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Shu X, Liu Y, He F, Gong Y, Li J. A bibliometric and visualized analysis of the pathogenesis of cataracts from 1999 to 2023. Heliyon 2024; 10:e26044. [PMID: 38390089 PMCID: PMC10881887 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e26044] [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: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Research on the pathogenesis of cataracts is ongoing and the number of publications on this topic is increasing annually. This study offers an overview of the research status, popular topics, and scholarly tendencies in the field of cataract pathogenesis over recent decades,which helps to guide future research directions, and optimize resource allocation. In the present study, we performed a bibliometric analysis of cataract pathogenesis. Publications from January 1, 1999, to December 20, 2023, were collected from the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC), and the extracted data were quantified and analyzed. We analyzed and presented the data using Microsoft Excel, VOSviewer, CiteSpace, and Python. In all, 4006 articles were evaluated based on various characteristics, including publication year, authors, countries, institutions, journals, citations, and keywords. This study utilized VOSviewer to conduct visualized analysis, including co-authorship, co-citation, co-occurrence, and network visualization. The CiteSpace software was used to identify keywords with significant bursts of activity. The number of annual global publications climbed from 76 to 277 between 1999 and 2023, a 264.47% rise. Experimental Eye Research published the most manuscripts (178 publications), whereas Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science received the most citations (6675 citations). The most influential and productive country, institution, and author were the United States (1244 publications, 54,456 citations), University of California system (136 publications, 5401 citations), and Yao Ke (49 publications, 838 citations), respectively. The top 100 ranked keywords are divided into four clusters through co-occurrence analysis: (1) secondary cataracts, (2) oxidative stress, (3) gene mutations and protein abnormalities, and (4) alteration of biological processes in lens epithelial cells. Further discussions on the four subtopics outline the research topics and trends. In conclusion, the specific mechanism of cataract formation remains a popular topic for future research and should be explored in greater depth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinjie Shu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical Sciences Research Center, University-Town Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, No. 55, University Town Central Road, Shapingba District, Chongqing, 401331, People's Republic of China
| | - Yingying Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical Sciences Research Center, University-Town Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, No. 55, University Town Central Road, Shapingba District, Chongqing, 401331, People's Republic of China
| | - Fanfan He
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical Sciences Research Center, University-Town Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, No. 55, University Town Central Road, Shapingba District, Chongqing, 401331, People's Republic of China
| | - Yu Gong
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical Sciences Research Center, University-Town Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, No. 55, University Town Central Road, Shapingba District, Chongqing, 401331, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiawen Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical Sciences Research Center, University-Town Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, No. 55, University Town Central Road, Shapingba District, Chongqing, 401331, People's Republic of China
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Sweeney KM, Chantarawong S, Barbieri EM, Cajka G, Liu M, Spruce L, Fazelinia H, Portz B, Copley K, Lapidot T, Duhamel L, Greenwald P, Saida N, Shalgi R, Shorter J, Shalem O. CRISPR screen for protein inclusion formation uncovers a role for SRRD in the regulation of intermediate filament dynamics and aggresome assembly. PLoS Genet 2024; 20:e1011138. [PMID: 38315730 PMCID: PMC10868785 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1011138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Revised: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
The presence of large protein inclusions is a hallmark of neurodegeneration, and yet the precise molecular factors that contribute to their formation remain poorly understood. Screens using aggregation-prone proteins have commonly relied on downstream toxicity as a readout rather than the direct formation of aggregates. Here, we combined a genome-wide CRISPR knockout screen with Pulse Shape Analysis, a FACS-based method for inclusion detection, to identify direct modifiers of TDP-43 aggregation in human cells. Our screen revealed both canonical and novel proteostasis genes, and unearthed SRRD, a poorly characterized protein, as a top regulator of protein inclusion formation. APEX biotin labeling reveals that SRRD resides in proximity to proteins that are involved in the formation and breakage of disulfide bonds and to intermediate filaments, suggesting a role in regulation of the spatial dynamics of the intermediate filament network. Indeed, loss of SRRD results in aberrant intermediate filament fibrils and the impaired formation of aggresomes, including blunted vimentin cage structure, during proteotoxic stress. Interestingly, SRRD also localizes to aggresomes and unfolded proteins, and rescues proteotoxicity in yeast whereby its N-terminal low complexity domain is sufficient to induce this affect. Altogether this suggests an unanticipated and broad role for SRRD in cytoskeletal organization and cellular proteostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katelyn M. Sweeney
- Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Department of Genetics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Sapanna Chantarawong
- Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Department of Genetics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Edward M. Barbieri
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Greg Cajka
- Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Department of Genetics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Matthew Liu
- Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Department of Genetics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Lynn Spruce
- Proteomics Core Facility, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Hossein Fazelinia
- Proteomics Core Facility, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Department of Biomedical and Health Informatics, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Bede Portz
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Katie Copley
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Tomer Lapidot
- Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Department of Genetics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Lauren Duhamel
- Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Department of Genetics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Phoebe Greenwald
- Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Department of Genetics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Naseeb Saida
- Department of Biochemistry, Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Reut Shalgi
- Department of Biochemistry, Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - James Shorter
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Ophir Shalem
- Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Department of Genetics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
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Kinger S, Jagtap YA, Dubey AR, Kumar P, Choudhary A, Dhiman R, Prajapati VK, Chitkara D, Poluri KM, Mishra A. Lanosterol elevates cytoprotective response through induced-proteasomal degradation of aberrant proteins. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2024; 1871:119631. [PMID: 37967794 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2023.119631] [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: 05/21/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023]
Abstract
Efficient protein synthesis is a basic requirement of our cells to replace the old or defective proteins from the intrinsic crowded biomolecular environment. The interconnection among synthesis, folding, and degradation of proteins represents central paradigm to proteostasis. Failure of protein quality control (PQC) mechanisms results in the disturbance and inadequate functions of proteome. The consequent misfolded protein accumulation can form the basis of neurodegeneration onset and largely represents imperfect aging. Understanding how cells improve the function of deregulated PQC mechanisms to establish and maintain proteostasis against the unwanted sequestration of normal proteins with misfolded proteinaceous inclusions is a major challenge. Here we show that treatment of Lanosterol, a cholesterol synthesis pathway intermediate, induces Proteasome proteolytic activities and, therefore, supports the PQC mechanism for the elimination of intracellular aberrant proteins. The exposure of Lanosterol not only promotes Proteasome catalytic functions but also elevates the removal of both bona fide and neurodegenerative diseases associated toxic proteins. Our current study suggests that increasing Proteasome functions with the help of small molecules such as Lanosterol could serve as a cytoprotective therapeutic approach against abnormal protein accumulation. Cumulatively, based on findings in this study, we can understand the critical importance of small molecules and their potential therapeutic influence in re-establishing disturbed proteostasis linked with neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sumit Kinger
- Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology Unit, Indian Institute of Technology Jodhpur, Rajasthan 342037, India
| | - Yuvraj Anandrao Jagtap
- Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology Unit, Indian Institute of Technology Jodhpur, Rajasthan 342037, India
| | - Ankur Rakesh Dubey
- Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology Unit, Indian Institute of Technology Jodhpur, Rajasthan 342037, India
| | - Prashant Kumar
- Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology Unit, Indian Institute of Technology Jodhpur, Rajasthan 342037, India
| | - Akash Choudhary
- Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology Unit, Indian Institute of Technology Jodhpur, Rajasthan 342037, India
| | - Rohan Dhiman
- Laboratory of Mycobacterial Immunology, Department of Life Science, National Institute of Technology, Rourkela 769008, India
| | - Vijay Kumar Prajapati
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Delhi South Campus, Benito Juarez Road, Dhaula Kuan, New Delhi 110021, India
| | - Deepak Chitkara
- Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani (BITS-Pilani), Vidya Vihar Campus, Pilani 333031, India
| | - Krishna Mohan Poluri
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Roorkee 247667, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Amit Mishra
- Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology Unit, Indian Institute of Technology Jodhpur, Rajasthan 342037, India.
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Abdik E, Çakır T. Transcriptome-based biomarker prediction for Parkinson's disease using genome-scale metabolic modeling. Sci Rep 2024; 14:585. [PMID: 38182712 PMCID: PMC10770157 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-51034-y] [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: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disease in the world. Identification of PD biomarkers is crucial for early diagnosis and to develop target-based therapeutic agents. Integrative analysis of genome-scale metabolic models (GEMs) and omics data provides a computational approach for the prediction of metabolite biomarkers. Here, we applied the TIMBR (Transcriptionally Inferred Metabolic Biomarker Response) algorithm and two modified versions of TIMBR to investigate potential metabolite biomarkers for PD. To this end, we mapped thirteen post-mortem PD transcriptome datasets from the substantia nigra region onto Human-GEM. We considered a metabolite as a candidate biomarker if its production was predicted to be more efficient by a TIMBR-family algorithm in control or PD case for the majority of the datasets. Different metrics based on well-known PD-related metabolite alterations, PD-associated pathways, and a list of 25 high-confidence PD metabolite biomarkers compiled from the literature were used to compare the prediction performance of the three algorithms tested. The modified algorithm with the highest prediction power based on the metrics was called TAMBOOR, TrAnscriptome-based Metabolite Biomarkers by On-Off Reactions, which was introduced for the first time in this study. TAMBOOR performed better in terms of capturing well-known pathway alterations and metabolite secretion changes in PD. Therefore, our tool has a strong potential to be used for the prediction of novel diagnostic biomarkers for human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ecehan Abdik
- Department of Bioengineering, Gebze Technical University, Kocaeli, Turkey
| | - Tunahan Çakır
- Department of Bioengineering, Gebze Technical University, Kocaeli, Turkey.
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5
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Takanezawa Y, Ishikawa K, Nakayama S, Nakamura R, Ohshiro Y, Uraguchi S, Kiyono M. Conversion of methylmercury into inorganic mercury via organomercurial lyase (MerB) activates autophagy and aggresome formation. Sci Rep 2023; 13:19958. [PMID: 37968352 PMCID: PMC10651920 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-47110-y] [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: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Methylmercury (MeHg) is converted to inorganic mercury (iHg) in several organs; however, its impact on tissues and cells remains poorly understood. Previously, we established a bacterial organomercury lyase (MerB)-expressing mammalian cell line to overcome the low cell permeability of iHg and investigate its effects. Here, we elucidated the cytotoxic effects of the resultant iHg on autophagy and deciphered their relationship. Treatment of MerB-expressing cells with MeHg significantly increases the mRNA and protein levels of LC3B and p62, which are involved in autophagosome formation and substrate recognition, respectively. Autophagic flux assays using the autophagy inhibitor chloroquine (CQ) revealed that MeHg treatment activates autophagy in MerB-expressing cells but not in wild-type cells. Additionally, MeHg treatment induces the accumulation of ubiquitinated proteins and p62, specifically in MerB-expressing cells. Confocal microscopy revealed that large ubiquitinated protein aggregates (aggresomes) associated with p62 are formed transiently in the perinuclear region of MerB-expressing cells upon MeHg exposure. Meanwhile, inhibition of autophagic flux decreases the MeHg-induced cell viability of MerB-expressing cells. Overall, our results imply that cells regulate aggresome formation and autophagy activation by activating LC3B and p62 to prevent cytotoxicity caused by iHg. These findings provide insights into the role of autophagy against iHg-mediated toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasukazu Takanezawa
- Department of Public Health, School of Pharmacy, Kitasato University, 5-9-1 Shirokane, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 108-8641, Japan
| | - Kouhei Ishikawa
- Department of Public Health, School of Pharmacy, Kitasato University, 5-9-1 Shirokane, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 108-8641, Japan
| | - Shunsuke Nakayama
- Department of Public Health, School of Pharmacy, Kitasato University, 5-9-1 Shirokane, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 108-8641, Japan
| | - Ryosuke Nakamura
- Department of Public Health, School of Pharmacy, Kitasato University, 5-9-1 Shirokane, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 108-8641, Japan
| | - Yuka Ohshiro
- Department of Public Health, School of Pharmacy, Kitasato University, 5-9-1 Shirokane, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 108-8641, Japan
| | - Shimpei Uraguchi
- Department of Public Health, School of Pharmacy, Kitasato University, 5-9-1 Shirokane, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 108-8641, Japan
| | - Masako Kiyono
- Department of Public Health, School of Pharmacy, Kitasato University, 5-9-1 Shirokane, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 108-8641, Japan.
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6
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Greiner JV, Glonek T. Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) and Protein Aggregation in Age-Related Vision-Threatening Ocular Diseases. Metabolites 2023; 13:1100. [PMID: 37887425 PMCID: PMC10609282 DOI: 10.3390/metabo13101100] [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: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Protein aggregation is the etiopathogenesis of the three most profound vision-threatening eye diseases: age-related cataract, presbyopia, and age-related macular degeneration. This perspective organizes known information on ATP and protein aggregation with a fundamental unrecognized function of ATP. With recognition that maintenance of protein solubility is related to the high intracellular concentration of ATP in cells, tissues, and organs, we hypothesize that (1) ATP serves a critical molecular function for organismal homeostasis of proteins and (2) the hydrotropic feature of ATP prevents pathological protein aggregation while assisting in the maintenance of protein solubility and cellular, tissue, and organismal function. As such, the metabolite ATP plays an extraordinarily important role in the prevention of protein aggregation in the leading causes of vision loss or blindness worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jack V. Greiner
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye & Ear Infirmary, Boston, MA 02114, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Clinical Eye Research of Boston, Boston, MA 01890, USA;
| | - Thomas Glonek
- Clinical Eye Research of Boston, Boston, MA 01890, USA;
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Luo C, Xu J, Fu C, Yao K, Chen X. New insights into change of lens proteins' stability with ageing under physiological conditions. Br J Ophthalmol 2023; 107:442-446. [PMID: 34593413 DOI: 10.1136/bjophthalmol-2021-319834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Age-related cataract, which presents as a cloudy lens, is the primary cause of vision impairment worldwide and can cause more than 80% senile blindness. Previous studies mainly explored the profile of lens proteins at a low concentration because of technical limitations, which could not reflect physiological status. This study focuses on protein stability changes with ageing under physiological conditions using a novel equipment, Unchained Labs (Uncle), to evaluate protein thermal stability. METHODS Samples were assessed through Unchained Labs, size-exclusion chromatography, western blot and biophysics approaches including the Thioflavin T, ultraviolet and internal fluorescence. RESULTS With age, the melting temperature value shifted from 67.8°C in the young group to 64.2°C in the aged group. Meanwhile, crystallin may form more isomeric oligomers and easy to be degraded in aged lenses. The spectroscopic and size-exclusion chromatography results show a higher solubility after administrated with lanosterol under the environmental stress. CONCLUSION We are the first to explore rabbit lens protein stability changes with ageing using biophysical methods under physiological conditions, and this study can conclude that the structural stability and solubility of lens proteins decrease with ageing. Additionally, lanosterol could aid in resolving protein aggregation, making it a potential therapeutic option for cataracts. So, this study provides cataract models for anti-cataract drug developments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenqi Luo
- Eye Center of the Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jingjie Xu
- Eye Center of the Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Chenxi Fu
- Eye Center of the Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ke Yao
- Eye Center of the Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiangjun Chen
- Eye Center of the Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China .,Institute of Translational Medicine, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
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Liu Z, Huang S, Zheng Y, Zhou T, Hu L, Xiong L, Li DWC, Liu Y. The lens epithelium as a major determinant in the development, maintenance, and regeneration of the crystalline lens. Prog Retin Eye Res 2023; 92:101112. [PMID: 36055924 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2022.101112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Revised: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
The crystalline lens is a transparent and refractive biconvex structure formed by lens epithelial cells (LECs) and lens fibers. Lens opacity, also known as cataracts, is the leading cause of blindness in the world. LECs are the principal cells of lens throughout human life, exhibiting different physiological properties and functions. During the embryonic stage, LECs proliferate and differentiate into lens fibers, which form the crystalline lens. Genetics and environment are vital factors that influence normal lens development. During maturation, LECs help maintain lens homeostasis through material transport, synthesis and metabolism as well as mitosis and proliferation. If disturbed, this will result in loss of lens transparency. After cataract surgery, the repair potential of LECs is activated and the structure and transparency of the regenerative tissue depends on postoperative microenvironment. This review summarizes recent research advances on the role of LECs in lens development, homeostasis, and regeneration, with a particular focus on the role of cholesterol synthesis (eg., lanosterol synthase) in lens development and homeostasis maintenance, and how the regenerative potential of LECs can be harnessed to develop surgical strategies and improve the outcomes of cataract surgery (Fig. 1). These new insights suggest that LECs are a major determinant of the physiological and pathological state of the lens. Further studies on their molecular biology will offer possibility to explore new approaches for cataract prevention and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenzhen Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Shan Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Yingfeng Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Tian Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Leyi Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Lang Xiong
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - David Wan-Cheng Li
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Yizhi Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, 510060, China; Research Unit of Ocular Development and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China.
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9
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Mechanistic Insights into the Neuroprotective Potential of Sacred Ficus Trees. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14224731. [PMID: 36432418 PMCID: PMC9695857 DOI: 10.3390/nu14224731] [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: 09/06/2022] [Revised: 10/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Ficus religiosa (Bo tree or sacred fig) and Ficus benghalensis (Indian banyan) are of immense spiritual and therapeutic importance. Various parts of these trees have been investigated for their antioxidant, antimicrobial, anticonvulsant, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, hepatoprotective, dermoprotective, and nephroprotective properties. Previous reviews of Ficus mostly discussed traditional usages, photochemistry, and pharmacological activities, though comprehensive reviews of the neuroprotective potential of these Ficus species extracts and/or their important phytocompounds are lacking. The interesting phytocompounds from these trees include many bengalenosides, carotenoids, flavonoids (leucopelargonidin-3-O-β-d-glucopyranoside, leucopelargonidin-3-O-α-l-rhamnopyranoside, lupeol, cetyl behenate, and α-amyrin acetate), flavonols (kaempferol, quercetin, myricetin), leucocyanidin, phytosterols (bergapten, bergaptol, lanosterol, β-sitosterol, stigmasterol), terpenes (α-thujene, α-pinene, β-pinene, α-terpinene, limonene, β-ocimene, β-bourbonene, β-caryophyllene, α-trans-bergamotene, α-copaene, aromadendrene, α-humulene, alloaromadendrene, germacrene, γ-cadinene, and δ-cadinene), and diverse polyphenols (tannin, wax, saponin, leucoanthocyanin), contributing significantly to their pharmacological effects, ranging from antimicrobial action to neuroprotection. This review presents extensive mechanistic insights into the neuroprotective potential, especially important phytochemicals from F. religiosa and F. benghalensis. Owing to the complex pathophysiology of neurodegenerative disorders (NDDs), the currently existing drugs merely alleviate the symptoms. Hence, bioactive compounds with potent neuroprotective effects through a multitarget approach would be of great interest in developing pharmacophores for the treatment of NDDs.
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10
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Zhang KK, He WW, Du Y, Zhou YG, Wu X, Zhu J, Zhu XJ, Kang Z, Lu Y. Inhibitory effect of lanosterol on cataractous lens of cynomolgus monkeys using a subconjunctival drug release system. PRECISION CLINICAL MEDICINE 2022; 5:pbac021. [PMID: 36196296 PMCID: PMC9523460 DOI: 10.1093/pcmedi/pbac021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background To evaluate the effect of lanosterol on cataractous lens of cynomolgus monkeys using a subconjunctival drug release system. Methods Nine elder cynomolgus monkeys were used, consisting of three monkeys without cataract as controls, three monkeys with naturally occurring cortical cataract, and three monkeys with nuclear cataract as intervention groups. Nanoparticulated thermogel with lanosterol and fluorescein was administered by subconjunctival injection in the monkeys with cataract. Fluorescence changes of injected thermogel and cataract progression were observed. Lanosterol concentration in aqueous humor, solubility changes in lens proteins, and oxidative stress levels were analyzed in the lenses of the control and intervention groups. Results Injected thermogel showed decreased fluorescence during follow up. Lanosterol concentration in aqueous humor increased in the first 2 weeks and then gradually decreased, which was in accordance with the changes in cortical lens clarity. However, lenses with nuclear opacification showed little change. In the cortical region of lenses with cortical cataract, solubility of α-crystallin was significantly increased after administration of lanosterol, as well as the reduction of oxidative stress. Conclusions We demonstrated the effect of lanosterol on cataract progression based on in vivo models of primates. Lanosterol showed a short-term and reliable reversal effect on reducing cataract severity in cortical cataract in the early stages, possibly due to the increase in the solubility of lens proteins and changes in the oxidative stress status. Lanosterol administration using subconjunctival drug release system could be a promising nonsurgical approach for future clinical studies of cataract prevention and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke-Ke Zhang
- Eye Institute, Eye & ENT Hospital, Fudan University , Shanghai 200031 , China
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eye & ENT Hospital, Fudan University , Shanghai 200031 , China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Myopia (Fudan University) , Shanghai 200031 , China
- Key Laboratory of Myopia, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences , Shanghai 200031 , China
| | - Wen-Wen He
- Eye Institute, Eye & ENT Hospital, Fudan University , Shanghai 200031 , China
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eye & ENT Hospital, Fudan University , Shanghai 200031 , China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Myopia (Fudan University) , Shanghai 200031 , China
- Key Laboratory of Myopia, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences , Shanghai 200031 , China
| | - Yu Du
- Eye Institute, Eye & ENT Hospital, Fudan University , Shanghai 200031 , China
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eye & ENT Hospital, Fudan University , Shanghai 200031 , China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Myopia (Fudan University) , Shanghai 200031 , China
- Key Laboratory of Myopia, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences , Shanghai 200031 , China
| | - Yu-gui Zhou
- Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University , Guangzhou 510620 , China
- Institute for Genomic Medicine, Institute of Engineering in Medicine, and Shiley Eye Institute, University of California , San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093 , USA
| | - Xiaokang Wu
- Smidt Heart Institute , Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048 , USA
| | - Jie Zhu
- Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University , Guangzhou 510620 , China
- Guangzhou KangRui Biological Pharmaceutical Technology Company , Guangzhou 510440 , China
| | - Xiang-Jia Zhu
- Eye Institute, Eye & ENT Hospital, Fudan University , Shanghai 200031 , China
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eye & ENT Hospital, Fudan University , Shanghai 200031 , China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Myopia (Fudan University) , Shanghai 200031 , China
- Key Laboratory of Myopia, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences , Shanghai 200031 , China
| | - Zhang Kang
- Faculty of Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology , Taipa 999078 , Macau, China
| | - Yi Lu
- Eye Institute, Eye & ENT Hospital, Fudan University , Shanghai 200031 , China
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eye & ENT Hospital, Fudan University , Shanghai 200031 , China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Myopia (Fudan University) , Shanghai 200031 , China
- Key Laboratory of Myopia, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences , Shanghai 200031 , China
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11
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Ren L, Hu L, Zhang Y, Liu J, Xu W, Wu W, Xu J, Chen X, Yao K, Yu Y. Cataract-Causing S93R Mutant Destabilized Structural Conformation of βB1 Crystallin Linking With Aggregates Formation and Cellular Viability. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 9:844719. [PMID: 35359596 PMCID: PMC8964140 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.844719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Cataract, opacity of the eye lens, is the leading cause of visual impairment worldwide. The crucial pathogenic factors that cause cataract are misfolding and aggregation of crystallin protein. βB1‐crystallin, which is the most abundant water‐soluble protein in mammalian lens, is essential for lens transparency. A previous study identified the missense mutation βB1‐S93R being responsible for congenital cataract. However, the exact pathogenic mechanism causing cataract remains unclear. The S93 residue, which is located at the first Greek‐key motif of βB1‐crystallin, is highly conserved, and its substitution to Arginine severely impaired hydrogen bonds and structural conformation, which were evaluated via Molecular Dynamic Simulation. The βB1‐S93R was also found to be prone to aggregation in both human cell lines and Escherichia coli. Then, we isolated the βB1‐S93R variant from inclusion bodies by protein renaturation. The βB1-S93R mutation exposed more hydrophobic residues, and the looser structural mutation was prone to aggregation. Furthermore, the S93R mutation reduced the structural stability of βB1-crystallin when incubated at physiological temperature and made it more sensitive to environmental stress, such as UV irradiation or oxidative stress. We also constructed a βB1-S93R cellular model and discovered that βB1-S93R was more sensitive to environmental stress, causing not only aggregate formation but also cellular apoptosis and impaired cellular viability. All of the results indicated that lower solubility and structural stability, sensitivity to environmental stress, vulnerability to aggregation, and impaired cellular viability of βB1-S93R might be involved in cataract development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Ren
- Eye Center of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Lidan Hu
- National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, The Children’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jian Liu
- Eye Center of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Eye Center of Zhejiang Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Wanyue Xu
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Wei Wu
- Eye Center of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jingjie Xu
- Eye Center of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiangjun Chen
- Eye Center of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Xiangjun Chen, ; Ke Yao, ; Yibo Yu,
| | - Ke Yao
- Eye Center of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Xiangjun Chen, ; Ke Yao, ; Yibo Yu,
| | - Yibo Yu
- Eye Center of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Xiangjun Chen, ; Ke Yao, ; Yibo Yu,
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12
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Sharma N, Tan MA, An SSA. Phytosterols: Potential Metabolic Modulators in Neurodegenerative Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222212255. [PMID: 34830148 PMCID: PMC8618769 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222212255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Revised: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Phytosterols constitute a class of natural products that are an important component of diet and have vast applications in foods, cosmetics, and herbal medicines. With many and diverse isolated structures in nature, they exhibit a broad range of biological and pharmacological activities. Among over 200 types of phytosterols, stigmasterol and β-sitosterol were ubiquitous in many plant species, exhibiting important aspects of activities related to neurodegenerative diseases. Hence, this mini-review presented an overview of the reported studies on selected phytosterols related to neurodegenerative diseases. It covered the major phytosterols based on biosynthetic considerations, including other phytosterols with significant in vitro and in vivo biological activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niti Sharma
- Bionano Research Institute, Gachon University, 1342 Seongnam-daero, Sujeong-gu, Seongnam-si 461-701, Gyeonggi-do, Korea;
| | - Mario A. Tan
- Research Center for the Natural and Applied Sciences, College of Science, University of Santo Tomas, Manila 1015, Philippines;
| | - Seong Soo A. An
- Bionano Research Institute, Gachon University, 1342 Seongnam-daero, Sujeong-gu, Seongnam-si 461-701, Gyeonggi-do, Korea;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-31-750-8755
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13
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Chen X, Xu J, Chen X, Yao K. Cataract: Advances in surgery and whether surgery remains the only treatment in future. ADVANCES IN OPHTHALMOLOGY PRACTICE AND RESEARCH 2021; 1:100008. [PMID: 37846393 PMCID: PMC10577864 DOI: 10.1016/j.aopr.2021.100008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Revised: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 10/18/2023]
Abstract
Background Cataract is the world's leading eye disease that causes blindness. The prevalence of cataract aged 40 years and older is approximately 11.8%-18.8%. Currently, surgery is the only way to treat cataracts. Main Text From early intracapsular cataract extraction to extracapsular cataract extraction, to current phacoemulsification cataract surgery, the incision ranges from 12 to 3 mm, and sometimes to even 1.8 mm or less, and the revolution in cataract surgery is ongoing. Cataract surgery has transformed from vision recovery to refractive surgery, leading to the era of refractive cataract surgery, and premium intraocular lenses (IOLs) such as toric IOLs, multifocal IOLs, and extended depth-of-focus IOLs are being increasingly used to meet the individual needs of patients. With its advantages of providing better visual acuity and causing fewer complications, phacoemulsification is currently the mainstream cataract surgery technique worldwide. However, patient expectations for the safety and accuracy of the operation are continually increasing. Femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery (FLACS) has entered the public's field of vision. FLACS is a combination of new laser technology and artificial intelligence to replace fine manual clear corneal incision, capsulorhexis, and nuclear pre-fragmentation, providing new alternative technologies for patients and ophthalmologists. As FLACS matures, it is being increasingly applied in complex cases; however, some think it is not cost-effective. Although more than 26 million cataract surgeries are performed each year, there is still a gap in the prevalence of cataracts, especially in developing countries. Although cataract surgery is a nearly ideal procedure and complications are manageable, both patients and doctors dream of using drugs to cure cataracts. Is surgery really the only way to treat cataracts in the future? It has been verified by animal experiments that lanosterol therapy in rabbits and dogs could make cataract severity alleviated and lens transparency partially recovered. Although there is still much to learn about cataract reversal, this groundbreaking work provided a new strategy for the prevention and treatment of cataracts. Conclusions Although cataract surgery is nearly ideal, it is still insufficient, we expect the prospects for cataract drugs to be bright.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyi Chen
- Eye Center, Second Affiliated Hospital of School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310009, China
| | - Jingjie Xu
- Eye Center, Second Affiliated Hospital of School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310009, China
| | - Xiangjun Chen
- Eye Center, Second Affiliated Hospital of School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310009, China
| | - Ke Yao
- Eye Center, Second Affiliated Hospital of School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310009, China
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14
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Ershov P, Kaluzhskiy L, Mezentsev Y, Yablokov E, Gnedenko O, Ivanov A. Enzymes in the Cholesterol Synthesis Pathway: Interactomics in the Cancer Context. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9080895. [PMID: 34440098 PMCID: PMC8389681 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9080895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Revised: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
A global protein interactome ensures the maintenance of regulatory, signaling and structural processes in cells, but at the same time, aberrations in the repertoire of protein-protein interactions usually cause a disease onset. Many metabolic enzymes catalyze multistage transformation of cholesterol precursors in the cholesterol biosynthesis pathway. Cancer-associated deregulation of these enzymes through various molecular mechanisms results in pathological cholesterol accumulation (its precursors) which can be disease risk factors. This work is aimed at systematization and bioinformatic analysis of the available interactomics data on seventeen enzymes in the cholesterol pathway, encoded by HMGCR, MVK, PMVK, MVD, FDPS, FDFT1, SQLE, LSS, DHCR24, CYP51A1, TM7SF2, MSMO1, NSDHL, HSD17B7, EBP, SC5D, DHCR7 genes. The spectrum of 165 unique and 21 common protein partners that physically interact with target enzymes was selected from several interatomic resources. Among them there were 47 modifying proteins from different protein kinases/phosphatases and ubiquitin-protein ligases/deubiquitinases families. A literature search, enrichment and gene co-expression analysis showed that about a quarter of the identified protein partners was associated with cancer hallmarks and over-represented in cancer pathways. Our results allow to update the current fundamental view on protein-protein interactions and regulatory aspects of the cholesterol synthesis enzymes and annotate of their sub-interactomes in term of possible involvement in cancers that will contribute to prioritization of protein targets for future drug development.
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15
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Shin S, Zhou H, He C, Wei Y, Wang Y, Shingu T, Zeng A, Wang S, Zhou X, Li H, Zhang Q, Mo Q, Long J, Lan F, Chen Y, Hu J. Qki activates Srebp2-mediated cholesterol biosynthesis for maintenance of eye lens transparency. Nat Commun 2021; 12:3005. [PMID: 34021134 PMCID: PMC8139980 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-22782-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2020] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Defective cholesterol biosynthesis in eye lens cells is often associated with cataracts; however, how genes involved in cholesterol biosynthesis are regulated in lens cells remains unclear. Here, we show that Quaking (Qki) is required for the transcriptional activation of genes involved in cholesterol biosynthesis in the eye lens. At the transcriptome level, lens-specific Qki-deficient mice present downregulation of genes associated with the cholesterol biosynthesis pathway, resulting in a significant reduction of total cholesterol level in the eye lens. Mice with Qki depletion in lens epithelium display progressive accumulation of protein aggregates, eventually leading to cataracts. Notably, these defects are attenuated by topical sterol administration. Mechanistically, we demonstrate that Qki enhances cholesterol biosynthesis by recruiting Srebp2 and Pol II in the promoter regions of cholesterol biosynthesis genes. Supporting its function as a transcription co-activator, we show that Qki directly interacts with single-stranded DNA. In conclusion, we propose that Qki-Srebp2-mediated cholesterol biosynthesis is essential for maintaining the cholesterol level that protects lens from cataract development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seula Shin
- Department of Cancer Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
- Cancer Biology Program, MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Hao Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Protein Science, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Chenxi He
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, International Co-laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism, Ministry of Science and Technology, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, and Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yanjun Wei
- Department of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Yunfei Wang
- Clinical Science Division, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Takashi Shingu
- Department of Cancer Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Ailiang Zeng
- Department of Cancer Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Shaobo Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Xin Zhou
- Cancer Research Institute of Jilin University, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin, China
| | - Hongtao Li
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qiang Zhang
- Department of Cancer Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Qinling Mo
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Protein Science, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Jiafu Long
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Protein Science, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Fei Lan
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, International Co-laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism, Ministry of Science and Technology, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, and Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yiwen Chen
- Department of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jian Hu
- Department of Cancer Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.
- Cancer Biology Program, MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX, USA.
- Neuroscience Program, MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX, USA.
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16
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Xu J, Wang H, Wang A, Xu J, Fu C, Jia Z, Yao K, Chen X. βB2 W151R mutant is prone to degradation, aggregation and exposes the hydrophobic side chains in the fourth Greek Key motif. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2020; 1867:166018. [PMID: 33246011 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2020.166018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2020] [Revised: 11/14/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Studies have established that congenital cataract is the major cause of blindness in children across the globe. The β-crystallin protein family is the richest and most soluble structural protein in the lens. Their solubility and stability are essential in maintaining lens transparency. In this study, we identified a novel βB2 mutation W151R in a rare progressive cortical congenital cataract family and explored its pathogenesis using purified protein and mutant related cataract-cell models. Due to its low solubility and poor structural stability, the βB2 W151R mutation was prone to aggregation. Moreover, the W151R mutation enhanced the exposure of the hydrophobic side chains in the fourth Greek Key motif, which were readily degraded by trypsin. However, upon the administration of lanosterol, the negative effect of the W151R mutation was reversed. Therefore, lanosterol is a potential therapeutic option for cataracts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingjie Xu
- Eye Center of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Medical College of Zhejiang University, 88 Jiefang Road, Hangzhou 310009, China
| | - Huaxia Wang
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310020, China
| | - Ailing Wang
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310020, China
| | - Jia Xu
- Eye Center of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Medical College of Zhejiang University, 88 Jiefang Road, Hangzhou 310009, China
| | - Chenxi Fu
- Eye Center of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Medical College of Zhejiang University, 88 Jiefang Road, Hangzhou 310009, China
| | - Zhekun Jia
- Eye Center of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Medical College of Zhejiang University, 88 Jiefang Road, Hangzhou 310009, China
| | - Ke Yao
- Eye Center of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Medical College of Zhejiang University, 88 Jiefang Road, Hangzhou 310009, China.
| | - Xiangjun Chen
- Eye Center of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Medical College of Zhejiang University, 88 Jiefang Road, Hangzhou 310009, China; Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310020, China.
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17
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Abstract
Cataracts, the leading cause of vision impairment worldwide, arise from abnormal aggregation of lens proteins. According to the World Health Organization, cataracts cause more than 40% of blindness cases. As the population ages, the prevalence of cataracts will increase rapidly. Although cataract surgery is regarded as effective, it still suffers from complications and high cost, and could not meet the increasingly surgery demand. Therefore, pharmacological treatment for cataracts is a cheaper and more readily available option for patients, which is also a hot topic for years. Anti-cataract drug screening was previously mainly based on the specific pathogenic factors: oxidative stress, excess of quinoid substances, and aldose reductase (AR) activation. And several anti-cataract drugs have been applied in the clinic, while the effect is still unsatisfied. Makley and Zhao recently identified two kinds of novel pharmacological substances (25-hydroxycholesterol, lanosterol) that can reverse lens opacity by dissolving the aggregation of crystallin proteins, indicating that protein aggregation is not an endpoint and could be reversed with specific small-molecule drugs, significantly boosting the development of the cataract pharmacopeia and being regarded as a new dawn for cataract treatment. Our team built a novel optimized platform and had screened several potential therapeutic agents from a collection of lanosterol derivatives. In this review, we would mainly focus on the advancement of cataract pharmacotherapy based on the targets for anti-cataract drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingjie Xu
- Eye Center of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Medical College of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qiuli Fu
- Eye Center of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Medical College of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiangjun Chen
- Eye Center of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Medical College of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ke Yao
- Eye Center of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Medical College of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
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