Salmonella induces macrophage death by caspase-1-dependent necrosis

Inhibition of the NLRP3 inflammasome attenuates spiral ganglion neuron degeneration in aminoglycoside-induced hearing loss

JOURNAL/nrgr/04.03/01300535-202510000-00031/figure1/v/2024-11-26T163120Z/r/image-tiff Aminoglycosides are a widely used class of antibacterials renowned for their effectiveness and broad antimicrobial spectrum. However, their use leads to irreversible hearing damage by causing apoptosis of hair cells as their direct target. In addition, the hearing damage caused by aminoglycosides involves damage of spiral ganglion neurons upon exposure. To investigate the mechanisms underlying spiral ganglion neuron degeneration induced by aminoglycosides, we used a C57BL/6J mouse model treated with kanamycin. We found that the mice exhibited auditory deficits following the acute loss of outer hair cells. Spiral ganglion neurons displayed hallmarks of pyroptosis and exhibited progressive degeneration over time. Transcriptomic profiling of these neurons showed significant upregulation of genes associated with inflammation and immune response, particularly those related to the NLRP3 inflammasome. Activation of the canonical pyroptotic pathway in spiral ganglion neurons was observed, accompanied by infiltration of macrophages and the release of proinflammatory cytokines. Pharmacological intervention targeting NLRP3 using Mcc950 and genetic intervention using NLRP3 knockout ameliorated spiral ganglion neuron degeneration in the injury model. These findings suggest that NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated pyroptosis plays a role in aminoglycoside-induced spiral ganglion neuron degeneration. Inhibition of this pathway may offer a potential therapeutic strategy for treating sensorineural hearing loss by reducing spiral ganglion neuron degeneration.

A morphology and secretome map of pyroptosis

Pyroptosis represents one type of programmed cell death. It is a form of inflammatory cell death that is canonically defined by caspase-1 cleavage and Gasdermin-mediated membrane pore formation. Caspase-1 initiates the inflammatory response (through IL-1β processing), and the N-terminal cleaved fragment of Gasdermin D polymerizes at the cell periphery forming pores to secrete proinflammatory markers. Cell morphology also changes in pyroptosis, with nuclear condensation and membrane rupture. However, recent research challenges canon, revealing a more complex secretome and morphological response in pyroptosis, including overlapping molecular characterization with other forms of cell death, such as apoptosis. Here, we take a multimodal, systems biology approach to characterize pyroptosis. We treated human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) with 36 different combinations of stimuli to induce pyroptosis or apoptosis. We applied both secretome profiling (nELISA) and high-content fluorescence microscopy (Cell Painting). To differentiate apoptotic, pyroptotic, and control cells, we used canonical secretome markers and modified our Cell Painting assay to mark the N-terminus of Gasdermin D. We trained hundreds of machine learning (ML) models to reveal intricate morphology signatures of pyroptosis that implicate changes across many different organelles and predict levels of many proinflammatory markers. Overall, our analysis provides a detailed map of pyroptosis which includes overlapping and distinct connections with apoptosis revealed through a mechanistic link between cell morphology and cell secretome.

Research advances of PANoptosis in gastrointestinal tumors

Gastric and colorectal cancers are acknowledged as the predominant types of gastrointestinal malignancies, significantly impacting the global cancer burden. Despite advancements in basic and clinical research on gastrointestinal cancer, the pathophysiological mechanisms and developmental processes underlying these diseases remain incompletely understood. The dysregulation of programmed cell death (PCD) has been identified as a crucial factor in the progression and metastasis of malignant tumors. The effective induction of cancer cell death continues to present a major challenge in contemporary cancer research. PANoptosis, a distinctive form of PCD integrating apoptosis, pyroptosis, and necroptosis, was introduced in 2019. Upon detecting relevant stimuli, PANoptosis sensors recruit key molecules from the three death modalities through domain-specific interactions to form a PANoptosome, which executes cell death. Recent discoveries suggest that PANoptosis plays a pivotal role in the development, progression, and drug resistance of gastrointestinal cancer. Enhancing PANoptosis will provide superior control over gastrointestinal tumors through multi-pathway crosstalk and inflammatory microenvironment modulation. This review aims to serve as a comprehensive resource for researchers by exploring the molecular foundation of PANoptosis, emphasizing its importance in gastrointestinal tumor development, and addressing current challenges as well as potential future research directions in this field.

Caspases: structural and molecular mechanisms and functions in cell death, innate immunity, and disease

Caspases are critical regulators of cell death, development, innate immunity, host defense, and disease. Upon detection of pathogens, damage-associated molecular patterns, cytokines, or other homeostatic disruptions, innate immune sensors, such as NLRs, activate caspases to initiate distinct regulated cell death pathways, including non-lytic (apoptosis) and innate immune lytic (pyroptosis and PANoptosis) pathways. These cell death pathways are driven by specific caspases and distinguished by their unique molecular mechanisms, supramolecular complexes, and enzymatic properties. Traditionally, caspases are classified as either apoptotic (caspase-2, -3, -6, -7, -8, -9, and -10) or inflammatory (caspase-1, -4, -5, and -11). However, extensive data from the past decades have shown that apoptotic caspases can also drive lytic inflammatory cell death downstream of innate immune sensing and inflammatory responses, such as in the case of caspase-3, -6, -7, and -8. Therefore, more inclusive classification systems based on function, substrate specificity, or the presence of pro-domains have been proposed to better reflect the multifaceted roles of caspases. In this review, we categorize caspases into CARD-, DED-, and short/no pro-domain-containing groups and examine their critical functions in innate immunity and cell death, along with their structural and molecular mechanisms, including active site/exosite properties and substrates. Additionally, we highlight the emerging roles of caspases in cellular homeostasis and therapeutic targeting. Given the clinical relevance of caspases across multiple diseases, improved understanding of these proteins and their structure-function relationships is critical for developing effective treatment strategies.

Inflammasome Activation and Neutrophil Extracellular Traps in Atherosclerosis

The deposition of cholesterol containing cholesterol crystals and the infiltration of immune cells are features of atherosclerosis. Although the role of cholesterol crystals in the progression of atherosclerosis have long remained unclear, recent studies have clarified the involvement of cholesterol crystals in inflammatory responses. Cholesterol crystals activate the NLRP3 inflammasome, a molecular complex involved in the innate immune system. Activation of NLRP3 inflammasomes in macrophages cause pyroptosis, which is accompanied by the release of inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β and IL-1α. Furthermore, NLRP3 inflammasome activation drives neutrophil infiltration into atherosclerotic plaques. Cholesterol crystals trigger NETosis against infiltrated neutrophils, a form of cell death characterized by the formation of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), which, in turn, prime macrophages to enhance inflammasome-mediated inflammatory responses. Colchicine, an anti-inflammatory drug effective in cardiovascular disease, is expected to inhibit cholesterol crystal-induced NLRP3 inflammasome activation and neutrophil infiltration. In this review, we illustrate the reinforcing cycle of inflammation that is amplified by inflammasome activation and NETosis.

The inducible role of autophagy in cell death: emerging evidence and future perspectives

BACKGROUND

Autophagy is a lysosome-dependent degradation pathway for recycling intracellular materials and removing damaged organelles, and it is usually considered a prosurvival process in response to stress stimuli. However, increasing evidence suggests that autophagy can also drive cell death in a context-dependent manner. The bulk degradation of cell contents and the accumulation of autophagosomes are recognized as the mechanisms of cell death induced by autophagy alone. However, autophagy can also drive other forms of regulated cell death (RCD) whose mechanisms are not related to excessive autophagic vacuolization. Notably, few reviews address studies on the transformation from autophagy to RCD, and the underlying molecular mechanisms are still vague.

AIM OF REVIEW

This review aims to summarize the existing studies on autophagy-mediated RCD, to elucidate the mechanism by which autophagy initiates RCD, and to comprehensively understand the role of autophagy in determining cell fate.

KEY SCIENTIFIC CONCEPTS OF REVIEW

This review highlights the prodeath effect of autophagy, which is distinct from the generally perceived cytoprotective role, and its mechanisms are mainly associated with the selective degradation of proteins or organelles essential for cell survival and the direct involvement of the autophagy machinery in cell death. Additionally, this review highlights the need for better manipulation of autophagy activation or inhibition in different pathological contexts, depending on clinical purpose.

Mechanistic insights into gasdermin-mediated pyroptosis

Pyroptosis, a novel mode of inflammatory cell death, is executed by membrane pore-forming gasdermin (GSDM) family members in response to extracellular or intracellular injury cues and is characterized by a ballooning cell morphology, plasma membrane rupture and the release of inflammatory mediators such as interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-18 and high mobility group protein B1 (HMGB1). It is a key effector mechanism for host immune defence and surveillance against invading pathogens and aberrant cancerous cells, and contributes to the onset and pathogenesis of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Manipulating the pore-forming activity of GSDMs and pyroptosis could lead to novel therapeutic strategies. In this Review, we discuss the current knowledge regarding how GSDM-mediated pyroptosis is initiated, executed and regulated, its roles in physiological and pathological processes, and the crosstalk between different modes of programmed cell death. We also highlight the development of drugs that target pyroptotic pathways for disease treatment.

Cell death in tumor microenvironment: an insight for exploiting novel therapeutic approaches

Cell death is critical in tumor biology. The common cancer therapies can cause cell death and alleviate tumor, while the cancer cells can develop a resistance to cell death and survive from the therapies. Thus, not only observing the alternative mechanisms of tumor cells resistant to cell death, but also understanding the intricate dynamics of cell death processes within the tumor microenvironment (TME), are essential for tailoring effective therapeutic strategies. High-throughput sequencing technologies have revolutionized cancer research by enabling comprehensive molecular profiling. Recent advances in single cell sequencing have unraveled the heterogeneity of TME components, shedding light on their complex interactions. In this review, we explored the interplay between cell death signaling and the TME, summarised the potential drugs inducing cell death in pre-clinical stage, reviewed some studies applying next-generation sequencing technologies in cancer death research, and discussed the future utilization of updated sequencing platforms in screening novel treatment methods targeted cell death. In conclusion, leveraging multi-omics technologies to dissect cell death signaling in the context of the TME holds great promise for advancing cancer research and therapy development.

Triggering Pyroptosis in Cancer

Pyroptosis is an inflammatory programmed cell death recently identified as a crucial cellular process in various diseases, including cancers. Unlike other forms of cell death, canonical pyroptosis involves the specific cleavage of gasdermin by caspase-1, resulting in cell membrane damage and the release of the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and IL-18. Initially observed in innate immune cells responding to external pathogens or internal death signals, pyroptotic cell death has now been observed in numerous cell types. Recent studies have extensively explored different ways to trigger pyroptotic cell death in solid tumors, presenting a promising avenue for cancer treatment. This review outlines the mechanisms of both canonical and noncanonical pyroptosis pertinent to cancer and primarily focuses on various biomolecules that can induce pyroptosis in malignancies. This strategy aims not only to eliminate cancer cells but also to promote an improved tumor immune microenvironment. Furthermore, emerging research indicates that targeting pyroptotic pathways may improve the effectiveness of existing cancer treatments, making them more potent against resistant tumor types, offering new hope for overcoming treatment resistance in aggressive malignancies.

Harnessing ferroptosis for precision oncology: challenges and prospects

The discovery of diverse molecular mechanisms of regulated cell death has opened new avenues for cancer therapy. Ferroptosis, a unique form of cell death driven by iron-catalyzed peroxidation of membrane phospholipids, holds particular promise for targeting resistant cancer types. This review critically examines current literature on ferroptosis, focusing on its defining features and therapeutic potential. We discuss how molecular profiling of tumors and liquid biopsies can generate extensive multi-omics datasets, which can be leveraged through machine learning-based analytical approaches for patient stratification. Addressing these challenges is essential for advancing the clinical integration of ferroptosis-driven treatments in cancer care.

ncRNAs-Mediated Pyroptosis in Cerebral Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury: Pathophysiology, Mechanisms, and Therapeutic Perspectives

Cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury (CIRI) is a complex pathological process triggered by transient obstruction of blood flow and subsequent reperfusion, ultimately leading to intracellular disturbances such as oxidative stress, inflammatory responses, and programmed cell death. Among the various types of cell death, pyroptosis (an inflammatory kind of regulated cell death) has received increasing attention due to its involvement in key neurovascular unit cells, including endothelial cells, neurons, microglia, and astrocytes. Intriguingly, accumulating evidence demonstrates that non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), including long non-coding RNAs, microRNAs, and circular RNAs, can modulate multiple stages of pyroptosis in CIRI. This review synthesizes recent findings on the ncRNAs-regulated pyroptosis in CIRI. We highlight the molecular underpinnings of pyroptotic activation following ischemic injury and discuss how ncRNAs shape these mechanisms. By elucidating the interactions between ncRNAs and pyroptosis-related pathways, we intend to present innovative viewpoints for early diagnosis and the development of potential therapeutic strategies to mitigate CIRI.

Machine learning-based bulk RNA analysis reveals a prognostic signature of 13 cell death patterns and potential therapeutic target of SMAD3 in acute myeloid leukemia

BACKGROUND

Dysregulation or abnormality of the programmed cell death (PCD) pathway is closely related to the occurrence and development of many tumors, including acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Studying the abnormal characteristics of PCD pathway-related molecular markers can provide a basis for prognosis prediction and targeted drug design in AML patients.

METHODS

A total of 1394 genes representing 13 different PCD pathways were examined in AML patients and healthy donors. The upregulated genes were analyzed for their ability to predict overall survival (OS) individually, and these prognostic genes were subsequently combined to construct a PCD-related prognostic signature via an integrated approach consisting of 101 models based on ten machine learning algorithms. RNA transcriptome and clinical data from multiple AML cohorts (TCGA-AML, GSE106291, GSE146173 and Beat AML) were obtained to develop and validate the AML prognostic model.

RESULTS

A total of 214 upregulated PCD-related genes were identified in AML patients, 39 of which were proven to be prognostic genes in the training cohort. On the basis of the average C-index and number of model genes identified from the machine learning combinations, a PCD index was developed and validated for predicting AML OS. A prognostic nomogram was then generated and validated on the basis of the PCD index, age and ELN risk stratification in the Beat AML cohort and the GSE146173 cohort, revealing satisfactory predictive power (AUC values ≥ 0.7). With different mutation patterns, a higher PCD index was associated with a worse OS. The PCD index was significantly related to higher scores for immunosuppressive cells and mature leukemia cell subtypes. As the gene most closely related to the PCD index, the expression of SMAD3 was further validated in vitro. AML cells harboring KMT2A rearrangements were more sensitive to the SMAD3 inhibitor SIS3, and the expression of the autophagy-related molecular marker LC3 was increased in KMT2A-rearranged cell lines after SIS3 monotherapy and combined treatment.

CONCLUSION

The PCD index and SMAD3 gene expression levels have potential prognostic value and can be used in targeted therapy for AML, and these findings can lead to the development of effective strategies for the combined treatment of high-risk AML patients.

Suppression of amber stop codons impairs pathogenicity in Salmonella

Translation terminates at UAG (amber), UGA (opal), and UAA (ochre) stop codons. In nature, readthrough of stop codons can be substantially enhanced by suppressor tRNAs. Stop-codon suppression also provides powerful tools in synthetic biology and disease treatment. How stop-codon suppression affects bacterial pathogenesis is poorly understood. Here, we show that suppression of UAG codons, but not UGA or UAA codons, attenuates expression of Salmonella Pathogenicity Island 1 (SPI-1) genes, which are required for virulence. Consistently, amber suppression abolishes Salmonella infection of macrophages. Systematic genetic and biochemical analyses further show that amber suppression decreases the activity, but not the level, of the master SPI-1 regulator HilD. Our work thus demonstrates an unexpected selectivity of stop codons in regulating Salmonella virulence.

ChIP-mini: a low-input ChIP-exo protocol for elucidating DNA-binding protein dynamics in intracellular pathogens

Genome-wide identification of binding profiles for DNA-binding proteins from the limited number of intracellular pathogens in infection studies is crucial for understanding virulence and cellular processes but remains challenging, as the current ChIP-exo is designed for high-input bacterial cells (>1010). Here, we developed an optimized ChIP-mini method, a low-input ChIP-exo utilizing a 5,000-fold reduced number of initial bacterial cells and an analysis pipeline, to identify genome-wide binding dynamics of DNA-binding proteins in host-infected pathogens. Applying ChIP-mini to intracellular Salmonella Typhimurium, we identified 642 and 1,837 binding sites of H-NS and RpoD, respectively, elucidating changes in their binding position and binding intensity during infection. Post-infection, we observed 21 significant reductions in H-NS binding at intergenic regions, exposing the promoter region of virulence genes, such as those in Salmonella pathogenicity islands-2, 3 and effectors. Furthermore, we revealed the crucial phenomenon that novel and significantly increased RpoD bindings were found within regions exhibiting diminished H-NS binding, thereby facilitating substantial upregulation of virulence genes. These findings markedly enhance our understanding of how H-NS and RpoD simultaneously coordinate the transcription initiation of virulence genes within macrophages. Collectively, this work demonstrates a broadly adaptable tool that will enable the elucidation of DNA-binding protein dynamics in diverse intracellular pathogens during infection.

A comprehensive review of sensors of radiation-induced damage, radiation-induced proximal events, and cell death

Radiation, a universal component of Earth's environment, is categorized into non-ionizing and ionizing forms. While non-ionizing radiation is relatively harmless, ionizing radiation possesses sufficient energy to ionize atoms and disrupt DNA, leading to cell damage, mutation, cancer, and cell death. The extensive use of radionuclides and ionizing radiation in nuclear technology and medical applications has sparked global concern for their capacity to cause acute and chronic illnesses. Ionizing radiation induces DNA damage either directly through strand breaks and base change or indirectly by generating reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) via radiolysis of water. This damage triggers a complex cellular response involving recognition of DNA damage, cell cycle arrest, DNA repair mechanisms, release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and cell death. This review focuses on the mechanisms of radiation-induced cellular damage, recognition of DNA damage and subsequent activation of repair processes, and the critical role of the innate immune response in resolution of the injury. Emphasis is placed on pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) and related receptors that detect damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) and initiate downstream signaling pathways. Radiation-induced cell death pathways are discussed in detail. Understanding these processes is crucial for developing strategies to mitigate the harmful effects of radiation and improve therapeutic outcomes.

Targeting caspase-8: a new strategy for combating hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) represents the most prevalent form of primary liver cancer and has a high mortality rate. Caspase-8 plays a pivotal role in an array of cellular signaling pathways and is essential for the governance of programmed cell death mechanisms, inflammatory responses, and the dynamics of the tumor microenvironment. Dysregulation of caspase-8 is intricately linked to the complex biological underpinnings of HCC. In this manuscript, we provide a comprehensive review of the regulatory roles of caspase-8 in apoptosis, necroptosis, pyroptosis, and PANoptosis, as well as its impact on inflammatory reactions and the intricate interplay with critical immune cells within the tumor microenvironment, such as tumor-associated macrophages, T cells, natural killer cells, and dendritic cells. Furthermore, we emphasize how caspase-8 plays pivotal roles in the development, progression, and drug resistance observed in HCC, and explore the potential of targeting caspase-8 as a promising strategy for HCC treatment.

Biological and pharmacological roles of pyroptosis in pulmonary inflammation and fibrosis: recent advances and future directions

Pyroptosis, an inflammatory regulated cell death (RCD) mechanism, is characterized by cellular swelling, membrane rupture, and subsequent discharge of cellular contents, exerting robust proinflammatory effects. Recent studies have significantly advanced our understanding of pyroptosis, revealing that it can be triggered through inflammasome- and caspase-independent pathways, and interacts intricately with other RCD pathways (e.g., pyroptosis, necroptosis, ferroptosis, and cuproptosis). The pathogenesis of pulmonary fibrosis (PF), including idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and other interstitial lung diseases, involves a multifaceted interplay of factors such as pathogen infections, environmental pollutants, genetic variations, and immune dysfunction. This chronic and progressive interstitial lung disease is characterized by persistent inflammation, extracellular matrix (ECM) accumulation, and fibrotic alveolar wall thickening, which potentially contribute to deteriorated lung function. Despite recent advances in understanding pyroptosis, the mechanisms by which it regulates PF are not entirely elucidated, and effective strategies to improve clinical outcomes remain unclear. This review strives to deliver a comprehensive overview of the biological functions and molecular mechanisms of pyroptosis, exploring its roles in the pathogenesis of PF. Furthermore, it examines potential biomarkers and therapeutic agents for anti-fibrotic treatments.

Iridium(III) Photosensitizers Induce Simultaneous Pyroptosis and Ferroptosis for Multi-Network Synergistic Tumor Immunotherapy

The integration of pyroptosis and ferroptosis hybrid cell death induction to augment immune activation represents a promising avenue for anti-tumor treatment, but there is a lack of research. Herein, we developed two iridium (III)-triphenylamine photosensitizers, IrC and IrF, with the capacity to disrupt redox balance and induce photo-driven cascade damage to DNA and Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (KEAP1). The activation of the absent in melanoma 2 (AIM2)-related cytoplasmic nucleic acid-sensing pathway, triggered by damaged DNA, leads to the induction of gasdermin D (GSDMD)-mediated pyroptosis. Simultaneously, iron homeostasis, regulated by the KEAP1/nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2)/heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) pathway, serves as a pivotal bridge, facilitating not only the induction of gasdermin E (GSDME)-mediated non-canonical pyroptosis, but also ferroptosis in synergy with glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) depletion. The collaborative action of pyroptosis and ferroptosis generates a synergistic effect that elicits immunogenic cell death, stimulates a robust immune response and effectively inhibits tumor growth in vivo. Our work introduces the first metal-based small molecule dual-inducers of pyroptosis and ferroptosis for potent cancer immunotherapy, and highlights the significance of iron homeostasis as a vital hub connecting synergistic effects of pyroptosis and ferroptosis.

Microglia-derived ADAM9 promote GHRH neurons pyroptosis by Mad2L2-JNK-caspase-1 pathway in subarachnoid hemorrhage

The incidence of growth hormone deficiency (GHD) after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is significantly higher than that of other neuroendocrine disorders, but the mechanism is still elusive. We used mass spectrometry to identify differentially expressed proteins in cerebrospinal fluid samples from a well-characterized cohort of patients. A total of 683 proteins were identified, including 39 upregulated proteins in the GHD group. ADAM9 was most highly associated with GHD. In vivo, ADAM9 colocalized with M1 microglia markers, GH and cognitive ability of mice decreased significantly, and microglia secreted ADAM9 significantly. ADAM9 regulates pyroptosis of GHRH neurons by the Mad2L2-JNK-caspase-1 pathway. Sorafenib inhibits ADAM9 secretion by microglia and improves GH levels and the cognitive ability of mice. This study found that the crosstalk between GHRH neurons and neuroglial cells in the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus, i.e., microglia, is an essential factor in the formation of GHD in SAH. We propose that neutralization of ADAM9 production by microglia might be a potential therapy for GHD after SAH.

Myoferlin alleviates pressure overload-induced cardiac hypertrophy and dysfunction by inhibiting NLRP3-mediated pyroptosis

Myoferlin (MYOF) is a muscle-derived secretory protein. Recent studies have found that MYOF protects against cell damage. However, the role of MYOF in cardiac hypertrophy remains unclear. Increasing evidence suggests that NLRP3 (NOD-like receptor protein 3) and the pyroptosis cascade play critical roles in the development of cardiac hypertrophy and inflammation. To investigate the role of MYOF in cardiac hypertrophy, we conducted a transverse aortic constriction (TAC) experiment in a mouse model. We found that MYOF can improve cardiac hypertrophy and cardiac function. Furthermore, our study confirmed a connection between cardiac hypertrophy and myocardial pyroptosis. Cardiac hypertrophy significantly increased the proportion of apoptotic cells and upregulated apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD (ASC), caspase-1, and gasdermin D (GSDMD). This suggests that pharmacological or genetic inhibition of NLRP3 can effectively reduce cardiac hypertrophy. An abnormal increase in NLRP3 can reverse the cardioprotective effects of MYOF. Our findings indicate that MYOF is a potential therapeutic agent for cardiac hypertrophy.

Gastrodenol suppresses NLRP3/GSDMD mediated pyroptosis and ameliorates inflammatory diseases

Pyroptosis, a form of inflammatory programmed cell death, plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of various diseases. This process is primarily mediated by the nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor family pyrin domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3). Gastrodenol (Bismuth tripotassium dicitrate, GAS) is a mineral compound which is used to treat duodenal and gastric ulcers associated with Helicobacter pylori. In this study, GAS was found to exhibit protective effects against classical pyroptosis in macrophages. Specifically, GAS effectively inhibits the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome, Gasdermin D (GSDMD)-mediated pyroptosis, and the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Mechanistically, GAS inhibited NLRP3 oligomerization and reduced the oligomerization of adaptor protein apoptosis-associated speck like protein containing a caspase activation and recruitment domain (ASC) by directly binding to NLRP3. The interaction between GAS and NLRP3 is primarily mediated through hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic forces. Hydrogen bonds are formed with PHE-727, LEU-723, and ASP-700. Remarkably, GAS treatment attenuated pyroptosis-mediated inflammatory diseases, including experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced septic, and monosodium urate (MSU)-induced peritonitis in mice. To conclude, this is the first report that discovered clinical old medicine GAS as a potent inhibitor of pyroptosis and propose a novel therapeutic strategy for the prevention and treatment of NLRP3-GSDMD mediated diseases.

Gas immnuo-nanomedicines fight cancers

Certain gas molecules, including hydrogen (H2), nitric oxide (NO), carbon monoxide (CO), hydrogen sulfide (H2S), oxygen (O2) and sulfur dioxide (SO2) exhibit significant biological functionalities that can modulate the immune response. Strategies pertaining to gas-based immune therapy have garnered considerable attention in recent years. Nevertheless, delivering various gas molecules precisely into tumors, which leads to enhanced anti-tumor immunotherapeutic effect, is still a main challenge. The advent of gas treatment modality with desirable immunotherapeutic efficiency has been made possible by the rapid development of nanotechnology, which even derives the concept of the gas immnuo-nanomedicines (GINMs). In light of the fact, we herein aim to furnish a cutting-edge review on the latest progress of GINMs. The underlying mechanisms of action for several gases utilized in cancer immunotherapy are initially outlined. Additionally, it provides a succinct overview of the current clinical landscape of gas therapy, and introduces GINMs specifically designed for cancer treatment based on immunotherapeutic principles across multiple strategies. Last but not least, we address the challenges and opportunities associated with GINMs, exploring the potential future developments and clinical applications of this innovative approach.

The zinc transporter Slc30a1 (ZnT1) in macrophages plays a protective role against attenuated Salmonella

The zinc transporter Slc30a1 plays an essential role in maintaining cellular zinc homeostasis. Despite this, its functional role in macrophages remains largely unknown. Here, we examine the function of Slc30a1 in host defense using mice models infected with an attenuated stain of Salmonella enterica Typhimurium and primary macrophages infected with the attenuated Salmonella. Bulk transcriptome sequencing in primary macrophages identifies Slc30a1 as a candidate in response to Salmonella infection. Whole-mount immunofluorescence and confocal microscopy imaging of primary macrophage and spleen from Salmonella-infected Slc30a1flag-EGFP mice demonstrate Slc30a1 expression is increased in infected macrophages with localization at the plasma membrane and in the cytosol. Lyz2-Cre-driven Slc30a1 conditional knockout mice (Slc30a1fl/fl;Lyz2-Cre) exhibit increased susceptibility to Salmonella infection compared to control littermates. We demonstrate that Slc30a1-deficient macrophages are defective in intracellular killing, which correlated with reduced activation of nuclear factor kappa B and reduction in nitric oxide (NO) production. Notably, the model exhibits intracellular zinc accumulation, demonstrating that Slc30a1 is required for zinc export. We thus conclude that zinc export enables the efficient NO-mediated antibacterial activity of macrophages to control invading Salmonella.

Pyroptosis: An Accomplice in the Induction of Multisystem Complications Triggered by Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common respiratory disorder, primarily characterized by two pathological features: chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH) and sleep deprivation (SD). OSA has been identified as a risk factor for numerous diseases, and the inflammatory response related to programmed cell necrosis is believed to play a significant role in the occurrence and progression of multisystem damage induced by OSA, with increasing attention being paid to pyroptosis. Recent studies have indicated that OSA can elevate oxidative stress levels in the body, activating the process of pyroptosis within different tissues, ultimately accelerating organ dysfunction. However, the molecular mechanisms of pyroptosis in the multisystem damage induced by OSA remain unclear. Therefore, this review focuses on four major systems that have received concentrated attention in existing research in order to explore the role of pyroptosis in promoting renal diseases, cardiovascular diseases, neurocognitive diseases, and skin diseases in OSA patients. Furthermore, we provide a comprehensive overview of methods for inhibiting pyroptosis at different molecular levels, with the goal of identifying viable targets and therapeutic strategies for addressing OSA-related complications.

Pyroptosis regulation by Salmonella effectors

The genus Salmonella contains the most common foodborne pathogens frequently isolated from food-producing animals and is responsible for zoonotic infections in humans and animals. Salmonella infection in humans and animals can cause intestinal damage, resulting in intestinal inflammation and disruption of intestinal homeostasis more severe cases can lead to bacteremia. Pyroptosis, a proinflammatory form of programmed cell death, is involved in many disease processes. Inflammasomes, pyroptosis, along with their respective signaling cascades, are instrumental in the preservation of intestinal homeostasis. In recent years, with the in-depth study of pyroptosis, our comprehension of the virulence factors and effector proteins in Salmonella has reached an extensive level, a deficit persists in our knowledge regarding the intrinsic pathogenic mechanisms about pyroptosis, necessitating a continued pursuit of understanding and investigation. In this review, we discuss the occurrence of pyroptosis induced by Salmonella effectors to provide new ideas for elucidating the regulatory mechanisms through which Salmonella virulence factors and effector proteins trigger pyroptosis could pave the way for novel concepts and strategies in the clinical prevention of Salmonella infections and the treatment of associated diseases.

Role of Pyroptosis in Endometrial Cancer and Its Therapeutic Regulation

Pyroptosis is an inflammatory cell death induced by inflammasomes that release several pro-inflammatory mediators such as interleukin-18 (IL-18) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β). Pyroptosis, a type of programmed cell death, has recently received increased interest both as a therapeutic and immunological mechanism. Numerous studies have provided substantial evidence supporting the involvement of inflammasomes and pyroptosis in a variety of pathological conditions including cancers, nerve damage, inflammatory diseases and metabolic conditions. Researchers have demonstrated that dysregulation of pyroptosis and inflammasomes contribute to the progression of endometriosis and gynecological malignancies. Current research also indicates that inflammasome and pyroptosis-dependent signaling pathways may further induce the progression of endometrial cancer (EC). More specifically, dysregulation of NLR family pyrin domain 3 (NLRP3) and caspase-1-dependent pyroptosis play a contributory role in the pathogenesis and development of EC. Therefore, pyroptosis-regulated protein gasdermin D (GSDMD) may be an independent prognostic biomarker for the detection of EC. This review presents the molecular mechanisms of pyroptosis-dependent signaling pathways and their contributory role and function in advancing EC. Moreover, this review offers new insights into potential future applications and innovative approaches in utilizing pyroptosis to develop effective anti-cancer therapies.

Neuroinflammation Targeting Pyroptosis: Molecular Mechanisms and Therapeutic Perspectives in Stroke

Pyroptosis is a recently identified type of pro-inflammatory programmed cell death (PCD) mediated by inflammasomes and nucleotide oligomerization domain-like receptors (NLs) and dependent on members of the caspase family. Pyroptosis has been widely reported to participate in the occurrence and progression of various inflammatory diseases, including stroke, a frequently lethal disease with high prevalence and many complications. To date, there have been no effectively therapeutic strategies and methods for treating stroke. Pyroptosis is thought to be closely related to the occurrence and development of stroke. Understanding inflammatory responses induced by the activation of pyroptosis would be hopeful to provide feasible approaches and strategies. Targeting on molecules in the upstream or downstream of pyroptosis pathway has shown promise in the treatment of stroke. The present review summarizes current research on the characteristics of pyroptosis, the function and pathological phenomena of pyroptosis in stroke, the molecule mechanisms related to inflammatory pathways, and the drugs and other molecules that can affect outcomes after stroke. These findings may help identify possible targets or new strategies for the diagnosis and treatment of stroke.

Exploring the correlation between innate immune activation of inflammasome and regulation of pyroptosis after intracerebral hemorrhage: From mechanism to treatment

Stroke has emerged as the primary cause of disability and death globally in recent years. Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), a particularly severe kind of stroke, is occurring in an increasing number of people. The two main clinical treatments for ICH now in use are conservative pharmaceutical therapy and surgical intervention, both of which have risks and drawbacks. Consequently, it is crucial to look into the pathophysiology of ICH and consider cutting-edge therapeutic approaches. Recent research has revealed that pyroptosis is a newly identified type of cell death distinguished by the break of the cell membrane and the discharge of pro-inflammatory substances through different routes. Following ICH, glial cells experience pyroptosis, which worsens neuroinflammation. Hence, the onset and progression of ICH are strongly linked to pyroptosis, which is facilitated by different inflammasomes. It is essential to conduct a comprehensive investigation of ICH damage processes and uncover new targets for treatment. The impact and function of pyroptosis in ICH, as well as the activation and regulation of inflammasomes and their mediated pyroptosis pathways will be fully discussed in this review.

A preliminary study of T-2 toxin that cause liver injury in rats via the NF-kB and NLRP3-mediated pyroptosis pathway

T-2 toxin is recognized as the most potent and prevalent secondary metabolite among monotrichous mycotoxins produced by Fusarium species. Multiple studies have substantiated the hepatotoxic effects of T-2 toxin. This study aimed to investigate whether NF-κB and NLRP3-mediated pyroptosis is involved in the underlying mechanism of T-2 toxin hepatotoxicity. We designed three groups of rat models, blank control; solvent control and T-2 toxin (0.2 mg/kg body weight/day), which were euthanized at week 8 after gavage staining of the toxin. Through HE staining and biochemical indicators associated with liver injury, we observed that T-2 toxin induced liver damage in rats. By Western blot analysis and qRT-PCR, we found that the expression levels of pyroptosis-related genes and proteins were significantly higher in the T-2 toxin group. In addition, we also found a significant increase in the expression of p-NF-κB protein, an upstream regulator of NLRP3. In conclusion, NF-κB and NLRP3-mediated pyroptosis may be involved in the mechanism of hepatotoxic action of T-2 toxin, which provides a new perspective.

Overview of pyroptosis mechanism and in-depth analysis of cardiomyocyte pyroptosis mediated by NF-κB pathway in heart failure

The pyroptosis of cardiomyocytes has become an essential topic in heart failure research. The abnormal accumulation of these biological factors, including angiotensin II, advanced glycation end products, and various growth factors (such as connective tissue growth factor, vascular endothelial growth factor, transforming growth factor beta, among others), activates the nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway in cardiovascular diseases, ultimately leading to pyroptosis of cardiomyocytes. Therefore, exploring the underlying molecular biological mechanisms is essential for developing novel drugs and therapeutic strategies. However, our current understanding of the precise regulatory mechanism of this complex signaling pathway in cardiomyocyte pyroptosis is still limited. Given this, this study reviews the milestone discoveries in the field of pyroptosis research since 1986, analyzes in detail the similarities, differences, and interactions between pyroptosis and other cell death modes (such as apoptosis, necroptosis, autophagy, and ferroptosis), and explores the deep connection between pyroptosis and heart failure. At the same time, it depicts in detail the complete pathway of the activation, transmission, and eventual cardiomyocyte pyroptosis of the NF-κB signaling pathway in the process of heart failure. In addition, the study also systematically summarizes various therapeutic approaches that can inhibit NF-κB to reduce cardiomyocyte pyroptosis, including drugs, natural compounds, small molecule inhibitors, gene editing, and other cutting-edge technologies, aiming to provide solid scientific support and new research perspectives for the prevention and treatment of heart failure.

Pyroptosis in health and disease: mechanisms, regulation and clinical perspective

Pyroptosis is a type of programmed cell death characterized by cell swelling and osmotic lysis, resulting in cytomembrane rupture and release of immunostimulatory components, which play a role in several pathological processes. Significant cellular responses to various stimuli involve the formation of inflammasomes, maturation of inflammatory caspases, and caspase-mediated cleavage of gasdermin. The function of pyroptosis in disease is complex but not a simple angelic or demonic role. While inflammatory diseases such as sepsis are associated with uncontrollable pyroptosis, the potent immune response induced by pyroptosis can be exploited as a therapeutic target for anti-tumor therapy. Thus, a comprehensive review of the role of pyroptosis in disease is crucial for further research and clinical translation from bench to bedside. In this review, we summarize the recent advancements in understanding the role of pyroptosis in disease, covering the related development history, molecular mechanisms including canonical, non-canonical, caspase 3/8, and granzyme-mediated pathways, and its regulatory function in health and multiple diseases. Moreover, this review also provides updates on promising therapeutic strategies by applying novel small molecule inhibitors and traditional medicines to regulate pyroptosis. The present dilemmas and future directions in the landscape of pyroptosis are also discussed from a clinical perspective, providing clues for scientists to develop novel drugs targeting pyroptosis.

Mechanisms of chondrocyte cell death in osteoarthritis: implications for disease progression and treatment

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic joint disease characterized by the degeneration, destruction, and excessive ossification of articular cartilage. The prevalence of OA is rising annually, concomitant with the aging global population and increasing rates of obesity. This condition imposes a substantial and escalating burden on individual health, healthcare systems, and broader social and economic frameworks. The etiology of OA is multifaceted and not fully understood. Current research suggests that the death of chondrocytes, encompassing mechanisms such as cellular apoptosis, pyroptosis, autophagy, ferroptosis and cuproptosis, contributes to both the initiation and progression of the disease. These cell death pathways not only diminish the population of chondrocytes but also exacerbate joint damage through the induction of inflammation and other deleterious processes. This paper delineates the morphological characteristics associated with various modes of cell death and summarizes current research results on the molecular mechanisms of different cell death patterns in OA. The objective is to review the advancements in understanding chondrocyte cell death in OA, thereby offering novel insights for potential clinical interventions.

HDAC inhibitor regulates the tumor immune microenvironment via pyroptosis in triple negative breast cancer

Pyroptosis, an inflammatory form of cell death, promotes the release of immunogenic substances and stimulates immune cell recruitment, a process, which could turn cold tumors into hot ones. Thus, instigating pyroptosis in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) serves as a viable method for restoring antitumor immunity. We analyzed the effects of Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors (HDACi) on TNBC cells using the Cell Counting Kit-8 and colony formation assay. Apoptosis and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release assays were utilized to determine the form of cell death. The pyroptotic executor was validated by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and western blot. Transcriptome was analyzed to investigate pyroptosis-inducing mechanisms. A subcutaneously transplanted tumor model was generated in BALB/c mice to evaluate infiltration of immune cells. HDACi significantly diminished cell proliferation, and pyroptotic "balloon"-like cells became apparent. HDACi led to an intra and extracellular material exchange, signified by the release of LDH and the uptake of propidium iodide. Among the gasdermin family, TNBC cells expressed maximum quantities of GSDME, and expression of GSDMA, GSDMB, and GSDME were augmented post HDACi treatment. Pyroptosis was instigated via the activation of the caspase 3-GSDME pathway with the potential mechanisms being cell cycle arrest and altered intracellular REDOX balance due to aberrant glutathione metabolism. In vivo experiments demonstrated that HDACi can activate pyroptosis, limit tumor growth, and escalate CD8+ lymphocyte and CD11b+ cell infiltration along with an increased presence of granzyme B in tumors. HDACi can instigate pyroptosis in TNBC, promoting infiltration of immune cells and consequently intensifying the efficacy of anticancer immunity.

Pyroptosis in Skeleton Diseases: A Potential Therapeutic Target Based on Inflammatory Cell Death

Skeletal disorders, including fractures, osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and spinal degenerative conditions, along with associated spinal cord injuries, significantly impair daily life and impose a substantial burden. Many of these conditions are notably linked to inflammation, with some classified as inflammatory diseases. Pyroptosis, a newly recognized form of inflammatory cell death, is primarily triggered by inflammasomes and executed by caspases, leading to inflammation and cell death through gasdermin proteins. Emerging research underscores the pivotal role of pyroptosis in skeletal disorders. This review explores the pyroptosis signaling pathways and their involvement in skeletal diseases, the modulation of pyroptosis by other signals in these conditions, and the current evidence supporting the therapeutic potential of targeting pyroptosis in treating skeletal disorders, aiming to offer novel insights for their management.

The interplay of transition metals in ferroptosis and pyroptosis

Cell death is one of the most important mechanisms of maintaining homeostasis in our body. Ferroptosis and pyroptosis are forms of necrosis-like cell death. These cell death modalities play key roles in the pathophysiology of cancer, cardiovascular, neurological diseases, and other pathologies. Transition metals are abundant group of elements in all living organisms. This paper presents a summary of ferroptosis and pyroptosis pathways and their connection to significant transition metals, namely zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), molybdenum (Mo), lead (Pb), cobalt (Co), iron (Fe), cadmium (Cd), nickel (Ni), mercury (Hg), uranium (U), platinum (Pt), and one crucial element, selenium (Se). Authors aim to summarize the up-to-date knowledge of this topic.In this review, there are categorized and highlighted the most common patterns in the alterations of ferroptosis and pyroptosis by transition metals. Special attention is given to zinc since collected data support its dual nature of action in both ferroptosis and pyroptosis. All findings are presented together with a brief description of major biochemical pathways involving mentioned metals and are visualized in attached comprehensive figures.This work concludes that the majority of disruptions in the studied metals' homeostasis impacts cell fate, influencing both death and survival of cells in the complex system of altered pathways. Therefore, this summary opens up the space for further research.

Inflammasomes at the Foundation of Inflammatory Cell Death Complexes

This Pillars of Immunology article is a commentary on “The Inflammasome: A Molecular Platform Triggering Activation of Inflammatory Caspases and Processing of proIL-β,” a pivotal article written by F. Martinon, K. Burns, and J. Tschopp, published in Molecular Cell in 2002. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1097-2765(02)00599-3.

Application of quantum dots in brain diseases and their neurotoxic mechanism

The early-stage diagnosis and therapy of brain diseases pose a persistent challenge in the field of biomedicine. Quantum dots (QDs), nano-luminescent materials known for their small size and fluorescence imaging capabilities, present promising capabilities for diagnosing, monitoring, and treating brain diseases. Although some investigations about QDs have been conducted in clinical trials, the concerns about the toxicity of QDs have continued. In addition, the lack of effective toxicity evaluation methods and systems and the difference between in vivo and in vitro toxicity evaluation hinder QDs application. The primary objective of this paper is to introduce the neurotoxic effects and mechanisms attributable to QDs. First, we elucidate the utilization of QDs in brain disorders. Second, we sketch out three pathways through which QDs traverse into brain tissue. Ultimately, expound upon the adverse consequences of QDs on the brain and the mechanism of neurotoxicity in depth. Finally, we provide a comprehensive summary and outlook on the potential development of quantum dots in neurotoxicity and the difficulties to be overcome.

The role of pyroptosis in metabolism and metabolic disease

Pyroptosis is a lytic and pro-inflammatory form of regulated cell death characterized by the formation of membrane pores mediated by the gasdermin protein family. Two main activation pathways have been documented: the caspase-1-dependent canonical pathway and the caspase-4/5/11-dependent noncanonical pathway. Pyroptosis leads to cell swelling, lysis, and the subsequent release of inflammatory mediators, including interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and interleukin-18 (IL-18). Chronic inflammation is a well-established foundation and driver for the development of metabolic diseases. Conversely, metabolic pathway dysregulation can also induce cellular pyroptosis. Recent studies have highlighted the significant role of pyroptosis modulation in various metabolic diseases, including type 2 diabetes mellitus, obesity, and metabolic (dysfunction) associated fatty liver disease. These findings suggest that pyroptosis may serve as a promising novel therapeutic target for metabolic diseases. This paper reviews an in-depth study of the current advancements in understanding the role of pyroptosis in the progression of metabolic diseases.

The study of the mechanism of non-coding RNA regulation of programmed cell death in diabetic cardiomyopathy

Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) represents a distinct myocardial disorder elicited by diabetes mellitus, characterized by aberrations in myocardial function and structural integrity. This pathological condition predominantly manifests in individuals with diabetes who do not have concurrent coronary artery disease or hypertension. An escalating body of scientific evidence substantiates the pivotal role of programmed cell death (PCD)-encompassing apoptosis, autophagy, pyroptosis, ferroptosis, and necroptosis-in the pathogenic progression of DCM, thereby emerging as a prospective therapeutic target. Additionally, numerous non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) have been empirically verified to modulate the biological processes underlying programmed cell death, consequently influencing the evolution of DCM. This review systematically encapsulates prevalent types of PCD manifest in DCM as well as nascent discoveries regarding the regulatory influence of ncRNAs on programmed cell death in the pathogenesis of DCM, with the aim of furnishing novel insights for the furtherance of research in PCD-associated disorders relevant to DCM.

Can Methamphetamine-Induced Cardiotoxicity be Ameliorated by Aerobic Training and Nutrition Bio-shield Superfood Supplementation in Rats After Withdrawal?

The abuse of methamphetamine is a significant threat to cardiovascular health and has detrimental effects on the myocardium. The present study aims to explore potential interventions that can mitigate myocardial pyroptosis in rats following methamphetamine withdrawal. A total of 104 male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to eight groups. The rats underwent a methamphetamine administration protocol, receiving intraperitoneal injections of 10 mg/kg during the 1st week, followed by a weekly dose escalation of 1 mg/kg from the second to the 6th week and two times per day. Concurrently, the rats engaged in 6 weeks of moderate-intensity treadmill aerobic training, lasting 60 min per day, 5 days a week. Simultaneously, the Nutrition bio-shield Superfood (NBS) supplement was administered at a dosage of 25 g/kg daily for 6 weeks. The study assessed the expression levels of Caspase-1, Interleukin-1beta (IL-1β), and Interleukin-18 (IL-18) genes in myocardial tissue. Data analysis utilized a one-way analysis of variance (p ≤ 0.05). The findings revealed that methamphetamine usage significantly elevated the expression of Caspase-1, IL-1β, and IL-18 genes (p ≤ 0.05). Conversely, methamphetamine withdrawal led to a notable reduction in the expression of these genes (p ≤ 0.05). Noteworthy reductions in Caspase-1, IL-1β, and IL-18 expression were observed following aerobic training, supplementation, and the combined approach (p ≤ 0.05). The chronic use of methamphetamine was associated with cardiac tissue damage. This study highlights the potential of aerobic training and NBS Superfood supplementation in mitigating the harmful effects of methamphetamine-induced myocardial pyroptosis. The observed reductions in gene expression levels indicate promising interventions to address the cardiovascular consequences of methamphetamine abuse. The findings of this study suggest that a combination of aerobic exercise and NBS Superfood supplementation can provide a promising approach to mitigate the deleterious effects of methamphetamine on the heart. These findings can be useful for healthcare professionals and policymakers to design effective interventions to prevent and manage the adverse effects of methamphetamine abuse.

Pyroptosis-related crosstalk in osteoarthritis: Macrophages, fibroblast-like synoviocytes and chondrocytes

The pathogenesis of osteoarthritis (OA) involves a multifaceted interplay of inflammatory processes. The initiation of pyroptosis involves the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines and has been identified as a critical factor in regulating the development of OA. Upon initiation of pyroptosis, a multitude of inflammatory mediators are released and can be disseminated throughout the synovial fluid within the joint cavity, thereby facilitating intercellular communication across the entire joint. The main cellular components of joints include chondrocytes (CC), fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) and macrophages (MC). Investigating their interplay can enhance our understanding of OA pathogenesis. Therefore, we comprehensively examine the mechanisms underlying pyroptosis and specifically investigate the intercellular interactions associated with pyroptosis among these three cell types, thereby elucidating their collective contribution to the progression of OA. We propose the concept of ' CC-FLS-MC pyroptosis-related crosstalk', describe the various pathways of pyroptotic interactions among these three cell types, and focus on recent advances in intervening pyroptosis in these three cell types for treating OA. We hope this will provide a possible direction for diversification of treatment for OA. The Translational potential of this article. The present study introduces the concept of 'MC-FLS-CC pyroptosis-related crosstalk' and provides an overview of the mechanisms underlying pyroptosis, as well as the pathways through which it affects MC, FLS, and CC. In addition, the role of regulation of these three types of cellular pyroptosis in OA has also been concerned. This review offers novel insights into the interplay between these cell types, with the aim of providing a promising avenue for diversified management of OA.

Boarding pyroptosis onto nanotechnology for cancer therapy

Pyroptosis, a non-apoptotic programmed cellular inflammatory death mechanism characterized by gasdermin (GSDM) family proteins, has gathered significant attention in the cancer treatment. However, the alarming clinical trial data indicates that pyroptosis-mediated cancer therapeutic efficiency is still unsatisfactory. It is essential to integrate the burgeoning biomedical findings and innovations with potent technology to hasten the development of pyroptosis-based antitumor drugs. Considering the rapid development of pyroptosis-driven cancer nanotherapeutics, here we aim to summarize the recent advances in this field at the intersection of pyroptosis and nanotechnology. First, the foundation of pyroptosis-based nanomedicines (NMs) is outlined to illustrate the reliability and effectiveness for the treatment of tumor. Next, the emerging nanotherapeutics designed to induce pyroptosis are overviewed. Moreover, the cross-talk between pyroptosis and other cell death modalities are discussed, aiming to explore the mechanistic level relationships to provide guidance strategies for the combination of different types of antitumor drugs. Last but not least, the opportunities and challenges of employing pyroptosis-based NMs in potential clinical cancer therapy are highlighted.

Inflammasome-independent pyroptosis

Gasdermins are membrane pore-forming proteins that cause pyroptosis, an inflammatory cell death in which cells burst and release cytokines, chemokines, and other host alarm signals, such as ATP and HMGB1, which recruit and activate immune cells at sites of infection and danger. There are five gasdermins in humans - gasdermins A to E. Pyroptosis was first described in myeloid cells and mucosal epithelia, which express gasdermin D and activate it when cytosolic sensors of invasive infection or tissue damage assemble into large macromolecular structures, called inflammasomes. Inflammasomes recruit and activate inflammatory caspases (caspase 1, 4, 5, and 11), which cut gasdermin D to remove an inhibitory C-terminal domain, allowing the N-terminal domain to bind to membrane acidic lipids and oligomerize into pores. Recent studies have identified inflammasome-independent proteolytic pathways that activate gasdermin D and the other gasdermins. Here, we review inflammasome-independent pyroptosis pathways and what is known about their role in normal physiology and disease.

Periplogenin inhibits pyroptosis of fibroblastic synoviocytes in rheumatoid arthritis through the NLRP3/Caspase-1/GSDMD signaling pathway

Although the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) remains unclear, an increasing number of studies have confirmed that pyroptosis of rheumatoid arthritis fibroblast-like synoviocytes (RA-FLS) is an important factor affecting the progression of RA. Periplogenin (PPN) is a natural cardiac glycoside; reportedly, it exerts anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects in diseases by inhibiting cell growth and migration. This study aimed to determine the effect of PPN on the growth, migration, and invasion of RA-FLS and the potential mechanism of pyroptosis regulation. We discovered that PPN could inhibit the migration and invasion abilities of RA-FLS and block their growth cycle, down-regulate the secretion and activation of NLRP3, Caspase-1, GSDMD, IL-1β, and IL-18, and reduce the number of pyroptosis. In summary, PPN inhibited pyroptosis, reduced the release of inflammatory factors, and improved RA-FLS inflammation by regulating the NLRP3/Caspase-1/GSDMD signaling pathway.

Research progress on morphology and mechanism of programmed cell death

Programmed cell death (PCD) is a basic process of life that is closely related to the growth, development, aging and disease of organisms and is one of the hotspots of life science research today. PCD is a kind of genetic control, autonomous and orderly important cell death that involves the activation, expression, and regulation of a series of genes. In recent years, with the deepening of research in this field, new mechanisms of multiple PCD pathways have been revealed. This article reviews and summarizes the multiple PCD pathways that have been discovered, analyses and compares the morphological characteristics and biomarkers of different types of PCD, and briefly discusses the role of various types of PCD in the diagnosis and treatment of different diseases, especially malignant tumors.

Regulated Necrosis in Glaucoma: Focus on Ferroptosis and Pyroptosis

Glaucoma is one of the most common causes of irreversible blindness worldwide. This neurodegenerative disease is characterized by progressive and irreversible damage to retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and optic nerves, which can lead to permanent loss of peripheral and central vision. To date, maintaining long-term survival of RGCs using traditional treatments, such as medication and surgery, remains challenging, as these do not promote optic nerve regeneration. Therefore, it is of great clinical and social significance to investigate the mechanisms of optic nerve degeneration in depth and find reliable targets to provide pioneering methods for the prevention and treatment of glaucoma. Regulated necrosis is a form of genetically programmed cell death associated with the maintenance of homeostasis and disease progression in vivo. An increasing body of innovative evidence has recognized that aberrant activation of regulated necrosis pathways is a common feature in neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and glaucoma, resulting in unwanted loss of neuronal cells and function. Among them, ferroptosis and pyroptosis are newly discovered forms of regulated cell death actively involved in the pathophysiological processes of RGCs loss and optic nerve injury. This was shown by a series of in vivo and in vitro studies, and these mechanisms have been emerging as a key new area of scientific research in ophthalmic diseases. In this review, we focus on the molecular mechanisms of ferroptosis and pyroptosis and their regulatory roles in the pathogenesis of glaucoma, with the aim of exploring their implications as potential therapeutic targets and providing new perspectives for better clinical decision-making in glaucoma treatment.

The non-pathogenic protozoon Leishmania tarentolae interferes with the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome in human cells: new perspectives in the control of inflammation

Background

Innate immune responses against infectious agents can act as triggers of inflammatory diseases. On the other hand, various pathogens have developed mechanisms for the evasion of the immune response, based on an inhibition of innate immunity and inflammatory responses. Inflammatory diseases could thus be controlled through the administration of pathogens or pathogen-derived molecules, capable of interfering with the mechanisms at the basis of inflammation. In this framework, the NLRP3 inflammasome is an important component in innate antimicrobial responses and a major player in the inflammatory disease. Parasites of the genus Leishmania are master manipulators of innate immune mechanisms, and different species have been shown to inhibit inflammasome formation. However, the exploitation of pathogenic Leishmania species as blockers of NLRP3-based inflammatory diseases poses safety concerns.

Methods

To circumvent safety issues associated with pathogenic parasites, we focused on Leishmania tarentolae, a species of Leishmania that is not infectious to humans. Because NLRP3 typically develops in macrophages, in response to the detection and engulfment microorganisms, we performed our experiments on a monocyte-macrophage cell line (THP-1), either wild type or knockout for ASC, a key component of NLRP3 formation, with determination of cytokines and other markers of inflammation.

Results

L. tarentolae was shown to possess the capability of dampening the formation of NLRP3 inflammasome and the consequent expression of pro-inflammatory molecules, with minor differences compared to effects of pathogenic Leishmania species.

Conclusion

The non-pathogenic L. tarentolae appears a promising pro-biotic microbe with anti-inflammatory properties or a source of immune modulating cellular fractions or molecules, capable of interfering with the formation of the NLRP3 inflammasome.

Necrosis Links Neurodegeneration and Neuroinflammation in Neurodegenerative Disease

The mechanisms of neuronal cell death in neurodegenerative disease remain incompletely understood, although recent studies have made significant advances. Apoptosis was previously considered to be the only mechanism of neuronal cell death in neurodegenerative diseases. However, recent findings have challenged this dogma, identifying new subtypes of necrotic neuronal cell death. The present review provides an updated summary of necrosis subtypes and discusses their potential roles in neurodegenerative cell death. Among numerous necrosis subtypes, including necroptosis, paraptosis, ferroptosis, and pyroptosis, transcriptional repression-induced atypical cell death (TRIAD) has been identified as a potential mechanism of neuronal cell death. TRIAD is induced by functional deficiency of TEAD-YAP and self-amplifies via the release of HMGB1. TRIAD is a feasible potential mechanism of neuronal cell death in Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative diseases. In addition to induction of cell death, HMGB1 released during TRIAD activates brain inflammatory responses, which is a potential link between neurodegeneration and neuroinflammation.

Role of pyroptosis in the pathogenesis of various neurological diseases

Pyroptosis, an inflammatory programmed cell death process, has recently garnered significant attention due to its pivotal role in various neurological diseases. This review delves into the intricate molecular signaling pathways governing pyroptosis, encompassing both caspase-1 dependent and caspase-1 independent routes, while emphasizing the critical role played by the inflammasome machinery in initiating cell death. Notably, we explore the Nucleotide-binding domain leucine-rich repeat (NLR) containing protein family, the Absent in melanoma 2-like receptor family, and the Pyrin receptor family as essential activators of pyroptosis. Additionally, we comprehensively examine the Gasdermin family, renowned for their role as executioner proteins in pyroptosis. Central to our review is the interplay between pyroptosis and various central nervous system (CNS) cell types, including astrocytes, microglia, neurons, and the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Pyroptosis emerges as a significant factor in the pathophysiology of each cell type, highlighting its far-reaching impact on neurological diseases. This review also thoroughly addresses the involvement of pyroptosis in specific neurological conditions, such as HIV infection, drug abuse-mediated pathologies, Alzheimer's disease, and Parkinson's disease. These discussions illuminate the intricate connections between pyroptosis, chronic inflammation, and cell death in the development of these disorders. We also conducted a comparative analysis, contrasting pyroptosis with other cell death mechanisms, thereby shedding light on their unique aspects. This approach helps clarify the distinct contributions of pyroptosis to neuroinflammatory processes. In conclusion, this review offers a comprehensive exploration of the role of pyroptosis in various neurological diseases, emphasizing its multifaceted molecular mechanisms within various CNS cell types. By elucidating the link between pyroptosis and chronic inflammation in the context of neurodegenerative disorders and infections, it provides valuable insights into potential therapeutic targets for mitigating these conditions.

Molecular mechanism of bovine Gasdermin D-mediated pyroptosis

Pyroptosis is a form of programmed cell death characterized by cell swelling, pore formation in the plasma membrane, lysis, and releases of cytoplasmic contents. To date, the molecular mechanism of human and murine Gasdermin D-mediated pyroptosis have been fully investigated. However, studies focusing on molecular mechanism of bovine Gasdermin D (bGSDMD)-mediated pyroptosis and its function against pathogenic infection were unclear. In the present study, we demonstrate that bovine caspase-1 (bCaspase-1) cleaves bGSDMD at amino acid residue D277 to produce an N-terminal fragment (bGSDMD-p30) which leads to pyroptosis. The amino acid residues T238 and F239 are critical for bGSDMD-p30-mediated pyroptosis. The loop aa 278-299, L293 and A380 are the key sites for autoinhibitory structure of the full length of bGSDMD. In addition, bCaspase-3 also cleaves bGSDMD at residue Asp86 without inducing cell death. Therefore, our study provides the first detailed elucidation of the mechanism of bovine GSDMD-mediated pyroptosis. The results will establish a significant foundation for future research on the role of pyroptosis in bovine infectious diseases.