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Hurst C, Leeth TR, Benveniste EN, Kimberly RP, Hoesley C, Mack L, Fouad MN, Rogers DA, Vickers SM, Agarwal A. The Pittman Scholar Program for junior faculty recognition at the University of Alabama at Birmingham Heersink School of Medicine. Med Educ Online 2023; 28:2182188. [PMID: 36861296 PMCID: PMC9987741 DOI: 10.1080/10872981.2023.2182188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The University of Alabama at Birmingham Heersink School of Medicine established the Pittman Scholars Program in 2015 to elevate scientific impact and to support the recruitment and retention of highly competitive junior faculty. The authors examined the impact of this program on research productivity and on faculty retention. The authors evaluated publications and extramural grant awards and available demographic data for the Pittman Scholars compared to all junior faculty in the Heersink School of Medicine. From 2015 to 2021, the program awarded a diverse group of 41 junior faculty members across the institution. For this cohort, ninety-four new extramural grants were awarded and 146 grant applications were submitted since the inception of the scholar award. Pittman Scholars published a total of 411 papers during the term of the award. The faculty retention rate of the scholars was 95%, comparable to that of all Heersink junior faculty, with 2 recipients being recruited to other institutions. The implementation of the Pittman Scholars Program has been an effective strategy to celebrate scientific impact and acknowledge junior faculty members as outstanding scientists at our institution. The Pittman Scholars award allows junior faculty to use funds for their research program, publications, collaborations, and career advancement. The Pittman Scholars are recognized at local, regional, and national levels for the work they are contributing to academic medicine. The program has served as an important pipeline faculty development program and an avenue for individual recognition for research-intensive faculty.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cayla Hurst
- Administrative Fellow, UAB Academic Medicine and Ambulatory Operations, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Toni R. Leeth
- Strategic Planning and Administration for the Heersink School of Medicine, the University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Etty N. Benveniste
- Research for the Heersink School of Medicine, the University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Robert P. Kimberly
- Clinical and Translational Research for the Heersink School of Medicine, the University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Craig Hoesley
- Medical Education for the Heersink School of Medicine, the University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - LaKisha Mack
- Administration and Finance for the Heersink School of Medicine, the University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Mona N. Fouad
- Diversity and Inclusion for the Heersink School of Medicine, the University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - David A. Rogers
- Wellness Officer for UAB Medicine and the Heersink School of Medicine, the University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Selwyn M. Vickers
- Medicine and Dean of the Heersink School of Medicine and Chief Executive Officer of the UAB Health System, the University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Anupam Agarwal
- The Heersink School of Medicine, the University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
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Qin H, Zhou L, Haque FT, Martin-Jimenez C, Trang A, Benveniste EN, Wang Q. Diverse signaling mechanisms and heterogeneity of astrocyte reactivity in Alzheimer's disease. J Neurochem 2023. [PMID: 37932959 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.16002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) affects various brain cell types, including astrocytes, which are the most abundant cell types in the central nervous system (CNS). Astrocytes not only provide homeostatic support to neurons but also actively regulate synaptic signaling and functions and become reactive in response to CNS insults through diverse signaling pathways including the JAK/STAT, NF-κB, and GPCR-elicited pathways. The advent of new technology for transcriptomic profiling at the single-cell level has led to increasing recognition of the highly versatile nature of reactive astrocytes and the context-dependent specificity of astrocyte reactivity. In AD, reactive astrocytes have long been observed in senile plaques and have recently been suggested to play a role in AD pathogenesis and progression. However, the precise contributions of reactive astrocytes to AD remain elusive, and targeting this complex cell population for AD treatment poses significant challenges. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of astrocyte reactivity and its role in AD, with a particular focus on the signaling pathways that promote astrocyte reactivity and the heterogeneity of reactive astrocytes. Furthermore, we explore potential implications for the development of therapeutics for AD. Our objective is to shed light on the complex involvement of astrocytes in AD and offer insights into potential therapeutic targets and strategies for treating and managing this devastating neurodegenerative disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongwei Qin
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Lianna Zhou
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Faris T Haque
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Cynthia Martin-Jimenez
- Department of Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, USA
| | - Amy Trang
- Department of Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, USA
| | - Etty N Benveniste
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Qin Wang
- Department of Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, USA
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Bachus H, McLaughlin E, Lewis C, Papillion AM, Benveniste EN, Hill DD, Rosenberg AF, Ballesteros-Tato A, León B. IL-6 prevents Th2 cell polarization by promoting SOCS3-dependent suppression of IL-2 signaling. Cell Mol Immunol 2023; 20:651-665. [PMID: 37046042 PMCID: PMC10229632 DOI: 10.1038/s41423-023-01012-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Defective interleukin-6 (IL-6) signaling has been associated with Th2 bias and elevated IgE levels. However, the underlying mechanism by which IL-6 prevents the development of Th2-driven diseases remains unknown. Using a model of house dust mite (HDM)-induced Th2 cell differentiation and allergic airway inflammation, we showed that IL-6 signaling in allergen-specific T cells was required to prevent Th2 cell differentiation and the subsequent IgE response and allergic inflammation. Th2 cell lineage commitment required strong sustained IL-2 signaling. We found that IL-6 turned off IL-2 signaling during early T-cell activation and thus inhibited Th2 priming. Mechanistically, IL-6-driven inhibition of IL-2 signaling in responding T cells was mediated by upregulation of Suppressor Of Cytokine Signaling 3 (SOCS3). This mechanism could be mimicked by pharmacological Janus Kinase-1 (JAK1) inhibition. Collectively, our results identify an unrecognized mechanism that prevents the development of unwanted Th2 cell responses and associated diseases and outline potential preventive interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Holly Bachus
- Department of Medicine, Division of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Erin McLaughlin
- Department of Microbiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Crystal Lewis
- Department of Microbiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Amber M Papillion
- Department of Medicine, Division of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
- Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc., New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Etty N Benveniste
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Dave Durell Hill
- Department of Microbiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Alexander F Rosenberg
- Department of Microbiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
- Informatics Institute, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - André Ballesteros-Tato
- Department of Medicine, Division of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Beatriz León
- Department of Microbiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA.
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Zhou L, Yan Z, Yang W, Buckley JA, Al Diffalha S, Benveniste EN, Qin H. Socs3 expression in myeloid cells modulates the pathogenesis of dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1163987. [PMID: 37283760 PMCID: PMC10239850 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1163987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Myeloid cells play a critical role in the pathogenesis of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBDs), including Ulcerative Colitis (UC) and Crohn's Disease (CD). Dysregulation of the JAK/STAT pathway is associated with many pathological conditions, including IBD. Suppressors Of Cytokine Signaling (SOCS) are a family of proteins that negatively regulate the JAK/STAT pathway. Our previous studies identified that mice lacking Socs3 in myeloid cells developed a hyper-activated phenotype of macrophages and neutrophils in a pre-clinical model of Multiple Sclerosis. Methods To better understand the function of myeloid cell Socs3 in the pathogenesis of colitis, mice with Socs3 deletion in myeloid cells (Socs3 ΔLysM) were utilized in a DSS-induced colitis model. Results Our results indicate that Socs3 deficiency in myeloid cells leads to more severe colitis induced by DSS, which correlates with increased infiltration of monocytes and neutrophils in the colon and increased numbers of monocytes and neutrophils in the spleen. Furthermore, our results demonstrate that the expression of genes related to the pathogenesis and diagnosis of colitis such as Il1β, Lcn2, S100a8 and S100a9 were specifically enhanced in Socs3-deficient neutrophils localized to the colon and spleen. Conversely, there were no observable differences in gene expression in Ly6C+ monocytes. Depletion of neutrophils using a neutralizing antibody to Ly6G significantly improved the disease severity of DSS-induced colitis in Socs3-deficient mice. Discussion Thus, our results suggest that deficiency of Socs3 in myeloid cells exacerbates DSS-induced colitis and that Socs3 prevents overt activation of the immune system in IBD. This study may provide novel therapeutic strategies to IBD patients with hyperactivated neutrophils.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lianna Zhou
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Zhaoqi Yan
- Gladstone Institute of Neurological Disease, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Wei Yang
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Weill Cornell College of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Jessica A. Buckley
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Sameer Al Diffalha
- Department of Pathology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Etty N. Benveniste
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Hongwei Qin
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
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Yacoubian TA, Fang YHD, Gerstenecker A, Amara A, Stover N, Ruffrage L, Collette C, Kennedy R, Zhang Y, Hong H, Qin H, McConathy J, Benveniste EN, Standaert DG. Brain and Systemic Inflammation in De Novo Parkinson's Disease. Mov Disord 2023. [PMID: 36853618 DOI: 10.1002/mds.29363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Revised: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/01/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the presence of brain and systemic inflammation in subjects newly diagnosed with Parkinson's disease (PD). BACKGROUND Evidence for a pathophysiologic role of inflammation in PD is growing. However, several key gaps remain as to the role of inflammation in PD, including the extent of immune activation at early stages, potential effects of PD treatments on inflammation and whether pro-inflammatory signals are associated with clinical features and/or predict more rapid progression. METHODS We enrolled subjects with de novo PD (n = 58) and age-matched controls (n = 62). Subjects underwent clinical assessments, including the Movement Disorder Society-United Parkinson's Disease rating scale (MDS-UPDRS). Comprehensive cognitive assessment meeting MDS Level II criteria for mild cognitive impairment testing was performed. Blood was obtained for flow cytometry and cytokine/chemokine analyses. Subjects underwent imaging with 18 F-DPA-714, a translocator protein 18kd ligand, and lumbar puncture if eligible and consented. RESULTS Baseline demographics and medical history were comparable between groups. PD subjects showed significant differences in University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test, Schwab and England Activities of Daily Living, Scales for Outcomes in PD autonomic dysfunction, and MDS-UPDRS scores. Cognitive testing demonstrated significant differences in cognitive composite, executive function, and visuospatial domain scores at baseline. Positron emission tomography imaging showed increased 18 F-DPA-714 signal in PD subjects. 18 F-DPA-714 signal correlated with several cognitive measures and some chemokines. CONCLUSIONS 18 F-DPA-714 imaging demonstrated increased central inflammation in de novo PD subjects compared to controls. Longitudinal follow-up will be important to determine whether the presence of inflammation predicts cognitive decline. © 2023 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Talene A Yacoubian
- Department of Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Yu-Hua Dean Fang
- Department of Radiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Adam Gerstenecker
- Department of Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Amy Amara
- Department of Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Natividad Stover
- Department of Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Lauren Ruffrage
- Department of Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Christopher Collette
- Department of Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Richard Kennedy
- Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Yue Zhang
- Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Huixian Hong
- Department of Cell, Developmental, and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Hongwei Qin
- Department of Cell, Developmental, and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Jonathan McConathy
- Department of Radiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Etty N Benveniste
- Department of Cell, Developmental, and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - David G Standaert
- Department of Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
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Skinner KR, Koga T, Miki S, Gruener RF, Grigore FN, Torii EH, Seelig DM, Suzuki Y, Kawauchi D, Lin B, Malicki DM, Chen CC, Benveniste EN, Patel RP, McFarland BC, Huang RS, Jones C, Mackay A, Miller CR, Furnari FB. Cooperativity between H3.3K27M and PDGFRA poses multiple therapeutic vulnerabilities in human iPSC-derived diffuse midline glioma avatars. bioRxiv 2023:2023.02.24.528982. [PMID: 36865329 PMCID: PMC9980117 DOI: 10.1101/2023.02.24.528982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/27/2023]
Abstract
Diffuse midline glioma (DMG) is a leading cause of brain tumor death in children. In addition to hallmark H3.3K27M mutations, significant subsets also harbor alterations of other genes, such as TP53 and PDGFRA. Despite the prevalence of H3.3K27M, the results of clinical trials in DMG have been mixed, possibly due to the lack of models recapitulating its genetic heterogeneity. To address this gap, we developed human iPSC-derived tumor models harboring TP53R248Q with or without heterozygous H3.3K27M and/or PDGFRAD842V overexpression. The combination of H3.3K27M and PDGFRAD842V resulted in more proliferative tumors when gene-edited neural progenitor (NP) cells were implanted into mouse brains compared to NP with either mutation alone. Transcriptomic comparison of tumors and their NP cells of origin identified conserved JAK/STAT pathway activation across genotypes as characteristic of malignant transformation. Conversely, integrated genome-wide epigenomic and transcriptomic analyses, as well as rational pharmacologic inhibition, revealed targetable vulnerabilities unique to the TP53R248Q; H3.3K27M; PDGFRAD842V tumors and related to their aggressive growth phenotype. These include AREG-mediated cell cycle control, altered metabolism, and vulnerability to combination ONC201/trametinib treatment. Taken together, these data suggest that cooperation between H3.3K27M and PDGFRA influences tumor biology, underscoring the need for better molecular stratification in DMG clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kasey R Skinner
- Division of Neuropathology, Department of Pathology, O'Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center and Comprehensive Neuroscience Center, Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
- Neuroscience Curriculum, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- These authors contributed equally to this work
| | - Tomoyuki Koga
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- These authors contributed equally to this work
| | - Shunichiro Miki
- Division of Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
- These authors contributed equally to this work
| | - Robert F Gruener
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | | | - Emma H Torii
- Comparative Pathology Shared Resource, Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN 55108, USA
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN 55108, USA
| | - Davis M Seelig
- Comparative Pathology Shared Resource, Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN 55108, USA
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN 55108, USA
| | - Yuta Suzuki
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Daisuke Kawauchi
- Division of Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Benjamin Lin
- Division of Neuropathology, Department of Pathology, O'Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center and Comprehensive Neuroscience Center, Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Denise M Malicki
- Pathology, Rady Children's Hospital University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA 92123, USA
| | - Clark C Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Etty N Benveniste
- Department of Cell, Developmental, and Integrative Biology, Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Rakesh P Patel
- Division of Molecular and Cellular Pathology, Department of Pathology, Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Braden C McFarland
- Department of Cell, Developmental, and Integrative Biology, Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - R Stephanie Huang
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Chris Jones
- Division of Molecular Pathology, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK; Division of Cancer Therapeutics, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | - Alan Mackay
- Division of Molecular Pathology, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK; Division of Cancer Therapeutics, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | - C Ryan Miller
- Division of Neuropathology, Department of Pathology, O'Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center and Comprehensive Neuroscience Center, Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
- These authors contributed equally to this work
| | - Frank B Furnari
- Division of Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
- These authors contributed equally to this work
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Yang W, Wei H, Benavides GA, Turbitt WJ, Buckley JA, Ouyang X, Zhou L, Zhang J, Harrington LE, Darley-Usmar VM, Qin H, Benveniste EN. Protein Kinase CK2 Controls CD8 + T Cell Effector and Memory Function during Infection. J Immunol 2022; 209:896-906. [PMID: 35914835 PMCID: PMC9492634 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2101080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 06/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Protein kinase CK2 is a serine/threonine kinase composed of two catalytic subunits (CK2α and/or CK2α') and two regulatory subunits (CK2β). CK2 promotes cancer progression by activating the NF-κB, PI3K/AKT/mTOR, and JAK/STAT pathways, and also is critical for immune cell development and function. The potential involvement of CK2 in CD8+ T cell function has not been explored. We demonstrate that CK2 protein levels and kinase activity are enhanced upon mouse CD8+ T cell activation. CK2α deficiency results in impaired CD8+ T cell activation and proliferation upon TCR stimulation. Furthermore, CK2α is involved in CD8+ T cell metabolic reprogramming through regulating the AKT/mTOR pathway. Lastly, using a mouse Listeria monocytogenes infection model, we demonstrate that CK2α is required for CD8+ T cell expansion, maintenance, and effector function in both primary and memory immune responses. Collectively, our study implicates CK2α as an important regulator of mouse CD8+ T cell activation, metabolic reprogramming, and differentiation both in vitro and in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Yang
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA
| | - Hairong Wei
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA
| | - Gloria A. Benavides
- Department of Pathology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA
| | - William J. Turbitt
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA
| | - Jessica A. Buckley
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA
| | - Xiaosen Ouyang
- Department of Pathology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA
| | - Lianna Zhou
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA
| | - Jianhua Zhang
- Department of Pathology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA
| | - Laurie E. Harrington
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA
| | - Victor M. Darley-Usmar
- Department of Pathology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA
| | - Hongwei Qin
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL; and
| | - Etty N. Benveniste
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA.,Co-Corresponding Authors: Dr. Hongwei Qin, Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1918 University Boulevard, MCLM 907, Birmingham, AL 35294. Phone: +1-205-934-2573. , Dr. Etty (Tika) Benveniste, Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 510 20th Street South, 1203 Faculty Office Tower, Birmingham, AL 35294. Phone: +1-205-934-7667.
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Song CJ, Li Z, Ahmed UKB, Bland SJ, Yashchenko A, Liu S, Aloria EJ, Lever JM, Gonzalez NM, Bickel MA, Giles CB, Georgescu C, Wren JD, Lang ML, Benveniste EN, Harrington LE, Tsiokas L, George JF, Jones KL, Crossman DK, Agarwal A, Mrug M, Yoder BK, Hopp K, Zimmerman KA. A Comprehensive Immune Cell Atlas of Cystic Kidney Disease Reveals the Involvement of Adaptive Immune Cells in Injury-Mediated Cyst Progression in Mice. J Am Soc Nephrol 2022; 33:747-768. [PMID: 35110364 PMCID: PMC8970461 DOI: 10.1681/asn.2021030278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 01/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Inducible disruption of cilia-related genes in adult mice results in slowly progressive cystic disease, which can be greatly accelerated by renal injury. METHODS To identify in an unbiased manner modifier cells that may be influencing the differential rate of cyst growth in injured versus non-injured cilia mutant kidneys at a time of similar cyst severity, we generated a single-cell atlas of cystic kidney disease. We conducted RNA-seq on 79,355 cells from control mice and adult-induced conditional Ift88 mice (hereafter referred to as cilia mutant mice) that were harvested approximately 7 months post-induction or 8 weeks post 30-minute unilateral ischemia reperfusion injury. RESULTS Analyses of single-cell RNA-seq data of CD45+ immune cells revealed that adaptive immune cells differed more in cluster composition, cell proportion, and gene expression than cells of myeloid origin when comparing cystic models with one another and with non-cystic controls. Surprisingly, genetic deletion of adaptive immune cells significantly reduced injury-accelerated cystic disease but had no effect on cyst growth in non-injured cilia mutant mice, independent of the rate of cyst growth or underlying genetic mutation. Using NicheNet, we identified a list of candidate cell types and ligands that were enriched in injured cilia mutant mice compared with aged cilia mutant mice and non-cystic controls that may be responsible for the observed dependence on adaptive immune cells during injury-accelerated cystic disease. CONCLUSIONS Collectively, these data highlight the diversity of immune cell involvement in cystic kidney disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng J. Song
- Department of Cell, Developmental, and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Zhang Li
- Department of Cell, Developmental, and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Ummey Khalecha Bintha Ahmed
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
| | - Sarah J. Bland
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
| | - Alex Yashchenko
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
| | - Shanrun Liu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Ernald J. Aloria
- Department of Cell, Developmental, and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Jeremie M. Lever
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Nancy M. Gonzalez
- Department of Cell, Developmental, and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Marisa A. Bickel
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
| | - Cory B. Giles
- Genes & Human Disease Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
| | - Constantin Georgescu
- Genes & Human Disease Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
| | - Jonathan D. Wren
- Genes & Human Disease Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
| | - Mark L. Lang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
| | - Etty N. Benveniste
- Department of Cell, Developmental, and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Laurie E. Harrington
- Department of Cell, Developmental, and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Leo Tsiokas
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
| | - James F. George
- Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Kenneth L. Jones
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
| | - David K. Crossman
- Department of Genetics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Anupam Agarwal
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Michal Mrug
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
- Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Bradley K. Yoder
- Department of Cell, Developmental, and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Katharina Hopp
- Polycystic Kidney Disease Program, Division of Renal Diseases and Hypertension, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Kurt A. Zimmerman
- Department of Cell, Developmental, and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
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9
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Xu E, Boddu R, Abdelmotilib HA, Sokratian A, Kelly K, Liu Z, Bryant N, Chandra S, Carlisle SM, Lefkowitz EJ, Harms AS, Benveniste EN, Yacoubian TA, Volpicelli-Daley LA, Standaert DG, West AB. Pathological α-synuclein recruits LRRK2 expressing pro-inflammatory monocytes to the brain. Mol Neurodegener 2022; 17:7. [PMID: 35012605 PMCID: PMC8751347 DOI: 10.1186/s13024-021-00509-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Leucine rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) and SNCA are genetically linked to late-onset Parkinson's disease (PD). Aggregated α-synuclein pathologically defines PD. Recent studies identified elevated LRRK2 expression in pro-inflammatory CD16+ monocytes in idiopathic PD, as well as increased phosphorylation of the LRRK2 kinase substrate Rab10 in monocytes in some LRRK2 mutation carriers. Brain-engrafting pro-inflammatory monocytes have been implicated in dopaminergic neurodegeneration in PD models. Here we examine how α-synuclein and LRRK2 interact in monocytes and subsequent neuroinflammatory responses. METHODS Human and mouse monocytes were differentiated to distinct transcriptional states resembling macrophages, dendritic cells, or microglia, and exposed to well-characterized human or mouse α-synuclein fibrils. LRRK2 expression and LRRK2-dependent Rab10 phosphorylation were measured with monoclonal antibodies, and myeloid cell responses to α-synuclein fibrils in R1441C-Lrrk2 knock-in mice or G2019S-Lrrk2 BAC mice were evaluated by flow cytometry. Chemotaxis assays were performed with monocyte-derived macrophages stimulated with α-synuclein fibrils and microglia in Boyden chambers. RESULTS α-synuclein fibrils robustly stimulate LRRK2 and Rab10 phosphorylation in human and mouse macrophages and dendritic-like cells. In these cells, α-synuclein fibrils stimulate LRRK2 through JAK-STAT activation and intrinsic LRRK2 kinase activity in a feed-forward pathway that upregulates phosphorylated Rab10. In contrast, LRRK2 expression and Rab10 phosphorylation are both suppressed in microglia-like cells that are otherwise highly responsive to α-synuclein fibrils. Corroborating these results, LRRK2 expression in the brain parenchyma occurs in pro-inflammatory monocytes infiltrating from the periphery, distinct from brain-resident microglia. Mice expressing pathogenic LRRK2 mutations G2019S or R1441C have increased numbers of infiltrating pro-inflammatory monocytes in acute response to α-synuclein fibrils. In primary cultured macrophages, LRRK2 kinase inhibition dampens α-synuclein fibril and microglia-stimulated chemotaxis. CONCLUSIONS Pathologic α-synuclein activates LRRK2 expression and kinase activity in monocytes and induces their recruitment to the brain. These results predict that LRRK2 kinase inhibition may attenuate damaging pro-inflammatory monocyte responses in the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enquan Xu
- Duke Center for Neurodegeneration Research, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University, 3 Genome Court, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
| | - Ravindra Boddu
- Duke Center for Neurodegeneration Research, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University, 3 Genome Court, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
| | | | - Arpine Sokratian
- Duke Center for Neurodegeneration Research, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University, 3 Genome Court, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
| | - Kaela Kelly
- Duke Center for Neurodegeneration Research, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University, 3 Genome Court, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
| | - Zhiyong Liu
- Duke Center for Neurodegeneration Research, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University, 3 Genome Court, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
| | - Nicole Bryant
- Duke Center for Neurodegeneration Research, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University, 3 Genome Court, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
| | - Sidhanth Chandra
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Samantha M Carlisle
- Center for Clinical and Translational Science, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM, 88003, USA
| | - Elliot J Lefkowitz
- Department of Microbiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA
| | - Ashley S Harms
- Center for Neurodegeneration and Experimental Therapeutics, Department of Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, 35216, USA
| | - Etty N Benveniste
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA
| | - Talene A Yacoubian
- Center for Neurodegeneration and Experimental Therapeutics, Department of Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, 35216, USA
| | - Laura A Volpicelli-Daley
- Center for Neurodegeneration and Experimental Therapeutics, Department of Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, 35216, USA
| | - David G Standaert
- Center for Neurodegeneration and Experimental Therapeutics, Department of Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, 35216, USA
| | - Andrew B West
- Duke Center for Neurodegeneration Research, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27710, USA.
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University, 3 Genome Court, Durham, NC, 27710, USA.
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10
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Vickers SM, Agarwal A, Patel N, Benveniste EN, Bulgarella D, Fouad MN, Hoesley C, Jones K, Kimberly RP, Rogers DA, Larson JA, Leeth TR, Mack L, Dorman P, Furgerson T, Longshore J, Watts RL. Returning to Growth: One Academic Medical Center's Successful Five-Step Approach to Change Management. Acad Med 2021; 96:1401-1407. [PMID: 33830950 DOI: 10.1097/acm.0000000000004116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The University of Alabama at Birmingham academic medical center (UAB AMC) had achieved great success and growth during the 50 years since its founding. However, the challenging and more competitive environment of the 2000s left the UAB AMC on a downward trajectory. The UAB AMC had to overcome difficult internal cultural and structural barriers that stood in the way of the transformational change needed to remain competitive. Competition rather than collaborative and strategic financial investment were the primary cultural barriers for the UAB AMC, while people were the primary structural barrier. Leadership identified 5 steps that were critical for the transformation that occurred between 2013 and 2018: alignment of leadership; creating a compelling and credible shared vision; identifying cultural and structural barriers; creating a thoughtful, data-driven intervention; and improved communication and accountability. Following these steps enabled the UAB AMC to transform its institutional structure and culture. As a result, the UAB AMC thrived, returning to substantial growth in research and clinical care. UAB AMC School of Medicine grew by $100 million in National Institutes of Health funding and moved up 10 spots in ranking. In 2018, UAB Hospital had 10 specialties ranked by U.S. News & World Report, 7 more than in 2013. This article outlines the approach taken and provides a conceptual framework for other AMCs eager to transform their structure and culture and position themselves for growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Selwyn M Vickers
- S.M. Vickers is senior vice president for medicine and dean, University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Anupam Agarwal
- A. Agarwal is executive vice dean, University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine, Birmingham, Alabama; ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4276-5186
| | - Nisha Patel
- N. Patel is executive director of operations, wellness, and administration, Dean's Office, University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Etty N Benveniste
- E.N. Benveniste is senior vice dean for research, University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Dawn Bulgarella
- D. Bulgarella is chief financial officer, UAB Health System, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Mona N Fouad
- M.N. Fouad is senior associate dean for diversity and inclusion, University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Craig Hoesley
- C. Hoesley is senior associate dean for medical education, University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine, Birmingham, Alabama; ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2654-9141
| | - Keith Jones
- K. Jones is senior associate dean for clinical affairs, University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Robert P Kimberly
- R.P. Kimberly is senior associate dean for clinical and translational research, University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - David A Rogers
- D.A. Rogers is senior associate dean for faculty affairs and professional development, University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Jean Ann Larson
- J.A. Larson is senior associate dean for leadership development, University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Toni R Leeth
- T.R. Leeth is associate dean for strategic planning and administration, University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - LaKisha Mack
- L. Mack is senior associate dean for administration and finance, University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Paige Dorman
- P. Dorman is executive director of communications, Dean's Office, University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Tyler Furgerson
- T. Furgerson is web communications specialist, Dean's Office, University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Jane Longshore
- J. Longshore is managing editor, Dean's Office, University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Ray L Watts
- R.L. Watts is president, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
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11
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Wei H, Yang W, Hong H, Yan Z, Qin H, Benveniste EN. Protein Kinase CK2 Regulates B Cell Development and Differentiation. J Immunol 2021; 207:799-808. [PMID: 34301844 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2100059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Protein kinase CK2 (also known as Casein Kinase 2) is a serine/threonine kinase composed of two catalytic subunits (CK2α and/or CK2α') and two regulatory CK2β subunits. CK2 is overexpressed and overactive in B cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia and diffuse large B cell lymphomas, leading to inappropriate activation of the NF-κB, JAK/STAT, and PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathways and tumor growth. However, whether CK2 regulates normal B cell development and differentiation is not known. We generated mice lacking CK2α specifically in B cells (using CD19-driven Cre recombinase). These mice exhibited cell-intrinsic expansion of marginal zone B cells at the expense of transitional B cells, without changes in follicular B cells. Transitional B cells required CK2α to maintain adequate BCR signaling. In the absence of CK2α, reduced BCR signaling and elevated Notch2 signaling activation increased marginal zone B cell differentiation. Our results identify a previously unrecognized function for CK2α in B cell development and differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hairong Wei
- Department of Cell, Developmental, and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294; and
| | - Wei Yang
- Department of Cell, Developmental, and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294; and
| | - Huixian Hong
- Department of Cell, Developmental, and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294; and
| | - Zhaoqi Yan
- Department of Cell, Developmental, and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294; and.,Gladstone Institute of Neurological Disease, San Francisco, CA 94158
| | - Hongwei Qin
- Department of Cell, Developmental, and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294; and
| | - Etty N Benveniste
- Department of Cell, Developmental, and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294; and
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12
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Yan Z, Yang W, Wei H, Dean MN, Standaert DG, Cutter GR, Benveniste EN, Qin H. Dysregulation of the Adaptive Immune System in Patients With Early-Stage Parkinson Disease. Neurol Neuroimmunol Neuroinflamm 2021; 8:8/5/e1036. [PMID: 34301818 PMCID: PMC8299515 DOI: 10.1212/nxi.0000000000001036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Objective To determine the activation status and cytokine profiles of CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells, and CD19+ B cells from patients with early-stage Parkinson disease (PD) compared with healthy controls (HCs). Methods Peripheral blood samples from 41 patients with early-stage PD and 40 HCs were evaluated. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were analyzed by flow cytometry for surface markers and intracellular cytokine production. Correlations of immunologic changes and clinical parameters were analyzed. Results Adaptive immunity plays a role in the pathogenesis of PD, yet the contribution of T cells and B cells, especially cytokine production by these cells, is poorly understood. We demonstrate that naive CD4+ and naive CD8+ T cells are significantly decreased in patients with PD, whereas central memory CD4+ T cells are significantly increased in patients with PD. Furthermore, IL-17–producing CD4+ Th17 cells, IL-4–producing CD4+ Th2 cells, and IFN-γ–producing CD8+ T cells are significantly increased in patients with PD. Regarding B cells, we observed a decrease in naive B cells and an increase in nonswitched memory and double-negative B cells. As well, TNF-α–producing CD19+ B cells were significantly increased in patients with PD. Notably, some of the changes observed in CD4+ T cells and B cells were associated with clinical motor disease severity. Conclusions These findings suggest that alterations in the adaptive immune system may promote clinical disease in PD by skewing to a more proinflammatory state in the early-stage PD patient cohort. Our study may shed light on potential immunotherapies targeting dysregulated CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells, and CD19+ B cells in patients with PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaoqi Yan
- From the Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology (Z.Y., W.Y., H.W., E.N.B., H.Q.), Department of Neurology (M.N.D., D.G.S.), and Department of Biostatistics (G.R.C.), University of Alabama at Birmingham
| | - Wei Yang
- From the Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology (Z.Y., W.Y., H.W., E.N.B., H.Q.), Department of Neurology (M.N.D., D.G.S.), and Department of Biostatistics (G.R.C.), University of Alabama at Birmingham
| | - Hairong Wei
- From the Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology (Z.Y., W.Y., H.W., E.N.B., H.Q.), Department of Neurology (M.N.D., D.G.S.), and Department of Biostatistics (G.R.C.), University of Alabama at Birmingham
| | - Marissa N Dean
- From the Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology (Z.Y., W.Y., H.W., E.N.B., H.Q.), Department of Neurology (M.N.D., D.G.S.), and Department of Biostatistics (G.R.C.), University of Alabama at Birmingham
| | - David G Standaert
- From the Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology (Z.Y., W.Y., H.W., E.N.B., H.Q.), Department of Neurology (M.N.D., D.G.S.), and Department of Biostatistics (G.R.C.), University of Alabama at Birmingham
| | - Gary R Cutter
- From the Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology (Z.Y., W.Y., H.W., E.N.B., H.Q.), Department of Neurology (M.N.D., D.G.S.), and Department of Biostatistics (G.R.C.), University of Alabama at Birmingham
| | - Etty N Benveniste
- From the Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology (Z.Y., W.Y., H.W., E.N.B., H.Q.), Department of Neurology (M.N.D., D.G.S.), and Department of Biostatistics (G.R.C.), University of Alabama at Birmingham
| | - Hongwei Qin
- From the Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology (Z.Y., W.Y., H.W., E.N.B., H.Q.), Department of Neurology (M.N.D., D.G.S.), and Department of Biostatistics (G.R.C.), University of Alabama at Birmingham.
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13
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Dees KJ, Koo H, Humphreys JF, Hakim JA, Crossman DK, Crowley MR, Nabors LB, Benveniste EN, Morrow CD, McFarland BC. Human gut microbial communities dictate efficacy of anti-PD-1 therapy in a humanized microbiome mouse model of glioma. Neurooncol Adv 2021; 3:vdab023. [PMID: 33758825 PMCID: PMC7967908 DOI: 10.1093/noajnl/vdab023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Although immunotherapy works well in glioblastoma (GBM) preclinical mouse models, the therapy has not demonstrated efficacy in humans. To address this anomaly, we developed a novel humanized microbiome (HuM) model to study the response to immunotherapy in a preclinical mouse model of GBM. Methods We used 5 healthy human donors for fecal transplantation of gnotobiotic mice. After the transplanted microbiomes stabilized, the mice were bred to generate 5 independent humanized mouse lines (HuM1-HuM5). Results Analysis of shotgun metagenomic sequencing data from fecal samples revealed a unique microbiome with significant differences in diversity and microbial composition among HuM1-HuM5 lines. All HuM mouse lines were susceptible to GBM transplantation, and exhibited similar median survival ranging from 19 to 26 days. Interestingly, we found that HuM lines responded differently to the immune checkpoint inhibitor anti-PD-1. Specifically, we demonstrate that HuM1, HuM4, and HuM5 mice are nonresponders to anti-PD-1, while HuM2 and HuM3 mice are responsive to anti-PD-1 and displayed significantly increased survival compared to isotype controls. Bray-Curtis cluster analysis of the 5 HuM gut microbial communities revealed that responders HuM2 and HuM3 were closely related, and detailed taxonomic comparison analysis revealed that Bacteroides cellulosilyticus was commonly found in HuM2 and HuM3 with high abundances. Conclusions The results of our study establish the utility of humanized microbiome mice as avatars to delineate features of the host interaction with gut microbial communities needed for effective immunotherapy against GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kory J Dees
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Hyunmin Koo
- Department of Genetics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - J Fraser Humphreys
- Department of Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Joseph A Hakim
- School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - David K Crossman
- Department of Genetics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Michael R Crowley
- Department of Genetics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - L Burton Nabors
- Department of Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Etty N Benveniste
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Casey D Morrow
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Braden C McFarland
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
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14
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Koo H, McFarland BC, Hakim JA, Crossman DK, Crowley MR, Rodriguez JM, Benveniste EN, Morrow CD. An individualized mosaic of maternal microbial strains is transmitted to the infant gut microbial community. R Soc Open Sci 2020; 7:192200. [PMID: 32431894 PMCID: PMC7211887 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.192200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2019] [Accepted: 03/24/2020] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
To understand the origins of the infant gut microbial community, we have used a published metagenomic dataset of the faecal microbiome of mothers and their related infants at early (4, 7 and 21 days) and late times (6-15 months) following birth. Using strain-tracking analysis, individual-specific patterns of microbial strain sharing were found between mothers and infants following vaginal birth. Overall, three mother-infant pairs showed only related strains, while 12 infants of mother-infant pairs contained a mosaic of maternal-related and unrelated microbes. Analysis of a second dataset from nine women taken at different times of pregnancy revealed individual-specific faecal microbial strain variation that occurred in seven women. To model transmission in the absence of environmental microbes, we analysed the microbial strain transmission to F1 progenies of human faecal transplanted gnotobiotic mice bred with gnotobiotic males. Strain-tracking analysis of five different dams and their F1 progeny revealed both related and unrelated microbial strains in the mother's faeces. The results of our analysis demonstrate that multiple strains of maternal microbes, some that are not abundant in the maternal faecal community, can be transmitted during birth to establish a diverse infant gut microbial community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyunmin Koo
- Department of Genetics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Braden C. McFarland
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Joseph A. Hakim
- School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - David K. Crossman
- Department of Genetics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Michael R. Crowley
- Department of Genetics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - J. Martin Rodriguez
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Etty N. Benveniste
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Casey D. Morrow
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
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15
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Kalinin S, Meares GP, Lin SX, Pietruczyk EA, Saher G, Spieth L, Nave KA, Boullerne AI, Lutz SE, Benveniste EN, Feinstein DL. Liver kinase B1 depletion from astrocytes worsens disease in a mouse model of multiple sclerosis. Glia 2019; 68:600-616. [PMID: 31664743 PMCID: PMC7337013 DOI: 10.1002/glia.23742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2019] [Revised: 09/19/2019] [Accepted: 10/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Liver kinase B1 (LKB1) is a ubiquitously expressed kinase involved in the regulation of cell metabolism, growth, and inflammatory activation. We previously reported that a single nucleotide polymorphism in the gene encoding LKB1 is a risk factor for multiple sclerosis (MS). Since astrocyte activation and metabolic function have important roles in regulating neuroinflammation and neuropathology, we examined the serine/threonine kinase LKB1 in astrocytes in a chronic experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis mouse model of MS. To reduce LKB1, a heterozygous astrocyte-selective conditional knockout (het-cKO) model was used. While disease incidence was similar, disease severity was worsened in het-cKO mice. RNAseq analysis identified Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways enriched in het-cKO mice relating to mitochondrial function, confirmed by alterations in mitochondrial complex proteins and reductions in mRNAs related to astrocyte metabolism. Enriched pathways included major histocompatibility class II genes, confirmed by increases in MHCII protein in spinal cord and cerebellum of het-cKO mice. We observed increased numbers of CD4+ Th17 cells and increased neuronal damage in spinal cords of het-cKO mice, associated with reduced expression of choline acetyltransferase, accumulation of immunoglobulin-γ, and reduced expression of factors involved in motor neuron survival. In vitro, LKB1-deficient astrocytes showed reduced metabolic function and increased inflammatory activation. These data suggest that metabolic dysfunction in astrocytes, in this case due to LKB1 deficiency, can exacerbate demyelinating disease by loss of metabolic support and increase in the inflammatory environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergey Kalinin
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Illinois, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Gordon P Meares
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Cell Biology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia
| | - Shao Xia Lin
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Illinois, Chicago, Illinois
| | | | - Gesine Saher
- Department of Neurogenetics, Max Planck Institute of Experimental Medicine, Gottingen, Germany
| | - Lena Spieth
- Department of Neurogenetics, Max Planck Institute of Experimental Medicine, Gottingen, Germany
| | - Klaus-Armin Nave
- Department of Neurogenetics, Max Planck Institute of Experimental Medicine, Gottingen, Germany
| | - Anne I Boullerne
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Illinois, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Sarah E Lutz
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Illinois, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Etty N Benveniste
- Department of Cell, Developmental, and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Douglas L Feinstein
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Illinois, Chicago, Illinois.,Department of Veterans Affairs, Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois
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16
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Zimmerman KA, Song CJ, Li Z, Lever JM, Crossman DK, Rains A, Aloria EJ, Gonzalez NM, Bassler JR, Zhou J, Crowley MR, Revell DZ, Yan Z, Shan D, Benveniste EN, George JF, Mrug M, Yoder BK. Tissue-Resident Macrophages Promote Renal Cystic Disease. J Am Soc Nephrol 2019; 30:1841-1856. [PMID: 31337691 DOI: 10.1681/asn.2018080810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2018] [Accepted: 05/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mutations affecting cilia proteins have an established role in renal cyst formation. In mice, the rate of cystogenesis is influenced by the age at which cilia dysfunction occurs and whether the kidney has been injured. Disruption of cilia function before postnatal day 12-14 results in rapid cyst formation; however, cyst formation is slower when cilia dysfunction is induced after postnatal day 14. Rapid cyst formation can also be induced in conditional adult cilia mutant mice by introducing renal injury. Previous studies indicate that macrophages are involved in cyst formation, however the specific role and type of macrophages responsible has not been clarified. METHODS We analyzed resident macrophage number and subtypes during postnatal renal maturation and after renal injury in control and conditional Ift88 cilia mutant mice. We also used a pharmacological inhibitor of resident macrophage proliferation and accumulation to determine the importance of these cells during rapid cyst formation. RESULTS Our data show that renal resident macrophages undergo a phenotypic switch from R2b (CD11clo) to R2a (CD11chi) during postnatal renal maturation. The timing of this switch correlates with the period in which cyst formation transitions from rapid to slow following induction of cilia dysfunction. Renal injury induces the reaccumulation of juvenile-like R2b resident macrophages in cilia mutant mice and restores rapid cystogenesis. Loss of primary cilia in injured conditional Ift88 mice results in enhanced epithelial production of membrane-bound CSF1, a cytokine that promotes resident macrophage proliferation. Inhibiting CSF1/CSF1-receptor signaling with a CSF1R kinase inhibitor reduces resident macrophage proliferation, R2b resident macrophage accumulation, and renal cyst formation in two mouse models of cystic disease. CONCLUSIONS These data uncover an important pathogenic role for resident macrophages during rapid cyst progression.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Cheng J Song
- Departments of Cell, Developmental, and Integrative Biology
| | - Zhang Li
- Departments of Cell, Developmental, and Integrative Biology
| | | | | | - Addison Rains
- Departments of Cell, Developmental, and Integrative Biology
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Zhaoqi Yan
- Departments of Cell, Developmental, and Integrative Biology
| | - Dan Shan
- Divisions of Nephrology and.,Medicine
| | | | - James F George
- Biostatistics, and.,Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Michal Mrug
- Divisions of Nephrology and.,Medicine.,Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Bradley K Yoder
- Departments of Cell, Developmental, and Integrative Biology,
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17
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McFarland BC, Benveniste EN. Reactive astrocytes foster brain metastases via STAT3 signaling. Ann Transl Med 2019; 7:S83. [PMID: 31576292 PMCID: PMC6685879 DOI: 10.21037/atm.2019.04.17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2019] [Accepted: 04/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Braden C McFarland
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Etty N Benveniste
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
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18
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Yan Z, Yang W, Parkitny L, Gibson SA, Lee KS, Collins F, Deshane JS, Cheng W, Weinmann AS, Wei H, Qin H, Benveniste EN. Deficiency of Socs3 leads to brain-targeted EAE via enhanced neutrophil activation and ROS production. JCI Insight 2019; 5:126520. [PMID: 30939124 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.126520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Dysregulation of the JAK/STAT signaling pathway is associated with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and its mouse model, Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis (EAE). Suppressors Of Cytokine Signaling (SOCS) negatively regulate the JAK/STAT pathway. We previously reported a severe, brain-targeted, atypical form of EAE in mice lacking Socs3 in myeloid cells (Socs3ΔLysM), which is associated with cerebellar neutrophil infiltration. There is emerging evidence that neutrophils are detrimental in the pathology of MS/EAE, however, their exact function is unclear. Here we demonstrate that neutrophils from the cerebellum of Socs3ΔLysM mice show a hyper-activated phenotype with excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) at the peak of EAE. Neutralization of ROS in vivo delayed the onset and reduced severity of atypical EAE. Mechanistically, Socs3-deficient neutrophils exhibit enhanced STAT3 activation, a hyper-activated phenotype in response to G-CSF, and upon G-CSF priming, increased ROS production. Neutralization of G-CSF in vivo significantly reduced the incidence and severity of the atypical EAE phenotype. Overall, our work elucidates that hypersensitivity of G-CSF/STAT3 signaling in Socs3ΔLysM mice leads to atypical EAE by enhanced neutrophil activation and increased oxidative stress, which may explain the detrimental role of G-CSF in MS patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaoqi Yan
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Wei Yang
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Luke Parkitny
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Sara A Gibson
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Kevin S Lee
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Forrest Collins
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | | | - Wayne Cheng
- Department of Microbiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Amy S Weinmann
- Department of Microbiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Hairong Wei
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Hongwei Qin
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Etty N Benveniste
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
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19
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Gibson SA, Yang W, Yan Z, Qin H, Benveniste EN. CK2 Controls Th17 and Regulatory T Cell Differentiation Through Inhibition of FoxO1. J Immunol 2018; 201:383-392. [PMID: 29891553 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1701592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2017] [Accepted: 05/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Growing evidence demonstrates that the highly conserved serine/threonine kinase CK2 promotes Th17 cell differentiation while suppressing the generation of Foxp3+ regulatory T cells (Tregs); however, the exact mechanism by which CK2 regulates the Th17/Treg axis remains unclear. CK2 can be composed of three distinct subunits: two catalytic subunits, CK2α and CK2α', and the regulatory subunit CK2β. We generated mice that lack the major catalytic subunit of CK2, CK2α, specifically in mature T cells using the distal Lck-Cre (CK2α-/-). Importantly, CK2α deficiency resulted in a significant decrease in the overall kinase activity of CK2. Further, CK2α deficiency resulted in a significant defect in Th17 cell polarization and a reciprocal increase in Tregs both in vitro and in vivo in the context of autoimmune neuroinflammation. The transcription factor forkhead box protein O1 (FoxO1) directly inhibits Th17 cell differentiation and is essential for the generation of Tregs. CK2α-/- CD4+ T cells exhibit less phosphorylated FoxO1 and a corresponding increase in the transcription of FoxO1-regulated genes. Treatment of CK2α-/- CD4+ T cells with the FoxO1 inhibitor AS1842856 or short hairpin RNA knockdown of FoxO1 is sufficient to rescue Th17 cell polarization. Through use of a genetic approach to target CK2 kinase activity, the current study provides evidence of a major mechanism by which CK2 regulates the Th17/Treg axis through the inhibition of FoxO1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara A Gibson
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294
| | - Wei Yang
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294
| | - Zhaoqi Yan
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294
| | - Hongwei Qin
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294
| | - Etty N Benveniste
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294
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20
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Yan Z, Gibson SA, Buckley JA, Qin H, Benveniste EN. Role of the JAK/STAT signaling pathway in regulation of innate immunity in neuroinflammatory diseases. Clin Immunol 2018; 189:4-13. [PMID: 27713030 PMCID: PMC5573639 DOI: 10.1016/j.clim.2016.09.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 158] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2016] [Revised: 09/20/2016] [Accepted: 09/28/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The Janus Kinase/Signal Transducers and Activators of Transcription (JAK/STAT) signaling pathway is utilized by numerous cytokines and interferons, and is essential for the development and function of both innate and adaptive immunity. Aberrant activation of the JAK/STAT pathway is evident in neuroinflammatory diseases such as Multiple Sclerosis and Parkinson's Disease. Innate immunity is the front line defender of the immune system and is composed of various cell types, including microglia, macrophages and neutrophils. Innate immune responses have both pathogenic and protective roles in neuroinflammation, depending on disease context and the microenvironment in the central nervous system. In this review, we discuss the role of innate immunity in the pathogenesis of neuroinflammatory diseases, how the JAK/STAT signaling pathway regulates the innate immune response, and finally, the potential for ameliorating neuroinflammation by utilization of JAK/STAT inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaoqi Yan
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, United States
| | - Sara A Gibson
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, United States
| | - Jessica A Buckley
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, United States
| | - Hongwei Qin
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, United States.
| | - Etty N Benveniste
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, United States.
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21
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Meares GP, Rajbhandari R, Gerigk M, Tien CL, Chang C, Fehling SC, Rowse A, Mulhern KC, Nair S, Gray GK, Berbari NF, Bredel M, Benveniste EN, Nozell SE. MicroRNA-31 is required for astrocyte specification. Glia 2018; 66:987-998. [PMID: 29380422 DOI: 10.1002/glia.23296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2017] [Revised: 10/30/2017] [Accepted: 01/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Previously, we determined microRNA-31 (miR-31) is a noncoding tumor suppressive gene frequently deleted in glioblastoma (GBM); miR-31 suppresses tumor growth, in part, by limiting the activity of NF-κB. Herein, we expand our previous studies by characterizing the role of miR-31 during neural precursor cell (NPC) to astrocyte differentiation. We demonstrate that miR-31 expression and activity is suppressed in NPCs by stem cell factors such as Lin28, c-Myc, SOX2 and Oct4. However, during astrocytogenesis, miR-31 is induced by STAT3 and SMAD1/5/8, which mediate astrocyte differentiation. We determined miR-31 is required for terminal astrocyte differentiation, and that the loss of miR-31 impairs this process and/or prevents astrocyte maturation. We demonstrate that miR-31 promotes astrocyte development, in part, by reducing the levels of Lin28, a stem cell factor implicated in NPC renewal. These data suggest that miR-31 deletions may disrupt astrocyte development and/or homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gordon P Meares
- Departments of Microbiology, Immunology and Cell Biology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia, 26506
| | - Rajani Rajbhandari
- Departments of Radiation Oncology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, 35294
| | - Magda Gerigk
- Departments of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, 35294
| | - Chih-Liang Tien
- Departments of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, 35294
| | - Chenbei Chang
- Departments of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, 35294
| | - Samuel C Fehling
- Departments of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, 35294
| | - Amber Rowse
- Departments of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, 35294
| | - Kayln C Mulhern
- Departments of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, 35294
| | - Sindhu Nair
- Departments of Radiation Oncology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, 35294
| | - G Kenneth Gray
- Departments of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, 35294
| | - Nicolas F Berbari
- Departments of Biology, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, Indiana, 46202
| | - Markus Bredel
- Departments of Radiation Oncology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, 35294
| | - Etty N Benveniste
- Departments of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, 35294
| | - Susan E Nozell
- Departments of Radiation Oncology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, 35294
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22
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McFarland BC, Marks MP, Rowse AL, Fehling SC, Gerigk M, Qin H, Benveniste EN. Loss of SOCS3 in myeloid cells prolongs survival in a syngeneic model of glioma. Oncotarget 2018; 7:20621-35. [PMID: 26967393 PMCID: PMC4991480 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.7992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2016] [Accepted: 02/16/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
In glioma, microglia and macrophages are the largest population of tumor-infiltrating cells, referred to as glioma associated macrophages (GAMs). Herein, we sought to determine the role of Suppressor of Cytokine Signaling 3 (SOCS3), a negative regulator of Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3 (STAT3), in GAM functionality in glioma. We utilized a conditional model in which SOCS3 deletion is restricted to the myeloid cell population. We found that SOCS3-deficient bone marrow-derived macrophages display enhanced and prolonged expression of pro-inflammatory M1 cytokines when exposed to glioma tumor cell conditioned medium in vitro. Moreover, we found that deletion of SOCS3 in the myeloid cell population delays intracranial tumor growth and increases survival of mice bearing orthotopic glioma tumors in vivo. Although intracranial tumors from mice with SOCS3-deficient myeloid cells appear histologically similar to control mice, we observed that loss of SOCS3 in myeloid cells results in decreased M2 polarized macrophage infiltration in the tumors. Furthermore, loss of SOCS3 in myeloid cells results in increased CD8+ T-cell and decreased regulatory T-cell infiltration in the tumors. These findings demonstrate a beneficial effect of M1 polarized macrophages on suppressing glioma tumor growth, and highlight the importance of immune cells in the tumor microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Braden C McFarland
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Margaret P Marks
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Amber L Rowse
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Samuel C Fehling
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Magda Gerigk
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Hongwei Qin
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Etty N Benveniste
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
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23
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Liu Y, Gibson SA, Benveniste EN, Qin H. Opportunities for Translation from the Bench: Therapeutic Intervention of the JAK/STAT Pathway in Neuroinflammatory Diseases. Crit Rev Immunol 2018; 35:505-27. [PMID: 27279046 DOI: 10.1615/critrevimmunol.2016015517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Pathogenic CD4+ T cells and myeloid cells play critical roles in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis (MS) and experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), an animal model of MS. These immune cells secrete aberrantly high levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines that pathogenically bridge the innate and adaptive immune systems and damage neurons and oligodendrocytes. These cytokines include interleukin-2 (IL-2), IL-6, IL-12, IL-21, IL-23, granulocyte macrophage-colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF), and interferon-γ (IFN-γ). It is, therefore, not surprising that both the dysregulated expression of these cytokines and the subsequent activation of their downstream signaling cascades is a common feature in MS/EAE. The Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK/STAT) pathway is utilized by numerous cytokines for signal transduction and is essential for the development and regulation of immune responses. Unbridled activation of the JAK/STAT pathway by pro-inflammatory cytokines has been demonstrated to be critically involved in the pathogenesis of MS/EAE. In this review, we discuss recent advancements in our understanding of the involvement of the JAK/STAT signaling pathway in the pathogenesis of MS/EAE, with a particular focus on therapeutic approaches to target the JAK/STAT pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yudong Liu
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, 35294; Systemic Autoimmunity Branch, National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892
| | - Sara A Gibson
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, 35294
| | - Etty N Benveniste
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, 35294
| | - Hongwei Qin
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, 35294
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24
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Gibson SA, Benveniste EN. Protein Kinase CK2: An Emerging Regulator of Immunity. Trends Immunol 2018; 39:82-85. [PMID: 29307449 DOI: 10.1016/j.it.2017.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2017] [Revised: 12/04/2017] [Accepted: 12/05/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Although it has historically been studied in the context of cancer, recent literature has highlighted the importance of the highly conserved serine/threonine kinase casein kinase II (CK2) in inflammatory disorders. Most strikingly, CK2 is a major regulator of the Th17-Treg axis relevant to many T cell-driven autoimmune disorders including multiple sclerosis (MS).
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara A Gibson
- University of Alabama at Birmingham, Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, FOT 1220D, 510 20th Street South, Birmingham, AL 35294-3412, USA
| | - Etty N Benveniste
- University of Alabama at Birmingham, Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, FOT 1220D, 510 20th Street South, Birmingham, AL 35294-3412, USA.
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25
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Harms AS, Thome AD, Yan Z, Schonhoff AM, Williams GP, Li X, Liu Y, Qin H, Benveniste EN, Standaert DG. Peripheral monocyte entry is required for alpha-Synuclein induced inflammation and Neurodegeneration in a model of Parkinson disease. Exp Neurol 2017; 300:179-187. [PMID: 29155051 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2017.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 141] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2017] [Revised: 11/06/2017] [Accepted: 11/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Accumulation of alpha-synuclein (α-syn) in the central nervous system (CNS) is a core feature of Parkinson disease (PD) that leads to activation of the innate immune system, production of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, and subsequent neurodegeneration. Here, we used heterozygous reporter knock-in mice in which the first exons of the fractalkine receptor (CX3CR1) and of the C-C chemokine receptor type 2 (CCR2) are replaced with fluorescent reporters to study the role of resident microglia (CX3CR1+) and infiltrating peripheral monocytes (CCR2+), respectively, in the CNS. We used an α-syn mouse model induced by viral over-expression of α-syn. We find that in vivo, expression of full-length human α-syn induces robust infiltration of pro-inflammatory CCR2+ peripheral monocytes into the substantia nigra. Genetic deletion of CCR2 prevents α-syn induced monocyte entry, attenuates MHCII expression and blocks the subsequent degeneration of dopaminergic neurons. These results demonstrate that extravasation of pro-inflammatory peripheral monocytes into the CNS plays a key role in neurodegeneration in this model of PD synucleinopathy, and suggest that peripheral monocytes may be a target of neuroprotective therapies for human PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley S Harms
- Center for Neurodegeneration and Experimental Therapeutics, Department of Neurology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA.
| | - Aaron D Thome
- Center for Neurodegeneration and Experimental Therapeutics, Department of Neurology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA.
| | - Zhaoqi Yan
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA.
| | - Aubrey M Schonhoff
- Center for Neurodegeneration and Experimental Therapeutics, Department of Neurology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA.
| | - Gregory P Williams
- Center for Neurodegeneration and Experimental Therapeutics, Department of Neurology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA.
| | - Xinru Li
- Center for Neurodegeneration and Experimental Therapeutics, Department of Neurology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA.
| | - Yudong Liu
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Hongwei Qin
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA.
| | - Etty N Benveniste
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA.
| | - David G Standaert
- Center for Neurodegeneration and Experimental Therapeutics, Department of Neurology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA.
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26
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Lai YJ, Tsai JC, Tseng YT, Wu MS, Liu WS, Lam HI, Yu JH, Nozell SE, Benveniste EN. Small G protein Rac GTPases regulate the maintenance of glioblastoma stem-like cells in vitro and in vivo. Oncotarget 2017; 8:18031-18049. [PMID: 28160553 PMCID: PMC5392305 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.14949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2016] [Accepted: 01/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma is the most common and aggressive malignant brain tumor in adults. The existence of glioblastoma stem cells (GSCs) or stem-like cells (stemloids) may account for its invasiveness and high recurrence. Rac proteins belong to the Rho small GTPase subfamily which regulates cell movement, proliferation, and survival. To investigate whether Rac proteins can serve as therapeutic targets for glioblastoma, especially for GSCs or stemloids, we examined the potential roles of Rac1, Rac2 and Rac3 on the properties of tumorspheres derived from glioblastoma cell lines. Tumorspheres are thought to be glioblastoma stem-like cells. We showed that Rac proteins promote the STAT3 and ERK activation and enhance cell proliferation and colony formation of glioblastoma stem-like cells. Knockdown of Rac proteins reduces the expression of GSC markers, such as CD133 and Sox2. The in vivo effects of Rac proteins in glioblastoma were further studied in zebrafish and in the mouse xenotransplantation model. Knocking-down Rac proteins abolished the angiogenesis effect induced by the injected tumorspheres in zebrafish model. In the CD133+-U373-tumorsphere xenotransplanted mouse model, suppression of Rac proteins decreased the incidence of tumor formation and inhibited the tumor growth. Moreover, knockdown of Rac proteins reduced the sphere forming efficiency of cells derived from these tumors. In conclusion, not only Rac1 but also Rac2 and 3 are important for glioblastoma tumorigenesis and can serve as the potential therapeutic targets against glioblastoma and its stem-like cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun-Ju Lai
- Department of Life Science, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jui-Cheng Tsai
- Department of Life Science, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ying-Ting Tseng
- Department of Life Science, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Meng-Shih Wu
- Department of Life Science, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Shan Liu
- Department of Life Science, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hoi-Ian Lam
- Department of Life Science, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jei-Hwa Yu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Susan E Nozell
- Department of Cell, Developmental, and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Etty N Benveniste
- Department of Cell, Developmental, and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, AL, USA
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27
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Gibson SA, Yang W, Yan Z, Liu Y, Rowse AL, Weinmann AS, Qin H, Benveniste EN. Protein Kinase CK2 Controls the Fate between Th17 Cell and Regulatory T Cell Differentiation. J Immunol 2017; 198:4244-4254. [PMID: 28468969 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1601912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2016] [Accepted: 03/31/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
CK2 is a highly conserved and pleiotropic serine/threonine kinase that promotes many prosurvival and proinflammatory signaling pathways, including PI3K/Akt/mTOR and JAK/STAT. These pathways are essential for CD4+ T cell activation and polarization, but little is known about how CK2 functions in T cells. In this article, we demonstrate that CK2 expression and kinase activity are induced upon CD4+ T cell activation. Targeting the catalytic activity of CK2 using the next-generation small molecule inhibitor CX-4945 in vitro significantly and specifically inhibited mouse and human Th17 cell differentiation while promoting the generation of Foxp3+ regulatory T cells (Tregs). These findings were associated with suppression of PI3K/Akt/mTOR activation and STAT3 phosphorylation upon CX-4945 treatment. Furthermore, we demonstrate that CX-4945 treatment inhibits the maturation of Th17 cells into inflammatory IFN-γ-coproducing effector cells. The Th17/Treg axis and maturation of Th17 cells are major contributing factors to the pathogenesis of many autoimmune disorders, including multiple sclerosis. Using a murine model of multiple sclerosis, experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, we demonstrate that in vivo administration of CX-4945 targets Akt/mTOR signaling in CD4+ T cells and the Th17/Treg axis throughout disease. Importantly, CX-4945 treatment after disease initiation significantly reduced disease severity, which was associated with a significant decrease in the frequency of pathogenic IFN-γ+ and GM-CSF+ Th17 cells in the CNS. Our data implicate CK2 as a regulator of the Th17/Treg axis and Th17 cell maturation and suggest that CK2 could be targeted for the treatment of Th17 cell-driven autoimmune disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara A Gibson
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294; and
| | - Wei Yang
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294; and
| | - Zhaoqi Yan
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294; and
| | - Yudong Liu
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294; and
| | - Amber L Rowse
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294; and
| | - Amy S Weinmann
- Department of Microbiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294
| | - Hongwei Qin
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294; and
| | - Etty N Benveniste
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294; and
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28
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Klein RS, Voskuhl R, Segal BM, Dittel BN, Lane TE, Bethea JR, Carson MJ, Colton C, Rosi S, Anderson A, Piccio L, Goverman JM, Benveniste EN, Brown MA, Tiwari-Woodruff SK, Harris TH, Cross AH. Speaking out about gender imbalance in invited speakers improves diversity. Nat Immunol 2017; 18:475-478. [PMID: 28418385 PMCID: PMC5775963 DOI: 10.1038/ni.3707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Omissions of qualified women scientists from major meeting programs continue to occur despite a surge in articles indicating persistent gender-discriminatory practices in hiring and promotion, and calls for gender balance in conference organizing committees.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robyn S Klein
- Departments of Internal Medicine, Pathology &Immunology, and Neuroscience, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Rhonda Voskuhl
- Department of Neurology, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Benjamin M Segal
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Bonnie N Dittel
- Blood Research Institute, BloodCenter of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Thomas E Lane
- Department of Pathology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - John R Bethea
- Department of Biology, Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Monica J Carson
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, University of California Riverside School of Medicine, Riverside, California, USA
| | - Carol Colton
- Department of Neurology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Susanna Rosi
- Departments of Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Science and Neurological Surgery, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Aileen Anderson
- Departments of Physical Medicine &Rehabilitation, and Anatomy, and Neurobiology, University of California, Irvine, California, USA
| | - Laura Piccio
- Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Joan M Goverman
- Department of Immunology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Etty N Benveniste
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Melissa A Brown
- Department of Microbiology-Immunology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | | | - Tajie H Harris
- Department of Neuroscience, Center for Brain Immunology and Glia, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Anne H Cross
- Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
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Zhao J, Yu H, Liu Y, Gibson SA, Yan Z, Xu X, Gaggar A, Li PK, Li C, Wei S, Benveniste EN, Qin H. Protective effect of suppressing STAT3 activity in LPS-induced acute lung injury. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 2016; 311:L868-L880. [PMID: 27638904 PMCID: PMC5130536 DOI: 10.1152/ajplung.00281.2016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2016] [Accepted: 09/06/2016] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute lung injury (ALI) and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) are diseases with high mortality. Macrophages and neutrophils are responsible for inflammatory responses in ALI and ARDS, which are characterized by excessive production of proinflammatory mediators in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and plasma. Aberrant activation of the JAK/STAT pathway is critical for persistent inflammation in many conditions such as infection and autoimmunity. Given the importance of the STAT3 transcription factor in activating macrophages and neutrophils and augmenting inflammation, we investigated the therapeutic potential of inhibiting STAT3 activity using the small-molecule STAT3 inhibitor, LLL12. Our results demonstrate that LPS induces STAT3 activation in macrophages in vitro and in CD45+CD11b+ cells from BALF in the LPS-induced ALI model in vivo. LLL12 treatment inhibits LPS-induced lung inflammation in the ALI model, which is accompanied by suppression of LPS-induced STAT3 activation and an inhibition of macrophage and inflammatory cell infiltration in lung and BALF. LLL12 treatment also suppresses expression of proinflammatory genes including IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, iNOS, CCL2, and MHC class II in macrophages and inflammatory cells from BALF and serum as determined by ELISA. Furthermore, hyperactivation of STAT3 in LysMCre-SOCS3fl/fl mice accelerates the severity of inflammation in the ALI model. Both pre- and post-LPS treatment with LLL12 decrease LPS-induced inflammatory responses in mice with ALI. Importantly, LLL12 treatment attenuates STAT3 phosphorylation in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells induced by plasma from patients with ARDS, which suggests the feasibility of targeting the STAT3 pathway therapeutically for patients with ALI and ARDS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiping Zhao
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China.,Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Hao Yu
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Yudong Liu
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Sara A Gibson
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Zhaoqi Yan
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Xin Xu
- Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama.,Birmingham VA Medical Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama.,Program in Protease and Matrix Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama; and
| | - Amit Gaggar
- Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama.,Birmingham VA Medical Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama.,Program in Protease and Matrix Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama; and
| | - Pui-Kai Li
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Chenglong Li
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Shi Wei
- Department of Pathology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Etty N Benveniste
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Hongwei Qin
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama;
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Park KW, Lin CY, Benveniste EN, Lee YS. Mitochondrial STAT3 is negatively regulated by SOCS3 and upregulated after spinal cord injury. Exp Neurol 2016; 284:98-105. [PMID: 27502766 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2016.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2016] [Revised: 08/02/2016] [Accepted: 08/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Suppressor of cytokine signaling-3 (SOCS3) expression is induced by the Janus kinase (JAK)-signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) signaling pathway. SOCS3 then acts as a feedback inhibitor of JAK-STAT signaling. Previous studies have shown that knocking down SOCS3 in spinal cord neurons with Lentiviral delivery of SOCS3-targeting shRNA (shSOCS3) increased spinal cord injury (SCI)-induced tyrosine phosphorylation of STAT3 (P-STAT3 Tyr), which in part contributed to decreased neuronal death and demyelination as well as enhanced dendritic regeneration and protection of neuronal morphology after SCI. However, the role of serine phosphorylation of STAT3 (P-STAT3 Ser) is in large part undetermined. Our purposes of this study were to evaluate the expression patterns of P-STAT3 Ser and to explore the possible role of SOCS3 in the regulation of P-STAT3 Ser expression. Immunoblot analyses demonstrated that Oncostatin M (OSM), a member of the interleukin-6 (IL-6) cytokine family, induced both P-STAT3 Tyr and P-STAT3 Ser in SH-SY5Y cells. Subcellular fractionation further revealed that P-STAT3 Ser was localized in mitochondria. Overexpression of SOCS3 with a Lentivirus-mediated approach in SH-SY5Y cells inhibited OSM-induced P-STAT3 Ser in both cytosol and mitochondria fractions. In contrast, OSM-induced P-STAT3 Ser was further upregulated in both cytosol and mitochondria when SOCS3 was knocked down by Lentivirus-delivered shSOCS3. Using a rat T8 spinal cord complete transection model, we found that SCI induced upregulation of P-STAT3 Ser in the mitochondria of macrophages/microglia and neurons both rostral and caudal to the injury site of spinal cord. Collectively, these results suggest that SOCS3 regulation of STAT3 signaling plays critical roles in stress conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keun Woo Park
- Department of Neurosciences, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Ching-Yi Lin
- Department of Neurosciences, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Etty N Benveniste
- Department of Cell, Developmental, and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Yu-Shang Lee
- Department of Neurosciences, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA.
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Qin H, Holdbrooks AT, Liu Y, Reynolds SL, Yanagisawa LL, Benveniste EN. Correction: SOCS3 Deficiency Promotes M1 Macrophage Polarization and Inflammation. J Immunol 2016; 197:387-9. [PMID: 27317734 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1600710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Guthrie LN, Abiraman K, Plyler ES, Sprenkle NT, Gibson SA, McFarland BC, Rajbhandari R, Rowse AL, Benveniste EN, Meares GP. Attenuation of PKR-like ER Kinase (PERK) Signaling Selectively Controls Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress-induced Inflammation Without Compromising Immunological Responses. J Biol Chem 2016; 291:15830-40. [PMID: 27226638 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m116.738021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2016] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Inflammation and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress are associated with many neurological diseases. ER stress is brought on by the accumulation of misfolded proteins in the ER, which leads to activation of the unfolded protein response (UPR), a conserved pathway that transmits signals to restore homeostasis or eliminate the irreparably damaged cell. We provide evidence that inhibition or genetic haploinsufficiency of protein kinase R-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK) can selectively control inflammation brought on by ER stress without impinging on UPR-dependent survival and adaptive responses or normal immune responses. Using astrocytes lacking one or both alleles of PERK or the PERK inhibitor GSK2606414, we demonstrate that PERK haploinsufficiency or partial inhibition led to reduced ER stress-induced inflammation (IL-6, CCL2, and CCL20 expression) without compromising prosurvival responses. In contrast, complete loss of PERK blocked canonical PERK-dependent UPR genes and promoted apoptosis. Reversal of eIF2α-mediated translational repression using ISRIB potently suppressed PERK-dependent inflammatory gene expression, indicating that the selective modulation of inflammatory gene expression by PERK inhibition may be linked to attenuation of eIF2α phosphorylation and reveals a previously unknown link between translational repression and transcription of inflammatory genes. Additionally, ER-stressed astrocytes can drive an inflammatory M1-like phenotype in microglia, and this can be attenuated with inhibition of PERK. Importantly, targeting PERK neither disrupted normal cytokine signaling in astrocytes or microglia nor impaired macrophage phagocytosis or T cell polarization. Collectively, this work suggests that targeting PERK may provide a means for selective immunoregulation in the context of ER stress without disrupting normal immune function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren N Guthrie
- From the Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cell Biology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia 26505 and
| | - Kavitha Abiraman
- the Department of Cell, Developmental, and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama, Birmingham, Alabama 35294
| | - Emily S Plyler
- From the Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cell Biology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia 26505 and
| | - Neil T Sprenkle
- From the Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cell Biology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia 26505 and
| | - Sara A Gibson
- the Department of Cell, Developmental, and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama, Birmingham, Alabama 35294
| | - Braden C McFarland
- the Department of Cell, Developmental, and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama, Birmingham, Alabama 35294
| | - Rajani Rajbhandari
- the Department of Cell, Developmental, and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama, Birmingham, Alabama 35294
| | - Amber L Rowse
- the Department of Cell, Developmental, and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama, Birmingham, Alabama 35294
| | - Etty N Benveniste
- the Department of Cell, Developmental, and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama, Birmingham, Alabama 35294
| | - Gordon P Meares
- From the Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cell Biology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia 26505 and
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Rajbhandari R, McFarland BC, Patel A, Gerigk M, Gray GK, Fehling SC, Bredel M, Berbari NF, Kim H, Marks MP, Meares GP, Sinha T, Chuang J, Benveniste EN, Nozell SE. Loss of tumor suppressive microRNA-31 enhances TRADD/NF-κB signaling in glioblastoma. Oncotarget 2016; 6:17805-16. [PMID: 26164206 PMCID: PMC4627347 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.4596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2015] [Accepted: 06/17/2015] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastomas (GBMs) are deadly tumors of the central nervous system. Most GBM exhibit homozygous deletions of the CDKN2A and CDKN2B tumor suppressors at 9p21.3, although loss of CDKN2A/B alone is insufficient to drive gliomagenesis. MIR31HG, which encodes microRNA-31 (miR-31), is a novel non-coding tumor suppressor positioned adjacent to CDKN2A/B at 9p21.3. We have determined that miR-31 expression is compromised in >72% of all GBM, and for patients, this predicts significantly shortened survival times independent of CDKN2A/B status. We show that miR-31 inhibits NF-κB signaling by targeting TRADD, its upstream activator. Moreover, upon reintroduction, miR-31 significantly reduces tumor burden and lengthens survival times in animal models. As such, our work identifies loss of miR-31 as a novel non-coding tumor-driving event in GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajani Rajbhandari
- Departments of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Braden C McFarland
- Departments of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Ashish Patel
- Departments of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Magda Gerigk
- Departments of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - G Kenneth Gray
- Departments of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Samuel C Fehling
- Departments of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Markus Bredel
- Radiation Oncology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Nicolas F Berbari
- Departments of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Hyunsoo Kim
- Jackson Laboratory for Genomic Medicine, Farmington, Connecticut, USA
| | - Margaret P Marks
- Departments of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Gordon P Meares
- Departments of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Tanvi Sinha
- Departments of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Jeffrey Chuang
- Jackson Laboratory for Genomic Medicine, Farmington, Connecticut, USA
| | - Etty N Benveniste
- Departments of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Susan E Nozell
- Departments of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
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Qin H, Yan Z, Lee KS, Gibson SA, Li XI, Harms AS, Buckley BA, Standaert DG, Benveniste EN. Role of M1-polarized Macrophages in Parkinson’s Disease Models. The Journal of Immunology 2016. [DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.196.supp.126.4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Abstract
Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is an age-related, chronic neurodegenerative disorder. Activated microglia/macrophages and subsequent neuroinflammation is associated with the pathogenesis of PD. We have recently demonstrated that inhibiting the JAK/STAT pathway prevents neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration in an α-synuclein (α-syn) overexpression PD model by suppressing activation of immune responses. Our previous studies demonstrated that deletion of SOCS3, a negative regulator of the JAK/STAT pathway, in the myeloid cells (LysM-CreSOCS3fl/fl mice) resulted in polarization of the pro-inflammatory M1 macrophage phenotype, which have been implicated in contributing to PD pathogenesis. To better understand the function of M1 polarized macrophages in PD, we utilized the α-syn overexpression model in LysM-CreSOCS3fl/fl mice. Our results indicate that stimulation of SOCS3-deficient macrophages with a combination of α-syn and IFN-γ promotes a more pronounced M1 phenotype and higher levels of expression of MHC Class II, LRRK2, CD40, iNOS, TNF-α and IL-6, compared to SOCS3fl/fl cells. In the in vivo setting, the numbers of activated and infiltrating macrophages are increased in the midbrain of LysM-CreSOCS3fl/fl mice compared to SOCS3fl/fl mice at 4 weeks of a-syn transduction. Furthermore, there is enhanced MHC Class II expression and STAT3 activation in these activated macrophages from LysM-CreSOCS3fl/fl mice. Our novel findings demonstrate that dysregulation of the JAK/STAT pathway in myeloid cells contributes to neuroinflammation in PD by promoting the M1 macrophage phenotype. As such, targeting the JAK/STAT pathway to abrogate neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration may be a therapeutic strategy for PD patients.
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Yan Z, Liu Y, Gibson SA, Lee K, Benveniste EN, Qin H. Activation and infiltration of neutrophils in the cerebellum and brainstem is associated with the atypical experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis phenotype. The Journal of Immunology 2016. [DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.196.supp.188.7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Abstract
The JAK/STAT signaling is critical for the initiation, regulation and termination of immune responses, and dysregulation of JAK/STAT signaling is associated with many pathological conditions such as multiple sclerosis. We previously demonstrated that myeloid lineage–specific deletion of SOCS3, a negative regulator of STAT3, resulted in a severe, non-resolving atypical form of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). Mice with atypical EAE exhibit ataxia and tremors and are characterized by lesions, inflammatory infiltrates, elevated STAT3 activation, and increased cytokine and chemokine expression in the cerebellum. In the current study, our data indicate that the atypical EAE observed in LysMCre-SOCS3fl/fl mice is associated with elevated pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines in the cerebellum and brainstem. Greater numbers of infiltrating neutrophils were found in the cerebellum and brainstem of LysMCre-SOCS3fl/fl mice compared to SOCS3fl/fl mice, however, neutrophil numbers in the periphery were comparable. Infiltrating neutrophils in LysMCre-SOCS3fl/fl mice have hyper-activated STAT3 and express higher levels of IL-6 and CCL2. Recruitment of Ly6Chi monocytes in LysMCre-SOCS3fl/flmice is comparable to SOCS3fl/fl mice. During the peak stage of disease, LysMCre-SOCS3fl/fl mice had increased numbers of both Th1 and Th17 cells, and significantly increased numbers of IFN-γ+IL-17+ T cells in the cerebellum and brainstem, compared to SOCS3fl/fl mice. Depletion of neutrophils in LysMCre-SOCS3fl/fl mice prevented the atypical EAE phenotype, rather, classical EAE was observed. This study illustrates the critical function of neutrophils in the pathogenesis of atypical EAE.
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Gray GK, McFarland BC, Rowse AL, Gibson SA, Benveniste EN. Therapeutic CK2 inhibition attenuates diverse prosurvival signaling cascades and decreases cell viability in human breast cancer cells. Oncotarget 2015; 5:6484-96. [PMID: 25153725 PMCID: PMC4171645 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.2248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most common malignancy in women worldwide and remains a major cause of mortality, thus necessitating further therapeutic advancements. In breast cancer, numerous cell signaling pathways are aberrantly activated to produce the myriad phenotypes associated with malignancy; such pathways include the PI3K/Akt/mTOR, NF-κB and JAK/STAT cascades. These pathways are highly interconnected, but one prominent lateral enhancer of each is the remarkably promiscuous kinase CK2. CK2 expression has been shown to be elevated in cancer, thus implicating it in tumorigenesis through its effects on oncogenic signaling cascades. In this study, we identify aberrant expression of CK2 subunits in human breast samples from The Cancer Genome Atlas dataset. Additionally, two specific small molecule inhibitors of CK2, CX-4945 and TBB, were used to examine the role of CK2 in two human breast cancer cell lines, MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cells. We show that CK2 inhibition attenuates constitutive PI3K/Akt/mTOR, NF-κB and STAT3 activation and inducible NF-κB and JAK/STAT activation and downstream transcriptional activity. CX-4945 treatment caused a range of phenotypic changes in these cell lines, including decreased viability, cell cycle arrest, apoptosis and loss of migratory capacity. Overall, these results demonstrate the tremendous potential of CK2 as a clinical target in breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Kenneth Gray
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Braden C McFarland
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Amber L Rowse
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Sara A Gibson
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Etty N Benveniste
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
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McFarland BC, Marks MP, Rowse AL, Gerigk M, Qin H, Benveniste EN. TMIC-17LOSS OF SOCS3 IN MYELOID CELLS PROMOTES A DECREASED M2 MACROPHAGE PHENOTYPE AND AN INCREASED CYTOTOXIC T-CELL RESPONSE IN A SYNGENEIC MODEL OF GLIOMA. Neuro Oncol 2015. [DOI: 10.1093/neuonc/nov236.17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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Lai YJ, Tsai JC, Tseng YT, Benveniste EN. Abstract 4219: Small G protein Rac GTPases regulate the maintenance of glioblastoma stem-like cells. Cancer Res 2015. [DOI: 10.1158/1538-7445.am2015-4219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Glioblastoma is the most common and aggressive malignant primary brain tumor in adults. Its invasiveness and resistance to traditional therapies make it a highly recurrent malignant disease with poor prognosis. The existence of glioblastoma stem cells (GSC) may account for its invasiveness and high recurrence, so GSCs become a suitable target for developing new treatments. Rac proteins belong to the Rho small GTPase subfamily, which major functions include regulation of cell movement, proliferation, and survival. However, most of the studies focused on Rac1 but not other Rac family proteins. To investigate whether other Rac proteins, Rac2 and Rac3, can serve as new therapeutic targets for glioblastoma, especially for glioblastoma stem cells, we examined the effects of Rac1-3 on glioblastoma cells-derived tumorspheroids (glioblastoma stem-like cells). We found that Rac1-3 are important for cell proliferation and colony formation of glioblastoma stem-like cells. We also established the zebrafish xenotransplantation model to further study the effects of Rac proteins in glioblastoma, and observed that the cells expressing control scramble short-hairpin RNA sequence induced angiogenesis in the egg yolk of the fish, while the cells expressing siRacs shrank inside the fish and did not induce angiogenesis. The overall survival rates of fishes were also higher in the fishes injected with siRac cells instead of fishes with control scramble RNA cells. Furthermore, Rac proteins also involve in STAT3 and ERK activation, and regulate the GSC marker expression such as CD133, Sox2 and HIF-2α in glioblastoma stem-like cells. In conclusion, Rac proteins can serve as the potential therapeutic targets against glioblastoma and its stem cells.
Citation Format: Yun-Ju Lai, Jui-Cheng Tsai, Ying-Ting Tseng, Etty N. Benveniste. Small G protein Rac GTPases regulate the maintenance of glioblastoma stem-like cells. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 106th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2015 Apr 18-22; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(15 Suppl):Abstract nr 4219. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2015-4219
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun-Ju Lai
- 1National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei, Taiwan
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Liu Y, Holdbrooks AT, Meares GP, Buckley JA, Benveniste EN, Qin H. Preferential Recruitment of Neutrophils into the Cerebellum and Brainstem Contributes to the Atypical Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis Phenotype. J Immunol 2015; 195:841-52. [PMID: 26085687 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1403063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2014] [Accepted: 05/22/2015] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
The JAK/STAT pathway is critical for development, regulation, and termination of immune responses, and dysregulation of the JAK/STAT pathway, that is, hyperactivation, has pathological implications in autoimmune and neuroinflammatory diseases. Suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS3) regulates STAT3 activation in response to cytokines that play important roles in the pathogenesis of neuroinflammatory diseases, including IL-6 and IL-23. We previously demonstrated that myeloid lineage-specific deletion of SOCS3 resulted in a severe, nonresolving atypical form of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), characterized by lesions, inflammatory infiltrates, elevated STAT activation, and elevated cytokine and chemokine expression in the cerebellum. Clinically, these mice exhibit ataxia and tremors. In this study, we provide a detailed analysis of this model, demonstrating that the atypical EAE observed in LysMCre-SOCS3(fl/fl) mice is characterized by extensive neutrophil infiltration into the cerebellum and brainstem, increased inducible NO synthase levels in the cerebellum and brainstem, and prominent axonal damage. Importantly, infiltrating SOCS3-deficient neutrophils produce high levels of CXCL2, CCL2, CXCL10, NO, TNF-α, and IL-1β. Kinetic studies demonstrate that neutrophil infiltration into the cerebellum and brainstem of LysMCre-SOCS3(fl/fl) mice closely correlates with atypical EAE clinical symptoms. Ab-mediated depletion of neutrophils converts the atypical phenotype to the classical EAE phenotype and, in some cases, a mixed atypical/classical phenotype. Blocking CXCR2 signaling ameliorates atypical EAE development by reducing neutrophil infiltration into the cerebellum/brainstem. Thus, neutrophils lacking SOCS3 display elevated STAT3 activation and expression of proinflammatory mediators and play a critical role in the development of atypical EAE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yudong Liu
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294
| | - Andrew T Holdbrooks
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294
| | - Gordon P Meares
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294
| | - Jessica A Buckley
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294
| | - Etty N Benveniste
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294
| | - Hongwei Qin
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294
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Benveniste EN, Liu Y, McFarland BC, Qin H. Involvement of the janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription signaling pathway in multiple sclerosis and the animal model of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. J Interferon Cytokine Res 2015; 34:577-88. [PMID: 25084174 DOI: 10.1089/jir.2014.0012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) and its animal model of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) are characterized by focal inflammatory infiltrates into the central nervous system, demyelinating lesions, axonal damage, and abundant production of cytokines that activate immune cells and damage neurons and oligodendrocytes, including interleukin-12 (IL-12), IL-6, IL-17, IL-21, IL-23, granulocyte macrophage-colony stimulating factor, and interferon-gamma. The Janus Kinase/Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription (JAK/STAT) signaling pathway mediates the biological activities of these cytokines and is essential for the development and regulation of immune responses. Dysregulation of the JAK/STAT pathway contributes to numerous autoimmune diseases, including MS/EAE. The JAK/STAT pathway is aberrantly activated in MS/EAE because of excessive production of cytokines, loss of expression of negative regulators such as suppressors of cytokine signaling proteins, and significant enrichment of genes encoding components of the JAK/STAT pathway, including STAT3. Specific JAK/STAT inhibitors have been used in numerous preclinical models of MS and demonstrate beneficial effects on the clinical course of disease and attenuation of innate and adaptive immune responses. In addition, other drugs such as statins, glatiramer acetate, laquinimod, and fumarates have beneficial effects that involve inhibition of the JAK/STAT pathway. We conclude by discussing the feasibility of the JAK/STAT pathway as a target for neuroinflammatory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Etty N Benveniste
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham , Birmingham, Alabama
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Yu H, Liu Y, McFarland BC, Deshane JS, Hurst DR, Ponnazhagan S, Benveniste EN, Qin H. SOCS3 Deficiency in Myeloid Cells Promotes Tumor Development: Involvement of STAT3 Activation and Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells. Cancer Immunol Res 2015; 3:727-40. [PMID: 25649351 DOI: 10.1158/2326-6066.cir-15-0004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2015] [Accepted: 01/19/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Suppressor of cytokine signaling (SOCS) proteins are negative regulators of the JAK/STAT pathway and generally function as tumor suppressors. The absence of SOCS3 in particular leads to heightened activation of the STAT3 transcription factor, which has a striking ability to promote tumor survival while suppressing antitumor immunity. We report for the first time that genetic deletion of SOCS3, specifically in myeloid cells, significantly enhances tumor growth, which correlates with elevated levels of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC) in the tumor microenvironment, and diminishes CD8(+) T-cell infiltration in tumors. The importance of MDSCs in promoting tumor growth is documented by reduced tumor growth upon depletion of MDSCs. Furthermore, SOCS3-deficient bone-marrow-derived cells exhibit heightened STAT3 activation and preferentially differentiate into the Gr-1(+)CD11b(+)Ly6G(+) MDSC phenotype. Importantly, we identify G-CSF as a critical factor secreted by the tumor microenvironment that promotes development of MDSCs via a STAT3-dependent pathway. Abrogation of tumor-derived G-CSF reduces the proliferation and accumulation of Gr-1(+)CD11b(+) MDSCs and inhibits tumor growth. These findings highlight the critical function of SOCS3 as a negative regulator of MDSC development and function via inhibition of STAT3 activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Yu
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Yudong Liu
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Braden C McFarland
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Jessy S Deshane
- Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Douglas R Hurst
- Department of Pathology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | | | - Etty N Benveniste
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama.
| | - Hongwei Qin
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama.
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Yu H, Liu Y, McFarland BC, Benveniste EN, Qin H. Abstract A25: SOCS3 deficiency in myeloid cells promotes prostate tumor development. Cancer Res 2015. [DOI: 10.1158/1538-7445.chtme14-a25] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Suppressor Of Cytokine Signaling (SOCS) proteins are negative regulators of the JAK/STAT pathway, and have been implicated as functioning as tumor suppressors, particularly SOCS3. We have previously demonstrated that specific deletion of SOCS3 in myeloid cells leads to heightened activation of STAT3 and downstream STAT3 target gene expression. STAT3 activation has been strongly implicated in contributing to prostate cancer progression and metastasis. STAT3 signaling in myeloid cells has been demonstrated to attenuate anti-tumor immunity. Thus, we evaluated the impact of SOCS3 deletion in myeloid cells in a murine prostate tumor model. We demonstrate that prostate tumor growth is significantly enhanced in myeloid-specific SOCS3-deficient mice, which correlates with elevated levels of Myeloid Derived Suppressor Cells (MDSC) in both the spleen and tumor microenvironment, and less CD8+ T-cell infiltration in tumors. Furthermore, SOCS3-deficient bone-marrow-derived mononuclear cells exhibit heightened STAT3 activation and are preferentially differentiate into MDSC phenotype. Importantly, we identify granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) as a critical factor secreted by the prostate tumor microenvironment that promotes development of Gr-1+CD11b+ cells via a STAT3-depentent pathway. Abrogation of tumor-derived G-CSF reduced the proliferation and accumulation of Gr-1+CD11b+ cells and inhibited prostate tumor growth. Therefore, the tumor-derived cytokine, G-CSF, is a prospective candidate upstream of the STAT3/SOCS3 pathway in MDSC differentiation from the bone marrow. These findings highlight the critical function of SOCS3 as a negative regulator of MDSC development and function, which may contribute to tumor suppressor attributer of SOCS3.
Citation Format: Hao Yu, Yudong Liu, Braden C. McFarland, Etty N. Benveniste, Hongwei Qin. SOCS3 deficiency in myeloid cells promotes prostate tumor development. [abstract]. In: Abstracts: AACR Special Conference on Cellular Heterogeneity in the Tumor Microenvironment; 2014 Feb 26-Mar 1; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(1 Suppl):Abstract nr A25. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.CHTME14-A25
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Yu
- University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
| | - Yudong Liu
- University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
| | | | | | - Hongwei Qin
- University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
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Abstract
Since we last addressed the roles of NF-κB and JAK/STAT3 signaling in glioblastoma (GBM) 5 years ago, tremendous strides have been made in the understanding of these two pathways in glioma biology. Contributing to prosurvival mechanisms, cancer stem cell maintenance and treatment resistance, both NF-κB and STAT3 have been characterized as major drivers of GBM. In this review, we address general improvements in the molecular understanding of GBM, the structure of NF-κB and STAT3 signaling, the ways in which these pathways contribute to GBM and advances in preclinical and clinical targeting of these two signaling cascades.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Kenneth Gray
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, 1900 University Blvd, THT 926A, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, 35294-0006, USA
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Liu Y, Holdbrooks AT, De Sarno P, Rowse AL, Yanagisawa LL, McFarland BC, Harrington LE, Raman C, Sabbaj S, Benveniste EN, Qin H. Therapeutic efficacy of suppressing the Jak/STAT pathway in multiple models of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. J Immunol 2014. [PMID: 24323580 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1301513)] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Pathogenic Th cells and myeloid cells are involved in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis (MS) and experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), an animal model of MS. The JAK/STAT pathway is used by numerous cytokines for signaling and is critical for development, regulation, and termination of immune responses. Dysregulation of the JAK/STAT pathway has pathological implications in autoimmune and neuroinflammatory diseases. Many of the cytokines involved in MS/EAE, including IL-6, IL-12, IL-23, IFN-γ, and GM-CSF, use the JAK/STAT pathway to induce biological responses. Thus, targeting JAKs has implications for treating autoimmune inflammation of the brain. We have used AZD1480, a JAK1/2 inhibitor, to investigate the therapeutic potential of inhibiting the JAK/STAT pathway in models of EAE. AZD1480 treatment inhibits disease severity in myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein-induced classical and atypical EAE models by preventing entry of immune cells into the brain, suppressing differentiation of Th1 and Th17 cells, deactivating myeloid cells, inhibiting STAT activation in the brain, and reducing expression of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines. Treatment of SJL/J mice with AZD1480 delays disease onset of PLP-induced relapsing-remitting disease, reduces relapses and diminishes clinical severity. AZD1480 treatment was also effective in reducing ongoing paralysis induced by adoptive transfer of either pathogenic Th1 or Th17 cells. In vivo AZD1480 treatment impairs both the priming and expansion of T cells and attenuates Ag presentation functions of myeloid cells. Inhibition of the JAK/STAT pathway has clinical efficacy in multiple preclinical models of MS, suggesting the feasibility of the JAK/STAT pathway as a target for neuroinflammatory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yudong Liu
- Department of Cell, Developmental, and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294
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Liu Y, Holdbrooks AT, De Sarno P, Rowse AL, Yanagisawa LL, McFarland BC, Harrington LE, Raman C, Sabbaj S, Benveniste EN, Qin H. Therapeutic efficacy of suppressing the Jak/STAT pathway in multiple models of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. J Immunol 2013; 192:59-72. [PMID: 24323580 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1301513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Pathogenic Th cells and myeloid cells are involved in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis (MS) and experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), an animal model of MS. The JAK/STAT pathway is used by numerous cytokines for signaling and is critical for development, regulation, and termination of immune responses. Dysregulation of the JAK/STAT pathway has pathological implications in autoimmune and neuroinflammatory diseases. Many of the cytokines involved in MS/EAE, including IL-6, IL-12, IL-23, IFN-γ, and GM-CSF, use the JAK/STAT pathway to induce biological responses. Thus, targeting JAKs has implications for treating autoimmune inflammation of the brain. We have used AZD1480, a JAK1/2 inhibitor, to investigate the therapeutic potential of inhibiting the JAK/STAT pathway in models of EAE. AZD1480 treatment inhibits disease severity in myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein-induced classical and atypical EAE models by preventing entry of immune cells into the brain, suppressing differentiation of Th1 and Th17 cells, deactivating myeloid cells, inhibiting STAT activation in the brain, and reducing expression of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines. Treatment of SJL/J mice with AZD1480 delays disease onset of PLP-induced relapsing-remitting disease, reduces relapses and diminishes clinical severity. AZD1480 treatment was also effective in reducing ongoing paralysis induced by adoptive transfer of either pathogenic Th1 or Th17 cells. In vivo AZD1480 treatment impairs both the priming and expansion of T cells and attenuates Ag presentation functions of myeloid cells. Inhibition of the JAK/STAT pathway has clinical efficacy in multiple preclinical models of MS, suggesting the feasibility of the JAK/STAT pathway as a target for neuroinflammatory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yudong Liu
- Department of Cell, Developmental, and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294
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Zheng Y, McFarland BC, Drygin D, Yu H, Bellis SL, Kim H, Bredel M, Benveniste EN. Targeting protein kinase CK2 suppresses prosurvival signaling pathways and growth of glioblastoma. Clin Cancer Res 2013; 19:6484-94. [PMID: 24036851 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-13-0265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Gliomas are the most frequently occurring primary malignancies in the brain, and glioblastoma is the most aggressive of these tumors. Protein kinase CK2 is composed of two catalytic subunits (α and/or α') and two β regulatory subunits. CK2 suppresses apoptosis, promotes neoangiogenesis, and enhances activation of the JAK/STAT, NF-κB, PI3K/AKT, Hsp90, Wnt, and Hedgehog pathways. Aberrant activation of the NF-κB, PI3K/AKT, and JAK/STAT-3 pathways is implicated in glioblastoma progression. As CK2 is involved in their activation, the expression and function of CK2 in glioblastoma was evaluated. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN AND RESULTS Analysis of 537 glioblastomas from The Cancer Genome Atlas Project demonstrates the CSNK2A1 gene, encoding CK2α, has gene dosage gains in glioblastoma (33.7%), and is significantly associated with the classical glioblastoma subtype. Inhibition of CK2 activity by CX-4945, a selective CK2 inhibitor, or CK2 knockdown by siRNA suppresses activation of the JAK/STAT, NF-κB, and AKT pathways and downstream gene expression in human glioblastoma xenografts. On a functional level, CX-4945 treatment decreases the adhesion and migration of glioblastoma cells, in part through inhibition of integrin β1 and α4 expression. In vivo, CX-4945 inhibits activation of STAT-3, NF-κB p65, and AKT, and promotes survival of mice with intracranial human glioblastoma xenografts. CONCLUSIONS CK2 inhibitors may be considered for treatment of patients with glioblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Zheng
- Authors' Affiliations: Departments of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, Pathology, and Radiation Oncology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama; and Cylene Pharmaceuticals, San Diego, California
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Lai YJ, Yu JH, McFarland BC, Benveniste EN. The role of Rac proteins in glioblastoma stem cells. J Clin Oncol 2013. [DOI: 10.1200/jco.2013.31.15_suppl.e13011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
e13011 Background: Glioblastoma is the grade 4 astrocytoma which is notorious for its highly invasive phenotype, very low survival rate and generally poor responses to conventional therapies. Glioblastoma stem-like cells (GSC), which are usually more resistant to therapeutic treatment, may account for the poor prognosis of this disease. Rac (Ras-related C3 botulinum toxin substrate) is a subfamily of Rho small GTPase which function is regulation of actin cytoskeleton rearrangement. While Rac1 is expressed ubiquitous in different tissues and cells, Rac2 is highly expressed in the mesenchymal subtype of glioblastoma according to the TCGA (the Cancer Genome Atlas) database, and Rac3 is mainly expressed in the brain. Methods: We used Rac proteins overexpressing-glioblastoma cellines derived GSC and Rac proteins specific siRNA harboring-GSC to perform colony formation assay and migration assay. Results: Here we report that Rac proteins overexpressing glioblastoma stem-like cells derived from glioblastoma cell lines have higher proliferation rate and stronger responses to LPA-induced cell migration. Knocking-down their expression by specific siRNA reduces the proliferation and migration of these cells. Instead of Rac1, Rac2 and Rac3 are more effective on promoting proliferation and migration of glioblastoma stem-like cells. Moreover, Rac proteins promote glioblastoma progression is associated with activation of JAK-STAT and ERK pathway. Conclusions: Although Rac1 is the most studied one in the Rac family, and has also been implicated in the progression of different cancers, however, it is homogeneously expressed in all different tissues, and plays important roles in normal cellular functions involving cell movement, such as wound healing, make it not a good candidate for specific drug targeting. According to our results, Rac2 or Rac3 serve as a better potential therapeutic targets for glioblastoma treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun-Ju Lai
- Department of Life Science, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jei-Hwa Yu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
| | - Braden C McFarland
- Department of Cell, Developmental & Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
| | - Etty N Benveniste
- Department of Cell, Developmental, & Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
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McFarland BC, Gray GK, Nozell SE, Hong SW, Benveniste EN. Activation of the NF-κB pathway by the STAT3 inhibitor JSI-124 in human glioblastoma cells. Mol Cancer Res 2013; 11:494-505. [PMID: 23386688 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-12-0528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Glioblastoma tumors are characterized by their invasiveness and resistance to therapies. The transcription factor signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) was recently identified as a master transcriptional regulator in the mesenchymal subtype of glioblastoma (GBM), which has generated an increased interest in targeting STAT3. We have evaluated more closely the mechanism of action of one particular STAT3 inhibitor, JSI-124 (cucurbitacin I). In this study, we confirmed that JSI-124 inhibits both constitutive and stimulus-induced Janus kinase 2 (JAK2) and STAT3 phosphorylation, and decreases cell proliferation while inducing apoptosis in cultured GBM cells. However, we discovered that before the inhibition of STAT3, JSI-124 activates the nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) pathway, via NF-κB p65 phosphorylation and nuclear translocation. In addition, JSI-124 treatment induces the expression of IL-6, IL-8, and suppressor of cytokine signaling (SOCS3) mRNA, which leads to a corresponding increase in IL-6, IL-8, and SOCS3 protein expression. Moreover, the NF-κB-driven SOCS3 expression acts as a negative regulator of STAT3, abrogating any subsequent STAT3 activation and provides a mechanism of STAT3 inhibition after JSI-124 treatment. Chromatin immunoprecipitation analysis confirms that NF-κB p65 in addition to other activating cofactors are found at the promoters of IL-6, IL-8, and SOCS3 after JSI-124 treatment. Using pharmacological inhibition of NF-κB and inducible knockdown of NF-κB p65, we found that JSI-124-induced expression of IL-6, IL-8, and SOCS3 was significantly inhibited, showing an NF-κB-dependent mechanism. Our data indicate that although JSI-124 may show potential antitumor effects through inhibition of STAT3, other off-target proinflammatory pathways are activated, emphasizing that more careful and thorough preclinical investigations must be implemented to prevent potential harmful effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Braden C McFarland
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA.
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Yu H, Liu Y, Benveniste EN, Qin H. Abstract A80: Role of myeloid SOCS3 in prostate cancer progression. Cancer Res 2013. [DOI: 10.1158/1538-7445.tumimm2012-a80] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Suppressor Of Cytokine Signaling (SOCS) proteins, negative regulators of the JAK/STAT pathway, have been implicated in having a key protective role in tumor initiation and progression. However, the role of SOCS3 in regulating the differentiation and functions of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC) is poorly understood. Recent studies show the important role of MDSCs in promoting tumor progression as well as metastasis by regulating immune surveillance. To determine the role of myeloid SOCS3 in tumor progression, Conditional SOCS3 deletion in myeloid cells (LysMCre-SOCS3fl/fl) and SOCS3fl/fl C57BL/6 mice were used as recipients for subcutaneous transplantation of TRAMP-derived mouse prostate tumor cells. Our results indicate that tumor growth is significantly enhanced in myeloid-specific SOCS3-deficient mice, which correlates with elevated levels of Gr1+/CD11b+ cells in both spleen and tumor, and less CD8+ T-cell infiltration in tumors. Tumors from myeloid-specific SOCS3-deficient mice also express high levels of Arginase-1 and have elevated Akt signaling. In vitro, SOCS3-deficient bone-marrow-derived mononuclear cells (BDMC) exhibit heightened STAT3 activation and are subject to differentiation towards the MDSC phenotype. These findings suggest that myeloid cell SOCS3 provides protection from tumor progression by regulating MDSC differentiation.
Citation Format: Hao Yu, Yudong Liu, Etty N. Benveniste, Hongwei Qin. Role of myeloid SOCS3 in prostate cancer progression. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Tumor Immunology: Multidisciplinary Science Driving Basic and Clinical Advances; Dec 2-5, 2012; Miami, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(1 Suppl):Abstract nr A80.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Yu
- University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
| | - Yudong Liu
- University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
| | | | - Hongwei Qin
- University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
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