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Karunatilleke NC, Brickenden A, Choy WY. Molecular basis of the interactions between the disordered Neh4 and Neh5 domains of Nrf2 and CBP/p300 in oxidative stress response. Protein Sci 2024; 33:e5137. [PMID: 39150085 DOI: 10.1002/pro.5137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2024] [Revised: 06/21/2024] [Accepted: 07/22/2024] [Indexed: 08/17/2024]
Abstract
Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is a major transcription factor that functions in maintaining redox homeostasis in cells. It mediates the transcription of cytoprotective genes in response to environmental and endogenous stresses to prevent oxidative damage. Thus, Nrf2 plays a significant role in chemoprevention. However, aberrant activation of Nrf2 has been shown to protect cancer cells from apoptosis and contribute to their chemoresistance. The interaction between Nrf2 and CBP is critical for the gene transcription activation. CBP and its homologue p300 interact with two transactivation domains in Nrf2, Neh4, and Neh5 domains through their TAZ1 and TAZ2 domains. To date, the molecular basis of this crucial interaction is not known, hindering a more detailed understanding of the regulation of Nrf2. To close this knowledge gap, we have used a set of biophysical experiments to dissect the Nrf2-CBP/p300 interactions. Structural properties of Neh4 and Neh5 and their binding with the TAZ1 and TAZ2 domains of CBP/p300 were characterized. Our results show that the Neh4 and Neh5 domains of Nrf2 are intrinsically disordered, and they both can bind the TAZ1 and TAZ2 domains of CBP/p300 with micromolar affinities. The findings provide molecular insight into the regulation of Nrf2 by CBP/p300 through multi-domain interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadun C Karunatilleke
- Department of Biochemistry, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Anne Brickenden
- Department of Biochemistry, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Wing-Yiu Choy
- Department of Biochemistry, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
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2
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Khamies SM, El-Yamany MF, Ibrahim SM. Canagliflozin Mitigated Cognitive Impairment in Streptozotocin-Induced Sporadic Alzheimer's Disease in Mice: Role of AMPK/SIRT-1 Signaling Pathway in Modulating Neuroinflammation. J Neuroimmune Pharmacol 2024; 19:39. [PMID: 39073453 DOI: 10.1007/s11481-024-10140-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 07/14/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
Sporadic Alzheimer's disease (SAD) represents a major health concern especially among elderly. Noteworthy, neuroinflammation and oxidative stress are highly implicated in AD pathogenesis resulting in enhanced disease progression. Moreover, most of the available anti-Alzheimer drugs have several adverse effects with variable efficacy, therefore new strategies, including agents with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, are encouraged. Along these lines, canagliflozin (CAN), with its anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic activities, presents a promising candidate for AD treatment. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic potential of CAN via regulation of AMPK/SIRT-1/BDNF/GSK-3β signaling pathway in SAD. SAD model was induced by intracerebroventricular streptozotocin injection (ICV-STZ;3 mg/kg, once), while CAN was administered (10 mg/kg/day, orally) to STZ-treated mice for 21 days. Behavioral tests, novel object recognition (NOR), Y-Maze, and Morris Water Maze (MWM) tests, histopathological examination, total adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (T-AMPK) expression, p-AMPK, and silent information regulator-1 (SIRT-1) were evaluated. Furthermore, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β), acetylcholinesterase (AChE), Tau protein, insulin-degrading enzyme (IDE), nuclear factor erythroid-2 (Nrf-2), interleukin-6 (IL-6), nuclear factor kappa-B-p65 (NFκB-p65), beta-site APP cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE-1), and amyloid beta (Aβ) plaque were assessed. CAN restored STZ-induced cognitive deficits, confirmed by improved behavioral tests and histopathological examination. Besides, CAN halted STZ-induced neurotoxicity through activation of p-AMPK/SIRT-1/BDNF pathway, subsequently reduction of GSK-3β, Tau protein, AChE, NFκB-p65, IL-6, BACE-1, and Aβ plaque associated with increased IDE and Nrf-2. Consequentially, our findings assumed that CAN, via targeting p-AMPK/SIRT-1 pathway, combated neuroinflammation and oxidative stress in STZ-induced AD. Thus, this study highlighted the promising effect of CAN for treating AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara M Khamies
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Menoufia University, Menoufia, 32511, Egypt
| | - Mohammed F El-Yamany
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Cairo University, ElKasr Elaini Street, Cairo, 11562, Egypt
| | - Sherehan M Ibrahim
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Cairo University, ElKasr Elaini Street, Cairo, 11562, Egypt.
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Modern University for Technology and Information, Cairo, Egypt.
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3
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Mayer C, Riera-Ponsati L, Kauppinen S, Klitgaard H, Erler JT, Hansen SN. Targeting the NRF2 pathway for disease modification in neurodegenerative diseases: mechanisms and therapeutic implications. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1437939. [PMID: 39119604 PMCID: PMC11306042 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1437939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2024] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases constitute a global health issue and a major economic burden. They significantly impair both cognitive and motor functions, and their prevalence is expected to rise due to ageing societies and continuous population growth. Conventional therapies provide symptomatic relief, nevertheless, disease-modifying treatments that reduce or halt neuron death and malfunction are still largely unavailable. Amongst the common hallmarks of neurodegenerative diseases are protein aggregation, oxidative stress, neuroinflammation and mitochondrial dysfunction. Transcription factor nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) constitutes a central regulator of cellular defense mechanisms, including the regulation of antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and mitochondrial pathways, making it a highly attractive therapeutic target for disease modification in neurodegenerative disorders. Here, we describe the role of NRF2 in the common hallmarks of neurodegeneration, review the current pharmacological interventions and their challenges in activating the NRF2 pathway, and present alternative therapeutic approaches for disease modification.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lluís Riera-Ponsati
- NEUmiRNA Therapeutics, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Center for RNA Medicine, Aalborg University, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Sakari Kauppinen
- NEUmiRNA Therapeutics, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Center for RNA Medicine, Aalborg University, Copenhagen, Denmark
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4
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Marini P, Maccarrone M, Saso L, Tucci P. The Effect of Phytocannabinoids and Endocannabinoids on Nrf2 Activity in the Central Nervous System and Periphery. Neurol Int 2024; 16:776-789. [PMID: 39051218 PMCID: PMC11270200 DOI: 10.3390/neurolint16040057] [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: 05/14/2024] [Revised: 07/12/2024] [Accepted: 07/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024] Open
Abstract
The relationship between nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and phytocannabinoids/endocannabinoids (pCBs/eCBs) has been investigated in a variety of models of peripheral illnesses, with little clarification on their interaction within the central nervous system (CNS). In this context, evidence suggests that the Nrf2-pCBs/eCBS interaction is relevant in modulating peroxidation processes and the antioxidant system. Nrf2, one of the regulators of cellular redox homeostasis, appears to have a protective role toward damaging insults to neurons and glia by enhancing those genes involved in the regulation of homeostatic processes. Specifically in microglia and macroglia cells, Nrf2 can be activated, and its signaling pathway modulated, by both pCBs and eCBs. However, the precise effects of pCBs and eCBs on the Nrf2 signaling pathway are not completely elucidated yet, making their potential clinical employment still not fully understood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pietro Marini
- Institute of Education in Healthcare and Medical Sciences, Foresterhill Campus, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK
| | - Mauro Maccarrone
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L’Aquila, Via Vetoio snc, Coppito, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy
- European Center for Brain Research (CERC), Santa Lucia Foundation IRCCS, Via del Fosso di Fiorano 64, 00143 Rome, Italy
| | - Luciano Saso
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology “Vittorio Erspamer”, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Paolo Tucci
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy
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Cai L, Xu L, Shen K, Wang Q, Ni R, Xu X, Ma X. Sophorae tonkinensis radix polysaccharide attenuates acetaminophen-induced liver injury by regulating the miR-140-5p-related antioxidant mechanism. J Tradit Complement Med 2024; 14:467-476. [PMID: 39035693 PMCID: PMC11259709 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtcme.2024.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024] Open
Abstract
STRP1, a polysaccharide active ingredient isolated from the traditional Chinese medicine Sophorae tonkinensis radix, has demonstrated a protective effect against acetaminophen (APAP)-induced liver injury (AILI). The underlying molecular mechanism was investigated in this study. Here, an acute liver damage mouse model was generated by APAP (400 mg/kg) and used to identify the protective effect of STRP1 (200 mg/kg) on mouse livers. In vitro cell experiments were used to further verify the related signaling pathways. Initially, in our study, STRP1 treatment reduced APAP-induced liver injury by decreasing aminotransferase activity and cell apoptosis and increasing cell proliferation. Furthermore, STRP1 treatment significantly increased Nrf2 expression and alleviated oxidative stress caused by reactive oxygen species in AILI. Based on bioinformatics and experimental studies, miR-140-5p was identified and found to be reduced by STRP1, increasing Nrf2 expression. Additionally, Nrf2 played an important role in the protective impact of STRP1-suppressed miR-140-5p expression. Generally, these results showed that STRP1-mediated suppression of miR-140-5p expression mitigates AILI by activating the Nrf2-mediated Nrf2-Keap1 pathway. This study revealed that STRP1 might be a potential treatment agent for AILI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liangliang Cai
- Department of Pharmacy, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, PR China
| | - Lixing Xu
- School of Pharmacy, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Inflammation and Molecular Drug Targets, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, PR China
| | - Kai Shen
- Department of Pharmacy, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, PR China
| | - Qin Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, PR China
| | - Ronghua Ni
- Department of Pharmacy, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, PR China
| | - Xin Xu
- Department of Pharmacy, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, PR China
| | - Xiaofei Ma
- Department of Pharmacy, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, PR China
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Abdolmaleki A, Karimian A, Khoshnazar SM, Asadi A, Samarein ZA, Smail SW, Bhattacharya D. The role of Nrf2 signaling pathways in nerve damage repair. Toxicol Res (Camb) 2024; 13:tfae080. [PMID: 38799411 PMCID: PMC11116835 DOI: 10.1093/toxres/tfae080] [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: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
The protein, Nuclear factor-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), is a transitory protein that acts as a transcription factor and is involved in the regulation of many cytoprotective genes linked to xenobiotic metabolism and antioxidant responses. Based on the existing clinical and experimental data, it can be inferred that neurodegenerative diseases are characterized by an excessive presence of markers of oxidative stress (OS) and a reduced presence of antioxidant defense systems in both the brain and peripheral tissues. The presence of imbalances in the homeostasis between oxidants and antioxidants has been recognized as a substantial factor in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disorders. The dysregulations include several cellular processes such as mitochondrial failure, protein misfolding, and neuroinflammation. These dysregulations all contribute to the disruption of proteostasis in neuronal cells, leading to their eventual mortality. A noteworthy component of Nrf2, as shown by recent research undertaken over the last decade, is to its role in the development of resistance to OS. Nrf2 plays a pivotal role in regulating systems that defend against OS. Extant research offers substantiation for the protective and defensive roles of Nrf2 in the context of neurodegenerative diseases. The purpose of this study is to provide a comprehensive analysis of the influence of Nrf2 on OS and its function in regulating antioxidant defense systems within the realm of neurodegenerative diseases. Furthermore, we evaluate the most recent academic inquiries and empirical evidence about the beneficial and potential role of certain Nrf2 activator compounds within the realm of therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arash Abdolmaleki
- Department of Biophysics, Faculty of Advanced Technologies, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, PO Box: 179, Ardabil, 11367-56199, Iran
| | - Aida Karimian
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, PO Box: 179, Ardabil, 11367-56199, Iran
| | - Seyedeh Mahdieh Khoshnazar
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Research Center, Institute of Basic and Clinical Physiology Sciences, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Imam Khomeini Highway, Mustafa Khomeini Boulevard, Ibn Sina, Kerman, 9986598, Iran
| | - Asadollah Asadi
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, PO Box: 179, Ardabil, 11367-56199, Iran
| | - Zahra Akhavi Samarein
- Department of Counseling, Faculty of Education and Psychology, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, PO Box: 179, Ardabil, 11367-56199, Iran
| | - Shukur Wasman Smail
- Department of Medical Microbiology, College of Science, Cihan University-Erbil, Kurdistan Region, 1235897, Iraq
| | - Deepak Bhattacharya
- Ph.D., Policy, Nursing, At Fight-Cancer at Home, Medicinal Toxicology & QC, Sri Radha Krishna Raas Mandir, KedarGouri Road, Bhubaneswar, Odisa 751002, India
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7
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Liu J, Duangjan C, Irwin RW, Curran SP. WDR23 mediates NRF2 proteostasis and cytoprotective capacity in the hippocampus. Mech Ageing Dev 2024; 218:111914. [PMID: 38301772 PMCID: PMC10939789 DOI: 10.1016/j.mad.2024.111914] [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: 11/12/2023] [Revised: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 01/28/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
Pathogenic brain aging and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease are characterized by chronic neuroinflammation and the accumulation of dysfunctional or misfolded proteins that lead to progressive neuronal cell death. Here we demonstrate that a murine model with global loss of the CUL4-DDB1 substrate receptor WDR23 (Wdr23KO) results in changes in multiple age-related hippocampal-dependent behaviors. The behavioral differences observed in Wdr23KO animals accompany the stabilization of the NRF2/NFE2L2 protein, an increase in RNA transcripts regulated by this cytoprotective transcription factor, and an increase in the steady state level of antioxidant defense proteins. Taken together, these findings reveal a role for WDR23-proteostasis in mediating cytoprotective capacity in the hippocampus and reveal the potential for targeting WDR23-NRF2 signaling interactions for development of therapies for neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiahui Liu
- University of Southern California, Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Chatrawee Duangjan
- University of Southern California, Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Ronald W Irwin
- University of Southern California, Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Sean P Curran
- University of Southern California, Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA.
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8
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Egbujor MC, Tucci P, Buttari B, Nwobodo DC, Marini P, Saso L. Phenothiazines: Nrf2 activation and antioxidant effects. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 2024; 38:e23661. [PMID: 38369721 DOI: 10.1002/jbt.23661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
Phenothiazines (PTZs) are an emerging group of molecules showing effectiveness toward redox signaling and reduction of oxidative injury to cells, via the activation on Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1/nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2). Although several electrophilic and indirect Nrf2 activators have been reported, the risk of "off-target" effect due to the complexity of their molecular mechanisms of action, has aroused research interest toward non-electrophilic and direct modulators of Nrf2 pathway, such as PTZs. This review represents the first overview on the roles of PTZs as non-electrophilic Nrf2 activator and free radical scavengers, as well as on their potential therapeutic effects in oxidative stress-mediated diseases. Here, we provide a collective and comprehensive information on the PTZs ability to scavenge free radicals and activate the Nrf2 signaling pathway, with the aim to broaden the knowledge of their therapeutic potentials and to stimulate innovative research ideas.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Paolo Tucci
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Brigitta Buttari
- Department of Cardiovascular and Endocrine-metabolic Diseases, and Aging, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - David C Nwobodo
- Department of Microbiology, Renaissance University Ugbawka, Ugbawka, Nigeria
| | - Pietro Marini
- Institute of Education in Healthcare and Medical Sciences, Foresterhill Campus, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Luciano Saso
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology Vittorio Erspamer, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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Xiao YC, Chen FE. The vinyl sulfone motif as a structural unit for novel drug design and discovery. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2024; 19:239-251. [PMID: 37978948 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2023.2284201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Vinyl sulfones are a special sulfur-containing structural unit that have attracted considerable attention, owing to their important role in serving as key structural motifs of various biologically active compounds as well as serving as versatile building blocks for organic transformations. The synthetic strategy of vinyl sulfone derivatives has been substantially upgraded over the past 30 years, and the wide application of this functional group in drug design and discovery has been promoted. AREA COVERED In this review, the authors review the application of vinyl sulfones in drug discovery and select optimized compounds which might have significant impact or potential inspiration for drug design. EXPERT OPINION Vinyl sulfones have been reported to target various macromolecular targets via non-covalent or covalent interactions, including multiple kinases, tubulin, cysteine protease, transcription factor, and so on. Thus, it has been significantly applied as a privileged scaffold in the design of anticancer, anti-infective, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective agents. However, much work remains to be done to improve the drug-like properties, such as chemical and metabolic stability, ADME, and toxicity. Besides, the chemical space of vinyl sulfones needs to be expanded, including but not limited to the design of constrained endocyclic and exocyclic vinyl sulfones.
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Affiliation(s)
- You-Cai Xiao
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Ministry of Education and Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Fen-Er Chen
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Ministry of Education and Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Engineering Center of Catalysis and Synthesis for Chiral Molecules, Department of Chemistry, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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Ates I, Yılmaz AD, Buttari B, Arese M, Saso L, Suzen S. A Review of the Potential of Nuclear Factor [Erythroid-Derived 2]-like 2 Activation in Autoimmune Diseases. Brain Sci 2023; 13:1532. [PMID: 38002492 PMCID: PMC10669303 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13111532] [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: 07/16/2023] [Revised: 10/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
An autoimmune disease is the consequence of the immune system attacking healthy cells, tissues, and organs by mistake instead of protecting them. Inflammation and oxidative stress (OS) are well-recognized processes occurring in association with acute or chronic impairment of cell homeostasis. The transcription factor Nrf2 (nuclear factor [erythroid-derived 2]-like 2) is of major importance as the defense instrument against OS and alters anti-inflammatory activities related to different pathological states. Researchers have described Nrf2 as a significant regulator of innate immunity. Growing indications suggest that the Nrf2 signaling pathway is deregulated in numerous diseases, including autoimmune disorders. The advantageous outcome of the pharmacological activation of Nrf2 is an essential part of Nrf2-based chemoprevention and intervention in other chronic illnesses, such as neurodegeneration, cardiovascular disease, autoimmune diseases, and chronic kidney and liver disease. Nevertheless, a growing number of investigations have indicated that Nrf2 is already elevated in specific cancer and disease steps, suggesting that the pharmacological agents developed to mitigate the potentially destructive or transformative results associated with the protracted activation of Nrf2 should also be evaluated. The activators of Nrf2 have revealed an improvement in the progress of OS-associated diseases, resulting in immunoregulatory and anti-inflammatory activities; by contrast, the depletion of Nrf2 worsens disease progression. These data strengthen the growing attention to the biological properties of Nrf2 and its possible healing power on diseases. The evidence supporting a correlation between Nrf2 signaling and the most common autoimmune diseases is reviewed here. We focus on the aspects related to the possible effect of Nrf2 activation in ameliorating pathologic conditions based on the role of this regulator of antioxidant genes in the control of inflammation and OS, which are processes related to the progression of autoimmune diseases. Finally, the possibility of Nrf2 activation as a new drug development strategy to target pathogenesis is proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilker Ates
- Department of Pharmaceutical Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ankara University, Degol Str. No. 4, 06560 Ankara, Turkey
| | - Ayşe Didem Yılmaz
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ankara University, Degol Str. No. 4, 06560 Ankara, Turkey; (A.D.Y.); (S.S.)
| | - Brigitta Buttari
- Department of Cardiovascular and Endocrine-Metabolic Diseases and Aging, Italian National Institute of Health, 00161 Rome, Italy;
| | - Marzia Arese
- Department of Biochemical Sciences “A. Rossi Fanelli”, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzae Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy;
| | - Luciano Saso
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology ‘‘Vittorio Erspamer”, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy;
| | - Sibel Suzen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ankara University, Degol Str. No. 4, 06560 Ankara, Turkey; (A.D.Y.); (S.S.)
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Liu J, Duangjan C, Irwin RW, Curran SP. WDR23 mediates NRF2 proteostasis and cytoprotective capacity in the hippocampus. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.10.10.561805. [PMID: 37873429 PMCID: PMC10592735 DOI: 10.1101/2023.10.10.561805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
Pathogenic brain aging and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease are characterized by chronic neuroinflammation and the accumulation of dysfunctional or misfolded proteins that lead to progressive neuronal cell death. Here we demonstrate that a murine model with global loss of the CUL4-DDB1 substrate receptor WDR23 ( Wdr23KO ) results in changes in multiple age-related hippocampal-dependent behaviors. The behavioral differences observed in Wdr23KO animals accompany the stabilization of the NRF2/NFE2L2 protein, an increase in RNA transcripts regulated by this cytoprotective transcription factor, and an increase in the steady state level of antioxidant defense proteins. Taken together, these findings reveal a role for WDR23-proteostasis in mediating cytoprotective capacity in the hippocampus and reveal the potential for targeting WDR23-NRF2 signaling interactions for development of therapies for neurodegenerative disorders. HIGHLIGHTS WDR23 regulates NRF2/NFE2L2 stability in the mouse hippocampus Loss of Wdr23 significantly increases the expression of NFE2L2/NRF2 target genes Global loss of WDR23 influences age-related behaviors differentially in males and females.
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12
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Feng Z, Wang T, Sun Y, Chen S, Hao H, Du W, Zou H, Yu D, Zhu H, Pang Y. Sulforaphane suppresses paraquat-induced oxidative damage in bovine in vitro-matured oocytes through Nrf2 transduction pathway. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2023; 254:114747. [PMID: 36907095 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.114747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Sulforaphane (SFN), a bioactive phytocompound extracted from cruciferous plants, has received increasing attention due to its vital cytoprotective role in eliminating oxidative free radical through activation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor (Nrf2)-mediated signal transduction pathway. This study aims at a better insight into the protective benefit of SFN in attenuating paraquat (PQ)-caused impairment in bovine in vitro-matured oocytes and the possible mechanisms involved therein. Results showed that addition of 1 μM SFN during oocyte maturation obtained higher proportions of matured oocytes and in vitro-fertilized embryos. SFN application attenuated the toxicological effects of PQ on bovine oocytes, as manifested by enhanced extending capability of cumulus cell and increased extrusion proportion of first polar body. Following incubation with SFN, oocytes exposed to PQ exhibited reduced intracellular ROS and lipid accumulation levels, and elevated T-SOD and GSH contents. SFN also effectively inhibited PQ-mediated increase in BAX and CASPASE-3 protein expressions. Besides, SFN promoted the transcription of NRF2 and its downstream antioxidative-related genes GCLC, GCLM, HO-1, NQO-1, and TXN1 in a PQ-exposed environment, indicating that SFN prevents PQ-caused cytotoxicity through activation of Nrf2 signal transduction pathway. The mechanisms underlying the role of SFN against PQ-induced injury included the inhibition of TXNIP protein and restoration of the global O-GlcNAc level. Collectively, these findings provide novel evidence for the protective role of SFN in alleviating PQ-caused injury, and suggest that SFN application may be an efficacious intervention strategy against PQ cytotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiqiang Feng
- Embryo Biotechnology and Reproduction Laboratory, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Tengfei Wang
- Embryo Biotechnology and Reproduction Laboratory, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China; Reproductive Medicine Center, Huzhou Maternity & Child Health Care Hospital, Huzhou, Zhejiang Province 313000, China
| | - Yawen Sun
- Embryo Biotechnology and Reproduction Laboratory, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Siying Chen
- Embryo Biotechnology and Reproduction Laboratory, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Haisheng Hao
- Embryo Biotechnology and Reproduction Laboratory, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Weihua Du
- Embryo Biotechnology and Reproduction Laboratory, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Huiying Zou
- Embryo Biotechnology and Reproduction Laboratory, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Dawei Yu
- Embryo Biotechnology and Reproduction Laboratory, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Huabin Zhu
- Embryo Biotechnology and Reproduction Laboratory, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Yunwei Pang
- Embryo Biotechnology and Reproduction Laboratory, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China.
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Novel neuroprotective pyromeconic acid derivatives with concurrent anti-Aβ deposition, anti-inflammatory, and anti-oxidation properties for treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 248:115120. [PMID: 36682173 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
We synthesized a series of novel pyromeconic acid-styrene hybrid compounds and measured their activities in inhibiting Aβ1-42 self-aggregation and promoting disaggregation, and their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. The most potent compound, compound 30, had IC50 values of 11.15 μM and 6.87 μM for inhibition of fibril aggregation and promotion of fibril disaggregation, respectively. Because of its redox metal chelating property, 30 also inhibited Cu2+-induced Aβ1-42 fibril aggregation and promoted fibril disaggregation with IC50 of 3.69 μM and 3.35 μM, respectively. Molecular docking demonstrated that 30 interacted with key amino acids of Aβ1-42, and the reliability of the complex was confirmed by molecular dynamics. In addition, 30 displayed excellent antioxidative activity (oxygen radical absorbance capacity = 2.65 Trolox equivalents) and moderate anti-inflammatory activity and neuroprotection in cell culture assays. Compound 30 was safe in acute toxicity test in mice, and it exhibited favorable pharmacokinetic properties, particularly, accumulation in the hippocampus (maximum ratio of hippocampus to plasma = 7.12). Compound 30 alleviated cognitive deficits in scopolamine-induced amnesia mice; this property may have been attributed to reducing neuroinflammation by inhibiting ionized calcium binding adapter molecule 1 and glial fibrillary acidic protein expression and reducing oxidative stress by activating the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway. In view of its many properties, we envision that 30 is a promising lead for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.
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de Siqueira EA, Magalhães EP, de Menezes RRPPB, Sampaio TL, Lima DB, da Silva Martins C, Neves KRT, de Castro Brito GA, Martins AMC, de Barros Viana GS. Vitamin D3 actions on astrocyte cells: A target for therapeutic strategy in Parkinson's disease? Neurosci Lett 2023; 793:136997. [PMID: 36470505 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2022.136997] [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: 09/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by the loss of dopaminergic cells in the substantia nigra pars compacta. PD patients' brains show neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction. The present study aims to evaluate the neuroprotective activity of VD3 on astrocytes after their exposure to rotenone (ROT) a natural pesticide known to exhibit neurotoxic potential via the inhibition of mitochondrial complex I. Cell viability parameters were evaluated by the MTT test and staining with 7-AAD in cultures of astrocytes treated and untreated with VD3 (0.1, 0.5, and 1.0 ng/mL) and/or ROT (10 µg/mL or 5 µg/mL), and the cytoplasmic production of ROS and the cell death profile were measured by flow cytometry. Glutathione accumulation and ultrastructural changes were evaluated and immunocytochemistry assays for NF-kB and Nrf2 were also carried out. The results showed that VD3 improved the viability of cells previously treated with VD3 and then exposed to ROT, reducing the occurrence of necrotic and apoptotic events. Furthermore, cells exposed to ROT showed increased production of ROS, which decreased significantly with previous treatment with VD3. Importantly, the decrease by ROT in the mitochondrial transmembrane potential was significantly prevented after treating cells with VD3, especially at a concentration of 1 ng/mL. Therefore, treatment with VD3 protected astrocytes from damage caused by ROT, decreasing oxidative stress, decreasing NF-kB and Nrf2 expressions, and improving mitochondrial function. However, further investigation is needed regarding the participation and mechanism of action of VD3 in this cellular model of PD focusing on the crosstalk between Nrf2 and NF-kB.
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Lastres-Becker I, de Lago E, Martínez A, Fernández-Ruiz J. New Statement about NRF2 in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Frontotemporal Dementia. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12091200. [PMID: 36139039 PMCID: PMC9496161 DOI: 10.3390/biom12091200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Revised: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD) are related neurodegenerative disorders displaying substantial overlay, although there are substantial differences at the molecular level. Currently, there is no effective treatment for these diseases. The transcription factor NRF2 has been postulated as a promising therapeutic target as it is capable of modulating key pathogenic events affecting cellular homeostasis. However, there is little experimental evidence on the status of this pathway in both ALS and FTD. Therefore, in this work, we wanted to carry out an exhaustive analysis of this signaling pathway in both transgenic mouse models (ALS and FTD) and human samples from patients with sporadic ALS (sALS) versus controls. In samples from patients with sALS and in the transgenic model with overexpression of TDP-43A315T, we observed a significant increase in the NRF2/ARE pathway in the motor cortex and the spinal cord, indicating that NRF2 antioxidant signaling was being induced, but it was not enough to reach cellular homeostasis. On the other hand, in the transgenic FTD model with overexpression of the TDP-43WT protein in forebrain neurons, a significantly decreased expression of NQO1 in the prefrontal cortex was seen, which cannot be attributed to alterations in the NRF2 pathway. Our results show that NRF2 signature is differently affected for ALS and FTD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Lastres-Becker
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Institute Teófilo Hernando for Drug Discovery, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas “Alberto Sols” UAM-CSIC, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Arturo Duperier 4, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28031 Madrid, Spain
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-91-5854449
| | - Eva de Lago
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28031 Madrid, Spain
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense and Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Martínez
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28031 Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas CSIC. Ramiro de Maeztu 9, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Javier Fernández-Ruiz
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28031 Madrid, Spain
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense and Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), 28040 Madrid, Spain
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The Role of the NRF2 Pathway in Maintaining and Improving Cognitive Function. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10082043. [PMID: 36009590 PMCID: PMC9405981 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10082043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Revised: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (NRF2) is a redox-sensitive transcription factor that binds to the antioxidant response element consensus sequence, decreasing reactive oxygen species and regulating the transcription of a wide array of genes, including antioxidant and detoxifying enzymes, regulating genes involved in mitochondrial function and biogenesis. Moreover, NRF2 has been shown to directly regulate the expression of anti-inflammatory mediators reducing the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines. In recent years, attention has turned to the role NRF2 plays in the brain in different diseases such Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease and others. This review focused on the evidence, derived in vitro, in vivo and from clinical trials, supporting a role for NRF2 activation in maintaining and improving cognitive function and how its activation can be used to elicit neuroprotection and lead to cognitive enhancement. The review also brings a critical discussion concerning the possible prophylactic and/or therapeutic use of NRF2 activators in treating cognitive impairment-related conditions.
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