1
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Melrose J. CNS/PNS proteoglycans functionalize neuronal and astrocyte niche microenvironments optimizing cellular activity by preserving membrane polarization dynamics, ionic microenvironments, ion fluxes, neuronal activation, and network neurotransductive capacity. J Neurosci Res 2024; 102:e25361. [PMID: 39034899 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.25361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2023] [Revised: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
Central and peripheral nervous system (CNS/PNS) proteoglycans (PGs) have diverse functional roles, this study examined how these control cellular behavior and tissue function. The CNS/PNS extracellular matrix (ECM) is a dynamic, responsive, highly interactive, space-filling, cell supportive, stabilizing structure maintaining tissue compartments, ionic microenvironments, and microgradients that regulate neuronal activity and maintain the neuron in an optimal ionic microenvironment. The CNS/PNS contains a high glycosaminoglycan content (60% hyaluronan, HA) and a diverse range of stabilizing PGs. Immobilization of HA in brain tissues by HA interactive hyalectan PGs preserves tissue hydration and neuronal activity, a paucity of HA in brain tissues results in a pro-convulsant epileptic phenotype. Diverse CS, KS, and HSPGs stabilize the blood-brain barrier and neurovascular unit, provide smart gel neurotransmitter neuron vesicle storage and delivery, organize the neuromuscular junction basement membrane, and provide motor neuron synaptic plasticity, and photoreceptor and neuron synaptic functions. PG-HA networks maintain ionic fluxes and microgradients and tissue compartments that contribute to membrane polarization dynamics essential to neuronal activation and neurotransduction. Hyalectans form neuroprotective perineuronal nets contributing to synaptic plasticity, memory, and cognitive learning. Sialoglycoprotein associated with cones and rods (SPACRCAN), an HA binding CSPG, stabilizes the inter-photoreceptor ECM. HSPGs pikachurin and eyes shut stabilize the photoreceptor synapse aiding in phototransduction and neurotransduction with retinal bipolar neurons crucial to visual acuity. This is achieved through Laminin G motifs in pikachurin, eyes shut, and neurexins that interact with the dystroglycan-cytoskeleton-ECM-stabilizing synaptic interconnections, neuronal interactive specificity, and co-ordination of regulatory action potentials in neural networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Melrose
- Raymond Purves Bone and Joint Research Laboratory, Kolling Institute, Northern Sydney Local Health District, St. Leonards, New South Wales, Australia
- Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Sydney Medical School, Northern, The University of Sydney Faculty of Medicine and Health, Royal North Shore Hospital, St. Leonards, New South Wales, Australia
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2
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Horváth L, Biri-Kovács B, Baranyai Z, Stipsicz B, Méhes E, Jezsó B, Krátký M, Vinšová J, Bősze S. New Salicylanilide Derivatives and Their Peptide Conjugates as Anticancer Compounds: Synthesis, Characterization, and In Vitro Effect on Glioblastoma. ACS OMEGA 2024; 9:16927-16948. [PMID: 38645331 PMCID: PMC11024950 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c05727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024]
Abstract
Pharmacologically active salicylanilides (2-hydroxy-N-phenylbenzamides) have been a promising area of interest in medicinal chemistry-related research for quite some time. This group of compounds has shown a wide spectrum of biological activities, including but not limited to anticancer effects. In this study, substituted salicylanilides were chosen to evaluate the in vitro activity on U87 human glioblastoma (GBM) cells. The parent salicylanilide, salicylanilide 5-chloropyrazinoates, a 4-aminosalicylic acid derivative, and the new salicylanilide 4-formylbenzoates were chemically and in vitro characterized. To enhance the internalization of the compounds, they were conjugated to delivery peptides with the formation of oxime bonds. Oligotuftsins ([TKPKG]n, n = 1-4), the ligands of neuropilin receptors, were used as GBM-targeting carrier peptides. The in vitro cellular uptake, intracellular localization, and penetration ability on tissue-mimicking models of the fluorescent peptide derivatives were determined. The compounds and their peptide conjugates significantly decreased the viability of U87 glioma cells. Salicylanilide compound-induced GBM cell death was associated with activation of autophagy, as characterized by immunodetection of autophagy-related processing of light chain 3 protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lilla Horváth
- ELKH-ELTE
Research Group of Peptide Chemistry, Eötvös Loránd
Research Network, Eötvös Loránd
University, Budapest 1117, Hungary
| | - Beáta Biri-Kovács
- ELKH-ELTE
Research Group of Peptide Chemistry, Eötvös Loránd
Research Network, Eötvös Loránd
University, Budapest 1117, Hungary
| | - Zsuzsa Baranyai
- ELKH-ELTE
Research Group of Peptide Chemistry, Eötvös Loránd
Research Network, Eötvös Loránd
University, Budapest 1117, Hungary
| | - Bence Stipsicz
- ELKH-ELTE
Research Group of Peptide Chemistry, Eötvös Loránd
Research Network, Eötvös Loránd
University, Budapest 1117, Hungary
- Institute
of Biology, Doctoral School of Biology, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest 1117, Hungary
| | - Előd Méhes
- Institute
of Physics, Department of Biological Physics, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest 1117, Hungary
| | - Bálint Jezsó
- Research
Centre for Natural Sciences, Institute of
Enzymology, Budapest 1053, Hungary
- ELTE-MTA
“Momentum” Motor Enzymology Research Group, Department
of Biochemistry, Eötvös Loránd
University, Budapest 1117, Hungary
| | - Martin Krátký
- Department
of Organic and Bioorganic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec
Králové, Charles University, 500 03 Hradec Králové, Czech Republic
| | - Jarmila Vinšová
- Department
of Organic and Bioorganic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec
Králové, Charles University, 500 03 Hradec Králové, Czech Republic
| | - Szilvia Bősze
- ELKH-ELTE
Research Group of Peptide Chemistry, Eötvös Loránd
Research Network, Eötvös Loránd
University, Budapest 1117, Hungary
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3
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Mirian C, Thastrup M, Mathiasen R, Schmiegelow K, Olsen JV, Østergaard O. Mass spectrometry-based proteomics of cerebrospinal fluid in pediatric central nervous system malignancies: a systematic review with meta-analysis of individual patient data. Fluids Barriers CNS 2024; 21:14. [PMID: 38350915 PMCID: PMC10863112 DOI: 10.1186/s12987-024-00515-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) proteome could offer important insights into central nervous system (CNS) malignancies. To advance proteomic research in pediatric CNS cancer, the current study aims to (1) evaluate past mass spectrometry-based workflows and (2) synthesize previous CSF proteomic data, focusing on both qualitative summaries and quantitative re-analysis. MAIN: In our analysis of 11 studies investigating the CSF proteome in pediatric patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) or primary brain tumors, we observed significant methodological variability. This variability negatively affects comparative analysis of the included studies, as per GRADE criteria for quality of evidence. The qualitative summaries covered 161 patients and 134 non-tumor controls, while the application of validation cohort varied among the studies. The quantitative re-analysis comprised 15 B-ALL vs 6 "healthy" controls and 15 medulloblastoma patients vs 22 non-tumor controls. Certain CSF proteins were identified as potential indicators of specific malignancies or stages of neurotoxicity during chemotherapy, yet definitive conclusions were impeded by inconsistent data. There were no proteins with statistically significant differences when comparing cases versus controls that were corroborated across studies where quantitative reanalysis was feasible. From a gene ontology enrichment, we observed that age disparities between unmatched case and controls may mislead to protein correlations more indicative of age-related CNS developmental stages rather than neuro-oncological disease. Despite efforts to batch correct (HarmonizR) and impute missing values, merging of dataset proved unfeasible and thereby limited meaningful data integration across different studies. CONCLUSION Infrequent publications on rare pediatric cancer entities, which often involve small sample sizes, are inherently prone to result in heterogeneous studies-particularly when conducted within a rapidly evolving field like proteomics. As a result, obtaining clear evidence, such as CSF proteome biomarkers for CNS dissemination or early-stage neurotoxicity, is currently impractical. Our general recommendations comprise the need for standardized methodologies, collaborative efforts, and improved data sharing in pediatric CNS malignancy research. We specifically emphasize the possible importance of considering natural age-related variations in CSF due to different CNS development stages when matching cases and controls in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Mirian
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark.
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Maria Thastrup
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - René Mathiasen
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kjeld Schmiegelow
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jesper Velgaard Olsen
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ole Østergaard
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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4
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Khan SU, Fatima K, Aisha S, Malik F. Unveiling the mechanisms and challenges of cancer drug resistance. Cell Commun Signal 2024; 22:109. [PMID: 38347575 PMCID: PMC10860306 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-023-01302-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer treatment faces many hurdles and resistance is one among them. Anti-cancer treatment strategies are evolving due to innate and acquired resistance capacity, governed by genetic, epigenetic, proteomic, metabolic, or microenvironmental cues that ultimately enable selected cancer cells to survive and progress under unfavorable conditions. Although the mechanism of drug resistance is being widely studied to generate new target-based drugs with better potency than existing ones. However, due to the broader flexibility in acquired drug resistance, advanced therapeutic options with better efficacy need to be explored. Combination therapy is an alternative with a better success rate though the risk of amplified side effects is commonplace. Moreover, recent groundbreaking precision immune therapy is one of the ways to overcome drug resistance and has revolutionized anticancer therapy to a greater extent with the only limitation of being individual-specific and needs further attention. This review will focus on the challenges and strategies opted by cancer cells to withstand the current therapies at the molecular level and also highlights the emerging therapeutic options -like immunological, and stem cell-based options that may prove to have better potential to challenge the existing problem of therapy resistance. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sameer Ullah Khan
- Division of Genitourinary Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Holcombe Blvd, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
- Division of Cancer Pharmacology, CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Srinagar-190005, Jammu and Kashmir, India.
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad-201002, India.
| | - Kaneez Fatima
- Division of Cancer Pharmacology, CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Srinagar-190005, Jammu and Kashmir, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad-201002, India
| | - Shariqa Aisha
- Division of Cancer Pharmacology, CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Srinagar-190005, Jammu and Kashmir, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad-201002, India
| | - Fayaz Malik
- Division of Cancer Pharmacology, CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Srinagar-190005, Jammu and Kashmir, India.
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad-201002, India.
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5
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Eghtedari S, Behdani M, Kazemi-Lomedasht F. Neuropilin-1 Binding Peptide as Fusion to Diphtheria Toxin Induces Apoptosis in Non-small Cell Lung Cancer Cell Line. Curr Pharm Des 2024; 30:1317-1325. [PMID: 38584554 DOI: 10.2174/0113816128292382240325074032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2023] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Targeted cancer therapy can be considered as a new strategy to overcome the side effects of current cancer treatments. Neuropilin-1 (NRP-1) is a transmembrane glycoprotein that is expressed in endothelial cells and tumor vessels to stimulate angiogenesis progression. Targeted diphtheria toxin (DT)- based therapeutics are promising tools for cancer treatment. This study aimed to construct a novel NRP-1 binding peptide (as three repeats) (CRGDK) as a fusion to truncated DT (DTA) (DTA-triCRGDK) for targeted delivery of DT into NRP-1 expressing cells. METHODS The concept of DTA-triCRGDK was designed, synthesized and cloned into the bacterial host. Expression of DTA-triCRGDK was induced by Isopropyl ß-D-1-thiogalactopyranoside (IPTG) and purification was performed using Ni-NTA chromatography. Biological activity of DTA-triCRGDK was evaluated using MTT, apoptosis, and wound healing assays. In addition, expression levels of apoptotic Bax, Bcl2, and Casp3 genes were determined by Real-time PCR. RESULTS Cytotoxicity analysis showed the IC50 values of DTA-triCRGDK for A549 and MRC5 were 0.43 nM and 4.12 nM after 24 h, respectively. Bcl2 expression levels decreased 0.4 and 0.72 fold in A549 and MRC5, respectively. However, Bax and Casp3 expression level increased by 6.75 and 8.19 in A549 and 2.51 and 3.6 in MRC5 cells. CONCLUSION Taken together, DTA-triCRGDK is a promising tool for targeted therapy of NRP-1 overexpressing cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Eghtedari
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Basic Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Science and Research Branch, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahdi Behdani
- Venom and Biotherapeutics Molecules Laboratory, Biotechnology Department, Biotechnology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Kazemi-Lomedasht
- Venom and Biotherapeutics Molecules Laboratory, Biotechnology Department, Biotechnology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
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6
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Rodrigues EM, Giovanini AF, Ribas CAPM, Malafaia O, Roesler R, Isolan GR. The Nervous System Development Regulator Neuropilin-1 as a Potential Prognostic Marker and Therapeutic Target in Brain Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4922. [PMID: 37894289 PMCID: PMC10605093 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15204922] [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: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuropilins are transmembrane glycoproteins that regulate developmental processes in the nervous system and other tissues. Overexpression of neuropilin-1 (NRP1) occurs in many solid tumor types and, in several instances, may predict patient outcome in terms of overall survival. Experimental inhibition of NRP1 activity can display antitumor effects in different cancer models. Here, we review NRP1 expression and function in adult and pediatric brain cancers, particularly glioblastomas (GBMs) and medulloblastomas, and present analyses of NRP1 transcript levels and their association with patient survival in GBMs. The case of NRP1 highlights the potential of regulators of neurodevelopment as biomarkers and therapeutic targets in brain cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo Mello Rodrigues
- Graduate Program in Principles of Surgery, Mackenzie Evangelical University, Curitiba 80730-000, PR, Brazil; (E.M.R.)
- The Center for Advanced Neurology and Neurosurgery (CEANNE), Porto Alegre 90560-010, RS, Brazil
| | - Allan Fernando Giovanini
- Graduate Program in Principles of Surgery, Mackenzie Evangelical University, Curitiba 80730-000, PR, Brazil; (E.M.R.)
| | | | - Osvaldo Malafaia
- Graduate Program in Principles of Surgery, Mackenzie Evangelical University, Curitiba 80730-000, PR, Brazil; (E.M.R.)
| | - Rafael Roesler
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute for Basic Health Sciences, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre 90035-003, RS, Brazil
- Cancer and Neurobiology Laboratory, Experimental Research Center, Clinical Hospital (CPE-HCPA), Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre 90035-003, RS, Brazil
- National Science and Technology Institute for Children’s Cancer Biology and Pediatric Oncology—INCT BioOncoPed, Porto Alegre 90035-003, RS, Brazil
| | - Gustavo R. Isolan
- Graduate Program in Principles of Surgery, Mackenzie Evangelical University, Curitiba 80730-000, PR, Brazil; (E.M.R.)
- The Center for Advanced Neurology and Neurosurgery (CEANNE), Porto Alegre 90560-010, RS, Brazil
- National Science and Technology Institute for Children’s Cancer Biology and Pediatric Oncology—INCT BioOncoPed, Porto Alegre 90035-003, RS, Brazil
- Spalt Therapeutics, Porto Alegre 90560-010, RS, Brazil
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7
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de Araújo MA, Malafaia O, Ribas Filho JM, Fratini L, Roesler R, Isolan GR. Low Expression of the NRP1 Gene Is Associated with Shorter Overall Survival in Patients with Sonic Hedgehog and Group 3 Medulloblastoma. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11601. [PMID: 37511358 PMCID: PMC10380701 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241411601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Medulloblastoma (MB) is the most common type of malignant pediatric brain tumor. Neuropilin-1 (NRP1), encoded by the NRP1 gene, is a transmembrane glycoprotein overexpressed in several types of cancer. Previous studies indicate that NRP1 inhibition displays antitumor effects in MB models and higher NRP1 levels are associated with poorer prognosis in MB patients. Here, we used a large MB tumor dataset to examine NRP1 gene expression in different molecular subgroups and subtypes of MB. We found overall widespread NRP1 expression across MB samples. Tumors in the sonic hedgehog (SHH) subgroup showed significantly higher NRP1 transcript levels in comparison with Group 3 and Group 4 tumors, with SHH samples belonging to the α, β, Δ, and γ subtypes. When all MB subgroups were combined, lower NRP1 expression was associated with significantly shorter patient overall survival (OS). Further analysis showed that low NRP1 was related to poorer OS, specifically in MB subgroups SHH and Group 3 MB. Our findings indicate that patients with SHH and Group 3 tumors that show lower expression of NRP1 in MB have a worse prognosis, which highlights the need for subgroup-specific investigation of the NRP1 role in MB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moisés Augusto de Araújo
- Graduate Program in Principles of Surgery, Mackenzie Evangelical University, Curitiba 80730-000, PR, Brazil
- The Center for Advanced Neurology and Neurosurgery (CEANNE), Porto Alegre 90560-010, RS, Brazil
| | - Osvaldo Malafaia
- Graduate Program in Principles of Surgery, Mackenzie Evangelical University, Curitiba 80730-000, PR, Brazil
| | - Jurandir M. Ribas Filho
- Graduate Program in Principles of Surgery, Mackenzie Evangelical University, Curitiba 80730-000, PR, Brazil
| | - Livia Fratini
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute for Basic Health Sciences, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre 90035-003, RS, Brazil
- Cancer and Neurobiology Laboratory, Experimental Research Center, Clinical Hospital (CPE-HCPA), Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre 90035-003, RS, Brazil
- National Science and Technology Institute for Children’s Cancer Biology and Pediatric Oncology–INCT BioOncoPed, Porto Alegre 90035-003, RS, Brazil
- Research Center, Moinhos de Vento Hospital, Porto Alegre 90035-001, RS, Brazil
| | - Rafael Roesler
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute for Basic Health Sciences, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre 90035-003, RS, Brazil
- Cancer and Neurobiology Laboratory, Experimental Research Center, Clinical Hospital (CPE-HCPA), Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre 90035-003, RS, Brazil
- National Science and Technology Institute for Children’s Cancer Biology and Pediatric Oncology–INCT BioOncoPed, Porto Alegre 90035-003, RS, Brazil
| | - Gustavo R. Isolan
- Graduate Program in Principles of Surgery, Mackenzie Evangelical University, Curitiba 80730-000, PR, Brazil
- The Center for Advanced Neurology and Neurosurgery (CEANNE), Porto Alegre 90560-010, RS, Brazil
- National Science and Technology Institute for Children’s Cancer Biology and Pediatric Oncology–INCT BioOncoPed, Porto Alegre 90035-003, RS, Brazil
- Spalt Therapeutics, Porto Alegre 90560-010, RS, Brazil
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Parrasia S, Rossa A, Roncaglia N, Mattarei A, Honisch C, Szabò I, Ruzza P, Biasutto L. DA7R: A 7-Letter Zip Code to Target PDAC. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:pharmaceutics15051508. [PMID: 37242749 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15051508] [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: 04/07/2023] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is the most common type of pancreatic cancer, and is among the most aggressive and still incurable cancers. Innovative and successful therapeutic strategies are extremely needed. Peptides represent a versatile and promising tool to achieve tumor targeting, thanks to their ability to recognize specific target proteins (over)expressed on the surface of cancer cells. A7R is one such peptide, binding neuropilin-1 (NRP-1) and VEGFR2. Since PDAC expresses these receptors, the aim of this study was to test if A7R-drug conjugates could represent a PDAC-targeting strategy. PAPTP, a promising mitochondria-targeted anticancer compound, was selected as the cargo for this proof-of-concept study. Derivatives were designed as prodrugs, using a bioreversible linker to connect PAPTP to the peptide. Both the retro-inverso (DA7R) and the head-to-tail cyclic (cA7R) protease-resistant analogs of A7R were tested, and a tetraethylene glycol chain was introduced to improve solubility. Uptake of a fluorescent DA7R conjugate, as well as of the PAPTP-DA7R derivative into PDAC cell lines was found to be related to the expression levels of NRP-1 and VEGFR2. Conjugation of DA7R to therapeutically active compounds or nanovehicles might allow PDAC-targeted drug delivery, improving the efficacy of the therapy and reducing off-target effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Parrasia
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, Viale G. Colombo 3, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Andrea Rossa
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Padova, Via F. Marzolo 1, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Nicola Roncaglia
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Padova, Via F. Marzolo 1, 35131 Padova, Italy
- CNR Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, Padua Unit, Via F. Marzolo 1, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Andrea Mattarei
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Via F. Marzolo 5, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Claudia Honisch
- CNR Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, Padua Unit, Via F. Marzolo 1, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Ildikò Szabò
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, Viale G. Colombo 3, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Paolo Ruzza
- CNR Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, Padua Unit, Via F. Marzolo 1, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Lucia Biasutto
- CNR Neuroscience Institute, Padua Unit, Viale G. Colombo 3, 35131 Padova, Italy
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9
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Kakavandi S, Zare I, VaezJalali M, Dadashi M, Azarian M, Akbari A, Ramezani Farani M, Zalpoor H, Hajikhani B. Structural and non-structural proteins in SARS-CoV-2: potential aspects to COVID-19 treatment or prevention of progression of related diseases. Cell Commun Signal 2023; 21:110. [PMID: 37189112 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-023-01104-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by a new member of the Coronaviridae family known as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). There are structural and non-structural proteins (NSPs) in the genome of this virus. S, M, H, and E proteins are structural proteins, and NSPs include accessory and replicase proteins. The structural and NSP components of SARS-CoV-2 play an important role in its infectivity, and some of them may be important in the pathogenesis of chronic diseases, including cancer, coagulation disorders, neurodegenerative disorders, and cardiovascular diseases. The SARS-CoV-2 proteins interact with targets such as angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor. In addition, SARS-CoV-2 can stimulate pathological intracellular signaling pathways by triggering transcription factor hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1), neuropilin-1 (NRP-1), CD147, and Eph receptors, which play important roles in the progression of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's disease, epilepsy, and multiple sclerosis, and multiple cancers such as glioblastoma, lung malignancies, and leukemias. Several compounds such as polyphenols, doxazosin, baricitinib, and ruxolitinib could inhibit these interactions. It has been demonstrated that the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein has a stronger affinity for human ACE2 than the spike protein of SARS-CoV, leading the current study to hypothesize that the newly produced variant Omicron receptor-binding domain (RBD) binds to human ACE2 more strongly than the primary strain. SARS and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) viruses against structural and NSPs have become resistant to previous vaccines. Therefore, the review of recent studies and the performance of current vaccines and their effects on COVID-19 and related diseases has become a vital need to deal with the current conditions. This review examines the potential role of these SARS-CoV-2 proteins in the initiation of chronic diseases, and it is anticipated that these proteins could serve as components of an effective vaccine or treatment for COVID-19 and related diseases. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sareh Kakavandi
- Department of Bacteriology and Virology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Iman Zare
- Research and Development Department, Sina Medical Biochemistry Technologies Co. Ltd., Shiraz, 7178795844, Iran
| | - Maryam VaezJalali
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Masoud Dadashi
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
- Non-Communicable Diseases Research Center, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
| | - Maryam Azarian
- Department of Radiology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 10117, Berlin, Germany
| | - Abdullatif Akbari
- Shiraz Neuroscience Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy and Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
| | - Marzieh Ramezani Farani
- Department of Biological Sciences and Bioengineering, Nano Bio High-Tech Materials Research Center, Inha University, Incheon, 22212, Republic of Korea
| | - Hamidreza Zalpoor
- Shiraz Neuroscience Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
- Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy and Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran.
| | - Bahareh Hajikhani
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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10
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Thakur A, Liang L, Banerjee S, Zhang K. Single-Cell Transcriptomics Reveals Evidence of Endothelial Dysfunction in the Brains of COVID-19 Patients with Implications for Glioblastoma Progression. Brain Sci 2023; 13:brainsci13050762. [PMID: 37239234 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13050762] [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: 04/01/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Endothelial dysfunction is implicated in various inflammatory diseases such as ischemic stroke, heart attack, organ failure, and COVID-19. Recent studies have shown that endothelial dysfunction in the brain is attributed to excessive inflammatory responses caused by the SARS-CoV-2 infection, leading to increased permeability of the blood-brain barrier and consequently neurological damage. Here, we aim to examine the single-cell transcriptomic landscape of endothelial dysfunction in COVID-19 and its implications for glioblastoma (GBM) progression. METHODS Single-cell transcriptome data GSE131928 and GSE159812 were obtained from the gene expression omnibus (GEO) to analyze the expression profiles of key players in innate immunity and inflammation between brain endothelial dysfunction caused by COVID-19 and GBM progression. RESULTS Single-cell transcriptomic analysis of the brain of COVID-19 patients revealed that endothelial cells had undergone significant transcriptomic changes, with several genes involved in immune responses and inflammation upregulated. Moreover, transcription factors were observed to modulate this inflammation, including interferon-regulated genes. CONCLUSIONS The results indicate a significant overlap between COVID-19 and GBM in the context of endothelial dysfunction, suggesting that there may be an endothelial dysfunction link connecting severe SARS-CoV-2 infection in the brain to GBM progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhimanyu Thakur
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine and Health, Hong Kong Institute of Science and Innovation-CAS Limited, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Lifan Liang
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15206, USA
| | - Sourav Banerjee
- Department of Cellular and Systems Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 9SY, UK
| | - Kui Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, College of Sericulture, Textile and Biomass Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China
- Cancer Centre, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China
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11
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Pal D, De K, Yates TB, Kolape J, Muchero W. Mutating novel interaction sites in NRP1 reduces SARS-CoV-2 spike protein internalization. iScience 2023; 26:106274. [PMID: 36910328 PMCID: PMC9957656 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.106274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Revised: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The global pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus has become a severe global health problem because of its rapid spread. Both Ace2 and NRP1 provide initial viral binding sites for SARS-CoV-2. Here, we show that cysteine residues located in the vestigial plasminogen-apple-nematode (PAN) domain of NRP1 are necessary for SARS-CoV-2 spike protein internalization. Mutating novel cysteine residues in the PAN altered NRP1 stability and downstream activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signaling pathway and impaired its interaction with the spike protein. This resulted in a significant reduction in spike protein abundance in Vero-E6 cells for the original, alpha, and delta SARS-CoV-2 variants even in the presence of the Ace2. Moreover, mutating these cysteine residues in NRP1 significantly lowered its association with Plexin-A1. As the spike protein is a critical component for targeted therapy, our biochemical study may represent a distinct mechanism to develop a path for future therapeutic discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debjani Pal
- Radioisotope Science and Technology Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN 37830, USA
- Bioscience Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, 1 Bethel Valley Road, Oak Ridge, TN 37831, USA
| | - Kuntal De
- Bioscience Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, 1 Bethel Valley Road, Oak Ridge, TN 37831, USA
| | - Timothy B. Yates
- Bioscience Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, 1 Bethel Valley Road, Oak Ridge, TN 37831, USA
- Bredesen Center for Interdisciplinary Research, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA
| | - Jaydeep Kolape
- Biochemistry & Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA
| | - Wellington Muchero
- Bioscience Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, 1 Bethel Valley Road, Oak Ridge, TN 37831, USA
- Bredesen Center for Interdisciplinary Research, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA
- Corresponding author
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12
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Kulaeva ED, Mashkina EV. mRNA-lncRNA gene expression signature for predicting pediatric AML relapse. Curr Res Transl Med 2023; 71:103379. [PMID: 36738660 DOI: 10.1016/j.retram.2023.103379] [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: 08/13/2022] [Revised: 01/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Children with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) face a relapse of the disease in 30% of all cases. AML relapse is difficult to predict, and existing risk scales are often ineffective. Using data from the Therapeutically Applicable Research to Generate Effective Treatments (TARGET-AML) project, we defined an expression signature based on matrix RNAs (mRNAs) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) that could predict relapse in pediatric AML patients. We used a comprehensive bioinformatics analysis that included the identification of functionally significant differentially expressed genes in AML relapse, several rounds of association with relapse-free survival (RFS) mRNAs and lncRNAs selection, and evaluation of the obtained expression signatures to predict recurrence at the primary tumor level. Two mRNAs (ENSG00000149289.11 (ZC3H12C) and ENSG00000075213.11 (SEMA3A)) and one lncRNA (ENSG00000287569.1) were associated with a decreased RFS. Models including changes in the expression of ZC3H12C and ENSG00000287569.1, as well as all three markers, demonstrated very good quality and could predict the recurrence of pediatric AML.
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Affiliation(s)
- E D Kulaeva
- Southern Federal University, Academy of Biology and Biotechnology, Department of Genetics, Human and Animal Genetics laboratory, 194/1 Stachki Ave, Rostov-on-Don, Russia 344090.
| | - E V Mashkina
- Southern Federal University, Academy of Biology and Biotechnology, Department of Genetics, Human and Animal Genetics laboratory, 194/1 Stachki Ave, Rostov-on-Don, Russia 344090.
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13
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Wang Y, Zhang L, Sun XL, Lu YC, Chen S, Pei DS, Zhang LS. NRP1 contributes to stemness and potentiates radioresistance via WTAP-mediated m6A methylation of Bcl-2 mRNA in breast cancer. Apoptosis 2023; 28:233-246. [PMID: 36333630 DOI: 10.1007/s10495-022-01784-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
NRP1 is a transmembrane glycoprotein that is highly expressed in a variety of tumors. There is evidence that NRP1 can enhance the stem cell properties of tumor cells, which are thought to be resistant to radiotherapy. This study aims to elucidate the potential mechanism of NRP1 in radiation resistance. We transfected NRP1 siRNA and plasmid in breast cancer cells to detect the expression of cancer stem cell markers by western blot and qRT-PCR. The effect of NRP1 on radiotherapy resistance was assesses by immunofluorescence and flow cytometry. In vivo, we established xenograft tumor model treating with shRNA-NRP1 to assess radiotherapy sensitivity. We found that NRP1 could enhance the stem cell properties and confer radioresistance of breast cancer cells. Mechanistically, we proved that NRP1 reduced IR-induced apoptosis by downregulation of Bcl-2 via methyltransferase WTAP in m6A-depentent way. It is suggested that these molecules may be the therapeutic targets for improving the efficacy of radiotherapy for breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Wang
- Department of Pathology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004, China
| | - Lin Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004, China
| | - Xiao-Lin Sun
- Department of Pathology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004, China
| | - Ya-Chun Lu
- Department of Oncological Radiotherapy, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Si Chen
- Department of Oncological Radiotherapy, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Dong-Sheng Pei
- Department of Pathology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004, China
| | - Lan-Sheng Zhang
- Department of Oncological Radiotherapy, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China.
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14
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Douyère M, Gong C, Richard M, Pellegrini-Moïse N, Daouk J, Pierson J, Chastagner P, Boura C. NRP1 inhibition modulates radiosensitivity of medulloblastoma by targeting cancer stem cells. Cancer Cell Int 2022; 22:377. [PMID: 36457009 PMCID: PMC9714111 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-022-02796-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Medulloblastoma (MB) is the most common pediatric malignant brain tumor. Despite current therapies, the morbidity and recurrent risk remains significant. Neuropilin-1 receptor (NRP1) has been implicated in the tumor progression of MB. Our recent study showed that NRP1 inhibition stimulated MB stem cells differentiation. Consequently, we hypothesized that targeting NRP1 in medulloblastoma could improve current treatments. METHODS NRP1 inhibition with a novel peptidomimetic agent, MR438, was evaluated with radiotherapy (RT) in MB models (DAOY, D283-Med and D341-Med) in vitro on cancer stem-like cells as well as in vivo on heterotopic and orthotopic xenografts. RESULTS We show that NRP1 inhibition by MR438 radiosensitizes MB stem-like cells in vitro. In heterotopic DAOY models, MR438 improves RT efficacy as measured by tumor growth and mouse survival. In addition, clonogenic assays after tumor dissociation showed a significant reduction in cancer stem cells with the combination treatment. In the same way, a benefit of the combined therapy was observed in the orthotopic model only for a low cumulative irradiation dose of 10 Gy but not for 20 Gy. CONCLUSIONS Finally, our results demonstrated that targeting NRP1 with MR438 could be a potential new strategy and could limit MB progression by decreasing the stem cell number while reducing the radiation dose.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manon Douyère
- grid.462787.80000 0001 2151 8763Université de Lorraine, CNRS, CRAN, UMR 7039, 54000 Nancy, France
| | - Caifeng Gong
- grid.462787.80000 0001 2151 8763Université de Lorraine, CNRS, CRAN, UMR 7039, 54000 Nancy, France ,grid.506261.60000 0001 0706 7839Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Can-Cer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Bei-Jing, 100021 China
| | - Mylène Richard
- Université de Lorraine, CNRS, L2CM, UMR 7053, Campus Science, 54500 Vandœuvre-Lès-Nancy, France
| | - Nadia Pellegrini-Moïse
- Université de Lorraine, CNRS, L2CM, UMR 7053, Campus Science, 54500 Vandœuvre-Lès-Nancy, France
| | - Joël Daouk
- grid.462787.80000 0001 2151 8763Université de Lorraine, CNRS, CRAN, UMR 7039, 54000 Nancy, France
| | - Julien Pierson
- grid.462787.80000 0001 2151 8763Université de Lorraine, CNRS, CRAN, UMR 7039, 54000 Nancy, France
| | - Pascal Chastagner
- grid.462787.80000 0001 2151 8763Université de Lorraine, CNRS, CRAN, UMR 7039, 54000 Nancy, France ,grid.410527.50000 0004 1765 1301Service d’Onco-Hématologie Pédiatrique, CHRU-Nancy, 54000 Nancy, France
| | - Cédric Boura
- grid.462787.80000 0001 2151 8763Université de Lorraine, CNRS, CRAN, UMR 7039, 54000 Nancy, France
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Increased neuropilin-1 expression by COVID-19: a possible cause of long-term neurological complications and progression of primary brain tumors. Hum Cell 2022; 35:1301-1303. [PMID: 35534753 PMCID: PMC9084541 DOI: 10.1007/s13577-022-00716-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 05/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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16
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Liu L, Zhou T, Li T, Liang Z, Luo X. LncRNA DLX6-AS1 promotes microglial inflammatory response in Parkinson's disease by regulating the miR-223-3p/NRP1 axis. Behav Brain Res 2022; 431:113923. [PMID: 35550840 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2022.113923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Revised: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a prevailing neurodegenerative disorder. This study discussed the mechanism of lncRNA distal-less homeobox 6 antisense 1 (DLX6-AS1) on inflammatory responses in PD. With healthy male C57BL/6 mice (8-10 weeks) and BV2 microglia as study subjects, we established PD models in vivo/in vitro by injection of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-2, 3, 6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) for 4 weeks and treatment of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) for 24hours, respectively. DLX6-AS1 expression in PD mice and BV2 microglia was examined using reverse transcription quantitative-polymerase chain reaction and then down-regulated via stereotaxic catheter injection or cell transfection to evaluate its effect on neurological function. Meanwhile, the cell number of TH+/Caspase3+/IBA1+ in substantia nigra, cell viability, and apoptosis rate of BV2 microglia, inflammatory levels, and NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome were determined using immunohistochemistry, MTT assay, flow cytometry, ELISA assay, and Western blot. The binding relationship between miR-223-3p and DLX6-AS1/Neuropilin-1 (NRP1) was verified by dual-luciferase assay and RNA immunoprecipitation assay. After down-regulation of DLX6-AS1, we down-regulated/overexpressed miR-223-3p/NRP1 levels in BV2 microglia. DLX6-AS1 was overexpressed in PD mice. Silencing DLX6-AS1 improved neurological function and alleviated microglial inflammation in PD mice. Specifically, the latency of mice falling from the rotating rod was longer, and the latency of climbing rod test was shorter; TH+ cells increased, while Caspase3+/IBA1+ cells decreased; the levels of inflammatory were lowered. Silencing DLX6-AS1 inhibited LPS-induced inflammation of BV2 microglia. DLX6-AS1 acted as the ceRNA of miR-223-3p to promote NRP1. Down-regulation of miR-223-3p or overexpression of NRP1 partially annulled the effect of silencing DLX6-AS1 on BV2 microglial inflammation. Overall, DLX6-AS1 promotes the microglial inflammatory response in PD through the ceRNA mechanism of miR-223-3p/NRP1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Liu
- Department of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning Province, 116011, China
| | - Tingting Zhou
- Department of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning Province, 116011, China
| | - Tao Li
- Department of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning Province, 116011, China
| | - Zhanhua Liang
- Department of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning Province, 116011, China.
| | - Xiaoguang Luo
- Department of Neurology, Shenzhen People's Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, 518020, China
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