Human neural stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles protect against ischemic stroke by activating the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway

Human neural stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles exhibit analogous functions to their parental cells,and can thus be used as substitutes for stem cells in stem cell therapy,thereby mitigating the risks of stem cell therapy and advancing the frontiers of stem cell-derived treatments.This lays a foundation for the development of potentially potent new treatment modalities for ischemic stroke.However,the precise mechanisms underlying the efficacy and safety of human neural stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles remain unclear,presenting challenges for clinical translation.To promote the translation of therapy based on human neural stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles from the bench to the bedside,we conducted a comprehensive preclinical study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of human neural stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles in the treatment of ischemic stroke.We found that administration of human neural stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles to an ischemic stroke rat model reduced the volume of cerebral infarction and promoted functional recovery by alleviating neuronal apoptosis.The human neural stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles reduced neuronal apoptosis by enhancing phosphorylation of phosphoinositide 3-kinase,mammalian target of rapamycin,and protein kinase B,and these effects were reversed by treatment with a phosphoinositide 3-kinase inhibitor.These findings suggest that human neural stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles play a neuroprotective role in ischemic stroke through activation of phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin signaling pathway.Finally,we showed that human neural stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles have a good in vivo safety profile.Therefore,human neural stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles are a promising potential agent for the treatment of ischemic stroke.

Mechanism of stilbene glycosides on apoptosis of SH-SY5Y cells via regulating PI3K/AKT signaling pathway

Objective:To investigate the effects of stilbene glycoside(TSG)on okadaic acid-induced apoptosis in human neuroblastoma cells(SH-SY5Y)via the PI3K/AKT pathway.Methods:The optimal concentration of OA was screened by CCK-8 assay,and SH-SY5Y cells were divided into control group,model group,TSG group,LY294002 group and LY294002+TSG group.The proliferation and apoptosis in each group were detected by CCK-8 and TUNEL assays;Western blotting method and real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used to detect the expression of PI3K,P-PI3K(Y607),AKT,P-AKT(Ser473),Bcl-2 and Bax proteins.The relative protein expression was represented by P-PI3K(Y607)/PI3K,P-AKT(Ser473)/AKT and Bcl-2/Bax gray ratio.Results:CCK-8 screened the optimal concentration of OA as 40 nmol/L.Compared with the control group,the model group increased relative cell viability,decreased apoptosis rate,the pathway and apoptotic proteins expression levels of P-PI3K(Y607)/PI3K,P-AKT(Ser473)/AKT and Bcl-2/Bax were decreased,and the mRNA expression levels of PI3K,AKT and Bcl-2 were decreased.Bax mRNA expression level increased(P<0.05);Compared with model group,TSG group increased relative cell viability,decreased apoptosis rate,increased protein expression levels of P-PI3K(Y607)/PI3K,P-AKT(Ser473)/AKT,Bcl-2/Bax,and increased mRNA expression levels of PI3K,AKT,and Bcl-2.Bax mRNA expression decreased(P<0.05),LY294002 group decreased relative cell viability,increased apoptosis rate,P-PI3K(Y607)/PI3K protein expression levels were significantly decreased(P<0.05),P-AKT(Ser473)/AKT and Bcl-2/Bax protein expression levels were significantly decreased,but there was no statistical significance,PI3K,AKT and Bcl-2 mRNA expression levels were decreased,and Bax mRNA expression levels were increased(all P<0.05);Compared with LY294002 group,LY294002+TSG group increased relative cell viability,decreased apoptosis rate,and the protein expression levels of P-PI3K(Y607)/PI3K,P-AKT(Ser473)/AKT and Bcl-2/Bax were increased.The mRNA expression levels of PI3K,AKT,Bcl-2 were increased,Bax was decreased(all P<0.05).Conclusion:Stilbene glycoside may alleviate okadaic acid-induced apoptosis in SH-SY5Y cells by interfering with the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway,which in turn regulates the expression of apoptotic factors such as Bcl-2 and Bax.

Acalypha australis L.extract inhibits B16 melanoma cell metastasis through PI3K/AKT signaling pathway

Background:Melanoma is a deadly skin tumor resulting from the malignant transformation of melanocytes.It is highly malignant and invasive,with the highest mortality rate among skin cancers.Acalypha australis L.(AAL),a plant with dual medicinal and culinary purposes,is commonly regarded as an edible wild vegetable in southern China.Additionally,AAL has a long history of medicinal use in China,often employed for its hemostatic,anti-diarrheal,and anti-inflammatory properties.Modern pharmacology has demonstrated that AAL possesses functions such as weight loss,antimicrobial activity,antiviral effects,and treatment for ulcerative colitis.However,there is currently no research available regarding its effectiveness and mechanisms of action on melanoma.Methods:In this investigation,we used methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium assay to detect cell viability,transwell assay to detect cell migration and invasion ability,and Western blot assay to detect relevant signaling pathways.Results:The present study reveals that 2 mg/mL AAL effectively suppresses the metastasis of B16 cells,while simultaneously triggering the expression of key apoptosis-related proteins,including Bcl-2,Bax,and cleaved caspased 3.Subsequent investigations demonstrate that AAL exerts this inhibitory effect via the PI3K/AKT signal transduction pathway,as evidenced by the observed deficits in Ras,AKT,p-AKT,and PI3K expression levels.Conclusion:These findings indicated that AAL could be a valuable therapeutic option for reducing the metastatic potential of B16 melanoma cells.

Hypoglycemic mechanism of Tegillarca granosa polysaccharides on type 2 diabetic mice by altering gut microbiota and regulating the PI3K-akt signaling pathwaye

Type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)is a complex metabolic disease threatening human health.We investigated the effects of Tegillarca granosa polysaccharide(TGP)and determined its potential mechanisms in a mouse model of T2DM established through a high-fat diet and streptozotocin.TGP(5.1×10^(3) Da)was composed of mannose,glucosamine,rhamnose,glucuronic acid,galactosamine,glucose,galactose,xylose,and fucose.It could significantly alleviate weight loss,reduce fasting blood glucose levels,reverse dyslipidemia,reduce liver damage from oxidative stress,and improve insulin sensitivity.RT-PCR and Western blotting indicated that TGP could activate the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/protein kinase B signaling pathway to regulate disorders in glucolipid metabolism and improve insulin resistance.TGP increased the abundance of Allobaculum,Akkermansia,and Bifidobacterium,restored the microbiota abundance in the intestinal tracts of mice with T2DM,and promoted short-chain fatty acid production.This study provides new insights into the antidiabetic effects of TGP and highlights its potential as a natural hypoglycemic nutraceutical.

Spi1 regulates the microglial/macrophage inflammatory response via the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway after intracerebral hemorrhage

Preclinical and clinical studies have shown that microglia and macrophages participate in a multiphasic brain damage repair process following intracerebral hemorrhage.The E26 transformation-specific sequence-related transcription factor Spi1 regulates microglial/macrophage commitment and maturation.However,the effect of Spi1 on intracerebral hemorrhage remains unclear.In this study,we found that Spi1 may regulate recovery from the neuroinflammation and neurofunctional damage caused by intracerebral hemorrhage by modulating the microglial/macrophage transcriptome.We showed that high Spi1expression in microglia/macrophages after intracerebral hemorrhage is associated with the activation of many pathways that promote phagocytosis,glycolysis,and autophagy,as well as debris clearance and sustained remyelination.Notably,microglia with higher levels of Soil expression were chara cterized by activation of pathways associated with a variety of hemorrhage-related cellular processes,such as complement activation,angiogenesis,and coagulation.In conclusion,our results suggest that Spi1 plays a vital role in the microglial/macrophage inflammatory response following intracerebral hemorrhage.This new insight into the regulation of Spi1 and its target genes may advance our understanding of neuroinflammation in intracerebral hemorrhage and provide therapeutic targets for patients with intracerebral hemorrhage.

Human-induced pluripotent stem cell-derived neural stem cell exosomes improve blood-brain barrier function after intracerebral hemorrhage by activating astrocytes via PI3K/AKT/MCP-1 axis

Cerebral edema caused by blood-brain barrier injury after intracerebral hemorrhage is an important factor leading to poor prognosis.Human-induced pluripotent stem cell-derived neural stem cell exosomes(hiPSC-NSC-Exos)have shown potential for brain injury repair in central nervous system diseases.In this study,we explored the impact of hiPSC-NSC-Exos on blood-brain barrier preservation and the underlying mechanism.Our results indicated that intranasal delivery of hiPSC-NSC-Exos mitigated neurological deficits,enhanced blood-brain barrier integrity,and reduced leukocyte infiltration in a mouse model of intracerebral hemorrhage.Additionally,hiPSC-NSC-Exos decreased immune cell infiltration,activated astrocytes,and decreased the secretion of inflammatory cytokines like monocyte chemoattractant protein-1,macrophage inflammatory protein-1α,and tumor necrosis factor-αpost-intracerebral hemorrhage,thereby improving the inflammatory microenvironment.RNA sequencing indicated that hiPSC-NSC-Exo activated the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in astrocytes and decreased monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 secretion,thereby improving blood-brain barrier integrity.Treatment with the PI3K/AKT inhibitor LY294002 or the monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 neutralizing agent C1142 abolished these effects.In summary,our findings suggest that hiPSC-NSC-Exos maintains blood-brain barrier integrity,in part by downregulating monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 secretion through activation of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in astrocytes.

MicroRNA (let-7b-5p)-targeted DARS2 regulates lung adenocarcinoma growth by PI3K/AKT signaling pathway

Background:The aberrant intraellular expression of a mitochondrial aspartyl tRNA synthetase 2(DARS2)has been reported in human cancers.Nevertheless its critical role and detailed mechanism in lung adenocarcinoma(LUAD)remain unexplored.Methods:Initially,The Cancer Genome Atlas(TCGA)based Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis(GEPIA)database (http:/gepia.cancer-pku.cn/)was used to analyze the prognostic relevance of DARS2 expression in LUAD.Further,cell counting kit(CCK)8,immunostaining,and transwell invasion assays in LUAD cell lines in vitro,as well as DARS2 silence on LUAD by tumorigenicity experiments in wivo in nude mice,were performed.Besides,we analyzed the expression levels of p-PI3K(phosphorylated Phosphotylinosital3 kinase),PI3K,AKT(Protein Kinase B),p-AKT(phosphorylated Protein Kinase B),PCNA(proliferating cell nudear antigen),cleaved-caspase 3,E cadherin,and N-cadherin proteins using the Westem blot analysis.Results:LUAD tissues showed higher DARS2 expression compared to normal tissues.Upregulation of DARS2 could be related to Tumor-Node-Metastasis(TNM)stage,high lymph node metastasis,and inferior prognosis.DARS2 silence decreased the proliferation,migration,and invasion abilities of LUAD cells.In addition,the DARS2 downregulation decreased the PCNA and N-cadherin expression and increased cleaved:caspase 3 and E cadherin expressions in LUAD cells,coupled with the inactivation of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.Moreover,DARS2 silence impaired the tumonigenicity of LUAD in vivo.Interestingly,let:7b-5p could recognize DARS2 through a complementary sequence.Mechanistically,the increased let 7b 5p expression attenuated the promo oncogenic action of DARS2 during LUAD progression,which were inversely correlated to each other in the LUAD tssues Conclusion:In summary,let 7b-5p,downregulated DARS2 expression,regulating the progression of LUAD cells by the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.

Ascophyllum nodosum and Fucus vesiculosus ameliorate restenosis via improving inflammation and regulating the PTEN/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway

Restenosis is a common complication following coronary angioplasty.The traditional use of seaweeds for health benefits has increasingly been explored,however few studies exist reporting its protective effects on the development of restenosis and gut dysbiosis.The aim of this study was to investigate the potential of seaweed extracts(SE) of Ascophyllum nodosum and Fucus vesiculosus in inhibiting intimal hyperplasia in a rat model of restenosis and its underlying mechanisms in macrophages and vascular smooth muscle cells(vSMCs).16S rRNA sequencing was done to investigate the regulatory effect of SE on the gut microbiome of injured rats.As indicated by the results,SE significantly inhibited the progression of intimal hyperplasia in vivo,attenuated inflammation in macrophages and could inhibit the proliferation,dedifferentiation and migration of vSMCs.It was observed through immunoblotting assays that treatment with SE significantly upregulated PTEN expression in macrophages and inhibited the upregulation of PI3K and AKT expression in vSMCs.Meanwhile,according to the 16S rRNA gene sequencing analysis,supplementation with SE modulated gut microbiota composition in injured rats.In conclusion,SE could ameliorate intimal hyperplasia by inhibiting inflammation and vSMCs proliferation through the regulation of the PTEN/PI3K/AKT pathway and modulating the gut microbiome.

ROR2 promotes invasion and chemoresistance of triple-negative breast cancer cells by activating PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling

Objective:This study aimed to investigate the role of receptor tyrosine kinase-like orphan receptor 2(ROR2)in triple-negative breast cancer(TNBC).Methods:ROR2 expression in primary TNBC and metastatic TNBC tissues was analyzed by immunohistochemical staining and PCR.ROR2 expression in TNBC cell lines was detected by PCR and Western blot analysis.The migration,invasion and chemosensitivity of TNBC cells with overexpression or knockdown of ROR2 were examined.Results:ROR2 expression was high in metastatic TNBC tissues.ROR2 knockdown suppressed the migration,invasion and chemoresistance of TNBC cells.ROR2 overexpression in MDA-MB-435 cells promoted the migration,invasion,and chemoresistance.Moreover,ROR2 knockdown in HC1599 and MDA-MB-435 adriamycin-resistant cells enhanced chemosensitivity to adriamycin.ROR2 could activate PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling in TNBC cells.Conclusion:ROR2 is upregulated and promotes metastatic phenotypes of TNBC by activating PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling.

Melatonin improves synapse development by PI3K/Akt signaling in a mouse model of autism spectrum disorder

Autism spectrum disorders are a group of neurodevelopmental disorders involving more than 1100 genes,including Ctnnd2 as a candidate gene.Ctnnd2knockout mice,serving as an animal model of autis m,have been demonstrated to exhibit decreased density of dendritic spines.The role of melatonin,as a neuro hormone capable of effectively alleviating social interaction deficits and regulating the development of dendritic spines,in Ctnnd2 deletion-induced nerve injury remains unclea r.In the present study,we discove red that the deletion of exon 2 of the Ctnnd2 gene was linked to social interaction deficits,spine loss,impaired inhibitory neurons,and suppressed phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase(PI3K)/protein kinase B(Akt) signal pathway in the prefrontal cortex.Our findings demonstrated that the long-term oral administration of melatonin for 28 days effectively alleviated the aforementioned abnormalities in Ctnnd2 gene-knockout mice.Furthermore,the administration of melatonin in the prefro ntal cortex was found to improve synaptic function and activate the PI3K/Akt signal pathway in this region.The pharmacological blockade of the PI3K/Akt signal pathway with a PI3K/Akt inhibitor,wo rtmannin,and melatonin receptor antagonists,luzindole and 4-phenyl-2-propionamidotetralin,prevented the melatonin-induced enhancement of GABAergic synaptic function.These findings suggest that melatonin treatment can ameliorate GABAe rgic synaptic function by activating the PI3K/Akt signal pathway,which may contribute to the improvement of dendritic spine abnormalities in autism spectrum disorders.

The MORC2 p.S87L mutation reduces proliferation of pluripotent stem cells derived from a patient with the spinal muscular atrophy-like phenotype by inhibiting proliferation-related signaling pathways

Mutations in the microrchidia CW-type zinc finger protein 2(MORC2)gene are the causative agent of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 2Z(CMT2Z),and the hotspot mutation p.S87L is associated with a more seve re spinal muscular atrophy-like clinical phenotype.The aims of this study were to determine the mechanism of the severe phenotype caused by the MORC2 p.S87L mutation and to explore potential treatment strategies.Epithelial cells were isolated from urine samples from a spinal muscular atrophy(SMA)-like patient[MORC2 p.S87L),a CMT2Z patient[MORC2 p.Q400R),and a healthy control and induced to generate pluripotent stem cells,which were then differentiated into motor neuron precursor cells.Next-generation RNA sequencing followed by KEGG pathway enrichment analysis revealed that differentially expressed genes involved in the PI3K/Akt and MAP K/ERK signaling pathways were enriched in the p.S87L SMA-like patient group and were significantly downregulated in induced pluripotent stem cells.Reduced proliferation was observed in the induced pluripotent stem cells and motor neuron precursor cells derived from the p.S87L SMA-like patient group compared with the CMT2Z patient group and the healthy control.G0/G1 phase cell cycle arrest was observed in induced pluripotent stem cells derived from the p.S87L SMA-like patient.MORC2 p.S87Lspecific antisense oligonucleotides(p.S87L-ASO-targeting)showed significant efficacy in improving cell prolife ration and activating the PI3K/Akt and MAP K/ERK pathways in induced pluripotent stem cells.Howeve r,p.S87L-ASO-ta rgeting did not rescue prolife ration of motor neuron precursor cells.These findings suggest that downregulation of the PI3K/Akt and MAP K/ERK signaling pathways leading to reduced cell proliferation and G0/G1 phase cell cycle arrest in induced pluripotent stem cells might be the underlying mechanism of the severe p.S87L SMA-like phenotype.p.S87L-ASO-targeting treatment can alleviate disordered cell proliferation in the early stage of pluripotent stem cell induction.

shRNA-interfering LSD1 inhibits proliferation and invasion of gastric cancer cells via VEGF-C/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway

BACKGROUND Histone Lysine Specific Demethylase 1(LSD1)is the first histone demethylase to be discovered,which regulates various biological functions by making lysine of histone H3K4,H3K9 and non-histone substrates demethylated.Abnormal regulation of LSD1 is closely related to the occurrence and development of gastric cancer.The change of LSD1 expression level plays an important role in the proliferation and metastasis of gastric cancer cells.The study of its function and mechanism may provide a theoretical basis for early diagnosis and targeted therapy of gastric cancer.AIM To investigate the effect of downregulation of lysine-specific demethylase 1(LSD1)expression on proliferation and invasion of gastric cancer cells and the possible regulatory mechanisms of the VEGF-C/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.METHODS The LSD1-specific short hairpin RNA(shRNA)interference plasmid was transiently transfected,and expression of LSD1 was downregulated.The cell proliferation ability of LSD1 was observed by CCK-8 assay after downregulating expression of LSD1.Transwell invasion assay was used to observe the change of cell invasion ability after downregulating expression of LSD1.Expression of phosphorylated phosphoinositide 3-kinase(p-PI3K),PI3K,p-AKT,AKT,vascular endothelial growth factor receptor(VEGFR)-3,matrix metalloproteinase(MMP)-2 and MMP-9 in each group was detected by Western blotting.RESULTS The cell proliferation ability of transiently transfected LSD1-shRNA interference plasmid group was significantly lower than that of the control group(P<0.05).Transwell invasion assay showed that the number of cells across the membrane of the LSD1-shRNA transfection group(238.451±5.216)was significantly lower than that of the control group(49.268±6.984)(P<0.01).Western blotting showed that expression level of VEGF-C,p-PI3K,PI3K,p-AKT,AKT,VEGFR-3,MMP-2 and MMP-9 in the LSD1-shRNA group was significantly lower than that in the control group(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Downregulation of LSD1 expression inhibits metastatic potential of gastric cancer cells,and VEGF-C-mediated activation of PI3K/AKT signaling pathway,which may be an important mechanism for inhibiting lymph node metastasis in gastric cancer cells.

PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway inhibitors in proliferation of retinal pigment epithelial cells

AIM: To determine whether the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway is activated in proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) in homo-sapiens. METHODS: The retina of controls and patients with PVR were collected and their levels of PI3K, phospho-AKT, phospho-mTOR, phospho-p70S6k and phospho-4EBP-1 were determined by Western blot. The cultured human retinal pigment epithelial cell line D407 was treated with a specific mTOR inhibitor, rapamycin (RAPA) or a PI3K inhibitor, LY294002, of various concentrations and durations. Cell morphology was observed by phase contrast microscopy and the proliferation and apoptosis of treated cells were determined by MTT assay and flow cytometry. RESULTS: Levels of PI3K, phospho-AKT, phospho-mTOR, phospho-P70S6K and phospho-4EBP1 was increased in the retina in PVR (P <0.05). In D407 cells, both RAPA and LY294002 significantly inhibited cell proliferation and cell cycle progression, and promoted apoptosis (P <0.05); morphologically, the cells became smaller. Both RAPA and LY294002 reduced levels of phospho-AKT, phospho-mTOR, phospho-p70S6k and phospho-4EBP1 expression (P <0.05). RAPA, but not LY294002, had no significant effect on PI3K expression. CONCLUSION: PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway is highly activated in the retinal pigment epithelial cells of PVR. The inhibitors of PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway, RAPA and LY294002, could inhibited the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway by reducing the levels of phosphorylation of mTOR pathway components.

Exosomes Derived from Human Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cells Enhance the Osteoblastic Differentiation of Periodontal Ligament Stem Cells Under High Glucose Conditions Through the PI3K/AKT Signaling Pathway

Objective High glucose(HG)can influence the osteogenic differentiation ability of periodontal ligament stem cells(PDLSCs).Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes(hUCMSC-exo)have broad application prospects in tissue healing.The current study aimed to explore whether hUCMSC-exo could promote the osteogenic differentiation of hPDLSCs under HG conditions and the underlying mechanism.Methods We used a 30 mmol/L glucose concentration to simulate HG conditions.CCK-8 assay was performed to evaluate the effect of hUCMSC-exo on the proliferation of hPDLSCs.Alkaline phosphatase(ALP)staining,ALP activity,and qRT-PCR were performed to evaluate the pro-osteogenic effect of hUCMSC-exo on hPDLSCs.Western blot analysis was conducted to evaluate the underlying mechanism.Results The results of the CCK-8 assay,ALP staining,ALP activity,and qRT-PCR assay showed that hUCMSC-exo significantly promoted cell proliferation and osteogenic differentiation in a dosedependent manner.The Western blot results revealed that hUCMSC-exo significantly increased the levels of p-PI3K and p-AKT in cells,and the effect was inhibited by LY294002(PI3K inhibitor)or MK2206(AKT inhibitor),respectively.Moreover,the increases in osteogenic indicators induced by hUCMSC-exo were significantly suppressed by LY294002 and MK2206.Conclusion hUCMSC-exo promote the osteogenic differentiation of hPDLSCs under HG conditions through the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.

Indirubin alleviates retinal neurodegeneration through the regulation of PI3K/AKT signaling

Retinal neurodegenerative disease is a leading cause of blindness among the elderly in developed countries,including glaucoma,diabetic retinopathy,traumatic optic neuropathy and optic neuritis,etc.The current clinical treatment is not very effective.We investigated indirubin,one of the main bioactive components of the traditional Chinese medicine Danggui Longhui Pill,in the present study for its role in retinal neurodegeneration.Indirubin exhibited no detectable tissue toxicity in vivo or cytotoxicity in vitro.Moreover,indirubin improved visual function and ameliorated retinal neurodegeneration in mice after optic nerve crush injury in vivo.Furthermore,indirubin reduced the apoptosis of retinal ganglion cells induced by oxidative stress in vitro.In addition,indirubin significantly suppressed the increased production of intracellular reactive oxygen species and the decreased activity of superoxide dismutase induced by oxidative stress.Mechanically,indirubin played a neuroprotective role by regulating the PI3K/AKT/BAD/BCL-2 signaling.In conclusion,indirubin protected retinal ganglion cells from oxidative damage and alleviated retinal neurodegeneration induced by optic nerve crush injury.The present study provides a potential therapeutic medicine for retinal neurodegenerative diseases.

FGF2 promotes the chemotherapy resistance in colon cancer cells through activating PI3K/Akt signaling pathway

Background:To investigate the role of fibroblast growth factor 2(FGF2)in chemotherapy resistance of colon cancer.Methods:An HCT116/5-fluorouracil(5-FU)-resistant cell line was established,and FGF2 levels were detected in a sensitive cell group(HCT116)and a resistant cell group(HCT1116-R)using different methods.Fibroblast growth factor 2 levels in the medium were determined by enzyme-linked immunoassay.The protein expressions of FGF2,fibroblast growth factor receptor 1(FGFR1),and phospho-FGFR1 were assessed by Western blotting,and FGF2 mRNA levels were detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction.Fibroblast growth factor 2 recombinant protein was added to sensitive cells,and FGFR inhibitor AZD4547 was added to resistant cells,and the cell survival rate was determined using the cell counting kit-8 method and the protein expressions of PI3K(phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase),p-PI3K(phospho-PI3K),Akt(protein kinase B),p-Akt(phospho-Akt),mammalian target of rapamycin(mTOR),p-mTOR(phospho-mTOR),Bad(Bcl-xL/Bcl-2-associated death promoter),NF-κB(nuclear factorκB),GSK-3(glycogen synthase kinase-3),FKHR(forkhead box protein O1),and PTEN(phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome ten)were detected by Western blotting.Results:Fibroblast growth factor 2 protein and mRNA expression levels in the HCT116-R group were significantly higher than those in the HCT116 group.Fibroblast growth factor 2 increased the survival rate of HCT116 cells;improved tolerance to 5-FU;upregulated p-PI3K,p-Akt,and p-mTOR;and downregulated Bad.The FGFR inhibitor AZD4547 decreased cell survival rate and tolerance to 5-FU;downregulated p-PI3K,p-Akt,and p-mTOR expression;and upregulated Bad.Conclusions:Fibroblast growth factor 2 promotes chemotherapy tolerance in colon cancer cells by activating the Akt/mTOR and Akt/Bad signaling pathways downstream of PI3K.

Canolol induces apoptosis in human gastric carcinoma cell through PI3K/Akt signaling pathway

Canolol is a natural polyphenolic compound in rapeseed oil with multiple biological activities.Anti-cancer potential of canolol has been proposed in some studies.However,the effect and underlying mechanism of canolol on human gastric carcinoma(AGS)cells have not been well understood.This study showed that canolol had significant inhibition in proliferation and strongly apoptotic effects in AGS cells,which were verified by the decrease of cell viability,high level of reactive oxygen species(ROS),and damage in mitochondria membrane potential(MMP).Treatment with canolol arrested cells in S phase,and increased expressions of Bax,cleaved caspase-9,and cleaved caspase-3 proteins.Meanwhile,low expression of Bcl-2 and cytochrome C(Cyt C)release were found.The expressions of PI3K(phosphoinositide 3-kinase)and p-AKT(phosphorylated serine/threonine kinase)were also downregulated.Overall,these results suggested that canolol inhibited proliferation and induced apoptosis in AGS cells by regulating PI3K/Akt pathway,demonstrating a potential in gastric cancer treatment.

Anti-tumor activity of Sanguisorba officinalis L.in non-small cell lung cancer and induced apoptosis via PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway

OBJECTIVE To investigate the pharmacological effect and mechanism of Sanguisorba officinalis L.(SOL)in non-small cell lung cancer(NSCLC)in vitro and in vivo based on network pharmacology.METHODS Network pharmacology was used to analyze the improving effect of SOL on NSCLC and possible targets.Cell counting kit 8(CCK-8)and 5-ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine(EdU)staining,Western blotting,flow cytometry of AnnexinⅤ/PI,Hoechst 33342/PI staining detection and immunofluorescence were utilized in vitro.H&E staining,immunohistochemistry staining and Western blotting were performed in vivo.RESULTS Based on network prediction,we analyzed the 208 common targets of SOL and NSCLC.36 core targets in 208 common targets were obtained through cytoscape analysis.And the top 10 core targets included Akt,mTOR,EGFR,etc..KEGG analysis showed that PI3K-Akt signaling pathway was the most likely pathway.Furthermore,the mechanism study found that SOL could activate the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway in vitro and in vivo.The anti-proliferative effect of SOL in A549 and H1299 cells was measured and validated by CCK-8 and EdU assay.Immunohistochemical results of Ki67 showed that SOL effectively inhibited tumor growth in vivo.SOL also significantly inhibited the migration and invasion of A549 and H1299 cells.SOL significantly increased the percentage of cells with PI signal in A549 and H1299,and the process of cell death of A549 cells indicated that SOL induced apoptosis.The PARP-1 and caspase-3 in A549 and H1299 were found to be activated in a dose manner.The results in vivo were consistent with those in vitro.CONCLUSION SOL-induced,caspase-3-mediated apoptosis via the induction of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway in NSCLC,which further clarified the mechanism of SOL in the inhibition of NSCLC,and thereby provided a possibility for SOL to serve as a novel therapeutic agent for NSCLC in the future.

Anti-cancer activity of Tonglian decoction against esophageal cancer cell proliferation through regulation of the cell cycle and PI3K/Akt signaling pathway

Objective:The purpose of this study was to observe the anti-cancer activity of Tonglian decoction(TD)on esophageal cancer(EC)cells in vitro,and to elucidate the related molecular mechanisms in the cell cycle and PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.Methods:EC9706 cells were cultured in RPMI 1640 medium supplemented with 10%calf serum at 37
C in a 5%CO2 incubator.The cells were treated with rat serum containing TD or the serum of rats administered Xiaoaiping as a positive control drug.Cell proliferation was assessed by methylthiazolyldiphenyl-tetrazolium bromide assays.Cell morphology was observed under a microscope.The cell cycle was examined by flow cytometry.Protein expression in the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway was measured by western blotting.Results:TD mainly inhibited cell proliferation.Concentrations of 50%cell inhibition by rat serum containing TD or Xiaoaiping were 73.6 and 153.8 mL/mL,respectively.TD also influenced cell morphology characterized by small shrunken cells.Cell colonies became small and the cell proliferation rate was slower.In cell cycle analysis,the percentage of cells in S phase was decreased significantly by TD and Xiaoaiping compared with the blank control group(P<.05).Western blotting showed that serum containing TD strongly downregulated EGFR,PI3K,Akt,p-Akt,and mTOR expression compared with the blank control group(P<.05).Conclusion:TD could inhibit EC9706 carcinoma cell proliferation by blocking the cell cycle progression in S phase.The possible mechanism was inhibition of multiple targets in the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway by TD.

POLE2 Regulates Apoptosis of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cells through the PI3K/AKT Signaling Pathway

Objective Oral squamous cell carcinoma(OSCC)is the most common malignant tumor of the head and neck,but its occurrence and progression mechanisms remain unclear.In addition-there is a lack of effective targeting drugs.The second major subunit of DNA polymerase(POLE2)catalyzes the prolongation of new strand replication and modifies exonuclease domain activity.Our previous study found that POLE2 was associated with OSCC progression,but the mechanism remains unclear.Methods The expression of POLE2 in OSCC tissues was detected using immunological assays.Mann-Whitney U analysis was used to investigate the relationship between POLE2 gene expression and tumor classification and prognosis of OSCC.POLE2 expression was inhibited in OSCC cells,and the effects of gene and protein expression were detected using RT-PCR and Western blotting.The POLE2 knockout model was constructed by transfecting a lentiviral vector.Cell proliferation,apoptosis,and migration were detected using various assays including colony formation,MTT,flow cytometry,wound healing assay,Transwell assay,and the Human Apoptosis Antibody Array.The animal model of OSCC was established by subcutaneous injection of transfected HN6 into 4-week-old female nude mice.After 30 days,tumors were removed under anesthesia and tumor weight and dimension were recorded.Tumor cell proliferation was analyzed using Ki67 staining.Results POLE2 gene levels were significantly higher in the OSCC tissues than in the normal tissues.In addition,POLE2 gene levels were statistically correlated with tumor classification and prognosis.Silencing POLE2 inhibited the proliferation of oral cancer cells and promoted apoptosis in vitro.Animal experiments also supported a positive correlation between POLE2 and OSCC tumor formation.We further demonstrated that POLE2 could upregulate the expression of apoptosis-related proteins such as caspase-3,CD40,CD40L,DR6,Fas,IGFBP-6,p21,and SMAC.In addition,POLE2 regulated OSCC development by inhibiting the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.Conclusion POLE2 is closely related to the progression of OSCC.Thus,POLE2 may be a potential target for OSCC treatment.