TRIM31: A molecule with a dual role in cancer

The emerging role of E3 ubiquitin ligases and deubiquitinases in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is the most common chronic liver disease worldwide, with a prevalence as high as 32.4%. MASLD encompasses a spectrum of liver pathologies, ranging from steatosis to metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), fibrosis, and, in some cases, progression to end-stage liver disease (cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma). A comprehensive understanding of the pathogenesis of this highly prevalent liver disease may facilitate the identification of novel targets for the development of improved therapies. E3 ubiquitin ligases and deubiquitinases (DUBs) are key regulatory components of the ubiquitin‒proteasome system (UPS), which plays a pivotal role in maintaining intracellular protein homeostasis. Emerging evidence implicates that aberrant expression of E3 ligases and DUBs is involved in the progression of MASLD. Here, we review abnormalities in E3 ligases and DUBs by (1) discussing their targets, mechanisms, and functions in MASLD; (2) summarizing pharmacological interventions targeting these enzymes in preclinical and clinical studies; and (3) addressing challenges and future therapeutic strategies. This review synthesizes current evidence to highlight the development of novel therapeutic strategies based on the UPS for MASLD and progressive liver disease.

Two novel SNPs rs1736952 and rs17354984 are highly associated with uveitis in ankylosing spondylitis

BACKGROUND

Noninfectious anterior uveitis shares genetic factors, including HLA-B27, with ankylosing spondylitis (AS). The aim of this study was to identify significant single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with noninfectious anterior uveitis in AS patients, which may help predict help predict the risk of developing this condition and provide deeper insights into its genetic basis.

METHODS

A genome-wide association study (GWAS) was conducted using the genomic data of 468 AS patients, including 90 with noninfectious anterior uveitis and 378 without it, from the Taiwan Precision Medicine Initiative. This study identified relevant genes using SnpXplorer and developed a polygenic risk score (PRS) model to identify AS patients with an increased risk of noninfectious anterior uveitis. Biological pathways were analyzed via Enrichr-KG and various databases.

RESULTS

GWAS revealed two novel SNPs, rs1736952 and rs17354984, with p values <5 × 10 -8 , and 74 SNPs with p values <1 × 10 -4 . The associated genes were involved mainly in antigen presentation, interferon signaling, immune regulation pathways, ciliary movement, and neurodegeneration. An optimal PRS model was constructed using 19 SNPs, achieving an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.907.

CONCLUSION

Our results revealed that two novel and significant SNP loci, rs1736952 and rs17354984, are strongly associated with noninfectious anterior uveitis in patients with AS. However, their roles in uveitis and other immune disorders warrant further investigation.

IL-17 triggers PD-L1 gene transcription in NSCLC cells via TRIM31-dependent MEF2C K63-linked polyubiquitination

BACKGROUND

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a disease related to inflammation. Proinflammatory cytokines such as interleukin 17 (IL-17) can induce cancer cell proliferation, metastasis and immune escape. Although NSCLC immune escape is partly due to the interaction between PD-1 and PD-L1 and PD-L1 expression can be upregulated in cancer cells upon stimulation with IL-17, the underlying mechanism of IL-17-triggered PD-L1 gene transcription in NSCLC cells remains elusive.

METHODS

RT‒PCR, real-time PCR, and IB were used to assess the levels of PD-L1, MEF2C, and TRIM31 in NSCLC tissues as well as in IL-17-stimulated H1299 or PC9 cells. Bioinformatics analysis, luciferase assays, and ChIP were utilized to investigate the transcriptional mechanism of the PD-L1 gene. Co-IP/IB was used to examine the interaction between MEF2C and PD-L1, including MEF2C ubiquitination. IHC staining was carried out to analyse the expression of IL-17RA, MEF2C, TRIM31, and PD-L1 in NSCLC tissue arrays. The corresponding plasmids were constructed and identified. An isograft model was used to verify the findings in vitro.

RESULTS

PD-L1, MEF2C and TRIM31 expression levels were increased in NSCLC tissues and NSCLC cells exposed to IL-17. Mechanistically, MEF2C could bind to the - 778 to -475 nt and - 336 to -97 nt regions of the PD-L1 promoter. TRIM31 could mediate MEF2C K63-linked polyubiquitination at Lys 25, increasing MEF2C recruitment to the PD-L1 promoter and PD-L1 gene transcription. MEF2C, TRIM31 or PD-L1 gene silencing effectively suppressed MEF2C K63-linked polyubiquitination, PD-L1 induction and NSCLC growth in mice inoculated with Lewis lung cancer (LLC) cells transfected with the corresponding shRNA and treated with IL-17.

CONCLUSION

IL-17 induces PD-L1 gene transcription in NSCLC cells through TRIM31-dependent MEF2C K63-linked polyubiquitination.

Loss of Trim31 Worsens Cardiac Remodeling in a Mouse Model of Heart Failure by Enhancing the Activation of the NLRP3 Inflammasome

Tripartite motif-containing protein 31 (Trim31) is known to be involved in various pathological conditions, including heart diseases. Nonetheless, its specific involvement in heart failure (HF) has yet to be determined. In this study, we examined the function and mechanism of Trim31 in HF by using mice with cardiac-specific knockout (cKO) of Trim31. The HF mouse model was induced via the subcutaneous injection of isoproterenol (ISO). We observed a decrease in Trim31 expression in the heart tissues of mice with HF. Compared with wild-type (WT) mice, Trim31 cKO mice presented more severe characteristics of HF, including worsened cardiac dysfunction, hypertrophy, and fibrosis. However, these symptoms in Trim31 cKO mice were significantly reversed when they received an intramyocardial injection of recombinant adeno-associated virus (AAV) expressing Trim31. Excessive activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome, manifested by increased levels of NLRP3, ASC, cleaved Caspase-1, cleaved GSDMD, IL-1β, and IL-18, was observed in Trim31 cKO mice with HF. However, Trim31 overexpression effectively reversed the NLRP3 inflammasome activation in Trim31 cKO mice with HF. Selective inhibition of the NLRP3 inflammasome with the NLRP3 inhibitor MCC950 effectively reversed the worsened cardiac dysfunction, hypertrophy, and fibrosis observed in Trim31 cKO mice with HF. Overall, the findings from this study reveal a crucial role of Trim31 in HF. Trim31 deficiency may contribute to the progression of HF by promoting cardiac hypertrophy, fibrosis, and inflammation by facilitating the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome. Therefore, Trim31 may hold significant potential as a therapeutic target for the treatment of HF.

Multifaceted role of TRIM28 in health and disease

The TRIM (tripartite motif) family, with TRIM28 as a key member, plays a vital role in regulating health and disease. TRIM28 contains various functional domains essential for transcriptional regulation, primarily through its interaction with KRAB-ZNF proteins, which influence chromatin remodeling and gene expression. Despite extensive research, the precise mechanisms by which TRIM28 impacts health and disease remain elusive. This review delves into TRIM28's multifaceted roles in maintaining health, contributing to a variety of diseases, and influencing cancer progression. In cancers, TRIM28 exhibits a dual nature, functioning as both a tumor promoter and suppressor depending on the cellular context and cancer type. The review also explores its critical involvement in processes such as DNA repair, cell cycle regulation, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, and the maintenance of stem cell properties. By uncovering TRIM28's complex roles across different cancers and other diseases, this review underscores its potential as a therapeutic target. The significance of TRIM28 as a versatile regulator opens the door to innovative therapeutic strategies, particularly in cancer treatment and the management of other diseases. Ongoing research into TRIM28 may yield key insights into disease progression and novel treatment options.

Trim31 deficiency exacerbates airway inflammation in asthma by enhancing the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome

Tripartite motif (Trim) 31 is important for numerous inflammatory diseases. However, whether Trim31 regulates airway inflammation in asthma remains undetermined. The present work explored the role of Trim31 in airway inflammation in asthmatic mice established by ovalbumin (OVA) stimulation. Trim31 expression was markedly downregulated in the lungs of asthmatic mice. Compared with wild-type (WT) mice, Trim31-/- mice showed more severe pathological changes accompanied by increased inflammatory cell infiltration after OVA induction. House dust mite (HDM) stimulation evoked airway epithelial cell injury and inflammation, which were exacerbated by Trim31 silencing or attenuated by Trim31 overexpression. Further examination revealed that Trim31 deficiency exacerbated the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome in OVA-induced asthmatic mice and HDM-stimulated airway epithelial cells. The inhibition of NLRP3 markedly diminished the Trim31 silencing-mediated enhancement of HDM-induced injury and inflammation in airway epithelial cells. In conclusion, this work demonstrates that Trim31 acts as a crucial mediator of airway inflammation in asthma. Trim31 deficiency may contribute to the progression of asthma by increasing NLRP3 inflammasome activation, suggesting that Trim31 is a potential therapeutic target for asthma.

From Crypts to Cancer: A Holistic Perspective on Colorectal Carcinogenesis and Therapeutic Strategies

Colorectal cancer (CRC) represents a significant global health burden, with high incidence and mortality rates worldwide. Recent progress in research highlights the distinct clinical and molecular characteristics of colon versus rectal cancers, underscoring tumor location's importance in treatment approaches. This article provides a comprehensive review of our current understanding of CRC epidemiology, risk factors, molecular pathogenesis, and management strategies. We also present the intricate cellular architecture of colonic crypts and their roles in intestinal homeostasis. Colorectal carcinogenesis multistep processes are also described, covering the conventional adenoma-carcinoma sequence, alternative serrated pathways, and the influential Vogelstein model, which proposes sequential APC, KRAS, and TP53 alterations as drivers. The consensus molecular CRC subtypes (CMS1-CMS4) are examined, shedding light on disease heterogeneity and personalized therapy implications.

E3 ubiquitin ligase TRIM31: A potential therapeutic target

Ubiquitination is a key mechanism for post-translational protein modification, affecting protein localization, metabolism, degradation and various cellular physiological processes. Dysregulation of ubiquitination is associated with the pathogenesis of various diseases, such as tumors and cardiovascular diseases, making it a primary area of interest in biochemical research and drug development endeavors. E3 ubiquitin ligases play a pivotal role in modulating the ubiquitination of substrate proteins through their unique recognition functions. TRIM31, a member of the TRIM family of E3 ubiquitin ligases, is aberrantly expressed in different pathophysiological conditions. The biological function of TRIM31 is associated with the occurrence and development of diverse diseases. TRIM31 has been demonstrated to inhibit inflammation by promoting ubiquitin-proteasome-mediated degradation of the sensing protein NLRP3 in the inflammasome. TRIM31 mediates ubiquitination of MAVS, inducing the formation of prion-like aggregates, and triggering innate antiviral immune responses. TRIM31 is also implicated in tumor pathophysiology through its ability to promote ubiquitination of the tumor suppressor protein p53. These findings indicate that TRIM31 is a potential therapeutic target, and subsequent in-depth research of TRIM31 is anticipated to provide information on its clinical application in therapy.

Post-translational control of NLRP3 inflammasome signaling

Inflammasomes serve as critical sensors for disruptions to cellular homeostasis, with inflammasome assembly leading to inflammatory caspase activation, gasdermin cleavage, and cytokine release. While the canonical pathways leading to priming, assembly, and pyroptosis are well characterized, recent work has begun to focus on the role of post-translational modifications (PTMs) in regulating inflammasome activity. A diverse array of PTMs, including phosphorylation, ubiquitination, SUMOylation, acetylation, and glycosylation, exert both activating and inhibitory influences on members of the inflammasome cascade through effects on protein-protein interactions, stability, and localization. Dysregulation of inflammasome activation is associated with a number of inflammatory diseases, and evidence is emerging that aberrant modification of inflammasome components contributes to this dysregulation. This review provides insight into PTMs within the NLRP3 inflammasome pathway and their functional consequences on the signaling cascade and highlights outstanding questions that remain regarding the complex web of signals at play.

CircRNAs as New Therapeutic Entities and Tools for Target Identification in Acute Myeloid Leukemia

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a genetically extremely heterogeneous disease. Drug resistance after induction therapy is a very frequent event resulting in poor medium survival times. Therefore, the identification of new targets and treatment modalities is a medical high priority issue. We addressed our attention to circular RNAs (circRNAs), which can act as oncogenes or tumor suppressors in AML. We searched the literature (PubMed) and identified eight up-regulated and two down-regulated circ-RNAs with activity in preclinical in vivo models. In addition, we identified twenty-two up-regulated and four down-regulated circRNAs with activity in preclinical in vitro systems, but pending in vivo activity. Up-regulated RNAs are potential targets for si- or shRNA-based approaches, and down-regulated circRNAs can be reconstituted by replacement therapy to achieve a therapeutic benefit in preclinical systems. The up-regulated targets can be tackled with small molecules, antibody-based entities, or other modes of intervention. For down-regulated targets, up-regulators must be identified. The ranking of the identified circRNAs with respect to therapy of AML will depend on further target validation experiments.

The role of ubiquitination and deubiquitination in PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway: A potential target for cancer therapy

The PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway controls key cellular processes, including proliferation and tumor progression, and abnormally high activation of this pathway is a hallmark in human cancers. The post-translational modification, such as Ubiquitination and deubiquitination, fine-tuning the protein level and the activity of members in this pathway play a pivotal role in maintaining normal physiological process. Emerging evidence show that the unbalanced ubiquitination/deubiquitination modification leads to human diseases via PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. Therefore, a comprehensive understanding of the ubiquitination/deubiquitination regulation of PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway may be helpful to uncover the underlying mechanism and improve the potential treatment of cancer via targeting this pathway. Herein, we summarize the latest research progress of ubiquitination and deubiquitination of PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, systematically discuss the associated crosstalk between them, as well as focus the clinical transformation via targeting ubiquitination process.