Mesenchymal stromal cells modulate unfolded protein response and preserve β-cell mass in type 1 diabetes

Introduction:Transplantation of mesenchymal stromal cells(MSCs)is a promising therapy for type 1 diabetes(T1D).However,whether the infused MSCs affect the endoplasmic reticulum stress or subsequent unfolded protein response inβcells remains unclear.Methods:To investigate this,we induced early-onset T1D in non-obese diabetic mice using streptozotocin.Subsequently,T1D mice were randomly assigned to receive either MSCs or phosphate-buffered saline.We observed the in vivo homing of MSCs and assessed their effectiveness by analyzing blood glucose levels,body weight,histopathology,pancreatic protein expression,and serum levels of cytokines,proinsulin,and C-peptide.Results:Infused MSCs were found in the lungs,liver,spleen,and pancreas of T1D mice.They exhibited various effects,including reducing blood glucose levels,regulating immunity,inhibiting inflammation,increasingβ-cell areas,and reducing the expression of key proteins in the unfolded protein response pathway.Fasting serum proinsulin and C-peptide levels were significantly higher in the MSCs treatment group than in the T1D model group.However,there was no significant difference in the biomarker ofβ-cell endoplasmic reticulum stress,the ratio of fasting serum proinsulin to C-peptide,between the two groups.Conclusion:Ourfindings reveal that MSCs infusion does not alleviate endoplasmic reticulum stress inβcells directly but modulates the unfolded protein response pathway to preserveβ-cell mass and function in T1D mice.

Acinar cell injury induced by inadequate unfolded protein response in acute pancreatitis

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is an inflammatory disorder of pancreatic tissue initiated in injured acinar cells. Severe AP remains a significant challenge due to the lack of effective treatment. The widely-accepted autodigestion theory of AP is now facing challenges, since inhibiting protease activation has negligible effectiveness for AP treatment despite numerous efforts. Furthermore, accumulating evidence supports a new concept that malfunction of a self-protective mechanism, the unfolded protein response(UPR), is the driving force behind the pathogenesis of AP. The UPR is induced by endoplasmic reticulum(ER) stress, a disturbance frequently found in acinar cells, to prevent the aggravation of ER stress that can otherwise lead to cell injury. In addition, the UPR's signaling pathways control NFκB activation and autophagy flux, and these dysregulations cause acinar cell inflammatory injury in AP, but with poorly understood mechanisms. We therefore summarize the protective role of the UPR in AP, propose mechanistic models of how inadequate UPR could promote NFκB's pro-inflammatory activity and impair autophagy's protective function in acinar cells, and discuss its relevance to current AP treatment. We hope that insight provided in this review will help facilitate the research and management of AP.

Role of unfolded protein response in lipogenesis

The signal transduction network in regulating lipid metabolism is a hot topic of biomedical research. Recent research endeavors reveal that intracellular stress signaling from a cellular organelle called endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is critically involved in lipid homeostasis and the development of metabolic disease. The ER is a site where newly-synthesized proteins are folded and assembled into their three-dimensional structures, modified and transported to their precise cellular destinations. A wide range of biochemical, physiological and pathological stimuli can interrupt the protein folding process in the ER and cause accumulation of unfolded or misfolded proteins in the ER lumen, a condition referred to as ER stress. To cope with this stress condition, the ER has evolved highly-specifi c signaling pathways collectively termed Unfolded Protein Response (UPR) or ER stress response. The UPR regulates transcriptionaland translational programs, affecting broad aspects of cellular metabolism and cell fate. Lipogenesis, the metabolic process of de novo lipid biosynthesis, occurs primarily in the liver where metabolic signals regulate expression of key enzymes in glycolytic and lipogenic pathways. Recent studies suggest that the UPR plays crucial roles in modulating lipogenesis under metabolic conditions. Here we address some of recent representative evidence regarding the role of the UPR in lipogenesis.

Hypoxia Affects Autophagy in Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells via the IRE1 Unfolded Protein Response

Objective:The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of the unfolded protein response,specifically the inositol-requiring enzyme 1(IRE1)signaling pathway,in hypoxia-induced autophagy in human umbilical venous endothelial cells(HUVECs).Methods:The expression of IRE1 and autophagy relative protein in HUVECs with hypoxia was explored by Western blotting,qRT-PCR and confocal microscopy.Further,we evaluated the biological effects of HUVECs by tube formation assay and wound healing assay in vitro.Finally,we examined the function of IRE1 in local blood vessels through animal models,Results:Hypoxia activated the IRE1 signaling pathway and induced autophagy in a time-dependent manner in HUVECs and further influenced the biological effects of HUVECs.Intraperitoneal injection of IRE1 inhibitors inhibited local vascular autophagy levels and lipid accumulation in model animals.Conclusion:Hypoxia can induce autophagy and activate the IRE1 signaling pathway in HUVECs and the IRE1 signaling pathway is involved in autophagy in hypoxic conditions.

Ultrastructural variation and key ER chaperones response induced by heat stress in intestinal cells of sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus

Abstract The unfolded protein response(UPR)is an important protective and compensatory strategy used during endoplasmic reticulum stress caused by factors including glucose starvation,low pH,or heat shock.However,there is very little information on the possible role(s)of the UPR under adverse conditions experienced by marine invertebrates.We observed that rough endoplasmic reticulum(ER)was dramatically expanded and numerous autophagosomes were accumulated in the intestinal cells of sea cucumbers,Apostichopus japonicus,under heat stress(4 h at 25°C compared with 15°C controls).Moreover,heat stress led to sharp increases in the relative transcript and protein expression levels of two primary ER chaperones:the endoplasmic reticulum resident protein 29-like(ERP29)and protein disulfi de-isomerase A6-like(PDIA6).These results suggest a potential adaptive mechanism to deal with heat-induced stress in sea cucumber intestine.

Subversion of cellular stress responses by poxviruses

Cellular stress responses are powerful mechanisms that prevent and cope with the accumulation of macromolecular damage in the cells and also boost host defenses against pathogens. Cells can initiate either protective or destructive stress responses depending, to a large extent, on the nature and duration of the stressing stimulus as well as the cell type. The productive replication of a virus within a given cell places inordinate stress on the metabolism machinery of the host and, to assure the continuity of its replication, many viruses have developed ways to modulate the cell stress responses. Poxviruses are among the viruses that have evolved a large number of strategies to manipulate host stress responses in order to control cell fate and enhance their replicative success. Remarkably, nearly every step of the stress responses that is mounted during infection can be targeted by virally encoded functions. The fine-tuned interactions between poxviruses and the host stress responses has aided virologists to understand specific aspects of viral replication; has helped cell biologists to evaluate the role of stress signaling in the uninfected cell; and has tipped immunologists on how these signals contribute to alert the cells against pathogen invasionand boost subsequent immune responses. This review discusses the diverse strategies that poxviruses use to subvert host cell stress responses.

Z α-1 antitrypsin deficiency and the endoplasmic reticulum stress response

The serine proteinase inhibitor α-1 antitrypsin(AAT) is produced principally by the liver at the rate of 2 g/d.It is secreted into the circulation and provides an antiprotease protective screen throughout the body but most importantly in the lung,where it can neutralise the activity of the serine protease neutrophil elastase.Mutations leading to def iciency in AAT are associated with liver and lung disease.The most notable is the Z AAT mutation,which encodes a misfolded variant of the AAT protein in which the glutamic acid at position 342 is replaced by a lysine.More than 95% of all individuals with AAT def iciency carry at least one Z allele.ZAAT protein is not secreted effectively and accumulates intracellularly in the endoplasmic reticulum(ER) of hepatocytes and other AAT-producing cells.This results in a loss of function associated with decreased circulating and intrapulmonary levels of AAT.However,the misfolded protein acquires a toxic gain of function that impacts on the ER.A major function of the ER is to ensure correct protein folding.ZAAT interferes with this function and promotes ER stress responses and inflammation.Here the signalling pathways activated during ER stress in response to accumulation of ZAAT are described and therapeutic strategies that can potentially relieve ER stress are discussed.

N-acetylcysteine protects against cadmium-induced germ cell apoptosis by inhibiting endoplasmic reticulum stress in testes

Cadmium （Cd） is a reproductive toxicant that induces germ cell apoptosis in the testes. Previous studies have demonstrated that endoplasmic reticulum （ER） stress is involved in Cd-induced germ cell apoptosis. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of N-acetylcysteine （NAC）, an antioxidant, on Cd-induced ER stress and germ cell apoptosis in the testes. Male CD-1 mice were intraperitoneally injected with CdCl2 （2.0 mg kg^-1）. As expected, acute Cd exposure induced germ cell apoptosis in the testes, as determined by terminal dUTP nick-end labelling （TUNEL）. However, the administration of NAC alleviated Cd-induced germ ceil apoptosis in the testes. Further analysis showed that NAC attenuated the Cd-induced upregulation of testicular glucose-regulated protein 78 （GRP78）, an important ER molecular chaperone. Moreover, NAC inhibited the Cd-induced phosphorylation of testicular eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2a （elF2a）, a downstream target of the double-stranded RNA-activated kinase-like ER kinase （PERK） pathway. In addition, NAC blocked the Cd-induced activation of testicular X binding protein （XBP）-1, indicating that NAC attenuates the Cd-induced ER stress and the unfolded protein response （UPR）. Interestingly, NAC almost completely prevented the Cd-induced elevation of C/EBP homologous protein （CHOP） and phosphorylation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase （.INK）, two components of the ER stress-mediated apoptotic pathway. In conclusion, NAC protects against Cd-induced germ cell apoptosis by inhibiting endoplasmic reticulum stress in the testes.

Role of endoplasmic reticulum stress in the pathogenesis of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD)has emerged as a common public health problem in recent decades.However,the underlying mechanisms leading to the development of NAFLD are not fully understood.The endoplasmic reticulum(ER)stress response has recently been proposed to play a crucial role in both the development of steatosis and progression to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis.ER stress is activated to regulate protein synthesis and restore homeostatic equilibrium when the cell is stressed due to the accumulation of unfolded or misfolded proteins.However,delayed or insufficient responses to ER stress may turn physiological mechanisms into pathological consequences,including fat accumulation,insulin resistance,inflammation,and apoptosis,all of which play important roles in the pathogenesis of NAFLD.Therefore,understanding the role of ER stress in the pathogenesis of NAFLD has become a topic of intense investigation.This review highlights the recent findings linking ER stress signaling pathways to the pathogenesis of NAFLD.

Inhibition of endoplasmic reticulum stress alleviates secondary injury after traumatic brain injury

Apoptosis after traumatic brain injury has been shown to be a major factor influencing prognosis and outcome. Endoplasmic reticulum stress may be involved in mitochondrial mediated neuronal apoptosis. Therefore, endoplasmic reticulum stress has become an important mechanism of secondary injury after traumatic brain injury. In this study, a rat model of traumatic brain injury was established by lateral fluid percussion injury. Fluorescence assays were used to measure reactive oxygen species content in the cerebral cortex. Western blot assays were used to determine expression of endoplasmic reticulum stress-related proteins. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was used to detect pathological changes in the cerebral cortex. Transmission electron microscopy was used to measure ultrastructural changes in the endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria. Our results showed activation of the endoplasmic reticulum stress-related unfolded protein response. Meanwhile, both the endoplasmic reticulum stress response and mitochondrial apoptotic pathway were activated at different stages post-traumatic brain injury. Furthermore, pretreatment with the endoplasmic reticulum stress inhibitor, salubrinal（1 mg/kg）, by intraperitoneal injection 30 minutes before injury significantly inhibited the endoplasmic reticulum stress response and reduced apoptosis. Moreover, salubrinal promoted recovery of mitochondrial function and inhibited activation of the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway post-traumatic brain injury. These results suggest that endoplasmic reticulum stress might be a key factor for secondary brain injury post-traumatic brain injury.

Coxsackievirus B3 Infection Triggers Autophagy through 3 Pathways of Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress

Objective Autophagy is a highly conserved intracellular degradation pathway. Many picornaviruses induce autophagy to benefit viral replication, but an understanding of how autophagy occurs remains incomplete. In this study, we explored whether coxsackievirus B3(CVB3) infection induced autophagy through endoplasmic reticulum(ER) stress. Methods In CVB3-infected HeLa cells, the specific molecules of ER stress and autophagy were detected using Western blotting, reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR), and confocal microscopy. Then PKR-like ER protein kinase(PERK) inhibitor, inositol-requiring protein-1(IRE1) inhibitor, or activating transcription factor-6(ATF6) inhibitor worked on CVB3-infected cells, their effect on autophagy was assessed by Western blotting for detecting microtubule-associated protein light chain 3(LC3). Results CVB3 infection induced ER stress, and ER stress sensors PERK/eIF2α, IRE1/XBP1, and ATF6 were activated. CVB3 infection increased the accumulation of green fluorescent protein(GFP)-LC3 punctuation and induced the conversion from LC3-Ⅰ to phosphatidylethanolamine-conjugated LC3-1(LC3-Ⅱ). CVB3 infection still decreased the expression of mammalian target of rapamycin(mTOR) and p-mTOR. Inhibition of PERK, IRE1, or ATF6 significantly decreased the ratio of LC3-Ⅱ to LC3-Ⅰ in CVB3-infected HeLa cells. Conclusion CVB3 infection induced autophagy through ER stress in HeL a cells, and PERK, IRE1, and ATF6 a pathways participated in the regulation of autophagy. Our data suggested that ER stress may inhibit mTOR signaling pathway to induce autophagy during CVB3 infection.

Functional interaction of endoplasmic reticulum stress and hepatitis B virus in the pathogenesis of liver diseases

Hepatitis B virus(HBV) is a non-cytopathic virus that causes acute and chronic inflammatory liver diseases,often leading to the pathogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC). Although many studies for the roles of HBV on pathogenesis of the liver diseases,such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD),hepatic inflammation,cirrhosis,and HCC,have been reported,the mechanisms are not fully understood. Endoplasmic reticulum(ER) and mitochondria have the protective mechanisms to restore their damaged function by intrinsic or extrinsic stresses,but their chronic dysfunctions are associated with the pathogenesis of the various diseases. Furthermore,HBV can affect intraor extracellular homeostasis through induction of ER and mitochondrial dysfunctions,leading to liver injury. Therefore,the mechanism by which HBV induces ER or mitochondrial stresses may be a therapeutic target for treatment of liver diseases.

The expression of oxidative stress genes related to myocardial ischemia reperfusion injury in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction

BACKGROUND:We aimed to investigate the gene expression of myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury(MIRI)in patients with acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction(STEMI)using stress and toxicity pathway gene chip technology and try to determine the underlying mechanism.METHODS:The mononuclear cells were separated by ficoll centrifugation,and plasma total antioxidant capacity(T-AOC)was determined by the ferric reducing ability of plasma(FRAP)assay.The expression of toxic oxidative stress genes was determined and verified by oligo gene chip and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction(qRT-PCR).Additionally,gene ontology(GO)enrichment analysis was performed on DAVID website to analyze the potential mechanism further.RESULTS:The total numbers of white blood cells(WBC)and neutrophils(N)in the peripheral blood of STEMI patients(the AMI group)were significantly higher than those in the control group(WBC:11.67±4.85×10^(9)/L vs.6.41±0.72×10^(9)/L,P<0.05;N:9.27±4.75×10^(9)/L vs.3.89±0.81×10^(9)/L,P<0.05),and WBCs were significantly associated with creatine kinase-myocardial band(CK-MB)on the first day(Y=8.945+0.018X,P<0.05).In addition,the T-AOC was significantly lower in the AMI group comparing to the control group(12.80±1.79 U/mL vs.20.48±2.55 U/mL,P<0.05).According to the gene analysis,eight up-regulated differentially expressed genes(DEGs)included GADD45A,PRDX2,HSPD1,DNAJB1,DNAJB2,RAD50,TNFSF6,and TRADD.Four down-regulated DEGs contained CCNG1,CAT,CYP1A1,and ATM.TNFSF6 and CYP1A1 were detected by polymerase chain reaction(PCR)to verify the expression at different time points,and the results showed that TNFSF6 was up-regulated and CYP1A1 was down-regulated as the total expression.GO and kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes(KEGG)enrichment analysis suggested that the oxidative stress genes mediate MIRI via various ways such as unfolded protein response(UPR)and apoptosis.CONCLUSIONS:WBCs,especially neutrophils,were the critical cells that mediating reperfusion injury.MIRI was regulated by various genes,including oxidative metabolic stress,heat shock,DNA damage and repair,and apoptosis-related genes.The underlying pathway may be associated with UPR and apoptosis,which may be the novel therapeutic target.

内质网应激PERK-eIF2α-AFT4-CHOP信号通路在血液肿瘤中的研究进展

在生理状态下,内质网主要负责蛋白质的生物合成和成熟。然而,当机体稳态受到内外因素干扰破坏后,引发内质网中未折叠和错误折叠蛋白的累积,进而诱导产生内质网应激和未折叠蛋白反应(UPR)。在内质网应激条件下,未折叠蛋白反应可通过不同途径来维持细胞内稳态,其中活化蛋白激酶R样内质网激酶(PERK)是其重要途径之一。活化的PERK使真核翻译起始因子2亚基α(eIF2α)磷酸化,引发活性转录因子4(ATF4)选择性翻译,并与促凋亡转录因子C/EBP同源蛋白(CHOP)的启动子直接结合诱导细胞凋亡。该信号通路也是UPR参与血液肿瘤细胞和免疫细胞调节的重要机制之一。本文阐述了PERK-eIF2α-ATF4-CHOP信号通路在血液肿瘤中的研究进展,以及靶向该信号通路在血液肿瘤治疗中的潜在价值。

Targeting endoplasmic reticulum stress signaling in ovarian cancer therapy

The endoplasmic reticulum(ER),an organelle present in various eukaryotic cells,is responsible for intracellular protein synthesis,post-translational modification,and folding and transport,as well as the regulation of lipid and steroid metabolism and Ca2+homeostasis.Hypoxia,nutrient deficiency,and a low pH tumor microenvironment lead to the accumulation of misfolded or unfolded proteins in the ER,thus activating ER stress(ERS)and the unfolded protein response,and resulting in either restoration of cellular homeostasis or cell death.ERS plays a crucial role in cancer oncogenesis,progression,and response to therapies.This article reviews current studies relating ERS to ovarian cancer,the most lethal gynecologic malignancy among women globally,and discusses pharmacological agents and possible targets for therapeutic intervention.

New insights into the unfolded protein response(UPR)-anterior gradient 2(AGR2)pathway in the regulation of intestinal barrier function in weaned piglets

Sustained dysfunction of the intestinal barrier caused by early weaning is a major factor that induces postweaning diarrhea in weaned piglets.In both healthy and diseased states,the intestinal barrier is regulated by goblet cells.Alterations in the characteristics of goblet cells are linked to intestinal barrier dysfunction and inflammatory conditions during pathogenic infections.In this review,we summarize the current understanding of the mechanisms of the unfolded protein response(UPR)and anterior gradient2(AGR2)in maintaining intestinal barrier function and how modifications to these systems affect mucus barrier characteristics and goblet cell dysregulation.We highlight a novel mechanism underlying the UPR-AGR2 pathway,which affects goblet cell differentiation and maturation and the synthesis and secretion of mucin by regulating epidermal growth factor receptor and mucin 2.This study provides a theoretical basis and new insights into the regulation of intestinal health in weaned piglets.

Effects of Shenling Baizhu powder on endoplasmic reticulum stress related signaling pathway in liver tissues of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease rats

Background:According to our previous studies,Shenling Baizhu powder has an excellent preventive and therapeutic effect on nonalcoholic fatty liver disease,but the prevention mechanism is still not clear.In this study,we intended to explore the effects of Shenling Baizhu powder on the endoplasmic reticulum stress related signaling pathway in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease rats’liver tissues.Methods:After 16 weeks,the levels of serum total cholesterol,triglyceride,high-density lipoprotein cholesterol,low-density lipoprotein cholesterol,alanine transaminase and aspartate transaminase were evaluated by an automatic biochemical analyzer,and the levels of serum free fatty acid and hepatic total cholesterol and triglyceride were evaluated by commercial kits.Then,histological changes of the liver were observed by hematoxylin and eosin and oil red-O staining.Protein expression related to the liver unfolded protein response signalling pathway was assessed using Western blot analysis.Results:The results showed that Shenling Baizhu powder supplementation reduced serum total cholesterol,triglyceride,free fatty acid,alanine transaminase,and aspartate transaminase(P<0.05 or P<0.01),as well as the levels of hepatic total cholesterol and triglyceride(P<0.01).Pathological examination showed that Shenling Baizhu powder improved hepatic steatosis and lipid accumulation.The results of biochemical parameters and histological changes indicated that Shenling Baizhu powder administration exerted protective effects against nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.In addition,Shenling Baizhu powder decreased the protein expression levels of binding immunoglobulin protein,activating transcription factor 6,phosphorylation of eukaryotic initiation factor 2 alpha,protein kinase RNA-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase and X-box binding protein 1s in the liver(P<0.05 or P<0.01).Conclusion:Shenling Baizhu powder can ameliorate high-fat diet-induced liver lipid metabolism disorder in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease rats.The mechanisms may be related to the inhibition of the expression of proteins related to unfolded protein response signaling pathways in endoplasmic reticulum stress.

PERK信号通路介导的线粒体未折叠蛋白反应在低氧缺血性脑损伤中的作用

目的:探讨蛋白激酶RNA样ER激酶(protein kinase RNA-like ER kinase,PERK)信号通路介导的线粒体未折叠蛋白反应(mitochondrial unfolded protein response,mtUPR)在缺氧缺血性脑损伤(hypoxic-ischemic brain injury,HIBI)中的作用。方法:将大鼠随机分为假手术(Sham)组和5个HIBI亚组(HIBI后3、6、12、24、48 h)。用于蛋白质印迹检测PERK、转录激活因子4(activating transcription factor 4,ATF4)、热休克蛋白60(heat shock protein 60,HSP60)蛋白的时程表达。将大鼠随机分为Sham组、HIBI组、HIBI+PERK组和HIBI+载体(Vector)组,每组15只。HIBI+PERK组和HIBI+Vector组大鼠在HIBI手术前1 h,将基于腺病毒相关病毒(adeno-associated virus,AAV)的PERK过表达质粒或AAV载体注射到脑室内,用于特异性表达PERK。在HIBI后24 h进行FJC染色分析神经元变性和DHE染色、酶联免疫吸附试验分析氧化应激。将大鼠随机分为Sham组、HIBI组、HIBI+PERK激动剂(CCT020312)组,每组12只。在HIBI手术前1 h,向HIBI+CCT020312组大鼠脑室内注射CCT020312。在HIBI后3周进行开阔场地测试和莫里斯水迷宫测试。结果:与Sham组相比,PERK、ATF4、HSP60在HIBI后3 h开始明显升高,在12 h达到高峰,然后逐渐下降,直到48 h(F=60.23、56.72、74.31,均P<0.001)。与HIBI组相比,HIBI+PERK组神经元变性的数量(100.2±3.1 vs. 582.4±15.7,P<0.001)、活性氧(reactive oxygen species,ROS)(42.4±2.9 vs. 17.7±2.1,P<0.01)、丙二醛(Malondialdehyde,MDA)(0.81±0.06 vs. 0.54±0.04,P<0.001)水平显著降低,和谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶(glutathione peroxidase,GSHPx)(112.4±3.6 vs. 177.5±6.6,P<0.05)、超氧化物歧化酶(superoxide Dismutase,SOD)活性(46.3±1.9 vs. 64.2±2.3,P<0.05)活性明显增加。与Sham组相比,HIBI组大鼠海马组织中PERK(1.00±0.03 vs. 1.66±0.08,P<0.01)、ATF4(1.00±0.04 vs.1.53±0.06,P<0.05)、动力蛋白相关蛋白1(dynamin-related protein 1,Drp1)(1.00±0.02 vs. 1.98±0.07,P<0.01)、HSP60(1.00±0.03 vs. 1.37±0.04,P<0.05)蛋白表达均明显增加(P<0.05)。与HIBI组相比,HIBI+PERK组大鼠海马组织中PERK(1.66±0.08vs. 2.95±0.17,P<0.01)、ATF4(1.53±0.06 vs. 3.42±0.22,P<0.01)、HSP60(1.37±0.04 vs. 2.03±0.09,P<0.05)蛋白表达均明显增加(F=46.72、30.63、20.64,P<0.001),和Drp1(1.98±0.07 vs. 1.04±0.05,P<0.05)蛋白表达明显降低(F=35.72,P<0.001)。HIBI+CCT020312组的平均逃避潜伏期和平台穿越次数均较HIBI组明显增加(F=246.84、113.62,P<0.001)。结论:PERK减轻HIBI模型诱导的氧化应激和神经元凋亡,其机制可能涉及PERK/ATF4信号通路对mtUPR的调节。通过CCT020312给药具有神经保护作用。

Ern1调控肿瘤免疫原性机制的初步探索

目的:探讨内质网跨膜蛋白IRE1(由Ern1编码)对肿瘤细胞免疫原性和成瘤性的影响与机制。方法:挖掘肿瘤公共数据库中ERN1表达水平和患者生存的关联性。利用CRISPR-Cas9技术敲除小鼠肿瘤细胞系MCA205和TC-1的Ern1基因,借助CCK-8、流式细胞术、ELISA、荧光素酶报告系统、皮下植瘤、预免疫-再刺激等实验分析Ern1对肿瘤细胞体外增殖和体内成瘤能力、浸润肿瘤的免疫细胞比例、衣霉素诱导免疫原性细胞死亡和抗肿瘤效应T细胞活化的影响,比较Ern1^(-/-)肿瘤在正常小鼠和Ifnar^(-/-)小鼠体内生长速度的差异。结果:对多个癌种而言,肿瘤组织ERN1的表达水平与患者总生存时间呈负相关。虽然敲除Ern1不影响肿瘤细胞的体外增殖能力,但其在正常小鼠皮下的成瘤能力大幅降低,甚至会自发消退。与野生型相比,Ern1^(-/-)肿瘤内中性粒细胞显著增多,CD4^(+)T细胞浸润减少。衣霉素诱导内质网应激后,Ern1^(-/-)细胞死亡更多,虽然其HMGB1释放和钙网蛋白暴露有所减少,但IFN-α/β分泌增多,能更强地激活效应T细胞分泌IFN-γ。与正常小鼠相比,Ifnar^(-/-)免疫缺陷小鼠体内Ern1^(-/-)肿瘤生长速度显著加快。结论:Ern1缺失可促进内质网应激肿瘤细胞的Ⅰ型干扰素应答,增强其免疫原性,促进抗肿瘤T细胞分泌IFN-γ,阻碍肿瘤生长。

Molecular signal networks and regulating mechanisms of the unfolded protein response

Within the cell, several mechanisms exist to maintain homeostasis of the endoplasmic reticulum （ER）. One of the primary mechanisms is the unfolded protein response （UPR）. In this review, we primarily focus on the latest signal webs and regulation mechanisms of the UPR. The relationships among ER stress, apoptosis, and cancer are also discussed. Under the normal state, binding immunoglobulin protein （BiP） interacts with the three sensors （protein kinase RNA-like ER kinase （PERK）, activating transcription factor 6 （ATF6）, and inositol-requiring enzyme la （IREla）） Under ER stress, misfolded proteins interact with BiP, resulting in the release of BiP from the sensors. Subsequently, the three sensors dimerize and autophosphorylate to promote the signal cascades of ER stress. ER stress includes a series of positive and negative feedback signals, such as those regulating the stabilization of the sensors/BiP complex, activating and inactivating the sensors by autophosphorylation and dephosphorylation, activating specific transcription factors to enable selective transcription, and augmenting the ability to refold and export. Apart from the three basic pathways, vascular endothelial growth factor （VEGF）-VEGF receptor （VEGFR）-phospholipase C-~ （PLCy）-mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 （mTORC1） pathway, induced only in solid tumors, can also activate ATF6 and PERK signal cascades, and IREla also can be activated by activated RAC-alpha serine/threonine-protein kinase （AKT）. A moderate UPR functions as a pro-survival signal to return the cell to its state of homeostasis. However, persistent ER stress will induce cells to undergo apoptosis in response to increasing reactive oxygen species （ROS）, Ca2＋ in the cytoplasmic matrix, and other apoptosis signal cascades, such as c-Jun N-terminal kinase （JNK）, signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 （STAT3）, and P38, when cellular damage exceeds the capacity of this adaptive response.