Notch1 contributes to TNF-α-induced proliferation and migration of airway smooth muscle cells through regulation of the Hes1/PTEN axis

Study on effect of pancreatic kininogenase on diabetic nephropathy-induced fibrosis via Notch1/Hes1/Pten/Akt signaling pathway

OBJECTIVE

To elucidate the mechanism by which pancreatic kininogenase (PKase) impacts renal fibrosis in diabetic nephropathy through modulation of the Notch1/Hes1 and Pten/Akt pathways.

METHODS

This study employed in vivo models and cellular assays to investigate PKase's effects on cellular viability, apoptosis, and oxidative stress. Assay kits were used to assess these parameters, while protein expression levels were measured via Western Blot and RT-qPCR. Histological changes in kidney tissues were analyzed using HE and Masson's staining. Fibrosis markers-including E-cadherin, vimentin, α-SMA, Collagen I, TGF-β, and fibronectin-were evaluated through immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

After eight weeks of PKase treatment, significant improvements in blood glucose levels and associated symptoms were observed in diabetic nephropathy rats. Both in vivo and in vitro results demonstrated that PKase treatment inhibited the expression of diabetic nephropathy markers, including vimentin, α-SMA, FN, Collagen I, and TGF-β, while increasing the expression of E-cadherin. Additionally, the expression of Notch1, Hes1, and phosphorylated Akt (p-Akt) was upregulated, and Pten expression was suppressed, all of which were reversed by PKase treatment. Furthermore, both analyses indicated that PKase alleviated Jagged1-induced apoptosis and oxidative stress, and mitigated tubulointerstitial fibrosis.

CONCLUSION

PKase appears to ameliorate diabetic nephropathy-induced renal fibrosis by activating the Pten/Akt pathway and inhibiting the Notch1/Hes1 pathway, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic agent in diabetic nephropathy.

CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER

Not applicable.

Safranal restores RUNX3-mediated immunoregulation by inhibiting the NLRP3 inflammasome in allergic asthma

Safranal is an active ingredient with pharmacological anti-inflammatory effects derived from Crocus sativus essential oil. To explore the comprehensive effects of Safranal on airway inflammation, airway hyperreactivity, and remodeling and its potential mechanisms through the allergic asthma model, an in vitro model of ASMC cells stimulated by TNF-α was established. The cells were transfected with si-RUNX3 and RUNX3 overexpression plasmids, and DEX was used as a positive control. The expression of RUNX3 was detected by western blot and immunofluorescence. The levels of inflammatory factors were measured by ELISA, while flow cytometry detected the anti-apoptotic effects and ROS production. Subsequently, OVA-sensitized WT mice and RUNX3-KO mice were administered with DEX and Safranal for 2 weeks to establish a mouse model of allergic asthma, and changes in airway hyperresponsiveness, inflammatory manifestations, and airway remodeling were detected. The mechanism of Safranal was verified by detecting the expression of RUNX3, inflammation, and fibrosis-related proteins in the lung tissues. By modulating the NLRP3/Caspase-1 pathway, Safranal significantly alleviated the negative effects caused by RUNX3 suppression in vivo and in vitro. We propose that Safranal is a potential active compound for the treatment of asthma, and its clinical application value in allergic asthma should be further explored.

miRNA-34a-5p inhibits chicken myoblasts proliferation and differentiation via NOTCH1 inhibition

The growth performance of chickens contributes to the sustainable development of the broiler industry, and skeletal muscle development is particularly crucial for chicken production. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are noncoding RNAs that can participate in the regulation of many biological processes. MiR-34a-5p is a miRNA closely related to chicken skeletal muscle growth and development. However, the specific role of miR-34a-5p in chicken skeletal muscle development remains unknown. Characteristic analysis revealed that the structures and functions of miR-34a-5p from 14 species were similar. Transmembrane domain, hydropathicity/hydrophobicity, and signal peptide analyses of the chicken NOTCH1 protein demonstrated that NOTCH1 may participate in cellular life processes. Motif identification and gene structure analysis revealed that the NOTCH genes of H. sapiens, M. musculus, and G. gallus had similar gene structures, indicating that they may have similar biological functions. In this study, miR-34a-5p significantly inhibited chicken primary myoblast proliferation and differentiation (P < 0.05). Through miRDB and TargetScan database prediction, NOTCH1 was speculated to be one of the target genes of miR-34a-5p. Gene ontology enrichment and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analyses predicted that NOTCH1 was related to skeletal muscle development. Dual-luciferase reporter, RT-qPCR, and rescue experiments confirmed the target relationship between miR-34a-5p and NOTCH1. mRNA quantitative analysis and western blot, CCK-8, and EdU findings revealed that NOTCH1 significantly promoted chicken myoblast proliferation (P < 0.05). mRNA quantitative analysis, Western blotting, and indirect immunofluorescence of myotubes revealed that NOTCH1 significantly promoted chicken myoblast differentiation (P < 0.05). In summary, miRNA-34a-5p inhibited chicken myoblast proliferation and differentiation by inhibiting NOTCH1 expression.

Preclinical evidence in the assembly of mammalian SWI/SNF complexes: Epigenetic insights and clinical perspectives in human lung disease therapy

The SWI/SNF complex, also known as the BRG1/BRM-associated factor (BAF) complex, represents a critical regulator of chromatin remodeling mechanisms in mammals. It is alternatively referred to as mSWI/SNF and has been suggested to be imbalanced in human disease compared with human health. Three types of BAF assemblies associated with it have been described, including (1) canonical BAF (cBAF), (2) polybromo-associated BAF (PBAF), and (3) non-canonical BAF (ncBAF) complexes. Each of these BAF assemblies plays a role, either functional or dysfunctional, in governing gene expression patterns, cellular processes, epigenetic mechanisms, and biological processes. Recent evidence increasingly links the dysregulation of mSWI/SNF complexes to various human non-malignant lung chronic disorders and lung malignant diseases. This review aims to provide a comprehensive general state-of-the-art and a profound examination of the current understanding of mSWI/SNF assembly processes, as well as the structural and functional organization of mSWI/SNF complexes and their subunits. In addition, it explores their intricate functional connections with potentially dysregulated transcription factors, placing particular emphasis on molecular and cellular pathogenic processes in lung diseases. These processes are reflected in human epigenome aberrations that impact clinical and therapeutic levels, suggesting novel perspectives on the diagnosis and molecular therapies for human respiratory diseases.

circMIRIAF aggravates myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury via targeting miR-544/WDR12 axis

Exploring and discovering novel circRNAs is one of the ways to develop innovative drugs for the diagnosis and treatment of myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury (MI/RI). In the work, some dysregulated circRNAs were found by microarray screening analysis in AC16 cells, and hsa_circRNA_104852 named circMIRIAF was screened, which was up-regulated in AC16 cells damaged by hypoxia-reoxygenation injury (H/RI). The comprehensive analysis of ceRNA network revealed the potential relationship of circMIRIAF/miR-544/WDR12. Then, the results of interaction research confirmed that circMIRIAF acted as sponge of miR-544 to positively regulate WDR12 protein expression. Further, the validation results indicate that miR-544 silencing increased the expression of WDR12, and WDR12 activated Notch1 signal to aggravate H/RI of AC16 cells and MI/RI of mice via regulating oxidative stress and inflammation. Furthermore, silencing circMIRIAF caused the decreased circMIRIAF levels and the increased miR-544 levels in cardiomyocytes, while excessive miR-544 inhibited WDR12 expression to alleviate the disorder. On the contrary, excessive circMIRIAF increased WDR12 expression by adsorbing miR-544 to exacerbate H/RI in AC16 cells. In addition, circMIRIAF siRNA reversed the aggravation of H/RI in cells caused by WDR12 overexpression. Overall, circMIRIAF can serve as a drug target or treating MI/RI, and circMIRIAF could sponge miR-544 and enhance WDR12 expression to aggravate MI/RI, which may provide a novel therapeutic strategy for MI/RI treatment.

Next-Cell Hypothesis: Mechanism of Obesity-Associated Carcinogenesis

Higher body fat content is related to a higher risk of mortality, and obesity-related cancer represents approximately 40% of all cancer patients diagnosed each year. Furthermore, epigenetic mechanisms are involved in cellular metabolic memory and can determine one's predisposition to being overweight. Low-grade chronic inflammation, a well-established characteristic of obesity, is a central component of tumor development and progression. Cancer-associated adipocytes (CAA), which enhance inflammation- and metastasis-related gene sets within the cancer microenvironment, have pro-tumoral effects. Adipose tissue is a major source of the exosomal micro ribonucleic acids (miRNAs), which modulate pathways involved in the development of obesity and obesity-related comorbidities. Owing to their composition of cargo, exosomes can activate receptors at the target cell or transfer molecules to the target cells and thereby change the phenotype of these cells. Exosomes that are released into the extracellular environment are internalized with their cargo by neighboring cells. The tumor-secreted exosomes promote organ-specific metastasis of tumor cells that normally lack the capacity to metastasize to a specific organ. Therefore, the communication between neighboring cells via exosomes is defined as the "next-cell hypothesis." The reciprocal interaction between the adipocyte and tumor cell is realized through the adipocyte-derived exosomal miRNAs and tumor cell-derived oncogenic miRNAs. The cargo molecules of adipocyte-derived exosomes are important messengers for intercellular communication involved in metabolic responses and have very specific signatures that direct the metabolic activity of target cells. RNA-induced silencing regulates gene expression through various mechanisms. Destabilization of DICER enzyme, which catalyzes the conversion of primary miRNA (pri-miRNA) to precursor miRNA (pre-miRNA), is an important checkpoint in cancer development and progression. Interestingly, adipose tissue in obesity and tumors share similar pathogenic features, and the local hypoxia progress in both. While hypoxia in obesity leads to the adipocyte dysfunction and metabolic abnormalities, in obesity-related cancer cases, it is associated with worsened prognosis, increased metastatic potential, and resistance to chemotherapy. Notch-interleukin-1 (IL-1)-Leptin crosstalk outcome is referred to as "NILCO effect." In this chapter, obesity-related cancer development is discussed in the context of "next-cell hypothesis," miRNA biogenesis, and "NILCO effect."

CLDN1 silencing suppresses the proliferation and migration of airway smooth muscle cells by modulating MMP14

Airway remodeling is an important pathologic factor in the progression of asthma. Abnormal proliferation and migration of airway smooth muscle cells (ASMCs) are important pathologic mechanisms in severe asthma. In the current study, claudin-1 (CLDN1) was identified as an asthma-related gene and was upregulated in ASMCs stimulated with platelet-derived growth factor BB (PDGF-BB). Cell counting kit-8 and EdU assays were used to evaluate cell proliferation, and transwell assay was carried out to analyze cell migration and invasion. The levels of inflammatory factors were detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The results showed that CLDN1 knockdown inhibited the proliferation, migration, invasion, and inflammation of ASMCs treated with PDGF-BB, whereas overexpression of CLDN1 exhibited the opposite effects. Protein-protein interaction assay and co-immunoprecipitation revealed that CLDN1 directly interacted with matrix metalloproteinase 14 (MMP14). CLDN1 positively regulated MMP14 expression in asthma, and MMP14 overexpression reversed cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and inflammation induced by silenced CLDN1. Taken together, CLDN1 promotes PDGF-BB-induced cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and inflammatory responses of ASMCs by upregulating MMP14 expression, suggesting a potential role for CLDN1 in airway remodeling in asthma.

LY294002 ameliorates psoriatic skin inflammation in mice via blocking the Notch1/Hes1-PTEN/AKT/IL-17A feedback loop

(IL)-17A, the effective factor of Th17 cells, acts an important pathological role in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. Notch1/hairy and split 1 (Hes1) and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways are interpenetrated and involved in Th17 cell differentiation and IL-17A production. In this present study, we used imiquimod (IMQ)-induced mouse psoriatic skin inflammation to explore the possible mechanism of Notch1/Hes1-PTEN/AKT/IL-17A feedback loop in psoriasis by employing AKT inhibitor LY294002 as an intervention with the methods of flow cytometry analysis, reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction, western blot, co-immunoprecipitation, and immunofluorescence. First, LY294002 inhibition can obviously alleviate the mouse psoriatic skin inflammation both in skin structural and histopathological characteristics, which is similar to the changes found in IL-17A antibody-treated mice. Additionally, the interaction between Notch1 intracellular domain (NICD1) and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) activator 1 (Act1) was demonstrated. LY294002 interruption resulted in consistent changes in expression levels of key signaling molecules both in Notch1/Hes1 and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways in a time-dependent manner. Moreover, chloroquine (CQ) can partly reverse the inhibitory effects of LY294002 on the Notch1/Hes1-PTEN/AKT/IL-17A feedback loop by affecting Notch1 ubiquitination and lysosomal degradation. The present study showed that LY294002 can exert the inhibitory effect on Notch1/Hes1-PTEN/AKT/IL-17A feedback loop to regulate Th17 cell differentiation and IL-17A function in the process of psoriasis, which provides a new possible therapeutic strategy for psoriasis.

Effect of regulatory cell death on the occurrence and development of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

Head and neck cancer is a malignant tumour with a high mortality rate characterized by late diagnosis, high recurrence and metastasis rates, and poor prognosis. Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is the most common type of head and neck cancer. Various factors are involved in the occurrence and development of HNSCC, including external inflammatory stimuli and oncogenic viral infections. In recent years, studies on the regulation of cell death have provided new insights into the biology and therapeutic response of HNSCC, such as apoptosis, necroptosis, pyroptosis, autophagy, ferroptosis, and recently the newly discovered cuproptosis. We explored how various cell deaths act as a unique defence mechanism against cancer emergence and how they can be exploited to inhibit tumorigenesis and progression, thus introducing regulatory cell death (RCD) as a novel strategy for tumour therapy. In contrast to accidental cell death, RCD is controlled by specific signal transduction pathways, including TP53 signalling, KRAS signalling, NOTCH signalling, hypoxia signalling, and metabolic reprogramming. In this review, we describe the molecular mechanisms of nonapoptotic RCD and its relationship to HNSCC and discuss the crosstalk between relevant signalling pathways in HNSCC cells. We also highlight novel approaches to tumour elimination through RCD.

Bronchial smooth muscle cell in asthma: where does it fit?

Asthma is a frequent respiratory condition whose pathophysiology relies on altered interactions between bronchial epithelium, smooth muscle cells (SMC) and immune responses. Those leads to classical hallmarks of asthma: airway hyper-responsiveness, bronchial remodelling and chronic inflammation. Airway smooth muscle biology and pathophysiological implication in asthma are now better understood. Precise deciphering of intracellular signalling pathways regulating smooth muscle contraction highlighted the critical roles played by small GTPases of Rho superfamily. Beyond contractile considerations, active involvement of airway smooth muscle in bronchial remodelling mechanisms is now established. Not only cytokines and growth factors, such as fibroblats growth factor or transforming growth factor-β, but also extracellular matrix composition have been demonstrated as potent phenotype modifiers for airway SMC. Although basic science knowledge has grown significantly, little of it has translated into improvement in asthma clinical practice. Evaluation of airway smooth muscle function is still limited to its contractile activity. Moreover, it relies on tools, such as spirometry, that give only an overall assessment and not a specific one. Interesting technics such as forced oscillometry or specific imagery (CT and MRI) give new perspectives to evaluate other aspects of airway muscle such as bronchial remodelling. Finally, except for the refinement of conventional bronchodilators, no new drug therapy directly targeting airway smooth muscle proved its efficacy. Bronchial thermoplasty is an innovative and efficient therapeutic strategy but is only restricted to a small proportion of severe asthmatic patients. New diagnostic and therapeutic strategies specifically oriented toward airway smooth muscle are needed to improve global asthma care.

BRD7 restrains TNF-α-induced proliferation and migration of airway smooth muscle cells by inhibiting notch signaling

Objective: Bromodomain-containing protein 7 (BRD7) is a key component of the switch/sucrose non-fermentable complex that participates in chromatin remodeling and transcriptional regulation. Although the emerging role of BRD7 in the pathophysiology of various diseases has been observed, its role in asthma remains unknown. Here, we assessed the function of BRD7 as a mediator of airway remodeling in asthma using an in vitro model. Methods: Airway smooth muscle cells (ASMCs) were challenged with tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) to establish an in vitro airway remodeling model. Protein levels were examined using western blotting. Cell proliferation was measured using the cell counting kit-8 and 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine assays. Cell migration was assessed using a transwell migration assay. Results: Exposure to TNF-α dramatically decreased BRD7 levels in ASMCs. BRD7 remarkably decreased TNF-α-induced proliferation and migration of ASMCs. In contrast, ASMCs with BRD7 deficiency were more sensitive to TNF-α-induced pro-proliferative and pro-migratory effects. Mechanistically, BRD7 could repress the expression of Notch1 and block the Notch pathway in TNF-α-challenged cells. Notably, reactivation of Notch signaling substantially reversed the BRD7 overexpression-mediated effects, whereas restraining Notch signaling abolished BRD7-depletion-mediated effects on TNF-α-challenged cells. Conclusions: BRD7 inhibits the proliferation and migration of ASMCs elicited by TNF-α by downregulating the Notch pathway. This study indicates that BRD7 may exert a suppressive effect on airway remodeling during asthma.

PTEN: An Emerging Potential Target for Therapeutic Intervention in Respiratory Diseases

Phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome 10 (PTEN) is a potent tumor suppressor that regulates several key cellular processes, including proliferation, survival, genomic integrity, migration, and invasion, via PI3K-dependent and independent mechanisms. A subtle decrease in PTEN levels or catalytic activity is implicated not only in cancer but also in a wide spectrum of other diseases, including various respiratory diseases. A systemic overview of the advances in the molecular and cellular mechanisms of PTEN involved in the initiation and progression of respiratory diseases may offer novel targets for the development of effective therapeutics for the treatment of respiratory diseases. In the present review, we highlight the novel findings emerging from current research on the role of PTEN expression and regulation in airway pathological conditions such as asthma/allergic airway inflammation, pulmonary hypertension (PAH), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), and other acute lung injuries (ALI). Moreover, we discuss the clinical implications of PTEN alteration and recently suggested therapeutic possibilities for restoration of PTEN expression and function in respiratory diseases.

Notch1/Hes1‑PTEN/AKT/IL‑17A feedback loop regulates Th17 cell differentiation in mouse psoriasis‑like skin inflammation

IL‑17A, the effector cytokine of T helper (Th) 17 cells, plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. The Notch1 and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways are implicated in Th17 cell differentiation and IL‑17A production. The present study aimed to evaluate the regulatory effect of the Notch1/hairy and enhancer of split 1 (Hes1)‑PTEN/AKT/IL‑17A feedback loop on Th17 cell differentiation via the PI3K/AKT inhibitor LY294002 in a mouse model of psoriasis. Mice were randomly divided into 3 groups: a control group, a model group [5% imiquimod (IMQ)‑induced group] and an intervention group (5% IMQ‑induced plus LY294002‑treated group). Skin structural characteristics were recorded and evaluated by hematoxylin and eosin staining. The weights of the spleens and inguinal lymph nodes were measured. Th17 cell percentage, as well as the mRNA and protein expression levels of Notch1, Notch1 intracellular domain (NICD1), Hes1, PTEN, AKT, phosphorylated (p)‑AKT, mTOR complex 1 (mTORC1), p‑mTORC1, S6 kinase (S6K)1, S6K2 and IL‑17A were detected in skin samples of the three experimental groups. Additionally, splenic mononuclear cells from model mice were treated by 10 and 50 µM LY294002 to further evaluate its regulatory effect on Notch1/Hes1‑PTEN/AKT/IL‑17A feedback loop. Increased Th17 cell percentage, increased expression of Notch1, NICD1, Hes1, AKT, p‑AKT, mTORC1, p‑mTORC1, S6K1, S6K2 and IL‑17A, and decreased PTEN levels were observed in model mice alongside marked psoriasis‑like skin inflammation, splenomegaly and lymphadenopathy. LY294002 treatment significantly alleviated the severity of psoriasis‑like skin inflammation in the intervention mice, attenuated the degree of epidermal hyperplasia and dermal inflammatory cell infiltration, and mitigated splenomegaly and lymphadenopathy. In addition, LY294002 treatment reversed the increased Th17 cell percentage, as well as the increased expression of Notch1, NICD1, Hes1, AKT, p‑AKT, mTORC1, p‑mTORC1, S6K1, S6K2 and IL‑17A, and the decreased expression of PTEN. In vitro study from 5% IMQ‑induced mouse splenic mononuclear cells presented that high dose of LY294002 exerted more obviously regulatory effect on Notch1/Hes1‑PTEN/AKT/IL‑17A feedback loop. The current findings suggested that the Notch1/Hes1‑PTEN/AKT/IL‑17A feedback loop regulates Th17 cell differentiation within the disease environment of psoriasis. Blocking the Notch1/Hes1‑PTEN/AKT/IL‑17A feedback loop may thus be a potential therapeutic method for management of psoriatic inflammation.

Neutrophils and Asthma

Although eosinophilic inflammation is characteristic of asthma pathogenesis, neutrophilic inflammation is also marked, and eosinophils and neutrophils can coexist in some cases. Based on the proportion of sputum cell differentiation, asthma is classified into eosinophilic asthma, neutrophilic asthma, neutrophilic and eosinophilic asthma, and paucigranulocytic asthma. Classification by bronchoalveolar lavage is also performed. Eosinophilic asthma accounts for most severe asthma cases, but neutrophilic asthma or a mixture of the two types can also present a severe phenotype. Biomarkers for the diagnosis of neutrophilic asthma include sputum neutrophils, blood neutrophils, chitinase-3-like protein, and hydrogen sulfide in sputum and serum. Thymic stromal lymphoprotein (TSLP)/T-helper 17 pathways, bacterial colonization/microbiome, neutrophil extracellular traps, and activation of nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor family, pyrin domain-containing 3 pathways are involved in the pathophysiology of neutrophilic asthma and coexistence of obesity, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and habitual cigarette smoking have been associated with its pathogenesis. Thus, targeting neutrophilic asthma is important. Smoking cessation, neutrophil-targeting treatments, and biologics have been tested as treatments for severe asthma, but most clinical studies have not focused on neutrophilic asthma. Phosphodiesterase inhibitors, anti-TSLP antibodies, azithromycin, and anti-cholinergic agents are promising drugs for neutrophilic asthma. However, clinical research targeting neutrophilic inflammation is required to elucidate the optimal treatment.

Taxifolin improves inflammatory injury of human bronchial epithelial cells by inhibiting matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) 10 via Wnt/β-catenin pathway

Taxifolin (TXL), also known as dihydroquercetin, is one of the most important flavonoids prevalent across the plant kingdom. Increasing evidence has demonstrated its critical role in respiratory diseases. The present study aims to reveal the detailed mechanism in TNF-α-stimulated BEAS-2B cells by which TXL might exert effects on the development of asthma. Cell viability detection of BEAS-2B treated with TXL before and after TNF-α induction employed MMT. The expressions of inflammatory cytokines, MUC5AC and ICAM-1 were determined by quantitative reverse transcription PCR (RT-qPCR), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and Western blot after TXL was exposed to an in vitro asthma model. Then, light transmittance and apoptosis were then measured employing fluorescein transmittance, TUNEL and Western blot. After overexpressing MMP10, the abovementioned assays were performed again. Finally, the association between Wnt/β-catenin pathway and MMP10 was confirmed by detecting the proteins in this pathway. TXL increases the cell viability of TNF-induced BEAS-2B cells. TXL suppressed the inflammation, mucus formation, and apoptosis in TNF-α-induced BEAS-2B cells. Furthermore, after the prediction of binding sites between TXL and MMP10, it was found that overexpression of MMP10 reversed the effects of TXL on suppressing the progression of TNF-α-induced BEAS-2B cells. Finally, TXL blocked Wnt/β-catenin pathway by inhibiting MMP10 expression.

TXL can be a promising drug for the treatment of asthma due to its inhibition of MMP10 expression by blocking Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Future experimental in vivo studies of asthma on this commonly used bioactive flavonoid could open new avenues for the therapies of asthma.

Expression Profiles of Circular RNA in Aortic Vascular Tissues of Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats

Background: Circular RNAs (circRNAs), as a kind of endogenous non-coding RNA, have been implicated in ischemic heart diseases and vascular diseases. Based on theirs high stability with a closed loop structure, circRNAs function as a sponge and bind specific miRNAs to exert inhibitory effects in heart and vasculature, thereby regulating their target gene and protein expression, via competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) mechanism. However, the exact roles and underlying mechanisms of circRNAs in hypertension and related cardiovascular diseases remain largely unknown. Methods and Results: High-throughput RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) was used to analyze the differentially expressed (DE) circRNAs in aortic vascular tissues of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). Compared with the Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats, there were marked increases in the levels of systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure and mean blood pressure in SHR under awake conditions via the tail-cuff methodology. Totally, compared with WKY rats, 485 DE circRNAs were found in aortic vascular tissues of SHR with 279 up-regulated circRNAs and 206 down-regulated circRNAs. Furthermore, circRNA-target microRNAs (miRNAs) and the target messenger RNAs (mRNAs) of miRNAs were predicted by the miRanda and Targetscan softwares, respectively. Additionally, real-time RT-PCR analysis verified that downregulation of rno_circRNA_0009197, and upregulation of rno_circRNA_0005818, rno_circRNA_0005304, rno_circRNA_0005506, and rno_circRNA_0009301 were observed in aorta of SHR when compared with that of WKY rats. Then, the potential ceRNA regulatory mechanism was constructed via integrating 5 validated circRNAs, 31 predicted miRNAs, and 266 target mRNAs. More importantly, three hub genes (NOTCH1, FOXO3, and STAT3) were recognized according to PPI network and three promising circRNA-miRNA-mRNA regulatory axes were found in hypertensive rat aorta, including rno_circRNA_0005818/miR-615/NOTCH1, rno_circRNA_0009197/ miR-509-5p/FOXO3, and rno_circRNA_0005818/miR-10b-5p/STAT3, respectively. Conclusions: Our results demonstrated for the first time that circRNAs are expressed aberrantly in aortic vascular tissues of hypertensive rats and may serve as a sponge linking with relevant miRNAs participating in pathogenesis of hypertension and related ischemic heart diseases via the circRNA-miRNA-mRNA ceRNAnetwork mechanism.

Adiponectin and Asthma: Knowns, Unknowns and Controversies

Adiponectin is an adipokine associated with the healthy obese phenotype. Adiponectin increases insulin sensitivity and has cardio and vascular protection actions. Studies related to adiponectin, a modulator of the innate and acquired immunity response, have suggested a role of this molecule in asthma. Studies based on various asthma animal models and on the key cells involved in the allergic response have provided important insights about this relation. Some of them indicated protection and others reversed the balance towards negative effects. Many of them described the cellular pathways activated by adiponectin, which are potentially beneficial for asthma prevention or for reduction in the risk of exacerbations. However, conclusive proofs about their efficiency still need to be provided. In this article, we will, briefly, present the general actions of adiponectin and the epidemiological studies supporting the relation with asthma. The main focus of the current review is on the mechanisms of adiponectin and the impact on the pathobiology of asthma. From this perspective, we will provide arguments for and against the positive influence of this molecule in asthma, also indicating the controversies and sketching out the potential directions of research to complete the picture.

GALNT2 promotes cell proliferation, migration, and invasion by activating the Notch/Hes1-PTEN-PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in lung adenocarcinoma

AIMS

Our study aimed to investigate the function of GALNT2 in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD).

MAIN METHODS

We used network tools and tissue microarray immunohistochemistry to measure the expression levels of GALNT2 in LUAD. Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox regression methods were used in survival analysis. We detected the role of GALNT2 in cell lines by Cell Counting Kit-8, colony formation, transwell, and wound healing assays. We performed Western blotting to evaluate downstream protein levels.

KEY FINDINGS

GALNT2 was highly expressed in LUAD samples and indicated a poor prognosis. Knockdown of GALNT2 suppressed cell line proliferation, migration, and invasion abilities, while overexpression of GALNT2 enhanced those phenotypes. Moreover, GALNT2 activated Notch/Hes1-PTEN-PI3K/Akt signaling axis.

SIGNIFICANCE

Our data confirmed the cancer-promoting effect of GALNT2, and might provide a new approach for LUAD therapy.

Integrated Transcriptomic and Proteomic Analysis Reveals Up-Regulation of Apoptosis and Small Heat Shock Proteins in Lens of Rats Under Low Temperature

Cold cataract is the reversible opacification of the lens when the temperature decreases. However, we observed that when temperature of the rats’ lens was maintained at a lower temperature for a prolonged time, the opacification of lens was only partly reversible. To review the potential molecular mechanism of the irreversible part of opacification under cold stimulation, we applied comparative transcriptomic and proteomic analysis to systematically investigate the molecular changes that occurred in the lens capsules of rats under low temperature treatments. The RNA sequencing based transcriptomic analysis showed a significant up-regulation of genes related to the lens structure and development in the Hypothermia Group. Hub genes were small heat shock proteins (sHSPs). Besides the same findings as the transcriptomic results, the liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry based proteomic analysis also revealed the up-regulation of the apoptotic process. To further analyze the regulatory mechanism in this process, we subsequently performed integrated analysis and identified the down-regulation of Notch3/Hes1 and PI3K/Akt/Xiap signaling axis. Our research revealed the activation of the apoptotic process in rats’ lens under cold stimulation, and the sHSP related heat shock response as a potential protective factor through our transcriptomic and proteomic data.

DAPT suppresses proliferation and migration of hepatocellular carcinoma by regulating the extracellular matrix and inhibiting the Hes1/PTEN/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway

Background

The aim of the present study was to investigate the antitumor properties of N-(N-[3,5-difluorophenacetyl]-1-alanyl)-S-phenylglycine t-butyl ester (DAPT) against hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), as well as the underlying mechanism.

Methods

Immunohistochemistry and quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) assay were used to determine the expression of Notch1 in HCC tissues. The expression of Notch1 in 3 HCC cell lines was evaluated by qRT-PCR and Western blot. The proliferation ability of cells was detected by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide and colony formation assays. Flow cytometry and Transwell assay were used to check the apoptosis and migration of HepG2 cells, respectively. Western blot was used to determine the expression level of Notch1, Hes1, Phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN), protein kinase B1 (AKT1), phosphorylated AKT1, mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), phosphorylated mTOR, intracellular adhesion molecule-1, vascular cell adhesion protein 1, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2, MMP-9, and focal adhesion kinase in cells and tumor tissues. A HepG2 xenograft experiment was conducted to evaluate the in vivo antitumor properties of DAPT.

Results

Notch1 was found to be significantly upregulated in both HCC tissues and cell lines. DAPT significantly inhibited the proliferation and migration of HepG2 cells in a dose-dependent manner, accompanied by the suppression of Notch1/Hes1 signaling, inactivation of AKT/mTOR signaling, downregulation of MMPs, and decreased expression of adhesion molecules. The activation of Notch1/Hes1 or AKT/mTOR signaling removed the inhibitory effect of DAPT on the proliferation and migration of HepG2 cells, as well as the inhibitory properties of DAPT on the expression of MMPs and adhesion molecules. The antitumor properties and regulatory effect of DAPT against the extracellular matrix (ECM) and Hes1/PTEN/AKT/mTOR signaling were verified by the HepG2 xenograft experiments.

Conclusions

DAPT could suppress the proliferation and migration of HCC by regulating the ECM and inhibiting the Hes1/PTEN/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway.

SOX18 enhances the proliferation and migration of airway smooth muscle cells induced by tumor necrosis factor-α via the regulation of Notch1 signaling

Childhood asthma is a frequent chronic disease of pediatric populations. The excessive proliferation and migration of airway smooth muscle cells contribute to airway remodeling during asthma pathogenesis. Sex-determining region on the Y chromosome-related high mobility group box 18 (SOX18) has been reported to be over-expressed in asthma. However, whether SOX18 plays a role in modulating the airway remodeling of asthma is not fully understood. The purposes of this work were to assess the potential role of SOX18 in modulating airway remodeling using tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)-stimulated airway smooth muscle cells in vitro. Our results showed that SOX18 expression was increased following TNF-α stimulation in airway smooth muscle cells. The silencing of SOX18 markedly prohibited the proliferation and migration of airway smooth muscle cells induced by TNF-α, whilst the over-expression of SOX18 produced the opposite effects. Further investigation revealed that SOX18 promoted the expression of Notch1, and enhanced the activation of Notch1 signaling in airway smooth muscle cells stimulated by TNF-α. The inhibition of Notch1 markedly diminished SOX18-over-expression-evoked promotion effects on TNF-α-induced proliferation and migration of airway smooth muscle cells. In addition, the reactivation of Notch1 signaling markedly reversed the SOX18-silencing-induced suppressive effect on the TNF-α-induced proliferation and the migration of airway smooth muscle cells. In summary, the findings of this work demonstrate that SOX18 regulates the proliferation and migration of airway smooth muscle cells induced by TNF-α via the modulation of Notch1 signaling. This study indicates a potential role for SOX18 in promoting airway remodeling during asthma pathogenesis.