1
|
Greenwood DL, Ramsey HE, Nguyen PTT, Patterson AR, Voss K, Bader JE, Sugiura A, Bacigalupa ZA, Schaefer S, Ye X, Dahunsi DO, Madden MZ, Wellen KE, Savona MR, Ferrell PB, Rathmell JC. Acly Deficiency Enhances Myelopoiesis through Acetyl Coenzyme A and Metabolic-Epigenetic Cross-Talk. Immunohorizons 2022; 6:837-850. [PMID: 36547387 PMCID: PMC9935084 DOI: 10.4049/immunohorizons.2200086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Hematopoiesis integrates cytokine signaling, metabolism, and epigenetic modifications to regulate blood cell generation. These processes are linked, as metabolites provide essential substrates for epigenetic marks. In this study, we demonstrate that ATP citrate lyase (Acly), which metabolizes citrate to generate cytosolic acetyl-CoA and is of clinical interest, can regulate chromatin accessibility to limit myeloid differentiation. Acly was tested for a role in murine hematopoiesis by small-molecule inhibition or genetic deletion in lineage-depleted, c-Kit-enriched hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells from Mus musculus. Treatments increased the abundance of cell populations that expressed the myeloid integrin CD11b and other markers of myeloid differentiation. When single-cell RNA sequencing was performed, we found that Acly inhibitor-treated hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells exhibited greater gene expression signatures for macrophages and enrichment of these populations. Similarly, the single-cell assay for transposase-accessible chromatin sequencing showed increased chromatin accessibility at genes associated with myeloid differentiation, including CD11b, CD11c, and IRF8. Mechanistically, Acly deficiency altered chromatin accessibility and expression of multiple C/EBP family transcription factors known to regulate myeloid differentiation and cell metabolism, with increased Cebpe and decreased Cebpa and Cebpb. This effect of Acly deficiency was accompanied by altered mitochondrial metabolism with decreased mitochondrial polarization but increased mitochondrial content and production of reactive oxygen species. The bias to myeloid differentiation appeared due to insufficient generation of acetyl-CoA, as exogenous acetate to support alternate compensatory pathways to produce acetyl-CoA reversed this phenotype. Acly inhibition thus can promote myelopoiesis through deprivation of acetyl-CoA and altered histone acetylome to regulate C/EBP transcription factor family activity for myeloid differentiation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dalton L. Greenwood
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
| | - Haley E. Ramsey
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
| | - Phuong T. T. Nguyen
- Department of Cancer Biology, Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
- Neuroscience Graduate Group, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Andrew R. Patterson
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
| | - Kelsey Voss
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
| | - Jackie E. Bader
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
| | - Ayaka Sugiura
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
| | | | - Samuel Schaefer
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
| | - Xiang Ye
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
| | - Debolanle O. Dahunsi
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
| | - Matthew Z. Madden
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
| | - Kathryn E. Wellen
- Department of Cancer Biology, Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Michael R. Savona
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
- Vanderbilt Ingram Cancer Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
- Vanderbilt Center for Immunobiology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
| | - P. Brent Ferrell
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
- Vanderbilt Ingram Cancer Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
- Vanderbilt Center for Immunobiology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
| | - Jeffrey C. Rathmell
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
- Vanderbilt Ingram Cancer Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
- Vanderbilt Center for Immunobiology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Pan J, Zhou L, Zhang C, Xu Q, Sun Y. Targeting protein phosphatases for the treatment of inflammation-related diseases: From signaling to therapy. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2022; 7:177. [PMID: 35665742 PMCID: PMC9166240 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-022-01038-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Revised: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Inflammation is the common pathological basis of autoimmune diseases, metabolic diseases, malignant tumors, and other major chronic diseases. Inflammation plays an important role in tissue homeostasis. On one hand, inflammation can sense changes in the tissue environment, induce imbalance of tissue homeostasis, and cause tissue damage. On the other hand, inflammation can also initiate tissue damage repair and maintain normal tissue function by resolving injury and restoring homeostasis. These opposing functions emphasize the significance of accurate regulation of inflammatory homeostasis to ameliorate inflammation-related diseases. Potential mechanisms involve protein phosphorylation modifications by kinases and phosphatases, which have a crucial role in inflammatory homeostasis. The mechanisms by which many kinases resolve inflammation have been well reviewed, whereas a systematic summary of the functions of protein phosphatases in regulating inflammatory homeostasis is lacking. The molecular knowledge of protein phosphatases, and especially the unique biochemical traits of each family member, will be of critical importance for developing drugs that target phosphatases. Here, we provide a comprehensive summary of the structure, the "double-edged sword" function, and the extensive signaling pathways of all protein phosphatases in inflammation-related diseases, as well as their potential inhibitors or activators that can be used in therapeutic interventions in preclinical or clinical trials. We provide an integrated perspective on the current understanding of all the protein phosphatases associated with inflammation-related diseases, with the aim of facilitating the development of drugs that target protein phosphatases for the treatment of inflammation-related diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jie Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center (ChemBIC), Department of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Life Science, Nanjing University, 163 Xianlin Avenue, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Lisha Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center (ChemBIC), Department of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Life Science, Nanjing University, 163 Xianlin Avenue, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Chenyang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center (ChemBIC), Department of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Life Science, Nanjing University, 163 Xianlin Avenue, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Qiang Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center (ChemBIC), Department of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Life Science, Nanjing University, 163 Xianlin Avenue, Nanjing, 210023, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of New Drug Research and Clinical Pharmacy, Xuzhou Medical University, 209 Tongshan Road, Xuzhou, 221004, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yang Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center (ChemBIC), Department of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Life Science, Nanjing University, 163 Xianlin Avenue, Nanjing, 210023, China.
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of New Drug Research and Clinical Pharmacy, Xuzhou Medical University, 209 Tongshan Road, Xuzhou, 221004, Jiangsu, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Regulation of TLR4 signaling through the TRAF6/sNASP axis by reversible phosphorylation mediated by CK2 and PP4. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:2107044118. [PMID: 34789577 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2107044118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Recognition of invading pathogens by Toll-like receptors (TLRs) activates innate immunity through signaling pathways that involved multiple protein kinases and phosphatases. We previously demonstrated that somatic nuclear autoantigenic sperm protein (sNASP) binds to TNF receptor-associated factor 6 (TRAF6) in the resting state. Upon TLR4 activation, a signaling complex consisting of TRAF6, sNASP, interleukin (IL)-1 receptor-associated kinase 4, and casein kinase 2 (CK2) is formed. CK2 then phosphorylates sNASP to release phospho-sNASP (p-sNASP) from TRAF6, initiating downstream signaling pathways. Here, we showed that protein phosphatase 4 (PP4) is the specific sNASP phosphatase that negatively regulates TLR4-induced TRAF6 activation and its downstream signaling pathway. Mechanistically, PP4 is directly recruited by phosphorylated sNASP to dephosphorylate p-sNASP to terminate TRAF6 activation. Ectopic expression of PP4 specifically inhibited sNASP-dependent proinflammatory cytokine production and downstream signaling following bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) treatment, whereas silencing PP4 had the opposite effect. Primary macrophages and mice infected with recombinant adenovirus carrying a gene encoding PP4 (Ad-PP4) showed significant reduction in IL-6 and TNF-α production. Survival of Ad-PP4-infected mice was markedly increased due to a better ability to clear bacteria in a sepsis model. These results indicate that the serine/threonine phosphatase PP4 functions as a negative regulator of innate immunity by regulating the binding of sNASP to TRAF6.
Collapse
|
4
|
Duan RN, Yang CL, Du T, Liu A, Wang AR, Sun WJ, Li X, Li JX, Yan CZ, Liu QJ. Smek1 deficiency exacerbates experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis by activating proinflammatory microglia and suppressing the IDO1-AhR pathway. J Neuroinflammation 2021; 18:145. [PMID: 34183017 PMCID: PMC8237434 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-021-02193-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2020] [Accepted: 05/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) is an animal disease model of multiple sclerosis (MS) that involves the immune system and central nervous system (CNS). However, it is unclear how genetic predispositions promote neuroinflammation in MS and EAE. Here, we investigated how partial loss-of-function of suppressor of MEK1 (SMEK1), a regulatory subunit of protein phosphatase 4, facilitates the onset of MS and EAE. METHODS C57BL/6 mice were immunized with myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein 35-55 (MOG35-55) to establish the EAE model. Clinical signs were recorded and pathogenesis was investigated after immunization. CNS tissues were analyzed by immunostaining, quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), western blot analysis, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Single-cell analysis was carried out in the cortices and hippocampus. Splenic and lymph node cells were evaluated with flow cytometry, qPCR, and western blot analysis. RESULTS Here, we showed that partial Smek1 deficiency caused more severe symptoms in the EAE model than in controls by activating myeloid cells and that Smek1 was required for maintaining immunosuppressive function by modulating the indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO1)-aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) pathway. Single-cell sequencing and an in vitro study showed that Smek1-deficient microglia and macrophages were preactivated at steady state. After MOG35-55 immunization, microglia and macrophages underwent hyperactivation and produced increased IL-1β in Smek1-/+ mice at the peak stage. Moreover, dysfunction of the IDO1-AhR pathway resulted from the reduction of interferon γ (IFN-γ), enhanced antigen presentation ability, and inhibition of anti-inflammatory processes in Smek1-/+ EAE mice. CONCLUSIONS The present study suggests a protective role of Smek1 in autoimmune demyelination pathogenesis via immune suppression and inflammation regulation in both the immune system and the central nervous system. Our findings provide an instructive basis for the roles of Smek1 in EAE and broaden the understanding of the genetic factors involved in the pathogenesis of autoimmune demyelination.
Collapse
MESH Headings
- Animals
- Central Nervous System/immunology
- Central Nervous System/pathology
- Central Nervous System/physiopathology
- Cytokines
- Disease Models, Animal
- Encephalomyelitis, Autoimmune, Experimental/immunology
- Encephalomyelitis, Autoimmune, Experimental/metabolism
- Encephalomyelitis, Autoimmune, Experimental/pathology
- Gene Knockout Techniques
- Indoleamine-Pyrrole 2,3,-Dioxygenase/metabolism
- Inflammation/metabolism
- Interferon-gamma/metabolism
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Microglia/immunology
- Microglia/metabolism
- Multiple Sclerosis/immunology
- Myelin-Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein/immunology
- Myeloid Cells/immunology
- Myeloid Cells/metabolism
- Peptide Fragments/immunology
- Phosphoprotein Phosphatases/immunology
- Phosphoprotein Phosphatases/metabolism
- Receptors, Aryl Hydrocarbon/metabolism
- Signal Transduction
- Spleen/pathology
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ruo-Nan Duan
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of the Ministry of Education and Department of Medical Genetics, Cheeloo College of Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong University, No.44 West Wenhua Road, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, People's Republic of China
- Department of Neurology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China
| | - Chun-Lin Yang
- Department of Neurology, Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China
| | - Tong Du
- Department of Neurology, Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China
| | - Ai Liu
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of the Ministry of Education and Department of Medical Genetics, Cheeloo College of Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong University, No.44 West Wenhua Road, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, People's Republic of China
| | - An-Ran Wang
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of the Ministry of Education and Department of Medical Genetics, Cheeloo College of Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong University, No.44 West Wenhua Road, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, People's Republic of China
| | - Wen-Jie Sun
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of the Ministry of Education and Department of Medical Genetics, Cheeloo College of Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong University, No.44 West Wenhua Road, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, People's Republic of China
| | - Xi Li
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of the Ministry of Education and Department of Medical Genetics, Cheeloo College of Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong University, No.44 West Wenhua Road, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiang-Xia Li
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of the Ministry of Education and Department of Medical Genetics, Cheeloo College of Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong University, No.44 West Wenhua Road, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, People's Republic of China
| | - Chuan-Zhu Yan
- Department of Neurology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China
| | - Qi-Ji Liu
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of the Ministry of Education and Department of Medical Genetics, Cheeloo College of Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong University, No.44 West Wenhua Road, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Park J, Lee DH. Functional roles of protein phosphatase 4 in multiple aspects of cellular physiology: a friend and a foe. BMB Rep 2021. [PMID: 32192570 PMCID: PMC7196183 DOI: 10.5483/bmbrep.2020.53.4.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Protein phosphatase 4 (PP4), one of serine/threonine phosphatases, is involved in many critical cellular pathways, including DNA damage response (DNA repair, cell cycle regulation, and apoptosis), tumorigenesis, cell migration, immune response, stem cell development, glucose metabolism, and diabetes. PP4 has been steadily studied over the past decade about wide spectrum of physiological activities in cells. Given the many vital functions in cells, PP4 has great potential to develop into the finding of key working mechanisms and effective treatments for related diseases such as cancer and diabetes. In this review, we provide an overview of the cellular and molecular mechanisms by which PP4 impacts and also discuss the functional significance of it in cell health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jaehong Park
- School of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology Graduate School, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 61186, Korea
| | - Dong-Hyun Lee
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 61186; Research Center of Ecomimetics, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 61186, Korea
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Hajjo R, Tropsha A. A Systems Biology Workflow for Drug and Vaccine Repurposing: Identifying Small-Molecule BCG Mimics to Reduce or Prevent COVID-19 Mortality. Pharm Res 2020; 37:212. [PMID: 33025261 PMCID: PMC7537965 DOI: 10.1007/s11095-020-02930-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2020] [Accepted: 09/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is expected to continue to cause worldwide fatalities until the World population develops 'herd immunity', or until a vaccine is developed and used as a prevention. Meanwhile, there is an urgent need to identify alternative means of antiviral defense. Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine that has been recognized for its off-target beneficial effects on the immune system can be exploited to boast immunity and protect from emerging novel viruses. METHODS We developed and employed a systems biology workflow capable of identifying small-molecule antiviral drugs and vaccines that can boast immunity and affect a wide variety of viral disease pathways to protect from the fatal consequences of emerging viruses. RESULTS Our analysis demonstrates that BCG vaccine affects the production and maturation of naïve T cells resulting in enhanced, long-lasting trained innate immune responses that can provide protection against novel viruses. We have identified small-molecule BCG mimics, including antiviral drugs such as raltegravir and lopinavir as high confidence hits. Strikingly, our top hits emetine and lopinavir were independently validated by recent experimental findings that these compounds inhibit the growth of SARS-CoV-2 in vitro. CONCLUSIONS Our results provide systems biology support for using BCG and small-molecule BCG mimics as putative vaccine and drug candidates against emergent viruses including SARS-CoV-2.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rima Hajjo
- Department of Pharmacy - Computational Chemical Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Zaytoonah University of Jordan, P.O. Box 130, Amman, 11733, Jordan.
| | - Alexander Tropsha
- Laboratory for Molecular Modeling, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, UNC Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, 27599, USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
DAF-16 and SMK-1 Contribute to Innate Immunity During Adulthood in Caenorhabditis elegans. G3-GENES GENOMES GENETICS 2020; 10:1521-1539. [PMID: 32161087 PMCID: PMC7202018 DOI: 10.1534/g3.120.401166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Aging is accompanied by a progressive decline in immune function termed "immunosenescence". Deficient surveillance coupled with the impaired function of immune cells compromises host defense in older animals. The dynamic activity of regulatory modules that control immunity appears to underlie age-dependent modifications to the immune system. In the roundworm Caenorhabditis elegans levels of PMK-1 p38 MAP kinase diminish over time, reducing the expression of immune effectors that clear bacterial pathogens. Along with the PMK-1 pathway, innate immunity in C. elegans is regulated by the insulin signaling pathway. Here we asked whether DAF-16, a Forkhead box (FOXO) transcription factor whose activity is inhibited by insulin signaling, plays a role in host defense later in life. While in younger C. elegans DAF-16 is inactive unless stimulated by environmental insults, we found that even in the absence of acute stress the transcriptional activity of DAF-16 increases in an age-dependent manner. Beginning in the reproductive phase of adulthood, DAF-16 upregulates a subset of its transcriptional targets, including genes required to kill ingested microbes. Accordingly, DAF-16 has little to no role in larval immunity, but functions specifically during adulthood to confer resistance to bacterial pathogens. We found that DAF-16-mediated immunity in adults requires SMK-1, a regulatory subunit of the PP4 protein phosphatase complex. Our data suggest that as the function of one branch of the innate immune system of C. elegans (PMK-1) declines over time, DAF-16-mediated immunity ramps up to become the predominant means of protecting adults from infection, thus reconfiguring immunity later in life.
Collapse
|
8
|
Ren X, Lin J, Wang X, Liu X, Meng E, Zhang R, Sang Y, Zhang Z. Photoactivatable RNAi for cancer gene therapy triggered by near-infrared-irradiated single-walled carbon nanotubes. Int J Nanomedicine 2017; 12:7885-7896. [PMID: 29138556 PMCID: PMC5666115 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s141882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The efficacy of RNA interference (RNAi)-based cancer gene therapy is limited by its unexpected side effects, thus necessitating a strategy to precisely trigger conditional gene knockdown. In this study, we engineered a novel photoactivatable RNAi system, named as polyetherimide-modified single-wall carbon nanotube (PEI-SWNT)/pHSP-shT, that enables optogenetic control of targeted gene suppression in tumor cells. PEI-SWNT/pHSP-shT comprises a stimulus-responsive nanocarrier (PEI-SWNT), and an Hsp70B′-promoter-driven RNAi vector (pHSP-shT). In response to near-infrared (NIR) light irradiation, heating of PEI-SWNT in breast MCF-7 cells triggered gene knockdown targeting human telomerase reverse transcriptase through RNAi, with the gene-knockdown activity capable of being switched off by extinguishing the NIR. Furthermore, we demonstrated that the photoactivatable RNAi system exhibited higher antitumor activity by combining gene therapy and photothermal therapy, both in vitro and in vivo. Optogenetic control of RNAi based on an NIR-activated nanocarrier will potentially facilitate improved understanding of molecular-targeted gene therapy in human malignant tumors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xueling Ren
- Key Laboratory of Targeting Therapy and Diagnosis for Critical Diseases, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing Lin
- Key Laboratory of Targeting Therapy and Diagnosis for Critical Diseases, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Xuefang Wang
- Key Laboratory of Targeting Therapy and Diagnosis for Critical Diseases, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiao Liu
- Key Laboratory of Targeting Therapy and Diagnosis for Critical Diseases, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Erjuan Meng
- Key Laboratory of Targeting Therapy and Diagnosis for Critical Diseases, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Rui Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Targeting Therapy and Diagnosis for Critical Diseases, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanxiao Sang
- Key Laboratory of Targeting Therapy and Diagnosis for Critical Diseases, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhenzhong Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Targeting Therapy and Diagnosis for Critical Diseases, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Liao FH, Hsiao WY, Lin YC, Chan YC, Huang CY. T cell proliferation and adaptive immune responses are critically regulated by protein phosphatase 4. Cell Cycle 2017; 15:1073-83. [PMID: 26940341 DOI: 10.1080/15384101.2016.1156267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The clonal expansion of activated T cells is pivotal for the induction of protective immunity. Protein phosphatase 4 (PP4) is a ubiquitously expressed serine/threonine phosphatase with reported functions in thymocyte development and DNA damage responses. However, the role of PP4 in T cell immunity has not been thoroughly investigated. In this report, our data showed that T cell-specific ablation of PP4 resulted in defective adaptive immunity, impaired T cell homeostatic expansion, and inefficient T cell proliferation. This hypo-proliferation was associated with a partial G1-S cell cycle arrest, enhanced transcriptions of CDK inhibitors and elevated activation of AMPK. In addition, resveratrol, a known AMPK activator, induced similar G1-S arrests, while lentivirally-transduced WT or constitutively-active AMPKα1 retarded the proliferation of WT T cells. Further investigations showed that PP4 co-immunoprecipitated with AMPKα1, and the over-expression of PP4 inhibited AMPK phosphorylation, thereby implicating PP4 for the negative regulation of AMPK. In summary, our results indicate that PP4 is an essential modulator for T cell proliferation and immune responses; they further suggest a potential link between PP4 functions, AMPK activation and G1-S arrest in activated T cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fang-Hsuean Liao
- a Immunology Research Center, National Health Research Institutes , Zhunan , Miaoli County , Taiwan
| | - Wan-Yi Hsiao
- a Immunology Research Center, National Health Research Institutes , Zhunan , Miaoli County , Taiwan
| | - Yu-Chun Lin
- a Immunology Research Center, National Health Research Institutes , Zhunan , Miaoli County , Taiwan
| | - Yi-Chiao Chan
- a Immunology Research Center, National Health Research Institutes , Zhunan , Miaoli County , Taiwan
| | - Ching-Yu Huang
- a Immunology Research Center, National Health Research Institutes , Zhunan , Miaoli County , Taiwan
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Protein phosphatase 4 catalytic subunit is overexpressed in glioma and promotes glioma cell proliferation and invasion. Tumour Biol 2016; 37:11893-11901. [DOI: 10.1007/s13277-016-5054-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2016] [Accepted: 04/01/2016] [Indexed: 10/22/2022] Open
|
11
|
Mizoguchi A, Takeuchi T, Himuro H, Okada T, Mizoguchi E. Genetically engineered mouse models for studying inflammatory bowel disease. J Pathol 2015; 238:205-19. [PMID: 26387641 DOI: 10.1002/path.4640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2015] [Revised: 09/05/2015] [Accepted: 09/14/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic intestinal inflammatory condition that is mediated by very complex mechanisms controlled by genetic, immune, and environmental factors. More than 74 kinds of genetically engineered mouse strains have been established since 1993 for studying IBD. Although mouse models cannot fully reflect human IBD, they have provided significant contributions for not only understanding the mechanism, but also developing new therapeutic means for IBD. Indeed, 20 kinds of genetically engineered mouse models carry the susceptibility genes identified in human IBD, and the functions of some other IBD susceptibility genes have also been dissected out using mouse models. Cutting-edge technologies such as cell-specific and inducible knockout systems, which were recently employed to mouse IBD models, have further enhanced the ability of investigators to provide important and unexpected rationales for developing new therapeutic strategies for IBD. In this review article, we briefly introduce 74 kinds of genetically engineered mouse models that spontaneously develop intestinal inflammation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Atsushi Mizoguchi
- Department of Immunology, Kurume University School of Medicine, 67 Asahi-machi, Kurume, Fukuoka, 830-0011, Japan
| | - Takahito Takeuchi
- Department of Immunology, Kurume University School of Medicine, 67 Asahi-machi, Kurume, Fukuoka, 830-0011, Japan
| | - Hidetomo Himuro
- Department of Immunology, Kurume University School of Medicine, 67 Asahi-machi, Kurume, Fukuoka, 830-0011, Japan
| | - Toshiyuki Okada
- Department of Immunology, Kurume University School of Medicine, 67 Asahi-machi, Kurume, Fukuoka, 830-0011, Japan
| | - Emiko Mizoguchi
- Gastrointestinal Unit and Center for the Study of Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Fruit Street, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Zhan Z, Cao H, Xie X, Yang L, Zhang P, Chen Y, Fan H, Liu Z, Liu X. Phosphatase PP4 Negatively Regulates Type I IFN Production and Antiviral Innate Immunity by Dephosphorylating and Deactivating TBK1. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2015; 195:3849-57. [PMID: 26363053 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1403083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2014] [Accepted: 08/06/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The effective recognition of viral infection and subsequent type I IFN production is essential for the host antiviral innate immune responses. The phosphorylation and activation of kinase TANK-binding kinase 1 (TBK1) plays crucial roles in the production of type I IFN mediated by TLR and retinoic acid-inducible gene I-like receptors. Type I IFN expression must be tightly regulated to prevent the development of immunopathological disorders. However, how the activated TBK1 is negatively regulated by phosphatases remains poorly understood. In this study, we identified a previously unknown role of protein phosphatase (PP)4 by acting as a TBK1 phosphatase. PP4 expression was upregulated in macrophages infected with RNA virus, vesicular stomatitis virus, and Sendai virus in vitro and in vivo. Knockdown of PP4C, the catalytic subunit of PP4, significantly increased type I IFN production in macrophages and dentritic cells triggered by TLR3/4 ligands, vesicular stomatitis virus, and Sendai virus, and thus inhibited virus replication. Similar results were also found in peritoneal macrophages with PP4C silencing in vivo and i.p. infection of RNA virus. Accordingly, ectopic expression of PP4C inhibited virus-induced type I IFN production and promoted virus replication. However, overexpression of a phosphatase-dead PP4C mutant abolished the inhibitory effects of wild-type PP4C on type I IFN production. Mechanistically, PP4 directly bound TBK1 upon virus infection, then dephosphorylated TBK1 at Ser(172) and inhibited TBK1 activation, and subsequently restrained IFN regulatory factor 3 activation, resulting in suppressed production of type I IFN and IFN-stimulated genes. Thus, serine/threonine phosphatase PP4 functions as a novel feedback negative regulator of RNA virus-triggered innate immunity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhenzhen Zhan
- Research Center for Translational Medicine and Shanghai Heart Failure Research Center, East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200120, China; Key Laboratory of Arrhythmias, Ministry of Education, East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200120, China;
| | - Hao Cao
- Research Center for Translational Medicine and Shanghai Heart Failure Research Center, East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200120, China
| | - Xuefeng Xie
- School of Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China; and
| | - Linshan Yang
- Research Center for Translational Medicine and Shanghai Heart Failure Research Center, East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200120, China
| | - Peng Zhang
- National Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology and Institute of Immunology, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Yihan Chen
- Research Center for Translational Medicine and Shanghai Heart Failure Research Center, East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200120, China; Key Laboratory of Arrhythmias, Ministry of Education, East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200120, China
| | - Huimin Fan
- Research Center for Translational Medicine and Shanghai Heart Failure Research Center, East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200120, China
| | - Zhongmin Liu
- Research Center for Translational Medicine and Shanghai Heart Failure Research Center, East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200120, China
| | - Xingguang Liu
- National Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology and Institute of Immunology, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| |
Collapse
|