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Hu X, Wang J, Yang K, Fan H, Wu J, Ren J, Han G, Li J, Xue Z, Liu X, Lv X. The GWAS SNP rs80207740 modulates erythrocyte traits via allele-specific binding of IKZF1 and targeting XPO7 gene. FASEB J 2024; 38:e23666. [PMID: 38780091 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202302017r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Revised: 03/31/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Genome-wide association studies have identified many single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with erythrocyte traits. However, the functional variants and their working mechanisms remain largely unknown. Here, we reported that the SNP of rs80207740, which was associated with red blood cell (RBC) volume and hemoglobin content across populations, conferred enhancer activity to XPO7 gene via allele-differentially binding to Ikaros family zinc finger 1 (IKZF1). We showed that the region around rs80207740 was an erythroid-specific enhancer using reporter assays, and that the G-allele further enhanced activity. 3D genome evidence showed that the enhancer interacted with the XPO7 promoter, and eQTL analysis suggested that the G-allele upregulated expression of XPO7. We further showed that the rs80207740-G allele facilitated the binding of transcription factor IKZF1 in EMSA and ChIP analyses. Knockdown of IKZF1 and GATA1 resulted in decreased expression of Xpo7 in both human and mouse erythroid cells. Finally, we constructed Xpo7 knockout mouse by CRISPR/Cas9 and observed anemic phenotype with reduced volume and hemoglobin content of RBC, consistent to the effect of rs80207740 on erythrocyte traits. Overall, our study demonstrated that rs80207740 modulated erythroid indices by regulating IKZF1 binding and Xpo7 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinjun Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Complex, Severe, and Rare Diseases, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Department of Pathophysiology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Jiaxin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Complex, Severe, and Rare Diseases, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Department of Pathophysiology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Ke Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Complex, Severe, and Rare Diseases, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Department of Pathophysiology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Hong Fan
- State Key Laboratory of Complex, Severe, and Rare Diseases, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Department of Pathophysiology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Jie Wu
- Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Jiuqiang Ren
- State Key Laboratory of Complex, Severe, and Rare Diseases, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Department of Pathophysiology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Gaijing Han
- State Key Laboratory of Complex, Severe, and Rare Diseases, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Department of Pathophysiology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Jing Li
- State Key Laboratory of Complex, Severe, and Rare Diseases, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Department of Pathophysiology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Zheng Xue
- State Key Laboratory of Complex, Severe, and Rare Diseases, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Department of Pathophysiology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Xuehui Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Complex, Severe, and Rare Diseases, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Department of Pathophysiology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Xiang Lv
- State Key Laboratory of Complex, Severe, and Rare Diseases, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Department of Pathophysiology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, P. R. China
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Zurlo M, Zuccato C, Cosenza LC, Gamberini MR, Finotti A, Gambari R. Increased Expression of α-Hemoglobin Stabilizing Protein (AHSP) mRNA in Erythroid Precursor Cells Isolated from β-Thalassemia Patients Treated with Sirolimus (Rapamycin). J Clin Med 2024; 13:2479. [PMID: 38731008 PMCID: PMC11084795 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13092479] [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: 12/07/2023] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Background/Objectives: in β-thalassemia, important clinical complications are caused by the presence of free α-globin chains in the erythroid cells of β-thalassemia patients. These free α-globin chains are present in excess as a result of the lack of β-globin chains to bind with; they tend to aggregate and precipitate, causing deleterious effects and overall cytotoxicity, maturation arrest of the erythroid cells and, ultimately, ineffective erythropoiesis. The chaperone protein α-hemoglobin-stabilizing protein (AHSP) reversibly binds with free α-globin; the resulting AHSP-αHb complex prevents aggregation and precipitation. Sirolimus (rapamycin) has been previously demonstrated to induce expression of fetal hemoglobin and decrease the excess of free α-globin chain in the erythroid cells of β-thalassemia patients. The objective of this study was to verify whether sirolimus is also able to upregulate AHSP expression in erythroid precursor cells (ErPCs) isolated from β-thalassemia patients. Methods: the expression of AHSP genes was analyzed by measuring the AHSP mRNA content by real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) and the AHSP protein production by Western blotting. Results: AHSP gene expression was found to be higher in ErPCs of β-thalassemia patients in comparison to ErPCs isolated from healthy subjects. In addition, AHSP expression was further induced by treatment of β-thalassemia ErPCs with sirolimus. Finally, AHSP mRNA was expressed at an increased level in ErPCs of sirolimus-treated β-thalassemia patients participating in the NCT03877809 Sirthalaclin clinical trial. Conclusions: this exploratory study suggests that AHSP expression should be considered as an endpoint in clinical trials based on sirolimus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Zurlo
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Ferrara University, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (M.Z.); (C.Z.); (L.C.C.)
| | - Cristina Zuccato
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Ferrara University, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (M.Z.); (C.Z.); (L.C.C.)
- Center “Chiara Gemmo and Elio Zago” for the Research on Thalassemia, Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Ferrara University, 44121 Ferrara, Italy;
| | - Lucia Carmela Cosenza
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Ferrara University, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (M.Z.); (C.Z.); (L.C.C.)
| | - Maria Rita Gamberini
- Center “Chiara Gemmo and Elio Zago” for the Research on Thalassemia, Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Ferrara University, 44121 Ferrara, Italy;
| | - Alessia Finotti
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Ferrara University, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (M.Z.); (C.Z.); (L.C.C.)
- Center “Chiara Gemmo and Elio Zago” for the Research on Thalassemia, Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Ferrara University, 44121 Ferrara, Italy;
| | - Roberto Gambari
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Ferrara University, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (M.Z.); (C.Z.); (L.C.C.)
- Center “Chiara Gemmo and Elio Zago” for the Research on Thalassemia, Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Ferrara University, 44121 Ferrara, Italy;
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Yang L, Chen Y, He S, Yu D. The crucial role of NRF2 in erythropoiesis and anemia: Mechanisms and therapeutic opportunities. Arch Biochem Biophys 2024; 754:109948. [PMID: 38452967 DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2024.109948] [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: 01/04/2024] [Revised: 02/25/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
The nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) is a transcription factor crucial in cellular defense against oxidative and electrophilic stresses. Recent research has highlighted the significance of NRF2 in normal erythropoiesis and anemia. NRF2 regulates genes involved in vital aspects of erythroid development, including hemoglobin catabolism, inflammation, and iron homeostasis in erythrocytes. Disrupted NRF2 activity has been implicated in various pathologies involving abnormal erythropoiesis. In this review, we summarize the progress made in understanding the mechanisms of NRF2 activation in erythropoiesis and explore the roles of NRF2 in various types of anemia. This review also discusses the potential of targeting NRF2 as a new therapeutic approach to treat anemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Yang
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China
| | - Yong Chen
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225003, China
| | - Sheng He
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Birth Defects Research and Prevention, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Birth Defects Prevention, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Women and Children Care Hospital, Nanning, Guangxi, 530000, China
| | - Duonan Yu
- Department of Hematology, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610000, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Experimental & Translational Non-coding RNA Research, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China; Guangxi Key Laboratory of Birth Defects Research and Prevention, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Birth Defects Prevention, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Women and Children Care Hospital, Nanning, Guangxi, 530000, China.
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4
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Lin S, Zheng Y, Chen M, Xu L, Huang H. The interactions between ineffective erythropoiesis and ferroptosis in β-thalassemia. Front Physiol 2024; 15:1346173. [PMID: 38468700 PMCID: PMC10925657 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2024.1346173] [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: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024] Open
Abstract
In Guangxi, Hainan, and Fujian Province in southern China, β-thalassemia is a frequent monogenic hereditary disorder that is primarily defined by hemolytic anemia brought on by inefficient erythropoiesis. It has been found that ineffective erythropoiesis in β-thalassemia is closely associated with a high accumulation of Reactive oxygen species, a product of oxidative stress, in erythroid cells. During recent years, ferroptosis is an iron-dependent lipid peroxidation that involves abnormalities in lipid and iron metabolism as well as reactive oxygen species homeostasis. It is a recently identified kind of programmed cell death. β-thalassemia patients experience increased iron release from reticuloendothelial cells and intestinal absorption of iron, ultimately resulting in iron overload. Additionally, the secretion of Hepcidin is inhibited in these patients. What counts is both ineffective erythropoiesis and ferroptosis in β-thalassemia are intricately linked to the iron metabolism and Reactive oxygen species homeostasis. Consequently, to shed further light on the pathophysiology of β-thalassemia and propose fresh ideas for its therapy, this paper reviews ferroptosis, ineffective erythropoiesis, and the way they interact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siyang Lin
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Prenatal Diagnosis and Birth Defect, Medical Genetic Diagnosis and Therapy Center of Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital College of Clinical Medicine for Obstetrics and Gynecology and Pediatrics, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
- The School of Medical Technology and Engineering, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Yanping Zheng
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Prenatal Diagnosis and Birth Defect, Medical Genetic Diagnosis and Therapy Center of Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital College of Clinical Medicine for Obstetrics and Gynecology and Pediatrics, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Meihuan Chen
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Prenatal Diagnosis and Birth Defect, Medical Genetic Diagnosis and Therapy Center of Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital College of Clinical Medicine for Obstetrics and Gynecology and Pediatrics, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
- Fujian Clinical Research Center for Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Fuzhou, China
- National Key Obstetric Clinical Specialty Construction Institution of China, Fuzhou, China
| | - Liangpu Xu
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Prenatal Diagnosis and Birth Defect, Medical Genetic Diagnosis and Therapy Center of Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital College of Clinical Medicine for Obstetrics and Gynecology and Pediatrics, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
- Fujian Clinical Research Center for Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Fuzhou, China
- National Key Obstetric Clinical Specialty Construction Institution of China, Fuzhou, China
| | - Hailong Huang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Prenatal Diagnosis and Birth Defect, Medical Genetic Diagnosis and Therapy Center of Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital College of Clinical Medicine for Obstetrics and Gynecology and Pediatrics, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
- The School of Medical Technology and Engineering, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
- Fujian Clinical Research Center for Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Fuzhou, China
- National Key Obstetric Clinical Specialty Construction Institution of China, Fuzhou, China
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Yang K, Zhu T, Yin J, Zhang Q, Li J, Fan H, Han G, Xu W, Liu N, Lv X. The non-canonical poly(A) polymerase FAM46C promotes erythropoiesis. J Genet Genomics 2024:S1673-8527(24)00032-8. [PMID: 38403115 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgg.2024.02.003] [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: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
The post-transcriptional regulation of mRNA is a crucial component of gene expression. The disruption of this process can have detrimental effects on normal development and give rise to various diseases. The search for novel post-transcriptional regulators and the exploration of their roles are essential for understanding development and disease. Through a multimodal analysis of red blood cell trait genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and transcriptomes of erythropoiesis, we identified FAM46C, a non-canonical RNA poly(A) polymerase, as a necessary factor for proper red blood cell development. FAM46C is highly expressed in the late stages of the erythroid lineage, and its developmental upregulation is controlled by an erythroid-specific enhancer. We demonstrate that FAM46C stabilizes mRNA and regulates erythroid differentiation in a polymerase activity-dependent manner. Furthermore, we identified transcripts of lysosome and mitochondria components as highly confident in vivo targets of FAM46C, which aligns with the need of maturing red blood cells for substantial clearance of organelles and maintenance of cellular redox homeostasis. In conclusion, our study unveils a novel role of FAM46C in positively regulating lysosome and mitochondria components, thereby promoting erythropoiesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke Yang
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310003, China; Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 311121, China; Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 311121, China; The State Key Laboratory for Complex, Severe, and Rare Diseases, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Department of Pathophysiology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100005, China.
| | - Tianqi Zhu
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310003, China; Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 311121, China; Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 311121, China
| | - Jiaying Yin
- The State Key Laboratory for Complex, Severe, and Rare Diseases, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Department of Pathophysiology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100005, China
| | - Qiaoli Zhang
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310003, China; Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 311121, China; Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 311121, China
| | - Jing Li
- The State Key Laboratory for Complex, Severe, and Rare Diseases, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Department of Pathophysiology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100005, China
| | - Hong Fan
- The State Key Laboratory for Complex, Severe, and Rare Diseases, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Department of Pathophysiology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100005, China
| | - Gaijing Han
- The State Key Laboratory for Complex, Severe, and Rare Diseases, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Department of Pathophysiology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100005, China
| | - Weiyin Xu
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310003, China; Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 311121, China; Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 311121, China
| | - Nan Liu
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310003, China; Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 311121, China; Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 311121, China.
| | - Xiang Lv
- The State Key Laboratory for Complex, Severe, and Rare Diseases, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Department of Pathophysiology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100005, China; Medical Epigenetics Research Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100005, China.
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6
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Zeng S, Lei S, Qu C, Wang Y, Teng S, Huang P. CRISPR/Cas-based gene editing in therapeutic strategies for beta-thalassemia. Hum Genet 2023; 142:1677-1703. [PMID: 37878144 DOI: 10.1007/s00439-023-02610-9] [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: 07/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023]
Abstract
Beta-thalassemia (β-thalassemia) is an autosomal recessive disorder caused by point mutations, insertions, and deletions in the HBB gene cluster, resulting in the underproduction of β-globin chains. The most severe type may demonstrate complications including massive hepatosplenomegaly, bone deformities, and severe growth retardation in children. Treatments for β-thalassemia include blood transfusion, splenectomy, and allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). However, long-term blood transfusions require regular iron removal therapy. For allogeneic HSCT, human lymphocyte antigen (HLA)-matched donors are rarely available, and acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) may occur after the transplantation. Thus, these conventional treatments are facing significant challenges. In recent years, with the advent and advancement of CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats)/Cas9 (CRISPR-associated protein 9) gene editing technology, precise genome editing has achieved encouraging successes in basic and clinical studies for treating various genetic disorders, including β-thalassemia. Target gene-edited autogeneic HSCT helps patients avoid graft rejection and GVHD, making it a promising curative therapy for transfusion-dependent β-thalassemia (TDT). In this review, we introduce the development and mechanisms of CRISPR/Cas9. Recent advances on feasible strategies of CRISPR/Cas9 targeting three globin genes (HBB, HBG, and HBA) and targeting cell selections for β-thalassemia therapy are highlighted. Current CRISPR-based clinical trials in the treatment of β-thalassemia are summarized, which are focused on γ-globin reactivation and fetal hemoglobin reproduction in hematopoietic stem cells. Lastly, the applications of other promising CRISPR-based technologies, such as base editing and prime editing, in treating β-thalassemia and the limitations of the CRISPR/Cas system in therapeutic applications are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shujun Zeng
- The Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, Norman Bethune College of Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuangyin Lei
- The Second Norman Bethune Clinical College of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, People's Republic of China
| | - Chao Qu
- The First Norman Bethune Clinical College of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, People's Republic of China
| | - Yue Wang
- The Second Norman Bethune Clinical College of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuzhi Teng
- The Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, Norman Bethune College of Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, People's Republic of China.
| | - Ping Huang
- The Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, Norman Bethune College of Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, People's Republic of China.
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7
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Daniels DE, Ferrer-Vicens I, Hawksworth J, Andrienko TN, Finnie EM, Bretherton NS, Ferguson DCJ, Oliveira ASF, Szeto JYA, Wilson MC, Brewin JN, Frayne J. Human cellular model systems of β-thalassemia enable in-depth analysis of disease phenotype. Nat Commun 2023; 14:6260. [PMID: 37803026 PMCID: PMC10558456 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-41961-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/08/2023] Open
Abstract
β-thalassemia is a prevalent genetic disorder causing severe anemia due to defective erythropoiesis, with few treatment options. Studying the underlying molecular defects is impeded by paucity of suitable patient material. In this study we create human disease cellular model systems for β-thalassemia by gene editing the erythroid line BEL-A, which accurately recapitulate the phenotype of patient erythroid cells. We also develop a high throughput compatible fluorometric-based assay for evaluating severity of disease phenotype and utilize the assay to demonstrate that the lines respond appropriately to verified reagents. We next use the lines to perform extensive analysis of the altered molecular mechanisms in β-thalassemia erythroid cells, revealing upregulation of a wide range of biological pathways and processes along with potential novel targets for therapeutic investigation. Overall, the lines provide a sustainable supply of disease cells as research tools for identifying therapeutic targets and as screening platforms for new drugs and reagents.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Jenn-Yeu A Szeto
- School of Biochemistry, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 1TD, UK
| | | | - John N Brewin
- Haematology Department, King's college Hospital NHS Foundation, London, SE5 9RS, UK
- Red Cell Biology Group, Kings College London, London, SE5 9NU, UK
| | - Jan Frayne
- School of Biochemistry, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 1TD, UK.
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8
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Liu X, Yang L, Zhang G, Ling J. Neuroprotective Effects of Phenolic Antioxidant Tert-butylhydroquinone (tBHQ) in Brain Diseases. Mol Neurobiol 2023; 60:4909-4923. [PMID: 37191855 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-023-03370-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Human life and health are gravely threatened by brain diseases. The onset and progression of the illnesses are influenced by a variety of factors, including pathogenic causes, environmental factors, mental issues, etc. According to scientific studies, neuroinflammation and oxidative stress play a significant role in the development and incidence of brain diseases by producing pro-inflammatory cytokines and oxidative tissue damage to induce inflammation and apoptosis. Neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and oxidative stress-related changes are inseparable factors in the etiology of several brain diseases. Numerous neurodegenerative diseases have undergone substantial research into the therapeutic alternatives that target oxidative stress, the function of oxidative stress, and the possible therapeutic use of antioxidants. Formerly, tBHQ is a synthetic phenolic antioxidant, which has been widely used as a food additive. According to recent researches, tBHQ can suppress the processes that lead to neuroinflammation and oxidative stress, which offers a fresh approach to treating brain diseases. In order to achieve the goal of decreasing inflammation and apoptosis, tBHQ is a specialized nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor (Nrf2) activator that decreases oxidative stress and enhances antioxidant status by upregulating the Nrf2 gene and reducing nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) activity. This article reviews the effects of tBHQ on neuroinflammation and oxidative stress in recent years and looks into how tBHQ inhibits neuroinflammation and oxidative stress through human, animal, and cell experiments to play a neuroprotective role in Alzheimer's disease (AD), stroke, depression, and Parkinson's disease (PD). It is anticipated that this article will be useful as a reference for upcoming research and the creation of drugs to treat brain diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaojin Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250355, China
- Department of Pharmacy, Shandong Medical College, Linyi, 276000, China
| | - Luodan Yang
- College of Physical Education and Sports Science, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Guoying Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250355, China.
| | - Jianya Ling
- School of Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250355, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao, 266237, China.
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Chauhan W, Zennadi R. Keap1-Nrf2 Heterodimer: A Therapeutic Target to Ameliorate Sickle Cell Disease. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:antiox12030740. [PMID: 36978988 PMCID: PMC10045360 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12030740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 03/04/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a monogenic inheritable disease characterized by severe anemia, increased hemolysis, and recurrent, painful vaso-occlusive crises due to the polymerization of hemoglobin S (HbS)-generated oxidative stress. Up until now, only four drugs are approved for SCD in the US. However, each of these drugs affects only a limited array of SCD pathologies. Importantly, curative therapies, such as gene therapy, or hematopoietic stem cell transplantation are not available for every patient because of their high costs, availability of donor matching, and their serious adverse effects. Therefore, there is an unmet medical need for novel therapeutic strategies that target broader SCD sequelae. SCD phenotypic severity can be alleviated by increasing fetal hemoglobin (HbF) expression. This results in the inhibition of HbS polymerization and thus sickling, and a reduction in oxidative stress. The efficacy of HbF is due to its ability to dilute HbS levels below the threshold required for polymerization and to influence HbS polymer stability in RBCs. Nuclear factor-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/Kelch-like ECH-associated protein-1 (Keap1)-complex signaling is one of the most important cytoprotective signaling controlling oxidative stress. Nrf2 is present in most organs and, after dissociation from Keap1, it accumulates in the cytoplasm, then translocates to the nucleus where it binds to the antioxidant response element (ARE) sequences and increases the expression of various cytoprotective antioxidant genes. Keeping this in mind, various researchers have proposed a role of multiple agents, more importantly tert-Butylhydroquinone (tBHQ), curcumin, etc., (having electrophilic properties) in inhibiting keap1 activity, so that Nrf2 can translocate to the nucleus to activate the gamma globin gene, thus maintaining alpha-hemoglobin-stabilizing protein (AHSP) and HbF levels. This leads to reduced oxidative stress, consequently minimizing SCD-associated complications. In this review, we will discuss the role of the Keap-1–Nrf2 complex in hemoglobinopathies, especially in SCD, and how this complex might represent a better target for more effective treatment options.
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Zhang Y, Shi L, Yang K, Liu X, Lv X. Transglutaminase 2 regulates terminal erythroid differentiation via cross-linking activity. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1183176. [PMID: 37169024 PMCID: PMC10164954 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1183176] [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: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Transglutaminase 2 (TGM2) is a versatile enzyme that modulates cell survival and differentiation. However, its role in terminal erythroid differentiation is poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the function of TGM2 in primary fetal liver erythroid differentiation. We predicted TGM2 as an upstream regulator via ingenuity pathway analysis (IPA), and found that its expression was increased at both RNA and protein level during terminal erythroid differentiation. TGM2 cross-linking activity inhibitors GK921 and Z-DON suppressed erythroid maturation and enucleation, while its GTPase inhibitor LDN27219 had no such effect. Z-DON treatment arrested differentiation at basophilic erythroblast stage, and interfered with cell cycle progression. RT-PCR demonstrated decreased GATA-1 and KLF1, and disarranged cyclin, CDKI and E2F family genes expression after Z-DON treatment. In conclusion, TGM2 regulates terminal erythroid differentiation through its cross-linking enzyme activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingying Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Department of Pathophysiology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Lifang Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Department of Pathophysiology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- Changping Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Ke Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Department of Pathophysiology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Xuehui Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Department of Pathophysiology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Xuehui Liu, ; Xiang Lv,
| | - Xiang Lv
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Department of Pathophysiology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Xuehui Liu, ; Xiang Lv,
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A Bioinformatics Study of Ropivacaine plus Dexamethasone Prolonging the Duration of Nerve Block. COMPUTATIONAL INTELLIGENCE AND NEUROSCIENCE 2022; 2022:5869103. [PMID: 35990127 PMCID: PMC9388245 DOI: 10.1155/2022/5869103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The study focuses on the potential function of dexamethasone on ropivacaine in sciatic nerve blocks. Nine Sprague–Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into three groups: normal group (NG), control group (CG), and experimental group (EG), with three rats in each group. The CG was injected with diluted ropivacaine (0.5% concentration); the EG was injected with a diluted ropivacaine+dexamethasone mixture, and the NG was injected with an equal amount of saline. The sciatic nerve in the thigh was collected for sequencing two days after injection in each group. Differential analysis was performed for NG-vs-CG, NG-vs-EG, and CG-vs-EG based on the sequencing dataset. The modular genes associated with ropivacaine and ropivacaine+ dexamethasone were screened by weighted coexpression network analysis (WGCNA), differentially expressed modules among them were enriched for analysis, and protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks were constructed to observe high and low expression among key genes in immune cells. Twenty-two and three differential genes associated with ropivacaine (green-yellow module) and ropivacaine+dexamethasone (palevioletred3 module) were acquired, respectively, which played important roles in biological processes such as erythrocyte homeostasis, erythroid differentiation, and hemoglobin metabolic processes. PPI revealed that AHSP, ALAS2, EPB42, HBB, and SLC4A1 were interacting and the expression of these five genes was upregulated in the CG compared with the NG, while the expression of them was downregulated in the EG compared with the CG. The immunological analysis also showed significant differences in the expression of various immune cells in the 3 groups. AHSP, ALAS2, EPB42, HBB, and SLC4A1 are genes associated with hemoglobin, and dexamethasone combined with ropivacaine may prolong anesthesia by affecting local vasoconstriction to some extent.
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Integrated bioinformatics analysis reveals marker genes and immune infiltration for pulmonary arterial hypertension. Sci Rep 2022; 12:10154. [PMID: 35710932 PMCID: PMC9203517 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-14307-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a chronic cardiopulmonary syndrome with high pulmonary vascular load and eventually causing RV heart failure even death. However, the mechanism of pulmonary hypertension remains unclear. The purpose of this research is to detect the underlying key genes and potential mechanism of PAH using several bioinformatic methods. The microarrays GSE22356, GSE131793 and GSE168905 were acquired from the GEO. Subsequently, a host of bioinformatics techniques such as DAVID, STRING, R language and Cytoscape were utilized to investigate DEGs between PAH and healthy controls and conduct GO annotation, KEGG enrichment analysis and PPI network construction etc. Additionally, we predicted the transcription factors regulating DEGs through iRegulon plugin of Cytoscape and CIBERSORT was used to conduct immune infiltration analysis. One thousand two hundred and seventy-seven DEGs (403 up-regulated and 874 down-regulated) were identified from peripheral blood samples of 32 PAH patients and 29 controls, among which SLC4A1, AHSP, ALAS2, CA1, HBD, SNCA, HBM, SELENBP1, SERPINE1 and ITGA2B were detected as hub genes. The functional enrichment changes of DEGs were mainly enriched in protein binding, extracellular exosome, extracellular space, extracellular region and integral component of plasma membrane. The hub genes are chiefly enriched at extracellular exosome, hemoglobin complex, blood microparticle, oxygen transporter activity. Among TF-DEGs network, 42 target DEGs and 6 TFs were predicted with an NES > 4 (TEAD4, TGIF2LY, GATA5, GATA1, GATA2, FOS). Immune infiltration analysis showed that monocytes occupied the largest proportion of immune cells. The trend analysis results of infiltration immune cells illustrated that PAH patients had higher infiltration of NK cell activation, monocyte, T cell CD4 memory activation, and mast cell than healthy controls and lower infiltration of T cell CD4 naive. We detected SLC4A1, AHSP, ALAS2, CA1, HBD, SNCA, HBM, SELENBP1, SERPINE1 and ITGA2B as the most significant markers of PAH. The PAH patients had higher infiltration of NK cell activation, monocyte, T cell CD4 memory activation, and mast cell than healthy controls and lower infiltration of T cell CD4 naive. These identified genes and these immune cells probably have precise regulatory relationships in the development of PAH.
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