Heat shock protein 90 regulates IκB kinase complex and NF-κB activation in angiotensin II-induced cardiac cell hypertrophy

The diphenylpyrimidine derivative as a novel HDAC6 inhibitor alleviates atopic dermatitis through anti-inflammatory effects facilitated via TLR4/MAPK, STAT3 and NF-κB pathways

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a systemic immune disease that primarily affects infants and children, characterized by recurring severe pruritus and chronic eczema. Studies have demonstrated that histone deacetylase 6 inhibitors (HDAC6is) can exhibit anti-inflammatory activities by regulating the acetylation level of target proteins. Building on these findings, our research focused on a synthetic diphenylpyrimidine derivative, specifically 15b, which we identified as a potent HDAC6i and an effective anti-inflammatory agent. This designation was determined by its safety profile, HDAC6 inhibitory activity, selectivity, and its anti-inflammatory effects in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. In 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB)-induced AD mice, daily intraperitoneal injections of 15b significantly alleviated symptoms such as skin edema, dryness, crusting, and peeling, and reduced the frequency of scratching. Moreover, 15b mitigated ear swelling, addressed the increase in epidermal thickness, and reduced mast cell infiltration. Further mechanistic studies revealed that 15b selectively inhibited HDAC6, enhanced the acetylation of α-tubulin and heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) in RAW264.7 cells and BALB/c mice back skin tissue, and attenuated the activation of TLR4/MAPK, STAT3, NF-κB pathways. Consequently, both inflammatory cytokines (IL-4 and IFN-γ) and proteins (iNOS and COX-2) were dose-dependently decreased. These findings suggest that the HDAC6 inhibitor 15b can serve as a potential anti-inflammatory agent for the treatment of AD.

Anti-senescence therapies: a new concept to address cardiovascular disease

Accumulation of senescent cells is an increasingly recognized factor in the development and progression of cardiovascular (CV) disease (CVD). Senescent cells of different types display a pro-inflammatory and matrix remodelling molecular programme, known as the 'senescence-associated secretory phenotype' (SASP), which has roots in (epi)genetic changes. Multiple therapeutic options (senolytics, anti-SASP senomorphics, and epigenetic reprogramming) that delete or ameliorate cellular senescence have recently emerged. Some drugs routinely used in the clinics also have anti-senescence effects. However, multiple challenges hinder the application of novel anti-senescence therapeutics in the clinical setting. Understanding the biology of cellular senescence, advantages and pitfalls of anti-senescence treatments, and patients who can profit from these interventions is necessary to introduce this novel therapeutic modality into the clinics. We provide a guide through the molecular machinery of senescent cells, systematize anti-senescence treatments, and propose a pathway towards senescence-adapted clinical trial design to aid future efforts.

Perilla frutescens Leaf-Derived Extracellular Vesicle-Like Particles Carry Pab-miR-396a-5p to Alleviate Psoriasis by Modulating IL-17 Signaling

Psoriasis, a chronic inflammatory skin disorder, remains challenging to treat due to poor skin barrier penetration, limited efficacy, and adverse effects of current therapies. Natural plant-derived extracellular vesicle-like particles (EVPs) have emerged as biocompatible carriers for bioactive molecules. Among various medicinal plants screened, Perilla frutescens leaf-derived EVPs (PLEVPs) exhibited strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. By incorporating PLEVPs into a hydrogel formulation, we enhanced their stability, retention at psoriatic lesions, and transdermal delivery efficiency. In vivo studies demonstrated that the PLEVPs markedly alleviated psoriasis symptoms in both preventive and therapeutic mouse models, outperforming conventional treatments. This effect was attributed to reduced oxidative stress, modulation of Treg cells, and promotion of keratinocyte apoptosis. Transcriptomic analysis revealed enrichment of the interleukin-17 (IL-17) signaling pathway, a major driver of psoriasis, while small RNA sequencing identified pab-miR396a-5p, an endogenous microRNA (miRNA) within PLEVPs, as a key regulator. Mechanistic studies showed that pab-miR396a-5p targets the 3'-untranslated region of plant heat shock protein 83a, a homolog of mammalian heat shock protein 90, leading to the suppression of nuclear factor-kappa B and Janus kinase/signal transducers and activators of transcription signaling, inhibiting the IL-17 signaling pathway. Validation using lipid nanoparticles encapsulating pab-miR396a-5p mimics confirmed comparable therapeutic effects. This study highlights the potential of plant-derived EVPs as carriers of endogenous miRNAs, enabling interkingdom communication and offering a scalable platform for psoriasis therapy.

Downregulation of PGAM2 alleviates angiotensin II-induced cardiac hypertrophy by destabilizing HSP90 and inactivating the mTOR/IKKα signaling pathway

Pathological cardiac hypertrophy is a major contributor to heart failure. The present study aims to elucidate the role and mechanisms of phosphoglycerate mutase 2 (PGAM2) in the pathogenesis of cardiac hypertrophy. PGAM2 expression was increased in both primary neonatal rat ventricular myocytes (NRVMs) and rat models in response to angiotensin II (Ang II). Downregulation of PGAM2 alleviated cardiac hypertrophy. Mechanistically, we found PGAM2 directly interacts with HSP90 through residues 319-323 and 622-629 in the middle and carboxy-terminal domain of HSP90 respectively. This interaction was further enhanced under Ang II stimulation. Additionally, in the presence of PGAM2, it competed with E3 ubiquitin ligase SYVN1 to interact with HSP90, effectively inhibiting the ubiquitination and degradation of HSP90. Therefore, deficiency of PGAM2 results in the downregulation of the HSP90 and its downstream mTOR and client protein IKKα signaling pathway, both of which play crucial roles in the progression of cardiac hypertrophy. In vivo, we further confirmed that PGAM2 knockdown alleviated cardiac hypertrophy through downregulation of HSP90 and mTOR/IKKα signaling pathway. Taken together, we first demonstrated that downregulation of PGAM2 alleviates cardiac hypertrophy induced by Ang II, which provides a novel target for the treatment of myocardial hypertrophy and heart failure.

Extracellular vesicular microRNAs and cardiac hypertrophy

Cardiac hypertrophy is an adaptive response to pressure or volume overload such as hypertension and ischemic heart diseases. Sustained cardiac hypertrophy eventually leads to heart failure. The pathophysiological alterations of hypertrophy are complex, involving both cellular and molecular systems. Understanding the molecular events that inhibit or repress cardiac hypertrophy may help identify novel therapeutic strategies. Increasing evidence has indicated that extracellular vesicle (EV)-derived microRNAs (miRNAs) play a significant role in the development and progression of cardiac hypertrophy. In this review, we briefly review recent advancements in EV research, especially on biogenesis, cargoes and its role in cardiac hypertrophy. We then describe the latest findings regarding EV-derived miRNAs, highlighting their functions and regulatory mechanisms in cardiac hypertrophy. Finally, the potential role of EV-derived miRNAs as targets in the diagnosis and treatment of cardiac hypertrophy will be discussed.

Polo-like kinase 2 promotes microglial activation via regulation of the HSP90α/IKKβ pathway

Polo-like kinase 2 (PLK2) is a serine/threonine protein kinase associated with the regulation of synaptic plasticity and centriole duplication. We identify PLK2 as a crucial early-response gene in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated microglial cells. Knockdown or inhibition of PLK2 remarkably attenuates LPS-induced expression of proinflammatory factors in microglial cells by suppressing the inhibitor of nuclear factor kappa B kinase subunit beta (IKKβ)-nuclear factor (NF)-κB signaling pathway. We identify heat shock protein 90 alpha (HSP90α), a regulator of IKKβ activity, as a novel PLK2 substrate. Knockdown or pharmacological inhibition of HSP90α abolishes PLK2-mediated activation of NF-κB transcriptional activity and microglial inflammatory activation. Furthermore, phosphoproteomic analysis pinpoints Ser252 and Ser263 on HSP90α as novel phosphorylation targets of PLK2. Lastly, conditional knockout of PLK2 in microglial cells dramatically ameliorates neuroinflammation and subsequent dopaminergic neuron loss in an intracranial LPS-induced mouse Parkinson's disease (PD) model. The present study reveals that PLK2 promotes microglial activation through the phosphorylation of HSP90α and subsequent activation of the IKKβ-NF-κB signaling pathway.

Hypertensive heart disease: risk factors, complications and mechanisms

Hypertensive heart disease constitutes functional and structural dysfunction and pathogenesis occurring primarily in the left ventricle, the left atrium and the coronary arteries due to chronic uncontrolled hypertension. Hypertensive heart disease is underreported and the mechanisms underlying its correlates and complications are not well elaborated. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of hypertensive heart disease, we discuss in detail the mechanisms associated with development and complications of hypertensive heart disease especially left ventricular hypertrophy, atrial fibrillation, heart failure and coronary artery disease. We also briefly highlight the role of dietary salt, immunity and genetic predisposition in hypertensive heart disease pathogenesis.

Extracellular Vesicles and Pathological Cardiac Hypertrophy

Pathological cardiac hypertrophy is a well-recognized risk factor for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Although lots of efforts have been made to illustrate the underlying molecular mechanisms, many issues remain undiscovered. Recently, intercellular communication by delivering small molecules between different cell types in the progression of cardiac hypertrophy has been reported, including bioactive nucleic acids or proteins. These extracellular vesicles (EVs) may act in an autocrine or paracrine manner between cardiomyocytes and noncardiomyocytes to provoke or inhibit cardiac remodeling and hypertrophy. Besides, EVs can be used as novel diagnostic or prognostic biomarkers in cardiac hypertrophy and also may serve as potential therapeutic targets due to its biocompatible nature and low immunogenicity. In this chapter, we will first summarize the current knowledge about EVs from different cells in pathological cardiac hypertrophy. Then, we will focus on the value of EVs as therapeutic agents and biomarkers for pathological myocardial hypertrophy.

The Link Between Heat Shock Proteins, Renin-Angiotensin System, and the Coagulation Cascade in the Pathogenesis of the Coronavirus-19 Disease

INTRODUCTION

Understanding the pathogenesis of COVID-19 is integral for its successful treatment.

METHODS

Available literature on the relationship between COVID-19, heat shock proteins (HSP), and the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone (RAAS) system were searched and used to hypothesize how HSP can be targeted in COVID-19.

RESULTS

During SARS-CoV-2 cellular entry, the ACE-2 receptor is downregulated. This leads to the augmentation of angiotensin-2/AT1 receptor axis along with attenuation of the ACE-2/angiotensin_1-7/Mas axis. Heat shock proteins are key stabilizing molecules in various pathways.In the heart and vessels, HSP-90 and HSP-60 can facilitate angiotensin-2-mediated myocardial injury and endothelial cell activation. HSP-60-TLR4/CD14 complex formation stabilizes IκB-kinase (IKK) potentiating NF-κB activation. HSPs in lungs and kidneys have antioxidant, vasodilatory, and anti-inflammatory actions and may be protective against the effects of RAAS. Stress-induced HSP-70 has a role in complement-mediated microvascular injury such as has been demonstrated in COVID-19. SARS-CoV-2 can induce autophagy via Beclin-1 and ER (endoplasmic reticular) stress via BIP. These two can be potential targets in the HSP environment.

CONCLUSION

Various HSP molecules can modulate the effects of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone (RAAS) system and thus may have a potential role in the pathogenesis of COVID-19.

Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Mechanisms Affecting Chronic Kidney Disease

The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) is a basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor that binds diverse endogenous and xenobiotic ligands, which regulate AHR stability, transcriptional activity, and cell signaling. AHR activity is strongly implicated throughout the course of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Many diverse organic molecules bind and activate AHR and these ligands are reported to either promote glomerular and tubular damage or protect against kidney injury. AHR crosstalk with estrogen, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ, and NF-κB pathways may contribute to the diversity of AHR responses during the various forms and stages of CKD. The roles of AHR in kidney fibrosis, metabolism and the renin angiotensin system are described to offer insight into CKD pathogenesis and therapies.

Traditional Chinese Medicine Targeting Heat Shock Proteins as Therapeutic Strategy for Heart Failure

Heart failure (HF) is the terminal stage of multifarious heart diseases and is responsible for high hospitalization rates and mortality. Pathophysiological mechanisms of HF include cardiac hypertrophy, remodeling and fibrosis resulting from cell death, inflammation and oxidative stress. Heat shock proteins (HSPs) can ameliorate folding of proteins, maintain protein structure and stability upon stress, protect the heart from cardiac dysfunction and ameliorate apoptosis. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) regulates expression of HSPs and has beneficial therapeutic effect in HF. In this review, we summarized the function of HSPs in HF and the role of TCM in regulating expression of HSPs. Studying the regulation of HSPs by TCM will provide novel ideas for the study of the mechanism and treatment of HF.

The Potential of Hsp90 in Targeting Pathological Pathways in Cardiac Diseases

Heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) is a molecular chaperone that interacts with up to 10% of the proteome. The extensive involvement in protein folding and regulation of protein stability within cells makes Hsp90 an attractive therapeutic target to correct multiple dysfunctions. Many of the clients of Hsp90 are found in pathways known to be pathogenic in the heart, ranging from transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) and mitogen activated kinase (MAPK) signaling to tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα), G_s and G_q g-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) and calcium (Ca²⁺) signaling. These pathways can therefore be targeted through modulation of Hsp90 activity. The activity of Hsp90 can be targeted through small-molecule inhibition. Small-molecule inhibitors of Hsp90 have been found to be cardiotoxic in some cases however. In this regard, specific targeting of Hsp90 by modulation of post-translational modifications (PTMs) emerges as an attractive strategy. In this review, we aim to address how Hsp90 functions, where Hsp90 interacts within pathological pathways, and current knowledge of small molecules and PTMs known to modulate Hsp90 activity and their potential as therapeutics in cardiac diseases.

Pioglitazone restores phosphorylation of downregulated caveolin-1 in right ventricle of monocrotaline-induced pulmonary hypertension

BACKGROUND

Caveolin-1 (cav-1) plays a role in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Monocrotaline (MCT)-induced PAH is characterized by a loss of cav-1 in pulmonary arteries; however, less is known regarding its role in the hypertrophied right ventricle (RV). We aimed to characterize the role of cav-1 and Hsp90 in the RV of MCT-induced PAH and their impact on endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS). Additionally, we focused on restoration of cav-1 expression with pioglitazone administration.

METHODS

Male 12-week-old Wistar rats were injected subcutaneously with monocrotaline (60 mg/kg). Selected proteins (cav-1, eNOS, pSer1177eNOS, Hsp90) and mRNAs (cav-1α, cav-1β, eNOS) were determined in the RV and left ventricle (LV) 4 weeks later. In a separate MCT-induced PAH study, pioglitazone (10 mg/kg/d, orally) administration started on day 14 after MCT.

RESULTS

MCT induced RV hypertrophy and lung enlargement. Cav-1 and pTyr14cav-1 were decreased in RV. Caveolin-1α (cav-1α) and caveolin-1β (cav-1β) mRNAs were decreased in both ventricles. Hsp90 protein was increased in RV. eNOS and pSer1177eNOS proteins were unchanged in the ventricles. eNOS mRNA was reduced in RV. Pioglitazone treatment increased oxygen saturation and pTyr14cav-1 vs. MCT group.

CONCLUSIONS

Restoration of pTyr14cav-1 did not lead to amelioration of the disease, nor did it prevent RV hypertrophy and fibrosis, which was indicated by an increase in Acta2, Nppb, Col3a1, and Tgfβ1 mRNA.

Denatured corona proteins mediate the intracellular bioactivities of nanoparticles via the unfolded protein response

Biomolecular corona formed on nanoparticles (NPs) influences the latter's in vivo biological effects. Nanomaterials with different physicochemical properties exert similar adverse effects, such as cytotoxicity, suggesting the existence of ubiquitous signals during various corona formations that mediate common and fundamental cellular events. Here, we discover the involvement of the unfolded protein response (UPR) and recruited chaperones in the corona. Specially, heat shock protein 90 kDa α class B member 1 (Hsp90ab1) is abundantly enriched in the corona, accompanied by substantial aggregation of misfolded protein on particles intracellularly. Further analysis reveals the particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5) and metal-containing particles are more capable of denaturing proteins. The recruited Hsp90ab1 activates diverse NPs' pathological behaviour by heat stress response (HSR), which were significantly reversed by geldanamycin (GA), the inhibitor of Hsp90ab1. Murine lung inflammation induced by PM2.5 and iron oxide NPs (Fe₃O₄NPs) is suppressed by GA, highlighting that Hsp90ab1-mediated UPR is a potential target for the treatment of environmental pollution-related illnesses. Based on our findings, the UPR and Hsp90ab1 presented in the corona of particles initiate fundamental intracellular reactions that lead to common pathological outcomes, which may provide new insights for understanding nanotoxicity and designing therapeutic approaches for diseases associated with environmental pollution.

Quercetin alleviates lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammatory responses by up-regulation miR-124 in human renal tubular epithelial cell line HK-2

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a persistent kidney structural and functional disorder. Quercetin is one of active extracted flavonoids and has protective effects. Therefore, we proposed to survey the effect of Quercetin on CKD. HK-2 cells were preprocessed by Quercetin and then irritated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). CCK-8 assay and flow cytometry were utilized to test viability and apoptosis. ELISA assay was utilized to estimate the IL-6 and TNF-α secretion. Western blot was performed to examine the expression of apoptosis and inflammation-associated mediators. After that HK-2 cells were transfected by miR-124 inhibitor. And the above-mentioned parameters were reassessed. LPS stimulated apoptosis and declined viability in HK-2 cells. Additionally, LPS stimulated inflammatory responses. Meanwhile, Quercetin attenuated LPS-stimulated apoptosis, production of IL-6, and TNF-α in experimental cells. Subsequently, MyD88 and miR-124 expression was elevated by LPS and alleviated by Quercetin. Finally, Quercetin exerted its protective function through NF-κB pathway via up-regulating miR-124. Our data demonstrated that Quercetin reduced apoptosis and inflammation stimulated by LPS in HK-2 cells. Moreover, Quercetin alleviated LPS-stimulated injury by up-regulating miR-124.

Right Atrial Myocardial Remodeling in Children With Atrial Septal Defect Involves Inflammation, Growth, Fibrosis, and Apoptosis

Introduction: Myocardial remodeling due to large atrial septum defect (ASD) is macroscopically characterized by dilation of the right-sided cardiac cavities secondary to volume overload, the cellular mechanisms of which are not yet understood. We postulated that inflammation, fibrosis, and cell death are actors of right atrial remodeling secondary to ASD. Patients and Methods: In 12 children with large ASD (median age: 63 months), expression of genes coding for proteins involved in the response to cell stress and -protection, inflammation, growth and angiogenesis, fibrosis, and apoptosis was assessed by RT-PCR in right atrial myocardial biopsies taken during cardiac surgery. The presence of cytokines in myocardial cells was confirmed by immunohistochemistry and effective apoptosis by TUNEL assay. Results: In all patients investigated, a cellular response to early mechanical stress with the initiation of early protective mechanisms, of inflammation (and its control), -growth, and -angiogenesis, of fibrosis and apoptosis was present. The apoptotic index assessed by TUNEL assay averaged 0.3%. Conclusions: In children with large ASD, macroscopic right atrial remodeling relates to cellular mechanisms involving the expression of numerous genes that either still act to protect cells and tissues but that also harm as they initiate and/or sustain inflammation, fibrosis, and cell death by apoptosis. This may contribute to long term morbidity in patients with ASD.

Cardiac function modulation depends on the A-kinase anchoring protein complex

The A-kinase anchoring proteins (AKAPs) are a group of structurally diverse proteins identified in various species and tissues. These proteins are able to anchor protein kinase and other signalling proteins to regulate cardiac function. Acting as a scaffold protein, AKAPs ensure specificity in signal transduction by enzymes close to their appropriate effectors and substrates. Over the decades, more than 70 different AKAPs have been discovered. Accumulative evidence indicates that AKAPs play crucial roles in the functional regulation of cardiac diseases, including cardiac hypertrophy, myofibre contractility dysfunction and arrhythmias. By anchoring different partner proteins (PKA, PKC, PKD and LTCCs), AKAPs take part in different regulatory pathways to function as regulators in the heart, and a damaged structure can influence the activities of these complexes. In this review, we highlight recent advances in AKAP-associated protein complexes, focusing on local signalling events that are perturbed in cardiac diseases and their roles in interacting with ion channels and their regulatory molecules. These new findings suggest that AKAPs might have potential therapeutic value in patients with cardiac diseases, particularly malignant rhythm.

Staphylococcus aureus Lpl protein triggers human host cell invasion via activation of Hsp90 receptor

Staphylococcus aureus is a facultative intracellular pathogen. Recently, it has been shown that the protein part of the lipoprotein-like lipoproteins (Lpls), encoded by the lpl cluster comprising of 10 lpls paralogue genes, increases pathogenicity, delays the G2/M phase transition, and also triggers host cell invasion. Here, we show that a recombinant Lpl1 protein without the lipid moiety binds directly to the isoforms of the human heat shock proteins Hsp90α and Hsp90ß. Synthetic peptides covering the Lpl1 sequence caused a twofold to fivefold increase of S. aureus invasion in HaCaT cells. Antibodies against Hsp90 decrease S. aureus invasion in HaCaT cells and in primary human keratinocytes. Additionally, inhibition of ATPase function of Hsp90 or silencing Hsp90α expression by siRNA also decreased the S. aureus invasion in HaCaT cells. Although the Hsp90ß is constitutively expressed, the Hsp90α isoform is heat-inducible and appears to play a major role in Lpl1 interaction. Pre-incubation of HaCaT cells at 39°C increased both the Hsp90α expression and S. aureus invasion. Lpl1-Hsp90 interaction induces F-actin formation, thus, triggering an endocytosis-like internalisation. Here, we uncovered a new host cell invasion principle on the basis of Lpl-Hsp90 interaction.

Heat-shock protein 90 modulates cardiac ventricular hypertrophy via activation of MAPK pathway

The Raf/MAPK/ERK kinase (Mek)/extracellular signal-regulated kinases (Erk) pathway is activated in cardiac hypertrophy after a myocardial infarction. Although heat-shock protein 90 (Hsp90) may regulate the Raf/Mek/Erk signal pathway, the role of Hsp90 in pathophysiological cardiac hypertrophy remains unclear. In this study, we examined the role of Hsp90 in this pathway in cardiac hypertrophy under in vivo and in vitro experimental conditions. Cultured rat cardiomyocytes were treated with the Hsp90 inhibitor 17-(allylamino)-17-dimethoxy-geldanamycin (17-AAG) and proteasome inhibitor MG-132, and then incubated with endothelin-1 (ET) to induce hypertrophy of the cells. The ET-induced increase in the cell size was attenuated by 17-AAG pretreatment. Immunoblot analysis revealed that the c-Raf content of ET-treated cardiomyocytes was decreased in the presence of 17-AAG. An increase in phosphorylation levels of Erk1/2 and GATA4 in ET-treated cardiomyocytes was also attenuated by the 17-AAG pretreatment. Myocardial infarction was produced by ligation of the left ventricular coronary artery in rats, and then 17-AAG was intraperitoneally administered to the animals starting from the 2ndweek after coronary artery ligation (CAL). CAL-induced increases in the heart weight and cross-sectional area were attenuated by 17-AAG treatment. CAL rats showed signs of chronic heart failure with cardiac hypertrophy, whereas cardiac function in CAL rats treated with 17-AAG was not reduced. Treatment of CAL rats with 17-AAG caused a decrease in the c-Raf content and Erk1/2 and GATA4 phosphorylation levels. These findings suggest that Hsp90 is involved in the activation of the Raf/Mek/Erk pathway via stabilization of c-Raf in cardiomyocytes, resulting in the development of cardiac hypertrophy following myocardial infarction.

Stress-induced antioxidant defense and protein chaperone response in the freeze-tolerant wood frog Rana sylvatica

Freeze tolerance is an adaptive response utilized by the wood frog Rana sylvatica to endure the sub-zero temperatures of winter. Survival of whole body freezing requires wood frogs to trigger cryoprotective mechanisms to deal with potential injuries associated with conversion of 65-70% of total body water into ice, including multiple consequences of ice formation such as cessation of blood flow and cell dehydration caused by water loss into ice masses. To understand how wood frogs defend against these stressors, we measured the expression of proteins known to be involved in the antioxidant defense and protein chaperone stress responses in brain and heart of wood frogs comparing freezing, anoxia, and dehydration stress. Our results showed that most stress proteins were regulated in a tissue- and stress-specific manner. Notably, protein levels of the cytosolic superoxide dismutase (SOD1) were upregulated by 1.37 ± 0.11-fold in frozen brain, whereas the mitochondrial SOD2 isoform rose by 1.38 ± 0.37-fold in the heart during freezing. Catalase protein levels were upregulated by 3.01 ± 0.47-fold in the brain under anoxia stress, but remained unchanged in the heart. Similar context-specific regulatory patterns were also observed for the heat shock protein (Hsp) molecular chaperones. Hsp27 protein was down-regulated in the brain across the three stress conditions, whereas the mitochondrial Hsp60 was upregulated in anoxic brain by 1.73 ± 0.38-fold and by 2.13 ± 0.57-fold in the frozen heart. Overall, our study provides a snapshot of the regulatory expression of stress proteins in wood frogs under harsh environment conditions and shows that they are controlled in a tissue- and stress-specific manner.

Apoptosis in response to heat stress is positively associated with heat-shock protein 90 expression in chicken myocardial cells in vitro

To determine heat-shock protein (Hsp)90 expression is connected with cellular apoptotic response to heat stress and its mechanism, chicken (Gallus gallus) primary myocardial cells were treated with the Hsp90 promoter, aspirin, and its inhibitor, geldanamycin (GA), before heat stress. Cellular viability, heat-stressed apoptosis and reactive oxygen species level under different treatments were measured, and the expression of key proteins of the signaling pathway related to Hsp90 and their colocalization with Hsp90 were detected. The results showed that aspirin treatment increased the expression of protein kinase B (Akt), the signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT)-3 and p-IKKα/β and the colocalization of Akt and STAT-3 with Hsp90 during heat stress, which was accompanied by improved viability and low apoptosis. GA significantly inhibited Akt expression and p-IKKα/β level, but not STAT-3 quantity, while the colocalization of Akt and STAT-3 with Hsp90 was weakened, followed by lower cell viability and higher apoptosis. Aspirin after GA treatment partially improved the stress response and apoptosis rate of tested cells caused by the recovery of Akt expression and colocalization, rather than the level of STAT-3 (including its co-localization with Hsp90) and p-IKKα/β. Therefore, Hsp90 expression has a positive effect on cellular capacity to resist heat-stressed injury and apoptosis. Moreover, inhibition of Hsp90 before stress partially attenuated its positive effects.

Hsp90 inhibitor geldanamycin attenuates the cytotoxicity of sunitinib in cardiomyocytes via inhibition of the autophagy pathway

Sunitinib malate (sunitinib) is an orally available, multitargeted tyrosine kinase inhibitor with antitumor and antiangiogenic activities. Although sunitinib is effective for the treatment of patients with gastrointestinal stromal tumor, advanced renal cell carcinoma, or pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor, adverse cardiac events associated with sunitinib administration have been reported. Here, we examined the effect of geldanamycin, an inhibitor of heat shock protein (Hsp) 90, on sunitinib-induced cytotoxicity in cardiomyocytes. First, we found that treatment with geldanamycin or other Hsp90 inhibitors (tanespimycin, ganetespib, or BIIB021) significantly attenuated sunitinib-induced cytotoxicity in rat H9c2 cardiomyocytes, suggesting a drug-class effect of Hsp90 inhibitors. We then examined the mechanisms underlying sunitinib-induced cytotoxicity and found that sunitinib induced autophagy in H9c2 cells and that pretreatment with geldanamycin inhibited the induction of autophagy by promoting degradation of the autophagy-related proteins Atg7, Beclin-1, and ULK1. Pharmacological assessment with autophagy inhibitors confirmed that geldanamycin attenuated the cytotoxicity of sunitinib by interfering with autophagy. In addition, we found that the molecular chaperone Hsp70, which is induced by geldanamycin, was not involved in the attenuation of sunitinib-induced cytotoxicity. Finally, to provide more clinically relevant data, we confirmed that geldanamycin attenuated sunitinib-induced cytotoxicity in human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes. Together, these data suggest that geldanamycin attenuates sunitinib-induced cytotoxicity in cardiomyocytes by inhibiting the autophagy pathway. Thus, the further investigation of combination or sequential treatment with an Hsp90 inhibitor and sunitinib is warranted as a potential strategy of attenuating the cardiotoxicity associated with sunitinib administration in the clinical setting.

Hydrogen sulfide ameliorates chronic renal failure in rats by inhibiting apoptosis and inflammation through ROS/MAPK and NF-κB signaling pathways

Chronic renal failure (CRF) is a major public health problem worldwide. Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) plays important roles in renal physiological and pathophysiological processes. However, whether H₂S could protect against CRF in rats remains unclear. In this study, we found that H₂S alleviated gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity by reducing reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated apoptosis in normal rat kidney-52E cells. We demonstrated that H₂S significantly improved the kidney structure and function of CRF rats. We found that H₂S decreased the protein levels of Bax, Caspase-3, and Cleaved-caspase-3, but increased the expression of Bcl-2. Treatment with H₂S reduced the levels of malondialdehyde and ROS and increased the activities of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase. H₂S significantly abolished the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase 1/2, c-Jun N-terminal kinase, and p38 in the kidney of CRF rats. Furthermore, H₂S decreased the expression levels of tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10, and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, as well as the protein levels of p50, p65, and p-p65 in the kidney of CRF rats. In conclusion, H₂S could ameliorate adenine-induced CRF in rats by inhibiting apoptosis and inflammation through ROS/mitogen-activated protein kinase and nuclear factor-kappa B signaling pathways.

Myocyte-Derived Hsp90 Modulates Collagen Upregulation via Biphasic Activation of STAT-3 in Fibroblasts during Cardiac Hypertrophy

Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT-3)-mediated signaling in relation to upregulated collagen expression in fibroblasts during cardiac hypertrophy is well defined. Our recent findings have identified heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) to be a critical modulator of fibrotic signaling in cardiac fibroblasts in this disease milieu. The present study was therefore intended to analyze the role of Hsp90 in the STAT-3-mediated collagen upregulation process. Our data revealed a significant difference between in vivo and in vitro results, pointing to a possible involvement of myocyte-fibroblast cross talk in this process. Cardiomyocyte-targeted knockdown of Hsp90 in rats (Rattus norvegicus) in which the renal artery was ligated showed downregulated collagen synthesis. Furthermore, the results obtained with cardiac fibroblasts conditioned with Hsp90-inhibited hypertrophied myocyte supernatant pointed toward cardiomyocytes' role in the regulation of collagen expression in fibroblasts during hypertrophy. Our study also revealed a novel signaling mechanism where myocyte-derived Hsp90 orchestrates not only p65-mediated interleukin-6 (IL-6) synthesis but also its release in exosomal vesicles. Such myocyte-derived exosomes and myocyte-secreted IL-6 are responsible in unison for the biphasic activation of STAT-3 signaling in cardiac fibroblasts that culminates in excess collagen synthesis, leading to severely compromised cardiac function during cardiac hypertrophy.

The chromatin-binding protein Smyd1 restricts adult mammalian heart growth

All terminally differentiated organs face two challenges, maintaining their cellular identity and restricting organ size. The molecular mechanisms responsible for these decisions are of critical importance to organismal development, and perturbations in their normal balance can lead to disease. A hallmark of heart failure, a condition affecting millions of people worldwide, is hypertrophic growth of cardiomyocytes. The various forms of heart failure in human and animal models share conserved transcriptome remodeling events that lead to expression of genes normally silenced in the healthy adult heart. However, the chromatin remodeling events that maintain cell and organ size are incompletely understood; insights into these mechanisms could provide new targets for heart failure therapy. Using a quantitative proteomics approach to identify muscle-specific chromatin regulators in a mouse model of hypertrophy and heart failure, we identified upregulation of the histone methyltransferase Smyd1 during disease. Inducible loss-of-function studies in vivo demonstrate that Smyd1 is responsible for restricting growth in the adult heart, with its absence leading to cellular hypertrophy, organ remodeling, and fulminate heart failure. Molecular studies reveal Smyd1 to be a muscle-specific regulator of gene expression and indicate that Smyd1 modulates expression of gene isoforms whose expression is associated with cardiac pathology. Importantly, activation of Smyd1 can prevent pathological cell growth. These findings have basic implications for our understanding of cardiac pathologies and open new avenues to the treatment of cardiac hypertrophy and failure by modulating Smyd1.

Hsp90/Cdc37 assembly modulates TGFβ receptor-II to act as a profibrotic regulator of TGFβ signaling during cardiac hypertrophy

Cardiac hypertrophy is accompanied by excessive collagen deposition in the heart. Despite painstaking research on this fatal disease, the precise role of molecular chaperones in myocardial fibrosis has not yet been elucidated. In this study, we have analyzed the mechanism by which Heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90)/Cell division cycle 37 (Cdc37) assembly modulates cardiac hypertrophy associated fibrosis. For the in vitro hypertrophy model, Angiotensin II (AngII) treated cultured adult cardiac fibroblasts were used, whereas the in vivo hypertrophy model was generated by renal artery ligation in adult male Wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus). Pretreatment with the Hsp90 inhibitor or the blocking of Hsp90-Cdc37 interactions during pressure overload hypertrophy resulted in ubiquitin-mediated proteasomal degradation of TGFβ receptor-II (TβR-II) leading to termination of TGFβ mediated signaling. In both cases significant reduction in collagen synthesis was observed revealing the Hsp90/Cdc37 complex as an integral profibrotic component of TGFβ signaling during cardiac hypertrophy.

Heat shock protein 90 inhibition abrogates TLR4-mediated NF-κB activity and reduces renal ischemia-reperfusion injury

Renal ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) is a common cause of acute kidney injury. Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) mediates sterile inflammation following renal IRI. Heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) inhibition is a potential strategy to reduce IRI, and AT13387 is a novel Hsp90 inhibitor with low toxicity. This study assessed if pre-treatment with AT13387 could reduce renal IRI and established if the mechanism of protection involved a reduction in inflammatory signalling. Mice were pre-treated with AT13387 prior to renal IRI. 24 h later, renal function was determined by serum creatinine, kidney damage by tubular necrosis score, renal TLR4 expression by PCR and inflammation by cytokine array. In vitro, human embryonic kidney cells were co-transfected to express TLR4 and a secreted alkaline phosphatase NF-κB reporter. Cells were pre-treated with AT13387 and exposed to endotoxin-free hyaluronan to stimulate sterile TLR4-specific NF-κB inflammatory activation. Following renal IRI, AT13387 significantly reduced serum creatinine, tubular necrosis, TLR4 expression and NF-κB-dependent chemokines. In vitro, AT13387-treatment resulted in breakdown of IκB kinase, which abolished TLR4-mediated NF-κB activation by hyaluronan. AT13387 is a new agent with translational potential that reduces renal IRI. The mechanism of protection may involve breakdown of IκB kinase and repression of TLR4-mediated NF-κB inflammatory activity.

Survivin-2B promotes autophagy by accumulating IKK alpha in the nucleus of selenite-treated NB4 cells

Survivin-2B, a known splice variant of survivin, has been reported to promote cell death in some cancer cells, although it keeps prosurvival function in others, and the mechanisms are unclear. In this report, we discovered that selenite, an antitumor agent, switched protective autophagy to apoptosis in NB4 cells. In this process, the level of survivin-2B was decreased and the interaction between IKK alpha and survivin-2B in the nucleus was attenuated, which further led to the decrease of nuclear IKK alpha. As a result, P73, a known transcript factor of UVRAG, was downregulated. Therefore, the expression of UVRAG, one of the initiators of autophagy, was inhibited. The regulatory status of survivin-2B was also proved in NB4 cells after different chemicals' exposure and in other tumor cell lines (Jurkat, HCT116). Finally, experiments in vivo confirmed that the alterations of survivin-2B, IKK alpha, P73 and UVRAG were the same as that in vitro. Taken together, survivin-2B promoted autophagy and further regulated cell death by accumulating and stabilizing IKK alpha in the nucleus.

Humoral control of cardiac remodeling in fish: role of Angiotensin II

Angiotensin II (AngII), the principal effector of the Renin-Angiotensin-System (RAS), is a multipotent hormone whose biological actions include short-term modulation as well as long-term adjustments. In the eel heart, AngII elicits short-term inotropic and chronotropic effects. However, information regarding the influence of AngII on cardiac remodeling, expressed as morphological and hemodynamic changes, is lacking. To clarify the putative actions of AngII on eel cardiac remodeling, we used freshwater eels (Anguilla anguilla) intraperitoneally injected for 4 weeks with saline or AngII (0.4 or 1.2 nmol g BW(-1)) or AngII (1.2 nmol g BW(-1)) plus the AT₂ receptor antagonist CGP42112. Using an in vitro working heart preparation, the cardiac response (stroke volume changes) to preload and afterload increases has been evaluated. Hearts of all groups showed similar Frank-Starling responses. However, in response to afterload increases, stroke volume rapidly decreased in control hearts, while it was better maintained in AngII-treated counterparts. These effects were abolished by an antagonist of the AT₂ receptor, whose cardiac expression was revealed by western blotting analysis. We also found by immunolocalization and immunoblotting that AngII influences both expression and localization of molecules which regulate cell growth [such as c-kit, heat shock protein 90 (Hsp-90), endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase "(eNOS)-like" isoform] and apoptosis [i.e. apoptosis repressor with CARD domain (ARC)], thus playing a role in cardiac long-term adjustments. These results point to a role of AngII in eel heart remodeling, providing new insights regarding the modulation of cardiac plasticity in fish.

NF-κB-mediated miR-30b regulation in cardiomyocytes cell death by targeting Bcl-2

Angiotensin II(Ang II)-stimulated cardiomyocytes hypertrophy and apoptosis are associated with nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) activation. NF-κB, a redox-sensitive transcription factor, contributes a critical role in cell death, but, Ang II-stimulated NF-κB-mediated cardiomyocytes apoptosis remains less understood. Recently, microRNAs (miRNAs) have been shown to be critical regulators in various cardiac remodeling processes; however, NF-κB-mediated miRNA's role in cardiomyocytes apoptosis remains undetermined. The miR-30b has been implicated in diverse cardiac remodeling; but, NF-κB-mediated miR-30b modulation in Ang II-induced cardiomyocytes death is currently unknown. In the present study, neonatal cardiomyocytes were pretreated with SN50, a selective cell permeable peptide inhibitor of NF-κB, or transfected with miR-30b mimetic and inhibitors separately, and then challenged with Ang II. The target gene, Bcl-2, and NF-κB transcriptional activity were analyzed. Our results demonstrated that NF-κB positively regulated miR-30b expression in Ang II-induced cardiomyocytes apoptosis, and Bcl-2 was a direct target for miR-30b. NF-κB further regulated the expression of Bcl-2 in the above setting. Furthermore, Ang II-induced cardiomyocytes apoptosis rescued by inhibiting either NF-κB or miR-30b provided an important role in cardiomyocytes cell death. We evaluated a critical role of NF-κB-mediated miR-30b modulation in Ang II-stimulated cardiomyocytes targeting Bcl-2. Our data may provide a new insight of miR-30b's role in myocardial infarction or ischemia.

The role of heat shock protein 90 in modulating ischemia-reperfusion injury in the kidney

INTRODUCTION

Kidney transplantation is the gold standard treatment for end-stage renal disease. Ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) is an unavoidable consequence of the transplantation procedure and is responsible for delayed graft function and poorer long-term outcomes.

AREAS COVERED

Pharmacological induction of heat shock protein (Hsp) expression is an emerging pre-conditioning strategy aimed at reducing IRI following renal transplantation. Hsp90 inhibition up-regulates protective Hsps (especially Hsp70) and potentially down-regulates NF-κB by disruption of the IκB kinase (IKK) complex. However, the clinical application of Hsp90 inhibitors is currently limited by their toxicity profile and the exact mechanism of protection conferred is unknown. Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) is a further regulator of NF-κB and recent studies suggest TLR4 plays a dominant role in mediating kidney damage following IRI. The full interaction of Hsps with TLRs is yet to be delineated and whether TLR4 signalling can be targeted by Hsp90 inhibition in IRI remains uncertain.

EXPERT OPINION

Pharmacological pre-conditioning by Hsp90 inhibition involves direct treatment to the kidney donor and/or organ, which aims to reduce injury prior to the onset of ischemia. The major challenges going forward are to establish the exact mechanism of protection offered by these drugs and the investgiation of less toxic analogues that could be safely translated into human studies.

HSP90 inhibition by 17-DMAG reduces inflammation in J774 macrophages through suppression of Akt and nuclear factor-κB pathways

OBJECTIVE

This study was designed to determine whether inhibition of heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) reduces pro-inflammatory mediator production by decreasing the nuclear factor (NF)-κB and Akt signaling pathways in immune-stimulated macrophages.

METHODS

J774A.1 murine macrophages were treated with the HSP90 inhibitor 17-DMAG (0.01, 0.1 or 1 μM) prior to immune stimulation with lipopolysaccharide and interferon-γ. Expression of Akt, inhibitor of κB kinase (IKK), and heat shock proteins were measured in whole cell lysates by Western blotting. Phosphorylated Akt and inhibitor of κB (IκB) were measured in whole cell lysates by ELISA. Cell supernatants were analyzed for interleukin (IL)-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and nitric oxide (NO). Translocation of NF-κB and heat shock factor (HSF)-1 was assessed by immunofluorescence.

RESULTS

Treating cells with 17-DMAG reduced expression of Akt and IKK in immune-stimulated cells. 17-DMAG reduced nuclear translocation of NF-κB and reduced immune-stimulated production of IL-6, TNF-α and NO, but did not decrease inducible nitric oxide synthase expression.

CONCLUSIONS

Our studies show that the immune-mediated NF-κB inflammatory cascade is blocked by the HSP90 inhibitor 17-DMAG. Due to the broad interaction of HSP90 with many pro-inflammatory kinase cascades, inhibition of HSP90 may provide a novel approach to reducing chronic inflammation.