1
|
Dong Y, Dong Y, Zhu C, Yang L, Wang H, Li J, Zheng Z, Zhao H, Xie W, Chen M, Jie Z, Li J, Zang Y, Shi J. Targeting CCL2-CCR2 signaling pathway alleviates macrophage dysfunction in COPD via PI3K-AKT axis. Cell Commun Signal 2024; 22:364. [PMID: 39014433 PMCID: PMC11253350 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-024-01746-z] [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: 05/04/2024] [Accepted: 07/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/18/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, characterized by persistent respiratory symptoms and airflow limitation. The involvement of C-C motif chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2) in COPD pathogenesis, particularly in macrophage regulation and activation, is poorly understood despite its recognized role in chronic inflammation. Our study aims to elucidate the regulatory role and molecular mechanisms of CCL2 in the pathogenesis of COPD, providing new insights for therapeutic strategies. METHODS This study focused on the CCL2-CCR2 signaling pathway, exploring its role in COPD pathogenesis using both Ccl2 knockout (KO) mice and pharmacological inhibitors. To dissect the underlying mechanisms, we employed various in vitro and in vivo methods to analyze the secretion patterns and pathogenic effects of CCL2 and its downstream molecular signaling through the CCL2-CCR2 axis. RESULTS Elevated Ccl2 expression was confirmed in the lungs of COPD mice and was associated with enhanced recruitment and activation of macrophages. Deletion of Ccl2 in knockout mice, as well as treatment with a Ccr2 inhibitor, resulted in protection against CS- and LPS-induced alveolar injury and airway remodeling. Mechanistically, CCL2 was predominantly secreted by bronchial epithelial cells in a process dependent on STAT1 phosphorylation and acted through the CCR2 receptor on macrophages. This interaction activated the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway, which was pivotal for macrophage activation and the secretion of inflammatory cytokines, further influencing the progression of COPD. CONCLUSIONS The study highlighted the crucial role of CCL2 in mediating inflammatory responses and remodeling in COPD. It enhanced our understanding of COPD's molecular mechanisms, particularly how CCL2's interaction with the CCR2 activates critical signaling pathways. Targeting the CCL2-CCR2 axis emerged as a promising strategy to alleviate COPD pathology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yue Dong
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Shanghai Fifth People's Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Center of Community-Based Health Research, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Lingang Laboratory, 100-19 Banxia Road, Pudong New District, Shanghai, 200120, China
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Ying Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Chengyue Zhu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Shanghai Fifth People's Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Center of Community-Based Health Research, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Lingang Laboratory, 100-19 Banxia Road, Pudong New District, Shanghai, 200120, China
| | - Lan Yang
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Hanlin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Junqing Li
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Shanghai Fifth People's Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Center of Community-Based Health Research, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zixuan Zheng
- Department of General Medicine, Zhuanqiao Community Healthcare Service Center of Minhang District, Shanghai, China
| | - Hanwei Zhao
- Department of General Medicine, Zhuanqiao Community Healthcare Service Center of Minhang District, Shanghai, China
| | - Wanji Xie
- Department of General Medicine, Hongqiao Community Healthcare Service Center of Minhang District, Shanghai, China
| | - Meiting Chen
- Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhijun Jie
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Shanghai Fifth People's Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Center of Community-Based Health Research, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jia Li
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
- Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China
- Zhongshan Institute for Drug Discovery, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangdong, China
- Shandong Laboratory of Yantai Drug Discovery, Bohai Rim Advanced Research Institute for Drug Discovery, Yantai, Shandong, China
| | - Yi Zang
- Lingang Laboratory, 100-19 Banxia Road, Pudong New District, Shanghai, 200120, China.
| | - Jindong Shi
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Shanghai Fifth People's Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
- Center of Community-Based Health Research, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Nadel G, Maik-Rachline G, Seger R. JNK Cascade-Induced Apoptosis-A Unique Role in GqPCR Signaling. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13527. [PMID: 37686335 PMCID: PMC10487481 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241713527] [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: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 08/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The response of cells to extracellular signals is mediated by a variety of intracellular signaling pathways that determine stimulus-dependent cell fates. One such pathway is the cJun-N-terminal Kinase (JNK) cascade, which is mainly involved in stress-related processes. The cascade transmits its signals via a sequential activation of protein kinases, organized into three to five tiers. Proper regulation is essential for securing a proper cell fate after stimulation, and the mechanisms that regulate this cascade may involve the following: (1) Activatory or inhibitory phosphorylations, which induce or abolish signal transmission. (2) Regulatory dephosphorylation by various phosphatases. (3) Scaffold proteins that bring distinct components of the cascade in close proximity to each other. (4) Dynamic change of subcellular localization of the cascade's components. (5) Degradation of some of the components. In this review, we cover these regulatory mechanisms and emphasize the mechanism by which the JNK cascade transmits apoptotic signals. We also describe the newly discovered PP2A switch, which is an important mechanism for JNK activation that induces apoptosis downstream of the Gq protein coupled receptors. Since the JNK cascade is involved in many cellular processes that determine cell fate, addressing its regulatory mechanisms might reveal new ways to treat JNK-dependent pathologies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Rony Seger
- Department of Immunology and Regenerative Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel; (G.N.); (G.M.-R.)
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Yen WC, Chang KP, Chen CY, Huang Y, Chen TW, Cheng HW, Yi JS, Cheng CC, Wu CC, Wang CI. MFI2 upregulation promotes malignant progression through EGF/FAK signaling in oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma. Cancer Cell Int 2023; 23:112. [PMID: 37309001 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-023-02956-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the predominant histological type of the head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). By comparing the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in OSCC-TCGA patients with copy number variations (CNVs) that we identify in OSCC-OncoScan dataset, we herein identified 37 dysregulated candidate genes. Among these potential candidate genes, 26 have been previously reported as dysregulated proteins or genes in HNSCC. Among 11 novel candidates, the overall survival analysis revealed that melanotransferrin (MFI2) is the most significant prognostic molecular in OSCC-TCGA patients. Another independent Taiwanese cohort confirmed that higher MFI2 transcript levels were significantly associated with poor prognosis. Mechanistically, we found that knockdown of MFI2 reduced cell viability, migration and invasion via modulating EGF/FAK signaling in OSCC cells. Collectively, our results support a mechanistic understanding of a novel role for MFI2 in promoting cell invasiveness in OSCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Chen Yen
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- Molecular Medicine Research Center, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Kai-Ping Chang
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- Molecular Medicine Research Center, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Yi Chen
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Yenlin Huang
- School of Medicine, National Tsing-Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
- Institute of Stem Cell and Translational Cancer Research, Department of Anatomic Pathology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Ting-Wen Chen
- Institute of Bioinformatics and Systems Biology, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
- Center For Intelligent Drug Systems and Smart Bio-devices (IDS2B), National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Hsing-Wen Cheng
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Jui-Shan Yi
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Chia Cheng
- Radiation Biology Research Center, Institute for Radiological Research, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Ching Wu
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- Molecular Medicine Research Center, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Laboratory Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Chun-I Wang
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
GSPT1 Functions as a Tumor Promoter in Human Liver Cancer. Curr Med Sci 2023; 43:104-114. [PMID: 36459303 DOI: 10.1007/s11596-022-2665-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study analyzed the role of G1 to S phase transition 1 protein (GSPT1) in promoting progression of liver cancer cells. METHODS A bioinformatics database was used to analyze the expression levels of GSPT1 in liver cancer tissues and the prognosis of patients. Subsequently, Western blotting and quantitative PCR were used to verify the expression levels of GSPT1 between normal hepatocytes and hepatoma cells. We used a CRISPR/Cas9 system to construct knockouts of GSPT1 in HepG2 and HCCLM9 liver cancer cells. The effect of GSPT1 on liver cancer cell migration and invasion was analyzed using flow cytometry, migration, and tumor formation assays. RESULTS The Cancer Genome Atlas Liver Hepatocellular Carcinoma dataset indicated that GSPT1 expression was upregulated in liver cancer cell lines, and patients with liver cancer had poor prognosis. Knockout of GSPT1 in cells significantly inhibited tumor proliferation, cell migration, and growth in vivo. CONCLUSION In this study, we found that GSPT1 promotes the migration and invasion of liver cancer cells.
Collapse
|
5
|
Xi YQ, Xu LH, Yang LJ, Wang HQ, Yang TC, Li Z, Xie W, Zhang JW, Li XF, Feng MH. Overexpression of eRF3a Promotes Cell Proliferation and Migration in Liver Cancer. Curr Med Sci 2022; 42:100-107. [PMID: 34985612 DOI: 10.1007/s11596-021-2463-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2020] [Accepted: 02/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The eukaryotic release factor 3a (eRF3a), a member of the eukaryotic peptide chain release factor family, is overexpressed in several types of cancer. This study aims to investigate the biological role and mechanism of eRF3a in the progression of liver cancer. METHODS Western blotting and RT-qPCR were used to detect the expression level of eRF3a in normal liver cells and liver cancer cells. The cell transfection experiments were performed to overexpress eRF3a levels in liver cancer cells HCCLM9 and Huh7, and then cell cycle and apoptosis experiments, Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK8), plate cloning, and Transwell experiments were done to evaluate the function of eRF3a in the progression of liver cancer. The Western blotting was done to explore the mechanism of eRF3a promoting the development of liver cancer. Western blotting and RT-qPCR were used to detect the expression level of eRF3a in normal liver cells and liver cancer cells. The cell transfection experiments were performed to overexpress eRF3a levels in liver cancer cells HCCLM9 and Huh7, and then cell cycle and apoptosis experiments, Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK8), plate cloning, and Transwell experiments were done to evaluate the function of eRF3a in the progression of liver cancer. The Western blotting was done to explore the mechanism of eRF3a promoting the development of liver cancer. RESULTS eRF3a was significantly highly expressed in liver cancer cells, and its expression level was negatively correlated with the clinical prognosis of patients. In addition, in vitro experiments showed that eRF3a could promote the proliferation and migration of liver cancer cells through the ERK and JNK signaling pathways. CONCLUSION This study suggests that eRF3a may be a potential prognostic marker for liver cancer and act as an oncogene by activating JNK and ERK signaling; therefore, eRF3a may be a new target for the treatment of liver cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Qing Xi
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Li-Hua Xu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Li-Jie Yang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Hua-Qiao Wang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China.,Clinical Medical Research Center of Peritoneal Cancer of Wuhan, Wuhan, 430071, China.,Clinical Cancer Study Center of Hubei Province, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Tie-Cheng Yang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China.,Clinical Medical Research Center of Peritoneal Cancer of Wuhan, Wuhan, 430071, China.,Clinical Cancer Study Center of Hubei Province, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Zhi Li
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Wei Xie
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China.,Clinical Medical Research Center of Peritoneal Cancer of Wuhan, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Jing-Wei Zhang
- Clinical Medical Research Center of Peritoneal Cancer of Wuhan, Wuhan, 430071, China.,Clinical Cancer Study Center of Hubei Province, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Xuan-Fei Li
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China. .,Clinical Medical Research Center of Peritoneal Cancer of Wuhan, Wuhan, 430071, China. .,Clinical Cancer Study Center of Hubei Province, Wuhan, 430071, China. .,Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Biological Behaviors, Wuhan, 430071, China.
| | - Mao-Hui Feng
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China. .,Clinical Medical Research Center of Peritoneal Cancer of Wuhan, Wuhan, 430071, China. .,Clinical Cancer Study Center of Hubei Province, Wuhan, 430071, China. .,Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Biological Behaviors, Wuhan, 430071, China.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
New Structural Perspectives in G Protein-Coupled Receptor-Mediated Src Family Kinase Activation. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22126489. [PMID: 34204297 PMCID: PMC8233884 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22126489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Revised: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Src family kinases (SFKs) are key regulators of cell proliferation, differentiation, and survival. The expression of these non-receptor tyrosine kinases is strongly correlated with cancer development and tumor progression. Thus, this family of proteins serves as an attractive drug target. The activation of SFKs can occur via multiple signaling pathways, yet many of them are poorly understood. Here, we summarize the current knowledge on G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR)-mediated regulation of SFKs, which is of considerable interest because GPCRs are among the most widely used pharmaceutical targets. This type of activation can occur through a direct interaction between the two proteins or be allosterically regulated by arrestins and G proteins. We postulate that a rearrangement of binding motifs within the active conformation of arrestin-3 mediates Src regulation by comparison of available crystal structures. Therefore, we hypothesize a potentially different activation mechanism compared to arrestin-2. Furthermore, we discuss the probable direct regulation of SFK by GPCRs and investigate the intracellular domains of exemplary GPCRs with conserved polyproline binding motifs that might serve as scaffolding domains to allow such a direct interaction. Large intracellular domains in GPCRs are often understudied and, in general, not much is known of their contribution to different signaling pathways. The suggested direct interaction between a GPCR and a SFK could allow for a potential immediate allosteric regulation of SFKs by GPCRs and thereby unravel a novel mechanism of SFK signaling. This overview will help to identify new GPCR-SFK interactions, which could serve to explain biological functions or be used to modulate downstream effectors.
Collapse
|
7
|
Ben-Menahem D. GnRH-Related Neurohormones in the Fruit Fly Drosophila melanogaster. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22095035. [PMID: 34068603 PMCID: PMC8126107 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22095035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Revised: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Genomic and phylogenetic analyses of various invertebrate phyla revealed the existence of genes that are evolutionarily related to the vertebrate’s decapeptide gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and the GnRH receptor genes. Upon the characterization of these gene products, encoding peptides and putative receptors, GnRH-related peptides and their G-protein coupled receptors have been identified. These include the adipokinetic hormone (AKH) and corazonin (CRZ) in insects and their cognate receptors that pair to form bioactive signaling systems, which network with additional neurotransmitters/hormones (e.g., octopamine and ecdysone). Multiple studies in the past 30 years have identified many aspects of the biology of these peptides that are similar in size to GnRH and function as neurohormones. This review briefly describes the main activities of these two neurohormones and their receptors in the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster. The similarities and differences between Drosophila AKH/CRZ and mammalian GnRH signaling systems are discussed. Of note, while GnRH has a key role in reproduction, AKH and CRZ show pleiotropic activities in the adult fly, primarily in metabolism and stress responses. From a protein evolution standpoint, the GnRH/AKH/CRZ family nicely demonstrates the developmental process of neuropeptide signaling systems emerging from a putative common ancestor and leading to divergent activities in distal phyla.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David Ben-Menahem
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva 8410501, Israel
| |
Collapse
|