Anti-Osteoporotic Effects of n-trans-Hibiscusamide and Its Derivative Alleviate Ovariectomy-Induced Bone Loss in Mice by Regulating RANKL-Induced Signaling

Osteoporosis is characterized by the deterioration of bone structures and decreased bone mass, leading to an increased risk of fracture. Estrogen deficiency in postmenopausal women and aging are major factors of osteoporosis and are some of the reasons for reduced quality of life. In this study, we investigated the effects of n-trans-hibiscusamide (NHA) and its derivative 4-O-(E)-feruloyl-N-(E)-hibiscusamide (HAD) on receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-Β (NF-κB) ligand (RANKL)-induced osteoclast differentiation and an ovariectomized osteoporosis mouse model. NHA and HAD significantly inhibited the differentiation of osteoclasts from bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMMs) and the expression of osteoclast differentiation-related genes. At the molecular level, NHA and HAD significantly downregulated the phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling molecules. However, Akt and NF-κB phosphorylation was inhibited only after NHA or HAD treatment. In the ovariectomy (OVX)-induced osteoporosis model, both NHA and HAD effectively improved trabecular bone structure. C-terminal telopeptide (CTX), a bone resorption marker, and RANKL, an osteoclast stimulation factor, were significantly reduced by NHA and HAD. The tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP)-stained area, which indicates the osteoclast area, was also decreased by these compounds. These results show the potential of NHA and HAD as therapeutic agents for osteoporosis.

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Involvement of Essential Signaling Cascades and Analysis of Gene Networks in Diabesity

Genes ◽

10.3390/genes11111256 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 11 (11) ◽

pp. 1256

Author(s):

Udhaya Kumar S. ◽

Bithia Rajan ◽

Thirumal Kumar D. ◽

Anu Preethi V. ◽

Taghreed Abunada ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Gene Networks ◽

Enrichment Analysis ◽

Mapk Signaling ◽

Clustering Coefficient ◽

Mitogen Activated Protein Kinase ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Mitogen Activated Protein ◽

Obesity Genes ◽

Network Backbone ◽

Igf1r Signaling

(1) Aims: Diabesity, defined as diabetes occurring in the context of obesity, is a serious health problem that is associated with an increased risk of premature heart attack, stroke, and death. To date, a key challenge has been to understand the molecular pathways that play significant roles in diabesity. In this study, we aimed to investigate the genetic links between diabetes and obesity in diabetic individuals and highlight the role(s) of shared genes in individuals with diabesity. (2) Methods: The interactions between the genes were analyzed using the Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes (STRING) tool after the compilation of obesity genes associated with type 1 diabetes (T1D), type 2 diabetes (T2D), and maturity-onset diabetes of the young (MODY). Cytoscape plugins were utilized for enrichment analysis. (3) Results: We identified 546 obesity genes that are associated with T1D, T2D, and MODY. The network backbone of the identified genes comprised 514 nodes and 4126 edges with an estimated clustering coefficient of 0.242. The Molecular Complex Detection (MCODE) generated three clusters with a score of 33.61, 16.788, and 6.783, each. The highest-scoring nodes of the clusters were AGT, FGB, and LDLR genes. The genes from cluster 1 were enriched in FOXO-mediated transcription of oxidative stress, renin secretion, and regulation of lipolysis in adipocytes. The cluster 2 genes enriched in Src homology 2 domain-containing (SHC)-related events triggered by IGF1R, regulation of lipolysis in adipocytes, and GRB2: SOS produce a link to mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling for integrins. The cluster 3 genes ere enriched in IGF1R signaling cascade and insulin signaling pathway. (4) Conclusion: This study presents a platform to discover potential targets for diabesity treatment and helps in understanding the molecular mechanism.

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The emerging role of IMD 0354 on bone homeostasis by suppressing osteoclastogenesis and bone resorption, but without affecting bone formation

Cell Death and Disease ◽

10.1038/s41419-019-1914-5 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 10 (9) ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Wenxiang Chen ◽

Ziang Xie ◽

Pan Tang ◽

Yongli Wang ◽

Zhiwei Jie ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Bone Resorption ◽

Bone Formation ◽

Osteoclast Differentiation ◽

Nuclear Factor Κb ◽

Mapk Signaling ◽

Mitogen Activated Protein Kinase ◽

Therapeutic Drug ◽

Tartrate Resistant Acid Phosphatase ◽

Nuclear Factor ◽

Bone Homeostasis

Abstract Osteoporosis is caused by an imbalance between bone formation and bone resorption. Receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL) promotes the activity and differentiation of osteoclasts via activating the nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways. IMD 0354 is a selective molecular inhibitor of inhibitor of NF-κB kinase subunit beta (IKKβ) and effective for treatment of acute and subacute inflammatory diseases through the suppression of NF-κB activation. However, the effect of IMD 0354 on bone homeostasis is unknown. In this study, we demonstrated that IMD 0354 significantly attenuated ovariectomy-induced bone loss and inhibited osteoclastogenesis in mice, whereas bone formation was not affected. Additionally, IMD 0354 dramatically inhibited osteoclast differentiation and function induced by RANKL and macrophage colony-stimulating factor in bone marrow monocytes as verified by tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining as well as bone resorption assay in vitro. Subsequently, we found that activation of NF-κB signaling and the ERK/c-Fos axis were blunted during osteoclast formation induced by RANKL. Transcription factors nuclear factor of activated T cells c1 (NFATc1) and c-Fos were suppressed with the decreased expression of osteoclast-related genes by IMD 0354. Our findings suggest that IMD 0354 could be a potential preventive and therapeutic drug for osteoporosis.

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Specific Functional Features of the Cell Integrity MAP Kinase Pathway in the Dimorphic Fission Yeast Schizosaccharomyces japonicus

Journal of Fungi ◽

10.3390/jof7060482 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 7 (6) ◽

pp. 482

Author(s):

Elisa Gómez-Gil ◽

Alejandro Franco ◽

Beatriz Vázquez-Marín ◽

Francisco Prieto-Ruiz ◽

Armando Pérez-Díaz ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Fission Yeast ◽

Environmental Changes ◽

Yeast Species ◽

Mapk Signaling ◽

Fine Tuning ◽

Mitogen Activated Protein Kinase ◽

Major Influence ◽

Cell Integrity ◽

Mitogen Activated Protein ◽

Functional Features

Mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways execute essential functions in eukaryotic organisms by transducing extracellular stimuli into adaptive cellular responses. In the fission yeast model Schizosaccharomyces pombe the cell integrity pathway (CIP) and its core effector, MAPK Pmk1, play a key role during regulation of cell integrity, cytokinesis, and ionic homeostasis. Schizosaccharomyces japonicus, another fission yeast species, shows remarkable differences with respect to S. pombe, including a robust yeast to hyphae dimorphism in response to environmental changes. We show that the CIP MAPK module architecture and its upstream regulators, PKC orthologs Pck1 and Pck2, are conserved in both fission yeast species. However, some of S. pombe’s CIP-related functions, such as cytokinetic control and response to glucose availability, are regulated differently in S. japonicus. Moreover, Pck1 and Pck2 antagonistically regulate S. japonicus hyphal differentiation through fine-tuning of Pmk1 activity. Chimeric MAPK-swapping experiments revealed that S. japonicus Pmk1 is fully functional in S. pombe, whereas S. pombe Pmk1 shows a limited ability to execute CIP functions and promote S. japonicus mycelial development. Our findings also suggest that a modified N-lobe domain secondary structure within S. japonicus Pmk1 has a major influence on the CIP signaling features of this evolutionarily diverged fission yeast.

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Effect of Static Magnetic Field on Monascus ruber M7 Based on Transcriptome Analysis

Journal of Fungi ◽

10.3390/jof7040256 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 7 (4) ◽

pp. 256

Author(s):

Shuyan Yang ◽

Hongyi Zhou ◽

Weihua Dai ◽

Juan Xiong ◽

Fusheng Chen

Keyword(s):

Magnetic Field ◽

Static Magnetic Field ◽

Morphological Characteristics ◽

Mapk Signaling ◽

Mitogen Activated Protein Kinase ◽

Primary Metabolism ◽

Monascus Ruber ◽

Growing Period ◽

Monascus Pigments ◽

Mitogen Activated Protein

The effects of a static magnetic field (SMF) on Monascus ruber M7 (M. ruber M7) cultured on potato dextrose agar (PDA) plates under SMF treatment at different intensities (5, 10, and 30 mT) were investigated in this paper. The results revealed that, compared with the control (CK, no SMF treatment), the SMF at all tested intensities did not significantly influence the morphological characteristics of M. ruber M7, while the intracellular and extracellular Monascus pigments (MPs) and extracellular citrinin (CIT) of M. ruber M7 were increased at 10 and 30 mT SMF but there was no impact on the MPs and CIT at 5 mT SMF. The transcriptome data of M. ruber M7 cultured at 30 mT SMF on PDA for 3 and 7 d showed that the SMF could increase the transcriptional levels of some relative genes with the primary metabolism, including the carbohydrate metabolism, amino acid metabolism, and lipid metabolism, especially in the early growing period (3 d). SMF could also affect the transcriptional levels of the related genes to the biosynthetic pathways of MPs, CIT, and ergosterol, and improve the transcription of the relative genes in the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway of M. ruber M7. These findings provide insights into a comprehensive understanding of the effects of SMF on filamentous fungi.

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Kalkitoxin Reduces Osteoclast Formation and Resorption and Protects against Inflammatory Bone Loss

International Journal of Molecular Sciences ◽

10.3390/ijms22052303 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 22 (5) ◽

pp. 2303

Author(s):

Liang Li ◽

Ming Yang ◽

Saroj Kumar Shrestha ◽

Hyoungsu Kim ◽

William H. Gerwick ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Bone Loss ◽

Transmembrane Protein ◽

Osteoclast Differentiation ◽

Mapk Signaling ◽

Osteoclast Formation ◽

Bone Diseases ◽

Tartrate Resistant Acid Phosphatase ◽

Nuclear Factor ◽

Mineral Density ◽

Multinucleated Cells

Osteoclasts, bone-specified multinucleated cells produced by monocyte/macrophage, are involved in numerous bone destructive diseases such as arthritis, osteoporosis, and inflammation-induced bone loss. The osteoclast differentiation mechanism suggests a possible strategy to treat bone diseases. In this regard, we recently examined the in vivo impact of kalkitoxin (KT), a marine product obtained from the marine cyanobacterium Moorena producens (previously Lyngbya majuscula), on the macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) and on the receptor activator of nuclear factor κB ligand (RANKL)-stimulated in vitro osteoclastogenesis and inflammation-mediated bone loss. We have now examined the molecular mechanism of KT in greater detail. KT decreased RANKL-induced bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMMs) tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP)-multinucleated cells at a late stage. Likewise, KT suppressed RANKL-induced pit area and actin ring formation in BMM cells. Additionally, KT inhibited several RANKL-induced genes such as cathepsin K, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP-9), TRAP, and dendritic cell-specific transmembrane protein (DC-STAMP). In line with these results, RANKL stimulated both genes and protein expression of c-Fos and nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFATc1), and this was also suppressed by KT. Moreover, KT markedly decreased RANKL-induced p-ERK1/2 and p-JNK pathways at different time points. As a result, KT prevented inflammatory bone loss in mice, such as bone mineral density (BMD) and osteoclast differentiation markers. These experiments demonstrated that KT markedly inhibited osteoclast formation and inflammatory bone loss through NFATc1 and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways. Therefore, KT may have potential as a treatment for destructive bone diseases.

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The Emerging Role of Macrophages in Immune System Dysfunction under Real and Simulated Microgravity Conditions

International Journal of Molecular Sciences ◽

10.3390/ijms22052333 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 22 (5) ◽

pp. 2333

Author(s):

Yulong Sun ◽

Yuanyuan Kuang ◽

Zhuo Zuo

Keyword(s):

Immune System ◽

Mapk Signaling ◽

Immune Defense ◽

Mitogen Activated Protein Kinase ◽

Therapeutic Drugs ◽

Physiological Processes ◽

Immune System Dysfunction ◽

Cell Immunity ◽

Mitogen Activated Protein ◽

Microgravity Conditions

In the process of exploring space, the astronaut’s body undergoes a series of physiological changes. At the level of cellular behavior, microgravity causes significant alterations, including bone loss, muscle atrophy, and cardiovascular deconditioning. At the level of gene expression, microgravity changes the expression of cytokines in many physiological processes, such as cell immunity, proliferation, and differentiation. At the level of signaling pathways, the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway participates in microgravity-induced immune malfunction. However, the mechanisms of these changes have not been fully elucidated. Recent studies suggest that the malfunction of macrophages is an important breakthrough for immune disorders in microgravity. As the first line of immune defense, macrophages play an essential role in maintaining homeostasis. They activate specific immune responses and participate in large numbers of physiological activities by presenting antigen and secreting cytokines. The purpose of this review is to summarize recent advances on the dysfunction of macrophages arisen from microgravity and to discuss the mechanisms of these abnormal responses. Hopefully, our work will contribute not only to the future exploration on the immune system in space, but also to the development of preventive and therapeutic drugs against the physiological consequences of spaceflight.

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Topical Spilanthol Inhibits MAPK Signaling and Ameliorates Allergic Inflammation in DNCB-Induced Atopic Dermatitis in Mice

International Journal of Molecular Sciences ◽

10.3390/ijms20102490 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 20 (10) ◽

pp. 2490 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Wen-Chung Huang ◽

Chun-Hsun Huang ◽

Sindy Hu ◽

Hui-Ling Peng ◽

Shu-Ju Wu

Keyword(s):

Atopic Dermatitis ◽

Mast Cells ◽

Protein Kinase ◽

Allergic Inflammation ◽

Skin Lesions ◽

Mapk Signaling ◽

Mitogen Activated Protein Kinase ◽

Mapk Pathways ◽

Mitogen Activated Protein ◽

Cox 2

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a recurrent allergic skin disease caused by genetic and environmental factors. Patients with AD may experience immune imbalance, increased levels of mast cells, immunoglobulin (Ig) E and pro-inflammatory factors (Cyclooxygenase, COX-2 and inducible NO synthase, iNOS). While spilanthol (SP) has anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities, its effect on AD remains to be explored. To develop a new means of SP, inflammation-related symptoms of AD were alleviated, and 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB) was used to induce AD-like skin lesions in BALB/c mice. Histopathological analysis was used to examine mast cells and eosinophils infiltration in AD-like skin lesions. The levels of IgE, IgG1 and IgG2a were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits. Western blot was used for analysis of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways and COX-2 and iNOS protein expression. Topical SP treatment reduced serum IgE and IgG2a levels and suppressed COX-2 and iNOS expression via blocked mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways in DNCB-induced AD-like lesions. Histopathological examination revealed that SP reduced epidermal thickness and collagen accumulation and inhibited mast cells and eosinophils infiltration into the AD-like lesions skin. These results indicate that SP may protect against AD skin lesions through inhibited MAPK signaling pathways and may diminish the infiltration of inflammatory cells to block allergic inflammation.

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Platyphyllenone Induces Autophagy and Apoptosis by Modulating the AKT and JNK Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Pathways in Oral Cancer Cells

International Journal of Molecular Sciences ◽

10.3390/ijms22084211 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 22 (8) ◽

pp. 4211

Author(s):

Yen-Tze Liu ◽

Hsin-Yu Ho ◽

Chia-Chieh Lin ◽

Yi-Ching Chuang ◽

Yu-Sheng Lo ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Protein Kinase ◽

Oral Cancer ◽

Protein Expression ◽

Caspase 3 ◽

Therapeutic Option ◽

Mapk Signaling ◽

Mitogen Activated Protein Kinase ◽

Dependent Manner ◽

Cancer Proliferation ◽

Mitogen Activated Protein

Platyphyllenone is a type of diarylheptanoid that exhibits anti-inflammatory and chemoprotective effects. However, its effect on oral cancer remains unclear. In this study, we investigated whether platyphyllenone can promote apoptosis and autophagy in SCC-9 and SCC-47 cells. We found that it dose-dependently promoted the cleavage of PARP; caspase-3, -8, and -9 protein expression; and also led to cell cycle arrest at the G2/M phase. Platyphyllenone up-regulated LC3-II and p62 protein expression in both SCC-9 and SCC-47 cell lines, implying that it can induce autophagy. Furthermore, the results demonstrated that platyphyllenone significantly decreased p-AKT and increased p-JNK1/2 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway in a dose-dependent manner. The specific inhibitors of p-JNK1/2 also reduced platyphyllenone-induced cleavage of PARP, caspase-3, and caspase -8, LC3-II and p62 protein expression. These findings are the first to demonstrate that platyphyllenone can induce both autophagy and apoptosis in oral cancers, and it is expected to provide a therapeutic option as a chemopreventive agent against oral cancer proliferation.

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BRAF mutation in hairy cell leukemia

Oncology Reviews ◽

10.4081/oncol.2014.253 ◽

2014 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Ahmad Ahmadzadeh ◽

Saeid Shahrabi ◽

Kaveh Jaseb ◽

Fatemeh Norozi ◽

Mohammad Shahjahani ◽

...

Keyword(s):

B Cell ◽

Hairy Cell Leukemia ◽

Mapk Signaling ◽

Mitogen Activated Protein Kinase ◽

Braf V600e ◽

Common Mutation ◽

Hairy Cell ◽

Cell Leukemia ◽

Mitogen Activated Protein ◽

Almost All

BRAF is a serine/threonine kinase with a regulatory role in the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway. A mutation in the RAF gene, especially in BRAF protein, leads to an increased stimulation of this cascade, causing uncontrolled cell division and development of malignancy. Several mutations have been observed in the gene coding for this protein in a variety of human malignancies, including hairy cell leukemia (HCL). BRAF V600E is the most common mutation reported in exon15 of BRAF, which is observed in almost all cases of classic HCL, but it is negative in other B-cell malignancies, including the HCL variant. Therefore it can be used as a marker to differentiate between these B-cell disorders. We also discuss the interaction between miRNAs and signaling pathways, including MAPK, in HCL. When this mutation is present, the use of BRAF protein inhibitors may represent an effective treatment. In this review we have evaluated the role of the mutation of the BRAF gene in the pathogenesis and progression of HCL.

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Phosphothreonine Lyase Promotes p65 Degradation in a Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase/Mitogen- and Stress-Activated Protein Kinase 1-Dependent Manner

Infection and Immunity ◽

10.1128/iai.00508-18 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 87 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Mingyu Hou ◽

Wenhui Wang ◽

Feizi Hu ◽

Yuanxing Zhang ◽

Dahai Yang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Protein Kinase ◽

Pathogenic Bacteria ◽

Critical Role ◽

Nuclear Factor Κb ◽

Mapk Signaling ◽

Mitogen Activated Protein Kinase ◽

Dependent Manner ◽

Content Type ◽

Catalytic Active Site ◽

Mitogen Activated Protein

ABSTRACT Bacterial phosphothreonine lyases have been identified to be type III secretion system (T3SS) effectors that irreversibly dephosphorylate host mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling to promote infection. However, the effects of phosphothreonine lyase on nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) signaling remain largely unknown. In this study, we detected significant phosphothreonine lyase-dependent p65 degradation during Edwardsiella piscicida infection in macrophages, and this degradative effect was blocked by the protease inhibitor MG132. Further analysis revealed that phosphothreonine lyase promotes the dephosphorylation and ubiquitination of p65 by inhibiting the phosphorylation of mitogen- and stress-activated protein kinase-1 (MSK1) and by inhibiting the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-related kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2), p38α, and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK). Moreover, we revealed that the catalytic active site of phosphothreonine lyase plays a critical role in regulating the MAPK-MSK1-p65 signaling axis. Collectively, the mechanism described here expands our understanding of the pathogenic effector in not only regulating MAPK signaling but also regulating p65. These findings uncover a new mechanism by which pathogenic bacteria overcome host innate immunity to promote pathogenesis.

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