Both internalization and AIP1 association are required for tumor necrosis factor receptor 2-mediated JNK signaling

Targeting TNFR2 for cancer immunotherapy: recent advances and future directions

Cancer is the leading cause of death worldwide, accounting for nearly 10 million deaths every year. Immune checkpoint blockade approaches have changed the therapeutic landscape for many tumor types. However, current immune checkpoint inhibitors PD-1 or CTLA-4 are far from satisfactory, due to high immune-related adverse event incident (up to 60%) and the inefficiency in cases of "cold" tumor microenvironment. TNFR2, a novel hopeful tumor immune target, was initially proposed in 2017. It not only promotes tumor cell proliferation, but also correlates with the suppressive function of Treg cells, implicating in the development of an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. In preclinical studies, TNFR2 antibody therapy has demonstrated efficacy alone or a potential synergistic effect when combined with classical PD-1/ CTLA-4 antibodies. The focus of this review is on the characteristics, functions, and recent advancements in TNFR2 therapy, providing a new direction for the next generation of anti-tumor alternative therapy.

Involvement of the tumour necrosis factor receptor system in glioblastoma cell death induced by palbociclib-heptamethine cyanine dye conjugate

Glioblastoma is the most common and aggressive primary brain tumour in adults. The development of anti-brain cancer agents are challenged by the blood-brain barrier and the resistance conferred by the local tumour microenvironment. Heptamethine cyanine dyes (HMCDs) are a class of near-infrared fluorescence compounds that have recently emerged as promising agents for drug delivery. We conjugated palbociclib, a cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) 4/6 inhibitor, to an HMCD, MHI-148, and conducted drug activity analysis on primary patient-derived glioblastoma cell lines. In addition to the expected cytostatic activity, our in vitro studies revealed that palbociclib-MHI-148 conjugate resulted in an almost 100-fold increase in cytotoxicity compared to palbociclib alone. This shift of palbociclib from cytostatic to cytotoxic when conjugated to MHI-148 was due to increased DNA damage, as indicated by an increase in γH2AX foci, followed by an increased expression of key extrinsic apoptosis genes, including TP53, TNFR1, TRAIL, FADD and caspase 8. In addition, we observed a time-dependent increase in the cell surface expression of TNFR1, consistent with an observed increase in the secretion TNFα, followed by TNFR1 endocytosis at 48 h. The treatment of patient GBM cells with the palbociclib-MHI-148 conjugate prevented TNFα-induced NFκB translocation, suggesting conjugate-induced TNFR1 signalling favoured the TNFR1-mediated apoptotic response rather than the pro-inflammatory response pathway. Notably, pharmacological inhibition of endocytosis of TNFR1, and siRNA-knockdown of TNFR1 reversed the palbociclib-MHI-148-induced cell death. These results show a novel susceptibility of glioblastoma cells to TNFR1-dependent apoptosis, dependent on inhibition of canonical NFκB signalling using our previously reported palbociclib-HMCD conjugate. Video Abstract.

TNF and TNF receptors as therapeutic targets for rheumatic diseases and beyond

The cytokine TNF signals via two distinct receptors, TNF receptor 1 (TNFR1) and TNFR2, and is a central mediator of various immune-mediated diseases. Indeed, TNF-neutralizing biologic drugs have been in clinical use for the treatment of many inflammatory pathological conditions, including various rheumatic diseases, for decades. TNF has pleiotropic effects and can both promote and inhibit pro-inflammatory processes. The integrated net effect of TNF in vivo is a result of cytotoxic TNFR1 signalling and the stimulation of pro-inflammatory processes mediated by TNFR1 and TNFR2 and also TNFR2-mediated anti-inflammatory and tissue-protective activities. Inhibition of the beneficial activities of TNFR2 might explain why TNF-neutralizing drugs, although highly effective in some diseases, have limited benefit in the treatment of other TNF-associated pathological conditions (such as graft-versus-host disease) or even worsen the pathological condition (such as multiple sclerosis). Receptor-specific biologic drugs have the potential to tip the balance from TNFR1-mediated activities to TNFR2-mediated activities and enable the treatment of diseases that do not respond to current TNF inhibitors. Accordingly, a variety of reagents have been developed that either selectively inhibit TNFR1 or selectively activate TNFR2. Several of these reagents have shown promise in preclinical studies and are now in, or approaching, clinical trials.

The dichotomous outcomes of TNFα signaling in CD4+ T cells

TNFa blocking agents were the first-in-class biologic drugs used for the treatment of autoimmune disease. Paradoxically, however, exacerbation of autoimmunity was observed in some patients. TNFa is a pleiotropic cytokine that has both proinflammatory and regulatory effects on CD4+ T cells and can influence the adaptive immune response against autoantigens. Here, we critically appraise the literature and discuss the intricacies of TNFa signaling that may explain the controversial findings of previous studies. The pleiotropism of TNFa is based in part on the existence of two biologically active forms of TNFa, soluble and membrane-bound, with different affinities for two distinct TNF receptors, TNFR1 and TNFR2, leading to activation of diverse downstream molecular pathways involved in cell fate decisions and immune function. Distinct membrane expression patterns of TNF receptors by CD4+ T cell subsets and their preferential binding of distinct forms of TNFα produced by a diverse pool of cellular sources during different stages of an immune response are important determinants of the differential outcomes of TNFa-TNF receptor signaling. Targeted manipulation of TNFa-TNF receptor signaling on select CD4+ T cell subsets may offer specific therapeutic interventions to dampen inflammation while fortifying immune regulation for the treatment of autoimmune diseases.

Inflammation down regulates stromal cell-derived factor 1α in the early phase of pulpitis

The key to prevent pulp necrosis in the early stage of pulpitis is to promote tissue repair, which begins with cell migration. Stromal cell-derived factor 1α (SDF-1α) has been proven to promote cell migration. Related research has so far concentrated on the biological effects of SDF-1α while its expression in pulpitis is still unclear. We investigated the effect of inflammation on SDF-1α in dental pulp and the underlying regulatory mechanisms. First, rat pulpitis models were established by exposing pulp. SDF-1α was decreased on the 3rd day but increased on the 7th day. Next, lipopolysaccharide from Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg.LPS) was applied to dental pulp cells (DPCs). Within 24 h, SDF-1α decreased, but after 48 h, it steadily increased. Similarly, SDF-1α expression in human chronic pulpitis tissues was also increased. To investigate the effect of altered SDF-1α on DPC migration, cell supernatants collected following Pg.LPS treatment were utilized to stimulate DPCs, and the number of migrated cells was correlated with changes in SDF-1α secretion. Finally, we explored the regulatory mechanisms of SDF-1α down-regulation in the early phase of pulpitis. Within 24 h, JNK/c-Jun pathway was activated in DPC inflammation. When JNK pathway was suppressed, SDF-1α rose. Furthermore, tumor necrosis factor receptor 2 (TNFR2) and apoptosis signal-regulated kinase-interacting protein 1 (AIP1) were up-regulated. Knockdown of them abolished Pg.LPS-induced activation of JNK and c-Jun(Ser63) and significantly enhanced SDF-1α. Our findings indicated that in the early phase of pulpitis, inflammation suppressed SDF-1α by up-regulating TNFR2 and AIP1, which activated JNK/c-Jun(Ser63) pathway.

Targeting TNFR2: A Novel Breakthrough in the Treatment of Cancer

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor type II (TNFR2) is expressed in various tumor cells and some immune cells, such as regulatory T cells and myeloid-derived suppressing cells. TNFR2 contributes a lot to the tumor microenvironment. For example, it directly promotes the occurrence and growth of some tumor cells, activates immunosuppressive cells, and supports immune escape. Existing studies have proved the importance of TNFR2 in cancer treatment. Here, we reviewed the activation mechanism of TNFR2 and its role in signal transduction in the tumor microenvironment. We summarized the expression and function of TNFR2 within different immune cells and the potential opportunities and challenges of targeting TNFR2 in immunotherapy. Finally, the advantages and limitations of TNFR2 to treat tumor-related diseases are discussed, and the problems that may be encountered in the clinical development and application of targeted anti-TNFR2 agonists and inhibitors are analyzed.

The Signaling Pathway of TNF Receptors: Linking Animal Models of Renal Disease to Human CKD

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) has been recognized as a global public health problem. Despite the current advances in medicine, CKD-associated morbidity and mortality remain unacceptably high. Several studies have highlighted the contribution of inflammation and inflammatory mediators to the development and/or progression of CKD, such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-related biomarkers. The inflammation pathway driven by TNF-α, through TNF receptors 1 (TNFR1) and 2 (TNFR2), involves important mediators in the pathogenesis of CKD. Circulating levels of TNFRs were associated with changes in other biomarkers of kidney function and injury, and were described as predictors of disease progression, cardiovascular morbidity, and mortality in several cohorts of patients. Experimental studies describe the possible downstream signaling pathways induced upon TNFR activation and the resulting biological responses. This review will focus on the available data on TNFR1 and TNFR2, and illustrates their contributions to the pathophysiology of kidney diseases, their cellular and molecular roles, as well as their potential as CKD biomarkers. The emerging evidence shows that TNF receptors could act as biomarkers of renal damage and as mediators of the disease. Furthermore, it has been suggested that these biomarkers could significantly improve the discrimination of clinical CKD prognostic models.

Cytokine TNF-α and its receptors TNFRI and TNFRII play a key role in the in vitro proliferative response of BLV infected animals

Bovine leukemia virus (BLV) main host cells are B lymphocytes. Infected animals can be classified into high or low proviral load (HPL or LPL respectively), regarding the number of proviral copies infected lymphocytes they carry. After infection, there is an overexpression of several cytokines, particularly TNF-α, which has a delicate regulation mediated by receptors TNFRI and TNFRII; the first one involved with apoptosis, while the other stimulates cell proliferation. The study aimed to quantify TNF-α and its receptors mRNA expression, and in which extent in vitro proliferation was affected, in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from BLV-infected animals with different proviral loads, after the addition or not of synthetic TNF-α (rTNF-α) for 48 h. PBMC from BLV-infected animals showed spontaneous proliferation after 48 h in culture but did not show changes in proliferation rates after 48 h incubation in the presence of the rTNF-α. TNF-α mRNA expression after 48 h culture without exogenous stimulation was significantly lower, regardless of the proviral load of the donor, compared to non-infected animals. In the LPL animals, the expression of TNF-α mRNA was significantly lower with respect to the control group while the expression of TNFRI mRNA was significantly increased. The HPL animals showed a significant decrease in the expression of TNF-α and TNFRII mRNA respect to the control group. After 48 h incubation with rTNF-α, PBMC from infected animals had different responses: TNF-α and TNFRI mRNA expression was reduced in PBMC from the LPL group compared to the BLV negative group, but no differences were observed in PBMC from the HPL group. TNFRII mRNA expression showed no differences between HPL, LPL, and BLV negative groups, though HPL animals expressed 10.35 times more TNFRI mRNA than LPL. These results support the hypothesis that LPL animals, when faced with viral reactivation, present a pro-apoptotic and anti-proliferative state. However, complementary studies are needed to explain the influence of TNFRII on the development of the HLP profile. On the other hand, exogenous stimulation studies reinforce the hypothesis that BLV infection compromises the immune response of the animals.

Impact of Endocytosis Mechanisms for the Receptors Targeted by the Currently Approved Antibody-Drug Conjugates (ADCs)-A Necessity for Future ADC Research and Development

Biologically-based therapies increasingly rely on the endocytic cycle of internalization and exocytosis of target receptors for cancer therapies. However, receptor trafficking pathways (endosomal sorting (recycling, lysosome localization) and lateral membrane movement) are often dysfunctional in cancer. Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) have revitalized the concept of targeted chemotherapy by coupling inhibitory antibodies to cytotoxic payloads. Significant advances in ADC technology and format, and target biology have hastened the FDA approval of nine ADCs (four since 2019). Although the links between aberrant endocytic machinery and cancer are emerging, the impact of dysregulated internalization processes of ADC targets and response rates or resistance have not been well studied. This is despite the reliance on ADC uptake and trafficking to lysosomes for linker cleavage and payload release. In this review, we describe what is known about all the target antigens for the currently approved ADCs. Specifically, internalization efficiency and relevant intracellular sorting activities are described for each receptor under normal processes, and when complexed to an ADC. In addition, we discuss aberrant endocytic processes that have been directly linked to preclinical ADC resistance mechanisms. The implications of endocytosis in regard to therapeutic effectiveness in the clinic are also described. Unexpectedly, information on endocytosis is scarce (absent for two receptors). Moreover, much of what is known about endocytosis is not in the context of receptor-ADC/antibody complexes. This review provides a deeper understanding of the pertinent principles of receptor endocytosis for the currently approved ADCs.

Activation of c-Jun N-Terminal Kinase, a Potential Therapeutic Target in Autoimmune Arthritis

The c-Jun-N-terminal kinase (JNK) is a critical mediator involved in various physiological processes, such as immune responses, and the pathogenesis of various diseases, including autoimmune disorders. JNK is one of the crucial downstream signaling molecules of various immune triggers, mainly proinflammatory cytokines, in autoimmune arthritic conditions, mainly including rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and psoriatic arthritis. The activation of JNK is regulated in a complex manner by upstream kinases and phosphatases. Noticeably, different subtypes of JNKs behave differentially in immune responses. Furthermore, aside from biologics targeting proinflammatory cytokines, small-molecule inhibitors targeting signaling molecules such as Janus kinases can act as very powerful therapeutics in autoimmune arthritis patients unresponsiveness to conventional synthetic antirheumatic drugs. Nevertheless, despite these encouraging therapies, a population of patients with an inadequate therapeutic response to all currently available medications still remains. These findings identify the critical signaling molecule JNK as an attractive target for investigation of the immunopathogenesis of autoimmune disorders and for consideration as a potential therapeutic target for patients with autoimmune arthritis to achieve better disease control. This review provides a useful overview of the roles of JNK, how JNK is regulated in immunopathogenic responses, and the potential of therapeutically targeting JNK in patients with autoimmune arthritis.

MicroRNA-146b-5p overexpression attenuates premature ovarian failure in mice by inhibiting the Dab2ip/Ask1/p38-Mapk pathway and γH2A.X phosphorylation

OBJECTIVE

To examine the role of high-fat and high-sugar (HFHS) diet-induced oxidative stress, which is a risk factor for various diseases, in premature ovarian failure (POF).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Ovarian granulosa cells (OGCs) were isolated from mice and cultured in medium supplemented with HFHS and poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA)-cross-linked miR-146b-5p nanoparticles (miR-146@PLGA). RNA and protein expression levels were examined using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting, respectively. HFHS diet-induced POF model mice were administered miR-146@PLGA.

RESULTS

The ovarian tissue of mice fed a HFHS diet exhibited the typical pathological characteristics of POF. HFHS supplementation induced oxidative stress injury in the mouse OGCs, activation of the Dab2ip/Ask1/p38-Mapk signalling pathway and phosphorylation of γH2A.X in vitro and in vivo. The results of the luciferase reporter assay revealed that miR-146 specifically downregulated p38-Mapk14 expression. Meanwhile, co-immunoprecipitation and Western blot analyses revealed that HFHS supplementation upregulated nuclear p38-Mapk14 expression and consequently enhanced γH2A.X (Ser139) phosphorylation. The HFHS diet-induced POF mouse model treated with miR-146@PLGA exhibited downregulated p38-Mapk14 expression in the OGCs, mitigated OGC ageing and alleviated the symptoms of POF.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrated that HFHS supplementation activates the Dab2ip/Ask1/p38-Mapk signalling pathway and promotes γH2A.X phosphorylation by inhibiting the expression of endogenous miR-146b-5p, which results in OGC ageing and POF development.

Upregulation of DAB2IP Inhibits Ras Activity and Tumorigenesis in Human Pancreatic Cancer Cells

KRAS mutation-induced Ras activation plays an important role in the pathogenesis of pancreatic cancer, but the role of wild-type Ras and Ras GTPase-activating proteins remains unclear. The present study was designed to determine the expression spectra of Ras GTPase-activating proteins genes in pancreatic cancer cells, and the role of DAB2IP, a Ras GTPase-activating proteins gene, in the development and progression of pancreatic cancer. Following the analyses of the expression profiles of 16 Ras GTPase-activating proteins in 6 pancreatic cancer cell lines including Bxpc-3 (with wild-type KRAS), Capan-2, Sw1990, Aspc-1, CFPAC-1, and Panc-1 (with mutant KRAS) and 1 normal human pancreatic ductal epithelial cell line, H6C7, the expression of DAB2IP messenger RNA was further analyzed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. The role of DAB2IP in pancreatic cancer was further investigated in vitro and in vivo by upregulating DAB2IP in Bxpc-3 cells through transfection of DAB2IP into Bxpc-3 cells with recombinant lentivirus. The DAB2IP expression in pancreatic cancer cells and tissues with wild-type KRAS was significantly lower than that in cells and tissues with mutant KRAS (P < .05). In Bxpc-3 cells with wild-type KRAS, overexpression of DAB2IP decreased the expression of P-AKT and P-ERK and the Ras activity; increased the expression of P-JNK and caspase 3; inhibited cell proliferation, invasiveness, and migration; and increased the cell sensitivity to cetuximab. Overexpression of DAB2IP inhibited tumor progression in a mouse model. In conclusion, DAB2IP downregulates Ras activity in wild-type pancreatic cancer cells. Overexpression of DAB2IP decreases the Ras activity, inhibits cell proliferation, and increases sensitivity to cetuximab in wild-type pancreatic cancer cells. In conclusion, DAB2IP may serve as a potential molecular therapeutic target for the treatment of pancreatic cancer.

Distinct modes of TNF signaling through its two receptors in health and disease

TNF is a key proinflammatory and immunoregulatory cytokine whose deregulation is associated with the development of autoimmune diseases and other pathologies. Recent studies suggest that distinct functions of TNF may be associated with differential engagement of its two receptors: TNFR1 or TNFR2. In this review, we discuss the relative contributions of these receptors to pathogenesis of several diseases, with the focus on autoimmunity and neuroinflammation. In particular, we discuss the role of TNFRs in the development of regulatory T cells during neuroinflammation and recent findings concerning targeting TNFR2 with agonistic and antagonistic reagents in various murine models of autoimmune and neuroinflammatory disorders and cancer.

Critical role of Lin28-TNFR2 signalling in cardiac stem cell activation and differentiation

Tumour necrotic factor receptor-2 (TNFR2) has been to be cardiac-protective and is expressed in cardiac progenitor cells. Our goal is to define the mechanism for TNFR2-mediated cardiac stem cell activation and differentiation. By employing a protocol of in vitro cardiac stem cell (CSC) differentiation from human inducible pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC), we show that expression of TNFR2 precedes expression of CSC markers followed by expression of mature cardiomyocyte proteins. Activation of TNFR2 by a specific agonist promotes whereas inhibition of TNFR2 by neutralizing antibody diminishes hiPSC-based CSC differentiation. Interestingly, pluripotent cell factor RNA-binding protein Lin28 enhances TNFR2 protein expression in early CSC activation by directly binding to a conserved Lin28-motif within the 3'UTR of Tnfr2 mRNA. Furthermore, inhibition of Lin28 blunts TNFR2 expression and TNFR2-dependent CSC activation and differentiation. Our study demonstrates a critical role of Lin28-TNFR2 axis in CSC activation and survival, providing a novel strategy to enhance stem cell-based therapy for the ischaemic heart diseases.

Effects of bovine tumor necrosis factor alpha decoy receptors on cell death and inflammatory cytokine kinetics: potential for bovine inflammation therapy

Background

Refractory diseases, including bacterial infections, are causing huge economic losses in dairy farming. Despite efforts to prevent and treat those diseases in cattle, including the use of antimicrobials, it is not well controlled in the field. Several inflammatory cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), play important roles in disease progression; thus, blocking these cytokines can attenuate the acute and sever inflammation and may be a novel strategy for treatment. However, biological drugs targeting inflammatory cytokines have not been used in cattle. Therefore, in this study, bovine sTNFR1 and sTNFR2 IgG1 Fc-fusion proteins (TNFR1-Ig and TNFR2-Ig) were produced, and their anti-inflammatory functions were analyzed in vitro, to develop decoy receptors for bovine TNF-α.

Results

Both TNFR1-Ig and TNFR2-Ig were shown to bind with TNF-α, and TNFR2-Ig showed higher affinity toward TNF-α than TNFR1-Ig. We next stimulated murine fibroblast-derived cells (L929 cells) with TNF-α to induce cell death and analyzed cell viability in the presence of TNFR-Ig proteins. Both TNFR1-Ig and TNFR2-Ig suppressed TNF-α-induced cell death, significantly improving cell viability. In addition, cell death induced by TNF-α was suppressed, even at low TNFR2-Ig concentrations, suggesting TNFR2-Ig has higher activity to suppress TNF-α functions than TNFR1-Ig. Finally, to examine TNFR2-Ig’s anti-inflammatory, we cultured peripheral blood mononuclear cells from cattle with TNF-α in the presence of TNFR2-Ig and analyzed the gene expression and protein production of the inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and TNF-α. TNFR2-Ig significantly reduced the gene expression and protein production of these cytokines. Our results suggest that TNFR2-Ig inhibits inflammatory cytokine kinetics by blocking TNF-α to transmembrane TNFR, thereby attenuating excessive inflammation induced by TNF-α.

Conclusions

Collectively, the findings of this study demonstrated the potential of TNFR2-Ig as a novel therapeutic for inflammatory diseases, such as bovine clinical mastitis. Further investigation is required for future clinical application.

AIP1 Suppresses Transplant Arteriosclerosis Through Inhibition of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Inflammatory Response to IFNγ

IFNγ-induced vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) inflammatory response plays a key role in transplant arteriosclerosis (TA). However, the mechanisms regulating this process remains poorly defined. Here, we show that ASK1-interacting protein 1 (AIP1) deletion markedly augments the expression of IFNγ-induced chemokines in mouse aortic allografts. Subsequently, donor arterial grafts from AIP1 deficient mice exhibited an accelerated development of TA. Furthermore, AIP1 knockdown significantly increased IFNγ signaling activation in cultured VSMCs and thus enhances chemokines production in response to IFNγ. Together, we conclude that AIP1 functions as an inhibitor of VSMCs inflammation by regulating IFNγ signaling and therefore suppresses TA progression. Our findings suggest that AIP1 might be a potential therapeutic target for chronic transplant rejection. Anat Rec, 302:1587-1593, 2019. © 2018 American Association for Anatomy.

Forward and Reverse Signaling Mediated by Transmembrane Tumor Necrosis Factor-Alpha and TNF Receptor 2: Potential Roles in an Immunosuppressive Tumor Microenvironment

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) is a pleiotropic inflammatory cytokine produced mainly by activated macrophages, lymphocytes and other cell types. Two distinct forms of TNF-α have been identified: soluble TNF-α (sTNF-α) and transmembrane TNF-α (mTNF-α). mTNF-α, which is the precursor of sTNF-α, can be cleaved by the TNF-α converting enzyme (TACE) and is released as sTNF-α. sTNF-α binds primarily to TNF receptor 1 (TNFR1) and plays an important role in the inflammatory immune response, whereas mTNF-α interacts primarily with TNF receptor 2 (TNFR2) and mediates the promotion of cellular proliferation and survival and other biological effects. It has been reported that the interaction between mTNF-α and TNFR2 induces bi-directional (forward and reverse) signaling in both mTNF-α- and TNFR2-expressing cells. Increasing evidence shows that the forward and reverse signaling mediated by mTNF-α and TNFR2 might play a significant role in the tumor microenvironment. In this review, the role of the crosstalk between mTNF-α and TNFR2 in the tumor microenvironment will be discussed.

ADAB2IPgenotype: sex interaction is associated with abdominal aortic aneurysm expansion

A faster expansion rate of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) increases the risk of rupture. Women are at higher risk of rupture than men, but the mechanisms underlying this increased risk are unknown. We investigated whether genetic variants that influence susceptibility for AAA (CDKN2A-2B,SORT1,DAB2IP,LRP1andLDLR) are associated with AAA expansion and whether these associations differ by sex in 650 patients with AAA (mean age 70±8 years, 17% women) enrolled in the Mayo Clinic Vascular Disease Biorepository. Women had a mean aneurysm expansion 0.41 mm/year greater than men after adjustment for baseline AAA size. In addition to baseline size, mean arterial pressure (MAP), non-diabetic status,SORT1-rs599839[G] andDAB2IP-rs7025486[A] were associated with greater aneurysm expansion (all p<0.05). The associations of MAP and rs599839[G] were similar in both sexes, while the associations of baseline size, pulse pressure (PP) and rs7025486[A] were stronger in women than men (all p-sexinteraction≤0.02). A three-way interaction of PP*sex* rs7025486[A] was noted in a full-factorial analysis (p=0.007) independent of baseline size and MAP. In the high PP group (≥median), women had a mean growth rate 0.68 mm/year greater per [A] of rs7025486 than men (p-sexinteraction=0.003), whereas there was no difference in the low PP group (p-sexinteraction=0.8). We demonstrate that variantsDAB2IP-rs7025486[A] andSORT1-rs599839[G] are associated with AAA expansion. The association of rs7025486[A] is stronger in women than men and amplified by high PP, contributing to sex differences in aneurysm expansion.

Endocytosis of pro-inflammatory cytokine receptors and its relevance for signal transduction

The pro-inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor (TNF), interleukin-1 (IL-1) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) are key players of the innate and adaptive immunity. Their activity needs to be tightly controlled to allow the initiation of an appropriate immune response as defense mechanism against pathogens or tissue injury. Excessive or sustained signaling of either of these cytokines leads to severe diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel diseases (Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis), steatohepatitis, periodic fevers and even cancer. Studies carried out in the last 30 years have emphasized that an elaborate control system for each of these cytokines exists. Here, we summarize what is currently known about the involvement of receptor endocytosis in the regulation of these pro-inflammatory cytokines' signaling cascades. Particularly in the last few years it was shown that this cellular process is far more than a mere feedback mechanism to clear cytokines from the circulation and to shut off their signal transduction.

The regulatory and signaling mechanisms of the ASK family

Apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1 (ASK1) was identified as a MAP3K that activates the JNK and p38 pathways, and subsequent studies have reported ASK2 and ASK3 as members of the ASK family. The ASK family is activated by various intrinsic and extrinsic stresses, including oxidative stress, ER stress and osmotic stress. Numerous lines of evidence have revealed that members of the ASK family are critical for signal transduction systems to control a wide range of stress responses such as cell death, differentiation and cytokine induction. In this review, we focus on the precise signaling mechanisms of the ASK family in response to diverse stressors.

Block one, unleash a hundred. Mechanisms of DAB2IP inactivation in cancer

One of the most defining features of cancer is aberrant cell communication; therefore, a molecular understanding of the intricate network established among tumor cells and their microenvironment could significantly improve comprehension and clinical management of cancer. The tumor suppressor DAB2IP (Disabled homolog 2 interacting protein), also known as AIP1 (ASK1 interacting protein), has an important role in this context, as it modulates signal transduction by multiple inflammatory cytokines and growth factors. DAB2IP is a Ras-GAP, and negatively controls Ras-dependent mitogenic signals. In addition, acting as a signaling adaptor, DAB2IP modulates other key oncogenic pathways, including TNFα/NF-κB, WNT/β-catenin, PI3K/AKT, and androgen receptors. Therefore, DAB2IP inactivation can provide a selective advantage to tumors initiated by a variety of driver mutations. In line with this role, DAB2IP expression is frequently impaired by methylation in cancer. Interestingly, recent studies reveal that tumor cells can employ other sophisticated mechanisms to disable DAB2IP at the post-transcriptional level. We review the mechanisms and consequences of DAB2IP inactivation in cancer, with the purpose to support and improve research aimed to counteract such mechanisms. We suggest that DAB2IP reactivation in cancer cells could be a strategy to coordinately dampen multiple oncogenic pathways, potentially limiting progression of a wide spectrum of tumors.

AIP1-mediated stress signaling in atherosclerosis and arteriosclerosis

AIP1 (ASK1-interacting protein-1; encoded by the DAB2IP gene), a signaling scaffolding protein, is abundantly expressed in vascular endothelial cells (EC). While it was initially discovered as an apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1 (ASK1)-interacting protein, AIP1 broadly suppresses inflammatory responses triggered by cytokines and stresses such as TNF, LPS, VEGF, and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in EC (therefore, AIP1 is an anti-inflammatory protein). Human genome-wide association study (GWAS) has identified DAB2IP gene variants conferring susceptibility to cardiovascular diseases. Consistently, a global or vascular EC-specific deletion of DAB2IP in mice strongly enhances inflammatory responses and exacerbates atherosclerosis and graft arteriosclerosis progression in mouse models. Mechanisms for AIP1 function and regulation associated with human cardiovascular diseases need further investigations.

Identifying Novel Candidate Genes Related to Apoptosis from a Protein-Protein Interaction Network

Apoptosis is the process of programmed cell death (PCD) that occurs in multicellular organisms. This process of normal cell death is required to maintain the balance of homeostasis. In addition, some diseases, such as obesity, cancer, and neurodegenerative diseases, can be cured through apoptosis, which produces few side effects. An effective comprehension of the mechanisms underlying apoptosis will be helpful to prevent and treat some diseases. The identification of genes related to apoptosis is essential to uncover its underlying mechanisms. In this study, a computational method was proposed to identify novel candidate genes related to apoptosis. First, protein-protein interaction information was used to construct a weighted graph. Second, a shortest path algorithm was applied to the graph to search for new candidate genes. Finally, the obtained genes were filtered by a permutation test. As a result, 26 genes were obtained, and we discuss their likelihood of being novel apoptosis-related genes by collecting evidence from published literature.

Cathepsin B deficiency attenuates cardiac remodeling in response to pressure overload via TNF-α/ASK1/JNK pathway

Cathepsin B (CTSB), a member of the lysosomal cathepsin family that is expressed in both murine and human hearts, was previously shown to participate in apoptosis, autophagy, and the progression of certain types of cancers. Recently, CTSB has been linked to myocardial infarction. Given that cathepsin L, another member of the lysosomal cathepsin family, ameliorates pathological cardiac hypertrophy, we hypothesized that CTSB plays a role in pressure overload-induced cardiac remodeling. Here we report that CTSB was upregulated in cardiomyocytes in response to hypertrophic stimuli both in vivo and in vitro. Moreover, knockout of CTSB attenuated pressure overload-induced cardiac hypertrophy, fibrosis, dysfunction, and apoptosis. Furthermore, the aortic banding-induced activation of TNF-α, apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1 (ASK1), c-Jun NH2-terminal kinases (JNK), c-Jun, and release of cytochrome c was blunted by CTSB deficiency, which was further confirmed in in vitro studies induced by angiotensin II. In cardiomyocytes pretreatment with SP600125, a JNK inhibitor, suppressed the cardiomyocytes hypertrophy by inhibiting the ASK1/JNK pathway. Altogether, these data indicate that the CTSB protein functions as a necessary modulator of hypertrophic response by regulating TNF-α/ASK1/JNK signaling pathway involved in cardiac remodeling.

A TRAF2 binding independent region of TNFR2 is responsible for TRAF2 depletion and enhancement of cytotoxicity driven by TNFR1

Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) interacts with two receptors known as TNFR1 and TNFR2. TNFR1 activation may result in either cell proliferation or cell death. TNFR2 activates Nuclear Factor-kappaB (NF-kB) and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) which lead to transcriptional activation of genes related to cell proliferation and survival. This depends on the binding of TNF Receptor Associated Factor 2 (TRAF2) to the receptor. TNFR2 also induces TRAF2 degradation. In this work we have investigated the structural features of TNFR2 responsible for inducing TRAF2 degradation and have studied the biological consequences of this activity. We show that when TNFR1 and TNFR2 are co-expressed, TRAF2 depletion leads to an enhanced TNFR1 cytotoxicity which correlates with the inhibition of NF-kB. NF-kB activation and TRAF2 degradation depend of different regions of the receptor since TNFR2 mutants at amino acids 343-349 fail to induce TRAF2 degradation and have lost their ability to enhance TNFR1-mediated cell death but are still able to activate NF-kB. Moreover, whereas NF-kB activation requires TRAF2 binding to the receptor, TRAF2 degradation appears independent of TRAF2 binding. Thus, TNFR2 mutants unable to bind TRAF2 are still able to induce its degradation and to enhance TNFR1-mediated cytotoxicity. To test further this receptor crosstalk we have developed a system stably expressing in cells carrying only endogenous TNFR1 the chimeric receptor RANK-TNFR2, formed by the extracellular region of RANK (Receptor activator of NF-kB) and the intracellular region of TNFR2.This has made possible to study independently the signals triggered by TNFR1 and TNFR2. In these cells TNFR1 is selectively activated by soluble TNF (sTNF) while RANK-TNFR2 is selectively activated by RANKL. Treatment of these cells with sTNF and RANKL leads to an enhanced cytotoxicity.

A network biology approach to discover the molecular biomarker associated with hepatocellular carcinoma

In recent years, high throughput technologies such as microarray platform have provided a new avenue for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) investigation. Traditionally, gene sets enrichment analysis of survival related genes is commonly used to reveal the underlying functional mechanisms. However, this approach usually produces too many candidate genes and cannot discover detailed signaling transduction cascades, which greatly limits their clinical application such as biomarker development. In this study, we have proposed a network biology approach to discover novel biomarkers from multidimensional omics data. This approach effectively combines clinical survival data with topological characteristics of human protein interaction networks and patients expression profiling data. It can produce novel network based biomarkers together with biological understanding of molecular mechanism. We have analyzed eighty HCC expression profiling arrays and identified that extracellular matrix and programmed cell death are the main themes related to HCC progression. Compared with traditional enrichment analysis, this approach can provide concrete and testable hypothesis on functional mechanism. Furthermore, the identified subnetworks can potentially be used as suitable targets for therapeutic intervention in HCC.

Inhibition of endocytosis exacerbates TNF-α-induced endothelial dysfunction via enhanced JNK and p38 activation

Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) is a pro-inflammatory cytokine that causes endothelial dysfunction. Endocytosis of TNF-α receptors (TNFR) precedes endosomal reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, which is required for NF-κB activation in vascular smooth muscle cells. It is unknown how endocytosis of TNFRs impacts signaling in endothelial cells. We hypothesized that TNF-α-induced endothelial dysfunction is induced by both endosomal and cell surface events, including NF-κB and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) activation, and endocytosis of the TNFR modifies signaling. Mesenteric artery segments from C57BL/6 mice were treated with TNF-α (10 ng/ml) for 22 h in tissue culture, with or without signaling inhibitors (dynasore for endocytosis, SP600125 for JNK, SB203580 for p38, U0126 for ERK), and vascular function was assessed. Endothelium-dependent relaxation to acetylcholine (ACh) was impaired by TNF-α, and dynasore exacerbated this, whereas JNK or p38 inhibition prevented these effects. In cultured endothelial cells from murine mesenteric arteries, dynasore potentiated JNK and p38 but not ERK phosphorylation and promoted cell death. NF-κB activation by TNF-α was decreased by dynasore. JNK inhibition dramatically increased both the magnitude and duration of TNF-α-induced NF-κB activation and potentiated intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) activation. Dynasore still inhibited NF-κB activation in the presence of SP600125. Thus TNF-α-induced endothelial dysfunction is both JNK and p38 dependent. Endocytosis modulates the balance of NF-κB and MAPK signaling, and inhibition of NF-κB activation by JNK limits this pro-proliferative signal, which may contribute to endothelial cell death in response to TNF-α.

Tumor necrosis factor receptor 2: its contribution to acute cellular rejection and clear cell renal carcinoma

Tumor necrosis factor receptor 2 (TNFR2) is a type I transmembrane glycoprotein and one of the two receptors that orchestrate the complex biological functions of tumor necrosis factor (TNF, also designed TNF-α). Accumulating experimental evidence suggests that TNFR2 plays an important role in renal disorders associated with acute cellular rejection and clear cell renal carcinoma but its exact role in these settings is still not completely understood. This papers reviews the factors that may mediate TNFR2 induction in acute cellular rejection and clear cell renal carcinoma and its contribution to these conditions and discusses its therapeutic implications. A greater understanding of the function of TNFR2 may lead to the development of new anti-TNF drugs.

GSK3β is a checkpoint for TNF-α-mediated impaired osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells in inflammatory microenvironments

BACKGROUND

The fate and differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) depend on various microenvironmental cues. In chronic inflammatory bone disease, bone regeneration is inhibited. The present study therefore sought to identify the underlying molecule mechanisms.

METHODS

We isolated periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs), a new population of MSCs, from the periodontal ligament tissues of periodontitis patients and healthy controls (p-PDLSCs and h-PDLSCs). The secretion of inflammatory cytokines, like TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-8, after LPS stimulation was measured by ELISA. The expressions of p-GSK3β and GSK3β in two types of PDLSCs were detected by Western blot. TOPFlash was used to assay the Tcf/Lef transcriptional activity. Knockdown of GSK3β by siRNA and over-expression of GSK3β by adenoviruses were performed to confirm the role of GSK3β in the impaired osteogenic differentiation of PDLSCs under inflammatory microenvironment.

RESULTS

We demonstrated that p-PDLSCs displayed impaired osteogenic capacity than h-PDLSCs. Upon inflammatory stimulation, monocytes, but not PDLSCs, released inflammatory cytokines among which TNF-α directly act on PDLSCs and suppressed their osteogenic differentiation. TNF-α induced the phosphorylation of GSK3β, the deactivated form of GSK3β, which increased nuclear β-catenin and Lef-1 accumulation, and eventually reduced the Runx2-associated osteogenesis in PDLSCs. Over-expression of GSK3β rescued osteogenesis in TNF-α-stimulated PDLSCs, whereas inactivation of GSK3β was sufficient to liberate the β-catenin/Lef-1/Runx2 pathway.

CONCLUSION

GSK3β plays an obligatory role in the TNF-α-mediated inhibition of osteogenesis in MSCs.

GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE

The strategy to target GSK3β may provide a potential approach to bone regeneration in inflammatory microenvironments.

Tumor necrosis factor-α: regulation of renal function and blood pressure

Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) is a pleiotropic cytokine that becomes elevated in chronic inflammatory states such as hypertension and diabetes and has been found to mediate both increases and decreases in blood pressure. High levels of TNF-α decrease blood pressure, whereas moderate increases in TNF-α have been associated with increased NaCl retention and hypertension. The explanation for these disparate effects is not clear but could simply be due to different concentrations of TNF-α within the kidney, the physiological status of the subject, or the type of stimulus initiating the inflammatory response. TNF-α alters renal hemodynamics and nephron transport, affecting both activity and expression of transporters. It also mediates organ damage by stimulating immune cell infiltration and cell death. Here we will summarize the available findings and attempt to provide plausible explanations for such discrepancies.