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Wang J, Guo Y, Hu J, Peng J. STING Activation in Various Cell Types in Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease. Liver Int 2025; 45:e70063. [PMID: 40116753 DOI: 10.1111/liv.70063] [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: 12/28/2024] [Revised: 02/07/2025] [Accepted: 02/28/2025] [Indexed: 03/23/2025]
Abstract
BACKGROUND During the hepatic histological progression in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), the immunological mechanisms play a the pivotal role, especially when progressing to metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH). The discovery of the stimulator of interferon genes (STING) marked a significant advancement in understanding the immune system. METHODS We searched literature on STING involved in MASLD in PubMed to summarise the role of intrahepatic or extrahepatic STING signal pathways and the potential agonists or inhibitors of STING in MASLD. RESULTS Besides inflammation and type I interferon response induced by STING activation in the intrahepatic or extrahepatic immune cells, STING activation in hepatocytes leads to protein aggregates and lipid deposition. STING activation in hepatic macrophages inhibits autophagy in hepatocytes and promotes hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) activation. STING activation in HSCs promotes HSC activation and exacerbates liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs) impairment. However, it was also reported that STING activation in hepatic macrophages promotes lipophagy in hepatocytes and STING activation in HSCs leads to HSC senescence. STING activation in LSEC, inhibits angiogenesis. For extrahepatic tissue, STING signalling participates in the regulation of the intestinal permeability, intestinal microecology and insulin action in adipocytes, which were all involved in the pathogenesis of MASLD. CONCLUSION There're plenty of STING ligands in MASLD. How STING activation affects the intercellular conversation in MASLD deserves thorough investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- JingJing Wang
- Institute of Liver Diseases, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yue Guo
- Department of Nephropathy, The Seventh People's Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jing Hu
- Department of Nephropathy, The Seventh People's Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jinghua Peng
- Institute of Liver Diseases, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine), Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, Shanghai, China
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2
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Xue F, Liu YK, Chen XY, Chen SS, Yu XR, Li HW, Lu LG, Chen MH. Targeting cGAS-STING: modulating the immune landscape of hepatic diseases. Front Immunol 2025; 16:1498323. [PMID: 40098962 PMCID: PMC11911377 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2025.1498323] [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: 09/18/2024] [Accepted: 02/11/2025] [Indexed: 03/19/2025] Open
Abstract
Liver diseases, including viral hepatitis, alcoholic liver disease (ALD), metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), represent a significant threat to global health due to their high mortality rates. The cGAS-STING pathway, a critical part of the innate immune system, plays a crucial role in detecting cytoplasmic DNA and initiating immune responses, including autoimmune inflammation and antitumor immunity. Genomic instability during cancer progression can trigger this pathway by releasing DNA into the cytoplasm. Emerging research indicates that cGAS-STING signaling is intricately involved in maintaining liver homeostasis and contributes to the pathogenesis of various liver diseases. This review outlines the cGAS-STING pathway, with a particular focus on its activation mechanism and its roles in several notable liver conditions. Specifically, we explore the complex interplay of cGAS-STING signaling in viral hepatitis, ALD, MASLD, and HCC, and discuss its potential as a therapeutic target. For example, in HCC, strategies targeting cGAS-STING include using nanomaterials to deliver STING agonists, combining radiofrequency ablation (RFA) with cGAS-STING activation, and leveraging radiotherapy to enhance pathway activation. Furthermore, modulating cGAS-STING activity may offer therapeutic avenues for viral hepatitis and chronic liver diseases like MASLD and ALD, either by boosting antiviral responses or mitigating inflammation. This review highlights the complex role of cGAS-STING signaling in these specific liver diseases and underscores the need for further research to fully realize its therapeutic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Xue
- Department of Radiology, Zhuhai Clinical Medical College of Jinan University (Zhuhai People's Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Beijing Institute of Technology), Zhuhai, Guangdong, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment, Zhuhai Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhuhai, Guangdong, China
| | - Yong-Kang Liu
- Department of Radiology, Zhuhai Clinical Medical College of Jinan University (Zhuhai People's Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Beijing Institute of Technology), Zhuhai, Guangdong, China
- Guangzhou First People's Hospital, the Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiao-Ying Chen
- Department of Radiology, Zhuhai Clinical Medical College of Jinan University (Zhuhai People's Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Beijing Institute of Technology), Zhuhai, Guangdong, China
| | - Shan-Shan Chen
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhuhai Clinical Medical College of Jinan University (Zhuhai People's Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Beijing Institute of Technology), Zhuhai, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiang-Rong Yu
- Department of Radiology, Zhuhai Clinical Medical College of Jinan University (Zhuhai People's Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Beijing Institute of Technology), Zhuhai, Guangdong, China
| | - Hua-Wen Li
- Department of Gynecology, Zhuhai Clinical Medical College of Jinan University (Zhuhai People's Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Beijing Institute of Technology), Zhuhai, Guangdong, China
| | - Li-Gong Lu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment, Zhuhai Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhuhai, Guangdong, China
- Guangzhou First People's Hospital, the Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Mu-He Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment, Zhuhai Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhuhai, Guangdong, China
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhuhai Clinical Medical College of Jinan University (Zhuhai People's Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Beijing Institute of Technology), Zhuhai, Guangdong, China
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3
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Xiong Y, Chen J, Li K, Liang W, Song J, Qiu X, Zhang B, Qiu D, Qin Y. Dimethyl fumarate alleviate hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury through suppressing cGAS-STING signaling. MedComm (Beijing) 2025; 6:e70077. [PMID: 39877286 PMCID: PMC11773390 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.70077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2024] [Revised: 12/10/2024] [Accepted: 01/02/2025] [Indexed: 01/31/2025] Open
Abstract
Hepatic ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury frequently occurs during the perioperative phase of liver surgery. Inappropriate activation of STING signaling can trigger excessive inflammation response to aggravate hepatic I/R injury. Dimethyl fumarate (DMF) is an FDA-approved immunomodulatory drug used to treat multiple sclerosis and psoriasis due to its notable anti-inflammation properties. However, the mechanism and targets of DMF in immunomodulation remain unclear. Here, we found that DMF suppresses cGAS-STING activation induced by HSV-1, hering testis DNA, and mitochondrial DNA in a variety of cells. DMF significantly reduces hepatic I/R injury and inhibits cGAS-STING pathway activation in mice. The alleviating effect of DMF on hepatic I/R injury was negligible in STING-knockout mice. Mechanistically, DMF directly inhibits STING activation via an autophagy-independent pathway, and the immunocoprecipitation experiment showed that DMF inhibited STING recruitment of downstream TBK1 and IRF3. Our study found that DMF protects liver I/R injury by inhibiting the STING pathway and may be a potential target of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Xiong
- Biotherapy CenterThe Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouGuangdongP. R. China
| | - Jiawen Chen
- Biotherapy CenterThe Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouGuangdongP. R. China
| | - Kun Li
- Biotherapy CenterThe Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouGuangdongP. R. China
| | - Wei Liang
- Biotherapy CenterThe Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouGuangdongP. R. China
| | - Jinwen Song
- Biotherapy CenterThe Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouGuangdongP. R. China
| | - Xiusheng Qiu
- Vaccine Research InstituteThe Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat‐sen University, Sun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouGuangdongP. R. China
| | - Baoyu Zhang
- Neurosurgery DepartmentThe Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouGuangdongP. R. China
| | - Dongbo Qiu
- Vaccine Research InstituteThe Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat‐sen University, Sun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouGuangdongP. R. China
| | - Yunfei Qin
- Biotherapy CenterThe Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouGuangdongP. R. China
- Vaccine Research InstituteThe Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat‐sen University, Sun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouGuangdongP. R. China
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Krieger MR, Abrahamian M, He KL, Atamdede S, Hakimjavadi H, Momcilovic M, Ostrow D, Maggo SD, Tsang YP, Gai X, Chanfreau GF, Shackelford DB, Teitell MA, Koehler CM. Trafficking of mitochondrial double-stranded RNA from mitochondria to the cytosol. Life Sci Alliance 2024; 7:e202302396. [PMID: 38955468 PMCID: PMC11220484 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202302396] [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: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 06/25/2024] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024] Open
Abstract
In addition to mitochondrial DNA, mitochondrial double-stranded RNA (mtdsRNA) is exported from mitochondria. However, specific channels for RNA transport have not been demonstrated. Here, we begin to characterize channel candidates for mtdsRNA export from the mitochondrial matrix to the cytosol. Down-regulation of SUV3 resulted in the accumulation of mtdsRNAs in the matrix, whereas down-regulation of PNPase resulted in the export of mtdsRNAs to the cytosol. Targeting experiments show that PNPase functions in both the intermembrane space and matrix. Strand-specific sequencing of the double-stranded RNA confirms the mitochondrial origin. Inhibiting or down-regulating outer membrane proteins VDAC1/2 and BAK/BAX or inner membrane proteins PHB1/2 strongly attenuated the export of mtdsRNAs to the cytosol. The cytosolic mtdsRNAs subsequently localized to large granules containing the stress protein TIA-1 and activated the type 1 interferon stress response pathway. Abundant mtdsRNAs were detected in a subset of non-small-cell lung cancer cell lines that were glycolytic, indicating relevance in cancer biology. Thus, we propose that mtdsRNA is a new damage-associated molecular pattern that is exported from mitochondria in a regulated manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew R Krieger
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | | | - Kevin L He
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Sean Atamdede
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | | | - Milica Momcilovic
- Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Dejerianne Ostrow
- Department of Pathology, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Simran Ds Maggo
- Department of Pathology, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Yik Pui Tsang
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Xiaowu Gai
- Department of Pathology, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Pathology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Guillaume F Chanfreau
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Molecular Biology Institute, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - David B Shackelford
- Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Michael A Teitell
- Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Molecular Biology Institute, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Broad Stem Cell Research Center, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- NanoSystems Institute, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Carla M Koehler
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Molecular Biology Institute, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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Wang B, Zhang F, Wu X, Ji M. TBK1 is paradoxical in tumor development: a focus on the pathway mediating IFN-I expression. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1433321. [PMID: 39161768 PMCID: PMC11330819 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1433321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2024] [Accepted: 07/22/2024] [Indexed: 08/21/2024] Open
Abstract
TANK-binding kinase 1 (TBK1) is a member of the IKK family and plays a crucial role in the activation of non-canonical NF-κB signaling and type I interferon responses. The aberrant activation of TBK1 contributes to the proliferation and survival of various types of tumor cells, particularly in specific mutational or tumorous contexts. Inhibitors targeting TBK1 are under development and application in both in vivo and in vitro settings, yet their clinical efficacy remains limited. Numerous literatures have shown that TBK1 can exhibit both tumor promoting and tumor inhibiting effects. TBK1 acts as a pivotal node within the innate immune pathway, mediating anti-tumor immunity through the activation of innate immune responses. Facilitating interferon-I (IFN-I) production represents a critical mechanism through which TBK1 bridges these processes. IFN has been shown to exert both beneficial and detrimental effects on tumor progression. Hence, the paradoxical role of TBK1 in tumor development may necessitate acknowledgment in light of its downstream IFN-I signaling cascade. In this paper, we review the signaling pathways mediated by TBK1 in various tumor contexts and summarize the dual roles of TBK1 and the TBK1-IFN pathways in both promoting and inhibiting tumor progression. Additionally, we highlight the significance of the TBK1-IFN pathway in clinical therapy, particularly in the context of immune response. We anticipate further advancements in the development of TBK1 inhibitors as part of novel cancer treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Mei Ji
- Department of Oncology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, China
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6
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Liu W, Zhang Chen Z, Yang C, Fan Y, Qiao L, Xie S, Cao L. Update on the STING Signaling Pathway in Developing Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease. J Clin Transl Hepatol 2024; 12:91-99. [PMID: 38250469 PMCID: PMC10794270 DOI: 10.14218/jcth.2023.00197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a prevalent chronic liver condition with limited treatment options. Inflammation caused by metabolic disturbances plays a significant role in NAFLD development. Stimulator of interferon gene (STING), a critical regulator of innate immunity, induces the production of interferons and other pro-inflammatory factors by recognizing cytoplasmic DNA to defend against pathogen infection. The STING-mediated signaling pathway appears to play a vital role in hepatic inflammation, metabolic disorders, and even carcinogenesis. Promisingly, pharmacological interventions targeting STING have shown improvements in the pathological state of NAFLD. Macrophages, dendritic cells, natural killer cells, and T cell pathways regulated by STING present potential novel druggable targets for NAFLD treatment. Further research and development in this area may offer new therapeutic options for managing NAFLD effectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Liu
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhili Zhang Chen
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Chenhui Yang
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yaofu Fan
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Province Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Liang Qiao
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Shaofeng Xie
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Province Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Lin Cao
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Province Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
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7
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Ji L, Li T, Chen H, Yang Y, Lu E, Liu J, Qiao W, Chen H. The crucial regulatory role of type I interferon in inflammatory diseases. Cell Biosci 2023; 13:230. [PMID: 38124132 PMCID: PMC10734085 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-023-01188-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Type I interferon (IFN-I) plays crucial roles in the regulation of inflammation and it is associated with various inflammatory diseases including systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and periodontitis, impacting people's health and quality of life. It is well-established that IFN-Is affect immune responses and inflammatory factors by regulating some signaling. However, currently, there is no comprehensive overview of the crucial regulatory role of IFN-I in distinctive pathways as well as associated inflammatory diseases. This review aims to provide a narrative of the involvement of IFN-I in different signaling pathways, mainly mediating the related key factors with specific targets in the pathways and signaling cascades to influence the progression of inflammatory diseases. As such, we suggested that IFN-Is induce inflammatory regulation through the stimulation of certain factors in signaling pathways, which displays possible efficient treatment methods and provides a reference for the precise control of inflammatory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Ji
- Faculty of Dentistry, The University of Hong Kong, Prince Philip Dental Hospital, Hong Kong, SAR, People's Republic of China
| | - Tianle Li
- Faculty of Dentistry, The University of Hong Kong, Prince Philip Dental Hospital, Hong Kong, SAR, People's Republic of China
| | - Huimin Chen
- Faculty of Dentistry, The University of Hong Kong, Prince Philip Dental Hospital, Hong Kong, SAR, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanqi Yang
- Faculty of Dentistry, The University of Hong Kong, Prince Philip Dental Hospital, Hong Kong, SAR, People's Republic of China
- Division of Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, The University of Hong Kong, Prince Philip Dental Hospital, Hong Kong, SAR, People's Republic of China
| | - Eryi Lu
- Department of Stomatology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 160 Pujian Road, Shanghai, China
| | - Jieying Liu
- Department of Medical Research Center, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Qiao
- Faculty of Dentistry, The University of Hong Kong, Prince Philip Dental Hospital, Hong Kong, SAR, People's Republic of China.
- Applied Oral Sciences & Community Dental Care, Faculty of Dentistry, The University of Hong Kong, Prince Philip Dental Hospital, Level 3, 34 Hospital Road, Sai Ying Pun, Hong Kong, SAR, People's Republic of China.
| | - Hui Chen
- Faculty of Dentistry, The University of Hong Kong, Prince Philip Dental Hospital, Hong Kong, SAR, People's Republic of China.
- Division of Restorative Dental Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, The University of Hong Kong, Prince Philip Dental Hospital, Level 3, 34 Hospital Road, Sai Ying Pun, Hong Kong, SAR, People's Republic of China.
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Korneenko TV, Pestov NB, Nevzorov IA, Daks AA, Trachuk KN, Solopova ON, Barlev NA. At the Crossroads of the cGAS-cGAMP-STING Pathway and the DNA Damage Response: Implications for Cancer Progression and Treatment. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:1675. [PMID: 38139802 PMCID: PMC10747911 DOI: 10.3390/ph16121675] [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: 09/30/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The evolutionary conserved DNA-sensing cGAS-STING innate immunity pathway represents one of the most important cytosolic DNA-sensing systems that is activated in response to viral invasion and/or damage to the integrity of the nuclear envelope. The key outcome of this pathway is the production of interferon, which subsequently stimulates the transcription of hundreds of genes. In oncology, the situation is complex because this pathway may serve either anti- or pro-oncogenic roles, depending on context. The prevailing understanding is that when the innate immune response is activated by sensing cytosolic DNA, such as DNA released from ruptured micronuclei, it results in the production of interferon, which attracts cytotoxic cells to destroy tumors. However, in tumor cells that have adjusted to significant chromosomal instability, particularly in relapsed, treatment-resistant cancers, the cGAS-STING pathway often supports cancer progression, fostering the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Here, we review this intricate pathway in terms of its association with cancer progression, giving special attention to pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma and gliomas. As the development of new cGAS-STING-modulating small molecules and immunotherapies such as oncolytic viruses involves serious challenges, we highlight several recent fundamental discoveries, such as the proton-channeling function of STING. These discoveries may serve as guiding lights for potential pharmacological advancements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatyana V. Korneenko
- Group of Cross-Linking Enzymes, Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Moscow 117997, Russia
| | - Nikolay B. Pestov
- Group of Cross-Linking Enzymes, Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Moscow 117997, Russia
- Institute of Biomedical Chemistry, Moscow 119121, Russia
- Chumakov Federal Scientific Center for Research and Development of Immune-and-Biological Products, Moscow 108819, Russia
| | - Ivan A. Nevzorov
- Institute of Cytology, Tikhoretsky ave 4, St-Petersburg 194064, Russia
| | - Alexandra A. Daks
- Institute of Cytology, Tikhoretsky ave 4, St-Petersburg 194064, Russia
| | - Kirill N. Trachuk
- Chumakov Federal Scientific Center for Research and Development of Immune-and-Biological Products, Moscow 108819, Russia
| | - Olga N. Solopova
- Research Institute of Experimental Diagnostics and Tumor Therapy, Blokhin National Medical Research Center of Oncology, Moscow 115478, Russia
| | - Nickolai A. Barlev
- Institute of Biomedical Chemistry, Moscow 119121, Russia
- Chumakov Federal Scientific Center for Research and Development of Immune-and-Biological Products, Moscow 108819, Russia
- Institute of Cytology, Tikhoretsky ave 4, St-Petersburg 194064, Russia
- Institute of Translational Medicine and Biotechnology, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow 119991, Russia
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9
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Regulation of cGAS Activity and Downstream Signaling. Cells 2022; 11:cells11182812. [PMID: 36139387 PMCID: PMC9496985 DOI: 10.3390/cells11182812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Revised: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS) is a predominant and ubiquitously expressed cytosolic onfirmedDNA sensor that activates innate immune responses by producing a second messenger, cyclic GMP-AMP (cGAMP), and the stimulator of interferon genes (STING). cGAS contains a highly disordered N-terminus, which can sense genomic/chromatin DNA, while the C terminal of cGAS binds dsDNA liberated from various sources, including mitochondria, pathogens, and dead cells. Furthermore, cGAS cellular localization dictates its response to foreign versus self-DNA. Recent evidence has also highlighted the importance of dsDNA-induced post-translational modifications of cGAS in modulating inflammatory responses. This review summarizes and analyzes cGAS activity regulation based on structure, sub-cellular localization, post-translational mechanisms, and Ca2+ signaling. We also discussed the role of cGAS activation in different diseases and clinical outcomes.
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