Sestrin2: Its Potential Role and Regulatory Mechanism in Host Immune Response in Diseases

Tangeretin alleviates inflammation and oxidative response induced by spinal cord injury by activating the Sesn2/Keap1/Nrf2 pathway

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a severe disabling disease that is characterized by inflammation and oxidative reactions. Tangeretin has been shown to possess significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. The Keap1/Nrf2 pathway, downstream of the Sesn2 gene, is involved in regulating the inflammation and oxidative response. The main objective of this study was to investigate the effect of tangeretin on SCI and its possible mechanism through cell and animal models. A T9 clamp injury was used for the mouse model and the LPS-induced stimulation of BV-2 cells was used for the cell model. The improvement of motor function after SCI was assessed by open field, swimming, and footprint experiments. The morphological characteristics of mouse spinal cord tissue and the levels of INOS, Sesn2, TNF-α, Keap1, Nrf2, IL-10, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in vivo and in vitro were measured by several methods including western blotting, qPCR, immunofluorescence, HE, and Nissl staining. In vivo data showed that tangeretin can improve motor function recovery and reduce neuron loss and injury size in mice with SCI. Simultaneously, the in vitro findings suggested that treatment of BV-2 cells with tangeretin after LPS stimulation reduced the production of inflammatory factors and ROS, and could convert BV-2 cells from the M1 to the M2 type. Furthermore, Sesn2 knockout suppressed Keap1/Nrf2, inflammatory factors, ROS levels, and the M1 to M2 transition. Tangeretin can alleviate the inflammation and oxidative response induced by SCI by activating the Sesn2/Keap1/Nrf2 pathway.

Role of sestrins in metabolic and aging-related diseases

Sestrins are a type of highly conserved stress-inducing protein that has antioxidant and mTORC1 inhibitory functions. Metabolic dysfunction and aging are the main risk factors for development of human diseases, such as diabetes, neurodegenerative diseases, and cancer. Sestrins have important roles in regulating glucose and lipid metabolism, anti-tumor functions, and aging by inhibiting the reactive oxygen species and mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 pathways. In this review, the structure and biological functions of sestrins are summarized, and how sestrins are activated and contribute to regulation of the downstream signal pathways of metabolic and aging-related diseases are discussed in detail with the goal of providing new ideas and therapeutic targets for the treatment of related diseases.

Comparison of Pollutant Effects on Cutaneous Inflammasomes Activation

The skin is the outermost layer of the body and, therefore, is exposed to a variety of stressors, such as environmental pollutants, known to cause oxinflammatory reactions involved in the exacerbation of several skin conditions. Today, inflammasomes are recognized as important modulators of the cutaneous inflammatory status in response to air pollutants and ultraviolet (UV) light exposure. In this study, human skin explants were exposed to the best-recognized air pollutants, such as microplastics (MP), cigarette smoke (CS), diesel engine exhaust (DEE), ozone (O3), and UV, for 1 or 4 days, to explore how each pollutant can differently modulate markers of cutaneous oxinflammation. Exposure to environmental pollutants caused an altered oxidative stress response, accompanied by increased DNA damage and signs of premature skin aging. The effect of specific pollutants being able to exert different inflammasomes pathways (NLRP1, NLRP3, NLRP6, and NLRC4) was also investigated in terms of scaffold formation and cell pyroptosis. Among all environmental pollutants, O3, MP, and UV represented the main pollutants affecting cutaneous redox homeostasis; of note, the NLRP1 and NLRP6 inflammasomes were the main ones modulated by these outdoor stressors, suggesting their role as possible molecular targets in preventing skin disorders and the inflammaging events associated with environmental pollutant exposure.

Delivery of recombinant sestrin2 ameliorates oxidative stress, mitochondrial damage and renal dysfunction in contrast-induced acute kidney injury

Although the use of iodinated contrast agents is sometimes unavoidable for accurate diagnosis, contrast-induced acute kidney injury (CI-AKI) is a possible complication of its administration. The pathogenesis of CI-AKI has not been fully elucidated, but oxidative stress is thought to be a major factor. Sestrin2 plays an important role in cellular and mitochondrial homeostasis by regulating oxidative stress. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether recombinant adenovirus containing sestrin2 (RS) can attenuate CI-AKI by reducing oxidative stress in a CI-AKI mice model. Our results showed that RS decreases oxidative stress, pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1α, IL-1β and IL-6) and apoptosis (Bax/Bcl2 and cleaved caspase-3) in the CI-AKI model. Additionally, RS alleviated mitochondrial damage, as evidenced by morphological changes, are restored ATP synthesis. Furthermore, RS administration resulted in a decrease in mitochondrial fission marker (Drp1) that was increased in the CI-AKI model, while the mitochondrial fusion marker (Mfn2) increased, indicating a restoration of mitochondrial dynamics. Decreased relative blood volume, as evaluated on computed tomography (CT), significantly increased compared to the CI-AKI group after RS administration. Finally, renal injury markers such as Kim-1, Ngal, IL-18 also decreased and kidney function was preserved with RS. These results suggested that RS can mitigate the deterioration of renal function in CI-AKI model.

MiR-182/Sestrin2 affects the function of asthmatic airway smooth muscle cells by the AMPK/mTOR pathway

Background and Objectives

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory airway disease and brings heavy economic and spiritual burdens to patients' families and the society. Airway smooth muscle cells (ASMCs) afect the development of asthma by secreting cytokines, growth factors, and prostates. The stress-inducing protein, Sestrin2, plays a vital role in antioxidant defense. The aim of this study is to investigate the role of Sestrin2 in asthma and its corresponding molecular mechanism.

Materials and Methods

Airway remodeling was induced by construction of asthma rat model. Primary ASMCs were isolated through combining tissue block adherence and enzymatic digestion and identified by immunofluorescence staining. Gene expression was measured by quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) and western blot (WB) experiments. Cell viability, proliferation, migration, and calcium flow of ASMCs were measured by Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8), 5-ethynyl-deoxyuridine (EdU), Transwell, and Fluo-3AM, respectively. The binding of miR-182 and Sestrin2 3'-untranslated region (3'-UTR) was measured by luciferase reporter system and RNA-binding protein immunoprecipitation (RIP) analysis.

Results

Sestrin2 expression was upregulated in asthma rat model and cell model. Overexpression of Sestrin2 enhanced the growth, migration, and calcium flow, and inversely, repression of Sestrin2 was reduced in ASMCs from the asthma group. MiR-182, one of the microRNAs (miRNAs) that possesses the potential to regulate Sestrin2, was downregulated in ASMCs from the asthma group. Further experiments revealed that Sestrin2 was inhibited by miR-182 and that overexpression of Sestrin2 reversed the miR-182-induced inhibition of the cellular progression of ASMCs from the asthma group. This study further investigated the downstream signaling pathway of Sestrin2 and found that increased expression of Sestrin2 activated 5'-adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK), leading to the inactivation of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and thus promoting the growth, migration, and calcium flow of ASMCs from the asthma group.

Conclusion

This study investigated the role of Sestrin2 for the first time and further dissected the regulatory factor of Sestrin2, ultimately elucidating the downstream signaling pathway of Sestrin2 in asthma, providing a novel pathway, and improving the understanding of the development and progression of asthma.

Chronic inflammation and the hallmarks of aging

BACKGROUND

Recently, the hallmarks of aging were updated to include dysbiosis, disabled macroautophagy, and chronic inflammation. In particular, the low-grade chronic inflammation during aging, without overt infection, is defined as "inflammaging," which is associated with increased morbidity and mortality in the aging population. Emerging evidence suggests a bidirectional and cyclical relationship between chronic inflammation and the development of age-related conditions, such as cardiovascular diseases, neurodegeneration, cancer, and frailty. How the crosstalk between chronic inflammation and other hallmarks of aging underlies biological mechanisms of aging and age-related disease is thus of particular interest to the current geroscience research.

SCOPE OF REVIEW

This review integrates the cellular and molecular mechanisms of age-associated chronic inflammation with the other eleven hallmarks of aging. Extra discussion is dedicated to the hallmark of "altered nutrient sensing," given the scope of Molecular Metabolism. The deregulation of hallmark processes during aging disrupts the delicate balance between pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory signaling, leading to a persistent inflammatory state. The resultant chronic inflammation, in turn, further aggravates the dysfunction of each hallmark, thereby driving the progression of aging and age-related diseases.

MAIN CONCLUSIONS

The crosstalk between chronic inflammation and other hallmarks of aging results in a vicious cycle that exacerbates the decline in cellular functions and promotes aging. Understanding this complex interplay will provide new insights into the mechanisms of aging and the development of potential anti-aging interventions. Given their interconnectedness and ability to accentuate the primary elements of aging, drivers of chronic inflammation may be an ideal target with high translational potential to address the pathological conditions associated with aging.

Enhancement of the SESN2-SHP cascade by melatonin ameliorates hepatic gluconeogenesis by inhibiting the CRBN-BTG2-CREBH signaling pathway

Melatonin is involved in the regulation of various biological functions. Here, we explored a novel molecular mechanism by which the melatonin-induced sestrin2 (SESN2)-small heterodimer partner (SHP) signaling pathway protects against fasting- and diabetes-mediated hepatic glucose metabolism. Various key gene expression analyses were performed and multiple metabolic changes were assessed in liver specimens and primary hepatocytes of mice and human participants. The expression of the hepatic cereblon (CRBN) and b-cell translocation gene 2 (BTG2) genes was significantly increased in fasting mice, diabetic mice, and patients with diabetes. Overexpression of Crbn and Btg2 increased hepatic gluconeogenesis by enhancing cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)-responsive element-binding protein H (CREBH), whereas this phenomenon was prominently ablated in Crbn null mice and Btg2-silenced mice. Interestingly, melatonin-induced SESN2 and SHP markedly reduced hepatic glucose metabolism in diabetic mice and primary hepatocytes, and this protective effect of melatonin was strikingly reversed by silencing Sesn2 and Shp. Finally, the melatonin-induced SESN2-SHP signaling pathway inhibited CRBN- and BTG2-mediated hepatic gluconeogenic gene transcription via the competition of BTG2 and the interaction of CREBH. Mitigation of the CRBN-BTG2-CREBH axis by the melatonin-SESN2-SHP signaling network may provide a novel therapeutic strategy to treat metabolic dysfunction due to diabetes.

IFNα primes cancer cells for Fusicoccin-induced cell death via 14-3-3 PPI stabilization

The natural product family of the fusicoccanes (FCs) has been shown to display anti-cancer activity, especially when combined with established therapeutic agents. FCs stabilize 14-3-3 protein-protein interactions (PPIs). Here, we tested combinations of a small library of FCs with interferon α (IFNα) on different cancer cell lines and report a proteomics approach to identify the specific 14-3-3 PPIs that are induced by IFNα and stabilized by FCs in OVCAR-3 cells. Among the identified 14-3-3 target proteins are THEMIS2, receptor interacting protein kinase 2 (RIPK2), EIF2AK2, and several members of the LDB1 complex. Biophysical and structural biology studies confirm these 14-3-3 PPIs as physical targets of FC stabilization, and transcriptome as well as pathway analyses suggest possible explanations for the observed synergistic effect of IFNα/FC treatment on cancer cells. This study elucidates the polypharmacological effects of FCs in cancer cells and identifies potential targets from the vast interactome of 14-3-3s for therapeutic intervention in oncology.

Multitranscript analysis reveals an effect of 2-deoxy-d-glucose on gene expression linked to unfolded protein response and integrated stress response in primary human monocytes and monocyte-derived macrophages

BACKGROUND

Glycolytic inhibitor 2-deoxy-d-glucose (2-DG) binds to hexokinase in a non-competitive manner and phosphoglucose isomerase in a competitive manner, blocking the initial steps of the glycolytic pathway. Although 2-DG stimulates endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, activating the unfolded protein response to restore protein homeostasis, it is unclear which ER stress-related genes are modulated in response to 2-DG treatment in human primary cells. Here, we aimed to determine whether the treatment of monocytes and monocyte-derived macrophages (MDMs) with 2-DG leads to a transcriptional profile specific to ER stress.

METHODS

We performed bioinformatics analysis to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in previously reported RNA-seq datasets of 2-DG treated cells. RT-qPCR was performed to verify the sequencing data on cultured MDMs.

RESULTS

A total of 95 common DEGs were found by transcriptional analysis of monocytes and MDMs treated with 2-DG. Among these, 74 were up-regulated and 21 were down-regulated. Multitranscript analysis showed that DEGs are linked to integrated stress response (GRP78/BiP, PERK, ATF4, CHOP, GADD34, IRE1α, XBP1, SESN2, ASNS, PHGDH), hexosamine biosynthetic pathway (GFAT1, GNA1, PGM3, UAP1), and mannose metabolism (GMPPA and GMPPB).

CONCLUSIONS

Results reveal that 2-DG triggers a gene expression program that might be involved in restoring protein homeostasis in primary cells.

GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE

2-DG is known to inhibit glycolysis and induce ER stress; however, its effect on gene expression in primary cells is not well understood. This work shows that 2-DG is a stress inducer shifting the metabolic state of monocytes and macrophages.

Sestrin2-mediated disassembly of stress granules dampens aerobic glycolysis to overcome glucose starvation

Sestrins are a small gene family of pleiotropic factors whose actions promote cell adaptation to a range of stress conditions. In this report we disclose the selective role of Sestrin2 (SESN2) in dampening aerobic glycolysis to adapt to limiting glucose conditions. Removal of glucose from hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells inhibits glycolysis associated with the downregulation of the rate-limiting glycolytic enzyme hexokinase 2 (HK2). Moreover, the accompanying upregulation of SESN2 through an NRF2/ATF4-dependent mechanism plays a direct role in HK2 regulation by destabilizing HK2 mRNA. We show SESN2 competes with insulin like growth factor 2 mRNA binding protein 3 (IGF2BP3) for binding with the 3'-UTR region of HK2 mRNA. Interactions between IGF2BP3 and HK2 mRNA result in their coalescence into stress granules via liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS), a process which serves to stabilize HK2 mRNA. Conversely, the enhanced expression and cytoplasmic localization of SESN2 under glucose deprivation conditions favors the downregulation of HK2 levels via decreases in the half-life of HK2 mRNA. The resulting dampening of glucose uptake and glycolytic flux inhibits cell proliferation and protect cells from glucose starvation-induced apoptotic cell death. Collectively, our findings reveal an intrinsic survival mechanism allowing cancer cells to overcome chronic glucose shortages, also providing new mechanistic insights into SESN2 as an RNA-binding protein with a role in reprogramming of cancer cell metabolism.

A cross-talk between sestrins, chronic inflammation and cellular senescence governs the development of age-associated sarcopenia and obesity

The rapid increase in both the lifespan and proportion of older adults is accompanied by the unprecedented rise in age-associated chronic diseases, including sarcopenia and obesity. Aging is also manifested by increased susceptibility to multiple endogenous and exogenous stresses enabling such chronic conditions to develop. Among the main physiological regulators of cellular adaption to various stress stimuli, such as DNA damage, hypoxia, and oxidative stress, are sestrins (Sesns), a family of three evolutionarily conserved proteins, Sesn1, 2, and 3. Age-associated sarcopenia and obesity are characterized by two key processes: (i) accumulation of senescent cells in the skeletal muscle and adipose tissue and (ii) creation of a systemic, chronic, low-grade inflammation (SCLGI). Presumably, failed SCLGI resolution governs the development of these chronic conditions. Noteworthy, Sesns activate senolytics, which are agents that selectively eliminate senescent cells, as well as specialized pro-resolving mediators, which are factors that physiologically provide inflammation resolution. Sesns reveal clear beneficial effects in pre-clinical models of sarcopenia and obesity. Based on these observations, we propose a novel treatment strategy for age-associated sarcopenia and obesity, complementary to the conventional therapeutic modalities: Sesn activation, SCLGI resolution, and senescent cell elimination.

SESN2 Could Be a Potential Marker for Diagnosis and Prognosis in Glioma

(1) Background: Glioma is among the most common brain tumors, and is difficult to eradicate with current therapeutic strategies due to its highly invasive and aggressive characteristics. Sestrin2 (SESN2) is an autophagy inducer. The effect of SESN2 on glioma is controversial and unclear. (2) Methods: We downloaded related RNA-seq data from the TCGA and GTEx databases. Bioinformatic analyses including differential gene expression analysis, KM survival curve analysis, univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses, nomogram analysis, ROC curve analysis, gene function enrichment analysis, and immune cell infiltration analysis were conducted. In addition, data from the Human Protein Atlas (HPA) database were collected to validate SESN2 expression in glioma. (3) Results: In comparison with normal tissue, expression of SESN2 in glioma tissue was higher, and those with higher expressions had significantly lower overall survival rates. The results of univariate Cox regression analyses showed that SESN2 can be a disadvantageous factor in poor glioma prognosis. Both nomograms and ROC curves confirmed these findings. Meanwhile, according to gene function analysis, SESN2 may be involved in immune responses and the tumor microenvironment (TME). Based on the HPA database results, SESN2 is localized in the cytosol and shows high expression in glioma. (4) Conclusions: The expression of SESN2 in gliomas was positively relevant to a poorer prognosis, suggesting that SESN2 could be used as a prognostic gene.

The emerging role of the branched chain aminotransferases, BCATc and BCATm, for anti-tumor T-cell immunity

Challenges regarding successful immunotherapy are associated with the heterogeneity of tumors and the complex interactions within the surrounding tumor microenvironment (TME), particularly those between immune and tumor cells. Of interest, T cells receive a myriad of environmental signals to elicit differentiation to effector subtypes, which is accompanied by metabolic reprogramming needed to satisfy the high energy and biosynthetic demands of their activated state. However, T cells are subjected to immunosuppressive signals and areas of oxygen and nutrient depletion in the TME, which causes T-cell exhaustion and helps tumor cells escape immune detection. The cytosolic and mitochondrial branched chain amino transferases, BCATc and BCATm, respectively, are responsible for the first step of the branched chain amino acid (BCAA) degradation, of which, metabolites are shunted into various metabolic processes. In recent years, BCAT isoenzymes have been investigated for their role in a variety of cancers found throughout the body; however, a gap of knowledge exists regarding the role BCAT isoenzymes play within immune cells of the TME. The aim of this review is to summarize recent findings about BCAAs and their catabolism at the BCAT step during T-cell metabolic reprogramming and to discuss the BCAT putative role in the anti-tumor immunity of T cells. Not only does this review acknowledges gaps pertaining to BCAA metabolism in the TME but it also identifies the practical application of BCAA metabolism in T cells in response to cancer and spotlights a potential target for pharmacological intervention.

Endurance training and MitoQ supplementation improve spatial memory, VEGF expression, and neurogenic factors in hippocampal tissue of rats

Background and Aim

The hippocampus has a key role in memory and learning, which means that this brain structure has high-energy demand. Accordingly, mitochondrial dysfunction in the hippocampus has deleterious effects on brain function. MitoQ is an antioxidant that accumulates selectively in mitochondria at high concentration. In this study, the effect of MitoQ alone and in combination with endurance training (ET) was investigated on spatial memory (distance, time, and number of passes in the target quarter), antioxidant status (superoxide dismutase [SOD] and glutathione peroxidase [GPx]), and neurogenic factor levels (vascular endothelial growth factor [VEGF] and brain-derived neurotrophic factor [BDNF]) in male Wistar rats.

Methods

Rats were assigned to a control (CTL) group, ET group, ET+MitoQ group, and a MitoQ group. Rats were trained on a treadmill for 8 weeks, 5 days/week, and 50 min/day. MitoQ (250 μM daily) was administered through drinking water for 8 weeks. Spatial memory (Morris water maze test), gene expression (real-time PCR), protein expression (Western blotting), and antioxidants (ELISA method) were determined.

Results

Distance and number of passes in the target quarter in the ET, MitoQ, and ET+MitoQ groups were higher than in the CTL group (P=0.001). MitoQ+ET had more impact on the abovementioned indices than MitoQ or ET alone. Simultaneous use of MitoQ and ET significantly increased gene and protein expression of VEGF (P=0.0001) and gene expression of BDNF (P=0.004) and Sestrin 2 (SESN2) (P=0.0001) in hippocampal tissue. The expression of VEGF (P=0.007) and SESN2 (P=0.001) was higher in the MitoQ group compared to the CTL group. Tissue GPx levels were increased following all three interventions (P≤0.013) compared to the CTL group while SOD levels remained unchanged in all groups.

Conclusions

The combination of ET and MitoQ has additive effects on spatial memory in rats by modulating parameters that are involved in hippocampal neurogenesis. In addition, MitoQ may have positive effects on the antioxidant defense by improving GPx activity.

Relevance for Patients

Considering the positive effects of MitoQ on improving the memory and the antioxidant defense, it seems that it can play a positive role in improving the diseases associated with memory loss in the long term, and ET along with this supplement can increase the possible positive effects.

Ferroptosis-related biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease: Identification by bioinformatic analysis in hippocampus

BACKGROUND

Globally, Alzheimer's Disease (AD) accounts for the majority of dementia, making it a public health concern. AD treatment is limited due to the limited understanding of its pathogenesis. Recently, more and more evidence shows that ferroptosis lead to cell death in the brain, especially in the regions of the brain related to dementia.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Three microarray datasets (GSE5281, GSE9770, GSE28146) related to AD were downloaded from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) datasets. Ferroptosis-related genes were extracted from FerrDb database. Data sets were separated into two groups. GSE5281 and GSE9770 were used to identify ferroptosis-related genes, and GSE28146 was used to verify results. During these processes, protein-protein interaction (PPI), the Gene Ontology (GO), and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses were conducted. Finally, the differentiated values of ferroptosis-related genes were determined by receiver operator characteristic (ROC) monofactor analysis to judge their potential quality as biomarkers.

RESULTS

Twenty-four ferroptosis-related genes were obtained. Using STRING (https://cn.string-db.org/) and Cytoscape with CytoHubba, the top 10 genes (RB1, AGPAT3, SESN2, KLHL24, ALOX15B, CA9, GDF15, DPP4, PRDX1, UBC, FTH1, ASNS, GOT1, PGD, ATG16L1, SLC3A2, DDIT3, RPL8, VDAC2, GLS2, MTOR, HSF1, AKR1C3, NCF2) were identified as target genes. GO analysis revealed that response to carboxylic acid catabolic process, organic acid catabolic process, alpha-amino acid biosynthetic process and cellular amino acid biosynthetic process were the most highly enriched terms. KEGG analysis showed that these overlapped genes were enriched in p53 signaling pathways, longevity regulating pathway, mTOR signaling pathway, type 2 diabetes mellitus and ferroptosis. Box plots and violine plots were created and verified to confirm the significance of identified target genes. Moreover, ROC monofactor analysis was performed to determine the diagnostic value of identified genes. Two genes (ASNS, SESN2) were subsequently obtained. For the tow genes, STRING was used to obtain the five related genes and determined enriched GO terms and KEGG pathways for those genes.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that ASNS and SENS2 may serve as potential diagnostic biomarkers for AD and provide additional evidence regarding the essential role of ferroptosis in AD.

Radiation-response in primary fibroblasts of long-term survivors of childhood cancer with and without second primary neoplasms: the KiKme study

Background

The etiology and most risk factors for a sporadic first primary neoplasm in childhood or subsequent second primary neoplasms are still unknown. One established causal factor for therapy-associated second primary neoplasms is the exposure to ionizing radiation during radiation therapy as a mainstay of cancer treatment. Second primary neoplasms occur in 8% of all cancer survivors within 30 years after the first diagnosis in Germany, but the underlying factors for intrinsic susceptibilities have not yet been clarified. Thus, the purpose of this nested case–control study was the investigation and comparison of gene expression and affected pathways in primary fibroblasts of childhood cancer survivors with a first primary neoplasm only or with at least one subsequent second primary neoplasm, and controls without neoplasms after exposure to a low and a high dose of ionizing radiation.

Methods

Primary fibroblasts were obtained from skin biopsies from 52 adult donors with a first primary neoplasm in childhood (N1), 52 with at least one additional primary neoplasm (N2+), as well as 52 without cancer (N0) from the KiKme study. Cultured fibroblasts were exposed to a high [2 Gray (Gy)] and a low dose (0.05 Gy) of X-rays. Messenger ribonucleic acid was extracted 4 h after exposure and Illumina-sequenced. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were computed using limma for R, selected at a false discovery rate level of 0.05, and further analyzed for pathway enrichment (right-tailed Fisher’s Exact Test) and (in-) activation (z ≥|2|) using Ingenuity Pathway Analysis.

Results

After 0.05 Gy, least DEGs were found in N0 (n = 236), compared to N1 (n = 653) and N2+ (n = 694). The top DEGs with regard to the adjusted p-value were upregulated in fibroblasts across all donor groups (SESN1, MDM2, CDKN1A, TIGAR, BTG2, BLOC1S2, PPM1D, PHLDB3, FBXO22, AEN, TRIAP1, and POLH). Here, we observed activation of p53 Signaling in N0 and to a lesser extent in N1, but not in N2+. Only in N0, DNA (excision-) repair (involved genes: CDKN1A, PPM1D, and DDB2) was predicted to be a downstream function, while molecular networks in N2+ were associated with cancer, as well as injury and abnormalities (among others, downregulation of MSH6, CCNE2, and CHUK). After 2 Gy, the number of DEGs was similar in fibroblasts of all donor groups and genes with the highest absolute log₂ fold-change were upregulated throughout (CDKN1A, TIGAR, HSPA4L, MDM2, BLOC1SD2, PPM1D, SESN1, BTG2, FBXO22, PCNA, and TRIAP1). Here, the p53 Signaling-Pathway was activated in fibroblasts of all donor groups. The Mitotic Roles of Polo Like Kinase-Pathway was inactivated in N1 and N2+. Molecular Mechanisms of Cancer were affected in fibroblasts of all donor groups. P53 was predicted to be an upstream regulator in fibroblasts of all donor groups and E2F1 in N1 and N2+. Results of the downstream analysis were senescence in N0 and N2+, transformation of cells in N0, and no significant effects in N1. Seven genes were differentially expressed in reaction to 2 Gy dependent on the donor group (LINC00601, COBLL1, SESN2, BIN3, TNFRSF10A, EEF1AKNMT, and BTG2).

Conclusion

Our results show dose-dependent differences in the radiation response between N1/N2+ and N0. While mechanisms against genotoxic stress were activated to the same extent after a high dose in all groups, the radiation response was impaired after a low dose in N1/N2+, suggesting an increased risk for adverse effects including carcinogenesis, particularly in N2+.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s10020-022-00520-6.

Genetic association and Mendelian randomization for hypothyroidism highlight immune molecular mechanisms

We carried out a genome-wide association analysis including 51,194 cases of hypothyroidism and 443,383 controls. In total, 139 risk loci were associated to hypothyroidism with genes involved in lymphocyte function. Candidate genes associated with hypothyroidism were identified by using molecular quantitative trait loci, colocalization, and enhancer-promoter chromatin looping. Mendelian randomization (MR) identified 42 blood expressed genes and circulating proteins as candidate causal molecules in hypothyroidism. Drug-gene interaction analysis provided evidence that immune checkpoint and tyrosine kinase inhibitors used in cancer therapy increase the risk of hypothyroidism. Hence, integrative mapping and MR support that expression of genes and proteins enriched in lymphocyte function are associated with the risk of hypothyroidism and provide genetic evidence for drug-induced hypothyroidism and identify actionable potential drug targets.

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GWAS for hypothyroidism identified 139 risk loci including 76 novel associations

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GWAS was enriched in pathways related to lymphocyte function

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In total, 28 potentially deleterious missense variants were identified

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Mendelian randomization and colocalization identified 61 blood causal candidate genes

Cationic antimicrobial peptide NRC-03 induces oral squamous cell carcinoma cell apoptosis via CypD-mPTP axis-mediated mitochondrial oxidative stress

Pleurocidin-family cationic antimicrobial peptide NRC-03 exhibits potent and selective cytotoxicity towards cancer cells. However, the anticancer effect of NRC-03 in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and the molecular mechanism of NRC-03 induced cancer cell death is still unclear. This study focused to investigate mitochondrial oxidative stress-mediated altered mitochondrial function involved in NRC-03-induced apoptosis of OSCC cells. NRC-03 entered the OSCC cells more easily than that of normal cells and bound to mitochondria as well as the nucleus, causing cell membrane blebbing, mitochondria swelling, and DNA fragmentation. NRC-03 induced high oxygen consumption, reactive oxygen species (ROS) release, mitochondrial dysfunction, and apoptosis in OSCC cells. Non-specific antioxidant N-acetyl-l-cysteine (NAC), or mitochondria-specific antioxidant mitoquinone (MitoQ) alleviated NRC-03-induced apoptosis and mitochondrial dysfunction indicated that NRC-03 exerts a cytotoxic effect in cancer cells via inducing cellular and mitochondrial oxidative stress. Moreover, the expression of cyclophilin D (CypD), the key component of mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP), was upregulated in NRC-03-treated cancer cells. Blockade of CypD by siRNA-mediated depletion or pharmacological inhibitor cyclosporine A (CsA) significantly suppressed NRC-03-induced mitochondrial oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and apoptosis. NRC-03 also activated MAPK/ERK and NF-κB pathways. Importantly, intratumoral administration of NRC-03 inhibited the growth of CAL-27 cells-derived tumors on xenografted animal models. Taken together, our study indicates that NRC-03 induces apoptosis in OSCC cells via the CypD-mPTP axis mediated mitochondrial oxidative stress.

The association between serum Sestrin2 and the risk of coronary heart disease in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Background

Coronary heart disease (CHD) is one of the most common causes of morbidity and mortality in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Oxidative stress is one of the important contributors to the pathogenesis of CHD. Sestrin2 is a stress-induced antioxidant protein that plays a important role in T2DM and CHD. However, the relationship between serum Sestrin2 levels and T2DM with CHD remains unclear.

Aim

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between serum Sestrin2 levels and CHD in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Methods

A total of 70 T2DM patients with CHD and 69 T2DM patients were enrolled in this study. Clinical features and metabolic indices were identified. Serum Sestrin2 was measured by ELISA.

Results

Serum Sestrin2 levels in T2DM-CHD groups were significantly lower compared with the T2DM group (11.17 (9.79, 13.14) ng/mL vs 9.46 (8.34, 10.91) ng/mL). Bivariate correlation analysis revealed that serum Sestrin2 levels were negatively correlated with age (r = − 0.256, P = 0.002), BMI (r = − 0.206, P = 0.015), FBG (r = − 0.261, P = 0.002) and Tyg index (r = − 0.207, P < 0.014). Binary logistic regression suggested that low serum Sestrin2 levels were related to the increased risk of T2DM-CHD (P < 0.05). In addition, the receiver operating characteristic analysis revealed that the area under the curve of Sestrin2 was 0.724 (95% CI 0.641–0.808, P < 0.001) to predict T2DM-CHD patients (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

The Sestrin2 levels were highly associated with CHD in diabetes patients. Serum Sestrin2 may be involved in the occurrence and development of diabetic with CHD.

Identification of an Epi-metabolic dependency on EHMT2/G9a in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Genomic studies have identified recurrent somatic alterations in genes involved in DNA methylation and post-translational histone modifications in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), suggesting new opportunities for therapeutic interventions. In this study, we identified G9a/EHMT2 as a potential target in T-ALL through the intersection of epigenome-centered shRNA and chemical screens. We subsequently validated G9a with low-throughput CRISPR-Cas9-based studies targeting the catalytic G9a SET-domain and the testing of G9a chemical inhibitors in vitro, 3D, and in vivo T-ALL models. Mechanistically we determined that G9a repression promotes lysosomal biogenesis and autophagic degradation associated with the suppression of sestrin2 (SESN2) and inhibition of glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK-3), suggesting that in T-ALL glycolytic dependent pathways are at least in part under epigenetic control. Thus, targeting G9a represents a strategy to exhaust the metabolic requirement of T-ALL cells.

Possible roles of sestrin2 in multiple sclerosis and its relationships with clinical outcomes

BACKGROUND

Characterized by demyelination, inflammation and axonal damage, multiple sclerosis (MS) is one of the most common disorders of central nervous system led by the immune system. There is an urgent and obvious need for biomarkers for the diagnosis and follow-up of MS.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate serum levels of sestrin2 (SESN2), a protein that responds to acute stress, in MS patients.

METHODS

A total of 85 participants, 40 patients diagnosed previously with relapsing-remitting MS and 45 healthy controls, were included. Serum SESN2 parameters were investigated in blood samples drawn from each participant in the patient and control groups.

RESULTS

SESN2 levels were significantly lower in MS patients than in controls (z: -3.06; p=0.002). In the ROC analysis of SESN2, the predictive level for MS was 2.36 ng/mL [sensitivity, 72.50%; specificity, 55.56%; p=0.002; area under the curve (AUC)=0.693]. For the cut-off value in both groups, SESN2 was an independent predictor for MS [Exp (B)=3.977, 95% confidence interval (95%CI) 1.507-10.494 and p=0.013].

CONCLUSIONS

The decreased expression of SESN2 may play a role in MS pathogenesis, and SESN2 could be used as a biomarker for MS and as immunotherapeutic agent to treat MS.

The functions and roles of sestrins in regulating human diseases

Sestrins (Sesns), highly conserved stress-inducible metabolic proteins, are known to protect organisms against various noxious stimuli including DNA damage, oxidative stress, starvation, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, and hypoxia. Sesns regulate metabolism mainly through activation of the key energy sensor AMP-dependent protein kinase (AMPK) and inhibition of mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1). Sesns also play pivotal roles in autophagy activation and apoptosis inhibition in normal cells, while conversely promoting apoptosis in cancer cells. The functions of Sesns in diseases such as metabolic disorders, neurodegenerative diseases, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer have been broadly investigated in the past decades. However, there is a limited number of reviews that have summarized the functions of Sesns in the pathophysiological processes of human diseases, especially musculoskeletal system diseases. One aim of this review is to discuss the biological functions of Sesns in the pathophysiological process and phenotype of diseases. More significantly, we include some new evidence about the musculoskeletal system. Another purpose is to explore whether Sesns could be potential biomarkers or targets in the future diagnostic and therapeutic process.

SESN2/NRF2 signaling activates as a direct downstream regulator of the PERK pathway against endoplasmic reticulum stress to improve the in vitro maturation of porcine oocytes

Nuclear erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) is a critical regulator of oxidative stress in mammalian oocytes. Our previous study described the protective effects of Sestrin-2 (SESN2) as a stress regulator against endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in porcine oocytes during in vitro maturation (IVM). However, their roles in unfolded protein response-related signaling pathways in porcine oocyte maturation capacity remain unknown. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the role of SESN2/NRF2 signaling in H₂O₂-induced oxidative stress and ER stress via protein kinase-like ER kinase (PERK) downstream factor during porcine oocyte maturation. Here, we found that the p-NRF2(Ser40) activation in the nucleus of porcine oocytes was accompanied by PERK signaling downregulation using western blot and immunofluorescence staining at 44 h after IVM. The total and nuclear NRF2 protein expression was also induced in porcine oocytes following H₂O₂ and tunicamycin (Tm) exposure. Notably, the upregulation of PERK signaling significantly increased the SESN2 and NRF2 signaling in H₂O₂-and Tm-exposed porcine cumulus oocyte complexes. Interestingly, inducing the knockdown of the SESN2 gene expression by siRNA interrupted the NRF2 signaling activation of porcine oocyte maturation, whereas NRF2 expression blockade by ochratoxin A, an NRF2 inhibitor, did not affect the expression level of the SESN2 protein. Moreover, a defect in SESN2 completely blocked the activity of nuclear NRF2 on spindle assembly in porcine oocytes. These findings suggest that the PERK/SESN2/NRF2 signaling pathway may play an important role against ER stress during meiotic maturation and oocyte maturation capacity.

Blunting p38 MAPKα and ERK1/2 activities by empagliflozin enhances the antifibrotic effect of metformin and augments its AMPK-induced NF-κB inactivation in mice intoxicated with carbon tetrachloride

AIM

Metformin and empagliflozin combined therapy may have complementary effects that go beyond the well-recognized targets of their monotherapy through AMPK activation. Therefore, the current study was designed to investigate for the first time the hepatoprotective effects of such combination therapy in the carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄)-induced hepatic fibrosis model in mice.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Determination of liver enzymes and the liver content of oxidative stress parameters, and hydroxyproline were performed biochemically. ELISA was performed to measure PDGF-BB, TNF-α, TGF-β, TIMP-1, AMPK, p-mTOR, NF-κB P65 binding activity, p38 MAPKα, JNK1/2 and ERK1/2. Real-time qPCR was conducted to determine Col1a1 and α-SMA. In addition, histopathological examination using H&E and Masson's trichrome stain were performed for determination of histopathological changes.

KEY FINDINGS

Empagliflozin inhibited the activation of p38 MAPK and ERK1/2 and exhibited a weak AMPKα stimulation. On the other hand, metformin exerted a more robust stimulatory action on the AMPKα that was accompanied by a notable decrease in the NF-κB nuclear binding activity and a decline in the p-mTOR levels. Nevertheless, the effect of metformin on MAPK kinases was insignificant. Our results revealed that blunting p38 MAPKα and ERK1/2 activities by empagliflozin enhanced the antifibrotic effect of metformin and augmented its AMPK-induced NF-κB inactivation.

SIGNIFICANCE

As diabetes is one of the most common risk factors for liver fibrosis, the use of antidiabetic drugs is expected to improve therapeutic outcome. Therefore, metformin/empagliflozin combined therapy could be promising in preventing hepatic inflammation and fibrosis via exhibiting complementary effects particularly in diabetic patients.

Sestrin2 induction contributes to anti-inflammatory responses and cell survival by globular adiponectin in macrophages

Adiponectin, an adipose tissue-derived hormone, exhibits a modulatory effect on cell death/survival and possesses potent anti-inflammatory properties. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain elusive. Sestrin2, a stress-inducible metabolic protein, has shown cytoprotective and inflammation-modulatory effects under stressful conditions. In this study, we examined the role of sestrin2 signaling in the modulation of cell survival and inflammatory responses by globular adiponectin (gAcrp) in macrophages. We observed that gAcrp induced a significant increase in sestrin2 expression in both RAW 264.7 murine macrophages and primary murine macrophages. Notably, gAcrp treatment markedly increased expression of hypoxia inducible factor-1 α (HIF-1α) and gene silencing of HIF-1α blocked sestrin2 induction by gAcrp. In addition, pretreatment with a pharmacological inhibitor of ERK or PI3K abrogated both sestrin2 and HIF-1α expression by gAcrp, indicating that ERK/PI3K-mediated HIF-1α signaling pathway plays a critical role in sestrin2 induction by gAcrp. Furthermore, sestrin2 induction is implicated in autophagy activation, and knockdown of sestrin2 prevented enhanced cell viability by gAcrp. Moreover, gene silencing of sestrin2 caused restoration of gAcrp-induced expression of anti-inflammatory genes in a gene-selective manner. Taken together, these results indicate that sestrin2 induction critically contributes to cell survival and anti-inflammatory responses by gAcrp in macrophages.

A paradoxical role for sestrin 2 protein in tumor suppression and tumorigenesis

Sestrin 2, a highly conserved stress-induced protein, participates in the pathological processes of metabolic and age-related diseases. This p53-inducible protein also regulates cell growth and metabolism, which is closely related to malignant tumorigenesis. Sestrin 2 was reported to regulate various cellular processes, such as tumor cell proliferation, invasion and metastasis, apoptosis, anoikis resistance, and drug resistance. Although sestrin 2 is associated with colorectal, lung, liver, and other cancers, sestrin 2 expression varies among different types of cancer, and the effects and mechanisms of action of this protein are also different. Sestrin 2 was considered a tumor suppressor gene in most studies, whereas conflicting reports considered sestrin 2 an oncogene. Thus, this review aims to examine the literature regarding sestrin 2 in various cancers, summarize its roles in suppression and tumorigenesis, discuss potential mechanisms in the regulation of cancer, and provide a basis for follow-up research and potential cancer treatment development.

OncomiR miR-182-5p Enhances Radiosensitivity by Inhibiting the Radiation-Induced Antioxidant Effect through SESN2 in Head and Neck Cancer

Radiotherapy is routinely used for the treatment of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). However, the therapeutic efficacy is usually reduced by acquired radioresistance and locoregional recurrence. In this study, The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) analysis showed that radiotherapy upregulated the miR-182/96/183 cluster and that miR-182 was the most significantly upregulated. Overexpression of miR-182-5p enhanced the radiosensitivity of HNSCC cells by increasing intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, suggesting that expression of the miR-182 family is beneficial for radiotherapy. By intersecting the gene targeting results from three microRNA target prediction databases, we noticed that sestrin2 (SESN2), a molecule resistant to oxidative stress, was involved in 91 genes predicted in all three databases to be directly recognized by miR-182-5p. Knockdown of SESN2 enhanced radiation-induced ROS and cytotoxicity in HNSCC cells. In addition, the radiation-induced expression of SESN2 was repressed by overexpression of miR-182-5p. Reciprocal expression of the miR-182-5p and SESN2 genes was also analyzed in the TCGA database, and a high expression of miR-182-5p combined with a low expression of SESN2 was associated with a better survival rate in patients receiving radiotherapy. Taken together, the current data suggest that miR-182-5p may regulate radiation-induced antioxidant effects and mediate the efficacy of radiotherapy.

Sestrin2 protects against lethal sepsis by suppressing the pyroptosis of dendritic cells

Sepsis is defined as life-threatening organ dysfunction caused by a dysregulated host response to infection. Sestrin2 (SESN2), a highly evolutionarily conserved protein, is critically involved in the cellular response to various stresses and has been confirmed to maintain the homeostasis of the internal environment. However, the potential effects of SESN2 in regulating dendritic cells (DCs) pyroptosis in the context of sepsis and the related mechanisms are poorly characterized. In this study, we found that SESN2 was capable of decreasing gasdermin D (GSDMD)-dependent pyroptosis of splenic DCs by inhibiting endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress (ERS)-related nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3)-mediated ASC pyroptosome formation and caspase-1 (CASP-1) activation. Furthermore, SESN2 deficiency induced NLRP3/ASC/CASP-1-dependent pyroptosis and the production of proinflammatory cytokines by exacerbating the PERK–ATF4–CHOP signaling pathway, resulting in an increase in the mortality of septic mice, which was reversed by inhibiting ERS. These findings suggest that SESN2 appears to be essential for inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome hyperactivation, reducing CASP-1-dependent pyroptosis, and improving sepsis outcomes through stabilization of the ER. The present study might have important implications for exploration of novel potential therapeutic targets for the treatment of sepsis complications.

Target Sestrin2 to Rescue the Damaged Organ: Mechanistic Insight into Its Function

Sestrin2 is a stress-inducible metabolic regulator and a conserved antioxidant protein which has been implicated in the pathogenesis of several diseases. Sestrin2 can protect against atherosclerosis, heart failure, hypertension, myocardial infarction, stroke, spinal cord injury neurodegeneration, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), liver fibrosis, acute kidney injury (AKI), chronic kidney disease (CKD), and pulmonary inflammation. Oxidative stress and cellular damage signals can alter the expression of Sestrin2 to compensate for organ damage. Different stress signals such as those mediated by P53, Nrf2/ARE, HIF-1α, NF-κB, JNK/c-Jun, and TGF-β/Smad signaling pathways can induce Sestrin2 expression. Subsequently, Sestrin2 activates Nrf2 and AMPK. Furthermore, Sestrin2 is a major negative regulator of mTORC1. Sestrin2 indirectly regulates the expression of several genes and reprograms intracellular signaling pathways to attenuate oxidative stress and modulate a large number of cellular events such as protein synthesis, cell energy homeostasis, mitochondrial biogenesis, autophagy, mitophagy, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, apoptosis, fibrogenesis, and lipogenesis. Sestrin2 vigorously enhances M2 macrophage polarization, attenuates inflammation, and prevents cell death. These alterations in molecular and cellular levels improve the clinical presentation of several diseases. This review will shed light on the beneficial effects of Sestrin2 on several diseases with an emphasis on underlying pathophysiological effects.

Inhibiting BCKDK in triple negative breast cancer suppresses protein translation, impairs mitochondrial function, and potentiates doxorubicin cytotoxicity

Triple-negative breast cancers (TNBCs) are characterized by poor survival, prognosis, and gradual resistance to cytotoxic chemotherapeutics, like doxorubicin (DOX). The clinical utility of DOX is limited by its cardiotoxic and chemoresistant effects that manifest over time. To induce chemoresistance, TNBC rewires oncogenic gene expression and cell signaling pathways. Recent studies have demonstrated that reprogramming of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) metabolism facilitates tumor growth and survival. Branched-chain ketoacid dehydrogenase kinase (BCKDK), a regulatory kinase of the rate-limiting enzyme of the BCAA catabolic pathway, is reported to activate RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK signaling to promote tumor cell proliferation. However, it remains unexplored if BCKDK action remodels TNBC proliferation and survival per se and influences susceptibility to DOX-induced genotoxic stress. TNBC cells treated with DOX exhibited reduced BCKDK expression and intracellular BCKAs. Genetic and pharmacological inhibition of BCKDK in TNBC cell lines also showed a similar reduction in intracellular and secreted BCKAs. BCKDK silencing in TNBC cells downregulated mitochondrial metabolism genes, reduced electron complex protein expression, oxygen consumption, and ATP production. Transcriptome analysis of BCKDK silenced cells confirmed dysregulation of mitochondrial metabolic networks and upregulation of the apoptotic signaling pathway. Furthermore, BCKDK inhibition with concurrent DOX treatment exacerbated apoptosis, caspase activity, and loss of TNBC proliferation. Inhibition of BCKDK in TNBC also upregulated sestrin 2 and concurrently decreased mTORC1 signaling and protein synthesis. Overall, loss of BCKDK action in TNBC remodels BCAA flux, reduces protein translation triggering cell death, ATP insufficiency, and susceptibility to genotoxic stress.

Proposed mechanism. A Doxorubicin (DOX) targets the BCAA catabolic pathway in TNBCs, by downregulating BCKDK and augmenting clearance of intracellular BCKAs. B Genetic or pharmacological (high BT2 concentration) inhibition of BCKDK results in increased cell death, decreased intracellular BCKAs, dysregulated mitochondrial function, ATP insufficiency, SESN2 activation, and inhibition of mTORC1 signaling and protein synthesis. C BCKDK inhibition (siRNA mediated or low-BT2 concentration) exacerbates DOX-induced cytotoxicity and caspase activity.

MiR-182/Sestrin2 affects the function of asthmatic airway smooth muscle cells by the AMPK/mTOR pathway

Background and Objectives

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory airway disease and brings heavy economic and spiritual burdens to patients’ families and the society. Airway smooth muscle cells (ASMCs) affect the development of asthma by secreting cytokines, growth factors, and prostates. The stress-inducing protein, Sestrin2, plays a vital role in antioxidant defense. The aim of this study is to investigate the role of Sestrin2 in asthma and its corresponding molecular mechanism.

Materials and Methods

Airway remodeling was induced by construction of asthma rat model. Primary ASMCs were isolated through combining tissue block adherence and enzymatic digestion and identified by immunofluorescence staining. Gene expression was measured by quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) and western blot (WB) experiments. Cell viability, proliferation, migration, and calcium flow of ASMCs were measured by Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8), 5-ethynyl-deoxyuridine (EdU), Transwell, and Fluo-3AM, respectively. The binding of miR-182 and Sestrin2 3′-untranslated region (3′-UTR) was measured by luciferase reporter system and RNA-binding protein immunoprecipitation (RIP) analysis.

Results

Sestrin2 expression was upregulated in asthma rat model and cell model. Overexpression of Sestrin2 enhanced the growth, migration, and calcium flow, and inversely, repression of Sestrin2 was reduced in ASMCs from the asthma group. MiR-182, one of the microRNAs (miRNAs) that possesses the potential to regulate Sestrin2, was downregulated in ASMCs from the asthma group. Further experiments revealed that Sestrin2 was inhibited by miR-182 and that overexpression of Sestrin2 reversed the miR-182–induced inhibition of the cellular progression of ASMCs from the asthma group. This study further investigated the downstream signaling pathway of Sestrin2 and found that increased expression of Sestrin2 activated 5′-adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK), leading to the inactivation of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and thus promoting the growth, migration, and calcium flow of ASMCs from the asthma group.

Conclusion

This study investigated the role of Sestrin2 for the first time and further dissected the regulatory factor of Sestrin2, ultimately elucidating the downstream signaling pathway of Sestrin2 in asthma, providing a novel pathway, and improving the understanding of the development and progression of asthma.

Sestrin2 and Beclin1 levels in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Background

Sestrin2 and beclin1 are two newly found proteins that have essential roles in autophagy. This study attempted to evaluate the plasma concentrations of sestrin2 and beclin1 in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and healthy controls and to explore the clinical value of these proteins as novel biomarkers for PCOS.

Methods

In this case‐control study, plasma levels of sestrin2 and beclin1, fasting blood sugar (FBS), lipid profile, insulin, and androgens were evaluated in 63 women (31 patients and 32 controls). Sestrin2 and beclin1 levels were determined using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Descriptive statistics, correlation coefficients, logistic regression, and ROC curve analyses were used in this study.

Results

Plasma sestrin2 levels of the subjects with PCOS (40.74 [24.39–257.70]) were significantly lower than those of healthy subjects (255.78 [25.46–528.66]; p‐value = 0.040). ROC curve analysis showed that a cutoff value of 420.5 ng/L had an appropriate sensitivity (83.87%) and specificity (46.88%) for discriminating individuals with and without PCOS, with the area under the curve (95% CI) of 0.648 (0.518 to 0.764), p = 0.036. There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups concerning plasma levels of beclin1, biochemical parameters, blood pressure, and anthropometric features.

Conclusion

Our findings highlight the dysregulation of sestrin2 as a marker of autophagy in PCOS and its potential usefulness as a novel biomarker for PCOS. Further research is needed to better understand the role of this protein in the pathophysiology of PCOS and its value as a diagnostic tool for the evaluation of PCOS patients.

Sestrin2 and mitochondrial quality control: Potential impact in myogenic differentiation

Mitochondria are highly dynamic organelles capable of adapting their network, morphology, and function, playing a role in oxidative phosphorylation and many cellular processes in most cell types. Skeletal muscle is a very plastic tissue, subjected to many morphological changes following diverse stimuli, such as during myogenic differentiation and regenerative myogenesis. For some time now, mitochondria have been reported to be involved in myogenesis by promoting a bioenergetic remodeling and assisting myoblasts in surviving the process. However, not much is known about the interplay between mitochondrial quality control and myogenic differentiation. Sestrin2 (SESN2) is a well described regulator of autophagy and antioxidant responses and has been gaining attention due to its role in aging-associated pathologies and redox signaling promoted by reactive oxygen species (ROS) in many tissues. Current evidence involving SESN2-associated pathways suggest that it can act as a potential regulator of mitochondrial quality control following induction by ROS under stress conditions, such as during myogenesis. Yet, there are no studies directly assessing SESN2 involvement in myogenic differentiation. This review provides novel insights pertaining the involvement of SESN2 in myogenic differentiation by analyzing the interactions between ROS and mitochondrial remodeling.

The role of mitophagy in pulmonary sepsis

Sepsis is a systemic inflammatory disease with an unacceptably high mortality rate caused by an infection or trauma that involves both innate and adaptive immune systems. Inflammatory events activate different downstream pathways leading to tissue damage and ultimately multi-organ failure. Mitochondria are responsible for cellular energy, thermoregulation, metabolite biosynthesis, intracellular calcium regulation, and cell death. Damaged mitochondria induce the high Ca²⁺ influx through mitochondrial calcium uniporter (MCU). It also generates excessive Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and releases mtDNA into the cytoplasm, which causes induction of NLRP3 inflammasome and apoptosis. Mitophagy (Autophagy of damaged mitochondria) controls mitochondrial dynamics and function. It also maintains cellular homeostasis. This review is about how pulmonary sepsis affects the body. What is the aftermath of sepsis, and how mitophagy affects Acute Lung Injury and macrophage polarisation to overcome the damages.

Sestrin2 Regulates Osteoclastogenesis via the p62-TRAF6 Interaction

The receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappa B ligand (RANKL) mediates osteoclast differentiation and functions by inducing Ca²⁺ oscillations, activating mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), and activating nuclear factor of activated T-cells type c1 (NFATc1) via the RANK and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor-associated factor 6 (TRAF6) interaction. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) also plays an important role during osteoclastogenesis and Sestrin2, an antioxidant, maintains cellular homeostasis upon stress injury via regulation of ROS, autophagy, and inflammation. However, the role of Sestrin2 in osteoclastogenesis remains unknown. In this study, we investigated the role of Sestrin2 in the RANKL-RANK-TRAF6 signaling pathway during osteoclast differentiation. Deletion of Sestrin2 (Sesn2) increased bone mass and reduced the number of multinucleated osteoclasts on bone surfaces. RANKL-induced osteoclast differentiation and function decreased in Sesn2 knockout (KO) bone marrow-derived monocytes/macrophages (BMMs) due to inhibition of NFATc1 expression, but osteoblastogenesis was not affected. mRNA expression of RANKL-induced specific osteoclastogenic genes and MAPK protein expression were lower in Sesn2 KO BMMs than wild-type (WT) BMMs after RANKL treatment. However, the Sesn2 deletion did not affect ROS generation or intracellular Ca²⁺ oscillations during osteoclastogenesis. In contrast, the interaction between TRAF6 and p62 was reduced during osteoclasts differentiation in Sesn2 KO BMMs. The reduction in the TRAF6/p62 interaction and TRAP activity in osteoclastogenesis in Sesn2 KO BMMs was recovered to the WT level upon expression of Flag-Sesn2 in Sesn2 KO BMMs. These results suggest that Sestrin2 has a novel role in bone homeostasis and osteoclasts differentiation through regulation of NFATc1 and the TRAF6/p62 interaction.

The Protective Role of Sestrin2 in Atherosclerotic and Cardiac Diseases

Atherosclerotic disease, such as coronary artery disease (CAD), is known to be a chronic inflammatory disease, as well as an age-related disease. Excessive oxidative stress produced by reactive oxygen species (ROS) contributes to the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Sestrin2 is an anti-oxidant protein that is induced by various stresses such as hypoxia, DNA damage, and oxidative stress. Sestrin2 is also suggested to be associated with aging. Sestrin2 is expressed and secreted mainly by macrophages, endothelial cells, and cardiomyocytes. Sestrin2 plays an important role in suppressing the production and accumulation of ROS, thus protecting cells from oxidative damage. Since sestrin2 is reported to have anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, it may play a protective role against the progression of atherosclerosis and may be a potential therapeutic target for the amelioration of atherosclerosis. Regarding the association between blood sestrin2 levels and atherosclerotic disease, the blood sestrin2 levels in patients with CAD or carotid atherosclerosis were reported to be high. High blood sestrin2 levels in patients with such atherosclerotic disease may reflect a compensatory response to increased oxidative stress and may help protect against the progression of atherosclerosis. This review describes the protective role of sestrin2 against the progression of atherosclerotic and cardiac diseases.

Sestrin2 as a Potential Target for Regulating Metabolic-Related Diseases

Sestrin2 is a highly conserved protein that can be induced under a variety of stress conditions, including DNA damage, oxidative stress, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, and metabolic stress. Numerous studies have shown that the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway has a crucial role in the regulation of metabolism. Sestrin2 regulates metabolism via a number of pathways, including activation of AMPK, inhibition of the mTOR complex 1 (mTORC1), activation of mTOR complex 2 (mTORC2), inhibition of ER stress, and promotion of autophagy. Therefore, modulation of Sestrin2 activity may provide a potential therapeutic target for the prevention of metabolic diseases such as insulin resistance, diabetes, obesity, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury. In this review, we examined the regulatory relationship between Sestrin2 and the AMPK/mTOR signaling pathway and the effects of Sestrin2 on energy metabolism.

Regulatory mechanisms of Sesn2 and its role in multi-organ diseases

Sestrin2 (Sesn2) is a powerful anti-oxidant that can prevent acute and chronic diseases. The role of Sesn2 has been thoroughly reviewed in liver, nervous system, and immune system diseases. However, there is a limited number of reviews that have summarized the effects of Sesn2 in heart and vascular diseases, and very less literature-based information is available on involvement of Sesn2 in renal and respiratory pathologies. This review summarizes the latest research on Sesn2 in multi-organ stress responses, with a particular focus on the protective role of Sesn2 in cardiovascular, respiratory, and renal diseases, emphasizing the potential therapeutic benefit of targeting Sesn2 in stress-related diseases.

SESTRINs: Emerging Dynamic Stress-Sensors in Metabolic and Environmental Health

Proper timely management of various external and internal stresses is critical for metabolic and redox homeostasis in mammals. In particular, dysregulation of mechanistic target of rapamycin complex (mTORC) triggered from metabolic stress and accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated from environmental and genotoxic stress are well-known culprits leading to chronic metabolic disease conditions in humans. Sestrins are one of the metabolic and environmental stress-responsive groups of proteins, which solely have the ability to regulate both mTORC activity and ROS levels in cells, tissues and organs. While Sestrins are originally reported as one of several p53 target genes, recent studies have further delineated the roles of this group of stress-sensing proteins in the regulation of insulin sensitivity, glucose and fat metabolism, and redox-function in metabolic disease and aging. In this review, we discuss recent studies that investigated and manipulated Sestrins-mediated stress signaling pathways in metabolic and environmental health. Sestrins as an emerging dynamic group of stress-sensor proteins are drawing a spotlight as a preventive or therapeutic mechanism in both metabolic stress-associated pathologies and aging processes at the same time.

Protective response of Sestrin under stressful conditions in aging

The aging at cellular level manifests itself in the form of uncontrolled formation of ROS, chronic inflammation, and increased susceptibility to cellular stress. Aging is often regarded as a risk factor for several diseases due to several age-associated pathological changes in cells. Sestrin (Sesn) is an important molecule for controlling normal cellular physiology and play a significant role in the progression of certain age-associated cellular pathologies. This review deals with the structure, function, regulation, signaling network, and the potential role of Sesn in age-associated cellular pathophysiology. The cellular response mediated by Sesn under stressful conditions and rescue mechanism is discussed. It would be interesting to find out the precise physiological role of Sesn in the regulation of cellular aging. The anti-aging activity of Sesn may benefit to prevent various age-associated diseases and have clinical utility in diagnostic and therapeutic intervention.

mTOR-Dependent Role of Sestrin2 in Regulating Tumor Progression of Human Endometrial Cancer

Simple Summary

Mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1), a key controller of growth and environmental stress signaling, is frequently activated in human cancers. Sestrin2 (SESN2), a highly conserved stress-inducible protein, is one of the negative feedback mechanisms for inhibiting chronic activation of mTORC1. This study aimed to investigate the expression and clinical implications of SESN2 in endometrial cancer using an in vitro and in vivo approach. The analysis indicated increased levels of SESN2 and mTORC1 pathway activity in cancer tissues than in normal tissues. High SESN2 expression correlated with shorter patient survival duration. However, lentiviral overexpression of SESN2 and mTOR inhibitors suppressed cancer cell proliferation, migration, and epithelial–mesenchymal transition. Our study provides strong evidence for prognostic significance of SESN2, and its association with mTORC1 pathway and endometrial cancer growth. Thus, the results identified SESN2 as a potential therapeutic target in endometrial cancer.

Abstract

Oncogenic activation of the mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) leads to endometrial cancer cell growth and proliferation. Sestrin2 (SESN2), a highly conserved stress-inducible protein, is involved in homeostatic regulation via inhibition of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and mTORC1. However, the role of SESN2 in human endometrial cancer remains to be investigated. Here, we investigated expression, clinical significance, and underlying mechanisms of SESN2 in endometrial cancer. SESN2 was upregulated more in endometrial cancer tissues than in normal endometrial tissues. Furthermore, upregulation of SESN2 statistically correlated with shorter overall survival and disease-free survival in patients with endometrial cancer. SESN2 expression strongly correlated with mTORC1 activity, suggesting its impact on prognosis in endometrial cancer. Additionally, knockdown of SESN2 promoted cell proliferation, migration, and ROS production in endometrial cancer cell lines HEC-1A and Ishikawa. Treatment of these cells with mTOR inhibitors reversed endometrial cancer cell proliferation, migration, and epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) marker expression. Moreover, in a xenograft nude mice model, endometrial cancer growth increased by SESN2 knockdown. Thus, our study provides evidence for the prognostic significance of SESN2, and a relationship between SESN2, the mTORC1 pathway, and endometrial cancer growth, suggesting SESN2 as a potential therapeutic target in endometrial cancer.

Sestrin2 Expression Has Regulatory Properties and Prognostic Value in Lung Cancer

Lung cancer remains the most dangerous type of cancer despite recent progress in therapeutic modalities. Development of prognostic markers and therapeutic targets is necessary to enhance lung cancer patient survival. Sestrin family genes (Sestrin1, Sestrin2, and Sestrin3) are involved in protecting cells from stress. In particular, Sestrin2, which mainly protects cells from oxidative stress and acts as a leucine sensor protein in mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling, is thought to affect various cancers in different ways. To investigate the role of Sestrin2 expression in lung cancer cells, we knocked down Sestrin2 in A549, a non-small cell lung cancer cell line; this resulted in reduced cell proliferation, migration, sphere formation, and drug resistance, suggesting that Sestrin2 is closely related to lung cancer progression. We analyzed Sestrin2 expression in human tissue using various bioinformatic databases and confirmed higher expression of Sestrin2 in lung cancer cells than in normal lung cells using Oncomine and the Human Protein Atlas. Moreover, analyses using Prognoscan and KMplotter showed that Sestrin2 expression is negatively correlated with the survival of lung cancer patients in multiple datasets. Co-expressed gene analysis revealed Sestrin2-regulated genes and possible associated pathways. Overall, these data suggest that Sestrin2 expression has prognostic value and that it is a possible therapeutic target in lung cancer.

Sestrin2 as a potential therapeutic target for cardiovascular diseases

Sestrin2 is a cysteine sulfinyl reductase that plays crucial roles in regulation of antioxidant actions. Sestrin2 provides cytoprotection against multiple stress conditions, including hypoxia, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and oxidative stress. Recent research reveals that upregulation of Sestrin2 is induced by various transcription factors such as p53 and activator protein 1 (AP-1), which further promotes AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activation and inhibits mammalian target of rapamycin protein kinase (mTOR) signaling. Sestrin2 triggers autophagy activity to reduce cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels by promoting nuclear factor erythroid 2 (NF-E2)-related factor 2 (Nrf2) activation and Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1) degradation, which plays a pivotal role in homeostasis of metabolic regulation. Under hypoxia and ER stress conditions, elevated Sestrin2 expression maintains cellular homeostasis through regulation of antioxidant genes. Sestrin2 is responsible for diminishing cellular ROS accumulation through autophagy via AMPK activation, which displays cardioprotection effect in cardiovascular diseases. In this review, we summarize the recent understanding of molecular structure, biological roles and biochemical functions of Sestrin2, and discuss the roles and mechanisms of Sestrin2 in autophagy, hypoxia and ER stress. Understanding the precise functions and exact mechanism of Sestrin2 in cellular homeostasis will provide the evidence for future experimental research and aid in the development of novel therapeutic strategies for cardiovascular diseases.

Sestrin2 Mediates IL-4-induced IgE Class Switching by Enhancing Germline ε Transcription in B Cells

Sestrin2 (Sesn2), a metabolic regulator, accumulates in response to a diverse array of cellular stresses. Sesn2 regulates cellular metabolism by inhibiting the mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 through the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling pathway. Recently, researchers reported that Sesn2 regulates the differentiation and function of innate immune cells and T cells; however, the role of Sesn2 in B cells is largely unknown. In this study, we investigated the role of Sesn2 in Ig class switching and Ig production in mouse B cells. We observed that mouse B cells express Sesn2 mRNA. Interestingly, the expression of germline ε transcripts (GLTε) was selectively decreased in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated Sesn2^−/− splenocytes. Overexpression of Sesn2 increased GLTε promoter activity in B cells. In addition, AICAR (an activator of AMPK) selectively increased IL-4-induced GLTε expression and surface IgE (sIgE) expression in splenocytes. Furthermore, AICAR selectively enhanced IL-4-induced GLTε expression, sIgE expression, and IgE production by anti-CD40-stimulated B cells. We observed that ovalbumin (OVA)-specific IgE concentration was reduced in OVA-challenged Sesn2^−/− mice. Taken together, these results indicate that Sesn2-AMPK signaling selectively enhances IL-4-induced IgE class switching and IgE production by B cells, suggesting that this could be a therapeutic strategy targeting Sesn2 in IgE-mediated allergic diseases.