Targeting proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9(PCSK9):from bench to bedside

Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9(PCSK9)has evolved as a pivotal enzyme in lipid metabolism and a revolutionary therapeutic target for hypercholesterolemia and its related cardiovascular diseases(CVD).This comprehensive review delineates the intricate roles and wide-ranging implications of PCSK9,extending beyond CVD to emphasize its significance in diverse physiological and pathological states,including liver diseases,infectious diseases,autoimmune disorders,and notably,cancer.Our exploration offers insights into the interaction between PCSK9 and low-density lipoprotein receptors(LDLRs),elucidating its substantial impact on cholesterol homeostasis and cardiovascular health.It also details the evolution of PCSK9-targeted therapies,translating foundational bench discoveries into bedside applications for optimized patient care.The advent and clinical approval of innovative PCSK9 inhibitory therapies(PCSK9-iTs),including three monoclonal antibodies(Evolocumab,Alirocumab,and Tafolecimab)and one small interfering RNA(siRNA,Inclisiran),have marked a significant breakthrough in cardiovascular medicine.These therapies have demonstrated unparalleled efficacy in mitigating hypercholesterolemia,reducing cardiovascular risks,and have showcased profound value in clinical applications,offering novel therapeutic avenues and a promising future in personalized medicine for cardiovascular disorders.Furthermore,emerging research,inclusive of our findings,unveils PCSK9’s potential role as a pivotal indicator for cancer prognosis and its prospective application as a transformative target for cancer treatment.This review also highlights PCSK9’s aberrant expression in various cancer forms,its association with cancer prognosis,and its crucial roles in carcinogenesis and cancer immunity.In conclusion,this synthesized review integrates existing knowledge and novel insights on PCSK9,providing a holistic perspective on its transformative impact in reshaping therapeutic paradigms across various disorders.It emphasizes the clinical value and effect of PCSK9-iT,underscoring its potential in advancing the landscape of biomedical research and its capabilities in heralding new eras in personalized medicine.

Early Growth Response Gene-1 Deficiency Interrupts TGFβ1 Signaling Activation and Aggravates Neurodegeneration in Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis Mice

Early growth response protein 1(Egr-1)triggers the transcription of many genes involved in cell growth,differentiation,synaptic plasticity,and neurogenesis.However,its mechanism in neuronal survival and degeneration is still poorly understood.This study demonstrated that Egr-1 was down-regulated at mRNA and protein levels in the central nervous system(CNS)of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis(EAE)mice.Egr-1 knockout exacerbated EAE progression in mice,as shown by increased disease severity and incidence;it also aggravated neuronal apoptosis,which was associated with weakened activation of the BDNF/TGFβ1/MAPK/Akt signaling pathways in the CNS of EAE mice.Consistently,Egr-1 siRNA promoted apoptosis but mitigated the activation of BDNF/TGFβ1/MAPK/Akt signaling in SH-SY5Y cells.Our results revealed that Egr-1 is a crucial regulator of neuronal survival in EAE by regulating TGFβ1-mediated signaling activation,implicating the important role of Egr-1 in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis as a potential novel therapy target.