1
|
Veland N, Gleneadie HJ, Brown KE, Sardini A, Pombo J, Dimond A, Burns V, Sarkisyan K, Schiering C, Webster Z, Merkenschlager M, Fisher AG. Bioluminescence imaging of Cyp1a1-luciferase reporter mice demonstrates prolonged activation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor in the lung. Commun Biol 2024; 7:442. [PMID: 38600349 PMCID: PMC11006662 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-024-06089-6] [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: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) signalling integrates biological processes that sense and respond to environmental, dietary, and metabolic challenges to ensure tissue homeostasis. AHR is a transcription factor that is inactive in the cytosol but upon encounter with ligand translocates to the nucleus and drives the expression of AHR targets, including genes of the cytochrome P4501 family of enzymes such as Cyp1a1. To dynamically visualise AHR activity in vivo, we generated reporter mice in which firefly luciferase (Fluc) was non-disruptively targeted into the endogenous Cyp1a1 locus. Exposure of these animals to FICZ, 3-MC or to dietary I3C induced strong bioluminescence signal and Cyp1a1 expression in many organs including liver, lung and intestine. Longitudinal studies revealed that AHR activity was surprisingly long-lived in the lung, with sustained Cyp1a1 expression evident in discrete populations of cells including columnar epithelia around bronchioles. Our data link diet to lung physiology and also reveal the power of bespoke Cyp1a1-Fluc reporters to longitudinally monitor AHR activity in vivo.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Veland
- Epigenetic Memory Group, MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences, Imperial College London Hammersmith Hospital Campus, Du Cane Road, London, W12 OHS, UK
| | - Hannah J Gleneadie
- Epigenetic Memory Group, MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences, Imperial College London Hammersmith Hospital Campus, Du Cane Road, London, W12 OHS, UK
| | - Karen E Brown
- Epigenetic Memory Group, MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences, Imperial College London Hammersmith Hospital Campus, Du Cane Road, London, W12 OHS, UK
| | - Alessandro Sardini
- Whole Animal Physiology and Imaging, MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, Du Cane Road, London, W12 0HS, UK
| | - Joaquim Pombo
- Senescence Group, MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences, Imperial College London Hammersmith Hospital Campus, Du Cane Road, London, W12 0HS, UK
| | - Andrew Dimond
- Epigenetic Memory Group, MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences, Imperial College London Hammersmith Hospital Campus, Du Cane Road, London, W12 OHS, UK
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 3QU, UK
| | - Vanessa Burns
- Epigenetic Memory Group, MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences, Imperial College London Hammersmith Hospital Campus, Du Cane Road, London, W12 OHS, UK
| | - Karen Sarkisyan
- Synthetic Biology Group, MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences, Imperial College London Hammersmith Hospital Campus, Du Cane Road, London, W12 0HS, UK
| | - Chris Schiering
- Inflammation and Obesity Group, MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences, Imperial College London Hammersmith Hospital Campus, Du Cane Road, London, W12 0HS, UK
| | - Zoe Webster
- Transgenics & Embryonic Stem Cell Facility, MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences, Imperial College London Hammersmith Hospital Campus, Du Cane Road, London, W12 0HS, UK
| | - Matthias Merkenschlager
- Lymphocyte Development Group, MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences, Imperial College London Hammersmith Hospital Campus, Du Cane Road, London, W12 0HS, UK
| | - Amanda G Fisher
- Epigenetic Memory Group, MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences, Imperial College London Hammersmith Hospital Campus, Du Cane Road, London, W12 OHS, UK.
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 3QU, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Mao J, Tan L, Tian C, Wang W, Zhang H, Zhu Z, Li Y. Research progress on rodent models and its mechanisms of liver injury. Life Sci 2024; 337:122343. [PMID: 38104860 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2023.122343] [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: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
The liver is the most important organ for biological transformation in the body and is crucial for maintaining the body's vital activities. Liver injury is a serious pathological condition that is commonly found in many liver diseases. It has a high incidence rate, is difficult to cure, and is prone to recurrence. Liver injury can cause serious harm to the body, ranging from mild to severe fatty liver disease. If the condition continues to worsen, it can lead to liver fibrosis and cirrhosis, ultimately resulting in liver failure or liver cancer, which can seriously endanger human life and health. Therefore, establishing an rodent model that mimics the pathogenesis and severity of clinical liver injury is of great significance for better understanding the pathogenesis of liver injury patients and developing more effective clinical treatment methods. The author of this article summarizes common chemical liver injury models, immune liver injury models, alcoholic liver injury models, drug-induced liver injury models, and systematically elaborates on the modeling methods, mechanisms of action, pathways of action, and advantages or disadvantages of each type of model. The aim of this study is to establish reliable rodent models for researchers to use in exploring anti-liver injury and hepatoprotective drugs. By creating more accurate theoretical frameworks, we hope to provide new insights into the treatment of clinical liver injury diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jingxin Mao
- Chongqing Medical and Pharmaceutical College, Chongqing 400030, China; College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Lihong Tan
- Chongqing Medical and Pharmaceutical College, Chongqing 400030, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of High Active Traditional Chinese Drug Delivery System, Chongqing 400030, China
| | - Cheng Tian
- Chongqing Medical and Pharmaceutical College, Chongqing 400030, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of High Active Traditional Chinese Drug Delivery System, Chongqing 400030, China
| | - Wenxiang Wang
- Chongqing Three Gorges Medical College, Chongqing 404120, China
| | - Hao Zhang
- Chongqing Medical and Pharmaceutical College, Chongqing 400030, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of High Active Traditional Chinese Drug Delivery System, Chongqing 400030, China
| | - Zhaojing Zhu
- Chongqing Medical and Pharmaceutical College, Chongqing 400030, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of High Active Traditional Chinese Drug Delivery System, Chongqing 400030, China
| | - Yan Li
- Chongqing Medical and Pharmaceutical College, Chongqing 400030, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of High Active Traditional Chinese Drug Delivery System, Chongqing 400030, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Guo YQ, Gan MF, Bao JQ, Zhou HX, Yang J, Dai CJ, Zheng JM. KDF1 Promoted Proliferation, Migration and Invasion of Lung Adenocarcinoma Cells through Activating STAT3 and AKT Pathway. Biomedicines 2023; 11:3194. [PMID: 38137415 PMCID: PMC10740774 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11123194] [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: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
KDF1 has been reported to be correlated with carcinogenesis. However, its role and mechanism are far from clear. To explore the possible role and underlying mechanism of KDF1 in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD), we investigated KDF1 expression in LUAD tissues and the influence of KDF1 in the phenotype of LUAD cells (A549 and PC-9) as well as the underlying mechanism. Compared to non-tumor lung epithelial cells, KDF1 was upregulated in the cancer cells of the majority of LUAD patients, and its expression was correlated with tumor size. Patients with enhanced KDF1 in cancer cells (compared with paired adjacent non-neoplastic lung epithelial cells) had shorter overall survival than patients with no increased KDF1 in cancer cells. Knockdown of KDF1 inhibited the migration, proliferation and invasion of LUAD cells in vitro. And overexpression of KDF1 increased the growth of the subcutaneous tumors in mice. In terms of molecular mechanisms, overexpression of KDF1 induced the expression of AKT, p-AKT and p-STAT3. In KDF1-overexpressing A549 cells, inhibition of the STAT3 pathway decreased the level of AKT and p-AKT, whereas inhibition of the AKT pathway had no effect on the activation of STAT3. Inhibition of STAT3 or AKT pathways reversed the promoting effects of KDF1 overexpression on the LUAD cell phenotype and STAT3 inhibition appeared to have a better effect. Finally, in the cancer cells of LUAD tumor samples, the KDF1 level was observed to correlate positively with the level of p-STAT3. All these findings suggest that KDF1, which activates STAT3 and the downstream AKT pathway in LUAD, acts as a tumor-promoting factor and may represent a therapeutic target.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Jing-Min Zheng
- Department of Pathology, Taizhou Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai 317000, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Xiong R, Shao D, Do S, Chan WK. Activation of Chaperone-Mediated Autophagy Inhibits the Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Function by Degrading This Receptor in Human Lung Epithelial Carcinoma A549 Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15116. [PMID: 37894798 PMCID: PMC10606571 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242015116] [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: 09/13/2023] [Revised: 10/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) is a ligand-activated transcription factor and a substrate protein of a Cullin 4B E3 ligase complex responsible for diverse cellular processes. In the lung, this receptor is responsible for the bioactivation of benzo[a]pyrene during tumorigenesis. Realizing that the AHR function is affected by its expression level, we are interested in the degradation mechanism of AHR in the lung. Here, we have investigated the mechanism responsible for AHR degradation using human lung epithelial A549 cells. We have observed that the AHR protein levels increase in the presence of chloroquine (CQ), an autophagy inhibitor, in a dose-dependent manner. Treatment with 6-aminonicotinamide (6-AN), a chaperone-mediated autophagy (CMA) activator, decreases AHR protein levels in a concentration-dependent and time-dependent manner. This decrease suppresses the ligand-dependent activation of the AHR target gene transcription, and can be reversed by CQ but not MG132. Knockdown of lysosome-associated membrane protein 2 (LAMP2), but not autophagy-related 5 (ATG5), suppresses the chloroquine-mediated increase in the AHR protein. AHR is resistant to CMA when its CMA motif is mutated. Suppression of the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in A549 cells is observed when the AHR gene is knocked out or the AHR protein level is reduced by 6-AN. Collectively, we have provided evidence supporting that AHR is continuously undergoing CMA and activation of CMA suppresses the AHR function in A549 cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - William K. Chan
- Department of Pharmaceutics & Medicinal Chemistry, Thomas J. Long School of Pharmacy, University of the Pacific, Stockton, CA 95211, USA; (R.X.); (D.S.); (S.D.)
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Farooqi AA, Rakhmetova V, Kapanova G, Tanbayeva G, Mussakhanova A, Abdykulova A, Ryskulova AG. Role of Ubiquitination and Epigenetics in the Regulation of AhR Signaling in Carcinogenesis and Metastasis: "Albatross around the Neck" or "Blessing in Disguise". Cells 2023; 12:2382. [PMID: 37830596 PMCID: PMC10571945 DOI: 10.3390/cells12192382] [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: 08/26/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The molecular mechanisms and signal transduction cascades evoked by the activation of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) are becoming increasingly understandable. AhR is a ligand-activated transcriptional factor that integrates environmental, dietary and metabolic cues for the pleiotropic regulation of a wide variety of mechanisms. AhR mediates transcriptional programming in a ligand-specific, context-specific and cell-type-specific manner. Pioneering cutting-edge research works have provided fascinating new insights into the mechanistic role of AhR-driven downstream signaling in a wide variety of cancers. AhR ligands derived from food, environmental contaminants and intestinal microbiota strategically activated AhR signaling and regulated multiple stages of cancer. Although AhR has classically been viewed and characterized as a ligand-regulated transcriptional factor, its role as a ubiquitin ligase is fascinating. Accordingly, recent evidence has paradigmatically shifted our understanding and urged researchers to drill down deep into these novel and clinically valuable facets of AhR biology. Our rapidly increasing realization related to AhR-mediated regulation of the ubiquitination and proteasomal degradation of different proteins has started to scratch the surface of intriguing mechanisms. Furthermore, AhR and epigenome dynamics have shown previously unprecedented complexity during multiple stages of cancer progression. AhR not only transcriptionally regulated epigenetic-associated molecules, but also worked with epigenetic-modifying enzymes during cancer progression. In this review, we have summarized the findings obtained not only from cell-culture studies, but also from animal models. Different clinical trials are currently being conducted using AhR inhibitors and PD-1 inhibitors (Pembrolizumab and nivolumab), which confirm the linchpin role of AhR-related mechanistic details in cancer progression. Therefore, further studies are required to develop a better comprehension of the many-sided and "diametrically opposed" roles of AhR in the regulation of carcinogenesis and metastatic spread of cancer cells to the secondary organs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ammad Ahmad Farooqi
- Institute of Biomedical and Genetic Engineering (IBGE), Islamabad 54000, Pakistan
| | - Venera Rakhmetova
- Department of Internal Diseases, Medical University of Astana, Astana 010000, Kazakhstan
| | - Gulnara Kapanova
- Faculty of Medicine and healthcare, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, 71 Al-Farabi Ave, Almaty 050040, Kazakhstan (G.T.)
- Scientific Center of Anti-Infectious Drugs, 75 Al-Farabi Ave, Almaty 050040, Kazakhstan
| | - Gulnur Tanbayeva
- Faculty of Medicine and healthcare, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, 71 Al-Farabi Ave, Almaty 050040, Kazakhstan (G.T.)
| | - Akmaral Mussakhanova
- Department of Public Health and Management, Astana Medical University, Astana 010000, Kazakhstan;
| | - Akmaral Abdykulova
- Department of General Medical Practice, General Medicine Faculty, Asfendiyarov Kazakh National Medical University, Almaty 050000, Kazakhstan;
| | - Alma-Gul Ryskulova
- Department of Public Health and Social Sciences, Kazakhstan Medical University “KSPH”, Utenos Str. 19A, Almaty 050060, Kazakhstan;
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Chong ZX, Yong CY, Ong AHK, Yeap SK, Ho WY. Deciphering the roles of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) in regulating carcinogenesis. Toxicology 2023; 495:153596. [PMID: 37480978 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2023.153596] [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: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/24/2023]
Abstract
Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) is a ligand-dependent receptor that belongs to the superfamily of basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factors. The activation of the canonical AHR signaling pathway is known to induce the expression of cytochrome P450 enzymes, facilitating the detoxification metabolism in the human body. Additionally, AHR could interact with various signaling pathways such as epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), nuclear factor ekappa B (NF-κβ), estrogen receptor (ER), and androgen receptor (AR) signaling pathways. Over the past 30 years, several studies have reported that various chemical, physical, or biological agents, such as tobacco, hydrocarbon compounds, industrial and agricultural chemical wastes, drugs, UV, viruses, and other toxins, could affect AHR expression or activity, promoting cancer development. Thus, it is valuable to overview how these factors regulate AHR-mediated carcinogenesis. Current findings have reported that many compounds could act as AHR ligands to drive the expressions of AHR-target genes, such as CYP1A1, CYP1B1, MMPs, and AXL, and other targets that exert a pro-proliferation or anti-apoptotic effect, like XIAP. Furthermore, some other physical and chemical agents, such as UV and 3-methylcholanthrene, could promote AHR signaling activities, increasing the signaling activities of a few oncogenic pathways, such as the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/AKT) and mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (MAPK/ERK) pathways. Understanding how various factors regulate AHR-mediated carcinogenesis processes helps clinicians and scientists plan personalized therapeutic strategies to improve anti-cancer treatment efficacy. As many studies that have reported the roles of AHR in regulating carcinogenesis are preclinical or observational clinical studies that did not explore the detailed mechanisms of how different chemical, physical, or biological agents promote AHR-mediated carcinogenesis processes, future studies should focus on conducting large-scale and functional studies to unravel the underlying mechanism of how AHR interacts with different factors in regulating carcinogenesis processes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhi Xiong Chong
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Nottingham Malaysia, 43500 Semenyih, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Chean Yeah Yong
- China-ASEAN College of Marine Sciences, Xiamen University Malaysia, 43900 Sepang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Alan Han Kiat Ong
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, 43000 Kajang, Malaysia
| | - Swee Keong Yeap
- China-ASEAN College of Marine Sciences, Xiamen University Malaysia, 43900 Sepang, Selangor, Malaysia.
| | - Wan Yong Ho
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Nottingham Malaysia, 43500 Semenyih, Selangor, Malaysia.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Faida P, Attiogbe MKI, Majeed U, Zhao J, Qu L, Fan D. Lung cancer treatment potential and limits associated with the STAT family of transcription factors. Cell Signal 2023:110797. [PMID: 37423343 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2023.110797] [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: 04/06/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
Lung cancer is one of the mortal cancers and the leading cause of cancer-related mortality, with a cancer survival rate of fewer than 5% in developing nations. This low survival rate can be linked to things like late-stage detection, quick postoperative recurrences in patients receiving therapy, and chemoresistance developing against various lung cancer treatments. Signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) family of transcription factors are involved in lung cancer cell proliferation, metastasis, immunological control, and treatment resistance. By interacting with specific DNA sequences, STAT proteins trigger the production of particular genes, which in turn result in adaptive and incredibly specific biological responses. In the human genome, seven STAT proteins have been discovered (STAT1 to STAT6, including STAT5a and STAT5b). Many external signaling proteins can activate unphosphorylated STATs (uSTATs), which are found inactively in the cytoplasm. When STAT proteins are activated, they can increase the transcription of several target genes, which leads to unchecked cellular proliferation, anti-apoptotic reactions, and angiogenesis. The effects of STAT transcription factors on lung cancer are variable; some are either pro- or anti-tumorigenic, while others maintain dual, context-dependent activities. Here, we give a succinct summary of the various functions that each member of the STAT family plays in lung cancer and go into more detail about the advantages and disadvantages of pharmacologically targeting STAT proteins and their upstream activators in the context of lung cancer treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paison Faida
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Degradable Biomedical Materials and Shaanxi R&D Center of Biomaterials and Fermentation Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering, Northwest University, Taibai North Road 229, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710069, China; Biotech. & Biomed. Research Institute, Northwest University, Taibai North Road 229, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710069, China
| | - Mawusse K I Attiogbe
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, China
| | - Usman Majeed
- College of Food Science and Technology, Northwest University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710069, China
| | - Jing Zhao
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Degradable Biomedical Materials and Shaanxi R&D Center of Biomaterials and Fermentation Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering, Northwest University, Taibai North Road 229, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710069, China; Biotech. & Biomed. Research Institute, Northwest University, Taibai North Road 229, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710069, China
| | - Linlin Qu
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Degradable Biomedical Materials and Shaanxi R&D Center of Biomaterials and Fermentation Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering, Northwest University, Taibai North Road 229, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710069, China; Biotech. & Biomed. Research Institute, Northwest University, Taibai North Road 229, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710069, China
| | - Daidi Fan
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Degradable Biomedical Materials and Shaanxi R&D Center of Biomaterials and Fermentation Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering, Northwest University, Taibai North Road 229, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710069, China; Biotech. & Biomed. Research Institute, Northwest University, Taibai North Road 229, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710069, China.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
From Nucleus to Organs: Insights of Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Molecular Mechanisms. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232314919. [PMID: 36499247 PMCID: PMC9738205 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232314919] [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: 10/25/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) is a markedly established regulator of a plethora of cellular and molecular processes. Its initial role in the detoxification of xenobiotic compounds has been partially overshadowed by its involvement in homeostatic and organ physiology processes. In fact, the discovery of its ability to bind specific target regulatory sequences has allowed for the understanding of how AHR modulates such processes. Thereby, AHR presents functions in transcriptional regulation, chromatin architecture modifications and participation in different key signaling pathways. Interestingly, such fields of influence end up affecting organ and tissue homeostasis, including regenerative response both to endogenous and exogenous stimuli. Therefore, from classical spheres such as canonical transcriptional regulation in embryonic development, cell migration, differentiation or tumor progression to modern approaches in epigenetics, senescence, immune system or microbiome, this review covers all aspects derived from the balance between regulation/deregulation of AHR and its physio-pathological consequences.
Collapse
|
9
|
Liu Y, Zhao N, Xu Q, Deng F, Wang P, Dong L, Lu X, Xia L, Wang M, Chen Z, Zhou J, Zuo D. MBL Binding with AhR Controls Th17 Immunity in Silicosis-Associated Lung Inflammation and Fibrosis. J Inflamm Res 2022; 15:4315-4329. [PMID: 35923908 PMCID: PMC9342710 DOI: 10.2147/jir.s357453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Mannan-binding lectin (MBL), a soluble pattern recognition molecule of the innate immune system, is primarily synthesized in the liver and secreted into the circulation. Low serum level of MBL has been reported to be related to an increased risk of lung diseases. Herein, we aimed to investigate the function of MBL in silicosis-associated pulmonary inflammation. Methods Serum collected from silicosis patients was tested for correlation between serum MBL levels and Th17 immunity. In vitro studies were performed to further demonstrated the effect of MBL on Th17 polarization. Silica was intratracheally injected in wild type (WT) or MBL-deficient (MBL–/–) mice to induce silicosis-associated lung inflammation and fibrosis. Th17 response was evaluated to explore the effect of MBL on silicosis in vivo. Results Silicosis patients with high serum MBL levels displayed ameliorative lung function. We demonstrated that serum MBL levels negatively correlated to Th17 cell frequency in silicosis patients. MBL protein markedly reduced expression of IL-17 but enhanced expression of Foxp3 in CD4+ T cells in vitro when subjected to Th17 or Treg polarizing conditions, respectively. The presence of MBL during Th17 cell polarization significantly limited aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) expression and suppressed the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) phosphorylation. Treatment with the AhR antagonist abolished the effect of MBL on Th17 response. Strikingly, MBL directly bound to AhR and affected its nuclear translocation. Furthermore, MBL–/– mice displayed elevated Th17 cell levels compared with WT mice in response to the silica challenge. The CD4+ T lymphocytes from silica-administrated MBL–/– mice exhibited more AhR expression than the wild-type counterparts. Conclusion Our study suggested that MBL limited the Th17 immunity via controlling the AhR/STAT3 pathway, thus providing new insight into silicosis and other inflammatory diseases in patients with MBL deficiency.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yunzhi Liu
- Department of Medical Laboratory, School of Laboratory Medicine and Biotechnology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515, People’s Republic of China
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Proteomics, Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515, People’s Republic of China
| | - Na Zhao
- Department of Medical Laboratory, Guangdong Province Hospital for Occupational Disease Prevention and Treatment, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510399, People’s Republic of China
| | - Qishan Xu
- Department of Medical Laboratory, School of Laboratory Medicine and Biotechnology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515, People’s Republic of China
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Proteomics, Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515, People’s Republic of China
| | - Fan Deng
- Department of Medical Laboratory, School of Laboratory Medicine and Biotechnology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ping Wang
- Department of Medical Laboratory, School of Laboratory Medicine and Biotechnology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515, People’s Republic of China
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Proteomics, Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lijun Dong
- Department of Medical Laboratory, School of Laboratory Medicine and Biotechnology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515, People’s Republic of China
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Proteomics, Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiao Lu
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Proteomics, Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lihua Xia
- Department of Medical Laboratory, Guangdong Province Hospital for Occupational Disease Prevention and Treatment, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510399, People’s Republic of China
| | - Mingyong Wang
- Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Immunoregulation and Molecular Diagnostics, Xinxiang, 453003, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhengliang Chen
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Proteomics, Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jia Zhou
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Proteomics, Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515, People’s Republic of China
- Correspondence: Jia Zhou, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Proteomics, Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515, People’s Republic of China, Tel +86-20-61648220, Fax +86-20-61648221, Email
| | - Daming Zuo
- Department of Medical Laboratory, School of Laboratory Medicine and Biotechnology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515, People’s Republic of China
- Microbiome Medicine Center, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510282, People’s Republic of China
- Daming Zuo, Department of Medical Laboratory, School of Laboratory Medicine and Biotechnology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515, People’s Republic of China, Tel +86-20-61648552, Fax + 86-20-61648221, Email
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Tan Q, Cai J, Peng J, Hu C, Wu C, Liu H. VEGF-B targeting by aryl hydrocarbon receptor mediates the migration and invasion of choriocarcinoma stem-like cells. Cancer Cell Int 2022; 22:221. [PMID: 35773697 PMCID: PMC9245252 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-022-02641-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 06/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Unlike other members of the VEGF family, the function of VEGF-B in tumor progression remains to be elucidated. Thus, the present study aimed to determine the function of VEGF-B in human choriocarcinoma cells by investigating its detailed effects and molecular mechanisms. VEGF-B and aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) expression were evaluated by reverse transcription-quantitative PCR analysis and western blot analysis in JEG-3 cells and choriocarcinoma stem-like cells (CSLCs) and their proliferation, migration, and invasion after the transfection of short hairpin RNA VEGF-B, 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD; AhR agonist) treatment or StemRegenin 1 (SR1; AhR antagonist) treatment were examined by cell proliferation assay, wound healing assay and Transwell assay. In addition, luciferase reporter analysis and bioinformatics data mining were used to investigate the association between VEGF-B and AhR. Upregulation of VEGF-B and AhR expression was observed in CSLCs. Following VEGF-B knockdown or SR1 treatment, the proliferative, migratory, and invasive abilities of CSLCs were significantly decreased, contrary to the findings after TCDD treatment. It was also found that AhR enhanced VEGF-B transcriptional activity by binding to the relative promoter region. These observations indicated that VEGF-B may be an oncogene that promotes choriocarcinoma cell migration and invasion targeted by AhR. Therefore, targeting VEGF-B may provide a novel therapeutic opportunity for choriocarcinoma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qianxia Tan
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Xiangya Hospital Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, Kaifu, Changsha, Hunan, 410000, People's Republic of China
| | - Jingting Cai
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Xiangya Hospital Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, Kaifu, Changsha, Hunan, 410000, People's Republic of China
| | - Jingping Peng
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Xiangya Hospital Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, Kaifu, Changsha, Hunan, 410000, People's Republic of China
| | - Cui Hu
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Xiangya Hospital Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, Kaifu, Changsha, Hunan, 410000, People's Republic of China
| | - ChenChun Wu
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Xiangya Hospital Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, Kaifu, Changsha, Hunan, 410000, People's Republic of China
| | - Huining Liu
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Xiangya Hospital Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, Kaifu, Changsha, Hunan, 410000, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Atene CG, Fiorcari S, Mesini N, Alboni S, Martinelli S, Maccaferri M, Leonardi G, Potenza L, Luppi M, Maffei R, Marasca R. Indoleamine 2, 3-Dioxygenase 1 Mediates Survival Signals in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia via Kynurenine/Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor-Mediated MCL1 Modulation. Front Immunol 2022; 13:832263. [PMID: 35371054 PMCID: PMC8971515 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.832263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1) metabolic circuitry, comprising the first tryptophan (Trp) catabolite L-kynurenine (Kyn) and the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR), has emerged as a mechanism of cancer immune evasion. Here, we investigated the functional role of the IDO1/Kyn/AHR axis in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Our data show that CLL cells expressed an active form of the IDO1 enzyme and microenvironmental stimuli can positively modulate its expression. Interferon (IFN)-γ induces IDO1 expression through the Jak/STAT1 pathway and mediates Kyn production concomitantly with Trp consumption in CLL-conditioned media, while INCB018424 (ruxolitinib), a JAK1/2 inhibitor, impaired both effects. To characterize the involvement of IDO1 in leukemic cell maintenance, we overexpressed IDO1 by vector transfection measuring enhanced resistance to spontaneous apoptosis. IDO1 pro-survival influence was confirmed by treating CLL cells with Kyn, which mediated the increase of induced myeloid leukemia cell differentiation protein (MCL1). Conversely, AHR silencing or its blockade via CH-223191 improved the apoptosis of leukemic clones and mitigated MCL1 expression. Moreover, Kyn-treated CLL cells are less affected by the pro-apoptotic effect of ABT-199 (venetoclax), while CH-223191 showed synergistic/additive cytotoxicity with this drug. Lastly, targeting directly MCL1 in CLL cells with AMG-176, we abrogate the pro-survival effect of Kyn. In conclusion, our data identify IDO1/Kyn/AHR signaling as a new therapeutic target for CLL, describing for the first time its role in CLL pathobiology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Claudio Giacinto Atene
- Hematology Section, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Stefania Fiorcari
- Hematology Section, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Nicolò Mesini
- Hematology Section, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Silvia Alboni
- Center for Neuroscience and Neurotechnology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Silvia Martinelli
- Hematology Section, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
- Hematology Section, Policlinico, Department of Oncology and Hematology, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria (A.O.U.) of Modena, Modena, Italy
| | - Monica Maccaferri
- Hematology Section, Policlinico, Department of Oncology and Hematology, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria (A.O.U.) of Modena, Modena, Italy
| | - Giovanna Leonardi
- Hematology Section, Policlinico, Department of Oncology and Hematology, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria (A.O.U.) of Modena, Modena, Italy
| | - Leonardo Potenza
- Hematology Section, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
- Hematology Section, Policlinico, Department of Oncology and Hematology, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria (A.O.U.) of Modena, Modena, Italy
| | - Mario Luppi
- Hematology Section, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
- Hematology Section, Policlinico, Department of Oncology and Hematology, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria (A.O.U.) of Modena, Modena, Italy
| | - Rossana Maffei
- Hematology Section, Policlinico, Department of Oncology and Hematology, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria (A.O.U.) of Modena, Modena, Italy
| | - Roberto Marasca
- Hematology Section, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
- Hematology Section, Policlinico, Department of Oncology and Hematology, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria (A.O.U.) of Modena, Modena, Italy
- *Correspondence: Roberto Marasca,
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Wei KL, Gao GL, Chou YT, Lin CY, Chen SC, Chen YL, Choi HQ, Cheng CC, Su JGJ. Sorafenib is an antagonist of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor. Toxicology 2022; 470:153118. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2022.153118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Revised: 01/29/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
|
13
|
Targeting Cancer Stem Cells by Dietary Agents: An Important Therapeutic Strategy against Human Malignancies. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222111669. [PMID: 34769099 PMCID: PMC8584029 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222111669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2021] [Revised: 10/23/2021] [Accepted: 10/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
As a multifactorial disease, treatment of cancer depends on understanding unique mechanisms involved in its progression. The cancer stem cells (CSCs) are responsible for tumor stemness and by enhancing colony formation, proliferation as well as metastasis, and these cells can also mediate resistance to therapy. Furthermore, the presence of CSCs leads to cancer recurrence and therefore their complete eradication can have immense therapeutic benefits. The present review focuses on targeting CSCs by natural products in cancer therapy. The growth and colony formation capacities of CSCs have been reported can be attenuated by the dietary agents. These compounds can induce apoptosis in CSCs and reduce tumor migration and invasion via EMT inhibition. A variety of molecular pathways including STAT3, Wnt/β-catenin, Sonic Hedgehog, Gli1 and NF-κB undergo down-regulation by dietary agents in suppressing CSC features. Upon exposure to natural agents, a significant decrease occurs in levels of CSC markers including CD44, CD133, ALDH1, Oct4 and Nanog to impair cancer stemness. Furthermore, CSC suppression by dietary agents can enhance sensitivity of tumors to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. In addition to in vitro studies, as well as experiments on the different preclinical models have shown capacity of natural products in suppressing cancer stemness. Furthermore, use of nanostructures for improving therapeutic impact of dietary agents is recommended to rapidly translate preclinical findings for clinical use.
Collapse
|
14
|
Nacarino-Palma A, Rejano-Gordillo CM, González-Rico FJ, Ordiales-Talavero A, Román ÁC, Cuadrado M, Bustelo XR, Merino JM, Fernández-Salguero PM. Loss of Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Favors K-RasG12D-Driven Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13164071. [PMID: 34439225 PMCID: PMC8394265 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13164071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Revised: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-small cell lung adenocarcinoma (NSCLC) bearing K-RasG12D mutations is one of the most prevalent types of lung cancer worldwide. Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) expression varies in human lung tumors and has been associated with either increased or reduced lung metastasis. In the mouse, Ahr also adjusts lung regeneration upon injury by limiting the expansion of resident stem cells. Here, we show that the loss of Ahr enhances K-RasG12D-driven NSCLC in mice through the amplification of stem cell subpopulations. Consistent with this, we show that K-RasG12D;Ahr-/- lungs contain larger numbers of cells expressing markers for both progenitor Clara (SCGB1A1 and CC10) and alveolar type-II (SFTPC) cells when compared to K-RasG12D;Ahr+/+-driven tumors. They also have elevated numbers of cells positive for pluripotent stem cells markers such as SOX2, ALDH1, EPCAM, LGR5 and PORCN. Typical pluripotency genes Nanog, Sox2 and c-Myc were also upregulated in K-RasG12D;Ahr-/- lung tumors as found by RNAseq analysis. In line with this, purified K-RasG12D/+;Ahr-/- lung cells generate larger numbers of organoids in culture that can subsequently differentiate into bronchioalveolar structures enriched in both pluripotency and stemness genes. Collectively, these data indicate that Ahr antagonizes K-RasG12D-driven NSCLC by restricting the number of cancer-initiating stem cells. They also suggest that Ahr expression might represent a good prognostic marker to determine the progression of K-RasG12D-positive NSCLC patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana Nacarino-Palma
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular y Genética, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Extremadura, Avenida de Elvas s/n, 06071 Badajoz, Spain; (A.N.-P.); (C.M.R.-G.); (F.J.G.-R.); (A.O.-T.); (Á.C.R.); (J.M.M.)
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación Biosanitaria de Extremadura (INUBE), Avenida de la Investigación s/n, 06071 Badajoz, Spain
| | - Claudia M. Rejano-Gordillo
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular y Genética, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Extremadura, Avenida de Elvas s/n, 06071 Badajoz, Spain; (A.N.-P.); (C.M.R.-G.); (F.J.G.-R.); (A.O.-T.); (Á.C.R.); (J.M.M.)
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación Biosanitaria de Extremadura (INUBE), Avenida de la Investigación s/n, 06071 Badajoz, Spain
| | - Francisco J. González-Rico
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular y Genética, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Extremadura, Avenida de Elvas s/n, 06071 Badajoz, Spain; (A.N.-P.); (C.M.R.-G.); (F.J.G.-R.); (A.O.-T.); (Á.C.R.); (J.M.M.)
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación Biosanitaria de Extremadura (INUBE), Avenida de la Investigación s/n, 06071 Badajoz, Spain
| | - Ana Ordiales-Talavero
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular y Genética, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Extremadura, Avenida de Elvas s/n, 06071 Badajoz, Spain; (A.N.-P.); (C.M.R.-G.); (F.J.G.-R.); (A.O.-T.); (Á.C.R.); (J.M.M.)
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación Biosanitaria de Extremadura (INUBE), Avenida de la Investigación s/n, 06071 Badajoz, Spain
| | - Ángel C. Román
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular y Genética, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Extremadura, Avenida de Elvas s/n, 06071 Badajoz, Spain; (A.N.-P.); (C.M.R.-G.); (F.J.G.-R.); (A.O.-T.); (Á.C.R.); (J.M.M.)
| | - Myriam Cuadrado
- Mechanisms of Cancer Program, Centro de Investigación del Cáncer, Campus Unamuno s/n, 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (M.C.); (X.R.B.)
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer, CSIC-University of Salamanca, Campus Unamuno s/n, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Campus Unamuno s/n, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Xosé R. Bustelo
- Mechanisms of Cancer Program, Centro de Investigación del Cáncer, Campus Unamuno s/n, 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (M.C.); (X.R.B.)
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer, CSIC-University of Salamanca, Campus Unamuno s/n, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Campus Unamuno s/n, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Jaime M. Merino
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular y Genética, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Extremadura, Avenida de Elvas s/n, 06071 Badajoz, Spain; (A.N.-P.); (C.M.R.-G.); (F.J.G.-R.); (A.O.-T.); (Á.C.R.); (J.M.M.)
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación Biosanitaria de Extremadura (INUBE), Avenida de la Investigación s/n, 06071 Badajoz, Spain
| | - Pedro M. Fernández-Salguero
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular y Genética, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Extremadura, Avenida de Elvas s/n, 06071 Badajoz, Spain; (A.N.-P.); (C.M.R.-G.); (F.J.G.-R.); (A.O.-T.); (Á.C.R.); (J.M.M.)
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación Biosanitaria de Extremadura (INUBE), Avenida de la Investigación s/n, 06071 Badajoz, Spain
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-924-289-300 (ext. 86895)
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Zhou X, Yu L, Zhou M, Hou P, Yi L, Mi M. Dihydromyricetin ameliorates liver fibrosis via inhibition of hepatic stellate cells by inducing autophagy and natural killer cell-mediated killing effect. Nutr Metab (Lond) 2021; 18:64. [PMID: 34147124 PMCID: PMC8214786 DOI: 10.1186/s12986-021-00589-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background This study investigated the mechanisms underlying the preventive effect of dihydromyricetin (DHM) against liver fibrosis involving hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and hepatic natural killer (NK) cells. Methods A carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver fibrosis model was established in C57BL/6 mice to study the antifibrotic effect of DHM based on serum biochemical parameters, histological and immunofluorescence stainings, and the expression of several fibrosis-related markers. Based on the immunoregulatory role of DHM, the effect of DHM on NK cell activation ex vivo was evaluated by flow cytometry. Then, we investigated whether DHM-induced autophagy was involved in HSCs inactivation using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, transmission electron microscopy, and western blot analysis. Thereafter, the role of DHM in NK cell-mediated killing was studied by in vitro coculture of NK cells and HSCs, with subsequent analysis by flow cytometry. Finally, the mechanism by which DHM regulates NK cells was studied by western blot analysis. Results DHM ameliorated liver fibrosis in C57BL/6 mice, as characterized by decreased serum alanine transaminase and aspartate transaminase levels, decreased expressions of collagen I alpha 1 (CoL-1α1), collagen I alpha 2 (CoL-1α2), tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases 1 (TIMP-1), α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and desmin, as well as increased expression of matrix metalloproteinase 1 (MMP1). Interestingly, HSCs activation was significantly inhibited by DHM in vivo and in vitro. As expected, DHM also upregulated autophagy-related indicators in liver from CCl4-treated mice. DHM also prevented TGF-β1-induced activation of HSCs in vitro by initiating autophagic flux. In contrast, the autophagy inhibitor 3-methyladenine markedly abolished the antifibrotic effect of DHM. Surprisingly, the frequency of activated intrahepatic NK cells was significantly elevated by DHM ex vivo. Furthermore, DHM enhanced NK cell-mediated killing of HSCs by increasing IFN-γ expression, which was abolished by an anti-IFN-γ neutralizing antibody. Mechanistically, DHM-induced IFN-γ expression was through AhR-NF-κB/STAT3 pathway in NK cells. Conclusion These results demonstrated that DHM can ameliorate the progression of liver fibrosis and inhibition of HSCs activation by inducing autophagy and enhancing NK cell-mediated killing through the AhR-NF-κB/STAT3-IFN-γ signaling pathway, providing new insights into the preventive role of DHM in liver fibrosis. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12986-021-00589-6.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xi Zhou
- Research Center for Nutrition and Food Safety, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Nutrition and Food Safety, Institute of Military Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), NO. 30th Gao Tan Yan Street, Shapingba District, Chongqing, 400038, People's Republic of China
| | - Li Yu
- Research Center for Nutrition and Food Safety, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Nutrition and Food Safety, Institute of Military Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), NO. 30th Gao Tan Yan Street, Shapingba District, Chongqing, 400038, People's Republic of China
| | - Min Zhou
- Research Center for Nutrition and Food Safety, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Nutrition and Food Safety, Institute of Military Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), NO. 30th Gao Tan Yan Street, Shapingba District, Chongqing, 400038, People's Republic of China
| | - Pengfei Hou
- Research Center for Nutrition and Food Safety, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Nutrition and Food Safety, Institute of Military Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), NO. 30th Gao Tan Yan Street, Shapingba District, Chongqing, 400038, People's Republic of China
| | - Long Yi
- Research Center for Nutrition and Food Safety, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Nutrition and Food Safety, Institute of Military Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), NO. 30th Gao Tan Yan Street, Shapingba District, Chongqing, 400038, People's Republic of China.
| | - Mantian Mi
- Research Center for Nutrition and Food Safety, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Nutrition and Food Safety, Institute of Military Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), NO. 30th Gao Tan Yan Street, Shapingba District, Chongqing, 400038, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Mazzoccoli G, Kvetnoy I, Mironova E, Yablonskiy P, Sokolovich E, Krylova J, Carbone A, Anderson G, Polyakova V. The melatonergic pathway and its interactions in modulating respiratory system disorders. Biomed Pharmacother 2021; 137:111397. [PMID: 33761613 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2021.111397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Revised: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Melatonin is a key intracellular neuroimmune-endocrine regulator and coordinator of multiple complex and interrelated biological processes. The main functions of melatonin include the regulation of neuroendocrine and antioxidant system activity, blood pressure, rhythms of the sleep-wake cycle, the retardation of ageing processes, as well as reseting and optimizing mitochondria and thereby the cells of the immune system. Melatonin and its agonists have therefore been mooted as a treatment option across a wide array of medical disorders. This article reviews the role of melatonin in the regulation of respiratory system functions under normal and pathological conditions. Melatonin can normalize the structural and functional organization of damaged lung tissues, by a number of mechanisms, including the regulation of signaling molecules, oxidant status, lipid raft function, optimized mitochondrial function and reseting of the immune response over the circadian rhythm. Consequently, melatonin has potential clinical utility for bronchial asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer, lung vascular diseases, as well as pulmonary and viral infections. The integration of melatonin's effects with the alpha 7 nicotinic receptor and the aryl hydrocarbon receptor in the regulation of mitochondrial function are proposed as a wider framework for understanding the role of melatonin across a wide array of diverse pulmonary disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gianluigi Mazzoccoli
- Department of Medical Sciences, Division of Internal Medicine and Chronobiology Laboratory, Fondazione IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, San Giovanni Rotondo 71013, Italy.
| | - Igor Kvetnoy
- Saint Petersburg Institute of Phthisiopulmonology, Lygovsky Ave. 2-4, Saint Petersburg 191036, Russian Federation; Department of Pathology, Saint Petersburg State University, University Embankment, 7/9, Saint Petersburg 199034, Russian Federation
| | - Ekaterina Mironova
- Saint Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation and Gerontology, Dynamo Ave., 3, Saint Petersburg 197110, Russian Federation
| | - Petr Yablonskiy
- Saint Petersburg Institute of Phthisiopulmonology, Lygovsky Ave. 2-4, Saint Petersburg 191036, Russian Federation
| | - Evgenii Sokolovich
- Saint Petersburg Institute of Phthisiopulmonology, Lygovsky Ave. 2-4, Saint Petersburg 191036, Russian Federation
| | - Julia Krylova
- Saint Petersburg Institute of Phthisiopulmonology, Lygovsky Ave. 2-4, Saint Petersburg 191036, Russian Federation; Pavlov First Saint Petersburg State Medical University, Lev Tolstoy str. 6-8, Saint Petersburg 197022, Russian Federation
| | - Annalucia Carbone
- Department of Medical Sciences, Division of Internal Medicine and Chronobiology Laboratory, Fondazione IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, San Giovanni Rotondo 71013, Italy
| | | | - Victoria Polyakova
- Saint Petersburg Institute of Phthisiopulmonology, Lygovsky Ave. 2-4, Saint Petersburg 191036, Russian Federation; St. Petersburg State Pediatric Medical University, Litovskaia str. 2, Saint-Petersburg 194100, Russian Federation
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Zeng M, Ren Y, Zhang B, Wang S, Liu M, Jia J, Guo P, Zhang Q, Zheng X, Feng W. In vitro Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Inhibitory Effect by New Diphenylethane Isolated From Stems and Leaves of Dioscorea oppositifolia L. via ERβ-STAT3 Pathway. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:622681. [PMID: 33708130 PMCID: PMC7941213 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.622681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Lung cancer is the most leading cause of cancer mortality throughout the world, of which about 85% cases comprise the non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Estrogen and estrogen receptors are known to be involved in the pathogenesis and development of lung cancer. Dioscorea oppositifolia L. is a traditional Chinese medicine and a nutritious food, and can be an excellent candidate as an anti-cancer agent owing to its estrogen-like effects. However, the stems and leaves of D. oppositifolia L. are piled up in the field as a waste, causing environmental pollution and waste of resources. In the present study, a new diphenylethane (D1) was isolated from the stems and leaves of D. oppositifolia L. It was observed that D1 reduced the cell viability, migration, energy metabolism, and induced apoptosis in the A549 cells. Mechanistic studies showed that D1 reduced the STAT3 nuclear localization and downregulated the expression of the STAT3 target genes like Mcl-1, Bcl-xL and MMP-2 that are involved in the cell survival and mobility. Moreover, our results indicated that D1 exhibited estrogenic activities mediated by ERβ, and antagonising ERβ decreased the cytotoxic effect of D1 in A549 cells. In addition, inhibition of the nuclear translocation of STAT3 did not interfere with the binding of D1 and ERβ. However, after antagonizing ERβ, the nuclear translocation of STAT3 increased, thereby demonstrating that STAT3 was the downstream signaling molecule of ERβ. In conclusion, the D1 mediated anti-NSCLC in vitro effects or at least in part can be attributed to the ERβ-STAT3 signaling. Our findings suggest the role of D1 in treating NSCLC on a molecular level, and can help to improve the comprehensive utilization rate of D. oppositifolia L.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mengnan Zeng
- College of Pharmacy, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China.,The Engineering and Technology Center for Chinese Medicine Development of Henan Province, Zhengzhou, China.,Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Co-construction of Collaborative Innovation Center for Chinese Medicine and Respiratory Diseases by Henan & Education Ministry of P.R. China, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yingjie Ren
- College of Pharmacy, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China.,The Engineering and Technology Center for Chinese Medicine Development of Henan Province, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Beibei Zhang
- College of Pharmacy, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China.,The Engineering and Technology Center for Chinese Medicine Development of Henan Province, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Shengchao Wang
- College of Pharmacy, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China.,The Engineering and Technology Center for Chinese Medicine Development of Henan Province, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Meng Liu
- College of Pharmacy, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China.,The Engineering and Technology Center for Chinese Medicine Development of Henan Province, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Jufang Jia
- College of Pharmacy, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China.,The Engineering and Technology Center for Chinese Medicine Development of Henan Province, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Pengli Guo
- College of Pharmacy, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China.,The Engineering and Technology Center for Chinese Medicine Development of Henan Province, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Qinqin Zhang
- College of Pharmacy, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China.,The Engineering and Technology Center for Chinese Medicine Development of Henan Province, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xiaoke Zheng
- College of Pharmacy, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China.,The Engineering and Technology Center for Chinese Medicine Development of Henan Province, Zhengzhou, China.,Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Co-construction of Collaborative Innovation Center for Chinese Medicine and Respiratory Diseases by Henan & Education Ministry of P.R. China, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Weisheng Feng
- College of Pharmacy, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China.,The Engineering and Technology Center for Chinese Medicine Development of Henan Province, Zhengzhou, China.,Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Co-construction of Collaborative Innovation Center for Chinese Medicine and Respiratory Diseases by Henan & Education Ministry of P.R. China, Zhengzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|