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Younis MA, Harashima H. Understanding Gene Involvement in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Implications for Gene Therapy and Personalized Medicine. Pharmgenomics Pers Med 2024; 17:193-213. [PMID: 38737776 PMCID: PMC11088404 DOI: 10.2147/pgpm.s431346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the dominant type of liver cancers and is one of the deadliest health threats globally. The conventional therapeutic options for HCC are hampered by low efficiency and intolerable side effects. Gene therapy, however, now offers hope for the treatment of many disorders previously considered incurable, and gene therapy is beginning to address many of the shortcomings of conventional therapies. Herein, we summarize the involvement of genes in the pathogenesis and prognosis of HCC, with a special focus on dysregulated signaling pathways, genes involved in immune evasion, and non-coding RNAs as novel two-edged players, which collectively offer potential targets for the gene therapy of HCC. Herein, the opportunities and challenges of HCC gene therapy are discussed. These include innovative therapies such as genome editing and cell therapies. Moreover, advanced gene delivery technologies that recruit nanomedicines for use in gene therapy for HCC are highlighted. Finally, suggestions are offered for improved clinical translation and future directions in this area of endeavor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahmoud A Younis
- Laboratory of Innovative Nanomedicine, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, 060-0812, Japan
- Department of Industrial Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Assiut University, Assiut, 71526, Egypt
| | - Hideyoshi Harashima
- Laboratory of Innovative Nanomedicine, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, 060-0812, Japan
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Saimaier K, Han S, Lv J, Zhuang W, Xie L, Liu G, Wang C, Zhang R, Hua Q, Shi C, Du C. Manganese Exacerbates ConA-Induced Liver Inflammation via the cGAS-STING Signaling Pathway. Inflammation 2024; 47:333-345. [PMID: 37805951 DOI: 10.1007/s10753-023-01912-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Revised: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
There is a potential association between the dysregulation of trace elements and impaired liver function. Elevated levels of manganese, an essential metal ion, have been observed in liver-related diseases, and excessive intake of manganese can worsen liver damage. However, the specific mechanisms underlying manganese-induced liver injury are not well understood. The aim of our study was to investigate the effects of excess manganese on autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) and elucidate its mechanisms. Our findings revealed that manganese exacerbates liver damage under ConA-induced inflammatory conditions. Transcriptomic and experimental data suggested that manganese enhances inflammatory signaling and contributes to the inflammatory microenvironment in the liver of AIH mice. Further investigations demonstrated that manganese exacerbates liver injury by activating the cGAS-STING signaling pathway and its downstream pro-inflammatory factors such as IFN[Formula: see text], IFN[Formula: see text], TNF[Formula: see text], and IL-6 in the liver of AIH mice. These results suggest that manganese overload promotes the progression of AIH by activating cGAS-STING-mediated inflammation, providing a new perspective for the treatment and prognosis of AIH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaidireya Saimaier
- Putuo People's Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Sanxing Han
- Putuo People's Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jie Lv
- Putuo People's Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Zhuang
- Putuo People's Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Ling Xie
- Putuo People's Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Guangyu Liu
- Putuo People's Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chun Wang
- Putuo People's Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ru Zhang
- Putuo People's Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qiuhong Hua
- Putuo People's Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Changjie Shi
- Putuo People's Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Changsheng Du
- Putuo People's Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China.
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Liu J, Zhou J, Luan Y, Li X, Meng X, Liao W, Tang J, Wang Z. cGAS-STING, inflammasomes and pyroptosis: an overview of crosstalk mechanism of activation and regulation. Cell Commun Signal 2024; 22:22. [PMID: 38195584 PMCID: PMC10775518 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-023-01466-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intracellular DNA-sensing pathway cGAS-STING, inflammasomes and pyroptosis act as critical natural immune signaling axes for microbial infection, chronic inflammation, cancer progression and organ degeneration, but the mechanism and regulation of the crosstalk network remain unclear. Cellular stress disrupts mitochondrial homeostasis, facilitates the opening of mitochondrial permeability transition pore and the leakage of mitochondrial DNA to cell membrane, triggers inflammatory responses by activating cGAS-STING signaling, and subsequently induces inflammasomes activation and the onset of pyroptosis. Meanwhile, the inflammasome-associated protein caspase-1, Gasdermin D, the CARD domain of ASC and the potassium channel are involved in regulating cGAS-STING pathway. Importantly, this crosstalk network has a cascade amplification effect that exacerbates the immuno-inflammatory response, worsening the pathological process of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Given the importance of this crosstalk network of cGAS-STING, inflammasomes and pyroptosis in the regulation of innate immunity, it is emerging as a new avenue to explore the mechanisms of multiple disease pathogenesis. Therefore, efforts to define strategies to selectively modulate cGAS-STING, inflammasomes and pyroptosis in different disease settings have been or are ongoing. In this review, we will describe how this mechanistic understanding is driving possible therapeutics targeting this crosstalk network, focusing on the interacting or regulatory proteins, pathways, and a regulatory mitochondrial hub between cGAS-STING, inflammasomes, and pyroptosis. SHORT CONCLUSION This review aims to provide insight into the critical roles and regulatory mechanisms of the crosstalk network of cGAS-STING, inflammasomes and pyroptosis, and to highlight some promising directions for future research and intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingwen Liu
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 610075, China
- TCM Regulating Metabolic Diseases Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 610075, China
| | - Jing Zhou
- The Second Hospital of Ningbo, Ningbo, 315099, China
| | - Yuling Luan
- Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Xiaoying Li
- Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Xiangrui Meng
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 610075, China
| | - Wenhao Liao
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 610075, China
| | - Jianyuan Tang
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 610075, China.
- TCM Regulating Metabolic Diseases Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 610075, China.
| | - Zheilei Wang
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 610075, China.
- TCM Regulating Metabolic Diseases Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 610075, China.
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Van Dingenen L, Segers C, Wouters S, Mysara M, Leys N, Kumar-Singh S, Malhotra-Kumar S, Van Houdt R. Dissecting the role of the gut microbiome and fecal microbiota transplantation in radio- and immunotherapy treatment of colorectal cancer. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1298264. [PMID: 38035338 PMCID: PMC10687483 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1298264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers and poses a major burden on the human health worldwide. At the moment, treatment of CRC consists of surgery in combination with (neo)adjuvant chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy. More recently, immune checkpoint blockers (ICBs) have also been approved for CRC treatment. In addition, recent studies have shown that radiotherapy and ICBs act synergistically, with radiotherapy stimulating the immune system that is activated by ICBs. However, both treatments are also associated with severe toxicity and efficacy issues, which can lead to temporary or permanent discontinuation of these treatment programs. There's growing evidence pointing to the gut microbiome playing a role in these issues. Some microorganisms seem to contribute to radiotherapy-associated toxicity and hinder ICB efficacy, while others seem to reduce radiotherapy-associated toxicity or enhance ICB efficacy. Consequently, fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) has been applied to reduce radio- and immunotherapy-related toxicity and enhance their efficacies. Here, we have reviewed the currently available preclinical and clinical data in CRC treatment, with a focus on how the gut microbiome influences radio- and immunotherapy toxicity and efficacy and if these treatments could benefit from FMT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lena Van Dingenen
- Nuclear Medical Applications, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre, SCK CEN, Mol, Belgium
- Laboratory of Medical Microbiology, Vaccine and Infectious Disease Institute, Faculty of Medicine, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Charlotte Segers
- Nuclear Medical Applications, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre, SCK CEN, Mol, Belgium
| | - Shari Wouters
- Nuclear Medical Applications, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre, SCK CEN, Mol, Belgium
- Molecular Pathology Group, Laboratory of Cell Biology and Histology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Mohamed Mysara
- Bioinformatics Group, Center for Informatics Science, School of Information Technology and Computer Science, Nile University, Giza, Egypt
| | - Natalie Leys
- Nuclear Medical Applications, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre, SCK CEN, Mol, Belgium
| | - Samir Kumar-Singh
- Laboratory of Medical Microbiology, Vaccine and Infectious Disease Institute, Faculty of Medicine, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- Molecular Pathology Group, Laboratory of Cell Biology and Histology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Surbhi Malhotra-Kumar
- Laboratory of Medical Microbiology, Vaccine and Infectious Disease Institute, Faculty of Medicine, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Rob Van Houdt
- Nuclear Medical Applications, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre, SCK CEN, Mol, Belgium
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Lin Z, Yang P, Hu Y, Xu H, Duan J, He F, Dou K, Wang L. RING finger protein 13 protects against nonalcoholic steatohepatitis by targeting STING-relayed signaling pathways. Nat Commun 2023; 14:6635. [PMID: 37857628 PMCID: PMC10587083 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-42420-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common liver disorder worldwide. Recent studies show that innate immunity-related signaling pathways fuel NAFLD progression. This study aims to identify potent regulators of innate immunity during NAFLD progression. To this end, a phenotype-based high-content screening is performed, and RING finger protein 13 (RNF13) is identified as an effective inhibitor of lipid accumulation in vitro. In vivo gain- and loss-of-function assays are conducted to investigate the role of RNF13 in NAFLD. Transcriptome sequencing and immunoprecipitation-mass spectrometry are performed to explore the underlying mechanisms. We reveal that RNF13 protein is upregulated in the liver of individuals with NASH. Rnf13 knockout in hepatocytes exacerbate insulin resistance, steatosis, inflammation, cell injury and fibrosis in the liver of diet-induced mice, which can be alleviated by Rnf13 overexpression. Mechanically, RNF13 facilitates the proteasomal degradation of stimulator of interferon genes protein (STING) in a ubiquitination-dependent way. This study provides a promising innate immunity-related target for NAFLD treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhibin Lin
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xi-Jing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Peijun Yang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xi-Jing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Yufeng Hu
- Gannan Innovation and Transformation Medical Research Institute, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 341000, China
| | - Hao Xu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xi-Jing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Juanli Duan
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xi-Jing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Fei He
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xi-Jing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Kefeng Dou
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xi-Jing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China.
| | - Lin Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xi-Jing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China.
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Zhou J, Zhuang Z, Li J, Feng Z. Significance of the cGAS-STING Pathway in Health and Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13316. [PMID: 37686127 PMCID: PMC10487967 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241713316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS)-stimulator of interferon genes (STING) pathway plays a significant role in health and disease. In this pathway, cGAS, one of the major cytosolic DNA sensors in mammalian cells, regulates innate immunity and the STING-dependent production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including type-I interferon. Moreover, the cGAS-STING pathway is integral to other cellular processes, such as cell death, cell senescence, and autophagy. Activation of the cGAS-STING pathway by "self" DNA is also attributed to various infectious diseases and autoimmune or inflammatory conditions. In addition, the cGAS-STING pathway activation functions as a link between innate and adaptive immunity, leading to the inhibition or facilitation of tumorigenesis; therefore, research targeting this pathway can provide novel clues for clinical applications to treat infectious, inflammatory, and autoimmune diseases and even cancer. In this review, we focus on the cGAS-STING pathway and its corresponding cellular and molecular mechanisms in health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinglin Zhou
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Innate Immune Biology, Biomedical Research Center of South China, College of Life Science, Fujian Normal University Qishan Campus, Fuzhou 350117, China
| | - Zhan Zhuang
- Key Laboratory of College of First Clinical Medicine, College of First Clinical Medicine, Fujian Medical University, Taijiang Campus, Fuzhou 350001, China
| | - Jiamian Li
- Key Laboratory of College of First Clinical Medicine, College of First Clinical Medicine, Fujian Medical University, Taijiang Campus, Fuzhou 350001, China
| | - Zhihua Feng
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Innate Immune Biology, Biomedical Research Center of South China, College of Life Science, Fujian Normal University Qishan Campus, Fuzhou 350117, China
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Xu L, Ma M, Li J, Gao D, Ma P, Zhang F, Song D. Leucine Aminopeptidase-Mediated Multifunctional Molecular Imaging Tool for Diagnosis, Drug Evaluation, and Surgical Guidance of Liver-Related Diseases. Anal Chem 2023; 95:12089-12096. [PMID: 37525359 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.3c02130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/02/2023]
Abstract
Traditional molecular imaging tools used for detecting liver diseases own several drawbacks, such as poor optical performance and limited applicability. Monitoring the concentration of leucine aminopeptidase (LAP), which is closely related to liver diseases such as liver cancer and liver injury, and analyzing it in diagnosis, drug evaluation, and surgical treatment is still a challenging task. Herein, we construct an intramolecular charge-transfer mechanism-based, ultrasensitive, near-infrared fluorescent probe (LAN-lap) for dynamic monitoring of LAP fluctuations in living systems. LAN-lap, with high specificity, stability, sensitivity, and water solubility, can achieve in vitro monitoring of LAP through both fluorescence and colorimetric methods. Moreover, LAN-lap can successfully be used for the localization imaging of endogenous LAP, confirming the upregulation of LAP expression in liver cancer and liver injury cells. In addition, LAN-lap can realize the imaging of liver tumors in living organisms. Meanwhile, it can intuitively present the degree of drug-induced liver injury, achieving semi-quantitative imaging evaluation of the hepatotoxicity of two drugs. Furthermore, LAN-lap can track liver cancer tumors in mice with peritoneal metastasis and can assist in fluorescence-guided surgical resection of liver cancer tumors. This multifunctional LAN-lap probe could play an important role in facilitating simultaneous diagnoses, imaging, and synergistic surgical navigation to achieve better point-of-care therapeutic efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lanlan Xu
- College of Chemistry, Jilin Province Research Center for Engineering and Technology of Spectral Analytical Instruments, Jilin University, Qianjin Street 2699, Changchun 130012, China
| | - Mo Ma
- College of Chemistry, Jilin Province Research Center for Engineering and Technology of Spectral Analytical Instruments, Jilin University, Qianjin Street 2699, Changchun 130012, China
- School of Pharmacy, Jilin University, Qianjin Street 2699, Changchun 130012, China
| | - Jingkang Li
- College of Chemistry, Jilin Province Research Center for Engineering and Technology of Spectral Analytical Instruments, Jilin University, Qianjin Street 2699, Changchun 130012, China
| | - Dejiang Gao
- College of Chemistry, Jilin Province Research Center for Engineering and Technology of Spectral Analytical Instruments, Jilin University, Qianjin Street 2699, Changchun 130012, China
| | - Pinyi Ma
- College of Chemistry, Jilin Province Research Center for Engineering and Technology of Spectral Analytical Instruments, Jilin University, Qianjin Street 2699, Changchun 130012, China
| | - Fangmei Zhang
- XNA Platform, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, 100 Kexue Avenue, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Daqian Song
- College of Chemistry, Jilin Province Research Center for Engineering and Technology of Spectral Analytical Instruments, Jilin University, Qianjin Street 2699, Changchun 130012, China
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Yang T, Qu X, Zhao J, Wang X, Wang Q, Dai J, Zhu C, Li J, Jiang L. Macrophage PTEN controls STING-induced inflammation and necroptosis through NICD/NRF2 signaling in APAP-induced liver injury. Cell Commun Signal 2023; 21:160. [PMID: 37370115 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-023-01175-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome 10 (PTEN) signaling has been known to play a critical role in maintaining cellular and tissue homeostasis, which also has an essential role in the inflammatory response. However, it remains unidentified whether and how the macrophage PTEN may govern the innate immune signaling stimulator of interferon genes (STING) mediated inflammation and hepatocyte necroptosis in APAP-induced liver injury (AILI). METHODS Myeloid-specific PTEN knockout (PTENM-KO) and floxed PTEN (PTENFL/FL) mice were treated with APAP (400 mg/kg) or PBS. In a parallel in vitro study, bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMMs) were isolated from these conditional knockout mice and transfected with CRISPR/Cas9-mediated Notch1 knockout (KO) or CRISPR/Cas9-mediated STING activation vector followed by LPS (100 ng/ml) stimulation. RESULTS Here, we report that myeloid-specific PTEN knockout (PTENM-KO) mice were resistant to oxidative stress-induced hepatocellular injury with reduced macrophage/neutrophil accumulation and proinflammatory mediators in AILI. PTENM-KO increased the interaction of nuclear Notch intracellular domain (NICD) and nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (NRF2) in the macrophage nucleus, reducing reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. Mechanistically, it is worth noting that macrophage NICD and NRF2 co-localize within the nucleus under inflammatory conditions. Additionally, Notch1 promotes the interaction of immunoglobulin kappa J region (RBPjκ) with NRF2. Disruption of the Notch1 signal in PTEN deletion macrophages, reduced RBPjκ and NRF2 binding, and activated STING signaling. Moreover, PTENM-KO macrophages with STING activated led to ROS generation and TNF-α release, resulting in hepatocyte necroptosis upon co-culture with primary hepatocytes. CONCLUSIONS Our findings demonstrate that the macrophage PTEN-NICD/NRF2-STING axis is critical to regulating oxidative stress-induced liver inflammation and necroptosis in AILI and implies the therapeutic potential for managing sterile liver inflammation. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Yang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital With Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Affiliated People's Hospital of Jiangsu University, The Zhenjiang Clinical Medical College of Nanjing Medical University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Xiaoye Qu
- Department of Liver Surgery, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiaying Zhao
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital With Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiao Wang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital With Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Qian Wang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital With Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jingjing Dai
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital With Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Chuanlong Zhu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital With Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jun Li
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital With Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.
| | - Longfeng Jiang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital With Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.
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Liu J, Ji S, Liu Z, Guo M, Yang G, Chen L. Deletion of Cyclic GMP-AMP Synthase Aggravates Concanavalin A-Induced Acute Hepatic Injury by Facilitating Leukocyte Chemotaxis. Inflammation 2023; 46:1118-1130. [PMID: 37095260 DOI: 10.1007/s10753-023-01798-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/26/2023]
Abstract
Growing evidence demonstrates that cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS), as a cytosolic DNA sensor, is essential for activating innate immunity and regulating inflammatory response against cellular damage. However, its role in immune-mediated hepatitis remains unclear. Here by challenging the cGAS knockout (KO) and their littermate wide-type (WT) mice with intravenous ConA injection to induce acute immune-mediated liver injury, we found that lack of cGAS drastically aggravated liver damage post ConA treatment for 24 h, reflected by increased alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels and amplified hepatic necrosis. The number of apoptotic hepatocytes was also significantly increased in the KO mice. RNA-sequencing analysis revealed that leukocyte chemotaxis and migration-related genes were remarkably upregulated in the KO livers. Consistently, immunofluorescence assays illustrated that the infiltrating F4/80-positive macrophages, Ly6G-positive neutrophils, and CD3-positive T cells were all significantly increased in the KO liver sections. The hepatic expression of the pro-inflammatory genes was elevated as well. Supporting the in vivo findings, the knockdown of cGAS in cultured macrophages showed promoted migration potential and enhanced pro-inflammatory gene expression. These results collectively demonstrated that deletion of cGAS could aggravate ConA-induced acute liver injury, at least at the 24-h time point, and its mechanism might be related to facilitating leukocyte chemotaxis and promoting liver inflammatory response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaxin Liu
- Advanced Institute for Medical Sciences, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116044, China
| | - Shuang Ji
- Advanced Institute for Medical Sciences, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116044, China
| | - Zhaiyi Liu
- School of Bioengineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, 116024, China
| | - Meina Guo
- Advanced Institute for Medical Sciences, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116044, China
| | - Guangrui Yang
- School of Clinical Medicine, Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai, 201318, China
| | - Lihong Chen
- Advanced Institute for Medical Sciences, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116044, China.
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Li JK, Song ZP, Hou XZ. Scutellarin ameliorates ischemia/reperfusion injury‑induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis and cardiac dysfunction via inhibition of the cGAS‑STING pathway. Exp Ther Med 2023; 25:155. [PMID: 36911381 PMCID: PMC9996299 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2023.11854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Ischemic heart disease is a common cardiovascular disease. Scutellarin (SCU) exhibits protective effects in ischemic cardiomyocytes; however, to the best of our knowledge, the protective mechanism of SCU remains unclear. The present study was performed to investigate the protective effect of SCU on cardiomyocytes after ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury and the underlying mechanism. Mice were intraperitoneally injected with SCU (20 mg/kg) for 7 days before establishing the heart I/R injury model. Cardiac function was detected using small animal echocardiography, apoptotic cells were visualized using TUNEL staining, the myocardial infarct area was assessed by 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining, and the protein levels of cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS), stimulator of interferon genes (STING), Bcl-2, Bax and cleaved Caspase-3 were detected by western blotting. In in vitro experiments, H9c2 cells were pretreated with SCU, RU.521 (cGAS inhibitor) and H-151 (STING inhibitor), before cell hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) injury. The viability of H9c2 cells was detected using a Cell Counting Kit-8 assay, the rate of apoptosis was determined by flow cytometry, and the protein expression levels of cGAS, STING, Bcl-2, Bax and cleaved Caspase-3 were detected by western blotting. It was revealed that SCU ameliorated cardiac dysfunction and apoptosis, and inhibited the activation of the cGAS-STING and Bcl-2/Bax/Caspase-3 signaling pathways in I/R-injured mice. It was also observed that SCU significantly increased cell viability and decreased apoptosis in H/R-induced H9c2 cells. Furthermore, H/R increased the expression levels of cGAS, STING and cleaved Caspase-3, and decreased the ratio of Bcl-2/Bax, which could be reversed by treatment with SCU, RU.521 and H-151. The present study demonstrated that the cGAS-STING signaling pathway may be involved in the regulation of the activation of the Bcl-2/Bax/Caspase-3 signaling pathway to mediate I/R-induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis and cardiac dysfunction, which could be ameliorated by SCU treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiu-Kang Li
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The People's Hospital of Yue Chi County, Guang'an, Sichuan 638300, P.R. China
| | - Zhi-Ping Song
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The People's Hospital of Yue Chi County, Guang'an, Sichuan 638300, P.R. China
| | - Xing-Zhi Hou
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The People's Hospital of Yue Chi County, Guang'an, Sichuan 638300, P.R. China
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Bertran L, Adalid L, Vilaró-Blay M, Barrientos-Riosalido A, Aguilar C, Martínez S, Sabench F, del Castillo D, Porras JA, Alibalic A, Richart C, Auguet T. Expression of STING in Women with Morbid Obesity and Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease. Metabolites 2023; 13:metabo13040496. [PMID: 37110154 PMCID: PMC10146769 DOI: 10.3390/metabo13040496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Revised: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most prevalent chronic hepatic disease. Although mostly benign, this disease can evolve into nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). The stimulator of interferon genes (STING) plays an important role in the immune response against stressed cells, but this protein may also be involved in liver lipogenesis and microbiota composition. In this study, the role of STING in NAFLD was evaluated by RT–qPCR to analyze STING mRNA abundance and by immunohistochemical analysis to evaluate protein expression in liver biopsies from a cohort composed of 69 women with morbid obesity classified according to their liver involvement (normal liver, n = 27; simple steatosis (SS), n = 26; NASH, n = 16). The results showed that STING mRNA expression in the liver increases with the occurrence of NAFLD, specifically in the SS stage in which the degree of steatosis is mild or moderate. Protein analysis corroborated these results. Positive correlations were observed among hepatic STING mRNA abundance and gamma-glutamyl transferase and alkaline phosphatase levels, hepatic Toll-like receptor 9 expression and some circulating microbiota-derived bile acids. In conclusion, STING may be involved in the outcome and progression of NAFLD and may be related to hepatic lipid metabolism. However, further studies are needed to confirm these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laia Bertran
- Grup de Recerca GEMMAIR (AGAUR)—Medicina Aplicada (URV), Departament de Medicina i Cirurgia, Institut d’Investigació Sanitària Pere Virgili (IISPV), Universitat Rovira i Virgili (URV), 43007 Tarragona, Spain
| | - Laia Adalid
- Servei Anatomia Patològica, Hospital Universitari Joan XXIII Tarragona, Mallafré Guasch, 4, 43007 Tarragona, Spain
| | - Mercè Vilaró-Blay
- Grup de Recerca GEMMAIR (AGAUR)—Medicina Aplicada (URV), Departament de Medicina i Cirurgia, Institut d’Investigació Sanitària Pere Virgili (IISPV), Universitat Rovira i Virgili (URV), 43007 Tarragona, Spain
| | - Andrea Barrientos-Riosalido
- Grup de Recerca GEMMAIR (AGAUR)—Medicina Aplicada (URV), Departament de Medicina i Cirurgia, Institut d’Investigació Sanitària Pere Virgili (IISPV), Universitat Rovira i Virgili (URV), 43007 Tarragona, Spain
| | - Carmen Aguilar
- Grup de Recerca GEMMAIR (AGAUR)—Medicina Aplicada (URV), Departament de Medicina i Cirurgia, Institut d’Investigació Sanitària Pere Virgili (IISPV), Universitat Rovira i Virgili (URV), 43007 Tarragona, Spain
| | - Salomé Martínez
- Servei Anatomia Patològica, Hospital Universitari Joan XXIII Tarragona, Mallafré Guasch, 4, 43007 Tarragona, Spain
| | - Fàtima Sabench
- Servei de Cirurgia i Anestèsia, Hospital Sant Joan de Reus, Departament de Medicina i Cirurgia, Universitat Rovira i Virgili (URV), IISPV, Avinguda Doctor Josep Laporte, 2, 43204 Reus, Spain
| | - Daniel del Castillo
- Servei de Cirurgia i Anestèsia, Hospital Sant Joan de Reus, Departament de Medicina i Cirurgia, Universitat Rovira i Virgili (URV), IISPV, Avinguda Doctor Josep Laporte, 2, 43204 Reus, Spain
| | - José Antonio Porras
- Servei de Medicina Interna, Hospital Universitari Joan XXIII Tarragona, Mallafré Guash, 4, 43007 Tarragona, Spain
| | - Ajla Alibalic
- Servei de Medicina Interna, Hospital Universitari Joan XXIII Tarragona, Mallafré Guash, 4, 43007 Tarragona, Spain
| | - Cristóbal Richart
- Grup de Recerca GEMMAIR (AGAUR)—Medicina Aplicada (URV), Departament de Medicina i Cirurgia, Institut d’Investigació Sanitària Pere Virgili (IISPV), Universitat Rovira i Virgili (URV), 43007 Tarragona, Spain
| | - Teresa Auguet
- Grup de Recerca GEMMAIR (AGAUR)—Medicina Aplicada (URV), Departament de Medicina i Cirurgia, Institut d’Investigació Sanitària Pere Virgili (IISPV), Universitat Rovira i Virgili (URV), 43007 Tarragona, Spain
- Servei de Medicina Interna, Hospital Universitari Joan XXIII Tarragona, Mallafré Guash, 4, 43007 Tarragona, Spain
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-977-29-58-33
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12
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Xu J, Wu D, Zhou S, Hu H, Li F, Guan Z, Zhan X, Gao Y, Wang P, Rao Z. MLKL deficiency attenuated hepatocyte oxidative DNA damage by activating mitophagy to suppress macrophage cGAS-STING signaling during liver ischemia and reperfusion injury. Cell Death Discov 2023; 9:58. [PMID: 36765043 PMCID: PMC9918524 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-023-01357-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 01/29/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Mixed-lineage kinase domain-like protein (MLKL)-mediated necroptosis has been implicated in aggravating liver ischemia and reperfusion (IR) injury. However, the precise role and mechanism of MLKL in regulating oxidative DNA damage of hepatocytes and subsequent activation of macrophage stimulator of interferon genes (STING) signaling remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the role of MLKL in regulating the interplay between hepatocyte injury and macrophage pro-inflammatory responses during liver IR injury. We found that IR increased MLKL expression in liver tissues of wild type (WT) mice. MLKL knockout (KO) attenuated liver IR injury and suppressed the activation of cGAS-STING signaling in intrahepatic macrophages, which was abrogated by STING activation with its agonist. Mechanistically, IR induced oxidative DNA damage in hepatocytes, leading to cGAS-STING activation in macrophages, which was suppressed by MLKL KO. Moreover, increased PTEN-induced kinase 1 (PINK1)-mediated mitophagy contributed to reduced oxidative DNA damage in hepatocytes and subsequent decreased activation of STING signaling in macrophages in MLKL KO mice. Our findings demonstrated a non-canonical role of MLKL in the pathogenesis of liver IR. MLKL deficiency significantly promoted PINK1-mediated mitophagy activation to inhibit oxidative DNA damage in hepatocytes, which in turn suppressed macrophage cGAS-STING activation and inflammatory liver IR injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Xu
- grid.477246.40000 0004 1803 0558Hepatobiliary Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University; Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences; Research Unit of Liver Transplantation and Transplant Immunology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 210029 Nanjing, China
| | - Dongming Wu
- grid.477246.40000 0004 1803 0558Hepatobiliary Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University; Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences; Research Unit of Liver Transplantation and Transplant Immunology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 210029 Nanjing, China
| | - Shun Zhou
- grid.477246.40000 0004 1803 0558Hepatobiliary Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University; Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences; Research Unit of Liver Transplantation and Transplant Immunology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 210029 Nanjing, China
| | - Haoran Hu
- grid.477246.40000 0004 1803 0558Hepatobiliary Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University; Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences; Research Unit of Liver Transplantation and Transplant Immunology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 210029 Nanjing, China
| | - Fei Li
- grid.412676.00000 0004 1799 0784Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 210029 Nanjing, China
| | - Zhu Guan
- grid.412676.00000 0004 1799 0784Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 210029 Nanjing, China
| | - Xinyu Zhan
- grid.477246.40000 0004 1803 0558Hepatobiliary Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University; Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences; Research Unit of Liver Transplantation and Transplant Immunology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 210029 Nanjing, China
| | - Yiyun Gao
- grid.477246.40000 0004 1803 0558Hepatobiliary Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University; Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences; Research Unit of Liver Transplantation and Transplant Immunology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 210029 Nanjing, China
| | - Ping Wang
- Hepatobiliary Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University; Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences; Research Unit of Liver Transplantation and Transplant Immunology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 210029, Nanjing, China.
| | - Zhuqing Rao
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 210029, Nanjing, China.
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13
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Pan J, Fei CJ, Hu Y, Wu XY, Nie L, Chen J. Current understanding of the cGAS-STING signaling pathway: Structure, regulatory mechanisms, and related diseases. Zool Res 2023; 44:183-218. [PMID: 36579404 PMCID: PMC9841179 DOI: 10.24272/j.issn.2095-8137.2022.464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The innate immune system protects the host from external pathogens and internal damage in various ways. The cGAS-STING signaling pathway, comprised of cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS), stimulator of interferon genes (STING), and downstream signaling adaptors, plays an essential role in protective immune defense against microbial DNA and internal damaged-associated DNA and is responsible for various immune-related diseases. After binding with DNA, cytosolic cGAS undergoes conformational change and DNA-linked liquid-liquid phase separation to produce 2'3'-cGAMP for the activation of endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-localized STING. However, further studies revealed that cGAS is predominantly expressed in the nucleus and strictly tethered to chromatin to prevent binding with nuclear DNA, and functions differently from cytosolic-localized cGAS. Detailed delineation of this pathway, including its structure, signaling, and regulatory mechanisms, is of great significance to fully understand the diversity of cGAS-STING activation and signaling and will be of benefit for the treatment of inflammatory diseases and cancer. Here, we review recent progress on the above-mentioned perspectives of the cGAS-STING signaling pathway and discuss new avenues for further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Pan
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-products, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315211, China
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Marine Sciences, Meishan Campus, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315832, China
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Marine Bioengineering, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315832, China
| | - Chen-Jie Fei
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-products, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315211, China
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Marine Sciences, Meishan Campus, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315832, China
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Marine Bioengineering, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315832, China
| | - Yang Hu
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-products, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315211, China
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Marine Sciences, Meishan Campus, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315832, China
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Marine Bioengineering, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315832, China
| | - Xiang-Yu Wu
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-products, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315211, China
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Marine Sciences, Meishan Campus, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315832, China
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Marine Bioengineering, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315832, China
| | - Li Nie
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-products, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315211, China
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Marine Sciences, Meishan Campus, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315832, China
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Marine Bioengineering, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315832, China. E-mail:
| | - Jiong Chen
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-products, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315211, China
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Marine Sciences, Meishan Campus, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315832, China
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Marine Bioengineering, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315832, China. E-mail:
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14
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Yu JH, Moon EY, Kim J, Koo JH. Identification of Small GTPases That Phosphorylate IRF3 through TBK1 Activation Using an Active Mutant Library Screen. Biomol Ther (Seoul) 2023; 31:48-58. [PMID: 36579460 PMCID: PMC9810446 DOI: 10.4062/biomolther.2022.119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Revised: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3) integrates both immunological and non-immunological inputs to control cell survival and death. Small GTPases are versatile functional switches that lie on the very upstream in signal transduction pathways, of which duration of activation is very transient. The large number of homologous proteins and the requirement for site-directed mutagenesis have hindered attempts to investigate the link between small GTPases and IRF3. Here, we constructed a constitutively active mutant expression library for small GTPase expression using Gibson assembly cloning. Small-scale screening identified multiple GTPases capable of promoting IRF3 phosphorylation. Intriguingly, 27 of 152 GTPases, including ARF1, RHEB, RHEBL1, and RAN, were found to increase IRF3 phosphorylation. Unbiased screening enabled us to investigate the sequence-activity relationship between the GTPases and IRF3. We found that the regulation of IRF3 by small GTPases was dependent on TBK1. Our work reveals the significant contribution of GTPases in IRF3 signaling and the potential role of IRF3 in GTPase function, providing a novel therapeutic approach against diseases with GTPase overexpression or active mutations, such as cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jae-Hyun Yu
- Department of Pharmacology and Department of Biomedicine & Health Sciences, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Republic of Korea,College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun-Yi Moon
- Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Sejong University, Seoul 05006, Republic of Korea
| | - Jiyoon Kim
- Department of Pharmacology and Department of Biomedicine & Health Sciences, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Republic of Korea,Corresponding Authors E-mail: (Kim J), (Koo JH), Tel: +82-2-3147-8358 (Kim J), +82-2-880-7839 (Koo JH), Fax: +82-2-536-2485 (Kim J), +82-2-888-9122 (Koo JH)
| | - Ja Hyun Koo
- College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea,Corresponding Authors E-mail: (Kim J), (Koo JH), Tel: +82-2-3147-8358 (Kim J), +82-2-880-7839 (Koo JH), Fax: +82-2-536-2485 (Kim J), +82-2-888-9122 (Koo JH)
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15
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Wang Q, Bu Q, Liu M, Zhang R, Gu J, Li L, Zhou J, Liang Y, Su W, Liu Z, Wang M, Lian Z, Lu L, Zhou H. XBP1-mediated activation of the STING signalling pathway in macrophages contributes to liver fibrosis progression. JHEP REPORTS : INNOVATION IN HEPATOLOGY 2022; 4:100555. [PMID: 36185574 PMCID: PMC9520276 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhepr.2022.100555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Revised: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Background & Aims XBP1 modulates the macrophage proinflammatory response, but its function in macrophage stimulator of interferon genes (STING) activation and liver fibrosis is unknown. X-box binding protein 1 (XBP1) has been shown to promote macrophage nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain, leucine-rich repeat and pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) activation in steatohepatitis. Herein, we aimed to explore the underlying mechanism of XBP1 in the regulation of STING signalling and the subsequent NLRP3 activation during liver fibrosis. Methods XBP1 expression was measured in the human fibrotic liver tissue samples. Liver fibrosis was induced in myeloid-specific Xbp1-, STING-, and Nlrp3-deficient mice by carbon tetrachloride injection, bile duct ligation, or a methionine/choline-deficient diet. Results Although increased XBP1 expression was observed in the fibrotic liver macrophages of mice and clinical patients, myeloid-specific Xbp1 deficiency or pharmacological inhibition of XBP1 protected the liver against fibrosis. Furthermore, it inhibited macrophage NLPR3 activation in a STING/IRF3-dependent manner. Oxidative mitochondrial injury facilitated cytosolic leakage of macrophage self-mtDNA and cGAS/STING/NLRP3 signalling activation to promote liver fibrosis. Mechanistically, RNA sequencing analysis indicated a decreased mtDNA expression and an increased BCL2/adenovirus E1B interacting protein 3 (BNIP3)-mediated mitophagy activation in Xbp1-deficient macrophages. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays further suggested that spliced XBP1 bound directly to the Bnip3 promoter and inhibited the transcription of Bnip3 in macrophages. Xbp1 deficiency decreased the mtDNA cytosolic release and STING/NLRP3 activation by promoting BNIP3-mediated mitophagy activation in macrophages, which was abrogated by Bnip3 knockdown. Moreover, macrophage XBP1/STING signalling contributed to the activation of hepatic stellate cells. Conclusions Our findings demonstrate that XBP1 controls macrophage cGAS/STING/NLRP3 activation by regulating macrophage self-mtDNA cytosolic leakage via BNIP3-mediated mitophagy modulation, thus providing a novel target against liver fibrosis. Lay summary Liver fibrosis is a typical progressive process of chronic liver disease, driven by inflammatory and immune responses, and is characterised by an excess of extracellular matrix in the liver. Currently, there is no effective therapeutic strategy for the treatment of liver fibrosis, resulting in high mortality worldwide. In this study, we found that myeloid-specific Xbp1 deficiency protected the liver against fibrosis in mice, while XBP1 inhibition ameliorated liver fibrosis in mice. This study concluded that targeting XBP1 signalling in macrophages may provide a novel strategy for protecting the liver against fibrosis. Macrophage STING signalling can be activated by mtDNA cytosolic leakage from macrophages themselves. Xbp1 depletion suppresses cGAS/STING/NLRP3 activation by restoring BNIP3-mediated mitophagy activation in macrophages. XBP1 targets and inhibits the transcription of Bnip3 directly in macrophages. Myeloid-specific Xbp1 deficiency, or STING deficiency, or Nlrp3 depletion protect livers against fibrosis in mice. Pharmacological inhibition of XBP1 ameliorates liver fibrosis in mice.
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Key Words
- Acta2/α-SMA, actin, alpha 2, smooth muscle, aorta
- BDL, bile duct ligation
- BMDMs, bone marrow-derived macrophages
- BNIP3
- BNIP3, BCL2/adenovirus E1B interacting protein 3
- CCl4, carbon tetrachloride
- CM, conditional media
- ChIP, chromatin immunoprecipitation
- Col1a1, collagen, type I, alpha 1
- DMXAA, 5,6-dimethylxanthenone-4-acetic acid
- ER, endoplasmic reticulum
- EtBr, ethidium bromide
- HSC, hepatic stellate cell
- IRE1α, inositol-requiring enzyme-1α
- IRF3, interferon regulatory factor 3
- KEGG, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes
- LC3B, microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 beta
- LPS, lipopolysaccharide
- Liver fibrosis
- MCD, methionine/choline-deficient diet
- Macrophage
- Mitophagy
- MnSOD, manganese superoxide dismutase
- NAFLD, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
- NASH, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis
- NLRP3, nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain, leucine-rich repeat and pyrin domain-containing 3
- PBMCs, peripheral blood mononuclear cells
- ROS, reactive oxygen species
- STING
- STING, stimulator of interferon genes
- TBK1, TANK binding kinase 1
- TGF-β1, transforming growth factor beta 1
- TLR, Toll-like receptor
- TNF-α, tumour necrosis factor alpha
- Timp1, tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase 1
- WT, wild-type
- XBP1
- XBP1, X-box binding protein 1
- cGAS, cyclic GMP-AMP synthase
- mtDNA
- mtDNA, mitochondrial DNA
- p62, sequestosome 1
- sXBP1, spliced XBP1
- shRNAs, short hairpin RNAs
- uXBP1, unspliced XBP1
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Wang
- Hepatobiliary Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, NHC Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Research Unit of Liver Transplantation and Transplant Immunology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanjing, China.,School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Qingfa Bu
- Hepatobiliary Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, NHC Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Research Unit of Liver Transplantation and Transplant Immunology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanjing, China
| | - Mu Liu
- Hepatobiliary Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, NHC Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Research Unit of Liver Transplantation and Transplant Immunology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanjing, China
| | - Rui Zhang
- Hepatobiliary Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, NHC Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Research Unit of Liver Transplantation and Transplant Immunology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanjing, China
| | - Jian Gu
- Hepatobiliary Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, NHC Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Research Unit of Liver Transplantation and Transplant Immunology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanjing, China
| | - Lei Li
- Hepatobiliary Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, NHC Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Research Unit of Liver Transplantation and Transplant Immunology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanjing, China
| | - Jinren Zhou
- Hepatobiliary Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, NHC Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Research Unit of Liver Transplantation and Transplant Immunology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanjing, China
| | - Yuan Liang
- Hepatobiliary Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, NHC Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Research Unit of Liver Transplantation and Transplant Immunology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanjing, China
| | - Wantong Su
- Hepatobiliary Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, NHC Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Research Unit of Liver Transplantation and Transplant Immunology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanjing, China
| | - Zheng Liu
- Hepatobiliary Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, NHC Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Research Unit of Liver Transplantation and Transplant Immunology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanjing, China
| | - Mingming Wang
- Hepatobiliary Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, NHC Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Research Unit of Liver Transplantation and Transplant Immunology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhexiong Lian
- Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ling Lu
- Hepatobiliary Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, NHC Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Research Unit of Liver Transplantation and Transplant Immunology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanjing, China.,School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, China.,Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Haoming Zhou
- Hepatobiliary Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, NHC Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Research Unit of Liver Transplantation and Transplant Immunology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanjing, China
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16
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Lv J, Xing C, Chen Y, Bian H, Lv N, Wang Z, Liu M, Su L. The STING in Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Diseases: Potential Therapeutic Targets in Inflammation-Carcinogenesis Pathway. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:1241. [PMID: 36297353 PMCID: PMC9611148 DOI: 10.3390/ph15101241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Revised: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), an important chronic disease, is one of the major causes of high mortality and creates a substantial financial burden worldwide. The various immune cells in the liver, including macrophages, NK cells, dendritic cells, and the neutrophils involved in the innate immune response, trigger inflammation after recognizing the damage signaled from infection or injured cells and tissues. The stimulator of interferon genes (STING) is a critical molecule that binds to the cyclic dinucleotides (CDNs) generated by the cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS) to initiate the innate immune response against infection. Previous studies have demonstrated that the cGAS-STING pathway plays a critical role in inflammatory, auto-immune, and anti-viral immune responses. Recently, studies have focused on the role of STING in liver diseases, the results implying that alterations in its activity may be involved in the pathogenesis of liver disorders. Here, we summarize the function of STING in the development of NAFLD and present the current inhibitors and agonists targeting STING.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Lv
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Chunlei Xing
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Yuhong Chen
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
- School of Pharmacy, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu 233030, China
| | - Huihui Bian
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Nanning Lv
- Lianyungang Second People’s Hospital, Lianyungang 222002, China
| | - Zhibin Wang
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, School of Anesthesiology, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200020, China
- School of Pharmacy, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Mingming Liu
- Lianyungang Second People’s Hospital, Lianyungang 222002, China
| | - Li Su
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
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17
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Regulation of cGAS Activity and Downstream Signaling. Cells 2022; 11:cells11182812. [PMID: 36139387 PMCID: PMC9496985 DOI: 10.3390/cells11182812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Revised: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS) is a predominant and ubiquitously expressed cytosolic onfirmedDNA sensor that activates innate immune responses by producing a second messenger, cyclic GMP-AMP (cGAMP), and the stimulator of interferon genes (STING). cGAS contains a highly disordered N-terminus, which can sense genomic/chromatin DNA, while the C terminal of cGAS binds dsDNA liberated from various sources, including mitochondria, pathogens, and dead cells. Furthermore, cGAS cellular localization dictates its response to foreign versus self-DNA. Recent evidence has also highlighted the importance of dsDNA-induced post-translational modifications of cGAS in modulating inflammatory responses. This review summarizes and analyzes cGAS activity regulation based on structure, sub-cellular localization, post-translational mechanisms, and Ca2+ signaling. We also discussed the role of cGAS activation in different diseases and clinical outcomes.
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Rahmouni F, Badraoui R, Ben-Nasr H, Bardakci F, Elkahoui S, Siddiqui AJ, Saeed M, Snoussi M, Saoudi M, Rebai T. Pharmacokinetics and Therapeutic Potential of Teucrium polium against Liver Damage Associated Hepatotoxicity and Oxidative Injury in Rats: Computational, Biochemical and Histological Studies. LIFE (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 12:life12071092. [PMID: 35888180 PMCID: PMC9321387 DOI: 10.3390/life12071092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Revised: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
This study investigated the druggability, pharmacokinetics and ethyl acetate extract of Teucrium polium (EA T. polium) and the protective effect against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) induced liver cirrhosis in rats. The total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and scavenging activity of the extract were examined. The in vivo protective study was based on the use of an animal model of CCl4-induced liver cirrhosis. Four groups of rats have been used: Group I: control rats; Group II: received CCl4 in olive oil (0.5 mL/kg); Group III: received the EA T. polium (25 mg/kg) of pretreatment for seven days by gavage then CCl4 in olive oil by gavage for 15 days. Group IV: received the EA of T. polium for seven days (25 mg/kg). EA T. polium was found to possess significant antioxidant capacity. CCl4 caused a hepatotoxicity associated increase in both levels of AST and ALT, which were reduced back to normal values following EA T. polium pretreatment. Hepatotoxicity associated structural modifications of liver tissues and increase in thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), conjugated dienes (CD) and carbonyl proteins (CP), associated decreases in several assessed antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and catalase (CAT). The in vivo findings on the protective effect of T. polium were supported by its druggability, its pharmacokinetic properties and molecular docking assays. These results confirm the modulatory antioxidant and hepatoprotective potential of T. polium in this experimental liver cirrhosis model. T. polium phytochemicals are good candidates for further pharmaceutical explorations and drug design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatma Rahmouni
- Laboratory of Histo-Embryology and Cytogenetics, Medicine Faculty of Sfax, University of Sfax, Sfax 3029, Tunisia; (F.R.); (T.R.)
| | - Riadh Badraoui
- Department of Biology, College of Science, University of Ha’il, Ha’il 81451, Saudi Arabia; (F.B.); (S.E.); (A.J.S.); (M.S.); (M.S.)
- Section of Histology-Cytology, Medicine Faculty of Tunis, Tunis El Manar University, La Rabta, Tunis 1007, Tunisia
- Correspondence:
| | - Hmed Ben-Nasr
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Medicine Faculty of Sfax, University of Sfax, Sfax 3029, Tunisia;
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences of Gafsa, University of Gafsa, Zarroug, Gafsa 2112, Tunisia
| | - Fevzi Bardakci
- Department of Biology, College of Science, University of Ha’il, Ha’il 81451, Saudi Arabia; (F.B.); (S.E.); (A.J.S.); (M.S.); (M.S.)
| | - Salem Elkahoui
- Department of Biology, College of Science, University of Ha’il, Ha’il 81451, Saudi Arabia; (F.B.); (S.E.); (A.J.S.); (M.S.); (M.S.)
| | - Arif J. Siddiqui
- Department of Biology, College of Science, University of Ha’il, Ha’il 81451, Saudi Arabia; (F.B.); (S.E.); (A.J.S.); (M.S.); (M.S.)
| | - Mohd Saeed
- Department of Biology, College of Science, University of Ha’il, Ha’il 81451, Saudi Arabia; (F.B.); (S.E.); (A.J.S.); (M.S.); (M.S.)
| | - Mejdi Snoussi
- Department of Biology, College of Science, University of Ha’il, Ha’il 81451, Saudi Arabia; (F.B.); (S.E.); (A.J.S.); (M.S.); (M.S.)
| | - Mongi Saoudi
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Sciences Faculty of Sfax, University of Sfax, Sfax 3064, Tunisia;
| | - Tarek Rebai
- Laboratory of Histo-Embryology and Cytogenetics, Medicine Faculty of Sfax, University of Sfax, Sfax 3029, Tunisia; (F.R.); (T.R.)
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Zhong W, Rao Z, Xu J, Sun Y, Hu H, Wang P, Xia Y, Pan X, Tang W, Chen Z, Zhou H, Wang X. Defective mitophagy in aged macrophages promotes mitochondrial DNA cytosolic leakage to activate STING signaling during liver sterile inflammation. Aging Cell 2022; 21:e13622. [PMID: 35599014 PMCID: PMC9197407 DOI: 10.1111/acel.13622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2021] [Revised: 03/27/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Macrophage‐stimulator of interferon genes (STING) signaling mediated sterile inflammation has been implicated in various age‐related diseases. However, whether and how macrophage mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) regulates STING signaling in aged macrophages remains largely unknown. We found that hypoxia‐reoxygenation (HR) induced STING activation in macrophages by triggering the release of macrophage mtDNA into the cytosol. Aging promoted the cytosolic leakage of macrophage mtDNA and enhanced STING activation, which was abrogated upon mtDNA depletion or cyclic GMP‐AMP Synthase (cGAS) inhibition. Aged macrophages exhibited increased mitochondrial injury with impaired mitophagy. Mechanistically, a decline in the PTEN‐induced kinase 1 (PINK1)/Parkin‐mediated polyubiquitination of mitochondria was observed in aged macrophages. Pink1 overexpression reversed the inhibition of mitochondrial ubiquitination but failed to promote mitolysosome formation in the aged macrophages. Meanwhile, aging impaired lysosomal biogenesis and function in macrophages by modulating the mTOR/transcription factor EB (TFEB) signaling pathway, which could be reversed by Torin‐1 treatment. Consequently, Pink1 overexpression in combination with Torin‐1 treatment restored mitophagic flux and inhibited mtDNA/cGAS/STING activation in aged macrophages. Moreover, besides HR‐induced metabolic stress, other types of oxidative and hepatotoxic stresses inhibited mitophagy and promoted the cytosolic release of mtDNA to activate STING signaling in aged macrophages. STING deficiency protected aged mice against diverse types of sterile inflammatory liver injuries. Our findings suggest that aging impairs mitophagic flux to facilitate the leakage of macrophage mtDNA into the cytosol and promotes STING activation, and thereby provides a novel potential therapeutic target for sterile inflammatory liver injury in aged patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weizhe Zhong
- Hepatobiliary/Liver Transplantation Center The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University Nanjing China
- Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Nanjing China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Living Donor Liver Transplantation Nanjing Medical University Nanjing China
| | - Zhuqing Rao
- Department of Anesthesiology The First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University Nanjing China
| | - Jian Xu
- Hepatobiliary/Liver Transplantation Center The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University Nanjing China
- Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Nanjing China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Living Donor Liver Transplantation Nanjing Medical University Nanjing China
| | - Yu Sun
- Hepatobiliary/Liver Transplantation Center The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University Nanjing China
- Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Nanjing China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Living Donor Liver Transplantation Nanjing Medical University Nanjing China
| | - Haoran Hu
- Hepatobiliary/Liver Transplantation Center The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University Nanjing China
- Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Nanjing China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Living Donor Liver Transplantation Nanjing Medical University Nanjing China
| | - Ping Wang
- Hepatobiliary/Liver Transplantation Center The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University Nanjing China
- Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Nanjing China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Living Donor Liver Transplantation Nanjing Medical University Nanjing China
| | - Yongxiang Xia
- Hepatobiliary/Liver Transplantation Center The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University Nanjing China
- Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Nanjing China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Living Donor Liver Transplantation Nanjing Medical University Nanjing China
| | - Xiongxiong Pan
- Department of Anesthesiology The First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University Nanjing China
| | - Weiwei Tang
- Hepatobiliary/Liver Transplantation Center The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University Nanjing China
- Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Nanjing China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Living Donor Liver Transplantation Nanjing Medical University Nanjing China
| | - Ziyi Chen
- Hepatobiliary/Liver Transplantation Center The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University Nanjing China
- Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Nanjing China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Living Donor Liver Transplantation Nanjing Medical University Nanjing China
| | - Haoming Zhou
- Hepatobiliary/Liver Transplantation Center The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University Nanjing China
- Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Nanjing China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Living Donor Liver Transplantation Nanjing Medical University Nanjing China
| | - Xuehao Wang
- Hepatobiliary/Liver Transplantation Center The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University Nanjing China
- Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Nanjing China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Living Donor Liver Transplantation Nanjing Medical University Nanjing China
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Liu Z, Wang M, Wang X, Bu Q, Wang Q, Su W, Li L, Zhou H, Lu L. XBP1 deficiency promotes hepatocyte pyroptosis by impairing mitophagy to activate mtDNA-cGAS-STING signaling in macrophages during acute liver injury. Redox Biol 2022; 52:102305. [PMID: 35367811 PMCID: PMC8971356 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2022.102305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 41.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Revised: 03/13/2022] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular cell death and macrophage proinflammatory activation contribute to the pathology of various liver diseases, during which XBP1 plays an important role. However, the function and mechanism of XBP1 in thioacetamide (TAA)-induced acute liver injury (ALI) remains unknown. Here, we investigated the effects of XBP1 inhibition on promoting hepatocellular pyroptosis to activate macrophage STING signaling during ALI. While both TAA- and LPS-induced ALI triggered XBP1 activation in hepatocytes, hepatocyte-specific XBP1 knockout mice exhibited exacerbated ALI with increased hepatocellular pyroptosis and enhanced macrophage STING activation. Mechanistically, mtDNA released from TAA-stressed hepatocytes could be engulfed by macrophages, further inducing macrophage STING activation in a cGAS- and dose-dependent manner. XBP1 deficiency increased ROS production to promote hepatocellular pyroptosis by activating NLRP3/caspase-1/GSDMD signaling, which facilitated the extracellular release of mtDNA. Moreover, impaired mitophagy was found in XBP1 deficient hepatocytes, which was reversed by PINK1 overexpression. Mitophagy restoration also inhibited macrophage STING activation and ALI in XBP1 deficient mice. Activation of XBP1-mediated hepatocellular mitophagy and pyroptosis and macrophage STING signaling pathway were observed in human livers with ALI. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that XBP1 deficiency promotes hepatocyte pyroptosis by impairing mitophagy to activate mtDNA/cGAS/STING signaling of macrophages, providing potential therapeutic targets for ALI. XBP1 deficiency promoted hepatocellular pyroptosis and extracellular mtDNA release to enhance macrophage STING activation. XBP1 deficiency promoted ROS/NLRP3/caspase-1/GSDMD-mediated hepatocyte pyroptosis by impairing mitophagy. Hepatocellular mitophagy and pyroptosis and macrophage STING activation were detected in human livers with ALI. Hepatocyte-specific XBP1 deficiency aggravated TAA-induced ALI in mice.
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STING Induces Liver Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury by Promoting Calcium-Dependent Caspase 1-GSDMD Processing in Macrophages. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2022; 2022:8123157. [PMID: 35281468 PMCID: PMC8906939 DOI: 10.1155/2022/8123157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2021] [Revised: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 01/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Objectives Although a recent study reported that stimulator of interferon genes (STING) in macrophages has an important regulatory effect on liver ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI), the underlying mechanism of STING-dependent innate immune activation in liver macrophages (Kupffer cells, KCs) remains unclear. Here, we investigated the effect of STING on liver macrophage pyroptosis and the associated regulatory mechanism of liver IRI. Methods Clodronate liposomes were used to block liver macrophages. AAV-STING-RNAi-F4/80-EGFP, an adenoassociated virus (AAV), was transfected into the portal vein of mice in vivo, and the liver IRI model was established 14 days later. In vitro, liver macrophages were treated with STING-specific siRNA, and a hypoxia-reoxygenation (H/R) model was established. The level of STING was detected via Western blotting (WB), RT-PCR, and immunostaining. Liver tissue and blood samples were collected. Pathological changes in liver tissue were detected by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining. Macrophage pyroptosis was detected by WB, confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The calcium concentration was measured by immunofluorescence and analyzed with a fluorescence microplate reader. Results The expression of STING increased with liver IRI but decreased significantly after the clodronate liposome blockade of liver macrophages. After knockdown of STING, the activation of caspase 1-GSDMD in macrophages and liver IRI was alleviated. More interestingly, hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) increased the calcium concentration in liver macrophages, but the calcium concentration was decreased after STING knockdown. Furthermore, after the inhibition of calcium in H/R-induced liver macrophages by BAPTA-AM, pyroptosis was significantly reduced, but the expression of STING was not significantlydecreased. Conclusions Knockdown of STING reduces calcium-dependent macrophage caspase 1-GSDMD-mediated liver IRI, representing a potential therapeutic approach in the clinic.
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22
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Circulatory Endothelin 1-Regulating RNAs Panel: Promising Biomarkers for Non-Invasive NAFLD/NASH Diagnosis and Stratification: Clinical and Molecular Pilot Study. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12111813. [PMID: 34828420 PMCID: PMC8619934 DOI: 10.3390/genes12111813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2021] [Revised: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the major seeds of liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. There is no convenient reliable non-invasive early diagnostic tool available for NAFLD/NASH diagnosis and stratification. Recently, the role of cytosolic sensor, stimulator of interferon genes (STING) signaling pathway in pathogenesis of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) has been evidenced in research. We have selected EDN1/TNF/MAPK3/EP300/hsa-miR-6888-5p/lncRNA RABGAP1L-DT-206 RNA panel from bioinformatics microarrays databases related to STING pathway and NAFLD/NASH pathogenesis. We have used reverse-transcriptase real-time polymerase chain reaction to assess the expression of the serum RNAs panel in NAFLD/NASH without suspicion of advanced fibrosis, NAFLD/with NASH patients with suspicion of advanced fibrosis and controls. Additionally, we have assessed the diagnostic performance of the Ribonucleic acid (RNA) panel. We have detected upregulation of the EDN1 regulating RNAs panel expression in NAFLD/NASH cases compared to healthy controls. We concluded that this circulatory RNA panel could enable us to discriminate NAFLD/NASH cases from controls, and also NAFLD/NASH cases (F1, F2) from advanced fibrosis stages (F3, F4).
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Zhang Y, Zeng F, Zeng M, Han X, Cai L, Zhang J, Weng J, Gao Y. Identification and Characterization of Alcohol-related Hepatocellular Carcinoma Prognostic Subtypes based on an Integrative N6-methyladenosine methylation Model. Int J Biol Sci 2021; 17:3554-3572. [PMID: 34512165 PMCID: PMC8416726 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.62168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Accepted: 08/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Alcohol consumption increases the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and associated with a high mortality rate and poor prognosis. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) methylations play key roles in tumorigenesis and progression. However, our current knowledge about m6A in alcohol-related HCC (A-HCC) remains elucidated. Herein, the authors construct an integrative m6A model based on A-HCC subtyping and mechanism exploration workflow. Methods: Based on the m6A expressions of A-HCC and in vivo experiment, different prognosis risk A-HCC subtypes are identified. Meanwhile, multiple interdependent indicators of prognosis including patient survival rate, clinical pathological prognosis and immunotherapy sensitivity. Results: The m6A model includes LRPPRC, YTHDF2, KIAA14219, and RBM15B, classified A-HCC patients into high/low-risk subtypes. The high-risk subtype compared to the low-risk subtype showed phenotypic malignancy, poor prognosis, immunosuppression, and activation of tumorigenesis and proliferation-related pathways, including the E2F target, DNA repair, and mTORC1 signalling pathways. The expression of Immunosuppressive cytokines DNMT1/EZH2 was up-regulated in A-HCC patients, and teniposide may be a potential therapeutic drug for A-HCC. Conclusion: Our model redefined A-HCC prognosis risk, identified potential m6As linking tumour progress and immune regulations and selected possible therapy target, thus promoting understanding and clinical applications about A-HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery II, Guangdong Provincial Research Center for Artificial Organ and Tissue Engineering, Guangzhou Clinical Research and Transformation Center for Artificial Liver, Institute of Regenerative Medicine, ZhuJiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Fanhong Zeng
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery II, Guangdong Provincial Research Center for Artificial Organ and Tissue Engineering, Guangzhou Clinical Research and Transformation Center for Artificial Liver, Institute of Regenerative Medicine, ZhuJiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Min Zeng
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery II, Guangdong Provincial Research Center for Artificial Organ and Tissue Engineering, Guangzhou Clinical Research and Transformation Center for Artificial Liver, Institute of Regenerative Medicine, ZhuJiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xu Han
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery II, Guangdong Provincial Research Center for Artificial Organ and Tissue Engineering, Guangzhou Clinical Research and Transformation Center for Artificial Liver, Institute of Regenerative Medicine, ZhuJiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lei Cai
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery II, Guangdong Provincial Research Center for Artificial Organ and Tissue Engineering, Guangzhou Clinical Research and Transformation Center for Artificial Liver, Institute of Regenerative Medicine, ZhuJiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiajun Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery II, Guangdong Provincial Research Center for Artificial Organ and Tissue Engineering, Guangzhou Clinical Research and Transformation Center for Artificial Liver, Institute of Regenerative Medicine, ZhuJiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jun Weng
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery II, Guangdong Provincial Research Center for Artificial Organ and Tissue Engineering, Guangzhou Clinical Research and Transformation Center for Artificial Liver, Institute of Regenerative Medicine, ZhuJiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yi Gao
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery II, Guangdong Provincial Research Center for Artificial Organ and Tissue Engineering, Guangzhou Clinical Research and Transformation Center for Artificial Liver, Institute of Regenerative Medicine, ZhuJiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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