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.

Simiao Wan alleviates obesity-associated insulin resistance via PKCε/IRS-1/PI3K/Akt signaling pathway based on network pharmacology analysis and experimental validation

Background:The purpose of the study was to investigatethe active ingredients and potential biochemicalmechanisms of Simiao Wan(SMW)in obesity-associated insulin resistance.Methods:An integrated network pharmacology method to screen the active compoundsand candidate targets,construct the protein-protein-interaction network,and ingredients-targets-pathways network was constructed for topological analysis to identify core targets and main ingredients.To find the possible signaling pathways,enrichment analysis was performed.Further,a model of insulin resistance in HL-7702 cells was established to verify the impact of SMW and the regulatory processes.Results:An overall of 63 active components and 151 candidate targets were obtained,in which flavonoids were the main ingredients.Enrichment analysis indicated that the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway was the potential pathway regulated by SMW in obesity-associated insulin resistance treatment.The result showed that SMW could significantly ameliorate insulin sensitivity,increase glucose synthesis and glucose utilization and reduce intracellular lipids accumulation in hepatocytes.Also,SMW inhibited diacylglycerols accumulation-induced PKCεactivity and decreased its translocation to the membrane.Conclusion:SMW ameliorated obesity-associated insulin resistance through PKCε/IRS-1/PI3K/Akt signaling axis in hepatocytes,providing a new strategy for metabolic disease treatment.

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.

IL-38通过调控PI3K/Akt/GSK3β/NFATc1信号通路抑制骨质疏松的机制研究

目的:探讨IL-38抑制骨质疏松的作用并研究其分子机制。方法:共纳入2014年6月~2016年12月我院收治的138例骨质疏松患者作为研究对象。另选取120例同期在我院骨科进行骨折手术的无骨质疏松患者作为对照。采用ELISA法检测实验对象血清IL-38水平。构建IL-38-C57BL/6J转基因小鼠,建立骨质疏松小鼠模型,将野生型、IL-38转基因小鼠分别设置为假手术组(Sham组)与卵巢切除组(Ovariectomy,OVX组)。术后8周取小鼠血清,检测碱性磷酸酶(ALP)、血钙及血磷水平。另取小鼠的脊柱与双侧股骨,通过病理切片分析股骨组织形态结构,用骨密度仪检测脊柱骨密度变化。将各组小鼠的骨髓基质细胞(BMSCs)进行分离并检测其体外增殖能力,Western blot检测各组BMSCs的PI3K、Akt、GSK3β与NFATc1的磷酸化水平。小鼠成骨细胞MC3T3-E1转染IL-38后,Western blot检测PI3K、Akt、GSK3β与NFATc1磷酸化水平的变化,流式细胞术检测IL-38对细胞凋亡的影响。结果:骨质疏松组患者的血清IL-38水平显著低于对照组(P<0.05)。野生型与IL-38转基因OVX小鼠的血钙、血磷水平均显著高于Sham组(P<0.05),而ALP水平显著低于Sham组(P<0.05)。另外,IL-38转基因OVX小鼠的血钙和血磷水平均显著低于野生型OVX小鼠(P<0.05)。股骨病理切片及脊柱骨密度分析显示,野生型与IL-38转基因OVX小鼠均出现骨组织形态结构破坏和骨密度下降,并且IL-38转基因OVX小鼠的骨组织形态结构破坏和骨密度下降情况均较野生型OVX小鼠显著减轻(P<0.05)。IL-38转基因OVX小鼠BMSCs的体外增殖能力显著高于野生型OVX组(P<0.05)。IL-38转基因OVX小鼠BMSCs的PI3K、Akt与NFATc1磷酸化水平均显著低于野生型OVX组(P<0.05),GSK3β磷酸化水平显著高于野生型OVX组(P<0.05)。MC3T3-E1细胞转染IL-38后PI3K、Akt与NFATc1的磷酸化水平均显著降低(P<0.05),GSK3β的磷酸化水平显著升高(P<0.05)。流式细胞检测显示转染IL-38后MC3T3-E1细胞的凋亡显著减少(P<0.05)。结论:骨质疏松患者的血清IL-38水平显著降低,IL-38可能通过调控PI3K/Akt/GSK3β/NFATc1信号通路促进BMSCs增殖、抑制成骨细胞凋亡,从而抑制骨质疏松的进展。

Eukaryotic elongation factor-1α 2 knockdown inhibits hepatocarcinogenesis by suppressing PI3K/Akt/NF-κB signaling

AIM: To assess the impact of eukaryotic elongation factor 1 alpha 2 (eEF1A2) on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration and invasion, and determine the underlying mechanisms.METHODS: eEF1A2 levels were detected in 62 HCC tissue samples and paired pericarcinomatous specimens, and the human HCC cell lines SK-HEP-1, HepG2 and BEF-7402, by real-time PCR and immunohistochemistry. Experimental groups included eEF1A2 silencing in BEL-7402 cells with lentivirus eEF1A2-shRNA (KD group) and eEF1A2 overexpression in SK-HEP-1 cells with eEF1A2 plasmid (OE group). Non-transfected cells (control group) and lentivirus-based empty vector transfected cells (NC group) were considered control groups. Cell proliferation (MTT and colony formation assays), apoptosis (Annexin V-APC assay), cell cycle (DNA ploidy assay), and migration and invasion (Transwell assays) were assessed. Protein levels of PI3K/Akt/NF-&#x003ba;B signaling effectors were evaluated by Western blot.RESULTS: eEF1A2 mRNA and protein levels were significantly higher in HCC cancer tissue samples than in paired pericarcinomatous and normal specimens. SK-HEP-1 cells showed lower eEF1A2 mRNA levels; HepG2 and BEL-7402 cells showed higher eEF1A2 mRNA levels, with BEL-7402 cells displaying the highest amount. Efficient eEF1A2 silencing resulted in reduced cell proliferation, migration and invasion, increased apoptosis, and induced cell cycle arrest. The PI3K/Akt/NF-&#x003ba;B signaling pathway was notably inhibited. Inversely, eEF1A2 overexpression resulted in promoted cell proliferation, migration and invasion.CONCLUSION: eEF1A2, highly expressed in HCC, is a potential oncogene. Its silencing significantly decreases HCC tumorigenesis, likely by inhibiting PI3K/Akt/NF-&#x003ba;B signaling.

Scoparone inhibits pancreatic cancer through PI3K/Akt signaling pathway

BACKGROUND Pancreatic cancer is a highly malignant tumor of the gastrointestinal system whose emerging resistance to chemotherapy has necessitated the development of novel antitumor treatments.Scoparone,a traditional Chinese medicine monomer with a wide range of pharmacological properties,has attracted considerable attention for its antitumor activity.AIM To explore the potential antitumor effect of scoparone on pancreatic cancer and the possible molecular mechanism of action.METHODS The target genes of scoparone were determined using both the bioinformatics and multiplatform analyses.The effect of scoparone on pancreatic cancer cell proliferation,migration,invasion,cell cycle,and apoptosis was detected in vitro.The expression of hub genes was tested using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction(qRT-PCR),and the molecular mechanism was analyzed using Western blot.The in vivo effect of scoparone on pancreatic cancer cell proliferation was detected using a xenograft tumor model in nude mice as well as immunohistochemistry.RESULTS The hub genes involved in the suppression of pancreatic cancer by scoparone were obtained by network bioinformatics analyses using publicly available databases and platforms,including SwissTargetPrediction,STITCH,GeneCards,CTD,STRING,WebGestalt,Cytoscape,and Gepia;AKT1 was confirmed using qRT-PCR to be the hub gene.Cell Counting Kit-8 assay revealed that the viability of Capan-2 and SW1990 cells was significantly reduced by scoparone treatment exhibiting IC50 values of 225.2μmol/L and 209.1μmol/L,respectively.Wound healing and transwell assays showed that scoparone inhibited the migration and invasion of pancreatic cancer cells.Additionally,flow cytometry confirmed that scoparone caused cell cycle arrest and induced apoptosis.Scoparone also increased the expression levels of Bax and cleaved caspase-3,decreased the levels of MMP9 and Bcl-2,and suppressed the phosphorylation of Akt without affecting total PI3K and Akt.Moreover,compared with the control group,xenograft tumors,in the 200μmol/L scoparone treatment group,were smaller in volume and lighter in weight,and the percentages of Ki65-and PCNA-positive cells were decreased.CONCLUSION Our findings indicate that scoparone inhibits pancreatic cancer cell proliferation in vitro and in vivo,inhibits migration and invasion,and induces cycle arrest and apoptosis in vitro through the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.

基于PI3K/Akt/GSK3β/NFATc1通路分析沉默miR-664-3p对去卵巢骨质疏松大鼠的干预作用

目的探究基于磷脂酰肌醇-3激酶(PI3K)/蛋白激酶B(Akt)/糖原合成酶(GSK)3β/活化T细胞核因子(NFATc1)通路分析沉默miR-664-3p对去卵巢骨质疏松大鼠的干预作用。方法选取30只SD雌性大鼠,将其中10只设为正常组,剩余20只建立去卵巢骨质疏松大鼠模型,并随机分为模型组、沉默组。检测对比骨密度变化,Micro-CT扫描重建股骨微结构,采用酶联免疫吸附试验、免疫透射比浊法分别对血清骨钙素(OC)水平、碱性磷酸酶(ALP)含量进行检测,通过Western印迹法检测各组骨髓基质细胞(BMSCs)的PIK3、Akt、GSK3β、NFATc1的磷酸化水平,miR-664-3p表达。结果模型组骨细胞指数、骨密度Tb.N、Tb.Th、BV/TV均低于正常组,Tb.Sp、miR-664-3p、PI3K、Akt、NFATc1均高于正常组,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05);沉默组TB.Sp、miR-664-3p、PI3K、Akt、NFATc1均低于模型组,骨密度、骨细胞指数及Tb.N、Tb.Th、BV/TV、GSK3β高于模型组,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论沉默miR-664-3p通过对PI3K/Akt/GSK3β/NFATc1通路调控促进BMASc增殖,对成骨细胞凋亡产生抑制,从而达到治疗骨质疏松目的。

Baicalin protects neonatal rat brains against hypoxicischemic injury by upregulating glutamate transporter 1 via the phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B signaling pathway

Baicalin is a flavonoid compound extracted from Scutellaria baicalensis root.Recent evidence indicates that baicalin is neuroprotective in models of ischemic stroke.Here,we investigate the neuroprotective effect of baicalin in a neonatal rat model of hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy.Seven-day-old pups underwent left common carotid artery ligation followed by hypoxia（8% oxygen at 37°C） for 2 hours,before being injected with baicalin（120 mg/kg intraperitoneally） and examined 24 hours later.Baicalin effectively reduced cerebral infarct volume and neuronal loss,inhibited apoptosis,and upregulated the expression of p-Akt and glutamate transporter 1.Intracerebroventricular injection of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B（PI3 K/Akt） inhibitor LY294002 30 minutes before injury blocked the effect of baicalin on p-Akt and glutamate transporter 1,and weakened the associated neuroprotective effect.Our findings provide the first evidence,to our knowledge that baicalin can protect neonatal rat brains against hypoxic-ischemic injury by upregulating glutamate transporter 1 via the PI3 K/Akt signaling pathway.

芝麻素通过抑制AKT/GSK3β/NFATc1信号通路减轻2型糖尿病大鼠骨质疏松症

目的:探究芝麻素对2型糖尿病性骨质疏松症(T2DOP)的治疗作用及其可能机制。方法:将健康雄性SD大鼠分为对照组、模型组、低剂量芝麻素组(L-Ses组)和高剂量芝麻素组(H-Ses组),每组10只。模型组、L-Ses组和H-Ses组大鼠给予高脂高糖饲料喂饲4周,并一次性腹腔注射链脲佐菌素(STZ,剂量35 mg/kg)溶液建立2型糖尿病性骨质疏松症大鼠模型。造模成功后,L-Ses组和H-Ses组大鼠分别按照10 mg/kg和40 mg/kg的剂量给予芝麻素灌胃处理,每日1次,持续药物处理8周。对照组和模型组大鼠同时间段给予等量的生理盐水灌胃处理。分别检测大鼠血清中空腹血糖值(Fasting plasma glucose,FPG)、空腹胰岛素(Fasting insulin,FINS)、糖化血红蛋白(Glycosylated hemoglobin,HbA1c)、血清总胆固醇(Serum total cholesterol,TC)、甘油三酯(Triglyceride,TG)、低密度脂蛋白胆固醇(Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol,LDL-C)、高密度脂蛋白胆固醇(High-density lipoprotein cholesterol,HDL-C)、超氧化物歧化酶(Superoxide dismutase,SOD)、过氧化氢酶(Catalase,CAT)、谷胱甘肽(Glutathione,GSH)和丙二醛(Malondialdehyde,MDA)的水平。采用苏木素-伊红(Hematoxylin-eosin staining,HE)染色检测大鼠股骨组织形态。μCT扫描仪分析大鼠股骨干骺端三维结构以及骨密度(Bone mineral density,BMD)、骨小梁数(Trabecular number,Tb.N)和骨小梁厚度(Trabecular thickness,Tb.Th)参数,Western blot检测骨形成指标骨碱性磷酸酶(Bone alkaline phosphate,BALP)、骨钙素(Osteocalcin,OCN)、成骨相关基因2(Runt-related transcription factor 2,Runx2),以及磷脂酰肌醇-3激酶(Phosphoinositide 3 kinase,PI3K)/蛋白激酶B(Protein kinase B,Akt)/糖原合成酶激酶3β(Glycogen synthase kinase 3β,GSK3β)/活化T细胞核因子1(Nuclear factor of activated T cells c1,NFATc1)信号通路相关蛋白的表达。结果:与对照组比较,模型组大鼠血清FPG、FINS、HBA1c、TC、TG、LDL-C和MDA水平均升高(P<0.05),HDL-C、SOD、CAT和GSH水平均降低(P<0.05);股骨组织中骨小梁断裂状态较多,排列紊乱,骨质严重流失,BMD、Tb.N和Tb.Th均降低(P<0.05),股骨组织中BALP、OCN和Runx2蛋白表达水平均降低(P<0.05),AKT和NFATc1蛋白磷酸化水平均升高(P<0.05),GSK3β蛋白磷酸化水平降低(P<0.05)。与模型组比较,L-Ses组和H-Ses组大鼠血清中FPG、FINS、HBA1c、TC、TG、LDL-C和MDA水平均降低(P<0.05),HDL-C、SOD、CAT和GSH水平均升高(P<0.05);股骨组织中骨小梁断裂状态较少,排列、形态结构和骨质流失均呈现较大改善,BMD、Tb.N和Tb.Th均升高(P<0.05),股骨组织中BALP、OCN和Runx2蛋白表达水平均升高(P<0.05),AKT和NFATc1蛋白磷酸化水平均降低(P<0.05),GSK3β蛋白磷酸化水平升高(P<0.05)。与L-Ses组比较,H-Ses组大鼠血清中FPG、FINS、HBA1c、TC、TG、LDL-C、SOD、CAT、GSH和MDA水平均降低(P<0.05),HDL-C水平升高(P<0.05);大鼠股骨组织和形态稍有缓解,BMD、Tb.N和Tb.Th均升高(P<0.05),股骨组织中BALP、OCN和Runx2蛋白表达水平均升高(P<0.05),AKT和NFATc1蛋白磷酸化水平均降低(P<0.05),GSK3β蛋白磷酸化水平升高(P<0.05)。结论:芝麻素可能通过抑制AKT/GSK3β/NFATc1信号通路,促进骨形成,进而缓解T2DOP大鼠的骨质疏松症进展。

Rosmarinic acid elicits neuroprotection in ischemic stroke via Nrf2 and heme oxygenase 1 signaling

Rosmarinic acid（RA） can elicit a neuroprotective effect against ischemic stroke, but the precise molecular mechanism remains poorly understood. In this study, an experimental ischemic stroke model was established in CD-1 mice（Beijing Vital River Laboratory Animal Technology, Beijing, China） by occluding the right middle cerebral artery for 1 hour and allowing reperfusion for 24 hours. After intraperitoneally injecting model mice with 10, 20, or 40 mg/kg RA, functional neurological deficits were evaluated using modified Longa scores. Subsequently, cerebral infarct volume was measured using TTC staining and ischemic brain tissue was examined for cell apoptosis with TUNEL staining. Superoxide dismutase activity and malondialdehyde levels were measured by spectrophometry. Expression of heme oxygenase-1（HO-1）, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2（Nrf2）, Bcl-2, Bax, Akt, and phospho-Ser473 Akt proteins in ischemic brain tissue was detected by western blot, while mRNA levels of Nrf2, HO-1, Bcl-2, and Bax were analyzed using real time quantitative PCR. In addition, HO-1 enzyme activity was measured spectrophotometrically. RA（20 and 40 mg/kg） greatly improved neurological function, reduced infarct volume, decreased cell apoptosis, upregulated Bcl-2 protein and mRNA expression, downregulated Bax protein and mRNA expression, increased HO-1 and Nrf2 protein and mRNA expression, increased superoxide dismutase activity, and decreased malondialdehyde levels in ischemic brain tissue of model mice. However, intraperitoneal injection of a HO-1 inhibitor（10 mg/kg zinc protoporphyrin IX） reversed the neuroprotective effects of RA on HO-1 enzyme activity and Bcl-2 and Bax protein expression. The PI3 K/Akt signaling pathway inhibitor LY294002（10 mM） inhibited Akt phosphorylation, as well as Nrf2 and HO-1 expression. Our findings suggest that RA has anti-oxidative and anti-apoptotic properties that protect against ischemic stroke by a mechanism involving upregulation of Nrf2 and HO-1 expression via the PI3 K/Akt signaling pathway.

ASF1 regulates asexual and sexual reproduction in Stemphylium eturmiunum by DJ-1 stimulation of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway

Most fungi display a mixed mating system with both asexual and sexual reproduction.The timing of the two modes of reproduction must be carefully coordinated through signal perception and coordination in the cell along with chromatin modification.Here,we investigated coordination of reproductive output by investigating the function of the histone chaper-one anti-silencing factor 1(ASF1)in a fungal species amenable to characterization of both asexual and sexual reproduction.We used knockout approach to show that SeASF1 influenced asexual and sexual reproduction in Stemphylium eturmiunum.SeASF1-deleted strains failed to produce pseudothecia,but produce abnormal conidia and showed an irregular distribution of nuclei in mycelium.Transcriptome sequencing was then used to identify genes with altered expression in the SeASF1-deleted strains.The transcriptional expression of the identified SeDJ-1 was strongly regulated by SeASF1.The interaction of SeDJ-1 and SeASF1 was confirmed using Y2H,Co-IP,and pull-down.Due to some components of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B(PI3K/AKT)signaling pathway were known to interact with DJ-1 in mammals,we verified SePI3K,an element of PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in S.eturmiunum,was directly linked to SeDJ-1 and then these two proteins were defined as a coordinator of reproduction.However,knockout of SeDJ-1 or SePI3K altered the asexual and sexual repro-duction,but SePI3K recovered the asexual and sexual development of∆Sedj-1.The SeDJ-1-M6 segment of SeDJ-1 was essential for its interaction with SePI3K and played a critical role in restoring sexual reproduction in the∆Sepi3k,providing a deep understanding of the regulatory mechanism of SeDJ-1 in S.eturmiunum development.Summarily,SeASF1 is able to trigger SeDJ-1 and SeDJ-1can also activate SePI3K,which is orchestrally involved in asexual and sexual reproduction in S.eturmiunum.All these results reveal that SeASF1 manipulates asexual and sexual reproduction in S.eturmiunum by SeDJ-1 perception of PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.These data highlight the deep similarities in coordinating asexual and sexual processes in both fungi and eukaryotes in general.

Solanine Interferes with AKT/p-AKT and PI3K/p-PI3K Pathway to Inhibit HIF and Destroy Cell Energy Metabolism

The purpose of this study was to explore the mechanism of Solanine disrupting energy metabolism in human renal cancer ACHN cells and to clarify its target. The specific method was to culture human renal cancer ACHN cell lines, and to intervene with Solanine of high, medium and low concentrations. The content of ATP in cells was measured by ELISA method. The expression of HIF-1α protein and the expression of PI3K, AKT, p-PI3K, p-AKT in PI3K/AKT pathway were detected by Western blotting. The results showed that compared with the control group, the relative expression of p-PI3K and p-AKT showed a downward trend with the increase of Solanine concentration (P < 0.05), while the relative expression of PI3K and AKT showed no significant change (P > 0.05). In addition, the relative expression of HIF-1α also showed a downward trend (P < 0.05). According to the above results, it is suggested that Solanine can significantly inhibit the energy metabolism of renal cancer cells, the main mechanism of which is the down-regulation of HI-1αf downstream of the PI3K/Akt pathway by inhibiting the phosphorylation process of PI3K/p-PI3K and Akt/p-Akt.

Silencing novel long non-coding RNA FKBP9P1 represses malignant progression and inhibits PI3K/AKT signaling of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma in vitro

Background:Long non-coding RNAs(lncRNAs)play key roles in human cancers.In our previous study,we demonstrated that lncRNA FKBP prolyl isomerase 9 pseudogene 1(FKBP9P1)was highly expressed in head and neck squamous cell cancer(HNSCC)tissues.However,its functional significance remains poorly understood.In the present study,we identify the role and potential molecular biologic mechanisms of FKBP9P1 in HNSCC.Methods:Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to detect the expression of FKBP9P1 in HNSCC tissues,matched adjacent normal tissues,human HNSCC cells(FaDu,Cal-27,SCC4,and SCC9),and human immortalized keratinocytes cell HaCaT(normal control).Cal-27 and SCC9 cells were transfected with sh-FKBP9P1-1,sh-FKBP9P1-2,and normal control(sh-NC)lentivirus.Cell counting kit-8 assay,colony formation assay,wound healing assay,and trans-well assay were used to explore the biologic function of FKBP9P1 in HNSCC cells.Furthermore,western blotting was used to determine the mechanism of FKBP9P1 in HNSCC progression.Chi-squared test was performed to assess the clinical significance among FKBP9P1 high-expression and low-expression groups.Survival analyses were performed using the Kaplan-Meier method and assessed using the log-rank test.The comparison between two groups was analyzed by Student t test,and comparisons among multiple samples were performed by one-way analysis of variance and a Bonferroni post hoc test.Results:FKBP9P1 expression was significantly up-regulated in HNSCC tissues(tumor vs.normal,1.914 vs.0.957,t=7.746,P<0.001)and cell lines(P<0.01 in all HNSCC cell lines).Besides,the median FKBP9P1 expression of HNSCC tissues(1.677)was considered as the threshold.High FKBP9P1 level was correlated with advanced T stage(P=0.022),advanced N stage(P=0.036),advanced clinical stage(P=0.018),and poor prognosis of HNSCC patients(overall survival,P=0.002 and disease-free survival,P<0.001).Knockdown of FKBP9P1 led to marked repression in proliferation,migration,and invasion of HNSCC cells in vitro(P all<0.01).Mechanistically,silencing FKBP9P1 was observed to restrain the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.Conclusions:Silencing lncRNA FKBP9P1 represses HNSCC progression and inhibits PI3K/AKT(phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase/AKT Serine/Threonine Kinase)signaling in vitro.Therefore,FKBP9P1 could be a potential new target for the diagnosis and treatment of HNSCC patients.

Network pharmacology and molecular docking analysis reveal insights into the molecular mechanism of Gualou Qumai Wan in clear cell renal cell carcinoma

Background:To initially clarify the potential therapeutic targets and pharmacological mechanism regarding Gualou Qumai Wan(GQW),a kind of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM),in clear cell renal cell carcinoma(ccRCC)by virtue of the network pharmacology analysis and molecular docking analysis.Methods:The screening of bioactive components and targets of GQW was based on the Traditional Chinese Medicine System Pharmacology(TCMSP)and the UniProt platform served for standardizing their targets.Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man(OMIM),PharmGkb,TTD,DrugBank and GeneCards databases were searched to collect the disease targets of ccRCC.Cytoscape assisted in constructing herb-compound-target(H-C-T)networks.The STRING database was searched for constructing the target protein-protein interaction(PPI)networks,while the R programming language served for analyzing GO functional terms and the KEGG pathways related to potential targets.Analyses of core genes related to survival and tumor microenvironment(TME)were conducted respectively based on the GEPIA2 database and TIMER 2.0 database.Human Protein Atlas(HPA)and The Cancer Genome Atlas(TCGA)helped to obtain core genes’protein expression as well as transcriptome expression level.Autodock Vina software validated the molecular docking regarding GQW components and pivotal targets.Results:The constructed H-C-T networks mainly had 33 compounds and 65 targets.A topological analysis of the PPI network identified that ESR1,AKT1,HIF1A,PTGS2,TP53 and VEGFA serve as core targets in the way GQW affects ccRCC.According to the GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses,the effects of GQW are mediated by genes related to hypoxia and oxidative stress as well as the Chemical carcinogenesis-receptor activation and PI3K-Akt signaling pathways.AKT1 shows a close relation to the recruitment of various immune cells and can remarkably affect disease prognosis according to reports.Molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations showed that diosgenin has higher affinity with core targets.Conclusion:The study makes a comprehensive explanation of the biological activity,potential targets,as well as molecular mechanism regarding GQW against ccRCC,which promisingly assists in revealing the action mechanism of TCM formulae in disease treatment and the respective and scientific basis.

Garcinia xanthochymus extract protects PC12 cells from H2O2-induced apoptosis through modulation of PI3K/AKT and NRF2/HO-1 pathways

The aim of the present study was to investigate the protective effects and underlying mechanisms of Garcinia xanthochymus, a perennial medicinal plant native to Yunnan, China, against H2 O2-induced oxidative damage in rat pheochromacytoma PC12 cells. Preincubation of PC12 cells with fruit Et OAc fraction(fruit-EFr., 12.5–50 μmol·L^(-1)) of G. xanthochymus for 24 h prior to H_2O_2 exposure markedly improved cell viability and increased the activities of antioxidant enzymes(superoxide dismutase, catalase, and heme oxygenase-1 [HO-1]), prevented lactate dehydrogenase release and lipid peroxidation malondialdehyde production, attenuated the decrease of matrix metalloproteinases(MMP), and scavenged reactive oxygen species(ROS). Fruit-EFr. also reduced BAX and cytochrome C expression and improved BCL-2 expression, thereby decreasing the ratio of BAX to BCL-2. Fruit-EFr. activated the nuclear translocation of NRF2 to increase HO-1 and induced the phosphorylation of AKT. Its cytoprotective effect was abolished by LY294002, a specific inhibitor of PI3 K. Taken together, the above findings suggested that fruit-EFr.of G. xanthochymus could enhance cellular antioxidant defense capacity, at least in part, through upregulating HO-1 expression and activating the PI3 K/AKT pathway and that it could suppress H_2O_2-induced oxidative damage via PI3 K/AKT and NRF2/HO-1 signaling pathways.

CD26 upregulates proliferation and invasion in keloid fibroblasts through an IGF-1-induced PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway

Background:Keloid is a fibrotic dermal disease characterized by an abnormal increase in fibroblast proliferation and invasion.These pathological behaviours may be related to the heterogeneity of keloid fibroblasts(KFs);however,because of a lack of effective biomarkers for KFs it is difficult to study the underlying mechanism.Our previous studies revealed that the expansion of CD26+KFs was responsible for increased keloid proliferation and invasion capabilities;the intrinsic relationship and mechanism between CD26 and keloid is therefore worthy of further investigation.The aim of this studywas to explore molecular mechanisms in the process of CD26 upregulated KFs proliferation and invasion abilities,and provide more evidence for CD26 as an effective biomarker of keloid and a new clinical therapeutic target.Methods:Flow cytometry was performed to isolate CD26+/CD26−fibroblasts from KFs and normal fibroblasts.To generate stably silenced KFs for CD26 and insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor(IGF-1R),lentiviral particles encoding shRNA targeting CD26 and IGF-1R were used for transfection.Cell proliferations were analysed by cell counting kit-8 assay and 5-ethynyl-2-deoxyuridine(EdU)incorporation assay.Scratching assay and transwell assay were used to assess cell migration and invasion abilities.To further quantify the regulatory role of CD26 expression in the relevant signalling pathway,RT-qPCR,western blot,ELISA,PI3K activity assay and immunofluorescence were used.Results:Aberrant expression of CD26 in KFs was proven to be associated with increased proliferation and invasion of KFs.Furthermore,the role of the IGF-1/IGF-1 receptor axis was also studied in CD26 and was found to upregulate KF proliferation and invasion.The PI3K/protein kinase B(AKT)/mammalian target of rapamycin(mTOR)pathway was shown to affect CD26-regulated KF proliferation and invasion by increasing phosphorylation levels of S6 kinase and 4E-binding protein.Conclusions:CD26 can be the effective biomarker for KFs,and its expression is closely related to proliferation and invasion in keloids through the IGF-1-induced PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway.This work provides a novel perspective on the pathological mechanisms affecting KFs and therapeutic strategies against keloids.

PI3K signaling pathway targeting by using different molecular approaches to treat cancer

Recent evidence of research has been proposed that the phosphoinositide 3-kinase(PI3K) pathway is noticeable target for searching novel anticancer agents. The phosphoinositide 3-kinase(PI3K) is accountable for harmonizing a diverse range of cell functions, such as transcription, proliferation, cell survival, cell growth, degranulation, vesicular trafficking and cell migration, which are mostly involved in carcinogenesis. Particularly, PI3K-mediated signaling molecules and its effects on gene expression contribute to tumorigenesis. PI3Ks generally are grouped into three distinct classes: Ⅰ, Ⅱ and Ⅲ according to their structure and function. The class IA of PI3K includes an alpha, beta or delta p110 catalytic subunit(p110α, p110β, or p110γ), which are associated with the activation of RTKs. Mutations in PIK3CA, the gene encoding the p110α catalytic subunit of PI3K, have just been recognized as novel mechanisms of inducing oncogenic PI3K signaling. Therefore, the class IA PI3K is the only one of most evidently implicated in cancer. The PI3K pathway is mostly mutated in more cancer patients compared with normal person, making it an eyecatching molecular target for analyses based on inhibitor molecule. In this article, we highlighted the signaling effects and regulation pathway of PI3K involved in the development and survival of tumor cells. The consequence and intricacy of PI3K pathway made it an essential beneficial target for cancer treatment.

Effect of acupotomy on chondrocyte proliferation and expression of CyclinD1,CDK4 and CDK6 in rabbits with knee osteoarthritis

Objective:The aim of this study was to investigate the mechanism of acupotomology(Apo)in the prevention of articular cartilage destruction via the promotion of chondrocyte proliferation and chondrocyte expression of cell cycle regulators,CyclinD1,CDK4 and CDK6 in a rabbit knee osteoarthritis(KOA)model.Methods:Twenty-eight rabbits were randomly divided into a control group,an OA(osteoarthritis)model group,an Apo(acupotomology)group and EA(electro-acupuncture)group(n Z 7).Improved Videman’s method was used to induce a rabbit model of KOA over 6 weeks.One week later,acupotomy and electro-acupuncture therapy was applied to animals in the respective groups and treatment lasted 4 weeks.Following these treatments,quantitative real-time PCR,immunohistochemical staining and western blotting were performed to assess the mRNA and protein levels of cell cycle regulators CyclinD1(Cell cycle protein D1),CDK4(Cyclin-dependent kinase 4)and CDK6(Cyclin-dependent kinase 6).Ethology measures and knee morphology were also compared among groups.Results:The Lequesne MG index score of morphology was increased(P<.01),and the passive range of motion(PROM)and the mRNA and protein levels of CyclinD1,CDK4,and CDK6 were significantly decreased(P<.01)in the OA model compared with the control group.The Lequesne MG index score and the morphology score were decreased in the Apo and EA group compared with the OA model group(P<.05 or P<.01),while the mRNA levels of CyclinD1,CDK4,and CDK6,and the protein levels of CDK4 were increased in the Apo and EA groups compared with the OA model group(P<.05 or P<.01).The PROM,and the protein levels of CyclinD1 and CDK6 were increased(P<.05)in the Apo group compared with the OA model group,while the PROM and the protein levels of CyclinD1 and CDK6 in the EA group were not significantly different(P>.05).Compared with the EA group,the morphology score was decreased in Apo group(P<.05).Conclusions:The mRNA levels of CyclinD1 and CDK4,and the protein level of CDK4 in chondrocytes are regulate by both Apo and EA.Apo is more effective than EA in regulating the protein levels of CyclinD1 and CDK6.According to the observed changes in morphology and cytokine levels,acupotomy can promote chondrocyte proliferation and can alleviate the destruction of articular cartilage in a model of KOA.

CircMAN1A2 promotes vasculogenic mimicry of nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells through upregulating ERBB2 via sponging miR-940

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma(NPC)is the most prevalent human primary malignancy of the head and neck,and the presence of vasculogenic mimicry(VM)renders anti-angiogenic therapy ineffective and poorly prognostic.However,the underlying mechanisms are unclear.In the present study,we used miR-940 silencing and overexpression for in vitro NPC cell EdU staining,wound healing assay and 3D cell culture assay,and in vivo xenograft mouse model and VM formation to assess miR-940 function.We found that ectopic miR-940 expression reduced NPC cell proliferation,migration and VM,as well as tumorigenesis in vivo.By bioinformatic analysis,circMAN1A2 was identified as a circRNA that binds to miR-940.Mechanistically,we confirmed that circMAN1A2 acts as a sponge for miR-940,impairs the inhibitory effect of miR-940 on target ERBB2,and then activates the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway using RNA-FISH,dual luciferase reporter gene and rescue analysis assays.In addition,upregulation of ERBB2 expression is associated with clinical staging and poor prognosis of NPC.Taken together,the present findings suggest that circMAN1A2 promotes VM formation and progression of NPC through miR-940/ERBB2 axis and further activates the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway.Therefore,circMAN1A2 may become a biomarker and therapeutic target for anti-angiogenic therapy in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

Regulation of the PI3K/AKT Pathway and Fuel Utilization During Primate Torpor in the Gray Mouse Lemur, Microcebus murinus

Gray mouse lemurs（Microcebus murinus） from Madagascar present an excellent model for studies of torpor regulation in a primate species. In the present study, we analyzed the response of the insulin signaling pathway as well as controls on carbohydrate sparing in six different tissues of torpid versus aroused gray mouse lemurs. We found that the relative level of phospho-insulin receptor substrate（IRS-1） was significantly increased in muscle, whereas the level of phospho-insulin receptor（IR） was decreased in white adipose tissue（WAT） of torpid animals, both suggesting an inhibition of insulin/insulin-like growth factor-1（IGF-1） signaling during torpor in these tissues. By contrast, the level of phospho-IR was increased in the liver. Interestingly, muscle,WAT, and liver occupy central roles in whole body homeostasis and each displays regulatory controls operating at the plasma membrane. Changes in other tissues included an increase in phosphoglycogen synthase kinase 3a（GSK3a） and decrease in phospho-ribosomal protein S6（RPS6） in the heart, and a decrease in phospho-mammalian target of rapamycin（m TOR） in the kidney. Pyruvate dehydrogenase（PDH） that gates carbohydrate entry into mitochondria is inhibited via phosphorylation by pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase（e.g., PDK4）. In the skeletal muscle, the protein expression of PDK4 and phosphorylated PDH at Ser 300 was increased, suggesting inhibition during torpor. In contrast, there were no changes in levels of PDH expression and phosphorylation in other tissues comparing torpid and aroused animals. Information gained from these studies highlight the molecular controls that help to regulate metabolic rate depression and balance energetics during primate torpor.