Identification of transient receptor potential channel genes and functional characterization of TRPA1 in Spodoptera frugiperda

Spodoptera frugiperda is a highly destructive pest that has become a global problem due to its robust reproductive and migratory capabilities.Transient receptor potential(TRP)channels,which constitute a vast ion channel family,play pivotal roles in sensing the external environment and maintaining internal homeostasis in insects.TRP channels have been widely investigated for their critical roles in regulating various insect behaviors in recent years.In this study,we identified 15 TRP gene loci encoding 26 transcripts in the genome of S.frugiperda and analyzed their expression profiles at different developmental stages.The results revealed that S.frugiperda possesses four TRPC genes,six TRPA genes,one TRPM gene,two TRPV genes,one TRPN gene,and one TRPML gene,while a canonical TRPP is absent.Moreover,the SfruTRPA1 was functionally characterized using the Xenopus oocyte expression system.The results showed that SfruTRPA1 is activated by temperature increases from 20 to 45℃,and there is no significant desensitization after repeated stimuli within the same temperature range.Additionally,SfruTRPA1 is activated by certain natural chemicals,including allyl isothiocyanate(AITC)and cinnamaldehyde(CA).These findings provide valuable insights to the TRP genes in S.frugiperda.

Transient receptor potential channels as predictive marker and potential indicator of chemoresistance in colon cancer

Transient receptor potential(TRP)channels are strongly associated with colon cancer development and progression.This study leveraged a multivariate Cox regression model on publicly available datasets to construct a TRP channels-associated gene signature,with further validation of signature in real world samples from our hospital treated patient samples.Kaplan-Meier(K-M)survival analysis and receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curves were employed to evaluate this gene signature’s predictive accuracy and robustness in both training and testing cohorts,respectively.Additionally,the study utilized the CIBERSORT algorithm and single-sample gene set enrichment analysis to explore the signature’s immune infiltration landscape and underlying functional implications.The support vector machine algorithm was applied to evaluate the signature’s potential in predicting chemotherapy outcomes.The findings unveiled a novel three TRP channels-related gene signature(MCOLN1,TRPM5,and TRPV4)in colon adenocarcinoma(COAD).The ROC and K-M survival curves in the training dataset(AUC=0.761;p=1.58e-05)and testing dataset(AUC=0.699;p=0.004)showed the signature’s robust predictive capability for the overall survival of COAD patients.Analysis of the immune infiltration landscape associated with the signature revealed higher immune infiltration,especially an increased presence of M2 macrophages,in high-risk group patients compared to their low-risk counterparts.High-risk score patients also exhibited potential responsiveness to immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy,evident through increased CD86 and PD-1 expression profiles.Moreover,the TRPM5 gene within the signature was highly expressed in the chemoresistance group(p=0.00095)and associated with poor prognosis(p=0.036)in COAD patients,highlighting its role as a hub gene of chemoresistance.Ultimately,this signature emerged as an independent prognosis factor for COAD patients(p=6.48e-06)and expression of model gene are validated by public data and real-world patients.Overall,this bioinformatics study provides valuable insights into the prognostic implications and potential chemotherapy resistance mechanisms associated with TRPs-related genes in colon cancer.

Distribution profiles of transient receptor potential melastatin-related and vanilloid-related channels in prostatic tissue in rat

Aim： To investigate the expression and distribution of the members of the transient receptor potential （TRP） channel members of TRP melastatin （TRPM） and TRP vanilloid （TRPV） subfamilies in rat prostatic tissue. Methods： Prostate tissue was obtained from male Sprague-Dawley rats. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction （RT-PCR） and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction （PCR） were used to check the expression of all TRPM and TRPV channel members with specific primers. Immunohistochemistry staining for TRPM8 and TRPV1 were also performed in rat tissues. Results： TRPM2, TRPM3, TRPM4, TRPM6, TRPM7, TRPMS, TRPV2 and TRPV4 mRNA were detected in all rat prostatic tissues. Very weak signals for TRPM1, TRPVI and TRPV3 were also detected. The mRNA of TRPM5, TRPV5 and TRPV6 were not detected in all RT-PCR experiments. Quantitative real-time RT-PCR showed that TRPM2, TRPM3, TRPM4, TRPMS, TRPV2 and TRPV4 were the most abundantly expressed TRPM and TRPV subtypes, respectively. Fluorescence immunohistochemistry indicated that TRPM8 and TRPV 1 are highly expressed in both epithelial and smooth muscle cells. Conclusion： Our results demonstrate that mRNA or protein for TRPM1, TRPM2, TRPM3, TRPM4, TRPM6, TRPM7, TRPMS, TRPV1, TRPV2, TRPV3 and TRPV4 exist in rat prostatic tissue. The data presented here assists in elucidating the physiological function of TRPM and TRPV channels.

Altered expression of stromal interaction molecule(STIM)-calcium release-activated calcium channel protein(ORAI) and inositol1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors(IP_3Rs)in cancer:will they become a new battlefield for oncotherapy?

The stromal interaction molecule(STIM)-calcium release-activated calcium channel protein(ORAI) and inositol1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors(IP_3Rs) play pivotal roles in the modulation of Ca^(2+)-regulated pathways from gene transcription to cell apoptosis by driving calcium-dependent signaling processes.Increasing evidence has implicated the dysregulation of STIM-ORAI and IP_3Rs in tumorigenesis and tumor progression.By controlling the activities,structure,and/or expression levels of these Ca^(2+)-transporting proteins,malignant cancer cells can hijack them to drive essential biological functions for tumor development.However,the molecular mechanisms underlying the participation of STIM-ORAI and IP_3Rs in the biological behavior of cancer remain elusive.In this review,we summarize recent advances regarding STIM-ORAI and IP_3Rs and discuss how they promote cell proliferation,apoptosis evasion,and cell migration through temporal and spatial rearrangements in certain types of malignant cells.An understanding of the essential roles of STIM-ORAI and IP_3Rs may provide new pharmacologic targets that achieve a better therapeutic effect by inhibiting their actions in key intracellular signaling pathways.

Transient receptor potential channel A1 involved in calcitonin gene-related peptide release in neurons

Transient receptor potential channel A1 is one of the important transducers of noxious stimuli in the primary afferents, which may contribute to generation of neurogenic inflammation and hyperalgesia. The present study was designed to investigate if activation of transient receptor potential channel A1 may induce calcitonin gene-related peptide release from the primary afferent neurons. We found that application of allyl isothiocyanate, a transient receptor potential channel A1 activator, caused calcitonin gene-related peptide release from the cultured rat dorsal root ganglion neurons. Knock- down of transient receptor potential channel A1 with an antisense oligodeoxynucleotide prevented calcitonin gene-related peptide release by allyl isothiocyanate application in cultured dorsal root ganglion neurons. Thus, we concluded that transient receptor potential channel A1 activation caused calcitonin gene-related peptide release in sensory neurons.

Transient Receptor Potential Ion Channels in the Etiology and Pathomechanism of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Myalgic Encephalomyelitis

Chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME) is a disabling condition of unknown cause having multi-system manifestations. Our group has investigated the potential role of transient receptor potential (TRP) ion channels in the etiology and pathomechanism of this illness. Store-operated calcium entry (SOCE) signaling is the primary intracellular calcium signaling mechanism in non-excitable cells and is associated with TRP ion channels. While the sub-family (Canonical) TRPC has been traditionally associated with this important cellular mechanism, a member of the TRPM sub-family group (Melastatin), TRPM3, has also been recently identified as participating in SOCE in white matter of the central nervous system. We have identified single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in TRP genes in natural killer (NK) cells and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in CFS/ME patients. We also describe biochemical pathway changes and calcium signaling perturbations in blood cells from patients. The ubiquitous distribution of TRP ion channels and specific locations of sub-family group members such as TRPM3 suggest a contribution to systemic pathology in CFS/ME.

Roles of transient receptor potential channel 6 in glucose-induced cardiomyocyte injury

BACKGROUND Diabetic cardiomyopathy(DCM) is a serious complication of end-stage diabetes that presents symptoms such as cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure. The transient receptor potential channel 6(TRPC6) protein is a very important selective calcium channel that is closely related to the development of various cardiomyopathies.AIM To explore whether TRPC6 affects cardiomyocyte apoptosis and proliferation inhibition in DCM.METHODS We compared cardiac function and myocardial pathological changes in wild-type mice and mice injected with streptozotocin(STZ), in addition to comparing the expression of TRPC6 and P-calmodulin-dependent protein kinase Ⅱ(P-CaMKⅡ) in them. At the same time, we treated H9C2 cardiomyocytes with high glucose and then evaluated the effects of addition of SAR, a TRPC6 inhibitor, and KN-93, a CaMKⅡ inhibitor, to such H9C2 cells in a high-glucose environment.RESULTS We found that STZ-treated mice had DCM, decreased cardiac function, necrotic cardiomyocytes, and limited proliferation. Western blot and immunofluorescence were used to detect the expression levels of various appropriate proteins in the myocardial tissue of mice and H9C2 cells. Compared to those in the control group, the expression levels of the apoptosis-related proteins cleaved caspase 3 and Bax were significantly higher in the experimental group, while the expression of the proliferation-related proteins proliferating cell nuclear antigen(PCNA) and CyclinD1 was significantly lower. In vivo and in vitro, the expression of TRPC6 and P-CaMKⅡ increased in a high-glucose environment. However, addition of inhibitors to H9C2 cells in a high-glucose environment resulted in alleviation of both apoptosis and proliferation inhibition.CONCLUSION The inhibition of apoptosis and proliferation of cardiomyocytes in a high-glucose environment may be closely related to activation of the TRPC6/P-CaMKⅡ pathway.

Blockade of transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily V member 1 promotes regeneration after sciatic nerve injury

The transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily V member 1（TRPV1） provides the sensation of pain（nociception）. However, it remains unknown whether TRPV1 is activated after peripheral nerve injury, or whether activation of TRPV1 affects neural regeneration. In the present study, we established rat models of unilateral sciatic nerve crush injury, with or without pretreatment with AMG517（300 mg/kg）, a TRPV1 antagonist, injected subcutaneously into the ipsilateral paw 60 minutes before injury. At 1 and 2 weeks after injury, we performed immunofluorescence staining of the sciatic nerve at the center of injury, at 0.3 cm proximal and distal to the injury site, and in the dorsal root ganglia. Our results showed that Wallerian degeneration occurred distal to the injury site, and neurite outgrowth and Schwann cell regeneration occurred proximal to the injury. The number of regenerating myelinated and unmyelinated nerve clusters was greater in the AMG517-pretreated rats than in the vehicle-treated group, most notably 2 weeks after injury. TRPV1 expression in the injured sciatic nerve and ipsilateral dorsal root ganglia was markedly greater than on the contralateral side. Pretreatment with AMG517 blocked this effect. These data indicate that TRPV1 is activated or overexpressed after sciatic nerve crush injury, and that blockade of TRPV1 may accelerate regeneration of the injured sciatic nerve.

K2P channels and NMDA receptor as new targets of fast onset antidepressants

Major depressive disorder(MDD)is a common neuropsychiatric disorder characterized by diverse symptoms.There are big limitations of clinic medicine which highlighted an urgent and clear need for more efficacious and faster-acting therapeutic agents to treat patients with MDD,especially those who are refractory to the traditional antidepressants.In the present study,we assessed a novel compound,YY-21,from timosaponin B-Ⅲ derived from sarsasapogenin of Anemarrhenae Rhizoma.We found that YY-21 obviously increased presynaptic glutamate release and enhanced long-term synaptic activity within 10 min as determined by excitatory postsynaptic current(EPSC) and field excitatory postsynaptic potential(fEPSP) in medial prefrontal cortex(mPFC) slices.YY-21 demonstrated anxiolytic-like effects following acute administration in animals and reversed the depressivelike and anxiety phenotypes induced by chronic unpredictable mild stress(CMS) with a relatively fast therapeutic onset.Our mechanism research reveals that NMDA receptors and two-pore domain potassium(K2P)(TREK1) channels emerged as new drug targets for faster acting antidepressants.K2 P channels generate leak currents that are responsible the maintenance of resting membrane potential.They are potential targets for the treatment of multiple diseases.Here we identify TKDC,an inhibitor of the TREK subfamily,including TREK1,TREK2 and TRAAK channels.Using TKDC as a chemical probe,a combined study of computations,mutagenesis,and electrophysiology reveal an allosteric ligand-binding site in the extracellular cap of the channels.The molecular dynamics simulations suggest that ligand-induced allosteric conformational transitions cause a blockage of the ion conductive pathway.The identification of the extracellular ligand-binding site is confirmed by the discovery of new inhibitors targeting this site using virtual screening.These results suggest that the extracellular cap of a K2P channel can act as a new allosteric site and may serve as a direct drug target.

2-aminoethoxydiphenyl borate or lanthanum potentiates transient receptor potential-like channels in rat CA1 hippocampal neurons

Expression of transient receptor potential （TRP） channels is widespread with transcripts distributed throughout the brain. All TRP channel subunits are activated following phospholipase C activation and form cation-selective ion channels. Previous studies examining the existence of TRP channels in hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons were based on cultured neurons. Therefore, their relevance for living tissue remains unclear. In the present study, patch-clamp recordings were conducted from CA1 pyramidal neurons in hippocampal slices from 7-day-old rats. Whole-cell currents were obtained from CA1 hippocampal neurons with potentiation effects of 2-aminoethoxydiphenyl borate and lanthanum, revealing that recorded experimental currents were characteristic TRP-like channel currents. Identification of rat hippocampal mRNA transcripts of TRPC4, TRPC5, TRPV1, TRPV2, and TRPV3 channels further verified the expression of characteristic TRP-like channels on rat CA1 hippocampal neurons.

Involvement of Ca^(2+)-activated K^+ Channels in Receptor-Regulated Sperm Motility in Rats

Previous voltage clamp studies have demonstrated the modulation of sperm Ca 2+ activated K + (KCa) channels expressed in Xenopus oocytes by angiotensin II (Ang II) and extracellular ATP via AT 1 receptor and P 2U receptor, respectively. In the present study, we investigated the involvement of KCa channels in receptor regulated sperm motility of the rat using a computer aided sperm analysis system, HTM IVOS, in conjunction with Ca 2+ mobilizing agents, receptor agonists/antagonists and KCa channels blockers. The percentage of motile sperm was increased by ionomycin (0.5 μmol/L), which could be inhibited by K + channel blockers, tetraethylammonium (TEA 1 μmol/L ) or charybdotoxin (ChTX, 300 nmol/L) indicating the presence of KCa channels. Ang II, at low concentration, 10 nmol/L, was found to increase motility, however, at higher concentration, 1 μmol/L, percentage of motility was found to be suppressed. Both stimulatory and inhibitory effects of Ang II could be reversed by losartan, a specific antagonist of AT 1 receptors, but not AT 2 antagonist PD123177, indicating the involvement of AT 1 but not AT2 receptor in mediating both effects. ChTX also abolished both stimulatory and inhibitory effects of Ang II, suggesting the involvement of KCa channels. The percentage of motility was also enhanced by extracellular ATP, a factor known to be involved in sperm activation. The ATP enhanced sperm motility was mimicked by UTP, and inhibited by ChTX and reactive blue, an antagonist of P 2 receptor, indicating the involvement of both P 2U and KCa channels. RT PCR study was also conducted to confirm the expression of KCa channels, AT 1 receptors and P 2U receptor, but not AT 2 receptor, in rat caudal epididymal sperm. The present findings suggest an important role of KCa channels in the regulation of sperm motility by AT 1 and P 2U receptors.

Distribution of transient receptor potential vanilloid-1 channels in gastrointestinal tract of patients with morbid obesity

BACKGROUND Transient receptor potential vanilloid-1(TRPV1),a nonselective cation channel,is activated by capsaicin,a pungent ingredient of hot pepper.Previous studies have suggested a link between obesity and capsaicin-associated pathways,and activation of TRPV1 may provide an alternative approach for obesity treatment.However,data on the TRPV1 distribution in human gastric mucosa are limited,and the degree of TRPV1 distribution in the gastric and duodenal mucosal cells of obese people in comparison with normal-weight individuals is unknown.AIM To clarify gastric and duodenal mucosal expression of TRPV1 in humans and compare TRPV1 expression in obese and healthy individuals.METHODS Forty-six patients with a body mass index(BMI)of>40 kg/m^(2) and 20 patients with a BMI between 18-25 kg/m^(2) were included.Simultaneous biopsies from the fundus,antrum,and duodenum tissues were obtained from subjects between the ages of 18 and 65 who underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy.Age,sex,history of alcohol and cigarette consumption,and past medical history regarding chronic diseases and medications were accessed from patient charts and were analyzed accordingly.Evaluation with anti-TRPV1 antibody was performed separately according to cell types in the fundus,antrum,and duodenum tissues using an immunoreactivity score.Data were analyzed using SPSS 17.0.RESULTS TRPV1 expression was higher in the stomach than in the duodenum and was predominantly found in parietal and chief cells of the fundus and mucous and foveolar cells of the antrum.Unlike foveolar cells in the antrum,TRPV1 was relatively low in foveolar cells in the fundus(4.92±0.49 vs 0.48±0.16,P<0.01,Mann-Whitney U test).Additionally,the mucous cells in the duodenum also had low levels of TRPV1 compared to mucous cells in the antrum(1.33±0.31 vs 2.95±0.46,P<0.01,Mann-Whitney U test).TRPV1 expression levels of different cell types in the fundus,antrum,and duodenum tissues of the morbidly obese group were similar to those of the control group.Staining with TRPV1 in fundus chief cells and antrum and duodenum mucous cells was higher in patients aged≥45 years than in patients<45 years(3.03±0.42,4.37±0.76,2.28±0.55 vs 1.9±0.46,1.58±0.44,0.37±0.18,P=0.03,P<0.01,P<0.01,respectively,Mann-Whitney U test).The mean staining levels of TRPV1 in duodenal mucous cells in patients with diabetes and hypertension were higher than those in patients without diabetes and hypertension(diabetes:2.11±0.67 vs 1.02±0.34,P=0.04;hypertension:2.42±0.75 vs 1.02±0.33,P<0.01 Mann-Whitney U test).CONCLUSION The expression of TRPV1 is unchanged in the gastroduodenal mucosa of morbidly obese patients demonstrating that drugs targeting TRPV1 may be effective in these patients.

Involvement of Angiotensin II Type 1 Receptor and Calcium Channel in Vascular Remodeling and Endothelial Dysfunction in Rats with Pressure Overload

Vascular remodeling is an adaptive response to various stimuli,including mechanical forces,inflammatory cy tokines and hormones.In the present study,we investigated the role of angiotensinII type 1 receptor(ATIR)and calcium channel in carotid artery remodeling in response to increased biomechanical forces by using the transverse aortic constriction(TAC)rat model.TAC was induced on ten week-old male Sprague Dawley rats and these models were treated with ATIR blocker olmesartan(1 mg/kg/day)or/and calcium channel blocker(CCB)amlodipine(0.5 mgkgday)for 14 days.After the treatment,the right common carotid artery proximal to the band(RCCA-B)was collected for further assay.Results showed that olmesartan,but not amlodipine,significantly prevented TAC-induced adventitial hyperplasia.Similarly,olmesartan,but not amlodipine,significantly prevented vascular inflammation,as indicated by increased tumor necrosis factor a(TNF-a)and increased p65 phosphorylation,an indicator of nuclear factor K-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells(NFkB)activation in RCCA-B.In contrast,both olmesartan and amlodipine reversed the decreased expression of endothelial nitric oxidase synthase(eNOS)and improved endothelium-dependent vasodilation,whereas combination of olmesartan and amlodipine showed no further synergistic protective effects.These results suggest that AT1R was involved in vascular remodeling and inflammation in response to pressure overload,whereas ATIR and subsequent calcium channel were involved in endothelial dysfunction.

Melastatin-related transient receptor potential 2 channel in Aβ_(42)-induced neuroinflammation: implications to Alzheimer's disease mechanism and development of therapeutics

Alzheimer’s disease （AD） is an age-related eurodegenerative disease that represents the most common cause of dementia among the elderly people. With the increasingly aging population, AD has presented an overwhelming healthcare challenge to modern society; the World Alzheimer Report 2015 has estimated that 46.8 million people worldwide lived with dementia in 2015 and this number will rise to 74.7 million in 2030 and that the total cost of dementia was 818 billion in US$ in 2015 and will reach two trillion in 2030. Post-mortem studies have identified two histopathological hallmarks in the brains of AD patients; extracellular senile plaque with elevated deposition of amyloid β （Aβ） peptides, and intracellular neurofibrillary tangle composed of hyper-phosphorylated microtubule-associated protein tau.Etiologically, progressive neuronal loss within the cerebral cortex and hippocampus regions of the brain leads to irreversible decline in, and eventually complete loss of, memory and other cognitive functions that afflict AD patients. The widely-accepted amyloid cascade hypothesis for AD pathogenesis holds that accumulation and aggregation of neurotoxic Aβ peptides, due to imbalance of their generation and clearance as a result of changes in genetic makeup, aging and/or exposure to environmental risk factors, is a major and early trigger of AD. This hypothesis has continuously gained support by preclinical and clinical studies （Selkoe and Hardy, 2016）. However, the intensive and costly drug discovery efforts over the past decades based on such a hypothesis have proved extremely frustrating in developing effective therapeutics to treat or slow down the progress of AD, highlighting the need for more research to improve our understanding towards the cellular and molecular mechanisms by which Aβ peptides bring about neurotoxicity and cognitive dysfunction.

Baicalein and Salvia officinalis Extract Upregulate Transglutaminase 1 mRNA Expression via the Activation of Transient Receptor Potential Channel V4

Background: It is important to maintain skin homeostasis for cosmetic and medical reasons. Many ceramide-related ingredients and cosmetics have been developed to improve the skin barrier function and skin hydration. Similar to extracellular lipids, the cornified envelope, which is a structure formed beneath the plasma membrane, contributes to the skin barrier function as a scaffold for extracellular lipids. Therefore, in this study, we focused on transglutaminase 1 (TGM1) which is the key enzyme for formation of the cornified envelope Objective: The objectives of this study were to identify compounds that could upregulate the expression of TGM1 and evaluate their underlying action mechanisms. Methods: Expression of the transient receptor potential channel vanilloid subfamily member 4 (TRPV4) at the mRNA and protein levels was estimated by PCR and western blotting. Effects of baicalein and Salvia officinalis (SO) extract on TGM1 mRNA expression were measured by PCR. The involvement of TRPV4 in TGM1 mRNA expression was evaluated by the inhibition and silencing of TRPV4. Results: TRPV4 was expressed in both basal cell-like HaCaT cells and suprabasal cell-like HaCaT cells. Baicalein and SO extract upregulated TGM1 mRNA expression in basal cell-like HaCaT cells. However, inhibition and silencing of TRPV4 abrogated the effects of baicalein and SO extract. Conclusion: Baicalein and SO extract upregulated the expression of TGM1 mRNA via the activation of TRPV4, suggesting that it may improve the skin barrier function by enhancing cornified envelope formation.

New perspectives in prognostication of hepatocellular carcinoma:The role and clinical implications of transient receptor potential family genes

The study titled“Transient receptor potential-related risk model predicts prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma patients”is a significant contribution to hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)research,highlighting the role of transient receptor potential(TRP)family genes in the disease’s progression and prognosis.Utilizing data from The Cancer Genome Atlas database,it establishes a new risk assessment model,emphasizing the interaction of TRP genes with tumor proliferation pathways,key metabolic reactions like retinol metabolism,and the tumor immune microenvironment.Notably,the overexpression of the TRPC1 gene in HCC correlates with poorer patient survival outcomes,suggesting its potential as a prognostic biomarker and a target for personalized therapy,particularly in strategies combining immunotherapy and anti-TRP agents.

GABA-C受体/通道的最新研究进展

目前已有很多关于GABA-C受体/通道在视网膜中功能的研究报道,但近年来发现它在哺乳动物的视网膜外的组织,如丘脑、海马、垂体、脊髓、小脑和胃肠道等也有表达并参与了相关激素的调控。本文将主要叙述GABA-C受体/通道在分子结构、分布和药理学特性方面较新的研究进展及参与相关激素包括褪黑激素、催乳素、生长激素和促甲状腺激素调控的研究。

机械应力调控血管平滑肌细胞的凋亡

背景:随着生物力学的发展,其在心血管疾病中的研究也日益广泛,通过研究血管的力学特性可以有效地揭示动脉粥样硬化、再狭窄等心血管疾病的发病机制,开发心血管疾病治疗的新思路和新方法。目的:综述机械应力刺激对血管平滑肌细胞凋亡的研究现状,寻找临床治疗潜在靶分子和信号通路,以期改善临床动脉粥样硬化及再狭窄等心血管疾病的临床治疗效果。方法:检索1992年1月至2023年5月在中国知网、PubMed及ScienceDirect数据库收录的文献。中文检索词为“血管平滑肌细胞,机械应力,剪切力,牵张力,凋亡”;英文检索词为“vascular smooth muscle cell,mechanical stress,shear stress,stretch stress,apoptosis”,最终纳入63篇文献进行综述分析。结果与结论:①血管平滑肌细胞的生理性和病理性凋亡都是为了适应血管力学变化而发生的适应性重构。不同部位的平滑肌细胞承受不同的力学刺激,其发病机制也不同。②低剪切力、生理剪切力和高剪切力可通过直接与平滑肌细胞表面分子、受体及蛋白等作用调控凋亡信号分子和抑制增殖实现对血管平滑肌细胞凋亡的调控,该部分未对促进增殖的研究进行综述。③低牵张力、生理牵张力和高牵张力可导致平滑肌细胞凋亡,但仍存在争议。平滑肌表面存在多种力学感受分子(如整合素及受体络氨酸激酶等)可以将力学信号转导为细胞内的化学信号(如Hippo通路),启动平滑肌细胞的凋亡信号,调控平滑肌细胞的凋亡。④总之,不同力学刺激通过多种信号分子,启动多个信号通路共同作用,调控平滑肌细胞的凋亡,例如剪切力主要通过刺激分泌前列腺素、转化生长因子等影响Fas/FasL、Akt通路;而牵张力主要通过Yes相关蛋白等调控YAP通路和Notch通路等。这些分子在不同的作用时间,或不同作用强度下可能发挥相反的双向作用,比如,小鼠血管平滑肌细胞受到10%生理牵张1 h时,其增殖增加;然而,人的血管平滑肌细胞牵张12 h后可以减少其增殖。临床可以通过寻找其关键作用时间点干扰力学转导关键分子,达到预防和治疗临床心血管疾病的目的。

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor signaling in the neuromuscular junction during developmental axonal competition and synapse elimination

During the development of the nervous system,there is an overproduction of neurons and synapses.Hebbian competition between neighboring nerve endings and synapses performing different activity levels leads to their elimination or strengthening.We have extensively studied the involvement of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor-Tropomyosin-related kinase B receptor neurotrophic retrograde pathway,at the neuromuscular junction,in the axonal development and synapse elimination process versus the synapse consolidation.The purpose of this review is to describe the neurotrophic influence on developmental synapse elimination,in relation to other molecular pathways that we and others have found to regulate this process.In particular,we summarize our published results based on transmitter release analysis and axonal counts to show the different involvement of the presynaptic acetylcholine muscarinic autoreceptors,coupled to downstream serine-threonine protein kinases A and C(PKA and PKC)and voltage-gated calcium channels,at different nerve endings in developmental competition.The dynamic changes that occur simultaneously in several nerve terminals and synapses converge across a postsynaptic site,influence each other,and require careful studies to individualize the mechanisms of specific endings.We describe an activity-dependent balance(related to the extent of transmitter release)between the presynaptic muscarinic subtypes and the neurotrophin-mediated TrkB/p75NTR pathways that can influence the timing and fate of the competitive interactions between the different axon terminals.The downstream displacement of the PKA/PKC activity ratio to lower values,both in competing nerve terminals and at postsynaptic sites,plays a relevant role in controlling the elimination of supernumerary synapses.Finally,calcium entry through L-and P/Q-subtypes of voltage-gated calcium channels(both channels are present,together with the N-type channel in developing nerve terminals)contributes to reduce transmitter release and promote withdrawal of the most unfavorable nerve terminals during elimination(the weakest in acetylcholine release and those that have already become silent).The main findings contribute to a better understanding of punishment-rewarding interactions between nerve endings during development.Identifying the molecular targets and signaling pathways that allow synapse consolidation or withdrawal of synapses in different situations is important for potential therapies in neurodegenerative diseases.

低频脉冲磁场慢性暴露对健康成年股四头肌收缩力及形态的影响

背景:目前已有关于低频脉冲磁场对骨骼肌结构形态影响研究发现了骨骼肌质量变化,但对接受慢性暴露后的形态变化未见相关研究。目的:观察低频脉冲磁场慢性暴露对腿部股四头肌最大自主收缩力与形态指标的影响,为使用该技术作为肌肉功能改善策略提供组织形态变化的参考依据。方法:招募普通健康受试者70名,随机分为接受磁场刺激的试验组与进行假治疗的对照组,每组35名,试验时长共计4周,试验组受试者每隔48 h进行1次15 min的低频脉冲磁刺激干预,对照组进行假治疗,干预间隔与时长与试验组一致,干预4周后观察不同组别受试者股四头肌最大自主收缩力值变化,利用B型超声影像作为评估手段,观察肌肉厚度、肌肉横截面积及羽状角指标的变化。结果与结论:①经过4周的低频脉冲磁场慢性暴露,68名受试者完成试验,试验组受试者股四头肌最大自主收缩力测试值显著增长(P=0.000),提升幅度显著高于对照组(P=0.008);②试验组受试者的肌肉形态3项指标均显著高于试验前测(P=0.000),而对照组肌肉厚度指标呈显著性下降(P=0.020),羽状角无显著性变化,横截面积显著性提升(P=0.000);③组间对比发现,试验组关于肌肉形态的肌肉厚度(P=0.012)、羽状角(P=0.003)及横截面积(P=0.049)3项指标均显著高于对照组;④上述数据证实,健康成年受试者经过4周的低频脉冲磁场慢性暴露,股四头肌的最大自主收缩力显著提升,同时观察到试验组的肌肉厚度、横截面积及羽状角3项肌肉形态指标的显著增长,对使用该技术作为肌肉改善的运动替代与医疗策略提供了肌组织形态改善的支持依据。