CTS-Clinical and Translational Science
·
2020
·Vol. 14
·期 5
·2075-2084
·
IF 3.373
Hongtao He,Kuangyuan Qiao,Chao Wang,Wuhan Yang,Zhuo Xu,Zhilei Zhang,Yuming Jia,Chong Zhang,Li Peng
Hydrazinocurcumin (HZC), a synthetic derivative of curcumin (CUR), has been documented to show anticancer potential in impeding tumor growth in several cancers, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear. This study aimed to explore the function and underlying mechanisms of HZC on HCC cells, which may involve the p38 mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway. HZC was first purified and identified. HepG2 cells were then subjected to treatment with HZC or CUR of different concentrations and p38 MAPK signaling inhibitor (SB203580) to verify their effects on HCC cell apoptosis and proliferation. Furthermore, the functional relevance between HZC and the p38 MAPK pathway in HCC was examined. It was observed that 40 μM HZC exhibited the best pro-apoptosis effect in HCC cells. HZC was found to inhibit HCC cell proliferation and promote apoptosis, the effect of which was stronger than 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). More importantly, the anti-oncogenic effect of HZC and 5-FU was implicated with activation of the p38 MAPK pathway. In vivo experimental results showed that HZC inhibited tumor growth more effectively than 5-FU through the p38 MAPK pathway. These results provide evidence that HZC exerted anti-oncogenic and pro-apoptosis effects in HCC cells through activation of the p38 MAPK pathway.
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Journal of Healthcare Engineering
·
2022
·
IF 3.822
Canhong Yang,Sisi Qin,Jiafa Zhang,Yuanyuan Wang,Huan Li,Tianming Lü
Protein misfolding and/or aggregation are common pathological features associated with a number of neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and Parkinson disease (PD). Abnormal protein aggregation may be caused by misfolding of the protein and/or dysfunction of the protein clearance system. Recent studies have demonstrated that the specific water channel protein, aquaporin-4 (AQP4), plays a role in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases involving protein clearance system. In this study, we aimed to investigate the role of sulforaphane (SFN) in the upregulation of AQP4 expression, along with its underlying mechanism using cultured mouse astrocytes as a model system. At low concentrations, SFN was found to increase cell proliferation and result in the activation of astrocytes. However, high SFN concentrations were found to suppress cell proliferation of astrocytes. In addition, our study found that a 1 μM concentration of SFN resulted in the upregulation of AQP4 expression and p38 MAPK phosphorylation in cultured mouse astrocytes. Moreover, we demonstrated that the upregulation of AQP4 expression was significantly attenuated when cells were pretreated with SB203580, a p38 MAPK inhibitor. In conclusion, our findings from this study revealed that SFN exerts hormesis effect on cultured mouse astrocytes and can upregulate astrocytic AQP4 expression by targeting the p38 MAPK pathway.
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Cancers
·
2022
·Vol. 14
·期 9
·2338
·
IF 6.575
Chunyuan Tang,Ying Zhou,Wen Sun,Haihong Hu,Yuxi Liu,Lu Chen,Fengting Ou,Su Zeng,Nengming Lin,Lushan Yu
Simple SummaryColorectal cancer (CRC) claimed more than 900,000 lives globally in 2020. Therefore, its pathogenetic landscape calls for in-depth investigation. Recently, more attention has been paid to oncogenesis driven by noncoding RNAs and even peptides encoded by noncoding RNAs. Here, we report aLINC01234-encoded peptide named MEK1-binding oncopeptide (MBOP), which exists endogenously and is highly expressed in CRC. Through in vivo and in vitro migration and proliferation assays, we demonstrated the oncogenic role of MBOP. In addition, we performed immunoprecipitation assays to identify the interacting proteins and pathways, and MBOP was found to interact with MEK1 and activate the MEK1/pERK/MMP2/MMP9 signaling pathway. Moreover, the ubiquitin–protease-system-mediated degradation of MBOP was elucidated, where the E3 ubiquitin-protein transferase MAEA and RMND5A play vital roles. In conclusion, oncopeptide MBOP plays a substantial role in the tumorigenesis of CRC, and it could be a candidate prognostic biomarker for clinical treatment.AbstractColorectal cancer (CRC) ranks third in incidence rate and second in mortality rate of malignancy worldwide, and the diagnosis and therapeutics of it remain to be further studied. With the emergence of noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) and potential peptides derived from ncRNAs across various biological processes, we here aimed to identify a ncRNA-derived peptide possible for revealing the oncogenesis of CRC. Through combined predictive analysis of the coding potential of a batch of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), the existence of an 85 amino-acid-peptide, named MEK1-binding oncopeptide (MBOP) and encoded fromLINC01234was confirmed. Mass spectrometry and Western blot assays indicated the overexpression of MBOP in CRC tissues and cell lines compared to adjacent noncancerous tissues and the normal colonic epithelial cell line. In vivo and in vitro migration and proliferation assays defined MBOP as an oncogenic peptide. Immunoprecipitation trials showed that MEK1 was the key interacting protein of MBOP, and MBOP promoted the MEK1/pERK/MMP2/MMP9 axis in CRC. Two E3-ligase enzymes MAEA and RMND5A mediated the ubiquitin–protease-system-related degradation of MBOP. This study indicates that MBOP might be a candidate prognostic indicator and a potential target for clinical therapy of CRC.Keywords:peptide;MBOP;LncRNA;colorectal cancer;MAPK signaling pathway
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Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine
·
2021
·Vol. 22
·期 6
·1-9
·
IF 2.447
Yue-Yuan Chen,Xiao-Jie Yan,Xiao-Hua Jiang,Feng-Lai Lu,Xue-Rong Yang,Dian-Peng Li
Aberrant destruction of the articular extracellular matrix (ECM) has been considered to be one of the pathological features of osteoarthritis (OA) which results in chondrocyte changes and articular cartilage degeneration. The MAPK signaling pathway serves a key role by releasing cartilage‑degrading enzymes from OA chondrocytes. However, the use of MAPK inhibitors for OA is hindered by their potential long‑term toxicity. Vicenin 3 is one of the major components of the Jian‑Gu injection which is effective in the clinical treatment of OA. However, its potential impact on OA remain poorly understood. Therefore, the present study aimed to assess the effects of vicenin 3 on interleukin (IL)‑1β‑treated SW1353 chondrocytes, which mimic the microenvironment of OA. These chondrocytes were pretreated with vicenin 3 (0, 5 and 20 µM) for 1 h and subsequently stimulated with IL‑1β (10 ng/ml) for 24 h. Nitric oxide (NO) production was measured using the Griess reaction, whereas the production of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), A disintegrin‑like and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs (ADAMTSs), collagen type II and aggrecan were measured using ELISA. The mRNA expression of MMPs and ADAMTSs were measured using reverse transcription‑quantitative PCR. The protein expression levels of MAPK were measured using western blotting. Vicenin 3 was found to significantly inhibit IL‑1β‑induced production of NO and PGE. Increments in the expression levels of MMP‑1, MMP‑3, MMP‑13, ADAMTS‑4 and ADAMTS‑5 induced by IL‑1β, in addition to the IL‑1β‑induced degradation of collagen type II and aggrecan, were all reversed by vicenin 3 treatment. Furthermore, vicenin 3 suppressed IL‑1β‑stimulated MAPK activation, an effect that was similar to that exerted by SB203580, a well‑known p38 MAPK inhibitor. In conclusion, vicenin 3 may confer therapeutic potential similar to that of the p38 MAPK inhibitor for the treatment of OA.
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PHYTOTHERAPY RESEARCH
·
2022
·Vol. 37
·期 2
·578-591
·
IF 6.388
Na Yang,Chunpeng Zou,Wu Luo,Diyun Xu,Mengyang Wang,Yi Wang,Gaojun Wu,Peiren Shan,Guang Liang
Chronic inflammation plays an important role in hypertensive heart failure. Suppressing angiotensin II (Ang II)-induced cardiac inflammation may contribute to the treatment of hypertension-associated heart failure. Sclareol, a natural product initially isolated from the leaves and flowers of Salvia sclarea , possesses antiinflammatory and immune-regulation activity in various systems. However, its effect on Ang II-induced cardiac remodeling remains unknown. In this study, we have explored the potential effects of sclareol on Ang II-induced heart failure. In vivo experiments were conducted in mice with Ang II-pump infusion for 28 days. Sclareol administration at 5 mg·kg −1 ·d −1 significantly reduced the expression of myocardial injury markers. Sclareol also exerts protective effects against Ang II-induced cardiac dysfunction in mice which is associated with alleviated cardiac inflammation and fibrosis. Transcriptome analysis revealed that inhibition of the Ang II-activated mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway contributed to the protective effect of sclareol. Sclareol inhibits Ang II-activated MAPKs pathway to reduce inflammatory response in mouse hearts and cultured cardiomyocytes. Blockage of MAPKs in cardiomyocytes abolished the antiinflammatory effects of sclareol. In conclusion, we show that sclareol protects hearts against Ang II-induced injuries through inhibiting MAPK-mediated inflammation, indicating the potential use of sclareol in the prevention of hypertensive heart failure.
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OncoTargets and Therapy
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2022
·
IF 4.345
Rong Wang,Danni Deng,Naiyuan Shao,Yuan Xu,Lian Xue,Ya Peng,Yatian Liu,Feng Zhi
Background Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most malignant primary tumor of the central nervous system and is associated with a very poor prognosis. No further improvements in outcomes have been reported since radiotherapy-temozolomide therapy was introduced. Therefore, developing new agents to treat GBM is important.Aim This study aimed to evaluate the anti-tumor effect of evodiamine (Evo) on GBM cells, and to determine the underlying mechanisms involved.Results According to MTT assay results, Evo significantly inhibited the cell proliferation in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry analyses revealed that Evo induced cell apoptosis in a concentration-dependent manner. Moreover, Evo induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) disruption. Finally, Evo induced apoptosis in cancer cells by suppressing PI3K/AKT signaling and inducing MAPK phosphorylation (p38 and JNK, but not ERK) to regulate apoptotic proteins (Bax, Bcl-2, Cytochrome c, Caspase-3, and PARP).Conclusion In summary, Evo inhibits cell proliferation by inducing cellular apoptosis via suppressing PI3K/AKT and activating MAPK in GBM; these results indicate that Evo may be regarded as a new approach for GBM treatment.
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JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY
·
2023
·
IF 5.4
Peizhi Jia,Daxin Chen,Ying Zhu,Meiling Wang,Jianwei Zeng,Ling Zhang,Qiaoyan Cai,Dawei Lian,Chunyu Zhao,Yaoyao Xu,Jianfeng Chu,Shan Lin,Jun Peng,Wei Lin
Ethnopharmacological relevance Liensinine(Lien, C 37 H 42 N 2 O 6 ) is an alkaloid compound from plumula nelumbinis that demonstrates an antihypertensive effect. The protective effects of Lien on target organs during hypertension are still unclear. Aim of the study : This study aimed to understand the mechanism of Lien during the treatment of hypertension, with emphasis on vascular protection. Materials and methods Lien was extracted and isolated from plumula nelumbinis for further study. In vivo model of Ang II-induced hypertension, non-invasive sphygmomanometer was used to detect the blood pressure in and out of the context of Lien intervention. Ultrasound was used to detect the abdominal aorta pulse wave and media thickness of hypertensive mice, and RNA sequencing was used to detect the differential genes and pathways of blood vessels. The intersection of Lien and MAPK protein molecules was detected by molecular interconnecting technique. The pathological conditions of abdominal aorta vessels of mice were observed by HE staining. The expression of PCNA, α-SMA, Collagen Type Ⅰ and Collagen Type Ⅲ proteins were detected by IHC. The collagen expression in the abdominal aorta was detected by Sirius red staining. The MAPK/TGF-β1/Smad2/3 signaling and the protein expression of PCNA and α-SMA was detected by Western blot. In vitro , MAPK/TGF-β1/Smad2/3 signaling and the protein expression of PCNA and α-SMA were detected by Western blot, and the expression of α-SMA was detected by immunofluorescence; ELISA was used to detect the effect of ERK/MAPK inhibitor PD98059 on Ang Ⅱ-induced TGF-β1secrete; and the detection TGF-β1and α-SMA protein expression by Western blot; Western blot was used to detect the effect of ERK/MAPK stimulant12-O-tetradecanoyl phorbol-13-acetate (TPA) on the protein expression of TGF-β1 and α-SMA. Results Lien displayed an antihypertensive effect on Ang Ⅱ-induced hypertension, reducing the pulse wave conduction velocity of the abdominal aorta and the thickness of the abdominal aorta vessel wall, ultimately improving the pathological state of blood vessels. RNA sequencing further indicated that the differential pathways expressed in the abdominal aorta of hypertensive mice were enriched in proliferation-related markers compared with the Control group. The profile of differentially expressed pathways was ultimately reversed by Lien. Particularly, MAPK protein demonstrated good binding with the Lien molecule. In vivo, Lien inhibited Ang Ⅱ-induced abdominal aorta wall thickening, reduced collagen deposition in the ventral aortic vessel, and prevented the occurrence of vascular remodeling by inhibiting MAPK/TGF-β1/Smad2/3 signaling activation. In addition, Lien inhibited the activation of Ang II-induced MAPK and TGF-β1/Smad2/3 signaling, attenuating the expression of PCNA and inhibiting the reduction of α-SMA, collectively playing a role in the inhibition of Ang Ⅱ-induced hypertensive vascular remodeling. PD98059 alone could inhibit Ang Ⅱ-induced elevation of TGF-β1 and the decrease of α-SMA expression. Further, PD98059 combined with Lien had no discrepancy with the inhibitors alone. Simultaneously TPA alone could significantly increase the expression of TGF-β1 and decrease the expression of α-SMA. Further, Lien could inhibit the effect of TPA. Conclusion This study helped clarify the protective mechanism of Lien during hypertension, elucidating its role as an inhibitor of vascular remodeling and providing an experimental basis for the research and development of novel antihypertensive therapies.
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ACTA HISTOCHEMICA
·
2025
·
IF 2.4
Xiaorui Dong,Xixi Chen,Mengling Xue,Yina Zhang,Peiyue Jiang
Background Cervical cancer (CC) is a common gynecological disease that seriously threatens women’s health. This study aims to explore key genes and pathways related to CC prognosis through bioinformatics, providing new insights for further treatment of CC. Methods CC patient data were analyzed from the public databases. The enrichment analyses explored the roles and pathways of CC-related differentially expressed genes (DEGs). A prognostic key gene was identified using Venn diagrams and subjected to survival analysis. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) was employed to investigate the potential pathways of key genes. Correlations between the key gene and clinical features were examined. The function of the key gene was validated through immunohistochemistry, flow cytometry, transwell, MTT, and Western blot assays in vitro and in vivo . Results Our research identified 2459 upregulated genes among DEGs between healthy and tumor cervical tissues. These DEGs were primarily enriched in the PI3K-AKT and MAPK pathways. Moreover, EFNA1 was recognized as a key prognostic gene in CC, with elevated expression compared to normal tissue. A negative correlation between EFNA1 levels and patient survival rates was corroborated by Kaplan-Meier analysis. Furthermore, EFNA1 expression correlated with the cancer stage and was linked to antigen presentation, folate synthesis, and IL-17 signaling. Knockdown of EFNA1 enhanced apoptosis and reduced migration, invasion, and proliferation in vitro and in vivo , inhibiting EMT and MAPK pathways. Conclusion This study revealed the key signaling pathways in CC progression and identified EFNA1 as a crucial prognostic biomarker, potentially impacting CC treatment.
研究领域:
肿瘤学
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生物信息学
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分子生物学
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JOURNAL OF CELLULAR PHYSIOLOGY
·
2017
·Vol. 233
·期 9
·6714-6721
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IF 4.08
Haihong Zhou,Congli Jin,Lili Cui,Huaijie Xing,Jun Liu,Wang Liao,Haojie Liao,Yangsheng Yu
This study aimed to investigate whether HMGB1 (high mobility group box-1 protein) and receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) were involved in the irradiation-induced endothelial barrier damage and their mechanism. We constructed the damage model of endothelium barrier model with bEnd.3 cells. The permeability of endothelial barrier was detected by sodium fluorescein (Na-F) permeation test, and the irradiation dose which could induce permeability transition was determined by being exposed to different irradiation doses (5, 10, 15, 20 Gy). MTT assay was applied to detect cell viability under different concentrations of HMGB1 , glycyrrhizic acid (GA, a specific inhibitor of HMGB1 ), and FPS-ZM1 (a blood-brain-barrier permeant blocker of RAGE V domain-mediated ligand binding). The expression of HMGB1 , RAGE, and related molecules involved in MAPK signaling pathway, MMP-2, MMP-9, ZO-1, and claudin 5 of differently treated groups were measured by qRT-PCR, western blot, and immunofluorescence. Cells possessed stable endothelial barrier function on 4–7 days after seeded on transwell plates. The permeability of endothelial barrier would change under at least 10 Gy radiation. Both radiation and HMGB1 treatment alone could improve the permeability. After irradiation, the expressions of HMGB1 and RAGE increased and MAPK signal pathway was activated. Meanwhile, MMP-2 and MMP-9 were overexpressed, while the expression of tight junction proteins ZO-1 and claudin 5 was decreased. Radiation could activate MAPK signaling pathway through promoting the expression of HMGB1 and RAGE, which further led to endothelial barrier injury and changed its permeability.
研究领域:
细胞生物学
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分子生物学
·
医学研究
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JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY
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2017
·
IF 3.154
Fujie Yan,Yunyun Yang,Lushuang Yu,Xiaodong Zheng
Main components of Apios americana leaves extract (ALE) were flavonoid C-glycosides, including vitexin (46.7%), schaftoside (18.9%), and orientin (4.32%). In vitro, ALE restored glucose consumption, glucose uptake, and glycogen content in glucose-induced hepatic cells. Exposure of HepG2 cells to high glucose resulted in reactive oxygen species and O2– accumulation, while ALE alleviated these increases by 47 ± 0.68 and 68 ± 0.74%, respectively. Glucose increased c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and decreased extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1 and 2 (ERK1/2) and p38 phosphorylation, while ALE reduced p-JNK and p-p38 but not p-ERK1/2, accompanied by nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), heme oxygenase-1, and NAD(P)H quinine oxidoreductase 1 downregulation. In vivo, the lifespan of Caenorhabditis elegans was more violently shortened by paraquat under hyperglycemia, while ALE protected this damage in N2 worms (2.6 times extension) but not in daf-16 mutants. Furthermore, p38/PMK-1 and Nrf2/SKN-1 expressions in worms were suppressed by glucose, which were reversed by ALE treatment. These results suggest that ALE prevents glucose-induced damage via regulating specific mitogen-activated protein kinases and Nrf2 pathways.
研究领域:
药理学
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分子生物学
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ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
·
2014
·
IF 5.9
Yang Liu,Xin Wang,Chun-Yang Sun,Jun Wang
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignant human tumors worldwide, but no effective therapeutic options are currently available. The cancer stem cell (CSC) has proven to play a central role in the development, metastasis, and recurrence of HCC. In this study, we report a dual functional mitogen-activated protein kinase inhibitor (U0126)-based therapy for treating both bulk HCC and HCC CSCs, using poly(ethylene glycol)-b-poly(d,l-lactide) (PEG-PLA) nanoparticles as the drug carrier. It is demonstrated that nanoparticle encapsulation enhanced the cell uptake of U0126 in HCC CSCs and that enhanced endocytosis lead to augmented cytotoxicity of U0126 in HCC CSCs. Moreover, the nanoparticle encapsulation increased the inhibition of self-renewal capability, prolonged the circulation time, and increased the tumor accumulation of U0126 when compared with the use of the free inhibitor. The systemic delivery of U0126 remarkably enhanced the suppression of tumor development with decreased CSCs in the HepG2 xenograft simultaneously with reduced systemic toxicity.
研究领域:
肿瘤学
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药理学
·
生物医学工程
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Food & Function
·
2021
·Vol. 12
·期 23
·12127-12141
·
IF 5.396
Yue Ge,Huibin Chen,Jilite Wang,Guishan Liu,Steve W. Cui,Ji Kang,Yumei Jiang,Hao Wang
Naringenin (NN) is one of the most abundant flavonoids in citrus and grapefruits and has been shown to have antioxidant properties in vitro. The purpose of the study is to examine the antioxidant and anti-aging activities of NN in C. elegans, and to further explore the molecular mechanism. The results showed that NN enhanced the lifespan under normal and oxidative stress induced by H2O2. After treatment with NN, locomotion capability was improved and aging pigment accumulation was suppressed. NN also delayed the paralysis and reversed the defective chemotaxis behavior induced by Aβ protein. Meanwhile, the treatment with NN enhanced the activities of antioxidant enzymes and reduced the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA) content. The possible targets and pathways interacting with NN were predicted by network pharmacology. Real-time PCR analysis indicated that NN upregulated the expression levels of daf-16, sek-1 and skn-1, downregulated the expression levels of daf-2, age-1 and akt-1, and further activated sod-3, ctl-1, ctl-2, gst-4 and mtl-1. Moreover, the selected mutant strains were used and molecular docking was conducted to further suggest that IIS and MAPK pathways could be involved in the NN-mediated longevity-promoting effect.
研究领域:
老年学
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分子生物学
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药理学
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