scholarly journals The Role of Selected Signaling Pathways and Transcription Factors in Chondrogenesis

Author(s):  
Joseph A. Ayariga

During cartilage development, the lineage commitment and condensation of stem cells into chondrocytes and their differentiation involves a ubiquitous signaling cascades and huge numbers of transcriptional factors. The kinetic requirements and the stoichiometry for the expression of key transcriptional factors are relevant and must be met to form proper and functionally competent cartilage tissue. More interestingly also, an exact and precise spatio-temporal distribution of these molecules are as necessary in the proper tissue morphogenesis and patterning as the relevant physical conditions and micro environmental forces playing at the background during embryogenesis. A milestone of experimental achievements has been obtained over the years on several signaling pathways involved in cartilage development. Several fate determining transcriptional factors has also been investigated and determined with regards to the transition of stem cells (pluripotent, embryonic, etc.) into chondrocytes. These transcriptional factors serve as master controllers in chondrocytes proliferation and hypertrophy. Concerns that variability in signaling and transcriptional factors have detrimental effect on cartilage formation and could potentiate most cartilage related diseases have led most scientists to investigate the role of signaling molecules and transcriptional factors implicated in osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and other cartilage degenerative diseases. On bases of spatio-temporal distribution of transcriptional factors, there exist functional overlaps, hence, it is difficult to draw a hard line of demarcation of roles at each point of the cell’s life, nonetheless, it is also markedly established that some factors are skewed to the chondrocyte’ survival and proliferation, and others known for their master’s role in the cell’s apoptotic, necrotic and senescence. Here we review some published works on selected signaling pathways and transcriptional factors that are preferentially expressed in chondrogenic cells and their role as major players in cartilage formation, cartilage diseases, along with some highlights of unique signaling molecules that are indispensable in cartilage tissue regeneration and management.

Blood ◽  
2008 ◽  
Vol 112 (11) ◽  
pp. 673-673
Author(s):  
Nikolaos Patsoukis ◽  
Esther M Lafuente ◽  
Paul Meraner ◽  
Lequn Li ◽  
David Dombkowski ◽  
...  

Abstract T cell receptor (TCR) ligation induces rapid polarization of the actin cytoskeleton resulting in the formation of the immunological synapse (IS), recruitment of signaling molecules, and initiation of signaling cascades leading to T cell activation. Specific recruitment, redistribution and organization of signaling molecules in the IS is facilitated by lipid raft microdomains, which provide a scaffold for focal protein assembly. Fyn and ZAP-70 are the most proximal TCR signaling molecules that localize in the IS and are redistributed in the lipid rafts during T cell activation. Currently, it is poorly understood how signals originating from the TCR are linked to specific mechanisms that regulate T cell activation. We have identified RIAM, an adaptor molecule that contains a RA (Ras Association) domain, a PH (Plekstrin Homology) domain and proline-rich motifs. RIAM interacts with active GTP-bound Rap1 and with regulators of the actin cytoskeleton Evl, VASP and Profilin. RIAM also interacts with ADAP/SKAP-55 and, thereby, is recruited to the plasma membrane during T cell activation. We have previously determined that, during TCR ligation by antigen, RIAM localizes at the IS and the lipid rafts and serves as a substrate for Fyn and ZAP-70. Because of these properties, we examined whether RIAM might be involved in regulating the molecular and functional outcome of T cell activation. Using RIAM-knock down (KD) T cells in which endogenous RIAM was depleted by siRNA, we determined that RIAM was necessary for IL-2 transcription and RIAM-KD cells had impaired capacity for IL-2 production in response to stimulation with SEE-loaded APC or to TCR/CD3-plus-CD28 crosslinking. However, despite the impaired IL-2 production, analysis of TCR-proximal signaling events did not show impairment of ZAP-70 phosphorylation or formation of the LAT signalosome comprised of phosphorylated PLC-γ1, SLP-76 and Vav1. TCR triggering of both control and RIAM-KD cells also resulted in similar phosphorylation of PLC-γ1. Activation of PLC-γ1 leads to the generation of InsP3 and diacylglycerol from phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate (PtdIns (4,5)P2). InsP3 binds to InsP3 receptors and triggers Ca2+ release from intracellular stores. Strikingly, TCR triggering of RIAM-KD cells resulted in markedly reduced upregulation of InsP3 compared to that in control T cells. Consistent with the defective upregulation of InsP3, calcium flux of RIAM-KD cells was dramatically impaired. This event was due to the impaired InsP3-mediated calcium release from the endoplasmic reticulum and not due to impaired store content or impaired calcium release-activated calcium (CRAC) channel entry as determined by using the Ca2+ ATPase blocker thapsigargin, which resulted in abundant calcium release in RIAM-KD cells. To analyze the consequences of deregulated InsP3 production and to investigate whether RIAM is specifically involved in PLC-γ1-mediated processes we evaluated activation of several signaling events on which PLC-γ1 activation has distinct effects. Whereas activation of the extracellular signal regulated kinases MEK1/2 and Erk1/2 that are PLC-γ1 and Ca2+-dependent, was impaired in the absence of RIAM, activation of p38 and IKK was unaltered compared to control T cells. These results are consistent with a specific role of RIAM in InsP3-mediated Ca2+ release and indicate that deletion of RIAM does not result in a generalized defect in TCR-mediated signaling. Activation of PLC-γ1 at the cell membrane for proper generation of InsP3 requires appropriate docking and positioning of PLC-γ1. For this reason, we examined whether RIAM interacted with PLC-γ1 and regulated its subcellular localization after T cell activation. Detailed analysis by in vivo co-precipitation experiments in cell lysates and by in vitro association assays of purified proteins revealed a direct RIAM-PLC-γ1 interaction that was mediated via the SH3 domain of PLC-γ1. Furthermore, subcellular fractionation into cytoplasmic and cytoskeletal fractions revealed that PLC-γ1 translocated to the cytoskeleton upon T cell activation and this event was abrogated in RIAM-KD cells. These results indicate a novel and unexpected role of RIAM in T cell responses that involves regulation of spatio-temporal distribution and activation of PLC-γ1, leading to generation of InsP3 and Ca2+ mobilization after T cell receptor triggering.


2017 ◽  
Vol 2017 ◽  
pp. 1-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Silvia Anahi Valdés-Rives ◽  
Diana Casique-Aguirre ◽  
Liliana Germán-Castelán ◽  
Marco A. Velasco-Velázquez ◽  
Aliesha González-Arenas

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most hostile type of brain cancer. Its aggressiveness is due to increased invasion, migration, proliferation, angiogenesis, and a decreased apoptosis. In this review, we discuss the role of key regulators of apoptosis in GBM and glioblastoma stem cells. Given their importance in the etiology and pathogenesis of GBM, these signaling molecules may represent potential therapeutic targets.


Author(s):  
Gleb Nikolaevich Zyuz’kov ◽  
Larisa Arkad`evna Miroshnichenko ◽  
Elena Vladislavovna Simanina ◽  
Larisa Alexandrovna Stavrova ◽  
Tatyana Yur`evna Polykova

Abstract Objectives The development of approaches to the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases caused by alcohol abuse by targeted pharmacological regulation of intracellular signaling transduction of progenitor cells of nerve tissue is promising. We studied peculiarities of participation of NF-кB-, сАМР/РКА-, JAKs/STAT3-, ERK1/2-, p38-pathways in the regulation of neural stem cells (NSC) and neuronal-committed progenitors (NCP) in the simulation of ethanol-induced neurodegeneration in vitro and in vivo. Methods In vitro, the role of signaling molecules (NF-кB, сАМР, РКА, JAKs, STAT3, ERK1/2, p38) in realizing the growth potential of neural stem cells (NSC) and neuronal-committed progenitors (NCP) in ethanol-induced neurodegeneration modeled in vitro and in vivo was studied. To do this, the method of the pharmacological blockade with the use of selective inhibitors of individual signaling molecules was used. Results Several of fundamental differences in the role of certain intracellular signaling molecules (SM) in proliferation and specialization of NSC and NCP have been revealed. It has been shown that the effect of ethanol on progenitors is accompanied by the formation of a qualitatively new pattern of signaling pathways. Data have been obtained on the possibility of stimulation of nerve tissue regeneration in ethanol-induced neurodegeneration by NF-кB and STAT3 inhibitors. It has been found that the blockage of these SM stimulates NSC and NCP in conditions of ethanol intoxication and does not have a «negative» effect on the realization of the growth potential of intact progenitors (which will appear de novo during therapy). Conclusions The results may serve as a basis for the development of fundamentally new drugs to the treatment of alcoholic encephalopathy and other diseases of the central nervous system associated with alcohol abuse.


2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sophia K. Theodossiou ◽  
Jett B. Murray ◽  
LeeAnn A. Hold ◽  
Jeff M. Courtright ◽  
Anne M. Carper ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Tissue engineered and regenerative approaches for treating tendon injuries are challenged by the limited information on the cellular signaling pathways driving tenogenic differentiation of stem cells. Members of the transforming growth factor (TGF) β family, particularly TGFβ2, play a role in tenogenesis, which may proceed via Smad-mediated signaling. However, recent evidence suggests some aspects of tenogenesis may be independent of Smad signaling, and other pathways potentially involved in tenogenesis are understudied. Here, we examined the role of Akt/mTORC1/P70S6K signaling in early TGFβ2-induced tenogenesis of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and evaluated TGFβ2-induced tenogenic differentiation when Smad3 is inhibited. Methods Mouse MSCs were treated with TGFβ2 to induce tenogenesis, and Akt or Smad3 signaling was chemically inhibited using the Akt inhibitor, MK-2206, or the Smad3 inhibitor, SIS3. Effects of TGFβ2 alone and in combination with these inhibitors on the activation of Akt signaling and its downstream targets mTOR and P70S6K were quantified using western blot analysis, and cell morphology was assessed using confocal microscopy. Levels of the tendon marker protein, tenomodulin, were also assessed. Results TGFβ2 alone activated Akt signaling during early tenogenic induction. Chemically inhibiting Akt prevented increases in tenomodulin and attenuated tenogenic morphology of the MSCs in response to TGFβ2. Chemically inhibiting Smad3 did not prevent tenogenesis, but appeared to accelerate it. MSCs treated with both TGFβ2 and SIS3 produced significantly higher levels of tenomodulin at 7 days and morphology appeared tenogenic, with localized cell alignment and elongation. Finally, inhibiting Smad3 did not appear to impact Akt signaling, suggesting that Akt may allow TGFβ2-induced tenogenesis to proceed during disruption of Smad3 signaling. Conclusions These findings show that Akt signaling plays a role in TGFβ2-induced tenogenesis and that tenogenesis of MSCs can be initiated by TGFβ2 during disruption of Smad3 signaling. These findings provide new insights into the signaling pathways that regulate tenogenic induction in stem cells.


2011 ◽  
Vol 51 (1) ◽  
pp. 164-170 ◽  
Author(s):  
Meena Jhanwar-Uniyal ◽  
Ladislau Albert ◽  
Elise McKenna ◽  
Michael Karsy ◽  
Priya Rajdev ◽  
...  

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 212-227
Author(s):  
V. V. Povoroznyuk ◽  
N. V. Dedukh ◽  
M. A. Bystrytska ◽  
V. S. Shapovalov

This review provides a rationale for the cellular and molecular mechanisms of bone remodeling stages under physiological conditions and glucocorticoids (GCs) in excess. Remodeling is a synchronous process involving bone resorption and formation, proceeding through stages of: (1) resting bone, (2) activation, (3) bone resorption, (4) reversal, (5) formation, (6) termination. Bone remodeling is strictly controlled by local and systemic regulatory signaling molecules. This review presents current data on the interaction of osteoclasts, osteoblasts and osteocytes in bone remodeling and defines the role of osteoprogenitor cells located above the resorption area in the form of canopies and populating resorption cavities. The signaling pathways of proliferation, differentiation, viability, and cell death during remodeling are presented. The study of signaling pathways is critical to understanding bone remodeling under normal and pathological conditions. The main signaling pathways that control bone resorption and formation are RANK / RANKL / OPG; M-CSF – c-FMS; canonical and non-canonical signaling pathways Wnt; Notch; MARK; TGFβ / SMAD; ephrinB1/ephrinB2 – EphB4, TNFα – TNFβ, and Bim – Bax/Bak. Cytokines, growth factors, prostaglandins, parathyroid hormone, vitamin D, calcitonin, and estrogens also act as regulators of bone remodeling. The role of non-encoding microRNAs and long RNAs in the process of bone cell differentiation has been established. MicroRNAs affect many target genes, have both a repressive effect on bone formation and activate osteoblast differentiation in different ways. Excess of glucocorticoids negatively affects all stages of bone remodeling, disrupts molecular signaling, induces apoptosis of osteocytes and osteoblasts in different ways, and increases the life cycle of osteoclasts. Glucocorticoids disrupt the reversal stage, which is critical for the subsequent stages of remodeling. Negative effects of GCs on signaling molecules of the canonical Wingless (WNT)/β-catenin pathway and other signaling pathways impair osteoblastogenesis. Under the influence of excess glucocorticoids biosynthesis of biologically active growth factors is reduced, which leads to a decrease in the expression by osteoblasts of molecules that form the osteoid. Glucocorticoids stimulate the expression of mineralization inhibitor proteins, osteoid mineralization is delayed, which is accompanied by increased local matrix demineralization. Although many signaling pathways involved in bone resorption and formation have been discovered and described, the temporal and spatial mechanisms of their sequential turn-on and turn-off in cell proliferation and differentiation require additional research.


2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (12) ◽  
pp. 2899 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dong Kyung Sung ◽  
Se In Sung ◽  
So Yoon Ahn ◽  
Yun Sil Chang ◽  
Won Soon Park

We investigated the role of protease-activated receptor (PAR)-mediated signaling pathways in the biogenesis of human umbilical cord blood-derived mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) and the enrichment of their cargo content after thrombin preconditioning. Immunoblot analyses showed that MSCs expressed two PAR subtypes: PAR-1 and PAR-3. Thrombin preconditioning significantly accelerated MSC-derived EV biogenesis more than five-fold and enriched their cargo contents by more than two-fold via activation of Rab5, early endosomal antigen (EEA)-1, and the extracellular signal regulated kinase (ERK)1/2 and AKT signaling pathways. Blockage of PAR-1 with the PAR-1-specific antagonist, SCH79797, significantly suppressed the activation of Rab5, EEA-1, and the ERK1/2 and AKT pathways and subsequently increased EV production and enriched EV cargo contents. Combined blockage of PAR-1 and PAR-3 further and significantly inhibited the activation of Rab5, EEA-1, and the ERK1/2 and AKT pathways, accelerated EV production, and enriched EV cargo contents. In summary, thrombin preconditioning boosted the biogenesis of MSC-derived EVs and enriched their cargo contents largely via PAR-1-mediated pathways and partly via PAR-1-independent, PAR-3-mediated activation of Rab5, EEA-1, and the ERK1/2 and AKT signaling pathways.


Cells ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (8) ◽  
pp. 840 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abdul Khan ◽  
Eiman Ahmed ◽  
Noor Elareer ◽  
Kulsoom Junejo ◽  
Martin Steinhoff ◽  
...  

Recent biomedical discoveries have revolutionized the concept and understanding of carcinogenesis, a complex and multistep phenomenon which involves accretion of genetic, epigenetic, biochemical, and histological changes, with special reference to MicroRNAs (miRNAs) and cancer stem cells (CSCs). miRNAs are small noncoding molecules known to regulate expression of more than 60% of the human genes, and their aberrant expression has been associated with the pathogenesis of human cancers and the regulation of stemness features of CSCs. CSCs are the small population of cells present in human malignancies well-known for cancer resistance, relapse, tumorigenesis, and poor clinical outcome which compels the development of novel and effective therapeutic protocols for better clinical outcome. Interestingly, the role of miRNAs in maintaining and regulating the functioning of CSCs through targeting various oncogenic signaling pathways, such as Notch, wingless (WNT)/β-Catenin, janus kinases/ signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK/STAT), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/ protein kinase B (PI3/AKT), and nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B (NF-kB), is critical and poses a huge challenge to cancer treatment. Based on recent findings, here, we have documented the regulatory action or the underlying mechanisms of how miRNAs affect the signaling pathways attributed to stemness features of CSCs, such as self-renewal, differentiation, epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT), metastasis, resistance and recurrence etc., associated with the pathogenesis of various types of human malignancies including colorectal cancer, lung cancer, breast cancer, head and neck cancer, prostate cancer, liver cancer, etc. We also shed light on the fact that the targeted attenuation of deregulated functioning of miRNA related to stemness in human carcinogenesis could be a viable approach for cancer treatment.


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