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Sung B, Baek YY, Kim YM, You JC. Topical Administration of a Novel Acetylated Tetrapeptide Suppresses Vascular Permeability and Immune Responses and Alleviates Atopic Dermatitis in a Murine Model. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232113498. [PMID: 36362286 PMCID: PMC9658216 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232113498] [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] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Revised: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Although the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis (AD) remains to be fully deciphered, skin barrier abnormality and immune dysregulation are known to be involved. Recently, the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)/VEGF receptor (VEGFR) system has also been implicated in the pathogenesis of this multifactorial chronic inflammatory skin disorder. Previously, we showed that a novel tetrapeptide, N-acetyl-Arg-Leu-Tyr-Glu (Ac-RLYE), inhibits angiogenesis and vascular permeability effectively by selectively antagonizing VEGFR-2. The current study aimed to investigate the pharmacological effect of Ac-RLYE on AD in vitro and in vivo. The in vitro experiments demonstrated that Ac-RLYE inhibited VEGF-induced vascular permeability in endothelial cells. Moreover, in an in vivo animal model of AD, Ac-RLYE relieved AD-like symptoms such as ear thickness and dermatitis severity scores and infiltration of immune cells, including mast cells and eosinophils. Ac-RLYE inhibited IgE secretion, restored the skin barrier protein filaggrin level, and markedly downregulated gene expression of AD-related Th1, Th2, and Th17 cytokines. Collectively, these findings suggest that Ac-RLYE would be useful for the treatment of AD and associated inflammatory skin disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bokyung Sung
- Avixgen Inc., 2477, Nambusunhwan-ro, Seocho-gu, Seoul 06725, Korea
| | - Yi-Yong Baek
- Avixgen Inc., 2477, Nambusunhwan-ro, Seocho-gu, Seoul 06725, Korea
| | - Young-Myeong Kim
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Korea
| | - Ji Chang You
- Avixgen Inc., 2477, Nambusunhwan-ro, Seocho-gu, Seoul 06725, Korea
- National Research Laboratory for Molecular Virology, Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Korea
- Correspondence:
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Baek YY, Sung B, Choi JS, Go HK, Kim DH, Hyon JY, You JC. In Vivo Efficacy of Imatinib Mesylate, a Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor, in the Treatment of Chemically Induced Dry Eye in Animal Models. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2021; 10:14. [PMID: 34520512 PMCID: PMC8444463 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.10.11.14] [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] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Dry eye disease (DED) is a multifactorial disorder of the tears and ocular surface accompanied by ocular discomfort, visual disturbance, tear film instability, and ocular surface inflammation. In the present study, we evaluated the efficacy of the tyrosine kinase inhibitor imatinib mesylate for the treatment of DED. Methods Experimental models of DED were generated in Sprague Dawley rats using a combination of benzalkonium chloride (BAC) with atropine sulfate and in New Zealand White rabbits using BAC. The animals were treated twice daily with eye drops of vehicle, imatinib (0.01%-0.3%), or a positive control (Restasis). The improvement in DED due to imatinib was assessed by staining with fluorescein, lissamine green, impression cytology, and histological analysis. In addition, immunofluorescence staining was performed at the end of the study to evaluate the inflammatory response in the ocular surface. Results Topical application of imatinib significantly reduced ocular surface damage compared with vehicle-treated animals. Imatinib restored the morphology and structure of the conjunctival epithelium and reduced the recruitment of immune cells in the corneal epithelium. Furthermore, imatinib significantly reduced the impression cytology score, thus demonstrating that imatinib prevents the loss of goblet cells in DED animal models. The therapeutic efficacy of imatinib was similar to or better than that of cyclosporine treatment. Conclusions In this study, we provide an animal in vivo proof of concept of the therapeutic potential of imatinib for the treatment of DED. Translational Relevance With this study we show the possibility of developing imatinib as a new ophthalmic drop to treat DED.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Joon Young Hyon
- Department of Ophthalmology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji Chang You
- Avixgen Inc., Seoul, Republic of Korea.,National Research Laboratory for Molecular Virology, Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Jang SI, Fang S, Baek YY, Lee DH, Na K, Lee SY, Lee DK. Local Delivery of Gemcitabine Inhibits Pancreatic and Cholangiocarcinoma Tumor Growth by Promoting Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Degradation. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21051605. [PMID: 32111094 PMCID: PMC7084314 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21051605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [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: 12/11/2019] [Revised: 02/22/2020] [Accepted: 02/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Gemcitabine is clinically used to treat certain types of cancers, including pancreatic and biliary cancer. We investigated the signal transduction pathways underlying the local antitumor effects of gemcitabine-eluting membranes (GEMs) implanted in pancreatic/biliary tumor-bearing nude mice. Here, we report that GEMs increased the E3 ubiquitin ligase c-CBL protein level, leading to degradation of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in SCK and PANC-1 cells. GEMs decreased the RAS and PI3K protein levels, leading to a reduction in the protein levels of active forms of downstream signaling molecules, including PDK, AKT, and GSK3β. GEM reduced proliferation of cancer cells by upregulating cell cycle arrest proteins, particularly p53 and p21, and downregulating cyclin D1 and cyclin B. Moreover, GEMs reduced the levels of proangiogenic factors, including VEGF, VEGFR2, CD31, and HIF-1α, and inhibited tumor cell migration and invasion by inducing the expression of E-cadherin and reducing that of N-cadherin, snail, and vimentin. We demonstrated that local delivery of gemcitabine using GEM implants inhibited tumor cell growth by promoting c-CBL-mediated degradation of EGFR and inhibiting the proliferation, angiogenesis, and epithelial–mesenchymal transition of pancreatic/biliary tumors. Use of gemcitabine-eluting stents can improve stent patency by inhibiting the ingrowth of malignant biliary obstructions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sung Ill Jang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 06273, Korea; (S.I.J.); (Y.-Y.B.); (S.Y.L.)
| | - Sungsoon Fang
- Severance Biomedical Science Institute, BK21 Plus Project for Medical Science, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 06273, Korea;
| | - Yi-Yong Baek
- Department of Internal Medicine, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 06273, Korea; (S.I.J.); (Y.-Y.B.); (S.Y.L.)
| | - Don Haeng Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Inha University Hospital, Inha University College of Medicine, Incheon 22212, Korea;
- Utah-Inha DDS & Advanced Therapeutics Research Center, Incheon 22212, Korea
| | - Kun Na
- Department of Biotechnology, The Catholic University of Korea, Bucheon-si 14662, Korea;
| | - Su Yeon Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 06273, Korea; (S.I.J.); (Y.-Y.B.); (S.Y.L.)
| | - Dong Ki Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 06273, Korea; (S.I.J.); (Y.-Y.B.); (S.Y.L.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-2-2019-3214; Fax: +82-2-3463-3882
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Yun JA, Kim J, Baek YY, Park W, Park M, Kim S, Kim T, Choi S, Jeoung D, Lee H, Won MH, Kim JY, Ha KS, Kwon YG, Kim YM. N-Terminal Modification of the Tetrapeptide Arg-Leu-Tyr-Glu, a Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-2 (VEGFR-2) Antagonist, Improves Antitumor Activity by Increasing its Stability against Serum Peptidases. Mol Pharmacol 2019; 96:692-701. [DOI: 10.1124/mol.119.117234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2019] [Accepted: 10/03/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
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Park W, Baek YY, Kim J, Jo DH, Choi S, Kim JH, Kim T, Kim S, Park M, Kim JY, Won MH, Ha KS, Kim JH, Kwon YG, Kim YM. Arg-Leu-Tyr-Glu Suppresses Retinal Endothelial Permeability and Choroidal Neovascularization by Inhibiting the VEGF Receptor 2 Signaling Pathway. Biomol Ther (Seoul) 2019; 27:474-483. [PMID: 31042676 PMCID: PMC6720534 DOI: 10.4062/biomolther.2019.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [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: 03/07/2019] [Revised: 04/02/2019] [Accepted: 04/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) plays a pivotal role in pathologic ocular neovascularization and vascular leakage via activation of VEGF receptor 2 (VEGFR2). This study was undertaken to evaluate the therapeutic mechanisms and effects of the tetrapeptide Arg-Leu-Tyr-Glu (RLYE), a VEGFR2 inhibitor, in the development of vascular permeability and choroidal neovascularization (CNV). In cultured human retinal microvascular endothelial cells (HRMECs), treatment with RLYE blocked VEGF-A-induced phosphorylation of VEGFR2, Akt, ERK, and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), leading to suppression of VEGF-A-mediated hyper-production of NO. Treatment with RLYE also inhibited VEGF-A-stimulated angiogenic processes (migration, proliferation, and tube formation) and the hyperpermeability of HRMECs, in addition to attenuating VEGF-A-induced angiogenesis and vascular permeability in mice. The anti-vascular permeability activity of RLYE was correlated with enhanced stability and positioning of the junction proteins VE-cadherin, β-catenin, claudin-5, and ZO-1, critical components of the cortical actin ring structure and retinal endothelial barrier, at the boundary between HRMECs stimulated with VEGF-A. Furthermore, intravitreally injected RLYE bound to retinal microvascular endothelium and inhibited laser-induced CNV in mice. These findings suggest that RLYE has potential as a therapeutic drug for the treatment of CNV by preventing VEGFR2-mediated vascular leakage and angiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wonjin Park
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Republic of Korea
| | - Yi-Yong Baek
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Republic of Korea
| | - Joohwan Kim
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong Hyun Jo
- Fight Against Angiogenesis-Related Blindness (FARB) Laboratory, Clinical Research Institute, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea
| | - Seunghwan Choi
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin Hyoung Kim
- Fight Against Angiogenesis-Related Blindness (FARB) Laboratory, Clinical Research Institute, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea
| | - Taesam Kim
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Republic of Korea
| | - Suji Kim
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Republic of Korea
| | - Minsik Park
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji Yoon Kim
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Hanyang University Hospital, Seoul 04763, Republic of Korea
| | - Moo-Ho Won
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Republic of Korea
| | - Kwon-Soo Ha
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong Hun Kim
- Fight Against Angiogenesis-Related Blindness (FARB) Laboratory, Clinical Research Institute, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Guen Kwon
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Myeong Kim
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Republic of Korea
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Baek YY, Lee DK, Kim J, Kim JH, Park W, Kim T, Han S, Jeoung D, You JC, Lee H, Won MH, Ha KS, Kwon YG, Kim YM. Arg-Leu-Tyr-Glu tetrapeptide inhibits tumor progression by suppressing angiogenesis and vascular permeability via VEGF receptor-2 antagonism. Oncotarget 2017; 8:11763-11777. [PMID: 28052029 PMCID: PMC5355302 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.14343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [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: 12/21/2015] [Accepted: 12/03/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The tetrapeptide Arg-Leu-Tyr-Glu (RLYE) is known to inhibit vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A)-induced angiogenesis in vitro. Herein, we examined its underlying mechanism and antitumor activity associated with vascular remodeling. RLYE inhibited VEGF-A-induced angiogenesis in a mouse model and suppressed VEGF-A-induced angiogenic signal cascades in human endothelial cells. However, RLYE showed no inhibitory effect on VEGF-A-induced proliferation and migration of multiple myeloma cells expressing VEGF receptor (VEGFR)-1, but not VEGFR-2. In addition, RLYE showed no inhibitory effect on angiogenic activities induced by VEGF-B, basic fibroblast growth factor, epithermal growth factor, sphingosine-1-phosphate, and placental growth factor. RLYE bound specifically to VEGFR-2 at the VEGF-A binding site, thereby blocking VEGF-A-VEGFR-2 binding and VEGF-A-induced VEGFR-2 internalization. The RLYE peptide inhibited tumor growth and metastasis via suppression of tumor angiogenesis in tumor-bearing mice. Moreover, RLYE showed a synergistic effect of the cytotoxic agent irinotecan on tumor cell apoptosis and tumor progression via tumor vessel normalization due to stabilization of VE-cadherin-mediated adherens junction, improvement of pericyte coverage, and inhibition of vascular leakage in tumors. Our results suggest that RLYE can be used as an antiangiogenic and tumor blood vessel remodeling agent for inhibition of tumor growth and metastasis by antagonizing VEGFR-2, with the synergistic anti-cancer effect via enhancement of drug delivery and therapeutic efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Yong Baek
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do, 200-702, South Korea
| | - Dong-Keon Lee
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do, 200-702, South Korea
| | - Joohwan Kim
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do, 200-702, South Korea
| | - Ji-Hee Kim
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do, 200-702, South Korea
| | - Wonjin Park
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do, 200-702, South Korea
| | - Taesam Kim
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do, 200-702, South Korea
| | - Sanghwa Han
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Natural Sciences, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do, 200-702, South Korea
| | - Dooil Jeoung
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Natural Sciences, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do, 200-702, South Korea
| | - Ji Chang You
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 137-701, Korea
| | - Hansoo Lee
- Department of and Life Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do, 200-702, South Korea
| | - Moo-Ho Won
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do, 200-702, South Korea
| | - Kwon-Soo Ha
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do, 200-702, South Korea
| | - Young-Guen Kwon
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul, 120-752, South Korea
| | - Young-Myeong Kim
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do, 200-702, South Korea
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Choi YK, Park JH, Baek YY, Won MH, Jeoung D, Lee H, Ha KS, Kwon YG, Kim YM. Carbon monoxide stimulates astrocytic mitochondrial biogenesis via L-type Ca 2+ channel-mediated PGC-1α/ERRα activation. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2016; 479:297-304. [PMID: 27639646 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2016.09.063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [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: 09/02/2016] [Accepted: 09/13/2016] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Carbon monoxide (CO), derived by the enzymatic reaction of heme oxygenase (HO), is a cellular regulator of energy metabolism and cytoprotection; however, its underlying mechanism has not been clearly elucidated. Astrocytes pre-exposed to the CO-releasing compound CORM-2 increased mitochondrial biogenesis, mitochondrial electron transport components (cytochrome c, Cyt c; cytochrome c oxidase subunit 2, COX2), and ATP synthesis. The increased mitochondrial function was correlated with activation of AMP-activated protein kinase α and upregulation of HO-1, peroxisome proliferators-activated receptor γ-coactivator-1α (PGC-1α), and estrogen-related receptor α (ERRα). These events elicited by CORM-2 were suppressed by Ca2+ chelators, a HO inhibitor, and an L-type Ca2+ channel blocker, but not other Ca2+ channel inhibitors. Among the HO byproducts, combined CORM-2 and bilirubin treatment effectively increased PGC-1α, Cyt c and COX2 expression, mitochondrial biogenesis, and ATP synthesis, and these increases were blocked by Ca2+ chelators. Moreover, cerebral ischemia significantly increased HO-1, PGC-1α, and ERRα levels, subsequently increasing Cyt c and COX2 expression, in wild-type mice, compared with HO-1+/- mice. These results suggest that HO-1-derived CO enhances mitochondrial biogenesis in astrocytes by activating L-type Ca2+ channel-mediated PGC-1α/ERRα axis, leading to maintenance of astrocyte function and neuroprotection/recovery against damage of brain function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoon Kyung Choi
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Kangwon-do 200-701, Republic of Korea
| | - Joon Ha Park
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Kangwon-do 200-701, Republic of Korea
| | - Yi-Yong Baek
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Kangwon-do 200-701, Republic of Korea
| | - Moo-Ho Won
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Kangwon-do 200-701, Republic of Korea
| | - Dooil Jeoung
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Natural Sciences, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Kangwon-do 200-702, Republic of Korea
| | - Hansoo Lee
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Kangwon-do 200-702, Republic of Korea
| | - Kwon-Soo Ha
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Kangwon-do 200-701, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Guen Kwon
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul 120-752, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Myeong Kim
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Kangwon-do 200-701, Republic of Korea.
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Jo DH, An H, Chang DJ, Baek YY, Cho CS, Jun HO, Park SJ, Kim JH, Lee HY, Kim KW, Lee J, Park HJ, Kim YM, Suh YG, Kim JH. Hypoxia-mediated retinal neovascularization and vascular leakage in diabetic retina is suppressed by HIF-1α destabilization by SH-1242 and SH-1280, novel hsp90 inhibitors. J Mol Med (Berl) 2014; 92:1083-92. [DOI: 10.1007/s00109-014-1168-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2013] [Revised: 04/24/2014] [Accepted: 04/25/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Kim JH, Choi YK, Lee KS, Cho DH, Baek YY, Lee DK, Ha KS, Choe J, Won MH, Jeoung D, Lee H, Kwon YG, Kim YM. Functional dissection of Nrf2-dependent phase II genes in vascular inflammation and endotoxic injury using Keap1 siRNA. Free Radic Biol Med 2012; 53:629-40. [PMID: 22609006 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2012.04.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [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: 01/20/2012] [Revised: 04/08/2012] [Accepted: 04/20/2012] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Keap1 is a cytoplasmic repressor of the transcription factor Nrf2, and its degradation induces Nrf2 activation, leading to upregulation of antioxidant phase II genes. We investigated the roles of phase II genes in vascular inflammation and septic injury using Keap1 siRNA and elucidated its underlying mechanism. Selective knockdown of Keap1 with siRNA promoted Nrf2-dependent expression of phase II genes in endothelial cells, such as heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), glutamate-cysteine ligase (GCL), and peroxiredoxin-1 (Prx1), resulting in the elevation of cellular glutathione levels and suppression of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α-induced intracellular H(2)O(2) accumulation. Keap1 knockdown inhibited TNF-α-induced expression of intracellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) by suppressing NF-κB activation via inhibition of its upstream modulators, Akt, NIK, and IKK, resulting in the elevation of monocyte adhesion to endothelial cells. Importantly, these events were reversed by HO-1 and GCL inhibitors and Prx1-specific siRNA. Keap1 knockdown also inhibited endotoxin-induced expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and TNF-α by upregulating HO-1, GCL, and Prx1 expression in macrophages. Moreover, in vivo Keap1 knockdown increased the expression of phase II genes and suppressed the expression of ICAM-1, VCAM-1, iNOS, and TNF-α in an endotoxemic mouse model, resulting in significant protection against liver and lung injuries and lethality. Our results indicate that Keap1 knockdown prevents NF-κB-mediated vascular inflammation and endotoxic shock by suppressing NF-κB-mediated inflammatory gene expression via upregulation of Nrf2-mediated antioxidant genes. Thus, siRNA targeting Keap1 may provide a new therapeutic approach for inflammation-associated vascular diseases and sepsis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji-Hee Kim
- Vascular Homeostasis Laboratory and Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chunchon, Kangwon-do, Korea
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Chung BH, Kim S, Kim JD, Lee JJ, Baek YY, Jeoung D, Lee H, Choe J, Ha KS, Won MH, Kwon YG, Kim YM. Syringaresinol causes vasorelaxation by elevating nitric oxide production through the phosphorylation and dimerization of endothelial nitric oxide synthase. Exp Mol Med 2012; 44:191-201. [PMID: 22170035 PMCID: PMC3317483 DOI: 10.3858/emm.2012.44.3.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [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] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Nitric oxide (NO) produced by endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) plays an important role in vascular functions, including vasorelaxation. We here investigated the pharmacological effect of the natural product syringaresinol on vascular relaxation and eNOS-mediated NO production as well as its underlying biochemical mechanism in endothelial cells. Treatment of aortic rings from wild type, but not eNOS(-/-) mice, with syringaresinol induced endothelium-dependent relaxation, which was abolished by addition of the NOS inhibitor N(G)-monomethyl-L-arginine. Treatment of human endothelial cells and mouse aortic rings with syringaresinol increased NO production, which was correlated with eNOS phosphorylation via the activation of Akt and AMP kinase (AMPK) as well as elevation of intracellular Ca(2+) levels. A phospholipase C (PLC) inhibitor blocked the increases in intracellular Ca(2+) levels, AMPK-dependent eNOS phosphorylation, and NO production, but not Akt activation, in syringaresinol- treated endothelial cells. Syringaresinol-induced AMPK activation was inhibited by co-treatment with PLC inhibitor, Ca(2+) chelator, calmodulin antagonist, and CaMKKβ siRNA. This compound also increased eNOS dimerization, which was inhibited by a PLC inhibitor and a Ca(2+)-chelator. The chemicals that inhibit eNOS phosphorylation and dimerization attenuated vasorelaxation and cGMP production. These results suggest that syringaresinol induces vasorelaxation by enhancing NO production in endothelial cells via two distinct mechanisms, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt- and PLC/Ca(2+)/CaMKKβ-dependent eNOS phosphorylation and Ca(2+)-dependent eNOS dimerization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Byung-Hee Chung
- Vascular System Research Center, School of Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 200-701, Korea
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Baek YY, Cho DH, Choe J, Lee H, Jeoung D, Ha KS, Won MH, Kwon YG, Kim YM. Extracellular taurine induces angiogenesis by activating ERK-, Akt-, and FAK-dependent signal pathways. Eur J Pharmacol 2011; 674:188-99. [PMID: 22130357 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2011.11.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2011] [Revised: 11/07/2011] [Accepted: 11/10/2011] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Taurine, a non essential sulfur-containing amino acid, plays a critical role in cardiovascular functions. We here examined the effect of taurine on angiogenesis and its underlying signal pathway. Taurine treatment increased angiogenesis in vitro and in vivo, which was followed by activation of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt, MEK/ERK, and Src/FAK signaling pathways. Further, taurine promoted endothelial cell cycle progression to the S and G2/M phases by up-regulating the positive cell cycle proteins, particularly cyclins D1 and B, as well as down-regulating the negative cell cycle proteins, p53 and p21(WAF1/CIP1), resulting in Rb phosphorylation. This angiogenic event was inhibited by inhibitors of PI3K and MEK. In addition, a PI3K inhibitor blocked the activation of Akt and ERK, while Akt knockdown did not affect taurine-induced ERK activation, indicating that PI3K is an upstream mediator of both MEK and Akt. Taurine-induced endothelial cell migration was suppressed by Src inhibitor, but not by other inhibitors, suggesting that the increase in cell migration is regulated by Src-dependent pathway. Moreover, inhibition of cellular taurine uptake by β-alanine and taurine transporter knockdown promoted taurine-induced cell proliferation, ERK and Akt activation, and in vivo angiogenesis, suggesting that extracellular taurine induces angiogenesis. However, taurine did not induce vascular inflammation and permeability in vitro and in vivo. These data demonstrate that extracellular taurine promotes angiogenesis by Akt- and ERK-dependent cell cycle progression and Src/FAK-mediated cell migration without inducing vascular inflammation, indicating that it is potential use for the treatment of vascular dysfunction-associated human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Yong Baek
- Vascular System Research Center, School of Medicine, Kangwon National University, South Korea
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