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Baricitinib combination therapy: a narrative review of repurposed Janus kinase inhibitor against severe SARS-CoV-2 infection. Infection 2022; 50:295-308. [PMID: 34902115 PMCID: PMC8666469 DOI: 10.1007/s15010-021-01730-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 11/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is one of the most devastating global problems. Regarding the lack of disease-specific treatments, repurposing drug therapy is currently considered a promising therapeutic approach in pandemic situations. Recently, the combination therapy of Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor baricitinib has been authorized for emergency COVID-19 hospitalized patients; however, this strategy's safety, drug-drug interactions, and cellular signaling pathways remain a tremendous challenge. METHODS In this study, we aimed to provide a deep insight into the baricitinib combination therapies in severe COVID-19 patients through reviewing the published literature on PubMed, Scopus, and Google scholar databases. We also focused on cellular and subcellular pathways related to the synergistic effects of baricitinib plus antiviral agents, virus entry, and cytokine storm (CS) induction. The safety and effectiveness of this strategy have also been discussed in moderate to severe forms of COVID-19 infection. RESULTS The severity of COVID-19 is commonly associated with a dysregulated immune response and excessive release of pro-inflammatory agents, resulting in CS. It has been shown that baricitinib combined with antiviral agents could modulate the inflammatory response and provide a series of positive therapeutic outcomes in hospitalized adults and pediatric patients (age ≥ two years old). CONCLUSION Baricitinib plus the standard of care treatment might be a potential strategy in hospitalized patients with severe COVID-19.
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Nifuroxazide Mitigates Angiogenesis in Ehlrich's Solid Carcinoma: Molecular Docking, Bioinformatic and Experimental Studies on Inhibition of Il-6/Jak2/Stat3 Signaling. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26226858. [PMID: 34833950 PMCID: PMC8621155 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26226858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2021] [Revised: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Nifuroxazide is an antidiarrheal medication that has promising anticancer activity against diverse types of tumors. The present study tested the anticancer activity of nifuroxazide against Ehrlich’s mammary carcinoma grown in vivo. Furthermore, we investigated the effect of nifuroxazide on IL-6/jak2/STAT3 signaling and the possible impact on tumor angiogenesis. The biological study was supported by molecular docking and bioinformatic predictions for the possible effect of nifuroxazide on this signaling pathway. Female albino mice were injected with Ehrlich carcinoma cells to produce Ehrlich’s solid tumors (ESTs). The experimental groups were as follows: EST control, EST + nifuroxazide (5 mg/kg), and EST + nifuroxazide (10 mg/kg). Nifuroxazide was found to reduce tumor masses (730.83 ± 73.19 and 381.42 ± 109.69 mg vs. 1099.5 ± 310.83) and lessen tumor pathologies. Furthermore, nifuroxazide downregulated IL-6, TNF-α, NFk-β, angiostatin, and Jak2 proteins, and it also reduced tumoral VEGF, as indicated by ELISA and immunohistochemical analysis. Furthermore, nifuroxazide dose-dependently downregulated STAT3 phosphorylation (60% and 30% reductions, respectively). Collectively, the current experiment shed light on the antitumor activity of nifuroxazide against mammary solid carcinoma grown in vivo. The antitumor activity was at least partly mediated by inhibition of IL-6/Jak2/STAT3 signaling that affected angiogenesis (low VEGF and high angiostatin) in the EST. Therefore, nifuroxazide might be a promising antitumor medication if appropriate human studies will be conducted.
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Zhang LF, Tan-Tai WJ, Li XH, Liu MF, Shi HJ, Martin-DeLeon PA, O WS, Chen H. PHB regulates meiotic recombination via JAK2-mediated histone modifications in spermatogenesis. Nucleic Acids Res 2020; 48:4780-4796. [PMID: 32232334 PMCID: PMC7229831 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkaa203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2019] [Revised: 03/16/2020] [Accepted: 03/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Previously, we have shown that human sperm Prohibitin (PHB) expression is significantly negatively correlated with mitochondrial ROS levels but positively correlated with mitochondrial membrane potential and motility. However, the possible role of PHB in mammalian spermatogenesis has not been investigated. Here we document the presence of PHB in spermatocytes and its functional roles in meiosis by generating the first male germ cell-specific Phb-cKO mouse. Loss of PHB in spermatocytes resulted in complete male infertility, associated with not only meiotic pachytene arrest with accompanying apoptosis, but also apoptosis resulting from mitochondrial morphology and function impairment. Our mechanistic studies show that PHB in spermatocytes regulates the expression of STAG3, a key component of the meiotic cohesin complex, via a non-canonical JAK/STAT pathway, and consequently promotes meiotic DSB repair and homologous recombination. Furthermore, the PHB/JAK2 axis was found as a novel mechanism in the maintenance of stabilization of meiotic STAG3 cohesin complex and the modulation of heterochromatin formation in spermatocytes during meiosis. The observed JAK2-mediated epigenetic changes in histone modifications, reflected in a reduction of histone 3 tyrosine 41 phosphorylation (H3Y41ph) and a retention of H3K9me3 at the Stag3 locus, could be responsible for Stag3 dysregulation in spermatocytes with the loss of PHB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling-Fei Zhang
- Department of Anatomy, Histology & Embryology, Key Laboratory of Medical Imaging Computing and Computer Assisted Intervention of Shanghai, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Wen-Jing Tan-Tai
- Department of Anatomy, Histology & Embryology, Key Laboratory of Medical Imaging Computing and Computer Assisted Intervention of Shanghai, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Xiao-Hui Li
- Department of Anatomy, Histology & Embryology, Key Laboratory of Medical Imaging Computing and Computer Assisted Intervention of Shanghai, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Mo-Fang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences-University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China; School of Life Science and Technology, Shanghai Tech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Hui-Juan Shi
- Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation of NPFPC-Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research, Fudan University Reproduction and DevelopmentInstitution, Shanghai 200032, China
| | | | - Wai-Sum O
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, P. R. China
| | - Hong Chen
- Department of Anatomy, Histology & Embryology, Key Laboratory of Medical Imaging Computing and Computer Assisted Intervention of Shanghai, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
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Angelini J, Talotta R, Roncato R, Fornasier G, Barbiero G, Dal Cin L, Brancati S, Scaglione F. JAK-Inhibitors for the Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Focus on the Present and an Outlook on the Future. Biomolecules 2020; 10:E1002. [PMID: 32635659 PMCID: PMC7408575 DOI: 10.3390/biom10071002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2020] [Revised: 06/26/2020] [Accepted: 07/01/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Janus kinase inhibitors (JAKi) belong to a new class of oral targeted disease-modifying drugs which have recently revolutionized the therapeutic panorama of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and other immune-mediated diseases, placing alongside or even replacing conventional and biological drugs. JAKi are characterized by a novel mechanism of action, consisting of the intracellular interruption of the JAK-STAT pathway crucially involved in the immune response. The aim of this narrative review is to globally report the most relevant pharmacological features and clinical outcomes of the developed and incoming JAKi for RA, based on the available preclinical and clinical evidence. A total of 219 papers, including narrative and systematic reviews, randomized controlled trials (RCTs), observational studies, case reports, guidelines, and drug factsheets, were selected. The efficacy and safety profile of both the first generation JAKi (baricitinib and tofacitinib) and the second generation JAKi (upadacitinib, filgotinib, peficitinib, decernotinib and itacitinib) were compared and discussed. Results from RCTs and real-life data are encouraging and outline a rapid onset of the pharmacologic effects, which are maintained during the time. Their efficacy and safety profile are comparable or superior to those of biologic agents and JAKi proved to be efficacious when given as monotherapy. Finally, the manufacturing of JAKi is relatively easier and cheaper than that of biologics, thus increasing the number of compounds being formulated and tested for clinical use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacopo Angelini
- Postgraduate School of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy; (J.A.); (G.F.); (G.B.); (L.D.C.); (S.B.)
| | - Rossella Talotta
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Rheumatology Unit, AOU “Gaetano Martino”, University of Messina, 98100 Messina, Italy
| | - Rossana Roncato
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology Unit, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO), Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Pordenone, 33081 Aviano, Italy;
| | - Giulia Fornasier
- Postgraduate School of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy; (J.A.); (G.F.); (G.B.); (L.D.C.); (S.B.)
- Pharmacy Unit, IRCCS-Burlo Garofolo di Trieste, 34137 Trieste, Italy
| | - Giorgia Barbiero
- Postgraduate School of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy; (J.A.); (G.F.); (G.B.); (L.D.C.); (S.B.)
| | - Lisa Dal Cin
- Postgraduate School of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy; (J.A.); (G.F.); (G.B.); (L.D.C.); (S.B.)
| | - Serena Brancati
- Postgraduate School of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy; (J.A.); (G.F.); (G.B.); (L.D.C.); (S.B.)
| | - Francesco Scaglione
- Head of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology Unit, Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, Department of Oncology and Onco-Hematology, Director of Postgraduate School of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Milan, 20162 Milan, Italy;
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Noncanonical IFN Signaling, Steroids, and STATs: A Probable Role of V-ATPase. Mediators Inflamm 2019; 2019:4143604. [PMID: 31275057 PMCID: PMC6558600 DOI: 10.1155/2019/4143604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2018] [Accepted: 04/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
A small group of only seven transcription factors known as STATs (signal transducer and activator of transcription) are considered to be canonical determinants of specific gene activation for a plethora of ligand/receptor systems. The activation of STATs involves a family of four tyrosine kinases called JAK kinases. JAK1 and JAK2 activate STAT1 in the cytoplasm at the heterodimeric gamma interferon (IFNγ) receptor, while JAK1 and TYK2 activate STAT1 and STAT2 at the type I IFN heterodimeric receptor. The same STATs and JAKs are also involved in signaling by functionally different cytokines, growth factors, and hormones. Related to this, IFNγ-activated STAT1 binds to the IFNγ-activated sequence (GAS) element, but so do other STATs that are not involved in IFNγ signaling. Activated JAKs such as JAK2 and TYK2 are also involved in the epigenetics of nucleosome unwrapping for exposure of DNA to transcription. Furthermore, activated JAKs and STATs appear to function coordinately for specific gene activation. These complex events have not been addressed in canonical STAT signaling. Additionally, the function of noncoding enhancer RNAs, including their role in enhancer/promoter interaction is not addressed in the canonical STAT signaling model. In this perspective, we show that JAK/STAT signaling, involving membrane receptors, is essentially a variation of cytoplasmic nuclear receptor signaling. Focusing on IFN signaling, we showed that ligand, IFN receptor, the JAKs, and the STATs all undergo endocytosis and ATP-dependent nuclear translocation to promoters of genes specifically activated by IFNs. We argue here that the vacuolar ATPase (V-ATPase) proton pump probably plays a key role in endosomal membrane crossing by IFNs for receptor cytoplasmic binding. Signaling of nuclear receptors such as those of estrogen and dihydrotestosterone provides templates for making sense of the specificity of gene activation by closely related cytokines, which has implications for lymphocyte phenotypes.
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Moskalev A, Proshkina E, Zhavoronkov A, Shaposhnikov M. Effects of unpaired 1 gene overexpression on the lifespan of Drosophila melanogaster. BMC SYSTEMS BIOLOGY 2019; 13:16. [PMID: 30836998 PMCID: PMC6399815 DOI: 10.1186/s12918-019-0687-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Background The JAK/STAT signaling pathway is involved in many aging-related cellular functions. However, effects of overexpression of genes controlling JAK/STAT signal transduction on longevity of model organisms have not been studied. Here we evaluate the effect of overexpression of the unpaired 1 (upd1) gene, which encodes an activating ligand for JAK/STAT pathway, on the lifespan of Drosophila melanogaster. Results Overexpression of upd1 in the intestine caused a pronounced shortening of the median lifespan by 54.1–18.9%, and the age of 90% mortality by 40.9–19.1% in males and females, respectively. In fat body and in nervous system of male flies, an induction of upd1 overexpression increased the age of 90% mortality and median lifespan, respectively. An increase in upd1 expression enhanced mRNA levels of the JAK/STAT target genes domeless and Socs36E. Conclusions Conditional overexpression of upd1 in different tissues of Drosophila imago induces pro-aging or pro-longevity effects in tissue-dependent manner. The effects of upd1 overexpression on lifespan are accompanied by the transcription activation of genes for the components of JAK/STAT pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexey Moskalev
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 119991, Russia. .,Institute of Biology, Komi Scientific Center, Ural Division, Russian Academy of Sciences, Syktyvkar, 167982, Russia. .,Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Dolgoprudny, 141700, Russia.
| | - Ekaterina Proshkina
- Institute of Biology, Komi Scientific Center, Ural Division, Russian Academy of Sciences, Syktyvkar, 167982, Russia
| | | | - Mikhail Shaposhnikov
- Institute of Biology, Komi Scientific Center, Ural Division, Russian Academy of Sciences, Syktyvkar, 167982, Russia
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Trivedi S, Starz-Gaiano M. Drosophila Jak/STAT Signaling: Regulation and Relevance in Human Cancer and Metastasis. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19124056. [PMID: 30558204 PMCID: PMC6320922 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19124056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2018] [Revised: 12/08/2018] [Accepted: 12/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the past three-decades, Janus kinase (Jak) and signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) signaling has emerged as a paradigm to understand the involvement of signal transduction in development and disease pathology. At the molecular level, cytokines and interleukins steer Jak/STAT signaling to transcriptional regulation of target genes, which are involved in cell differentiation, migration, and proliferation. Jak/STAT signaling is involved in various types of blood cell disorders and cancers in humans, and its activation is associated with carcinomas that are more invasive or likely to become metastatic. Despite immense information regarding Jak/STAT regulation, the signaling network has numerous missing links, which is slowing the progress towards developing drug therapies. In mammals, many components act in this cascade, with substantial cross-talk with other signaling pathways. In Drosophila, there are fewer pathway components, which has enabled significant discoveries regarding well-conserved regulatory mechanisms. Work across species illustrates the relevance of these regulators in humans. In this review, we showcase fundamental Jak/STAT regulation mechanisms in blood cells, stem cells, and cell motility. We examine the functional relevance of key conserved regulators from Drosophila to human cancer stem cells and metastasis. Finally, we spotlight less characterized regulators of Drosophila Jak/STAT signaling, which stand as promising candidates to be investigated in cancer biology. These comparisons illustrate the value of using Drosophila as a model for uncovering the roles of Jak/STAT signaling and the molecular means by which the pathway is controlled.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sunny Trivedi
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Maryland Baltimore County, 1000 Hilltop Circle, Baltimore, MD 21250, USA.
| | - Michelle Starz-Gaiano
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Maryland Baltimore County, 1000 Hilltop Circle, Baltimore, MD 21250, USA.
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Atzeni F, Talotta R, Nucera V, Marino F, Gerratana E, Sangari D, Masala IF, Sarzi-Puttini P. Adverse events, clinical considerations and management recommendations in rheumatoid arthritis patients treated with JAK inhibitors. Expert Rev Clin Immunol 2018; 14:945-956. [DOI: 10.1080/1744666x.2018.1504678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Fabiola Atzeni
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Rossella Talotta
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Milan, Laboratory of Genetics, ASST Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, Milan, Italy
| | - Valeria Nucera
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Francesca Marino
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Gerratana
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Donatella Sangari
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | | | - Piercarlo Sarzi-Puttini
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, ASST-Fatebenefratelli L. Sacco University Hospital, Milan, Italy
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Tsurumi A, Zhao C, Li WX. Canonical and non-canonical JAK/STAT transcriptional targets may be involved in distinct and overlapping cellular processes. BMC Genomics 2017; 18:718. [PMID: 28893190 PMCID: PMC5594485 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-017-4058-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2016] [Accepted: 08/14/2017] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The Janus kinase-signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK/STAT) pathway has been well-characterized as a crucial signal transduction cascade that regulates vital biological responses including development, immunity and oncogenesis. Additionally to its canonical pathway that uses the phosphorylated form of the STAT transcription factor, recently the non-canonical pathway involving heterochromatin formation by unphosphorylated STAT was recently uncovered. Considering the significant role of the JAK/STAT pathway, we used the simple Drosophila system in which the non-canonical pathway was initially characterized, to compare putative canonical versus non-canonical transcriptional targets across the genome. We analyzed microarray expression patterns of wildtype, Jak gain- and loss-of-function mutants, as well as the Stat loss-of-function mutant during embryogenesis, since the contribution of the canonical signal transduction pathway has been well-characterized in these contexts. Previous studies have also demonstrated that Jak gain-of-function and Stat mutants counter heterochromatin silencing to de-repress target genes by the non-canonical pathway. Results Compared to canonical target genomic loci, non-canonical targets were significantly more associated with sites enriched with heterochromatin-related factors (p = 0.004). Furthermore, putative canonical and non-canonical transcriptional targets identified displayed some differences in biological pathways they regulate, as determined by Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analyses. Canonical targets were enriched mainly with genes relevant to development and immunity, as expected, whereas the non-canonical target gene set mainly showed enrichment of genes for various metabolic responses and stress response, highlighting the possibility that some differences may exist between the two loci. Conclusions Canonical and non-canonical JAK/STAT genes may regulate distinct and overlapping sets of genes and may perform specific overall functions in physiology. Further studies at different developmental stages, or using distinct tissues may identify additional targets and provide insight into which gene targets are unique to the canonical or non-canonical pathway. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12864-017-4058-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy Tsurumi
- Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, 50 Blossom St., Thier 340, Boston, MA, 02114, USA. .,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Harvard Medical School, 77 Ave. Louis Pasteur, Boston, MA, 02115, USA. .,Shriners Hospitals for Children-Boston®, 51 Blossom St, Boston, MA, 02114, USA.
| | - Connie Zhao
- Genomics Resource Center, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Willis X Li
- Department of Medicine, University of California at San Diego, 9500 Gilman Dr, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
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Lee YCG, Karpen GH. Pervasive epigenetic effects of Drosophila euchromatic transposable elements impact their evolution. eLife 2017; 6. [PMID: 28695823 PMCID: PMC5505702 DOI: 10.7554/elife.25762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2017] [Accepted: 06/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Transposable elements (TEs) are widespread genomic parasites, and their evolution has remained a critical question in evolutionary genomics. Here, we study the relatively unexplored epigenetic impacts of TEs and provide the first genome-wide quantification of such effects in D. melanogaster and D. simulans. Surprisingly, the spread of repressive epigenetic marks (histone H3K9me2) to nearby DNA occurs at >50% of euchromatic TEs, and can extend up to 20 kb. This results in differential epigenetic states of genic alleles and, in turn, selection against TEs. Interestingly, the lower TE content in D. simulans compared to D. melanogaster correlates with stronger epigenetic effects of TEs and higher levels of host genetic factors known to promote epigenetic silencing. Our study demonstrates that the epigenetic effects of euchromatic TEs, and host genetic factors modulating such effects, play a critical role in the evolution of TEs both within and between species. DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.25762.001 The DNA inside an organism encodes all the instructions needed for the organism to develop and work properly. Organisms carefully organize and maintain their DNA (collectively known as the genome) so that the genetic information remains intact and the cell can understand the instructions. However, there are some pieces of DNA that are capable of moving around the genome. For example, pieces known as transposable elements can make new copies of themselves and jump into new locations in the genome. Most transposons do not appear to have any important roles, and in fact they are usually harmful to organisms. Despite this, transposons are present in the genomes of almost all species. The number of transposons in a genome varies greatly between individuals and species, but it is not clear why this is the case. Organisms have evolved ways to limit the damage caused by transposons. For example, many cells package regions of DNA containing transposons into a tightly packed structure known as heterochromatin. However, this type of DNA packaging sometimes spreads to neighboring sections of DNA. This is a problem because cells are not usually able to read the information contained within heterochromatin. This means that transposons can prevent some instructions from being produced when they should be. Lee and Karpen used fruit flies to investigate to what extent transposons harm organisms by changing the way DNA is packaged, and whether this influences how transposons evolve. The experiments show that that more than half of the transposons in fruit flies cause neighboring sections of DNA to be packaged into heterochromatin. This can negatively impact up to 20% of genes in the genome. As a result, transposons that have harmful effects on DNA packaging are more likely to be lost from the fly population during evolution than transposons that do not have harmful effects. Fruit fly species containing transposons that tend to package more neighboring sections of DNA into heterochromatin generally have fewer transposons than genomes containing less harmful transposons. The findings of Lee and Karpen provide new insight as to why the numbers of transposons vary among organisms. The next challenge is to find out whether transposons that alter how DNA is packaged are also common in primates and other animals. DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.25762.002
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuh Chwen G Lee
- Division of Biological Systems and Engineering, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, United States.,Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, United States
| | - Gary H Karpen
- Division of Biological Systems and Engineering, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, United States.,Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, United States
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SHI XIUMIN, XU JIANTING, WANG JIHAN, CUI MEIZI, GAO YUSHUN, NIU HAITAO, JIN HAOFAN. Expression analysis of apolipoprotein E and its associated genes in gastric cancer. Oncol Lett 2015; 10:1309-1314. [PMID: 26622669 PMCID: PMC4533697 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2015.3447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2014] [Accepted: 05/22/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Gastric cancer is a common type of cancer worldwide, and has a poor prognosis, in part due to the low rates of early diagnosis and the limited treatment methods available. Apolipoprotein E (ApoE) is involved in exogenous cholesterol transport and may be important in enabling tumor cells to fulfill their high cholesterol requirements. A number of reports have indicated that ApoE affects the development and prognosis of gastric cancer. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the genes and transcription factors that interact with ApoE during the development of gastric cancer. Using gene expression profiling, the BioGRID database and the transcriptional regulatory element database, gene expression and regulatory networks in gastric cancer tissues and adjacent normal tissues were analyzed. The data demonstrated that eight genes associated with ApoE were differentially expressed, with six of these upregulated and two downregulated. Functionally, these genes were involved in the JAK-STAT cascade, acute-phase response, acute inflammatory response, and the steroid hormone response. Among these ApoE-associated genes, expression of the signal transducer and activator of transcription 2 (STAT2) and STAT3 transcription factors was upregulated. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to demonstrate the network of ApoE-related genes and transcription factors in gastric cancer. Additional studies are required in order to confirm these data and to translate the results into the identification of clinical biomarkers and novel treatment strategies for gastric cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- XIUMIN SHI
- Cancer Centre, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, P.R. China
| | - JIANTING XU
- Cancer Centre, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, P.R. China
| | - JIHAN WANG
- Department of Pathogenobiology, Basic Medical College of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, P.R. China
| | - MEIZI CUI
- Cancer Centre, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, P.R. China
| | - YUSHUN GAO
- Department of Thoracic Surgical Oncology, Cancer Institute, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, P.R. China
| | - HAITAO NIU
- Department of Urology, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266000, P.R. China
- Dr Haitao Niu, Department of Urology, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, 16 Jiangsu Road, Qingdao, Shandong 266000, P.R. China, E-mail:
| | - HAOFAN JIN
- Cancer Centre, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, P.R. China
- Correspondence to: Dr Haofan Jin, Cancer Centre, First Hospital of Jilin University, 71 Xinmin Street, Changchun, Jilin 130021, P.R. China, E-mail:
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Dutta P, Sabri N, Li J, Li WX. Role of STAT3 in lung cancer. JAKSTAT 2015; 3:e999503. [PMID: 26413424 DOI: 10.1080/21623996.2014.999503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2014] [Revised: 12/10/2014] [Accepted: 12/15/2014] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Lung cancer remains a challenging disease. It is responsible for the high cancer mortality rates in the US and worldwide. Elucidation of the molecular mechanisms operative in lung cancer is an important first step in developing effective therapies. Accumulating evidence over the last 2 decades suggests a critical role for Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3 (STAT3) as a point of convergence for various signaling pathways that are dysregulated in the disease. In this review, we discuss possible molecular mechanisms involving STAT3 in lung tumorigenesis based on recent literature. We consider possible roles of STAT3 in cancer cell proliferation and survival, in the tumor immune environment, and in epigenetic regulation and interaction of STAT3 with other transcription factors. We also discuss the potential role of STAT3 in tumor suppression, which complicates strategies of targeting STAT3 in cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pranabananda Dutta
- Department of Medicine; University of California, San Diego ; La Jolla, CA USA
| | - Nafiseh Sabri
- Department of Medicine; University of California, San Diego ; La Jolla, CA USA ; Department of Chemistry & Molecular Biology; University of Gothenburg ; Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Jinghong Li
- Department of Medicine; University of California, San Diego ; La Jolla, CA USA
| | - Willis X Li
- Department of Medicine; University of California, San Diego ; La Jolla, CA USA
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Glosson-Byers NL, Sehra S, Kaplan MH. STAT4 is required for IL-23 responsiveness in Th17 memory cells and NKT cells. JAKSTAT 2014; 3:e955393. [PMID: 26413419 DOI: 10.4161/21623988.2014.955393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2014] [Revised: 08/05/2014] [Accepted: 08/07/2014] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
STAT4 is a critical mediator of inflammatory immunity and is required for all known IL-12 biological responses, including the induction of IFN-γ and development of Th1 cells. We demonstrate that IL-23, an IL-12-related cytokine, also requires STAT4 for optimal IL-17 secretion from memory T helper cells and NKT cells. Although IL-23 stimulation had modest effects on STAT4 activation, STAT4-deficiency results in reduced Il23r expression. These data demonstrate a restricted requirement for STAT4 in innate and adaptive IL-17-secreting T cell responses that might contribute to inflammatory immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole L Glosson-Byers
- Department of Pediatrics; Herman B Wells Center for Pediatric Research ; Indianapolis, IN USA ; Department of Microbiology and Immunology; Indiana University School of Medicine ; Indianapolis, IN USA
| | - Sarita Sehra
- Department of Pediatrics; Herman B Wells Center for Pediatric Research ; Indianapolis, IN USA
| | - Mark H Kaplan
- Department of Pediatrics; Herman B Wells Center for Pediatric Research ; Indianapolis, IN USA ; Department of Microbiology and Immunology; Indiana University School of Medicine ; Indianapolis, IN USA
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14
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Landes Highlights. Nucleus 2014. [DOI: 10.4161/nucl.27495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
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15
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Kowshik J, Baba AB, Giri H, Deepak Reddy G, Dixit M, Nagini S. Astaxanthin inhibits JAK/STAT-3 signaling to abrogate cell proliferation, invasion and angiogenesis in a hamster model of oral cancer. PLoS One 2014; 9:e109114. [PMID: 25296162 PMCID: PMC4189964 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0109114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2014] [Accepted: 09/08/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Identifying agents that inhibit STAT-3, a cytosolic transcription factor involved in the activation of various genes implicated in tumour progression is a promising strategy for cancer chemoprevention. In the present study, we investigated the effect of dietary astaxanthin on JAK-2/STAT-3 signaling in the 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA)-induced hamster buccal pouch (HBP) carcinogenesis model by examining the mRNA and protein expression of JAK/STAT-3 and its target genes. Quantitative RT-PCR, immunoblotting and immunohistochemical analyses revealed that astaxanthin supplementation inhibits key events in JAK/STAT signaling especially STAT-3 phosphorylation and subsequent nuclear translocation of STAT-3. Furthermore, astaxanthin downregulated the expression of STAT-3 target genes involved in cell proliferation, invasion and angiogenesis, and reduced microvascular density, thereby preventing tumour progression. Molecular docking analysis confirmed inhibitory effects of astaxanthin on STAT signaling and angiogenesis. Cell culture experiments with the endothelial cell line ECV304 substantiated the role of astaxanthin in suppressing angiogenesis. Taken together, our data provide substantial evidence that dietary astaxanthin prevents the development and progression of HBP carcinomas through the inhibition of JAK-2/STAT-3 signaling and its downstream events. Thus, astaxanthin that functions as a potent inhibitor of tumour development and progression by targeting JAK/STAT signaling may be an ideal candidate for cancer chemoprevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- J. Kowshik
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, Annamalai University, Annamalainagar, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Abdul Basit Baba
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, Annamalai University, Annamalainagar, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Hemant Giri
- Laboratory of Vascular Biology, Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai, Tami Nadu, India
| | - G. Deepak Reddy
- Medicinal Chemistry Research Division, Vishnu Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Narsapur, India
| | - Madhulika Dixit
- Laboratory of Vascular Biology, Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai, Tami Nadu, India
| | - Siddavaram Nagini
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, Annamalai University, Annamalainagar, Tamil Nadu, India
- * E-mail:
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16
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Wang J, Ni Z, Duan Z, Wang G, Li F. Altered expression of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) and its regulatory genes in gastric cancer tissues. PLoS One 2014; 9:e99835. [PMID: 24927122 PMCID: PMC4057318 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0099835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2014] [Accepted: 05/19/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Tissue hypoxia induces reprogramming of cell metabolism and may result in normal cell transformation and cancer progression. Hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha (HIF-1α), the key transcription factor, plays an important role in gastric cancer development and progression. This study aimed to investigate the underlying regulatory signaling pathway in gastric cancer using gastric cancer tissue specimens. The integration of gene expression profile and transcriptional regulatory element database (TRED) was pursued to identify HIF-1α ↔ NFκB1 → BRCA1 → STAT3 ← STAT1 gene pathways and their regulated genes. The data showed that there were 82 differentially expressed genes that could be regulated by these five transcription factors in gastric cancer tissues and these genes formed 95 regulation modes, among which seven genes (MMP1, TIMP1, TLR2, FCGR3A, IRF1, FAS, and TFF3) were hub molecules that are regulated at least by two of these five transcription factors simultaneously and were associated with hypoxia, inflammation, and immune disorder. Real-Time PCR and western blot showed increasing of HIF-1α in mRNA and protein levels as well as TIMP1, TFF3 in mRNA levels in gastric cancer tissues. The data are the first study to demonstrate HIF-1α-regulated transcription factors and their corresponding network genes in gastric cancer. Further study with a larger sample size and more functional experiments is needed to confirm these data and then translate into clinical biomarker discovery and treatment strategy for gastric cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jihan Wang
- Department of Pathogenobiology, Jilin Key Laboratory of Biomedical Materials, College of Basic Medical Science, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Zhaohui Ni
- Department of Pathogenobiology, Jilin Key Laboratory of Biomedical Materials, College of Basic Medical Science, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Zipeng Duan
- Department of Pathogenobiology, Jilin Key Laboratory of Biomedical Materials, College of Basic Medical Science, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Guoqing Wang
- Department of Pathogenobiology, Jilin Key Laboratory of Biomedical Materials, College of Basic Medical Science, Jilin University, Changchun, China
- The Key Laboratory for Bionics Engineering, Ministry of Education, China, Jilin University, Changchun, China
- * E-mail: (GW); (FL)
| | - Fan Li
- Department of Pathogenobiology, Jilin Key Laboratory of Biomedical Materials, College of Basic Medical Science, Jilin University, Changchun, China
- The Key Laboratory for Bionics Engineering, Ministry of Education, China, Jilin University, Changchun, China
- * E-mail: (GW); (FL)
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