scholarly journals Molecular Bases of Human Malformation Syndromes Involving the SHH Pathway: GLIA/R Balance and Cardinal Phenotypes

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (23) ◽  
pp. 13060
Author(s):  
Yo Niida ◽  
Sumihito Togi ◽  
Hiroki Ura
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Brain Size ◽  
Balance Model ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Loss Of Function ◽  
Concentration Dependent Manner ◽  
Shh Pathway ◽  
Embryonic Morphogenesis ◽  
Malformation Syndromes ◽  
Molecular Bases

Human hereditary malformation syndromes are caused by mutations in the genes of the signal transduction molecules involved in fetal development. Among them, the Sonic hedgehog (SHH) signaling pathway is the most important, and many syndromes result from its disruption. In this review, we summarize the molecular mechanisms and role in embryonic morphogenesis of the SHH pathway, then classify the phenotype of each malformation syndrome associated with mutations of major molecules in the pathway. The output of the SHH pathway is shown as GLI activity, which is generated by SHH in a concentration-dependent manner, i.e., the sum of activating form of GLI (GLIA) and repressive form of GLI (GLIR). Which gene is mutated and whether the mutation is loss-of-function or gain-of-function determine in which concentration range of SHH the imbalance occurs. In human malformation syndromes, too much or too little GLI activity produces symmetric phenotypes affecting brain size, craniofacial (midface) dysmorphism, and orientation of polydactyly with respect to the axis of the limb. The symptoms of each syndrome can be explained by the GLIA/R balance model.

The Anti-Atherogenic Properties of Sesamin are Mediated via Improved Macrophage Cholesterol Efflux Through PPARγ1-LXRα and MAPK Signaling

2014 ◽  
Vol 84 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 79-91 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amin F. Majdalawieh ◽  
Hyo-Sung Ro
Keyword(s):  
Cholesterol Efflux ◽  
Transcriptional Activity ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Foam Cell ◽  
Mapk Signaling ◽  
Luciferase Reporter ◽  
Foam Cell Formation ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Concentration Dependent Manner ◽  
Macrophage Cholesterol Efflux

Background: Foam cell formation resulting from disrupted macrophage cholesterol efflux, which is triggered by PPARγ1 and LXRα, is a hallmark of atherosclerosis. Sesamin and sesame oil exert anti-atherogenic effects in vivo. However, the exact molecular mechanisms underlying such effects are not fully understood. Aim: This study examines the potential effects of sesamin (0, 25, 50, 75, 100 μM) on PPARγ1 and LXRα expression and transcriptional activity as well as macrophage cholesterol efflux. Methods: PPARγ1 and LXRα expression and transcriptional activity are assessed by luciferase reporter assays. Macrophage cholesterol efflux is evaluated by ApoAI-specific cholesterol efflux assays. Results: The 50 μM, 75 μM, and 100 μM concentrations of sesamin up-regulated the expression of PPARγ1 (p< 0.001, p < 0.001, p < 0.001, respectively) and LXRα (p = 0.002, p < 0.001, p < 0.001, respectively) in a concentration-dependent manner. Moreover, 75 μM and 100 μM concentrations of sesamin led to 5.2-fold (p < 0.001) and 6.0-fold (p<0.001) increases in PPAR transcriptional activity and 3.9-fold (p< 0.001) and 4.2-fold (p < 0.001) increases in LXR transcriptional activity, respectively, in a concentration- and time-dependent manner via MAPK signaling. Consistently, 50 μM, 75 μM, and 100 μM concentrations of sesamin improved macrophage cholesterol efflux by 2.7-fold (p < 0.001), 4.2-fold (p < 0.001), and 4.2-fold (p < 0.001), respectively, via MAPK signaling. Conclusion: Our findings shed light on the molecular mechanism(s) underlying sesamin’s anti-atherogenic effects, which seem to be due, at least in part, to its ability to up-regulate PPARγ1 and LXRα expression and transcriptional activity, improving macrophage cholesterol efflux. We anticipate that sesamin may be used as a therapeutic agent for treating atherosclerosis.

Methanol Extract of Mongolian Iris bungei Maxim. Stimulates 3T3-L1 Adipocyte Differentiation

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (7) ◽  
pp. 3943-3949
Author(s):  
Jaegoo Yeon ◽  
Sung-Suk Suh ◽  
Ui-Joung Youn ◽  
Badamtsetseg Bazarragchaa ◽  
Ganbold Enebish ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Bacterial Infections ◽  
Fatty Acid Synthase ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Adipocyte Differentiation ◽  
Methanol Extract ◽  
Regulatory Element ◽  
Peroxisome Proliferator ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Concentration Dependent Manner ◽  
Peroxisome Proliferator Activated Receptor

Iris bungei Maxim. (IB), which is native to China and Mongolia, is used as a traditional medicine for conditions such as inflammation, cancer, and bacterial infections. However, the effects of Iris bungei Maxim. on adipocyte differentiation have not been studied. In the present study, we first demonstrated the molecular mechanisms underlying the adipogenic activity of the methanol extract of Mongolian I. bungei Maxim. (IB). IB significantly enhanced intracellular lipid accumulation and adipocyte differentiation in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes in a concentration-dependent manner. Moreover, IB markedly stimulated the expression of genes related to adipogenesis such as peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ, adiponectin, and aP2. In addition, we also observed that IB induces lipogenic genes such as fatty acid synthase, sterol regulatory element binding protein 1c, stearoyl-CoA desaturase, and acetyl-CoA carboxylase. Interestingly IB regulated adipocyte differentiation in both the early and middle stages. Taken together, these adipogenic and lipogenic effects of IB suggest its efficacy for the prevention and/or treatment of type 2 diabetes.

scholarly journals Betulinic Acid Suppresses Ovarian Cancer Cell Proliferation through Induction of Apoptosis

Biomolecules ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (7) ◽  
pp. 257 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dahae Lee ◽  
Seoung Rak Lee ◽  
Ki Sung Kang ◽  
Yuri Ko ◽  
Changhyun Pang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ovarian Cancer ◽  
Cancer Cell ◽  
Betulinic Acid ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Underlying Mechanism ◽  
Nuclear Staining ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Meoh Extract ◽  
Concentration Dependent Manner ◽  
Induction Of Apoptosis

Ovarian cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer deaths worldwide in women, and the most malignant cancer among the different gynecological cancers. In this study, we explored potentially anticancer compounds from Cornus walteri (Cornaceae), the MeOH extract of which has been reported to show considerable cytotoxicity against several cancer cell lines. Phytochemical investigations of the MeOH extract of the stem and stem bark of C. walteri by extensive application of chromatographic techniques resulted in the isolation of 14 compounds (1–14). The isolated compounds were evaluated for inhibitory effects on the viability of A2780 human ovarian carcinoma cells and the underlying molecular mechanisms were investigated. An 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay was employed to assess the anticancer effects of compounds 1–14 on A2780 cells, which showed that compound 11 (betulinic acid) reduced the viability of these cells in a concentration-dependent manner and had an half maximal (50%) inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 44.47 μM at 24 h. Nuclear staining and image-based cytometric assay were carried out to detect the induction of apoptosis by betulinic acid. Betulinic acid significantly increased the condensation of nuclei and the percentage of apoptotic cells in a concentration-dependent manner in A2780 cells. Western blot analysis was performed to investigate the underlying mechanism of apoptosis. The results indicated that the expression levels of cleaved caspase-8, -3, -9, and Bax were increased in A2780 cells treated with betulinic acid, whereas those of Bcl-2 were decreased. Thus, we provide the experimental evidence that betulinic acid can induce apoptosis in A2780 cells through both mitochondria-dependent and -independent pathways and suggest the potential use of betulinic acid in the development of novel chemotherapeutics for ovarian cancer therapy.

Vascular Protective Effects of Xanthotoxin and Its Action Mechanism in Rat Aorta and Human Vascular Endothelial Cells

2020 ◽  
Vol 57 (6) ◽  
pp. 313-324
Author(s):  
Li-Hua Cao ◽  
Ho Sub Lee ◽  
Zhe-Shan Quan ◽  
Yun Jung Lee ◽  
Yu Jin
Keyword(s):  
Endothelial Cells ◽  
Cell Adhesion ◽  
Adhesion Molecule ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Umbilical Vein ◽  
Neuroprotective Effect ◽  
Intercellular Adhesion Molecule ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Protective Effects ◽  
Concentration Dependent Manner

<b><i>Objective:</i></b> Xanthotoxin (XAT) is a linear furanocoumarin mainly extracted from the plants <i>Ammi majus</i> L. XAT has been reported the apoptosis of tumor cells, anti-convulsant, neuroprotective effect, antioxidative activity, and vasorelaxant effects. This study aimed to investigate the vascular protective effects and underlying molecular mechanisms of XAT. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> XAT’s activity was studied in rat thoracic aortas, isolated with aortic rings, and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). <b><i>Results:</i></b> XAT induced endothelium-dependent vasodilation in a concentration-dependent manner in the isolated rat thoracic aortas. Removal of endothelium or pretreatment of aortic rings with L-NAME, 1<i>H</i>-[1,2,4]-oxadiazolo-[4,3-<i>a</i>]-quinoxalin-1-one, and wortmannin significantly inhibited XAT-induced relaxation. In addition, treatment with thapsigargin, 2-aminoethyl diphenylborinate, Gd<sup>3+</sup>, and 4-aminopyridine markedly attenuated the XAT-induced vasorelaxation. XAT increased nitric oxide production and Akt- endothelial NOS (eNOS) phosphorylation in HUVECs. Moreover, XAT attenuated the expression of TNF-α-induced cell adhesion molecules such as intercellular adhesion molecule, vascular cell adhesion molecule-1, and E-selectin. However, this effect was attenuated by the eNOS inhibitors L-NAME and asymmetric dimethylarginine. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> This study suggests that XAT induces vasorelaxation through the Akt-eNOS-cGMP pathway by activating the K<sub>V</sub> channel and inhibiting the L-type Ca<sup>2+</sup> channel. Furthermore, XAT exerts an inhibitory effect on vascular inflammation, which is correlated with the observed vascular protective effects.

Human Malformation Syndromes of Defective GLI: Opposite Phenotypes of 2q14.2 (GLI2) and 7p14.2 (GLI3) Microdeletions and a GLIA/R Balance Model

2017 ◽  
Vol 153 (2) ◽  
pp. 56-65 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yo Niida ◽  
Mika Inoue ◽  
Mamoru Ozaki ◽  
Etsuko Takase
Keyword(s):  
Hedgehog Signaling ◽  
Gene Deletion ◽  
Balance Model ◽  
Deletion Syndrome ◽  
Sonic Hedgehog Signaling ◽  
Cavernous Malformations ◽  
Contiguous Gene ◽  
Embryonic Morphogenesis ◽  
Malformation Syndromes ◽  
Contiguous Gene Deletion Syndrome

GLI family zinc finger proteins are transcriptional effectors of the sonic hedgehog signaling pathway. GLI regulates gene expression and repression at various phases of embryonic morphogenesis. In humans, 4 GLI genes are known, and GLI2 (2q14.2) and GLI3 (7p14.1) mutations cause different syndromes. Here, we present 2 distinctive cases with a chromosomal microdeletion in one of these genes. Patient 1 is a 14-year-old girl with Culler-Jones syndrome. She manifested short stature, cleft palate, and mild intellectual/social disability caused by a 6.6-Mb deletion of 2q14.1q14.3. Patient 2 is a 2-year-old girl with Greig cephalopolysyndactyly contiguous gene deletion syndrome. She manifested macrocephaly, preaxial polysyndactyly, psychomotor developmental delay, cerebral cavernous malformations, and glucose intolerance due to a 6.2-Mb deletion of 7p14.1p12.3 which included GLI3, GCK, and CCM2. Each patient manifests a different phenotype which is associated with different functions of each GLI gene and different effects of the chromosomal contiguous gene deletion. We summarize the phenotypic extent of GLI2/3 syndromes in the literature and determine that these 2 syndromes manifest opposite features to a certain extent, such as midface hypoplasia or macrocephaly, and anterior or posterior side of polydactyly. We propose a GLIA/R balance model that may explain these findings.

scholarly journals Suppression of the TGF-β pathway by a macrolide antibiotic decreases fibrotic responses by ocular fibroblasts in vitro

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (9) ◽  
pp. 200441
Author(s):  
Thomas Stahnke ◽  
Beata Gajda-Deryło ◽  
Anselm G. Jünemann ◽  
Oliver Stachs ◽  
Katharina A. Sterenczak ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Transforming Growth Factor ◽  
Macrolide Antibiotic ◽  
Drug Repositioning ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Glaucoma Filtration Surgery ◽  
Concentration Dependent Manner ◽  
Device Implantation

To elucidate and to inhibit post-surgical fibrotic processes after trabeculectomy in glaucoma therapy, we measured gene expression in a fibrotic cell culture model, based on transforming growth factor TGF-β induction in primary human tenon fibroblasts (hTFs), and used Connectivity Map (CMap) data for drug repositioning. We found that specific molecular mechanisms behind fibrosis are the upregulation of actins, the downregulation of CD34, and the upregulation of inflammatory cytokines such as IL6, IL11 and BMP6 . The macrolide antibiotic Josamycin (JM) reverses these molecular mechanisms according to data from the CMap, and we thus tested JM as an inhibitor of fibrosis. JM was first tested for its toxic effects on hTFs, where it showed no influence on cell viability, but inhibited hTF proliferation in a concentration-dependent manner. We then demonstrated that JM suppresses the synthesis of extracellular matrix (ECM) components. In hTFs stimulated with TGF-β1, JM specifically inhibited α-smooth muslce actin expression, suggesting that it inhibits the transformation of fibroblasts into fibrotic myofibroblasts. In addition, a decrease of components of the ECM such as fibronectin, which is involved in in vivo scarring, was observed. We conclude that JM may be a promising candidate for the treatment of fibrosis after glaucoma filtration surgery or drainage device implantation in vivo .

Resveratrol inhibits Kv2.2 currents through the estrogen receptor GPR30-mediated PKC pathway

2013 ◽  
Vol 305 (5) ◽  
pp. C547-C557 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wen-Hao Dong ◽  
Jia-Chen Chen ◽  
Yan-Lin He ◽  
Jia-Jie Xu ◽  
Yan-Ai Mei
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Cerebellar Granule Cells ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Patch Clamp Technique ◽  
Concentration Dependent Manner ◽  
Α Subunit ◽  
Inactivation Curve ◽  
Hek 293 ◽  
Nongenomic Action ◽  
Α Subunits

Resveratrol (REV) is a naturally occurring phytoalexin that inhibits neuronal K+ channels; however, the molecular mechanisms behind the effects of REV and the relevant α-subunit are not well defined. With the use of patch-clamp technique, cultured cerebellar granule cells, and HEK-293 cells transfected with the Kv2.1 and Kv2.2 α-subunits, we investigated the effect of REV on Kv2.1 and Kv2.2 α-subunits. Our data demonstrated that REV significantly suppressed Kv2.2 but not Kv2.1 currents with a fast, reversible, and mildly concentration-dependent manner and shifted the activation or inactivation curve of Kv2.2 channels. Activating or inhibiting the cAMP/PKA pathway did not abolish the inhibition of Kv2.2 current by REV. In contrast, activation of PKC with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate mimicked the inhibitory effect of REV on Kv2.2 by modifying the activation or inactivation properties of Kv2.2 channels and eliminated any further inhibition by REV. PKC and PKC-α inhibitor completely eliminated the REV-induced inhibition of Kv2.2. Moreover, the effect of REV on Kv2.2 was reduced by preincubation with antagonists of GPR30 receptor and shRNA for GPR30 receptor. Western blotting results indicated that the levels of PKC-α and PKC-β were significantly increased in response to REV application. Our data reveal, for the first time, that REV inhibited Kv2.2 currents through PKC-dependent pathways and a nongenomic action of the oestrogen receptor GPR30.

scholarly journals Evaluation of Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Qingre-Qushi Recipe (QRQS) against Atopic Dermatitis: Potential Mechanism of Inhibition of IL-33/ST2 Signal Transduction

2017 ◽  
Vol 2017 ◽  
pp. 1-11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mengjiao Chen ◽  
Peijun Ding ◽  
Lili Yang ◽  
Xufeng He ◽  
Chunjie Gao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Signal Transduction ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Histological Study ◽  
High Dose ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Hacat Cells ◽  
Concentration Dependent Manner ◽  
Dermal Thickness ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Anti Inflammatory

To evaluate the anti-inflammatory activities of QRQS against AD and the inhibitory molecular mechanisms of IL-33/ST2 signal transduction, BALB/c mice were divided into six groups (normal control, OVA control, low-dose of QRQS, middle-dose of QRQS, high-dose of QRQS, and cetirizine) and epicutaneously exposed to ovalbumin or PBS for 3 weeks and treated with QRQS for 2 weeks. Skin biopsies and blood samples were obtained for histological study, antibody analysis, and RNA isolation. HaCaT cells, stimulated by TNF-α and IFN-γ, were treated with QRQS to evaluate mRNA and protein expression by RT-PCR and ELISA. QRQS decreased both epidermal and dermal thickness, alleviated dermatitis, and reduced IL-33 and ST2 positive cell numbers. The concentration of specific IgE, IgG, IgG1, and IgG2a antibodies in serum and the expression of IL-33, ST2, IL-1RAcP, IL-4, and IL-13 mRNA in the skin were suppressed. No significant difference exists in TNF-α or IFN-γ. QRQS decreased IL-33 mRNA and protein secretion in HaCaT cells exposed to TNF-α and IFN-γ in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. QRQS regulates related molecule expression of ovalbumin-induced dermatitis involved in the IL-33/ST2 signaling axis in the treatment of acute AD.

scholarly journals Molecular Mechanisms of Large-Conductance Ca2+-Activated Potassium Channel Activation by Ginseng Gintonin

2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
pp. 1-14 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. H. Choi ◽  
B. H. Lee ◽  
S. H. Hwang ◽  
H. J. Kim ◽  
S. M. Lee ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Blood Vessel ◽  
Calcium Binding ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Cam Kinase Ii ◽  
Phosphorylation Sites ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Cam Kinase ◽  
Concentration Dependent Manner ◽  
Channel Activation ◽  
Lpa Receptor

Gintonin is a unique lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) receptor ligand found inPanax ginseng. Gintonin induces transient [Ca2+]ithrough G protein-coupled LPA receptors. Large-conductance Ca2+-activated K+(BKCa) channels are expressed in blood vessels and neurons and play important roles in blood vessel relaxation and attenuation of neuronal excitability. BKCachannels are activated by transient [Ca2+]iand are regulated by various Ca2+-dependent kinases. We investigated the molecular mechanisms of BKCachannel activation by gintonin. BKCachannels are heterologously expressed inXenopus oocytes. Gintonin treatment induced BKCachannel activation in oocytes expressing the BKCachannelαsubunit in a concentration-dependent manner (EC50= 0.71 ± 0.08 µg/mL). Gintonin-mediated BKCachannel activation was blocked by a PKC inhibitor, calphostin, and by the calmodulin inhibitor, calmidazolium. Site-directed mutations in BKCachannels targeting CaM kinase II or PKC phosphorylation sites but not PKA phosphorylation sites attenuated gintonin action. Mutations in the Ca2+bowl and the regulator of K+conductance (RCK) site also blocked gintonin action. These results indicate that gintonin-mediated BKCachannel activations are achieved through LPA1 receptor-phospholipase C-IP3-Ca2+-PKC-calmodulin-CaM kinase II pathways and calcium binding to the Ca2+bowl and RCK domain. Gintonin could be a novel contributor against blood vessel constriction and over-excitation of neurons.

Interleukin-23 drives expansion of Thelper 17 cells through epigenetic regulation by signal transducer and activators of transcription 3 in lupus patients

Rheumatology ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 59 (10) ◽  
pp. 3058-3069 ◽  
Author(s):  
Seunghyun Lee ◽  
Shingo Nakayamada ◽  
Satoshi Kubo ◽  
Kaoru Yamagata ◽  
Hiroko Yoshinari ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Th17 Cell ◽  
Th17 Cells ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Epigenetic Modifications ◽  
Cell Maturation ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Concentration Dependent Manner ◽  
Repressive Mark ◽  
Interleukin 23 ◽  
T Cell Phenotypes

Abstract Objectives To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying pathogenic Th17 cells, we investigated the modulation of epigenetic modifications and its association with SLE. Methods Naive CD4+ T cells were cultured in Th17 polarizing conditions for 5 days and then treated with various cytokines, including IL-23. Expression of Th17 cell–related markers and phosphorylation of signal transducers and activators of transcription (pSTATs) were analysed using flow cytometry and quantitative PCR. Histone modifications were assessed using chromatin immunoprecipitation PCR. T cell phenotypes and pSTATs were analysed in blood samples of patients with SLE (n = 28). Finally, the effects of baricitinib on memory Th17 cells were investigated in SLE patients (n = 12). Results Stimulation of resting Th17 cells with IL-23 promoted maturation of these cells (P &lt; 0.0001). IL-23 induced pSTAT3, but not pSTAT4, during Th17 cell maturation (P &lt; 0.05). IL-23-induced STAT3 directly bound the RORγT gene locus. This was accompanied by induction of the H3H4me3 permissive mark and reduction of the H3K27me3 repressive mark, leading to enhanced RORγT gene expression. IL-23-induced expansion of Th17 cells and pSTAT3 were suppressed by the addition of baricitinib in a concentration-dependent manner (P &lt; 0.05). In memory Th17 cells from SLE patients, pSTAT3 was hypersensitized by IL-23 stimulation and inhibited by baricitinib (P &lt; 0.05). Conclusion The results of this study indicate that IL-23/STAT3 signalling plays a fundamental role in Th17 cell maturation through transcriptional and epigenetic modifications in patients with SLE. This mechanism may underlie pathogenic Th17 cell expansion and may lead to identification of novel therapeutic targets for SLE.

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