AKR1B1 Represses Glioma Cell Proliferation through p38 MAPK-Mediated Bcl-2/BAX/Caspase-3 Apoptotic Signaling Pathways

ULBP2 promotes progression of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma by modulating MAPK signaling pathway

BACKGROUND

UL16-binding protein 2 (ULBP2) is significantly overexpressed in diverse cancers, it may also serve as a potential prognostic factor. Nonetheless, the mechanism of action and functions associated with ULBP2 in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma(HNSCC) are unexplored. This study aims to clarify the role and mechanism of ULBP2 in HNSCC and determine whether this molecule promotes tumor progression through modulation multiple downstream MAPK signaling.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database was used to find out the mRNA transcript levels of ULBP2 in people with HNSCC. Here, the impact of ULBP2 on proliferation, migration and invasion abilities was evaluated in HNSCC cell lines using multi-methods. To understand the effect of ULBP2 on tumor-related signaling pathways, Genomic Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) was performed. We did an in vivo cancer study to learn more about the part ULBP2 plays in the growth of tumors. Moreover, Western blot was used to determine the signaling pathways influenced by ULBP2.

RESULTS

ULBP2 is highly expressed in HNSCC cells. In addition, we saw that HNSCC patients who had high levels of ULBP2 had a poor prognosis. Silencing ULBP2 expression reduces invasive and metastatic abilities of HNSCC cells Mechanistic experiments showed the function of ULBP2 in vitro and in vivo tumorigenic assays potentially associated with MAPK pathway.

CONCLUSION

We validated that ULBP2 promotes HNSCC cell progression by regulating the MAPK pathway. These findings are crucial for understanding the process of HNSCC pathogenesis and progression caused by ULBP2.

Oxysophocarpine Prevents the Glutamate-Induced Apoptosis of HT-22 Cells via the Nrf2/HO-1 Signaling Pathway

Oxysophocarpine (OSC), a quinolizidine alkaloid, shows neuroprotective potential, though its mechanisms are unclear. The aim of the present study was to investigate the neuroprotective effects of OSC through the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/ heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) signaling pathway using the HT-22 cell line. Assessments of cell viability were conducted utilizing the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Assessments of oxidative stress (OS) were conducted through the quantification of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The integrity of the mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) was scrutinized using fluorescent probe technology. Apoptosis levels were quantified using terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) staining. The trafficking of Nrf2 within the cell nucleus was examined through immunofluorescence analysis. Furthermore, Western blotting (WB) was applied to evaluate the expression levels of proteins implicated in apoptosis and the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway. To further probe the influence of OSC on the overexpression of antioxidant enzymes, cells were subjected to transfection with HO-1 siRNA. The results showed that OSC inhibited glutamate-induced OS, as evidenced by reduced cell viability and ROS levels. Furthermore, the apoptotic condition induced by glutamate in HT-22 cells was significantly reduced following OSC treatment. More interestingly, the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway was upregulated following OSC treatment. These results suggest that OSC can exert neuroprotective effects by regulating the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway to inhibit neuronal cell apoptosis, potentially aiding in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.

Regorafenib enhances the efficacy of photodynamic therapy in hepatocellular carcinoma through MAPK signaling pathway suppression

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a promising and innovative approach for treating tumors. The synergistic effect of PDT and chemotherapy can enhance the anti-tumor efficacy by leveraging their complementing benefits. In this study, we created lipid vesicles to deliver a photosensitizer (chlorin e6, Ce6) and Regorafenib into tumors for the purpose of examining the effectiveness and mechanism of Lipo-Ce6@Rego-PDT (LCR-P) on Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) both in vitro and in vivo. We found that the cytotoxicity on HCC caused by LCR-P was significantly stronger than that caused by Lipo-Ce6-PDT (LC-P). Cellular ROS production in the LCR-P group was approximately higher than that in the LC-P group, and Regorafenib significantly inhibited the phosphorylation of JNK, ERK, and P38 of Lipo-Ce6-PDT group in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, Regorafenib significantly downregulated the expression of Bcl-2 and upregulated the expression of Bax and cleaved caspase-3 of LC-P group in vitro and in vivo. Compared with LC-P, LCR-P significantly increased cell apoptosis rate. The body weight and HE staining of normal organs primarily indicated the safety of this combined strategy. These results indicate that the combination of Regorafenib and Lipo-Ce6 can significantly enhance the anti-tumor efficiency of PDT for HCC and exhibits good biosafety.

Anisodamine (654-1/654-2) ameliorates septic kidney injury in rats by inhibiting inflammation and apoptosis

Introduction

To investigate the protective effects of anisodamine (654-1/654-2) against acute kidney injury (AKI) in LPS-induced septic shock rats and explore its molecular mechanisms.

Methods

56 rats were randomly divided into 8 groups: control, LPS, LPS + 654-1, and LPS + 654-2 (1.25, 2.5 and 5 mg/kg). The model was evaluated by monitoring MAP, HR, and plasma LD levels. ELISA and biochemical assay kits were used to measure the levels of inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α) and kidney injury markers (BUN and CRE). Additionally, RNA-seq and bioinformatic analysis were performed to explore the mechanism of action of 654-1/654-2, and verification was conducted by western blotting and RT-PCR.

Results

654-1/654-2 significantly restored the levels of MAP, HR, and plasma LD in septic shock rats. Furthermore, 654-1/654-2 (5 mg/kg) effectively ameliorated LPS-induced kidney structural damage and exhibited a dose-dependent reduction in levels of inflammatory cytokines and kidney injury markers. In addition, RNA-seq, WB, and RT-PCR analyses revealed that 654-1/654-2 exerted its effects by inhibiting the expressions of the NF-κB and MAPK pathways and activating the Pi3K/Akt/Bcl-2 signaling pathway, thereby mitigating AKI.

Discussion

This study suggested that 654-1/654-2 could alleviate AKI in septic shock rats by improving inflammation invasion and cell apoptosis. Notably, 654-1/654-2 collectively suppressed inflammation response through the p38/JNK/AP-1/NF-κB pathway. Additionally, 654-1 promotes survival signaling via the Pi3K/Akt/Bcl-2 pathway, whereas 654-2 reduces apoptosis through the P53/Bax pathway. These findings provided a theoretical basis for the clinical application of 654-1/654-2 in treating organ damage caused by septic shock.

Integrating Network Pharmacology and Experimental Verification to Explore the Pharmacological Mechanisms of Radix Paeoniae Rubra Against Glioma

Glioma has a high mortality and can hardly be completely cured. Radix Paeoniae Rubra (RPR) is a prevalent component in traditional Chinese medicine used for tumor treatments. We explored the mechanism of RPR in treating glioma using network pharmacology and experiments. A network pharmacology approach was used to screen active ingredients, targets of RPR and glioma. We then constructed a herb-active ingredient-target-pathway network and conducted protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis, as well as Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis. Molecular docking was also performed. Using CCK-8, colony formation, and xenograft experiments, we evaluated the effect of RPR on glioma. The involved pathway and proteins were identified by Western blot. From public databases, we identified nine active RPR ingredients and 40 overlapping targets among 109 RPR targets and 1360 glioma-associated targets. The PPI analysis revealed ten targets, such as AKT1, TP53, and VEGFA, which were identified as hub genes. The results from GO and KEGG analysis highlighted the involvement of the PI3K/AKT pathway. A herb-active ingredient-target-pathway network was constructed. By docking molecular structures, six suitable conformations have been identified. The RPR extract demonstrated anti-tumor properties by inhibiting glioma cell proliferation in vitro and in vivo, likely achieved by suppressing the phosphorylation of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. RPR concurrently downregulated the phosphorylation level of AKT1 and the protein expression level of VEGFA, while upregulating the expression of P53 in the U251 cell line. Utilizing network pharmacology and molecular docking, our study not only predicted the impact of RPR on glioma but also delineated the herb-active ingredient-target-pathway network. Experimentally, we confirmed that RPR may exert its anti-tumor properties by inhibiting the phosphorylation of the PI3K/AKT pathway, including AKT1, and by regulating the expression levels of VEGFA and P53.

p38 MAPK as a gatekeeper of reprogramming in mouse migratory primordial germ cells

Mammalian germ cells are derived from primordial germ cells (PGCs) and ensure species continuity through generations. Unlike irreversible committed mature germ cells, migratory PGCs exhibit a latent pluripotency characterized by the ability to derive embryonic germ cells (EGCs) and form teratoma. Here, we show that inhibition of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) by chemical compounds in mouse migratory PGCs enables derivation of chemically induced Embryonic Germ-like Cells (cEGLCs) that do not require conventional growth factors like LIF and FGF2/Activin-A, and possess unique naïve pluripotent-like characteristics with epiblast features and chimera formation potential. Furthermore, cEGLCs are regulated by a unique PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, distinct from conventional naïve pluripotent stem cells described previously. Consistent with this notion, we show by performing ex vivo analysis that inhibition of p38 MAPK in organ culture supports the survival and proliferation of PGCs and also potentially reprograms PGCs to acquire indefinite proliferative capabilities, marking these cells as putative teratoma-producing cells. These findings highlight the utility of our ex vivo model in mimicking in vivo teratoma formation, thereby providing valuable insights into the cellular mechanisms underlying tumorigenesis. Taken together, our research underscores a key role of p38 MAPK in germ cell development, maintaining proper cell fate by preventing unscheduled pluripotency and teratoma formation with a balance between proliferation and differentiation.

Cancer stem cell hypothesis 2.0 in glioblastoma: Where are we now and where are we going?

Over the past 2 decades, the cancer stem cell (CSC) hypothesis has provided insight into many malignant tumors, including glioblastoma (GBM). Cancer stem cells have been identified in patient-derived tumors and in some mouse models, allowing for a deeper understanding of cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying GBM growth and therapeutic resistance. The CSC hypothesis has been the cornerstone of cellular heterogeneity, providing a conceptual and technical framework to explain this longstanding phenotype in GBM. This hypothesis has evolved to fit recent insights into how cellular plasticity drives tumor growth to suggest that CSCs do not represent a distinct population but rather a cellular state with substantial plasticity that can be achieved by non-CSCs under specific conditions. This has further been reinforced by advances in genomics, including single-cell approaches, that have used the CSC hypothesis to identify multiple putative CSC states with unique properties, including specific developmental and metabolic programs. In this review, we provide a historical perspective on the CSC hypothesis and its recent evolution, with a focus on key functional phenotypes, and provide an update on the definition for its use in future genomic studies.

ARF6 promotes Streptococcus suis suilysin induced apoptosis in HBMECs

Streptococcus suis (S. suis) is a significant zoonotic microorganism that causes a severe illness in both pigs and humans and is characterized by severe meningitis and septicemia. Suilysin (SLY), which is secreted by S. suis, plays a crucial role as a virulence factor in the disease. To date, the interaction between SLY and host cells is not fully understood. In this study, we identified the interacting proteins between SLY and human brain microvascular endothelial cells (HBMECs) using the TurboID-mediated proximity labeling method. 251 unique proteins were identified in TurboID-SLY treated group, of which six plasma membrane proteins including ARF6, GRK6, EPB41L5, DSC1, TJP2, and PNN were identified. We found that the proteins capable of interacting with SLY are ARF6 and PNN. Subsequent investigations revealed that ARF6 substantially increased the invasive ability of S. suis in HBMECs. Furthermore, ARF6 promoted SLY-induced the activation of p38 MAPK signaling pathway in HBMECs. Moreover, ARF6 promoted the apoptosis in HBMECs through the activation of p38 MAPK signaling pathway induced by SLY. Finally, we confirmed that ARF6 could increase the virulence of SLY in C57BL/6 mice. These findings offer valuable insights that contribute to a deeper understanding of the pathogenic mechanism of SLY.

Isolation and Identification of a Tibetan Pig Porcine Epidemic Diarrhoea Virus Strain and Its Biological Effects on IPEC-J2 Cells

Porcine epidemic diarrhoea virus (PEDV) is a coronavirus that can cause severe watery diarrhoea in piglets, with high morbidity and mortality rates, seriously hindering the healthy development of the global swine industry. In this study, we isolated a strain of PEDV from Tibetan pigs and named it CH/GS/2022. Subsequently, we screened the apoptosis signals of PEDV-infected IPEC-J2 cells and studied the correlation between apoptosis signals and cell apoptosis. The results showed that different infections of PEDV induced different degrees of apoptosis in cells, and PEDV-induced cell apoptosis was dose-dependent. We then detected the expression of the p53, p38, JNK, Bax, and Bcl-2 genes in the apoptosis signal pathway. The results showed that 24 h after PEDV infection, the expression of the p53, p38, JNK, and Bax genes in IPEC-J2 cells increased significantly, while the expression of the Bcl-2 gene decreased significantly (p < 0.05). Subsequently, we used Western blot to detect the protein levels of these five genes, and the results showed that PEDV infection upregulated the expression of p53, p38, JNK, and Bax proteins (p < 0.05) while downregulating the expression of Bcl-2 protein (p < 0.05). Thus, it was initially inferred that PEDV infection could regulate cell apoptosis by activating the p53, p38, and JNK signalling pathways. Finally, we further investigated the apoptosis of the cells through the use of inhibitors. The results indicated that the p53 inhibitor Pifithrin-α has a significant inhibitory effect on the expression of the p53 protein after PEDV infection and can reverse the expression levels of Bax and Bcl-2 proteins. This suggested that p53 is involved in PEDV-induced cell apoptosis. Similarly, the p38 MAPK inhibitor SB203580 has an inhibitory effect on the expression of the p38 protein and can reverse the expression levels of Bax and Bcl-2 proteins. This suggested that p38 is also involved in PEDV-induced cell apoptosis. On the other hand, the JNK inhibitor SP600125 has no inhibitory effect on the expression of the JNK protein after PEDV infection, but the expression levels of Bax and Bcl-2 proteins have changed. Furthermore, it is noteworthy that SP600125 can inhibit the activity of apoptotic proteins but not their levels, resulting in reduced cell apoptosis. These preliminary results indicated that JNK may be involved in PEDV-induced IPEC-J2 cell apoptosis.

Linarin ameliorates ischemia-reperfusion injury by the inhibition of endoplasmic reticulum stress targeting AKR1B1

Due to various factors, there is still a lack of effective neuroprotective agents for ischemic stroke in clinical practice. Neuroinflammation and neuronal apoptosis mediated by endoplasmic reticulum stress are some of the important pathological mechanisms in ischemic stroke. Linarin has been reported to have anti-inflammation, antioxidant, and anti-apoptotic effects in myocardial ischemia, osteoarthritis, and kidney disease. Whether it exerts neuroprotective functions in ischemic stroke has not been investigated. The results showed that linarin could reduce the infarct volume in cerebral ischemia animal models, improve the neurological function scores and suppress the expression of inflammatory factors mediating the NF-κB. Meanwhile, it could protect the neurons from OGD/R-induced-apoptosis, which was related to the PERK-eIF2α pathway. Our results suggested linarin could inhibit neuronal inflammation and apoptosis induced by endoplasmic reticulum stress. Furthermore, the neuroprotective effect of linarin may be related to the inhibition of AKR1B1. Our study offers new insight into protecting against ischemia-reperfusion injury by linarin treatment in stroke.

Wu-zhu-yu Decoction reduces early brain injury following subarachnoid hemorrhage in vivo and in vitro by activating the Nrf2 antioxidant system via SIRT6 targeting

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Early brain damage (EBI) following subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is a long-lasting condition with a high occurrence. However, treatment options are restricted. Wu-zhu-yu Decoction (WZYD) can treat headaches and vomiting, which are similar to the early symptoms of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). However, it is yet unknown if WZYD can reduce EBI following SAH and its underlying mechanisms.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study aimed to investigate whether WZYD protects against EBI following SAH by inhibiting oxidative stress through activating nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) signaling via Sirtuin 6 (SIRT6)-mediated histone H3 lysine 56 (H3K56) deacetylation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In the current investigation, the principal components of WZYD were identified using high-performance liquid chromatography-diode array detection (HPLC-DAD). The SAH model in rats using the internal carotid artery plug puncture approach and the SAH model in primary neurons using hemoglobin incubation were developed. WZYD with different doses (137 mg kg-1, 274 mg kg-1, 548 mg kg-1) and the positive drug-Nimodipine (40 mg kg-1) were intragastrically administered in SAH model rats, respectively. The PC12 cells were cultured with corresponding medicated for 24h. In our investigation, neurological scores, brain water content, Evans blue leakage, Nissl staining, TUNEL staining, oxidative stress, expression of apoptosis-related proteins, and Nrf2/HO-1 signaling were evaluated. The interaction between SIRT6 and Nrf2 was detected by co-immunoprecipitation. SIRT6 knockdown was used to confirm its role in WZYD's neuroprotection.

RESULTS

The WZYD treatment dramatically reduced cerebral hemorrhage and edema, and enhanced neurological results in EBI following SAH rats. WZYD administration inhibited neuronal apoptosis via reducing the expression levels of Cleaved cysteinyl aspartate specific proteinase-3(Cleaved Caspase-3), cysteinyl aspartate specific proteinase-3(caspase-3), and Bcl-2, Associated X Protein (Bax) and increasing the expression of B-cell lymphoma-2(Bal2). It also decreased reactive oxygen species and malondialdehyde levels and increased Nrf2 and HO-1 expression in the rat brain after SAH. In vitro, WZYD attenuated hemoglobin-induced cytotoxicity, oxidative stress and apoptosis in primary neurons. Mechanistically, WZYD enhanced SIRT6 expression and H3K56 deacetylation, activated Nrf2/HO-1 signaling, and promoted the interaction between SIRT6 and Nrf2. Knockdown of SIRT6 abolished WZYD-induced neuroprotection.

CONCLUSIONS

WZYD attenuates EBI after SAH by activating Nrf2/HO-1 signaling through SIRT6-mediated H3K56 deacetylation, suggesting its therapeutic potential for SAH treatment.

Vitamin K2 (MK-7) attenuates LPS-induced acute lung injury via inhibiting inflammation, apoptosis, and ferroptosis

Acute lung injury (ALI) is a life-threatening disease that has received considerable critical attention in the field of intensive care. This study aimed to explore the role and mechanism of vitamin K2 (VK2) in ALI. Intraperitoneal injection of 7 mg/kg LPS was used to induce ALI in mice, and VK2 injection was intragastrically administered with the dose of 0.2 and 15 mg/kg. We found that VK2 improved the pulmonary pathology, reduced myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and levels of TNF-α and IL-6, and boosted the level of IL-10 of mice with ALI. Moreover, VK2 played a significant part in apoptosis by downregulating and upregulating Caspase-3 and Bcl-2 expressions, respectively. As for further mechanism exploration, we found that VK2 inhibited P38 MAPK signaling. Our results also showed that VK2 inhibited ferroptosis, which manifested by reducing malondialdehyde (MDA) and iron levels, increasing glutathione (GSH) level, and upregulated and downregulated glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) expressions, respectively. In addition, VK2 also inhibited elastin degradation by reducing levels of uncarboxylated matrix Gla protein (uc-MGP) and desmosine (DES). Overall, VK2 robustly alleviated ALI by inhibiting LPS-induced inflammation, apoptosis, ferroptosis, and elastin degradation, making it a potential novel therapeutic candidate for ALI.

The novel lncRNA-9802/miR-1646 axis affects cell proliferation of DF-1 by regulating Bax/Bcl-2 signaling pathway

Marek's disease (MD) is a severe infectious and immunosuppressive neoplastic condition that significantly impacts the global poultry industry. Investigating the role of non-coding RNA in pathogenic mechanisms of MD virus (MDV) offers valuable insights for the effective prevention and management of MD. A higher expression of the novel lncRNA-9802 can be found in spleen tissues of MDV-infected chickens from our prior research, and there is a potential association between lncRNA-9802 and cell proliferation. In this study, we further demonstrated that over-expression of lncRNA-9802 could promote the proliferation of DF-1 cells. It has been established that lncRNA-9802 mediated its effects by binding to miR-1646, and further modulated the expression of the Bax and Bcl-2 genes. Deciphering the role of the recently discovered MD-associated lncRNA-9802/miR-1646 axis provides valuable theoretical basis for decoding the molecular mechanisms underlying MDV pathogenesis.