FAK Family Kinases in Vascular Diseases

Exploring the inflammation-related mechanisms of Lingguizhugan decoction on right ventricular remodeling secondary to pulmonary arterial hypertension based on integrated strategy using UPLC-HRMS, systems biology approach, and experimental validation

BACKGROUND

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and the consequent right heart dysfunction persist with high morbidity and mortality, and the mechanisms and pharmacologic interventions for chronic right-sided heart failure (RHF) have not been adequately investigated. Research has shown that prolonged inflammation is critical in precipitating the progression of PAH-associated right heart pathology. Some research demonstrated that Lingguizhugan decoction (LGZGD), as a classical Chinese medicine formula, had beneficial effects in alleviating PAH and RHF, while its underlying mechanisms involved are not fully elucidated.

PURPOSE

Based on that, this study aims to investigate the effects and underlying mechanisms of LGZGD on PAH-induced RHF.

STUDY DESIGN

In this study, we identified the serum constituents and deciphered the potential anti-inflammatory mechanism and crucial components of LGZGD using combined approaches of UPLC-HRMS, transcriptomic analysis, and molecular docking techniques. Finally, we used in vivo experiments to verify the expression of key targets in the monocrotaline (MCT)-induced RHF model and the intervene effect of LGZGD.

RESULTS

Integrated strategies based on UPLC-HRMS and systems biology approach combined with in vivo experimental validation showed that LGZGD could improve right heart fibrosis and dysfunction via regulating diverse inflammatory signaling pathways and the activity of immune cells, including chemokine family CCL2, CXCR4, leukocyte integrins family ITGAL, ITGB2, and M2 macrophage infiltration, as well as lipid peroxidation-associated HMOX1, NOX4, and 4-HNE.

CONCLUSION

The present research demonstrated for the first time that LGZGD might improve PAH-induced RHF through multiple anti-inflammatory signaling and inhibition of ferroptosis, which could provide certain directions for future research in related fields.

HMGB2 Release Promotes Pulmonary Hypertension and Predicts Severity and Mortality of Patients With Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

BACKGROUND

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a progressive and life-threatening disease characterized by pulmonary vascular remodeling, which involves aberrant proliferation and apoptosis resistance of the pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells (PASMCs), resembling the hallmark characteristics of cancer. In cancer, the HMGB2 (high-mobility group box 2) protein promotes the pro-proliferative/antiapoptotic phenotype. However, the function of HMGB2 in PH remains uninvestigated.

METHODS

Smooth muscle cell (SMC)-specific HMGB2 knockout or HMGB2-OE (HMGB2 overexpression) mice and HMGB2 silenced rats were used to establish hypoxia+Su5416 (HySu)-induced PH mouse and monocrotaline-induced PH rat models, respectively. The effects of HMGB2 and its underlying mechanisms were subsequently elucidated using RNA-sequencing and cellular and molecular biology analyses. Serum HMGB2 levels were measured in the controls and patients with pulmonary arterial (PA) hypertension.

RESULTS

HMGB2 expression was markedly increased in the PAs of patients with PA hypertension and PH rodent models and was predominantly localized in PASMCs. SMC-specific HMGB2 deficiency or silencing attenuated PH development and pulmonary vascular remodeling in hypoxia+Su5416-induced mice and monocrotaline-treated rats. SMC-specific HMGB2 overexpression aggravated hypoxia+Su5416-induced PH. HMGB2 knockdown inhibited PASMC proliferation in vitro in response to PDGF-BB (platelet-derived growth factor-BB). In contrast, HMGB2 protein stimulation caused the hyperproliferation of PASMCs. In addition, HMGB2 promoted PASMC proliferation and the development of PH by RAGE (receptor for advanced glycation end products)/FAK (focal adhesion kinase)-mediated Hippo/YAP (yes-associated protein) signaling suppression. Serum HMGB2 levels were significantly increased in patients with PA hypertension, and they correlated with disease severity, predicting worse survival.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings indicate that targeting HMGB2 might be a novel therapeutic strategy for treating PH. Serum HMGB2 levels could serve as a novel biomarker for diagnosing PA hypertension and determining its prognosis.

LAMC1 attenuates neuronal apoptosis via FAK/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway after subarachnoid hemorrhage

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The poor prognosis in patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is often attributed to neuronal apoptosis. Recent evidence suggests that Laminin subunit gamma 1 (LAMC1) is essential for cell survival and proliferation. However, the effects of LAMC1 on early brain injury after SAH and the underlying mechanisms are unknown. The current study aimed to reveal the anti-neuronal apoptotic effect and the potential mechanism of LAMC1 in the rat and in the in vitro SAH models.

METHODS

The SAH model of Sprague-Dawley rats was established by endovascular perforation. Recombinant LAMC1 (rLAMC1) was administered intranasally 30 min after modeling. LAMC1 small interfering RNA (LAMC1 siRNA), focal adhesion kinase (FAK)-specific inhibitor Y15 and PI3K-specific inhibitor LY294002 were administered before SAH modeling to explore the neuroprotection mechanism of rLAMC1. HT22 cells were cultured and stimulated by oxyhemoglobin to establish an in vitro model of SAH. Subsequently, SAH grades, neurobehavioral tests, brain water content, blood-brain barrier permeability, western blotting, immunofluorescence, TUNEL, and Fluoro-Jade C staining were performed.

RESULTS

The expression of endogenous LAMC1 was markedly decreased after SAH, both in vitro and in vivo. rLAMC1 significantly reduced the brain water content and blood-brain barrier permeability, improved short- and long-term neurobehavior, and decreased neuronal apoptosis. Furthermore, rLAMC1 treatment significantly increased the expression of p-FAK, p-PI3K, p-AKT, Bcl-XL, and Bcl-2 and decreased the expression of Bax and cleaved caspase -3. Conversely, knockdown of endogenous LAMC1 aggravated the neurological impairment, suppressed the expression of Bcl-XL and Bcl-2, and upregulated the expression of Bax and cleaved caspase-3. Additionally, the administration of Y15 and LY294002 abolished the protective roles of rLAMC1. In vitro, rLAMC1 significantly reduced neuronal apoptosis, and the protective effects were also abolished by Y15 and LY294002.

CONCLUSION

Exogenous LAMC1 treatment improved neurological deficits after SAH in rats, and attenuated neuronal apoptosis in both in vitro and in vivo SAH models, at least partially through the FAK/PI3K/AKT pathway.

Prospects of focal adhesion kinase inhibitors as a cancer therapy in preclinical and early phase study

INTRODUCTION

FAK, a nonreceptor cytoplasmic tyrosine kinase, plays a crucial role in tumor metastasis, drug resistance, tumor stem cell maintenance, and regulation of the tumor microenvironment. FAK has emerged as a promising target for tumor therapy based on both preclinical and clinical data.

AREAS COVERED

This paper aims to summarize the molecular mechanisms underlying FAK's involvement in tumorigenesis and progression. Encouraging results have emerged from ongoing clinical trials of FAK inhibitors. Additionally, we present an overview of clinical trials for FAK inhibitors, examining their potential as promising treatments. The pertinent studies gathered from databases including PubMed, ClinicalTrials.gov.

EXPERT OPINION

Since the first finding in 1990s, targeting FAK has became the focus of interests in many pharmaceutical companies. Through 30 years' discovery, the industry and academy gradually realized the features of FAK target which may not be a driver gene but a solid defense system for the cancer initiation and development. Currently, the ongoing clinical regimens involving FAK inhibition are all the combination strategies in which FAK inhibitors can further strengthen the cancer cell killing effects of other testing agents. The emerging positive signal in clinical trials foresee targeting FAK as class will be an effective mean to fight against cancers.

Roles of Integrin in Cardiovascular Diseases: From Basic Research to Clinical Implications

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) pose a significant global health threat due to their complex pathogenesis and high incidence, imposing a substantial burden on global healthcare systems. Integrins, a group of heterodimers consisting of α and β subunits that are located on the cell membrane, have emerged as key players in mediating the occurrence and progression of CVDs by regulating the physiological activities of endothelial cells, vascular smooth muscle cells, platelets, fibroblasts, cardiomyocytes, and various immune cells. The crucial role of integrins in the progression of CVDs has valuable implications for targeted therapies. In this context, the development and application of various integrin antibodies and antagonists have been explored for antiplatelet therapy and anti-inflammatory-mediated tissue damage. Additionally, the rise of nanomedicine has enhanced the specificity and bioavailability of precision therapy targeting integrins. Nevertheless, the complexity of the pathogenesis of CVDs presents tremendous challenges for monoclonal targeted treatment. This paper reviews the mechanisms of integrins in the development of atherosclerosis, cardiac fibrosis, hypertension, and arrhythmias, which may pave the way for future innovations in the diagnosis and treatment of CVDs.

Protein-protein interaction network-based integration of GWAS and functional data for blood pressure regulation analysis

BACKGROUND

It is valuable to analyze the genome-wide association studies (GWAS) data for a complex disease phenotype in the context of the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network, as the related pathophysiology results from the function of interacting polyprotein pathways. The analysis may include the design and curation of a phenotype-specific GWAS meta-database incorporating genotypic and eQTL data linking to PPI and other biological datasets, and the development of systematic workflows for PPI network-based data integration toward protein and pathway prioritization. Here, we pursued this analysis for blood pressure (BP) regulation.

METHODS

The relational scheme of the implemented in Microsoft SQL Server BP-GWAS meta-database enabled the combined storage of: GWAS data and attributes mined from GWAS Catalog and the literature, Ensembl-defined SNP-transcript associations, and GTEx eQTL data. The BP-protein interactome was reconstructed from the PICKLE PPI meta-database, extending the GWAS-deduced network with the shortest paths connecting all GWAS-proteins into one component. The shortest-path intermediates were considered as BP-related. For protein prioritization, we combined a new integrated GWAS-based scoring scheme with two network-based criteria: one considering the protein role in the reconstructed by shortest-path (RbSP) interactome and one novel promoting the common neighbors of GWAS-prioritized proteins. Prioritized proteins were ranked by the number of satisfied criteria.

RESULTS

The meta-database includes 6687 variants linked with 1167 BP-associated protein-coding genes. The GWAS-deduced PPI network includes 1065 proteins, with 672 forming a connected component. The RbSP interactome contains 1443 additional, network-deduced proteins and indicated that essentially all BP-GWAS proteins are at most second neighbors. The prioritized BP-protein set was derived from the union of the most BP-significant by any of the GWAS-based or the network-based criteria. It included 335 proteins, with ~ 2/3 deduced from the BP PPI network extension and 126 prioritized by at least two criteria. ESR1 was the only protein satisfying all three criteria, followed in the top-10 by INSR, PTN11, CDK6, CSK, NOS3, SH2B3, ATP2B1, FES and FINC, satisfying two. Pathway analysis of the RbSP interactome revealed numerous bioprocesses, which are indeed functionally supported as BP-associated, extending our understanding about BP regulation.

CONCLUSIONS

The implemented workflow could be used for other multifactorial diseases.

The siRNA-mediated knockdown of AP-1 restores the function of the pulmonary artery and the right ventricle by reducing perivascular and interstitial fibrosis and key molecular players in cardiopulmonary disease

BACKGROUND

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a complex multifactorial vascular pathology characterized by an increased pulmonary arterial pressure, vasoconstriction, remodelling of the pulmonary vasculature, thrombosis in situ and inflammation associated with right-side heart failure. Herein, we explored the potential beneficial effects of treatment with siRNA AP-1 on pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), right ventricular dysfunction along with perivascular and interstitial fibrosis in pulmonary artery-PA, right ventricle-RV and lung in an experimental animal model of monocrotaline (MCT)-induced PAH.

METHODS

Golden Syrian hamsters were divided into: (1) C group-healthy animals taken as control; (2) MCT group obtained by a single subcutaneous injection of 60 mg/kg MCT at the beginning of the experiment; (3) MCT-siRNA AP-1 group received a one-time subcutaneous dose of MCT and subcutaneous injections containing 100 nM siRNA AP-1, every two weeks. All animal groups received water and standard chow ad libitum for 12 weeks.

RESULTS

In comparison with the MCT group, siRNA AP-1 treatment had significant beneficial effects on investigated tissues contributing to: (1) a reduction in TGF-β1/ET-1/IL-1β/TNF-α plasma concentrations; (2) a reduced level of cytosolic ROS production in PA, RV and lung and notable improvements regarding the ultrastructure of these tissues; a decrease of inflammatory and fibrotic marker expressions in PA (COL1A/Fibronectin/Vimentin/α-SMA/CTGF/Calponin/MMP-9), RV and lung (COL1A/CTGF/Fibronectin/α-SMA/F-actin/OB-cadherin) and an increase of endothelial marker expressions (CD31/VE-cadherin) in PA; (4) structural and functional recoveries of the PA [reduced Vel, restored vascular reactivity (NA contraction, ACh relaxation)] and RV (enlarged internal cavity diameter in diastole, increased TAPSE and PRVOFs) associated with a decrease in systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and heart rate; (5) a reduced protein expression profile of AP-1S3/ pFAK/FAK/pERK/ERK and a significant decrease in the expression levels of miRNA-145, miRNA-210, miRNA-21, and miRNA-214 along with an increase of miRNA-124 and miRNA-204.

CONCLUSIONS

The siRNA AP-1-based therapy led to an improvement of pulmonary arterial and right ventricular function accompanied by a regression of perivascular and interstitial fibrosis in PA, RV and lung and a down-regulation of key inflammatory and fibrotic markers in MCT-treated hamsters.

Proteomics associated with coronary high-risk plaques by optical coherence tomography

Biomarkers are widely used for the diagnosis and monitoring of cardiovascular disease. However, markers for coronary high-risk plaques have not been identified. The aim of this study was to identify proteins specific to coronary high-risk plaques. Fifty-one patients (71.2 ± 11.1 years, male: 66.7%) who underwent intracoronary optical coherence tomography imaging and provided blood specimens for proteomic analysis were prospectively enrolled. A total of 1470 plasma proteins were analyzed per patient using the Olink® Explore 1536 Reagent Kit. In patients with thin-cap fibroatheroma, the protein expression of Calretinin (CALB2), Corticoliberin (CRH) and Alkaline phosphatase, placental type (ALPP) were significantly increased, while the expression of Neuroplastin (NPTN), Folate receptor gamma (FOLR3) and Serpin A12 (SERPINA12) were significantly decreased. In patients with macrophage infiltration, the protein expressions of Fatty acid-binding protein, intestinal (FABP2), and Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) were significantly decreased. In patients with lipid-rich plaques, the protein expression of Interleukin-17 C (IL17C) was significantly increased, while the expression of Fc receptor-like protein 3 (FCRL3) was significantly decreased. These proteins might be useful markers in identifying patients with coronary high-risk plaques. Clinical Trial Registration: https://www.umin.ac.jp/ctr/ , UMIN000041692.

Inhibition of focal adhesion kinase 2 results in a macrophage polarization shift to M2 which attenuates local and systemic inflammation and reduces heterotopic ossification after polysystem extremity trauma

Introduction

Heterotopic ossification (HO) is a complex pathology often observed in combat injured casualties who have sustained severe, high energy polytraumatic extremity injuries. Once HO has developed, prophylactic therapies are limited outside of surgical excision. Tourniquet-induced ischemia injury (IR) exacerbates trauma-mediated musculoskeletal tissue injury, inflammation, osteogenic progenitor cell development and HO formation. Others have shown that focal adhesion kinase-2 (FAK2) plays a key role in regulating early inflammatory signaling events. Therefore, we hypothesized that targeting FAK2 prophylactically would mitigate extremity trauma induced IR inflammation and HO formation.

Methods

We tested whether the continuous infusion of a FAK2 inhibitor (Defactinib, PF-573228; 6.94 µg/kg/min for 14 days) can mitigate ectopic bone formation (HO) using an established blast-related extremity injury model involving femoral fracture, quadriceps crush injury, three hours of tourniquet-induced limb ischemia, and hindlimb amputation through the fracture site. Tissue inflammation, infiltrating cells, osteogenic progenitor cell content were assessed at POD-7. Micro-computed tomography imaging was used to quantify mature HO at POD-56.

Results

In comparison to vehicle control-treated rats, FAK2 administration resulted in no marked wound healing complications or weight loss. FAK2 treatment decreased HO by 43%. At POD-7, marked reductions in tissue proinflammatory gene expression and assayable osteogenic progenitor cells were measured, albeit no significant changes in expression patterns of angiogenic, chondrogenic and osteogenic genes. At the same timepoint, injured tissue from FAK-treated rats had fewer infiltrating cells. Additionally, gene expression analyses of tissue infiltrating cells resulted in a more measurable shift from an M1 inflammatory to an M2 anti-inflammatory macrophage phenotype in the FAK2 inhibitor-treated group.

Discussion

Our findings suggest that FAK2 inhibition may be a novel strategy to dampen trauma-induced inflammation and attenuate HO in patients at high risk as a consequence of severe musculoskeletal polytrauma.

SIRT3-and FAK-mediated acetylation-phosphorylation crosstalk of NFATc1 regulates Nε-carboxymethyl-lysine-induced vascular calcification in diabetes mellitus

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Arterial calcification is the predictor of cardiovascular risk in diabetic patients. N^ε-carboxymethyl-lysine (CML), a toxic metabolite, is associated with accelerated vascular calcification in diabetes mellitus (DM). However, the mechanism remains elusive. This study aims to explore the key regulators involved in CML-induced vascular calcification in DM.

METHODS

We used Western blot and immuno-staining to test the expression and localization of nuclear factor of activated T cells, cytoplasmic 1 (NFATc1) in human samples, a diabetic apolipoprotein E-deficient (ApoE^-/-) mouse model, and a vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) model. Further, we confirmed the regulator of NFATc1 phosphorylation and acetylation induced by CML. The role of NFATc1 in VSMCs calcification and osteogenic differentiation was explored in vivo and in vitro.

RESULTS

In diabetic patients, CML and NFATc1 levels increased in the severe calcified anterior tibial arteries. CML significantly promoted NFATc1 expression and nuclear translocation in VSMCs and mouse aorta. Knockdown of NFATc1 significantly inhibited CML-induced calcification. CML promoted NFATc1 acetylation at K549 by downregulating sirtuin 3 (SIRT3), which antagonized the focal adhesion kinase (FAK) induced NFATc1 phosphorylation at the Y270 site. FAK and SIRT3 affected the nuclear translocation of NFATc1 by regulating the acetylation-phosphorylation crosstalk. NFATc1 dephosphorylation mutant Y270F and deacetylation mutant K549R had opposite effects on VSMC calcification. SIRT3 overexpression and FAK inhibitor could reverse CML-promoted VSMC calcification.

CONCLUSIONS

CML enhances vascular calcification in DM through NFATc1. In this process, CML increases NFATc1 acetylation by downregulating SIRT3 to antagonize FAK-induced NFATc1 phosphorylation.

Bioinformatics analysis of lncRNA-related ceRNA networks in the peripheral blood lymphocytes of Kazakh patients with essential hypertension in Xinjiang

Objective

Here, we aimed to investigate long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) expression characteristics in the peripheral blood lymphocytes of Xinjiang Kazakh people with essential hypertension and the underlying regulatory mechanisms of competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNA).

Methods

From April 2016 to May 2019, six Kazakh patients with essential hypertension and six Kazakh healthy participants were randomly selected from the inpatient and outpatient cardiology departments of the First Affiliated Hospital of Shihezi University Medical College, Xinjiang. After detecting the expression levels of lncRNA and mRNA in the peripheral blood lymphocytes using gene chip technology, their levels in the hypertensive group were compared with those in the control group. Six differentially expressed lncRNAs were randomly selected for real-time PCR to verify the accuracy and reliability of the gene chip results. GO functional clustering and KEGG pathway analyses were performed for differentially expressed genes. The ceRNA regulatory network of lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA was constructed, followed by visualization of the results. The expressions of miR-139-5p and DCBLD2 after PVT1 overexpression in 293T cells were detected by qRT-PCR and Western blot.

Results

In the test group, 396 and 511 differentially expressed lncRNAs and mRNAs, respectively, were screened out. The trend of real-time PCR results was consistent with that of the microarray results. The differentially expressed mRNAs were found to be primarily involved in the adhesion spot, leukocyte migration via endothelial cells, gap junction, actin cytoskeleton regulation, and extracellular matrix-receptor interaction signaling pathways. By constructing the ceRNA regulatory network, we found that lncRNA PVT1-miR-139-5p-DCBLD2 has a potential ceRNA regulatory mechanism involved in the development of essential hypertension in Xinjiang Kazakh people. In 293T cells, lncRNA PVT1 overexpression inhibited miR-139-5p and DCBLD2 levels.

Conclusions

Our findings indicate that differentially expressed lncRNAs may be involved in the development of essential hypertension. lncRNA PVT1-miR-139-5p-DCBLD2 was indicated to comprise a potential ceRNA regulatory mechanism involved in the development of essential hypertension in the Xinjiang Kazakh population. Thus, it may act as a novel screening marker or therapeutic target for essential hypertension in this population.

Scabertopin Derived from Elephantopus scaber L. Mediates Necroptosis by Inducing Reactive Oxygen Species Production in Bladder Cancer In Vitro

Bladder cancer remains one of the most common malignant tumors that threatens human health worldwide. It imposes a heavy burden on patients and society due to the high medical costs associated with its easy metastasis and recurrence. Although several treatment options for bladder cancer are available, their clinical efficacy remains unsatisfactory. Therefore, actively exploring new drugs and their mechanisms of action for the clinical treatment of bladder cancer is very important. Scabertopin is one of the major sesquiterpene lactones found in Elephantopus scaber L. Sesquiterpene lactones are thought to have fairly strong anti-cancer efficacy. However, the anticancer effect of sesquiterpenoid scabertopin on bladder cancer and its mechanism are still unclear. The aim of this study is to evaluate the antitumor activity of scabertopin in bladder cancer and its potential molecular mechanism in vitro. Our results suggest that scabertopin can induce RIP1/RIP3-dependent necroptosis in bladder cancer cells by promoting the production of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS), inhibit the expression of MMP-9 by inhibiting the FAK/PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, and ultimately inhibit the migration and invasion ability of bladder cancer cells. At the same time, we also demonstrated that the half-inhibition concentration (IC50) of scabertopin on various bladder cancer cell lines (J82, T24, RT4 and 5637) is much lower than that on human ureteral epithelial immortalized cells (SV-HUC-1). The above observations indicate that scabertopin is a potential therapeutic agent for bladder cancer that acts by inducing necroptosis and inhibiting metastasis.

Identification of Signal Pathways and Hub Genes of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension by Bioinformatic Analysis

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a progressive and complex pulmonary vascular disease with poor prognosis. The aim of this study was to provide a new understanding of the pathogenesis of disease and potential treatment targets for patients with PAH based on multiple-microarray analysis.Two microarray datasets (GSE53408 and GSE113439) downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database were analysed. All the raw data were processed by R, and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were screened out by the “limma” package. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses were performed and visualized by R and Cytoscape software. Protein-protein interactions (PPI) of DEGs were analysed based on the NetworkAnalyst online tool. A total of 442 upregulated DEGs and 84 downregulated DEGs were identified. GO enrichment analysis showed that these DEGs were mainly enriched in mitotic nuclear division, organelle fission, chromosome segregation, nuclear division, and sister chromatid segregation. Significant KEGG pathway enrichment included ribosome biogenesis in eukaryotes, RNA transport, proteoglycans in cancer, dilated cardiomyopathy, rheumatoid arthritis, vascular smooth muscle contraction, focal adhesion, regulation of the actin cytoskeleton, and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. The PPI network identified 10 hub genes including HSP90AA1, CDC5L, MDM2, LRRK2, CFTR, IQGAP1, CAND1, TOP2A, DDX21, and HIF1A. We elucidated potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for PAH by bioinformatic analysis, which provides a theoretical basis for future study.

Therapeutic targeting of mechanical stretch-induced FAK/ERK signaling by fisetin in hypertrophic scars

Hypertrophic scarring is a complex fibrotic disease with few treatment options. Mechanical stress has been proven to be crucial for hypertrophic scar (HS) formation. Here, we showed that the flavonoid small molecule fisetin, could dramatically ameliorate HS formation in a mechanical stretch-induced mouse model. In addition, in vitro and in vivo studies demonstrated that fisetin inhibited the stretch-induced profibrotic effects by suppressing the proliferation, activation, and collagen production of fibroblasts. Mechanistically, we revealed that fisetin obviously downregulated mechanical stretch-induced the phosphorylation of FAK and ERK, and reduced nuclear localization of ERK. This bioactivity of fisetin may result from its selective binding to the catalytic region of FAK, which was suggested by the molecular docking study and kinase binding assay. Taken together, these findings suggest that fisetin is a promising agent for the treatment of hypertrophic scars and other excessive fibrotic diseases.

Renal Abscess Caused by Crizotinib: A Rare Case Report

Crizotinib is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor that has been found to be effective in the treatment of c-ros oncogene 1-positive non-small cell lung cancer. Although this targeted agent for treating cancer has shown superiority to standard chemotherapy in some ways, this drug has adverse effects, such as the development of renal abscesses. Some associated renal damage may disappear with crizotinib withdrawal. Hence, we present the case of a 58-year-old man with non-small cell lung cancer on crizotinib therapy who developed bilateral renal abnormal space-occupying lesions, successively which were difficult to identify using various imaging methods; even PET-CT highly suspected the right renal masses as malignant. Finally, the right renal lesions were confirmed as renal abscesses by postoperative pathology. The left renal lesion was considered as renal cysts through the lesion disappearing after crizotinib withdrawal. There have been very few reports in this respect, especially proved by various methods and confirmed by postoperative pathology. It is important to recognize this drug-related complication in order to avoid incorrect diagnosis and inadequate therapy. It is necessary to monitor renal changes after taking crizotinib.

Focal adhesion kinase-related pathways may be suppressed by metformin in vascular smooth muscle cells in high glucose conditions

Introduction

Cardiovascular diseases are known as one of the important causes of death in patients with diabetes mellitus. Metformin is used as an oral medication for reducing blood sugar. In this study, the effects of metformin were investigated on the FAK gene expression levels, pFAK protein values, cell viability and migration rate of VSMCs in high glucose conditions.

Materials and methods

The FAK gene expression levels and pFAK protein values were evaluated in VSMCs treated with different doses of metformin (1, 5 and 7 mM), based on cell viability using RT‐qPCR, western blotting and MTT techniques. The cellular migration was evaluated by scratch assay.

Results

The FAK gene expression levels reduced significantly in metformin‐treated VSMCs at 24 h and 48 h periods (p < .0008 and p < .0001, respectively). The pFAK protein values reduced significantly at 24 h (5 mM and 7 mM metformin doses) and 48 h periods (p < .001). In agreement with pFAK protein values, cellular migration reduced significantly at 24 h and 48 h periods (p < .001).

Conclusion

The results showed that metformin may suppress the proliferation and migration of VSMCs via FAK‐related pathways and may retard the progression of vessel stenosis in diabetes.

Focusing on Mechanoregulation Axis in Fibrosis: Sensing, Transduction and Effecting

Fibrosis, a pathologic process featured by the excessive deposition of connective tissue components, can affect virtually every organ and has no satisfactory therapy yet. Fibrotic diseases are often associated with organ dysfunction which leads to high morbidity and mortality. Biomechanical stmuli and the corresponding cellular response havebeen identified in fibrogenesis, as the fibrotic remodeling could be seen as the incapacity to reestablish mechanical homeostasis: along with extracellular matrix accumulating, the physical property became more “stiff” and could in turn induce fibrosis. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of mechanoregulation in fibrosis, from initialing cellular mechanosensing to intracellular mechanotransduction and processing, and ends up in mechanoeffecting. Our contents are not limited to the cellular mechanism, but further expand to the disorders involved and current clinical trials, providing an insight into the disease and hopefully inspiring new approaches for the treatment of tissue fibrosis.

New Insights on the Nuclear Functions and Targeting of FAK in Cancer

Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is a non-receptor tyrosine kinase over-expressed and activated in both adult and pediatric cancers, where it plays important roles in the regulation of pathogenesis and progression of the malignant phenotype. FAK exerts its functions in cancer by two different ways: a kinase activity in the cytoplasm, mainly dependent on the integrin signaling, and a scaffolding activity into the nucleus by networking with different gene expression regulators. For this reason, FAK has to be considered a target with high therapeutic values. Indeed, evidence suggests that FAK targeting could be effective, either alone or in combination, with other already available treatments. Here, we propose an overview of the novel insights about FAK’s structure and nuclear functions, with a special focus on the recent findings concerning the roles of this protein in cancer. Additionally, we provide a recent update on FAK inhibitors that are currently in clinical trials for patients with cancer, and discuss the challenge and future directions of drug-based anti-FAK targeted therapies.

Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells Mechanosensitive Regulators and Vascular Remodeling

Blood vessels are subjected to mechanical loads of pressure and flow, inducing smooth muscle circumferential and endothelial shear stresses. The perception and response of vascular tissue and living cells to these stresses and the microenvironment they are exposed to are critical to their function and survival. These mechanical stimuli not only cause morphological changes in cells and vessel walls but also can interfere with biochemical homeostasis, leading to vascular remodeling and dysfunction. However, the mechanisms underlying how these stimuli affect tissue and cellular function, including mechanical stimulation-induced biochemical signaling and mechanical transduction that relies on cytoskeletal integrity, are unclear. This review focuses on signaling pathways that regulate multiple biochemical processes in vascular mesangial smooth muscle cells in response to circumferential stress and are involved in mechanosensitive regulatory molecules in response to mechanotransduction, including ion channels, membrane receptors, integrins, cytoskeletal proteins, nuclear structures, and cascades. Mechanoactivation of these signaling pathways is closely associated with vascular remodeling in physiological or pathophysiological states.

Roles of Integrins in Gastrointestinal Cancer Metastasis

Integrins are a large family of heterodimeric transmembrane receptors which mediate cell adhesion and transmit signals to the cell interior. The mechanistic roles of integrins have long been an enigma in cancer, given its complexity in regulating different cellular behaviors. Recently, however, increasing research is providing new insights into its function and the underlying mechanisms, which collectively include the influences of altered integrin expression on the aberrant signaling pathways and cancer progression. Many studies have also demonstrated the potentiality of integrins as therapeutic targets in cancer treatment. In this review, we have summarized these recent reports and put a particular emphasis on the dysregulated expression of integrins and how they regulate related signaling pathways to facilitate the metastatic progression of gastrointestinal cancer, including gastric cancer (GC) and colorectal cancer (CRC), which will address the crucial roles of integrins in gastrointestinal cancer.

Integrin αv and Vitronectin Prime Macrophage-Related Inflammation and Contribute the Development of Dry Eye Disease

Cell signaling mediated by the αv integrin plays a pivotal role in macrophage activation in various inflammatory processes, but its involvement in the pathogenesis of dry eye disease (DED) remains unclear. In a murine model of DED, we found increased αv integrin expression in ocular surface macrophages. The αv integrins inhibitor c(RGDfK) ameliorated the corneal damage caused by DED, suggesting a pathogenic role for αv integrin. Because tear hyperosmolarity induces ocular inflammation in DED, a hyperosmolar culture of murine bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) is used to reproduce inflammation in vitro. However, the expression of proinflammatory cytokine mRNA was minimal, even though αv integrin was induced. In searching for components that are involved in αv integrin-mediated inflammation but that are missing from the culture model, we showed that the levels of vitronectin (VTN), a binding ligand of αv integrins, were increased in the tear fluid and conjunctival stroma of DED animals. The addition of VTN prominently enhanced hyperosmolarity-induced inflammation in BMDMs. Mechanistically, we showed that VTN/αv integrins mediated NF-κB activation to induce inflammatory gene expression in the BMDMs. Our findings indicate that interaction the of VTN with αv integrins is a crucial step in the inflammatory process in DED and suggests a novel therapeutic target.

Focal Adhesion Kinase Activity and Localization is Critical for TNF-α-Induced Nuclear Factor-κB Activation

While sustained nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) activation is critical for proinflammatory molecule expression, regulators of NF-κB activity during chronic inflammation are not known. We investigated the role of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) on sustained NF-κB activation in tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)-stimulated endothelial cells (ECs) both in vitro and in vivo. We found that FAK inhibition abolished TNF-α-mediated sustained NF-κB activity in ECs by disrupting formation of TNF-α receptor complex-I (TNFRC-I). Additionally, FAK inhibition diminished recruitment of receptor-interacting serine/threonine-protein kinase 1 (RIPK1) and the inhibitor of NF-κB (IκB) kinase (IKK) complex to TNFRC-I, resulting in elevated stability of IκBα protein. In mice given TNF-α, pharmacological and genetic FAK inhibition blocked TNF-α-induced IKK-NF-κB activation in aortic ECs. Mechanistically, TNF-α activated and redistributed FAK from the nucleus to the cytoplasm, causing elevated IKK-NF-κB activation. On the other hand, FAK inhibition trapped FAK in the nucleus of ECs even upon TNF-α stimulation, leading to reduced IKK-NF-κB activity. Together, these findings support a potential use for FAK inhibitors in treating chronic inflammatory diseases.

Identification of Transcriptomic Differences between Lower Extremities Arterial Disease, Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm and Chronic Venous Disease in Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells Specimens

Several human tissues are investigated in studies of molecular biomarkers associated with diseases development. Special attention is focused on the blood and its components due to combining abundant information about systemic responses to pathological processes as well as high accessibility. In the current study, transcriptome profiles of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were used to compare differentially expressed genes between patients with lower extremities arterial disease (LEAD), abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) and chronic venous disease (CVD). Gene expression patterns were generated using the Ion S5XL next-generation sequencing platform and were analyzed using DESeq2 and UVE-PLS methods implemented in R programming software. In direct pairwise analysis, 21, 58 and 10 differentially expressed genes were selected from the comparison of LEAD vs. AAA, LEAD vs. CVD and AAA vs. CVD patient groups, respectively. Relationships between expression of dysregulated genes and age, body mass index, creatinine levels, hypertension and medication were identified using Spearman rank correlation test and two-sided Mann-Whitney U test. The functional analysis, performed using DAVID website tool, provides potential implications of selected genes in pathological processes underlying diseases studied. Presented research provides new insight into differences of pathogenesis in LEAD, AAA and CVD, and selected genes could be considered as potential candidates for biomarkers useful in diagnosis and differentiation of studied diseases.

Modulation of Insulin Sensitivity by Insulin-Degrading Enzyme

Insulin-degrading enzyme (IDE) is a highly conserved and ubiquitously expressed metalloprotease that degrades insulin and several other intermediate-size peptides. For many decades, IDE had been assumed to be involved primarily in hepatic insulin clearance, a key process that regulates availability of circulating insulin levels for peripheral tissues. Emerging evidence, however, suggests that IDE has several other important physiological functions relevant to glucose and insulin homeostasis, including the regulation of insulin secretion from pancreatic β-cells. Investigation of mice with tissue-specific genetic deletion of Ide in the liver and pancreatic β-cells (L-IDE-KO and B-IDE-KO mice, respectively) has revealed additional roles for IDE in the regulation of hepatic insulin action and sensitivity. In this review, we discuss current knowledge about IDE’s function as a regulator of insulin secretion and hepatic insulin sensitivity, both evaluating the classical view of IDE as an insulin protease and also exploring evidence for several non-proteolytic functions. Insulin proteostasis and insulin sensitivity have both been highlighted as targets controlling blood sugar levels in type 2 diabetes, so a clearer understanding the physiological functions of IDE in pancreas and liver could led to the development of novel therapeutics for the treatment of this disease.

Weighted Gene Co-Expression Network Analysis Identifies ANGPTL4 as a Key Regulator in Diabetic Cardiomyopathy via FAK/SIRT3/ROS Pathway in Cardiomyocyte

BACKGROUND

Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DbCM) is characterized by initial impairment of left ventricular relaxation followed by contractile dysfunction. Despite intensive research, the exact mechanism remains so far unsolved.

METHODS

We constructed weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) to screen gene modules that were closely related with DbCM based on the GSE5606 dataset, which contained expression data of the cardiac left ventricle in a rodent model of streptozotocin (STZ)-induced DbCM. Then, the most related hub gene, angiopoietin-like 4 (ANGPTL4), was selected for functional ex vivo and in vitro assays. In our experiments, STZ-induced diabetic mice (C57BL/6J) and human cardiomyocytes (AC16) were used to study the functional roles and potential mechanisms of ANGPTL4 in DbCM.

RESULTS

WGCNA analysis revealed the yellow and green modules were most correlated with DbCM, and identified ANGPTL4 as one of the most significantly upregulated hub genes (ANGPTL4, ACOT1, DECR1, HMGCS2, and PDK4). Consistent with the bioinformatic analysis, the amount of ANGPTL4 was significantly upregulated in diabetic mouse heart. DbCM group, compared with the control group, had increased phosphorylation of focal adhesion kinase (FAK), reduced SIRT3 expression, increased SOD2 acetylation, upregulated NADPH oxidase activation, elevated reactive oxygen species (ROS) produciton, and enhanced apoptosis in the diabetic mouse heart. Moreover, ANGPTL4 induced apoptosis via FAK/SIRT3/ROS pathway in human cardiomyocytes (AC16) under high glucose condition in vitro.These effects were abrogated by treatment of two independent siRNA for ANGPTL4, whereas exogenous recombinant ANGPLT4 protein treatment exacerbated those effects in AC16.

CONCLUSION

We found ANGPTL4, ACOT1, DECR1, HMGCS2, and PDK4 were significantly increased in diabetic heart. ANGPTL4 could promote cardiac apoptosis via a FAK/SIRT3/ROS dependent signaling pathway in DbCM.

Aging-related modifications to G protein-coupled receptor signaling diversity

Aging is a highly complex molecular process, affecting nearly all tissue systems in humans and is the highest risk factor in developing neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease, cardiovascular disease and Type 2 diabetes mellitus. The intense complexity of the aging process creates an incentive to develop more specific drugs that attenuate or even reverse some of the features of premature aging. As our current pharmacopeia is dominated by therapeutics that target members of the G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) superfamily it may be prudent to search for effective anti-aging therapeutics in this fertile domain. Since the first demonstration of GPCR-based β-arrestin signaling, it has become clear that an enhanced appreciation of GPCR signaling diversity may facilitate the creation of therapeutics with selective signaling activities. Such 'biased' ligand signaling profiles can be effectively investigated using both standard molecular biological techniques as well as high-dimensionality data analyses. Through a more nuanced appreciation of the quantitative nature across the multiple dimensions of signaling bias that drugs possess, researchers may be able to further refine the efficacy of GPCR modulators to impact the complex aberrations that constitute the aging process. Identifying novel effector profiles could expand the effective pharmacopeia and assist in the design of precision medicines. This review discusses potential non-G protein effectors, and specifically their potential therapeutic suitability in aging and age-related disorders.