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Sun X, Shi C, Dai J, Zhang MQ, Pei DS, Yang L. Targeting the mitochondrial protein YME1L to inhibit osteosarcoma cell growth in vitro and in vivo. Cell Death Dis 2024; 15:346. [PMID: 38769124 PMCID: PMC11106333 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-024-06722-6] [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: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 05/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
Exploring novel diagnostic and therapeutic biomarkers is extremely important for osteosarcoma. YME1 Like 1 ATPase (YME1L), locating in the mitochondrial inner membrane, is key in regulating mitochondrial plasticity and metabolic activity. Its expression and potential functions in osteosarcoma are studied in the present study. We show that YME1L mRNA and protein expression is significantly elevated in osteosarcoma tissues derived from different human patients. Moreover, its expression is upregulated in various primary and immortalized osteosarcoma cells. The Cancer Genome Atlas database results revealed that YME1L overexpression was correlated with poor overall survival and poor disease-specific survival in sarcoma patients. In primary and immortalized osteosarcoma cells, silencing of YME1L through lentiviral shRNA robustly inhibited cell viability, proliferation, and migration. Moreover, cell cycle arrest and apoptosis were detected in YME1L-silenced osteosarcoma cells. YME1L silencing impaired mitochondrial functions in osteosarcoma cells, causing mitochondrial depolarization, oxidative injury, lipid peroxidation and DNA damage as well as mitochondrial respiratory chain complex I activity inhibition and ATP depletion. Contrarily, forced YME1L overexpression exerted pro-cancerous activity and strengthened primary osteosarcoma cell proliferation and migration. YME1L is important for Akt-S6K activation in osteosarcoma cells. Phosphorylation of Akt and S6K was inhibited after YME1L silencing in primary osteosarcoma cells, but was strengthened with YME1L overexpression. Restoring Akt-mTOR activation by S473D constitutively active Akt1 mitigated YME1L shRNA-induced anti-osteosarcoma cell activity. Lastly, intratumoral injection of YME1L shRNA adeno-associated virus inhibited subcutaneous osteosarcoma xenograft growth in nude mice. YME1L depletion, mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative injury, Akt-S6K inactivation, and apoptosis were detected in YME1L shRNA-treated osteosarcoma xenografts. Together, overexpressed YME1L promotes osteosarcoma cell growth, possibly by maintaining mitochondrial function and Akt-mTOR activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu Sun
- Department of Hand and Foot Surgery, The Affiliated Taizhou People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Taizhou School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Taizhou, China
| | - Ce Shi
- Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Orthopedics, The Affiliated Suqian Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Suqian, China
| | - Jin Dai
- Department of Orthopedics, Suzhou Wujiang District Children's Hospital, Suzhou, China
| | | | - Dong-Sheng Pei
- Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Lei Yang
- Department of Orthopedics, Wujin Hospital Affiliated with Jiangsu University, Changzhou, China.
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2
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Ding W, Su Y, Mo J, Sun D, Cao C, Zhang X, Wang Y. Novel artemisinin derivative P31 inhibits VEGF-induced corneal neovascularization through AKT and ERK1/2 pathways. Heliyon 2024; 10:e29984. [PMID: 38699723 PMCID: PMC11063438 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e29984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Corneal neovascularization (CoNV)is a major cause of blindness in many ocular diseases. Substantial evidence indicates that vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) plays an important role in the pathogenesis of corneal neovascularization. Previous evidence showed that artemisinin may inhibit angiogenesis through down regulation of the VEGF receptors. We designed and synthesized artemisinin derivatives, and validated their inhibitory effect on neovascularization in cell and animal models, and explored the mechanisms by which they exert an inhibitory effect on CoNV. Among these derivatives, P31 demonstrated significant anti-angiogenic effects in vivo and in vitro. Besides, P31 inhibited VEGF-induced HUVECs angiogenesis and neovascularization in rabbit model via AKT and ERK pathways. Moreover, P31 alleviated angiogenic and inflammatory responses in suture rabbit cornea. In conclusion, as a novel artemisinin derivative, P31 attenuates corneal neovascularization and has a promising application in ocular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen Ding
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Engineering Research Center for Ophthalmic Drug Creation and Evaluation, Guangzhou, 510060, China
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Yingxue Su
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Engineering Research Center for Ophthalmic Drug Creation and Evaluation, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Jianshan Mo
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Danyuan Sun
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Chen Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Engineering Research Center for Ophthalmic Drug Creation and Evaluation, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Xiaolei Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Yandong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Engineering Research Center for Ophthalmic Drug Creation and Evaluation, Guangzhou, 510060, China
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
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3
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Bi HE, Zhang J, Yao Y, Wang S, Yao J, Shao Z, Jiang Q. Expression and functional significance of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase 1 in uveal melanoma. Cell Death Discov 2024; 10:196. [PMID: 38670942 PMCID: PMC11053060 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-024-01963-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2024] [Revised: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Uveal melanoma (UVM), an uncommon yet potentially life-threatening ocular cancer, arises from melanocytes in the uveal tract of the eye. The exploration of novel oncotargets for UVM is of paramount importance. In this study, we show that PCK1 (phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase 1) expression is upregulated in various UVM tissues as well as in primary UVM cells and immortalized lines. Furthermore, bioinformatics studies reveal that PCK1 overexpression in UVM correlates with advanced disease stages and poor patient survival. Genetic silencing (utilizing viral shRNA) or knockout (via CRISPR/Cas9) of PCK1 significantly curtailed cell viability, proliferation, cell cycle progression, and motility, while provoking apoptosis in primary and immortalized UVM cells. Conversely, ectopic overexpression of PCK1, achieved through a viral construct, bolstered UVM cell proliferation and migration. Gαi3 expression and Akt phosphorylation were reduced following PCK1 silencing or knockout, but increased after PCK1 overexpression in UVM cells. Restoring Akt phosphorylation through a constitutively active mutant Akt1 (S473D) ameliorated the growth inhibition, migration suppression, and apoptosis induced by PCK1 silencing in UVM cells. Additionally, ectopic expression of Gαi3 restored Akt activation and counteracted the anti-UVM cell effects by PCK1 silencing. In vivo, the growth of subcutaneous xenografts of primary human UVM cells was significantly inhibited following intratumoral injection of adeno-associated virus (aav) expressing PCK1 shRNA. PCK1 depletion, Gαi3 downregulation, Akt inhibition, proliferation arrest, and apoptosis were detected in PCK1-silenced UVM xenografts. Collectively, our findings demonstrate that PCK1 promotes UVM cell growth possibly by modulating the Gαi3-Akt signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui-E Bi
- The Affiliated Eye Hospital, The Fourth School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, China
| | - Jie Zhang
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, The Affiliated Zhangjiagang Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Yujia Yao
- The Affiliated Eye Hospital, The Fourth School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Suyu Wang
- The Affiliated Eye Hospital, The Fourth School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jin Yao
- The Affiliated Eye Hospital, The Fourth School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.
| | - Zhijiang Shao
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, China.
| | - Qin Jiang
- The Affiliated Eye Hospital, The Fourth School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.
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Sun HJ, Ni ZR, Liu Y, Fu X, Liu SY, Hu JY, Sun QY, Li YC, Hou XH, Zhang JR, Zhu XX, Lu QB. Deficiency of neutral cholesterol ester hydrolase 1 (NCEH1) impairs endothelial function in diet-induced diabetic mice. Cardiovasc Diabetol 2024; 23:138. [PMID: 38664801 PMCID: PMC11046792 DOI: 10.1186/s12933-024-02239-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neutral cholesterol ester hydrolase 1 (NCEH1) plays a critical role in the regulation of cholesterol ester metabolism. Deficiency of NCHE1 accelerated atherosclerotic lesion formation in mice. Nonetheless, the role of NCEH1 in endothelial dysfunction associated with diabetes has not been explored. The present study sought to investigate whether NCEH1 improved endothelial function in diabetes, and the underlying mechanisms were explored. METHODS The expression and activity of NCEH1 were determined in obese mice with high-fat diet (HFD) feeding, high glucose (HG)-induced mouse aortae or primary endothelial cells (ECs). Endothelium-dependent relaxation (EDR) in aortae response to acetylcholine (Ach) was measured. RESULTS Results showed that the expression and activity of NCEH1 were lower in HFD-induced mouse aortae, HG-exposed mouse aortae ex vivo, and HG-incubated primary ECs. HG exposure reduced EDR in mouse aortae, which was exaggerated by endothelial-specific deficiency of NCEH1, whereas NCEH1 overexpression restored the impaired EDR. Similar results were observed in HFD mice. Mechanically, NCEH1 ameliorated the disrupted EDR by dissociating endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) from caveolin-1 (Cav-1), leading to eNOS activation and nitric oxide (NO) release. Moreover, interaction of NCEH1 with the E3 ubiquitin-protein ligase ZNRF1 led to the degradation of Cav-1 through the ubiquitination pathway. Silencing Cav-1 and upregulating ZNRF1 were sufficient to improve EDR of diabetic aortas, while overexpression of Cav-1 and downregulation of ZNRF1 abolished the effects of NCEH1 on endothelial function in diabetes. Thus, NCEH1 preserves endothelial function through increasing NO bioavailability secondary to the disruption of the Cav-1/eNOS complex in the endothelium of diabetic mice, depending on ZNRF1-induced ubiquitination of Cav-1. CONCLUSIONS NCEH1 may be a promising candidate for the prevention and treatment of vascular complications of diabetes.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Male
- Mice
- Aorta/enzymology
- Aorta/physiopathology
- Aorta/metabolism
- Aorta/drug effects
- Aorta/pathology
- Caveolin 1/metabolism
- Caveolin 1/deficiency
- Caveolin 1/genetics
- Cells, Cultured
- Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental/enzymology
- Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental/physiopathology
- Diet, High-Fat
- Endothelial Cells/enzymology
- Endothelial Cells/metabolism
- Endothelial Cells/drug effects
- Endothelium, Vascular/physiopathology
- Endothelium, Vascular/metabolism
- Endothelium, Vascular/enzymology
- Endothelium, Vascular/drug effects
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Mice, Knockout
- Nitric Oxide/metabolism
- Nitric Oxide Synthase Type III/metabolism
- Obesity/enzymology
- Obesity/physiopathology
- Obesity/metabolism
- Signal Transduction
- Sterol Esterase/metabolism
- Sterol Esterase/genetics
- Ubiquitination
- Vasodilation/drug effects
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Affiliation(s)
- Hai-Jian Sun
- Department of Physiology, Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, No. 24 Tongjia Lane, Nanjing, 210009, China.
- Department of Basic Medicine, Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, China.
| | - Zhang-Rong Ni
- Department of Physiology, Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, China
| | - Yao Liu
- Department of Cardiac Ultrasound, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210000, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiao Fu
- Department of Physiology, Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, China
| | - Shi-Yi Liu
- Department of Physiology, Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, China
| | - Jin-Yi Hu
- Department of Physiology, Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, China
| | - Qing-Yi Sun
- Department of Physiology, Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, China
| | - Yu-Chao Li
- Department of Physiology, Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, China
| | - Xiao-Hui Hou
- Department of Cardiac Ultrasound, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210000, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ji-Ru Zhang
- Department of Physiology, Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, China.
- Department of Basic Medicine, Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, China.
| | - Xue-Xue Zhu
- Department of Physiology, Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, China.
- Department of Basic Medicine, Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, China.
| | - Qing-Bo Lu
- Department of Endocrinology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214125, China.
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5
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Xiong QW, Jiang K, Shen XW, Ma ZR, Yan XM, Xia H, Cao X. The requirement of the mitochondrial protein NDUFS8 for angiogenesis. Cell Death Dis 2024; 15:253. [PMID: 38594244 PMCID: PMC11004167 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-024-06636-3] [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: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Mitochondria are important for the activation of endothelial cells and the process of angiogenesis. NDUFS8 (NADH:ubiquinone oxidoreductase core subunit S8) is a protein that plays a critical role in the function of mitochondrial Complex I. We aimed to investigate the potential involvement of NDUFS8 in angiogenesis. In human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and other endothelial cell types, we employed viral shRNA to silence NDUFS8 or employed the CRISPR/Cas9 method to knockout (KO) it, resulting in impaired mitochondrial functions in the endothelial cells, causing reduction in mitochondrial oxygen consumption and Complex I activity, decreased ATP production, mitochondrial depolarization, increased oxidative stress and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and enhanced lipid oxidation. Significantly, NDUFS8 silencing or KO hindered cell proliferation, migration, and capillary tube formation in cultured endothelial cells. In addition, there was a moderate increase in apoptosis within NDUFS8-depleted endothelial cells. Conversely, ectopic overexpression of NDUFS8 demonstrated a pro-angiogenic impact, enhancing cell proliferation, migration, and capillary tube formation in HUVECs and other endothelial cells. NDUFS8 is pivotal for Akt-mTOR cascade activation in endothelial cells. Depleting NDUFS8 inhibited Akt-mTOR activation, reversible with exogenous ATP in HUVECs. Conversely, NDUFS8 overexpression boosted Akt-mTOR activation. Furthermore, the inhibitory effects of NDUFS8 knockdown on cell proliferation, migration, and capillary tube formation were rescued by Akt re-activation via a constitutively-active Akt1. In vivo experiments using an endothelial-specific NDUFS8 shRNA adeno-associated virus (AAV), administered via intravitreous injection, revealed that endothelial knockdown of NDUFS8 inhibited retinal angiogenesis. ATP reduction, oxidative stress, and enhanced lipid oxidation were detected in mouse retinal tissues with endothelial knockdown of NDUFS8. Lastly, we observed an increase in NDUFS8 expression in retinal proliferative membrane tissues obtained from human patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy. Our findings underscore the essential role of the mitochondrial protein NDUFS8 in regulating endothelial cell activation and angiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian-Wei Xiong
- Department of Urology Surgery, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Kun Jiang
- Vascular Surgery Department, Kunshan Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Kunshan, China
| | - Xiao-Wei Shen
- Department of General Surgery, QingPu Branch of Zhongshan Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, QingPu District Central Hospital Shanghai, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhou-Rui Ma
- Department of Burns and Plastic Surgery, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Xiang-Ming Yan
- Department of Urology Surgery, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China.
| | - Hao Xia
- Department of Pediatric Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, Xin Hua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Xu Cao
- Department of Urology Surgery, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China.
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6
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Bai CW, Lu L, Zhang JN, Zhou C, Ni YC, Li KR, Yao J, Zhou XZ, Lan CG, Cao C. G protein subunit alpha i2's pivotal role in angiogenesis. Theranostics 2024; 14:2190-2209. [PMID: 38505600 PMCID: PMC10945342 DOI: 10.7150/thno.92909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Here we explored the potential role of Gαi2 (G protein subunit alpha i2) in endothelial cell function and angiogenesis. Methods: Genetic methodologies such as shRNA, CRISPR/Cas9, dominant negative mutation, and overexpression were utilized to modify Gαi2 expression or regulate its function. Their effects on endothelial cell functions were assessed in vitro. In vivo, the endothelial-specific Gαi2 shRNA adeno-associated virus (AAV) was utilized to silence Gαi2 expression. The impact of this suppression on retinal angiogenesis in control mice and streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic retinopathy (DR) mice was analyzed. Results: Analysis of single-cell RNA sequencing data revealed Gαi2 (GNAI2) was predominantly expressed in retinal endothelial cells and expression was increased in retinal endothelial cells following oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR) in mice. Moreover, transcriptome analysis linking Gαi2 to angiogenesis-related processes/pathways, supported by increased Gαi2 expression in experimental OIR mouse retinas, highlighted its possible role in angiogenesis. In various endothelial cell types, shRNA-induced silencing and CRISPR/Cas9-mediated knockout (KO) of Gαi2 resulted in substantial reductions in cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and capillary tube formation. Conversely, Gαi2 over-expression in endothelial cells induced pro-angiogenic activities, enhancing cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and capillary tube formation. Furthermore, our investigation revealed a crucial role of Gαi2 in NFAT (nuclear factor of activated T cells) activation, as evidenced by the down-regulation of NFAT-luciferase reporter activity and pro-angiogenesis NFAT-targeted genes (Egr3, CXCR7, and RND1) in Gαi2-silenced or -KO HUVECs, which were up-regulated in Gαi2-overexpressing endothelial cells. Expression of a dominant negative Gαi2 mutation (S48C) also down-regulated NFAT-targeted genes, slowing proliferation, migration, invasion, and capillary tube formation in HUVECs. Importantly, in vivo experiments revealed that endothelial Gαi2 knockdown inhibited retinal angiogenesis in mice, with a concomitant down-regulation of NFAT-targeted genes in mouse retinal tissue. In contrast, Gαi2 over-expression in endothelial cells enhanced retinal angiogenesis in mice. Single-cell RNA sequencing data confirmed increased levels of Gαi2 specifically in retinal endothelial cells of mice with streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic retinopathy (DR). Importantly, endothelial Gαi2 silencing ameliorated retinal pathological angiogenesis in DR mice. Conclusion: Our study highlights a critical role for Gαi2 in NFAT activation, endothelial cell activation and angiogenesis, offering valuable insights into potential therapeutic strategies for modulating these processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao-wen Bai
- Department of Orthopedics, Clinical Research Center of Neurological Disease, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Institution of Neuroscience, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Lu Lu
- Department of Joint Surgery and Geriatric Orthopedics, Affiliated Hospital of YouJiang Medical University for Nationalities, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Basic and Translational Research of Bone and Joint Degenerative Diseases, Guangxi Biomedical Materials Engineering Research Center for Bone and Joint Degenerative Diseases, Baise City, China
| | - Jia-nan Zhang
- Department of Orthopedics, Clinical Research Center of Neurological Disease, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Institution of Neuroscience, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Chengyu Zhou
- Department of Neuroscience, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, USA
| | - Yi-chao Ni
- Department of Orthopedics, Clinical Research Center of Neurological Disease, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Institution of Neuroscience, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Ke-ran Li
- The Fourth Medical School, Eye hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jin Yao
- The Fourth Medical School, Eye hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiao-zhong Zhou
- Department of Orthopedics, Clinical Research Center of Neurological Disease, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Institution of Neuroscience, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Chang-gong Lan
- Department of Joint Surgery and Geriatric Orthopedics, Affiliated Hospital of YouJiang Medical University for Nationalities, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Basic and Translational Research of Bone and Joint Degenerative Diseases, Guangxi Biomedical Materials Engineering Research Center for Bone and Joint Degenerative Diseases, Baise City, China
| | - Cong Cao
- Department of Orthopedics, Clinical Research Center of Neurological Disease, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Institution of Neuroscience, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
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7
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Yin DP, Zhang H, Teng H, Zhang D, Chen P, Xie L, Liu JS. Overexpressed Gαi1 exerts pro-tumorigenic activity in nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Cell Death Dis 2023; 14:792. [PMID: 38049415 PMCID: PMC10696052 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-06308-8] [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: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 11/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023]
Abstract
The current study tested the expression and potential functions of Gαi1 in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database results demonstrate that Gαi1 transcripts' number in NPC tissues is significantly higher than that in the normal nasal epithelial tissues. Its overexpression correlates with poor survival in certain NPC patients. Moreover, Gαi1 is significantly upregulated in NPC tissues of local primary patients and in different primary human NPC cells. Whereas its expression is relatively low in cancer-surrounding normal tissues and in primary nasal epithelial cells. Genetic silencing (via shRNA strategy) or knockout (via CRISPR-sgRNA method) of Gαi1 substantially suppressed viability, proliferation, cell cycle progression, and migration in primary NPC cells, causing significant caspase-apoptosis activation. Contrarily, ectopic Gαi1 expression exerted pro-tumorigenic activity and strengthened cell proliferation and migration in primary NPC cells. Gαi1 is important for Akt-mTOR activation in NPC cells. Akt-S6K phosphorylation was downregulated after Gαi1 shRNA or KO in primary NPC cells, but strengthened following Gαi1 overexpression. In Gαi1-silenced primary NPC cells, a S473D constitutively-active mutant Akt1 (caAkt1) restored Akt-S6K phosphorylation and ameliorated Gαi1 shRNA-induced proliferation inhibition, migration reduction and apoptosis. Bioinformatics analyses proposed zinc finger protein 384 (ZNF384) as a potential transcription factor of Gαi1. In primary NPC cells, ZNF384 shRNA or knockout (via CRISPR-sgRNA method) decreased Gαi1 mRNA and protein expression, whereas ZNF384 overexpression upregulated it. Importantly, there was an increased binding between ZNF384 protein and the Gαi1 promoter in human NPC tissues and different NPC cells. In vivo studies showed that intratumoral injection of Gαi1-shRNA-expressing adeno-associated virus (AAV) impeded subcutaneous NPC xenograft growth in nude mice. Gαi1 downregulation, Akt-mTOR inactivation, and apoptosis induction were detected in Gαi1-silenced NPC xenograft tissues. Gαi1 KO also effectively inhibited the growth of NPC xenografts in nude mice. Together, overexpressed Gαi1 exerts pro-tumorigenic activity in NPC possibly by promoting Akt-mTOR activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- De-Pei Yin
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Huanle Zhang
- Department of Radiotherapy, Suzhou Ninth People's Hospital, Suzhou, China
| | - Hua Teng
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Jiangsu Province Hospital on Integration of Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Dan Zhang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Peipei Chen
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China.
| | - Lixiao Xie
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China.
| | - Ji-Sheng Liu
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China.
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8
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Liu TT, Shi X, Hu HW, Chen JP, Jiang Q, Zhen YF, Cao C, Liu XW, Liu JG. Endothelial cell-derived RSPO3 activates Gαi1/3-Erk signaling and protects neurons from ischemia/reperfusion injury. Cell Death Dis 2023; 14:654. [PMID: 37805583 PMCID: PMC10560285 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-06176-2] [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: 03/22/2023] [Revised: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/09/2023]
Abstract
The current study explores the potential function and the underlying mechanisms of endothelial cell-derived R-spondin 3 (RSPO3) neuroprotection against ischemia/reperfusion-induced neuronal cell injury. In both neuronal cells (Neuro-2a) and primary murine cortical neurons, pretreatment with RSPO3 ameliorated oxygen and glucose deprivation (OGD)/re-oxygenation (OGD/R)-induced neuronal cell death and oxidative injury. In neurons RSPO3 activated the Akt, Erk and β-Catenin signaling cascade, but only Erk inhibitors reversed RSPO3-induced neuroprotection against OGD/R. In mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) and neuronal cells, RSPO3-induced LGR4-Gab1-Gαi1/3 association was required for Erk activation, and either silencing or knockout of Gαi1 and Gαi3 abolished RSPO3-induced neuroprotection. In mice, middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) increased RSPO3 expression and Erk activation in ischemic penumbra brain tissues. Endothelial knockdown or knockout of RSPO3 inhibited Erk activation in the ischemic penumbra brain tissues and increased MCAO-induced cerebral ischemic injury in mice. Conversely, endothelial overexpression of RSPO3 ameliorated MCAO-induced cerebral ischemic injury. We conclude that RSPO3 activates Gαi1/3-Erk signaling to protect neuronal cells from ischemia/reperfusion injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting-Tao Liu
- Shandong University, Department of Neurology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Jinan, China
- Department of Neurology, Shouguang Hospital of T.C.M, Shouguang, China
| | - Xin Shi
- Department of Neurology and Clinical Research Center of Neurological Disease, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Hong-Wei Hu
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Ju-Ping Chen
- Department of Neurology, Changshu Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changshu, China
| | - Qin Jiang
- The Fourth School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yun-Fang Zhen
- Department of Orthopedics, Children's hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China.
| | - Cong Cao
- Department of Neurology and Clinical Research Center of Neurological Disease, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China.
| | - Xue-Wu Liu
- Department of Neurology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China.
| | - Jian-Gang Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China.
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Du J, Song J, Ding L, Fan X, Lin L, Li A, Liang L, Kong X. Treatment with imatinib was useful to delay the neointimal hyperplasia of aortocaval fistula in adenine-induced renal failure rats. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2023; 672:10-16. [PMID: 37331166 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2023.06.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The study was conducted to investigate the effect of the treatment with imatinib, a c-kit specific inhibitor, on the neointimal hyperplasia (NIH) of aortocaval fistula (ACF) in adenine-induced renal failure rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS All rats were randomly assigned to 4 groups: rats were fed on a normal diet (normal group); rats were fed on a 0.75% adenine-rich diet (renal failure group). The remaining rats underwent ACF after receiving a 0.75% adenine-rich diet and received daily saline gavage (model group) or imatinib gavage (imatinib group) for 7 days after surgery. Immunohistochemical method was used to detect c-kit expression, and Elastomeric Verhoeff-Van Gieson (EVG) staining was used to observe morphological changes of the ACF. The Pearson correlation analysis was used to evaluate the correlations of c-kit expression with intimal thickness and the percentage of stenosis, respectively. RESULTS The renal failure group showed positive c-kit expression on the intima of the inferior vena cava (IVC), whereas the normal group did not. Compared to the model group, intimal thickness (P = 0.001), the percentage of stenosis (P = 0.006) and c-kit expression (P = 0.04) were decreased in the imatinib group at 8 weeks postoperatively. C-kit expression was positively correlated with both intimal thickness and percentage of stenosis (intimal thickness: R = 0.650, P = 0.003; the percentage of stenosis: R = 0.581, P = 0.011) in both the model and imatinib groups. CONCLUSION Treatment with imatinib, a c-kit specific inhibitor, was useful to delay the NIH of ACF in adenine-induced renal failure rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Du
- Department of Blood Purification Center, Weifang People's Hospital, Weifang, Shandong, China
| | - Jiguang Song
- Department of Blood Purification Center, Weifang People's Hospital, Weifang, Shandong, China
| | - Lina Ding
- Department of Blood Purification Center, Weifang People's Hospital, Weifang, Shandong, China
| | - Xiaoli Fan
- Department of Blood Purification Center, Weifang People's Hospital, Weifang, Shandong, China
| | - Lin Lin
- Department of Nephrology, Weifang People's Hospital, Weifang, Shandong, China
| | - Anzhuang Li
- Department of Nephrology, Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, China; Nephrology Research Institute of Shandong Province, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Liming Liang
- Department of Nephrology, Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, China; Nephrology Research Institute of Shandong Province, Jinan, Shandong, China.
| | - Xianglei Kong
- Department of Nephrology, Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, China; Nephrology Research Institute of Shandong Province, Jinan, Shandong, China.
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