1
|
Mohamed RH, Abdel Hay NH, Fawzy NM, Tamim YM, Doaa Karem MM, Yehia DAY, Abdel Maksoud OM, Abdelrahim DS. Targeting mevalonate pathway by zoledronate ameliorated pulmonary fibrosis in a rat model: Promising therapy against post-COVID-19 pulmonary fibrosis. Fundam Clin Pharmacol 2024; 38:703-717. [PMID: 38357833 DOI: 10.1111/fcp.12994] [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: 09/23/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rho kinase (ROCK) pathway plays a critical role in post-COVID-19 pulmonary fibrosis (PCPF) and its intervention with angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) will be a potential therapeutic target. OBJECTIVES The present study was conducted to investigate the efficacy of zoledronate (ZA) on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) induced pulmonary fibrosis (PF) in rats through targeting ACE2, ROCK, and VEGF signaling pathways. METHODS Fifty male Wistar rats were divided into five groups: control, vehicle-treated, PF, PF-ZA 50, and PF-ZA 100 groups. ZA was given in two different doses 100 and 50 μg/kg/week intraperitoneally. After anesthesia, mean arterial blood pressure (MBP) was measured. After scarification, lung coefficient was calculated. Lung levels of ACE 2, interleukin-1β (IL-1β), transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), VEGF, glutathione (GSH), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were measured. Expression of ROCK, phosphorylated myosin phosphatase target subunit 1 (P-MYPT1), and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP-1), along with histopathological changes and immune-histochemical staining for lung α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα), and caspase-3, were evaluated. RESULTS ZA significantly prevented the decrease in MBP. ZA significantly increased ACE2, GSH, and SOD and significantly decreased IL-1β, TGF-β, and VEGF in lung in comparison to PF group. ZA prevented the histopathological changes induced by CCl4. ZA inhibited lung expression of ROCK, P-MYPT1, MMP-1, α-SMA, TNFα, and caspase-3 with significant differences favoring the high dose intervention. CONCLUSION ZA in a dose-dependent manner prevented the pathological effect of CCl4 in the lung by targeting mevalonate pathway. It could be promising therapy against PCPF.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Reham Hussein Mohamed
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Nesma Hussein Abdel Hay
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Nesma Mohamed Fawzy
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Yomna M Tamim
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - M M Doaa Karem
- Department of Histology, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | | | - Omnia M Abdel Maksoud
- Department of Medical Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Dina S Abdelrahim
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Modern Technology and Information University, Cairo, Egypt
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Burgess JK, Gosens R. Mechanotransduction and the extracellular matrix: Key drivers of lung pathologies and drug responsiveness. Biochem Pharmacol 2024:116255. [PMID: 38705536 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2024.116255] [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: 02/02/2024] [Revised: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
The lung is a biomechanically active organ, with multiscale mechanical forces impacting the organ, tissue and cellular responses within this microenvironment. In chronic lung diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pulmonary fibrosis and others, the structure of the lung is drastically altered impeding gas exchange. These changes are, in part, reflected in alterations in the composition, amount and organization of the extracellular matrix within the different lung compartments. The transmission of mechanical forces within lung tissue are broadcast by this complex mix of extracellular matrix components, in particular the collagens, elastin and proteoglycans and the crosslinking of these components. At both a macro and a micro level, the mechanical properties of the microenvironment have a key regulatory role in ascertaining cellular responses and the function of the lung. Cells adhere to, and receive signals from, the extracellular matrix through a number of different surface receptors and complexes which are important for mechanotransduction. This review summarizes the multiscale mechanics in the lung and how the mechanical environment changes in lung disease and aging. We then examine the role of mechanotransduction in driving cell signaling events in lung diseases and finish with a future perspective of the need to consider how such forces may impact pharmacological responsiveness in lung diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Janette K Burgess
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, Groningen, the Netherlands; University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD (GRIAC), Groningen, the Netherlands.
| | - Reinoud Gosens
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD (GRIAC), Groningen, the Netherlands; Department of Molecular Pharmacology, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Liu H, Yang M, Li K, Gao Q, Zheng J, Gong X, Wang H, Sun Y, Chang X. A transcriptomics-based investigation of the mechanism of pulmonary fibrosis induced by nickel oxide nanoparticles. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY 2024; 39:2374-2389. [PMID: 38165020 DOI: 10.1002/tox.24088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Revised: 10/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Nickel oxide nanoparticles (NiONPs) are an emerging nanomaterial, which poses a huge threat to the health of workplace population. Nanoparticles induce pulmonary fibrosis, and its mechanisms are associated with noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs). However, ncRNAs and competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) networks which involved in NiONP-induced pulmonary fibrosis are still unclear. This study aimed to identify ncRNA-related ceRNA networks and investigate the role of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway in pulmonary fibrosis. Male Wistar rats were intratracheally instilled with 0.015, 0.06, and 0.24 mg/kg NiONPs twice a week for 9 weeks. First, we found there were 93 circularRNAs (circRNAs), 74 microRNAs (miRNAs), 124 long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), and 1675 messenger RNAs (mRNAs) differentially expressed through microarray analysis. Second, we constructed ceRNA networks among lncRNAs/circRNAs, miRNAs and mRNAs and identified two ceRNA networks (lncMelttl16/miR-382-5p/Hsd17b7 and circIqch/miR-181d-5p/Stat1) after real time-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) validation. Furthermore, based on Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses, ncRNAs were found to be involved in biological processes and signaling pathways related to pulmonary fibrosis. KEGG analysis showed that NiONPs activated the Wnt/β-catenin pathway in rats. In vitro, HFL1 cells were treated with 0, 50, 100, and 200 μg/mL NiONPs for 24 h. We found that NiONPs induced collagen deposition and Wnt/β-catenin pathway activation. Moreover, a blockade of Wnt/β-catenin pathway alleviated NiONP-induced collagen deposition. In conclusion, these observations suggested that ncRNAs were crucial in pulmonary fibrosis development and that the Wnt/β-catenin pathway mediated the deposition of collagen.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Han Liu
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Mengmeng Yang
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Kun Li
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Qing Gao
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Jinfa Zheng
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xuefeng Gong
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Hui Wang
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yingbiao Sun
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xuhong Chang
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Xie Y, Yue L, Shi Y, Su X, Gan C, Liu H, Xue T, Ye T. Application and Study of ROCK Inhibitors in Pulmonary Fibrosis: Recent Developments and Future Perspectives. J Med Chem 2023; 66:4342-4360. [PMID: 36940432 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c01753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/22/2023]
Abstract
Rho-associated coiled-coil-containing kinases (ROCKs), serine/threonine protein kinases, were initially identified as downstream targets of the small GTP-binding protein Rho. Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is a lethal disease with limited therapeutic options and a particularly poor prognosis. Interestingly, ROCK activation has been demonstrated in PF patients and in animal PF models, making it a promising target for PF treatment. Many ROCK inhibitors have been discovered, and four of these have been approved for clinical use; however, no ROCK inhibitors are approved for the treatment of PF patients. In this article, we describe ROCK signaling pathways and the structure-activity relationship, potency, selectivity, binding modes, pharmacokinetics (PKs), biological functions, and recently reported inhibitors of ROCKs in the context of PF. We will also focus our attention on the challenges to be addressed when targeting ROCKs and discuss the strategy of ROCK inhibitor use in the treatment of PF.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuting Xie
- Sichuan University-Oxford University Huaxi Gastrointestinal Cancer Centre, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Lin Yue
- Sichuan University-Oxford University Huaxi Gastrointestinal Cancer Centre, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Yaojie Shi
- Sichuan University-Oxford University Huaxi Gastrointestinal Cancer Centre, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Xingping Su
- Sichuan University-Oxford University Huaxi Gastrointestinal Cancer Centre, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Cailing Gan
- Sichuan University-Oxford University Huaxi Gastrointestinal Cancer Centre, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Hongyao Liu
- Sichuan University-Oxford University Huaxi Gastrointestinal Cancer Centre, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Taixiong Xue
- Sichuan University-Oxford University Huaxi Gastrointestinal Cancer Centre, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Tinghong Ye
- Sichuan University-Oxford University Huaxi Gastrointestinal Cancer Centre, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Franova S, Molitorisova M, Kalmanova L, Palencarova J, Joskova M, Smiesko L, Mazerik J, Sutovska M. The anti-asthmatic potential of Rho-kinase inhibitor hydroxyfasudil in the model of experimentally induced allergic airway inflammation. Eur J Pharmacol 2022; 938:175450. [PMID: 36473595 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2022.175450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Revised: 11/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This experimental study evaluated the anti-asthmatic potential of the Rho-kinase inhibitor hydroxyfasudil in the settings of allergen-induced allergen-induced experimental asthma. METHODS Chronic allergic airway inflammation was caused by 28 days-sensitisation of guinea pigs with ovalbumin (OVA). Hydroxyfasudil was administered intraperitoneally in two doses for the last two weeks (1 mg/kg b.w.; 10 mg/kg b.w.). The degree of allergic inflammation was determined based on concentrations of inflammatory Th2 cytokines (IL-4, IL-13), Th1 cytokines (TNF-α and IFN-γ) in the lung homogenate and leukocyte count in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). The markers of remodelling and fibrosis, the growth factors (TGF-β1, EGF), EGF receptor, collagen type III and V were estimated in lung homogenate. The changes in specific airway resistance (sRaw) were used as an in vivo bronchial hyperreactivity parameter. RESULTS Hydroxyfasudil administration at both doses significantly reduced sRaw after a week of therapy. We observed a decline of IL-13, TNF-α and IFN-γ in lung homogenate and a lower presence of lymphocytes in BALF after 14 days of hydroxyfasudil administration at both tested doses. Hydroxyfasudil 14 days-treatment at both doses effectively reduced the concentrations of TGF-β1, EGF receptors, collagen type III and V in BALF and modulated EGF levels. CONCLUSIONS These findings indicate that RhoA/Rho-kinase is involved in the pathophysiology of allergic airway inflammation and suggest that Rho-kinase inhibitor hydroxyfasudil has therapeutic potential for asthma management.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sona Franova
- Comenius University in Bratislava, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin, Department of Pharmacology, Mala Hora 4C, 036 01, Martin, Slovakia.
| | - Miroslava Molitorisova
- Comenius University in Bratislava, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin, Department of Pharmacology, Mala Hora 4C, 036 01, Martin, Slovakia
| | - Lenka Kalmanova
- Comenius University in Bratislava, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin, Department of Pharmacology, Mala Hora 4C, 036 01, Martin, Slovakia
| | - Jarmila Palencarova
- Comenius University in Bratislava, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin, Department of Pharmacology, Mala Hora 4C, 036 01, Martin, Slovakia
| | - Marta Joskova
- Comenius University in Bratislava, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin, Department of Pharmacology, Mala Hora 4C, 036 01, Martin, Slovakia
| | - Lukas Smiesko
- Comenius University in Bratislava, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin, Department of Pharmacology, Mala Hora 4C, 036 01, Martin, Slovakia
| | - Jozef Mazerik
- Comenius University in Bratislava, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin, Department of Pharmacology, Mala Hora 4C, 036 01, Martin, Slovakia
| | - Martina Sutovska
- Comenius University in Bratislava, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin, Department of Pharmacology, Mala Hora 4C, 036 01, Martin, Slovakia
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Kim KW, Shin YJ, Lee SCS. Novel ROCK Inhibitors, Sovesudil and PHP-0961, Enhance Proliferation, Adhesion and Migration of Corneal Endothelial Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232314690. [PMID: 36499014 PMCID: PMC9740482 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232314690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The loss or dysfunction of human corneal endothelial cells (hCEnCs) is a leading cause of blindness due to corneal failure. Corneal transplantation with a healthy donor cornea has been the only available treatment for corneal endothelial disease. However, the need for way to regenerate the CEnCs has been increased due to the global shortage of donor corneas. The aim of the study is to investigate whether novel Rho-kinase (ROCK) inhibitors can induce the cultivation and regeneration of hCEnCs. Cultured hCEnCs were treated with Y-27632, sovesudil, or PHP-0961 for 24 h. Cellular responses, including cell viability, cytotoxicity, proliferation, and Ki67 expression with ROCK inhibitors were evaluated. We also evaluated wound healing and cell adhesion assays. Porcine corneas were used ex vivo to evaluate the effects of Y-27632, sovesudil, and PHP-0961 on wound healing and regeneration. We performed live/dead cell assays and immunofluorescence staining for SRY (sex determining region Y)-box 2 (SOX2), β-catenin, and ZO-1 on porcine corneas after ROCK inhibitor treatments. Cell viability, cell proliferation rate, and the number of Ki67-positive cells were higher in Y-27632, sovesudil and PHP-0961 treated cells compared to the control. There was no difference in LDH cytotoxicity test between any groups. Cells treated with Y-27632, sovesudil and PHP-0961 showed faster migration, wound healing, and cell adhesion. In the porcine ex vivo experiments, wound healing, the number of live cells, and SOX2-positive cells were higher in Y-27632, sovesudil and PHP-0961 treated corneas. In all experiments, sovesudil and PHP-0961, the novel ROCK inhibitors, were equal or superior to the results of the ROCK inhibitor positive control, Y-27632. In conclusion, sovesudil and PHP-0961, novel ROCK inhibitors have the capacity to regenerate hCEnCs by enhancing cell proliferation and adhesion between cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kyung Wook Kim
- Department of Ophthalmology, Hallym University Medical Center, College of Medicine, Hallym University, Seoul 07441, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Joo Shin
- Department of Ophthalmology, Hallym University Medical Center, College of Medicine, Hallym University, Seoul 07441, Republic of Korea
- Hallym BioEyeTech Research Center, Hallym University College of Medicine, Seoul 07441, Republic of Korea
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-2-6960-1240
| | - Sammy Chi Sam Lee
- pH Pharma Co., Ltd., B-1009, U-Space, 670 Daewangpangyo-ro, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si 13494, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Rackow AR, Nagel DJ, Zapas G, Clough RS, Sime PJ, Kottmann RM. The Novel Small Molecule BTB Inhibits Pro-Fibrotic Fibroblast Behavior though Inhibition of RhoA Activity. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:11946. [PMID: 36233248 PMCID: PMC9569993 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231911946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2022] [Revised: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive, chronic, interstitial lung disease with a poor prognosis. Although specific anti-fibrotic medications are now available, the median survival time following diagnosis remains very low, and new therapies are urgently needed. To uncover novel therapeutic targets, we examined how biochemical properties of the fibrotic lung are different from the healthy lung. Previous work identified lactate as a metabolite that is upregulated in IPF lung tissue. Importantly, inhibition of the enzyme responsible for lactate production prevents fibrosis in vivo. Further studies revealed that fibrotic lesions of the lung experience a significant decline in tissue pH, likely due to the overproduction of lactate. It is not entirely clear how cells in the lung respond to changes in extracellular pH, but a family of proton sensing G-protein coupled receptors has been shown to be activated by reductions in extracellular pH. This work examines the expression profiles of proton sensing GPCRs in non-fibrotic and IPF-derived primary human lung fibroblasts. We identify TDAG8 as a proton sensing GPCR that is upregulated in IPF fibroblasts and that knockdown of TDAG8 dampens myofibroblast differentiation. To our surprise, BTB, a proposed positive allosteric modulator of TDAG8, inhibits myofibroblast differentiation. Our data suggest that BTB does not require TDAG8 to inhibit myofibroblast differentiation, but rather inhibits myofibroblast differentiation through suppression of RhoA mediated signaling. Our work highlights the therapeutic potential of BTB as an anti-fibrotic treatment and expands upon the importance of RhoA-mediated signaling pathways in the context of myofibroblast differentiation. Furthermore, this works also suggests that TDAG8 inhibition may have therapeutic relevance in the treatment of IPF.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ashley R. Rackow
- Division of Pulmonary Disease and Critical Care Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center Rochester, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
| | - David J. Nagel
- Division of Pulmonary Disease and Critical Care Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center Rochester, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
| | - Gregory Zapas
- Division of Pulmonary Disease and Critical Care Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center Rochester, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
| | - Ryan S. Clough
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Utah Salt Lake City, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Patricia J. Sime
- Division of Pulmonary Disease and Critical Care Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University Richmond, Richmond, VA 23284, USA
| | - R. Matthew Kottmann
- Division of Pulmonary Disease and Critical Care Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center Rochester, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Liu L, Song W, Zeng J, Peng Z. Evaluating a Specific Dual ROCK Inhibitor against Bleomycin-Induced Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis in Rats. ACS Pharmacol Transl Sci 2022; 5:819-828. [PMID: 36110377 PMCID: PMC9469187 DOI: 10.1021/acsptsci.2c00149] [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: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic, progressive, and fatal lung disease. Rho-associated protein kinases (ROCK) 1/2 are promising therapeutic targets for the treatment of IPF. However, a single inhibition of each of them is insufficient to prevent bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis. The current work reported that bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis can be reduced by dual inhibition of ROCK1/2 with compound 1. We evaluated the dual-selective ROCK1/2 inhibition activity of compound 1, its toxicity, and its preliminary efficacy on bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis. In vitro, compound 1 served as the ROCK1/2 inhibitor with half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of 165 ±10.4 nM for ROCK1 and 16.1 ± 2.82 nM for ROCK2. In NIH/3T3 cells, compound 1 inhibited the mRNA expression of COL 1A1 and α-SMA. At therapeutic levels, compound 1 exhibited neither hepatic nor cardiac toxicity, also no CYP450 enzyme inhibition. In vivo, compound 1 had good pharmacokinetic properties, and its oral administration reduced bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in rats. All the outcomes prove the drug-like characteristics of compound 1 for the treatment of IPF.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Li Liu
- Wuhan
Createrna Science and Technology Co.Ltd, Wuhan East Lake High-Tech
Development Zone, Biolake
C2-2, Wuhan 430073, China
| | - Wei Song
- School
of Life Science, Hubei University, Wuhan 430062, China
| | - Jing Zeng
- Wuhan
Createrna Science and Technology Co.Ltd, Wuhan East Lake High-Tech
Development Zone, Biolake
C2-2, Wuhan 430073, China
| | - Zhihong Peng
- School
of Life Science, Hubei University, Wuhan 430062, China
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Wu X, Bos IST, Conlon TM, Ansari M, Verschut V, van der Koog L, Verkleij LA, D’Ambrosi A, Matveyenko A, Schiller HB, Königshoff M, Schmidt M, Kistemaker LEM, Yildirim AÖ, Gosens R. A transcriptomics-guided drug target discovery strategy identifies receptor ligands for lung regeneration. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eabj9949. [PMID: 35319981 PMCID: PMC8942365 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abj9949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Currently, there is no pharmacological treatment targeting defective tissue repair in chronic disease. Here, we used a transcriptomics-guided drug target discovery strategy using gene signatures of smoking-associated chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and from mice chronically exposed to cigarette smoke, identifying druggable targets expressed in alveolar epithelial progenitors, of which we screened the function in lung organoids. We found several drug targets with regenerative potential, of which EP and IP prostanoid receptor ligands had the most profound therapeutic potential in restoring cigarette smoke-induced defects in alveolar epithelial progenitors in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, we found, using single-cell RNA sequencing analysis, that circadian clock and cell cycle/apoptosis signaling pathways were differentially expressed in alveolar epithelial progenitor cells in patients with COPD and in a relevant model of COPD, which was prevented by prostaglandin E2 or prostacyclin mimetics. We conclude that specific targeting of EP and IP receptors offers therapeutic potential for injury to repair in COPD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xinhui Wu
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV, Groningen, Netherlands
- Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - I. Sophie T. Bos
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV, Groningen, Netherlands
- Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Thomas M. Conlon
- Institute of Lung Biology and Disease (ILBD)/Comprehensive Pneumology Center (CPC), Helmholtz Zentrum München, Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Munich, Germany
| | - Meshal Ansari
- Institute of Lung Biology and Disease (ILBD)/Comprehensive Pneumology Center (CPC), Helmholtz Zentrum München, Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Munich, Germany
| | - Vicky Verschut
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV, Groningen, Netherlands
- Aquilo BV, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Luke van der Koog
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV, Groningen, Netherlands
- Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Lars A. Verkleij
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV, Groningen, Netherlands
- Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Angela D’Ambrosi
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV, Groningen, Netherlands
- Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Aleksey Matveyenko
- Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Herbert B. Schiller
- Institute of Lung Biology and Disease (ILBD)/Comprehensive Pneumology Center (CPC), Helmholtz Zentrum München, Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Munich, Germany
| | | | - Martina Schmidt
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV, Groningen, Netherlands
- Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Loes E. M. Kistemaker
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV, Groningen, Netherlands
- Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
- Aquilo BV, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Ali Önder Yildirim
- Institute of Lung Biology and Disease (ILBD)/Comprehensive Pneumology Center (CPC), Helmholtz Zentrum München, Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Munich, Germany
| | - Reinoud Gosens
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV, Groningen, Netherlands
- Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|