1
|
Li F, Xu L, Li C, Hu F, Su Y. Immunological role of Gas6/TAM signaling in hemostasis and thrombosis. Thromb Res 2024; 238:161-171. [PMID: 38723521 DOI: 10.1016/j.thromres.2024.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2024] [Revised: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024]
Abstract
The immune system is an emerging regulator of hemostasis and thrombosis. The concept of immunothrombosis redefines the relationship between coagulation and immunomodulation, and the Gas6/Tyro3-Axl-MerTK (TAM) signaling pathway builds the bridge across them. During coagulation, Gas6/TAM signaling pathway not only activates platelets, but also promotes thrombosis through endothelial cells and vascular smooth muscle cells involved in inflammatory responses. Thrombosis appears to be a common result of a Gas6/TAM signaling pathway-mediated immune dysregulation. TAM TK and its ligands have been found to be involved in coagulation through the PI3K/AKT or JAK/STAT pathway in various systemic diseases, providing new perspectives in the understanding of immunothrombosis. Gas6/TAM signaling pathway serves as a breakthrough target for novel therapeutic strategies to improve disease management. Many preclinical and clinical studies of TAM receptor inhibitors are in process, confirming the pivotal role of Gas6/TAM signaling pathway in immunothrombosis. Therapeutics targeting the TAM receptor show potential both in anticoagulation management and immunotherapy. Here, we review the immunological functions of the Gas6/TAM signaling pathway in coagulation and its multiple mechanisms in diseases identified to date, and discuss the new clinical strategies that may generated by these roles.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fanshu Li
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Peking University People's Hospital & Beijing Key Laboratory for Rheumatism Mechanism and Immune Diagnosis (BZ0135), Beijing, China
| | - Liling Xu
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Peking University People's Hospital & Beijing Key Laboratory for Rheumatism Mechanism and Immune Diagnosis (BZ0135), Beijing, China.
| | - Chun Li
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Peking University People's Hospital & Beijing Key Laboratory for Rheumatism Mechanism and Immune Diagnosis (BZ0135), Beijing, China
| | - Fanlei Hu
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Peking University People's Hospital & Beijing Key Laboratory for Rheumatism Mechanism and Immune Diagnosis (BZ0135), Beijing, China; State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China; Department of Integration of Chinese and Western Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China.
| | - Yin Su
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Peking University People's Hospital & Beijing Key Laboratory for Rheumatism Mechanism and Immune Diagnosis (BZ0135), Beijing, China; Peking University People's Hospital, Qingdao, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
D’Onghia D, Colangelo D, Bellan M, Tonello S, Puricelli C, Virgilio E, Apostolo D, Minisini R, Ferreira LL, Sozzi L, Vincenzi F, Cantello R, Comi C, Pirisi M, Vecchio D, Sainaghi PP. Gas6/TAM system as potential biomarker for multiple sclerosis prognosis. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1362960. [PMID: 38745659 PMCID: PMC11091300 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1362960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction The protein growth arrest-specific 6 (Gas6) and its tyrosine kinase receptors Tyro-3, Axl, and Mer (TAM) are ubiquitous proteins involved in regulating inflammation and apoptotic body clearance. Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most common inflammatory demyelinating disease of the central nervous system leading to progressive and irreversible disability if not diagnosed and treated promptly. Gas6 and TAM receptors have been associated with neuronal remyelination and stimulation of oligodendrocyte survival. However, few data are available regarding clinical correlation in MS patients. We aimed to evaluate soluble levels of these molecules in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum at MS diagnosis and correlate them with short-term disease severity. Methods In a prospective cohort study, we enrolled 64 patients with a diagnosis of clinical isolated syndrome (CIS), radiological isolated syndrome (RIS) and relapsing-remitting (RR) MS according to the McDonald 2017 Criteria. Before any treatment initiation, we sampled the serum and CSF, and collected clinical data: disease course, presence of gadolinium-enhancing lesions, and expanded disability status score (EDSS). At the last clinical follow-up, we assessed EDSS and calculated MS severity score (MSSS) and age-related MS severity (ARMSS). Gas6 and TAM receptors were determined using an ELISA kit (R&D Systems) and compared to neurofilament (NFLs) levels evaluated with SimplePlex™ fluorescence-based immunoassay. Results At diagnosis, serum sAxl was higher in patients receiving none or low-efficacy disease-modifying treatments (DMTs) versus patients with high-efficacy DMTs (p = 0.04). Higher CSF Gas6 and serum sAXL were associated with an EDSS <3 at diagnosis (p = 0.04; p = 0.037). Serum Gas6 correlates to a lower MSSS (r2 = -0.32, p = 0.01). Serum and CSF NFLs were confirmed as disability biomarkers in our cohort according to EDSS (p = 0.005; p = 0.002) and MSSS (r2 = 0.27, p = 0.03; r2 = 0.39, p = 0.001). Results were corroborated using multivariate analysis. Conclusions Our data suggest a protective role of Gas6 and its receptors in patients with MS and suitable severity disease biomarkers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Davide D’Onghia
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale (UPO), Novara, Italy
- Center for Autoimmune and Allergic Diseases (CAAD), University of Piemonte Orientale (UPO), Novara, Italy
| | - Donato Colangelo
- Department of Health Sciences, Pharmacology, University of Piemonte Orientale (UPO), Novara, Italy
- Department of Health Sciences, Interdisciplinary Research Center of Autoimmune Diseases (IRCAD), University of Piemonte Orientale (UPO), Novara, Italy
| | - Mattia Bellan
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale (UPO), Novara, Italy
- Center for Autoimmune and Allergic Diseases (CAAD), University of Piemonte Orientale (UPO), Novara, Italy
- Internal Medicine and Rheumatology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria (AOU) “Maggiore della Carita”, Novara, Italy
| | - Stelvio Tonello
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale (UPO), Novara, Italy
- Center for Autoimmune and Allergic Diseases (CAAD), University of Piemonte Orientale (UPO), Novara, Italy
| | - Chiara Puricelli
- Department of Health Sciences, Clinical Biochemistry, University of Piemonte Orientale (UPO), Novara, Italy
| | - Eleonora Virgilio
- Department of Translational Medicine, Neurology Unit, Maggiore Della Carità Hospital, University of Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Daria Apostolo
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale (UPO), Novara, Italy
| | - Rosalba Minisini
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale (UPO), Novara, Italy
| | - Luciana L. Ferreira
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale (UPO), Novara, Italy
| | - Leonardo Sozzi
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale (UPO), Novara, Italy
| | - Federica Vincenzi
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale (UPO), Novara, Italy
| | - Roberto Cantello
- Department of Translational Medicine, Neurology Unit, Maggiore Della Carità Hospital, University of Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Cristoforo Comi
- Department of Translational Medicine, Neurology Unit, S. Andrea Hospital, University of Piemonte Orientale (UPO), Vercelli, Italy
| | - Mario Pirisi
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale (UPO), Novara, Italy
- Center for Autoimmune and Allergic Diseases (CAAD), University of Piemonte Orientale (UPO), Novara, Italy
- Internal Medicine and Rheumatology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria (AOU) “Maggiore della Carita”, Novara, Italy
| | - Domizia Vecchio
- Department of Health Sciences, Interdisciplinary Research Center of Autoimmune Diseases (IRCAD), University of Piemonte Orientale (UPO), Novara, Italy
- Department of Translational Medicine, Neurology Unit, Maggiore Della Carità Hospital, University of Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Pier Paolo Sainaghi
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale (UPO), Novara, Italy
- Center for Autoimmune and Allergic Diseases (CAAD), University of Piemonte Orientale (UPO), Novara, Italy
- Department of Health Sciences, Interdisciplinary Research Center of Autoimmune Diseases (IRCAD), University of Piemonte Orientale (UPO), Novara, Italy
- Internal Medicine and Rheumatology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria (AOU) “Maggiore della Carita”, Novara, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Apostolo D, Ferreira LL, Di Tizio A, Ruaro B, Patrucco F, Bellan M. A Review: The Potential Involvement of Growth Arrest-Specific 6 and Its Receptors in the Pathogenesis of Lung Damage and in Coronavirus Disease 2019. Microorganisms 2023; 11:2038. [PMID: 37630598 PMCID: PMC10459962 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11082038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The tyrosine kinase receptors of the TAM family-Tyro3, Axl and Mer-and their main ligand Gas6 (growth arrest-specific 6) have been implicated in several human diseases, having a particularly important role in the regulation of innate immunity and inflammatory response. The Gas6/TAM system is involved in the recognition of apoptotic debris by immune cells and this mechanism has been exploited by viruses for cell entry and infection. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a multi-systemic disease, but the lungs are particularly affected during the acute phase and some patients may suffer persistent lung damage. Among the manifestations of the disease, fibrotic abnormalities have been observed among the survivors of COVID-19. The mechanisms of COVID-related fibrosis remain elusive, even though some parallels may be drawn with other fibrotic diseases, such as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Due to the still limited number of scientific studies addressing this question, in this review we aimed to integrate the current knowledge of the Gas6/TAM axis with the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying COVID-19, with emphasis on the development of a fibrotic phenotype.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daria Apostolo
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale (UPO), 28100 Novara, Italy; (D.A.); (L.L.F.); (A.D.T.); (M.B.)
| | - Luciana L. Ferreira
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale (UPO), 28100 Novara, Italy; (D.A.); (L.L.F.); (A.D.T.); (M.B.)
| | - Alice Di Tizio
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale (UPO), 28100 Novara, Italy; (D.A.); (L.L.F.); (A.D.T.); (M.B.)
- Respiratory Diseases Unit, Medical Department, AOU Maggiore della Carità Hospital, 28100 Novara, Italy
| | - Barbara Ruaro
- Pulmonology Department, University of Trieste, 34128 Trieste, Italy;
| | - Filippo Patrucco
- Respiratory Diseases Unit, Medical Department, AOU Maggiore della Carità Hospital, 28100 Novara, Italy
| | - Mattia Bellan
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale (UPO), 28100 Novara, Italy; (D.A.); (L.L.F.); (A.D.T.); (M.B.)
- Division of Internal Medicine, Medical Department, AOU Maggiore della Carità Hospital, 28100 Novara, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Bhadresha K, Mirza S, Penny C, Mughal MJ. Targeting AXL in Mesothelioma: from functional characterization to clinical implication. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2023:104043. [PMID: 37268175 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2023.104043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Revised: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MM) is a highly aggressive and lethal cancer with a poor survival rate. Current treatment approaches primarily rely on chemotherapy and radiation, but their effectiveness is limited. Consequently, there is an urgent need for alternative treatment strategies, a comprehensive understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying MM, and the identification of potential therapeutic targets. Extensive studies over the past decade have emphasized the role of Axl in driving tumor development and metastasis, while high levels of Axl expression have been associated with immune evasion, drug resistance, and reduced patient survival in various cancer types. Ongoing clinical trials are investigating the efficacy of Axl inhibitors for different cancers. However, the precise role of Axl in MM progression, development, and metastasis, as well as its regulatory mechanisms within MM, remain inadequately understood. This review aims to comprehensively investigate the involvement of Axl in MM. We discuss Axl role in MM progression, development, and metastasis, along with its specific regulatory mechanisms. Additionally, we examined the Axl associated signaling pathways, the relationship between Axl and immune evasion, and the clinical implications of Axl for MM treatment. Furthermore, we discussed the potential utility of liquid biopsy as a non-invasive diagnostic technique for early detection of Axl in MM. Lastly, we evaluated the potential of a microRNA signature that targets Axl. By consolidating existing knowledge and identifying research gaps, this review contributes to a better understanding of Axl's role in MM and sets the stage for future investigations and the development of effective therapeutic interventions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kinjal Bhadresha
- Cancer Genetics and Comparative Genomics Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Sheefa Mirza
- Department of Internal Medicine, Common Epithelial Cancer Research Center, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Clement Penny
- Department of Internal Medicine, Common Epithelial Cancer Research Center, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Muhammed Jameel Mughal
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine and Health Science, The George Washington University, Washington DC, United States of America.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Han Y, Li G, Zhang Z, Zhang X, Zhao B, Yang H. Axl promotes intracranial aneurysm rupture by regulating macrophage polarization toward M1 via STAT1/HIF-1α. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1158758. [PMID: 37223093 PMCID: PMC10200875 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1158758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Macrophage infiltration and polarization are crucial for the pathogenesis of intracranial aneurysm (IA) rupture. Axl, a receptor tyrosine kinase, is involved in inflammation and efferocytosis in multiple organs. Upregulated soluble Axl in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and plasma is correlated with intracranial aneurysm rupture. This study aimed to investigate the role of Axl in IA rupture and macrophage polarization. Methods Male C57BL/6J mice were used to induce IA. The level of Axl from control vessels and unruptured and ruptured IA samples was detected. In addition, the relationship between Axl and macrophages was confirmed. The pathway of Axl-mediated macrophage polarization was explored after IA induction in vivo and in bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) stimulated by LPS/IFN-γ in vitro. The animals were randomized into three groups and treated intraperitoneally with the vehicle, selective AXL antagonist R428, and recombinant mouse growth arrest-specific 6 (rmGas6) for 21 consecutive days. Then, we evaluated the influence of Axl on IA rupture by administrating R428 to inhibit or rmGas6 to activate the Axl receptor in vivo. Results Compared with that in normal vessels, Axl expression was significantly upregulated in unruptured IA samples. The ruptured IA tissue exhibited significantly higher expression of Axl than the unruptured IA tissue. Axl and F4/80 were coexpressed in IA tissue and LPS/IFN-γ-stimulated BMDMs. R428 treatment significantly reduced the rate of M1-like macrophage infiltration and IA rupture. In contrast, rmGas6 treatment promoted M1 macrophage infiltration and IA rupture. Mechanistically, R428 inhibited the phosphorylation of Axl and STAT1 and the expression of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) and decreased the levels of IL-1β, NOS2, and MMP9 in LPS/IFN-γ-stimulated BMDMs. rmGas6 promoted the phosphorylation of Axl and STAT1 and the expression of HIF-1α. In addition, STAT1 knockdown abolished Axl-mediated M1 macrophage polarization. Conclusion The inhibition of Axl reduced macrophage polarization toward the M1 phenotype via the STAT1/HIF-1α signaling pathway and prevented IA rupture in mice. This finding suggests that pharmacological inhibition of Axl might be used to prevent the progression and rupture of IA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yongquan Han
- Department of Neurosurgery, the Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Gaozhi Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zeyu Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaohua Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Bing Zhao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Hua Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery, the Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Rizzi M, D'Onghia D, Tonello S, Minisini R, Colangelo D, Bellan M, Castello LM, Gavelli F, Avanzi GC, Pirisi M, Sainaghi PP. COVID-19 Biomarkers at the Crossroad between Patient Stratification and Targeted Therapy: The Role of Validated and Proposed Parameters. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24087099. [PMID: 37108262 PMCID: PMC10138390 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24087099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Revised: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Clinical knowledge about SARS-CoV-2 infection mechanisms and COVID-19 pathophysiology have enormously increased during the pandemic. Nevertheless, because of the great heterogeneity of disease manifestations, a precise patient stratification at admission is still difficult, thus rendering a rational allocation of limited medical resources as well as a tailored therapeutic approach challenging. To date, many hematologic biomarkers have been validated to support the early triage of SARS-CoV-2-positive patients and to monitor their disease progression. Among them, some indices have proven to be not only predictive parameters, but also direct or indirect pharmacological targets, thus allowing for a more tailored approach to single-patient symptoms, especially in those with severe progressive disease. While many blood test-derived parameters quickly entered routine clinical practice, other circulating biomarkers have been proposed by several researchers who have investigated their reliability in specific patient cohorts. Despite their usefulness in specific contexts as well as their potential interest as therapeutic targets, such experimental markers have not been implemented in routine clinical practice, mainly due to their higher costs and low availability in general hospital settings. This narrative review will present an overview of the most commonly adopted biomarkers in clinical practice and of the most promising ones emerging from specific population studies. Considering that each of the validated markers reflects a specific aspect of COVID-19 evolution, embedding new highly informative markers into routine clinical testing could help not only in early patient stratification, but also in guiding a timely and tailored method of therapeutic intervention.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Manuela Rizzi
- Department of Health Sciences, Università del Piemonte Orientale, 28100 Novara, Italy
| | - Davide D'Onghia
- Department of Translational Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale, 28100 Novara, Italy
| | - Stelvio Tonello
- Department of Translational Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale, 28100 Novara, Italy
| | - Rosalba Minisini
- Department of Translational Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale, 28100 Novara, Italy
| | - Donato Colangelo
- Department of Health Sciences, Università del Piemonte Orientale, 28100 Novara, Italy
| | - Mattia Bellan
- Department of Translational Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale, 28100 Novara, Italy
| | - Luigi Mario Castello
- Department of Translational Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale, 28100 Novara, Italy
| | - Francesco Gavelli
- Department of Translational Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale, 28100 Novara, Italy
| | - Gian Carlo Avanzi
- Department of Translational Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale, 28100 Novara, Italy
| | - Mario Pirisi
- Department of Translational Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale, 28100 Novara, Italy
| | - Pier Paolo Sainaghi
- Department of Translational Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale, 28100 Novara, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Apostolo D, D’Onghia D, Tonello S, Minisini R, Baricich A, Gramaglia C, Patrucco F, Zeppegno P, Acquaviva A, Balbo PE, Castello LM, Cappellano G, Chiocchetti A, Gerevini C, Giordano M, Laaguid F, Manfredi M, Raineri D, Rigamonti C, Rolla R, Romano V, Confalonieri M, Savoia P, Zavattaro E, Pirisi M, Ruaro B, Sainaghi PP, Bellan M. Decreased Gas6 and sAxl Plasma Levels Are Associated with Hair Loss in COVID-19 Survivors. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24076257. [PMID: 37047229 PMCID: PMC10094682 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24076257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2023] [Revised: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Post-acute conditions after coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) are quite common, although the underlying pathogenetic mechanisms leading to these conditions are not yet completely understood. In this prospective observational study, we aimed to test the hypothesis that Growth Arrest-Specific 6 (Gas6) and its soluble receptors, Axl (sAxl) and MerTK (sMer), might be implicated. A total of 263 subjects underwent a structured clinical evaluation one year after their hospital discharge for COVID-19, and they consented to donate a blood sample to measure their circulating Gas6, sAxl, and sMer levels. A total of 98 (37.3%) post-COVID-19 subjects complained of at least one residual physical symptom one year after their hospital discharge. Univariate analysis revealed that sAxl was marginally associated with residual symptoms, but at the level of logistic regression analysis, only the diffusing capacity of the lungs for carbon monoxide (DLCO) (OR 0.98, CI 95%: 0.96–0.99; p = 0.007) and the female sex (OR 2.49, CI 95%: 1.45–4.28; p = 0.001) were independently associated with long-lasting symptoms. A total of 69 (26.2%) subjects had hair loss. At the level of univariate analysis, Gas6, sAxl, DLCO, and the female gender were associated with its development. In a logistic regression analysis model, Gas6 (OR 0.96, CI 95%: 0.92–0.99; p = 0.015) and sAxl (OR 0.98, CI 95%; 0.97–1.0; p = 0.014), along with the female sex (OR 6.58, CI 95%: 3.39–12.78; p = 0.0001), were independent predictors of hair loss. Decreased levels of Gas6 and sAxl were associated with a history of hair loss following COVID-19. This was resolved spontaneously in most patients, although 23.7% complained of persistent hair loss one year after hospital discharge.
Collapse
|
8
|
Dilara Fatma Akin, Özkan D. Molecular profiling of TAM tyrosine kinase receptors and ligands in endometrial carcinoma: An in silico-study. Taiwan J Obstet Gynecol 2023; 62:311-324. [PMID: 36965901 DOI: 10.1016/j.tjog.2022.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 03/27/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES TAM Receptors (TYRO3, AXL, and MerTK) and their ligands on tumor-associated macrophages are promising therapeutic targets for most solid cancers. However, in endometrial cancer, the most common invasive gynecologic malignancy, the TAM receptor-mediated activation pathway, its molecular mechanisms, and its pathophysiology are unknown. The goal of this research; to uncover the comprehensive genetic profile of TAM receptors and ligands in endometrial cancer. MATERIAL AND METHODS Mutation and expression profiles of the Uterine Corpus Endometrial Carcinoma (UCEC) cohort (n = 509) were obtained using bioinformatics tools providing data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). PolyPhen-2 and SNAP tools were used to predict the oncogenic/pathogenic properties of the identified mutations for UCEC. STRING network analysis was performed to better understand the functional relationships of the mutant proteins in cellular processes. Furthermore to the mutation profile, gene expression and survival profiles were also determined. Finally, the correlation between target genes and macrophage infiltration was investigated using the tool TIMER. RESULTS A total of 229 mutations were detected in 6 genes, and 81 missense mutations are pathogenic. In the UCEC cohort, the expression level of MerTK, AXL, GAS6, and PROS1 was statistically significantly lower in the patient group, while the expression level of CD47 was higher in the patient group than in the healthy group (p < 0.01). Protein-protein interaction analysis identified target genes, SRC protein responsible for important cellular mechanisms such as cell proliferation, adhesion and migration, ITGB3, ITGAV and THSB1 proteins involved in endothelial mesenchymal transition and tumor metabolism reprogramming, and FOLR1 involved in DNA replication and damage repair. CONCLUSION We believe that TAM receptors and their ligands may be attractive molecular targets for the treatment of endometrial carcinoma because they act as pleiotropic inhibitors of immune cells, effectively regulate phagocytic clearance of apoptotic cells, and make the tumor microenvironment a more suitable niche for the tumour.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dilara Fatma Akin
- Nigde Ömer Halisdemir University, Faculty of Medicine, Medical Biology, Nigde, Turkey.
| | - Didem Özkan
- Istanbul Okan University, Vocational School of Health Service, Istanbul, Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Rizzi M, Tonello S, D’Onghia D, Sainaghi PP. Gas6/TAM Axis Involvement in Modulating Inflammation and Fibrosis in COVID-19 Patients. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24020951. [PMID: 36674471 PMCID: PMC9861142 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24020951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Gas6 (growth arrest-specific gene 6) is a widely expressed vitamin K-dependent protein that is involved in many biological processes such as homeostatic regulation, inflammation and repair/fibrotic processes. It is known that it is the main ligand of TAMs, a tyrosine kinase receptor family of three members, namely MerTK, Tyro-3 and Axl, for which it displays the highest affinity. Gas6/TAM axis activation is known to be involved in modulating inflammatory responses as well as fibrotic evolution in many different pathological conditions. Due to the rapidly evolving COVID-19 pandemic, this review will focus on Gas6/TAM axis activation in SARS-CoV-2 infection, where de-regulated inflammatory responses and fibrosis represent a relevant feature of severe disease manifestation. Furthermore, this review will highlight the most recent scientific evidence supporting an unsuspected role of Axl as a SARS-CoV-2 infection driver, and the potential therapeutic advantages of the use of existing Axl inhibitors in COVID-19 management. From a physiological point of view, the Gas6/TAM axis plays a dual role, fostering the tissue repair processes or leading to organ damage and loss of function, depending on the prevalence of its anti-inflammatory or profibrotic properties. This review makes a strong case for further research focusing on the Gas6/TAM axis as a pharmacological target to manage different disease conditions, such as chronic fibrosis or COVID-19.
Collapse
|
10
|
Immunothrombosis and the Role of Platelets in Venous Thromboembolic Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232113176. [PMID: 36361963 PMCID: PMC9656618 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232113176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Revised: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is the third leading cardiovascular cause of death and is conventionally treated with anticoagulants that directly antagonize coagulation. However, recent data have demonstrated that also platelets play a crucial role in VTE pathophysiology. In the current review, we outline how platelets are involved during all stages of experimental venous thrombosis. Platelets mediate initiation of the disease by attaching to the vessel wall upon which they mediate leukocyte recruitment. This process is referred to as immunothrombosis, and within this novel concept inflammatory cells such as leukocytes and platelets directly drive the progression of VTE. In addition to their involvement in immunothrombosis, activated platelets can directly drive venous thrombosis by supporting coagulation and secreting procoagulant factors. Furthermore, fibrinolysis and vessel resolution are (partly) mediated by platelets. Finally, we summarize how conventional antiplatelet therapy can prevent experimental venous thrombosis and impacts (recurrent) VTE in humans.
Collapse
|
11
|
Rishavy MA, Hallgren KW, Wilson LA, Hiznay JM, Runge KW, Berkner KL. GGCX mutants that impair hemostasis reveal the importance of processivity and full carboxylation to VKD protein function. Blood 2022; 140:1710-1722. [PMID: 35767717 PMCID: PMC9707401 DOI: 10.1182/blood.2021014275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
γ-Glutamyl carboxylase (GGCX) generates multiple carboxylated Glus (Glas) in vitamin K-dependent (VKD) proteins that are required for their functions. GGCX is processive, remaining bound to VKD proteins throughout multiple Glu carboxylations, and this study reveals the essentiality of processivity to VKD protein function. GGCX mutants (V255M and S300F) whose combined heterozygosity in a patient causes defective clotting and calcification were studied using a novel assay that mimics in vivo carboxylation. Complexes between variant carboxylases and VKD proteins important to hemostasis (factor IX [FIX]) or calcification (matrix Gla protein [MGP]) were reacted in the presence of a challenge VKD protein that could potentially interfere with carboxylation of the VKD protein in the complex. The VKD protein in the complex with wild-type carboxylase was carboxylated before challenge protein carboxylation occurred and became fully carboxylated. In contrast, the V255M mutant carboxylated both forms at the same time and did not completely carboxylate FIX in the complex. S300F carboxylation was poor with both FIX and MGP. Additional studies analyzed FIX- and MGP-derived peptides containing the Gla domain linked to sequences that mediate carboxylase binding. The total amount of carboxylated peptide generated by the V255M mutant was higher than that of wild-type GGCX; however, the individual peptides were partially carboxylated. Analysis of the V255M mutant in FIX HEK293 cells lacking endogenous GGCX revealed poor FIX clotting activity. This study shows that disrupted processivity causes disease and explains the defect in the patient. Kinetic analyses also suggest that disrupted processivity may occur in wild-type carboxylase under some conditions (eg, warfarin therapy or vitamin K deficiency).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mark A. Rishavy
- Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH
| | - Kevin W. Hallgren
- Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH
| | - Lee A. Wilson
- Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH
| | - James M. Hiznay
- Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH
| | - Kurt W. Runge
- Department of Inflammation and Immunity, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH
| | - Kathleen L. Berkner
- Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Single cell atlas identifies lipid-processing and immunomodulatory endothelial cells in healthy and malignant breast. Nat Commun 2022; 13:5511. [PMID: 36127427 PMCID: PMC9489707 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-33052-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Since a detailed inventory of endothelial cell (EC) heterogeneity in breast cancer (BC) is lacking, here we perform single cell RNA-sequencing of 26,515 cells (including 8433 ECs) from 9 BC patients and compare them to published EC taxonomies from lung tumors. Angiogenic ECs are phenotypically similar, while other EC subtypes are different. Predictive interactome analysis reveals known but also previously unreported receptor-ligand interactions between ECs and immune cells, suggesting an involvement of breast EC subtypes in immune responses. We also identify a capillary EC subtype (LIPEC (Lipid Processing EC)), which expresses genes involved in lipid processing that are regulated by PPAR-γ and is more abundant in peri-tumoral breast tissue. Retrospective analysis of 4648 BC patients reveals that treatment with metformin (an indirect PPAR-γ signaling activator) provides long-lasting clinical benefit and is positively associated with LIPEC abundance. Our findings warrant further exploration of this LIPEC/PPAR-γ link for BC treatment. Tumor blood vessels contribute to cancer growth, invasion and metastasis. Here, by using single cell transcriptomics, the authors report an inventory of endothelial cell heterogeneity in patients with breast cancer, including a subtype that expresses genes involved in lipid processing and is regulated by PPAR-γ.
Collapse
|
13
|
Bone Marrow Endothelial Cells Increase Prostate Cancer Cell Apoptosis in 3D Triculture Model of Reactive Stroma. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:biology11091271. [PMID: 36138750 PMCID: PMC9495890 DOI: 10.3390/biology11091271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Revised: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary Prostate cancer (PCa) metastasizes preferentially to the bone marrow where it becomes difficult to treat. PCa cells in the bone marrow may survive, dormant and undetected for many years before patients eventually relapse with metastatic disease. Bone marrow is a complex tissue that initially is hostile to the PCa cells, Understanding how cancer cells survive in the bone marrow and what changes to the bone microenvironment permit them to switch to an actively growing state could offer new therapeutic strategies to combat metastatic PCa. In this study, we describe a method to culture PCa cells with two other cell types from the bone marrow, stromal cells and endothelial cells, as a way to study the interactions among these cell types. We found that factors produced by bone marrow endothelial cells, but not endothelial cells from other tissues, trigger PCa cells to either die or enter a dormant state, similar to what has been observed in patients when PCa cells initially colonize the bone marrow. Further analysis of the cell interactions within the culture model described in this study will offer increased understanding of PCa interaction with the bone marrow environment. Abstract The bone marrow tumor microenvironment (BMTE) is a complex network of cells, extracellular matrix, and sequestered signaling factors that initially act as a hostile environment for disseminating tumor cells (DTCs) from the cancerous prostate. Three-dimensional (3D) culture systems offer an opportunity to better model these complex interactions in reactive stroma, providing contextual behaviors for cancer cells, stromal cells, and endothelial cells. Using a new system designed for the triculture of osteoblastic prostate cancer (PCa) cells, stromal cells, and microvascular endothelial cells, we uncovered a context-specific pro-apoptotic effect of endothelial cells of the bone marrow different from those derived from the lung or dermis. The paracrine nature of this effect was demonstrated by observations that conditioned medium from bone marrow endothelial cells, but not from dermal or lung endothelial cells, led to PCa cell death in microtumors grown in 3D BMTE-simulating hydrogels. Analysis of the phosphoproteome by reverse phase protein analysis (RPPA) of PCa cells treated with conditioned media from different endothelial cells identified the differential regulation of pathways involved in proliferation, cell cycle regulation, and apoptosis. The findings from the RPPA were validated by western blotting for representative signaling factors identified, including forkhead box M1 (FOXM1; proliferation factor), pRb (cell cycle regulator), and Smac/DIABLO (pro-apoptosis) among treatment conditions. The 3D model presented here thus presents an accurate model to study the influence of the reactive BMTE, including stromal and endothelial cells, on the adaptive behaviors of cancer cells modeling DTCs at sites of bone metastasis. These findings in 3D culture systems can lead to a better understanding of the real-time interactions among cells present in reactive stroma than is possible using animal models.
Collapse
|
14
|
Berkner KL, Runge KW. Vitamin K-Dependent Protein Activation: Normal Gamma-Glutamyl Carboxylation and Disruption in Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:5759. [PMID: 35628569 PMCID: PMC9146348 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23105759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2021] [Revised: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Vitamin K-dependent (VKD) proteins undergo an unusual post-translational modification, which is the conversion of specific Glu residues to carboxylated Glu (Gla). Gla generation is required for the activation of VKD proteins, and occurs in the endoplasmic reticulum during their secretion to either the cell surface or from the cell. The gamma-glutamyl carboxylase produces Gla using reduced vitamin K, which becomes oxygenated to vitamin K epoxide. Reduced vitamin K is then regenerated by a vitamin K oxidoreductase (VKORC1), and this interconversion of oxygenated and reduced vitamin K is referred to as the vitamin K cycle. Many of the VKD proteins support hemostasis, which is suppressed during therapy with warfarin that inhibits VKORC1 activity. VKD proteins also impact a broad range of physiologies beyond hemostasis, which includes regulation of calcification, apoptosis, complement, growth control, signal transduction and angiogenesis. The review covers the roles of VKD proteins, how they become activated, and how disruption of carboxylation can lead to disease. VKD proteins contain clusters of Gla residues that form a calcium-binding module important for activity, and carboxylase processivity allows the generation of multiple Glas. The review discusses how impaired carboxylase processivity results in the pseudoxanthoma elasticum-like disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen L. Berkner
- Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine at CWRU, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Kurt W. Runge
- Department of Inflammation and Immunity, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine at CWRU, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA;
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Baseline Plasma Gas6 Protein Elevation Predicts Adverse Outcomes in Hospitalized COVID-19 Patients. DISEASE MARKERS 2022; 2022:1568352. [PMID: 35531477 PMCID: PMC9070408 DOI: 10.1155/2022/1568352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2021] [Revised: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Reliable biomarkers allowing early patients’ stratification for the risk of adverse outcomes in COVID-19 are lacking. Gas6, together with its tyrosine kinase receptors named TAM, is involved in the regulation of immune homeostasis, fibrosis, and thrombosis. Our aim was to evaluate whether Gas6, sAxl, and sMerTK could represent early predictors of disease evolution either towards a negative (death or need of ICU admission) or a positive (discharge and/or clinical resolution within the first 14 days of hospitalization) outcome. To this purpose, between January and May 2021 (corresponding to third pandemic wave in Italy), 139 consecutive SARS-CoV-2 positive patients were enrolled in a prospective observational study. Plasma levels of these molecules were measured by ELISA at the time of hospitalization and after 7 and 14 days. We observed that higher plasma Gas6 concentrations at hospital admission were associated with a worsening in clinical conditions while lower sMerTK concentrations at baseline and after 7 days of hospitalization were associated with a more favorable outcome. At multivariate analysis, after correction for demographic and COVID-19 severity variables (NEWS2 and PiO2/FiO2), only Gas6 measured at baseline predicted an adverse prognosis with an odds ratio of 1.03 (C.I. 1.01-10.5). At ROC curve analysis, baseline Gas6 levels higher than 58.0 ng/ml predicted a severe disease evolution with 53.3% sensitivity and 77.6% specificity (area under the curve 0.653,
, likelihood ratio of 2.38, IQR: 1.46-3.87). Taken together, these results support the hypothesis that a dysregulation in the Gas6/TAM axis could play a relevant role in modulating the course of COVID-19 and suggest that plasma Gas6 may represent a promising prognostic laboratory parameter for this condition.
Collapse
|
16
|
Wang J, Yu C, Zhuang J, Qi W, Jiang J, Liu X, Zhao W, Cao Y, Wu H, Qi J, Zhao RC. The role of phosphatidylserine on the membrane in immunity and blood coagulation. Biomark Res 2022; 10:4. [PMID: 35033201 PMCID: PMC8760663 DOI: 10.1186/s40364-021-00346-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The negatively charged aminophospholipid, phosphatidylserine (PtdSer), is located in the inner leaflet of the plasma membrane in normal cells, and may be exposed to the outer leaflet under some immune and blood coagulation processes. Meanwhile, Ptdser exposed to apoptotic cells can be recognized and eliminated by various immune cells, whereas on the surface of activated platelets Ptdser interacts with coagulation factors prompting enhanced production of thrombin which significantly facilitates blood coagulation. In the case where PtdSer fails in exposure or mistakenly occurs, there are occurrences of certain immunological and haematological diseases, such as the Scott syndrome and Systemic lupus erythematosus. Besides, viruses (e.g., Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Ebola virus (EBOV)) can invade host cells through binding the exposed PtdSer. Most recently, the Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been similarly linked to PtdSer or its receptors. Therefore, it is essential to comprehensively understand PtdSer and its functional characteristics. Therefore, this review summarizes Ptdser, its eversion mechanism; interaction mechanism, particularly with its immune receptors and coagulation factors; recognition sites; and its function in immune and blood processes. This review illustrates the potential aspects for the underlying pathogenic mechanism of PtdSer-related diseases, and the discovery of new therapeutic strategies as well.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiao Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, 99 Shangda Road, Shanghai, 200444, China.
| | - Changxin Yu
- School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, 99 Shangda Road, Shanghai, 200444, China
| | - Junyi Zhuang
- School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, 99 Shangda Road, Shanghai, 200444, China
| | - Wenxin Qi
- School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, 99 Shangda Road, Shanghai, 200444, China
| | - Jiawen Jiang
- School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, 99 Shangda Road, Shanghai, 200444, China
| | - Xuanting Liu
- School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, 99 Shangda Road, Shanghai, 200444, China
| | - Wanwei Zhao
- School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, 99 Shangda Road, Shanghai, 200444, China
| | - Yiyang Cao
- School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, 99 Shangda Road, Shanghai, 200444, China
| | - Hao Wu
- School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, 99 Shangda Road, Shanghai, 200444, China
| | - Jingxuan Qi
- School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, 99 Shangda Road, Shanghai, 200444, China
| | - Robert Chunhua Zhao
- School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, 99 Shangda Road, Shanghai, 200444, China.
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College, No. 5 Dongdansantiao, Beijing, 100005, China.
- Centre of Excellence in Tissue Engineering, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.
- Beijing Key Laboratory of New Drug Development and Clinical Trial of Stem Cell Therapy (BZ0381), Beijing, China.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Vitamin K Effects on Gas6 and Soluble Axl Receptors in Intensive Care Patients: An Observational Screening Study. Nutrients 2021; 13:nu13114101. [PMID: 34836355 PMCID: PMC8621311 DOI: 10.3390/nu13114101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Revised: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Growth arrest-specific gene 6 protein (Gas6) is avitamin K-dependent tissue bound protein. Gas6 has been shown to promote growth and therapy resistance among different types of cancer as well as thromboembolism. The aim of this prospective screening study: ClinicalTrials.gov; Identifier: NTC3782025, was to evaluate the effects of intravenously administered vitamin K1 on Gas6 and its soluble (s)Axl receptor plasma levels in intensive care patients. Vitamin K1 was intravenously injected in non-warfarin treated patients with prolonged Owren prothrombin time international normalized ratio (PT-INR) > 1.2 and blood samples were retrieved before and 20-28 h after injection. Citrate plasma samples from 52 intensive care patients were analysed for different vitamin K dependent proteins. There was a significant, but small increase in median Gas6. Only one patient had a large increase in sAxl, but overall, no significant changes in sAxl Gas6 did not correlate to PT-INR, thrombin generation assay, coagulation factors II, VII, IX and X, but to protein S and decarboxylated matrix Gla protein (dp-ucMGP). In conclusion, there was a small increase in Gas6 over 20-28 h. The pathophysiology and clinical importance of this remains to be investigated. To verify a true vitamin K effect, improvement of Gas6 carboxylation defects needs to be studied.
Collapse
|
18
|
Intrinsic and Extrinsic Control of Hepatocellular Carcinoma by TAM Receptors. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13215448. [PMID: 34771611 PMCID: PMC8582520 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13215448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Revised: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Tyro3, Axl, and MerTK are receptor tyrosine kinases of the TAM family, which are activated by their ligands Gas6 and Protein S. TAM receptors have large physiological implications, including the removal of dead cells, activation of immune cells, and prevention of bleeding. In the last decade, TAM receptors have been suggested to play a relevant role in liver fibrogenesis and the development of hepatocellular carcinoma. The understanding of TAM receptor functions in tumor cells and their cellular microenvironment is of utmost importance to advances in novel therapeutic strategies that conquer chronic liver disease including hepatocellular carcinoma. Abstract Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the major subtype of liver cancer, showing high mortality of patients due to limited therapeutic options at advanced stages of disease. The receptor tyrosine kinases Tyro3, Axl and MerTK—belonging to the TAM family—exert a large impact on various aspects of cancer biology. Binding of the ligands Gas6 or Protein S activates TAM receptors causing homophilic dimerization and heterophilic interactions with other receptors to modulate effector functions. In this context, TAM receptors are major regulators of anti-inflammatory responses and vessel integrity, including platelet aggregation as well as resistance to chemotherapy. In this review, we discuss the relevance of TAM receptors in the intrinsic control of HCC progression by modulating epithelial cell plasticity and by promoting metastatic traits of neoplastic hepatocytes. Depending on different etiologies of HCC, we further describe the overt role of TAM receptors in the extrinsic control of HCC progression by focusing on immune cell infiltration and fibrogenesis. Additionally, we assess TAM receptor functions in the chemoresistance against clinically used tyrosine kinase inhibitors and immune checkpoint blockade in HCC progression. We finally address the question of whether inhibition of TAM receptors can be envisaged for novel therapeutic strategies in HCC.
Collapse
|
19
|
Vago JP, Amaral FA, van de Loo FAJ. Resolving inflammation by TAM receptor activation. Pharmacol Ther 2021; 227:107893. [PMID: 33992683 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2021.107893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2021] [Revised: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The control of inflammation is strictly regulated to ensure the adequate intensity and duration of an inflammatory response, enabling the removal of the trigger factors and the restoration of the integrity of the tissues and their functions. This process is coordinated by anti-inflammatory and pro-resolving mediators that regulate the cellular and molecular events necessary to restore homeostasis, and defects in this control are associated with the development of chronic and autoimmune diseases. The TAM family of receptor tyrosine kinases-Tyro3, Axl, and MerTK-plays an essential role in efferocytosis, a key process for the resolution of inflammation. However, new studies have demonstrated that TAM receptor activation not only reduces the synthesis of pro-inflammatory mediators by different cell types in response to some stimuli but also stimulates the production of anti-inflammatory and pro-resolving molecules that control the inflammation. This review provides a comprehensive view of TAM receptor family members as important players in controlling inflammatory responses through anti-inflammatory and pro-resolving actions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Juliana P Vago
- Experimental Rheumatology, Department of Rheumatology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud university medical center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Flávio A Amaral
- Experimental Rheumatology, Department of Rheumatology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud university medical center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Fons A J van de Loo
- Experimental Rheumatology, Department of Rheumatology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud university medical center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Xu D, Sun D, Wang W, Peng X, Zhan Z, Ji Y, Shen Y, Geng M, Ai J, Duan W. Discovery of pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidine derivatives as potent Axl inhibitors: Design, synthesis and biological evaluation. Eur J Med Chem 2021; 220:113497. [PMID: 33957388 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2021.113497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2020] [Revised: 12/30/2020] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Axl has emerged as an attractive target for cancer therapy due to its strong correlation with tumor growth, metastasis, poor survival, and drug resistance. Herein, we report the design, synthesis and structure-activity relationship (SAR) investigation of a series of pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidine derivatives as new Axl inhibitors. Among them, the most promising compound 13b showed high enzymatic and cellular Axl potencies. Furthermore, 13b possessed preferable pharmacokinetic properties and displayed promising therapeutic effect in BaF3/TEL-Axl xenograft tumor model. Compound 13b may serve as a lead compound for new antitumor drug discovery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dandan Xu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), 555 Zu Chong Zhi Road, Shanghai, 201203, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Deqiao Sun
- Division of Antitumor Pharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), 555 Zu Chong Zhi Road, Shanghai, 201203, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing, 100049, China; School of Life Science and Technology, Shanghai Tech University, 393 Middle Huaxia Road, Pudong New District, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), 555 Zu Chong Zhi Road, Shanghai, 201203, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Xia Peng
- Division of Antitumor Pharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), 555 Zu Chong Zhi Road, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Zhengsheng Zhan
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), 555 Zu Chong Zhi Road, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Yinchun Ji
- Division of Antitumor Pharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), 555 Zu Chong Zhi Road, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Yanyan Shen
- Division of Antitumor Pharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), 555 Zu Chong Zhi Road, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Meiyu Geng
- Division of Antitumor Pharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), 555 Zu Chong Zhi Road, Shanghai, 201203, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing, 100049, China; School of Life Science and Technology, Shanghai Tech University, 393 Middle Huaxia Road, Pudong New District, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Jing Ai
- Division of Antitumor Pharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), 555 Zu Chong Zhi Road, Shanghai, 201203, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing, 100049, China; Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1 Xiangshan Branch Lane, Xihu District, Hangzhou, 330106, China.
| | - Wenhu Duan
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), 555 Zu Chong Zhi Road, Shanghai, 201203, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing, 100049, China.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Xie S, Zhang H, Liang Z, Yang X, Cao R. AXL, an Important Host Factor for DENV and ZIKV Replication. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:575346. [PMID: 33954117 PMCID: PMC8092360 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.575346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2020] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Flaviviruses, as critically important pathogens, are still major public health problems all over the world. For instance, the evolution of ZIKV led to large-scale outbreaks in the Yap island in 2007. DENV was considered by the World Health Organization (WHO) as one of the 10 threats to global health in 2019. Enveloped viruses hijack a variety of host factors to complete its replication cycle. Phosphatidylserine (PS) receptor, AXL, is considered to be a candidate receptor for flavivirus invasion. In this review, we discuss the molecular structure of ZIKV and DENV, and how they interact with AXL to successfully invade host cells. A more comprehensive understanding of the molecular mechanisms of flavivirus-AXL interaction will provide crucial insights into the virus infection process and the development of anti-flavivirus therapeutics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shengda Xie
- Ministry of Education (MOE) Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Huiru Zhang
- Ministry of Education (MOE) Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhenjie Liang
- Ministry of Education (MOE) Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xingmiao Yang
- Ministry of Education (MOE) Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ruibing Cao
- Ministry of Education (MOE) Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Tutusaus A, Marí M, Ortiz-Pérez JT, Nicolaes GAF, Morales A, García de Frutos P. Role of Vitamin K-Dependent Factors Protein S and GAS6 and TAM Receptors in SARS-CoV-2 Infection and COVID-19-Associated Immunothrombosis. Cells 2020; 9:E2186. [PMID: 32998369 PMCID: PMC7601762 DOI: 10.3390/cells9102186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2020] [Revised: 09/25/2020] [Accepted: 09/26/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The vitamin K-dependent factors protein S (PROS1) and growth-arrest-specific gene 6 (GAS6) and their tyrosine kinase receptors TYRO3, AXL, and MERTK, the TAM subfamily of receptor tyrosine kinases (RTK), are key regulators of inflammation and vascular response to damage. TAM signaling, which has largely studied in the immune system and in cancer, has been involved in coagulation-related pathologies. Because of these established biological functions, the GAS6-PROS1/TAM system is postulated to play an important role in SARS-CoV-2 infection and progression complications. The participation of the TAM system in vascular function and pathology has been previously reported. However, in the context of COVID-19, the role of TAMs could provide new clues in virus-host interplay with important consequences in the way that we understand this pathology. From the viral mimicry used by SARS-CoV-2 to infect cells, to the immunothrombosis that is associated with respiratory failure in COVID-19 patients, TAM signaling seems to be involved at different stages of the disease. TAM targeting is becoming an interesting biomedical strategy, which is useful for COVID-19 treatment now, but also for other viral and inflammatory diseases in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Tutusaus
- Department of Cell Death and Proliferation, IIBB-CSIC, IDIBAPS, 08036 Barcelona, Spain; (A.T.); (M.M.)
| | - Montserrat Marí
- Department of Cell Death and Proliferation, IIBB-CSIC, IDIBAPS, 08036 Barcelona, Spain; (A.T.); (M.M.)
| | - José T. Ortiz-Pérez
- Clinic Cardiovascular Institute, Hospital Clinic Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain;
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Cardiovasculares (CIBERCV), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Gerry A. F. Nicolaes
- Department of Biochemistry, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands;
| | - Albert Morales
- Department of Cell Death and Proliferation, IIBB-CSIC, IDIBAPS, 08036 Barcelona, Spain; (A.T.); (M.M.)
- Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) Group, Liver Unit, Hospital Clínic, CIBEREHD, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Pablo García de Frutos
- Department of Cell Death and Proliferation, IIBB-CSIC, IDIBAPS, 08036 Barcelona, Spain; (A.T.); (M.M.)
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Cardiovasculares (CIBERCV), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Zöller B, Svensson PJ, Dahlbäck B, Lind-Hallden C, Hallden C, Elf J. Genetic risk factors for venous thromboembolism. Expert Rev Hematol 2020; 13:971-981. [DOI: 10.1080/17474086.2020.1804354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Bengt Zöller
- Center for Primary Health Care Research, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Peter J. Svensson
- Center for Thrombosis and Haemostasis, Lund University, Skåne University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Björn Dahlbäck
- Department of Translational Medicine, Lund University, Skåne University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Christina Lind-Hallden
- Department of Environmental Science and Bioscience, Kristianstad University, Kristianstad, Sweden
| | - Christer Hallden
- Department of Environmental Science and Bioscience, Kristianstad University, Kristianstad, Sweden
| | - Johan Elf
- Center for Thrombosis and Haemostasis, Lund University, Skåne University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Wang Q, Zhao Y, Zang B. Anti-inflammation and anti-apoptosis effects of growth arrest-specific protein 6 in acute liver injury induced by LPS/D-GalN in mice. Acta Cir Bras 2020; 35:e202000204. [PMID: 32294688 PMCID: PMC7158606 DOI: 10.1590/s0102-865020200020000004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2019] [Accepted: 01/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose To investigate the effect of growth arrest-specific protein 6 (Gas6) on acute liver injury in mice and related mechanisms. Methods Thirty C57BL/6 (6-8 weeks old) mice were randomly divided into control, LPS/D-GalN, and LPS/D-GalN+Gas6 groups (10 mice in each group). The LPS/D-GalN group was intraperitoneally administered with LPS (0.25 mg/Kg) and D-GalN (400 mg/Kg) for 5h. The LPS/D-GalN+Gas6 group was intraperitoneally administered with rmGas6 one hour before intraperitoneal application of LPS/D-GalN. All subjects were sacrificed at 5 h for blood and tissue analysis. The expression of protein and mRNA was assessed by western blotting and RT-PCR, respectively. Results Compared with the control group, AST, ALT, IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6 IL-10, MPO activity were increased in the LPS/D-GalN group. However, they were significantly inhibited by Gas6. Gas6 markedly suppressed the expression of apoptosis-related protein induced by LPS/D-GalN. Moreover, Gas6 attenuated the activation of the NF-κB signaling pathway in acute liver injury induced by LPS/D-GalN. Conclusions Gas6 alleviates acute liver injury in mice through regulating NF-κB signaling pathways. Gas6 can be a potential therapeutic agent in treating LPS/D-GalN-induced acute liver injury in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qian Wang
- China Medical University, China; China Medical University, China
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
25
|
Sarukhanyan E, Shityakov S, Dandekar T. Rational Drug Design of Axl Tyrosine Kinase Type I Inhibitors as Promising Candidates Against Cancer. Front Chem 2020; 7:920. [PMID: 32117858 PMCID: PMC7010640 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2019.00920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2019] [Accepted: 12/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The high level of Axl tyrosine kinase expression in various cancer cell lines makes it an attractive target for the development of anti-cancer drugs. In this study, we carried out several sets of in silico screening for the ATP-competitive Axl kinase inhibitors based on different molecular docking protocols. The best drug-like candidates were identified, after parental structure modifications, by their highest affinity to the target protein. We found that our newly designed compound R5, a derivative of the R428 patented analog, is the most promising inhibitor of the Axl kinase according to the three molecular docking algorithms applied in the study. The molecular docking results are in agreement with the molecular dynamics simulations using the MM-PBSA/GBSA implicit solvation models, which confirm the high affinity of R5 toward the protein receptor. Additionally, the selectivity test against other kinases also reveals a high affinity of R5 toward ABL1 and Tyro3 kinases, emphasizing its promising potential for the treatment of malignant tumors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Edita Sarukhanyan
- Department of Bioinformatics, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Sergey Shityakov
- Department of Bioinformatics, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany.,Department of Anesthesia and Critical Care, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany.,Department of Psychiatry and Mind-Body Interface Laboratory (MBI-Lab), China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan.,College of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Thomas Dandekar
- Department of Bioinformatics, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Li X, Gao Y, Zhao X, Chen Z, Li X, Yang X. Polymorphisms of C-reactive protein and growth arrest-specific gene 6 modulate ischemic stroke susceptibility through gene–gene interactions in Chinese Han population. BIOTECHNOL BIOTEC EQ 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/13102818.2020.1809518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaofeng Li
- Department of Geratology, Linfen City People’s Hospital, Linfen, Shanxi, PR China
| | - Yongjun Gao
- Department of Neurology, Jinzhong First People's Hospital, Jinzhong, Shanxi, PR China
| | - Xiaoli Zhao
- Emergency Department, Peking University Shougang Hospital, Beijing, PR China
| | - Zhongyun Chen
- Department of Neurology, XuanWu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, PR China
| | - Xinyi Li
- Department of Neurology, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Taiyuan, Shanxi, PR China
| | - Xu Yang
- Department of Neurology, Aerospace Central Hospital, Beijing, PR China
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Gene expression signature induced by grape intake in healthy subjects reveals wide-spread beneficial effects on peripheral blood mononuclear cells. J Funct Foods 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jff.2019.103705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
|
28
|
Jung J, Yang K, Kim HJ, Lee YJ, Kim M, Choi YH, Kang JL. RhoA-Dependent HGF and c-Met Mediate Gas6-Induced Inhibition of Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition, Migration, and Invasion of Lung Alveolar Epithelial Cells. Biomolecules 2019; 9:biom9100565. [PMID: 31590238 PMCID: PMC6843420 DOI: 10.3390/biom9100565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2019] [Revised: 10/03/2019] [Accepted: 10/03/2019] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Previously, we demonstrated that growth arrest-specific protein 6 (Gas6)/Axl or Mer signaling inhibited the transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1-induced epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) in lung epithelial cells. Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) has also been shown to inhibit TGF-β1-induced changes in EMT markers. Here, we examined whether Gas6 signaling can induce the production of HGF and c-Met in lung alveolar epithelial cells to mediate the inhibition of EMT and to inhibit the migration and invasion of epithelial cells. The inhibition of the RhoA/Rho kinase pathway, using either a RhoA-targeted small interfering RNA (siRNA) or the Rho kinase pharmacologic inhibitor Y27362, prevented the inhibition of TGF-β1-induced EMT in LA-4 cells and primary alveolar type II (AT II) epithelial cells. The c-Met antagonist PHA-665752 also blocked the anti-EMT effects associated with Gas6. Moreover, treatment with Y27362 or PHA-665752 prevented the Gas6-mediated inhibition of TGF-β1-induced migration and invasion. Our data provided evidence that the RhoA-dependent production of HGF and c-Met mediated the Gas6-induced inhibition of EMT, migration and invasion in lung alveolar epithelial cells. Thus, Gas6/Axl and Mer/RhoA signaling may be necessary for the maintenance of homeostasis in the alveolar epithelium, via HGF and c-Met.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jihye Jung
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 07804, Korea.
- Tissue Injury Defense Research Center, College of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 07804, Korea.
| | - Kyungwon Yang
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 07804, Korea.
| | - Hee-Ja Kim
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 07804, Korea.
| | - Ye-Ji Lee
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 07804, Korea.
- Tissue Injury Defense Research Center, College of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 07804, Korea.
| | - Minsuk Kim
- Tissue Injury Defense Research Center, College of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 07804, Korea.
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 07804, Korea.
| | - Youn-Hee Choi
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 07804, Korea.
- Tissue Injury Defense Research Center, College of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 07804, Korea.
| | - Jihee Lee Kang
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 07804, Korea.
- Tissue Injury Defense Research Center, College of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 07804, Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
McShane L, Tabas I, Lemke G, Kurowska-Stolarska M, Maffia P. TAM receptors in cardiovascular disease. Cardiovasc Res 2019; 115:1286-1295. [PMID: 30980657 PMCID: PMC6587925 DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvz100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2019] [Revised: 02/28/2019] [Accepted: 04/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The TAM receptors are a distinct family of three receptor tyrosine kinases, namely Tyro3, Axl, and MerTK. Since their discovery in the early 1990s, they have been studied for their ability to influence numerous diseases, including cancer, chronic inflammatory and autoimmune disorders, and cardiovascular diseases. The TAM receptors demonstrate an ability to influence multiple aspects of cardiovascular pathology via their diverse effects on cells of both the vasculature and the immune system. In this review, we will explore the various functions of the TAM receptors and how they influence cardiovascular disease through regulation of vascular remodelling, efferocytosis and inflammation. Based on this information, we will suggest areas in which further research is required and identify potential targets for therapeutic intervention.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lucy McShane
- Centre for Immunobiology, Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Sir Graeme Davies Building, 120 University Place, Glasgow, UK,Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Ira Tabas
- Departments of Medicine, Physiology, and Cell Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Greg Lemke
- Molecular Neurobiology Laboratory, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, USA,Immunobiology and Microbial Pathogenesis Laboratory, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Mariola Kurowska-Stolarska
- Rheumatoid Arthritis Pathogenesis Centre of Excellence (RACE), Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Sir Graeme Davies Building, 120 University Place, Glasgow, UK,Corresponding authors. Tel: +44 141 330 7142; E-mail: (P.M.) Tel: +44 141 330 6085; E-mail: (M.K.-S.)
| | - Pasquale Maffia
- Centre for Immunobiology, Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Sir Graeme Davies Building, 120 University Place, Glasgow, UK,Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK,Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy,Corresponding authors. Tel: +44 141 330 7142; E-mail: (P.M.) Tel: +44 141 330 6085; E-mail: (M.K.-S.)
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Huang J, Li X, Shi X, Zhu M, Wang J, Huang S, Huang X, Wang H, Li L, Deng H, Zhou Y, Mao J, Long Z, Ma Z, Ye W, Pan J, Xi X, Jin J. Platelet integrin αIIbβ3: signal transduction, regulation, and its therapeutic targeting. J Hematol Oncol 2019; 12:26. [PMID: 30845955 PMCID: PMC6407232 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-019-0709-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 198] [Impact Index Per Article: 39.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2018] [Accepted: 02/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Integrins are a family of transmembrane glycoprotein signaling receptors that can transmit bioinformation bidirectionally across the plasma membrane. Integrin αIIbβ3 is expressed at a high level in platelets and their progenitors, where it plays a central role in platelet functions, hemostasis, and arterial thrombosis. Integrin αIIbβ3 also participates in cancer progression, such as tumor cell proliferation and metastasis. In resting platelets, integrin αIIbβ3 adopts an inactive conformation. Upon agonist stimulation, the transduction of inside-out signals leads integrin αIIbβ3 to switch from a low- to high-affinity state for fibrinogen and other ligands. Ligand binding causes integrin clustering and subsequently promotes outside-in signaling, which initiates and amplifies a range of cellular events to drive essential platelet functions such as spreading, aggregation, clot retraction, and thrombus consolidation. Regulation of the bidirectional signaling of integrin αIIbβ3 requires the involvement of numerous interacting proteins, which associate with the cytoplasmic tails of αIIbβ3 in particular. Integrin αIIbβ3 and its signaling pathways are considered promising targets for antithrombotic therapy. This review describes the bidirectional signal transduction of integrin αIIbβ3 in platelets, as well as the proteins responsible for its regulation and therapeutic agents that target integrin αIIbβ3 and its signaling pathways.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiansong Huang
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.,Key Laboratory of Hematologic Malignancies, Diagnosis and Treatment, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.,Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xia Li
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.,Key Laboratory of Hematologic Malignancies, Diagnosis and Treatment, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.,Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiaofeng Shi
- Department of Hematology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
| | - Mark Zhu
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jinghan Wang
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.,Key Laboratory of Hematologic Malignancies, Diagnosis and Treatment, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.,Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Shujuan Huang
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.,Key Laboratory of Hematologic Malignancies, Diagnosis and Treatment, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.,Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xin Huang
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.,Key Laboratory of Hematologic Malignancies, Diagnosis and Treatment, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.,Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Huafeng Wang
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.,Key Laboratory of Hematologic Malignancies, Diagnosis and Treatment, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.,Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.,Department of Hematological Malignancies Translational Science, Gehr Family Center for Leukemia Research, Hematologic Malignancies and Stem Cell Transplantation Institute, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope Medical Center, Duarte, CA, 91010, USA
| | - Ling Li
- Department of Hematological Malignancies Translational Science, Gehr Family Center for Leukemia Research, Hematologic Malignancies and Stem Cell Transplantation Institute, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope Medical Center, Duarte, CA, 91010, USA
| | - Huan Deng
- Department of Pathology, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Yulan Zhou
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Jianhua Mao
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, Shanghai Institute of Hematology, Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, Ruijin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Sino-French Research Centre for Life Sciences and Genomics, Ruijin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhangbiao Long
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Zhixin Ma
- Clinical Prenatal Diagnosis Center, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Wenle Ye
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.,Key Laboratory of Hematologic Malignancies, Diagnosis and Treatment, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.,Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jiajia Pan
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.,Key Laboratory of Hematologic Malignancies, Diagnosis and Treatment, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.,Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiaodong Xi
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, Shanghai Institute of Hematology, Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, Ruijin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China. .,Sino-French Research Centre for Life Sciences and Genomics, Ruijin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Jie Jin
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China. .,Key Laboratory of Hematologic Malignancies, Diagnosis and Treatment, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China. .,Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Dynamics of Axl Receptor Shedding in Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Its Implication for Theranostics. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19124111. [PMID: 30567378 PMCID: PMC6321118 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19124111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2018] [Revised: 12/14/2018] [Accepted: 12/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Signaling of the receptor tyrosine kinase Axl and its ligand Gas6 is crucially involved in the development of liver fibrosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) by activation of hepatic stellate cells and modulation of hepatocyte differentiation. Shedding of Axl’s ectodomain leads to the release of soluble Axl (sAxl), which is increased in advanced fibrosis and in early-to-late stage HCC in the presence and absence of cirrhosis. Here, we focus on the dynamics of Axl receptor shedding and delineate possible scenarios how Axl signaling might act as driver of fibrosis progression and HCC development. Based on experimental and clinical data, we discuss the consequences of modifying Axl signaling by sAxl cleavage, as well as cellular strategies to escape from antagonizing effects of Axl shedding by the involvement of the hepatic microenvironment. We emphasize a correlation between free Gas6 and free sAxl levels favoring abundant Gas6/Axl signaling in advanced fibrosis and HCC. The raised scenario provides a solid basis for theranostics allowing the use of sAxl as an accurate diagnostic biomarker of liver cirrhosis and HCC, as well as Axl receptor signaling for therapeutic intervention in stratified HCC patients.
Collapse
|
32
|
The Dual Role of TAM Receptors in Autoimmune Diseases and Cancer: An Overview. Cells 2018; 7:cells7100166. [PMID: 30322068 PMCID: PMC6210017 DOI: 10.3390/cells7100166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2018] [Revised: 10/05/2018] [Accepted: 10/09/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) regulate cellular processes by converting signals from the extracellular environment to the cytoplasm and nucleus. Tyro3, Axl, and Mer (TAM) receptors form an RTK family that plays an intricate role in tissue maintenance, phagocytosis, and inflammation as well as cell proliferation, survival, migration, and development. Defects in TAM signaling are associated with numerous autoimmune diseases and different types of cancers. Here, we review the structure of TAM receptors, their ligands, and their biological functions. We discuss the role of TAM receptors and soluble circulating TAM receptors in the autoimmune diseases systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and multiple sclerosis (MS). Lastly, we discuss the effect of TAM receptor deregulation in cancer and explore the therapeutic potential of TAM receptors in the treatment of diseases.
Collapse
|