RESUMEN

Plasmodesmata are conduits in plant cell walls that allow neighboring cells to communicate and exchange resources. Despite their central importance to plant development and physiology, our understanding of plasmodesmata is relatively limited compared to other subcellular structures. In recent years, technical advances in electron microscopy, mass spectrometry, and phylogenomics have illuminated the structure, composition, and evolution of plasmodesmata in diverse plant lineages. In parallel, forward genetic screens have revealed key signaling pathways that converge to regulate plasmodesmatal transport, including chloroplast-derived retrograde signaling, phytohormone signaling, and metabolic regulation by the conserved eukaryotic Target of Rapamycin kinase. This review summarizes our current knowledge of the structure, evolution, and regulation of plasmodesmatal transport in plants.

Asunto(s)

Pared Celular , Plantas , Plasmodesmos , Plasmodesmos/metabolismo , Pared Celular/metabolismo , Plantas/metabolismo , Transporte Biológico , Evolución Biológica , Transducción de Señal/fisiología , Comunicación Celular/fisiología

RESUMEN

Intercellular communication is indispensable across multicellular organisms, and any aberration in this process can give rise to significant anomalies in developmental and homeostatic processes. Thus, a comprehensive understanding of its mechanisms is imperative for addressing human health-related concerns. Recent advances have expanded our understanding of intercellular communication by elucidating additional signaling modalities alongside established mechanisms. Notably, cellular protrusion-mediated long-range communication, characterized by physical contact through thin and elongated cellular protrusions between cells involved in signal transmission and reception, has emerged as a significant intercellular signaling paradigm. This chapter delves into the exploration of a signaling cellular protrusion termed 'airinemes,' discovered in the zebrafish skin. It covers their identified signaling roles and the cellular and molecular mechanisms that underpin their functionality.

Asunto(s)

Comunicación Celular , Pez Cebra , Animales , Comunicación Celular/fisiología , Humanos , Transducción de Señal/fisiología

RESUMEN

The landscape of exosome research has undergone a significant paradigm shift, with a departure from early conceptions of exosomes as vehicles for cellular waste disposal towards their recognition as integral components of cellular communication with therapeutic potential. This chapter presents an exhaustive elucidation of exosome biology, detailing the processes of exosome biogenesis, release, and uptake, and their pivotal roles in signal transduction, tissue repair, regeneration, and intercellular communication. Additionally, the chapter highlights recent innovations and anticipates future directions in exosome research, emphasizing their applicability in clinical settings. Exosomes have the unique ability to navigate through tissue spaces to enter the circulatory system, positioning them as key players in tissue repair. Their contributory role in various processes of tissue repair, although in the nascent stages of investigation, stands out as a promising area of research. These vesicles function as a complex signaling network for intracellular and organ-level communication, critical in both pathological and physiological contexts. The chapter further explores the tissue-specific functionality of exosomes and underscores the advancements in methodologies for their isolation and purification, which have been instrumental in expanding the scope of exosome research. The differential cargo profiles of exosomes, dependent on their cellular origin, position them as prospective diagnostic biomarkers for tissue damage and regenerative processes. Looking ahead, the trajectory of exosome research is anticipated to bring transformative changes to biomedical fields. This includes advancing diagnostic and prognostic techniques that utilize exosomes as non-invasive biomarkers for a plethora of diseases, such as cancer, neurodegenerative, and cardiovascular conditions. Additionally, engineering exosomes through alterations of their native content or surface properties presents a novel frontier, including the synthesis of artificial or hybrid variants with enhanced functional properties. Concurrently, the ethical and regulatory frameworks surrounding exosome research, particularly in clinical translation, will require thorough deliberation. In conclusion, the diverse aspects of exosome research are coalescing to redefine the frontiers of diagnostic and therapeutic methodologies, cementing its importance as a discipline of considerable consequence in the biomedical sciences.

Asunto(s)

Comunicación Celular , Exosomas , Exosomas/metabolismo , Humanos , Comunicación Celular/fisiología , Animales , Cicatrización de Heridas/fisiología , Transducción de Señal/fisiología

RESUMEN

This study investigates the intricate mechanisms underlying the correlation between elevated consumption of harmful fats and the onset of kidney malignancies. The rise in global obesity rates has been accompanied by an increased prevalence of renal cancers, prompting an exploration into the molecular pathways and biological processes linking these phenomena. Through an extensive review of current literature and clinical studies, we identify potential key factors contributing to the carcinogenic influence of harmful fats on renal tissues. Our analysis highlights the role of adipose tissue-derived factors, inflammatory mediators, and lipid metabolism dysregulation in fostering a microenvironment conducive to renal tumorigenesis. Furthermore, we delve into the impact of harmful fats on signaling pathways associated with cell proliferation, apoptosis evasion, and angiogenesis within the renal parenchyma. This review underscores the importance of elucidating the molecular intricacies linking lipid metabolism and kidney malignancies, offering a foundation for future research and the development of targeted preventive and therapeutic interventions. The findings discussed herein contribute to our understanding of the complex relationship between lipid mediators and renal cancer, providing a basis for public health strategies aimed at mitigating the impact of harmful fats on kidney health.

Asunto(s)

Carcinoma de Células Renales , Neoplasias Renales , Metabolismo de los Lípidos , Humanos , Neoplasias Renales/metabolismo , Neoplasias Renales/patología , Metabolismo de los Lípidos/fisiología , Carcinoma de Células Renales/metabolismo , Carcinoma de Células Renales/patología , Animales , Transducción de Señal/fisiología , Reprogramación Metabólica

RESUMEN

Parkinson's disease (PD) is characterized by neuroinflammation, progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons, and accumulation of α-synuclein (α-Syn) into insoluble aggregates called Lewy pathology. The Line 61 α-Syn mouse is an established preclinical model of PD; Thy-1 is used to promote human α-Syn expression, and features of sporadic PD develop at 9-18 months of age. To accelerate the PD phenotypes, we injected sonicated human α-Syn preformed fibrils (PFFs) into the striatum, which produced phospho-Syn (p-α-Syn) inclusions in the substantia nigra pars compacta and significantly increased MHC Class II-positive immune cells. Additionally, there was enhanced infiltration and activation of innate and adaptive immune cells in the midbrain. We then used this new model, Line 61-PFF, to investigate the effect of inhibiting the JAK/STAT signaling pathway, which is critical for regulation of innate and adaptive immune responses. After administration of the JAK1/2 inhibitor AZD1480, immunofluorescence staining showed a significant decrease in p-α-Syn inclusions and MHC Class II expression. Flow cytometry showed reduced infiltration of CD4+ T-cells, CD8+ T-cells, CD19+ B-cells, dendritic cells, macrophages, and endogenous microglia into the midbrain. Importantly, single-cell RNA-Sequencing analysis of CD45+ cells from the midbrain identified 9 microglia clusters, 5 monocyte/macrophage (MM) clusters, and 5 T-cell (T) clusters, in which potentially pathogenic MM4 and T3 clusters were associated with neuroinflammatory responses in Line 61-PFF mice. AZD1480 treatment reduced cell numbers and cluster-specific expression of the antigen-presentation genes H2-Eb1, H2-Aa, H2-Ab1, and Cd74 in the MM4 cluster and proinflammatory genes such as Tnf, Il1b, C1qa, and C1qc in the T3 cluster. Together, these results indicate that inhibiting the JAK/STAT pathway suppresses the activation and infiltration of innate and adaptive cells, reducing neuroinflammation in the Line 61-PFF mouse model.

Asunto(s)

Modelos Animales de Enfermedad , Enfermedades Neuroinflamatorias , Enfermedad de Parkinson , Factores de Transcripción STAT , Transducción de Señal , alfa-Sinucleína , Animales , Ratones , Enfermedades Neuroinflamatorias/metabolismo , Enfermedades Neuroinflamatorias/tratamiento farmacológico , alfa-Sinucleína/metabolismo , alfa-Sinucleína/genética , Transducción de Señal/efectos de los fármacos , Transducción de Señal/fisiología , Factores de Transcripción STAT/metabolismo , Factores de Transcripción STAT/antagonistas & inhibidores , Factores de Transcripción STAT/genética , Enfermedad de Parkinson/metabolismo , Enfermedad de Parkinson/patología , Enfermedad de Parkinson/inmunología , Humanos , Ratones Transgénicos , Ratones Endogámicos C57BL , Quinasas Janus/metabolismo , Quinasas Janus/antagonistas & inhibidores , Trastornos Parkinsonianos/metabolismo , Trastornos Parkinsonianos/patología , Trastornos Parkinsonianos/inmunología , Pirimidinas/farmacología

RESUMEN

OBJECTIVE: The E3 ubiquitin ligase is well recognized as a significant contributor to glioblastoma (GBM) progression and has promise as a prospective therapeutic target. This study explores the contribution of E3 ubiquitin ligase RNF122 in the GBM progression and the related molecular mechanisms. METHODS: RNF122 expression levels were evaluated using qRT-PCR, WB, and IHC, while functional assays besides animal experiments were used to assess RNF122's effect on GBM progression. We also tested the RNF122 impact on JAK2/STAT3/c-Myc signaling using WB. RESULTS: RNF122 was upregulated in GBM and correlated to the advanced stage and poor clinical outcomes, representing an independent prognostic factor. Based on functional assays, RNF122 promotes GBM growth and cell cycle, which was validated further in subsequent analyses by JAK2/STAT3/c-Myc pathway activation. Moreover, JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway inhibitor WP1066 can weaken the effect of overexpression RNF122 on promoting GBM progression. CONCLUSION: Our results revealed that RNF122 caused an aggressive phenotype to GBM and was a poor prognosticator; thus, targeting RNF122 may be effectual in GBM treatment.

Asunto(s)

Neoplasias Encefálicas , Glioblastoma , Janus Quinasa 2 , Proteínas Proto-Oncogénicas c-myc , Factor de Transcripción STAT3 , Transducción de Señal , Ubiquitina-Proteína Ligasas , Humanos , Glioblastoma/metabolismo , Glioblastoma/patología , Janus Quinasa 2/metabolismo , Factor de Transcripción STAT3/metabolismo , Ubiquitina-Proteína Ligasas/metabolismo , Ubiquitina-Proteína Ligasas/genética , Proteínas Proto-Oncogénicas c-myc/metabolismo , Proteínas Proto-Oncogénicas c-myc/genética , Transducción de Señal/fisiología , Transducción de Señal/efectos de los fármacos , Masculino , Neoplasias Encefálicas/metabolismo , Neoplasias Encefálicas/patología , Neoplasias Encefálicas/genética , Femenino , Animales , Línea Celular Tumoral , Ratones Desnudos , Persona de Mediana Edad , Ratones , Proliferación Celular/efectos de los fármacos , Proliferación Celular/fisiología , Ratones Endogámicos BALB C , Péptidos y Proteínas de Señalización Intracelular

RESUMEN

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the therapeutic effect and mechanism of Danggui Buxue Tang in the treatment of biceps longus tendon lesions, and to preliminarily explore the relevant factors affecting this injury. METHODS: Using network pharmacology analysis methods, the potential mechanism of Danggui Buxue Tang in treating key lesions of the long head of the biceps brachii muscle was studied. RESULTS: Model analysis revealed 44 protein-protein interactions associated with long head binding. The distribution of 19 strongly correlated targets is Pharmaper>SEA>Stitch>Swiss. Further discovery revealed 17 immune system and inflammation related KEGG pathways with P values less than 0.01. The TNF and sphingolipid signaling pathways are associated with inflammation, while the MAPK signaling pathway is associated with immunity. Finally, it was found that the FoxO and HIF-1 signaling pathways are directly associated with long head restraint injury in the biceps brachii muscle. CONCLUSION: Danggui Buxue Tang inhibits related pathways, regulates the immune system, reduces inflammation, and alleviates disease progression. Danggui Buxue Tang can be an effective choice for treating combined lesions of the long head of the biceps brachii muscle.

Asunto(s)

Medicamentos Herbarios Chinos , Farmacología en Red , Tendinopatía , Farmacología en Red/métodos , Humanos , Medicamentos Herbarios Chinos/farmacología , Medicamentos Herbarios Chinos/uso terapéutico , Tendinopatía/tratamiento farmacológico , Transducción de Señal/efectos de los fármacos , Transducción de Señal/fisiología , Músculo Esquelético/efectos de los fármacos , Músculo Esquelético/metabolismo , Músculo Esquelético/patología , Músculos Isquiosurales/efectos de los fármacos

RESUMEN

Increasing evidences demonstrate the role of sensory innervation in bone metabolism, remodeling and repair, however neurovascular coupling in bone is rarely studied. Using microfluidic devices as an indirect co-culture model to mimic in vitro the physiological scenario of innervation, our group demonstrated that sensory neurons (SNs) were able to regulate the extracellular matrix remodeling by endothelial cells (ECs), in particular through sensory neuropeptides, i.e. calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and substance P (SP). Nonetheless, still little is known about the cell signaling pathways and mechanism of action in neurovascular coupling. Here, in order to characterize the communication between SNs and ECs at molecular level, we evaluated the effect of SNs and the neuropeptides CGRP and SP on ECs. We focused on different pathways known to play a role on endothelial functions: calcium signaling, p38 and Erk1/2; the control of signal propagation through Cx43; and endothelial functions through the production of nitric oxide (NO). The effect of SNs was evaluated on ECs Ca2+ influx, the expression of Cx43, endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and nitric oxide (NO) production, p38, ERK1/2 as well as their phosphorylated forms. In addition, the role of CGRP and SP were either analyzed using respective antagonists in the co-culture model, or by adding directly on the ECs monocultures. We show that capsaicin-stimulated SNs induce increased Ca2+ influx in ECs. SNs stimulate the increase of NO production in ECs, probably involving a decrease in the inhibitory eNOS T495 phosphorylation site. The neuropeptide CGRP, produced by SNs, seems to be one of the mediators of this effect in ECs since NO production is decreased in the presence of CGRP antagonist in the co-culture of ECs and SNs, and increased when ECs are stimulated with synthetic CGRP. Taken together, our results suggest that SNs play an important role in the control of the endothelial cell functions through CGRP production and NO signaling pathway.

Asunto(s)

Péptido Relacionado con Gen de Calcitonina , Células Endoteliales , Óxido Nítrico , Células Receptoras Sensoriales , Transducción de Señal , Sustancia P , Péptido Relacionado con Gen de Calcitonina/metabolismo , Péptido Relacionado con Gen de Calcitonina/farmacología , Sustancia P/farmacología , Sustancia P/metabolismo , Transducción de Señal/fisiología , Transducción de Señal/efectos de los fármacos , Células Endoteliales/efectos de los fármacos , Células Endoteliales/metabolismo , Células Receptoras Sensoriales/efectos de los fármacos , Células Receptoras Sensoriales/metabolismo , Animales , Óxido Nítrico/metabolismo , Técnicas de Cocultivo , Comunicación Celular/fisiología , Comunicación Celular/efectos de los fármacos , Óxido Nítrico Sintasa de Tipo III/metabolismo , Células Cultivadas , Humanos , Ratas

RESUMEN

Throughout development, complex networks of cell signaling pathways drive cellular decision-making across different tissues and contexts. The transforming growth factor ß (TGF-ß) pathways, including the BMP/Smad pathway, play crucial roles in determining cellular responses. However, as the Smad pathway is used reiteratively throughout the life cycle of all animals, its systems-level behavior varies from one context to another, despite the pathway connectivity remaining nearly constant. For instance, some cellular systems require a rapid response, while others require high noise filtering. In this paper, we examine how the BMP-Smad pathway balances trade-offs among three such systems-level behaviors, or "Performance Objectives (POs)": response speed, noise amplification, and the sensitivity of pathway output to receptor input. Using a Smad pathway model fit to human cell data, we show that varying non-conserved parameters (NCPs) such as protein concentrations, the Smad pathway can be tuned to emphasize any of the three POs and that the concentration of nuclear phosphatase has the greatest effect on tuning the POs. However, due to competition among the POs, the pathway cannot simultaneously optimize all three, but at best must balance trade-offs among the POs. We applied the multi-objective optimization concept of the Pareto Front, a widely used concept in economics to identify optimal trade-offs among various requirements. We show that the BMP pathway efficiently balances competing POs across species and is largely Pareto optimal. Our findings reveal that varying the concentration of NCPs allows the Smad signaling pathway to generate a diverse range of POs. This insight identifies how signaling pathways can be optimally tuned for each context.

Asunto(s)

Proteínas Morfogenéticas Óseas , Transducción de Señal , Proteínas Smad , Transducción de Señal/fisiología , Proteínas Morfogenéticas Óseas/metabolismo , Proteínas Morfogenéticas Óseas/genética , Humanos , Proteínas Smad/metabolismo , Modelos Biológicos , Factor de Crecimiento Transformador beta/metabolismo , Animales , Biología de Sistemas/métodos

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: Ischemic stroke leads a primary cause of mortality in human diseases, with a high disability rate worldwide. This study aims to investigate the function of ß-1,4-galactosyltransferase 1 (B4galt1) in mouse brain ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. METHODS: Recombinant human B4galt1 (rh-B4galt1) was intranasally administered to the mice model of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO)/reperfusion. In this study, the impact of rh-B4galt1 on cerebral injury assessed using multiple methods, including the neurological disability status scale, 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC), Nissl and TUNEL staining. This study utilized laser speckle Doppler flowmeter to monitor the cerebral blood flow. Western blotting was performed to assess the protein expression levels, and fluorescence-labeled dihydroethidium method was performed to determine the superoxide anion generation. Assay kits were used for the measurement of iron, malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) levels. RESULTS: We demonstrated that rh-B4galt1 markedly improved neurological function, reduced cerebral infarct volume and preserved the completeness of blood-brain barrier (BBB) for preventing damage. These findings further illustrated that rh-B4galt1 alleviated oxidative stress, lipid peroxidation, as well as iron deposition induced by I/R. The vital role of ferroptosis was proved in brain injury. Furthermore, the rh-B4galt1 could increase the levels of TAZ, Nrf2 and HO-1 after I/R. And TAZ-siRNA and ML385 reversed the neuroprotective effects of rh-B4galt1. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicated that rh-B4galt1 implements neuroprotective effects by modulating ferroptosis, primarily via upregulating TAZ/Nrf2/HO-1 pathway. Thus, B4galt1 could be seen as a promising novel objective for ischemic stroke therapy.

Asunto(s)

Isquemia Encefálica , Ferroptosis , Galactosiltransferasas , Hemo-Oxigenasa 1 , Factor 2 Relacionado con NF-E2 , Transducción de Señal , Animales , Humanos , Masculino , Ratones , Isquemia Encefálica/metabolismo , Isquemia Encefálica/prevención & control , Ferroptosis/efectos de los fármacos , Ferroptosis/fisiología , Galactosiltransferasas/metabolismo , Hemo-Oxigenasa 1/metabolismo , Infarto de la Arteria Cerebral Media , Proteínas de la Membrana , Ratones Endogámicos C57BL , Factor 2 Relacionado con NF-E2/metabolismo , Daño por Reperfusión/prevención & control , Daño por Reperfusión/metabolismo , Daño por Reperfusión/patología , Transducción de Señal/fisiología , Transducción de Señal/efectos de los fármacos , Factores de Transcripción/metabolismo

RESUMEN

Sepsis is a severe medical condition characterized by a systemic inflammatory response, often culminating in multiple organ dysfunction and high mortality rates. In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the pivotal role played by mitochondrial damage in driving the progression of sepsis. Various factors contribute to mitochondrial impairment during sepsis, encompassing mechanisms such as reactive nitrogen/oxygen species generation, mitophagy inhibition, mitochondrial dynamics change, and mitochondrial membrane permeabilization. Damaged mitochondria actively participate in shaping the inflammatory milieu by triggering key signaling pathways, including those mediated by Toll-like receptors, NOD-like receptors, and cyclic GMP-AMP synthase. Consequently, there has been a surge of interest in developing therapeutic strategies targeting mitochondria to mitigate septic pathogenesis. This review aims to delve into the intricate mechanisms underpinning mitochondrial dysfunction during sepsis and its significant impact on immune dysregulation. Moreover, we spotlight promising mitochondria-targeted interventions that have demonstrated therapeutic efficacy in preclinical sepsis models.

Asunto(s)

Mitocondrias , Sepsis , Humanos , Sepsis/fisiopatología , Sepsis/tratamiento farmacológico , Sepsis/terapia , Mitocondrias/metabolismo , Animales , Mitofagia/fisiología , Especies Reactivas de Oxígeno/metabolismo , Transducción de Señal/fisiología

RESUMEN

Sex hormones play a pivotal role as endocrine hormones that exert profound effects on the biological characteristics and vascular function of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). By modulating intracellular signaling pathways, activating nuclear receptors, and regulating gene expression, sex hormones intricately influence the morphology, function, and physiological state of VSMCs, thereby impacting the biological properties of vascular contraction, relaxation, and growth. Increasing evidence suggests that abnormal phenotypic changes in VSMCs contribute to the initiation of vascular diseases, including atherosclerosis. Therefore, understanding the factors governing phenotypic alterations in VSMCs and elucidating the underlying mechanisms can provide crucial insights for refining interventions targeted at vascular diseases. Additionally, the varying levels of different types of sex hormones in the human body, influenced by sex and age, may also affect the phenotypic conversion of VSMCs. This review aims to explore the influence of sex hormones on the phenotypic switching of VSMCs and the development of associated vascular diseases in the human body.

Asunto(s)

Hormonas Esteroides Gonadales , Músculo Liso Vascular , Miocitos del Músculo Liso , Humanos , Hormonas Esteroides Gonadales/fisiología , Hormonas Esteroides Gonadales/farmacología , Miocitos del Músculo Liso/fisiología , Miocitos del Músculo Liso/efectos de los fármacos , Miocitos del Músculo Liso/metabolismo , Animales , Fenotipo , Transducción de Señal/fisiología

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: Myocardial ischemia-reperfusion(I/R)injury constitute the fundamental pathophysiology of acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Ischemic heart releases macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF), which activates MIF- AMPK signaling pathway. Depression is a significant risk factor for AMI. In a state of depression, peripheral expression of cannabinoid receptor 2 (CNR2) genes was downregulated. AIMS: We investigated the mechanism by which depression exacerbates myocardial I/R injury through the CNR2 and MIF-AMPK signaling pathways. METHODS: We established mouse models of depression and myocardial I/R. Left ventricular function was assessed using cardiac ultrasound and TTC staining. The protein levels of myocardial CNR2, MIF, AMPK, and ACC were determined by Western blot, while the expression level of CNR2 was measured using RT-qPCR. Additionally, MIF content in peripheral blood was quantified using ELISA. RESULTS: After I/R, the expression level of CNR2 was found to be lower in the depression group, leading to a deterioration in left heart function. Depressed mice exhibited lower secretion of MIF, accompanied by a decrease in the activation of the MIF-AMPK signaling pathway. However, injection of CNR2 agonist JWH133 prior to ischemia increased the activation of the MIF-AMPK signaling pathway, while CNR2 inhibitor AM630 decreased the activation. LIMITATIONS: Further research is needed to investigate the specific neuroendocrine mechanism affecting myocardial CNR2 expression in depression. And these experimental conclusions require further verification at the cellular level. CONCLUSIONS: The activation of CNR2 in myocardium following I/R is impeded by depression, thereby exacerbating myocardial I/R injury through attenuation of the MIF-AMPK signaling pathway activation.

Asunto(s)

Oxidorreductasas Intramoleculares , Factores Inhibidores de la Migración de Macrófagos , Ratones Endogámicos C57BL , Daño por Reperfusión Miocárdica , Receptor Cannabinoide CB2 , Transducción de Señal , Animales , Factores Inhibidores de la Migración de Macrófagos/genética , Factores Inhibidores de la Migración de Macrófagos/metabolismo , Receptor Cannabinoide CB2/genética , Receptor Cannabinoide CB2/metabolismo , Receptor Cannabinoide CB2/biosíntesis , Ratones , Transducción de Señal/fisiología , Daño por Reperfusión Miocárdica/metabolismo , Daño por Reperfusión Miocárdica/genética , Masculino , Oxidorreductasas Intramoleculares/genética , Oxidorreductasas Intramoleculares/metabolismo , Proteínas Quinasas Activadas por AMP/metabolismo , Depresión/metabolismo , Depresión/etiología , Depresión/genética , Modelos Animales de Enfermedad

RESUMEN

Damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) are endogenous molecules released in tissues upon cellular damage and necrosis, acting to initiate sterile inflammation. Constitutive DAMPs (cDAMPs) have the particularity to be present within the intracellular compartments of healthy cells, where they exert diverse functions such as regulation of gene expression and cellular homeostasis. However, after injury to the central nervous system (CNS), cDAMPs are rapidly released by stressed, damaged or dying neuronal, glial and endothelial cells, and can trigger inflammation without undergoing structural modifications. Several cDAMPs have been described in the injured CNS, such as interleukin (IL)-1α, IL-33, nucleotides (e.g. ATP), and high-mobility group box protein 1. Once in the extracellular milieu, these molecules are recognized by the remaining surviving cells through specific DAMP-sensing receptors, thereby inducing a cascade of molecular events leading to the production and release of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines, as well as cell adhesion molecules. The ensuing immune response is necessary to eliminate cellular debris caused by the injury, allowing for damage containment. However, seeing as some molecules associated with the inflammatory response are toxic to surviving resident CNS cells, secondary damage occurs, aggravating injury and exacerbating neurological and behavioral deficits. Thus, a better understanding of these cDAMPs, as well as their receptors and downstream signaling pathways, could lead to identification of novel therapeutic targets for treating CNS injuries such as SCI, TBI, and stroke. In this review, we summarize the recent literature on cDAMPs, their specific functions, and the therapeutic potential of interfering with cDAMPs or their signaling pathways.

Asunto(s)

Alarminas , Sistema Nervioso Central , Humanos , Alarminas/metabolismo , Animales , Sistema Nervioso Central/metabolismo , Sistema Nervioso Central/lesiones , Inflamación/metabolismo , Citocinas/metabolismo , Proteína HMGB1/metabolismo , Interleucina-33/metabolismo , Interleucina-1alfa/metabolismo , Transducción de Señal/fisiología

RESUMEN

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is associated with a systemic increase in the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-1ß. While transient exposure to low IL-1ß concentrations improves insulin secretion and ß-cell proliferation in pancreatic islets, prolonged exposure leads to impaired insulin secretion and collective ß-cell death. IL-1 is secreted locally by islet-resident macrophages and ß-cells; however, it is unknown if and how the two opposing modes may emerge at single islet level. We investigated the duality of IL-1ß with a quantitative in silico model of the IL-1 regulatory network in pancreatic islets. We find that the network can produce either transient or persistent IL-1 responses when induced by pro-inflammatory and metabolic cues. This suggests that the duality of IL-1 may be regulated at the single islet level. We use two core feedbacks in the IL-1 regulation to explain both modes: First, a fast positive feedback in which IL-1 induces its own production through the IL-1R/IKK/NF-κB pathway. Second, a slow negative feedback where NF-κB upregulates inhibitors acting at different levels along the IL-1R/IKK/NF-κB pathway-IL-1 receptor antagonist and A20, among others. A transient response ensues when the two feedbacks are balanced. When the positive feedback dominates over the negative, islets transit into the persistent inflammation mode. Consistent with several observations, where the size of islets was implicated in its inflammatory state, we find that large islets and islets with high density of IL-1ß amplifying cells are more prone to transit into persistent IL-1ß mode. Our results are likely not limited to IL-1ß but are general for the combined effect of multiple pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines. Generalizing complex regulations in terms of two feedback mechanisms of opposing nature and acting on different time scales provides a number of testable predictions. Taking islet architecture and cellular heterogeneity into consideration, further dynamic monitoring and experimental validation in actual islet samples will be crucial to verify the model predictions and enhance its utility in clinical applications.

Asunto(s)

Diabetes Mellitus Tipo 2 , Inflamación , Interleucina-1beta , Islotes Pancreáticos , Islotes Pancreáticos/metabolismo , Inflamación/metabolismo , Interleucina-1beta/metabolismo , Diabetes Mellitus Tipo 2/metabolismo , Humanos , Modelos Biológicos , Transducción de Señal/fisiología , FN-kappa B/metabolismo , Animales , Simulación por Computador , Retroalimentación Fisiológica/fisiología , Células Secretoras de Insulina/metabolismo

RESUMEN

Compartmentalization of cellular components is critical to the spatiotemporal and environmental regulation of biochemical activities inside a cell, ensures the proper division of cellular labor and resources, and increases the efficiency of metabolic processes. However, compartmentalization also poses a challenge as organelles often need to communicate across these compartments to complete reaction pathways. These communication signals are often critical aspects of the cellular response to changing environmental conditions. A central signaling hub in the cell, the nucleus communicates with mitochondria, lysosomes, the endoplasmic reticulum, and the Golgi body to ensure optimal organellar and cellular performance. Here we review different mechanisms by which these organelles communicate with the nucleus, focusing on anterograde and retrograde signaling of mitochondria, localization-based signaling of lysosomes, the unfolded protein response of the endoplasmic reticulum, and evidence for nucleus-Golgi signaling. We also include a brief overview of some less well-characterized mechanisms of communication between non-nuclear organelles.

Asunto(s)

Núcleo Celular , Orgánulos , Humanos , Animales , Núcleo Celular/metabolismo , Orgánulos/metabolismo , Transducción de Señal/fisiología , Mitocondrias/metabolismo , Mitocondrias/fisiología , Retículo Endoplásmico/metabolismo , Lisosomas/metabolismo , Aparato de Golgi/metabolismo

RESUMEN

AIMS: We aimed to resolve the uncertainty as to whether betulin exerted neuroprotection on early brain injury (EBI) caused by subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), and to investigate the related molecular mechanisms. METHODS: Bioinformatic analysis was performed to pre-study the differently expressed genes (DEGs) and the possible signaling pathways. Rat and cellular model of SAH were introduced in this study, and betulin, an activator of DJ-1 protein, was administered to reveal the effect. Gross assessment regarding mortality, neurofunctions, SAH grade, brain water content (BWC) along with multiple cellular and molecular studies in vivo or/and in vitro such as immunofluorescence (IF) staining, western blot (WB), reactive oxygen species (ROS) assay, and flow cytometry (FCM) were all conducted after SAH induction to verify the protective effect and the relevant mechanisms of DJ-1 in diverse levels. In addition, MK2206 (selective inhibitor of Akt) and iRNADj-1 (interfering RNA to Dj-1) were utilized to confirm the mechanisms of the effect. RESULTS: The data from our study showed that DJ-1 protein was moderately expressed in neurons, microglia, and astrocytes; its level in brain tissue elevated and peaked at 24-72 h after SAH induction. Betulin could efficaciously induce the expression of DJ-1 which in turn activated Akt and Bcl-2, and anti-oxidative enzymes SOD2 and HO-1, functioning to reduce the activation of cleaved caspase-3 (c-Casp-3) and reactive oxygen species (ROS). The induced DJ-1 could upregulate the expression of Nrf2. However, Akt seemed no direct effect on elevating the expression of Nrf2. DJ-1 alone could as well activate Akt-independent antiapoptotic pathway via suppressing the activation of caspase-8 (Casp-8). CONCLUSIONS: Betulin which was a potent agonist of DJ-1 had the ability to induce its expression in brain tissue. DJ-1 had neuroprotective effect on EBI through comprehensive mechanisms, including facilitating intrinsic and extrinsic antiapoptotic pathway, and reducing oxidative injury by upregulating the expression of redox proteins. Betulin as an inexpensive drug showed the potential for SAH treatment.

Asunto(s)

Apoptosis , Factor 2 Relacionado con NF-E2 , Neuronas , Estrés Oxidativo , Proteína Desglicasa DJ-1 , Proteínas Proto-Oncogénicas c-akt , Ratas Sprague-Dawley , Transducción de Señal , Hemorragia Subaracnoidea , Triterpenos , Hemorragia Subaracnoidea/metabolismo , Hemorragia Subaracnoidea/tratamiento farmacológico , Hemorragia Subaracnoidea/patología , Animales , Proteína Desglicasa DJ-1/metabolismo , Factor 2 Relacionado con NF-E2/metabolismo , Ratas , Transducción de Señal/efectos de los fármacos , Transducción de Señal/fisiología , Apoptosis/efectos de los fármacos , Triterpenos/farmacología , Neuronas/efectos de los fármacos , Neuronas/metabolismo , Neuronas/patología , Masculino , Estrés Oxidativo/efectos de los fármacos , Estrés Oxidativo/fisiología , Proteínas Proto-Oncogénicas c-akt/metabolismo , Fármacos Neuroprotectores/farmacología , Especies Reactivas de Oxígeno/metabolismo , Ácido Betulínico

RESUMEN

Xi-Kun Yuan Pin-Shi Ni Zhen-Hao Yan Zhi Yu Zhuang-Zhi Wang Chen-Kai Zhang Fang-Hui Li Xiao-Ming Yu 1Sports Department, Nanjing University of Science and Technology ZiJin College, Nanjing, China, 2School of Sport Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, China, 3Shanghai Seventh People's Hospital, Shanghai, China To investigate the effects of life-long exercise (LLE) on age-related inflammatory cytokines, apoptosis, oxidative stress, ferroptosis markers, and the NRF2/KAEP 1/Klotho pathway in rats. Eight-month-old female Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups: 1) LLE: 18-month LLE training starting at 8 months of age, 2) Old moderate-intensity continuous training (OMICT): 8 months of moderate-intensity continuous training starting at 18 months of age, 3) Adult sedentary (ASED): 8 month-old adult sedentary control group, and 4) Old sedentary (OSED): a 26-month-old sedentary control group. Hematoxylin eosin staining was performed to observe the pathological changes of kidney tissue injury in rats; Masson's staining to observe the deposition of collagen fibers in rat kidney tissues; and western blotting to detect the expression levels of IL-6, IL 1beta, p53, p21, TNF-alpha, GPX4, KAEP 1, NRF2, SLC7A11, and other proteins in kidney tissues. Results: Compared with the ASED group, the OSED group showed significant morphological changes in renal tubules and glomeruli, which were swollen and deformed, with a small number of inflammatory cells infiltrated in the tubules. Compared with the OSED group, the expression levels of inflammation-related proteins such as IL-1beta, IL-6, TNF alpha, and MMP3 were significantly lower in the LLE group. Quantitative immunofluorescence analysis and western blotting revealed that compared with the ASED group, KAEP 1 protein fluorescence intensity and protein expression levels were significantly enhanced, while Klotho and NRF2 protein fluorescence intensity and protein expression levels were reduced in the OSED group. Compared with the OSED group, KAEP 1 protein fluorescence intensity and protein expression levels were reduced in the LLE and OMICT groups. Klotho and KAEP 1 protein expression levels and immunofluorescence intensity were higher in the LLE group than in the OSED group. The expression levels of GPX4 and SLC7A11, two negative marker proteins associated with ferroptosis, were significantly higher in the LLE group than in the OSED group, while the expression of p53 a cellular senescence-associated protein that negatively regulates SLC7A11, and the downstream protein p21 were significantly decreased. LLE may ameliorated aging-induced oxidative stress, inflammatory response, apoptosis, and ferroptosis by regulating Klotho and synergistically activating the NRF2/KAEP 1 pathway. Keywords: Life-long exercise, Moderate intensity continuous training, Aging, Kidney tissue, Ferroptosis.

Asunto(s)

Apoptosis , Ferroptosis , Riñón , Proteínas Klotho , Factor 2 Relacionado con NF-E2 , Estrés Oxidativo , Condicionamiento Físico Animal , Ratas Sprague-Dawley , Animales , Factor 2 Relacionado con NF-E2/metabolismo , Estrés Oxidativo/fisiología , Femenino , Apoptosis/fisiología , Ratas , Ferroptosis/fisiología , Riñón/metabolismo , Riñón/patología , Condicionamiento Físico Animal/fisiología , Envejecimiento/metabolismo , Envejecimiento/patología , Inflamación/metabolismo , Inflamación/patología , Transducción de Señal/fisiología , Glucuronidasa/metabolismo , Biomarcadores/metabolismo

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: Depression is a chronic psychiatric disease of multifactorial etiology, and its pathophysiology is not fully understood. Stress and other chronic inflammatory pathologies are shared risk factors for psychiatric diseases, and comorbidities are features of major depression. Epidemiological evidence suggests that periodontitis, as a source of low-grade chronic systemic inflammation, may be associated with depression, but the underlying mechanisms are not well understood. METHODS: Periodontitis (P) was induced in Wistar: Han rats through oral gavage with the pathogenic bacteria Porphyromonas gingivalis and Fusobacterium nucleatum for 12 weeks, followed by 3 weeks of chronic mild stress (CMS) to induce depressive-like behavior. The following four groups were established (n = 12 rats/group): periodontitis and CMS (P + CMS+), periodontitis without CMS, CMS without periodontitis, and control. The morphology and inflammatory phenotype of microglia in the frontal cortex (FC) were studied using immunofluorescence and bioinformatics tools. The endocannabinoid (EC) signaling and proteins related to synaptic plasticity were analyzed in FC samples using biochemical and immunohistochemical techniques. RESULTS: Ultrastructural and fractal analyses of FC revealed a significant increase in the complexity and heterogeneity of Iba1 + parenchymal microglia in the combined experimental model (P + CMS+) and increased expression of the proinflammatory marker inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), while there were no changes in the expression of cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2). In the FC protein extracts of the P + CMS + animals, there was a decrease in the levels of the EC metabolic enzymes N-acyl phosphatidylethanolamine-specific phospholipase D (NAPE-PLD), diacylglycerol lipase (DAGL), and monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) compared to those in the controls, which extended to protein expression in neurons and in FC extracts of cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) and to the intracellular signaling molecules phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K), protein kinase B (Akt) and extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2). The protein levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and synaptophysin were also lower in P + CMS + animals than in controls. CONCLUSIONS: The combined effects on microglial morphology and inflammatory phenotype, the EC signaling, and proteins related to synaptic plasticity in P + CMS + animals may represent relevant mechanisms explaining the association between periodontitis and depression. These findings highlight potential therapeutic targets that warrant further investigation.

Asunto(s)

Depresión , Endocannabinoides , Microglía , Periodontitis , Ratas Wistar , Transducción de Señal , Animales , Ratas , Endocannabinoides/metabolismo , Microglía/metabolismo , Microglía/patología , Periodontitis/patología , Periodontitis/metabolismo , Transducción de Señal/fisiología , Depresión/metabolismo , Depresión/patología , Masculino , Modelos Animales de Enfermedad , Fenotipo , Inflamación/metabolismo , Inflamación/patología

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) are essential for the maintenance and initiation of male spermatogenesis. Despite the advances in understanding SSC biology in mouse models, the mechanisms underlying human SSC development remain elusive. RESULTS: Here, we analyzed the signaling pathways involved in SSC regulation by testicular somatic cells using single-cell sequencing data (GEO datasets: GSE149512 and GSE112013) and identified that Leydig cells communicate with SSCs through pleiotrophin (PTN) and its receptor syndecan-2 (SDC2). Immunofluorescence, STRING prediction, and protein immunoprecipitation assays confirmed the interaction between PTN and SDC2 in spermatogonia, but their co-localization was observed only in approximately 50% of the cells. The knockdown of SDC2 in human SSC lines impaired cell proliferation, DNA synthesis, and the expression of PLZF, a key marker for SSC self-renewal. Transcriptome analysis revealed that SDC2 knockdown downregulated the expression of GFRA1, a crucial factor for SSC proliferation and self-renewal, and inhibited the HIF-1 signaling pathway. Exogenous PTN rescued the proliferation and GFRA1 expression in SDC2 knockdown SSC lines. In addition, we found downregulation of PTN and SDC2 as well as altered localization in non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) patients, suggesting that downregulation of PTN and SDC2 may be associated with impaired spermatogenesis. CONCLUSIONS: Our results uncover a novel mechanism of human SSC regulation by the testicular microenvironment and suggest a potential therapeutic target for male infertility.

Asunto(s)

Proteínas Portadoras , Proliferación Celular , Citocinas , Receptores del Factor Neurotrófico Derivado de la Línea Celular Glial , Células Intersticiales del Testículo , Sindecano-2 , Masculino , Humanos , Proliferación Celular/fisiología , Células Intersticiales del Testículo/metabolismo , Citocinas/metabolismo , Receptores del Factor Neurotrófico Derivado de la Línea Celular Glial/metabolismo , Receptores del Factor Neurotrófico Derivado de la Línea Celular Glial/genética , Sindecano-2/metabolismo , Sindecano-2/genética , Proteínas Portadoras/metabolismo , Proteínas Portadoras/genética , Supervivencia Celular/fisiología , Espermatogonias/metabolismo , Transducción de Señal/fisiología , Células Madre Germinales Adultas/metabolismo , Células Madre Germinales Adultas/fisiología