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Thanaskody K, Natashah FN, Nordin F, Kamarul Zaman WSW, Tye GJ. Designing molecules: directing stem cell differentiation. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2024; 12:1396405. [PMID: 38803845 PMCID: PMC11129639 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2024.1396405] [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: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Stem cells have been widely applied in regenerative and therapeutic medicine for their unique regenerative properties. Although much research has shown their potential, it remains tricky in directing stem cell differentiation. The advancement of genetic and therapeutic technologies, however, has facilitated this issue through development of design molecules. These molecules are designed to overcome the drawbacks previously faced, such as unexpected differentiation outcomes and insufficient migration of endogenous or exogenous MSCs. Here, we introduced aptamer, bacteriophage, and biological vectors as design molecules and described their characteristics. The methods of designing/developing discussed include various Systematic Evolution of Ligands by Exponential Enrichment (SELEX) procedures, in silico approaches, and non-SELEX methods for aptamers, and genetic engineering methods such as homologous recombination, Bacteriophage Recombineering of Electroporated DNA (BRED), Bacteriophage Recombineering with Infectious Particles (BRIP), and genome rebooting for bacteriophage. For biological vectors, methods such as alternate splicing, multiple promoters, internal ribosomal entry site, CRISPR-Cas9 system and Cre recombinase mediated recombination were used to design viral vectors, while non-viral vectors like exosomes are generated through parental cell-based direct engineering. Besides that, we also discussed the pros and cons, and applications of each design molecule in directing stem cell differentiation to illustrate their great potential in stem cells research. Finally, we highlighted some safety and efficacy concerns to be considered for future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kalaiselvaan Thanaskody
- Centre for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine (CTERM), Faculty of Medicine, National University of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Fajriyah Nur Natashah
- Centre for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine (CTERM), Faculty of Medicine, National University of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Fazlina Nordin
- Centre for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine (CTERM), Faculty of Medicine, National University of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Wan Safwani Wan Kamarul Zaman
- Department of Pharmaceutical Life Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Centre for Innovation in Medical Engineering (CIME), Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Gee Jun Tye
- Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine (INFORMM), Universiti Sains Malaysia, Gelugor, Malaysia
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Yao J, Fan M, Peng J, Luo H, Lu J. Synthesis and Evaluation of Novel 99mTc-Labeled FGFR2-Targeting Peptides. Mol Pharm 2024; 21:895-903. [PMID: 38170629 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.3c00998] [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] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
To develop radiolabeled FGFR2-targeting probes for visualizing fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) expression levels in the tumor microenvironment, four novel 99mTc-labeled FGFR2-targeting peptides ([99mTc]Tc-FGFR2-1, [99mTc]Tc-FGFR2-2, [99mTc]Tc-FGFR2-3, and [99mTc]Tc-FGFR2-4) with different amino acid linkers between the targeted peptide moiety and the 99mTc chelating group were designed and synthesized. The in vitro cellular inhibition, internalization, and efflux results demonstrated that the four 99mTc complexes exhibited FGFR2-specific binding and prolonged cellular retention in DU145 human prostate cancer cells, which indicated that modification from the glycine side (N-terminal) of CH02 was feasible. Among them, [99mTc]Tc-FGFR2-1 exhibited the highest in vitro cellular uptake and in vivo tumor uptake at 30 min postinjection, and tumor uptake could be significantly inhibited by the competitor CH02 (53% inhibited, p < 0.05), suggesting the tumor-specific targeting ability of [99mTc]Tc-FGFR2-1. The DU145-xenografted tumor lesions were clearly visualized by single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT)/CT at 30 min postinjection of [99mTc]Tc-FGFR2-1, highlighting its potential as a SPECT imaging probe for tumor FGFR2 detection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingjing Yao
- Key Laboratory of Radiopharmaceuticals, Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, P. R. China
| | - Mingxuan Fan
- Key Laboratory of Radiopharmaceuticals, Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, P. R. China
| | - Jiaying Peng
- Key Laboratory of Radiopharmaceuticals, Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, P. R. China
| | - Hao Luo
- Key Laboratory of Radiopharmaceuticals, Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, P. R. China
| | - Jie Lu
- Key Laboratory of Radiopharmaceuticals, Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, P. R. China
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Smith TP, Bhushan B, Granata D, Kaas CS, Andersen B, Decoene KW, Ren Q, Liu H, Qu X, Yang Y, Pan J, Chen Q, Münzel M, Kawamura A. Identification and engineering of potent cyclic peptides with selective or promiscuous binding through biochemical profiling and bioinformatic data analysis. RSC Chem Biol 2024; 5:12-18. [PMID: 38179194 PMCID: PMC10763615 DOI: 10.1039/d3cb00168g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024] Open
Abstract
As our understanding of biological systems grows, so does the need to selectively target individual or multiple members of specific protein families in order to probe their function. Many targets of current biological and pharmaceutical interest are part of a large family of closely related proteins and achieving ligand selectivity often remains either an elusive or time-consuming endeavour. Cyclic peptides (CPs) occupy a key niche in ligand space, able to achieve high affinity and selectivity while retaining synthetic accessibility. De novo cyclic peptide ligands can be rapidly generated against a given target using mRNA display. In this study we harness mRNA display technology and the wealth of next generation sequencing (NGS) data generated to explore both experimental approaches and bioinformatic, statistical data analysis of peptide enrichment in cross-screen selections to rapidly generate high affinity CPs with differing intra-family protein selectivity profiles against fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGF-R) family proteins. Using these methods, CPs with distinct selectivity profiles can be generated which can serve as valuable tool compounds to decipher biological questions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas P Smith
- Chemistry - School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU UK
| | | | - Daniele Granata
- Digital Science and Innovation, Novo Nordisk A/S Novo Nordisk Park 2760 Måløv Denmark
| | - Christian S Kaas
- Global Research Technologies, Novo Nordisk A/S Novo Nordisk Park 2760 Måløv Denmark
| | - Birgitte Andersen
- Global Drug Discovery, Novo Nordisk A/S Novo Nordisk Park 2760 Måløv Denmark
| | - Klaas W Decoene
- Global Research Technologies, Novo Nordisk A/S Novo Nordisk Park 2760 Måløv Denmark
| | - Qiansheng Ren
- Novo Nordisk Research Center China, Novo Nordisk A/S Shengmingyuan West Ring Rd, Changping District Beijing China
| | - Haimo Liu
- Novo Nordisk Research Center China, Novo Nordisk A/S Shengmingyuan West Ring Rd, Changping District Beijing China
| | - Xinping Qu
- Novo Nordisk Research Center China, Novo Nordisk A/S Shengmingyuan West Ring Rd, Changping District Beijing China
| | - Yang Yang
- Novo Nordisk Research Center China, Novo Nordisk A/S Shengmingyuan West Ring Rd, Changping District Beijing China
| | - Jia Pan
- Novo Nordisk Research Center China, Novo Nordisk A/S Shengmingyuan West Ring Rd, Changping District Beijing China
| | - Quijia Chen
- Novo Nordisk Research Center China, Novo Nordisk A/S Shengmingyuan West Ring Rd, Changping District Beijing China
| | - Martin Münzel
- Global Research Technologies, Novo Nordisk A/S Novo Nordisk Park 2760 Måløv Denmark
| | - Akane Kawamura
- Chemistry - School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU UK
- Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford OX1 3TA UK
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Jiao K, Su P, Li Y. FGFR2 modulates the Akt/Nrf2/ARE signaling pathway to improve angiotensin II-induced hypertension-related endothelial dysfunction. Clin Exp Hypertens 2023; 45:2208777. [PMID: 37154169 DOI: 10.1080/10641963.2023.2208777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR)2 expression was decreased in hypertension patients while its role in hypertension was not explored. This experiment aimed to investigate the expression ofFGFR2 in angiotensin II (Ang II)-induced human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and the role of FGFR2 in improving AngII-induced hypertension-related endothelial dysfunction. METHODS AngII-induced HUVECs simulated the hypertension model in vitro. The expression of FGFR2 in Ang II-induced HUVECs and transfected HUVECswas detected by RT-qPCR and western blot. The viability, apoptosis, migration and tube formation ability of Ang II-induced HUVECs were analyzed by Methyl Thiazolyl Tetrazolium (MTT) assay, flow cytometry analysis, wound healing assay and tube formation assay.Detectionof lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), caspase 3, Nitric Oxide (NO) and oxidative stress levels was conducted by assay kits and reactive oxygen species (ROS) level was detected by DCFH-DA assay. The expression of apoptosis-related proteins, protein kinase B(Akt)/nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/antioxidant response element (ARE) signaling pathway-related proteins, phospho(p)-endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and eNOS was determined by western blot. RESULTS The expression of FGFR2 was decreased in Ang II-induced HUVECs. FGFR2overexpression increased viability, suppressed apoptosis and oxidative stress, and improve endothelial dysfunction of AngII-induced HUVECs through activating the Akt/Nrf2/ARE signaling pathway. MK-2206 (Akt inhibitor) could weaken the effect of FGFR2overexpression to reduce viability, promote apoptosis and oxidative stress, and aggravate endothelial dysfunction of Ang II-inducedHUVECs. CONCLUSION Inconclusion, FGFR2activated the Akt/Nrf2/ARE signaling pathway to improve AngII-induced hypertension-related endothelial dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kun Jiao
- Division 1, Department of Cardiology, Ordos Central Hospital, Inner Mongolia, China
| | - Ping Su
- Division 1, Department of Cardiology, Ordos Central Hospital, Inner Mongolia, China
| | - Yongling Li
- Division 1, Department of Cardiology, Ordos Central Hospital, Inner Mongolia, China
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Lu Q, Zhang Y, Botchway BOA, Huang M, Liu X. Syntaphilin Inactivation Can Enhance Axonal Mitochondrial Transport to Improve Spinal Cord Injury. Mol Neurobiol 2023; 60:6556-6565. [PMID: 37458986 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-023-03494-6] [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: 02/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023]
Abstract
Mitochondria are important organelle of eukaryotic cells. They consists of a large number of different proteins that provide most of the ATP and supply power for the growth, function, and regeneration of neurons. Therefore, smitochondrial transport ensures that adequate ATP is supplied for metabolic activities. Spinal cord injury (SCI), a detrimental condition, has high morbidity and mortality rates. Currently, the available treatments only provide symptomatic relief for long-term disabilities. Studies have implicated mitochondrial transport as a critical factor in axonal regeneration. Hence, enhancing mitochondrial transports could be beneficial for ameliorating SCI. Syntaphilin (Snph) is a mitochondrial docking protein that acts as a "static anchor," and its inhibition enhances mitochondrial transports. Therefore, Snph as a key mediator of mitochondrial transports, may contribute to improving axonal regeneration following SCI. Herein, we examine Snph's biological effects and its relation to mitochondrial pathway. Then, we elaborate on mitochondrial transports after SCI, the possible role of Snph in SCI, and some possible therapeutic approaches by Snph.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qicheng Lu
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Medical College, Shaoxing University, Shaoxing, 312000, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yong Zhang
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Medical College, Shaoxing University, Shaoxing, 312000, Zhejiang, China
| | - Benson O A Botchway
- Institute of Neuroscience, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Bupa Cromwell Hospital, London, UK
| | - Min Huang
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Medical College, Shaoxing University, Shaoxing, 312000, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xuehong Liu
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Medical College, Shaoxing University, Shaoxing, 312000, Zhejiang, China.
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Yang Y, Zhang B, Xie J, Li J, Liu J, Liu R, Zhang L, Zhang J, Su Z, Li F, Zhang L, Hong A, Chen X. CH02 peptide promotes ex vivo expansion of umbilical cord blood-derived CD34 + hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells. Acta Biochim Biophys Sin (Shanghai) 2023; 55:1630-1639. [PMID: 37381672 PMCID: PMC10577473 DOI: 10.3724/abbs.2023047] [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: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Umbilical cord blood (UCB) is an advantageous source for hematopoietic stem/progenitor cell (HSPC) transplantation, yet the current strategies for large-scale and cost-effective UCB-HSPC preparation are still unavailable. To overcome these obstacles, we systematically evaluate the feasibility of our newly identified CH02 peptide for ex vivo expansion of CD34 + UCB-HSPCs. We herein report that the CH02 peptide is specifically enriched in HSPC proliferation via activating the FLT3 signaling. Notably, the CH02-based cocktails are adequate for boosting 12-fold ex vivo expansion of UCB-HSPCs. Meanwhile, CH02-preconditioned UCB-HSPCs manifest preferable efficacy upon wound healing in diabetic mice via bidirectional orchestration of proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory factors. Together, our data indicate the advantages of the CH02-based strategy for ex vivo expansion of CD34 + UCB-HSPCs, which will provide new strategies for further development of large-scale HSPC preparation for clinical purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiqi Yang
- Institute of Biomedicine & Department of Cell BiologyCollege of Life Science and TechnologyGuangdong Province Key Laboratory of Bioengineering MedicineGuangdong Provincial Biotechnology Drug & Engineering Technology Research Center; National Engineering Research Center of Genetic MedicineJi’nan UniversityGuangzhou510632China
- The First Affiliated HospitalJi’nan UniversityGuangzhou510630China
| | - Bihui Zhang
- Institute of Biomedicine & Department of Cell BiologyCollege of Life Science and TechnologyGuangdong Province Key Laboratory of Bioengineering MedicineGuangdong Provincial Biotechnology Drug & Engineering Technology Research Center; National Engineering Research Center of Genetic MedicineJi’nan UniversityGuangzhou510632China
| | - Junye Xie
- Institute of Biomedicine & Department of Cell BiologyCollege of Life Science and TechnologyGuangdong Province Key Laboratory of Bioengineering MedicineGuangdong Provincial Biotechnology Drug & Engineering Technology Research Center; National Engineering Research Center of Genetic MedicineJi’nan UniversityGuangzhou510632China
| | - Jingsheng Li
- Institute of Biomedicine & Department of Cell BiologyCollege of Life Science and TechnologyGuangdong Province Key Laboratory of Bioengineering MedicineGuangdong Provincial Biotechnology Drug & Engineering Technology Research Center; National Engineering Research Center of Genetic MedicineJi’nan UniversityGuangzhou510632China
| | - Jia Liu
- The First Affiliated HospitalJi’nan UniversityGuangzhou510630China
| | - Rongzhan Liu
- Institute of Biomedicine & Department of Cell BiologyCollege of Life Science and TechnologyGuangdong Province Key Laboratory of Bioengineering MedicineGuangdong Provincial Biotechnology Drug & Engineering Technology Research Center; National Engineering Research Center of Genetic MedicineJi’nan UniversityGuangzhou510632China
| | - Linhao Zhang
- Institute of Biomedicine & Department of Cell BiologyCollege of Life Science and TechnologyGuangdong Province Key Laboratory of Bioengineering MedicineGuangdong Provincial Biotechnology Drug & Engineering Technology Research Center; National Engineering Research Center of Genetic MedicineJi’nan UniversityGuangzhou510632China
| | - Jinting Zhang
- Institute of Biomedicine & Department of Cell BiologyCollege of Life Science and TechnologyGuangdong Province Key Laboratory of Bioengineering MedicineGuangdong Provincial Biotechnology Drug & Engineering Technology Research Center; National Engineering Research Center of Genetic MedicineJi’nan UniversityGuangzhou510632China
| | - Zijian Su
- Institute of Biomedicine & Department of Cell BiologyCollege of Life Science and TechnologyGuangdong Province Key Laboratory of Bioengineering MedicineGuangdong Provincial Biotechnology Drug & Engineering Technology Research Center; National Engineering Research Center of Genetic MedicineJi’nan UniversityGuangzhou510632China
| | - Fu Li
- Institute of Biomedicine & Department of Cell BiologyCollege of Life Science and TechnologyGuangdong Province Key Laboratory of Bioengineering MedicineGuangdong Provincial Biotechnology Drug & Engineering Technology Research Center; National Engineering Research Center of Genetic MedicineJi’nan UniversityGuangzhou510632China
| | - Leisheng Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Diagnostics and Precision Medicine for Surgical Oncology in Gansu Province & NHC Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Therapy of Gastrointestinal TumorGansu Provincial HospitalLanzhou730000China
- Key Laboratory of Radiation Technology and BiophysicsHefei Institute of Physical ScienceChinese Academy of SciencesHefei230031China
| | - An Hong
- Institute of Biomedicine & Department of Cell BiologyCollege of Life Science and TechnologyGuangdong Province Key Laboratory of Bioengineering MedicineGuangdong Provincial Biotechnology Drug & Engineering Technology Research Center; National Engineering Research Center of Genetic MedicineJi’nan UniversityGuangzhou510632China
- The First Affiliated HospitalJi’nan UniversityGuangzhou510630China
| | - Xiaojia Chen
- Institute of Biomedicine & Department of Cell BiologyCollege of Life Science and TechnologyGuangdong Province Key Laboratory of Bioengineering MedicineGuangdong Provincial Biotechnology Drug & Engineering Technology Research Center; National Engineering Research Center of Genetic MedicineJi’nan UniversityGuangzhou510632China
- The First Affiliated HospitalJi’nan UniversityGuangzhou510630China
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Liu Q, Huang J, Yan W, Liu Z, Liu S, Fang W. FGFR families: biological functions and therapeutic interventions in tumors. MedComm (Beijing) 2023; 4:e367. [PMID: 37750089 PMCID: PMC10518040 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2023] [Revised: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023] Open
Abstract
There are five fibroblast growth factor receptors (FGFRs), namely, FGFR1-FGFR5. When FGFR binds to its ligand, namely, fibroblast growth factor (FGF), it dimerizes and autophosphorylates, thereby activating several key downstream pathways that play an important role in normal physiology, such as the Ras/Raf/mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase, phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT, phospholipase C gamma/diacylglycerol/protein kinase c, and signal transducer and activator of transcription pathways. Furthermore, as an oncogene, FGFR genetic alterations were found in 7.1% of tumors, and these alterations include gene amplification, gene mutations, gene fusions or rearrangements. Therefore, FGFR amplification, mutations, rearrangements, or fusions are considered as potential biomarkers of FGFR therapeutic response for tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). However, it is worth noting that with increased use, resistance to TKIs inevitably develops, such as the well-known gatekeeper mutations. Thus, overcoming the development of drug resistance becomes a serious problem. This review mainly outlines the FGFR family functions, related pathways, and therapeutic agents in tumors with the aim of obtaining better outcomes for cancer patients with FGFR changes. The information provided in this review may provide additional therapeutic ideas for tumor patients with FGFR abnormalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Liu
- Cancer CenterIntegrated Hospital of Traditional Chinese MedicineSouthern Medical UniversityGuangzhouGuangdongChina
| | - Jiyu Huang
- Cancer CenterIntegrated Hospital of Traditional Chinese MedicineSouthern Medical UniversityGuangzhouGuangdongChina
| | - Weiwei Yan
- Cancer CenterIntegrated Hospital of Traditional Chinese MedicineSouthern Medical UniversityGuangzhouGuangdongChina
| | - Zhen Liu
- Cancer CenterIntegrated Hospital of Traditional Chinese MedicineSouthern Medical UniversityGuangzhouGuangdongChina
- Key Laboratory of Protein Modification and DegradationBasic School of Guangzhou Medical UniversityGuangzhouGuangdongChina
| | - Shu Liu
- Department of Breast SurgeryThe Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical UniversityGuiyangGuizhouChina
| | - Weiyi Fang
- Cancer CenterIntegrated Hospital of Traditional Chinese MedicineSouthern Medical UniversityGuangzhouGuangdongChina
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Tian T, Zhang S, Yang M. Recent progress and challenges in the treatment of spinal cord injury. Protein Cell 2023; 14:635-652. [PMID: 36856750 PMCID: PMC10501188 DOI: 10.1093/procel/pwad003] [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: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) disrupts the structural and functional connectivity between the higher center and the spinal cord, resulting in severe motor, sensory, and autonomic dysfunction with a variety of complications. The pathophysiology of SCI is complicated and multifaceted, and thus individual treatments acting on a specific aspect or process are inadequate to elicit neuronal regeneration and functional recovery after SCI. Combinatory strategies targeting multiple aspects of SCI pathology have achieved greater beneficial effects than individual therapy alone. Although many problems and challenges remain, the encouraging outcomes that have been achieved in preclinical models offer a promising foothold for the development of novel clinical strategies to treat SCI. In this review, we characterize the mechanisms underlying axon regeneration of adult neurons and summarize recent advances in facilitating functional recovery following SCI at both the acute and chronic stages. In addition, we analyze the current status, remaining problems, and realistic challenges towards clinical translation. Finally, we consider the future of SCI treatment and provide insights into how to narrow the translational gap that currently exists between preclinical studies and clinical practice. Going forward, clinical trials should emphasize multidisciplinary conversation and cooperation to identify optimal combinatorial approaches to maximize therapeutic benefit in humans with SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Tian
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Protein Science, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology, Beijing Frontier Research Center for Biological Structure, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Sensen Zhang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Protein Science, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology, Beijing Frontier Research Center for Biological Structure, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Maojun Yang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Protein Science, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology, Beijing Frontier Research Center for Biological Structure, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
- Cryo-EM Facility Center, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
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Atkinson E, Dickman R. Growth factors and their peptide mimetics for treatment of traumatic brain injury. Bioorg Med Chem 2023; 90:117368. [PMID: 37331175 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2023.117368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Revised: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a leading cause of disability in adults, caused by a physical insult damaging the brain. Growth factor-based therapies have the potential to reduce the effects of secondary injury and improve outcomes by providing neuroprotection against glutamate excitotoxicity, oxidative damage, hypoxia, and ischemia, as well as promoting neurite outgrowth and the formation of new blood vessels. Despite promising evidence in preclinical studies, few neurotrophic factors have been tested in clinical trials for TBI. Translation to the clinic is not trivial and is limited by the short in vivo half-life of the protein, the inability to cross the blood-brain barrier and human delivery systems. Synthetic peptide mimetics have the potential to be used in place of recombinant growth factors, activating the same downstream signalling pathways, with a decrease in size and more favourable pharmacokinetic properties. In this review, we will discuss growth factors with the potential to modulate damage caused by secondary injury mechanisms following a traumatic brain injury that have been trialled in other indications including spinal cord injury, stroke and neurodegenerative diseases. Peptide mimetics of nerve growth factor (NGF), hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), glial cell line-derived growth factor (GDNF), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and fibroblast growth factor (FGF) will be highlighted, most of which have not yet been tested in preclinical or clinical models of TBI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Atkinson
- School of Pharmacy, University College London, 29-39 Brunswick Square, London WC1N 1AX, UK; UCL Centre for Nerve Engineering, University College London, 29-39 Brunswick Square, London WC1N 1AX, UK.
| | - Rachael Dickman
- School of Pharmacy, University College London, 29-39 Brunswick Square, London WC1N 1AX, UK.
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Han M, Liang C, Liu Y, He X, Chu M. Integrated Transcriptome Analysis Reveals the Crucial mRNAs and miRNAs Related to Fecundity in the Hypothalamus of Yunshang Black Goats during the Luteal Phase. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12233397. [PMID: 36496918 PMCID: PMC9738480 DOI: 10.3390/ani12233397] [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: 10/20/2022] [Revised: 11/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/07/2022] Open
Abstract
A normal estrus cycle is essential for the breeding of goats, and the luteal phase accounts for most of the estrus cycle. The corpus luteum (CL) formed during the luteal phase is a transient endocrine gland that is crucial for the reproductive cycle and pregnancy maintenance, and is controlled by many regulatory factors. However, the molecular mechanism of the hypothalamus effect on the reproductive performance of different litter sizes during the luteal phase of goats has not been elucidated. In this study, RNA-sequencing was used to analyze the mRNA and miRNA expression profiles of the hypothalamic tissues with the high-fecundity goats during the luteal phase (LP-HF) and low-fecundity goats during the luteal phase (LP-LF). The RNA-seq results found that there were 1963 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) (890 up-regulated and 1073 down-regulated). The miRNA-seq identified 57 differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs), including 11 up-regulated and 46 down-regulated, of which 199 DEGs were predicted to be potential target genes of DEMs. Meanwhile, the functional enrichment analysis identified several mRNA-miRNA pairs involved in the regulation of the hypothalamic activity, such as the common target gene MEA1 of novel-miR-972, novel-miR-125 and novel-miR-403, which can play a certain role as a related gene of the reproductive development in the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis and its regulated network, by regulating the androgen secretion. While another target gene ADIPOR2 of the novel-miR-403, is distributed in the hypothalamus and affects the reproductive system through a central role on the HPG axis and a peripheral role in the gonadal tissue. An annotation analysis of the DE miRNA-mRNA pairs identified targets related to biological processes, such as anion binding (GO:0043168) and small molecule binding (GO: 0036094). Subsequently, the KEGG(Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes) pathways were performed to analyze the miRNA-mRNA pairs with negatively correlated miRNAs. We found that the GnRH signaling pathway (ko04912), the estrogen signaling pathway (ko04915), the Fc gamma R-mediated phagocytosis (ko04666), and the IL-17 signaling pathway (ko04657), etc., were directly and indirectly associated with the reproductive process. These targeting interactions may be closely related to the reproductive performance of goats. The results of this study provide a reference for further research on the molecular regulation mechanism for the high fertility in goats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miaoceng Han
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
- College of Animal Science, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong 030801, China
| | - Chen Liang
- College of Animal Science, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong 030801, China
| | - Yufang Liu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Xiaoyun He
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Mingxing Chu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-010-62819850
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Liu D, Fan B, Li J, Sun T, Ma J, Zhou X, Feng S. N6-methyladenosine modification: A potential regulatory mechanism in spinal cord injury. Front Cell Neurosci 2022; 16:989637. [PMID: 36212687 PMCID: PMC9539101 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2022.989637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
N6-methyladenosine (m6A), an essential post-transcriptional modification in eukaryotes, is closely related to the development of pathological processes in neurological diseases. Notably, spinal cord injury (SCI) is a serious traumatic disease of the central nervous system, with a complex pathological mechanism which is still not completely understood. Recent studies have found that m6A modification levels are changed after SCI, and m6A-related regulators are involved in the changes of the local spinal cord microenvironment after injury. However, research on the role of m6A modification in SCI is still in the early stages. This review discusses the latest progress in the dynamic regulation of m6A modification, including methyltransferases (“writers”), demethylases (“erasers”) and m6A -binding proteins (“readers”). And then analyses the pathological mechanism relationship between m6A and the microenvironment after SCI. The biological processes involved included cell death, axon regeneration, and scar formation, which provides new insight for future research on the role of m6A modification in SCI and the clinical transformation of strategies for promoting recovery of spinal cord function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Derong Liu
- Department of Orthopedics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Department of Orthopedics, International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Spinal Cord Injury, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Baoyou Fan
- Department of Orthopedics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Department of Orthopedics, International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Spinal Cord Injury, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Jinze Li
- Department of Orthopedics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Department of Orthopedics, International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Spinal Cord Injury, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Tao Sun
- Department of Orthopedics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Department of Orthopedics, International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Spinal Cord Injury, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Jun Ma
- Department of Orthopedics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Department of Orthopedics, International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Spinal Cord Injury, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Xianhu Zhou
- The Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
- *Correspondence: Xianhu Zhou,
| | - Shiqing Feng
- Department of Orthopedics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Department of Orthopedics, International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Spinal Cord Injury, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Shiqing Feng,
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