Protein Kinase CK2 Acts as a Molecular Brake to Control NADPH Oxidase 1 Activation and Colon Inflammation

A quinolinyl resveratrol derivative alleviates acute ischemic stroke injury by promoting mitophagy for neuroprotection via targeting CK2α'

Ischemic stroke (IS) is a serious threat to human health. The naturally derived small molecule (E)-5-(2-(quinolin-4-yl) ethenyl) benzene-1,3-diol (RV01) is a quinolinyl analog of resveratrol with great potential in the treatment of IS. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential mechanisms and targets for the protective effect of the RV01 on IS. The mouse middle cerebral artery occlusion and reperfusion (MCAO/R) and oxygen-glucose deprivation and reperfusion (OGD/R) models were employed to evaluate the effects of RV01 on ischemic injury and neuroprotection. RV01 was found to significantly increase the survival of SH-SY5Y cells and prevent OGD/R-induced apoptosis in SH-SY5Y cells. Furthermore, RV01 reduced oxidative stress and mitochondrial damage by promoting mitophagy in OGD/R-exposed SH-SY5Y cells. Knockdown of CK2α' abolished the RV01-mediated promotion on mitophagy and alleviation on mitochondrial damage as well as neuronal injury after OGD/R. These results were further confirmed by molecular docking, drug affinity responsive target stability and cellular thermal shift assay analysis. Importantly, in vivo study showed that treatment with the CK2α' inhibitor CX-4945 abolished the RV01-mediated alleviation of cerebral infarct volume, brain edema, cerebral blood flow and neurological deficit in MCAO/R mice. These data suggest that RV01 effectively reduces damage caused by acute ischemic stroke by promoting mitophagy through its interaction with CK2α'. These findings offer valuable insights into the underlying mechanisms through which RV01 exerts its therapeutic effects on IS.

Evaluation of the association of chronic inflammation and cancer: Insights and implications

Among the most extensively researched processes in the development and treatment of cancer is inflammatory condition. Although acute inflammation is essential for the wound healing and reconstruction of tissues that have been damaged, chronic inflammation may contribute to the onset and growth of a number of diseases, including cancer. By disrupting the signaling processes of cells, which result in cancer induction, invasion, and development, a variety of inflammatory molecules are linked to the development of cancer. The microenvironment surrounding the tumor is greatly influenced by inflammatory cells and their subsequent secretions, which also contribute significantly to the tumor's growth, survivability, and potential migration. These inflammatory variables have been mentioned in several publications as prospective diagnostic tools for anticipating the onset of cancer. Targeting inflammation with various therapies can reduce the inflammatory response and potentially limit or block the proliferation of cancer cells. The scientific medical literature from the past three decades has been studied to determine how inflammatory chemicals and cell signaling pathways related to cancer invasion and metastasis are related. The current narrative review updates the relevant literature while highlighting the specifics of inflammatory signaling pathways in cancer and their possible therapeutic possibilities.

Influence of Auditory Integrative Training on Casein Kinase 2 and Its Impact on Behavioral and Social Interaction in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Considerable disturbances in post-translational protein phosphorylation have recently been discovered in multiple neurological disorders. Casein kinase-2 (CK2) is a tetrameric Ser/Thr protein kinase that phosphorylates a large number of substrates and contributes in several cellular physiological and pathological processes. CK2 is highly expressed in the mammalian brain and catalyzes the phosphorylation of a large number of substrates that are crucial in neuronal or glial homeostasis and inflammatory signaling processes across synapses. In this study, we investigated the impact of auditory integration therapy (AIT) for the treatment of sensory processing abnormalities in autism on plasma CK2 levels. A total of 25 ASD children, aged between 5 and 12 years, were enrolled and participated in the present research study. AIT was performed for two weeks, for a period of 30 min, twice a day, with a 3 h interval between sessions. Before and after AIT, the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS), Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS), and Short Sensory Profile (SSP) scores were calculated, and plasma CK2 levels were assayed using an ELISA test. The CARS and SRS indices of autism severity improved as a result of AIT, which could be related to the decreased level of plasma CK2. However, the mean value of the SSP scores was not significantly increased after AIT. The relationship between CK2 downregulation and glutamate excitotoxicity, neuro-inflammation, and leaky gut, as etiological mechanisms in ASD, was proposed and discussed. Further research, conducted on a larger scale and with a longer study duration, are required to assess whether the cognitive improvement in ASD children after AIT is related to the downregulation of CK2.

CX-4945 inhibits fibroblast-like synoviocytes functions through the CK2-p53 axis to reduce rheumatoid arthritis disease severity

Fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) mediate many pathological processes in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), including pannus formation, bone erosion, and inflammation. RA FLS have unique aggressive phenotypes and exhibit several tumor cell-like characteristics, including hyperproliferation, excessive migration and invasion. Casein kinase 2 (CK2) is reportedly overexpressed in numerous tumor types, and targeted inhibition of CK2 has therapeutic benefits for tumors. However, the expression level of CK2 and its functions in RA FLS remain unclear. Herein, we aimed to elucidate whether CK2 is responsible for the aggressive phenotypes of RA FLS and whether targeted therapy can alleviate the severity of RA. We found that CK2 subunits were elevated in RA FLS compared with osteoarthritis FLS, and the activity of CK2 also markedly increased in RA FLS. Targeted inhibition of CK2 using CX-4945 suppressed RA FLS proliferation through cell cycle arrest. Cell migration and invasion were also inhibited by CX-4945 treatment. Moreover, CX-4945 reduced Interleukin-6 (IL-6), CC motif chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2) and Matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3) secretion in RA FLS. Further proteomic investigation revealed that p53 signaling pathway significantly changes after CX-4945 treatment in RA FLS. The siRNA-mediated p53 knockdown partly abolished the anti-proliferation and reduced IL-6, MMP-3 secretion effects of CX-4945. Furthermore, CX-4945 administration alleviates arthritis severity in CIA mice. Collectively, our results demonstrated the abnormal elevation of CK2 and its positive association with abnormal phenotypes in RA FLS. Our novel findings suggest the possible therapeutic potential of CX-4945 for RA.

Overexpression of a Novel Noxo1 Mutant Increases Ros Production and Noxo1 Relocalisation

Noxo1, the organizing element of the Nox1-dependent NADPH oxidase complex responsible for producing reactive oxygen species, has been described to be degraded by the proteasome. We mutated a D-box in Noxo1 to express a protein with limited degradation and capable of maintaining Nox1 activation. Wild-type (wt) and mutated Noxo1 (mut1) proteins were expressed in different cell lines to characterize their phenotype, functionality, and regulation. Mut1 increases ROS production through Nox1 activity affects mitochondrial organization and increases cytotoxicity in colorectal cancer cell lines. Unexpectedly the increased activity of Noxo1 is not related to a blockade of its proteasomal degradation since we were unable in our conditions to see any proteasomal degradation either for wt or mut1 Noxo1. Instead, D-box mutation mut1 leads to an increased translocation from the membrane soluble fraction to a cytoskeletal insoluble fraction compared to wt Noxo1. This mut1 localization is associated in cells with a filamentous phenotype of Noxo1, which is not observed with wt Noxo1. We found that mut1 Noxo1 associates with intermediate filaments such as keratin 18 and vimentin. In addition, Noxo1 D-Box mutation increases Nox1-dependent NADPH oxidase activity. Altogether, Nox1 D-box does not seem to be involved in Noxo1 degradation but rather related to the maintenance of the Noxo1 membrane/cytoskeleton balance.

The ROS-generating enzyme NADPH oxidase 1 modulates the colonic microbiota but offers minor protection against dextran sulfate sodium-induced low-grade colon inflammation in mice

The enzyme NADPH oxidase 1 (NOX1) is a major producer of superoxide which together with other reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS/RNS) are implicated in maintaining a healthy epithelial barrier in the gut. While previous studies have indicated NOX1's involvement in microbial modulation in the small intestine, less is known about the effects of NOX1-dependent ROS/RNS formation in the colon. We investigated the role of NOX1 in the colon of NOX1 knockout (KO) and wild type (WT) mice, under mild and subclinical low-grade colon inflammation induced by 1% dextran sulfate sodium (DSS). Ex vivo imaging of ROS/RNS in the colon revealed that absence of NOX1 strongly decreased ROS/RNS production, particularly during DSS treatment. Furthermore, while absence of NOX1 did not affect disease activity, some markers of inflammation (mRNA: Tnfa, Il6, Ptgs2; protein: lipocalin 2) in the colonic mucosa tended to be higher in NOX1 KO than in WT mice following DSS treatment. Lack of NOX1 also extensively modulated the bacterial community in the colon (16S rRNA gene sequencing), where NOX1 KO mice were characterized mainly by lower α-diversity (richness and evenness), higher abundance of Firmicutes, Akkermansia, and Oscillibacter, and lower abundance of Bacteroidetes and Alistipes. Together, our data suggest that NOX1 is pivotal for colonic ROS/RNS production in mice both during steady-state (i.e., no DSS treatment) and during 1% DSS-induced low-grade inflammation and for modulation of the colonic microbiota, with potential beneficial consequences for intestinal health.

The Role of Protein Kinase CK2 in Development and Disease Progression: A Critical Review

Protein kinase CK2 (CK2) is a ubiquitous holoenzyme involved in a wide array of developmental processes. The involvement of CK2 in events such as neurogenesis, cardiogenesis, skeletogenesis, and spermatogenesis is essential for the viability of almost all organisms, and its role has been conserved throughout evolution. Further into adulthood, CK2 continues to function as a key regulator of pathways affecting crucial processes such as osteogenesis, adipogenesis, chondrogenesis, neuron differentiation, and the immune response. Due to its vast role in a multitude of pathways, aberrant functioning of this kinase leads to embryonic lethality and numerous diseases and disorders, including cancer and neurological disorders. As a result, CK2 is a popular target for interventions aiming to treat the aforementioned diseases. Specifically, two CK2 inhibitors, namely CX-4945 and CIBG-300, are in the early stages of clinical testing and exhibit promise for treating cancer and other disorders. Further, other researchers around the world are focusing on CK2 to treat bone disorders. This review summarizes the current understanding of CK2 in development, the structure of CK2, the targets and signaling pathways of CK2, the implication of CK2 in disease progression, and the recent therapeutics developed to inhibit the dysregulation of CK2 function in various diseases.