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Li YY, Murai K, Lyu J, Honda M. Roles Played by DOCK11, a Guanine Nucleotide Exchange Factor, in HBV Entry and Persistence in Hepatocytes. Viruses 2024; 16:745. [PMID: 38793626 PMCID: PMC11125634 DOI: 10.3390/v16050745] [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: 04/01/2024] [Revised: 04/28/2024] [Accepted: 05/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
HBV infection is challenging to cure due to the persistence of viral covalently closed circular viral DNA (cccDNA). The dedicator of cytokinesis 11 (DOCK11) is recognized as a guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) for CDC42 that has been reported to be required for HBV persistence. DOCK11 is expressed in both the cytoplasm and nucleus of human hepatocytes and is functionally associated with retrograde trafficking proteins Arf-GAP with GTPase domain, ankyrin repeat, and pleckstrin homology domain-containing protein 2 (AGAP2), and ADP-ribosylation factor 1 (ARF1), together with the HBV capsid, in the trans-Golgi network (TGN). This opens an alternative retrograde trafficking route for HBV from early endosomes (EEs) to the TGN and then to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), thereby avoiding lysosomal degradation. DOCK11 also facilitates the association of cccDNA with H3K4me3 and RNA Pol II for activating cccDNA transcription. In addition, DOCK11 plays a crucial role in the host DNA repair system, being essential for cccDNA synthesis. This function can be inhibited by 10M-D42AN, a novel DOCK11-binding peptide, leading to the suppression of HBV replication both in vitro and in vivo. Treatment with a combination of 10M-D42AN and entecavir may represent a promising therapeutic strategy for patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB). Consequently, DOCK11 may be seen as a potential candidate molecule in the development of molecularly targeted drugs against CHB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying-Yi Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, Kanazawa University Graduate School of Medicine, 13-1, Takaramachi, Kanazawa 920-8640, Japan
| | - Kazuhisa Murai
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Kanazawa University Graduate School of Health Medicine, 13-1, Takaramachi, Kanazawa 920-8640, Japan
| | - Junyan Lyu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Kanazawa University Graduate School of Health Medicine, 13-1, Takaramachi, Kanazawa 920-8640, Japan
| | - Masao Honda
- Department of Gastroenterology, Kanazawa University Graduate School of Medicine, 13-1, Takaramachi, Kanazawa 920-8640, Japan
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Kanazawa University Graduate School of Health Medicine, 13-1, Takaramachi, Kanazawa 920-8640, Japan
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Zheng Y, Xie L, Yang D, Luo K, Li X. Small-molecule natural plants for reversing liver fibrosis based on modulation of hepatic stellate cells activation: An update. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 113:154721. [PMID: 36870824 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2023.154721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Liver fibrosis (LF) is a trauma repair process carried out by the liver in response to various acute and chronic liver injuries. Its primary pathological characteristics are excessive proliferation and improper dismissal of the extracellular matrix, and if left untreated, it will progress into cirrhosis, liver cancer, and other diseases. Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) activation is intimately associated to the onset of LF, and it is anticipated that addressing HSCs proliferation can reverse LF. Plant-based small-molecule medications have anti-LF properties, and their mechanisms of action involve suppression of extracellular matrix abnormally accumulating as well as anti-inflammation and anti-oxidative stress. New targeting HSC agents will therefore be needed to provide a potential curative response. PURPOSE The most recent HSC routes and small molecule natural plants that target HSC described domestically and internationally in recent years were examined in this review. METHODS The data was looked up using resources including ScienceDirect, CNKI, Web of Science, and PubMed. Keyword searches for information on hepatic stellate cells included "liver fibrosis", "natural plant", "hepatic stellate cells", "adverse reaction", "toxicity", etc. RESULTS: We discovered that plant monomers can target and control various pathways to prevent the activation and proliferation of HSC and promote the apoptosis of HSC in order to achieve the anti-LF effect in this work by compiling the plant monomers that influence many common pathways of HSC in recent years. It demonstrates the wide-ranging potential of plant monomers targeting different routes to combat LF, with a view to supplying new concepts and new strategies for natural plant therapy of LF as well as research and development of novel pharmaceuticals. The investigation of kaempferol, physalin B, and other plant monomers additionally motivated researchers to focus on the structure-activity link between the main chemicals and LF. CONCLUSION The creation of novel pharmaceuticals can benefit greatly from the use of natural components. They are often harmless for people, non-target creatures, and the environment because they are found in nature, and they can be employed as the starting chemicals for the creation of novel medications. Natural plants are valuable resources for creating new medications with fresh action targets because they feature original and distinctive action mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Long Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Dejun Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Kaipei Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Xiaofang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China.
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Ma M, Wang X, Liu X, Han Y, Chu Y, Guan Y, Liu H. Engineered fibrotic liver-targeted truncated transforming growth factor β receptor type II variant for superior anti-liver fibrosis therapy. Arch Pharm Res 2023; 46:177-191. [PMID: 36905489 DOI: 10.1007/s12272-023-01435-4] [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: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 02/25/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023]
Abstract
Truncated transforming growth factor β receptor type II (tTβRII) is a promising anti-liver fibrotic candidate because it serves as a trap for binding excessive TGF-β1 by means of competing with wild type TβRII (wtTβRII). However, the widespread application of tTβRII for the treatment of liver fibrosis has been limited by its poor fibrotic liver-homing capacity. Herein, we designed a novel tTβRII variant Z-tTβRII by fusing the platelet-derived growth factor β receptor (PDGFβR)-specific affibody ZPDGFβR to the N-terminus of tTβRII. The target protein Z-tTβRII was produced using Escherichia coli expression system. In vitro and in vivo studies showed that Z-tTβRII has a superior specific fibrotic liver-targeting potential via the engagement of PDGFβR-overexpressing activated hepatic stellate cells (aHSCs) in liver fibrosis. Moreover, Z-tTβRII significantly inhibited cell migration and invasion, and downregulated fibrosis- and TGF-β1/Smad pathway-related protein levels in TGF-β1-stimiluated HSC-T6 cells. Furthermore, Z-tTβRII remarkably ameliorated liver histopathology, mitigated the fibrosis responses and blocked TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway in CCl4-induced liver fibrotic mice. More importantly, Z-tTβRII exhibits a higher fibrotic liver-targeting potential and stronger anti-fibrotic effects than either its parent tTβRII or former variant BiPPB-tTβRII (PDGFβR-binding peptide BiPPB modified tTβRII). In addition, Z-tTβRII shows no significant sign of potential side effects in other vital organs in liver fibrotic mice. Taken together, we conclude that Z-tTβRII with its a high fibrotic liver-homing potential, holds a superior anti-fibrotic activity in liver fibrosis in vitro and in vivo, which may be a potential candidate for targeted therapy for liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manman Ma
- Heilongjiang Province Key Laboratory for Anti-fibrosis Biotherapy, Mudanjiang Medical University, Mudanjiang, 157011, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaohua Wang
- Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Mudanjiang Medical University, Mudanjiang, 157011, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaohui Liu
- Heilongjiang Province Key Laboratory for Anti-fibrosis Biotherapy, Mudanjiang Medical University, Mudanjiang, 157011, People's Republic of China
| | - Yang Han
- The First Clinical College, Mudanjiang Medical University, Mudanjiang, 157011, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanhui Chu
- Heilongjiang Province Key Laboratory for Anti-fibrosis Biotherapy, Mudanjiang Medical University, Mudanjiang, 157011, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanzhong Guan
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, Mudanjiang Medical University, Mudanjiang, 157011, People's Republic of China.
| | - Haifeng Liu
- Heilongjiang Province Key Laboratory for Anti-fibrosis Biotherapy, Mudanjiang Medical University, Mudanjiang, 157011, People's Republic of China.
- Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Mudanjiang Medical University, Mudanjiang, 157011, People's Republic of China.
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Chouinard FC, Davis L, Gilbert C, Bourgoin SG. Functional Role of AGAP2/PIKE-A in Fcγ Receptor-Mediated Phagocytosis. Cells 2022; 12:cells12010072. [PMID: 36611866 PMCID: PMC9818964 DOI: 10.3390/cells12010072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
In phagocytes, cytoskeletal and membrane remodeling is finely regulated at the phagocytic cup. Various smaFll G proteins, including those of the Arf family, control these dynamic processes. Human neutrophils express AGAP2, an Arf GTPase activating protein (ArfGAP) that regulates endosomal trafficking and focal adhesion remodeling. We first examined the impact of AGAP2 on phagocytosis in CHO cells stably expressing the FcγRIIA receptor (CHO-IIA). In unstimulated CHO-IIA cells, AGAP2 only partially co-localized with cytoskeletal elements and intracellular compartments. In CHO-IIA cells, AGAP2 transiently accumulated at actin-rich phagocytic cups and increased Fcγ receptor-mediated phagocytosis. Enhanced phagocytosis was not dependent on the N-terminal GTP-binding protein-like (GLD) domain of AGAP2. AGAP2 deleted of its GTPase-activating protein (GAP) domain was not recruited to phagocytic cups and did not enhance the engulfment of IgG-opsonized beads. However, the GAP-deficient [R618K]AGAP2 transiently localized at the phagocytic cups and enhanced phagocytosis. In PLB-985 cells differentiated towards a neutrophil-like phenotype, silencing of AGAP2 reduced phagocytosis of opsonized zymosan. In human neutrophils, opsonized zymosan or monosodium urate crystals induced AGAP2 phosphorylation. The data indicate that particulate agonists induce AGAP2 phosphorylation in neutrophils. This study highlights the role of AGAP2 and its GAP domain but not GAP activity in FcγR-dependent uptake of opsonized particles.
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Affiliation(s)
- François C. Chouinard
- Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec—Université Laval, Québec City, QC G1V 4G2, Canada
| | - Lynn Davis
- Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec—Université Laval, Québec City, QC G1V 4G2, Canada
| | - Caroline Gilbert
- Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec—Université Laval, Québec City, QC G1V 4G2, Canada
- Département de Microbiologie-Infectiologie et D’immunologie, Université Laval, Québec City, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Sylvain G. Bourgoin
- Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec—Université Laval, Québec City, QC G1V 4G2, Canada
- Département de Microbiologie-Infectiologie et D’immunologie, Université Laval, Québec City, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
- Centre ARThrite de L’université Laval, Québec City, QC G1V 4G2, Canada
- Correspondence:
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Wei C, Qiu J, Wu Y, Chen Z, Yu Z, Huang Z, Yang K, Hu H, Liu F. Promising traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of cholestatic liver disease process (cholestasis, hepatitis, liver fibrosis, liver cirrhosis). JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2022; 297:115550. [PMID: 35863612 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2022.115550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Revised: 07/04/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Cholestatic liver disease (CLD) is mainly characterized by cholestasis. If not treated, it will deteriorate to cholestatic hepatitis, liver fibrosis, liver cirrhosis, and even liver failure. CLD has a high clinical incidence, and limited treatment with single therapy. In the long-term clinical exploration, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been corroborated with unique therapeutic effects on the CLD process. AIM OF THIS REVIEW This paper summarizes the effective single and compound TCMs for the treatment of CLD. According to 4 important clinical stages of CLD: cholestasis, hepatitis, liver fibrosis, liver cirrhosis, pharmacological effects and mechanisms of 5 typical TCM examples are reviewed, aims to provide basis for clinical drug selection in different processes of CLD. MATERIALS AND METHODS Relevant scientific articles regarding therapeutic effects of TCM for the CLD were collected from different databases. We collated three single herbs including Artemisia scoparia Waldst. et Kit. or Artemisia capillaris Thunb. (Artemisiae Scopariae Herba, Yin Chen in Chinese), Paeonia lactiflora Pall. or Paeonia veitchii Lynch. (Paeoniae radix rubra, Chi Shao in Chinese), Poria cocos (Schw.) Wolf (Poria, Fu Ling in Chinese), and two compound herbs of Huang Qi Decoction (HQD) and Yin Chen Hao Decoction (YCHD) to studied and analyzed. RESULTS We proposed five promising TCMs treatments for the important developmental stages of CLD. Among them, Yin Chen is an essential medicine for protecting liver and gallbladder, and its TCM prescription is also a promising strategy for cholestasis. Based on clinical evidence, high-dose application of Chi Shao is a clinical special treatment of cholestasis hepatitis. Fu Ling can regulate immune cells and increase antibody levels in serum, which is expected to be an emerging therapy to prevent cholestatic liver fibrosis to cirrhosis. HQD can be used as routine clinical medicine for liver fibrosis. In addition, YCHD can exert better comprehensive advantages with multiple components, can treat the whole course of CLD and prevent it from developing to the end-stage. CONCLUSION Yin Chen, Chi Shao, Fu Ling, HQD and YCHD have shown good clinical efficacy in controlling the development of CLD. Clinically, it is easier to curb the development of CLD by adopting graded diagnosis and treatment measures. We suggest that CLD should be risk stratified in clinical treatment to ensure personalized treatment for patients, so as to slow down the development of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunlei Wei
- Key Laboratory of Standardization of Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Sichuan, Chengdu, 611137, China.
| | - Jing Qiu
- Key Laboratory of Standardization of Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Sichuan, Chengdu, 611137, China.
| | - Yuyi Wu
- Key Laboratory of Standardization of Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Sichuan, Chengdu, 611137, China.
| | - Ziqiang Chen
- Key Laboratory of Standardization of Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Sichuan, Chengdu, 611137, China.
| | - Ziwei Yu
- Key Laboratory of Standardization of Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Sichuan, Chengdu, 611137, China.
| | - Zecheng Huang
- Key Laboratory of Standardization of Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Sichuan, Chengdu, 611137, China.
| | - Ke Yang
- Key Laboratory of Standardization of Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Sichuan, Chengdu, 611137, China.
| | - Huiling Hu
- Key Laboratory of Standardization of Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Sichuan, Chengdu, 611137, China.
| | - Fang Liu
- Key Laboratory of Standardization of Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Sichuan, Chengdu, 611137, China.
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Chen K, Guo W, Li R, Han Y, Gao Q, Wang S. Demethylzeylasteral attenuates hepatic stellate cell activation and liver fibrosis by inhibiting AGAP2 mediated signaling. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2022; 105:154349. [PMID: 35905567 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2022.154349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Revised: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Liver fibrosis is a common cause of chronic liver disease. If left untreated, it can ultimately develop into liver cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma. However, a direct antifibrotic therapy is currently unavailable. A re-examination of existing chemicals might be a potential strategy for finding more lead compounds against liver fibrosis. Demethylzeylasteral (T-96), a naturally occurring bioactive compound found in Tripterygium wilfordii Hook. f. (TwHf) possesses multiple pharmacological properties. However, its antifibrotic potential has not yet been fully evaluated. PURPOSE This study aimed to investigate the antifibrotic properties of T-96 and its underlying molecular mechanisms. METHODS The antifibrotic properties of T-96 were investigated in three types of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and in a CCl4-induced liver fibrosis mouse model. The effect of T-96 on the proliferation, migration, and activation of HSCs was detected using CCK-8 and scratch/wound healing assays. Hepatic inflammation and fibrosis were evaluated by H&E, Masson's trichrome stain, and Sirius Red staining. The expression of inflammatory and fibrogenic genes was detected by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and western blotting. RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) was performed to explore the potential molecular mechanisms mediating the antifibrotic effect of T-96, which was verified by dual-luciferase reporter assay, qRT-PCR, western blotting, immunofluorescence, and immunoprecipitation analysis. RESULTS The T-96 treatment significantly suppressed the proliferation, migration, and activation of HSCs in vitro. The administration of T-96 attenuated hepatic injury, inflammation, and fibrosis progression in mice with CCl4-induced liver fibrosis. In addition, the RNA-seq of fibrotic liver tissues and subsequent functional verification indicated that the key mechanisms of the antifibrotic effect of T-96 were mediated by suppressing the expression of AGAP2 (Arf GAP with GTPase-like domain, ankyrin repeat and PH domain 2), inhibiting the subsequent phosphorylation of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and protein kinase B (AKT), and finally reducing the expression of fibrosis-related genes. CONCLUSION Our results provide the first insight that T-96 exerts potent antifibrotic effects both in vitro and in vivo by inhibiting the AGAP2 mediated FAK/AKT signaling axis, and that T-96 may serve as a potential therapeutic candidate for the treatment of liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke Chen
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Weiran Guo
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Rongxin Li
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Yueqing Han
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Qi Gao
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Shuzhen Wang
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China.
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Krefl D, Bergmann S. Cross-GWAS coherence test at the gene and pathway level. PLoS Comput Biol 2022; 18:e1010517. [PMID: 36156592 PMCID: PMC9536597 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1010517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2021] [Revised: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Proximal genetic variants are frequently correlated, implying that the corresponding effect sizes detected by genome-wide association studies (GWAS) are also not independent. Methods already exist to account for this when aggregating effects from a single GWAS across genes or pathways. Here we present a rigorous yet fast method for detecting genes with coherent association signals for two traits, facilitating cross-GWAS analyses. To this end, we devised a new significance test for the covariance of datapoints not drawn independently but with a known inter-sample covariance structure. We show that the distribution of its test statistic is a linear combination of χ2 distributions with positive and negative coefficients. The corresponding cumulative distribution function can be efficiently calculated with Davies’ algorithm at high precision. We apply this general framework to test for dependence between SNP-wise effect sizes of two GWAS at the gene level. We extend this test to detect also gene-wise causal links. We demonstrate the utility of our method by uncovering potential shared genetic links between the severity of COVID-19 and (1) being prescribed class M05B medication (drugs affecting bone structure and mineralization), (2) rheumatoid arthritis, (3) vitamin D (25OHD), and (4) serum calcium concentrations. Our method detects a potential role played by chemokine receptor genes linked to TH1 versus TH2 immune response, a gene related to integrin beta-1 cell surface expression, and other genes potentially impacting the severity of COVID-19. Our approach will be useful for similar analyses involving datapoints with known auto-correlation structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Krefl
- Department of Computational Biology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Lausanne, Switzerland
- * E-mail: (DK); (SB)
| | - Sven Bergmann
- Department of Computational Biology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Dept. of Integrative Biomedical Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- * E-mail: (DK); (SB)
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Cho K, Kim NH, Seo SH, Song SH, Jeong CH, Kim HS, Um JE, Ku M, Yang J, Park JY, Ahn SH, Yook JI, Kim SU. A micellized bone morphogenetic protein-7 prodrug ameliorates liver fibrosis by suppressing transforming growth factor- β signaling. Am J Cancer Res 2022; 12:763-778. [PMID: 35261800 PMCID: PMC8900005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Bone morphogenetic protein-7 (BMP-7) antagonizes transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), which is critically involved in liver fibrogenesis. Here, we designed a micelle formulation consisting of a protein transduction domain (PTD) fused BMP-7 polypeptide (mPTD-BMP-7) to enhance endocytic delivery, and investigated its ability to ameliorate liver fibrosis. The mPTD-BMP-7 formulation was efficiently delivered into cells via endocytosis, where it inhibited TGF-β mediated epithelial-mesenchymal transition. After successfully demonstrating delivery of fluorescently labeled mPTD-BMP-7 into the murine liver in vivo, we tested the mPTD-BMP-7 formulation in a murine liver fibrosis model, developed by repeated intraperitoneal injection of hepatotoxic carbon tetrachloride, twice weekly from 4 to 16 weeks. mPTD-BMP-7 effects were tested by injecting the mPTD-BMP-7 formulation (or vehicle control) into the lateral tail at a dose of 50 (n=8) or 500 μg/kg (n=10), also twice per week from 4 to 16 weeks. Vehicle-treated control mice developed fibrous septa surrounding the liver parenchyma and marked portal-to-portal bridging with occasional nodules, whereas mice treated with mPTD-BMP-7 showed only fibrous expansion of some portal areas, with or without short fibrous septa. Using the Ishak scoring system, we found that the fibrotic burden was significantly lower in mPTD-BMP-7 treated mice than in control mice (all P<0.001). Treatment with mPTD-BMP-7 protected tight junctions between hepatocytes and reduced extracellular matrix protein levels. It also significantly decreased mRNA levels of collagen 1A, smooth muscle α-actin, and connective tissue growth factor compared with that in control mice (all P<0.001). Collectively, out results indicate that mPTD-BMP-7, a prodrug formulation of BMP-7, ameliorates liver fibrosis by suppressing the TGF-β signaling pathway in a murine liver fibrosis model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyungjoo Cho
- Brain Korea 21 PLUS Project for Medical Science, Yonsei University College of MedicineSeoul, Korea
- Yonsei Liver Center, Severance HospitalSeoul, Korea
| | - Nam Hee Kim
- Department of Oral Pathology, Oral Cancer Research Institute, Yonsei University College of DentistrySeoul, Korea
| | - Sang Hyun Seo
- Brain Korea 21 PLUS Project for Medical Science, Yonsei University College of MedicineSeoul, Korea
- Yonsei Liver Center, Severance HospitalSeoul, Korea
| | - Sang Hyun Song
- Department of Oral Pathology, Oral Cancer Research Institute, Yonsei University College of DentistrySeoul, Korea
| | - Chul Hee Jeong
- Department of Oral Pathology, Oral Cancer Research Institute, Yonsei University College of DentistrySeoul, Korea
| | - Hyun Sil Kim
- Department of Oral Pathology, Oral Cancer Research Institute, Yonsei University College of DentistrySeoul, Korea
| | | | - Minhee Ku
- Department of Radiology, Yonsei University College of MedicineSeoul, Korea
- Convergence Research Center for Systems Molecular Radiological Science, Yonsei UniversitySeoul, Korea
| | - Jaemoon Yang
- Department of Radiology, Yonsei University College of MedicineSeoul, Korea
- Convergence Research Center for Systems Molecular Radiological Science, Yonsei UniversitySeoul, Korea
| | - Jun Yong Park
- Brain Korea 21 PLUS Project for Medical Science, Yonsei University College of MedicineSeoul, Korea
- Yonsei Liver Center, Severance HospitalSeoul, Korea
- Department of Internal Medicine, Institute of Gastroenterology, Yonsei University College of MedicineSeoul, Korea
| | - Sang Hoon Ahn
- Yonsei Liver Center, Severance HospitalSeoul, Korea
- Department of Internal Medicine, Institute of Gastroenterology, Yonsei University College of MedicineSeoul, Korea
| | - Jong In Yook
- Department of Oral Pathology, Oral Cancer Research Institute, Yonsei University College of DentistrySeoul, Korea
- MET Life Sciences LtdSeoul, Korea
| | - Seung Up Kim
- Brain Korea 21 PLUS Project for Medical Science, Yonsei University College of MedicineSeoul, Korea
- Yonsei Liver Center, Severance HospitalSeoul, Korea
- Department of Internal Medicine, Institute of Gastroenterology, Yonsei University College of MedicineSeoul, Korea
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Sukumolanan P, Phanakrop N, Thaisakun S, Roytrakul S, Petchdee S. Analysis of the Serum Peptidomics Profile for Cats With Sarcomeric Gene Mutation and Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy. Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:771408. [PMID: 34820440 PMCID: PMC8606535 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.771408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) has a complex phenotype that is partly explained by genetic variants related to this disease. The serum peptidome profile is a promising approach to define clinically relevant biomarkers. This study aimed to classify peptide patterns in serum samples between cats with sarcomeric gene mutations and normal cats. Materials and Methods: In the total serum samples from 31 cats, several essential proteins were identified by peptidomics analysis. The 5,946 peptides were differentially expressed in cats with sarcomeric gene mutations compared with cats without mutations. Results: Our results demonstrated characteristic protein expression in control cats, Maine Coon cats, and Maine Coon cats with gene mutations. In cats with gene mutations, peptide expression profiling showed an association with three peptides, Cytochrome 3a132 (CYP3A132), forkhead box O1 (FOXO1), and ArfGAP, with GTPase domains, ankyrin repeats, and PH domain 2 (AGAP2). Discussion: The serum peptidome of cats with mutations might provide supporting evidence for the dysregulation of metabolic and structural proteins. Genetic and peptidomics investigations may help elucidate the phenotypic variability of HCM and treatment targets to reduce morbidity and mortality of HCM in cats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pratch Sukumolanan
- Veterinary Clinical Studies Program, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Graduated School, Kasetsart University, Nakorn Pathom, Thailand
| | - Narumon Phanakrop
- Functional Ingredients and Food Innovation Research Group, National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, National Science and Technology Development Agency, Pathum Thani, Thailand
| | - Siriwan Thaisakun
- Proteomics Research Laboratory, National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, National Science and Technology Development Agency, Pathum Thani, Thailand
| | - Sittiruk Roytrakul
- Proteomics Research Laboratory, National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, National Science and Technology Development Agency, Pathum Thani, Thailand
| | - Soontaree Petchdee
- Department of Large Animal and Wildlife Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Nakorn Pathom, Thailand
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10
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PM2.5-exposed hepatocytes induce hepatic stellate cells activation by releasing TGF-β1. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2021; 569:125-131. [PMID: 34243068 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2021.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2021] [Revised: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The interaction between various types of hepatic cells is related to liver fibrosis. Recent studies demonstrated that fine particulate matter (PM2.5) exposure is an important risk factor for the occurrence of liver fibrosis, but its molecular mechanism is still obscure. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether transforming growth factor- β1 (TGF- β1) secreted from PM2.5-treated hepatocytes (L-O2) are shuttled to hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and to establish their effects on HSCs. We have observed that the conditioned medium from L-O2 cells stimulated with PM2.5 induced the activation of LX-2 cells, and at the same time, the same results were obtained when we co-cultured LX-2 in PM2.5-exposed L-O2 cells. In addition, analysis of L-O2 cells stimulated with PM2.5 revealed significant increases in TGF-β1 expression. Moreover, we found that the TGF-β1 receptor inhibitor, SB-525334, decreases the proliferation and migration of LX-2 cells in the co-culture system. In addition, the expression of α-smooth muscle actin and type I collagen in LX-2 cells induced by PM2.5-treated L-O2 cells were also blocked by pretreated with SB-525334. These observations imply that PM2.5 induces TGF- β1expression in hepatocytes, which leads to HSCs activation.
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11
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Bu L, Huang F, Li M, Peng Y, Wang H, Zhang M, Peng L, Liu L, Zhao Q. Identification of Vitamin D-related gene signature to predict colorectal cancer prognosis. PeerJ 2021; 9:e11430. [PMID: 34035992 PMCID: PMC8126261 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.11430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common malignant carcinomas worldwide with poor prognosis, imposing an increasingly heavy burden on patients. Previous experiments and epidemiological studies have shown that vitamin D and vitamin D-related genes play a vital role in CRC. Therefore, we aimed to construct a vitamin D-related gene signature to predict prognosis in CRC. The CRC data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) was performed as the training set. A total of 173 vitamin D-related genes in the TCGA CRC dataset were screened, and 17 genes associated with CRC prognosis were identified from them. Then, a vitamin D-related gene signature consisting of those 17 genes was established by univariate and multivariate Cox analyses. Moreover, four external datasets (GSE17536, GSE103479, GSE39582, and GSE17537) were used as testing set to validate the stability of this signature. The high-risk group presented a significantly poorer overall survival than low-risk group in both of training set and testing sets. Besides, the areas under the curve (AUCs) for signature on OS in training set at 1, 3, and 5 years were 0.710, 0.708, 0.710 respectively. The AUCs of the ROC curve in GSE17536 for 1, 3, and 5 years were 0.649, 0.654, and 0.694. These results indicated the vitamin D-related gene signature model could effectively predict the survival status of CRC patients. This vitamin D-related gene signature was also correlated with TNM stage in CRC clinical parameters, and the higher risk score from this model was companied with higher clinical stage. Furthermore, the high accuracy of this prognostic signature was validated and confirmed by nomogram model. In conclusion, we have proposed a novel vitamin D-related gene model to predict the prognosis of CRC, which will help provide new therapeutic targets and act as potential prognostic biomarkers for CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luping Bu
- Hubei Clinical Center and Key Lab of Intestinal and Colorectal Diseases, Wuhan, China.,Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Fengxing Huang
- Hubei Clinical Center and Key Lab of Intestinal and Colorectal Diseases, Wuhan, China.,Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Mengting Li
- Hubei Clinical Center and Key Lab of Intestinal and Colorectal Diseases, Wuhan, China.,Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yanan Peng
- Hubei Clinical Center and Key Lab of Intestinal and Colorectal Diseases, Wuhan, China.,Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Haizhou Wang
- Hubei Clinical Center and Key Lab of Intestinal and Colorectal Diseases, Wuhan, China.,Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Meng Zhang
- Hubei Clinical Center and Key Lab of Intestinal and Colorectal Diseases, Wuhan, China.,Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Liqun Peng
- Hubei Clinical Center and Key Lab of Intestinal and Colorectal Diseases, Wuhan, China.,Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Lan Liu
- Hubei Clinical Center and Key Lab of Intestinal and Colorectal Diseases, Wuhan, China.,Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Qiu Zhao
- Hubei Clinical Center and Key Lab of Intestinal and Colorectal Diseases, Wuhan, China.,Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
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12
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Melchionna R, Trono P, Tocci A, Nisticò P. Actin Cytoskeleton and Regulation of TGFβ Signaling: Exploring Their Links. Biomolecules 2021; 11:biom11020336. [PMID: 33672325 PMCID: PMC7926735 DOI: 10.3390/biom11020336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Revised: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Human tissues, to maintain their architecture and function, respond to injuries by activating intricate biochemical and physical mechanisms that regulates intercellular communication crucial in maintaining tissue homeostasis. Coordination of the communication occurs through the activity of different actin cytoskeletal regulators, physically connected to extracellular matrix through integrins, generating a platform of biochemical and biomechanical signaling that is deregulated in cancer. Among the major pathways, a controller of cellular functions is the cytokine transforming growth factor β (TGFβ), which remains a complex and central signaling network still to be interpreted and explained in cancer progression. Here, we discuss the link between actin dynamics and TGFβ signaling with the aim of exploring their aberrant interaction in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Melchionna
- Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, via Chianesi 53, 00144 Rome, Italy; (R.M.); (P.T.); (A.T.)
| | - Paola Trono
- Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, via Chianesi 53, 00144 Rome, Italy; (R.M.); (P.T.); (A.T.)
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, National Research Council, via Ramarini 32, 00015 Monterotondo Scalo, Rome, Italy
| | - Annalisa Tocci
- Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, via Chianesi 53, 00144 Rome, Italy; (R.M.); (P.T.); (A.T.)
| | - Paola Nisticò
- Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, via Chianesi 53, 00144 Rome, Italy; (R.M.); (P.T.); (A.T.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0652662539
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13
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Alfonso García SL, Parada-Sanchez MT, Arboleda Toro D. The phenotype of gingival fibroblasts and their potential use in advanced therapies. Eur J Cell Biol 2020; 99:151123. [PMID: 33070040 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejcb.2020.151123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2020] [Revised: 08/13/2020] [Accepted: 08/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Advanced therapies in medicine use stem cells, gene editing, and tissues to treat a wide range of conditions. One of their goals is to stimulate endogenous repair of tissues and organs by manipulating stem cells and their niche, as well as to optimize the intrinsic characteristics and plasticity of differentiated cells in adult tissues. In this context, fibroblasts emerge as an alternative source to stem cells because they share phenotypic and regenerative characteristics. Specifically, fibroblasts of the oral mucosae have been shown to have improved regenerative capacity compared to other fibroblast populations. Additionally, their easy access by means of minimally invasive procedures without generating aesthetic problems, with easy and rapid in vitro expansion and with great capacity to respond to extrinsic factors, make oral fibroblasts an attractive and interesting resource for regenerative medicine. This review summarizes current concepts regarding the phenotypic and functional aspects of human Gingival Fibroblasts and their niche, differentiating them from other fibroblast populations of oral-lining mucosa and skin fibroblasts. Furthermore, some applications are presented in regenerative medicine, emphasizing on the biological potential of human Gingival Fibroblasts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Liliana Alfonso García
- Department of Integrated Basic Studies, Faculty of Dentistry, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, 050010, Colombia; Department of Oral Health, Faculty of Dentistry, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá, 111311, Colombia.
| | | | - David Arboleda Toro
- Department of Integrated Basic Studies, Faculty of Dentistry, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, 050010, Colombia
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