan NR4A1 (Nur77 and TR3) and other members of this sub-family (NR4A2 and NR4A3) are immediate early genes induced by diverse stressors, and these receptors play an important role in the immune function and are up-regulated in some inflammatory diseases including solid tumors. Although endogenous ligands for NR4A have not been identified, several different classes of compounds have been characterized as NR4A1 ligands that bind the receptor. These compounds include cytosporone B and structurally related analogs, bis-indole derived (CDIM) compounds, the triterpenoid celastrol and a number of other chemicals including polyunsaturated fatty acids. NR4A1 ligands bind different regions/surfaces of NR4A1 and exhibit selective NR4A1 modulator (SNR4AM) activities that are dependent on ligand structure and cell/tissue context. NR4A1 ligands exhibit pharmacologic activities in studies on cancer, endometriosis metabolic and inflammatory diseases and are promising agents with clinical potential for treating multiple diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen Safe
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, U.S.A
| | - Rupesh Shrestha
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, U.S.A
| | - Kumaravel Mohankumar
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, U.S.A
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18
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Song H, Wu H, Dong J, Huang S, Ye J, Liu R. Ellagic Acid Alleviates Rheumatoid Arthritis in Rats through Inhibiting MTA1/HDAC1-Mediated Nur77 Deacetylation. Mediators Inflamm 2021; 2021:6359652. [PMID: 34924813 PMCID: PMC8677414 DOI: 10.1155/2021/6359652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Ellagic acid (EA) was reported to play protective roles in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). It was found that the level of metastasis-associated gene 1 (MTA1)/histone deacetylase 1 (HDAC1) protein complex was downregulated by polyphenols in several human disorders. Notably, inhibition of MTA1 or HDAC1 has anti-inflammatory effects on RA. Therefore, our study is aimed at investigating whether EA prevents RA progression through regulating the MTA1/HDAC1 complex. Herein, the human fibroblast-like synoviocyte (FLS) cell line MH7A was treated with TNF-α to induce an inflammation model in vitro and then incubated with different concentrations of EA. Western blot analysis showed that EA reduced MTA1 expression in a dose-dependent manner in MH7A cells. Then, TNF-α-treated MH7A cells were incubated with EA alone or together with MTA1 overexpression plasmid (pcDNA-MTA1), and we found that EA inhibited proliferation, inflammation cytokine levels, and oxidative stress marker protein levels and promoted apoptosis in MH7A cells, while MTA1 overexpression abolished these effects. Moreover, coimmunoprecipitation assay verified the interaction between MTA1 and HDAC1. EA downregulated the MTA1/HDAC1 complex in MH7A cells. MTA1 knockdown inhibited proliferation, inflammation, and oxidative stress and promoted apoptosis in MH7A cells, while HDAC1 overexpression reversed these effects. Moreover, chromatin immunoprecipitation assay indicated that EA inhibited HDAC1-mediated Nur77 deacetylation. Rescue experiments demonstrated that Nur77 knockdown reversed the effects of EA on MH7A cell biological behaviors. Additionally, EA treatment attenuated arthritis index, paw swelling, synovial hyperplasia, and inflammation in collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) rats. In conclusion, EA inhibited proliferation, inflammation, and oxidative stress and promoted apoptosis in MH7A cells and alleviated the severity of RA in CIA rats though downregulating MTA1/HDAC1 complex and promoting HDAC1 deacetylation-mediated Nur77 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huanjin Song
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710004, China
| | - Hao Wu
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710004, China
| | - Jun Dong
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710004, China
| | - Sihua Huang
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710004, China
| | - Jintao Ye
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710004, China
| | - Ruoxi Liu
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710004, China
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19
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Gong Y, Yang J, Li X, Zhou C, Chen Y, Wang Z, Qiu X, Liu Y, Zhang H, Greenbaum J, Cheng L, Hu Y, Xie J, Yang X, Li Y, Bai Y, Wang YP, Chen Y, Tan LJ, Shen H, Xiao HM, Deng HW. A systematic dissection of human primary osteoblasts in vivo at single-cell resolution. Aging (Albany NY) 2021; 13:20629-20650. [PMID: 34428745 PMCID: PMC8436943 DOI: 10.18632/aging.203452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 06/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Human osteoblasts are multifunctional bone cells, which play essential roles in bone formation, angiogenesis regulation, as well as maintenance of hematopoiesis. However, the categorization of primary osteoblast subtypes in vivo in humans has not yet been achieved. Here, we used single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) to perform a systematic cellular taxonomy dissection of freshly isolated human osteoblasts from one 31-year-old male with osteoarthritis and osteopenia after hip replacement. Based on the gene expression patterns and cell lineage reconstruction, we identified three distinct cell clusters including preosteoblasts, mature osteoblasts, and an undetermined rare osteoblast subpopulation. This novel subtype was found to be the major source of the nuclear receptor subfamily 4 group A member 1 and 2 (NR4A1 and NR4A2) in primary osteoblasts, and the expression of NR4A1 was confirmed by immunofluorescence staining on mouse osteoblasts in vivo. Trajectory inference analysis suggested that the undetermined cluster, together with the preosteoblasts, are involved in the regulation of osteoblastogenesis and also give rise to mature osteoblasts. Investigation of the biological processes and signaling pathways enriched in each subpopulation revealed that in addition to bone formation, preosteoblasts and undetermined osteoblasts may also regulate both angiogenesis and hemopoiesis. Finally, we demonstrated that there are systematic differences between the transcriptional profiles of human and mouse osteoblasts, highlighting the necessity for studying bone physiological processes in humans rather than solely relying on mouse models. Our findings provide novel insights into the cellular heterogeneity and potential biological functions of human primary osteoblasts at the single-cell level.
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MESH Headings
- Adult
- Animals
- Cell Differentiation
- Cells, Cultured
- Humans
- Male
- Mice
- Nuclear Receptor Subfamily 4, Group A, Member 1/genetics
- Nuclear Receptor Subfamily 4, Group A, Member 1/metabolism
- Nuclear Receptor Subfamily 4, Group A, Member 2/genetics
- Nuclear Receptor Subfamily 4, Group A, Member 2/metabolism
- Osteoblasts/cytology
- Osteoblasts/metabolism
- Sequence Analysis, RNA
- Single-Cell Analysis
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Gong
- Tulane Center for Biomedical Informatics and Genomics, Deming Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Junxiao Yang
- Department of Orthopedics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
| | - Xiaohua Li
- Laboratory of Molecular and Statistical Genetics, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410081, China
| | - Cui Zhou
- Laboratory of Molecular and Statistical Genetics, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410081, China
| | - Yu Chen
- Laboratory of Molecular and Statistical Genetics, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410081, China
| | - Zun Wang
- Xiangya Nursing School, Central South University, Changsha 410013, China
| | - Xiang Qiu
- School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
| | - Ying Liu
- Laboratory of Molecular and Statistical Genetics, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410081, China
| | - Huixi Zhang
- Laboratory of Molecular and Statistical Genetics, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410081, China
| | - Jonathan Greenbaum
- Tulane Center for Biomedical Informatics and Genomics, Deming Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Liang Cheng
- Department of Orthopedics and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
| | - Yihe Hu
- Department of Orthopedics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
| | - Jie Xie
- Department of Orthopedics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
| | - Xuecheng Yang
- Department of Orthopedics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
| | - Yusheng Li
- Department of Orthopedics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
| | - Yuntong Bai
- Tulane Center for Bioinformatics and Genomics, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Yu-Ping Wang
- Tulane Center for Bioinformatics and Genomics, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Yiping Chen
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, School of Science and Engineering, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Li-Jun Tan
- Laboratory of Molecular and Statistical Genetics, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410081, China
| | - Hui Shen
- Tulane Center for Biomedical Informatics and Genomics, Deming Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Hong-Mei Xiao
- Center of Reproductive Health, System Biology and Data Information, Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha 410081, China
- School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
| | - Hong-Wen Deng
- Tulane Center for Biomedical Informatics and Genomics, Deming Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
- School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
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20
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Nuclear receptor Nur77: its role in chronic inflammatory diseases. Essays Biochem 2021; 65:927-939. [PMID: 34328179 DOI: 10.1042/ebc20210004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Revised: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 07/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Nur77 is a nuclear receptor that has been implicated as a regulator of inflammatory disease. The expression of Nur77 increases upon stimulation of immune cells and is differentially expressed in chronically inflamed organs in human and experimental models. Furthermore, in a variety of animal models dedicated to study inflammatory diseases, changes in Nur77 expression alter disease outcome. The available studies comprise a wealth of information on the function of Nur77 in diverse cell types and tissues. Negative cross-talk of Nur77 with the NFκB signaling complex is an example of Nur77 effector function. An alternative mechanism of action has been established, involving Nur77-mediated modulation of metabolism in macrophages as well as in T cells. In this review, we summarize our current knowledge on the role of Nur77 in atherosclerosis, inflammatory bowel disease, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and sepsis. Detailed insight in the control of inflammatory responses will be essential in order to advance Nur77-targeted therapeutic interventions in inflammatory disease.
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21
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Hatano S, Matsuda S, Okanobu A, Furutama D, Memida T, Kajiya M, Ouhara K, Fujita T, Mizuno N, Kurihara H. The role of nuclear receptor 4A1 (NR4A1) in drug-induced gingival overgrowth. FASEB J 2021; 35:e21693. [PMID: 34109683 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202100032r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Revised: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Drug-induced gingival overgrowth (DIGO) is a side effect of cyclosporine A (CsA), nifedipine (NIF), and phenytoin (PHT). Nuclear receptor 4A1 (NR4A1) plays a role in fibrosis in multiple organs. However, the relationship between NR4A1 and DIGO remains unclear. We herein investigated the involvement of NR4A1 in DIGO. In the DIGO mouse model, CsA inhibited the up-regulation of Nr4a1 expression induced by periodontal disease (PD) in gingival tissue, but not that of Col1a1 and Pai1. We detected gingival overgrowth (GO) in Nr4a1 knock out (KO) mice with PD. A NR4A1 agonist inhibited the development of GO in DIGO model mice. TGF-β increased Col1a1 and Pai1 expression levels in KO mouse gingival fibroblasts (mGF) than in wild-type mice, while the overexpression of NR4A1 in KO mGF suppressed the levels. NR4A1 expression levels in gingival tissue were significantly lower in DIGO patients than in PD patients. We also investigated the relationship between nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT) and NR4A1. NFATc3 siRNA suppressed the TGF-β-induced up-regulation of NR4A1 mRNA expression in human gingival fibroblasts (hGF). CsA suppressed the TGF-β-induced translocation of NFATc3 into the nuclei of hGF. Furthermore, NIF and PHT also decreased NR4A1 mRNA expression levels and suppressed the translocation of NFATc3 in hGF. We confirmed that CsA, NIF, and PHT reduced cytosolic calcium levels increased by TGF-β, while CaCl2 enhanced the TGF-β-up-regulated NR4A1 expression. We propose that the suppression of the calcium-NFATc3-NR4A1 cascade by these three drugs plays a role in the development of DIGO.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saki Hatano
- Department of Periodontal Medicine, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Shinji Matsuda
- Department of Periodontal Medicine, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Ai Okanobu
- Department of Periodontal Medicine, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Daisuke Furutama
- Department of Periodontal Medicine, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Takumi Memida
- Department of Periodontal Medicine, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Mikihito Kajiya
- Department of Periodontal Medicine, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Kazuhisa Ouhara
- Department of Periodontal Medicine, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Tsuyoshi Fujita
- Department of Periodontal Medicine, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Noriyoshi Mizuno
- Department of Periodontal Medicine, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Hidemi Kurihara
- Department of Periodontal Medicine, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
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22
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Masago K, Fujita S. Novel NR4A1 Arg293Ser Mutation in Patients With Familial Crohn's Disease. In Vivo 2021; 35:2135-2140. [PMID: 34182489 DOI: 10.21873/invivo.12483] [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: 03/26/2021] [Revised: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIM The underlying etiology of Crohn's disease remains unknown. The aim of this study was to identify genomic alterations associated with the development of Crohn's disease in one Japanese family with a family history of Crohn's disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS We performed whole-exome sequence and pedigree analysis of a Japanese family in which both sisters developed Crohn's disease. Whole-exome sequencing was performed using the Ion Torrent Proton™ system. Data from the Proton runs were initially processed using the Ion Torrent platform-specific pipeline software Ion Reporter. An autosomal dominant mode of inheritance was assumed, and stringent selection criteria were applied. RESULTS A substitution in the NR4A1 gene at codon 293 resulting in an amino acid change from arginine to serine was identified only in the affected sisters. CONCLUSION The impaired DNA-binding capacity of the NR4A1 protein due to an NR4A1 germline mutation may be a possible cause of Crohn's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katsuhiro Masago
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Diagnostics, Aichi Cancer Center, Aichi, Japan; .,Division of Integrated Oncology, Institute of Biomedical Research and Innovation, Kobe, Japan
| | - Shiro Fujita
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Diagnostics, Aichi Cancer Center, Aichi, Japan.,Division of Integrated Oncology, Institute of Biomedical Research and Innovation, Kobe, Japan
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23
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Phelan DE, Shigemura M, Aldhafiri S, Mota C, Hall TJ, Sznajder JI, Murphy EP, Crean D, Cummins EP. Transcriptional Profiling of Monocytes Deficient in Nuclear Orphan Receptors NR4A2 and NR4A3 Reveals Distinct Signalling Roles Related to Antigen Presentation and Viral Response. Front Immunol 2021; 12:676644. [PMID: 34248958 PMCID: PMC8267906 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.676644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The nuclear receptor sub-family 4 group A (NR4A) family are early response genes that encode proteins that are activated in several tissues/cells in response to a variety of stressors. The NR4A family comprises NR4A1, NR4A2 and NR4A3 of which NR4A2 and NR4A3 are under researched and less understood, particularly in the context of immune cells. NR4A expression is associated with multiple diseases e.g. arthritis and atherosclerosis and the development of NR4A-targetting molecules as therapeutics is a current focus in this research field. Here, we use a combination of RNA-sequencing coupled with strategic bioinformatic analysis to investigate the down-stream effects of NR4A2 and NR4A3 in monocytes and dissect their common and distinct signalling roles. Our data reveals that NR4A2 and NR4A3 depletion has a robust and broad-reaching effect on transcription in both the unstimulated state and in the presence of LPS. Interestingly, many of the genes affected were present in both the unstimulated and stimulated states revealing a previously unappreciated role for the NR4As in unstimulated cells. Strategic clustering and bioinformatic analysis identified both distinct and common transcriptional roles for NR4A2 and NR4A3 in monocytes. NR4A2 notably was linked by both bioinformatic clustering analysis and transcription factor interactome analysis to pathways associated with antigen presentation and regulation of MHC genes. NR4A3 in contrast was more closely linked to pathways associated with viral response. Functional studies further support our data analysis pointing towards preferential/selective roles for NR4A2 in the regulation of antigen processing with common roles for NR4A2 and NR4A3 evident with respect to cell migration. Taken together this study provides novel mechanistic insights into the role of the enigmatic nuclear receptors NR4A2 and NR4A3 in monocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- David E Phelan
- School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.,Conway Institute of Biomolecular and Biomedical Research, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Masahiko Shigemura
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Sarah Aldhafiri
- Conway Institute of Biomolecular and Biomedical Research, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.,Animal Genomics Laboratory, School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Catarina Mota
- School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.,Conway Institute of Biomolecular and Biomedical Research, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Thomas J Hall
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Jacob I Sznajder
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Evelyn P Murphy
- School of Medicine, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Daniel Crean
- Conway Institute of Biomolecular and Biomedical Research, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.,Animal Genomics Laboratory, School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Eoin P Cummins
- School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.,Conway Institute of Biomolecular and Biomedical Research, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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24
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Crean D, Murphy EP. Targeting NR4A Nuclear Receptors to Control Stromal Cell Inflammation, Metabolism, Angiogenesis, and Tumorigenesis. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:589770. [PMID: 33634114 PMCID: PMC7901948 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.589770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The NR4A1–NR4A3 (Nur77, Nurr1, and Nor-1) subfamily of nuclear receptors is a group of immediate early genes induced by a pleiotropy of stimuli including peptide hormones, growth factors, cytokines, inflammatory, and physiological stimuli, and cellular stress. NR4A receptors function as potent sensors of changes in the cellular microenvironment to control physiological and pathological processes through genomic and non-genomic actions. NR4A receptors control metabolism and cardiovascular and neurological functions and mediate immune cell homeostasis in inflammation and cancer. This receptor subfamily is increasingly recognized as an important molecular connection between chronic inflammation, altered immune cell responses, and cancer development. In this review, we examine how transcriptome analysis identified NR4A1/NR4A2 receptors as transcriptional regulators in mesenchymal stromal cell (MSC) migration, cell cycle progression, and cytokine production to control local immune responses. In chronic inflammatory conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, NR4A receptors have been shown to modify the activity of MSC and fibroblast-like stromal cells to regulate synovial tissue hyperplasia, pathological angiogenesis, and cartilage turnover in vivo. Additionally, as NR4A1 has been observed as a major transcriptional regulator in tumor–stromal communication controlling tumorigenesis, we discuss how advances in the pharmacological control of these receptors lead to important new mechanistic insights into understanding the role of the tumor microenvironment in health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Crean
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Evelyn P Murphy
- School of Medicine, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
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