Neuronal survival factor TAFA2 suppresses apoptosis through binding to ADGRL1 and activating cAMP/PKA/CREB/BCL2 signaling pathway

Ketone body 3-hydroxybutyrate mitigates apoptosis and enhances osteogenesis in bone organoid construction via the cAMP/PKA/CREB signaling pathway

Bone organoids offer potential for bone regeneration and in vitro organ models. Current limitations in bone organoid culture systems include low efficiency in construction and functionality, as well as increased apoptosis in prolonged cultures of larger sizes. The ketone body 3-hydroxybutyrate (3HB), synthesized in the liver, addresses these challenges effectively. Our findings suggest that 3HB increases intracellular calcium ion (Ca2+) levels in human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hBMSCs) by activating the hydroxycarboxylic acid receptor 2 (HCAR2). This activation initiates the cAMP/PKA/CREB pathway, which elevates the expression of anti-apoptotic genes such as myeloid cell leukemia 1 (MCL1) and B cell lymphoma 2-related protein A1 (BCL2A1), thereby reducing apoptosis. Furthermore, this pathway boosts the expression of osteogenic proteins, including Runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2) and bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2), facilitating osteogenesis in bone organoids. Consequently, 3HB may enhance the construction of bone organoids that are more mature, larger, and have longer viability.

Plantamajoside Promotes NGF/TrkA Pathway to Inhibit Neuronal Apoptosis and Improve Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy

The symptoms caused by diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) have severely impacted patients' quality of life. While plantamajoside (PMS) exhibits neuroprotective properties, its efficacy and molecular mechanisms against DPN are unexplored. This study first established a high glucose (HG)-induced in vitro model of DPN and investigated the neuroprotective effects of PMS on RSC96 cells. We next demonstrated the anti-apoptotic effects of PMS and NGF/TrkA pathway mediated neurotrophic effects. Finally, we established a DPN mouse model and confirmed the therapeutic effects of PMS on DPN mice through behavioural tests and pathological staining, while also assessing the impact of PMS on the NGF/TrkA pathway and apoptosis. Our results showed that, in HG-induced DPN models, PMS enhanced cell viability while reducing LDH activity. Transcriptomics results indicated that the Apoptosis and Neurotrophins signalling pathways were key pathways for PMS on DPN. PMS treatment reduced HG-induced RSC96 cell apoptosis while enhancing NGF levels and upregulating NGF/TrkA-related protein expression. However, this protection was abolished by TrkA inhibitor or NGF neutralising antibodies. In vivo experimental results showed that PMS improved the mechanical pain threshold, thermal pain reaction time, and nerve conduction velocity of DPN mice. PMS improved pathological damage to the sciatic nerve, enhanced the number of Nissl bodies, reduced TUNEL-positive expression, and upregulated NGF levels. Furthermore, PMS reduced apoptosis and elevated NGF/TrkA-related protein expression in the sciatic nerve of DPN mice. In conclusion, PMS alleviates DPN through activating the NGF/TrkA pathway and inhibiting apoptosis.

cAMP response element-binding protein: A credible cancer drug target

Despite advancements in radiotherapy, chemotherapy, endocrine therapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy, resistance to therapy remains a pervasive challenge in oncology, in part owing to tumor heterogeneity. Identifying new therapeutic targets is key to addressing this challenge because it can both diversify and enhance existing treatment options, particularly through combination regimens. The cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) is a transcription factor involved in various biological processes. It is aberrantly activated in several aggressive cancer types, including breast cancer. Clinically, high CREB expression is associated with increased breast tumor aggressiveness and poor prognosis. Functionally, CREB promotes breast cancer cell proliferation, survival, invasion, metastasis, as well as therapy resistance by deregulating genes related to apoptosis, cell cycle, and metabolism. Targeting CREB with small molecule inhibitors has demonstrated promise in preclinical studies. This review summarizes the current understanding of CREB mechanisms and their potential as a therapeutic target. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) is a master regulator of multiple biological processes, including neurodevelopment, metabolic regulation, and immune response. CREB is a putative proto-oncogene in breast cancer that regulates the cell cycle, apoptosis, and cellular migration. Preclinical development of CREB-targeting small molecules is underway.

Regulatory Roles and Therapeutic Potential of miR-122-5p in Hypoxic-Ischemic Brain Injury: Comprehensive Review

In the regulation of gene expression, epigenetic factors, including non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) play a role in genetics. Among the ncRNA family, microRNAs (miRNAs) have gained significant attention for their involvement in post-transcriptional gene regulation, with profound implications for both normal and pathological processes including neurological diseases such as hypoxic-ischemic brain injury. A specific miRNA, called miR-122-5p, has gained attention in hypoxic-ischemic conditions, where it modulates critical pathways such as inflammation, oxidative stress, and neuronal survival. The purpose of this review is to highlight recent advances in the biogenesis, expression, and regulation of miR-122-5p, focusing on its role in hypoxic-ischemic conditions and its potential as a therapeutic target. We first studied the therapeutic strategies and potential clinical applications of miR-122-5p, our research showing it interacts with key transcription factors, such as HIF-1α and NF-κB, influencing cellular responses to low oxygen levels. Our findings revealed that miR-122-5p plays a vital role in hypoxic-ischemic brain injury, with its abnormal levels strongly associated with increased brain damage and neuroinflammation, suggesting its potential as a promising therapeutic target. Furthermore, miR-122-5p influences various biological processes in the brain, such as metabolism and blood vessel formation. The use of miR-122-5p inhibitor has been shown to increase autophagy, reduce apoptosis, and decrease oxidative stress and inflammation, thereby protecting neurons and improving outcomes in hypoxic encephalopathy by targeting multiple genes related to these processes. Conversely, miR-122-5p mimics exacerbate oxidative stress and reduce autophagy. These findings highlight the therapeutic potential of miR-122-5p inhibition in reducing brain injury and promoting recovery in hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy through enhanced neuroprotective mechanisms and the suppression of harmful cellular processes. However, further experimental studies are needed to fully understand the therapeutic potential of targeting miR-122-5p and its related genes in hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy.

Pharmacology, medical uses, and clinical translational challenges of Saikosaponin A: A review

Saikosaponin A (SSA), the primary active monomer derived from the Radix bupleuri, demonstrates a diverse array of pharmacological activities, including anti-inflammatory, antitumor, analgesic, anti-fibrotic, antidepressant, and immune-modulating properties. Despite its potential therapeutic impact on various human diseases, comprehensive studies exploring SSA's efficacy in these contexts remain limited. This review synthesizes the current research landscape regarding SSA's therapeutic applications across different diseases, highlighting critical insights to overcome existing limitations and clinical challenges. The findings underscore the importance of further investigations into SSA's mechanisms of action, facilitating the development of targeted therapeutic strategies and their translation into clinical practice.

Jiao-tai-wan and its effective component-berberine improve diabetes and depressive disorder through the cAMP/PKA/CREB signaling pathway

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Jiao-tai-wan (JTW), a classic herbal formula of traditional Chinese medicine recorded in Han Shi Yi Tong, has been used to alleviate sleep disorders since ancient times. In modern pharmacological research, JTW has been adopted for treating diabetes mellitus and even exerts antidepressant effects. However, the potential mechanisms deserve further elucidation.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The prevalence of diabetes mellitus combined with depressive disorder (DD) is continuing to increase, yet it is currently under-recognized and its treatment remains inadequate. The present study aims to explore the underlying therapeutics and mechanisms of JTW on DD.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Chronic restraint stress was used on db/db mice to construct a mouse model of DD. The therapeutic effects of JTW were assessed by glucolipid metabolic indexes, behavioral tests, and depression-related neurotransmitter levels. The inflammatory status and cell apoptosis of different mice were investigated and the changes in the cAMP/PKA/CREB pathway were detected. Combining the results of fingerprinting with molecular docking, the active components of JTW were screened. A cellular model was constructed by intervention of glucose combined with corticosterone (CORT). The levels of apoptosis and depression-related neurotransmitters in HT-22 cells were examined, and the changes in the cAMP/PKA/CREB pathway were tested. Finally, the activator and inhibitor of the PKA protein were used for reverse validation experiments.

RESULTS

JTW could improve the impaired glucose tolerance, lipid metabolism disorders, and depression-like symptoms in DD mice. Meanwhile, JTW could alleviate the inflammatory status, suppress the microglia activation, and improve hippocampal neuron apoptosis in DD mice. The dual effects of JTW might be associated with the activation of the cAMP/PKA/CREB pathway. Berberine (Ber) was identified for the in vitro experiment, it could reverse the apoptosis of HT-22 cells and up-regulate the depression-related neurotransmitter levels, and the effects of Ber were related to the activation of the cAMP/PKA/CREB pathway as well.

CONCLUSION

JTW could exert both hypoglycemic and antidepressant effects through activating the cAMP/PKA/CREB signaling pathway, its active component, Ber, could improve the damage to HT-22 cells induced by glucose combined with CORT via the activation of the cAMP/PKA/CREB pathway. Ber may be one of the effective components of the dual effects of JTW.