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Wilson SE. Two-phase mechanism in the treatment of corneal stromal fibrosis with topical losartan. Exp Eye Res 2024; 242:109884. [PMID: 38570181 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2024.109884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2024] [Revised: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/31/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
Recent studies in rabbits and case reports in humans have demonstrated the efficacy of topical losartan in the treatment of corneal scarring fibrosis after a wide range of injuries, including chemical burns, infections, surgical complications, and some diseases. It is hypothesized that the effect of losartan on the fibrotic corneal stroma occurs through a two-phase process in which losartan first triggers the elimination of myofibroblasts by directing their apoptosis via inhibition of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)-mediated signal transduction, and possibly through signaling effects on the viability and development of corneal fibroblast and fibrocyte myofibroblast precursor cells. This first step likely occurs within a week or two in most corneas with fibrosis treated with topical losartan, but the medication must be continued for much longer until the epithelial basement membrane (EBM) is fully regenerated or new myofibroblasts will develop from precursor cells. Once the myofibroblasts are eliminated from the fibrotic stroma, corneal fibroblasts can migrate into the fibrotic tissue and reabsorb/reorganize the disordered extracellular matrix (ECM) previously produced by the myofibroblasts. This second stage is longer and more variable in different eyes of rabbits and humans, and accounts for most of the variability in the time it takes for the stromal opacity to be markedly reduced by topical losartan treatment. Eventually, keratocytes reemerge in the previously fibrotic stromal tissue to fine-tune the collagens and other ECM components and maintain the normal structure of the corneal stroma. The efficacy of losartan in the prevention and treatment of corneal fibrosis suggests that it acts as a surrogate for the EBM, by suppressing TGF beta-directed scarring of the wounded corneal stroma, until control over TGF beta action is re-established by a healed EBM, while also supporting regeneration of the EBM by allowing corneal fibroblasts to occupy the subepithelial stroma in the place of myofibroblasts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven E Wilson
- Cole Eye Institute, The Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH, USA.
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2
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Bommaraju S, Dhokne MD, Arun EV, Srinivasan K, Sharma SS, Datusalia AK. An insight into crosstalk among multiple signalling pathways contributing to the pathophysiology of PTSD and depressive disorders. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2024; 131:110943. [PMID: 38228244 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2024.110943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depressive disorders represent two significant mental health challenges with substantial global prevalence. These are debilitating conditions characterized by persistent, often comorbid, symptoms that severely impact an individual's quality of life. Both PTSD and depressive disorders are often precipitated by exposure to traumatic events or chronic stress. The profound impact of PTSD and depressive disorders on individuals and society necessitates a comprehensive exploration of their shared and distinct pathophysiological features. Although the activation of the stress system is essential for maintaining homeostasis, the ability to recover from it after diminishing the threat stimulus is also equally important. However, little is known about the main reasons for individuals' differential susceptibility to external stressful stimuli. The solution to this question can be found by delving into the interplay of stress with the cognitive and emotional processing of traumatic incidents at the molecular level. Evidence suggests that dysregulation in these signalling cascades may contribute to the persistence and severity of PTSD and depressive symptoms. The treatment strategies available for this disorder are antidepressants, which have shown good efficiency in normalizing symptom severity; however, their efficacy is limited in most individuals. This calls for the exploration and development of innovative medications to address the treatment of PTSD. This review delves into the intricate crosstalk among multiple signalling pathways implicated in the development and manifestation of these mental health conditions. By unravelling the complexities of crosstalk among multiple signalling pathways, this review aims to contribute to the broader knowledge base, providing insights that could inform the development of targeted interventions for individuals grappling with the challenges of PTSD and depressive disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sumadhura Bommaraju
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Raebareli, Uttar Pradesh (UP) 226002, India
| | - Mrunali D Dhokne
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Raebareli, Uttar Pradesh (UP) 226002, India
| | - E V Arun
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Raebareli, Uttar Pradesh (UP) 226002, India
| | - Krishnamoorthy Srinivasan
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), SAS Nagar, Punjab 160062, India
| | - Shyam Sunder Sharma
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), SAS Nagar, Punjab 160062, India
| | - Ashok Kumar Datusalia
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Raebareli, Uttar Pradesh (UP) 226002, India; Department of Regulatory Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER) Raebareli, Uttar Pradesh (UP) 226002, India.
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3
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Laurindo LF, Sosin AF, Lamas CB, de Alvares Goulart R, Dos Santos Haber JF, Detregiachi CRP, Barbalho SM. Exploring the logic and conducting a comprehensive evaluation of AdipoRon-based adiponectin replacement therapy against hormone-related cancers-a systematic review. NAUNYN-SCHMIEDEBERG'S ARCHIVES OF PHARMACOLOGY 2024; 397:2067-2082. [PMID: 37864589 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-023-02792-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/23/2023]
Abstract
The potential benefits of adiponectin replacement therapy extend to numerous human diseases, with current research showing particular interest in its effectiveness against specific cancer forms, especially hormone-related. However, limitations in the pharmacological use of the intact protein have led to a focus on alternative options. AdipoRon is an extensively studied non-peptidic drug candidate for adiponectin replacement therapy. While researchers have explored the efficacy and therapeutic applications of AdipoRon in various disease conditions, their effects against cancer models advanced more, with no review regarding AdipoRon's efficacy against hormone-related cancers being published. The present systematic review aims to fill this gap. Preclinical evidence was compiled from PubMed, EMBASE, COCHRANE, and Google Scholar following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, and the manuscript's quality assessment was conducted using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Checklist Critical Appraisal Tool for Systematic Reviews' Quality. The included nine studies incorporated various cell and animal models of the pancreas, gynaecological system, and osteosarcoma cancers. AdipoRon demonstrated effectiveness against pancreatic cancer by activating p44/42 MAPK, mitochondrial dysfunction, and AMPK-mediated inhibition of ACC1. In gynaecological cancers, it exhibited promising anticancer effects through the activation of AMPK, potential inhibition of mTOR, and modulation of the SET1B/BOD1/AdipoR1 signaling cascade. Against osteosarcoma, AdipoRon worked by perturbing ERK1/2 signaling and reducing p70S6K phosphorylation. AdipoRon shows promise in preclinical studies, but human trials are crucial for clinical safety and effectiveness. Caution is needed due to potential off-target effects, especially in cancer therapy with multi-target approaches. Structural biology and computational methods can help predict these effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas Fornari Laurindo
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Faculdade de Medicina de Marília (FAMEMA), Marília, São Paulo, 17519-030, Brazil.
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Universidade de Marília (UNIMAR), Marília, São Paulo, 17525-902, Brazil.
| | - Andreline Franchi Sosin
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Faculdade de Medicina de Marília (FAMEMA), Marília, São Paulo, 17519-030, Brazil
| | - Caroline Barbalho Lamas
- Department of Gerontology, School of Gerontology, Universidade Federal de São Carlos (UFSCar), São Carlos, São Paulo, 13565-905, Brazil
| | - Ricardo de Alvares Goulart
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Universidade de Marília (UNIMAR), Marília, São Paulo, 17525-902, Brazil
- Postgraduate Program in Structural and Functional Interactions in Rehabilitation, School of Medicine, Universidade de Marília (UNIMAR), Marília, São Paulo, 17525-902, Brazil
| | | | - Claudia Rucco Penteado Detregiachi
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Universidade de Marília (UNIMAR), Marília, São Paulo, 17525-902, Brazil
- Postgraduate Program in Structural and Functional Interactions in Rehabilitation, School of Medicine, Universidade de Marília (UNIMAR), Marília, São Paulo, 17525-902, Brazil
| | - Sandra Maria Barbalho
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Universidade de Marília (UNIMAR), Marília, São Paulo, 17525-902, Brazil
- Postgraduate Program in Structural and Functional Interactions in Rehabilitation, School of Medicine, Universidade de Marília (UNIMAR), Marília, São Paulo, 17525-902, Brazil
- Department of Biochemistry and Nutrition, School of Food and Technology of Marília (FATEC), Marília, São Paulo, 17500-000, Brazil
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4
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Elkhadragy L, Myers A, Long W. Role of the Atypical MAPK ERK3 in Cancer Growth and Progression. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:1381. [PMID: 38611058 PMCID: PMC11011113 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16071381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2024] [Revised: 03/23/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Extracellular signal-regulated kinase 3 (ERK3) is an atypical mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) whose structural and regulatory features are distinct from those of conventional MAPKs, such as ERK1/2. Since its identification in 1991, the regulation, substrates and functions of ERK3 have remained largely unknown. However, recent years have witnessed a wealth of new findings about ERK3 signaling. Several important biological functions for ERK3 have been revealed, including its role in neuronal morphogenesis, inflammation, metabolism, endothelial cell tube formation and epithelial architecture. In addition, ERK3 has been recently shown to play important roles in cancer cell proliferation, migration, invasion and chemoresistance in multiple types of cancers. Furthermore, accumulating studies have uncovered various molecular mechanisms by which the expression level, protein stability and activity of ERK3 are regulated. In particular, several post-translational modifications (PTMs), including ubiquitination, hydroxylation and phosphorylation, have been shown to regulate the stability and activity of ERK3 protein. In this review, we discuss recent findings regarding biochemical and cellular functions of ERK3, with a main focus on its roles in cancers, as well as the molecular mechanisms of regulating its expression and activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lobna Elkhadragy
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Boonshoft School of Medicine, Wright State University, Dayton, OH 45435, USA; (L.E.); (A.M.)
- Department of Radiology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Amanda Myers
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Boonshoft School of Medicine, Wright State University, Dayton, OH 45435, USA; (L.E.); (A.M.)
| | - Weiwen Long
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Boonshoft School of Medicine, Wright State University, Dayton, OH 45435, USA; (L.E.); (A.M.)
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Patel J, Deng J, Kambala A, Lee KK, Cornman HL, Parthasarathy V, Pritchard T, Chen S, Hernandez AG, Shin S, Oladipo OO, Kwatra MM, Ho WJ, Kwatra SG. Spatial Mass Cytometry-Based Single-Cell Imaging Reveals a Disrupted Epithelial-Immune Axis in Prurigo Nodularis. J Invest Dermatol 2024:S0022-202X(24)00202-1. [PMID: 38522569 DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2024.01.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
Prurigo nodularis (PN) is a chronic, inflammatory skin condition that disproportionately affects African Americans and features intensely pruritic, hyperkeratotic nodules on the extremities and trunk. PN is understudied compared with other inflammatory skin diseases, with the spatial organization of the cutaneous infiltrate in PN yet to be characterized. In this work, we employ spatial imaging mass cytometry to visualize PN lesional skin inflammation and architecture with single-cell resolution through an unbiased machine learning approach. PN lesional skin has increased expression of caspase 3, NF-kB, and phosphorylated signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 compared with healthy skin. Keratinocytes in lesional skin are subdivided into CD14+CD33+, CD11c+, CD63+, and caspase 3-positive innate subpopulations. CD14+ macrophage populations expressing phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 correlate positively with patient-reported itch (P = .006). Hierarchical clustering reveals a cluster of patients with PN with greater atopy, increased NF-kB+ signal transducer and activator of transcription 3-positive phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2-positive monocyte-derived myeloid dendritic cells, and increased vimentin expression (P < .05). Neighborhood analysis finds interactions between CD14+ macrophages, CD3+ T cells, monocyte-derived myeloid dendritic cells, and keratinocytes expressing innate immune markers. These findings highlight phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase-positive CD14+ macrophages as contributors to itch and suggest an epithelial-immune axis in PN pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jay Patel
- Department of Dermatology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Maryland Itch Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Department of Dermatology, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Junwen Deng
- Department of Dermatology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Anusha Kambala
- The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Kevin K Lee
- Department of Dermatology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Hannah L Cornman
- Department of Dermatology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Maryland Itch Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Varsha Parthasarathy
- Department of Dermatology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Thomas Pritchard
- Department of Dermatology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Maryland Itch Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Shihua Chen
- Department of Dermatology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Alexei G Hernandez
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Sarah Shin
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Olusola O Oladipo
- Department of Dermatology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Madan M Kwatra
- Department of Anesthesiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Won Jin Ho
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Convergence Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Mass Cytometry Facility, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Shawn G Kwatra
- Department of Dermatology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Maryland Itch Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.
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6
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Guo X, Yuan Y, Su X, Cao Z, Chu C, Lei C, Wang Y, Yang L, Pan Y, Sheng H, Cui D, Shao D, Yang H, Fu Y, Wen Y, Cai Z, Lai B, Chen M, Zheng P. Different projection neurons of basolateral amygdala participate in the retrieval of morphine withdrawal memory with diverse molecular pathways. Mol Psychiatry 2024; 29:793-808. [PMID: 38145987 PMCID: PMC11153146 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-023-02371-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/27/2023]
Abstract
Context-induced retrieval of drug withdrawal memory is one of the important reasons for drug relapses. Previous studies have shown that different projection neurons in different brain regions or in the same brain region such as the basolateral amygdala (BLA) participate in context-induced retrieval of drug withdrawal memory. However, whether these different projection neurons participate in the retrieval of drug withdrawal memory with same or different molecular pathways remains a topic for research. The present results showed that (1) BLA neurons projecting to the prelimbic cortex (BLA-PrL) and BLA neurons projecting to the nucleus accumbens (BLA-NAc) participated in context-induced retrieval of morphine withdrawal memory; (2) there was an increase in the expression of Arc and pERK in BLA-NAc neurons, but not in BLA-PrL neurons during context-induced retrieval of morphine withdrawal memory; (3) pERK was the upstream molecule of Arc, whereas D1 receptor was the upstream molecule of pERK in BLA-NAc neurons during context-induced retrieval of morphine withdrawal memory; (4) D1 receptors also strengthened AMPA receptors, but not NMDA receptors, -mediated glutamatergic input to BLA-NAc neurons via pERK during context-induced retrieval of morphine withdrawal memory. These results suggest that different projection neurons of the BLA participate in the retrieval of morphine withdrawal memory with diverse molecular pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinli Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Institutes of Brain Science, MOE Frontier Center for Brain Science, Department of Neurology of Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yu Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Institutes of Brain Science, MOE Frontier Center for Brain Science, Department of Neurology of Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Xiaoman Su
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Institutes of Brain Science, MOE Frontier Center for Brain Science, Department of Neurology of Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Zixuan Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Institutes of Brain Science, MOE Frontier Center for Brain Science, Department of Neurology of Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Chenshan Chu
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Institutes of Brain Science, MOE Frontier Center for Brain Science, Department of Neurology of Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Chao Lei
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Institutes of Brain Science, MOE Frontier Center for Brain Science, Department of Neurology of Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yingqi Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Institutes of Brain Science, MOE Frontier Center for Brain Science, Department of Neurology of Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Li Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Institutes of Brain Science, MOE Frontier Center for Brain Science, Department of Neurology of Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yan Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Institutes of Brain Science, MOE Frontier Center for Brain Science, Department of Neurology of Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Huan Sheng
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Institutes of Brain Science, MOE Frontier Center for Brain Science, Department of Neurology of Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Dongyang Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Institutes of Brain Science, MOE Frontier Center for Brain Science, Department of Neurology of Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Da Shao
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Institutes of Brain Science, MOE Frontier Center for Brain Science, Department of Neurology of Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Hao Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Institutes of Brain Science, MOE Frontier Center for Brain Science, Department of Neurology of Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yali Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Institutes of Brain Science, MOE Frontier Center for Brain Science, Department of Neurology of Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yaxian Wen
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Institutes of Brain Science, MOE Frontier Center for Brain Science, Department of Neurology of Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Zhangyin Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Institutes of Brain Science, MOE Frontier Center for Brain Science, Department of Neurology of Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Bin Lai
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Institutes of Brain Science, MOE Frontier Center for Brain Science, Department of Neurology of Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| | - Ming Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Institutes of Brain Science, MOE Frontier Center for Brain Science, Department of Neurology of Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| | - Ping Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Institutes of Brain Science, MOE Frontier Center for Brain Science, Department of Neurology of Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
- Medical College of China Three Gorges University, Yichang, 443002, China.
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Parascandolo A, Benincasa G, Corcione F, Laukkanen MO. ERK2 Is a Promoter of Cancer Cell Growth and Migration in Colon Adenocarcinoma. Antioxidants (Basel) 2024; 13:119. [PMID: 38247543 PMCID: PMC10812609 DOI: 10.3390/antiox13010119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 01/14/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
ERK1/2 phosphorylation is frequently downregulated in the early phase of colon tumorigenesis with subsequent activation of ERK5. In the current work, we studied the advantages of ERK1/2 downregulation for tumor growth by dissecting the individual functions of ERK1 and ERK2. The patient sample data demonstrated decreased ERK1/2 phosphorylation in the early phase of tumorigenesis followed by increased phosphorylation in late-stage colon adenocarcinomas with intratumoral invasion or metastasis. In vitro results indicated that SOD3-mediated coordination of small GTPase RAS regulatory genes inhibited RAS-ERK1/2 signaling. In vitro and in vivo studies suggested that ERK2 has a more prominent role in chemotactic invasion, collective migration, and cell proliferation than ERK1. Of note, simultaneous ERK1 and ERK2 expression inhibited collective cell migration and proliferation but tended to promote invasion, suggesting that ERK1 controls ERK2 function. According to the present data, phosphorylated ERK1/2 at the early phase of colon adenocarcinoma limits tumor mass expansion, whereas reactivation of the kinases at the later phase of colon carcinogenesis is associated with the initiation of metastasis. Additionally, our results suggest that ERK1 is a regulatory kinase that coordinates ERK2-promoted chemotactic invasion, collective migration, and cell proliferation. Our findings indicate that ROS, especially H2O2, are associated with the regulation of ERK1/2 phosphorylation in colon cancer by either increasing or decreasing kinase activity. These data suggest that ERK2 has a growth-promoting role and ERK1 has a regulatory role in colon tumorigenesis, which could lead to new avenues in the development of cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Parascandolo
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Via Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy;
| | | | | | - Mikko O. Laukkanen
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Via Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy;
- Center for Experimental Endocrinology and Oncology (IEOS), CNR-IEOS, Via Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy
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8
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Joseph J, Mathew J, Alexander J. Scaffold Proteins in Autoimmune Disorders. Curr Rheumatol Rev 2024; 20:14-26. [PMID: 37670692 DOI: 10.2174/1573397119666230904151024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2023]
Abstract
Cells transmit information to the external environment and within themselves through signaling molecules that modulate cellular activities. Aberrant cell signaling disturbs cellular homeostasis causing a number of different diseases, including autoimmunity. Scaffold proteins, as the name suggests, serve as the anchor for binding and stabilizing signaling proteins at a particular locale, allowing both intra and intercellular signal amplification and effective signal transmission. Scaffold proteins play a critical role in the functioning of tight junctions present at the intersection of two cells. In addition, they also participate in cleavage formation during cytokinesis, and in the organization of neural synapses, and modulate receptor management outcomes. In autoimmune settings such as lupus, scaffold proteins can lower the cell activation threshold resulting in uncontrolled signaling and hyperactivity. Scaffold proteins, through their binding domains, mediate protein- protein interaction and play numerous roles in cellular communication and homeostasis. This review presents an overview of scaffold proteins, their influence on the different signaling pathways, and their role in the pathogenesis of autoimmune and auto inflammatory diseases. Since these proteins participate in many roles and interact with several other signaling pathways, it is necessary to gain a thorough understanding of these proteins and their nuances to facilitate effective target identification and therapeutic design for the treatment of autoimmune disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josna Joseph
- Department of Clinical Immunology & Rheumatology, CMC Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - John Mathew
- Department of Clinical Immunology & Rheumatology, CMC Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Jessy Alexander
- Department of Medicine, Jacobs School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, University of Buffalo, New York, USA
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9
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Li S, Xu F, Zhang Y, Gao Z, Han Z, Feng C. Identification and characteristic analysis of an extracellular signal-regulated kinase from Ostrinia furnacalis Guenée. ARCHIVES OF INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2024; 115:e22077. [PMID: 38288489 DOI: 10.1002/arch.22077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Revised: 11/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
The extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) pathway, a critical genetic determinant, controls diverse physiological functions, including innate immunity, development, and stress response. In the current study, a full-length cDNA (1592bp) encoding the ERK gene (OfERK) was cloned from Ostrinia furnacalis Guenée (GenBank accession number: MF797866). The open reading frame of the OfERK gene encoded 364 amino acids and shared 96.43%-98.08% amino acid identities with other insect mitogen-activated protein kinases. For spatiotemporal analysis of the expression pattern, OfERK exhibited a significant peak expression on the 3rd day of the pupa stage and showed the highest expression in hemocytes specifically. Indirect immunofluorescence assays and immuno-electron microscopy revealed a wide distribution of the OfERK protein in hemocytes and epidermis. Moreover, the results demonstrated that the Bt Cry1Ab-activated toxin significantly induces the expression of OfERK. Other genes related to immune response, development, and stress response exhibited dynamic changes in expression after Cry1Ab oral treatment. The expression of OfERK was downregulated through RNA interference, and the correlation of its expression with other related genes was verified using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Our study provides valuable insights into the regulatory mechanism of ERK in insects for future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuzhong Li
- Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Fuqiang Xu
- Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yiqiang Zhang
- Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zupeng Gao
- Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhaoyang Han
- Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Congjing Feng
- Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
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10
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Deschênes-Simard X, Malleshaiah M, Ferbeyre G. Extracellular Signal-Regulated Kinases: One Pathway, Multiple Fates. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 16:95. [PMID: 38201521 PMCID: PMC10778234 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16010095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
This comprehensive review delves into the multifaceted aspects of ERK signaling and the intricate mechanisms underlying distinct cellular fates. ERK1 and ERK2 (ERK) govern proliferation, transformation, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, differentiation, senescence, or cell death, contingent upon activation strength, duration, and context. The biochemical mechanisms underlying these outcomes are inadequately understood, shaped by signaling feedback and the spatial localization of ERK activation. Generally, ERK activation aligns with the Goldilocks principle in cell fate determination. Inadequate or excessive ERK activity hinders cell proliferation, while balanced activation promotes both cell proliferation and survival. Unraveling the intricacies of how the degree of ERK activation dictates cell fate requires deciphering mechanisms encompassing protein stability, transcription factors downstream of ERK, and the chromatin landscape.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xavier Deschênes-Simard
- Montreal University Hospital Center (CHUM), Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada;
| | - Mohan Malleshaiah
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada;
- Montreal Clinical Research Institute (IRCM), Montréal, QC H2W 1R7, Canada
| | - Gerardo Ferbeyre
- Montreal Clinical Research Institute (IRCM), Montréal, QC H2W 1R7, Canada
- Montreal Cancer Institute, CR-CHUM, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
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11
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da Silveira ALB, Seara FAC, Lustrino D, Mecawi AS, Antunes-Rodrigues J, Kettelhut ÍC, Chakur-Brum P, Reis LC, Olivares EL. Thyroid hormone induces restrictive cardiomyopathy in β1-adrenoceptor knockout mice. Can J Physiol Pharmacol 2023; 101:620-629. [PMID: 37747059 DOI: 10.1139/cjpp-2023-0153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to characterize the role of β1-AR signaling and its cross-talk between cardiac renin-angiotensin system and thyroid-hormone-induced cardiac hypertrophy. T3 was administered at 0.5 mg·kg-1·day-1 for 10 days in β1-KOT3 and WTT3 groups, while control groups received vehicle alone. Echocardiography and myocardial histology was performed; cardiac and serum ANGI/ANGII and ANP and cardiac levels of p-PKA, p-ERK1/2, p-p38-MAPK, p-AKT, p-4EBP1, and ACE were measured. WTT3 showed decreased IVSTd and increased LVEDD versus WTsal (p < 0.05). β1-KOT3 exhibited lower LVEDD and higher relative IVSTd versus β1-KOsal, the lowest levels of ejection fraction, and the highest levels of cardiomyocyte diameter (p < 0.05). Cardiac ANP levels decreased in WTT3 versus β1-KOT3 (p < 0.05). Cardiac ACE expression was increased in T3-treated groups (p < 0.05). Phosphorylated-p38 MAPK levels were higher in WTT3 versus WTsal or β1-KOT3, p-4EBP1 was elevated in β1-KO animals, and p-ERK1/2 was up-regulated in β1-KOT3. These findings suggest that β1-AR signaling is crucial for TiCH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anderson L B da Silveira
- Departamento de Educação Física e Desportos, Instituto de Educação, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil
- Programa de Pós-graduação Multicêntrico em Ciências Fisiológicas, Sociedade Brasileira de Fisiologia, Brasil
- Departmento de Ciências Fisiológicas, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil
| | - Fernando A C Seara
- Programa de Pós-graduação Multicêntrico em Ciências Fisiológicas, Sociedade Brasileira de Fisiologia, Brasil
- Departmento de Ciências Fisiológicas, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil
| | - Danilo Lustrino
- Departmento de Fisiologia, Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Sergipe, São Cristóvão, Sergipe, Brasil
| | - André S Mecawi
- Departamento de Biofísica, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brasil
| | - José Antunes-Rodrigues
- Departamento de Fisiologia, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeiro Preto, São Paulo, Brasil
| | - Ísis C Kettelhut
- Departmento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brasil
| | - Patrícia Chakur-Brum
- Escola de Educação Física e Esporte, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brasil
| | - Luis C Reis
- Programa de Pós-graduação Multicêntrico em Ciências Fisiológicas, Sociedade Brasileira de Fisiologia, Brasil
- Departmento de Ciências Fisiológicas, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil
| | - Emerson L Olivares
- Programa de Pós-graduação Multicêntrico em Ciências Fisiológicas, Sociedade Brasileira de Fisiologia, Brasil
- Departmento de Ciências Fisiológicas, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil
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12
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Huang Y, Zhen Y, Chen Y, Sui S, Zhang L. Unraveling the interplay between RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK signaling pathway and autophagy in cancer: From molecular mechanisms to targeted therapy. Biochem Pharmacol 2023; 217:115842. [PMID: 37802240 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/08/2023]
Abstract
RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK signaling pathway is one of the most important pathways of Mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK), which widely participate in regulating cell proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis and signaling transduction. Autophagy is an essential mechanism that maintains cellular homeostasis by degrading aged and damaged organelles. Recently, some studies revealed RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK signaling pathway is closely related to autophagy regulation and has a dual effect in tumor cells. However, the specific mechanism by which RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK signaling pathway participates in autophagy regulation is not fully understood. This article provides a comprehensive review of the research progress with regard to the RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK signaling pathway and autophagy, as well as their interplay in cancer therapy. The impact of small molecule inhibitors that target the RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK signaling pathway on autophagy is discussed in this study. The advantages and limitations of the clinical combination of these small molecule inhibitors with autophagy inhibitors are also explored. The findings from this study may provide additional perspectives for future cancer treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunli Huang
- Sichuan Engineering Research Center for Biomimetic Synthesis of Natural Drugs, School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu 610031, China
| | - Yongqi Zhen
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Yanmei Chen
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Shaoguang Sui
- Emergency Department, The Second Hospital, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116000, China.
| | - Lan Zhang
- Sichuan Engineering Research Center for Biomimetic Synthesis of Natural Drugs, School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu 610031, China.
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13
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Kim C. Extracellular Signal-Regulated Kinases Play Essential but Contrasting Roles in Osteoclast Differentiation. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15342. [PMID: 37895023 PMCID: PMC10607827 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242015342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Bone homeostasis is regulated by the balanced actions of osteoblasts that form the bone and osteoclasts (OCs) that resorb the bone. Bone-resorbing OCs are differentiated from hematopoietic monocyte/macrophage lineage cells, whereas osteoblasts are derived from mesenchymal progenitors. OC differentiation is induced by two key cytokines, macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF), a factor essential for the proliferation and survival of the OCs, and receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL), a factor for responsible for the differentiation of the OCs. Mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), including extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERKs), p38, and c-Jun N-terminal kinases, play an essential role in regulating the proliferation, differentiation, and function of OCs. ERKs have been known to play a critical role in the differentiation and activation of OCs. In most cases, ERKs positively regulate OC differentiation and function. However, several reports present conflicting conclusions. Interestingly, the inhibition of OC differentiation by ERK1/2 is observed only in OCs differentiated from RAW 264.7 cells. Therefore, in this review, we summarize the current understanding of the conflicting actions of ERK1/2 in OC differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaekyun Kim
- BK21 Program in Biomedical Science & Engineering, Laboratory for Leukocyte Signaling Research, Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, Inha University, Incheon 22212, Republic of Korea
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Wang Y, Guo Z, Tian Y, Cong L, Zheng Y, Wu Z, Shan G, Xia Y, Zhu Y, Li X, Song Y. MAPK1 promotes the metastasis and invasion of gastric cancer as a bidirectional transcription factor. BMC Cancer 2023; 23:959. [PMID: 37817112 PMCID: PMC10563293 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-023-11480-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Mitogen-activated protein kinase 1 (MAPK1) has both independent functions of phosphorylating histones as a kinase and directly binding the promoter regions of genes to regulate gene expression as a transcription factor. Previous studies have identified elevated expression of MAPK1 in human gastric cancer, which is associated with its role as a kinase, facilitating the migration and invasion of gastric cancer cells. However, how MAPK1 binds to its target genes as a transcription factor and whether it modulates related gene expressions in gastric cancer remains unclear. RESULTS Here, we integrated biochemical assays (protein interactions and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP)), cellular analysis assays (cell proliferation and migration), RNA sequencing, ChIP sequencing, and clinical analysis to investigate the potential genomic recognition patterns of MAPK1 in a human gastric adenocarcinoma cell-line (AGS) and to uncover its regulatory effect on gastric cancer progression. We confirmed that MAPK1 promotes AGS cells invasion and migration by regulating the target genes in different directions, up-regulating seven target genes (KRT13, KRT6A, KRT81, MYH15, STARD4, SYTL4, and TMEM267) and down-regulating one gene (FGG). Among them, five genes (FGG, MYH15, STARD4, SYTL4, and TMEM267) were first associated with cancer procession, while the other three (KRT81, KRT6A, and KRT13) have previously been confirmed to be related to cancer metastasis and migration. CONCLUSION Our data showed that MAPK1 can bind to the promoter regions of these target genes to control their transcription as a bidirectional transcription factor, promoting AGS cell motility and invasion. Our research has expanded the understanding of the regulatory roles of MAPK1, enriched our knowledge of transcription factors, and provided novel candidates for cancer therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Wang
- Gastroenteric Medicine and Digestive Endoscopy Center, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Zheng Guo
- Centre for Precision Health, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA, Australia
| | - Yueli Tian
- Gastroenteric Medicine and Digestive Endoscopy Center, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Liang Cong
- Gastroenteric Medicine and Digestive Endoscopy Center, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Yulu Zheng
- Centre for Precision Health, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA, Australia
| | - Zhiyuan Wu
- Centre for Precision Health, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA, Australia
| | - Guangle Shan
- Department of Bioinformatics, Thrive Bioresearch, Beijing, China
| | - Yao Xia
- School of Science, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA, Australia
- Department of Microbiology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Yahong Zhu
- Department of Bioinformatics, Thrive Bioresearch, Beijing, China
| | - Xingang Li
- Centre for Precision Health, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA, Australia.
| | - Ying Song
- Gastroenteric Medicine and Digestive Endoscopy Center, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China.
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Sun Q, Zhi Z, Wang C, Du C, Tang J, Li H, Tang W. Mechanism of Endogenous Peptide PDYBX1 and Precursor Protein YBX1 in Hirschsprung's Disease. Neurosci Bull 2023:10.1007/s12264-023-01132-8. [PMID: 37779176 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-023-01132-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Endogenous peptides, bioactive agents with a small molecular weight and outstanding absorbability, regulate various cellular processes and diseases. However, their role in the occurrence of Hirschsprung's disease (HSCR) remains unclear. Here, we found that the expression of an endogenous peptide derived from YBX1 (termed PDYBX1 in this study) was upregulated in the aganglionic colonic tissue of HSCR patients, whereas its precursor protein YBX1 was downregulated. As shown by Transwell and cytoskeleton staining assays, silencing YBX1 inhibited the migration of enteric neural cells, and this effect was partially reversed after treatment with PDYBX1. Moreover, immunoprecipitation and immunofluorescence revealed that ERK2 bound to YBX1 and PDYBX1. Downregulation of YBX1 blocked the ERK1/2 pathway, but upregulation of PDYBX1 counteracted this effect by binding to ERK2, thereby promoting cell migration and proliferation. Taken together, the endogenous peptide PDYBX1 may partially alleviate the inhibition of the ERK1/2 pathway caused by the downregulation of its precursor protein YBX1 to antagonize the impairment of enteric neural cells. PDYBX1 may be exploited to design a novel potential therapeutic agent for HSCR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiaochu Sun
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210008, China
| | - Zhengke Zhi
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210008, China
| | - Chenglong Wang
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210008, China
| | - Chunxia Du
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210008, China
| | - Jie Tang
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210008, China
| | - Hongxing Li
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210008, China.
| | - Weibing Tang
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210008, China.
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Begum F, Manandhar S, Kumar G, Keni R, Sankhe R, Gurram PC, Beegum F, Teja MS, Nandakumar K, Shenoy RR. Dehydrozingerone promotes healing of diabetic foot ulcers: a molecular insight. J Cell Commun Signal 2023; 17:673-688. [PMID: 36280629 PMCID: PMC10409929 DOI: 10.1007/s12079-022-00703-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION One of the most common problems of diabetes are diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs). According to National Institute for Health, initial management of DFUs can decrease the complication of limb amputations and can improve the patient's quality of life. DFU treatment can be optimized with the help of multidisciplinary approach. Based on many studies, control of glucose levels in blood, antioxidant activity, reduction in cytokine levels, re-epithelialization, collagen formation, migration of fibroblasts are major phases involved in managing DFU. Dehydrozingerone (DHZ), has been known for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and wound healing properties. METHODOLOGY Three months high-fat diet and low dose of streptozotocin-induced type-II diabetic foot ulcer model was used to evaluate the effectiveness of dehydrozingerone. DHZ was given orally to rats for 15 days post wounding. TNF-α, IL-1β and antioxidant parameters like lipid peroxidation, glutathione reductase were estimated. Immunoblotting was done to investigate the effect of DHZ on the expression of ERK, JNK, HSP-27, P38, SIRT-1, NFκB, SMA, VEGF and MMP-9 in skin tissue. Histopathology was performed for analyzing DHZ effect on migration of fibroblasts, formation of epithelium, granulation tissue formation, angiogenesis and collagen formation. RESULTS DHZ decreased the levels of malondialdehyde, TNF-α, IL-1β and increased glutathione levels in wound tissue. Western blotting results suggested that DHZ activated ERK1/2/JNK/p38 signaling, increased expression of HSP-27, SIRT-1, VEGF, SMA thus facilitating the migration and proliferation of fibroblasts, angiogenesis and decreased inflammation. Masson Trichrome & histopathology showed an increase in collagen, epithelial and granulation tissue formation. CONCLUSION DHZ significantly accelerates the healing of diabetic foot ulcers in high fat diet fed plus low dose streptozotocin induced type-II diabetic Wistar rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farmiza Begum
- Department of Pharmacology, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, 576104, India
| | - Suman Manandhar
- Department of Pharmacology, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, 576104, India
| | - Gautam Kumar
- Department of Pharmacology, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, 576104, India
| | - Raghuvir Keni
- Department of Pharmacology, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, 576104, India
| | - Runali Sankhe
- Department of Pharmacology, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, 576104, India
| | - Prasada Chowdari Gurram
- Department of Pharmacology, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, 576104, India
| | - Fathima Beegum
- Department of Pharmacology, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, 576104, India
| | - Meka Sai Teja
- Department of Pharmacology, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, 576104, India
| | - Krishnadas Nandakumar
- Department of Pharmacology, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, 576104, India
| | - Rekha R Shenoy
- Department of Pharmacology, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, 576104, India.
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Bardwell L, Thorner J. Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascades-A yeast perspective. Enzymes 2023; 54:137-170. [PMID: 37945169 DOI: 10.1016/bs.enz.2023.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
Discovery of the class of protein kinase now dubbed a mitogen (or messenger)-activated protein kinase (MAPK) is an illustrative example of how disparate lines of investigation can converge and reveal an enzyme family universally conserved among eukaryotes, from single-celled microbes to humans. Moreover, elucidation of the circuitry controlling MAPK function defined a now overarching principle in enzyme regulation-the concept of an activation cascade mediated by sequential phosphorylation events. Particularly ground-breaking for this field of exploration were the contributions of genetic approaches conducted using several model organisms, but especially the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Notably, examination of how haploid yeast cells respond to their secreted peptide mating pheromones was crucial in pinpointing genes encoding MAPKs and their upstream activators. Fully contemporaneous biochemical analysis of the activities elicited upon stimulation of mammalian cells by insulin and other growth- and differentiation-inducing factors lead eventually to the demonstration that components homologous to those in yeast were involved. Continued studies of these pathways in yeast were integral to other foundational discoveries in MAPK signaling, including the roles of tethering, scaffolding and docking interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lee Bardwell
- Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Jeremy Thorner
- Division of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Structural Biology, Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, College of Letters and Science, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, United States.
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18
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Song YY, Liang D, Liu DK, Lin L, Zhang L, Yang WQ. The role of the ERK signaling pathway in promoting angiogenesis for treating ischemic diseases. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1164166. [PMID: 37427386 PMCID: PMC10325625 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1164166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The main treatment strategy for ischemic diseases caused by conditions such as poor blood vessel formation or abnormal blood vessels involves repairing vascular damage and encouraging angiogenesis. One of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways, the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) pathway, is followed by a tertiary enzymatic cascade of MAPKs that promotes angiogenesis, cell growth, and proliferation through a phosphorylation response. The mechanism by which ERK alleviates the ischemic state is not fully understood. Significant evidence suggests that the ERK signaling pathway plays a critical role in the occurrence and development of ischemic diseases. This review briefly describes the mechanisms underlying ERK-mediated angiogenesis in the treatment of ischemic diseases. Studies have shown that many drugs treat ischemic diseases by regulating the ERK signaling pathway to promote angiogenesis. The prospect of regulating the ERK signaling pathway in ischemic disorders is promising, and the development of drugs that specifically act on the ERK pathway may be a key target for promoting angiogenesis in the treatment of ischemic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue-Yue Song
- Innovation Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Dan Liang
- Innovation Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - De-Kun Liu
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Lin Lin
- Innovation Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Wen-Qing Yang
- Innovation Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
- Shandong Province Cardiovascular Disease Chinese Medicine Precision Diagnosis Engineering Laboratory, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
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19
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Myers AK, Morel M, Gee SH, Hoffmann KA, Long W. ERK3 and DGKζ interact to modulate cell motility in lung cancer cells. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1192221. [PMID: 37287450 PMCID: PMC10242005 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1192221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Extracellular signal-regulated kinase 3 (ERK3) promotes cell migration and tumor metastasis in multiple cancer types, including lung cancer. The extracellular-regulated kinase 3 protein has a unique structure. In addition to the N-terminal kinase domain, ERK3 includes a central conserved in extracellular-regulated kinase 3 and ERK4 (C34) domain and an extended C-terminus. However, relatively little is known regarding the role(s) of the C34 domain. A yeast two-hybrid assay using extracellular-regulated kinase 3 as bait identified diacylglycerol kinase ζ (DGKζ) as a binding partner. DGKζ was shown to promote migration and invasion in some cancer cell types, but its role in lung cancer cells is yet to be described. The interaction of extracellular-regulated kinase 3 and DGKζ was confirmed by co-immunoprecipitation and in vitro binding assays, consistent with their co-localization at the periphery of lung cancer cells. The C34 domain of ERK3 was sufficient for binding to DGKζ, while extracellular-regulated kinase 3 bound to the N-terminal and C1 domains of DGKζ. Surprisingly, in contrast to extracellular-regulated kinase 3, DGKζ suppresses lung cancer cell migration, suggesting DGKζ might inhibit ERK3-mediated cell motility. Indeed, co-overexpression of exogenous DGKζ and extracellular-regulated kinase 3 completely blocked the ability of ERK3 to promote cell migration, but DGKζ did not affect the migration of cells with stable ERK3 knockdown. Furthermore, DGKζ had little effect on cell migration induced by overexpression of an ERK3 mutant missing the C34 domain, suggesting DGKζ requires this domain to prevent ERK3-mediated increase in cell migration. In summary, this study has identified DGKζ as a new binding partner and negative regulator of extracellular-regulated kinase 3 in controlling lung cancer cell migration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda K. Myers
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Wright State University, Dayton, OH, United States
| | - Marion Morel
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Wright State University, Dayton, OH, United States
| | - Stephen H. Gee
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Centre for Neuromuscular Disease, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Katherine A. Hoffmann
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Wright State University, Dayton, OH, United States
| | - Weiwen Long
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Wright State University, Dayton, OH, United States
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El-Deeb AM, Mohamed AF, El-Yamany MF, El-Tanbouly DM. Novel trajectories of the NK1R antagonist aprepitant in rotenone-induced Parkinsonism-like symptoms in rats: Involvement of ERK5/KLF4/p62/Nrf2 signaling axis. Chem Biol Interact 2023; 380:110562. [PMID: 37224993 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2023.110562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Regulation of the interplay between autophagy and oxidative stress is vital in maintaining neuronal homeostasis during neurotoxicity. The interesting involvement of NK1 receptor (NK1R) in neurodegeneration has highlighted the value of investigating the neuroprotective effect of aprepitant (Aprep), an NK1R antagonist in Parkinson's disease (PD). This study was conducted to disclose Aprep's ability to modulate extracellular signal-regulated kinase 5/Krüppel-like factor 4 (ERK5/KLF4) cue as molecular signaling implicated in regulating autophagy and redox signaling in response to rotenone neurotoxicity. Rotenone (1.5 mg/kg) was administered on alternate days, and rats were given Aprep simultaneously with or without PD98059, an ERK inhibitor, for 21 days. Aprep ameliorated motor deficits as verified by restored histological features, and intact neurons count in SN and striata along with tyrosine hydroxylase immunoreactivity in SN. The molecular signaling of Aprep was illustrated by the expression of KLF4 following the phosphorylation of its upstream target, ERK5. Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) was up-regulated, shifting the oxidant/antioxidant balance towards the antioxidant side, as evidenced by elevated GSH and suppressed MDA levels. In parallel, Aprep noticeably reduced phosphorylated α-synuclein aggregates due to autophagy induction as emphasized by marked LC3II/LC3I elevation and p62 level reduction. These effects were diminished upon PD98059 pre-administration. In conclusion, Aprep showed neuroprotective effects against rotenone-induced PD, which may be partially attributed to the activation of the ERK5/KLF4 signaling pathway. It modulated p62-mediated autophagy and Nrf2 axis which act cooperatively to counter rotenone-associated neurotoxicity pointing to Aprep's prospect as a curious candidate in PD research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asmaa M El-Deeb
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, 11562, Egypt
| | - Ahmed F Mohamed
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, 11562, Egypt.
| | - Mohammed F El-Yamany
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, 11562, Egypt
| | - Dalia M El-Tanbouly
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, 11562, Egypt
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21
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Wei X, Wang F, Tao J, Mao J. Facet-dependence of Fe 3O 4 for enhancing osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs. Chem Commun (Camb) 2023; 59:6742-6744. [PMID: 37194346 DOI: 10.1039/d3cc00703k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Herein, the facet-dependence of Fe3O4 for enhancing osteogenic differentiation is demonstrated for the first time. Experimental results and density functional theory calculations reveal that Fe3O4 with exposed (42̄2) facets has greater potential in inducing osteogenic differentiation of stem cells compared with that with exposed (400) facets. Moreover, the mechanisms underlying this phenomenon are revealed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinlin Wei
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China.
| | - Fei Wang
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China.
| | - Jie Tao
- Department of Stomatology, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University (The Third Military Medical University), Chongqing 400042, China.
| | - Jian Mao
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China.
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22
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Mondru AK, Aljasir MA, Alrumayh A, Nithianandarajah GN, Ahmed K, Muller J, Goldring CEP, Wilm B, Cross MJ. VEGF Stimulates Activation of ERK5 in the Absence of C-Terminal Phosphorylation Preventing Nuclear Localization and Facilitating AKT Activation in Endothelial Cells. Cells 2023; 12:967. [PMID: 36980305 PMCID: PMC10047687 DOI: 10.3390/cells12060967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Extracellular-signal-regulated kinase 5 (ERK5) is critical for normal cardiovascular development. Previous studies have defined a canonical pathway for ERK5 activation, showing that ligand stimulation leads to MEK5 activation resulting in dual phosphorylation of ERK5 on Thr218/Tyr220 residues within the activation loop. ERK5 then undergoes a conformational change, facilitating phosphorylation on residues in the C-terminal domain and translocation to the nucleus where it regulates MEF2 transcriptional activity. Our previous research into the importance of ERK5 in endothelial cells highlighted its role in VEGF-mediated tubular morphogenesis and cell survival, suggesting that ERK5 played a unique role in endothelial cells. Our current data show that in contrast to EGF-stimulated HeLa cells, VEGF-mediated ERK5 activation in human dermal microvascular endothelial cells (HDMECs) does not result in C-terminal phosphorylation of ERK5 and translocation to the nucleus, but instead to a more plasma membrane/cytoplasmic localisation. Furthermore, the use of small-molecule inhibitors to MEK5 and ERK5 shows that instead of regulating MEF2 activity, VEGF-mediated ERK5 is important for regulating AKT activity. Our data define a novel pathway for ERK5 activation in endothelial cells leading to cell survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anil Kumar Mondru
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3GE, UK
| | - Mohammad A. Aljasir
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3GE, UK
| | - Ahmed Alrumayh
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3GE, UK
| | - Gopika N. Nithianandarajah
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3GE, UK
| | - Katie Ahmed
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3GE, UK
| | - Jurgen Muller
- Cardiovascular Research Group, School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, University of Bradford, Bradford BD7 1DP, UK
| | - Christopher E. P. Goldring
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3GE, UK
| | - Bettina Wilm
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Cell Signalling, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3BX, UK
| | - Michael J. Cross
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3GE, UK
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23
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Erdenebaatar P, Gunarta IK, Suzuki R, Odongoo R, Fujii T, Fukunaga R, Kanemaki MT, Yoshioka K. Redundant roles of extra-cellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1 and 2 in the G1-S transition and etoposide-induced G2/M checkpoint in HCT116 cells. Drug Discov Ther 2023; 17:10-17. [PMID: 36642508 DOI: 10.5582/ddt.2022.01120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
The extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1 and 2 intracellular signaling pathways play key roles in a variety of cellular processes, such as proliferation and differentiation. Dysregulation of ERK1/2 signaling has been implicated in many diseases, including cancer. Although ERK1/2 signaling pathways have been extensively studied, controversy remains as to whether ERK1 and ERK2 have specific or redundant functions. In this study, we examined the functional roles of ERK1 and ERK2 in cell proliferation and cell cycle progression using an auxin-inducible degron system combined with gene knockout technology. We found that ERK1/2 double depletion, but not ERK1 or ERK2 depletion, substantially inhibited the proliferation of HCT116 cells during G1-S transition. We further demonstrated that ERK1/2-double-depleted cells were much more tolerant to etoposide-induced G2/M arrest than ERK1 or ERK2 single-knockout cells. Together, these results strongly suggest the functional redundancy of ERK1 and ERK2 in both the G1-S transition under physiological conditions and the DNA damage-induced G2/M checkpoint. Our findings substantially advance understanding of the ERK1/2 pathways, which could have strong implications for future pharmacological developments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Purev Erdenebaatar
- Division of Molecular Cell Signaling, Cancer Research Institute, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - I Ketut Gunarta
- Division of Molecular Cell Signaling, Cancer Research Institute, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Ryusuke Suzuki
- Division of Molecular Cell Signaling, Cancer Research Institute, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Ravdandorj Odongoo
- Division of Molecular Cell Signaling, Cancer Research Institute, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Toshihiro Fujii
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Osaka Medical and Pharmaceutical University, Takatsuki, Japan
| | - Rikiro Fukunaga
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Osaka Medical and Pharmaceutical University, Takatsuki, Japan
| | - Masato T Kanemaki
- Department of Chromosome Science, National Institute of Genetics, Research Organization of Information and Systems (ROIS), Mishima, Japan.,Department of Genetics, The Graduate University for Advanced Studies (SOKENDAI), Mishima, Japan
| | - Katsuji Yoshioka
- Division of Molecular Cell Signaling, Cancer Research Institute, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
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24
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Micro-Current Stimulation Can Modulate the Adipogenesis Process by Regulating the Insulin Signaling Pathway in 3T3-L1 Cells and ob/ ob Mice. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:life13020404. [PMID: 36836760 PMCID: PMC9958996 DOI: 10.3390/life13020404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Revised: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Obesity is a disease in which fat is abnormally or excessively accumulated in the body, and many studies have been conducted to overcome it with various techniques. In this study, we evaluated whether micro-current stimulation (MCS) can be applied to prevent obesity by regulating the adipogenesis through 3T3-L1 cells and ob/ob mice. To specify the intensity of MCS, Oil Red O staining was conducted with various intensities of MCS. Based on these, subsequent experiments used 200 and 400 μA for the intensity of MCS. The expressions of insulin signaling pathway-related proteins, including phosphorylation of IGF-1 and IR, were decreased in all MCS groups, and in turn, downstream signals such as Akt and ERK were decreased. In addition, MCS reduced the nucleus translocation of PPAR-γ and decreased the protein expression of C/EBP-α. In the ob/ob mouse model, MCS reduced body weight gain and abdominal adipose tissue volume. In particular, the concentration of triglycerides in serum was also decreased. Taken together, our findings showed that MCS inhibited lipid accumulation by regulating insulin signaling in 3T3-L1, and it was effective at reducing body weight and adipose tissue volume in ob/ob mice. These suggest that MCS may be a useful treatment approach for obesity.
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25
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Kumar S, Singh SK, Srivastava P, Suresh S, Rana B, Rana A. Interplay between MAP kinases and tumor microenvironment: Opportunity for immunotherapy in pancreatic cancer. Adv Cancer Res 2023. [PMID: 37268394 DOI: 10.1016/bs.acr.2023.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/12/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma (PDAC), commonly called pancreatic cancer, is aggressive cancer usually detected at a late stage, limiting treatment options with modest clinical responses. It is projected that by 2030, PDAC will be the second most common cause of cancer-related mortality in the United States. Drug resistance in PDAC is common and significantly affects patients' overall survival (OS). Oncogenic KRAS mutations are nearly uniform in PDAC, affecting over 90% of patients. However, effective drugs directed to target prevalent KRAS mutants in pancreatic cancer are not in clinical practice. Accordingly, efforts are continued on identifying alternative druggable target(s) or approaches to improve patient outcomes with PDAC. In most PDAC cases, the KRAS mutations turn-on the RAF-MEK-MAPK pathways, leading to pancreatic tumorigenesis. The MAPK signaling cascade (MAP4K→MAP3K→MAP2K→MAPK) plays a central role in the pancreatic cancer tumor microenvironment (TME) and chemotherapy resistance. The immunosuppressive pancreatic cancer TME is another unfavorable factor affecting the therapeutic efficacy of chemotherapy and immunotherapy. The immune checkpoint proteins (ICPs), including CTLA-4, PD-1, PD-L1, and PD-L2, are critical players in T cell dysfunction and pancreatic tumor cell growth. Here, we review the activation of MAPKs, a molecular trait of KRAS mutations and their impact on pancreatic cancer TME, chemoresistance, and expression of ICPs that could influence the clinical outcomes in PDAC patients. Therefore, understanding the interplay between MAPK pathways and TME could help to design rational therapy combining immunotherapy and MAPK inhibitors for pancreatic cancer treatment.
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26
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On the Therapeutic Potential of ERK4 in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 15:cancers15010025. [PMID: 36612022 PMCID: PMC9817496 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15010025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Revised: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
ERK3 and ERK4 define a distinct and understudied subfamily of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs). Little is known about the physiological roles of these atypical MAPKs and their association with human diseases. Interestingly, accumulating evidence points towards a role for ERK3 and ERK4 signaling in the initiation and progression of various types of cancer. Notably, a recent study reported that ERK4 is expressed in a subset of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cell lines and that this expression is critical for AKT activation and for sustaining TNBC cell proliferation in vitro and tumor growth in mice. The authors also showed that depletion of ERK4 sensitizes TNBC cells to phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K) inhibitors. They concluded that ERK4 is a promising therapeutic target for TNBC and has potential for combination therapy with PI3K inhibitors. Here, we raise concerns about the cellular models and experimental approaches used in this study, which compromise the conclusions on the oncogenic role of ERK4 in TNBC.
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27
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Metwally NH, Eldaly SM. Design, Synthesis of New Pyrazoles and Chromenes as ERK‐2 Inhibitors, Apoptosis inducers and Cell cycle interrupters Based on Thiophene‐Chalcone Scaffold. ChemistrySelect 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/slct.202202257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Salwa Magdy Eldaly
- Department of Chemistry Faculty of Science Cairo University POX. 12613 Giza Egypt
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28
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Calco GN, Maung JN, Jacoby DB, Fryer AD, Nie Z. Insulin increases sensory nerve density and reflex bronchoconstriction in obese mice. JCI Insight 2022; 7:e161898. [PMID: 36107629 PMCID: PMC9714782 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.161898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Obesity-induced asthma responds poorly to all current pharmacological interventions, including steroids, suggesting that classic, eosinophilic inflammation is not a mechanism. Since insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia are common in obese individuals and associated with increased risk of asthma, we used diet-induced obese mice to study how insulin induces airway hyperreactivity. Inhaled 5-HT or methacholine induced dose-dependent bronchoconstriction that was significantly potentiated in obese mice. Cutting the vagus nerves eliminated bronchoconstriction in both obese and nonobese animals, indicating that it was mediated by a neural reflex. There was significantly greater density of airway sensory nerves in obese compared with nonobese mice. Deleting insulin receptors on sensory nerves prevented the increase in sensory nerve density and prevented airway hyperreactivity in obese mice with hyperinsulinemia. Our data demonstrate that high levels of insulin drives obesity-induced airway hyperreactivity by increasing sensory innervation of the airways. Therefore, pharmacological interventions to control metabolic syndrome and limit reflex-mediated bronchoconstriction may be a more effective approach to reduce asthma exacerbations in obese and patients with asthma.
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29
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Vitaliti A, De Luca A, Rossi L. Copper-Dependent Kinases and Their Role in Cancer Inception, Progression and Metastasis. Biomolecules 2022; 12:1520. [PMID: 36291728 PMCID: PMC9599708 DOI: 10.3390/biom12101520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Revised: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, copper function has been expanded beyond its consolidated role as a cofactor of enzyme catalysis. Recent papers have demonstrated a new dynamic role for copper in the regulation of cell signaling pathways through direct interaction with protein kinases, modulating their activity. The activation of these pathways is exacerbated in cancer cells to sustain the different steps of tumor growth and dissemination. This review will focus on a novel proposed role for the transition metal copper as a regulator of cell signaling pathways through direct interaction with known protein kinases, which exhibit binding domains for this metal. Activation of these pathways in cancer cells supports both tumor growth and dissemination. In addition to the description of the results recently reported in the literature on the subject, relevance will be given to the possibility of controlling the cellular levels of copper and its homeostatic regulators. Overall, these findings may be of central relevance in order to propose copper and its homeostatic regulators as possible targets for novel therapies, which may act synergistically to those already existing to control cancer growth and dissemination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Vitaliti
- PhD Program in Cellular and Molecular Biology, Department of Biology, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Via della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Anastasia De Luca
- Department of Biology, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Via della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Luisa Rossi
- Department of Biology, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Via della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
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30
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Dewangan PS, Beraki TG, Paiz EA, Appiah Mensah D, Chen Z, Reese ML. Divergent kinase WNG1 is regulated by phosphorylation of an atypical activation sub-domain. Biochem J 2022; 479:1877-1889. [PMID: 35938919 PMCID: PMC9555795 DOI: 10.1042/bcj20220076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Revised: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Apicomplexan parasites like Toxoplasma gondii grow and replicate within a specialized organelle called the parasitophorous vacuole. The vacuole is decorated with parasite proteins that integrate into the membrane after trafficking through the parasite secretory system as soluble, chaperoned complexes. A regulator of this process is an atypical protein kinase called WNG1. Phosphorylation by WNG1 appears to serve as a switch for membrane integration. However, like its substrates, WNG1 is secreted from the parasite dense granules, and its activity must, therefore, be tightly regulated until the correct membrane is encountered. Here, we demonstrate that, while another member of the WNG family can adopt multiple multimeric states, WNG1 is monomeric and therefore not regulated by multimerization. Instead, we identify two phosphosites on WNG1 that are required for its kinase activity. Using a combination of in vitro biochemistry and structural modeling, we identify basic residues that are also required for WNG1 activity and appear to recognize the activating phosphosites. Among these coordinating residues are the 'HRD' Arg, which recognizes activation loop phosphorylation in canonical kinases. WNG1, however, is not phosphorylated on its activation loop, but rather on atypical phosphosites on its C-lobe. We propose a simple model in which WNG1 is activated by increasing ATP concentration above a critical threshold once the kinase traffics to the parasitophorous vacuole.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pravin S. Dewangan
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas, Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, U.S.A
| | - Tsebaot G. Beraki
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas, Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, U.S.A
| | - E. Ariana Paiz
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas, Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, U.S.A
| | - Delia Appiah Mensah
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas, Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, U.S.A
- Honors College, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX, U.S.A
| | - Zhe Chen
- Department of Biophysics, University of Texas, Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, U.S.A
| | - Michael L. Reese
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas, Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, U.S.A
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas, Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, U.S.A
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31
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Yu T, Liu J, Wang Y, Chen W, Liu Z, Zhu L, Zhu W. METTL3 promotes colorectal cancer metastasis by stabilizing PLAU mRNA in an m6A-dependent manner. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2022; 614:9-16. [PMID: 35567945 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2022.04.141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common tumors and ranks second in tumor mortality. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification is the most prevalent RNA modification in eukaryotes. As the critical m6A methyltransferase, the role of METTL3 in the metastasis regulation of CRC might be controversial and need to be further explored. In this study, we confirmed that METTL3 could promoted CRC metastasis in vitro and in vivo. METTL3 was upregulated in CRC tissues and led to poor survival in CRC metastasis. We found METTL3 upregulated PLAU mRNA in an m6A-dependent manner, and then participated in MAPK/ERK pathway to promote angiogenesis and metastasis in CRC. Our study provided new therapeutic targets in CRC metastasis treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Yu
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jingya Liu
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yiwen Wang
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Wenlong Chen
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhixian Liu
- Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.
| | - Lingjun Zhu
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.
| | - Wei Zhu
- Research Division of Clinical Pharmacology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China.
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32
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Chen Y, Wang Z, Li Q, Tian M, Zhu Y, Yu L, Wang J, Sun S. CXCL16/ERK1/2 pathway regulates human podocytes growth, migration, apoptosis and epithelial mesenchymal transition. Mol Med Rep 2022; 25:212. [PMID: 35514316 PMCID: PMC9133949 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2022.12728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Primary nephrotic syndrome (PNS) is the commonest glomerular disease affecting children. Previous studies have confirmed that CXC motif chemokine ligand 16 (CXCL16) is involved in the pathogenesis of PNS. However, the exact mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of PNS remain to be elucidated. Thus, the present study aimed to elucidate the role of CXCL16 in PNS. It was found that the expression of CXCL16 and extracellular signal‑regulated kinases 1 and 2 (ERK1/2) were significantly increased in clinical PNS renal tissues using reverse transcription‑quantitative PCR, western blot analysis and immunohistochemistry. Lentivirus overexpression or short hairpin RNA vector was used to induce the overexpression or knockdown of CXCL16 in podocytes, respectively. Overexpression of CXCL16 in podocytes could decrease the cell proliferation and increase the migration and apoptosis, whereas CXCL16 knockdown increased cell proliferation and decreased cell migration and apoptosis. Results of the present study further demonstrated that ERK2 protein expression was regulated by CXCL16. The knockdown of ERK2 expression reversed the effects of CXCL16 on the proliferation, apoptosis, migration and epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) of podocytes. Collectively, the findings of the present study highlighted that the CXCL16/ERK1/2 pathway regulates the growth, migration, apoptosis and EMT of human podocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Chen
- Department of Pediatrics, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong 250021, P.R. China
- Department of Pediatrics, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250021, P.R. China
| | - Zhiyi Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong 250021, P.R. China
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250021, P.R. China
| | - Qian Li
- Department of Pediatrics, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong 250021, P.R. China
- Department of Pediatrics, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250021, P.R. China
| | - Minle Tian
- Department of Pediatrics, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong 250021, P.R. China
| | - Yanji Zhu
- Department of Pediatrics, People's Hospital of Rizhao, Rizhao, Shandong 276800, P.R. China
| | - Lichun Yu
- Department of Pediatrics, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong 250021, P.R. China
- Department of Pediatrics, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250021, P.R. China
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong 250021, P.R. China
- Department of Pediatrics, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250021, P.R. China
| | - Shuzhen Sun
- Department of Pediatrics, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong 250021, P.R. China
- Department of Pediatrics, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250021, P.R. China
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33
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Singh R, Bhardwaj VK, Purohit R. Computational targeting of allosteric site of MEK1 by quinoline-based molecules. Cell Biochem Funct 2022; 40:481-490. [PMID: 35604288 DOI: 10.1002/cbf.3709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Revised: 04/23/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
MEK1 is an attractive target due to its role in selective extracellular-signal-regulated kinase phosphorylation, which plays a pivotal role in regulating cell proliferation. Another benefit of targeting the MEK protein is its unique hydrophobic pocket that can accommodate highly selective allosteric inhibitors. To date, various MEK1 inhibitors have reached clinical trials against several cancers, but they were discarded due to their severe toxicity and low efficacy. Thus, the development of allosteric inhibitors for MEK1 is the demand of the hour. In this in-silico study, molecular docking, long-term molecular dynamics (5 µs), and molecular mechanics Poisson-Boltzmann surface area analysis were undertaken to address the potential of quinolines as allosteric inhibitors. We selected four reference MEK1 inhibitors for the comparative analysis. The drug-likeness and toxicity of these molecules were also examined based on their ADMET and Toxicity Prediction by Komputer Assisted Technology profiles. The outcome of the analysis revealed that the quinolines (4m, 4o, 4s, and 4n) exhibited better stability and binding affinity while being nontoxic compared to reference inhibitors. We have reached the conclusion that these quinoline molecules could be checked by experimental studies to validate their use as allosteric inhibitors against MEK1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rahul Singh
- Structural Bioinformatics Lab, CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology (CSIR-IHBT), Palampur, Himachal Pradesh, India.,Biotechnology Division, CSIR-IHBT, Palampur, Himachal Pradesh, India.,Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, India
| | - Vijay K Bhardwaj
- Structural Bioinformatics Lab, CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology (CSIR-IHBT), Palampur, Himachal Pradesh, India.,Biotechnology Division, CSIR-IHBT, Palampur, Himachal Pradesh, India.,Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, India
| | - Rituraj Purohit
- Structural Bioinformatics Lab, CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology (CSIR-IHBT), Palampur, Himachal Pradesh, India.,Biotechnology Division, CSIR-IHBT, Palampur, Himachal Pradesh, India.,Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, India
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Peng J, Wen W, Wang R, Li K, Xiao G, Li C. The galloyl moiety enhances inhibitory activity of polyphenols against adipogenic differentiation in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes. Food Funct 2022; 13:5275-5286. [PMID: 35441186 DOI: 10.1039/d1fo04179g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Previous studies have proved that the characteristic galloyl moiety in polyphenols is crucial for their biological activities. However, whether the presence of the galloyl moiety in the structure of polyphenols has a great contribution to their inhibition of adipogenic differentiation is not clear. Therefore, in this study, seven polyphenols with different galloylation degrees were chosen for exploring the contribution of the galloyl group to the lipid-lowering property of polyphenols and its molecular mechanism. Our results showed that the existence of the galloyl moiety in the structure of polyphenols was necessary for their inhibition of adipogenic differentiation, which could help to delay cells from entering the G2/M phase as well as to hinder the MCE process in the early stage of differentiation and the downstream PPARγ and C/EBPα related MAPK signaling pathway, probably via binding to IR and disturbing the α-helix in its conformation. Our finding highlighted that the existence of galloyl groups in polyphenols was crucial for their anti-adipogenic activity, and provided new insights into the mechanism by which galloylated polyphenols suppress adipocyte differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinming Peng
- College of Food Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Key Laboratory of Environment Correlative Food Science, Ministry of Education, Wuhan 430070, China. .,College of Light Industry and Food Science, Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Science and Technology of Lingnan Specialty Food, Guangzhou 510225, China.
| | - Wenjun Wen
- College of Light Industry and Food Science, Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Science and Technology of Lingnan Specialty Food, Guangzhou 510225, China.
| | - Ruifeng Wang
- College of Food Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Key Laboratory of Environment Correlative Food Science, Ministry of Education, Wuhan 430070, China.
| | - Kaikai Li
- College of Food Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Key Laboratory of Environment Correlative Food Science, Ministry of Education, Wuhan 430070, China.
| | - Gengsheng Xiao
- College of Light Industry and Food Science, Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Science and Technology of Lingnan Specialty Food, Guangzhou 510225, China.
| | - Chunmei Li
- College of Food Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Key Laboratory of Environment Correlative Food Science, Ministry of Education, Wuhan 430070, China.
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35
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D’Incal C, Broos J, Torfs T, Kooy RF, Vanden Berghe W. Towards Kinase Inhibitor Therapies for Fragile X Syndrome: Tweaking Twists in the Autism Spectrum Kinase Signaling Network. Cells 2022; 11:cells11081325. [PMID: 35456004 PMCID: PMC9029738 DOI: 10.3390/cells11081325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Revised: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Absence of the Fragile X Mental Retardation Protein (FMRP) causes autism spectrum disorders and intellectual disability, commonly referred to as the Fragile X syndrome. FMRP is a negative regulator of protein translation and is essential for neuronal development and synapse formation. FMRP is a target for several post-translational modifications (PTMs) such as phosphorylation and methylation, which tightly regulate its cellular functions. Studies have indicated the involvement of FMRP in a multitude of cellular pathways, and an absence of FMRP was shown to affect several neurotransmitter receptors, for example, the GABA receptor and intracellular signaling molecules such as Akt, ERK, mTOR, and GSK3. Interestingly, many of these molecules function as protein kinases or phosphatases and thus are potentially amendable by pharmacological treatment. Several treatments acting on these kinase-phosphatase systems have been shown to be successful in preclinical models; however, they have failed to convincingly show any improvements in clinical trials. In this review, we highlight the different protein kinase and phosphatase studies that have been performed in the Fragile X syndrome. In our opinion, some of the paradoxical study conclusions are potentially due to the lack of insight into integrative kinase signaling networks in the disease. Quantitative proteome analyses have been performed in several models for the FXS to determine global molecular processes in FXS. However, only one phosphoproteomics study has been carried out in Fmr1 knock-out mouse embryonic fibroblasts, and it showed dysfunctional protein kinase and phosphatase signaling hubs in the brain. This suggests that the further use of phosphoproteomics approaches in Fragile X syndrome holds promise for identifying novel targets for kinase inhibitor therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudio D’Incal
- Protein Chemistry, Proteomics and Epigenetic Signaling (PPES), Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium; (C.D.); (J.B.); (T.T.)
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Antwerp, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium;
| | - Jitse Broos
- Protein Chemistry, Proteomics and Epigenetic Signaling (PPES), Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium; (C.D.); (J.B.); (T.T.)
| | - Thierry Torfs
- Protein Chemistry, Proteomics and Epigenetic Signaling (PPES), Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium; (C.D.); (J.B.); (T.T.)
| | - R. Frank Kooy
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Antwerp, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium;
| | - Wim Vanden Berghe
- Protein Chemistry, Proteomics and Epigenetic Signaling (PPES), Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium; (C.D.); (J.B.); (T.T.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +0032-(0)-32-652-657
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36
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Trammell CE, Ramirez G, Sanchez-Vargas I, St Clair LA, Ratnayake OC, Luckhart S, Perera R, Goodman AG. Coupled small molecules target RNA interference and JAK/STAT signaling to reduce Zika virus infection in Aedes aegypti. PLoS Pathog 2022; 18:e1010411. [PMID: 35377915 PMCID: PMC9017935 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1010411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Revised: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The recent global Zika epidemics have revealed the significant threat that mosquito-borne viruses pose. There are currently no effective vaccines or prophylactics to prevent Zika virus (ZIKV) infection. Limiting exposure to infected mosquitoes is the best way to reduce disease incidence. Recent studies have focused on targeting mosquito reproduction and immune responses to reduce transmission. Previous work has evaluated the effect of insulin signaling on antiviral JAK/STAT and RNAi in vector mosquitoes. Specifically, insulin-fed mosquitoes resulted in reduced virus replication in an RNAi-independent, ERK-mediated JAK/STAT-dependent mechanism. In this work, we demonstrate that targeting insulin signaling through the repurposing of small molecule drugs results in the activation of both RNAi and JAK/STAT antiviral pathways. ZIKV-infected Aedes aegypti were fed blood containing demethylasterriquinone B1 (DMAQ-B1), a potent insulin mimetic, in combination with AKT inhibitor VIII. Activation of this coordinated response additively reduced ZIKV levels in Aedes aegypti. This effect included a quantitatively greater reduction in salivary gland ZIKV levels up to 11 d post-bloodmeal ingestion, relative to single pathway activation. Together, our study indicates the potential for field delivery of these small molecules to substantially reduce virus transmission from mosquito to human. As infections like Zika virus are becoming more burdensome and prevalent, understanding how to control this family of viruses in the insect vector is an important issue in public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chasity E. Trammell
- School of Molecular Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, United States of America
| | - Gabriela Ramirez
- Center for Vector-borne Infectious Diseases, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Irma Sanchez-Vargas
- Center for Vector-borne Infectious Diseases, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Laura A. St Clair
- Center for Vector-borne Infectious Diseases, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Oshani C. Ratnayake
- Center for Vector-borne Infectious Diseases, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Shirley Luckhart
- Department of Entomology, Plant Pathology, and Nematology, College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, University of Idaho, Moscow, Idaho, United States of America
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, University of Idaho, Moscow, Idaho, United States of America
| | - Rushika Perera
- Center for Vector-borne Infectious Diseases, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, United States of America
- * E-mail: (RP); (AGG)
| | - Alan G. Goodman
- School of Molecular Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, United States of America
- Paul G. Allen School for Global Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, United States of America
- * E-mail: (RP); (AGG)
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Endogenous Opioids and Their Role in Stem Cell Biology and Tissue Rescue. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23073819. [PMID: 35409178 PMCID: PMC8998234 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23073819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Revised: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Opioids are considered the oldest drugs known by humans and have been used for sedation and pain relief for several centuries. Nowadays, endogenous opioid peptides are divided into four families: enkephalins, dynorphins, endorphins, and nociceptin/orphanin FQ. They exert their action through the opioid receptors (ORs), transmembrane proteins belonging to the super-family of G-protein-coupled receptors, and are expressed throughout the body; the receptors are the δ opioid receptor (DOR), μ opioid receptor (MOR), κ opioid receptor (KOR), and nociceptin/orphanin FQ receptor (NOP). Endogenous opioids are mainly studied in the central nervous system (CNS), but their role has been investigated in other organs, both in physiological and in pathological conditions. Here, we revise their role in stem cell (SC) biology, since these cells are a subject of great scientific interest due to their peculiar features and their involvement in cell-based therapies in regenerative medicine. In particular, we focus on endogenous opioids’ ability to modulate SC proliferation, stress response (to oxidative stress, starvation, or damage following ischemia–reperfusion), and differentiation towards different lineages, such as neurogenesis, vasculogenesis, and cardiogenesis.
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38
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Yung Y, Yao Z, Hanoch T, Seger R. ERK1b, a 46-kDa ERK Isoform That Is Differentially Regulated by MEK. Cell Biol Int 2022; 46:1021-1035. [PMID: 35332606 PMCID: PMC9320930 DOI: 10.1002/cbin.11801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Revised: 12/27/2021] [Accepted: 01/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The extracellular signal‐regulated kinases (ERK) 1 and 2 (ERK1/2) are members of the mitogen‐activated protein kinase family. Using various stimulated rodent cells and kinase activation techniques, we identified a 46‐kDa ERK. The kinetics of activation of this ERK isoform was similar to that of ERK1 and ERK2 under most but not all circumstances. We purified this isoform from rat cells followed by its cloning. The sequence of this isoform revealed that it is an alternatively spliced version of the 44‐kDa ERK1 and therefore we termed it ERK1b. Interestingly, this isoform had a 26‐amino acid insertion between residues 340 and 341 of ERK1, which results from Intron 7 insertion to the sequence. Examining the expression pattern, we found that ERK1b is detected mainly in rat and particularly in Ras‐transformed Rat1 cells. In this cell line, ERK1b was more sensitive to extracellular stimulation than ERK1 and ERK2. Moreover, unlike ERK1 and ERK2, ERK1b had a very low binding affinity to MEK1. This low interaction led to nuclear localization of this isoform when expressed together with MEK1 under conditions in which ERK1 and ERK2 are retained in the cytoplasm. In addition, ERK1b was not coimmunoprecipitated with MEK1. We identified a new, 46‐kDa ERK alternatively spliced isoform. Our results indicate that this isoform is the major one to respond to exogenous stimulation in Ras‐transformed cells, probably due to its differential regulation by MAPK/ERK kinase and by phosphatases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuval Yung
- Department of Biological Regulation,, The Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, 76100, Israel
| | - Zhong Yao
- Department of Biological Regulation,, The Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, 76100, Israel
| | - Tamar Hanoch
- Department of Biological Regulation,, The Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, 76100, Israel
| | - Rony Seger
- Department of Biological Regulation,, The Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, 76100, Israel
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Abd Alla J, Quitterer U. The RAF Kinase Inhibitor Protein (RKIP): Good as Tumour Suppressor, Bad for the Heart. Cells 2022; 11:cells11040654. [PMID: 35203304 PMCID: PMC8869954 DOI: 10.3390/cells11040654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2021] [Revised: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The RAF kinase inhibitor protein, RKIP, is a dual inhibitor of the RAF1 kinase and the G protein-coupled receptor kinase 2, GRK2. By inhibition of the RAF1-MAPK (mitogen-activated protein kinase) pathway, RKIP acts as a beneficial tumour suppressor. By inhibition of GRK2, RKIP counteracts GRK2-mediated desensitisation of G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) signalling. GRK2 inhibition is considered to be cardioprotective under conditions of exaggerated GRK2 activity such as heart failure. However, cardioprotective GRK2 inhibition and pro-survival RAF1-MAPK pathway inhibition counteract each other, because inhibition of the pro-survival RAF1-MAPK cascade is detrimental for the heart. Therefore, the question arises, what is the net effect of these apparently divergent functions of RKIP in vivo? The available data show that, on one hand, GRK2 inhibition promotes cardioprotective signalling in isolated cardiomyocytes. On the other hand, inhibition of the pro-survival RAF1-MAPK pathway by RKIP deteriorates cardiomyocyte viability. In agreement with cardiotoxic effects, endogenous RKIP promotes cardiac fibrosis under conditions of cardiac stress, and transgenic RKIP induces heart dysfunction. Supported by next-generation sequencing (NGS) data of the RKIP-induced cardiac transcriptome, this review provides an overview of different RKIP functions and explains how beneficial GRK2 inhibition can go awry by RAF1-MAPK pathway inhibition. Based on RKIP studies, requirements for the development of a cardioprotective GRK2 inhibitor are deduced.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua Abd Alla
- Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland;
| | - Ursula Quitterer
- Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland;
- Department of Medicine, Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +41-44-632-9801
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40
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Soulez M, Tanguay PL, Dô F, Dort J, Crist C, Kotlyarov A, Gaestel M, Ferron M, Dumont NA, Meloche S. ERK3-MK5 signaling regulates myogenic differentiation and muscle regeneration by promoting FoxO3 degradation. J Cell Physiol 2022; 237:2271-2287. [PMID: 35141958 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.30695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2021] [Revised: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The physiological functions and downstream effectors of the atypical mitogen-activated protein kinase extracellular signal-regulated kinase 3 (ERK3) remain to be characterized. We recently reported that mice expressing catalytically-inactive ERK3 (Mapk6KD/KD ) exhibit a reduced postnatal growth rate as compared to control mice. Here, we show that genetic inactivation of ERK3 impairs postnatal skeletal muscle growth and adult muscle regeneration after injury. Loss of MAPK-activated protein kinase 5 (MK5) phenocopies the muscle phenotypes of Mapk6KD/KD mice. At the cellular level, genetic or pharmacological inactivation of ERK3 or MK5 induces precocious differentiation of C2C12 or primary myoblasts, concomitant with MyoD activation. Reciprocally, ectopic expression of activated MK5 inhibits myogenic differentiation. Mechanistically, we show that MK5 directly phosphorylates FoxO3, promoting its degradation and reducing its association with MyoD. Depletion of FoxO3 rescues in part the premature differentiation of C2C12 myoblasts observed upon inactivation of ERK3 or MK5. Our findings reveal that ERK3 and its substrate MK5 act in a linear signaling pathway to control postnatal myogenic differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathilde Soulez
- Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Pierre-Luc Tanguay
- Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.,Molecular Biology Program, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.,Ipsen Biopharmaceuticals Canada, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada
| | - Florence Dô
- Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Junio Dort
- CHU Sainte-Justine Research Center, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.,School of Rehabilitation, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Colin Crist
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.,Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Alexey Kotlyarov
- Institute of Cell Biochemistry, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Matthias Gaestel
- Institute of Cell Biochemistry, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Mathieu Ferron
- Molecular Biology Program, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.,Institut de Recherches Cliniques de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.,Department of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.,Department of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Nicolas A Dumont
- CHU Sainte-Justine Research Center, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.,School of Rehabilitation, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Sylvain Meloche
- Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.,Molecular Biology Program, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.,Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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41
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Live imaging approach of dynamic multicellular responses in ERK signaling during vertebrate tissue development. Biochem J 2022; 479:129-143. [PMID: 35050327 PMCID: PMC8883488 DOI: 10.1042/bcj20210557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Revised: 12/28/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The chemical and mechanical responses of cells via the exchange of information during growth and development result in the formation of biological tissues. Information processing within the cells through the signaling pathways and networks inherent to the constituent cells has been well-studied. However, the cell signaling mechanisms responsible for generating dynamic multicellular responses in developing tissues remain unclear. Here, I review the dynamic multicellular response systems during the development and growth of vertebrate tissues based on the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) pathway. First, an overview of the function of the ERK signaling network in cells is provided, followed by descriptions of biosensors essential for live imaging of the quantification of ERK activity in tissues. Then adducing four examples, I highlight the contribution of live imaging techniques for studying the involvement of spatio-temporal patterns of ERK activity change in tissue development and growth. In addition, theoretical implications of ERK signaling are also discussed from the viewpoint of dynamic systems. This review might help in understanding ERK-mediated dynamic multicellular responses and tissue morphogenesis.
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Pandian J, Ganesan K. Delineation of gastric tumors with activated ERK/MAPK signaling cascades for the development of targeted therapeutics. Exp Cell Res 2022; 410:112956. [PMID: 34864005 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2021.112956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Revised: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
The ERK/MAPK signaling pathway is activated in various cancers including gastric cancer. Targeting the ERK/MAPK/MEK pathway has been considered as a promising strategy for cancer therapy. However, MEK inhibition leads to a series of resistance mechanisms due to mutations in MEK, elevated expression of RAS or RAF proteins and activation of the associated signaling pathways. In the present study, ERK/MAPK pathway specific gene signatures were identified to be highly activated in intestinal subtype gastric tumors. Inhibition of ERK/MAPK pathway with the inhibitor PD98059 in gastric cancer cell lines by in vitro signaling pathway and genome-wide expression profiling revealed the associated signaling pathways. Functional genomic investigation of the ERK/MAPK regulated genes reveals the association of ERK/MAPK pathway with E2F, Myc, SOX-2, TGF-β, OCT4 and Notch pathways in gastric cancer cells. Of these, E2F, Myc and SOX-2 pathways are activated in intestinal subtype gastric tumors and TGF-β, OCT4, Notch pathways are activated in diffuse subtype gastric tumors. Further, the mutational load of gastric tumors was found to have association and correlation with the activation pattern of ERK/MAPK pathways across gastric tumors. ERK/MAPK activation was also found to represent the EBV and MSI activated subtypes of gastric tumors. Identification of potent drug candidates inhibiting the ERK/MAPK and associated pathways would pave a way for developing the targeted therapeutics for a subset of gastric tumors with activated ERK/MAPK signaling cascade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaishree Pandian
- Unit of Excellence in Cancer Genetics, Department of Genetics, Centre for Excellence in Genomic Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, Madurai Kamaraj University, Madurai, India.
| | - Kumaresan Ganesan
- Unit of Excellence in Cancer Genetics, Department of Genetics, Centre for Excellence in Genomic Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, Madurai Kamaraj University, Madurai, India.
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43
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The p38 MAPK Components and Modulators as Biomarkers and Molecular Targets in Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 23:ijms23010370. [PMID: 35008796 PMCID: PMC8745478 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23010370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Revised: 12/27/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) family is an important bridge in the transduction of extracellular and intracellular signals in different responses at the cellular level. Within this MAPK family, the p38 kinases can be found altered in various diseases, including cancer, where these kinases play a fundamental role, sometimes with antagonistic mechanisms of action, depending on several factors. In fact, this family has an immense number of functionalities, many of them yet to be discovered in terms of regulation and action in different types of cancer, being directly involved in the response to cancer therapies. To date, three main groups of MAPKs have been identified in mammals: the extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK), Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), and the different isoforms of p38 (α, β, γ, δ). In this review, we highlight the mechanism of action of these kinases, taking into account their extensive regulation at the cellular level through various modifications and modulations, including a wide variety of microRNAs. We also analyze the importance of the different isoforms expressed in the different tissues and their possible role as biomarkers and molecular targets. In addition, we include the latest preclinical and clinical trials with different p38-related drugs that are ongoing with hopeful expectations in the present/future of developing precision medicine in cancer.
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44
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Fan G, Lou L, Song Z, Zhang X, Xiong XF. Targeting mutated GTPase KRAS in tumor therapies. Eur J Med Chem 2021; 226:113816. [PMID: 34520956 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2021.113816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Revised: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 08/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Kirsten rat sarcoma virus oncogene (KRAS) mutation accounts for approximately 85% of RAS-driven cancers, and participates in multiple signaling pathways and mediates cell proliferation, differentiation and metabolism. KRAS has been considered as an "undruggable" target due to the lack of effective direct inhibitors, although high frequency of KRAS mutations have been identified in multiple carcinomas in the past decades. Encouragingly, the KRASG12C inhibitor AMG510 (sotorasib), which has been approved for treating NSCLC and CRC recently, makes directly targeting KRAS the most promising strategy for cancer therapy. To better understand the current state of KRAS inhibitors, this review summarizes the biological functions of KRAS, the structure-activity relationship studies of the small-molecule inhibitors that directly target KRAS, and highlights the therapeutic agents with improved selectivity, bioavailability and physicochemical properties. Furthermore, the combined medication that can enhance efficacy and overcome drug resistance of KRAS covalent inhibitors is also reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangjin Fan
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of New Drug Design and Evaluation, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Linlin Lou
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of New Drug Design and Evaluation, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Zhendong Song
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of New Drug Design and Evaluation, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, China.
| | - Xiaolei Zhang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of New Drug Design and Evaluation, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, China.
| | - Xiao-Feng Xiong
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of New Drug Design and Evaluation, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, China.
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45
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Maik-Rachline G, Wortzel I, Seger R. Alternative Splicing of MAPKs in the Regulation of Signaling Specificity. Cells 2021; 10:cells10123466. [PMID: 34943973 PMCID: PMC8699841 DOI: 10.3390/cells10123466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2021] [Revised: 11/26/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascades transmit signals from extracellular stimuli to a variety of distinct cellular processes. The MAPKKs in each cascade specifically phosphorylate and activate their cognate MAPKs, indicating that this step funnels various signals into a seemingly linear pathway. Still, the effects of these cascades vary significantly, depending on the identity of the extracellular signals, which gives rise to proper outcomes. Therefore, it is clear that the specificity of the signals transmitted through the cascades is tightly regulated in order to secure the desired cell fate. Indeed, many regulatory components or processes that extend the specificity of the cascades have been identified. Here, we focus on a less discussed mechanism, that is, the role of distinct components in each tier of the cascade in extending the signaling specificity. We cover the role of distinct genes, and the alternatively spliced isoforms of MAPKKs and MAPKs, in the signaling specificity. The alternatively spliced MEK1b and ERK1c, which form an independent signaling route, are used as the main example. Unlike MEK1/2 and ERK1/2, this route’s functions are limited, including mainly the regulation of mitotic Golgi fragmentation. The unique roles of the alternatively spliced isoforms indicate that these components play an essential role in determining the proper cell fate in response to distinct stimulations.
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Bentley RET, Hindmarch CCT, Dunham-Snary KJ, Snetsinger B, Mewburn JD, Thébaud A, Lima PDA, Thébaud B, Archer SL. The molecular mechanisms of oxygen-sensing in human ductus arteriosus smooth muscle cells: A comprehensive transcriptome profile reveals a central role for mitochondria. Genomics 2021; 113:3128-3140. [PMID: 34245829 PMCID: PMC10659099 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygeno.2021.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2021] [Revised: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
The ductus arteriosus (DA) connects the fetal pulmonary artery and aorta, diverting placentally oxygenated blood from the developing lungs to the systemic circulation. The DA constricts in response to increases in oxygen (O2) with the first breaths, resulting in functional DA closure, with anatomic closure occurring within the first days of life. Failure of DA closure results in persistent patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), a common complication of extreme preterm birth. The DA's response to O2, though modulated by the endothelium, is intrinsic to the DA smooth muscle cells (DASMC). DA constriction is mediated by mitochondrial-derived reactive oxygen species, which increase in proportion to arterial partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2). The resulting redox changes inhibit voltage-gated potassium channels (Kv) leading to cell depolarization, calcium influx and DASMC constriction. To date, there has not been an unbiased assessment of the human DA O2-sensors using transcriptomics, nor are there known molecular mechanisms which characterize DA closure. DASMCs were isolated from DAs obtained from 10 term infants at the time of congenital heart surgery. Cells were purified by flow cytometry, negatively sorting using CD90 and CD31 to eliminate fibroblasts or endothelial cells, respectively. The purity of the DASMC population was confirmed by positive staining for α-smooth muscle actin, smoothelin B and caldesmon. Cells were grown for 96 h in hypoxia (2.5% O2) or normoxia (19% O2) and confocal imaging with Cal-520 was used to determine oxygen responsiveness. An oxygen-induced increase in intracellular calcium of 18.1% ± 4.4% and SMC constriction (-27% ± 1.5% shortening) occurred in all cell lines within five minutes. RNA sequencing of the cells grown in hypoxia and normoxia revealed significant regulation of 1344 genes (corrected p < 0.05). We examined these genes using Gene Ontology (GO). This unbiased assessment of altered gene expression indicated significant enrichment of the following GOterms: mitochondria, cellular respiration and transcription. The top regulated biologic process was generation of precursor metabolites and energy. The top regulated cellular component was mitochondrial matrix. The top regulated molecular function was transcription coactivator activity. Multiple members of the NADH-ubiquinone oxidoreductase (NDUF) family are upregulated in human DASMC (hDASMC) following normoxia. Several of our differentially regulated transcripts are encoded by genes that have been associated with genetic syndromes that have an increased incidence of PDA (Crebb binding protein and Histone Acetyltransferase P300). This first examination of the effects of O2 on human DA transcriptomics supports a putative role for mitochondria as oxygen sensors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Charles C T Hindmarch
- Department of Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada; QCPU, Queen's Cardiopulmonary Unit, Translational Institute of Medicine (TIME), Department of Medicine, Queen's University, Canada
| | - Kimberly J Dunham-Snary
- Department of Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada; Department of Biomedical and Molecular Science, Queen's University, Canada
| | - Brooke Snetsinger
- QCPU, Queen's Cardiopulmonary Unit, Translational Institute of Medicine (TIME), Department of Medicine, Queen's University, Canada
| | - Jeffrey D Mewburn
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Science, Queen's University, Canada
| | - Arthur Thébaud
- Department of Kinesiology and Health Studies, Queen's University, Canada
| | - Patricia D A Lima
- QCPU, Queen's Cardiopulmonary Unit, Translational Institute of Medicine (TIME), Department of Medicine, Queen's University, Canada
| | - Bernard Thébaud
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Regenerative Medicine Program, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Stephen L Archer
- Department of Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada; QCPU, Queen's Cardiopulmonary Unit, Translational Institute of Medicine (TIME), Department of Medicine, Queen's University, Canada.
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Giacomini E, Minetto S, Li Piani L, Pagliardini L, Somigliana E, Viganò P. Genetics and Inflammation in Endometriosis: Improving Knowledge for Development of New Pharmacological Strategies. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22169033. [PMID: 34445738 PMCID: PMC8396487 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22169033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Revised: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
According to a rich body of literature, immune cell dysfunctions, both locally and systemically, and an inflammatory environment characterize all forms of endometriosis. Alterations in transcripts and proteins involved in the recruitment of immune cells, in the interaction between cytokines and their receptors, cellular adhesion and apoptosis have been demonstrated in endometriotic lesions. The objective of this narrative review is to provide an overview of the components and mechanisms at the intersection between inflammation and genetics that may constitute vanguard therapeutic approaches in endometriosis. The GWAS technology and pathway-based analysis highlighted the role of the MAPK and the WNT/β-catenin cascades in the pathogenesis of endometriosis. These signaling pathways have been suggested to interfere with the disease establishment via several mechanisms, including apoptosis, migration and angiogenesis. Extracellular vesicle-associated molecules may be not only interesting to explain some aspects of endometriosis progression, but they may also serve as therapeutic regimens per se. Immune/inflammatory dysfunctions have always represented attractive therapeutic targets in endometriosis. These would be even more interesting if genetic evidence supported the involvement of functional pathways at the basis of these alterations. Targeting these dysfunctions through next-generation inhibitors can constitute a therapeutic alternative for endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Giacomini
- Reproductive Sciences Laboratory, Obstetrics and Gynecology Unit, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, 20132 Milan, Italy; (E.G.); (L.P.)
| | - Sabrina Minetto
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Unit, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, 20132 Milan, Italy;
| | - Letizia Li Piani
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20122 Milan, Italy; (L.L.P.); (E.S.)
| | - Luca Pagliardini
- Reproductive Sciences Laboratory, Obstetrics and Gynecology Unit, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, 20132 Milan, Italy; (E.G.); (L.P.)
| | - Edgardo Somigliana
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20122 Milan, Italy; (L.L.P.); (E.S.)
| | - Paola Viganò
- Infertility Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-02-5503-4302
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DeVito-Moraes AG, Marques VDD, Caperuto LC, Ibuki FK, Nogueira FN, Francci CE, Carvalho CRDO. INitial Steps of Insulin Action in Parotid Glands of Male Wistar Rats. Cell Biochem Biophys 2021; 80:89-95. [PMID: 34345983 DOI: 10.1007/s12013-021-01025-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The parotid gland is the largest salivary gland. It produces watery saliva, rich in proteins (amylase, lysozymes, and antibodies). Due to the gland's morphological cytoarchitecture composed of only serous acini, it contributes almost 50% of total salivary volume upon stimulation. It has been reported that the prevalence of saliva secretion impairments, periodontitis, delayed wound healing, and xerostomia increase in diabetic patients. Herein we evaluated the acute effects of insulin on insulin receptor phosphorylation status and its substrates IRS-1 and IRS-2 in the parotid glands of adult male Wistar rats, using Western blot analyses. We confirmed an acute effect of insulin on IR/IRS/PI3K/Akt and MAPK intracellular pathway activation in the parotid glands of male Wistar rats similar to the classical metabolic targets of the hormone, like the liver.
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Affiliation(s)
- André Guaraci DeVito-Moraes
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo (USP), Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes, 1524, São Paulo, SP, 05508-000, Brazil. .,Department of Biomaterials and Oral Biology, School of Dentistry, University of São Paulo (USP), Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes, 2227, São Paulo, SP, 05508-000, Brazil. .,Discipline of Dental Biomaterials, School of Dentistry, University Nove de Julho (UNINOVE), Rua Vergueiro, 235/249, São Paulo, SP, 01504-001, Brazil.
| | - Victor Di Donato Marques
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo (USP), Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes, 1524, São Paulo, SP, 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Luciana Chagas Caperuto
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo (USP), Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes, 1524, São Paulo, SP, 05508-000, Brazil.,Department of Biological Sciences, Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), R. Prof. Artur Riedel, 275, Diadema, SP, 09972-270, Brazil
| | - Flavia Kazue Ibuki
- Department of Biomaterials and Oral Biology, School of Dentistry, University of São Paulo (USP), Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes, 2227, São Paulo, SP, 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Fernando Neves Nogueira
- Department of Biomaterials and Oral Biology, School of Dentistry, University of São Paulo (USP), Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes, 2227, São Paulo, SP, 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Carlos Eduardo Francci
- Department of Biomaterials and Oral Biology, School of Dentistry, University of São Paulo (USP), Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes, 2227, São Paulo, SP, 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Carla Roberta de Oliveira Carvalho
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo (USP), Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes, 1524, São Paulo, SP, 05508-000, Brazil
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Liu Z, Huang X, Yang Z, Peng C, Yu H, Cui C, Hu Y, Wang X, Xing Q, Hu J, Bao Z. Identification, Characterization, and Expression Analysis Reveal Diverse Regulated Roles of Three MAPK Genes in Chlamys farreri Under Heat Stress. Front Physiol 2021; 12:688626. [PMID: 34393814 PMCID: PMC8356821 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.688626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascades are fundamental signal transduction modules in all eukaryotic organisms, participating growth and development, as well as stress response. In the present study, three MAPK genes were successfully identified from the genome of Chlamys farreri, respectively, named CfERK1/2, CfJNK, and Cfp38, and only one copy of ERK, JNK, and p38 were detected. Domain analysis indicated that CfMAPKs possessed the typical domains, including S_TKc, Pkinase, and PKc_like domain. Phylogenetic analysis showed that three CfMAPKs of MAPK subfamilies exists in the common ancestor of vertebrates and invertebrates. All CfMAPKs specifically expressed during larval development and in adult tissues, and the expression level of CfERK1/2 and Cfp38 was apparently higher than that of CfJNK. Under heat stress, the expression of CfERK1/2 and Cfp38 were significantly downregulated and then upregulated in four tissues, while the expression of CfJNK increased in all tissues; these different expression patterns suggested a different molecular mechanism of CfMAPKs for bivalves to adapt to temperature changes. The diversity of CfMAPKs and their specific expression patterns provide valuable information for better understanding of the functions of MAPK cascades in bivalves.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi Liu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
| | - Xiaoting Huang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China.,Laboratory for Marine Fisheries Science and Food Production Processes, Pilot Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, China
| | - Zujing Yang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
| | - Cheng Peng
- MOE Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
| | - Haitao Yu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
| | - Chang Cui
- MOE Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
| | - Yuqing Hu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
| | - Xuefeng Wang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
| | - Qiang Xing
- MOE Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China.,Laboratory for Marine Fisheries Science and Food Production Processes, Pilot Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, China
| | - Jingjie Hu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China.,Laboratory of Tropical Marine Germplasm Resources and Breeding Engineering, SANYA Oceanographic Institution of the Ocean University of CHINA, Sanya, China
| | - Zhenmin Bao
- MOE Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China.,Laboratory for Marine Fisheries Science and Food Production Processes, Pilot Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, China.,Laboratory of Tropical Marine Germplasm Resources and Breeding Engineering, SANYA Oceanographic Institution of the Ocean University of CHINA, Sanya, China
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50
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Zhang RM, Zeyer KA, Odenthal N, Zhang Y, Reinhardt DP. The fibrillin-1 RGD motif posttranscriptionally regulates ERK1/2 signaling and fibroblast proliferation via miR-1208. FASEB J 2021; 35:e21598. [PMID: 33871068 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202100282r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Revised: 03/28/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Fibrillin-1 is an extracellular matrix protein which contains one conserved RGD integrin-binding motif. It constitutes the backbone of microfibrils in many tissues, and mutations in fibrillin-1 cause various connective tissue disorders. Although it is well established that fibrillin-1 interacts with several RGD-dependent integrins, very little is known about the associated intracellular signaling pathways. Recent published evidence identified a subset of miRNAs regulated by fibrillin-1 RGD-cell adhesion, with miR-1208 among the most downregulated. The present study shows that the downregulated miR-1208 controls fibroblast proliferation. Inhibitor experiments revealed that fibrillin-1 RGD suppressed miR-1208 expression via c-Src kinase and the downstream JNK signaling. Bioinformatic prediction and experimental target sequence validation demonstrated four miR-1208 binding sites on the ERK2 mRNA and one on the MEK1 mRNA. ERK2 and MEK1 are critical proliferation-promoting kinases. Decreased miR-1208 levels elevated the total and phosphorylated ERK1/2 and MEK1/2 protein levels and the phosphorylated to total ERK1/2 ratio. Together, the data demonstrate a novel outside-in signaling mechanism explaining how fibrillin-1 RGD-cell binding regulates fibroblast proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong-Mo Zhang
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Karina A Zeyer
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Nadine Odenthal
- Department of Natural Science, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Yiyun Zhang
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Dieter P Reinhardt
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, McGill University, Montreal, Canada.,Faculty of Dentistry, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
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