CANCER LETTERS
·
2026
·
IF 11.8
Jie Wang,Huihao Ma,Baozhi Feng,Yan Fu,Chunlin Lu,Mingyang Fei,Yuxin Zhang,Bin Dong,Ying Li,Jing Liu
Aldo-keto reductase family 1 member C3 (AKR1C3) is a pivotal metabolic enzyme involved in arachidonic acid (AA) metabolism and cancer metabolic reprogramming, which plays a critical role in the initiation and progression of glioblastoma (GBM). We integrated single-cell and transcriptome data to characterize AA metabolism features in GBM and identify the key gene AKR1C3. Using CCK8 assays, wound-healing assays, transwell assays, and mouse tumor formation experiments, we elucidated the effects of AKR1C3. Dual-luciferase reporter assays and ChIP-PCR experiments were performed to investigate the regulation of transcription factor JUN on AKR1C3 expression. RNA-seq analysis, combined with rescue experiments, demonstrated that AKR1C3 significantly regulates the RhoA/ROCK pathway. Arachidonic acid metabolism is closely associated with clinical outcomes in glioma, with AKR1C3 identified as a key gene within this pathway. AKR1C3 knockdown enhanced tumor cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, whereas AKR1C3 overexpression suppressed these malignant behaviors. In vivo experiments further confirmed the inhibitory effect of AKR1C3 on glioma progression. Dual-luciferase reporter and ChIP-PCR assays demonstrated that JUN acts as an upstream regulator of AKR1C3. ELISA results indicated that AKR1C3 overexpression reduced cellular PGD2 levels. RNA-seq analysis suggested that the RhoA/ROCK pathway was a downstream effector of AKR1C3, and exogenous PGD2 supplementation could reverse AKR1C3-mediated regulation of this pathway. We identified curcumin, a natural product with anti-cancer metabolic regulatory activity, as an upstream modulator that suppresses JUN expression, thereby activating the JUN/AKR1C3 axis and inhibiting malignant phenotypes in GBM cells. JUN/AKR1C3 axis influences glioma progression via modulating PGD2-mediated RhoA/ROCK Signaling.
✓ 已验证
产品关联
DOI
高影响因子
Journal of Translational Medicine
·
2025
·
IF 7.5
Xiaoying Ma,Weibo Shi,Zhen Wang,Shujin Li,Rufei Ma,Weihao Zhu,Lin Wu,Xiaowei Feng,Bin Cong,Yingmin Li
Background Depression is closely associated with stress-induced hippocampal damage and dysfunction. Emerging evidence demonstrates that the gut microbiota and its metabolites, acting as probiotics or prebiotics, can modulate brain structure and function via the gut-brain axis, thereby offering therapeutic potential for ameliorating related neurological and psychiatric disorders. This study delves into the contribution of the gut microbiota and its metabolites to stress-induced ferroptosis of hippocampal neurons and the associated molecular pathways. Methods This study used time-course stress paradigms combined with ferroptosis inhibitors to identify hippocampal neuronal ferroptosis. Fecal microbiota transplantation were conducted to analyze the role of gut microbiota in this process. Subsequently, 16 S rDNA sequencing and metabolomics techniques were applied to identify key gut microbiota and metabolites. Metabolites intervention were performed to examine their causal relationship with neuronal ferroptosis. Finally, we used histochemical and molecular assays to assess both intestinal and blood-brain barrier integrity as well as inflammation in peripheral blood and hippocampal tissue, along with GPR41/RhoA/Rock1 pathway changes, to preliminarily investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying stress-induced hippocampal neuronal ferroptosis. Results We demonstrated that stress triggered hippocampal neuronal ferroptosis and subsequent depressive-like behaviors in mice. Fecal microbiota transplantation successfully replicated the ferroptosis phenotype. Butyric acid and valeric acid were identified as key metabolites significantly reduced in the serum of acutely and chronically stressed mice, respectively. Intervention with these metabolites markedly alleviated ferroptosis. Furthermore, valerate intervention increased hippocampal GPR41 expression and significantly suppressed the pro-inflammatory RhoA/Rock1 pathway in chronically stressed mice, thereby reducing neuroinflammation and ameliorating neuronal ferroptosis. However, butyrate intervention showed no significant effect on the GPR41/RhoA/Rock1 pathway. Conclusion Stress induces ferroptosis in hippocampal neurons, where reduced abundance of short-chain fatty acid-producing bacteria plays a key role. Key metabolites butyric acid and valeric acid alleviate neuroinflammation to improve ferroptosis via the gut-brain axis in acute and chronic stress, respectively. Specifically, valeric acid exerts neuroprotective effect through the GPR41/RhoA/Rock1 pathway, whereas butyric acid-mediated protection likely operates through alternative mechanisms. Graphical abstract Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12967-025-06950-0.
研究领域:
神经科学
·
精神病学
·
微生物学
·
代谢组学
·
药理学
·
分子生物学
✓ 已验证
产品关联
DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
BIOMEDICINE & PHARMACOTHERAPY
·
2018
·
IF 3.457
Lifeng Qin,Jinmei Qin,Xiumei Zhen,Qian Yang,Liyi Huang
The C-X-C motif chemokine 12/C-X-C chemokine receptor type 4 (CXCL12/ CXCR4) biological axis plays an important role in the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis . Curcumin is known to have an anti-fibrosis effect, but the specific mechanism needs to be elucidated. There is currently no evidence illustrating a connection between curcumin and the CXCL12/CXCR4 axis in liver fibrosis . Here, we investigated the contribution of curcumin on CXCL12/ CXCR4 biological axis in liver fibrosis. Our results showed that curcumin remarkably improved hepatic function and liver fibrosis, and the effects are similar as silymarin . The alleviation of liver fibrosis with curcumin treatment was associated with a reduction of CXCL12, CXCR4, α-SMA and RhoA. In addition, curcumin markedly inhibited the proliferation and migration of HSC-T6 cells. This study indicates that curcumin could protect against hepatic stellate cells activation and migration by inhibiting the CXCL12/CXCR4 biological axis in liver fibrosis.
研究领域:
药理学
·
肝病学
·
分子生物学
✓ 已验证
产品关联
DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
Advanced Healthcare Materials
·
2023
·
IF 10
Dengjie Yu,Qingbin Nie,Jiangtao Xue,Ruizeng Luo,Shiwang Xie,Shengyu Chao,Engui Wang,Linlin Xu,Yizhu Shan,Zhuo Liu,Yusheng Li,Zhou Li
Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most prevalent joint degenerative disease characterized by chronic joint inflammation. The pathogenesis of OA has not been fully elucidated yet. Cartilage erosion is the most significant pathological feature in OA, which is considered as the result of the cytomechanical homeostasis destruction. The cytomechanical homeostasis is maintained by the dynamic interaction between cells and the extracellular matrix, which can be reflected by cell traction force (CTF). It is critical to assess the CTF for providing a deeper understanding of the cytomechanical homeostasis destruction and progression in OA. In this study, a silicon nanopillar array (Si-NP) with high spatial resolution and aspect ratio is fabricated to investigate the CTF in response to OA. We discover the CTF is degraded in OA, which is attributed to the F-actin reorganization induced by the activation of RhoA/ROCK signaling pathway. Si-NP also show promising potential as a mechanopharmacological assessment platform for OA drug screening and evaluation. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved
研究领域:
骨科
·
生物力学
·
纳米技术
·
药理学
✓ 已验证
产品关联
DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
WORLD JOURNAL OF GASTROENTEROLOGY
·
2021
·
IF 5.742
Qiu-Ju Han,Yong-Liang Mu,Hua-Jun Zhao,Rong-Rong Zhao,Quan-Juan Guo,Yu-Hang Su,Jian Zhang
BACKGROUND Fasudil, as a Ras homology family member A (RhoA) kinase inhibitor, is used to improve brain microcirculation and promote nerve regeneration clinically. Increasing evidence shows that Rho-kinase inhibition could improve liver fibrosis. AIM To evaluate the anti-fibrotic effects of Fasudil in a mouse model of liver fibrosis induced by thioacetamide (TAA). METHODS C57BL/6 mice were administered TAA once every 3 d for 12 times. At 1 wk after induction with TAA, Fasudil was intraperitoneally injected once a day for 3 wk, followed by hematoxylin and eosin staining, sirius red staining, western blotting, and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), and immune cell activation was assayed by fluorescence-activated cell sorting. Furthermore, the effects of Fasudil on hepatic stellate cells and natural killer (NK) cells were assayed in vitro . RESULTS First, we found that TAA-induced liver injury was protected, and the positive area of sirius red staining and type I collagen deposition were significantly decreased by Fasudil treatment. Furthermore, western blot and qPCR assays showed that the levels of alpha smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP-2), MMP-9, and transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1) were inhibited by Fasudil. Moreover, flow cytometry analysis revealed that NK cells were activated by Fasudil treatment in vivo and in vitro . Furthermore, Fasudil directly promoted the apoptosis and inhibited the proliferation of hepatic stellate cells by decreasing α-SMA and TGF-β1. CONCLUSION Fasudil inhibits liver fibrosis by activating NK cells and blocking hepatic stellate cell activation, thereby providing a feasible solution for the clinical treatment of liver fibrosis.
研究领域:
药理学
·
肝病学
·
免疫学
✓ 已验证
产品关联
DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
Computational and Mathematical Methods in Medicine
·
2022
·
IF 2.809
Zhulin Wu,Jianyuan Kang,Wanjun Tan,Chunshan Wei,Li He,Xiaoyan Jiang,Lisheng Peng
Objective. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is an important part of the comprehensive treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and Chinese materia medica formulas with the effect of “Yiqi Jianpi” (replenishing qi and strengthening spleen) or “Jiedu” (removing toxicity) have been proved to be effective in treating HCC. However, mechanisms of these formulas in treating HCC remain unclear. In this paper, our goal is to explore the antitumor activity and its molecular mechanisms of Yiqi Jianpi Jiedu (YQJPJD) formula against HCC. Methods. The bioactive ingredients and targets of YQJPJD formula and HCC targets were screened by five Chinese materia medicas and two disease databases, respectively. The network pharmacology was utilized to construct the relationship network between YQJPJD formula and HCC, and the mechanisms were predicted by the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network, pathway enrichment analysis, bioinformatics, and molecular docking. Numerous in vitro assays were performed to verify the effect of YQJPJD formula on HCC cells, cancer-associated targets, and PI3K/Akt pathway. Results. The network relationship between YQJPJD formula and HCC suggested that YQJPJD formula mainly regulated the potential therapeutic targets of HCC by several key bioactive ingredients (e.g., quercetin, luteolin, baicalein, and wogonin). PPI network, bioinformatics, and molecular docking analyses displayed that YQJPJD formula may play an anti-HCC effect through key targets such as MAPK3, RAC1, and RHOA. Additionally, pathway analysis demonstrated that YQJPJD formula could play an anti-HCC effect via multiple pathways (e.g., PI3K-Akt and hepatitis B). Experimental results showed that YQJPJD formula could effectively inhibit the proliferation, migration, and invasion of HCC cells and promote HCC cell apoptosis in a concentration-dependent manner. Moreover, YQJPJD formula could decrease the mRNA expression of β-catenin, MAPK3, and RHOA and the protein expression of phosphorylated PI3K and Akt. Conclusion. YQJPJD formula mainly exerts its anti-HCC effect through multiple bioactive ingredients represented by quercetin, as well as multiple pathways and targets represented by PI3K/Akt pathway, β-catenin, MAPK3, and RHOA.
研究领域:
药理学
·
肿瘤学
·
中医药
·
分子生物学
·
生物信息学
✓ 已验证
产品关联
DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
ACS Chemical Neuroscience
·
2021
·
IF 4.418
Yang Zhang,Kexin Li,Xiangyi Wang,Yanyu Ding,Zhiruo Ren,Jinglong Fang,Tao Sun,Yan Guo,Zhiwu Chen,Jiyue Wen
The effect of cystathionine-γ-lyase (CSE)-derived hydrogen sulfide (H2S) on the reactive proliferation of astrocytes and neural functional recovery over 30 d after acute cerebral ischemia and reperfusion (I/R) was determined by applying wild-type (WT) and CSE knockout (KO) mice. The changes of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) expression in hippocampal tissues was tested. Besides, we assessed the changes of mice spatial learning memory ability, neuronal damage, RhoA, Rho kinase 2 (ROCK2), and myelin basic protein (MBP) expressions in hippocampal tissues. The results revealed that cerebral I/R resulted in obvious increase of GFAP expression in hippocampal tissues. Besides, we found the neuronal damage, learning, and memory deficits of mice induced by cerebral I/R as well as revealed the upregulation of RhoA and ROCK2 expressions and reduced MBP expression in hipppcampal tissues of mice following cerebral I/R. Not surprisingly, the GFAP expression and cerebral injury as well as the upregulation of the RhoA/ROCK2 pathway were more remarkable in CSE KO mice, compared with those in WT mice over 30 d following acute cerebral I/R, which could be blocked by NaHS treatment, a donor of exogenous H2S. In addition, the ROCK inhibitor Fasudil also inhibited the reactive proliferation of astrocytes and ameliorated the recovery of neuronal function over 30 d after cerebral I/R. For the purpose of further confirmation of the role of H2S on the astrocytes proliferation following cerebral I/R, the immunofluorescence double staining: bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) and GFAP was evaluated. There was a marked upregulation of BrdU-labeled cells coexpressed with GFAP in hippocampal tissues at 30 d after acute cerebral I/R; however, the increment of astrocytes proliferation could be ameliorated by both NaHS and Fasudil. These findings indicated that CSE-derived H2S could inhibit the reactive proliferation of astrocytes and promote the recovery of mice neural functional deficits induced by a cerebral I/R injury via inhibition of the RhoA/ROCK2 signal pathway.
研究领域:
神经科学
·
药理学
·
分子生物学
·
细胞生物学
✓ 已验证
DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
BIOMATERIALS
·
2024
·
IF 12.8
Tao Song,Fengxin Zhao,Ling Yan,Puxin Liu,Jirong Yang,Changshun Ruan,Dongxiao Li,Yumei Xiao,Xingdong Zhang
Injectable hydrogels are promising for treatment of bone defects in clinic owing to their minimally invasive procedure. Currently, there is limited emphasis on how to utilize injectable hydrogels to mobilize body's regenerative potential for enhancing bone regeneration. Herein, an injectable bone-mimicking hydrogel (BMH) scaffold assembled from nanocomposite microgel building blocks was developed, in which a highly interconnected microporous structure and an inorganic/organic (methacrylated hydroxyapatite and methacrylated gelatin) interweaved nano structure were well-designed. Compared with hydrogels lacking micro-nano structures or only showing microporous structure, the BMH scaffold enhanced the ingrowth of vessels and promoted the formation of dense cellular networks (including stem cells and M2 macrophages), across the entire scaffold at early stage after subcutaneous implantation. Moreover, the BMH scaffold could not only directly trigger osteogenic differentiation of the infiltrated stem cells, but also provided an instructive osteo-immune microenvironment by inducing macrophages into M2 phenotype. Mechanistically, our results reveal that the nano-rough structure of the BMH plays an essential role in inducing macrophage M2 polarization through activating mechanotransduction related RhoA/ROCK2 pathway. Overall, this work offers an injectable hydrogel with micro-nano structure driven bio-responsive abilities, highlighting harnessing body's inherent regenerative potential to realize bone regeneration.
研究领域:
生物材料
·
组织工程
·
再生医学
·
生物医学工程
✓ 已验证
产品关联
DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
·
2020
·
IF 8.758
Chao Liu,Mouyuan Sun,Yu Wang,Tianer Zhu,Guanchen Ye,Dongqi You,Lingqing Dong,Wenquan Zhao,Kui Cheng,Wenjian Weng,Yu Shrike Zhang,Mengfei Yu,Huiming Wang
Titanium dioxide (TiO2) photofunctionalization has been demonstrated as an effective surface modification method for the osseointegration of implants. However, the insufficient understanding of the mechanism underlying photofunctionalization limits its clinical applications. Here, we report an ultraviolet (UV) radiant energy-dependent functionalization on TiO2 nanodots (TN) surfaces. We found the cell adhesion, proliferation, and osteogenic differentiation gradually increased with the accumulation of UV radiant energy (URE). The optimal functionalizing treatment energy was found to be 2000 mJ/cm2, which could regulate cell-specific behaviors on TN surfaces. The enhanced cell behaviors were regulated by the adsorption and functional site exposure of the extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins, which were the result of the surface physicochemical changes induced by the URE. The correlation between the URE and the reconstruction of surface hydroxyl groups was considered as an alternative mechanism of this energy-dependent functionalization. We also demonstrated the synergistic effects of FAK-RHOA and ERK1/2 signaling pathways on mediating the URE-dependent cell behaviors. Overall, this study provides a novel insight into the mechanisms of photofunctionalization, guiding the design of implants and the clinical practice of photofunctionalization.
研究领域:
材料科学
·
生物材料
·
生物医学工程
·
细胞生物学
✓ 已验证
DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
CELLULAR PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY
·
2016
·Vol. 39
·期 4
·1391-1403
·
IF 4.652
Zhang Lei,Jiang Guoliang,Zhao Xueling,Gong Yuekun
Background/Aims: We investigated the role of dimethyloxalylglycine (DMOG) in bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell (BMSC) osteogenesis mediated by RhoA/ROCK. Methods: BMSCs were cultured with and without DMOG and/or Y-27632 (ROCK1 inhibitor). Cell proliferation, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels, and calcium deposits were determined. The expression of Runx2, OSX, p-cofilin, RhoA, and GTP-bound RhoA was determined by real-time RT-PCR and Western blot. Rho-associated coiled-coil-containing protein kinase (ROCK) activity was determined by measuring the phosphorylation of myosin-binding subunit of myosin phosphatase using an ELISA kit. Actin morphology was observed by immunofluorescence. Results: After 24 h, DMOG (0.5 mM) increased the expression of GTP-bound RhoA (+141%, P < 0.001) and enhanced ROCK activity (315%, P < 0.001). DMOG (0.5 mM) enhanced ALP levels after 3, 7, and 21 days of osteogenic induction (all P < 0.001) and strengthened calcium deposition (P < 0.001). In addition, compared with controls, DMOG (0.5 mM) increased the mRNA levels of osteogenesis genes RUNX2 and OSX (all P < 0.001). Furthermore, compared with controls, DMOG increased the expression of p-cofilin (+57%, P < 0.001), which resulted in rearrangement of actin filaments. All these effects were abolished, at least in part, by Y-27632. Conclusion: DMOG promotes BMSC osteogenic differentiation via activation of RhoA/ROCK, suggesting clues for future therapies using BMSCs
研究领域:
干细胞生物学
·
骨骼生物学
·
细胞信号传导
·
分子生物学
✓ 已验证
产品关联
DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
·
2025
·
IF 19
Genjiang Zheng,Chen Yang,Wei Yu,Ye Tian,Zeng Xu,Jia Liu,Shatong He,Yunhao Wang,Zhihao Yue,Xiaodong Wu,Hongyu Zhou,Bo Hu,Wei-En Yuan,Huajiang Chen
Paralysis resulting from spinal cord injury (SCI) arises from the limited regenerative capacity of axons. Mechanical factors have recently emerged as crucial regulators of axon regeneration, complementing or even surpassing chemical cues. In this study, we demonstrated that extracellular matrix stiffness, a key mechanical signal, not only modulated the regenerative capacity of neuronal axons in spinal cord with aging, but significantly fine-tuned axon pathfinding through negative-durotaxis pattern. So, it is imperative to develop a scaffold with biomimetic mechanical guidance properties to promote neural axon regeneration after SCI. Strikingly, inspired by the robust adhesive mechanism of mussels, we developed a facile strategy to synthesize catechol-modified HAMA hydrogel (HAMA@CA) that mimics native spinal cord tissue properties, effectively modulates the biomechanical microenvironment, enhances tissue–implant adhesion, and ultimately promotes spinal cord integration after SCI. Mechanistically, HAMA@CA hydrogel regulates neuronal axon pathfinding following a negative durotaxis pattern, coinciding with changes in mechanosensitive signaling and actomyosin contractility via the Piezo1/RhoA/MLC pathway. RNA-seq analysis also confirms mechanical-mediated SCI repairing by HAMA@CA. These results demonstrates that HAMA@CA rationally combined with mechanical and biochemical cues create promising tissue-engineered strategies to facilitate the repair of SCI. This innovative strategy holds significant promise for future clinical applications in the field.
研究领域:
神经科学
·
生物医学工程
·
组织工程
·
机械生物学
·
再生医学
✓ 已验证
产品关联
DOI
高影响因子
CELL
·
2022
·
IF 66.85
Shu-Hsien Sheu,Srigokul Upadhyayula,Vincent Dupuy,Song Pang,Fei Deng,Jinxia Wan,Deepika Walpita,H. Amalia Pasolli,Justin Houser,Silvia Sanchez-Martinez,Sebastian E. Brauchi,Sambashiva Banala,Melanie Freeman,C. Shan Xu,Tom Kirchhausen,Harald F. Hess,Luke Lavis,Yulong Li,Séverine Chaumont-Dubel,David E. Clapham
Summary Chemical synapses between axons and dendrites mediate neuronal intercellular communication. Here, we describe a synapse between axons and primary cilia: the axo-ciliary synapse. Using enhanced focused ion beam-scanning electron microscopy on samples with optimally preserved ultrastructure, we discovered synapses between brainstem serotonergic axons and the primary cilia of hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons. Functionally, these cilia are enriched in a ciliary-restricted serotonin receptor, the 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor 6 (5-HTR6). Using a cilia-targeted serotonin sensor, we show that opto- and chemogenetic stimulation of serotonergic axons releases serotonin onto cilia. Ciliary 5-HTR6 stimulation activates a non-canonical G αq/11 -RhoA pathway, which modulates nuclear actin and increases histone acetylation and chromatin accessibility. Ablation of this pathway reduces chromatin accessibility in CA1 pyramidal neurons. As a signaling apparatus with proximity to the nucleus, axo-ciliary synapses short circuit neurotransmission to alter the postsynaptic neuron’s epigenetic state.
研究领域:
神经科学
·
细胞生物学
·
分子生物学
✓ 已验证
DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
危险品化学品经营许可证（带存储）