mtCLIC/CLIC4, an organellular chloride channel protein, is increased by DNA damage and participates in the apoptotic response to p53

Ion channel expression and function in glioblastoma multiforme (GBM): pathophysiological mechanisms and therapeutic potential

Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM) is a highly malignant and diffusely invasive WHO Grade IV brain tumor arising from glial and neural stem cells. GBM is characterized by rapid proliferation and migration, aggressive invasion of local brain parenchyma, a hypoxic microenvironment, resistance to apoptosis and high vascular remodeling and angiogenesis. These hallmarks contribute to a near universal tumor recurrence after treatment or resection and poor patient prognosis. Ion channels, a superfamily of proteins responsible for permitting ion flux across otherwise impermeant membranes, show extensive remodeling in GBM with aberrant function mechanistically linked to manipulation of each of these hallmarks. In this review, we will discuss the known links between ion channel expression and activity and cellular processes that are enhanced or perturbed during GBM formation or progression. We will also discuss the extent to which basic or translational findings on ion channels in GBM samples or cell lines have shown preclinical promise towards the development of improved therapeutics against GBMs.

Chloride intracellular channel 4 blockade improves cognition in mice with Alzheimer's disease: CLIC4 protein expression and tau protein hyperphosphorylation

Numerous academic literature suggests that amyloid-β (Aβ) deposition, tau protein phosphorylation, and irreversible neuronal death are the three major causes of AD. The chloride intracellular channel (CLIC) protein family not only regulates the polarisation of neurons, but also has important implications for neuronal survival. Chloride intracellular channel 4 (CLIC4) can be pathologically activated by cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (Cdk5), which causes a significant increase in the expression of CLIC4 and mediates neuronal apoptosis. CLIC4 knockdown inhibits H2O2-induced neuronal apoptosis; however, the relationship between CLIC4 and AD remains unknown. In the present study, we showed that CLIC4 expression was elevated in the hippocampus of AD mice; knockdown of hippocampal CLIC4 alleviated Aβ25-35-induced cognitive impairment in mice; overexpression of hippocampal CLIC4 accelerated Aβ deposition and tau protein hyperphosphorylation in young AD mice (APP/PS1 mice at three months of age). CLIC4 overexpressing mice had a longer escape latency compared to controls in behavioural testing (Morris water maze and T-maze tests). By Co-immunoprecipitation/mass spectrometry (Co-IP/MS) of HT22 cells to identify proteins that specifically bind to CLIC4, we found interactions with CCAAT enhancer binding protein (C/EBPβ); a critical pathway involved in the development of various neurodegenerative diseases. In addition, the knockdown of hippocampal CLIC4 alleviated AD-like pathology by inhibiting the C/EBPβ/AEP signaling pathway. These data suggest an essential role for high CLIC4 expression in the pathophysiology of AD and reveal that inhibition of CLIC4 expression may provide an opportunity for treatment.

RNA N6-methyladenosine modifications in urological cancers: from mechanism to application

The N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification is the most common modification of messenger RNAs in eukaryotes and has crucial roles in multiple cancers, including in urological malignancies such as renal cell carcinoma, bladder cancer and prostate cancer. The m6A RNA modification is controlled by three types of regulators, including methyltransferases (writers), demethylases (erasers) and RNA-binding proteins (readers), which are responsible for gene regulation at the post-transcriptional level. This Review summarizes the current evidence indicating that aberrant or dysregulated m6A modification is associated with urological cancer development, progression and prognosis. The complex and context-dependent effects of dysregulated m6A modifications in urological cancers are described, along with the potential for aberrantly expressed m6A regulators to provide valuable diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers as well as new therapeutic targets.

Retrograde AAV-mediated gene modulation reveals chloride intracellular channel proteins as potent regulators of retinal ganglion cell death

Most projection neurons, including retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), undergo cell death after axotomy proximal to the cell body. Specific RGC subtypes, such as ON-OFF direction selective RGCs (ooDSGCs) are particularly vulnerable, whereas intrinsically photosensitive RGCs (ipRGCs) exhibit resilience to axonal injury. Through the application of RNA sequencing and fluorescent in situ hybridization, we show that the expression of chloride intracellular channel protein 1 and 4 (Clic1 and Clic4) are highly increased in the ooDSGCs after axonal injury. Toward determining a gene's role in RGCs, we optimized the utility and efficacy of adenovirus associated virus (AAV)-retro expressing short hairpin RNA (shRNA). Injection of AAV2-retro into the superior colliculus results in efficient shRNA expression in RGCs. Incorporating histone H2B gene fused with mGreenLantern results in bright nuclear reporter expression, thereby enhancing single RGC identification and cell quantitation in live retinas. Lastly, we demonstrate that AAV2-retro mediated knockdown of both Clic1 and Clic4 promotes RGC survival after injury. Our findings establish an integrated use of AAV2-retro-shRNA and real-time fundus imaging and reveal CLICs' contribution to RGC death.

Coping with salinity extremes: Gill transcriptome profiling in the black-chinned tilapia (Sarotherodon melanotheron)

Steeper and sometimes extreme salinity gradients increasingly affect aquatic organisms because of climate change. Hypersalinity habitats demand powerful physiological adaptive strategies. Few teleost species have the capacity to spend their whole life cycle in salinities way over seawater levels. Focusing on the multifunctional gill, we unraveled the tilapia S. melanotheron key strategies to cope with different environmental conditions, ranging from freshwater up to hypersaline habitats. De novo transcriptome assembly based on RNAseq allowed for the analysis of 40,967 annotated transcripts among samples collected in three wild populations at 0, 40 and 80 ‰. A trend analysis of the expression patterns revealed responses across the salinity gradient with different gene pathways involved. Genes linked to ion transport, pH regulation and cell surface receptor signaling were mainly upregulated in the high salinity habitat. We identified tight junction proteins that were critical in high salinity habitats and that were different from the well-known tightening junctional proteins identified and expressed in fresh water. Expression profiles also suggest a change in the vascular tone that could be linked to an osmorespiratory compromise not only in fresh water, but also in high salinity environments. A striking downregulation of genes linked to the immune system and to the heat shock response was observed suggesting an energetic trade-off between immunity and acclimation/adaptation in the hypersaline habitat. The high expression of transcripts coding for immune and heat shock response in the freshwater habitat suggests the establishment of powerful mechanisms to protect gills from environmental threats and to maintain protein integrity. Non-directional expression trends were also detected with an upregulation of genes only in the hypersaline habitat (80 ‰) or only in the marine habitat (40 ‰). Unravel physiological strategies in S. melanotheron populations will help to better understand the molecular basis of fish euryhalinity in salinity-contrasted environments.

Circular RNAs: Regulators of endothelial cell dysfunction in atherosclerosis

Endothelial cell (EC) dysfunction is associated with atherosclerosis. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are covalently closed loops formed by back-splicing, are highly expressed in a tissue-specific or cell-specific manner, and regulate ECs mainly through miRNAs (mircoRNAs) or protein sponges. This review describes the regulatory mechanisms and physiological functions of circRNAs, as well as the differential expression of circRNAs in aberrant ECs. This review focuses on their roles in inflammation, proliferation, migration, angiogenesis, apoptosis, senescence, and autophagy in ECs from the perspective of signaling pathways, such as nuclear factor κB (NF-κB), nucleotide-binding domain, leucine-rich-repeat family, pyrin-domain-containing 3 (NLRP3)/caspase-1, Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK/STAT), and phosphoinositide-3 kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt). Finally, we address the issues and recent advances in circRNAs as well as circRNA-mediated regulation of ECs to improve our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the progression of atherosclerosis and provide a reference for studies on circRNAs that regulate EC dysfunction and thus affect atherosclerosis.

Biophysical characterization of chloride intracellular channel 6 (CLIC6)

Chloride intracellular channels (CLICs) are a family of proteins that exist in soluble and transmembrane forms. The newest discovered member of the family CLIC6 is implicated in breast, ovarian, lung gastric, and pancreatic cancers and is also known to interact with dopamine-(D(2)-like) receptors. The soluble structure of the channel has been resolved, but the exact physiological role of CLIC6, biophysical characterization, and the membrane structure remain unknown. Here, we aimed to characterize the biophysical properties of this channel using a patch-clamp approach. To determine the biophysical properties of CLIC6, we expressed CLIC6 in HEK-293 cells. On ectopic expression, CLIC6 localizes to the plasma membrane of HEK-293 cells. We established the biophysical properties of CLIC6 by using electrophysiological approaches. Using various anions and potassium (K+) solutions, we determined that CLIC6 is more permeable to chloride-(Cl-) as compared to bromide-(Br-), fluoride-(F-), and K+ ions. In the whole-cell configuration, the CLIC6 currents were inhibited after the addition of 10 μM of IAA-94 (CLIC-specific blocker). CLIC6 was also found to be regulated by pH and redox potential. We demonstrate that the histidine residue at 648 (H648) in the C terminus and cysteine residue in the N terminus (C487) are directly involved in the pH-induced conformational change and redox regulation of CLIC6, respectively. Using qRT-PCR, we identified that CLIC6 is most abundant in the lung and brain, and we recorded the CLIC6 current in mouse lung epithelial cells. Overall, we have determined the biophysical properties of CLIC6 and established it as a Cl- channel.

Intracellular chloride channel 1 and tumor

As the major intracellular anion, chloride plays an important role in maintaining intracellular and extracellular ion homeostasis, osmotic pressure, and cell volume. Intracellular chloride channel 1, which has the physiological role of forming membrane proteins in the lipid bilayer and playing ion channels, is a hot research topic in recent years. It has been found that CLIC1 does not only act as an ion channel but also participates in cell cycle regulation, apoptosis, and intracellular oxidation; thus, it participates in the proliferation, invasion, and migration of various tumor cells in various systems throughout the body. At the same time, CLIC1 is highly expressed in tumor cells and is associated with malignancy and a poor prognosis. This paper reviews the pathological mechanisms of CLIC1 in systemic diseases, which is important for the early diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of systemic diseases associated with CLIC1 expression.

Post-translational modifications and protein quality control of mitochondrial channels and transporters

Mitochondria play a critical role in energy metabolism and signal transduction, which is tightly regulated by proteins, metabolites, and ion fluxes. Metabolites and ion homeostasis are mainly mediated by channels and transporters present on mitochondrial membranes. Mitochondria comprise two distinct compartments, the outer mitochondrial membrane (OMM) and the inner mitochondrial membrane (IMM), which have differing permeabilities to ions and metabolites. The OMM is semipermeable due to the presence of non-selective molecular pores, while the IMM is highly selective and impermeable due to the presence of specialized channels and transporters which regulate ion and metabolite fluxes. These channels and transporters are modulated by various post-translational modifications (PTMs), including phosphorylation, oxidative modifications, ions, and metabolites binding, glycosylation, acetylation, and others. Additionally, the mitochondrial protein quality control (MPQC) system plays a crucial role in ensuring efficient molecular flux through the mitochondrial membranes by selectively removing mistargeted or defective proteins. Inefficient functioning of the transporters and channels in mitochondria can disrupt cellular homeostasis, leading to the onset of various pathological conditions. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of the current understanding of mitochondrial channels and transporters in terms of their functions, PTMs, and quality control mechanisms.

Ion Channels as Potential Tools for the Diagnosis, Prognosis, and Treatment of HPV-Associated Cancers

The human papilloma virus (HPV) group comprises approximately 200 genetic types that have a special affinity for epithelial tissues and can vary from producing benign symptoms to developing into complicated pathologies, such as cancer. The HPV replicative cycle affects various cellular and molecular processes, including DNA insertions and methylation and relevant pathways related to pRb and p53, as well as ion channel expression or function. Ion channels are responsible for the flow of ions across cell membranes and play very important roles in human physiology, including the regulation of ion homeostasis, electrical excitability, and cell signaling. However, when ion channel function or expression is altered, the channels can trigger a wide range of channelopathies, including cancer. In consequence, the up- or down-regulation of ion channels in cancer makes them attractive molecular markers for the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of the disease. Interestingly, the activity or expression of several ion channels is dysregulated in HPV-associated cancers. Here, we review the status of ion channels and their regulation in HPV-associated cancers and discuss the potential molecular mechanisms involved. Understanding the dynamics of ion channels in these cancers should help to improve early diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment in the benefit of HPV-associated cancer patients.

A novel nomogram for predicting overall survival in peripheral T cell lymphoma patients.. [DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-2823604/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0]

Background The prognosis of peripheral T cell lymphomas (PTCLs) varies greatly. This study aimed at generating a prognostic nomogram based on differentially expressed genes (DEGs).Methods Firstly, we collected RNA transcripts from Gene Expression Omnibus and identified DEGs. Secondly we used univariate Cox regression, Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) to screen the independent risk factors to construct nomogram in the training cohort. Thirdly, we evaluate its prediction accuracy via decision curves analysis (DCA), receiver operating characteristic (ROC) and calibration rate to confirm its performance on survival in training and validation cohort. Then we carried out subgroup analysis in training and validation to eliminate the effects of age, gender, and pathological subtype. Lastly, to verify feasibility of nomogram in practice, we applied immunohistochemistry to clinical samples and analyzed the relationship between IHC scores and prognosis.Results The 702 DEGs between 40 PTCLs and 20 non-tumor patients were identified. Then ANGPTL2, CPSF4, CLIC4 and OTUD6B were screened out as independent risk factors via univariate Cox regression and LASSO. The DCA, ROC, Harrell’s concordance index (c-index) and calibration rate showed nomogram predicting more accurately than any single specific transcript. The results showed PTCLs with higher nomogram-score had a longer survival, regardless of age, gender and pathological subtype. Finally, the high expression level of ANGPTL2, CPSF4 and OTUD6B related to poor prognosis. Higher expression of CLIC4 related to longer survival.Conclusion This nomogram showed the favorable clinical applicability, regardless of age, gender and pathological subtype.

Multi-omics analysis identifies RFX7 targets involved in tumor suppression and neuronal processes

Recurrently mutated in lymphoid neoplasms, the transcription factor RFX7 is emerging as a tumor suppressor. Previous reports suggested that RFX7 may also have a role in neurological and metabolic disorders. We recently reported that RFX7 responds to p53 signaling and cellular stress. Furthermore, we found RFX7 target genes to be dysregulated in numerous cancer types also beyond the hematological system. However, our understanding of RFX7's target gene network and its role in health and disease remains limited. Here, we generated RFX7 knock-out cells and employed a multi-omics approach integrating transcriptome, cistrome, and proteome data to obtain a more comprehensive picture of RFX7 targets. We identify novel target genes linked to RFX7's tumor suppressor function and underscoring its potential role in neurological disorders. Importantly, our data reveal RFX7 as a mechanistic link that enables the activation of these genes in response to p53 signaling.

Intracellular Chloride Channels Regulate Endothelial Metabolic Reprogramming in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

Mitochondrial fission and a metabolic switch from oxidative phosphorylation to glycolysis are key features of vascular pathology in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and are associated with exuberant endothelial proliferation and apoptosis. The underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. We describe the contribution of two intracellular chloride channel proteins, CLIC1 and CLIC4, both highly expressed in PAH and cancer, to mitochondrial dysfunction and energy metabolism in PAH endothelium. Pathological overexpression of CLIC proteins induces mitochondrial fragmentation, inhibits mitochondrial cristae formation, and induces metabolic shift toward glycolysis in human pulmonary artery endothelial cells, consistent with changes observed in patient-derived cells. Interactions of CLIC proteins with structural components of the inner mitochondrial membrane offer mechanistic insights. Endothelial CLIC4 excision and mitofusin 2 supplementation have protective effects in human PAH cells and preclinical PAH. This study is the first to demonstrate the key role of endothelial intracellular chloride channels in the regulation of mitochondrial structure, biogenesis, and metabolic reprogramming in expression of the PAH phenotype.

CLIC4 localizes to mitochondrial-associated membranes and mediates cardioprotection

Mitochondrial-associated membranes (MAMs) are known to modulate organellar and cellular functions and can subsequently affect pathophysiology including myocardial ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury. Thus, identifying molecular targets in MAMs that regulate the outcome of IR injury will hold a key to efficient therapeutics. Here, we found chloride intracellular channel protein (CLIC4) presence in MAMs of cardiomyocytes and demonstrate its role in modulating ER and mitochondrial calcium homeostasis under physiological and pathological conditions. In a murine model, loss of CLIC4 increased myocardial infarction and substantially reduced cardiac function after IR injury. CLIC4 null cardiomyocytes showed increased apoptosis and mitochondrial dysfunction upon hypoxia-reoxygenation injury in comparison to wild-type cardiomyocytes. Overall, our results indicate that MAM-CLIC4 is a key mediator of cellular response to IR injury and therefore may have a potential implication on other pathophysiological processes.

Chloride Intracellular Channel Proteins (CLICs) and Malignant Tumor Progression: A Focus on the Preventive Role of CLIC2 in Invasion and Metastasis

Simple Summary

Although chloride intracellular channel proteins (CLICs) have been identified as ion channel proteins, their true functions are still elusive. Recent in silico analyses show that CLICs may be prognostic markers in cancer. This review focuses on CLIC2 that plays preventive roles in malignant cell invasion and metastasis. CLIC2 is secreted extracellularly and binds to matrix metalloproteinase 14 (MMP14), while inhibiting its activity. As a result, CLIC2 may contribute to the development/maintenance of junctions between blood vessel endothelial cells and the inhibition of invasion and metastasis of tumor cells. CLIC2 may be a novel therapeutic target for malignancies.

Abstract

CLICs are the dimorphic protein present in both soluble and membrane fractions. As an integral membrane protein, CLICs potentially possess ion channel activity. However, it is not fully clarified what kinds of roles CLICs play in physiological and pathological conditions. In vertebrates, CLICs are classified into six classes: CLIC1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6. Recently, in silico analyses have revealed that the expression level of CLICs may have prognostic significance in cancer. In this review, we focus on CLIC2, which has received less attention than other CLICs, and discuss its role in the metastasis and invasion of malignant tumor cells. CLIC2 is expressed at higher levels in benign tumors than in malignant ones, most likely preventing tumor cell invasion into surrounding tissues. CLIC2 is also expressed in the vascular endothelial cells of normal tissues and maintains their intercellular adhesive junctions, presumably suppressing the hematogenous metastasis of malignant tumor cells. Surprisingly, CLIC2 is localized in secretory granules and secreted into the extracellular milieu. Secreted CLIC2 binds to MMP14 and inhibits its activity, leading to suppressed MMP2 activity. CLIC4, on the other hand, promotes MMP14 activity. These findings challenge the assumption that CLICs are ion channels, implying that they could be potential new targets for the treatment of malignant tumors.

Cdk5-p25 as a key element linking amyloid and tau pathologies in Alzheimer's disease: Mechanisms and possible therapeutic interventions

Despite the fact that the small atypical serine/threonine cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (Cdk5) is expressed in a number of tissues, its activity is restricted to the central nervous system due to the neuron-only localization of its activators p35 and p39. Although its importance for the proper development and function of the brain and its role as a switch between neuronal survival and death are unmistakable and unquestionable, Cdk5 is nevertheless increasingly emerging, as supported by a large number of publications on the subject, as a therapeutic target of choice in the fight against Alzheimer's disease. Thus, its aberrant over activation via the calpain-dependent conversion of p35 into p25 is observed during the pathogenesis of the disease where it leads to the hyperphosphorylation of the β-amyloid precursor protein and tau. The present review highlights the pivotal roles of the hyperactive Cdk5-p25 complex activity in contributing to the development of Alzheimer's disease pathogenesis, with a particular emphasis on the linking function between Aβ and tau that this kinase fulfils and on the fact that Cdk5-p25 is part of a deleterious feed forward loop giving rise to a molecular machinery runaway leading to AD pathogenesis. Additionally, we discuss the advances and challenges related to the possible strategies aimed at specifically inhibiting Cdk5-p25 activity and which could lead to promising anti-AD therapeutics.

The oxidoreductase CLIC4 is required to maintain mitochondrial function and resistance to exogenous oxidants in breast cancer cells

The chloride intracellular channel-4 (CLIC4) is one of the six highly conserved proteins in the CLIC family that share high structural homology with GST-omega in the GST superfamily. While CLIC4 is a multifunctional protein that resides in multiple cellular compartments, the discovery of its enzymatic glutaredoxin-like activity in vitro suggested that it could function as an antioxidant. Here, we found that deleting CLIC4 from murine 6DT1 breast tumor cells using CRISPR enhanced the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and sensitized cells to apoptosis in response to H2O2 as a ROS-inducing agent. In intact cells, H2O2 increased the expression of both CLIC4 mRNA and protein. In addition, increased superoxide production in 6DT1 cells lacking CLIC4 was associated with mitochondrial hyperactivity including increased mitochondrial membrane potential and mitochondrial organelle enlargement. In the absence of CLIC4, however, H2O2-induced apoptosis was associated with low expression and degradation of the antiapoptotic mitochondrial protein Bcl2 and the negative regulator of mitochondrial ROS, UCP2. Furthermore, transcriptomic profiling of H2O2-treated control and CLIC4-null cells revealed upregulation of genes associated with ROS-induced apoptosis and downregulation of genes that sustain mitochondrial functions. Accordingly, tumors that formed from transplantation of CLIC4-deficient 6DT1 cells were highly necrotic. These results highlight a critical role for CLIC4 in maintaining redox-homeostasis and mitochondrial functions in 6DT1 cells. Our findings also raise the possibility of targeting CLIC4 to increase cancer cell sensitivity to chemotherapeutic drugs that are based on elevating ROS in cancer cells.

Bile Acids Induce Alterations in Mitochondrial Function in Skeletal Muscle Fibers

Cholestatic chronic liver disease is characterized by developing sarcopenia and elevated serum levels of bile acids. Sarcopenia is a skeletal muscle disorder with the hallmarks of muscle weakness, muscle mass loss, and muscle strength decline. Our previous report demonstrated that deoxycholic acid (DCA) and cholic acid (CA), through the membrane receptor TGR5, induce a sarcopenia-like phenotype in myotubes and muscle fibers. The present study aimed to evaluate the impact of DCA and CA on mitochondrial mass and function in muscle fibers and the role of the TGR5 receptor. To this end, muscle fibers obtained from wild-type and TGR5^−/− mice were incubated with DCA and CA. Our results indicated that DCA and CA decreased mitochondrial mass, DNA, and potential in a TGR5-dependent fashion. Furthermore, with TGR5 participation, DCA and CA also reduced the oxygen consumption rate and complexes I and II from the mitochondrial electron transport chain. In addition, DCA and CA generated more mitochondrial reactive oxygen species than the control, which were abolished in TGR5^−/− mice muscle fibers. Our results indicate that DCA and CA induce mitochondrial dysfunction in muscle fibers through a TGR5-dependent mechanism.

N6-methyladenosine demethylase FTO suppressed prostate cancer progression by maintaining CLIC4 mRNA stability

The fat mass and obesity-associated protein (FTO) is an N6-Methyladenosine (m6A) demethylase, which has been revealed to play critical roles in tumorigenesis. However, its role in the development and progression of prostate cancer (PCa) remains poorly understood. Here, we aimed to investigate the function and clinical relevance of FTO in PCa. Our results demonstrated that FTO was notably downregulated in PCa tissues compared with the paired normal tissues. In addition, the decreased expression of FTO was correlated with poor prognosis of PCa. Functional experiments showed that depletion of FTO promoted the proliferation and metastasis of PCa both in vitro and in vivo. Conversely, ectopic expression of FTO exhibited the opposite effects. Combined with RNA-sequencing, MeRIP-RT-qPCR, and mRNA stability assays indicated chloride intracellular channel 4(CLIC4) was a functional target of FTO-mediated m6A modification. FTO depletion significantly increased the m6A level of CLIC4 mRNA and then reduced the mRNA stability. In conclusion, our findings suggest that FTO suppresses PCa proliferation and metastasis through reducing the degradation of CLIC4 mRNA in an m6A dependent manner. FTO may be used as a promising novel therapeutic target and prognostic evaluation biomarker for PCa.

Induction of Pro-Fibrotic CLIC4 in Dermal Fibroblasts by TGF-β/Wnt3a Is Mediated by GLI2 Upregulation

Chloride intracellular channel 4 (CLIC4) is a recently discovered driver of fibroblast activation in Scleroderma (SSc) and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF). CLIC4 expression and activity are regulated by TGF-β signalling through the SMAD3 transcription factor. In view of the aberrant activation of canonical Wnt-3a and Hedgehog (Hh) signalling in fibrosis, we investigated their role in CLIC4 upregulation. Here, we show that TGF-β/SMAD3 co-operates with Wnt3a/β-catenin and Smoothened/GLI signalling to drive CLIC4 expression in normal dermal fibroblasts, and that the inhibition of β-catenin and GLI expression or activity abolishes TGF-β/SMAD3-dependent CLIC4 induction. We further show that the expression of the pro-fibrotic marker α-smooth muscle actin strongly correlates with CLIC4 expression in dermal fibroblasts. Further investigations revealed that the inhibition of CLIC4 reverses morphogen-dependent fibroblast activation. Our data highlights that CLIC4 is a common downstream target of TGF-β, Hh, and Wnt-3a through signalling crosstalk and we propose a potential therapeutic avenue using CLIC4 inhibitors

Clues and new evidences in arterial hypertension: unmasking the role of the chloride anion

The present review will focus on the role of chloride anion in cardiovascular disease, with special emphasis in the development of hypertensive disease and vascular inflammation. It is known that acute and chronic overload of sodium chloride increase blood pressure and have pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrotic effects on different target organs, but it is unknown how chloride may influence these processes. Chloride anion is the predominant anion in the extracellular fluid and its intracellular concentration is dynamically regulated. As the queen of the electrolytes, it is of crucial importance to understand the physiological mechanisms that regulate the cellular handling of this anion including the different transporters and cellular chloride channels, which exert a variety of functions, such as regulation of cellular proliferation, differentiation, migration, apoptosis, intracellular pH and cellular redox state. In this article, we will also review the relationship between dietary, serum and intracellular chloride and how these different sources of chloride in the organism are affected in hypertension and their impact on cardiovascular disease. Additionally, we will discuss the approach of potential strategies that affect chloride handling and its potential effect on cardiovascular system, including pharmacological blockade of chloride channels and non-pharmacological interventions by replacing chloride by another anion.

Chloride intracellular channel 4 (CLIC4) expression profile in the mouse medial prefrontal cortex and its regulation by ethanol

BACKGROUND

Chloride intracellular channel 4 (CLIC4) is a multifunctional metamorphic protein for which a growing body of evidence supports a major role in the brain's molecular and behavioral responses to ethanol (EtOH). Although key to understanding the functional biology underlying this role, little is known about the cellular and subcellular expression patterns of CLIC4 in brain and how they are affected by EtOH.

METHODS

We used qRT-PCR to assess Clic4 mRNA expression in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) of C57BL/6J mice in the absence and presence of acute EtOH exposure. Two complementary immunohistochemical techniques were employed to assess the subcellular localization of the CLIC4 protein and its pattern of expression across brain cell types in the mPFC in the absence and presence of acute EtOH.

RESULTS

Through immunohistochemical and stereological techniques, we show that CLIC4 protein is robustly expressed by oligodendrocytes (most abundant), microglia, and astrocytes, with minimal expression in neurons. Following acute EtOH exposure, we observed a rapid increase in Clic4 mRNA expression in female but not male mice and an overall increase in the number of oligodendrocytes and astrocytes expressing the CLIC4 protein.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that Clic4 functions as an early response gene for acute EtOH in brain, which likely underlies its ability to modulate EtOH behavior. Our results also suggest that the role of CLIC4 in the brain's response to EtOH is mediated through oligodendrocytes.

Modulation of pancreatic cancer cell sensitivity to FOLFIRINOX through microRNA-mediated regulation of DNA damage

FOLFIRINOX, a combination of chemotherapy drugs (Fluorouracil, Oxaliplatin, Irinotecan -FOI), provides the best clinical benefit in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) patients. In this study we explore the role of miRNAs (MIR) as modulators of chemosensitivity to identify potential biomarkers of response. We find that 41 and 84 microRNA inhibitors enhance the sensitivity of Capan1 and MiaPaCa2 PDAC cells respectively. These include a MIR1307-inhibitor that we validate in further PDAC cell lines. Chemotherapy-induced apoptosis and DNA damage accumulation are higher in MIR1307 knock-out (MIR1307KO) versus control PDAC cells, while re-expression of MIR1307 in MIR1307KO cells rescues these effects. We identify binding of MIR1307 to CLIC5 mRNA through covalent ligation of endogenous Argonaute-bound RNAs cross-linking immunoprecipitation assay. We validate these findings in an in vivo model with MIR1307 disruption. In a pilot cohort of PDAC patients undergoing FOLFIRONX chemotherapy, circulating MIR1307 correlates with clinical outcome.

Dexmedetomidine Alleviates Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Hippocampal Neuronal Apoptosis via Inhibiting the p38 MAPK/c-Myc/CLIC4 Signaling Pathway in Rats

Dexmedetomidine (DEX) has multiple biological effects. Here, we investigated the neuroprotective role and molecular mechanism of DEX against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced hippocampal neuronal apoptosis. Sprague Dawley rats were intraperitoneally injected with LPS (10 mg/kg) and/or DEX (30 µg/kg). We found that DEX improved LPS-induced alterations of hippocampal microstructure (necrosis and neuronal loss in the CA1 and CA3 regions) and ultrastructure (mitochondrial damage). DEX also attenuated LPS-induced inflammation and hippocampal apoptosis by inhibiting the increase of interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, interleukin-18, and tumor necrosis factor-α levels and downregulating the expression of mitochondrial apoptosis pathway-related proteins. Moreover, DEX prevented the LPS-induced activation of the c-Myc/chloride intracellular channel 4 (CLIC4) pathway. DEX inhibited the p38 MAPK pathway, but not JNK and ERK. To further clarify whether DEX alleviated LPS-induced neuronal apoptosis through the p38 MAPK/c-Myc/CLIC4 pathway, we treated PC12 cells with p38 MAPK inhibitor SB203582 (10 µM). DEX had the same effect as SB203582 in reducing the protein and mRNA expression of c-Myc and CLIC4. Furthermore, DEX and SB203582 diminished LPS-induced apoptosis, indicated by decreased Bax and Tom20 fluorescent double-stained cells, reduced annexin V-FITC/PI apoptosis rate, and reduced protein expression levels of Bax, cytochrome C, cleaved caspase-9, and cleaved caspase-3. Taken together, the findings indicate that DEX attenuates LPS-induced hippocampal neuronal apoptosis by regulating the p38 MAPK/c-Myc/CLIC4 signaling pathway. These findings provide new insights into the mechanism of Alzheimer's disease and depression and may help aid in drug development for these diseases.

Mitochondrial ion channels in cardiac function

Mitochondria have been recognized as key organelles in cardiac physiology and are potential targets for clinical interventions to improve cardiac function. Mitochondrial dysfunction has been accepted as a major contributor to the development of heart failure. The main function of mitochondria is to meet the high energy demands of the heart by oxidative metabolism. Ionic homeostasis in mitochondria directly regulates oxidative metabolism, and any disruption in ionic homeostasis causes mitochondrial dysfunction and eventually contractile failure. The mitochondrial ionic homeostasis is closely coupled with inner mitochondrial membrane potential. To regulate and maintain ionic homeostasis, mitochondrial membranes are equipped with ion transporting proteins. Ion transport mechanisms involving several different ion channels and transporters are highly efficient and dynamic, thus helping to maintain the ionic homeostasis of ions as well as their salts present in the mitochondrial matrix. In recent years, several novel proteins have been identified on the mitochondrial membranes and these proteins are actively being pursued in research for roles in the organ as well as organelle physiology. In this article, the role of mitochondrial ion channels in cardiac function is reviewed. In recent times, the major focus of the mitochondrial ion channel field is to establish molecular identities as well as assigning specific functions to them. Given the diversity of mitochondrial ion channels and their unique roles in cardiac function, they present novel and viable therapeutic targets for cardiac diseases.

Chloride intracellular channels as novel biomarkers for digestive system tumors (Review)

Digestive system malignant tumors are common tumors, and the traditional treatment methods for these tumors include surgical resection, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and molecularly targeted drugs. However, diagnosis remains challenging, and the early detection of postoperative recurrence is complicated. Therefore, it is necessary to explore novel biomarkers to facilitate clinical diagnosis and treatment. Accumulating evidence supports the crucial role of chloride channels in the development of multiple types of cancers. Given that chloride channels are widely expressed and involved in cell proliferation, apoptosis and cell cycle, among other processes, they may serve as a promising diagnostic and therapeutic target. Chloride intracellular channels (CLICs) are a class of chloride channels that are upregulated or downregulated in certain types of cancer. Furthermore, in certain cases, during cell cycle progression, the localization and function of the cytosolic form of the transmembrane proteins of CLICs are also altered, which may provide a key target for cancer therapy. The aim of the present review was to focus on CLICs as biomarkers for digestive system tumors.

Transcriptome analysis of chloride intracellular channel knockdown in Drosophila identifies oxidation-reduction function as possible mechanism of altered sensitivity to ethanol sedation

Chloride intracellular channels (CLICs) are a unique family of evolutionarily conserved metamorphic proteins, switching between stable conformations based on redox conditions. CLICs have been implicated in a wide variety biological processes including ion channel activity, apoptosis, membrane trafficking, and enzymatic oxidoreductase activity. Understanding the molecular mechanisms by which CLICs engage in these activities is an area of active research. Here, the sole Drosophila melanogaster ortholog, Clic, was targeted for RNAi knockdown to identify genes and biological processes associated with Clic expression. Clic knockdown had a substantial impact on global transcription, altering expression of over 7% of transcribed Drosophila genes. Overrepresentation analysis of differentially expressed genes identified enrichment of Gene Ontology terms including Cytoplasmic Translation, Oxidation-Reduction Process, Heme Binding, Membrane, Cell Junction, and Nucleolus. The top term, Cytoplasmic Translation, was enriched almost exclusively with downregulated genes. Drosophila Clic and vertebrate ortholog Clic4 have previously been tied to ethanol sensitivity and ethanol-regulated expression. Clic knockdown-responsive genes from the present study were found to overlap significantly with gene sets from 4 independently published studies related to ethanol exposure and sensitivity in Drosophila. Bioinformatic analysis of genes shared between these studies revealed an enrichment of genes related to amino acid metabolism, protein processing, oxidation-reduction processes, and lipid particles among others. To determine whether the modulation of ethanol sensitivity by Clic may be related to co-regulated oxidation-reduction processes, we evaluated the effect of hyperoxia on ethanol sedation in Clic knockdown flies. Consistent with previous findings, Clic knockdown reduced acute ethanol sedation sensitivity in flies housed under normoxia. However, this effect was reversed by exposure to hyperoxia, suggesting a common set of molecular-genetic mechanism may modulate each of these processes. This study suggests that Drosophila Clic has a major influence on regulation of oxidative stress signaling and that this function overlaps with the molecular mechanisms of acute ethanol sensitivity in the fly.

Genome-wide scan reveals genomic regions and candidate genes underlying direct and maternal effects of preweaning calf mortality in Nellore cattle

We conducted analysis to estimate genetic parameters and to identify genomic regions and candidate genes affecting direct and maternal effects of preweaning calf mortality (PWM) in Nellore cattle. Phenotypic records of 67,196 animals, and 8443 genotypes for 410,936 SNPs were used. Analysis were performed through the weighted single-step GBLUP approach and considering a threshold animal model via Bayesian Inference. Direct and maternal heritability estimates were of 0.2143 ± 0.0348 and 0.0137 ± 0.0066, respectively. The top 10 genomic regions accounted for 13.61 and 14.23% of the direct and maternal additive genetic variances and harbored a total of 63 and 91 positional candidate genes, respectively. Two overlapping regions on BTA2 were identified for both direct and maternal effects. Candidate genes are involved in biological mechanisms i.e. embryogenesis, immune response, feto-maternal communication, circadian rhythm, hormone alterations, myometrium adaptation, and milk secretion, which are critical for the successful calf growth and survival during preweaning period.

Mitochondrial osmoregulation in evolution, cation transport and metabolism

This review provides a retrospective on the role of osmotic regulation in the process of eukaryogenesis. Specifically, it focuses on the adjustments which must have been made by the original colonizing α-proteobacteria that led to the evolution of modern mitochondria. We focus on the cations that are fundamentally involved in volume determination and cellular metabolism and define the transporter landscape in relation to these ions in mitochondria as we know today. We provide analysis on how the cations interplay and together maintain osmotic balance that allows for effective ATP synthesis in the organelle.

Targeting Ion Channels for Cancer Treatment: Current Progress and Future Challenges

Ion channels are key regulators of cancer cell pathophysiology. They contribute to a variety of processes such as maintenance of cellular osmolarity and membrane potential, motility (via interactions with the cytoskeleton), invasion, signal transduction, transcriptional activity and cell cycle progression, leading to tumour progression and metastasis. Ion channels thus represent promising targets for cancer therapy. Ion channels are attractive targets because many of them are expressed at the plasma membrane and a broad range of existing inhibitors are already in clinical use for other indications. However, many of the ion channels identified in cancer cells are also active in healthy normal cells, so there is a risk that certain blockers may have off-target effects on normal physiological function. This review describes recent research advances into ion channel inhibitors as anticancer therapeutics. A growing body of evidence suggests that a range of existing and novel Na⁺, K⁺, Ca²⁺ and Cl^- channel inhibitors may be effective for suppressing cancer cell proliferation, migration and invasion, as well as enhancing apoptosis, leading to suppression of tumour growth and metastasis, either alone or in combination with standard-of-care therapies. The majority of evidence to date is based on preclinical in vitro and in vivo studies, although there are several examples of ion channel-targeting strategies now reaching early phase clinical trials. Given the strong links between ion channel function and regulation of tumour growth, metastasis and chemotherapy resistance, it is likely that further work in this area will facilitate the development of new therapeutic approaches which will reach the clinic in the future.

Membrane Transporters and Channels in Melanoma

Recent research has revealed that ion channels and transporters can be important players in tumor development, progression, and therapy resistance in melanoma. For example, members of the ABC family were shown to support cancer stemness-like features in melanoma cells, while several members of the TRP channel family were reported to act as tumor suppressors.Also, many transporter proteins support tumor cell viability and thus suppress apoptosis induction by anticancer therapy. Due to the high number of ion channels and transporters and the resulting high complexity of the field, progress in understanding is often focused on single molecules and is in total rather slow. In this review, we aim at giving an overview about a broad subset of ion transporters, also illustrating some aspects of the field, which have not been addressed in detail in melanoma. In context with the other chapters in this special issue on "Transportome Malfunctions in the Cancer Spectrum," a comparison between melanoma and these tumors will be possible.

Modification in CLIC4 Expression is Associated with P53, TGF-β, TNF-α and Myofibroblasts in Lip Carcinogenesis

Chloride intracellular channel-4 (CLIC4) is regulated by p53 and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), it is linked to the increase of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), and myofibroblastic differentiation in skin carcinogenesis. This study analyzed the immunoexpression of CLIC4, p53, TGF-β, TNF-α, and α-SMA in 50 actinic cheilitis (AC) and 50 lower lip squamous cell carcinoma (LLSCC). AC and LLSCC immunoexpression were categorized as score 1 (<5% positive cells), 2 (5-50%) or 3 (>50%). For CLIC4, nuclear and cytoplasmic immunostaining of epithelial cells was considered individually. For morphologic analysis, the World Health Organization criteria were used to epithelial dysplasia grade of ACs, and Bryne grading of malignancy system was applied for LLSCC. Higher nuclear CLIC4 (CLIC4n) and TGF-β were observed in ACs with low-risk of transformation, while cytoplasmic CLIC4 (CLIC4c), p53 and TNF-α were higher in the high-risk cases (p<0.05). In LLSCCs, CLIC4c was higher in cases with lymph node metastasis, advanced clinical stages, and histological high-grade malignancy. p53 expression was higher in high-grade LLSCCs, whereas TGF-β decreased as the clinical stage and morphological grade progressed (p<0.05). ACs showed an increased expression of CLIC4n and TGF-β, while CLIC4c and α-SMA were higher in LLSCCs (p<0.0001). Both lesions showed negative correlation between CLIC4n and CLIC4c, while in LLSCCs, negative correlation was also verified between CLIC4c and p53, as well as CLIC4c and TGF-β (p<0.05). Change of CLIC4 from the nucleus to cytoplasm and alterations in p53, TGF-β, TNF-α, and α-SMA expression are involved in lip carcinogenesis.

Effects of CLIC4 on Fucoxanthinol-Induced Apoptosis in Human Colorectal Cancer Cells

Fucoxanthin is a marine xanthophyll found in edible brown algae, and a metabolite, fucoxanthinol (FxOH), possesses a potent apoptosis inducing effect in many cancer cells. Chloride intracellular channel 4 (CLIC4) is a member of the CLIC family that plays an important role in cancer development and apoptosis. However, the role of CLIC4 in FxOH-induced apoptosis is not well understood. In this study, we investigated whether CLIC4 affects the apoptotic properties of FxOH in human colorectal cancer (CRC) cells under FxOH treatment. Treating human CRC DLD-1 cells with 5.0 μmol/L FxOH significantly induced apoptosis. FxOH downregulated CLIC4, integrin β1, NHERF2 and pSmad2 (Ser^465/467) by 0.6-, 0.7-, 0.7-, and 0.5-fold, respectively, compared with control cells without alteration of Rab35 expression. No colocalizing change was observed in CLIC4-related proteins in either control or FxOH-treated cells. CLIC4 knockdown suppressed cell growth and apoptosis. Interestingly, apoptosis induction by FxOH almost disappeared with CLIC4 knockdown. Our findings suggested that CLIC4 could be involved in FxOH-induced apoptosis in human CRC.

CLIC4 regulates radioresistance of nasopharyngeal carcinoma by iNOS after γ-rays but not carbon ions irradiation

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a major health problem in the East and Southeast Asia, and the intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) is the current preferred treatment method of NPC, but radioresistance-induced residual and recurrent tumors are the main cause of treatment failure. Till now, the mechanism of radioresistance and prognostic biomarkers of NPC are still unrevealed. In this study, we collected clinical NPC samples and established radioresistant NPC-R cell lines by irradiating NPC cells with fractionation doses of γ-rays. Using genechip assay between radioresistance and radiosensitive clinical samples and TMT assay between NPC and NPC-R cells, differential expressed genes were examined and the potential biomarker of radioresistance was screened. Immunohistochemical assay of NPC clinical specimens showed that CLIC4 was significantly up-regulated in radioresistance tumor tissues. In vitro studies confirmed that up-regulation of CLIC4 gene enhanced radioresistance in comparison with the alterations of intracellular oxidative metabolism of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitric oxide (NO) in an opposite way. Correspondingly, inhibition of CLIC4 sensitized NPC cells to irradiation and decreased nuclear translocation of iNOS and intracellular level of NO in NPC cells. Interestingly, the capacity for DNA repair had no difference between NPC and NPC-R cells. Moreover, because of great interests in using carbon ion irradiation to treat NPC effectively, we demonstrated that, after carbon ion irradiation, NPC-R and NPC cells had similar survival even under the status of up- or down-regulation of CLIC4. Conclusively, CLIC4 contributes to radioresistance of NPC to γ-rays but not carbon ions by regulating intracellular oxidative metabolism of nuclear translocation of iNOS.

Insights Into the Role of Mitochondrial Ion Channels in Inflammatory Response

Mitochondria are the source of many pro-inflammatory signals that cause the activation of the immune system and generate inflammatory responses. They are also potential targets of pro-inflammatory mediators, thus triggering a severe inflammatory response cycle. As mitochondria are a central hub for immune system activation, their dysfunction leads to many inflammatory disorders. Thus, strategies aiming at regulating mitochondrial dysfunction can be utilized as a therapeutic tool to cure inflammatory disorders. Two key factors that determine the structural and functional integrity of mitochondria are mitochondrial ion channels and transporters. They are not only important for maintaining the ionic homeostasis of the cell, but also play a role in regulating reactive oxygen species generation, ATP production, calcium homeostasis and apoptosis, which are common pro-inflammatory signals. The significance of the mitochondrial ion channels in inflammatory response is still not clearly understood and will need further investigation. In this article, we review the different mechanisms by which mitochondria can generate the inflammatory response as well as highlight how mitochondrial ion channels modulate these mechanisms and impact the inflammatory processes.

Mitochondrial ion channels in pancreatic β-cells: Novel pharmacological targets for the treatment of Type 2 diabetes

Pancreatic beta‐cells are central regulators of glucose homeostasis. By tightly coupling nutrient sensing and granule exocytosis, beta‐cells adjust the secretion of insulin to the circulating blood glucose levels. Failure of beta‐cells to augment insulin secretion in insulin‐resistant individuals leads progressively to impaired glucose tolerance, Type 2 diabetes, and diabetes‐related diseases. Mitochondria play a crucial role in β‐cells during nutrient stimulation, linking the metabolism of glucose and other secretagogues to the generation of signals that promote insulin secretion. Mitochondria are double‐membrane organelles containing numerous channels allowing the transport of ions across both membranes. These channels regulate mitochondrial energy production, signalling, and cell death. The mitochondria of β‐cells express ion channels whose physio/pathological role is underappreciated. Here, we describe the mitochondrial ion channels identified in pancreatic β‐cells, we further discuss the possibility of targeting specific β‐cell mitochondrial channels for the treatment of Type 2 diabetes, and we finally highlight the evidence from clinical studies.

LINKED ARTICLES

This article is part of a themed issue on Cellular metabolism and diseases. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v178.10/issuetoc

MicroRNA-217-5p ameliorates endothelial cell apoptosis induced by ox-LDL by targeting CLIC4

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Endothelial cell apoptosis plays an essential role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. MicroRNAs and chloride intracellular channels (CLICs) have been verified to participate in the endothelial cell apoptosis process, however, the underlying molecular mechanisms are still unclear. The main aim of this study was to investigate the biological effects of microRNA-217-5p (miR-217-5p) and CLIC4 on endothelial cell apoptosis in atherosclerosis.

METHODS AND RESULTS

An atherosclerotic mouse model (n = 18) was constructed by feeding apolipo protein E knockout ApoE^(-/-) mice with high-fat diet for 12 weeks. An atherosclerotic cell model was established by treating human aortic endothelial cells with oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL; 50 μg/mL) for 24 h. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and immunofluorescent staining confirmed the downregulation of miR-217-5p and upregulation of CLIC4 in atherosclerotic endothelial cells. Combined with western blot, flow cytometry assay and Hoechst staining, we demonstrated that miR-217-5p upregulation or CLIC4 knockdown regulated the apoptosis-related genes, ameliorated mitochondrial membrane permeability and therefore inhibited the apoptosis of aortic endothelial cells induced by ox-LDL. We further confirmed that miR-217-5p inhibited apoptosis of endothelial cells through targeting CLIC4 using luciferase report assay and rescue experiments.

CONCLUSION

We revealed for the first time that miR-217-5p inhibited apoptosis of endothelial cells in atherosclerosis and identified CLIC4 as a novel target of miR-217-5p. Our work provides a potential therapeutic approach for the treatment of atherosclerosis.

Intracellular Chloride Channels: Novel Biomarkers in Diseases

Ion channels are integral membrane proteins present on the plasma membrane as well as intracellular membranes. In the human genome, there are more than 400 known genes encoding ion channel proteins. Ion channels are known to regulate several cellular, organellar, and physiological processes. Any mutation or disruption in their function can result in pathological disorders, both common or rare. Ion channels present on the plasma membrane are widely acknowledged for their role in various biological processes, but in recent years, several studies have pointed out the importance of ion channels located in intracellular organelles. However, ion channels located in intracellular organelles are not well-understood in the context of physiological conditions, such as the generation of cellular excitability and ionic homeostasis. Due to the lack of information regarding their molecular identity and technical limitations of studying them, intracellular organelle ion channels have thus far been overlooked as potential therapeutic targets. In this review, we focus on a novel class of intracellular organelle ion channels, Chloride Intracellular Ion Channels (CLICs), mainly documented for their role in cardiovascular, neurophysiology, and tumor biology. CLICs have a single transmembrane domain, and in cells, they exist in cytosolic as well as membranous forms. They are predominantly present in intracellular organelles and have recently been shown to be localized to cardiomyocyte mitochondria as well as exosomes. In fact, a member of this family, CLIC5, is the first mitochondrial chloride channel to be identified on the molecular level in the inner mitochondrial membrane, while another member, CLIC4, is located predominantly in the outer mitochondrial membrane. In this review, we discuss this unique class of intracellular chloride channels, their role in pathologies, such as cardiovascular, cancer, and neurodegenerative diseases, and the recent developments concerning their usage as theraputic targets.

What biologists want from their chloride reporters – a conversation between chemists and biologists

Impaired chloride transport affects diverse processes ranging from neuron excitability to water secretion, which underlie epilepsy and cystic fibrosis, respectively. The ability to image chloride fluxes with fluorescent probes has been essential for the investigation of the roles of chloride channels and transporters in health and disease. Therefore, developing effective fluorescent chloride reporters is critical to characterizing chloride transporters and discovering new ones. However, each chloride channel or transporter has a unique functional context that demands a suite of chloride probes with appropriate sensing characteristics. This Review seeks to juxtapose the biology of chloride transport with the chemistries underlying chloride sensors by exploring the various biological roles of chloride and highlighting the insights delivered by studies using chloride reporters. We then delineate the evolution of small-molecule sensors and genetically encoded chloride reporters. Finally, we analyze discussions with chloride biologists to identify the advantages and limitations of sensors in each biological context, as well as to recognize the key design challenges that must be overcome for developing the next generation of chloride sensors.

Head and neck squamous cancer progression is marked by CLIC4 attenuation in tumor epithelium and reciprocal stromal upregulation of miR-142-3p, a novel post-transcriptional regulator of CLIC4

Chloride intracellular channel 4 (CLIC4) is a tumor suppressor implicated in processes including growth arrest, differentiation, and apoptosis. CLIC4 protein expression is diminished in the tumor parenchyma during progression in squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and other neoplasms, but the underlying mechanisms have not been identified. Data from The Cancer Genome Atlas suggest this is not driven by genomic alterations. However, screening and functional assays identified miR-142-3p as a regulator of CLIC4. CLIC4 and miR-142-3p expression are inversely correlated in head and neck (HN) SCC and cervical SCC, particularly in advanced stage cancers. In situ localization revealed that stromal immune cells, not tumor cells, are the predominant source of miR-142-3p in HNSCC. Furthermore, HNSCC single-cell expression data demonstrated that CLIC4 is lower in tumor epithelial cells than in stromal fibroblasts and endothelial cells. Tumor-specific downregulation of CLIC4 was confirmed in an SCC xenograft model concurrent with immune cell infiltration and miR-142-3p upregulation. These findings provide the first evidence of CLIC4 regulation by miRNA. Furthermore, the distinct localization of CLIC4 and miR-142-3p within the HNSCC tumor milieu highlight the limitations of bulk tumor analysis and provide critical considerations for both future mechanistic studies and use of miR-142-3p as a HNSCC biomarker.

Identification of two novel breast cancer loci through large-scale genome-wide association study in the Japanese population

Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have successfully identified about 70 genomic loci associated with breast cancer. Owing to the complexity of linkage disequilibrium and environmental exposures in different populations, it is essential to perform regional GWAS for better risk prediction. This study aimed to investigate the genetic architecture and to assess common genetic risk model of breast cancer with 6,669 breast cancer patients and 21,930 female controls in the Japanese population. This GWAS identified 11 genomic loci that surpass genome-wide significance threshold of P < 5.0 × 10⁻⁸ with nine previously reported loci and two novel loci that include rs9862599 on 3q13.11 (ALCAM) and rs75286142 on 21q22.12 (CLIC6-RUNX1). Validation study was carried out with 981 breast cancer cases and 1,394 controls from the Aichi Cancer Center. Pathway analyses of GWAS signals identified association of dopamine receptor medicated signaling and protein amino acid deacetylation with breast cancer. Weighted genetic risk score showed that individuals who were categorized in the highest risk group are approximately 3.7 times more likely to develop breast cancer compared to individuals in the lowest risk group. This well-powered GWAS is a representative study to identify SNPs that are associated with breast cancer in the Japanese population.

Role of c-Myc/chloride intracellular channel 4 pathway in lipopolysaccharide-induced neurodegenerative diseases

LPS-induced neuronal apoptosis leads to neurodegenerative diseases (NDs). However, the mechanisms underlying NDs pathogenesis remains unclear. The apoptotic response to activation of the c-Myc/chloride intracellular channel (CLIC4) pathway is directed through a mitochondrial pathway. In this study, we aimed to explore the c-Myc/CLIC4 pathway in the progression of NDs induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). In an in vivo experiment, the results of HE staining, transmission electron microscopic, immunofluorescence microscopy of cleaved caspase-3 and Bax and the increasing expression of apoptotic pathway related proteins in mitochondria showed that LPS (10 mg/kg) administration damaged mitochondrial and induced hippocampal neuron apoptosis. The Western blot and RT-PCR indicated that LPS induced the activation of c-Myc/CLIC4 pathway. Furthermore, in an in vitro experiment, PC12 cells were exposed to LPS to induce cell injuries to mimic the model of NDs. To further confirm the role of the c-Myc/CLIC4 pathway in LPS-induced neuronal apoptosis, the gene knockout of c-Myc and CLIC4 were performed by CRISPR/Cas9. The results of the flow cytometry assay and Annexin V-FITC/PI showed that knocking out c-Myc and CLIC4 significantly reduced cell apoptosis. The results of Western blot and dual immunofluorescence with Cyt c and TOM20 showed that knocking out c-Myc and CLIC4 significantly reduced the expression of mitochondrial apoptosis-related proteins. Our data confirmed that LPS-induced apoptosis is regulated by the activation of c-Myc/CLIC4 pathway. These results support further research mechanisms underlying neurodegenerative diseases and can provide effective pharmacodynamic targets for the clinical development of therapeutic drugs for neurodegenerative diseases.

Intracellular Peptides in Cell Biology and Pharmacology

Intracellular peptides are produced by proteasomes following degradation of nuclear, cytosolic, and mitochondrial proteins, and can be further processed by additional peptidases generating a larger pool of peptides within cells. Thousands of intracellular peptides have been sequenced in plants, yeast, zebrafish, rodents, and in human cells and tissues. Relative levels of intracellular peptides undergo changes in human diseases and also when cells are stimulated, corroborating their biological function. However, only a few intracellular peptides have been pharmacologically characterized and their biological significance and mechanism of action remains elusive. Here, some historical and general aspects on intracellular peptides' biology and pharmacology are presented. Hemopressin and Pep19 are examples of intracellular peptides pharmacologically characterized as inverse agonists to cannabinoid type 1 G-protein coupled receptors (CB1R), and hemopressin fragment NFKF is shown herein to attenuate the symptoms of pilocarpine-induced epileptic seizures. Intracellular peptides EL28 (derived from proteasome 26S protease regulatory subunit 4; Rpt2), PepH (derived from Histone H2B type 1-H), and Pep5 (derived from G1/S-specific cyclin D2) are examples of peptides that function intracellularly. Intracellular peptides are suggested as biological functional molecules, and are also promising prototypes for new drug development.

Precision toxicology shows that troxerutin alleviates ochratoxin A-induced renal lipotoxicity

Lipotoxicity is the most common cause of severe kidney disease, with few treatment options available today. Precision toxicology can improve detection of subtle intracellular changes in response to exogenous substrates; thus, it facilitates in-depth research on bioactive molecules that may interfere with the onset of certain diseases. In the current study, troxerutin significantly relieved nephrotoxicity, increased endurance, and improved systemic energy metabolism and renal inflammation in OTA-induced nephrotic mice. Lipidomics showed that troxerutin effectively reduced the levels of triglycerides, phosphatidylcholines, and phosphatidylethanolamines in nephropathy. The mechanism was partly attributable to troxerutin in alleviating the aberrantly up-regulated expression of sphingomyelinase, the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator, and chloride channel 2. Renal tubular epithelial cells, the main site of toxin-induced accumulation of lipids in the kidney, were subjected to transcriptomic profiling, which uncovered several metabolic factors relevant to aberrant lipid and lipoprotein metabolism. Our work provides new insights into the molecular features of toxin-induced lipotoxicity in renal tubular epithelial cells in vivo and demonstrates the function of troxerutin in alleviating OTA-induced nephrosis and associated systemic energy metabolism disorders.-Yang, X., Xu, W., Huang, K., Zhang, B., Wang, H., Zhang, X., Gong, L., Luo, Y., He, X. Precision toxicology shows that troxerutin alleviates ochratoxin A-induced renal lipotoxicity.

Cyclin-dependent kinase 5-mediated phosphorylation of chloride intracellular channel 4 promotes oxidative stress-induced neuronal death

Oxidative stress can cause apoptosis in neurons and may result in neurodegenerative diseases. However, the signaling mechanisms leading to oxidative stress–induced neuronal apoptosis are not fully understood. Oxidative stress stimulates aberrant activation of cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (CDK5), thought to promote neuronal apoptosis by phosphorylating many cell death-related substrates. Here, using protein pulldown methods, immunofluorescence experiments and in vitro kinase assays, we identified chloride intracellular channel 4 (CLIC4), the expression of which increases during neuronal apoptosis, as a CDK5 substrate. We found that activated CDK5 phosphorylated serine 108 in CLIC4, increasing CLIC4 protein stability, and accumulation. Pharmacological inhibition or shRNA-mediated silencing of CDK5 decreased CLIC4 levels in neurons. Moreover, CLIC4 overexpression led to neuronal apoptosis, whereas knockdown or pharmacological inhibition of CLIC4 attenuated H₂O₂-induced neuronal apoptosis. These results implied that CLIC4, by acting as a substrate of CDK5, mediated neuronal apoptosis induced by aberrant CDK5 activation. Targeting CLIC4 in neurons may therefore provide a therapeutic approach for managing progressive neurodegenerative diseases that arise from neuronal apoptosis.

A G-Quadruplex Structure in the Promoter Region of CLIC4 Functions as a Regulatory Element for Gene Expression

The differential transcriptional expression of CLIC4 between tumor cells and the surrounding stroma during cancer progression has been suggested to have a tumor-promoting effect. However, little is known about the transcriptional regulation of CLIC4. To better understand how this gene is regulated, the promoter region of CLIC4 was analyzed. We found that a high GC content near the transcriptional start site (TSS) might form an alternative G-quadruplex (G4) structure. Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR) confirmed their formation in vitro. The reporter assay showed that one of the G4 structures exerted a regulatory role in gene transcription. When the G4-forming sequence was mutated to disrupt the G4 structure, the transcription activity dropped. To examine whether this G4 structure actually has an influence on gene transcription in the chromosome, we utilized the CRISPR/Cas9 system to edit the G4-forming sequence within the CLIC4 promoter in the cell genome. The pop-in/pop-out strategy was adopted to isolate the precisely-edited A375 cell clone. In CRISPR-modified A375 cell clones whose G4 was disrupted, there was a decrease in the endogenous CLIC4 messenger RNA (mRNA) expression level. In conclusion, we found that the G4 structure in the CLIC4 promoter might play an important role in regulating the level of transcription.

Detection of Mitochondria Membrane Potential to Study CLIC4 Knockdown-induced HN4 Cell Apoptosis In Vitro

Depletion of the mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP, ΔΨm) is considered the earliest event in the apoptotic cascade. It even occurs ahead of nuclear apoptotic characteristics, including chromatin condensation and DNA breakage. Once the MMP collapses, cell apoptosis will initiate irreversibly. A series of lipophilic cationic dyes can pass through the cell membrane and aggregate inside the matrix of mitochondrion, and serve as fluorescence marker to evaluate MMP change. As one of the six members of the Cl^- intracellular channel (CLIC) family, CLIC4 participates in the cell apoptotic process mainly through the mitochondrial pathway. Here we describe a detailed protocol to measure MMP via monitoring the fluorescence fluctuation of Rhodamine 123 (Rh123), through which we study apoptosis induced by CLIC4 knockdown. We discuss the advantages and limitations of the application of confocal laser scanning and normal fluorescence microscope in detail, and also compare it with other methods.

Activation of Anoctamin-1 Limits Pulmonary Endothelial Cell Proliferation via p38-Mitogen-activated Protein Kinase-Dependent Apoptosis

Hyperproliferative endothelial cells (ECs) play an important role in the pathogenesis of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Anoctamin (Ano)-1, a calcium-activated chloride channel, can regulate cell proliferation and cell cycle in multiple cell types. However, the expression and function of Ano1 in the pulmonary endothelium is unknown. We examined whether Ano1 was expressed in pulmonary ECs and if altering Ano1 activity would affect EC survival. Expression and localization of Ano1 in rat lung microvascular ECs (RLMVECs) was assessed using immunoblot, immunofluorescence, and subcellular fractionation. Cell counts, flow cytometry, and caspase-3 activity were used to assess changes in cell number and apoptosis in response to the small molecule Ano1 activator, Eact. Changes in mitochondrial membrane potential and mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mtROS) were assessed using 5,5',6,6'-tetrachloro-1,1',3,3'-tetraethylbenzimidazolylcarbocyanine, iodide (mitochondrial membrane potential dye) and mitochondrial ROS dye, respectively. Ano1 is expressed in RLMVECs and is enriched in the mitochondria. Activation of Ano1 with Eact reduced RLMVEC counts through increased apoptosis. Ano1 knockdown blocked the effects of Eact. Ano1 activation increased mtROS, reduced mitochondrial membrane potential, increased p38 phosphorylation, and induced release of apoptosis-inducing factor. mtROS inhibition attenuated Eact-mediated p38 phosphorylation. Pulmonary artery ECs isolated from patients with idiopathic PAH (IPAH) had higher expression of Ano1 and increased cell counts compared with control subjects. Eact treatment reduced cell counts in IPAH cells, which was associated with increased apoptosis. In summary, Ano1 is expressed in lung EC mitochondria. Activation of Ano1 promotes apoptosis of pulmonary ECs and human IPAH-pulmonary artery ECs, likely via increased mtROS and p38 phosphorylation, leading to apoptosis.