TMEM88 modulates the secretion of inflammatory factors by regulating YAP signaling pathway in alcoholic liver disease

YAP/TAZ as master regulators in liver regeneration and disease: insights into mechanisms and therapeutic targets

Yes-associated protein (YAP) and transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ) are key downstream effectors of the Hippo pathway that regulate organ size, tissue homeostasis, and cancer development. YAP/TAZ play crucial regulatory roles in organ growth, cell proliferation, cell renewal, and regeneration. Mechanistically, YAP/TAZ influence the occurrence and progression of liver regeneration (LR) through various signaling pathways, including Notch, Wnt/β-catenin, TGF-β/Smad. While the activation of YAP/TAZ can promote the regeneration of damaged liver tissue, their mechanisms of action may differ under various LR conditions. Furthermore, excessive activation of YAP/TAZ may also lead to severe liver damage, manifesting as alcoholic hepatitis, liver fibrosis, and even liver cancer. Here, we review the role and mechanisms of YAP/TAZ in LR and liver disease, highlighting the potential for advancements in clinical diagnosis and treatment targeting YAP/TAZ in these contexts.

Rapid Sex Identification in Spotted Knifejaw (Oplegnathus punctatus) Using tmem88 Gene Structural Variation Markers

Spotted knifejaw (Oplegnathus punctatus) is an economically important marine cultured species exhibiting a unique complex sex chromosome system (X1X1X2X2 in females and X1X2Y in males), with males possessing one fewer chromosome (2n = 47) than females (2n = 48) and an abnormally large Y chromosome. Additionally, males demonstrate significant growth advantages over females. Rapid and accurate sex identification is essential for effective culture management, selective breeding, and population control. In this study, we identified a homologous region of the tmem88 gene containing large DNA insertion markers on the X and Y chromosomes through whole-genome sequencing of O. punctatus. The X1 chromosome harbors a 278 bp DNA fragment, whereas the Y chromosome contains a 1472 bp fragment, resulting in a 1194 bp size difference indicative of structural variation in the non-coding region of the tmem88 gene. We developed a rapid detection method based on this variation, utilizing a pair of primers that amplify two distinct bands (278 bp and 1472 bp) in male (X1X2Y) individuals and a single 278 bp band in female (X1X1X2X2) individuals when analyzed by agarose gel electrophoresis. This method enables efficient and accurate sex differentiation in O. punctatus, significantly reducing the time required for identification and enhancing detection efficiency. This study provides a valuable tool for the rapid identification of sex in O. punctatus, facilitating improved breeding strategies and supporting the large-scale production of high-quality fry.

Exploring the impact of inflammatory cytokines on alcoholic liver disease: a Mendelian randomization study with bioinformatics insights into potential biological mechanisms

Background: Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) significantly contributes to global morbidity and mortality. The role of inflammatory cytokines in alcohol-induced liver injury is pivotal yet not fully elucidated.Objectives: To establish a causal link between inflammatory cytokines and ALD using a Mendelian Randomization (MR) framework.Methods: This MR study utilized genome-wide significant variants as instrumental variables (IVs) for assessing the relationship between inflammatory cytokines and ALD risk, focusing on individuals of European descent. The approach was supported by comprehensive sensitivity analyses and augmented by bioinformatics tools including differential gene expression, protein-protein interactions (PPI), Gene Ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis, and analysis of immune cell infiltration.Results: Our findings reveal that increased levels of stem cell growth factor beta (SCGF-β, beta = 0.141, p = .032) and interleukin-7 (IL-7, beta = 0.311, p = .002) are associated with heightened ALD risk, whereas higher levels of macrophage inflammatory protein-1α (MIP-1α, beta = -0.396, p = .004) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF, beta = -0.628, p = .008) are linked to reduced risk. The sensitivity analyses support these robust causal relationships. Bioinformatics analyses around inflammatory cytokine-associated SNP loci suggest multiple pathways through which cytokines influence ALD.Conclusion: The genetic evidence from this study convincingly demonstrates that certain inflammatory cytokines play directional roles in ALD pathogenesis. These findings provide insights into the complex biological pathways involved and underscore the potential for developing targeted therapies that modulate these inflammatory responses, ultimately improving clinical outcomes for ALD patients.

YAP/STAT3 inhibited CD8+ T cells activity in the breast cancer immune microenvironment by inducing M2 polarization of tumor-associated macrophages

BACKGROUND

Breast cancer (BC) is the leading cause of cancer-related death among women. One of the hallmarks of cancer is sustained angiogenesis. YAP/STAT3 may promote angiogenesis and driving BC progression. This study aimed to investigate how YAP/STAT3 affects the immune microenvironment in BC and understand the underlying mechanism.

METHODS

To establish a tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) model, macrophages were cultured in the 4T1 cell culture medium. A BC mouse model was created by injecting 4T1 cells. The expression of YAP, STAT3, p-STAT3, VEGF, VEGFR-2, and PD-L1 was analyzed using immunofluorescence, western blotting, and quantitative real-time PCR. Flow cytometry was used to identify M1 and M2 macrophages, CD4+ T, CD8+ T, and Treg cells. Levels of iNOS, IL-12, IL-10, TGF-β, Arg-1, and CCL-22 were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Co-IP was used to verify whether YAP binds to STAT3. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was used to observe tumor morphology. Cell counting kit-8 was selected to detect T-cell proliferation.

RESULTS

YAP, STAT3, P-STAT3, VEGF, VEGFR-2, and PD-L1 were highly expressed in BC tissues. The M2/M1 macrophages ratio increased in the TAMs group compared with the control group. Inhibiting of YAP and STAT3 decreased the M2/M1 macrophages ratio. YAP was found to bind with STAT3. T-cell proliferation was enhanced after YAP inhibition, and overexpression of STAT3 reversed the regulation of YAP on T-cell proliferation. In animal studies, inhibiting YAP inhibited tumor weight and volume development. After YAP inhibition, inflammatory infiltration, M2/M1 macrophage ratio, and Treg cell ratio declined, while CD8+ and CD4+ T-cell ratio increased.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, this study suggested inhibition of YAP/STAT3 reversed M2 polarization of TAMs and suppressed CD8+ T-cell activity in the BC immune microenvironment. These findings open up new avenues for the development of innovative therapies in the treatment of BC.

Honokiol Inhibits the Inflammatory Response and Lipid Metabolism Disorder by Inhibiting p38α in Alcoholic Liver Disease

Alcoholic liver disease is one of the leading causes of liver-related morbidity and mortality worldwide, but effective treatments are still lacking. Honokiol, a lignin-type natural compound isolated from the leaves and bark of Magnolia plants, has been widely studied for its beneficial effects on several chronic diseases. Accumulating studies have revealed that honokiol displays a potential therapeutic effect on alcoholic liver disease. In this study, the protective activity of honokiol on alcoholic liver disease was confirmed due to its significant inhibitory activity on the expression levels of inflammatory cytokines (such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-6, and interleukin-1β) in EtOH-fed mice and in EtOH-induced AML-12 cells. Meanwhile, the expression of the lipid metabolic parameter sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1c was also reduced. However, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α was increased in animal and cell experiments, which indicates that the activity of honokiol was related to its regulated activity on lipid metabolism. The result showed that honokiol significantly inhibited the expression level of p38α in vivo and in vitro. Blocking p38α inhibited the expression levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-6, interleukin-1β, and sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1c but promoted the expression level of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α compared with the honokiol-treated group. Moreover, the forced expression level of p38α further produced the opposite effect on inflammatory cytokines and lipid metabolism indicators. Furthermore, p38α has been related to the activation of the nuclear factor kappa B signaling pathway. In our study, honokiol significantly inhibited the activation of the nuclear factor kappa B signaling pathway mediated by p38α. In conclusion, the results suggest that honokiol might be an effective regulator of p38α by downregulating the nuclear factor kappa B signaling pathway, thereby reducing the inflammatory response and lipid metabolism disorder in alcoholic liver disease.

Transmembrane protein 88 suppresses hepatocellular carcinoma progression and serves as a novel prognostic factor

Background

Transmembrane protein 88 (TMEM88) is known to be involved in the canonical Wnt signaling pathway and is implicated in several malignancies. However, the expression, function, and prognostic significance of TMEM88 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remain unclear.

Methods

In this study, we analyzed mRNA levels of TMEM88 in HCC specimens from the TCGA dataset (n=374) to explore the correlation between TMEM88 and HCC. We also overexpressed TMEM88 in the Huh7 human HCC cell line to investigate its tumor-related role in HCC. Additionally, we conducted in vivo experiments using a mouse model to further validate the critical function of TMEM88 in modulating HCC growth.

Results

Our results showed that TMEM88 is negatively correlated with the T stage, TNM stage, and pathological grade of HCC. Higher levels of TMEM88 can help predict better overall survival of HCC in both univariate and multivariate analyses. Similarly, higher TMEM88 is a novel prognostic factor for better disease-specific survival of HCC. Overexpression of TMEM88 in Huh7 cells led to a decreased cell proliferation capacity. Xenograft experiments in a mouse model showed that TMEM88 overexpression can remarkably suppress HCC progression.

Conclusions

Transmembrane protein 88 suppresses HCC growth both in vitro and in vivo, which can act as a potential prognostic factor with clinical application potential.

Targeting TMEM88 as an Attractive Therapeutic Strategy in Malignant Tumors

According to authoritative surveys, the overall morbidity and mortality of malignant tumors show an upward trend, and it is predicted that this trend will not be well contained in the upcoming new period. Since the influencing factors, pathogenesis, and progression characteristics of malignant tumors have not been fully elucidated, the existing treatment strategies, mainly including surgical resection, ablation therapy and chemotherapy, cannot achieve satisfactory results. Therefore, exploring potential therapeutic targets and clarifying their functions and mechanisms in continuous research and practice will provide new ideas and possibilities for the treatment of malignant tumors. Recently, a double-transmembrane protein named transmembrane protein 88 (TMEM88) was reported to regulate changes in downstream effectors by mediating different signaling pathways and was confirmed to be widely involved in cell proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis and tumor progression. At present, abnormal changes in TMEM88 have been found in breast cancer, ovarian cancer, lung cancer, thyroid cancer and other malignant tumors, which has also attracted the attention of tumor research and attempted to clarify its function and mechanism. However, due to the lack of systematic generalization, comprehensive and detailed research results have not been comprehensively summarized. In view of this, this article will describe in detail the changes in TMEM88 in the occurrence and development of malignant tumors, comprehensively summarize the corresponding molecular mechanisms, and explore the potential of targeting TMEM88 in the treatment of malignant tumors to provide valuable candidate targets and promising intervention strategies for the diagnosis and cure of malignant tumors.

TMEM88 Modulates Lipid Synthesis and Metabolism Cytokine by Regulating Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling Pathway in Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Objective: To clarify the molecular mechanism of TMEM88 regulating lipid synthesis and metabolism cytokine in NAFLD.

Methods:In vivo, NAFLD model mice were fed by a Methionine and Choline-Deficient (MCD) diet. H&E staining and immunohistochemistry experiments were used to analyze the mice liver tissue. RT-qPCR and Western blotting were used to detect the lipid synthesis and metabolism cytokine. In vitro, pEGFP-C1-TMEM88 and TMEM88 siRNA were transfected respectively in free fat acid (FFA) induced AML-12 cells, and the expression level of SREBP-1c, PPAR-α, FASN, and ACOX-1 were evaluated by RT-qPCR and Western blotting.

Results: The study found that the secretion of PPAR-α and its downstream target ACOX-1 were upregulated, and the secretion of SREBP-1c and its downstream target FASN were downregulated after transfecting with pEGFP-C1-TMEM88. But when TMEM88 was inhibited, the experimental results were opposite to the aforementioned conclusions. The data suggested that it may be related to the occurrence, development, and end of NAFLD. Additionally, the study proved that TMEM88 can inhibit Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Meanwhile, TMEM88 can accelerate the apoptotic rate of FFA-induced AML-12 cells.

Conclusion: Overall, the study proved that TMEM88 takes part in regulating the secretion of lipid synthesis and metabolism cytokine through the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in AML-12 cells. Therefore, TMEM88 may be involved in the progress of NAFLD. Further research will bring new ideas for the study of NAFLD.

CD73 Attenuates Alcohol-Induced Liver Injury and Inflammation via Blocking TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB Signaling Pathway

Background

Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is liver damage caused by long-term drinking. Inflammation plays a central role in the progression of ALD. CD73 is a ubiquitously expressed glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored glycoprotein that is a key enzyme that converts ATP into adenosine. Evidence has shown that CD73 plays an important role in many diseases, but the role and mechanism of CD73 in alcohol-induced liver injury and inflammation is still unclear.

Methods

The alcohol-induced liver injury and inflammation mouse model was established. The rAAV9-CD73 was used to overexpress CD73. Isolation of primary macrophages (MΦ) from the liver was conducted. The effects of CD73 on alcohol-induced liver injury and inflammation were evaluated by quantitative real‑time PCR, Western blotting, ELISA, and immunohistochemical assay. Flow cytometry was used to detect the cell cycle and apoptosis.

Results

Our results showed that overexpression of CD73 can reduce alcohol-induced liver damage, lipid accumulation, and the secretion of inflammatory cytokines. pEX3-CD73 can promote RAW264.7 cells proliferation and inhibit apoptosis via suppressing the activation of TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway. Inhibition of TLR4 further enhanced the anti-inflammatory effect of overexpression of CD73.

Conclusion

Overexpression of CD73 can reduce alcohol-induced liver injury and inflammation. CD73 may serve as a potential therapeutic target for ALD.

TMEM88 exhibits an antiproliferative and anti-invasive effect in bladder cancer by downregulating Wnt/β-catenin signaling

Transmembrane protein 88 (TMEM88) acts as a novel tumor-associated protein. The dysregulation of TMEM88 has been observed in several tumor types. However, the relevance of TMEM88 in tumorigenesis is still contradictory. This study assessed the relevance of TMEM88 in bladder cancer. TMEM88 levels were found to be significantly lower in bladder cancer tissue. Upregulation of TMEM88 resulted in a dramatic decrease in the cellular proliferative and invasive abilities of bladder cancer. Upregulation of TMEM88 decreased the level of active β-catenin and prohibited the activation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, an effect that was associated with downregulation of glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β) phosphorylation. Suppression of GSK-3β or overexpression of β-catenin reversed the TMEM88-induced tumor-inhibiting effects in bladder cancer. Overexpression of TMEM88 prohibited the tumor formation and growth of bladder cancer cells in nude mice. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that TMEM88 exerts an antitumor function in bladder cancer through downregulation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling.