1
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The uPA/uPAR System Orchestrates the Inflammatory Response, Vascular Homeostasis, and Immune System in Fibrosis Progression. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24021796. [PMID: 36675310 PMCID: PMC9866279 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24021796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibrotic diseases, such as systemic sclerosis (SSc), idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, renal fibrosis and liver cirrhosis are characterized by tissue overgrowth due to excessive extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition. Fibrosis progression is caused by ECM overproduction and the inhibition of ECM degradation due to several events, including inflammation, vascular endothelial dysfunction, and immune abnormalities. Recently, it has been reported that urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA) and its receptor (uPAR), known to be fibrinolytic factors, orchestrate the inflammatory response, vascular homeostasis, and immune homeostasis system. The uPA/uPAR system may show promise as a potential therapeutic target for fibrotic diseases. This review considers the role of the uPA/uPAR system in the progression of fibrotic diseases.
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2
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Yuan C, Guo Z, Yu S, Jiang L, Huang M. Development of inhibitors for uPAR: blocking the interaction of uPAR with its partners. Drug Discov Today 2021; 26:1076-1085. [PMID: 33486111 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2021.01.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Revised: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR) mediates a multitude of biological activities, has key roles in several clinical indications, including malignancies and inflammation, and, thus, has attracted intensive research over the past few decades. The pleiotropic functions of uPAR can be attributed to its interaction with an array of partners. Many inhibitors have been developed to intervene with the interaction of uPAR with these partners. Here, we review the development of these classes of uPAR inhibitor and their inhibitory mechanisms to promote the translation of these inhibitors to clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cai Yuan
- College of Biological Science and Engineering, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350116, China
| | - Zhanzhi Guo
- College of Biological Science and Engineering, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350116, China
| | - Shujuan Yu
- College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fujian, 350116, China
| | - Longguang Jiang
- College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fujian, 350116, China.
| | - Mingdong Huang
- College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fujian, 350116, China.
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3
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Kotańska M, Szafarz M, Mika K, Dziubina A, Bednarski M, Müller CE, Sapa J, Kieć-Kononowicz K. PSB 603 - a known selective adenosine A2B receptor antagonist - has anti-inflammatory activity in mice. Biomed Pharmacother 2020; 135:111164. [PMID: 33385856 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2020.111164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2020] [Revised: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
A2B adenosine receptors are present in a wide spectrum of tissues, especially on cells of the immune system. Since these particular receptors have the lowest, of all adenosine receptor subtypes, affinity for adenosine they are believed to play a special role in immunological processes associated with elevated adenosine levels such as inflammation. The aim of this preliminary study was to determine the potential anti-inflammatory properties of compound PSB-603, a potent and selective adenosine A2B receptor antagonist, in two different experimental models of local and systemic inflammation. In a model of inflammation induced by local carrageenan administration paw edema was measured using a pletysmometer. Additionally, levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) were determined in the inflamed paw. Using the mouse model of peripheral inflammation induced by intraperitoneal (ip) administration of zymosan A, the influence of the A2B antagonist on the infiltration of neutrophils into the peritoneum and its effect on the plasma levels of CRP, TNF-α, and IL-6 were investigated. The results showed that PSB-603 administered at a dose of 5 mg/kg b.w. ip significantly reduced inflammation in both tested models. Particularly, it significantly decreased levels of the inflammatory cytokines IL-6, TNF-α and of ROS in the inflamed paw and reduced inflammation of the peritoneum by significantly decreasing the infiltration of leukocytes. Additionally, in the latter model, no statistically significant difference was observed in the CRP level between the control group without inflammation and the group which has been treated with the PSB-603 compound. Thus, the results may indicate the anti-inflammatory activity of adenosine A2B receptor antagonists in two different models of inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Kotańska
- Department of Pharmacological Screening, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 9 Medyczna Street, PL 30-688, Krakow, Poland.
| | - Małgorzata Szafarz
- Department of Pharmacokinetics and Physical Pharmacy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland
| | - Kamil Mika
- Department of Pharmacological Screening, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 9 Medyczna Street, PL 30-688, Krakow, Poland
| | - Anna Dziubina
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 9 Medyczna Street, PL 30-688, Krakow, Poland
| | - Marek Bednarski
- Department of Pharmacological Screening, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 9 Medyczna Street, PL 30-688, Krakow, Poland
| | - Christa E Müller
- PharmaCenter Bonn, Pharmaceutical Institute, Pharmaceutical & Medicinal Chemistry, An der Immenburg 4, D-53121, Bonn, Germany
| | - Jacek Sapa
- Department of Pharmacological Screening, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 9 Medyczna Street, PL 30-688, Krakow, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Kieć-Kononowicz
- Department of Technology and Biotechnology of Drugs, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland
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4
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Pharmacokinetics of the Urokinase Receptor-Derived Peptide UPARANT After Single and Multiple Doses Administration in Rats. Eur J Drug Metab Pharmacokinet 2020; 46:119-128. [PMID: 33089470 DOI: 10.1007/s13318-020-00654-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES UPARANT has emerged as a novel therapeutic agent with the potential to treat ocular diseases as assessed by studies in animal models. Since limited information is available on the pharmacokinetics of UPARANT, the aim of this study is to evaluate its pharmacokinetics after single and multiple ascending dose (SAD and MAD) administration in rats. METHODS Male (n = 27) and female (n = 27) Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into six groups (n = 9/sex/group). UPARANT was administered via subcutaneous injection as single (10, 50 or 100 mg/kg; day 1) and multiple (10, 50 or 100 mg/kg/day; 7 consecutive days; day 7) dosing. Blood samples were collected on day 1 (pre-dose, 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 8 and 24 h post dose) and day 7 (pre-dose, 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 8, 24, 48 and 192 h post dose). The plasma concentration of UPARANT was determined by a validated liquid chromatography mass spectrometry method. RESULTS The plasma concentration-time profiles of UPARANT were similar in SAD and MAD administration in both male and female rats. The compound reached maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) at 1-2 h with a slow apparent plasma clearance and a moderate apparent volume of distribution. Moreover, SAD administration revealed a non-proportional increase in Cmax and in the area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUCinf), whereas a dose-proportional increase in AUCinf was shown after MAD administration. Regarding the extent of accumulation, the data suggest negligible accumulation of the compound after multiple administrations. CONCLUSION The pharmacokinetics of UPARANT were not sex-related, and there was negligible accumulation in plasma after 7 days of treatment. However, the compound exhibited no dose-proportional pharmacokinetics after single and multiple ascending subcutaneous dosing.
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5
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Locri F, Pesce NA, Aronsson M, Cammalleri M, De Rosa M, Pavone V, Bagnoli P, Kvanta A, Dal Monte M, André H. Gaining insight on mitigation of rubeosis iridis by UPARANT in a mouse model associated with proliferative retinopathy. J Mol Med (Berl) 2020; 98:1629-1638. [PMID: 32940719 PMCID: PMC7591405 DOI: 10.1007/s00109-020-01979-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Revised: 09/04/2020] [Accepted: 09/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Proliferative retinopathies (PR) lead to an increase in neovascularization and inflammation factors, at times culminating in pathologic rubeosis iridis (RI). In mice, uveal puncture combined with injection of hypoxia-conditioned media mimics RI associated with proliferative retinopathies. Here, we investigated the effects of the urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR) antagonist-UPARANT-on the angiogenic and inflammatory processes that are dysregulated in this model. In addition, the effects of UPARANT were compared with those of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapies. Administration of UPARANT promptly decreased iris vasculature, while anti-VEGF effects were slower and less pronounced. Immunoblot and qPCR analysis suggested that UPARANT acts predominantly by reducing the upregulated inflammatory and extracellular matrix degradation responses. UPARANT appears to be more effective in comparison to anti-VEGF in the treatment of RI associated with PR in the murine model, by modulating multiple uPAR-associated signaling pathways. Furthermore, UPARANT effectiveness was maintained when systemically administered, which could open to novel improved therapies for proliferative ocular diseases, particularly those associated with PR. KEY MESSAGES: • Further evidence of UPARANT effectiveness in normalizing pathological iris neovascularization. • Both systemic and local administration of UPARANT reduce iris neovascularization in a model associated with proliferative retinopathies. • In the mouse models of rubeosis iridis associated with proliferative retinopathy, UPARANT displays stronger effects when compared with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor regimen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filippo Locri
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Division of Eye and Vision, St Erik Eye Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Polhemsgatan 50, 112 82, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Noemi A Pesce
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Division of Eye and Vision, St Erik Eye Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Polhemsgatan 50, 112 82, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Monica Aronsson
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Division of Eye and Vision, St Erik Eye Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Polhemsgatan 50, 112 82, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Mario De Rosa
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Second University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Pavone
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Paola Bagnoli
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Anders Kvanta
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Division of Eye and Vision, St Erik Eye Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Polhemsgatan 50, 112 82, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Helder André
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Division of Eye and Vision, St Erik Eye Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Polhemsgatan 50, 112 82, Stockholm, Sweden.
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6
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D'Alonzo D, De Fenza M, Pavone V. COVID-19 and pneumonia: a role for the uPA/uPAR system. Drug Discov Today 2020; 25:1528-1534. [PMID: 32562843 PMCID: PMC7299864 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2020.06.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2020] [Revised: 05/14/2020] [Accepted: 06/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Here, we highlight recent findings on the urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA)/uPA receptor (uPAR) system that suggest its potential role as a main orchestrator of fatal progression to pulmonary, kidney, and heart failure in patients with coronavirus. Patients with prolonged background inflammation can present aberrant inflammatory reactions, well recognized as the main factors that can result in death and probably sustained by a dysregulated uPA/uPAR system. SuPAR, the soluble form of uPAR, represents a biomarker of disease progression, and its levels correlate well with comorbidities associated with the death of patients with coronavirus. New drugs that regulate the uPA/uPAR system could help treat the severe complications of highly pathogenic human coronaviruses (hCoVs), including pandemic coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19).
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele D'Alonzo
- University of Naples 'Federico II', Department of Chemical Sciences, Complesso Universitario di Monte Sant'Angelo, Via Cintia 46, 80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Maria De Fenza
- University of Naples 'Federico II', Department of Chemical Sciences, Complesso Universitario di Monte Sant'Angelo, Via Cintia 46, 80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Pavone
- University of Naples 'Federico II', Department of Chemical Sciences, Complesso Universitario di Monte Sant'Angelo, Via Cintia 46, 80126 Naples, Italy.
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7
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Cammalleri M, Dal Monte M, Locri F, Pecci V, De Rosa M, Pavone V, Bagnoli P. The urokinase-type plasminogen activator system as drug target in retinitis pigmentosa: New pre-clinical evidence in the rd10 mouse model. J Cell Mol Med 2019; 23:5176-5192. [PMID: 31251468 PMCID: PMC6653070 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.14391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2019] [Revised: 04/05/2019] [Accepted: 05/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is characterized by progressive loss of vision due to photoreceptor degeneration leading to secondary inflammation. The urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) system contributes to retinal inflammation, but its role in RP is unknown. In the rd10 mouse model of RP, we addressed this question with the use of the peptide UPARANT designed to interact with the uPA system. UPARANT was systemically administered from post-natal day (PD) 10 to PD30 when its efficacy in RP rescue was investigated using electroretinographic recordings, Western blot and immunocytochemistry. Temporal profile of protein expression in the uPA system was also investigated. UPARANT reduced both Müller cell gliosis and up-regulated levels of inflammatory markers and exerted major anti-apoptotic effects without influencing the autophagy cascade. Rescue from retinal cell degeneration was accompanied by improved retinal function. No scotopic phototransduction was rescued in the UPARANT-treated animals as determined by the kinetic analysis of rod-mediated a-waves and confirmed by rod photoreceptor markers. In contrast, the cone photopic b-wave was recovered and its rescue was confirmed in the whole mounts using cone arrestin antibody. Investigation of the uPA system regulation over RP progression revealed extremely low levels of uPA and its receptor uPAR both of which were recovered by HIF-1α stabilization indicating that HIF-1 regulates the expression of the uPA/uPAR gene in the retina. Ameliorative effects of UPARANT were likely to occur through an inhibitory action on up-regulated activity of the αvβ3 integrin/Rac1 pathway that was suggested as a novel target for the development of therapeutic approaches against RP.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Filippo Locri
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Valeria Pecci
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Mario De Rosa
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Second University of Napoli, Napoli, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Pavone
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Napoli Federico II, Napoli, Italy
| | - Paola Bagnoli
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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8
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Locri F, Dal Monte M, Aronsson M, Cammalleri M, De Rosa M, Pavone V, Kvanta A, Bagnoli P, André H. UPARANT is an effective antiangiogenic agent in a mouse model of rubeosis iridis. J Mol Med (Berl) 2019; 97:1273-1283. [PMID: 31243519 PMCID: PMC6713680 DOI: 10.1007/s00109-019-01794-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2018] [Revised: 04/08/2019] [Accepted: 05/03/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Abstract Puncture-induced iris neovascularization (rubeosis iridis; RI) in mice is associated with upregulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation and inflammatory factors. The anti-angiogenic and anti-inflammatory efficacy of UPARANT in reducing RI was determined by noninvasive, in vivo iris vascular densitometry, and confirmed in vitro by quantitative vascular-specific immunostaining. Intravitreal administration of UPARANT successfully and rapidly reduced RI to non-induced control levels. Molecular analysis revealed that UPARANT inhibits formyl peptide receptors through a predominantly anti-inflammatory response, accompanied with a significant reduction in ECM degradation and inflammation markers. Similar results were observed with UPARANT administered systemically by subcutaneous injection. These data suggest that the tetrapeptide UPARANT is an effective anti-angiogenic agent for the treatment of RI, both by local and systemic administrations. The effectiveness of UPARANT in reducing RI in a model independent of the canonical vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) proposes an alternative for patients that do not respond to anti-VEGF treatments, which could improve treatment in proliferative ocular diseases. Key messages UPARANT is effective in the treatment of rubeosis iridis, both by local and systemic administrations. UPARANT can reduce VEGF-independent neovascularization.
Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1007/s00109-019-01794-w) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filippo Locri
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Division of Eye and Vision, St Erik Eye Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Polhemsgatan 50, 112 82, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Monica Aronsson
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Division of Eye and Vision, St Erik Eye Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Polhemsgatan 50, 112 82, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Mario De Rosa
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Second University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Pavone
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Anders Kvanta
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Division of Eye and Vision, St Erik Eye Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Polhemsgatan 50, 112 82, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Paola Bagnoli
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Helder André
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Division of Eye and Vision, St Erik Eye Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Polhemsgatan 50, 112 82, Stockholm, Sweden.
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9
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Dal Monte M, Cammalleri M, Pecci V, Carmosino M, Procino G, Pini A, De Rosa M, Pavone V, Svelto M, Bagnoli P. Inhibiting the urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor system recovers STZ-induced diabetic nephropathy. J Cell Mol Med 2018; 23:1034-1049. [PMID: 30426662 PMCID: PMC6349167 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.14004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2018] [Revised: 10/03/2018] [Accepted: 10/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) receptor (uPAR) participates to the mechanisms causing renal damage in response to hyperglycaemia. The main function of uPAR in podocytes (as well as soluble uPAR -(s)uPAR- from circulation) is to regulate podocyte function through αvβ3 integrin/Rac-1. We addressed the question of whether blocking the uPAR pathway with the small peptide UPARANT, which inhibits uPAR binding to the formyl peptide receptors (FPRs) can improve kidney lesions in a rat model of streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes. The concentration of systemically administered UPARANT was measured in the plasma, in kidney and liver extracts and UPARANT effects on dysregulated uPAR pathway, αvβ3 integrin/Rac-1 activity, renal fibrosis and kidney morphology were determined. UPARANT was found to revert STZ-induced up-regulation of uPA levels and activity, while uPAR on podocytes and (s)uPAR were unaffected. In glomeruli, UPARANT inhibited FPR2 expression suggesting that the drug may act downstream uPAR, and recovered the increased activity of the αvβ3 integrin/Rac-1 pathway indicating a major role of uPAR in regulating podocyte function. At the functional level, UPARANT was shown to ameliorate: (a) the standard renal parameters, (b) the vascular permeability, (c) the renal inflammation, (d) the renal fibrosis including dysregulated plasminogen-plasmin system, extracellular matrix accumulation and glomerular fibrotic areas and (e) morphological alterations of the glomerulus including diseased filtration barrier. These results provide the first demonstration that blocking the uPAR pathway can improve diabetic kidney lesion in the STZ model, thus suggesting the uPA/uPAR system as a promising target for the development of novel uPAR-targeting approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Valeria Pecci
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Monica Carmosino
- Department of Sciences, University of Basilicata, Potenza, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Procino
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Alessandro Pini
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Firenze, Firenze, Italy
| | - Mario De Rosa
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Second University of Napoli, Napoli, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Pavone
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Napoli Federico II, Napoli, Italy
| | - Maria Svelto
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari, Bari, Italy.,Institute of Biomembranes and Bioenergetics, National Research Council, Bari, Italy
| | - Paola Bagnoli
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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10
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Narayanaswamy PB, Baral TK, Haller H, Dumler I, Acharya K, Kiyan Y. Transcriptomic pathway analysis of urokinase receptor silenced breast cancer cells: a microarray study. Oncotarget 2017; 8:101572-101590. [PMID: 29254187 PMCID: PMC5731897 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.21351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2017] [Accepted: 08/31/2017] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (PLAUR) has been implicated in a variety of physiological and pathological conditions. The multi-functionality of PLAUR is due to its capacity to interact with many co-receptors to regulate extracellular proteolysis and intracellular signaling. Recent reports are identifying novel functions of PLAUR which were not evident in the past; however, the molecular mechanisms of PLAUR signaling are not completely understood. Here, we have compared the transcriptomes of silencing control (sicon) and PLAUR silenced (PLAURsi) MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells on treatment with radiation. We isolated RNA from the cells, synthesized cDNA and measured the gene expression changes by microarray. We identified 24 downregulated and 53 upregulated genes, which were significantly (P-value < 0.005) affected by PLAUR silencing. Our analysis revealed 415 canonical pathways and 743 causal disease networks affected on silencing PLAUR. Transcriptomic changes and predicted pathways supported and consolidated some of the earlier understanding in the context of PLAUR signaling; including our recent observations in DNA damage and repair process. In addition, we have identified several novel pathways where PLAUR is implicated.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tapan K Baral
- Shodhaka Life Sciences Private Limited, Bengaluru, India
| | - Hermann Haller
- Department of Nephrology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Inna Dumler
- Department of Nephrology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Kshitish Acharya
- Shodhaka Life Sciences Private Limited, Bengaluru, India.,Institute of Bioinformatics and Applied Biotechnology, Bengaluru, India
| | - Yulia Kiyan
- Department of Nephrology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
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11
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Cammalleri M, Dal Monte M, Locri F, Marsili S, Lista L, De Rosa M, Pavone V, Rusciano D, Bagnoli P. Diabetic Retinopathy in the Spontaneously Diabetic Torii Rat: Pathogenetic Mechanisms and Preventive Efficacy of Inhibiting the Urokinase-Type Plasminogen Activator Receptor System. J Diabetes Res 2017; 2017:2904150. [PMID: 29464181 PMCID: PMC5804371 DOI: 10.1155/2017/2904150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2017] [Revised: 10/20/2017] [Accepted: 11/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The spontaneously diabetic Torii (SDT) rat is of increasing preclinical interest because of its similarities to human type 2 diabetic retinopathy (DR). The system formed by urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) and its receptor (uPAR) is a player in blood-retinal barrier (BRB) breakdown in DR. Here, we investigated whether in SDT rats, preventive administration of UPARANT, an inhibitor of the uPAR pathway, counteracts the retinal impairment in response to chronic hyperglycemia. Electroretinogram (ERG) monitoring was followed over time. Fluorescein-dextran microscopy, CD31 immunohistochemistry, quantitative PCR, ELISA, Evans blue perfusion, and Western blot were also used. UPARANT prevented ERG dysfunction, upregulation of vascular endothelial growth factor and fibroblast growth factor-2, BRB leakage, gliosis, and retinal cell death. The mechanisms underlying UPARANT benefits were studied comparing them with the acute streptozotocin (STZ) model in which UPARANT is known to inhibit DR signs. In SDT rats, but not in the STZ model, UPARANT downregulated the expression of uPAR and its membrane partners. In both models, UPARANT reduced the levels of transcription factors coupled to inflammation or inflammatory factors themselves. These findings may help to establish the uPAR system as putative target for the development of novel drugs that may prevent type 2 DR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maurizio Cammalleri
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Via San Zeno 31, 56127 Pisa, Italy
| | - Massimo Dal Monte
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Via San Zeno 31, 56127 Pisa, Italy
| | - Filippo Locri
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Via San Zeno 31, 56127 Pisa, Italy
| | - Stefania Marsili
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Via San Zeno 31, 56127 Pisa, Italy
| | - Liliana Lista
- Department of Biology, University of Napoli Federico II, Complesso Universitario Monte Sant'Angelo, Via Cinthia, Edificio 7, 80126 Napoli, Italy
| | - Mario De Rosa
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Second University of Napoli, Via Santa Maria di Costantinopoli 16, 80138 Napoli, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Pavone
- Department of Biology, University of Napoli Federico II, Complesso Universitario Monte Sant'Angelo, Via Cinthia, Edificio 7, 80126 Napoli, Italy
| | - Dario Rusciano
- Sooft Fidia Pharma, Contrada Molino 17, 63833 Montegiorgio, Italy
| | - Paola Bagnoli
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Via San Zeno 31, 56127 Pisa, Italy
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