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Li H, Liu P, Zhang B, Yuan Z, Guo M, Zou X, Qian Y, Deng S, Zhu L, Cao X, Tao T, Xia S, Bao X, Xu Y. Acute ischemia induces spatially and transcriptionally distinct microglial subclusters. Genome Med 2023; 15:109. [PMID: 38082331 PMCID: PMC10712107 DOI: 10.1186/s13073-023-01257-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Damage in the ischemic core and penumbra after stroke affects patient prognosis. Microglia immediately respond to ischemic insult and initiate immune inflammation, playing an important role in the cellular injury after stroke. However, the microglial heterogeneity and the mechanisms involved remain unclear. METHODS We first performed single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) and spatial transcriptomics (ST) on middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) mice from three time points to determine stroke-associated microglial subclusters and their spatial distributions. Furthermore, the expression of microglial subcluster-specific marker genes and the localization of different microglial subclusters were verified on MCAO mice through RNAscope and immunofluorescence. Gene set variation analysis (GSVA) was performed to reveal functional characteristics of microglia sub-clusters. Additionally, ingenuity pathway analysis (IPA) was used to explore upstream regulators of microglial subclusters, which was confirmed by immunofluorescence, RT-qPCR, shRNA-mediated knockdown, and targeted metabolomics. Finally, the infarct size, neurological deficits, and neuronal apoptosis were evaluated in MCAO mice after manipulation of specific microglial subcluster. RESULTS We discovered stroke-associated microglial subclusters in the brains of MCAO mice. We also identified novel marker genes of these microglial subclusters and defined these cells as ischemic core-associated (ICAM) and ischemic penumbra-associated (IPAM) microglia, according to their spatial distribution. ICAM, induced by damage-associated molecular patterns, are probably fueled by glycolysis, and exhibit increased pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines production. BACH1 is a key transcription factor driving ICAM generation. In contrast, glucocorticoids, which are enriched in the penumbra, likely trigger IPAM formation, which are presumably powered by the citrate cycle and oxidative phosphorylation and are characterized by moderate pro-inflammatory responses, inflammation-alleviating metabolic features, and myelinotrophic properties. CONCLUSIONS ICAM could induce excessive neuroinflammation, aggravating brain injury, whereas IPAM probably exhibit neuroprotective features, which could be essential for the homeostasis and survival of cells in the penumbra. Our findings provide a biological basis for targeting specific microglial subclusters as a potential therapeutic strategy for ischemic stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huiya Li
- Department of Neurology, Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School and The State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Institute of Translational Medicine for Brain Critical Diseases, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210008, China
- Department of Radiology, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, 210008, China
| | - Pinyi Liu
- Department of Neurology, Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School and The State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Institute of Translational Medicine for Brain Critical Diseases, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210008, China
| | - Bing Zhang
- Department of Radiology, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, 210008, China
| | - Zengqiang Yuan
- The Brain Science Centre, Beijing Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100850, China
- Centre of Alzheimer's Disease, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Mengdi Guo
- Department of Neurology, Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School and The State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Institute of Translational Medicine for Brain Critical Diseases, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210008, China
| | - Xinxin Zou
- Department of Neurology, Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School and The State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Institute of Translational Medicine for Brain Critical Diseases, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210008, China
| | - Yi Qian
- Department of Neurology, Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School and The State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Institute of Translational Medicine for Brain Critical Diseases, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210008, China
| | - Shiji Deng
- Department of Neurology, Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School and The State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Institute of Translational Medicine for Brain Critical Diseases, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210008, China
| | - Liwen Zhu
- Department of Neurology, Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School and The State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Institute of Translational Medicine for Brain Critical Diseases, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210008, China
| | - Xiang Cao
- Department of Neurology, Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School and The State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Institute of Translational Medicine for Brain Critical Diseases, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210008, China
| | - Tao Tao
- Department of Neurology, Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School and The State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Institute of Translational Medicine for Brain Critical Diseases, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210008, China
| | - Shengnan Xia
- Department of Neurology, Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School and The State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Institute of Translational Medicine for Brain Critical Diseases, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210008, China
| | - Xinyu Bao
- Department of Neurology, Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School and The State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Institute of Translational Medicine for Brain Critical Diseases, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210008, China
| | - Yun Xu
- Department of Neurology, Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School and The State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Institute of Translational Medicine for Brain Critical Diseases, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210008, China.
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular Medicine, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210008, China.
- Jiangsu Provincial Key Discipline of Neurology, Nanjing, 210008, China.
- Nanjing Neurology Medical Centre, Nanjing, 210008, China.
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Li H, Niu J, Wang X, Niu M, Liao C. The Contribution of Antimicrobial Peptides to Immune Cell Function: A Review of Recent Advances. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:2278. [PMID: 37765247 PMCID: PMC10535326 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15092278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 08/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The development of novel antimicrobial agents to replace antibiotics has become urgent due to the emergence of multidrug-resistant microorganisms. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), widely distributed in all kingdoms of life, present strong antimicrobial activity against a variety of bacteria, fungi, parasites, and viruses. The potential of AMPs as new alternatives to antibiotics has gradually attracted considerable interest. In addition, AMPs exhibit strong anticancer potential as well as anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory activity. Many studies have provided evidence that AMPs can recruit and activate immune cells, controlling inflammation. This review highlights the scientific literature focusing on evidence for the anti-inflammatory mechanisms of different AMPs in immune cells, including macrophages, monocytes, lymphocytes, mast cells, dendritic cells, neutrophils, and eosinophils. A variety of immunomodulatory characteristics, including the abilities to activate and differentiate immune cells, change the content and expression of inflammatory mediators, and regulate specific cellular functions and inflammation-related signaling pathways, are summarized and discussed in detail. This comprehensive review contributes to a better understanding of the role of AMPs in the regulation of the immune system and provides a reference for the use of AMPs as novel anti-inflammatory drugs for the treatment of various inflammatory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanxiao Li
- Luoyang Key Laboratory of Live Carrier Biomaterial and Anmal Disease Prevention and Control, College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang 471023, China; (H.L.); (J.N.)
| | - Junhui Niu
- Luoyang Key Laboratory of Live Carrier Biomaterial and Anmal Disease Prevention and Control, College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang 471023, China; (H.L.); (J.N.)
| | - Xiaoli Wang
- College of Basic Medicine and Forensic Medicine, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang 471023, China;
| | - Mingfu Niu
- College of Food and Bioengineering, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang 471023, China;
| | - Chengshui Liao
- Luoyang Key Laboratory of Live Carrier Biomaterial and Anmal Disease Prevention and Control, College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang 471023, China; (H.L.); (J.N.)
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Zhen X, Jindong L, Yang Z, Yashi R, Wei G, Wei J, Wei Z, Sudong L. Activation of Nrf2 Pathway by Dimethyl Fumarate Attenuates Renal Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury. Transplant Proc 2021; 53:2133-2139. [PMID: 34426023 DOI: 10.1016/j.transproceed.2021.07.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dimethyl fumarate (DMF) is a novel antioxidant that selectively reduces hydroxyl radicals. This study aimed to investigate the potential role of DMF in the pathogenesis of renal ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) and the mechanisms involved. METHODS C57BL/6 wild-type mice were treated with DMF or a vehicle. Subsequently, renal IRI was induced in mice by a model of right kidney nephrectomy and left renal ischemia for 30 minutes followed by reperfusion for 24 hours. Sham operation and phosphate-buffered saline were used as controls. Serum and renal tissues were collected at 24 hours after IRI to evaluate the influence of DMF on the recovery of renal function after IRI. Blood urea nitrogen and serum creatinine levels were measured. Kidney cell apoptosis was evaluated using terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling-positive staining. Interleukin 6 and tumor necrosis factor α cytokines in the kidney tissues were measured. Indicators of oxidative stress in the kidneys were detected. Finally, Nrf2-deficient mice were used to determine the protective role of the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/hemeoxygenase-1 (HO-1) and NAD(P)H dehydrogenase quinone 1 (NQO1) signaling pathways induced by DMF using western blot assay. RESULTS DMF significantly attenuated renal dysfunction in mice and showed reductions in the severity of renal tubular injury, cell necrosis, and apoptosis. Moreover, DMF significantly reduced the amount of key inflammatory mediators. Additionally, DMF attenuated the malondialdehyde levels 24 hours after IRI but upregulated the superoxide dismutase activities. Western blot assay showed that DMF significantly increased the protein levels of Nrf2, HO-1, and NQO-1. Importantly, these DMF-mediated beneficial effects were not observed in Nrf2-deficient mice. CONCLUSIONS DMF attenuates renal IRI by reducing inflammation and upregulating the antioxidant capacity, which may be through Nrf2/HO-1and NQO1 signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu Zhen
- Department of Urology, Taizhou People's Hospital, Taizhou, China
| | - Li Jindong
- Department of Pharmacy, Taizhou People's Hospital, Taizhou, China
| | - Zhou Yang
- Department of Pathology, The Affiliated Changzhou No. 2 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, China
| | - Ruan Yashi
- Department of Urology, Taizhou People's Hospital, Taizhou, China
| | - Guo Wei
- Department of Urology, Taizhou People's Hospital, Taizhou, China
| | - Jiang Wei
- Department of Urology, Taizhou People's Hospital, Taizhou, China
| | - Zhang Wei
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Liang Sudong
- Department of Urology, Taizhou People's Hospital, Taizhou, China.
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Bharadwaj KK, Sarkar T, Ghosh A, Baishya D, Rabha B, Panda MK, Nelson BR, John AB, Sheikh HI, Dash BP, Edinur HA, Pati S. Macrolactin A as a Novel Inhibitory Agent for SARS-CoV-2 M pro: Bioinformatics Approach. Appl Biochem Biotechnol 2021; 193:3371-3394. [PMID: 34212286 PMCID: PMC8248955 DOI: 10.1007/s12010-021-03608-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
COVID-19 is a disease that puts most of the world on lockdown and the search for therapeutic drugs is still ongoing. Therefore, this study used in silico screening to identify natural bioactive compounds from fruits, herbaceous plants, and marine invertebrates that are able to inhibit protease activity in SARS-CoV-2 (PDB: 6LU7). We have used extensive screening strategies such as drug likeliness, antiviral activity value prediction, molecular docking, ADME, molecular dynamics (MD) simulation, and MM/GBSA. A total of 17 compounds were shortlisted using Lipinski’s rule in which 5 compounds showed significant predicted antiviral activity values. Among these 5, only 2 compounds, Macrolactin A and Stachyflin, showed good binding energy of −9.22 and −8.00 kcal/mol, respectively, within the binding pocket of the Mpro catalytic residues (HIS 41 and CYS 145). These two compounds were further analyzed to determine their ADME properties. The ADME evaluation of these 2 compounds suggested that they could be effective in developing therapeutic drugs to be used in clinical trials. MD simulations showed that protein–ligand complexes of Macrolactin A and Stachyflin with the target receptor (6LU7) were stable for 100 nanoseconds. The MM/GBSA calculations of Mpro–Macrolactin A complex indicated higher binding free energy (−42.58 ± 6.35 kcal/mol). Dynamic cross-correlation matrix (DCCM) and principal component analysis (PCA) on the residual movement in the MD trajectories further confirmed the stability of Macrolactin A bound state with 6LU7. In conclusion, this study showed that marine natural compound Macrolactin A could be an effective therapeutic inhibitor against SARS-CoV-2 protease (6LU7). Additional in vitro and in vivo validations are strongly needed to determine the efficacy and therapeutic dose of Macrolactin A in biological systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaushik Kumar Bharadwaj
- Department of Bioengineering and Technology, Gauhati University, Guwahati, Assam, 781014, India
| | - Tanmay Sarkar
- Malda Polytechnic, West Bengal State Council of Technical Education, Govt. of West Bengal, Malda, West Bengal, 732102, India.,Department of Food Technology and Biochemical Engineering, Jadavpur University, Kolkata, West Bengal, 700038, India
| | - Arabinda Ghosh
- Microbiology Division, Department of Botany, Gauhati University, Guwahati, Assam, ,781014, India
| | - Debabrat Baishya
- Department of Bioengineering and Technology, Gauhati University, Guwahati, Assam, 781014, India
| | - Bijuli Rabha
- Department of Bioengineering and Technology, Gauhati University, Guwahati, Assam, 781014, India
| | - Manasa Kumar Panda
- Environment and Sustainability Department, CSIR-Institute of Minerals and Materials Technology, 751013, Bhubaneswar, India
| | - Bryan Raveen Nelson
- Institute of Tropical Biodiversity and Sustainable Development, University Malaysia Terengganu, 21030, Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia.,Research Divisions, Association for Biodiversity Conservation and Research, Balasore, Odisha, 756001, India
| | - Akbar B John
- INOCEM Research Station, Kulliyyah of Science, International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), 25200, Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia
| | - Hassan I Sheikh
- Faculty of Fisheries and Food Science, University Malaysia Terengganu, 21030, Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia
| | - Bisnu Prasad Dash
- Department of Biosciences and Biotechnology, Fakir Mohan University, 756089, Balasore, India
| | - Hisham Atan Edinur
- Forensic Science Programme, School of Health Sciences, University Sains Malaysia, Health Campus, 16150, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia
| | - Siddhartha Pati
- Research Divisions, Association for Biodiversity Conservation and Research, Balasore, Odisha, 756001, India. .,Centre of Excellence (OHEPEE), Khallikote University, Berhampur, Ganjam, Odisha, 761008, India.
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LncRNA TUG1 exhibits pro-fibrosis activity in hypertrophic scar through TAK1/YAP/TAZ pathway via miR-27b-3p. Mol Cell Biochem 2021; 476:3009-3020. [PMID: 33791919 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-021-04142-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2020] [Accepted: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Hypertrophic Scar (HS) is a complicated fibrotic disease. In addition, its pathogenesis is still to be further explored. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been proved to be participated in multiple diseases, including HS. However, the role of lncRNA TUG1 in HS remains unclear. The expression level of RNA and protein in cells were detected by q-PCR and western blot, respectively. MTT assay was performed to test the cell proliferation. Cell migration was detected by transwell assay. Cell apoptosis was measured by flow cytometry. Dual luciferase report assay and RNA pull down were used to verify the relationship between TUG1, miR-27b-3p and TAK1.TUG1 and TAK1 were upregulated in HS, while miR-27b-3p was downregulated. Knockdown of TUG1 significantly suppressed the proliferation and migration and induced the apoptosis of HS fibroblasts (HSF). In addition, silencing of TUG1 notably inhibited the extracellular matrix (ECM) biosynthesis in HSF. Overexpression of miR-27b-3p has the same effect on HS as that of TUG1 knockdown. Meanwhile, TUG1 could sponge miR-27b-3p, and TAK1 was the direct target of miR-27b-3p. Furthermore, knockdown of TUG1 significantly suppressed the fibrosis in HS via miR-27b-3p/TAK1/YAP/TAZ axis mediation. LncRNA TUG1 promotes the fibrosis in HS via sponging miR-27b-3p and then activates TAK1/YAP/TAZ pathway, which may serve as a potential target for treatment of HS.
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Marine Natural Products: Promising Candidates in the Modulation of Gut-Brain Axis towards Neuroprotection. Mar Drugs 2021; 19:md19030165. [PMID: 33808737 PMCID: PMC8003567 DOI: 10.3390/md19030165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2021] [Revised: 03/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent decades, several neuroprotective agents have been provided in combating neuronal dysfunctions; however, no effective treatment has been found towards the complete eradication of neurodegenerative diseases. From the pathophysiological point of view, growing studies are indicating a bidirectional relationship between gut and brain termed gut-brain axis in the context of health/disease. Revealing the gut-brain axis has survived new hopes in the prevention, management, and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. Accordingly, introducing novel alternative therapies in regulating the gut-brain axis seems to be an emerging concept to pave the road in fighting neurodegenerative diseases. Growing studies have developed marine-derived natural products as hopeful candidates in a simultaneous targeting of gut-brain dysregulated mediators towards neuroprotection. Of marine natural products, carotenoids (e.g., fucoxanthin, and astaxanthin), phytosterols (e.g., fucosterol), polysaccharides (e.g., fucoidan, chitosan, alginate, and laminarin), macrolactins (e.g., macrolactin A), diterpenes (e.g., lobocrasol, excavatolide B, and crassumol E) and sesquiterpenes (e.g., zonarol) have shown to be promising candidates in modulating gut-brain axis. The aforementioned marine natural products are potential regulators of inflammatory, apoptotic, and oxidative stress mediators towards a bidirectional regulation of the gut-brain axis. The present study aims at describing the gut-brain axis, the importance of gut microbiota in neurological diseases, as well as the modulatory role of marine natural products towards neuroprotection.
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