MAP2K2 Delays Recovery in Murine Models of Acute Lung Injury and Associates with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome Outcome

Identification of Candidate Hub Genes and Drug Targets for Cholangiocarcinoma via Juhua (Chrysanthemum Morifolium) Bioactivity and Molecular Docking: A Bioinformatics Approach

Background

Cholangiocarcinoma (CHOL) is a malignancy with poor clinical outcomes and limited treatment options. While extensive research has investigated genetic and signaling pathways in CHOL, the molecular mechanisms underlying disease pathogenesis remain incompletely understood. A key hurdle has been the lack of a systematic, multi-omic approach to illuminate causal relationships between genetic variants and CHOL risk.

Results

We integrated gene expression, co-expression network, and Mendelian randomization analyses to elucidate molecular drivers of CHOL. Gene set enrichment of differentially expressed genes from CHOL tumor samples identified enrichment in cancer-related biological processes. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis identified modules highly correlated with CHOL, including genes involved in cell cycle regulation, transcription, and proteolysis. Integrating these data with targets of the herbal formula Juhua, which shows anti-CHOL activity, pinpointed four candidate hub genes (CDK5, CDK7, CTSB, MAP2K2). Molecular docking revealed interactions between Juhua constituents and these hub genes. Mendelian randomization analysis of genetic variants implicated CCL2, CD5, CXCL6, CXCL9, HGF, IL10, IL10RA, IL18, IL24, IL2RB, IL6, IL8, SIRT2 and SLAMF1 as causally associated with CHOL.

Conclusion

Our multi-omic analysis provides new insight into molecular underpinnings of CHOL and identifies candidate disease drivers, signaling pathways and herbal targets for further validation. This systematic approach established a framework for illuminating causal links between genetics, molecular mechanisms and disease pathogenesis, with potential to accelerate drug and biomarker development for CHOL.

MAP2K1 dampens cigarette smoke-induced inflammation via suppression of type I interferon pathway activation

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), comprised of chronic bronchitis and emphysema, is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Mitogen-activated protein 2 kinase (MAP2K) pathway activation is present in COPD lung tissue and a genetic polymorphism in Map2k1 associates with FEV1 decline in COPD, suggesting it may contribute to disease pathogenesis. To test the functional contribution of Map2k1 in cigarette smoke (CS)-induced lung inflammation, we used a short-term CS exposure model in mice deficient in myeloid Map2k1 (LysmCre+Mek1fl) and wild-type mice (Mek1fl). Mice deficient in myeloid Map2k1 had enhanced CS-induced lung inflammation characterized by increased neutrophil recruitment, vascular leak, augmented expression of elastolytic matrix metalloproteinases, and increased type I interferon-stimulated gene expression. The augmented neutrophilic inflammatory response could be abrogated by IFNAR1 blockade. These findings indicate that myeloid Map2k1 regulates the immune response to CS via inhibition of the type I interferon pathway. Overall, these results suggest that Map2k1 is a critical determinant in modulating the severity of CS-induced lung inflammation and its expression is protective.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK)-ERK1/2 pathway is present in COPD lung tissue compared with healthy lungs. Our study using mice deficient in myeloid Map2k1 reveals that Map2k1 is a critical determinant in modulating the severity of CS-induced lung inflammation via suppression of type I interferon responses, and its expression is protective.