1
|
Gire SK, Goba A, Andersen KG, Sealfon RSG, Park DJ, Kanneh L, Jalloh S, Momoh M, Fullah M, Dudas G, Wohl S, Moses LM, Yozwiak NL, Winnicki S, Matranga CB, Malboeuf CM, Qu J, Gladden AD, Schaffner SF, Yang X, Jiang PP, Nekoui M, Colubri A, Coomber MR, Fonnie M, Moigboi A, Gbakie M, Kamara FK, Tucker V, Konuwa E, Saffa S, Sellu J, Jalloh AA, Kovoma A, Koninga J, Mustapha I, Kargbo K, Foday M, Yillah M, Kanneh F, Robert W, Massally JLB, Chapman SB, Bochicchio J, Murphy C, Nusbaum C, Young S, Birren BW, Grant DS, Scheiffelin JS, Lander ES, Happi C, Gevao SM, Gnirke A, Rambaut A, Garry RF, Khan SH, Sabeti PC. Genomic surveillance elucidates Ebola virus origin and transmission during the 2014 outbreak. Science 2014; 345:1369-72. [PMID: 25214632 PMCID: PMC4431643 DOI: 10.1126/science.1259657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 845] [Impact Index Per Article: 76.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
In its largest outbreak, Ebola virus disease is spreading through Guinea, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Nigeria. We sequenced 99 Ebola virus genomes from 78 patients in Sierra Leone to ~2000× coverage. We observed a rapid accumulation of interhost and intrahost genetic variation, allowing us to characterize patterns of viral transmission over the initial weeks of the epidemic. This West African variant likely diverged from central African lineages around 2004, crossed from Guinea to Sierra Leone in May 2014, and has exhibited sustained human-to-human transmission subsequently, with no evidence of additional zoonotic sources. Because many of the mutations alter protein sequences and other biologically meaningful targets, they should be monitored for impact on diagnostics, vaccines, and therapies critical to outbreak response.
Collapse
|
Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural |
11 |
845 |
2
|
Tisch R, Yang XD, Singer SM, Liblau RS, Fugger L, McDevitt HO. Immune response to glutamic acid decarboxylase correlates with insulitis in non-obese diabetic mice. Nature 1993; 366:72-5. [PMID: 8232539 DOI: 10.1038/366072a0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 762] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Knowing the autoantigen target(s) in an organ-specific autoimmune disease is essential to understanding its pathogenesis. Insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) is an autoimmune disease characterized by lymphocytic infiltration of the islets of Langerhans (insulitis) and destruction of insulin-secreting pancreatic beta-cells. Several beta-cell proteins have been identified as autoantigens, but their importance in the diabetogenic process is not known. The non-obese diabetic (NOD) mouse is a murine model for spontaneous IDDM. Here we determine the temporal sequence of T-cell and antibody responses in NOD mice to a panel of five murine beta-cell antigens and find that antibody and T-cell responses specific for the two isoforms of glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) are first detected in 4-week-old NOD mice. This GAD-specific reactivity coincides with the earliest detectable response to an islet extract, and with the onset of insulitis. Furthermore, NOD mice receiving intrathymic injections of GAD65 exhibit markedly reduced T-cell proliferative responses to GAD and to the rest of the panel, in addition to remaining free of diabetes. These results indicate that the spontaneous response to beta-cell antigens arises very early in life and that the anti-GAD immune response has a critical role in the disease process during this period.
Collapse
|
|
32 |
762 |
3
|
Cepko CL, Austin CP, Yang X, Alexiades M, Ezzeddine D. Cell fate determination in the vertebrate retina. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 1996; 93:589-95. [PMID: 8570600 PMCID: PMC40096 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.93.2.589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 747] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
In the vertebrate central nervous system, the retina has been a useful model for studies of cell fate determination. Recent results from studies conducted in vitro and in vivo suggest a model of retinal development in which both the progenitor cells and the environment change over time. The model is based upon the notion that the mitotic cells within the retina change in their response properties, or "competence", during development. These changes presage the ordered appearance of distinct cell types during development and appear to be necessary for the production of the distinct cell types. As the response properties of the cells change, so too do the environmental signals that the cells encounter. Together, intrinsic properties and extrinsic cues direct the choice of cell fate.
Collapse
|
research-article |
29 |
747 |
4
|
Argetsinger LS, Campbell GS, Yang X, Witthuhn BA, Silvennoinen O, Ihle JN, Carter-Su C. Identification of JAK2 as a growth hormone receptor-associated tyrosine kinase. Cell 1993; 74:237-44. [PMID: 8343952 DOI: 10.1016/0092-8674(93)90415-m] [Citation(s) in RCA: 741] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Growth hormone receptor (GHR) forms a complex with a tyrosine kinase, suggesting involvement of a ligand-activated tyrosine kinase in intracellular signaling by growth hormone (GH). Here we identify JAK2, a nonreceptor tyrosine kinase, as a GHR-associated tyrosine kinase. Immunological approaches were used to establish GH-dependent complex formation between JAK2 and GHR, activation of JAK2 tyrosine kinase activity, and tyrosyl phosphorylation of both JAK2 and GHR. The JAK2-GHR and JAK2-erythropoietin receptor interactions described here and in the accompanying paper provide a molecular basis for involvement of tyrosyl phosphorylation in physiological responses to these ligands and suggest a shared signaling mechanism among members of the cytokine/hematopoietin receptor family.
Collapse
|
|
32 |
741 |
5
|
Abstract
The Fas cell surface receptor induces apoptosis upon receptor oligomerization. We have identified a novel signaling protein, termed Daxx, that binds specifically to the Fas death domain. Overexpression of Daxx enhances Fas-mediated apoptosis and activates the Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) pathway. A C-terminal portion of Daxx interacts with the Fas death domain, while a different region activates both JNK and apoptosis. The Fas-binding domain of Daxx is a dominant-negative inhibitor of both Fas-induced apoptosis and JNK activation, while the FADD death domain partially inhibits death but not JNK activation. The Daxx apoptotic pathway is sensitive to both Bcl-2 and dominant-negative JNK pathway components and acts cooperatively with the FADD pathway. Thus, Daxx and FADD define two distinct apoptotic pathways downstream of Fas.
Collapse
|
research-article |
28 |
711 |
6
|
He J, Chen Y, Farzan M, Choe H, Ohagen A, Gartner S, Busciglio J, Yang X, Hofmann W, Newman W, Mackay CR, Sodroski J, Gabuzda D. CCR3 and CCR5 are co-receptors for HIV-1 infection of microglia. Nature 1997; 385:645-9. [PMID: 9024664 DOI: 10.1038/385645a0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 705] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Several members of the chemokine receptor family are used together with CD4 for HIV-1 entry into target cells. T cell line-tropic (T-tropic) HIV-1 viruses use the chemokine receptor CXCR4 as a co-receptor, whereas macrophage-tropic (M-tropic) primary viruses use CCR5 (refs 2-6). Individuals with defective CCR5 alleles exhibit resistance to HIV-1 infection, suggesting that CCR5 has an important role in vivo in HIV-1 replication. A subset of primary viruses can use CCR3 as well as CCR5 as a co-receptor, but the in vivo contribution of CCR3 to HIV-1 infection and pathogenesis is unknown. HIV-1 infects the central nervous system (CNS) and causes the dementia associated with AIDS. Here we report that the major target cells for HIV-1 infection in the CNS, the microglia, express both CCR3 and CCR5. The CCR3 ligand, eotaxin, and an anti-CCR3 antibody inhibited HIV-1 infection of microglia, as did MIP-1beta, which is a CCR5 ligand. Our results suggest that both CCR3 and CCR5 promote efficient infection of the CNS by HIV-1.
Collapse
MESH Headings
- Adult
- Alzheimer Disease/metabolism
- Antibodies, Monoclonal/immunology
- Brain/cytology
- CD4 Antigens/metabolism
- Cells, Cultured
- Chemokine CCL11
- Chemokines/pharmacology
- Chemokines, CC
- Cytokines/pharmacology
- Gene Products, env/metabolism
- HIV-1/metabolism
- Humans
- Lectins/metabolism
- Ligands
- Luciferases/genetics
- Microglia/virology
- Plant Lectins
- Receptors, CCR3
- Receptors, CCR5
- Receptors, Chemokine
- Receptors, Cytokine/drug effects
- Receptors, Cytokine/metabolism
- Receptors, HIV/drug effects
- Receptors, HIV/metabolism
Collapse
|
|
28 |
705 |
7
|
Yang X, Letterio JJ, Lechleider RJ, Chen L, Hayman R, Gu H, Roberts AB, Deng C. Targeted disruption of SMAD3 results in impaired mucosal immunity and diminished T cell responsiveness to TGF-beta. EMBO J 1999; 18:1280-91. [PMID: 10064594 PMCID: PMC1171218 DOI: 10.1093/emboj/18.5.1280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 690] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
SMAD3 is one of the intracellular mediators that transduces signals from transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) and activin receptors. We show that SMAD3 mutant mice generated by gene targeting die between 1 and 8 months due to a primary defect in immune function. Symptomatic mice exhibit thymic involution, enlarged lymph nodes, and formation of bacterial abscesses adjacent to mucosal surfaces. Mutant T cells exhibit an activated phenotype in vivo, and are not inhibited by TGF-beta1 in vitro. Mutant neutrophils are also impaired in their chemotactic response toward TGF-beta. Chronic intestinal inflammation is infrequently associated with colonic adenocarcinoma in mice older than 6 months of age. These data suggest that SMAD3 has an important role in TGF-beta-mediated regulation of T cell activation and mucosal immunity, and that the loss of these functions is responsible for chronic infection and the lethality of Smad3-null mice.
Collapse
|
research-article |
26 |
690 |
8
|
Ashcroft GS, Yang X, Glick AB, Weinstein M, Letterio JL, Mizel DE, Anzano M, Greenwell-Wild T, Wahl SM, Deng C, Roberts AB. Mice lacking Smad3 show accelerated wound healing and an impaired local inflammatory response. Nat Cell Biol 1999; 1:260-6. [PMID: 10559937 DOI: 10.1038/12971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 681] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
The generation of animals lacking SMAD proteins, which transduce signals from transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta), has made it possible to explore the contribution of the SMAD proteins to TGF-beta activity in vivo. Here we report that, in contrast to predictions made on the basis of the ability of exogenous TGF-beta to improve wound healing, Smad3-null (Smad3ex8/ex8) mice paradoxically show accelerated cutaneous wound healing compared with wild-type mice, characterized by an increased rate of re-epithelialization and significantly reduced local infiltration of monocytes. Smad3ex8/ex8 keratinocytes show altered patterns of growth and migration, and Smad3ex8/ex8 monocytes exhibit a selectively blunted chemotactic response to TGF-beta. These data are, to our knowledge, the first to implicate Smad3 in specific pathways of tissue repair and in the modulation of keratinocyte and monocyte function in vivo.
Collapse
|
|
26 |
681 |
9
|
Gu H, Chen Q, Yang G, He L, Fan H, Deng YQ, Wang Y, Teng Y, Zhao Z, Cui Y, Li Y, Li XF, Li J, Zhang NN, Yang X, Chen S, Guo Y, Zhao G, Wang X, Luo DY, Wang H, Yang X, Li Y, Han G, He Y, Zhou X, Geng S, Sheng X, Jiang S, Sun S, Qin CF, Zhou Y. Adaptation of SARS-CoV-2 in BALB/c mice for testing vaccine efficacy. Science 2020; 369:1603-1607. [PMID: 32732280 PMCID: PMC7574913 DOI: 10.1126/science.abc4730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 586] [Impact Index Per Article: 117.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Revised: 05/29/2020] [Accepted: 07/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has prioritized the development of small-animal models for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). We adapted a clinical isolate of SARS-CoV-2 by serial passaging in the respiratory tract of aged BALB/c mice. The resulting mouse-adapted strain at passage 6 (called MASCp6) showed increased infectivity in mouse lung and led to interstitial pneumonia and inflammatory responses in both young and aged mice after intranasal inoculation. Deep sequencing revealed a panel of adaptive mutations potentially associated with the increased virulence. In particular, the N501Y mutation is located at the receptor binding domain (RBD) of the spike protein. The protective efficacy of a recombinant RBD vaccine candidate was validated by using this model. Thus, this mouse-adapted strain and associated challenge model should be of value in evaluating vaccines and antivirals against SARS-CoV-2.
Collapse
|
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't |
5 |
586 |
10
|
Stennicke HR, Jürgensmeier JM, Shin H, Deveraux Q, Wolf BB, Yang X, Zhou Q, Ellerby HM, Ellerby LM, Bredesen D, Green DR, Reed JC, Froelich CJ, Salvesen GS. Pro-caspase-3 is a major physiologic target of caspase-8. J Biol Chem 1998; 273:27084-90. [PMID: 9765224 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.273.42.27084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 572] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The apoptotic signal triggered by ligation of members of the death receptor family is promoted by sequential activation of caspase zymogens. We show here that in a purified system, the initiator caspases-8 and -10 directly process the executioner pro-caspase-3 with activation rates (kcat/Km) of 8.7 x 10(5) and 2.8 x 10(5) M-1 s-1, respectively. These rates are of sufficient magnitude to indicate direct processing in vivo. Differentially processed forms of caspase-3 that accumulate during its activation have similar rates of activation, activities, and specificities. The pattern and rate of caspase-8 induced activation of pro-caspase-3 in cytosolic extracts was the same as in a purified system. Moreover, immunodepletion of a putative intermediary in the pathway to activation, pro-caspase-9, was without consequence. Taken together these data demonstrate that the initiator caspase-8 can directly activate pro-caspase-3 without the requirement for an accelerator. The in vitro data thus help to deconvolute previous in vivo transfection studies which have debated the role of a direct versus indirect transmission of the apoptotic signal generated by ligation of death receptors.
Collapse
|
|
27 |
572 |
11
|
Sun SH, Chen Q, Gu HJ, Yang G, Wang YX, Huang XY, Liu SS, Zhang NN, Li XF, Xiong R, Guo Y, Deng YQ, Huang WJ, Liu Q, Liu QM, Shen YL, Zhou Y, Yang X, Zhao TY, Fan CF, Zhou YS, Qin CF, Wang YC. A Mouse Model of SARS-CoV-2 Infection and Pathogenesis. Cell Host Microbe 2020; 28:124-133.e4. [PMID: 32485164 PMCID: PMC7250783 DOI: 10.1016/j.chom.2020.05.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 511] [Impact Index Per Article: 102.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2020] [Revised: 05/09/2020] [Accepted: 05/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Since December 2019, a novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 has emerged and rapidly spread throughout the world, resulting in a global public health emergency. The lack of vaccine and antivirals has brought an urgent need for an animal model. Human angiotensin-converting enzyme II (ACE2) has been identified as a functional receptor for SARS-CoV-2. In this study, we generated a mouse model expressing human ACE2 (hACE2) by using CRISPR/Cas9 knockin technology. In comparison with wild-type C57BL/6 mice, both young and aged hACE2 mice sustained high viral loads in lung, trachea, and brain upon intranasal infection. Although fatalities were not observed, interstitial pneumonia and elevated cytokines were seen in SARS-CoV-2 infected-aged hACE2 mice. Interestingly, intragastric inoculation of SARS-CoV-2 was seen to cause productive infection and lead to pulmonary pathological changes in hACE2 mice. Overall, this animal model described here provides a useful tool for studying SARS-CoV-2 transmission and pathogenesis and evaluating COVID-19 vaccines and therapeutics.
Collapse
|
research-article |
5 |
511 |
12
|
Yang X, Chen L, Xu X, Li C, Huang C, Deng CX. TGF-beta/Smad3 signals repress chondrocyte hypertrophic differentiation and are required for maintaining articular cartilage. J Cell Biol 2001; 153:35-46. [PMID: 11285272 PMCID: PMC2185521 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.153.1.35] [Citation(s) in RCA: 508] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Endochondral ossification begins from the condensation and differentiation of mesenchymal cells into cartilage. The cartilage then goes through a program of cell proliferation, hypertrophic differentiation, calcification, apoptosis, and eventually is replaced by bone. Unlike most cartilage, articular cartilage is arrested before terminal hypertrophic differentiation. In this study, we showed that TGF-beta/Smad3 signals inhibit terminal hypertrophic differentiation of chondrocyte and are essential for maintaining articular cartilage. Mutant mice homozygous for a targeted disruption of Smad3 exon 8 (Smad3(ex8/ex8)) developed degenerative joint disease resembling human osteoarthritis, as characterized by progressive loss of articular cartilage, formation of large osteophytes, decreased production of proteoglycans, and abnormally increased number of type X collagen-expressing chondrocytes in synovial joints. Enhanced terminal differentiation of epiphyseal growth plate chondrocytes was also observed in mutant mice shortly after weaning. In an in vitro embryonic metatarsal rudiment culture system, we found that TGF-beta1 significantly inhibits chondrocyte differentiation of wild-type metatarsal rudiments. However, this inhibition is diminished in metatarsal bones isolated from Smad3(ex8/ex8) mice. These data suggest that TGF-beta/Smad3 signals are essential for repressing articular chondrocyte differentiation. Without these inhibition signals, chondrocytes break quiescent state and undergo abnormal terminal differentiation, ultimately leading to osteoarthritis.
Collapse
|
research-article |
24 |
508 |
13
|
Han J, Wang JZ, Yang X, Yu H, Zhou R, Lu HC, Yuan WB, Lu JC, Zhou ZJ, Lu Q, Wei JF, Yang H. METTL3 promote tumor proliferation of bladder cancer by accelerating pri-miR221/222 maturation in m6A-dependent manner. Mol Cancer 2019; 18:110. [PMID: 31228940 PMCID: PMC6588935 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-019-1036-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 505] [Impact Index Per Article: 84.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2019] [Accepted: 06/06/2019] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Background METTL3 is known to be involved in all stages in the life cycle of RNA. It affects the tumor formation by the regulation the m6A modification in the mRNAs of critical oncogenes or tumor suppressors. In bladder cancer, METTL3 could promote the bladder cancer progression via AFF4/NF-κB/MYC signaling network by an m6A dependent manner. Recently, METTL3 was also found to affect the m6A modification in non-coding RNAs including miRNAs, lincRNAs and circRNAs. However, whether this mechanism is related to the proliferation of tumors induced by METTL3 is not reported yet. Methods Quantitative real-time PCR, western blot and immunohistochemistry were used to detect the expression of METTL3 in bladder cancer. The survival analysis was adopted to explore the association between METTL3 expression and the prognosis of bladder cancer. Bladder cancer cells were stably transfected with lentivirus and cell proliferation and cell cycle, as well as tumorigenesis in nude mice were performed to assess the effect of METTL3 in bladder cancer. RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP), co-immunoprecipitations and RNA m6A dot blot assays were conducted to confirm that METTL3 interacted with the microprocessor protein DGCR8 and modulated the pri-miR221/222 process in an m6A-dependent manner. Luciferase reporter assay was employed to identify the direct binding sites of miR221/222 with PTEN. Colony formation assay and CCK8 assays were conducted to confirm the function of miR-221/222 in METTL3-induced cell growth in bladder cancer. Results We confirmed the oncogenic role of METTL3 in bladder cancer by accelerating the maturation of pri-miR221/222, resulting in the reduction of PTEN, which ultimately leads to the proliferation of bladder cancer. Moreover, we found that METTL3 was significantly increased in bladder cancer and correlated with poor prognosis of bladder cancer patients. Conclusions Our findings suggested that METTL3 may have an oncogenic role in bladder cancer through interacting with the microprocessor protein DGCR8 and positively modulating the pri-miR221/222 process in an m6A-dependent manner. To our knowledge, this is the first comprehensive study that METTL3 affected the tumor formation by the regulation the m6A modification in non-coding RNAs, which might provide fresh insights into bladder cancer therapy. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12943-019-1036-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Collapse
|
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't |
6 |
505 |
14
|
Abstract
Caspases are a large family of evolutionarily conserved proteases found from Caenorhabditis elegans to humans. Although the first caspase was identified as a processing enzyme for interleukin-1beta, genetic and biochemical data have converged to reveal that many caspases are key mediators of apoptosis, the intrinsic cell suicide program essential for development and tissue homeostasis. Each caspase is a cysteine aspartase; it employs a nucleophilic cysteine in its active site to cleave aspartic acid peptide bonds within proteins. Caspases are synthesized as inactive precursors termed procaspases; proteolytic processing of procaspase generates the tetrameric active caspase enzyme, composed of two repeating heterotypic subunits. Based on kinetic data, substrate specificity, and procaspase structure, caspases have been conceptually divided into initiators and effectors. Initiator caspases activate effector caspases in response to specific cell death signals, and effector caspases cleave various cellular proteins to trigger apoptosis. Adapter protein-mediated oligomerization of procaspases is now recognized as a universal mechanism of initiator caspase activation and underlies the control of both cell surface death receptor and mitochondrial cytochrome c-Apaf-1 apoptosis pathways. Caspase substrates have bene identified that induce each of the classic features of apoptosis, including membrane blebbing, cell body shrinkage, and DNA fragmentation. Mice deficient for caspase genes have highlighted tissue- and signal-specific pathways for apoptosis and demonstrated an independent function for caspase-1 and -11 in cytokine processing. Dysregulation of caspases features prominently in many human diseases, including cancer, autoimmunity, and neurodegenerative disorders, and increasing evidence shows that altering caspase activity can confer therapeutic benefits.
Collapse
|
research-article |
25 |
495 |
15
|
Chang HY, Nishitoh H, Yang X, Ichijo H, Baltimore D. Activation of apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1 (ASK1) by the adapter protein Daxx. Science 1998; 281:1860-3. [PMID: 9743501 DOI: 10.1126/science.281.5384.1860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 471] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
The Fas death receptor can activate the Jun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK) pathway through the receptor-associated protein Daxx. Daxx was found to activate the JNK kinase kinase ASK1, and overexpression of a kinase-deficient ASK1 mutant inhibited Fas- and Daxx-induced apoptosis and JNK activation. Fas activation induced Daxx to interact with ASK1, which consequently relieved an inhibitory intramolecular interaction between the amino- and carboxyl-termini of ASK1, activating its kinase activity. The Daxx-ASK1 connection completes a signaling pathway from a cell surface death receptor to kinase cascades that modulate nuclear transcription factors.
Collapse
|
|
27 |
471 |
16
|
Zhang NN, Li XF, Deng YQ, Zhao H, Huang YJ, Yang G, Huang WJ, Gao P, Zhou C, Zhang RR, Guo Y, Sun SH, Fan H, Zu SL, Chen Q, He Q, Cao TS, Huang XY, Qiu HY, Nie JH, Jiang Y, Yan HY, Ye Q, Zhong X, Xue XL, Zha ZY, Zhou D, Yang X, Wang YC, Ying B, Qin CF. A Thermostable mRNA Vaccine against COVID-19. Cell 2020; 182:1271-1283.e16. [PMID: 32795413 PMCID: PMC7377714 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2020.07.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 461] [Impact Index Per Article: 92.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Revised: 06/29/2020] [Accepted: 07/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
There is an urgent need for vaccines against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) because of the ongoing SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Among all approaches, a messenger RNA (mRNA)-based vaccine has emerged as a rapid and versatile platform to quickly respond to this challenge. Here, we developed a lipid nanoparticle-encapsulated mRNA (mRNA-LNP) encoding the receptor binding domain (RBD) of SARS-CoV-2 as a vaccine candidate (called ARCoV). Intramuscular immunization of ARCoV mRNA-LNP elicited robust neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 as well as a Th1-biased cellular response in mice and non-human primates. Two doses of ARCoV immunization in mice conferred complete protection against the challenge of a SARS-CoV-2 mouse-adapted strain. Additionally, ARCoV is manufactured as a liquid formulation and can be stored at room temperature for at least 1 week. ARCoV is currently being evaluated in phase 1 clinical trials.
Collapse
MESH Headings
- Animals
- Antibodies, Neutralizing/immunology
- Binding Sites
- COVID-19 Vaccines
- Chlorocebus aethiops
- Coronavirus Infections/genetics
- Coronavirus Infections/immunology
- Coronavirus Infections/prevention & control
- Female
- HEK293 Cells
- HeLa Cells
- Humans
- Immunogenicity, Vaccine
- Injections, Intramuscular
- Macaca fascicularis
- Male
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred ICR
- Nanoparticles/chemistry
- RNA, Messenger/genetics
- RNA, Messenger/metabolism
- RNA, Viral/genetics
- RNA, Viral/metabolism
- Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus/chemistry
- Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus/genetics
- Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus/metabolism
- Th1 Cells/immunology
- Vaccine Potency
- Vaccines, Synthetic/administration & dosage
- Vaccines, Synthetic/genetics
- Vaccines, Synthetic/immunology
- Vero Cells
- Viral Vaccines/administration & dosage
- Viral Vaccines/genetics
- Viral Vaccines/immunology
Collapse
|
research-article |
5 |
461 |
17
|
Li Y, Leung GM, Tang JW, Yang X, Chao CYH, Lin JZ, Lu JW, Nielsen PV, Niu J, Qian H, Sleigh AC, Su HJJ, Sundell J, Wong TW, Yuen PL. Role of ventilation in airborne transmission of infectious agents in the built environment - a multidisciplinary systematic review. INDOOR AIR 2007; 17:2-18. [PMID: 17257148 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0668.2006.00445.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 445] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
There have been few recent studies demonstrating a definitive association between the transmission of airborne infections and the ventilation of buildings. The severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) epidemic in 2003 and current concerns about the risk of an avian influenza (H5N1) pandemic, have made a review of this area timely. We searched the major literature databases between 1960 and 2005, and then screened titles and abstracts, and finally selected 40 original studies based on a set of criteria. We established a review panel comprising medical and engineering experts in the fields of microbiology, medicine, epidemiology, indoor air quality, building ventilation, etc. Most panel members had experience with research into the 2003 SARS epidemic. The panel systematically assessed 40 original studies through both individual assessment and a 2-day face-to-face consensus meeting. Ten of 40 studies reviewed were considered to be conclusive with regard to the association between building ventilation and the transmission of airborne infection. There is strong and sufficient evidence to demonstrate the association between ventilation, air movements in buildings and the transmission/spread of infectious diseases such as measles, tuberculosis, chickenpox, influenza, smallpox and SARS. There is insufficient data to specify and quantify the minimum ventilation requirements in hospitals, schools, offices, homes and isolation rooms in relation to spread of infectious diseases via the airborne route. PRACTICAL IMPLICATION: The strong and sufficient evidence of the association between ventilation, the control of airflow direction in buildings, and the transmission and spread of infectious diseases supports the use of negatively pressurized isolation rooms for patients with these diseases in hospitals, in addition to the use of other engineering control methods. However, the lack of sufficient data on the specification and quantification of the minimum ventilation requirements in hospitals, schools and offices in relation to the spread of airborne infectious diseases, suggest the existence of a knowledge gap. Our study reveals a strong need for a multidisciplinary study in investigating disease outbreaks, and the impact of indoor air environments on the spread of airborne infectious diseases.
Collapse
|
Review |
18 |
445 |
18
|
Gao Z, Huang K, Yang X, Xu H. Free radical scavenging and antioxidant activities of flavonoids extracted from the radix of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA 1999; 1472:643-50. [PMID: 10564778 DOI: 10.1016/s0304-4165(99)00152-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 425] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Free radical scavenging and antioxidant activities of baicalein, baicalin, wogonin and wogonoside, the four major flavonoids in the radix of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi, were examined in different systems. ESR results showed that baicalein and baicalin scavenged hydroxyl radical, DPPH radical and alkyl radical in a dose-dependent manner, while wogonin and wogonoside showed subtle or no effect on these radicals. Ten micromol/l of baicalein and baicalin effectively inhibited lipid peroxidation of rat brain cortex mitochondria induced by Fe(2+)-ascorbic acid, AAPH or NADPH, while wogonin and wogonoside showed significant effects only on NADPH-induced lipid peroxidation. In a study on cultured human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells system, it was found that 10 micromol/l of baicalein and baicalin significantly protected cells against H(2)O(2)-induced injury. Baicalein was the most effective antioxidant among the four tested compounds in every system due to its o-tri-hydroxyl structure in the A ring. Compared with a well-known flavonoid, quercetin, the antioxidant activity of baicalein was lower in DPPH or AAPH system, but a little higher in those systems which might associate with iron ion. These results suggest that flavonoids in the radix of Scutellaria baicalensis with o-di-hydroxyl group in A the ring, such as baicalein and baicalin, could be good free radical scavengers and might be used to cure head injury associated with free radical assault.
Collapse
|
|
26 |
425 |
19
|
Yang C, Yuan W, Yang X, Li P, Wang J, Han J, Tao J, Li P, Yang H, Lv Q, Zhang W. Circular RNA circ-ITCH inhibits bladder cancer progression by sponging miR-17/miR-224 and regulating p21, PTEN expression. Mol Cancer 2018; 17:19. [PMID: 29386015 PMCID: PMC5793418 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-018-0771-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 393] [Impact Index Per Article: 56.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2017] [Accepted: 01/23/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Circ-ITCH is a circRNA generated from several exons of itchy E3 ubiquitin protein ligase (ITCH) and tumor suppressor served as a sponge for certain miRNAs targeting their parental transcripts of ITCH. However, the role of circ-ITCH in bladder cancer (BCa) was not reported. In the present study, we investigated the role of circ-ITCH in BCa. METHODS Quantitative real-time PCR was used to detect the expression of circ-ITCH and survival analysis was adopted to explore the association between circ-ITCH expression and the prognosis of BCa. BCa cells were stably transfected with lentivirus approach and cell proliferation, migration, invasion, cell cycle and cell apoptosis, as well as tumorigenesis in nude mice were performed to assess the effect of circ-ITCH in BCa. Biotin-coupled probe pull down assay, Biotin-coupled miRNA capture, Fluorescence in situ hybridization and Luciferase reporter assay were conducted to confirm the relationship between the circ-ITCH and the microRNA. RESULTS In the present study, we found that circ-ITCH, is down-regulated in BCa tissues and cell lines. BCa patients with low circ-ITCH expression had shortened survival. Enforced- expression of circ-ITCH inhibited cells proliferation, migration, invasion and metastasis both in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, we demonstrated that circ-ITCH up-regulates the expression of miR-17 and miR-224 target gene p21 and PTEN through 'sponging' miR-17 and miR-224, which suppressed the aggressive biological behaviors of BCa. CONCLUSIONS circ-ITCH acts as a tumor suppressor by a novel circ-ITCH/miR-17, miR-224/p21, PTEN axis, which may provide a potential biomarker and therapeutic target for the management of BCa.
Collapse
|
research-article |
7 |
393 |
20
|
Yang X, Zhang S, He C, Xue P, Zhang L, He Z, Zang L, Feng B, Sun J, Zheng M. METTL14 suppresses proliferation and metastasis of colorectal cancer by down-regulating oncogenic long non-coding RNA XIST. Mol Cancer 2020; 19:46. [PMID: 32111213 PMCID: PMC7047419 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-020-1146-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 378] [Impact Index Per Article: 75.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2019] [Accepted: 01/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most prevalent RNA epigenetic regulation in eukaryotic cells. However, understanding of m6A in colorectal cancer (CRC) is very limited. We designed this study to investigate the role of m6A in CRC. Methods Expression level of METTL14 was extracted from public database and tissue array to investigate the clinical relevance of METTL14 in CRC. Next, gain/loss of function experiment was used to define the role of METTL14 in the progression of CRC. Moreover, transcriptomic sequencing (RNA-seq) was applied to screen the potential targets of METTL14. The specific binding between METTL14 and presumed target was verified by RNA pull-down and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assay. Furthermore, rescue experiment and methylated RNA immunoprecipitation (Me-RIP) were performed to uncover the mechanism. Results Clinically, loss of METTL14 correlated with unfavorable prognosis of CRC patients. Functionally, knockdown of METTL14 drastically enhanced proliferative and invasive ability of CRC cells in vitro and promoted tumorigenicity and metastasis in vivo. Mechanically, RNA-seq and Me-RIP identified lncRNA XIST as the downstream target of METTL14. Knockdown of METTL14 substantially abolished m6A level of XIST and augmented XIST expression. Moreover, we found that m6A-methylated XIST was recognized by YTHDF2, a m6A reader protein, to mediate the degradation of XIST. Consistently, XIST expression negatively correlated with METTL14 and YTHDF2 in CRC tissues. Conclusion Our findings highlight the function and prognostic value of METTL14 in CRC and extend the understanding of the importance of RNA epigenetics in cancer biology.
Collapse
|
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't |
5 |
378 |
21
|
Yang X, Arber S, William C, Li L, Tanabe Y, Jessell TM, Birchmeier C, Burden SJ. Patterning of muscle acetylcholine receptor gene expression in the absence of motor innervation. Neuron 2001; 30:399-410. [PMID: 11395002 DOI: 10.1016/s0896-6273(01)00287-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 361] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The patterning of skeletal muscle is thought to depend upon signals provided by motor neurons. We show that AChR gene expression and AChR clusters are concentrated in the central region of embryonic skeletal muscle in the absence of innervation. Neurally derived Agrin is dispensable for this early phase of AChR expression, but MuSK, a receptor tyrosine kinase activated by Agrin, is required to establish this AChR prepattern. The zone of AChR expression in muscle lacking motor axons is wider than normal, indicating that neural signals refine this muscle-autonomous prepattern. Neuronal Neuregulin-1, however, is not involved in this refinement process, nor indeed in synapse-specific AChR gene expression. Our results demonstrate that AChR expression is patterned in the absence of innervation, raising the possibility that similarly prepatterned muscle-derived cues restrict axon growth and initiate synapse formation.
Collapse
MESH Headings
- Agrin/deficiency
- Agrin/genetics
- Agrin/metabolism
- Animals
- Axons/physiology
- Body Patterning/physiology
- Embryonic and Fetal Development
- Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental
- Mice
- Mice, Knockout
- Motor Neurons/physiology
- Muscle Denervation
- Muscle, Skeletal/embryology
- Muscle, Skeletal/innervation
- Neuregulins/genetics
- Neuregulins/physiology
- Neurons, Afferent/physiology
- Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases/deficiency
- Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases/genetics
- Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases/metabolism
- Receptors, Cell Surface/genetics
- Receptors, Cell Surface/physiology
- Receptors, Cholinergic/genetics
- Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled
- Receptors, Lysophospholipid
- Recombination, Genetic
- Synapses/physiology
Collapse
|
|
24 |
361 |
22
|
Jiang WG, Sanders AJ, Katoh M, Ungefroren H, Gieseler F, Prince M, Thompson SK, Zollo M, Spano D, Dhawan P, Sliva D, Subbarayan PR, Sarkar M, Honoki K, Fujii H, Georgakilas AG, Amedei A, Niccolai E, Amin A, Ashraf SS, Ye L, Helferich WG, Yang X, Boosani CS, Guha G, Ciriolo MR, Aquilano K, Chen S, Azmi AS, Keith WN, Bilsland A, Bhakta D, Halicka D, Nowsheen S, Pantano F, Santini D. Tissue invasion and metastasis: Molecular, biological and clinical perspectives. Semin Cancer Biol 2015; 35 Suppl:S244-S275. [PMID: 25865774 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2015.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 351] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2014] [Revised: 03/17/2015] [Accepted: 03/18/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Cancer is a key health issue across the world, causing substantial patient morbidity and mortality. Patient prognosis is tightly linked with metastatic dissemination of the disease to distant sites, with metastatic diseases accounting for a vast percentage of cancer patient mortality. While advances in this area have been made, the process of cancer metastasis and the factors governing cancer spread and establishment at secondary locations is still poorly understood. The current article summarizes recent progress in this area of research, both in the understanding of the underlying biological processes and in the therapeutic strategies for the management of metastasis. This review lists the disruption of E-cadherin and tight junctions, key signaling pathways, including urokinase type plasminogen activator (uPA), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/v-akt murine thymoma viral oncogene (PI3K/AKT), focal adhesion kinase (FAK), β-catenin/zinc finger E-box binding homeobox 1 (ZEB-1) and transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β), together with inactivation of activator protein-1 (AP-1) and suppression of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) activity as key targets and the use of phytochemicals, or natural products, such as those from Agaricus blazei, Albatrellus confluens, Cordyceps militaris, Ganoderma lucidum, Poria cocos and Silybum marianum, together with diet derived fatty acids gamma linolenic acid (GLA) and eicosapentanoic acid (EPA) and inhibitory compounds as useful approaches to target tissue invasion and metastasis as well as other hallmark areas of cancer. Together, these strategies could represent new, inexpensive, low toxicity strategies to aid in the management of cancer metastasis as well as having holistic effects against other cancer hallmarks.
Collapse
|
Review |
10 |
351 |
23
|
Dong Z, Kumar R, Yang X, Fidler IJ. Macrophage-derived metalloelastase is responsible for the generation of angiostatin in Lewis lung carcinoma. Cell 1997; 88:801-10. [PMID: 9118223 DOI: 10.1016/s0092-8674(00)81926-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 334] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
To determine the mechanism responsible for the in vivo production of angiostatin that inhibits growth and metastasis in Lewis lung carcinoma (3LL), we implanted 3LL variant cells into the subcutis of syngeneic C57BL/6 mice. The tumors were infiltrated by macrophages and expressed high levels of steady-state mRNA for metalloelastase (MME). Successive passages (more than three) of cultures established from the tumors resulted in complete depletion of macrophages; steady-state MME mRNA, elastinolytic activity, and production of angiostatin (in the presence of plasminogen) were correspondingly reduced. Coculture of macrophages with either 3LL cells or their conditioned media containing granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor resulted in secretion of MME and production of angiostatin by the macrophages, suggesting that angiostatin is produced by tumor-infiltrating macrophages whose MME expression is stimulated by tumor cell-derived granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor.
Collapse
|
|
28 |
334 |
24
|
Yang XD, Jia XC, Corvalan JR, Wang P, Davis CG. Development of ABX-EGF, a fully human anti-EGF receptor monoclonal antibody, for cancer therapy. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2001; 38:17-23. [PMID: 11255078 DOI: 10.1016/s1040-8428(00)00134-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 329] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Overexpression of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFr) has been demonstrated on many human tumors, and the increase in receptor expression levels has been linked with a poor clinical prognosis. Blocking the interaction of EGFr and the growth factors could lead to the arrest of tumor growth and possibly result in tumor cell death. To this end, using XenoMouse technology, ABX-EGF, a human IgG2 monoclonal antibody (mAb) specific to human EGFr, has been generated. ABX-EGF binds EGFr with high affinity (5x10(-11) M), blocks the binding of both EGF and transforming growth factor-alpha (TGF-alpha) to various EGFr-expressing human carcinoma cell lines, and inhibits EGF-dependent tumor cell activation, including EGFr tyrosine phosphorylation, increased extracellular acidification rate, and cell proliferation. In vivo ABX-EGF prevents completely the formation of human epidermoid carcinoma A431 xenografts in athymic mice. More importantly, administration of ABX-EGF without concomitant chemotherapy results in complete eradication of established tumors. No tumor recurrence was observed for more than 8 months following the last antibody injection, further indicating complete tumor cell elimination by the antibody. Inhibition of human pancreatic, renal, breast and prostate tumor xenografts which express different levels of EGFr by ABX-EGF was also achieved. Tumor expressing more than 17000 EGFr molecules per cell showed significant growth inhibition when treated with ABX-EGF. ABX-EGF had no effect on EGFr-negative tumors. The potency of ABX-EGF in eradicating well-established tumors without concomitant chemotherapy indicates its potential as a monotherapeutic agent for treatment of multiple EGFr-expressing human solid tumors, including those where no effective chemotherapy is available. Utilization of mAbs directed to growth factor receptors as cancer therapeutics has been validated recently by the tumor responses obtained from clinical trials with Herceptin, the humanized anti-HER2 antibody, in patients with HER2 overexpressing metastatic breast cancer. Being a fully human antibody, ABX-EGF is anticipated to exhibit a long serum half-life and minimal immunogenicity with repeated administration, even in immunocompetent patients. These results demonstrate the potent anti-tumor activity of ABX-EGF and its therapeutic potential for the treatment of multiple human solid tumors that overexpress EGFr.
Collapse
|
Review |
24 |
329 |
25
|
Abstract
Three tests based on fossil data indicate that high rates of extinction recorded in the penultimate (Guadalupian) stage of the Paleozoic era are not artifacts of a poor fossil record. Instead, they represent an abrupt mass extinction that was one of the largest to occur in the past half billion years. The final mass extinction of the era, which took place about 5 million years after the Guadalupian event, remains the most severe biotic crisis of all time. Taxonomic losses in the Late Permian were partitioned among the two crises and the intervening interval, however, and the terminal Permian crisis eliminated only about 80 percent of marine species, not 95 or 96 percent as earlier estimates have suggested.
Collapse
|
Journal Article |
15 |
329 |