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Asthana P, Wong HLX. Preventing obesity, insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes by targeting MT1-MMP. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2024; 1870:167081. [PMID: 38367902 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2024.167081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2023] [Revised: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/19/2024]
Abstract
Obesity is one of the predominant risk factors for type 2 diabetes. Despite all the modern advances in medicine, an effective drug treatment for obesity without overt side effects has not yet been found. The discovery of growth and differentiation factor 15 (GDF15), an appetite-regulating hormone, created hopes for the treatment of obesity. However, an insufficient understanding of the physiological regulation of GDF15 has been a major obstacle to mitigating GDF15-centric treatment of obesity. Our recent studies revealed how a series of proteolytic events predominantly mediated by membrane-type 1 matrix metalloproteinase (MT1-MMP/MMP14), a key cell-surface metalloproteinase involved in extracellular remodeling, contribute to the pathogenesis of metabolic disorders, including obesity and diabetes. The MT1-MMP-mediated cleavage of the GDNF family receptor-α-like (GFRAL), a key neuronal receptor of GDF15, controls the satiety center in the hindbrain, thereby regulating non-homeostatic appetite and bodyweight changes. Furthermore, increased activation of MT1-MMP does not only lead to increased risk of obesity, but also causes age-associated insulin resistance by cleaving Insulin Receptor in major metabolic tissues. Importantly, inhibition of MT1-MMP effectively protects against obesity and diabetes, revealing the therapeutic potential of targeting MT1-MMP for the management of metabolic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pallavi Asthana
- School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong
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2
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Guo X, Asthana P, Zhai L, Cheng KW, Gurung S, Huang J, Wu J, Zhang Y, Mahato AK, Saarma M, Ustav M, Kwan HY, Lyu A, Chan KM, Xu P, Bian ZX, Wong HLX. Artesunate treats obesity in male mice and non-human primates through GDF15/GFRAL signalling axis. Nat Commun 2024; 15:1034. [PMID: 38310105 PMCID: PMC10838268 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-45452-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Obesity, a global health challenge, is a major risk factor for multiple life-threatening diseases, including diabetes, fatty liver, and cancer. There is an ongoing need to identify safe and tolerable therapeutics for obesity management. Herein, we show that treatment with artesunate, an artemisinin derivative approved by the FDA for the treatment of severe malaria, effectively reduces body weight and improves metabolic profiles in preclinical models of obesity, including male mice with overnutrition-induced obesity and male cynomolgus macaques with spontaneous obesity, without inducing nausea and malaise. Artesunate promotes weight loss and reduces food intake in obese mice and cynomolgus macaques by increasing circulating levels of Growth Differentiation Factor 15 (GDF15), an appetite-regulating hormone with a brainstem-restricted receptor, the GDNF family receptor α-like (GFRAL). Mechanistically, artesunate induces the expression of GDF15 in multiple organs, especially the liver, in mice through a C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP)-directed integrated stress response. Inhibition of GDF15/GFRAL signalling by genetic ablation of GFRAL or tissue-specific knockdown of GDF15 abrogates the anti-obesity effect of artesunate in mice with diet-induced obesity, suggesting that artesunate controls bodyweight and appetite in a GDF15/GFRAL signalling-dependent manner. These data highlight the therapeutic benefits of artesunate in the treatment of obesity and related comorbidities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuanming Guo
- School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Pallavi Asthana
- School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China.
| | - Lixiang Zhai
- School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Ka Wing Cheng
- School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Centre for Chinese Herbal Medicine Drug Development Limited, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Susma Gurung
- School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Jiangang Huang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research and State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Jiayan Wu
- School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yijing Zhang
- School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Arun Kumar Mahato
- Institute of Biotechnology-HILIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Mart Saarma
- Institute of Biotechnology-HILIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | | | - Hiu Yee Kwan
- School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Aiping Lyu
- School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Kui Ming Chan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Pingyi Xu
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhao-Xiang Bian
- School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China.
- Centre for Chinese Herbal Medicine Drug Development Limited, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China.
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Zhai L, Xiao H, Lin C, Wong HLX, Lam YY, Gong M, Wu G, Ning Z, Huang C, Zhang Y, Yang C, Luo J, Zhang L, Zhao L, Zhang C, Lau JYN, Lu A, Lau LT, Jia W, Zhao L, Bian ZX. Gut microbiota-derived tryptamine and phenethylamine impair insulin sensitivity in metabolic syndrome and irritable bowel syndrome. Nat Commun 2023; 14:4986. [PMID: 37591886 PMCID: PMC10435514 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-40552-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The incidence of metabolic syndrome is significantly higher in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), but the mechanisms involved remain unclear. Gut microbiota is causatively linked with the development of both metabolic dysfunctions and gastrointestinal disorders, thus gut dysbiosis in IBS may contribute to the development of metabolic syndrome. Here, we show that human gut bacterium Ruminococcus gnavus-derived tryptamine and phenethylamine play a pathogenic role in gut dysbiosis-induced insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes (T2D) and IBS. We show levels of R. gnavus, tryptamine, and phenethylamine are positively associated with insulin resistance in T2D patients and IBS patients. Monoassociation of R. gnavus impairs insulin sensitivity and glucose control in germ-free mice. Mechanistically, treatment of R. gnavus-derived metabolites tryptamine and phenethylamine directly impair insulin signaling in major metabolic tissues of healthy mice and monkeys and this effect is mediated by the trace amine-associated receptor 1 (TAAR1)-extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signaling axis. Our findings suggest a causal role for tryptamine/phenethylamine-producers in the development of insulin resistance, provide molecular mechanisms for the increased prevalence of metabolic syndrome in IBS, and highlight the TAAR1 signaling axis as a potential therapeutic target for the management of metabolic syndrome induced by gut dysbiosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lixiang Zhai
- Centre for Chinese Herbal Medicine Drug Development, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China
- School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Haitao Xiao
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Chengyuan Lin
- Centre for Chinese Herbal Medicine Drug Development, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | | | - Yan Y Lam
- Centre for Chinese Herbal Medicine Drug Development, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Mengxue Gong
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism and Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Systems Biomedicine, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Guojun Wu
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology and New Jersey Institute for Food, Nutrition, and Healthy. School of Environmental and Biological Sciences, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, USA
| | - Ziwan Ning
- Centre for Chinese Herbal Medicine Drug Development, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China
- School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Chunhua Huang
- Centre for Chinese Herbal Medicine Drug Development, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China
- School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yijing Zhang
- School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Chao Yang
- Department of Computer Science, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Jingyuan Luo
- Centre for Chinese Herbal Medicine Drug Development, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China
- School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Lu Zhang
- Department of Computer Science, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Ling Zhao
- Academy of Integrative Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Chenhong Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism and Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Systems Biomedicine, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Johnson Yiu-Nam Lau
- School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Aiping Lu
- School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Lok-Ting Lau
- School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Wei Jia
- Phenome Research Centre, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China.
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Diabetes Mellitus and Center for Translational Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai, China.
| | - Liping Zhao
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology and New Jersey Institute for Food, Nutrition, and Healthy. School of Environmental and Biological Sciences, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, USA.
| | - Zhao-Xiang Bian
- Centre for Chinese Herbal Medicine Drug Development, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China.
- School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China.
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4
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Zhai L, Huang C, Ning Z, Zhang Y, Zhuang M, Yang W, Wang X, Wang J, Zhang L, Xiao H, Zhao L, Asthana P, Lam YY, Chow CFW, Huang JD, Yuan S, Chan KM, Yuan CS, Lau JYN, Wong HLX, Bian ZX. Ruminococcus gnavus plays a pathogenic role in diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome by increasing serotonin biosynthesis. Cell Host Microbe 2023; 31:33-44.e5. [PMID: 36495868 DOI: 10.1016/j.chom.2022.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2022] [Revised: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D), a globally prevalent functional gastrointestinal (GI) disorder, is associated with elevated serotonin that increases gut motility. While anecdotal evidence suggests that the gut microbiota contributes to serotonin biosynthesis, mechanistic insights are limited. We determined that the bacterium Ruminococcus gnavus plays a pathogenic role in IBS-D. Monocolonization of germ-free mice with R. gnavus induced IBS-D-like symptoms, including increased GI transit and colonic secretion, by stimulating the production of peripheral serotonin. R. gnavus-mediated catabolism of dietary phenylalanine and tryptophan generated phenethylamine and tryptamine that directly stimulated serotonin biosynthesis in intestinal enterochromaffin cells via a mechanism involving activation of trace amine-associated receptor 1 (TAAR1). This R. gnavus-driven increase in serotonin levels elevated GI transit and colonic secretion but was abrogated upon TAAR1 inhibition. Collectively, our study provides molecular and pathogenetic insights into how gut microbial metabolites derived from dietary essential amino acids affect serotonin-dependent control of gut motility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lixiang Zhai
- Centre for Chinese Herbal Medicine Drug Development Limited, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Chunhua Huang
- Centre for Chinese Herbal Medicine Drug Development Limited, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China; School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Ziwan Ning
- Centre for Chinese Herbal Medicine Drug Development Limited, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China; School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yijing Zhang
- School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Min Zhuang
- Centre for Chinese Herbal Medicine Drug Development Limited, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Wei Yang
- Centre for Chinese Herbal Medicine Drug Development Limited, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Xiaolei Wang
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Jingjing Wang
- Department of Computer Science, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Lu Zhang
- Department of Computer Science, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Haitao Xiao
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Ling Zhao
- Academy of Integrative Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Pallavi Asthana
- School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yan Y Lam
- Centre for Chinese Herbal Medicine Drug Development Limited, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Chi Fung Willis Chow
- Center for Systems Biology Dresden, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Cell and Biology, Dresden, Germany
| | - Jian-Dong Huang
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Shuofeng Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Carol Yu Centre for Infection, Department of Microbiology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Kui Ming Chan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Chun-Su Yuan
- Tang Center for Herbal Medicine Research and Department of Anesthesia and Critical Care, University of Chicago, Chicago, USA
| | - Johnson Yiu-Nam Lau
- School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | | | - Zhao-Xiang Bian
- Centre for Chinese Herbal Medicine Drug Development Limited, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China; School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China.
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5
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Guo X, Cao J, Cai JP, Wu J, Huang J, Asthana P, Wong SKK, Ye ZW, Gurung S, Zhang Y, Wang S, Wang Z, Ge X, Kwan HY, Lyu A, Chan KM, Wong N, Huang J, Zhou Z, Bian ZX, Yuan S, Wong HLX. Control of SARS-CoV-2 infection by MT1-MMP-mediated shedding of ACE2. Nat Commun 2022; 13:7907. [PMID: 36564389 PMCID: PMC9780620 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-35590-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has caused a global pandemic. Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is an entry receptor for SARS-CoV-2. The full-length membrane form of ACE2 (memACE2) undergoes ectodomain shedding to generate a shed soluble form (solACE2) that mediates SARS-CoV-2 entry via receptor-mediated endocytosis. Currently, it is not known how the physiological regulation of ACE2 shedding contributes to the etiology of COVID-19 in vivo. The present study identifies Membrane-type 1 Matrix Metalloproteinase (MT1-MMP) as a critical host protease for solACE2-mediated SARS-CoV-2 infection. SARS-CoV-2 infection leads to increased activation of MT1-MMP that is colocalized with ACE2 in human lung epithelium. Mechanistically, MT1-MMP directly cleaves memACE2 at M706-S to release solACE218-706 that binds to the SARS-CoV-2 spike proteins (S), thus facilitating cell entry of SARS-CoV-2. Human solACE218-706 enables SARS-CoV-2 infection in both non-permissive cells and naturally insusceptible C57BL/6 mice. Inhibition of MT1-MMP activities suppresses solACE2-directed entry of SARS-CoV-2 in human organoids and aged mice. Both solACE2 and circulating MT1-MMP are positively correlated in plasma of aged mice and humans. Our findings provide in vivo evidence demonstrating the contribution of ACE2 shedding to the etiology of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuanming Guo
- grid.221309.b0000 0004 1764 5980School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Jianli Cao
- grid.194645.b0000000121742757Department of Microbiology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Jian-Piao Cai
- grid.194645.b0000000121742757State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Carol Yu Centre for Infection, Department of Microbiology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Jiayan Wu
- grid.221309.b0000 0004 1764 5980School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Jiangang Huang
- grid.12955.3a0000 0001 2264 7233Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research and State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Pallavi Asthana
- grid.221309.b0000 0004 1764 5980School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Sheung Kin Ken Wong
- grid.194645.b0000000121742757School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Zi-Wei Ye
- grid.194645.b0000000121742757Department of Microbiology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Susma Gurung
- grid.221309.b0000 0004 1764 5980School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yijing Zhang
- grid.221309.b0000 0004 1764 5980School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Sheng Wang
- grid.470187.dRespiratory Department, Jinhua Guangfu Hospital, Jinhua, China
| | - Zening Wang
- grid.267308.80000 0000 9206 2401Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX USA
| | - Xin Ge
- grid.267308.80000 0000 9206 2401Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX USA
| | - Hiu Yee Kwan
- grid.221309.b0000 0004 1764 5980School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Aiping Lyu
- grid.221309.b0000 0004 1764 5980School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Kui Ming Chan
- grid.35030.350000 0004 1792 6846Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Nathalie Wong
- grid.415197.f0000 0004 1764 7206Department of Surgery, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, N.T., Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Jiandong Huang
- grid.194645.b0000000121742757School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Zhongjun Zhou
- grid.194645.b0000000121742757School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Zhao-Xiang Bian
- grid.221309.b0000 0004 1764 5980Centre for Chinese Herbal Medicine Drug Development Limited, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Shuofeng Yuan
- grid.194645.b0000000121742757State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Carol Yu Centre for Infection, Department of Microbiology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Hoi Leong Xavier Wong
- grid.221309.b0000 0004 1764 5980School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China
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Asthana P, Guo X, Wong HLX. MT1-MMP – A potential drug target for the management of the obesity. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2022; 26:761-765. [DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2022.2147271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Pallavi Asthana
- School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Xuanming Guo
- School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China
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7
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Guo X, Asthana P, Gurung S, Zhang S, Wong SKK, Fallah S, Chow CFW, Che S, Zhai L, Wang Z, Ge X, Jiang Z, Wu J, Zhang Y, Wu X, Xu K, Lin CY, Kwan HY, Lyu A, Zhou Z, Bian ZX, Wong HLX. Regulation of age-associated insulin resistance by MT1-MMP-mediated cleavage of insulin receptor. Nat Commun 2022; 13:3749. [PMID: 35768470 PMCID: PMC9242991 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-31563-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Insulin sensitivity progressively declines with age. Currently, the mechanism underlying age-associated insulin resistance remains unknown. Here, we identify membrane-bound matrix metalloproteinase 14 (MT1-MMP/MMP14) as a central regulator of insulin sensitivity during ageing. Ageing promotes MMP14 activation in insulin-sensitive tissues, which cleaves Insulin Receptor to suppress insulin signaling. MT1-MMP inhibition restores Insulin Receptor expression, improving insulin sensitivity in aged mice. The cleavage of Insulin Receptor by MT1-MMP also contributes to obesity-induced insulin resistance and inhibition of MT1-MMP activities normalizes metabolic dysfunctions in diabetic mouse models. Conversely, overexpression of MT1-MMP in the liver reduces the level of Insulin Receptor, impairing hepatic insulin sensitivity in young mice. The soluble Insulin Receptor and circulating MT1-MMP are positively correlated in plasma from aged human subjects and non-human primates. Our findings provide mechanistic insights into regulation of insulin sensitivity during physiological ageing and highlight MT1-MMP as a promising target for therapeutic avenue against diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuanming Guo
- grid.221309.b0000 0004 1764 5980School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Pallavi Asthana
- grid.221309.b0000 0004 1764 5980School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Susma Gurung
- grid.221309.b0000 0004 1764 5980School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Shuo Zhang
- grid.194645.b0000000121742757School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Sheung Kin Ken Wong
- grid.194645.b0000000121742757School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Samane Fallah
- grid.221309.b0000 0004 1764 5980School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Chi Fung Willis Chow
- grid.221309.b0000 0004 1764 5980School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China ,grid.419537.d0000 0001 2113 4567Centre for Systems Biology Dresden, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Cell and Biology, Dresden, Germany
| | - Sijia Che
- grid.221309.b0000 0004 1764 5980School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Lixiang Zhai
- grid.221309.b0000 0004 1764 5980School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Zening Wang
- grid.267308.80000 0000 9206 2401Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX USA
| | - Xin Ge
- grid.267308.80000 0000 9206 2401Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX USA
| | - Zhixin Jiang
- grid.194645.b0000000121742757School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Jiayan Wu
- grid.221309.b0000 0004 1764 5980School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yijing Zhang
- grid.221309.b0000 0004 1764 5980School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Xiaoyu Wu
- grid.470187.dRespiratory Department, Jinhua Guangfu hospital, Jinhua, China
| | - Keyang Xu
- grid.221309.b0000 0004 1764 5980School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Cheng Yuan Lin
- grid.221309.b0000 0004 1764 5980School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China ,grid.221309.b0000 0004 1764 5980Centre for Chinese Herbal Medicine Drug Development Limited, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Hiu Yee Kwan
- grid.221309.b0000 0004 1764 5980School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Aiping Lyu
- grid.221309.b0000 0004 1764 5980School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Zhongjun Zhou
- grid.194645.b0000000121742757School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Zhao-Xiang Bian
- grid.221309.b0000 0004 1764 5980School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China ,grid.221309.b0000 0004 1764 5980Centre for Chinese Herbal Medicine Drug Development Limited, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Hoi Leong Xavier Wong
- grid.221309.b0000 0004 1764 5980School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China
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Zhai L, Peng J, Zhuang M, Chang YY, Cheng KW, Ning ZW, Huang T, Lin C, Wong HLX, Lam YY, Tan HY, Xiao HT, Bian ZX. Therapeutic effects and mechanisms of Zhen-Wu-Bu-Qi Decoction on dextran sulfate sodium-induced chronic colitis in mice assessed by multi-omics approaches. Phytomedicine 2022; 99:154001. [PMID: 35240530 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2022.154001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Revised: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Zhen-Wu-Bu-Qi Decoction (ZWBQD), a traditional Chinese medicine formula comprising Poria, Radix Paeoniae Alba, Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae, Rhizoma Zingiberis Recens, Radix Codonopsis and Rhizoma Coptidis, is used for treating ulcerative colitis (UC). In a previous study, we have reported ZWBQD mitigates the severity of dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis in mice. HYPOTHESIS In this study, we aimed to understand the systemic actions and underlying mechanisms of ZWBQD on experimental colitis in mice. METHODS We used multi-omics techniques and immunoblotting approach to study the pharmacological actions and mechanisms of ZWBQD in DSS-induced chronic colitic mice. RESULTS We showed that ZWBQD exhibited potent anti-inflammatory properties and significantly protected DSS-induced colitic mice against colon injury by regulating the PI3K-AKT, MAPK signaling pathway and NF-κB signaling pathways. We also revealed that ZWBQD significantly ameliorated gut microbiota dysbiosis and abnormalities of tryptophan catabolites induced by DSS. CONCLUSIONS We demonstrated that the therapeutic effects of ZWBQD on experimental colitis are mediated by regulating multiple signaling pathways and modulation of gut microbiota. Our study employed an integrative strategy to elucidate novel mechanisms of ZWBQD, which provides new insights into the development of Chinese herbal medicine-based therapeutics for UC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lixiang Zhai
- Centre for Chinese Herbal Medicine Drug Development and School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Jiao Peng
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China; Department of Pharmacy, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China; School of Pharmacy, Guiyang Medical University, Guiyang 550004, China
| | - Min Zhuang
- Centre for Chinese Herbal Medicine Drug Development and School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yao-Yao Chang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Ka Wing Cheng
- Centre for Chinese Herbal Medicine Drug Development and School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Zi-Wan Ning
- Centre for Chinese Herbal Medicine Drug Development and School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Tao Huang
- Centre for Chinese Herbal Medicine Drug Development and School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Chengyuan Lin
- Centre for Chinese Herbal Medicine Drug Development and School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Hoi Leong Xavier Wong
- Centre for Chinese Herbal Medicine Drug Development and School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yan Y Lam
- Centre for Chinese Herbal Medicine Drug Development and School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Hor Yue Tan
- Centre for Chinese Herbal Medicine Drug Development and School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Hai-Tao Xiao
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China.
| | - Zhao-Xiang Bian
- Centre for Chinese Herbal Medicine Drug Development and School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China.
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Gong RH, Chen M, Huang C, Wong HLX, Kwan HY, Bian Z. Combination of artesunate and WNT974 induces KRAS protein degradation by upregulating E3 ligase ANACP2 and β-TrCP in the ubiquitin–proteasome pathway. Cell Commun Signal 2022; 20:34. [PMID: 35305671 PMCID: PMC8934478 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-022-00834-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Background KRAS mutation is one of the dominant gene mutations in colorectal cancer (CRC). Up to present, targeting KRAS for CRC treatment remains a clinical challenge. WNT974 (LGK974) is a porcupine inhibitor that interferes Wnt signaling pathway. Artesunate (ART) is a water-soluble semi-synthetic derivative of artemisinin. Methods The synergistic effect of ART and WNT974 combination in reducing CRC cell viability was determined by the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. RT-PCR was utilized for the mRNA levels of KRAS, CUL7, ANAPC2, UBE2M, RNF123, SYVN1, or β-TrCP. Western blot assay was utilized for the protein levels of NRAS, HRAS, KRAS, ANAPC2, β-TrCP, GSK-3β, p-Akt (Ser473), t-Akt, p-PI3K (Tyr458), t-PI3K, p-mTOR (Ser2448), t-mTOR. Xenograft mouse model assay was performed for the anti-CRC effect of combination of ART and WNT974 in vivo. IHC assay was utilized for the levels of KRAS, β-TrCP, GSK-3β or ANAPC2 in tumor tissues. Results Our study shows that the combination of WNT974 and ART exhibits synergistic effect in reducing CRC growth. The combination treatment significantly reduces KRAS protein level and activity in CRC cells. Interestingly, the combination treatment increases E3 ligases ANAPC2 expression. Our data show that overexpression of ANAPC2 significantly reduces KRAS protein levels, which is reversed by MG132. Knockdown of ANAPC2 in CRC abolishes the combination treatment-reduce KRAS expression. Besides, the treatment also increases the expressions of GSK-3β and E3 ligase β-TrCP that is known to degrade GSK-3β-phosphorylated KRAS protein. Knockdown of β-TrCP- and inhibition of GSK-3β abolish the combination treatment-induce KRAS ubiquitination and reduction in expression. Last but not least, combination treatment suppresses PI3K/Akt/m-TOR signaling pathway. Conclusions Our data clearly show that the combination treatment significantly enhances KRAS protein degradation via the ubiquitination ubiquitin–proteasome pathway, which is also demonstrated in xenograft mouse model. The study provides strong scientific evidence for the development of the combination of WNT974 and ART as KRAS-targeting therapeutics for CRC treatment. Video Abstract
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12964-022-00834-2.
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Fung TY, Iyaswamy A, Sreenivasmurthy SG, Krishnamoorthi S, Guan XJ, Zhu Z, Su CF, Liu J, Kan Y, Zhang Y, Wong HLX, Li M. Klotho an Autophagy Stimulator as a Potential Therapeutic Target for Alzheimer’s Disease: A Review. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10030705. [PMID: 35327507 PMCID: PMC8945569 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10030705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Revised: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is an age-associated neurodegenerative disease; it is the most common cause of senile dementia. Klotho, a single-pass transmembrane protein primarily generated in the brain and kidney, is active in a variety of metabolic pathways involved in controlling neurodegeneration and ageing. Recently, many studies have found that the upregulation of Klotho can improve pathological cognitive deficits in an AD mice model and have demonstrated that Klotho plays a role in the induction of autophagy, a major contributing factor for AD. Despite the close association between Klotho and neurodegenerative diseases, such as AD, the underlying mechanism by which Klotho contributes to AD remains poorly understood. In this paper, we will introduce the expression, location and structure of Klotho and its biological functions. Specifically, this review is devoted to the correlation of Klotho protein and the AD phenotype, such as the effect of Klotho in upregulating the amyloid-beta clearance and in inducing autophagy for the clearance of toxic proteins, by regulating the autophagy lysosomal pathway (ALP). In summary, the results of multiple studies point out that targeting Klotho would be a potential therapeutic strategy in AD treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsz Yan Fung
- Mr. & Mrs. Ko Chi-Ming Centre for Parkinson’s Disease Research, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China; (T.Y.F.); (S.G.S.); (S.K.); (X.-J.G.); (Z.Z.); (C.-F.S.); (J.L.); (Y.K.)
| | - Ashok Iyaswamy
- Mr. & Mrs. Ko Chi-Ming Centre for Parkinson’s Disease Research, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China; (T.Y.F.); (S.G.S.); (S.K.); (X.-J.G.); (Z.Z.); (C.-F.S.); (J.L.); (Y.K.)
- Institute for Research and Continuing Education, Hong Kong Baptist University, Shenzhen 518057, China
- Correspondence: or (A.I.); (H.L.X.W.); (M.L.); Tel.: +852-3411-2919 (M.L.); Fax: +852-3411-2461 (M.L.)
| | - Sravan G. Sreenivasmurthy
- Mr. & Mrs. Ko Chi-Ming Centre for Parkinson’s Disease Research, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China; (T.Y.F.); (S.G.S.); (S.K.); (X.-J.G.); (Z.Z.); (C.-F.S.); (J.L.); (Y.K.)
- Institute for Research and Continuing Education, Hong Kong Baptist University, Shenzhen 518057, China
| | - Senthilkumar Krishnamoorthi
- Mr. & Mrs. Ko Chi-Ming Centre for Parkinson’s Disease Research, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China; (T.Y.F.); (S.G.S.); (S.K.); (X.-J.G.); (Z.Z.); (C.-F.S.); (J.L.); (Y.K.)
- Centre for Trans-Disciplinary Research, Department of Pharmacology, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Chennai 600077, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Xin-Jie Guan
- Mr. & Mrs. Ko Chi-Ming Centre for Parkinson’s Disease Research, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China; (T.Y.F.); (S.G.S.); (S.K.); (X.-J.G.); (Z.Z.); (C.-F.S.); (J.L.); (Y.K.)
| | - Zhou Zhu
- Mr. & Mrs. Ko Chi-Ming Centre for Parkinson’s Disease Research, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China; (T.Y.F.); (S.G.S.); (S.K.); (X.-J.G.); (Z.Z.); (C.-F.S.); (J.L.); (Y.K.)
- Institute for Research and Continuing Education, Hong Kong Baptist University, Shenzhen 518057, China
| | - Cheng-Fu Su
- Mr. & Mrs. Ko Chi-Ming Centre for Parkinson’s Disease Research, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China; (T.Y.F.); (S.G.S.); (S.K.); (X.-J.G.); (Z.Z.); (C.-F.S.); (J.L.); (Y.K.)
- Institute for Research and Continuing Education, Hong Kong Baptist University, Shenzhen 518057, China
| | - Jia Liu
- Mr. & Mrs. Ko Chi-Ming Centre for Parkinson’s Disease Research, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China; (T.Y.F.); (S.G.S.); (S.K.); (X.-J.G.); (Z.Z.); (C.-F.S.); (J.L.); (Y.K.)
- Institute for Research and Continuing Education, Hong Kong Baptist University, Shenzhen 518057, China
| | - Yuxuan Kan
- Mr. & Mrs. Ko Chi-Ming Centre for Parkinson’s Disease Research, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China; (T.Y.F.); (S.G.S.); (S.K.); (X.-J.G.); (Z.Z.); (C.-F.S.); (J.L.); (Y.K.)
| | - Yuan Zhang
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Neurosurgery, Department of Neurosurgery, Shenzhen Second People’s Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518025, China;
| | - Hoi Leong Xavier Wong
- School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
- Correspondence: or (A.I.); (H.L.X.W.); (M.L.); Tel.: +852-3411-2919 (M.L.); Fax: +852-3411-2461 (M.L.)
| | - Min Li
- Mr. & Mrs. Ko Chi-Ming Centre for Parkinson’s Disease Research, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China; (T.Y.F.); (S.G.S.); (S.K.); (X.-J.G.); (Z.Z.); (C.-F.S.); (J.L.); (Y.K.)
- Institute for Research and Continuing Education, Hong Kong Baptist University, Shenzhen 518057, China
- Correspondence: or (A.I.); (H.L.X.W.); (M.L.); Tel.: +852-3411-2919 (M.L.); Fax: +852-3411-2461 (M.L.)
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11
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Chow CFW, Guo X, Asthana P, Zhang S, Wong SKK, Fallah S, Che S, Gurung S, Wang Z, Lee KB, Ge X, Yuan S, Xu H, Ip JPK, Jiang Z, Zhai L, Wu J, Zhang Y, Mahato AK, Saarma M, Lin CY, Kwan HY, Huang T, Lyu A, Zhou Z, Bian ZX, Wong HLX. Body weight regulation via MT1-MMP-mediated cleavage of GFRAL. Nat Metab 2022; 4:203-212. [PMID: 35177851 DOI: 10.1038/s42255-022-00529-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
GDNF-family receptor a-like (GFRAL) has been identified as the cognate receptor of growth/differentiation factor 15 (GDF15/MIC-1), considered a key signaling axis in energy homeostasis and body weight regulation. Currently, little is known about the physiological regulation of the GDF15-GFRAL signaling pathway. Here we show that membrane-bound matrix metalloproteinase 14 (MT1-MMP/MMP14) is an endogenous negative regulator of GFRAL in the context of obesity. Overnutrition-induced obesity increased MT1-MMP activation, which proteolytically inactivated GFRAL to suppress GDF15-GFRAL signaling, thus modulating the anorectic effects of the GDF15-GFRAL axis in vivo. Genetic ablation of MT1-MMP specifically in GFRAL+ neurons restored GFRAL expression, resulting in reduced weight gain, along with decreased food intake in obese mice. Conversely, depletion of GFRAL abolished the anti-obesity effects of MT1-MMP inhibition. MT1-MMP inhibition also potentiated GDF15 activity specifically in obese phenotypes. Our findings identify a negative regulator of GFRAL for the control of non-homeostatic body weight regulation, provide mechanistic insights into the regulation of GDF15 sensitivity, highlight negative regulators of the GDF15-GFRAL pathway as a therapeutic avenue against obesity and identify MT1-MMP as a promising target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chi Fung Willis Chow
- School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
- Center for Systems Biology Dresden, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Cell and Biology, Dresden, Germany
| | - Xuanming Guo
- School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Pallavi Asthana
- School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Shuo Zhang
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Sheung Kin Ken Wong
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Samane Fallah
- School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Sijia Che
- School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Susma Gurung
- School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Zening Wang
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Ki Baek Lee
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Xin Ge
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Shiyang Yuan
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Haoyu Xu
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Jacque Pak Kan Ip
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Zhixin Jiang
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Lixiang Zhai
- School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Jiayan Wu
- School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yijing Zhang
- School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Arun Kumar Mahato
- Institute of Biotechnology-HILIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Mart Saarma
- Institute of Biotechnology-HILIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Cheng Yuan Lin
- School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
- Centre for Chinese Herbal Medicine Drug Development Limited, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Hiu Yee Kwan
- School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Tao Huang
- School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Aiping Lyu
- School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Zhongjun Zhou
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Zhao-Xiang Bian
- School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China.
- Centre for Chinese Herbal Medicine Drug Development Limited, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China.
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12
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Chen M, Zhong K, Tan J, Meng M, Liu CM, Chen B, Huang C, Wong HLX, Bian Z, Su T, Kwan HY. Baicalein is a novel TLR4-targeting therapeutics agent that inhibits TLR4/HIF-1α/VEGF signaling pathway in colorectal cancer. Clin Transl Med 2021; 11:e564. [PMID: 34841696 PMCID: PMC8567042 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2021] [Revised: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Minting Chen
- Centre for Cancer and Inflammation Research, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Keying Zhong
- International Institute for Translational Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jincheng Tan
- International Institute for Translational Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Mingjing Meng
- International Institute for Translational Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Chok Mei Liu
- Centre for Cancer and Inflammation Research, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Baisen Chen
- Centre for Cancer and Inflammation Research, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Chunhua Huang
- Centre for Cancer and Inflammation Research, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Hoi Leong Xavier Wong
- Centre for Cancer and Inflammation Research, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Zhaoxiang Bian
- Centre for Cancer and Inflammation Research, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Tao Su
- International Institute for Translational Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Hiu Yee Kwan
- Centre for Cancer and Inflammation Research, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
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13
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Zhai L, Wu J, Lam YY, Kwan HY, Bian ZX, Wong HLX. Gut-Microbial Metabolites, Probiotics and Their Roles in Type 2 Diabetes. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222312846. [PMID: 34884651 PMCID: PMC8658018 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222312846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Revised: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a worldwide prevalent metabolic disorder defined by high blood glucose levels due to insulin resistance (IR) and impaired insulin secretion. Understanding the mechanism of insulin action is of great importance to the continuing development of novel therapeutic strategies for the treatment of T2D. Disturbances of gut microbiota have been widely found in T2D patients and contribute to the development of IR. In the present article, we reviewed the pathological role of gut microbial metabolites including gaseous products, branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) products, aromatic amino acids (AAAs) products, bile acids (BA) products, choline products and bacterial toxins in regulating insulin sensitivity in T2D. Following that, we summarized probiotics-based therapeutic strategy for the treatment of T2D with a focus on modulating gut microbiota in both animal and human studies. These results indicate that gut-microbial metabolites are involved in the pathogenesis of T2D and supplementation of probiotics could be beneficial to alleviate IR in T2D via modulation of gut microbiota.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lixiang Zhai
- School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China; (L.Z.); (J.W.); (H.Y.K.)
- Centre for Chinese Herbal Medicine Drug Development Limited, Hong Kong Baptist University, New Territories, Hong Kong, China;
| | - Jiayan Wu
- School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China; (L.Z.); (J.W.); (H.Y.K.)
| | - Yan Y. Lam
- Centre for Chinese Herbal Medicine Drug Development Limited, Hong Kong Baptist University, New Territories, Hong Kong, China;
| | - Hiu Yee Kwan
- School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China; (L.Z.); (J.W.); (H.Y.K.)
| | - Zhao-Xiang Bian
- School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China; (L.Z.); (J.W.); (H.Y.K.)
- Centre for Chinese Herbal Medicine Drug Development Limited, Hong Kong Baptist University, New Territories, Hong Kong, China;
- Correspondence: (Z.-X.B.); (H.L.X.W.)
| | - Hoi Leong Xavier Wong
- School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China; (L.Z.); (J.W.); (H.Y.K.)
- Correspondence: (Z.-X.B.); (H.L.X.W.)
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14
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Hu X, Fatima S, Chen M, Huang T, Chen YW, Gong R, Wong HLX, Yu R, Song L, Kwan HY, Bian Z. Dihydroartemisinin is potential therapeutics for treating late-stage CRC by targeting the elevated c-Myc level. Cell Death Dis 2021; 12:1053. [PMID: 34741022 PMCID: PMC8571272 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-021-04247-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Revised: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Currently, no frontline treatment is effective for the late-stage colorectal cancer (CRC). Understanding the molecular differences in different stages of CRC can help us to identify the critical therapeutic targets for designing therapeutic strategy. Our data show that c-Myc protein is highly expressed in late-stage CRC when compared with early-stage CRC in both clinical samples and in cell lines representing different cancer stages. Given that c-Myc is a well-known oncogenic driver in CRC, its high expression in the late-stage CRC may represent a critical therapeutic target for treating the cancer. Dihydroartemisinin treatment significantly increases c-Myc protein degradation and hence reduces its expression in CRC. The treatment also reduces CRC cell viability. Interestingly, dihydroartemisinin exhibits a more potent growth-inhibitory effect in late-stage CRC than the early-stage CRC. The treatment also possesses potent growth-inhibitory effects in mouse models bearing c-Myc-overexpressed CRC. The reduced c-Myc level and its reduced transcriptional activity reduce the expressions of acetyl-CoA carboxylase, fatty acid synthase, carnitine-palmitoyltransferase-1, and medium-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase in the cancer cells. Lipidomics study also shows that dihydroartemisinin treatment changes the metabolic phenotypes in CRC, reduces oxygen consumption, respiration, and ATP production, hence reduces the cell proliferation and induces apoptosis. Our study provides strong pharmacological evidence to support the translation of dihydroartemisinin for the treatment of late-stage CRC by targeting c-Myc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianjing Hu
- Centre for Cancer and Inflammation Research, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
- Biotechnological Institute of Chinese Materia Medical, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Sarwat Fatima
- Centre for Cancer and Inflammation Research, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Minting Chen
- Centre for Cancer and Inflammation Research, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Tao Huang
- Centre for Cancer and Inflammation Research, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yuen Wa Chen
- Centre for Cancer and Inflammation Research, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ruihong Gong
- Centre for Cancer and Inflammation Research, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Hoi Leong Xavier Wong
- Centre for Cancer and Inflammation Research, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Rongmin Yu
- Biotechnological Institute of Chinese Materia Medical, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Liyan Song
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hiu Yee Kwan
- Centre for Cancer and Inflammation Research, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Zhaoxiang Bian
- Centre for Cancer and Inflammation Research, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China.
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15
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Hu X, Fatima S, Chen M, Xu K, Huang C, Gong RH, Su T, Wong HLX, Bian Z, Kwan HY. Toll-like receptor 4 is a master regulator for colorectal cancer growth under high-fat diet by programming cancer metabolism. Cell Death Dis 2021; 12:791. [PMID: 34385421 PMCID: PMC8360949 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-021-04076-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2021] [Revised: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Although high-fat diet (HFD) has been implicated in the development of colorectal cancer (CRC), the critical signaling molecule that mediates the cancer growth is not well-defined. Identifying the master regulator that controls CRC growth under HFD can facilitate the development of effective therapeutics for the cancer treatment. In this study, the global lipidomics and RNA sequencing data show that, in the tumor tissues of CRC-bearing mouse models, HFD not only increases tumor weight, but also the palmitic acid level and TLR4 expression, which are reduced when HFD is replaced by control diet. These concomitant changes suggest the roles of palmitic acid and TLR4 in CRC growth. Subsequent studies show that palmitic acid regulates TLR4 expression in PU.1-dependent manner. Knockdown of PU.1 or mutations of PU.1-binding site on TLR4 promoter abolish the palmitic acid-increased TLR4 expression. The role of palmitic acid/PU.1/TLR4 axis in CRC growth is further examined in cell model and animal models that are fed either HFD or palmitic acid-rich diet. More importantly, iTRAQ proteomics data show that knockdown of TLR4 changes the metabolic enzyme profiles in the tumor tissues, which completely abolish the HFD-enhanced ATP production and cancer growth. Our data clearly demonstrate that TLR4 is a master regulator for CRC growth under HFD by programming cancer metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianjing Hu
- Centre for Cancer and Inflammation Research, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Sarwat Fatima
- Centre for Cancer and Inflammation Research, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Minting Chen
- Centre for Cancer and Inflammation Research, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Keyang Xu
- Centre for Cancer and Inflammation Research, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Chunhua Huang
- Centre for Cancer and Inflammation Research, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Rui-Hong Gong
- Centre for Cancer and Inflammation Research, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Tao Su
- International Institute for Translational Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510006, China
| | - Hoi Leong Xavier Wong
- Centre for Cancer and Inflammation Research, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Zhaoxiang Bian
- Centre for Cancer and Inflammation Research, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Hiu Yee Kwan
- Centre for Cancer and Inflammation Research, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China.
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Chen M, Wu HL, Wong TS, Chen B, Gong RH, Wong HLX, Xiao H, Bian Z, Kwan HY. Combination of Wogonin and Artesunate Exhibits Synergistic anti-Hepatocellular Carcinoma Effect by Increasing DNA-Damage-Inducible Alpha, Tumor Necrosis Factor α and Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor-Associated Factor 3-mediated Apoptosis. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:657080. [PMID: 34025421 PMCID: PMC8131852 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.657080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is difficult to treat, and is the second leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. This study aimed to examine whether combination of wogonin and artesunate exhibits synergistic anti-HCC effect. Our data show that the combination treatment exhibits synergistic effect in reducing HCC cell viability by increasing apoptosis as indicated by the elevated cleavage of caspase 8, 3 and PARP. Interestingly, PCR array and the subsequent studies indicate that the combination treatment significantly increases the expression of DNA-damage-inducible, alpha (GADD45A), tumor necrosis factor (TNFα) and TNF receptor-associated factor 3 (TRAF3). Knockdown of GADD45A, TNFα or TRAF3 abolishes the combination treatment-enhanced apoptosis and the synergistic effect in reducing HCC cell viability. In the HCC-bearing xenograft mouse models, although the combination treatment increases the activity of NFκB in the tumor tissues, it exhibits a more potent anti-HCC effect than the mono-treatment, which may due to the enhanced apoptosis as indicated by the increased expression of GADD45A, TNFα, TRAF3 and apoptotic markers. Our study clearly demonstrates that the combination of artesunate and wogonin exhibits synergistic anti-HCC effect, and support the further development of this combination as alternative therapeutics for HCC management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minting Chen
- Centre for Cancer and Inflammation Research, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Hsin Ling Wu
- Centre for Cancer and Inflammation Research, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Tsz Sin Wong
- Centre for Cancer and Inflammation Research, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Baisen Chen
- Centre for Cancer and Inflammation Research, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Rui-Hong Gong
- Centre for Cancer and Inflammation Research, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Hoi Leong Xavier Wong
- Centre for Cancer and Inflammation Research, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Haitao Xiao
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Zhaoxiang Bian
- Centre for Cancer and Inflammation Research, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Hiu Yee Kwan
- Centre for Cancer and Inflammation Research, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
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Zhai L, Huang T, Xiao HT, Wu PG, Lin CY, Ning ZW, Zhao L, Kwan HYA, Hu XJ, Wong HLX, Li XQ, Bian ZX. Berberine Suppresses Colonic Inflammation in Dextran Sulfate Sodium-Induced Murine Colitis Through Inhibition of Cytosolic Phospholipase A2 Activity. Front Pharmacol 2021; 11:576496. [PMID: 33658925 PMCID: PMC7919193 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.576496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2020] [Accepted: 10/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Ulcerative colitis (UC) causes chronic inflammation and damage to the colonic mucosal layer. Recent studies have reported significant changes in phosphatidylcholine (PC) and lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) in UC patients and oral administration of PC has considerable therapeutic effects against UC, suggesting the metabolism of phosphatidylcholine may be involved in the UC development. Our previous work has demonstrated that berberine effectively suppresses inflammation and protects colonic mucosa injury in DSS-induced colitic mice. However, whether the therapeutic effects of berberine are attributed to its action on the PC metabolism remains unknown. In the present study, we have shown that berberine significantly reduces the lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) levels in the sera of DSS-induced experimental colitis mice and LPS-stimulated macrophage RAW 264.7 cells. The cytosolic phospholipase A2a (PLA2G4A), an enzyme for hydrolyzing PC to LPC, was found to be up-regulated in the colon tissue of experimental colitis mice and inflamed macrophage RAW 264.7 cells. We then demonstrated berberine inhibits the phosphorylation of cytosolic phospholipase A2a (PLA2G4A) in the colon tissue of experimental colitis mice and inflamed macrophage RAW 264.7 cells. Subsequently, we revealed berberine suppressed the expression of pro-inflammatory factors including TNF-alpha and IL-6 through regulating PLA2G4A dysfunction in macrophage RAW 264.7 cells. Mechanistically, we found that berberine directly binds to PLA2G4A and inhibits MAPK/JNK signaling pathway to inhibit PLA2G4A activity in inflammatory status. Therefore, we concluded that berberine inhibits colonic PLA2G4A activity to ameliorate colonic inflammation in experimental colitic mice, suggesting modulation of the PC metabolism via PLA2G4A might be beneficial for establishing new therapies strategy for UC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lixiang Zhai
- School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Tao Huang
- School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Hai-Tao Xiao
- School of Pharmacy, Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Pei-Gen Wu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Cheng-Yuan Lin
- School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Zi-Wan Ning
- School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Ling Zhao
- School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Hiu Yee Anna Kwan
- School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Xian-Jing Hu
- School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | | | - Xian-Qian Li
- School of Pharmacy, Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Zhao-Xiang Bian
- School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon, Hong Kong.,Shenzhen Research Institute and Continuing Education, Hong Kong Baptist University, Shenzhen, China
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18
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Qin HY, Xavier Wong HL, Zang KH, Li X, Bian ZX. Enterochromaffin cell hyperplasia in the gut: Factors, mechanism and therapeutic clues. Life Sci 2019; 239:116886. [PMID: 31678286 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2019.116886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2019] [Accepted: 09/16/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Enterochromaffin (EC) cell is the main cell type that responsible for 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) synthesis, storage and release of the gut. Intestinal 5-HT play a key role in visceral sensation, intestinal motility and permeability, EC cell hyperplasia and increased 5-HT bioavailability in the gut have been found to be involved in the symptoms generation of irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease. EC cells originate from intestinal stem cells, the interaction between proliferation and differentiation signals on intestinal stem cells enable EC cell number to be regulated in a normal level. This review focuses on the impact factors, pathogenesis mechanisms, and therapeutic clues for intestinal EC cells hyperplasia, and showed that EC cell hyperplasia was observed under the condition of physiological stress, intestinal infection or intestinal inflammation, the disordered proliferation and/or differentiation of intestinal stem cells as well as their progenitor cells all contribute to the pathogenesis of intestinal EC cell hyperplasia. The altered intestinal niche, i.e. increased corticotrophin releasing factor (CRF) signal, elevated nerve growth factor (NGF) signal, and Th2-dominant cytokines production, has been found to have close correlation with intestinal EC cell hyperplasia. Currently, CRF receptor antagonist, nuclear factor-κB inhibitor, and NGF receptor neutralizing antibody have been proved useful to attenuate intestinal EC cell hyperplasia, which may provide a promising clue for the therapeutic strategy in EC cell hyperplasia related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Yan Qin
- Department of Pharmacy, First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Hoi Leong Xavier Wong
- Institute of Brain and Gut Axis (IBAG), Centre of Clinical Research for Chinese Medicine, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Kai-Hong Zang
- College of Pharmacy, Gansu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xun Li
- Fifth Department of General Surgery, First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China; Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Regenerative Medicine of Gansu Province, China.
| | - Zhao-Xiang Bian
- Institute of Brain and Gut Axis (IBAG), Centre of Clinical Research for Chinese Medicine, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong, China.
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19
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Fatima S, Hu X, Huang C, Zhang W, Cai J, Huang M, Gong RH, Chen M, Ho AHM, Su T, Wong HLX, Bian Z, Kwan HY. High-fat diet feeding and palmitic acid increase CRC growth in β2AR-dependent manner. Cell Death Dis 2019; 10:711. [PMID: 31558710 PMCID: PMC6763436 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-019-1958-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2019] [Revised: 08/26/2019] [Accepted: 09/05/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Epidemiology studies indicate that consumption of high-fat diet (HFD) is directly associated with the development of colorectal cancer (CRC). However, the exact component in HFD and the mechanism underlying its effect on CRC growth remained unclear. Our study shows that HFD feeding increases β2AR expression in the xenograft tissues of CRC-bearing mouse model; the elevated β2AR expression is reduced when HFD is replaced by control diet, which strongly suggests an association between HFD feeding and β2AR expression in CRC. HFD feeding increases palmitic acid and stearic acid levels in CRC; however, only palmitic acid increases β2AR expression, which is dependent upon Sp1. β2AR plays the dominant role in promoting CRC cell proliferation among all the β-AR subtypes. More importantly, knockout of β2AR or knockdown of Sp1 abolishes the palmitic acid increased CRC cell proliferation, suggesting palmitic acid increases CRC cell proliferation in β2AR-dependent manner. HFD or palmitic acid-rich diet (PAD) also fails to increase the tumor growth in xenograft mouse models bearing β2AR-knockout CRC cells. β2AR promotes CRC growth by increasing the phosphorylation of HSL at the residue S552. The phosphorylated and activated HSL (S552) changes the metabolic phenotype of CRC and increases energy production, which promotes CRC growth. Our study has revealed the unique tumorigenic properties of palmitic acid in promoting CRC growth, and have delineated the underlying mechanism of action. We are also the first to report the linkage between HFD feeding and β-adrenergic signaling pathway in relation to CRC growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarwat Fatima
- Centre for Cancer and Inflammation Research, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Xianjing Hu
- Centre for Cancer and Inflammation Research, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Chunhua Huang
- Centre for Cancer and Inflammation Research, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Weixiong Zhang
- Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macau, China
| | - Jing Cai
- Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macau, China
- Research Center for Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Min Huang
- Centre for Cancer and Inflammation Research, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Rui-Hong Gong
- Centre for Cancer and Inflammation Research, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Minting Chen
- Centre for Cancer and Inflammation Research, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Alan H M Ho
- Centre for Cancer and Inflammation Research, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Tao Su
- International Institute for Translational Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510006, China
| | - Hoi Leong Xavier Wong
- Centre for Cancer and Inflammation Research, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Zhaoxiang Bian
- Centre for Cancer and Inflammation Research, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Hiu Yee Kwan
- Centre for Cancer and Inflammation Research, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China.
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20
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Chow CFW, Che S, Qin HY, Kwan HY, Bian ZX, Wong HLX. From psychology to physicality: how nerve growth factor transduces early life stress into gastrointestinal motility disorders later in life. Cell Cycle 2019; 18:1824-1829. [PMID: 31272268 DOI: 10.1080/15384101.2019.1637203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Environmental stressors in early childhood can have a detrimental impact later in life, manifesting in functional gastrointestinal disorders including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The phenomenon is also observed in rodents, where neonatal-maternal separation, a model of early life stress, induces phenotypes similar to IBS; however, the underlying mechanisms remain unelucidated. Our recent study provided a mechanism for the pathogenesis in the gut, demonstrating that increased visceral hyperalgesia resulted from the expansion of the intestinal stem cell compartment leading to increased differentiation and proliferation of serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine/5-HT)-producing enterochromaffin cells. Moreover, it identified nerve growth factor (NGF) as a key mediator of the pathogenesis; surprisingly, it exerts its effect via cross talk with Wnt/β-catenin signaling. This article addresses the roles of NGF in driving IBS and its potential clinical implications, outstanding questions in how psychological stimuli are transduced into physical phenotypes, as well as future directions of our findings. Abbreviations: 5-HT: 5-hydroxytryptamine/serotonin; BDNF: brain-derived neurotrophic factor; CRF: corticotrophin-releasing factor; EC: enterochromaffin; ENS: enteric nervous system; GI: gastrointestinal; GPCR: G-protein-coupled receptor; IBS (-D): irritable bowel syndrome (diarrhea predominant); LRP5/6: low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 5/6; MAPK: mitogen-activated protein kinase; NGF: nerve growth factor; NMS: neonatal-maternal separation; PI3K: phosphoinositode3-kinase; PLCγ: phospholipase c, gamma subtype; TrkA: tropomyosin receptor kinase A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chi Fung Willis Chow
- a Institute of Brain and Gut Axis (IBAG), Centre of Clinical Research for Chinese Medicine, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University , Kowloon Tong , Hong Kong SAR , China
| | - Sijia Che
- a Institute of Brain and Gut Axis (IBAG), Centre of Clinical Research for Chinese Medicine, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University , Kowloon Tong , Hong Kong SAR , China
| | - Hong-Yan Qin
- b Department of Pharmacy, First Hospital of Lanzhou University , Lanzhou , China
| | - Hiu Yee Kwan
- a Institute of Brain and Gut Axis (IBAG), Centre of Clinical Research for Chinese Medicine, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University , Kowloon Tong , Hong Kong SAR , China
| | - Zhao-Xiang Bian
- a Institute of Brain and Gut Axis (IBAG), Centre of Clinical Research for Chinese Medicine, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University , Kowloon Tong , Hong Kong SAR , China
| | - Hoi Leong Xavier Wong
- a Institute of Brain and Gut Axis (IBAG), Centre of Clinical Research for Chinese Medicine, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University , Kowloon Tong , Hong Kong SAR , China
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21
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Wong HLX, Qin HY, Tsang SW, Zuo X, Che S, Chow CFW, Li X, Xiao HT, Zhao L, Huang T, Lin CY, Kwan HY, Yang T, Longo FM, Lyu A, Bian ZX. Early life stress disrupts intestinal homeostasis via NGF-TrkA signaling. Nat Commun 2019; 10:1745. [PMID: 30988299 PMCID: PMC6465335 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-09744-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2017] [Accepted: 03/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Early childhood is a critical period for development, and early life stress may increase the risk of gastrointestinal diseases including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). In rodents, neonatal maternal separation (NMS) induces bowel dysfunctions that resemble IBS. However, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Here we show that NMS induces expansion of intestinal stem cells (ISCs) and their differentiation toward secretory lineages including enterochromaffin (EC) and Paneth cells, leading to EC hyperplasia, increased serotonin production, and visceral hyperalgesia. This is reversed by inhibition of nerve growth factor (NGF)-mediated tropomyosin receptor kinase A (TrkA) signalling, and treatment with NGF recapitulates the intestinal phenotype of NMS mice in vivo and in mouse intestinal organoids in vitro. Mechanistically, NGF transactivates Wnt/β-catenin signalling. NGF and serotonin are positively correlated in the sera of diarrhea-predominant IBS patients. Together, our findings provide mechanistic insights into early life stress-induced intestinal changes that may translate into treatments for gastrointestinal diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hoi Leong Xavier Wong
- Institute of Brain and Gut Axis (IBAG), Centre of Clinical Research for Chinese Medicine, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Hong-Yan Qin
- Department of Pharmacy, First Hospital of Lanzhou University, 730000, Lanzhou, China
| | - Siu Wai Tsang
- School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Xiao Zuo
- School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Sijia Che
- Institute of Brain and Gut Axis (IBAG), Centre of Clinical Research for Chinese Medicine, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Chi Fung Willis Chow
- Institute of Brain and Gut Axis (IBAG), Centre of Clinical Research for Chinese Medicine, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Xi Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, 518035, Shenzhen, China
| | - Hai-Tao Xiao
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, 518060, Shenzhen, China
| | - Ling Zhao
- Institute of Brain and Gut Axis (IBAG), Centre of Clinical Research for Chinese Medicine, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Tao Huang
- Institute of Brain and Gut Axis (IBAG), Centre of Clinical Research for Chinese Medicine, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Cheng Yuan Lin
- Institute of Brain and Gut Axis (IBAG), Centre of Clinical Research for Chinese Medicine, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Hiu Yee Kwan
- Institute of Brain and Gut Axis (IBAG), Centre of Clinical Research for Chinese Medicine, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Tao Yang
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Frank M Longo
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Aiping Lyu
- School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Zhao-Xiang Bian
- Institute of Brain and Gut Axis (IBAG), Centre of Clinical Research for Chinese Medicine, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong SAR, China.
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22
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Zhao L, Huang Y, Lu L, Yang W, Huang T, Lin Z, Lin C, Kwan H, Wong HLX, Chen Y, Sun S, Xie X, Fang X, Yang H, Wang J, Zhu L, Bian Z. Saturated long-chain fatty acid-producing bacteria contribute to enhanced colonic motility in rats. Microbiome 2018; 6:107. [PMID: 29903041 PMCID: PMC6003035 DOI: 10.1186/s40168-018-0492-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2017] [Accepted: 06/01/2018] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The gut microbiota is closely associated with gastrointestinal (GI) motility disorder, but the mechanism(s) by which bacteria interact with and affect host GI motility remains unclear. In this study, through using metabolomic and metagenomic analyses, an animal model of neonatal maternal separation (NMS) characterized by accelerated colonic motility and gut dysbiosis was used to investigate the mechanism underlying microbiota-driven motility dysfunction. RESULTS An excess of intracolonic saturated long-chain fatty acids (SLCFAs) was associated with enhanced bowel motility in NMS rats. Heptadecanoic acid (C17:0) and stearic acid (C18:0), as the most abundant odd- and even-numbered carbon SLCFAs in the colon lumen, can promote rat colonic muscle contraction and increase stool frequency. Increase of SLCFAs was positively correlated with elevated abundances of Prevotella, Lactobacillus, and Alistipes. Functional annotation found that the level of bacterial LCFA biosynthesis was highly enriched in NMS group. Essential synthetic genes Fabs were largely identified from the genera Prevotella, Lactobacillus, and Alistipes. Pseudo germ-free (GF) rats receiving fecal microbiota from NMS donors exhibited increased defecation frequency and upregulated bacterial production of intracolonic SLCFAs. Modulation of gut dysbiosis by neomycin effectively attenuated GI motility and reduced bacterial SLCFA generation in the colon lumen of NMS rats. CONCLUSIONS These findings reveal a previously unknown relationship between gut bacteria, intracolonic SLCFAs, and host GI motility, suggesting the importance of SLCFA-producing bacteria in GI motility disorders. Further exploration of this relationship could lead to a precise medication targeting the gut microbiota for treating GI motility disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Zhao
- Chinese Medicine Clinical Study Center, Jockey Club School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | | | - Lin Lu
- Chinese Medicine Clinical Study Center, Jockey Club School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Wei Yang
- Chinese Medicine Clinical Study Center, Jockey Club School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Tao Huang
- Chinese Medicine Clinical Study Center, Jockey Club School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Zesi Lin
- Preparatory Office of Shenzhen-Melbourne Institute of Life Sciences and Bioengineering, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chengyuan Lin
- Chinese Medicine Clinical Study Center, Jockey Club School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- YMU-HKBU Joint Laboratory of Traditional Natural Medicine, Yunnan Minzu University, Kunming, China
| | - Hiuyee Kwan
- Chinese Medicine Clinical Study Center, Jockey Club School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Hoi Leong Xavier Wong
- Chinese Medicine Clinical Study Center, Jockey Club School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yang Chen
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Silong Sun
- BGI Genomics, BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China
| | | | - Xiaodong Fang
- BGI Genomics, BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | | | | | - Lixin Zhu
- Digestive Diseases and Nutrition Center, Department of Pediatrics, The State University of New York at Buffalo, 3435 Main Street, 422BRB, Buffalo, NY, 14214, USA.
| | - Zhaoxiang Bian
- Chinese Medicine Clinical Study Center, Jockey Club School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong SAR, China.
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23
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Wong HLX, Jin G, Cao R, Zhang S, Cao Y, Zhou Z. MT1-MMP sheds LYVE-1 on lymphatic endothelial cells and suppresses VEGF-C production to inhibit lymphangiogenesis. Nat Commun 2016; 7:10824. [PMID: 26926389 PMCID: PMC4773521 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms10824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2015] [Accepted: 01/19/2016] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Lymphangiogensis is involved in various pathological conditions, such as arthritis and cancer metastasis. Although many factors have been identified to stimulate lymphatic vessel growth, little is known about lymphangiogenesis inhibitors. Here we report that membrane type 1-matrix metalloproteinase (MT1-MMP) is an endogenous suppressor of lymphatic vessel growth. MT1-MMP-deficient mice exhibit spontaneous corneal lymphangiogenesis without concomitant changes in angiogenesis. Mice lacking MT1-MMP in either lymphatic endothelial cells or macrophages recapitulate corneal lymphangiogenic phenotypes observed in Mmp14(-/-) mice, suggesting that the spontaneous lymphangiogenesis is both lymphatic endothelial cells autonomous and macrophage associated. Mechanistically, MT1-MMP directly cleaves LYVE-1 on lymphatic endothelial cells to inhibit LYVE-1-mediated lymphangiogenic responses. In addition, MT1-MMP-mediated PI3Kδ signalling restrains the production of VEGF-C from prolymphangiogenic macrophages through repressing the activation of NF-κB signalling. Thus, we identify MT1-MMP as an endogenous inhibitor of physiological lymphangiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hoi Leong Xavier Wong
- Shenzhen Institute of Research and Innovation, University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen 518057, China.,Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Hong Kong, 21 Sassoon Road, Hong Kong, China
| | - Guoxiang Jin
- Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Hong Kong, 21 Sassoon Road, Hong Kong, China
| | - Renhai Cao
- Department of Microbiology and Tumor Center, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm 171 77, Sweden
| | - Shuo Zhang
- Shenzhen Institute of Research and Innovation, University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen 518057, China.,Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Hong Kong, 21 Sassoon Road, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yihai Cao
- Department of Microbiology and Tumor Center, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm 171 77, Sweden
| | - Zhongjun Zhou
- Shenzhen Institute of Research and Innovation, University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen 518057, China.,Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Hong Kong, 21 Sassoon Road, Hong Kong, China
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25
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Jin G, Zhang F, Chan KM, Xavier Wong HL, Liu B, Cheah KSE, Liu X, Mauch C, Liu D, Zhou Z. MT1-MMP cleaves Dll1 to negatively regulate Notch signalling to maintain normal B-cell development. EMBO J 2011; 30:2281-93. [PMID: 21572390 DOI: 10.1038/emboj.2011.136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2010] [Accepted: 04/04/2011] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Notch signalling controls the differentiation of haematopoietic progenitor cells (HPCs). Here, we show that loss of membrane-type 1 matrix metalloproteinase (MT1-MMP, MMP14), a cell surface protease expressed in bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs), increases Notch signalling in HPCs and specifically impairs B-lymphocyte development. When co-cultured with BMSCs in vitro, HPCs differentiation towards B lymphocytes is significantly compromised on MT1-MMP-deficient BMSCs and this defect could be completely rescued by DAPT, a specific Notch signalling inhibitor. The defective B-lymphocyte development could also be largely rescued by DAPT in vivo. MT1-MMP interacts with Notch ligand Delta-like 1 (Dll1) and promotes its cleavage on cell surface in BMSCs. Ectopic MT1-MMP cleaves Dll1 and results in diminished Notch signalling in co-cultured cells. In addition, recombinant MT1-MMP cleaves a synthetic Dll1 peptide at the same site where MT1-MMP cleaves Dll1 on the cell surface. Our data suggest that MT1-MMP directly cleaves Dll1 on BMSCs to negatively regulate Notch signalling to specifically maintain normal B-cell development in bone marrow.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guoxiang Jin
- Department of Biochemistry, Center for Reproduction, Development and Growth, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong
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