TOXICOLOGY AND APPLIED PHARMACOLOGY
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2019
·
IF 3.585
Xue-Ying Wang,Dan Mo,Wen Tian,Xiao-Xiao Liu,Ya-Guang Zhou,Yang Sun,Ying-Da Feng,Xiong Xiao,Xiao-Wei Hao,Hui-Nan Zhang,Chen Li,Wei Cao,Xiao-Qiang Li
Hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction (HPV) can be modulated by Rho/Rho kinase signaling, which can alter HPV vascular function via regulating myosin light chain phosphorylation, in a manner generally believed to be Ca 2+ -independent. We hypothesized that the RhoA/ROCK signaling pathway also can regulate HPV vascular function via a Ca 2+ -dependent mechanism, signaling through the functional transient receptor potential canonical (TRPC) channels. In this study, male BALB/c mice were exposed to normoxic or 10% oxygen (hypoxic) conditions for six weeks, after which systolic pressure and right ventricular hypertrophy were assessed. Transient intracellular calcium was monitored using a fluorescence imaging system. Muscle tension was measured with a contractile force recording system, and protein expression was assessed by immunoblotting . We found that the expressions of RhoA and ROCK were increased in mouse pulmonary arteries (PAs) under conditions of chronic hypoxia . Inhibition of the RhoA/ROCK signaling pathway prevented the development of hypoxic pulmonary hypertension (HPH), as evidenced by significantly reduced PA remodeling and pulmonary vasoconstriction. Immunoblotting results revealed that inhibition of the RhoA/ROCK signaling pathway significantly decreased the expression of HIF-1α. Knockdown of HIF-1α down-regulated the expression and function of the TRPC1 and TRPC6 channels in PASMCs under conditions of hypoxia. Contraction of the PAs and a Ca 2+ influx into PASMCs through either receptor- or store-operated Ca 2+ channels were also increased after hypoxia. However, RhoA/ROCK inhibitors markedly attenuated these changes. These results indicate that inhibition of the RhoA/ROCK signaling pathway ameliorates HPH via HIF-1α-dependent functional TRPCs.
研究领域:
心血管生理学
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分子生物学
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药理学
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DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
CNS Neuroscience & Therapeutics
·
2023
·
IF 5.5
Xin Li,Huimei Shi,Di Zhang,Bei Jing,Zhenni Chen,Yachun Zheng,Shiquan Chang,Li Gao,Guoping Zhao
Background This study aimed to investigate the potential mechanism of paeonol in the treatment of neuropathic pain. Methods Relevant mechanisms were explored through microglial pseudotime analysis and the use of specific inhibitors in cell experiments. In animal experiments, 32 SD rats were randomly divided into the sham operation group, the chronic constrictive injury (CCI) group, the ibuprofen group, and the paeonol group. We performed behavioral testing, ELISA, PCR, Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence analysis. Results The pseudotime analysis of microglia found that RhoA, Rock1, and p38MAPK were highly expressed in activated microglia, and the expression patterns of these genes were consistent with the expression trends of the M1 markers CD32 and CD86. Paeonol decreased the levels of M1 markers (IL1β, iNOS, CD32, IL6) and increased the levels of M2 markers (IL10, CD206, ARG-1) in LPS-induced microglia. The expression of iNOS, IL1β, RhoA, and Rock1 was significantly increased in LPS-treated microglia, while paeonol decreased the expression of these proteins. Thermal hyperalgesia occurred after CCI surgery, and paeonol provided relief. In addition, paeonol decreased the levels of IL1β and IL8 and increased the levels of IL4 and TGF-β in the serum of CCI rats. Paeonol decreased expression levels of M1 markers and increased expression levels of M2 markers in the spinal cord. Paeonol decreased IBA-1, IL1β, RhoA, RhoA-GTP, COX2, Rock1, and p-p38MAPK levels in the spinal dorsal horn. Conclusion Paeonol relieves neuropathic pain by modulating microglial M1 and M2 phenotypes through the RhoA/p38 MAPK pathway.
研究领域:
药理学
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神经科学
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免疫学
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DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
Bioactive Materials
·
2023
·
IF 18.9
Qiji Lu,Jingjing Diao,Yingqu Wang,Jianlang Feng,Fansen Zeng,Yan Yang,Yudi Kuang,Naru Zhao,Yingjun Wang
Bone bionics and structural engineering have sparked a broad interest in optimizing artificial scaffolds for better bone regeneration. However, the mechanism behind scaffold pore morphology-regulated bone regeneration remains unclear, making the structure design of scaffolds for bone repair challenging. To address this issue, we have carefully assessed diverse cell behaviors of bone mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) on the β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) scaffolds with three representative pore morphologies (i.e., cross column, diamond, and gyroid pore unit, respectively). Among the scaffolds, BMSCs on the β-TCP scaffold with diamond pore unit (designated as D-scaffold) demonstrated enhanced cytoskeletal forces, elongated nucleus, faster cell mobility, and better osteogenic differentiation potential (for example, the alkaline phosphatase expression level in D-scaffold were 1.5–2 times higher than other groups). RNA-sequencing analysis and signaling pathway intervention revealed that Ras homolog gene family A (RhoA)/Rho-associated kinase-2 (ROCK2) has in-depth participated in the pore morphology-mediated BMSCs behaviors, indicating an important role of mechanical signaling transduction in scaffold-cell interactions. Finally, femoral condyle defect repair results showed that D-scaffold could effectively promote endogenous bone regeneration, of which the osteogenesis rate was 1.2–1.8 times higher than the other groups. Overall, this work provides insights into pore morphology-mediated bone regeneration mechanisms for developing novel bioadaptive scaffold designs.
研究领域:
生物医学工程
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组织工程
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细胞生物学
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再生医学
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DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
ACTA BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA SINICA
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2022
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IF 3.511
Qinghui Han,Shuguang Wang,Dawei Chen,Di Gan,Tao Wang
Tendon injuries are common clinical issues resulted from tissue overuse and age-related degeneration. Previous sutdies have suggested that exosomes secreted by mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) contribute to tissue injury repair. Here, we provide evidence for a critical role of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell (hucMSC)-derived exosomes in reducing tendon injury by activating the RhoA signaling. Treatment of primary injured tenocytes with hucMSC exosomes increases cell proliferation and invasion, which correlates with increased RhoA activity. RhoA mediates the effects of hucMSC exosomes, as treatment of primary injured tenocytes with the RhoA inhibitor, CCG-1423, abolishes the effects of hucMSC exosomes on cell proliferation and invasion. Mechanistically, we observe that hucMSC exosomes induce the expression of a microRNA, miR-27b-3p, which targets and suppresses ARHGAP5, a negative regulator of RhoA. Consistent with this observation, ARHGAP5 overexpression suppresses the effects of hucMSC exosomes on cell proliferation and invasion, while knockdown of ARHGAP5 rescues these effects. Finally, we demonstrate the functional significance of our findings in vivo using an Achilles tendon injury model and show that treatment with exosomes reduces tendon injury in rats, which correlates with increased RhoA activity and reduced ARHGAP5 expression. Taken together, our findings highlight a critical role of hucMSC exosomes in reducing tendon injury via miR-27b-3p-mediated suppression of ARHGAP5, resulting in RhoA activation, and leading to increased cell proliferation and invasion of primary injured tenocytes.
研究领域:
干细胞生物学
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分子生物学
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再生医学
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骨科
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DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis
·
2024
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IF 6.1
Xuedan Han,Jialei Liu,Yidong Zhang,Eric Tse,Qiyi Yu,Yu Lu,Yi Ma,Lufeng Zheng
Anlotinib has strong antiangiogenic effects and leads to vessel normalization. However, the "window period" characteristic in regulating vessel normalization by anlotinib cannot fully explain the long-term survival benefits achieved through combining it with other drugs. In this study, through RNA sequencing and label-free quantitative proteomics analysis, we discovered that anlotinib regulated the expression of components of the extracellular matrix (ECM), leading to a significant reduction in ECM stiffness. Our bioinformatic analysis revealed a potential positive relationship between the ECM pathway and gefitinib resistance, poor treatment outcomes for programmed death 1 (PD-1) targeting, and unfavourable prognosis following chemotherapy in lung cancer patients. We administered anlotinib in combination with these antitumour drugs and visualized their distribution using fluorescent labelling in various tumour types. Notably, our results demonstrated that anlotinib prolonged the retention time and distribution of antitumour drugs at the tumour site. Moreover, the combination therapy induced notable loosening of the tumour tissue structure. This reduction was associated with decreased interstitial fluid pressure and tumour solid pressure. Additionally, we observed that anlotinib effectively suppressed the RhoA/ROCK signalling pathway. These findings suggest that, in addition to its antiangiogenic and vessel normalization effects, anlotinib can increase the distribution and retention of antitumour drugs in tumours by modulating ECM expression and physical properties through the RhoA/ROCK signalling pathway. These valuable insights contribute to the development of combination therapies aimed at improving tumour targeting in cancer treatment.
研究领域:
肿瘤学
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药理学
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癌症生物学
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分子生物学
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PubMed
高影响因子
JOURNAL OF THROMBOSIS AND THROMBOLYSIS
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2024
·
IF 2.3
He Chengjian,Song Xiaojing,Zhu Zigui,Xiao Yan,Chen Jiacheng,Yao Hongyi,Xie Rongjun
Ghrelin exerts widespread effects in several diseases, but its role and mechanism in Acute Traumatic Coagulopathy (ATC) are largely unknown. The effect of ghrelin on cell proliferation was examined using three assays: 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2-H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT), Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH), and flow cytometry. The barrier function of the endothelial cells was evaluated using the Trans-Endothelial Electrical Resistance (TEER) and the endothelial permeability assay. An ATC mouse model was established to evaluate the in vivo effects of ghrelin. The Ras homolog family member A (RhoA) overexpression plasmid or adenovirus was used to examine the molecular mechanism of ghrelin. Ghrelin enhanced Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells (HUVEC) proliferation and endothelial cell barrier function and inhibited HUVEC permeability damage in vitro. Additionally, ghrelin decreased the activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (aPTT) and Prothrombin Time (PT) in mice blood samples in the ATC mouse model. Ghrelin also improved the pathological alterations in postcava. Mechanistically, ghrelin acts through the RhoA/ Rho-associated Coiled-coil Containing Kinases (ROCK)/ Myosin Light Chain 2 (MLC2) pathway. Furthermore, the protective effects of ghrelin, both in vitro and in vivo, were reversed by RhoA overexpression. Our findings demonstrate that ghrelin may reduce vascular endothelial cell damage and endothelial barrier dysfunction by blocking the RhoA pathway, suggesting that ghrelin may serve as a potential therapeutic target for ATC treatment. Graphical Abstract We explored the effects of ghrelin on coagulopathy and vascular endothelial injury in vivo by establishing an ATC mouse model, and investigated the effects of ghrelin on LPS-induced HUVECs cell damage in vitro. The RhoA overexpression plasmid or adenovirus was used to examine the molecular mechanism. Abbreviations : ATC =acute traumatic coagulopathy; HUVECs =Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells; LPS =lipopolysaccharide; RhoA =The Ras homolog family member A; aPTT =activated partial thromboplastin time; PT =prothrombin time; TEER =trans-endothelial electrical resistance
研究领域:
血液学
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血管生物学
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药理学
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分子生物学
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DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
STAR Protocols
·
2026
·Vol. 7
·期 2
·
IF 1.4
Tin-Yan Koo,Chloe See-Hang Ho,Hillary Yui-Yan Yip,Clive Yik-Sham Chung
Ras homolog family member A (RhoA) is a therapeutic hotspot in many cancers but remains undruggable. Here, we present a protocol for identifying covalent inhibitors targeting RhoA Cys16. We describe steps for the identification of lead compounds by activity-based protein profiling (ABPP) screening and the validation of engagement by mass spectrometry and chemical biology experiments. We then detail procedures for investigating the effects of the compounds on RhoA signaling in cancer cells and mouse colorectal cancer (CRC) models. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Koo et al. 1
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DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
INFLAMMATION
·
2025
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IF 5
Li Ying,Wang Lei,Guan Tianyue,Chen Yaru,Zhu Wenting,Liu Xiao,Li Yusa,Huang Hongyu,Dong Zibo,Zhang Honggang
Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a major complication of diabetes, characterized by myocardial inflammation, oxidative stress, fibrosis, apoptosis, and RhoA activation, ultimately leading to heart failure. This study aimed to evaluate whether higenamine hydrochloride (HGN), a natural alkaloid with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, could alleviate DCM and elucidate its underlying mechanisms. A DCM model was established via streptozotocin injection in mice, followed by HGN administration. Fasudil, a RhoA inhibitor, was used to assess pathway involvement. Histology, biochemical assays, flow cytometry, immunoblotting, ELISA, and qPCR were employed for evaluation. Results showed that HGN effectively alleviated cardiac histological abnormalities and myocardial injury in DCM mice. Further analysis revealed that HGN attenuated DCM-induced cardiac inflammation, oxidative stress, fibrosis, and apoptosis ( p < 0.05). In vitro, HGN also reduced high glucose-induced inflammation, oxidative stress, fibrosis, and apoptosis in H9C2 cardiomyocytes ( p < 0.05). Mechanistically, these protective effects were mediated by inhibition of RhoA, through which HGN suppressed the MEK/ERK signalling pathway, thereby mitigating cardiomyocyte injury ( p < 0.05). However, the RhoA inhibitor fasudil hydrochloride abolished the cardioprotective effects of HGN in DCM mice, specifically, fasudil hydrochloride reversed the HGN-induced improvements in cTnT, CK, and LDH levels. Additionally, echocardiographic parameters (IVSD, LVPWd, LVPWs, LVIDd, LVIDs, IVSs, EF, and FS) were also reversed to levels seen in untreated DCM mice, further confirming that HGN exerts its therapeutic actions via the RhoA/MEK/ERK axis ( p < 0.05). Overall, HGN mitigates cardiac inflammation, oxidative stress, fibrosis, and apoptosis in DCM by inhibiting the MEK/ERK pathway through RhoA. This study provides a scientific basis for developing DCM treatments and highlights the therapeutic potential of HGN. Graphical
研究领域:
心血管研究
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分子生物学
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药理学
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内分泌学
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糖尿病并发症
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DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
Molecular Medicine Reports
·
2021
·Vol. 23
·期 5
·1-9
·
IF 2.952
Yang Yao,Ranyuan Luo,Shu Xiong,Chang Zhang,Yukun Zhang
Intestinal inflammation frequently occurs alongside dysmotility, which is characterized by altered myosin light chain phosphorylation levels. Curcumin, an active component from the ginger family, is reported to confer anti‑inflammatory effects. However, the effects of curcumin on both diarrhea and constipation associated inflammation remains to be elucidated. The present study was designed to investigate the effects of curcumin on diarrhea and constipation and to determine the related mechanisms. Sprague‑Dawley rats were used to establish diarrhea and constipation models via intracolonic acetic acid (4%) instillation or cold water gavage for 2 weeks, respectively. Blood samples were collected to measure the serum levels of the cytokines TNF‑α and IL‑1β using ELISA kits. Western blotting was performed to measure NF‑κB, RhoA, Rho‑related kinase 2, phosphorylated MLC20, phosphorylated myosin phosphorylated target subunit 1, 130k Da‑MLC kinase (MLCK), c‑kit tyrosine kinase protein expression, and reverse transcription‑quantitative PCR was conducted to measure MLCK expression levels. The results indicated that curcumin reversed the elevations in the pro‑inflammatory cytokines IL‑1β and TNF‑α by inhibiting the NF‑κB pathway in rats with diarrhea and constipation. The results also indicated that myosin light chain (MLC) phosphorylation in intestinal smooth muscle was positively and negatively associated with the motility of inflammation‑related diarrhea and constipation in rats, respectively. Curcumin significantly reversed the increased MLC phosphorylation in the jejunum of the rats with diarrhea, significantly enhanced the reductions in inflammatory mediators, including TNF‑α and IL‑1β, of rats with constipation and significantly ameliorated the related hyper‑motility and hypo‑motility in rats with both diarrhea and constipation. In conclusion, the potential roles of the MLC kinase, c‑kit tyrosine and Rho A/Rho‑associated kinase 2 pathways, which are involved in curcumin‑induced amelioration of inflammation‑related diarrhea and constipation, were explored in the present study. Results from the present study suggested that curcumin has potential therapeutic value for treating intestinal inflammation and inflammation‑related motility disorders.
研究领域:
药理学
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胃肠病学
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炎症
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DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
MOLECULAR PSYCHIATRY
·
2026
·
IF 10.4
Liao Kang,Xie Meng,Ibáñez Carlos F.
Therapeutic development in Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) has for the most part been focused on reducing β-amyloid load. Nevertheless, neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs), produced by aggregation of hyper-phosphorylated Tau protein, correlate with neurodegeneration and cognitive impairment significantly better than amyloid accumulation in AD patients. Here we report that P301S mice, a model of Tau-mediated neurodegeneration, carrying mutant variants of the p75 neurotrophin receptor (p75 NTR ) deficient in RhoA/ROCK signaling are protected from neurodegeneration and cognitive impairment. Both p75 ∆DD , lacking the death domain, and triple mutant p75 KKEA , unable to interact with RhoGDI, decreased insoluble Tau species, reduced gliosis, neurodegeneration and synapse loss, and improved spatial learning and memory in P301S mice. Intriguingly, p75 C259A , a variant unresponsive to neurotrophins but still competent for RhoA signaling induced by myelin-derived ligands, did not afford any neuroprotection. P301S neurons expressing p75 ∆DD or p75 KKEA , but not p75 C259A , showed reduced phospho-Tau and ROCK and GSK3β activity, the two main kinases responsible for Tau phosphorylation. In line with this, treatment with myelin-associated glycoprotein (MAG) enhanced Tau phosphorylation and ROCK activity in P301S neurons expressing wild type p75 NTR or p75 C259A , but not p75 ∆DD or p75 KKEA . Together, these results indicate that p75 NTR contributes to AD Tauopathy by enhancing the activity of the RhoA-ROCK pathway.
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高影响因子
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR HISTOLOGY
·
2021
·Vol. 53
·期 1
·119-131
·
IF 2.611
Lin Wei,Chen Zhipeng,Mo Xiaoyi,Zhao Shengli,Wen Zhenxing,Cheung Wing Hoi,Fu Dan,Chen Bailing
The imbalance between osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation of Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) is involved in the occurrence and development of osteoporosis (OP). Previous studies have indicated the potential of phosphatase and actin regulator 1 (Phactr1) in regulating osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation of BMSCs. The present study aims to investigate the function and mechanism of Phactr1 in regulating osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation of BMSCs. Herein, the expression of Phactr1 in bone and adipose tissue of OP rats was determined by immunohistochemical. BMSCs were subjected to osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation, and transfected with Phactr1 overexpression lentivirus, small interference RNA (siRNA) and KD025 (selective ROCK2 inhibitor). The relationship between Phactr1 and ROCK2 was detected by Co-IP experiment. The expression of Phactr1, Runx2, C/EBPα, RhoA and ROCK2 was detected by Western blot. Calcium nodule and lipid droplets were determined by alizarin red and Oil red O staining. Interestingly, Phactr1 increased in both bone and adipose tissue of OP rats. During osteogenic differentiation, Phactr1 decreased and active RhoA, ROCK2 increased, while overexpression Phactr1 inhibits the increase of Runx2. Phactr1 increased and active RhoA decreased, ROCK2 did not changed during adipogenic differentiation. While, Knockdown Phactr1 inhibits the increase of C/EBPα. Phactr1 and ROCK2 were combined in osteogenic differentiation, but not in adipogenic differentiation. By using KD025, the decrease of Phactr1 and increase of Runx2 were inhibited respectively in osteogenic differentiation. Meanwhile, when ROCK2 was inhibited, Phactr1, C/EBPα were significantly increased in adipogenic differentiation. These findings indicated that Phactr1 negatively regulates bone mass by inhibiting osteogenesis and promoting adipogenesis of BMSCs by activating RhoA/ROCK2.
研究领域:
生物学
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医学
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干细胞研究
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骨骼生物学
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DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
GLIA
·
2025
·
IF 5.1
Xinrui Ma,Jingmin Liu,Jiale Cai,Huqian Zheng,Ye He,Shuyi Xu,Haowen Zhang,Jinkun Wen,Xianghai Wang,Jiasong Guo
RhoA is well known as a key molecular switch for cytoskeleton remodeling, and previous studies reveal RhoA plays a pivotal role in Schwann cell myelination which is highly dependent on the dynamics regulation of the actin and microtubule cytoskeleton. Existing evidence indicates RhoA modulates myelination and other biofunctions by targeting actin filament turnover; however, the role of RhoA in microtubule dynamics remains unknown. Herein, Bulk mRNA sequencing and bioinformatic analysis enriched microtubule dynamics-related ontology terms in RhoA knockout Schwann cells, and identified that microtubules contribute to RhoA deficiency-caused hypomyelination. Both in vivo and in vitro experiments demonstrated that genetic ablation or pharmacological inhibition of RhoA attenuates microtubule dynamics in Schwann cells, whereas activated RhoA overexpression or RhoA agonist enhances the microtubule dynamics. RhoA conditional knockout (cKO) in Schwann cells led to hypomyelination, dysmyelination and nerve functional deficits in mice. Mechanistically, the present study identified CDK2 as a crucial mediating molecule for RhoA regulating microtubule dynamics. CDK2 overexpression could reverse the reduced microtubule dynamics, hypomyelination and motor deficits in RhoA cKO mice. Furthermore, RhoA modulating CDK2 is dependent on YAP/TEAD signaling, and the ASPM/p60-Katanin axis mediates the role of CDK2 in controlling microtubule dynamics. Collectively, this study uncovered a novel RhoA/YAP1/TEAD3/CDK2/ASPM/p60-Katanin axis in regulating microtubule dynamics during Schwann cell myelination, which indicates that this pathway may be utilized as new targets for repairing congenital hypomyelination/dysmyelination neuropathy or peripheral nerve injury.
研究领域:
神经科学
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细胞生物学
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分子生物学
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周围神经系统疾病
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信号转导
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产品关联
DOI
PubMed
高影响因子