scholarly journals Distinct Signaling Functions of Rap1 Isoforms in NO Release From Endothelium

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ramoji Kosuru ◽  
Bandana Singh ◽  
Sribalaji Lakshmikanthan ◽  
Yoshinori Nishijima ◽  
Jeannette Vasquez-Vivar ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Endothelial Dysfunction ◽  
Endothelial Function ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Ex Vivo ◽  
Small Gtpase ◽  
Akt Activation ◽  
Enos Phosphorylation ◽  
No Release ◽  
Combined Deficiency

Small GTPase Rap1 plays a prominent role in endothelial cell (EC) homeostasis by promoting NO release. Endothelial deletion of the two highly homologous Rap1 isoforms, Rap1A and Rap1B, leads to endothelial dysfunction ex vivo and hypertension in vivo. Mechanistically, we showed that Rap1B promotes NO release in response to shear flow by promoting mechanosensing complex formation involving VEGFR2 and Akt activation. However, the specific contribution of the Rap1A isoform to NO release and the underlying molecular mechanisms through which the two Rap1 isoforms control endothelial function are unknown. Here, we demonstrate that endothelial dysfunction resulting from knockout of both Rap1A and Rap1B isoforms is ameliorated by exogenous L-Arg administration to rescue NO-dependent vasorelaxation and blood pressure. We confirmed that Rap1B is rapidly activated in response to agonists that trigger eNOS activation, and its deletion in ECs attenuates eNOS activation, as detected by decreased Ser1177 phosphorylation. Somewhat surprising was the finding that EC deletion of Rap1A does not lead to impaired agonist-induced vasorelaxation ex vivo. Mechanistically, the deletion of Rap1A led to elevated eNOS phosphorylation both at the inhibitory, T495, and the activating Ser1177 residues. These findings indicate that the two Rap1 isoforms act via distinct signaling pathways: while Rap1B directly positively regulates eNOS activation, Rap1A prevents negative regulation of eNOS. Notably, the combined deficiency of Rap1A and Rap1B has a severe effect on eNOS activity and NO release with an in vivo impact on endothelial function and vascular homeostasis.

Abstract 15112: NADPH Oxidase 4 Protects Against Development of Endothelial Dysfunction and Atherosclerosis in LDL Receptor Deficient Mice

Circulation ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 132 (suppl_3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Heike Langbein ◽  
Coy Brunssen ◽  
Anja Hofmann ◽  
Peter Cimalla ◽  
Stefan R Bornstein ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Endothelial Dysfunction ◽  
Nadph Oxidase ◽  
Endothelial Function ◽  
Ex Vivo ◽  
Density Lipoprotein ◽  
Plaque Burden ◽  
H2o2 Production ◽  
Physiological Conditions ◽  
Nadph Oxidase 4

Introduction: Endothelial dysfunction is an early step in the development of atherosclerosis. Increased formation of superoxide anions by NADPH oxidase Nox1, 2 and 5 reduce NO availability and can promote endothelial dysfunction. In contrast, recent evidence supports a vasoprotective role of H2O2 produced by main endothelial isoform Nox4. Therefore, we assessed the hypothesis genetic deletion of Nox4 influences endothelial dysfunction and atherosclerosis in the low-density lipoprotein receptor (Ldlr) knockout model. Methods and Results: Ex vivo analysis of endothelial function by Mulvany myograph showed impaired endothelial function in thoracic aorta of Nox4-/-/Ldlr-/- mice. Further progression of endothelial dysfunction by high-fat diet increased atherosclerotic plaque burden and galectin-3 staining in Nox4-/-/Ldlr-/- mice compared to Ldlr-/- mice. In addition, we obtained evidence that under physiological conditions the loss of Nox4-derived H2O2 production could partially be compensated by nNOS upregulation. Using a self-developed optical coherence tomography device we were able to analyse endothelial function by flow-mediated vasodilation in the murine saphenous artery in vivo. This new approach observed an altered flow-mediated dilation in Nox4-/- mice, indicating a role for Nox4 under physiological conditions in vivo likewise. Conclusion: Nox4 plays an important role under physiological and pathological conditions to maintain endothelial function. Loss of Nox4-derived H2O2 could partially be compensated by nNOS upregulation, but severe endothelial dysfunction is not reversible. This leads to increased atherosclerosis under atherosclerotic prone conditions.

scholarly journals RETRACTED ARTICLE: Tert-butylhydroquinone lowers blood pressure in AngII-induced hypertension in mice via proteasome-PTEN-Akt-eNOS pathway

2016 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Bing-Can Xu ◽  
Hui-Bao Long ◽  
Ke-Qin Luo
Keyword(s):  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Ex Vivo ◽  
Umbilical Vein ◽  
26S Proteasome ◽  
No Production ◽  
Akt Phosphorylation ◽  
Enos Phosphorylation ◽  
No Release ◽  
Induced Hypertension

Abstract Tert-butylhydroquinone (tBHQ), as an antioxidant, has been widely used for many years to prevent oxidization of food products. The aim of this study was to investigate whether tBHQ activates endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) to prevent endothelial dysfunction and lower blood pressure. The role of Akt in tBHQ-induced eNOS phosphorylation was examined in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) or in mice. tBHQ treatment of HUVEC increased both Akt-Ser473 phosphorylation, accompanied with increased eNOS-Ser1177 phosphorylation and NO release. Mechanically, pharmacologic or genetic inhibition of Akt abolished tBHQ-enhanced NO release and eNOS phosphorylation in HUVEC. Gain-function of PTEN or inhibition of 26S proteasome abolished tBHQ-enhanced Akt phosphorylation in HUVEC. Ex vivo analysis indicated that tBHQ improved Ach-induced endothelium-dependent relaxation in LPC-treated mice aortic arteries, which were abolished by inhibition of Akt or eNOS. In animal study, administration of tBHQ significantly increased eNOS-Ser1177 phosphorylation and acetylcholine-induced vasorelaxation and lowered AngII-induced hypertension in wildtype mice, but not in mice deficient of Akt or eNOS. In conclusion, tBHQ via proteasome-dependent degradation of PTEN increases Akt phosphorylation, resulting in upregulation of eNOS-derived NO production and consequent improvement of endothelial function in vivo. In this way, tBHQ lowers blood pressure in hypertensive mice.

scholarly journals Demethoxycurcumin Preserves Renovascular Function by Downregulating COX-2 Expression in Hypertension

2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yingjuan Li ◽  
Danyang Tian ◽  
Chunhua Zhu ◽  
Liqun Ren
Keyword(s):  
Angiotensin Ii ◽  
Endothelial Dysfunction ◽  
Endothelial Function ◽  
Ex Vivo ◽  
Umbilical Vein ◽  
Curcuma Longa ◽  
Renal Arteries ◽  
Cox 2 ◽  
Wistar Kyoto

Hypertension-associated endothelial dysfunction is largely due to the exaggerated vasoconstrictor generation by cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). COX-2 is induced under inflammatory condition. Demethoxycurcumin (DMC) is a major component of Curcuma longa L, which possesses anti-inflammatory action. This study aimed to examine whether DMC protects endothelial function in hypertension by modulating COX-2. Changes in isometric tension showed that in vivo and ex vivo treatment with DMC rescued the attenuated endothelium-dependent relaxations (EDRs) and elevated endothelium-dependent contractions (EDCs) in the renal arteries of SHR, which were also corrected by acute usage of the COX-2 inhibitor celecoxib. The restoration of renovascular activity by DMC was accompanied by the normalization of COX-2 expression. The enhanced COX-2 expression observed in the renal arteries of hypertensive patients was suppressed by incubation of excised arteries with DMC for 12 hrs. In the renal arteries of Wistar-Kyoto rats (WKY), DMC prevented the endothelial dysfunction caused by angiotensin II. The reduction in the generation of nitric oxide (NO) and expression of eNOS phosphorylation (Ser1177) in human umbilical vein endothelial cells caused by angiotensin II (Ang II) were restored by DMC or celecoxib. Our findings suggest that DMC may decrease COX-2 expression and improve endothelial function in hypertension.

scholarly journals Downregulation of Erythrocyte miR-210 Induces Endothelial Dysfunction in Type 2 Diabetes

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhichao Zhou ◽  
Aida Collado ◽  
Changyan Sun ◽  
Yahor Tratsiakovich ◽  
Ali Mahdi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Type 2 Diabetes ◽  
Endothelial Cells ◽  
Endothelial Dysfunction ◽  
Endothelial Function ◽  
Ex Vivo ◽  
Tyrosine Phosphatase ◽  
Protective Role ◽  
Diabetic Patients

Red blood cells (RBCs) act as mediators of vascular injury in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). miR-210 plays a protective role in cardiovascular homeostasis and is decreased in whole blood of T2DM mice. We hypothesized that downregulation of RBC miR-210 induces endothelial dysfunction in T2DM. RBCs were co-incubated with arteries and endothelial cells <i>ex vivo</i> and transfused <i>in vivo</i> to identify the role of miR-210 and its target protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) in endothelial dysfunction. RBCs from patients with T2DM (T2DM RBC) and diabetic rodents induced endothelial dysfunction <i>ex vivo</i> and <i>in vivo</i>. miR-210 levels were lower in human T2DM RBC than in RBCs from healthy subjects (H RBC). Transfection of miR-210 in human T2DM RBC rescued endothelial function, whereas miR-210 inhibition in H RBC or RBCs from miR-210 knockout mice impaired endothelial function. Human T2DM RBC decreased miR-210 expression in endothelial cells. miR-210 expression in carotid artery plaques was lower in T2DM patients than in non-diabetic patients. Endothelial dysfunction induced by downregulated RBC miR-210 involved PTP1B and reactive oxygen species. miR-210 mimic attenuated endothelial dysfunction induced by RBCs via downregulating vascular PTP1B and oxidative stress in diabetic mice <i>in vivo</i>. These data reveal that the downregulation of RBC miR-210 is a novel mechanism driving the development of endothelial dysfunction in T2DM.

scholarly journals Hyperglycaemia up-regulates placental growth factor (PlGF) expression and secretion in endothelial cells via suppression of PI3 kinase-Akt signalling and activation of FOXO1

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Samir Sissaoui ◽  
Stuart Egginton ◽  
Ling Ting ◽  
Asif Ahmed ◽  
Peter W. Hewett
Keyword(s):  
Endothelial Cells ◽  
Growth Factor ◽  
Endothelial Dysfunction ◽  
Akt Activation ◽  
Forkhead Box ◽  
Pi3k Activity ◽  
Binding Sequence

AbstractPlacenta growth factor (PlGF) is a pro-inflammatory angiogenic mediator that promotes many pathologies including diabetic complications and atherosclerosis. Widespread endothelial dysfunction precedes the onset of these conditions. As very little is known of the mechanism(s) controlling PlGF expression in pathology we investigated the role of hyperglycaemia in the regulation of PlGF production in endothelial cells. Hyperglycaemia stimulated PlGF secretion in cultured primary endothelial cells, which was suppressed by IGF-1-mediated PI3K/Akt activation. Inhibition of PI3K activity resulted in significant PlGF mRNA up-regulation and protein secretion. Similarly, loss or inhibition of Akt activity significantly increased basal PlGF expression and prevented any further PlGF secretion in hyperglycaemia. Conversely, constitutive Akt activation blocked PlGF secretion irrespective of upstream PI3K activity demonstrating that Akt is a central regulator of PlGF expression. Knock-down of the Forkhead box O-1 (FOXO1) transcription factor, which is negatively regulated by Akt, suppressed both basal and hyperglycaemia-induced PlGF secretion, whilst FOXO1 gain-of-function up-regulated PlGF in vitro and in vivo. FOXO1 association to a FOXO binding sequence identified in the PlGF promoter also increased in hyperglycaemia. This study identifies the PI3K/Akt/FOXO1 signalling axis as a key regulator of PlGF expression and unifying pathway by which PlGF may contribute to common disorders characterised by endothelial dysfunction, providing a target for therapy.

scholarly journals Circulating biologic markers of endothelial dysfunction in cerebral small vessel disease: A review

2015 ◽  
Vol 36 (1) ◽  
pp. 72-94 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Poggesi ◽  
Marco Pasi ◽  
Francesca Pescini ◽  
Leonardo Pantoni ◽  
Domenico Inzitari
Keyword(s):  
Endothelial Dysfunction ◽  
Endothelial Function ◽  
Small Vessel Disease ◽  
Brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging ◽  
Cerebral Small Vessel Disease ◽  
Small Vessel ◽  
Perivascular Spaces ◽  
Vessel Disease ◽  
Brain Changes

The term cerebral small vessel disease (SVD) refers to a group of pathologic processes with various etiologies that affect small arteries, arterioles, venules, and capillaries of the brain. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) correlates of SVD are lacunes, recent small subcortical infarcts, white-matter hyperintensities, enlarged perivascular spaces, microbleeds, and brain atrophy. Endothelial dysfunction is thought to have a role in the mechanisms leading to SVD-related brain changes, and the study of endothelial dysfunction has been proposed as an important step for a better comprehension of cerebral SVD. Among available methods to assess endothelial function in vivo, measurement of molecules of endothelial origin in peripheral blood is currently receiving selective attention. These molecules include products of endothelial cells that change when the endothelium is activated, as well as molecules that reflect endothelial damage and repair. This review examines the main molecular factors involved in both endothelial function and dysfunction, and the evidence linking endothelial dysfunction with cerebral SVD, and gives an overview of clinical studies that have investigated the possible association between endothelial circulating biomarkers and SVD-related brain changes.

scholarly journals Fishing for Targets of Alien Metabolites: A Novel Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor (PPAR) Agonist from a Marine Pest

Marine Drugs ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 16 (11) ◽  
pp. 431 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rosa Vitale ◽  
Enrico D'Aniello ◽  
Stefania Gorbi ◽  
Andrea Martella ◽  
Cristoforo Silvestri ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Native Species ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Ex Vivo ◽  
Invasion Biology ◽  
In Vitro Assays ◽  
Bioactive Metabolites ◽  
Peroxisome Proliferator ◽  
Invasive Pests

Although the chemical warfare between invasive and native species has become a central problem in invasion biology, the molecular mechanisms by which bioactive metabolites from invasive pests influence local communities remain poorly characterized. This study demonstrates that the alkaloid caulerpin (CAU)—a bioactive component of the green alga Caulerpa cylindracea that has invaded the entire Mediterranean basin—is an agonist of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs). Our interdisciplinary study started with the in silico prediction of the ligand-protein interaction, which was then validated by in vivo, ex vivo and in vitro assays. On the basis of these results, we candidate CAU as a causal factor of the metabolic and behavioural disorders observed in Diplodus sargus, a native edible fish of high ecological and commercial relevance, feeding on C. cylindracea. Moreover, given the considerable interest in PPAR activators for the treatment of relevant human diseases, our findings are also discussed in terms of a possible nutraceutical/pharmacological valorisation of the invasive algal biomasses, supporting an innovative strategy for conserving biodiversity as an alternative to unrealistic campaigns for the eradication of invasive pests.

scholarly journals ADP-ribosylation factor–like 4A interacts with Robo1 to promote cell migration by regulating Cdc42 activation

2019 ◽  
Vol 30 (1) ◽  
pp. 69-81 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tsai-Shin Chiang ◽  
Ming-Chieh Lin ◽  
Meng-Chen Tsai ◽  
Chieh-Hsin Chen ◽  
Li-Ting Jang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Migration ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Small Gtpase ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Amino Acid Residues ◽  
Adp Ribosylation ◽  
Promote Cell Migration ◽  
Cytoskeleton Remodeling ◽  
Adp Ribosylation Factor

Cell migration is a highly regulated event that is initiated by cell membrane protrusion and actin reorganization. Robo1, a single-pass transmembrane receptor, is crucial for neuronal guidance and cell migration. ADP-ribosylation factor (Arf)–like 4A (Arl4A), an Arf small GTPase, functions in cell morphology, cell migration, and actin cytoskeleton remodeling; however, the molecular mechanisms of Arl4A in cell migration are unclear. Here, we report that the binding of Arl4A to Robo1 modulates cell migration by promoting Cdc42 activation. We found that Arl4A interacts with Robo1 in a GTP-dependent manner and that the Robo1 amino acid residues 1394–1398 are required for this interaction. The Arl4A-Robo1 interaction is essential for Arl4A-induced cell migration and Cdc42 activation but not for the plasma membrane localization of Robo1. In addition, we show that the binding of Arl4A to Robo1 decreases the association of Robo1 with the Cdc42 GTPase-activating protein srGAP1. Furthermore, Slit2/Robo1 binding down-regulates the Arl4A-Robo1 interaction in vivo, thus attenuating Cdc42-mediated cell migration. Therefore, our study reveals a novel mechanism by which Arl4A participates in Slit2/Robo1 signaling to modulate cell motility by regulating Cdc42 activity.

scholarly journals Small Molecule Screening Identifies Rho-Associate Protein Kinase (ROCK) As a Regulator of NK Cell Cytotoxicity Against Cancer

Blood ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 134 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 3607-3607
Author(s):  
Grace Lee ◽  
Sheela Karunanithi ◽  
Zachary Jackson ◽  
David Wald
Keyword(s):  
Cell Therapy ◽  
Cytotoxic Activity ◽  
Nk Cells ◽  
Nk Cell ◽  
Ex Vivo ◽  
Akt Activation ◽  
Nk Cell Cytotoxicity ◽  
Rock Inhibition ◽  
Nk Cell Therapy

NK cells are a subset of lymphocytes that directly recognize and lyse tumor cells without the limitation of antigen specific receptor recognition. In addition to behaving as cytotoxic effector cells, NK cells unlike T cells are not thought to elicit graft versus host disease. The combination of these characteristics makes NK cells a powerful tool for adoptive cell therapy. Despite the promise of NK cell therapy, key hurdles in achieving significant clinical efficacy include both generating sufficient numbers of highly tumoricidal NK cells and maintaining the cytotoxic activity of these cells in vivo despite the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Our lab and others have developed several feeder cell line-based expansion modules that robustly stimulate the ex vivo proliferation of NK cells. However, strategies to enhance and sustain the activity of NK cells once administered in vivo are still limited. In order to identify strategies to enhance the cytotoxic activity of NK cells, we developed a high-throughput small molecule screen (Figure 1A) that involved a calcein-based cytotoxicity assay of ex vivo expanded and treated NK cells against ovarian cancer cells (OVCAR-3). 20,000 compounds were screened and the screen was found to be highly robust (Z'&gt;0.59). We identified 29 hits that led to at least a 25% increase in cytotoxicity as compared to DMSO control-treated NK cells. One of the most promising hits was the pan-ROCK inhibitor, Y-27632 that led to an 30% increase in NK killing of the OVCAR-3 cells. We validated that ROCK inhibition leads to enhanced NK cell cytotoxic activity using Y-27632 (Figure 1B) as well as other well-established ROCK inhibitors such as Fasudil using a flow cytometry based killing assay. Y-27632 increased NK cell cytotoxicity in a dose- and time- dependent manner. ROCK inhibition consistently led to ~10-25% increase in NK cell cytotoxic activity directed against a variety of ovarian (Figure 1C) and other solid tumor cell lines (Figure 1D). Interestingly, we found that the NK hyperactivation persists for up to 48hrs after washing off the drug that may enable ex vivo stimulation before NK cell infusion. Our preliminary results showed that ROCK inhibition activates PI3K-dependent Akt activation (Figure 1E). We hypothesize that ROCK inhibition restores Akt activation which may be critical for NK cell activating receptor pathways and our current investigations will test these hypotheses. ROCK inhibitors, such as Y-27632 and Fasudil have been utilized in both preclinical and clinical studies for a variety of diseases such as atherosclerosis, neurodegenerative disorders, and ocular diseases. However, the consequences of ROCK inhibition in NK cells has not been thoroughly investigated. Our work shows a promising novel strategy to significantly enhance NK cell therapy against cancer that has high translational potential. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

scholarly journals Microbial enzymes induce colitis by reactivating triclosan in the mouse gastrointestinal tract

2022 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jianan Zhang ◽  
Morgan E. Walker ◽  
Katherine Z. Sanidad ◽  
Hongna Zhang ◽  
Yanshan Liang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gut Microbiota ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Ex Vivo ◽  
Metabolic Activation ◽  
Consumer Products ◽  
Environmental Chemicals ◽  
Intestinal Microbes ◽  
Targeted Inhibition

AbstractEmerging research supports that triclosan (TCS), an antimicrobial agent found in thousands of consumer products, exacerbates colitis and colitis-associated colorectal tumorigenesis in animal models. While the intestinal toxicities of TCS require the presence of gut microbiota, the molecular mechanisms involved have not been defined. Here we show that intestinal commensal microbes mediate metabolic activation of TCS in the colon and drive its gut toxicology. Using a range of in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo approaches, we identify specific microbial β-glucuronidase (GUS) enzymes involved and pinpoint molecular motifs required to metabolically activate TCS in the gut. Finally, we show that targeted inhibition of bacterial GUS enzymes abolishes the colitis-promoting effects of TCS, supporting an essential role of specific microbial proteins in TCS toxicity. Together, our results define a mechanism by which intestinal microbes contribute to the metabolic activation and gut toxicity of TCS, and highlight the importance of considering the contributions of the gut microbiota in evaluating the toxic potential of environmental chemicals.

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