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Lin W, Xiong J, Jiang Y, Liu H, Bian J, Wang J, Shao Y, Ni B. Fibrillin-1 mutation contributes to Marfan syndrome by inhibiting Cav1.2-mediated cell proliferation in vascular smooth muscle cells. Channels (Austin) 2023; 17:2192377. [PMID: 36972239 PMCID: PMC10054150 DOI: 10.1080/19336950.2023.2192377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Marfan syndrome (MFS) is an autosomal dominant connective tissue disorder caused by mutation in fibrillin-1 (FBN1). However, the molecular mechanism underlying MFS remains poorly understood. The study aimed to explore how the L-type calcium channel (CaV1.2) modulates disease progression of MFS and to identify a potential effective target for attenuating MFS. KEGG enrichment analysis showed that the calcium signaling pathway gene set was significantly enriched. We demonstrated that FBN1 deficiency exhibited inhibition on both the expression of Cav1.2 and proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Then, we examined whether FBN1 mediates Cav1.2 via regulating TGF-β1. Higher levels of TGF-β1 were observed in the serum and aortic tissues from patients with MFS. TGF-β1 modulated Cav1.2 expression in a concentration-dependent manner. We evaluated the role of Cav1.2 in MFS by small interfering RNA and Cav1.2 agonist Bay K8644. The effect of Cav1.2 on cell proliferation was dependent on c-Fos activity. These results demonstrated FBN1 deficiency decreased the expression levels of Cav1.2 via regulation of TGF-β1, and downregulation of Cav1.2 inhibited cell proliferation of human aortic smooth muscle cells (HASMCs) in MFS patients. These findings suggest that Cav1.2 may be an appealing therapeutic target for MFS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenfeng Lin
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jiaqi Xiong
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yefan Jiang
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Hao Liu
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jinhui Bian
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Juejin Wang
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease and Molecular Intervention, Department of Physiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yongfeng Shao
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Buqing Ni
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
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Sciriha GG, Sultana J, Borg J. Pharmacological treatment for transforming growth factor beta induced corneal dystrophies: what is the way forward? Expert Rev Clin Pharmacol 2023; 16:275-278. [PMID: 36945753 DOI: 10.1080/17512433.2023.2193683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/23/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Janet Sultana
- Exeter College of Medicine and Health, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Joseph Borg
- Department of Applied Biomedical Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Malta, Msida, Malta
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3
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Sciriha GG, Sultana J, Borg J. Identifying and categorizing compounds that reduce corneal transforming growth factor beta induced protein levels: a scoping review. Expert Rev Clin Pharmacol 2022; 15:1423-1442. [PMID: 36308770 DOI: 10.1080/17512433.2022.2142560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Transforming growth factor beta induced (TGFBI) gene mutations have been reported as the cause of a group of genetically inherited, visually debilitating, corneal dystrophies (CD). A scoping literature review to identify and categorize compounds that inhibit corneal TGFBI expression and/or promote TGFBIp degradation was performed. Emphasis was given to their potential to be used as a cost-effective approach via drug repurposing. AREAS COVERED We performed a thorough search of original peer-reviewed literature using electronic bibliographic databases and selected articles according to a set of criteria. The total number of articles retrieved from the search terms applied to the databases was 2344. The number of relevant full-text articles included added up to 19. We identified 16 compounds that can theoretically reduce the levels of mutant TGFBIp in human corneal cells. EXPERT OPINION Currently, the only temporary treatments available for this condition are lubricant drops and surgery. Here, we explored the crosstalk between cascades that regulate TGFBI expression and identified compounds that target these pathways. Compounds that inhibit DNA synthesis and function, increase elimination of TGFBIp or bind to mutant TGFBIp were also explored with the aim of highlighting promising compounds that can be used in future cost-effective drug-repurposing studies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Janet Sultana
- College of Medicine and Health, University of Exeter, Exeter UK
| | - Joseph Borg
- Department of Applied Biomedical Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Malta, Msida, Malta
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Li Y, Chen W, Deng H, Li T, Liu Z, Liu X, Zhang Z, Chen X, Sheng J, Li K. TGF-β1 Protects Trauma-injured Murine Cortical Neurons by Upregulating L-type Calcium Channel Ca v1.2 via the p38 Pathway. Neuroscience 2022; 492:47-57. [PMID: 35460836 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2022.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Revised: 04/09/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a leading cause of disability and death in adolescents, and there is a lack of effective methods of treatment. The neuroprotective effects exerted by TGF-β1 can ameliorate a range of neuronal lesions in multiple central nervous system diseases. In this study, we used an in-vitro TBI model of mechanical injury on murine primary cortical neurons and the neuro-2a cell line to investigate the neuroprotective role played by TGF-β1 in cortical neurons in TBI. Our results showed that TGF-β1 significantly increased neuronal viability and inhibited apoptosis for 24 h after trauma. The expression of Cav1.2, an L-type calcium channel (LTCC) isoform, decreased significantly after trauma injury, and this change was reversed by TGF-β1. Nimodipine, a classic LTCC blocker, abolished the protective effect of TGF-β1 on trauma-induced neuronal apoptosis. The knockdown of Cav1.2 in differentiated neuro-2a cells significantly inhibited the anti-apoptosis effect of TGF-β1 exerted on injured neuro-2a cells. Moreover, TGF-β1 rescued and enhanced the trauma-suppressed neuro-2a intracellular Ca2+ concentration, while the effect of TGF-β1 was partially inhibited by nimodipine. TGF-β1 significantly upregulated the expression of Cav1.2 by activating the p38 MAPK pathway and by inhibiting trauma-induced neuronal apoptosis. In conclusion, TGF-β1 increased trauma-injured murine cortical neuronal activity and inhibited apoptosis by upregulating Cav1.2 channels via activating the p38 MAPK pathway. Therefore, the TGF-β1/p38 MAPK/Cav 1.2 pathway has the potential to be used as a novel therapeutic target for TBI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanlei Li
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Provincial Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Immunopathology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Weiqiang Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, China
| | - Huixiong Deng
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Provincial Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Immunopathology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Tian Li
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Provincial Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Immunopathology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Zhenning Liu
- Department of Laboratory, Guangzhou Chest Hospital, China
| | - Xueer Liu
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Provincial Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Immunopathology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Zelin Zhang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Provincial Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Immunopathology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Xiaoxuan Chen
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Provincial Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Immunopathology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Jiangtao Sheng
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Provincial Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Immunopathology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Kangsheng Li
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Provincial Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Immunopathology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
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Hu Y, Chen G, Huang J, Li Z, Li Z, Xie Y, Chen Y, Li H, Su W, Chen X, Liang D. The Calcium Channel Inhibitor Nimodipine Shapes the Uveitogenic T Cells and Protects Mice from Experimental Autoimmune Uveitis through the p38-MAPK Signaling Pathway. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2021; 207:2933-2943. [PMID: 34799427 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2100568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Autoimmune uveitis (AU) is a sight-threatening ocular inflammatory disorder, characterized by massive retinal vascular leakage and inflamed lesions with infiltration of the uveitogenic T cells in the retina and disorders of the T cell-related immune response in the system. Stimulation of TCRs can trigger calcium release and influx via Ca2+ channels and then transmit signals from the surface to the nucleus, which are important for energy metabolism, proliferation, activation, and differentiation. Inhibition of Ca2+ influx by pharmacological modulation of Ca2+ channels may suppress T cell function, representing a novel anti-inflammatory strategy in the treatment of AU. This study investigated the effects of the l-type voltage-gated calcium channel blocker nimodipine in experimental AU (EAU). Nimodipine was found to not only decrease the clinical and histopathological inflammation score of EAU (C57BL/6J mice) but also dwindle the infiltration of uveitogenic CD4+ T cells into the retina. Moreover, nimodipine decreased the effector T cells and increased the regulatory T cells in the immune system. In vitro, nimodipine reduced the effector T cell differentiation of the IRBP1-20-specific CD4+ T cells of EAU mice and LPS-stimulated PBMCs of uveitis patients. Meanwhile, nimodipine suppressed the energy metabolism, proliferation, activation, and Th1 cell differentiation of T cells. Further studies on RNA sequencing and molecular mechanisms have established that nimodipine alleviates EAU by regulating T cells response through the p38-MAPK pathway signaling. Taken together, our data reveal a novel therapeutic potential of the l-type Ca2+ channels antagonist nimodipine in AU by regulating the balance of T cell subsets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunwei Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Guanyu Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jun Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhuang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zuoyi Li
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yanyan Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuxi Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - He Li
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wenru Su
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoqing Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Dan Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
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Wu YH, Rosset S, Lee TR, Dragunow M, Park T, Shim V. In Vitro Models of Traumatic Brain Injury: A Systematic Review. J Neurotrauma 2021; 38:2336-2372. [PMID: 33563092 DOI: 10.1089/neu.2020.7402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major public health challenge that is also the third leading cause of death worldwide. It is also the leading cause of long-term disability in children and young adults worldwide. Despite a large body of research using predominantly in vivo and in vitro rodent models of brain injury, there is no medication that can reduce brain damage or promote brain repair mainly due to our lack of understanding in the mechanisms and pathophysiology of the TBI. The aim of this review is to examine in vitro TBI studies conducted from 2008-2018 to better understand the TBI in vitro model available in the literature. Specifically, our focus was to perform a detailed analysis of the in vitro experimental protocols used and their subsequent biological findings. Our review showed that the uniaxial stretch is the most frequently used way of load application, accounting for more than two-thirds of the studies reviewed. The rate and magnitude of the loading were varied significantly from study to study but can generally be categorized into mild, moderate, and severe injuries. The in vitro studies reviewed here examined key processes in TBI pathophysiology such as membrane disruptions leading to ionic dysregulation, inflammation, and the subsequent damages to the microtubules and axons, as well as cell death. Overall, the studies examined in this review contributed to the betterment of our understanding of TBI as a disease process. Yet, our review also revealed the areas where more work needs to be done such as: 1) diversification of load application methods that will include complex loading that mimics in vivo head impacts; 2) more widespread use of human brain cells, especially patient-matched human cells in the experimental set-up; and 3) need for building a more high-throughput system to be able to discover effective therapeutic targets for TBI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Han Wu
- Auckland Bioengineering Institute, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Center for Brain Research, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Samuel Rosset
- Auckland Bioengineering Institute, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Tae-Rin Lee
- Advanced Institute of Convergence Technology, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Mike Dragunow
- Center for Brain Research, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Department of Pharmacology, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Thomas Park
- Center for Brain Research, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Department of Pharmacology, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Vickie Shim
- Auckland Bioengineering Institute, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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7
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Wang L, Lei Q, Zhao S, Xu W, Dong W, Ran J, Shi Q, Fu J. Ginkgolide B Maintains Calcium Homeostasis in Hypoxic Hippocampal Neurons by Inhibiting Calcium Influx and Intracellular Calcium Release. Front Cell Neurosci 2021; 14:627846. [PMID: 33679323 PMCID: PMC7928385 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2020.627846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Accepted: 12/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Ginkgolide B (GB), a terpene lactone and active ingredient of Ginkgo biloba, shows protective effects in neuronal cells subjected to hypoxia. We investigated whether GB might protect neurons from hypoxic injury through regulation of neuronal Ca2+ homeostasis. Primary hippocampal neurons subjected to chemical hypoxia (0.7 mM CoCl2) in vitro exhibited an increase in cytoplasmic Ca2+ (measured from the fluorescence of fluo-4), but this effect was significantly diminished by pre-treatment with 0.4 mM GB. Electrophysiological recordings from the brain slices of rats exposed to hypoxia in vivo revealed increases in spontaneous discharge frequency, action potential frequency and calcium current magnitude, and all these effects of hypoxia were suppressed by pre-treatment with 12 mg/kg GB. Western blot analysis demonstrated that hypoxia was associated with enhanced mRNA and protein expressions of Cav1.2 (a voltage-gated Ca2+ channel), STIM1 (a regulator of store-operated Ca2+ entry) and RyR2 (isoforms of Ryanodine Receptor which mediates sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ release), and these actions of hypoxia were suppressed by GB. Taken together, our in vitro and in vivo data suggest that GB might protect neurons from hypoxia, in part, by regulating Ca2+ influx and intracellular Ca2+ release to maintain Ca2+ homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Wang
- Clinical Laboratory Diagnostic Center, General Hospital of Xinjiang Military Command, Urumqi, China
| | - Quan Lei
- The Department of Medical Administration, General Hospital of Xinjiang Military Command, Urumqi, China
| | - Shuai Zhao
- The Department of Medical Administration, General Hospital of Xinjiang Military Command, Urumqi, China
| | - WenJuan Xu
- The Department of Medical Administration, General Hospital of Xinjiang Military Command, Urumqi, China
| | - Wei Dong
- The First Division Health Team, Anti-aircraft Artillery of Liaoning Reserve, Shenyang, China
| | - JiHua Ran
- Clinical Laboratory Diagnostic Center, General Hospital of Xinjiang Military Command, Urumqi, China
| | - QingHai Shi
- Clinical Laboratory Diagnostic Center, General Hospital of Xinjiang Military Command, Urumqi, China
| | - JianFeng Fu
- Clinical Laboratory Diagnostic Center, General Hospital of Xinjiang Military Command, Urumqi, China
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8
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Zhao Y, Yang J, Li C, Zhou G, Wan H, Ding Z, Wan H, Zhou H. Role of the neurovascular unit in the process of cerebral ischemic injury. Pharmacol Res 2020; 160:105103. [PMID: 32739425 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2020.105103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2020] [Revised: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Cerebral ischemic injury exhibits both high morbidity and mortality worldwide. Traditional research of the pathogenesis of cerebral ischemic injury has focused on separate analyses of the involved cell types. In recent years, the neurovascular unit (NVU) mechanism of cerebral ischemic injury has been proposed in modern medicine. Hence, more effective strategies for the treatment of cerebral ischemic injury may be provided through comprehensive analysis of brain cells and the extracellular matrix. However, recent studies that have investigated the function of the NVU in cerebral ischemic injury have been insufficient. In addition, the metabolism and energy conversion of the NVU depend on interactions among multiple cell types, which make it difficult to identify the unique contribution of each cell type. Therefore, in the present review, we comprehensively summarize the regulatory effects and recovery mechanisms of four major cell types (i.e., astrocytes, microglia, brain-microvascular endothelial cells, and neurons) in the NVU under cerebral ischemic injury, as well as discuss the interactions among these cell types in the NVU. Furthermore, we discuss the common signaling pathways and signaling factors that mediate cerebral ischemic injury in the NVU, which may help to provide a theoretical basis for the comprehensive elucidation of cerebral ischemic injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Zhao
- Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310053, PR China
| | - Jiehong Yang
- Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310053, PR China
| | - Chang Li
- Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310053, PR China
| | - Guoying Zhou
- Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310053, PR China
| | - Haofang Wan
- Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310053, PR China
| | - Zhishan Ding
- Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310053, PR China
| | - Haitong Wan
- Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310053, PR China.
| | - Huifen Zhou
- Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310053, PR China.
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TGF-β Signaling Regulates SLC8A3 Expression and Prevents Oxidative Stress in Developing Midbrain Dopaminergic and Dorsal Raphe Serotonergic Neurons. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21082735. [PMID: 32326436 PMCID: PMC7216069 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21082735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2020] [Revised: 04/08/2020] [Accepted: 04/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Calcium homeostasis is a cellular process required for proper cell function and survival, maintained by the coordinated action of several transporters, among them members of the Na+/Ca2+-exchanger family, such as SLC8A3. Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) signaling defines neuronal development and survival and may regulate the expression of channels and transporters. We investigated the regulation of SLC8A3 by TGF-β in a conditional knockout mouse with deletion of TGF-β signaling from Engrailed 1-expressing cells, i.e., in cells from the midbrain and rhombomere 1, and elucidated the underlying molecular mechanisms. The results show that SLC8A3 is significantly downregulated in developing dopaminergic and dorsal raphe serotonergic neurons in mutants and that low SLC8A3 abundance prevents the expression of the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-xL. TGF-β signaling affects SLC8A3 via the canonical and p38 signaling pathway and may increase the binding of Smad4 to the Slc8a3 promoter. Expression of the lipid peroxidation marker malondialdehyde (MDA) was increased following knockdown of Slc8a3 expression in vitro. In neurons lacking TGF-β signaling, the number of MDA- and 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE)-positive cells was significantly increased, accompanied with increased cellular 4-HNE abundance. These results suggest that TGF-β contributes to the regulation of SLC8A3 expression in developing dopaminergic and dorsal raphe serotonergic neurons, thereby preventing oxidative stress.
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Involvement of the JNK signaling in granular corneal dystrophy by modulating TGF-β-induced TGFBI expression and corneal fibroblast apoptosis. In Vitro Cell Dev Biol Anim 2020; 56:234-242. [PMID: 32189173 DOI: 10.1007/s11626-019-00424-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2019] [Accepted: 11/22/2019] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Granular corneal dystrophy (GCD) is featured by corneal deposits of transforming growth factor beta-induced gene (TGFBI) mediated by the TGF-β (transforming growth factor-β)/Smad signaling. However, the roles of c-Jun amino-terminal kinase (JNK) pathway in GCD pathogenesis remains unexplored, which was investigated in this study. JNK signaling activation and inhibition in primary corneal fibroblasts were obtained by treatments with anisomycin and SP600125, respectively. Protein abundance and phosphorylation were detected by immunoblotting. Cell viability and apoptosis were analyzed by CCK-8 and flow cytometry respectively. TGFBI deposit and autophagy progression were assessed by immunofluorescence. The results found that JNK1 expression and phosphorylation were greatly increased in corneal tissues from GCD2 patients. JNK signaling activation impaired the viability and promoted apoptosis and autophagy processes in primary corneal fibroblasts, along with Smad2/3 phosphorylation, TGFBI accumulation and Bcl-2 suppression. Autophagy related proteins, such as ATG5 (autophagy related 5), ATG12 (autophagy related 12) and LC3B (microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 beta), were also increased in anisomycin or TGF-β1 treated corneal fibroblasts. However, SP600125 effectively reversed the above effect induced by TGF-β1 treatment in corneal fibroblasts, including the TGF-β-induced autophagy progression. The results suggested that JNK signaling was activated in GCD2 corneal tissues, and it mediated the TGF-β-induced TGFBI protein accumulation and apoptosis of corneal fibroblasts during GCD2 pathogenesis.
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11
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Ju Y, Ren X, Zhao S. Distal C-terminus of Ca v 1.2 is indispensable for the chondrogenic differentiation of rat dental pulp stem cells. Cell Biol Int 2019; 44:512-523. [PMID: 31631478 DOI: 10.1002/cbin.11251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2019] [Accepted: 10/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The α1 subunit (Cav1.2) of the L-type calcium channel (LTCC), which is presently existing in both excitatory cells and non-excitatory cells, is involved in the differentiation and proliferation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs), MSCs derived from dental pulp, exhibit multipotent characteristics similar to those of MSCs. The aim of the present study was to examine the contribution of Cav1.2 and its distal C-terminus (DCT) to the commitment of rat DPSCs (rDPSCs) toward chondrocytes and adipocytes in vitro. The expression of Cav1.2 was obviously elevated in chondrogenic differentiation but did not differ significantly in adipogenic differentiation. The chondrogenic differentiation but not adipogenic of rDPSCs was inhibited by either blocking LTCC using nimodipine or knockdown of Cav1.2 via short hairpin RNA (shRNA). Overexpression of DCT rescued the inhibition by Cav1.2-shRNA during chondrogenic differentiation, indicating that DCT is essential for the chondrogenic differentiation of rDPSCs. However, the protein level of DCT decreased after chondrogenic differentiation in wild-type cells, and overexpression of DCT in rDPSCs inhibited the phenotype. These data suggest that DCT is indispensable for chondrogenic differentiation of rDPSCs but that superfluous DCT inhibits this process. Through the analysis of differentially expressed genes using RNA-seq data, we speculated that the regulation of DCT might be mediated by the mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular-regulated kinase and c-Jun N-terminal kinase signaling pathways, or Chondromodulin-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanqin Ju
- Department of Stomatology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200040, P.R. China
| | - Xudong Ren
- Department of Surgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200040, P.R. China
| | - Shouliang Zhao
- Department of Stomatology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200040, P.R. China
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12
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Peng T, Jiang Y, Farhan M, Lazarovici P, Chen L, Zheng W. Anti-inflammatory Effects of Traditional Chinese Medicines on Preclinical in vivo Models of Brain Ischemia-Reperfusion-Injury: Prospects for Neuroprotective Drug Discovery and Therapy. Front Pharmacol 2019; 10:204. [PMID: 30930774 PMCID: PMC6423897 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2019.00204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2018] [Accepted: 02/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Acquired brain ischemia-and reperfusion-injury (IRI), including both Ischemic stroke (IS) and Traumatic Brain injury (TBI), is one of the most common causes of disability and death in adults and represents a major burden in both western and developing countries worldwide. China’s clinical neurological therapeutic experience in the use of traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs), including TCM-derived active compounds, Chinese herbs, TCM formulations and decoction, in brain IRI diseases indicated a trend of significant improvement in patients’ neurological deficits, calling for blind, placebo-controlled and randomized clinical trials with careful meta-analysis evaluation. There are many TCMs in use for brain IRI therapy in China with significant therapeutic effects in preclinical studies using different brain IRI-animal. The basic hypothesis in this field claims that in order to avoid the toxicity and side effects of the complex TCM formulas, individual isolated and identified compounds that exhibited neuroprotective properties could be used as lead compounds for the development of novel drugs. China’s efforts in promoting TCMs have contributed to an explosive growth of the preclinical research dedicated to the isolation and identification of TCM-derived neuroprotective lead compounds. Tanshinone, is a typical example of TCM-derived lead compounds conferring neuroprotection toward IRI in animals with brain middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) or TBI models. Recent reports show the significance of the inflammatory response accompanying brain IRI. This response appears to contribute to both primary and secondary ischemic pathology, and therefore anti-inflammatory strategies have become popular by targeting pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines, other inflammatory mediators, reactive oxygen species, nitric oxide, and several transcriptional factors. Here, we review recent selected studies and discuss further considerations for critical reevaluation of the neuroprotection hypothesis of TCMs in IRI therapy. Moreover, we will emphasize several TCM’s mechanisms of action and attempt to address the most promising compounds and the obstacles to be overcome before they will enter the clinic for IRI therapy. We hope that this review will further help in investigations of neuroprotective effects of novel molecular entities isolated from Chinese herbal medicines and will stimulate performance of clinical trials of Chinese herbal medicine-derived drugs in IRI patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tangming Peng
- Center of Reproduction, Development and Aging, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau, China.,Institute of Translation Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau, China.,Department of Neurosurgery, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China.,Neurosurgical Clinical Research Center of Sichuan Province, Luzhou, China
| | - Yizhou Jiang
- Center of Reproduction, Development and Aging, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau, China.,Institute of Translation Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau, China
| | - Mohd Farhan
- Center of Reproduction, Development and Aging, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau, China.,Institute of Translation Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau, China
| | - Philip Lazarovici
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Pharmacy, The Institute for Drug Research, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Ligang Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China.,Neurosurgical Clinical Research Center of Sichuan Province, Luzhou, China
| | - Wenhua Zheng
- Center of Reproduction, Development and Aging, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau, China.,Institute of Translation Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau, China
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