The suppression of myosin light chain (MLC) phosphorylation during the response to lipopolysaccharide (LPS): beneficial or detrimental to endothelial barrier?

Calpain Promotes LPS-induced Lung Endothelial Barrier Dysfunction via Cleavage of Talin

Acute lung injury (ALI) is characterized by lung vascular endothelial cell (EC) barrier compromise resulting in increased endothelial permeability and pulmonary edema. The infection of gram-negative bacteria that produce toxins like LPS is one of the major causes of ALI. LPS activates Toll-like receptor 4, leading to cytoskeleton reorganization, resulting in lung endothelial barrier disruption and pulmonary edema in ALI. However, the signaling pathways that lead to the cytoskeleton reorganization and lung microvascular EC barrier disruption remain largely unexplored. Here we show that LPS induces calpain activation and talin cleavage into head and rod domains and that inhibition of calpain attenuates talin cleavage, RhoA activation, and pulmonary EC barrier disruption in LPS-treated human lung microvascular ECs in vitro and lung EC barrier disruption and pulmonary edema induced by LPS in ALI in vivo. Moreover, overexpression of calpain causes talin cleavage and RhoA activation, myosin light chain (MLC) phosphorylation, and increases in actin stress fiber formation. Furthermore, knockdown of talin attenuates LPS-induced RhoA activation and MLC phosphorylation and increased stress fiber formation and mitigates LPS-induced lung microvascular endothelial barrier disruption. Additionally, overexpression of talin head and rod domains increases RhoA activation, MLC phosphorylation, and stress fiber formation and enhances lung endothelial barrier disruption. Finally, overexpression of cleavage-resistant talin mutant reduces LPS-induced increases in MLC phosphorylation in human lung microvascular ECs and attenuates LPS-induced lung microvascular endothelial barrier disruption. These results provide the first evidence that calpain mediates LPS-induced lung microvascular endothelial barrier disruption in ALI via cleavage of talin.

Serine/Threonine Protein Phosphatases 1 and 2A in Lung Endothelial Barrier Regulation

Vascular barrier dysfunction is characterized by increased permeability and inflammation of endothelial cells (ECs), which are prominent features of acute lung injury (ALI), acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), and sepsis, and a major complication of the SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19. Functional impairment of the EC barrier and accompanying inflammation arises due to microbial toxins and from white blood cells of the lung as part of a defensive action against pathogens, ischemia-reperfusion or blood product transfusions, and aspiration syndromes-based injury. A loss of barrier function results in the excessive movement of fluid and macromolecules from the vasculature into the interstitium and alveolae resulting in pulmonary edema and collapse of the architecture and function of the lungs, and eventually culminates in respiratory failure. Therefore, EC barrier integrity, which is heavily dependent on cytoskeletal elements (mainly actin filaments, microtubules (MTs), cell-matrix focal adhesions, and intercellular junctions) to maintain cellular contacts, is a critical requirement for the preservation of lung function. EC cytoskeletal remodeling is regulated, at least in part, by Ser/Thr phosphorylation/dephosphorylation of key cytoskeletal proteins. While a large body of literature describes the role of phosphorylation of cytoskeletal proteins on Ser/Thr residues in the context of EC barrier regulation, the role of Ser/Thr dephosphorylation catalyzed by Ser/Thr protein phosphatases (PPases) in EC barrier regulation is less documented. Ser/Thr PPases have been proposed to act as a counter-regulatory mechanism that preserves the EC barrier and opposes EC contraction. Despite the importance of PPases, our knowledge of the catalytic and regulatory subunits involved, as well as their cellular targets, is limited and under-appreciated. Therefore, the goal of this review is to discuss the role of Ser/Thr PPases in the regulation of lung EC cytoskeleton and permeability with special emphasis on the role of protein phosphatase 1 (PP1) and protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) as major mammalian Ser/Thr PPases. Importantly, we integrate the role of PPases with the structural dynamics of the cytoskeleton and signaling cascades that regulate endothelial cell permeability and inflammation.

Melatonin regulates microglial polarization to M2 cell via RhoA/ROCK signaling pathway in epilepsy

BACKGROUND

Melatonin (MEL), an endogenous hormone, has been widely investigated in neurological diseases. Microglia (MG), a resident immunocyte localizing in central nervous system is reported to play important functions in the animal model of temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). Some evidence showed that MEL influenced activation of MG, but the detailed model of action that MEL plays in remains uncertain.

METHODS

In this study, we established a model of TLE in mice by stereotactic injection of kainic acid (KA). We treated the mice with MEL. Lipopolysaccharide, ROCK2-knockdown (ROCK-KD) and -overexpression (ROCK-OE) of lentivirus-treated cells were used in cell experiments to simulate an in vitro inflammatory model.

RESULTS

The results of electrophysiological tests showed that MEL reduced frequency and severity of seizure. The results of behavioral tests indicated MEL improved cognition, learning, and memory ability. Histological evidences demonstrated a significant reduction of neuronal death in the hippocampus. In vivo study showed that MEL changed the polarization status of MG from a proinflammatory M1 phenotype to an anti-inflammatory M2 phenotype by inversely regulating the RhoA/ROCK signaling pathway. In cytological study, we found that MEL had a significant protective effect in LPS-treated BV-2 cells and ROCK-KD cells, while the protective effect of MEL was significantly attenuated in ROCK-OE cells.

CONCLUSION

MEL played an antiepileptic role in the KA-induced TLE modeling mice both in behavioral and histological levels, and changed MG polarization status by regulating the RhoA/ROCK signaling pathway.

The ROCK inhibitor Y-27632 ameliorates blood-spinal cord barrier disruption by reducing tight junction protein degradation via the MYPT1-MLC2 pathway after spinal cord injury in rats

The blood-spinal cord barrier (BSCB) is a physiological barrier between the blood and spinal cord parenchyma. This study aims to determine whether Y-27632, a Rho-associated protein kinase (ROCK) inhibitor, can protect the BSCB using in vivo models. The Evans blue fluorescence assay was used to detect leakage of the BSCB. Western blotting was used to define alterations in ROCK-related and tight junction (TJ) protein expression. Immunofluorescence triple-staining was used to evaluate histologic alterations in TJs. Locomotor function was evaluated using the open-field test, the Basso-Beattie-Bresnahan score, and footprint analysis. Two peaks of BSCB leakage after spinal cord injury (SCI) occurred at 24 h and 5 days. The ROCK inhibitor reduced the BSCB leakage at the second peak after SCI. Moreover, the ROCK inhibitor ameliorated the integrity of the BSCB and improved motor function recovery after SCI by regulating the phosphorylation of myosin phosphatase subunit-1 (MYPT1) and cofilin. ROCK inhibitors might protect the BSCB, which provides a new strategy for transitioning SCI treatment from the bench to bedside.

Rho-Proteins and Downstream Pathways as Potential Targets in Sepsis and Septic Shock: What Have We Learned from Basic Research

Sepsis and septic shock are associated with acute and sustained impairment in the function of the cardiovascular system, kidneys, lungs, liver, and brain, among others. Despite the significant advances in prevention and treatment, sepsis and septic shock sepsis remain global health problems with elevated mortality rates. Rho proteins can interact with a considerable number of targets, directly affecting cellular contractility, actin filament assembly and growing, cell motility and migration, cytoskeleton rearrangement, and actin polymerization, physiological functions that are intensively impaired during inflammatory conditions, such as the one that occurs in sepsis. In the last few decades, Rho proteins and their downstream pathways have been investigated in sepsis-associated experimental models. The most frequently used experimental design included the exposure to bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS), in both in vitro and in vivo approaches, but experiments using the cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) model of sepsis have also been performed. The findings described in this review indicate that Rho proteins, mainly RhoA and Rac1, are associated with the development of crucial sepsis-associated dysfunction in different systems and cells, including the endothelium, vessels, and heart. Notably, the data found in the literature suggest that either the inhibition or activation of Rho proteins and associated pathways might be desirable in sepsis and septic shock, accordingly with the cellular system evaluated. This review included the main findings, relevance, and limitations of the current knowledge connecting Rho proteins and sepsis-associated experimental models.

Dual Role of Hydrogen Peroxide as an Oxidant in Pneumococcal Pneumonia

Significance:Streptococcus pneumoniae (Spn), a facultative anaerobic Gram-positive human pathogen with increasing rates of penicillin and macrolide resistance, is a major cause of lower respiratory tract infections worldwide. Pneumococci are a primary agent of severe pneumonia in children younger than 5 years and of community-acquired pneumonia in adults. A major defense mechanism toward Spn is the generation of reactive oxygen species, including hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), during the oxidative burst of neutrophils and macrophages. Paradoxically, Spn produces high endogenous levels of H₂O₂ as a strategy to promote colonization. Recent Advances: Pneumococci, which express neither catalase nor common regulators of peroxide stress resistance, have developed unique mechanisms to protect themselves from H₂O₂. Spn generates high levels of H₂O₂ as a strategy to promote colonization. Production of H₂O₂ moreover constitutes an important virulence phenotype and its cellular activities overlap and complement those of other virulence factors, such as pneumolysin, in modulating host immune responses and promoting organ injury. Critical Issues: This review examines the dual role of H₂O₂ in pneumococcal pneumonia, from the viewpoint of both the pathogen (defense mechanisms, lytic activity toward competing pathogens, and virulence) and the resulting host-response (inflammasome activation, endoplasmic reticulum stress, and damage to the alveolar-capillary barrier in the lungs). Future Directions: An understanding of the complexity of H₂O₂-mediated host-pathogen interactions is necessary to develop novel strategies that target these processes to enhance lung function during severe pneumonia.

Noncanonical function of long myosin light chain kinase in increasing ER-PM junctions and augmentation of SOCE

Increased endothelial permeability leads to excessive exudation of plasma proteins and leukocytes in the interstitium, which characterizes several vascular diseases including acute lung injury. The myosin light chain kinase long (MYLK-L) isoform is canonically known to regulate the endothelial permeability by phosphorylating myosin light chain (MLC-P). Compared to the short MYLK isoform, MYLK-L contains an additional stretch of ~919 amino acid at the N-terminus of unknown function. We show that thapsigargin and thrombin-induced SOCE was markedly reduced in Mylk-L-/- endothelial cells (EC) or MYLK-L-depleted human EC. These agonists also failed to increase endothelial permeability in MYLK-L-depleted EC and Mylk-L-/- lungs, thus demonstrating the novel role of MYLK-L-induced SOCE in increasing vascular permeability. MYLK-L augmented SOCE by increasing endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-plasma membrane (PM) junctions and STIM1 translocation to these junctions. Transduction of N-MYLK domain (amino acids 1-919 devoid of catalytic activity) into Mylk-L-/- EC rescued SOCE to the level seen in control EC in a STIM1-dependent manner. N-MYLK-induced SOCE augmented endothelial permeability without MLC-P via an actin-binding motif, DVRGLL. Liposomal-mediated delivery of N-MYLK mutant but not ∆DVRGLL-N-MYLK mutant in Mylk-L-/- mice rescued vascular permeability increase in response to endotoxin, indicating that targeting of DVRGLL motif within MYLK-L may limit SOCE-induced vascular hyperpermeability.

CX3CL1 Induces Vertebral Microvascular Barrier Dysfunction via the Src/P115-RhoGEF/ROCK Signaling Pathway

Trans-endothelial migration (TEM) of cancer cells is a critical step in metastasis. Micro-vascular barrier disruptions of distant organs play important roles in tumor cells TEM. The spine is a preferred site for multiple cancer cell metastases. Our previous study found that vertebral spongy bone was rich in CX3CL1 and that CX3CL1 can attract fractalkine receptor-expressing tumor cells to the spine. In the present study, we determined whether CX3CL1 was involved in vertebral micro-vascular barrier disruption and promoted tumor cell TEM after circulating tumor cells were arrested in the vertebral micro-vasculature. We examined the role of CX3CL1 in the barrier function of vertebral micro-vascular endothelial cells (VMECs) and explored the molecular mechanisms of CX3CL1-induced VMEC barrier disruption. Our results demonstrated that CX3CL1 led to F-actin formation and ZO-1 disruption in VMECs and induced the vertebral micro-vascular barrier disruption. Importantly, we found that the activation of the Src/P115-RhoGEF/ROCK signaling pathway plays an important role in CX3CL1-induced VMEC stress fiber formation, ZO-1 disruption and then vertebral micro-vascular barrier hyper-permeability. Inhibiting Src/P115-RhoGEF/ROCK signaling in VMECs effectively blocked CX3CL1-induced vertebral vascular endothelial dysfunction and subsequent tumor cell TEM. The results of this study and our previous study indicate that in addition to its chemotaxis, CX3CL1 plays a critical role in regulating vertebral micro-vascular barrier function and tumor cell TEM. CX3CL1 induced VMECs stress fiber formation, ZO-1 disruption and then vascular endothelial hyperpermeability via activation of the Src/P115-RhoGEF/ROCK signaling pathway. The inhibition of the Src/P115-RhoGEF/ROCK signaling pathway in VMECs effectively blocked tumor cells TEMs in vertebral spongy bone and maybe a potential therapeutic strategy for spine metastases in the future.

Advanced glycosylation end products (AGEs) controls proliferation, invasion and permeability through orchestrating ARHGAP18/RhoA pathway in human umbilical vein endothelial cells

Diabetic vascular complications caused by endothelial dysfunction play an important role in the pathogenesis of diabetic foot. A well understanding of the role of endothelial dysfunction in diabetic foot vasculopathy will help to further reveal the pathogenesis of diabetic foot. This study aimed to assess whether the RhoA/ROCK signaling pathway is controlled by Rho GTPase-activating proteins (RhoGAP, ARHGAP) and advanced glycosylation end products (AGEs), and to clarify the roles of ARHGAP and AGEs in the RhoA/ROCK signaling pathway or the mechanism by which AGEs regulated RhoA. Real-time PCR was applied to detect gene expression. Manipulation of endothelial biological functions by ARHGAP18 and AGEs were studied via cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8), Western blot, transwell, FITC-Dextran and TEER permeability experiments. RhoA-specific inhibitor Y-27632 was used to silence the activity of RhoA. Dual Luciferase Reporter Assay, Western blot and ELISA assays were used to detect molecular mechanism of endothelial biological functions. In this study, we found that ARHGAP18 was negatively correlated with RhoA, and the expression of ARHGAP18 in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) was decreased with gradient-increased AGEs. Furthermore, AGEs and ARHGAP18 could orchestrate RhoA activity, then activate NF-κB signaling pathway, affect the structural and morphological of VE-cadherin and tight junction protein, and cause endothelial cell contraction, thereby increasing permeability of endothelial cells. In conclusion, AGEs and ARHGAP18 orchestrate cell proliferation, invasion and permeability by controlling the RhoA/ROCK signaling pathway, affecting NF-κB signaling pathway as well as the structure and morphology of VE-cadherin and tight junction protein, and regulating endothelial cell contraction.

Protective Effects of a Rho Kinase Inhibitor on Paraquat-Induced Acute Lung Injuries in Rats

Fasudil, a rock kinase inhibitor, can inhibit systemic inflammation and prevent paraquat (PQ)-induced acute lung injuries in rats; however, the mechanisms for these protective effects remain elusive. This study investigated how the Rho/ROCK signaling pathway enables fasudil to protect against acute lung injuries in PQ-treated rats. Wistar rats (n = 240) were pretreated with fasudil (10 and 30 mg/kg, i.p.) 1 h prior to PQ administration. When compared to rats with PQ-induced lung injuries, rats pretreated with fasudil had significantly fewer polymorphonuclear neutrophils and lower concentrations of protein, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 in their bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. Moreover, fasudil also reduced the Evans Blue content, wet-to-dry weight ratio, lung injury scores, and levels malondialdehyde and 8-hydroxy-2 deoxyguanosine, but increased superoxide dismutase activity in lung tissue. Furthermore, Rho, ROCK1 expression and the levels of phosphorylated MYPT-1 in lung tissues were drastically decreased in fasudil-treated rats, whereas ZO-1 protein expression was significantly increased (p < 0.05). We found that fasudil downregulated bax and activated caspase-3 mRNA expression but upregulated Bcl-2 mRNA expression. In vitro experiments showed that the levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 secreted by human pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells treated with PQ were attenuated by fasudil. Fasudil inhibited the upregulation Rho and ROCK protein expression and downregulation of ZO-1 protein expression in HPMVECs induced with PQ. Higher concentrations of fasudil produced greater affects than lower concentrations. Fasudil improved endothelial permeability and inhibited inflammation, oxidative stress, and cell apoptosis to alleviate acute lung injuries in PQ-treated rats. Fasudil exerted these therapeutic effects by inhibiting the Rho/ROCK signaling pathway.

Role of the Rho/ROCK signaling pathway in the protective effects of fasudil against acute lung injury in septic rats

Fasudil, which is primarily prescribed to treat cerebral vasospasm, may also inhibit systemic inflammation and prevent sepsis-induced acute lung injury (ALI) in rats, although the mechanisms remain elusive. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the role of the rhodopsin (Rho)/Rho-associated protein kinase (ROCK) signaling pathway in the protective effects of fasudil on ALI in septic rats. A total of 60 Wistar rats were pretreated with fasudil (30 mg/kg) through intraperitoneal injections 1 h prior to cecal ligation and puncture. Administration of fasudil led to reductions in polymorphonuclear neutrophil counts, and the protein concentrations of tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6 in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of rats with sepsis-induced ALI. The results demonstrated that fasudil decreased sepsis-induced bacteremia. In addition, fasudil effectively reduced the Evans blue content, wet/dry lung weight ratio, lung injury score, and expression levels of malondialdehyde and myeloperoxidase. However, the superoxide dismutase activity in the lung tissue of the rats was increased. Activated caspase-3 activity in lung tissue was reduced to 29% by fasudil. Furthermore, the expression of Rho and ROCK1 was significantly downregulated, and the phosphorylation of myosin phosphatase-targeting subunit 1 in lung tissues was markedly decreased, whereas the protein expression levels of zonula occludens 1 were increased in fasudil-treated rats (P<0.05). In the in vitro experiments, vascular endothelial growth factor, intracellular adhesion molecule 1 and vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 secreted from human pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) were attenuated by fasudil. Fasudil also reduced the fluorescence intensity of filamentous actin induced by LPS. Taken together, the results of the present study demonstrated that fasudil was able to improve endothelial permeability and inhibit inflammation, oxidative stress and cellular apoptosis in order to alleviate ALI in septic rats through inhibition of the Rho/ROCK signaling pathway.

Lactobacillus reuteri LR1 Improved Expression of Genes of Tight Junction Proteins via the MLCK Pathway in IPEC-1 Cells during Infection with Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli K88

Intestinal epithelial barrier damage disrupts immune homeostasis and leads to many intestinal disorders. Lactobacillus reuteri strains have probiotic functions in their modulation of the microbiota and immune system in intestines. In this study, the effects of L. reuteri LR1, a new strain isolated from the feces of weaning piglets, on intestinal epithelial barrier damage in IPEC-1 cells caused by challenge with enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) K88 were examined. It was found that L. reuteri LR1, in large part, offset the ETEC K88-induced increase in permeability of IPEC-1 cell monolayers and decreased the adhesion and invasion of the coliform in IPEC-1 cells. In addition, L. reuteri LR1 increased transcript abundance and protein contents of tight junction (TJ) proteins zonula occluden-1 (ZO-1) and occludin in ETEC K88-infected IPEC-1 cells, whereas it had no effects on claudin-1 and F-actin expression. Using colloidal gold immunoelectron microscopy, these effects of L. reuteri LR1 on ZO-1 and occludin content in IPEC-1 cells were confirmed. By using ML-7, a selective inhibitor of myosin light-chain kinase (MLCK), the beneficial effect of L. reuteri LR1 on contents of ZO-1 and occludin was shown to be dependent on the MLCK pathway. In conclusion, L. reuteri LR1 had beneficial effects on epithelial barrier function consistent with increasing ZO-1 and occludin expression via a MLCK-dependent manner in IPEC-1 cells during challenge with ETEC K88.

Asiatic acid stabilizes cytoskeletal proteins and prevents TNF-α-induced disorganization of cell-cell junctions in human aortic endothelial cells

Endothelial hyperpermeability represents an initiating step in early atherosclerosis and it often occurs as a result of endothelial barrier dysfunction. Asiatic acid, a major triterpene isolated from Centella asiatica (L.) Urban, has previously been demonstrated to protect against tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α-induced endothelial barrier dysfunction. The present study aimed to investigate the mechanisms underlying the barrier protective effect of asiatic acid in human aortic endothelial cells (HAECs). The localization of F-actin, diphosphorylated myosin light chain (diphospho-MLC), adherens junctions (AJs) and tight junctions (TJs) was studied using immunocytochemistry techniques and confocal microscopy. Their total protein expressions were examined using western blot analysis. The endothelial permeability was assessed using In Vitro Vascular Permeability Assay kits. In addition, intracellular redistribution of the junctional proteins was evaluated using subcellular fractionation kits. We show that asiatic acid stabilized F-actin and diphospho-MLC at the cell periphery and prevented their rearrangement stimulated by TNF-α. However, asiatic acid failed to attenuate cytochalasin D-induced increased permeability. Besides, asiatic acid abrogated TNF-α-induced structural reorganization of vascular endothelial (VE)-cadherin and β-catenin by preserving their reticulum structures at cell-cell contact areas. In addition, asiatic acid also inhibited TNF-α-induced redistribution of occludin and zona occludens (ZO)-1 in different subcellular fractions. In conclusion, the barrier-stabilizing effect of asiatic acid might be associated with preservation of AJs and prevention of TJ redistribution caused by TNF-α. This study provides evidence to support the potential use of asiatic acid in the prevention of early atherosclerosis, which is initiated by endothelial barrier dysfunction.

PDGFR inhibition mediated intracellular signalling in C6 glioma growth and migration: role of ERK and ROCK pathway

Aberrant PDGFR (Platelet derived growth factor receptor) signalling in brain tumors and gliomas is one of the primary cause of tumor progression. PDGFR stimulation by its ligand and the role of its downstream mediators such as extracellular regulated kinases (ERK1/2), PI3K and ROCK pathways have not been thoroughly investigated. The present study sought to investigate the role of PDGF receptor signalling inhibition on suppression of rat C6 glioma growth and migration. Treatment of C6 cells with PDGFR inhibitor, AG1295 caused a significant reduction in migration and proliferation by regulating the ERK and ROCK signalling. Subsequently, PDGFR blocking was demonstrated to regulate cytoskeleton reorganization by modulating the Actin-pMLC reorganization and pERK-FAK-Paxillin complex formation which may further regulate the C6 glioma migration. Further, other malignant behaviour of C6 glioma such as anchorage independent growth, adhesion, invasion and sphere forming abilities were found to be impaired by PDGFR blocking. PDGFR inhibition further regulates the C6 glioma tumor behaviour by inducing gene expression of GFAP, BDNF, and MECP2 and down regulating FAK expression. In conclusion, our data elucidate novel mechanisms involve in PDGFR inhibition mediated inhibition of C6 glioma growth and migration which can be a future potential target for the treatment of glioma.

Screening differential miRNAs responsible for permeability increase in HUVECs infected with influenza A virus

Severe influenza infections are featured by acute lung injury, a syndrome of increased pulmonary microvascular permeability. A growing number of evidences have shown that influenza A virus induces cytoskeletal rearrangement and permeability increase in endothelial cells. Although miRNA’s involvement in the regulation of influenza virus infection and endothelial cell (EC) function has been well documented, little is known about the miRNA profiles in influenza-infected endothelial cells. Using human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) as cell models, the present study aims to explore the differential miRNAs in influenza virus-infected ECs and analyze their target genes involved in EC permeability regulation. As the results showed, permeability increased and F-actin cytoskeleton reorganized after HUVECs infected with influenza A virus (CA07 or PR8) at 30 MOI. MicroRNA microarray revealed a multitude of miRNAs differentially expressed in HUVECs after influenza virus infection. Through target gene prediction, we found that a series of miRNAs were involved in PKC, Rho/ROCK, HRas/Raf/MEK/ERK, and Ca²+/CaM pathways associated with permeability regulation, and most of these miRNAs were down-regulated after flu infection. It has been reported that PKC, Rho/ROCK, HRas/Raf/MEK/ERK, and Ca²⁺/CaM pathways are activated by flu infection and play important roles in permeability regulation. Therefore, the cumulative effects of these down-regulated miRNAs which synergistically enhanced activation of PKC, Rho/ROCK, Ras/Raf/MEK/ERK, and Ca²⁺/CaM pathways, can eventually lead to actin rearrangement and hyperpermeability in flu-infected HUVECs.

[Role of epidermal growth factor receptor in house dust mite-induced airway epithelial barrier dysfunction]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the role of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling pathway in bronchial epithelial actin stress fiber (F-actin) rearrangement induced by house dust mite (HDM).

METHODS

Normal human bronchial epithelial cells (16HBE) were stimulated with HDM with or without pretreatment with AG-1478, an EGFR inhibitor. The levels of phospho(p)-EGFR, F-actin, E-cadherin and β-catenin in the cell cultures were detected with Western blotting. The localizations of F-actin, E-cadherin and β-catenin in the bronchial epithelial cells were determined with immunofluorescence assay, and the transmembrane electrical resistance (TER) and FITC-dextran flux (FITC-DX) in the cells were measured to assess the barrier function of the bronchial epithelia.

RESULTS

HDM stimulation of the cells for 10 min resulted in significantly increased p-EGFR expression (P<0.05) without causing obvious changes in the expression of E-cadherin (P>0.05) or β-catenin (P>0.05). Immunofluorescence assay revealed delocalization of E-cadherin and β-catenin in HDM-treated 16HBE cells, shown by their diffusion from the cell membrane to the cytoplasm. In HDM-treated cells, the TER was significantly decreased to (70.00∓4.33)% and the FITC-DX was significantly increased to (115.98∓4.34)%; Inhibition of EGFR reversed the delocalization of E-cadherin and β-catenin, improved the TER to (90.00∓3.75)% and lowered the FITC-DX to (101.10∓2.10)%. HDM induced increased expression and rearrangement of F-actin, which was obviously inhibited by pretreatment of the cells with AG-1478 (P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

EGFR signaling pathway mediates HDM-induced F-actin rearrangement in human bronchial epithelial cells to contribute to epithelial barrier dysfunction.

Actin dynamics in the regulation of endothelial barrier functions and neutrophil recruitment during endotoxemia and sepsis

Sepsis is a leading cause of death worldwide. Increased vascular permeability is a major hallmark of sepsis. Dynamic alterations in actin fiber formation play an important role in the regulation of endothelial barrier functions and thus vascular permeability. Endothelial integrity requires a delicate balance between the formation of cortical actin filaments that maintain endothelial cell contact stability and the formation of actin stress fibers that generate pulling forces, and thus compromise endothelial cell contact stability. Current research has revealed multiple molecular pathways that regulate actin dynamics and endothelial barrier dysfunction during sepsis. These include intracellular signaling proteins of the small GTPases family (e.g., Rap1, RhoA and Rac1) as well as the molecules that are directly acting on the actomyosin cytoskeleton such as myosin light chain kinase and Rho kinases. Another hallmark of sepsis is an excessive recruitment of neutrophils that also involves changes in the actin cytoskeleton in both endothelial cells and neutrophils. This review focuses on the available evidence about molecules that control actin dynamics and regulate endothelial barrier functions and neutrophil recruitment. We also discuss treatment strategies using pharmaceutical enzyme inhibitors to target excessive vascular permeability and leukocyte recruitment in septic patients.

RhoA S-nitrosylation as a regulatory mechanism influencing endothelial barrier function in response to G+-bacterial toxins

Disruption of the endothelial barrier in response to Gram positive (G⁺) bacterial toxins is a major complication of acute lung injury (ALI) and can be further aggravated by antibiotics which stimulate toxin release. The integrity of the pulmonary endothelial barrier is mediated by the balance of disruptive forces such as the small GTPase RhoA, and protective forces including endothelium-derived nitric oxide (NO). How NO protects against the barrier dysfunction is incompletely understood and our goal was to determine whether NO and S-nitrosylation can modulate RhoA activity and whether this mechanism is important for G⁺ toxin-induced microvascular permeability. We found that the G⁺ toxin listeriolysin-O (LLO) increased RhoA activity and that NO and S-NO donors inhibit RhoA activity. RhoA was robustly S-nitrosylated as determined by biotin-switch and mercury column analysis. MS revealed that three primary cysteine residues are S-nitrosylated including cys16, cys20 and cys159. Mutation of these residues to serine diminished S-nitrosylation to endogenous NO and mutant RhoA was less sensitive to inhibition by S-NO. G⁺-toxins stimulated the denitrosylation of RhoA which was not mediated by S-nitrosoglutathione reductase (GSNOR), thioredoxin (TRX) or thiol-dependent enzyme activity but was instead stimulated directly by elevated calcium levels. Calcium-promoted the direct denitrosylation of WT but not mutant RhoA and mutant RhoA adenovirus was more effective than WT in disrupting the barrier integrity of human lung microvascular endothelial cells. In conclusion, we reveal a novel mechanism by which NO and S-nitrosylation reduces RhoA activity which may be of significance in the management of pulmonary endothelial permeability induced by G⁺-toxins.

Involvement of Histamine and RhoA/ROCK in Penicillin Immediate Hypersensitivity Reactions

The mechanism of penicillin immediate hypersensitivity reactions has not been completely elucidated. These reactions are generally considered to be mediated by IgE, but penicillin-specific IgE could not be detected in most cases. This study demonstrated that penicillin was able to cause vascular hyperpermeability in a mouse model mimicking clinical symptoms of penicillin immediate hypersensitivity reactions. The first exposure to penicillin also induced immediate edema and exudative reactions in ears and lungs of mice in a dose-dependent manner. Vasodilation was noted in microvessels in ears. These reactions were unlikely to be immune-mediated reactions, because no penicillin-specific IgE was produced. Furthermore, penicillin treatment directly elicited rapid histamine release. Penicillin also led to F-actin reorganization in human umbilical vein endothelial cells and increased the permeability of the endothelial monolayer. Activation of the RhoA/ROCK signaling pathway was observed in ears and lungs of mice and in endothelial cells after treatment with penicillin. Both an anti-histamine agent and a ROCK inhibitor attenuated penicillin immediate hypersensitivity reactions in mice. This study presents a novel mechanism of penicillin immediate hypersensitivity reactions and suggests a potential preventive approach against these reactions.

Pitfalls in assessing microvascular endothelial barrier function: impedance-based devices versus the classic macromolecular tracer assay

The most frequently used parameters to describe the barrier properties of endothelial cells (ECs) in vitro are (i) the macromolecular permeability, indicating the flux of a macromolecular tracer across the endothelium, and (ii) electrical impedance of ECs grown on gold-film electrodes reporting on the cell layer’s tightness for ion flow. Due to the experimental differences between these approaches, inconsistent observations have been described. Here, we present the first direct comparison of these assays applied to one single cell type (human microvascular ECs) under the same experimental conditions. The impact of different pharmacological tools (histamine, forskolin, Y-27632, blebbistatin, TRAP) on endothelial barrier function was analyzed by Transwell^® tracer assays and two commercial impedance devices (xCELLigence^®, ECIS^®). The two impedance techniques provided very similar results for all compounds, whereas macromolecular permeability readings were found to be partly inconsistent with impedance. Possible reasons for these discrepancies are discussed. We conclude that the complementary combination of both approaches is highly recommended to overcome the restrictions of each assay. Since the nature of the growth support may contribute to the observed differences, structure-function relationships should be based on cells that are consistently grown on either permeable or impermeable growth supports in all experiments.

Salvianolic Acid B Restored Impaired Barrier Function via Downregulation of MLCK by microRNA-1 in Rat Colitis Model

Salvianolic acid B (Sal B) is isolated from the traditional Chinese medical herb Salvia miltiorrhiza and is reported to have a wide range of therapeutic benefits. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of Sal B on epithelial barrier dysfunction in rat colitis and to uncover related mechanisms. Rat colitis model was established by intracolonic administration of 2, 4, 6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS). The intestinal barrier function was evaluated by measuring the serum recovery of fluorescein isothiocyanate-4 kD dextran in vivo and transepithelial electrical resistance in vitro respectively. The protein expression related to intestinal barrier function was studied using western blotting. The effects of Sal B on inflammatory responses, oxidative damage and colitis recurrence were also studied in this study. The intestinal barrier dysfunction in colitis was reversed by Sal B, accompanied with the decrease of tight junction proteins, and the effect could be blocked by microRNA-1(miR-1) inhibition. The inflammatory responses, oxidative damage and colitis recurrence were also decreased by Sal B. The colitis symptoms and recurrences were ameliorated by Sal B, and restoration of impaired barrier function via downregulation of MLCK by miR-1 maybe involved in this effect. This study provides some novel insights into both of the pathological mechanisms and treatment alternatives of inflammatory bowel disease.

Molecular mechanisms in lipopolysaccharide-induced pulmonary endothelial barrier dysfunction

The confluent pulmonary endothelium plays an important role as a semi-permeable barrier between the vascular space of blood vessels and the underlying tissues, and it contributes to the maintenance of circulatory fluid homeostasis. Pulmonary endothelial barrier dysfunction is a pivotal early step in the development of a variety of high mortality diseases, such as acute lung injury (ALI). Endothelium barrier dysfunction in response to inflammatory or infectious mediators, including lipopolysaccharide (LPS), is accompanied by invertible cell deformation and interendothelial gap formation. However, specific pharmacological therapies aiming at ameliorating pulmonary endothelial barrier function in patients are still lacking. A full understanding of the fundamental mechanisms that are involved in the regulation of pulmonary endothelial permeability is essential for the development of barrier protective therapeutic strategies. Therefore, this review summarizes several important molecular mechanisms involved in LPS-induced changes in pulmonary endothelial barrier function. As for barrier-disruption, the activation of myosin light chain kinase (MLCK), RhoA and tyrosine kinases; increase of calcium influx; and apoptosis of the endothelium lead to an elevation of lung endothelial permeability. Additionally, the activation of Rac1, Cdc42, protease activated receptor 1 (PAR1) and adenosine receptors (ARs), as well as the increase of cyclic AMP and sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) content, protect against LPS-induced lung endothelial barrier dysfunction. Furthermore, current regulatory factors and strategies against the development of LPS-induced lung endothelial hyper-permeability are discussed.

ROCK2 primes the endothelium for vascular hyperpermeability responses by raising baseline junctional tension

Rho kinase mediates the effects of inflammatory permeability factors by increasing actomyosin-generated traction forces on endothelial adherens junctions, resulting in disassembly of intercellular junctions and increased vascular leakage. In vitro, this is accompanied by the Rho kinase-driven formation of prominent radial F-actin fibers, but the in vivo relevance of those F-actin fibers has been debated, suggesting other Rho kinase-mediated events to occur in vascular leak. Here, we delineated the contributions of the highly homologous isoforms of Rho kinase (ROCK1 and ROCK2) to vascular hyperpermeability responses. We show that ROCK2, rather than ROCK1 is the critical Rho kinase for regulation of thrombin receptor-mediated vascular permeability. Novel traction force mapping in endothelial monolayers, however, shows that ROCK2 is not required for the thrombin-induced force enhancements. Rather, ROCK2 is pivotal to baseline junctional tension as a novel mechanism by which Rho kinase primes the endothelium for hyperpermeability responses, independent from subsequent ROCK1-mediated contractile stress-fiber formation during the late phase of the permeability response.

Impedance analysis of GPCR-mediated changes in endothelial barrier function: overview and fundamental considerations for stable and reproducible measurements

The past 20 years has seen significant growth in using impedance-based assays to understand the molecular underpinning of endothelial and epithelial barrier function in response to physiological agonists and pharmacological and toxicological compounds. Most studies on barrier function use G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) agonists which couple to fast and transient changes in barrier properties. The power of impedance-based techniques such as electric cell-substrate impedance sensing (ECIS) resides in its ability to detect minute changes in cell layer integrity label-free and in real-time ranging from seconds to days. We provide a comprehensive overview of the biophysical principles, applications, and recent developments in impedance-based methodologies. Despite extensive application of impedance analysis in endothelial barrier research, little attention has been paid to data analysis and critical experimental variables, which are both essential for signal stability and reproducibility. We describe the rationale behind common ECIS data presentation and interpretation and illustrate practical guidelines to improve signal intensity by adapting technical parameters such as electrode layout, monitoring frequency, or parameter (resistance versus impedance magnitude). Moreover, we discuss the impact of experimental parameters, including cell source, liquid handling, and agonist preparation on signal intensity and kinetics. Our discussions are supported by experimental data obtained from human microvascular endothelial cells challenged with three GPCR agonists, thrombin, histamine, and sphingosine-1-phosphate.

Protective effects of carbon monoxide-releasing molecule-2 on the barrier function of intestinal epithelial cells

Objective

To investigate the protective effects and mechanisms of carbon monoxide-releasing molecule-2 (CORM-2) on barrier function of intestinal epithelial cells.

Materials and Methods

After pre-incubation with CORM-2 for 1 hour, cultured intestinal epithelial IEC-6 cells were stimulated with 50 µg/ml lipopolysaccharides (LPS). Cytokines levels in culture medium were detected using ELISA kits. Trans-epithelial electrical resistance (TER) of IEC-6 cell monolayers in Transwells were measured with a Millipore electric resistance system (ERS-2; Millipore) and calculated as Ω/cm² at different time points after LPS treatment. The permeability changes were also measured using FITC-dextran. The levels of tight junction (TJ) proteins (occludin and ZO-1) and myosin light chain (MLC) phosphorylation were detected using Western blotting with specific antibodies. The subsequent structural changes of TJ were visualized using transmission electron microscopy (TEM).

Results

CORM-2 significantly reduced LPS-induced secretion of TNF-α and IL-1β. The LPS-induced decrease of TER and increase of permeability to FITC-dextran were inhibited by CORM-2 in a concentration dependent manner (P<0.05). LPS-induced reduction of tight junction proteins and increase of MLC phosphorylation were also attenuated. In LPS-treated cells, TEM showed diminished electron-dense material and interruption of TJ and desmosomes between the apical lateral margins of adjoining cells, which were prevented by CORM-2 treatment.

Conclusions

The present study demonstrates that CORM-2, as a novel CO-releasing molecule, has ability to protect the barrier function of LPS-stimulated intestinal epithelial cells. Inhibition of inflammatory cytokines release, restoration of TJ proteins and suppression of MLC phosphorylation are among the protective effects of CORM-2.

Heat shock protein 90 inhibitors prevent LPS-induced endothelial barrier dysfunction by disrupting RhoA signaling

Permeability of the endothelial monolayer is increased when exposed to the bacterial endotoxin LPS. Our previous studies have shown that heat shock protein (Hsp) 90 inhibitors protect and restore LPS-mediated hyperpermeability in bovine pulmonary arterial endothelial cells. In this study, we assessed the effect of Hsp90 inhibition against LPS-mediated hyperpermeability in cultured human lung microvascular endothelial cells (HLMVECs) and delineated the underlying molecular mechanisms. We demonstrate that Hsp90 inhibition is critical in the early phase, to prevent LPS-mediated hyperpermeability, and also in the later phase, to restore LPS-mediated hyperpermeability in HLMVECs. Because RhoA is a well known mediator of endothelial hyperpermeability, we investigated the effect of Hsp90 inhibition on LPS-mediated RhoA signaling. RhoA nitration and activity were increased by LPS in HLMVECs and suppressed when pretreated with the Hsp90 inhibitor, 17-allylamino-17 demethoxy-geldanamycin (17-AAG). In addition, inhibition of Rho kinase, a downstream effector of RhoA, protected HLMVECs from LPS-mediated hyperpermeability and abolished LPS-induced myosin light chain (MLC) phosphorylation, a target of Rho kinase. In agreement with these findings, 17-AAG or dominant-negative RhoA attenuated LPS-induced MLC phosphorylation. MLC phosphorylation induced by constitutively active RhoA was also suppressed by 17-AAG, suggesting a role for Hsp90 downstream of RhoA. Inhibition of Src family kinases also suppressed RhoA activity and MLC phosphorylation. Together, these data indicate that Hsp90 inhibition prevents and repairs LPS-induced lung endothelial barrier dysfunction by suppressing Src-mediated RhoA activity and signaling.

Reactive oxygen species in inflammation and tissue injury

Abstract Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are key signaling molecules that play an important role in the progression of inflammatory disorders. An enhanced ROS generation by polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) at the site of inflammation causes endothelial dysfunction and tissue injury. The vascular endothelium plays an important role in passage of macromolecules and inflammatory cells from the blood to tissue. Under the inflammatory conditions, oxidative stress produced by PMNs leads to the opening of inter-endothelial junctions and promotes the migration of inflammatory cells across the endothelial barrier. The migrated inflammatory cells not only help in the clearance of pathogens and foreign particles but also lead to tissue injury. The current review compiles the past and current research in the area of inflammation with particular emphasis on oxidative stress-mediated signaling mechanisms that are involved in inflammation and tissue injury.

Temperature response of the neuronal cytoskeleton mapped via atomic force and fluorescence microscopy

Neuronal cells change their growth properties in response to external physical stimuli such as variations in external temperature, stiffness of the growth substrate, or topographical guidance cues. Detailed knowledge of the mechanisms that control these biomechanical responses is necessary for understanding the basic principles that underlie neuronal growth and regeneration. Here, we present elasticity maps of living cortical neurons (embryonic rat) as a function of temperature, and correlate these maps to the locations of internal structural components of the cytoskeleton. Neurons display a significant increase in the average elastic modulus upon a decrease in ambient temperature from 37 to 25 °C. We demonstrate that the dominant mechanism by which the elasticity of the neurons changes in response to temperature is the stiffening of the actin components of the cytoskeleton induced by myosin II. We also report a reversible shift in the location and composition of the high-stiffness areas of the neuron cytoskeleton with temperature. At 37 °C the areas of the cell displaying high elastic modulus overlap with the tubulin-dense regions, while at 25 °C these high-stiffness areas correspond to the actin-dense regions of the cytoskeleton. These results demonstrate the importance of considering temperature effects when investigating cytoskeletal dynamics in cells.

Guanine nucleotide exchange factor-H1 signaling is involved in lipopolysaccharide-induced endothelial barrier dysfunction

BACKGROUND

Gram-negative bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) leads to the pathologic increase of vascular leakage under septic conditions. However, the mechanisms behind LPS-induced vascular hyperpermeability remain incompletely understood. In this study, we tested hypothesis that guanine nucleotide exchange factor-H1 (GEF-H1) signaling might be a key pathway involved in endothelial cells (ECs) barrier dysfunction.

METHODS

The roles of GEF-H1 signaling pathway in LPS-induced ECs barrier dysfunction were accessed by Evans blue dye-labeled albumin (EB-albumin) leak across the human umbilical vein EC (HUVEC) monolayers and Western blot assays. Furthermore, the effect of GEF-H1 signaling on LPS-induced alteration of cytoskeletal proteins and disruption of cell-cell junctions were analyzed by immunofluorescent analysis and Western blot assays, respectively.

RESULTS

We found that LPS could rapidly activated GEF-H1/RhoA/Rho-associated protein kinase (ROCK) signaling pathway in ECs. The LPS-mediated increase in EB-albumin flux across human HUVECs monolayers could be prevented by GEF-H1 depletion or ROCK inactivation. ECs permeability is controlled by actin filaments and cell-cell contact protein complexes. Actin stress fiber formation and/or cell-cell contact proteins loss cause vascular barrier disruption. Here, GEF-H1 knockdown or ROCK inactivation both not only significantly inhibited LPS-induced actin stress fiber formation, phosphorylation of myosin light chain, and myosin-associated phosphatase type 1, but also suppressed LPS-induced loss of occludin, claudin-1, and vascular endothelial (VE)-cadherin in ECs, which suggested that LPS-induced stress fiber formation and cell-cell junctions disruption were closely associated with GEF-H1/RhoA/ROCK signaling activation.

CONCLUSION

Our findings indicate that GEF-H1/RhoA/ROCK pathway in ECs plays an important role in LPS-mediated alteration of cell morphology and disruption of cell-cell junctions, consequently regulate LPS-induced vascular permeability dysfunction.

Role of NF-κB activation in LPS-induced endothelial barrier breakdown

Endothelial barrier breakdown contributes to organ failure in sepsis. The key mechanism by which the potent sepsis inductor lipopolysaccharide (LPS) disrupts the endothelial barrier is controversial. Here, we tested the hypothesis that NF-κB activation is critically involved in endothelial barrier breakdown. Application of LPS to monolayers of porcine pulmonary artery endothelial cells (PAEC) and human dermal microvascular endothelial cells (HDMEC) induced a rapid and sustained activation of NF-κB as revealed by translocation of its subunit p65 into the nuclei in nuclear extraction assays and by immunostaining. Measurements of transendothelial electrical resistance (TER) and intercellular gap formation demonstrated significant breakdown of endothelial barrier properties following LPS treatment for 3 h. Interestingly, monolayers recovered spontaneously beginning after 10 h. Increased cAMP prevented LPS-induced loss of endothelial barrier properties, but did not block NF-κB activation. Application of the cell-permeable NEMO-binding domain (NBD) synthetic peptide was effective to prevent NF-κB activation, but did neither block LPS-induced loss of TER nor intercellular gap formation. NBD peptide alone did not alter endothelial barrier properties, but enhanced the barrier-compromising effects when applied in combination with LPS. Similarly, siRNA-mediated knock-down of p65 in HDMECs did not prevent LPS-induced barrier breakdown. Known targets of NF-κB-derived protein expression of caveolin or vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein (VASP) remained unaltered by LPS treatment of endothelial cells. In summary, our data indicate that NF-κB activation by LPS is not critically involved in disruption of endothelial barrier properties. Rather, our data suggest that NF-κB activation acts as a part of a rescue mechanism.

TIMAP protects endothelial barrier from LPS-induced vascular leakage and is down-regulated by LPS

TIMAP is a regulatory subunit of protein phosphatase 1, whose role remains largely unknown. Our recent data suggested that TIMAP is involved in the regulation of barrier function in cultured pulmonary endothelial monolayers [Csortos et al., 2008. Am. J. Physiol. Lung Cell. Mol. Physiol. 295, L440-L450]. Here we showed that TIMAP depletion exacerbates lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced vascular leakage in murine lung, suggesting that TIMAP has a barrier-protective role in vivo. Real-Time RT PCR analysis revealed that treatment with LPS significantly suppressed Timap mRNA level. This suppression was not achieved via the down-regulation of Timap promoter activity, suggesting that LPS decreased Timap mRNA stability. Pretreatment with protein kinase A (PKA) inhibitor H-89 reduced TIMAP mRNA level, whereas pretreatment with PKA activator, bnz-cAMP, increased this level and attenuated LPS-induced decrease in TIMAP mRNA. Altogether, these data confirmed the barrier-protective role of TIMAP and suggested that barrier-disruptive and barrier-protective agents may employ modulation of TIMAP expression as a mechanism affecting barrier permeability.