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Mei J, Chu J, Yang K, Luo Z, Yang J, Xu J, Li Q, Zhang Y, Zhang Q, Wan M, Xue N, Ding J, Zhu Y, Cai Y, Yin Y. Angiotensin receptor blocker attacks armored and cold tumors and boosts immune checkpoint blockade. J Immunother Cancer 2024; 12:e009327. [PMID: 39244215 PMCID: PMC11418576 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2024-009327] [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] [Accepted: 08/23/2024] [Indexed: 09/09/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) has made remarkable achievements, but newly identified armored and cold tumors cannot respond to ICB therapy. The high prevalence of concomitant medications has huge impact on immunotherapeutic responses, but the clinical effects on the therapeutic outcome of armored and cold tumors are still unclear. METHODS In this research, using large-scale transcriptomics datasets, the expression and potential biological functions of angiotensin II receptor 1 (AGTR1), the target of angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB), were investigated. Next, the roles of ARB in tumor cells and tumor microenvironment cells were defined by a series of in vitro and in vivo assays. In addition, the clinical impacts of ARB on ICB therapy were assessed by multicenter cohorts and meta-analysis. RESULTS AGTR1 was overexpressed in armored and cold tumors and associated with poor response to ICB therapy. ARB, the inhibitor for AGTR1, only suppressed the aggressiveness of tumor cells with high AGTR1 expression, which accounted for a very small proportion. Further analysis revealed that AGTR1 was always highly expressed in cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and ARB inhibited type I collagen expression in CAFs by suppressing the RhoA-YAP axis. Moreover, ARB could also drastically reverse the phenotype of armored and cold to soft and hot in vivo, leading to a higher response to ICB therapy. In addition, both our in-house cohorts and meta-analysis further supported the idea that ARB can significantly enhance ICB efficacy. CONCLUSION Overall, we identify AGTR1 as a novel target in armored and cold tumors and demonstrate the improved therapeutic efficacy of ICB in combination with ARB. These findings could provide novel clinical insight into how to treat patients with refractory armored and cold tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Mei
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- The First Clinical Medicine College, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jiahui Chu
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- The First Clinical Medicine College, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Kai Yang
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- The First Clinical Medicine College, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhiwen Luo
- Department of Sports Medicine, Huashan Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiayue Yang
- Departments of Endocrinology, The Affiliated Wuxi People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi Medical Center, Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
| | - Junying Xu
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Wuxi People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi Medical Center, Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
| | - Qing Li
- Departments of Oncology, Xuzhou Central Hospital, The Xuzhou School of Clinical Medicine of Nanjing Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Departments of Gynecology, The Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital Affiliated to Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
- Departments of Gynecology, Wuxi Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
| | - Qinglin Zhang
- Departments of Gastroenterology, The Affiliated Wuxi People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi Medical Center, Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
| | - Mengyun Wan
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ningyi Xue
- The First Clinical Medicine College, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Junli Ding
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Wuxi People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi Medical Center, Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yichao Zhu
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yun Cai
- Department of Central Laboratory, The First People's Hospital of Jintan, Jintan Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Changzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yongmei Yin
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
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Xu K, Gao H, Li Y, Jin Y, Zhao R, Huang Y. Synthetic Peptides with Genetic-Codon-Tailored Affinity for Assembling Tetraspanin CD81 at Cell Interfaces and Inhibiting Cancer Metastasis. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2024; 63:e202400129. [PMID: 38409630 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202400129] [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: 01/02/2024] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
Probing biomolecular interactions at cellular interfaces is crucial for understanding and interfering with life processes. Although affinity binders with site specificity for membrane proteins are unparalleled molecular tools, a high demand remains for novel multi-functional ligands. In this study, a synthetic peptide (APQQ) with tight and specific binding to the untargeted extracellular loop of CD81 evolved from a genetically encoded peptide pool. With tailored affinity, APQQ flexibly accesses, site-specifically binds, and forms a complex with CD81, enabling in-situ tracking of the dynamics and activity of this protein in living cells, which has rarely been explored because of the lack of ligands. Furthermore, APQQ triggers the relocalization of CD81 from diffuse to densely clustered at cell junctions and modulates the interplay of membrane proteins at cellular interfaces. Motivated by these, efficient suppression of cancer cell migration, and inhibition of breast cancer metastasis were achieved in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kun Xu
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, CAS Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Living Biosystems, CAS Research/Education Center for Excellence in Molecular Sciences, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China
- School of Chemical Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Han Gao
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, CAS Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Living Biosystems, CAS Research/Education Center for Excellence in Molecular Sciences, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China
- School of Chemical Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Yongming Li
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, CAS Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Living Biosystems, CAS Research/Education Center for Excellence in Molecular Sciences, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China
- School of Chemical Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Yulong Jin
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, CAS Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Living Biosystems, CAS Research/Education Center for Excellence in Molecular Sciences, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China
- School of Chemical Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Rui Zhao
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, CAS Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Living Biosystems, CAS Research/Education Center for Excellence in Molecular Sciences, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China
- School of Chemical Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Yanyan Huang
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, CAS Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Living Biosystems, CAS Research/Education Center for Excellence in Molecular Sciences, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China
- School of Chemical Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
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Eliezeck M, Guedes Jesus IC, Scalzo SA, Sanches BDL, Silva KSC, Costa M, Mesquita T, Rocha-Resende C, Szawka RE, Guatimosim S. β-Adrenergic signaling drives structural and functional maturation of mouse cardiomyocytes. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2024; 326:C1334-C1344. [PMID: 38557356 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00426.2023] [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: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Cardiac maturation represents the last phase of heart development and is characterized by morphofunctional alterations that optimize the heart for efficient pumping. Its understanding provides important insights into cardiac regeneration therapies. Recent evidence implies that adrenergic signals are involved in the regulation of cardiac maturation, but the mechanistic underpinnings involved in this process are poorly understood. Herein, we explored the role of β-adrenergic receptor (β-AR) activation in determining structural and functional components of cardiomyocyte maturation. Temporal characterization of tyrosine hydroxylase and norepinephrine levels in the mouse heart revealed that sympathetic innervation develops during the first 3 wk of life, concurrent with the rise in β-AR expression. To assess the impact of adrenergic inhibition on maturation, we treated mice with propranolol, isolated cardiomyocytes, and evaluated morphofunctional parameters. Propranolol treatment reduced heart weight, cardiomyocyte size, and cellular shortening, while it increased the pool of mononucleated myocytes, resulting in impaired maturation. No changes in t-tubules were observed in cells from propranolol mice. To establish a causal link between β-AR signaling and cardiomyocyte maturation, mice were subjected to sympathectomy, followed or not by restoration with isoproterenol treatment. Cardiomyocytes from sympathectomyzed mice recapitulated the salient immaturity features of propranolol-treated mice, with the additional loss of t-tubules. Isoproterenol rescued the maturation deficits induced by sympathectomy, except for the t-tubule alterations. Our study identifies the β-AR stimuli as a maturation promoting signal and implies that this pathway can be modulated to improve cardiac regeneration therapies.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Maturation involves a series of morphofunctional alterations vital to heart development. Its regulatory mechanisms are only now being unveiled. Evidence implies that adrenergic signaling regulates cardiac maturation, but the mechanisms are poorly understood. To address this point, we blocked β-ARs or performed sympathectomy followed by rescue experiments with isoproterenol in neonatal mice. Our study identifies the β-AR stimuli as a maturation signal for cardiomyocytes and highlights the importance of this pathway in cardiac regeneration therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcos Eliezeck
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Itamar Couto Guedes Jesus
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Sérgio A Scalzo
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Bruno de Lima Sanches
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Kaoma Stephani Costa Silva
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Mateus Costa
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Thássio Mesquita
- Smidt Heart Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, United States
| | - Cibele Rocha-Resende
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Raphael E Szawka
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Silvia Guatimosim
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
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Zhong Z, Jiao Z, Yu FX. The Hippo signaling pathway in development and regeneration. Cell Rep 2024; 43:113926. [PMID: 38457338 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.113926] [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: 12/02/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024] Open
Abstract
The Hippo signaling pathway is a central growth control mechanism in multicellular organisms. By integrating diverse mechanical, biochemical, and stress cues, the Hippo pathway orchestrates proliferation, survival, differentiation, and mechanics of cells, which in turn regulate organ development, homeostasis, and regeneration. A deep understanding of the regulation and function of the Hippo pathway therefore holds great promise for developing novel therapeutics in regenerative medicine. Here, we provide updates on the molecular organization of the mammalian Hippo signaling network, review the regulatory signals and functional outputs of the pathway, and discuss the roles of Hippo signaling in development and regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenxing Zhong
- Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, and the Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, International Co-laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism, State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Zhihan Jiao
- Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, and the Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, International Co-laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism, State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Fa-Xing Yu
- Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, and the Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, International Co-laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism, State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.
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Sakamoto T, Kelly DP. Cardiac maturation. J Mol Cell Cardiol 2024; 187:38-50. [PMID: 38160640 PMCID: PMC10923079 DOI: 10.1016/j.yjmcc.2023.12.008] [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: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
The heart undergoes a dynamic maturation process following birth, in response to a wide range of stimuli, including both physiological and pathological cues. This process entails substantial re-programming of mitochondrial energy metabolism coincident with the emergence of specialized structural and contractile machinery to meet the demands of the adult heart. Many components of this program revert to a more "fetal" format during development of pathological cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure. In this review, emphasis is placed on recent progress in our understanding of the transcriptional control of cardiac maturation, encompassing the results of studies spanning from in vivo models to cardiomyocytes derived from human stem cells. The potential applications of this current state of knowledge to new translational avenues aimed at the treatment of heart failure is also addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomoya Sakamoto
- Cardiovascular Institute, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Daniel P Kelly
- Cardiovascular Institute, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
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Zhao X, Li D, Song Y, Xu J, Xiang FL. Drug Discovery for Adult Cardiomyocyte Regeneration: Opportunities and Challenges. Antioxid Redox Signal 2023; 39:1070-1087. [PMID: 37166381 DOI: 10.1089/ars.2023.0319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Significance: Cardiovascular disease is a major contributor to human mortality and morbidity. The cardiac tissue undergoes fibrotic healing after injury because of the limited regenerative capacity of adult mammalian cardiomyocyte (CM). Extensive research has been performed to identify therapeutic targets for CM regeneration, as the success of promoting adult human CM regeneration to repair the injured heart is considered the Holy Grail in the field. Recent Advances: To date, more than 30 target genes have been shown to regulate adult mammalian CM proliferation. More than 20 targets have been validated in adult mouse myocardial infarction (MI) model in a therapeutic setting. In this review, the translational efficacy readouts from 17 selected pharmaceutical targets are summarized, among which the Hippo-yes-associated protein (Yap) pathway is the most extensively investigated and fits the criteria for a promising target for pro-CM-regeneration therapy development. Critical Issues and Future Directions: As the pro-CM-regeneration potential of current drug treatment for cardiovascular patients is limited, to help identify and fill the gap between basic research and drug discovery in this specific field, details regarding target identification, validation in mouse MI models, high-throughput screening assay development, and preclinical in vivo efficacy model optimization are discussed. Finally, suggestions and recommendations are also provided to help establish a common guideline for in vivo translational studies for drug discovery focusing on CM regeneration. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 39, 1070-1087.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu Zhao
- Department of Anesthesiology and the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Institute of Precision Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Donghua Li
- Institute of Precision Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yiyan Song
- Department of Anesthesiology and the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Institute of Precision Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jie Xu
- Institute of Precision Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Fu-Li Xiang
- Institute of Precision Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
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Coscarella IL, Landim-Vieira M, Rastegarpouyani H, Chase PB, Irianto J, Pinto JR. Nucleus Mechanosensing in Cardiomyocytes. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13341. [PMID: 37686151 PMCID: PMC10487505 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241713341] [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: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 08/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Cardiac muscle contraction is distinct from the contraction of other muscle types. The heart continuously undergoes contraction-relaxation cycles throughout an animal's lifespan. It must respond to constantly varying physical and energetic burdens over the short term on a beat-to-beat basis and relies on different mechanisms over the long term. Muscle contractility is based on actin and myosin interactions that are regulated by cytoplasmic calcium ions. Genetic variants of sarcomeric proteins can lead to the pathophysiological development of cardiac dysfunction. The sarcomere is physically connected to other cytoskeletal components. Actin filaments, microtubules and desmin proteins are responsible for these interactions. Therefore, mechanical as well as biochemical signals from sarcomeric contractions are transmitted to and sensed by other parts of the cardiomyocyte, particularly the nucleus which can respond to these stimuli. Proteins anchored to the nuclear envelope display a broad response which remodels the structure of the nucleus. In this review, we examine the central aspects of mechanotransduction in the cardiomyocyte where the transmission of mechanical signals to the nucleus can result in changes in gene expression and nucleus morphology. The correlation of nucleus sensing and dysfunction of sarcomeric proteins may assist the understanding of a wide range of functional responses in the progress of cardiomyopathic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Maicon Landim-Vieira
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA
| | - Hosna Rastegarpouyani
- Department of Biological Science, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA
- Institute for Molecular Biophysics, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA
| | - Prescott Bryant Chase
- Department of Biological Science, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA
| | - Jerome Irianto
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA
| | - Jose Renato Pinto
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA
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