Unveiling the biological role of sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor modulators in inflammatory bowel diseases

Inflammatory bowel disease(IBD)is chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract that has a high epidemiological prevalence worldwide.The increasing disease burden worldwide,lack of response to current biologic therapeutics,and treatment-related immunogenicity have led to major concerns regarding the clinical management of IBD patients and treatment efficacy.Understanding disease pathogenesis and disease-related molecular mechanisms is the most important goal in developing new and effective therapeutics.Sphingosine-1-phosphate(S1P)receptor(S1PR)modulators form a class of oral small molecule drugs currently in clinical development for IBD have shown promising effects on disease improvement.S1P is a sphingosine-derived phospholipid that acts by binding to its receptor S1PR and is involved in the regulation of several biological processes including cell survival,differentiation,migration,proliferation,immune response,and lymphocyte trafficking.T lymphocytes play an important role in regulating inflammatory responses.In inflamed IBD tissue,an imbalance between T helper(Th)and regulatory T lymphocytes and Th cytokine levels was found.The S1P/S1PR signaling axis and metabolism have been linked to inflammatory responses in IBD.S1P modulators targeting S1PRs and S1P metabolism have been developed and shown to regulate inflammatory responses by affecting lymphocyte trafficking,lymphocyte number,lymphocyte activity,cytokine production,and contributing to gut barrier function.

Research progress of sphingosine 1-phosphate and its signal transduction in central nervous system diseases

Sphingosine 1-phosphate(S1P),as a sphingolipid metabolite,has become a key substance in regulating various physiological processes,involved in differentiation,proliferation,migration,morphogenesis,cytoskeleton formation,adhesion,apoptosis,etc.process.Sphingosine 1-phosphate can not only activate the S1P-S1PR signaling pathway by binding to the corresponding receptors on the cell membrane,but also play a role in the cell.In recent years,studies have found that there is a certain relationship between its level changes and the occurrence and development of central nervous system diseases.This article reviews the latest knowledge of sphingosine-1-phosphate in the occurrence and treatment of nervous system diseases,and further clarifies its molecular mechanism in the treatment and development of central nervous system diseases.

Sphingosine-1-Phosphate Protects Against the Development of Cardiac Remodeling via Sphingosine Kinase 2 and the S1PR2/ERK Pathway

Objective:Cardiac remodeling is a common pathological change in various cardiovascular diseases and can ultimately result in heart failure.Thus,there is an urgent need for more effective strategies to aid in cardiac protection.Our previous work found that sphingosine-1-phosphate(S1P)could ameliorate cardiac hypertrophy.In this study,we aimed to investigate whether S1P could prevent cardiac fibrosis and the associated mechanisms in cardiac remodeling.Methods:Eight-week-old male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into a sham,transverse aortic constriction(TAC)or a TAC+S1P treatment group.Results:We found that S1P treatment improved cardiac function in TAC mice and that the cardiac fibrosis ratio in the TAC+S1P group was significantly lower and was accompanied by a decrease inα-smooth muscle actin(α-SMA)and collagen type I(COL I)expression compared with the TAC group.We also found that one of the key S1P enzymes,sphingosine kinase 2(SphK2),which was mainly distributed in cytoblasts,was downregulated in the cardiac remodeling case and recovered after S1P treatment in vivo and in vitro.In addition,our in vitro results showed that S1P treatment activated extracellular regulated protein kinases(ERK)phosphorylation mainly through the S1P receptor 2(S1PR2)and spurred p-ERK transposition from the cytoplasm to cytoblast in H9c2 cells exposed to phenylephrine.Conclusion:These findings suggest that SphK2 and the S1PR2/ERK pathway may participate in the anti-remodeling effect of S1P on the heart.This work therefore uncovers a novel potential therapy for the prevention of cardiac remodeling.

Role of sphingosine kinase and sphingosine-1-phosphate in inflammatory arthritis

The importance of sphingosine kinase(SphK)and sphingosine-1-phosphate(S1P)in inflammation has been extensively demonstrated.As an intracellular second messenger,S1P plays an important role in calcium signaling and mobilization,and cell proliferation and survival.Activation of various plasma membrane receptors,such as the formyl methionyl leucyl phenylalanine receptor,C5a receptor,and tumor necrosis factor α receptor,leads to a rapid increase in intracellular S1P level via SphK stimulation.SphK and S1P are implicated in various chronic autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, primary Sjgren's syndrome,and inflammatory bowel disease.Recent studies have demonstrated the important role of SphK and S1P in the development of arthritis by regulating the pro-inflammatory responses.These novel pathways represent exciting potential therapeutic targets.

Regulatory role of sphingosine kinase and sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor signaling in progenitor/stem cells

Balanced sphingolipid signaling is important for the maintenance of homeostasis. Sphingolipids were demonstrated to function as structural components, second messengers, and regulators of cell growth and survival in normal and disease-affected tissues. Particularly, sphingosine kinase 1 (SphK1) and its product sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) operate as mediators and facilitators of proliferation-linked signaling. Unlimited proliferation (selfrenewal) within the regulated environment is a hallmark of progenitor/stem cells that was recently associated with the S1P signaling network in vasculature, nervous,muscular, and immune systems. S1P was shown to regulate progenitor-related characteristics in normal and cancerstemcells(CSCs) viaG-protein coupled receptorsS1Pn(n=1 to 5). The SphK/S1P axis is crucially involved in the regulation of embryonic development of vasculature and the nervous system, hematopoietic stem cell migration, regeneration of skeletal muscle, and development of multiple sclerosis. The ratio of the S1P receptor expression, localization, and specific S1P receptoractivated downstream effectors influenced the rate of selfrenewal and should be further explored as regeneration related targets. Considering malignant transformation,it is essential to control the level of self-renewal capacity.Proliferation of the progenitor cell should be synchronized with differentiation to provide healthy lifelong function of blood, immune systems, and replacement of damaged ordead cells. The differentiation-related role of SphK/S1P remains poorly assessed. A few pioneering investigations exploredpharmacologicaltoolsthattargetsphingolipid signaling and can potentially confine and direct self-renewal towards normal differentiation. Further investigation is required to test the role of the SphK/S1P axis in regulation of self-renewal and differentiation.

Role of sphingosine kinase localization in sphingolipid signaling

The sphingosine kinases, SK1 and SK2, produce the potent signaling lipid sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P). These enzymes have garnered increasing interest for their roles in tumorigenesis, inflammation, vascular diseases, and immunity, as well as other functions. The sphingosine kinases are considered signaling enzymes by producing S1P, and their activity is acutely regulated by a variety of agonists. However, these enzymes are also key players in the control of sphingolipid metabolism. A variety of sphingolipids, such as sphingosine and the ceramides, are potent signaling molecules in their own right. The role of sphingosine kinases in regulating sphingolipid metabolism is potentially a critical aspect of their signaling function. A central aspect of signaling lipids is that their hydrophobic nature constrains them to membranes. Most enzymes of sphingolipid metabolism, including the enzymes that degrade S1P, are membrane enzymes. Therefore the localization of the sphingosine kinases and S1P is likely to be important in S1P signaling. Sphingosine kinase localization affects sphingolipid signaling in several ways. Translocation of SK1 to theplasma membrane promotes extracellular secretion of S1P. SK1 and SK2 localization to specific sites appears to direct S1P to intracellular protein effectors. SK localization also determines the access of these enzymes to their substrates. This may be an important mechanism for the regulation of ceramide biosynthesis by diverting dihydrosphingosine, a precursor in the ceramide biosynthetic pathway, from the de novo production of ceramide.

Expressions of Sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) Receptors, Sphingosine Kinases in Malignant Bone and Soft Tissue Tumors, and The role of Sphingosine Kinase-1 in Growth of MFH Cell Lines

Sphingolipids are ubiquitous components of cell membranes. Their metabolites ceramide, sphingosine, and sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) have important physiological functions, including regulation of cell growth and survival. S1P is generated by phosphorylation of sphingosine catalyzed by sphingosine kinase-1 (SPHK1). The purpose of this study is to explore the roles of S1P, S1P receptors, and sphingosine kinases in malignant musculoskeletal tumors. Twenty-one tumor samples (7 liposarcomas, 3 chondrosarcomas, 6 osteosarcomas, 5 MFH) obtained at open biopsy, and four human MFH cell lines (Nara H, Nara F, TNMY1, GBS-1) were used. We examined the mRNA expression of S1P receptors by RT-PCR, and the expression levels of SPHK by Real-time PCR. We used 4 MFH cell lines to analyze SPHK1 proteins by Western blotting. SPHK1 siRNA was transfected into MFH cell lines by lipofection method. Cell proliferation (control and transfected with siRNA) was assayed using WST-8 (Cell Counting Kit-8) assay. All high grade malignant tumors expressed S1P1, S1P2, S1P3 receptors, whereas the expression of S1P1 receptor was detected in 50% of low-grade malignant tumors, S1P2 receptor in 30%, and S1P3 in 50%. No statistically significant difference was found in the expression level of SPHK1 between high-grade and low-grade malignant tumors by Real-time PCR. By results of Western blotting, proteins of SPHK1 were expressed in all MFH cell lines. In MFH cell lines, transfection with SPHK1 siRNA oligonucleotides resulted in approximately 50 to 80% suppression of SPHK1 mRNA expression as determined by real-time PCR. Down-regulation of SPHK1 with small interfering RNA significantly reduced SPHK1 protein levels by Western blotting. Knock down of SPHK1 expression significantly decreased cell proliferation of all MFH cells. These results suggest that the expression of S1P receptors may play an important role for cell proliferation and may correlate with histologic grade in malignant bone and soft tissue tumors, and that SPHK1 may be one of essential molecules for cell proliferation in MFH cell lines.

KAI1 inhibits HGF-induced invasion of pancreatic cancer by sphingosine kinase activity

BACKGROUND:KAI1/CD82 has been reported to attenuate the process of metastases in a variety of tumors;however,its mechanism of action in invasion has not been fully elucidated. The present study aimed to investigate the importance of KAI1 in invasion and its correlation with activation of sphingosine kinase(SPK)in human pancreatic cancer PANC1 and Miapaca-2 cell lines. METHODS:The expression of KAI1 in PANC1 and Miapaca-2 cells,which was mediated by recombinant adenovirus(Ad-KAI1), was assessed by a flow cytometer and Western blotting.After successful infection was established,in vitro growth curve and invasive ability in Boyden Chamber assay were studied.The presence of KAI1 correlating with c-Met and SPK was detected by co-immunoprecipitation and[γ-32P]ATP incorporation. RESULTS:KAI1 genes had no significant effects on the curve representing cell growth.After infection with the KAI1 gene,decreased invasive ability in the Boyden Chamber assay was observed in PANC1 and Miapaca-2 cells that were induced by hepatocyte growth factor.Over-expression of KAI1 in the cells led to the deactivation of SPK and a decreased level of intracellular sphingosine-1-phosphate.No correlation was observed between c-Met and KAI1 during co-immunoprecipitation. CONCLUSION:The results of this study for the first time demonstrated a regulatory role for KAI1 in SPK activation, which leads to decreased invasive ability in disease progression of human pancreatic cancer.

Sphingosine kinase 1 is upregulated with lysophosphatidic acid receptor 2 in human colorectal cancer

AIM: To examine the expression of Sph K1, an oncogenic kinase that produces sphingosine 1-phosphate(S1P), and its correlation with the expression of LPAR2, a major lysophosphatidic acid(LPA) receptor overexpressed in various cancers, in human colorectal cancer.METHODS: Real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction was used to measure the m RNA expression of Sph K1, LPAR2, and the three major S1 P receptors in 27 colorectal cancer samples and corresponding normal tissue samples. We also examined the correlation between the expression of Sph K1 and LPAR2.RESULTS: C o l o r e c t a l c a n c e r t i s s u e i n 2 2 o f 2 7 patients had higher levels of Sph K1 m RNA than in normal tissue. In two-thirds of the samples, Sph K1 m RNA expression was more than two-fold higher than in normal tissue. Consistent with previous reports, LPAR2 m RNA expression in 20 of 27 colorectal cancer tissue samples was higher compared to normal tissue samples. Expression profiles of all three major S1 P receptors, S1PR1, S1PR2, and S1PR3, varied without any trend, with no significant difference in expression between cancer and normal tissues. A highly significant positive correlation was found between Sph K1 and LPAR2 expression [Pearson's correlation coefficient(r) = 0.784 and P < 0.01]. The m RNA levels of Sph K1 and LPAR2 did not correlate with TNM stage.CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that S1 P andLPA may play important roles in the development ofcolorectal cancer via the upregulation of Sph K1 andLPAR2, both of which could serve as new therapeutictargets in the treatment of colorectal cancer.

Inhibition of sphingosine kinase 1 ameliorates acute liver failure by reducing high-mobility group box 1 cytoplasmic translocation in liver cells

AIM: To determine the therapeutic potential of sphingosine kinase 1(Sphk1) inhibition and its underlying mechanism in a well-characterized mouse model of D-galactosamine(D-Gal N)/lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-induced acute liver failure(ALF).METHODS: Balb/c mice were randomly assigned to different groups,with ALF induced by intraperitoneal injection of D-Ga IN(600 mg/kg) and LPS(10 μg/kg). The Kaplan-Meier method was used for survival analysis. Serum alanine aminotransferase(ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase(AST) levels at different time points within one week were determined using a multi-parametric analyzer. Serum high-mobility group box 1(HMGB1),tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),interleukin(IL)-1β,IL-6,IL-10,and sphingosine-1-phosphate were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Hepatic morphological changes at 36 h after acute liver injury induction were assessed by hematoxylin and eosin staining. HMGB1 expression in hepatocytes and cytoplasmic translocation were detected by immunohistochemistry. Expression of Sphk1 in liver tissue and peripheral blood mononuclear cells(PBMCs) was analyzed by Western blot.RESULTS: The expression of Sphk1 in liver tissue and PBMCs was upregulated in Gal N/LPS-induced ALF. Upregulated Sphk1 expression in liver tissue was mainly caused by Kupffer cells,the resident macrophages of the liver. The survival rates of mice in the N,Ndimethylsphingosine(DMS,a specific inhibitor of Sph K1) treatment group were significantly higher than that of the control group(P < 0.001). DMS treatment significantly decreased the levels of serum ALT and AST at 6,12,and 24 h compared with that of the control group(P < 0.01 for all). Serum HMGB1 levels at 6,12,and 24 h,as well as serum TNF-α,IL-6,and IL-1β levels at 12 h,were significantly lower in the DMS treatment group than in the control group(P < 0.01 for all). Furthermore,hepatic inflammation,necrosis,and HMGB1 cytoplasm translocation in liver cells were significantly decreased in the DMS treatment group compared to the control group(43.72% ± 5.51% vs 3.57% ± 0.83%,χ2 = 12.81,P < 0.01).CONCLUSION: Inhibition of Sph K1 ameliorates ALF by reducing HMGB1 cytoplasmic translocation in liver cells,and so might be a potential therapeutic strategy for this disease.

Sphingosine kinase 1 knockout alleviates hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury by attenuating inflammation and oxidative stress in mice

Background: Hepatic ischemia/reperfusion(I/R) injury remains a significant problem in clinical practice. Sphingosine kinase 1(Sph K1) phosphorylates sphingosine to sphingosine-1-phosphate(S1 P) which participates in multiple bioactive processes. However, little is known about the role of Sph K1 in hepatic I/R injury. This study aimed to investigate the effect of Sph K1 knockout on liver I/R injury and to explore underlying mechanisms. Methods: Sph K1 knockout and wild type mice were subjected to 70% partial hepatic I/R. Serum alanine aminotransferase was determined to indicate the degree of liver damage. Hematoxylin-eosin staining and TUNEL assay were used to assess histological changes and hepatocellular apoptosis, respectively. Immunohistochemistry was performed to detect the expression and translocation of phosphorylated p65 and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3(STAT3). Western blotting was used to determine the expression of S1 P receptor 1(S1 PR1), phosphorylated p65 and STAT3. Real-time PCR was used to demonstrate the changes of proinflammatory cytokines. Oxidative stress markers were also determined through biochemical assays. Results: Sph K1 knockout significantly ameliorated I/R-induced liver damage, mitigated liver tissue necrosis and apoptosis compared with wild type control. I/R associated inflammation was alleviated in Sph K1 knockout mice as demonstrated by attenuated expression of S1 PR1 and reduced phosphorylation of nuclear factor kappa B p65 and STAT3. The proinflammatory cytokines interleukin-1 β, interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α were also inhibited by Sph K1 genetic deletion. The oxidative stress markers were lower in Sph K1 knockout mice after I/R injury than wild type mice. Conclusions: Knockout of Sph K1 significantly alleviated damage after hepatic I/R injury, possibly through inhibiting inflammation and oxidative stress. Sph K1 may be a novel and potent target in clinical practice in I/R-related liver injury.

Roles of sphingosine 1-phosphate on tumorigenesis

Sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) is a bioactive sphingolipid with a variety of biological activities.It is generated from the conversion of ceramide to sphingosine by ceramidase and the subsequent conversion of sphingosine to S1P,which is catalyzed by sphingosine kinases.Through increasing its intracellular levels by sphingolipid metabolism and binding to its cell surface receptors,S1P regulates several physiological and pathological processes,including cell proliferation,migration,angiogenesis and autophagy.These processes are responsible for tumor growth,metastasis and invasion and promote tumor survival.Since ceramide and S1P have distinct functions in regulating in cell fate decision,the balance between the ceramide/sphingosine/S1P rheostat becomes a potent therapeutic target for cancer cells.Herein,we summarize our current understanding of S1P signaling on tumorigenesis and its potential as a target for cancer therapy.

Role of sphingosine 1-phosphate in anti-atherogenic actions of high-density lipoprotein

The reverse cholesterol transport mediated by highdensity lipoprotein(HDL)is an important mechanism for maintaining body cholesterol,and hence,the crucial anti-atherogenic action of the lipoprotein.Recent studies,however,have shown that HDL exerts a variety of anti-inflammatory and anti-atherogenic actions independently of cholesterol metabolism.The present review provides an overview of the roles of sphingosine 1-phosphate(S1P)/S1P receptor and apolipoprotein A-I/ scavenger receptor class B typeⅠsystems in the antiatherogenic HDL actions.In addition,the physiological significance of the existence of S1P in the HDL particles is discussed.

Sphingosine kinase 1 dependent protein kinase C-δ activation plays an important role in acute liver failure in mice

AIM: To investigate the role of protein kinase C(PKC)-δ activation in the pathogenesis of acute liver failure(ALF) in a well-characterized mouse model of D-galactosamine(D-Gal N)/lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-induced ALF.METHODS: BALB/c mice were randomly assigned to five groups, and ALF was induced in mice by intraperitoneal injection of D-Ga IN(600 mg/kg) and LPS(10 μg/kg). Kaplan-Meier method was used for survival analysis. Serum alanine aminotransferase(ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase(AST) levels at different time points within one week were determined using a multiparameteric analyzer. Serum levels of high-mobility group box 1(HMGB1), tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-α, interleukin(IL)-1β, IL-6, and IL-10 as well as nuclear factor(NF)-κB activity were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Hepatic morphological changes at 36 h after ALF induction were assessed by hematoxylin and eosin staining. Expression of PKC-δ in liver tissue and peripheral blood mononuclear cells(PBMCs) was analyzed by Western blot.RESULTS: The expression and activation of PKC-δ were up-regulated in liver tissue and PBMCs of mice with D-Gal N/LPS-induced ALF. Inhibition of PKC-δ activation with rottlerin significantly increased the survival rates and decreased serum ALT/AST levels at 6, 12 and 24 h compared with the control group(P < 0.001). Rottlerin treatment also significantly decreased serum levels of HMGB1 at 6, 12, and 24 h, TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1 β at 12 h compared with the control group(P < 0.01). The inflammatory cell infiltration and necrosis in liver tissue were also decreased in the rottlerin treatment group. Furthermore, sphingosine kinase 1(Sph K1) dependent PKC-δ activation played an important role in promoting NF-κB activation and inflammatory cytokine production in ALF.CONCLUSION: Sph K1 dependent PKC-δ activation plays an important role in promoting NF-κB activation and inflammatory response in ALF, and inhibition of PKC-δ activation might be a potential therapeutic strategy for this disease.

Sphingosine kinase-2 induced autophagy activation mediates ischemic tolenrance in primary cortical neurons

Aim This study is aimed to determine whether SPK2 （Sphingosine kinase-2） is involved in isoflurane preconditioning induced autophagy activation in primary cultured neurons. We also examined whether SPK2 pro- tects neurons from ischemic injury by activating autophagy, and explored the molecular mechanism of SPK2 contrib- uting to the autophagy activation in neurons. Methods Isoflurane preconditioning （ISO） and oxygen glucose dep- rivation （OGD） model was established in primary cultured murine cortical neurons. Neurons were transfected by siRNA to interfere SPK2 and Beclin 1, or lentivirus to overexpress SPK2. Protein expression of SPK2, LC3, and Beclinl were detected with immunofluorescence and Western blot analysis. The neurons were treated with lysosomal inhibitor ammonium chloride （NH4 C1） to test the autophagy flux. The protection of SPK2 on OGD/R induced neu- ronal death was detected with CCK-8 （cell counting kit-8） and LDH cytotoxicity assay kit. Autophagy inhibitor 3- MA （3-Methyladenine） was used to detect the protection of autophagy on SPK2 induced isehemie tolerance. Co-im- munoprecipitation was used to detect the interaction between Beclin 1 and Bel-2. Results In primary cultured neu- ISO enhanced SPK2 and LC3 immunofluorescenee. SPK2 siRNA inhibits LC3II upregulation induced by rons, ISO. Beclin 1 siRNA also inhibits LC3II upregulation induced by ISO. Lentivirus-indueed SPK2 overexpression in- creased LC3II/LC3I ratio and enhanced the autophagy flux in neurons. SPK2 overexpression also exerted neuropro- teetion against OGD model in cortical neurons, as evidenced by improvement of neuronal morphology, increased cellular viability and reduced LDH leakage, while 3-MA partly abolished the SPK2-induced neuroprotection. After SPK2 overexpression, Beclin 1 siRNA inhibited SPK2 induced LC3II upregulation, and the coimmunoprecipitation of Beclin 1 and Bcl-2 was reduced.. Conclusion ISO increases SPK2 and activates autophagy in neurons. SPK2 or Beclin 1 interference cancels ISO induced autophagy activation. SPK2 overexpression activates autophagy, and protects the neurons against ischemic injury. SPK2 may induce autophagy by disrupting Beclin 1/Bcl-2 interaction.

FTY720,a sphingosine analog,altered placentome histoarchitecture in ewes

Background:The lysosphingolipid,sphingosine-1-phosphate,is a well-described and potent pro-angiogenic factor.Receptors,as well as the sphingosine phosphorylating enzyme sphingosine kinase 1,are expressed in the placentomes of sheep and the decidua of rodents;however,a function for this signaling pathway during pregnancy has not been established.The objective of this study was to investigate whether sphingosine-1-phosphate promoted angiogenesis within the placentomes of pregnant ewes.Ewes were given daily jugular injections of FTY720(2-amino-2[2-(−4-octylphenyl)ethyl]propate-1,3-diol hydrochloride),an S1P analog.Results:FTY720 infusion from days 30 to 60 of pregnancy did not alter maternal organ weights nor total number or mass of placentomes,but did alter placentome histoarchitecture.Interdigitation of caruncular crypts and cotyledonary villi was decreased,as was the relative area of cotyledonary tissue within placentomes.Also,the percentage of area occupied by cotyledonary villi per unit of placentome was increased,while the thickness of the caruncular capsule was decreased in ewes treated with FTY720.Further,FTY720 infusion decreased the number and density of blood vessels within caruncular tissue near the placentome capsule where the crypts emerge from the capsule.Finally,FTY720 infusion decreased asparagine and glutamine in amniotic fluid and methionine in allantoic fluid,and decreased the crown rump length of day 60 fetuses.Conclusions:While members of the sphingosine-1-phosphate signaling pathway have been characterized within the uteri and placentae of sheep and mice,the present study uses FTY720 to address the influence of S1P signaling on placental development.We present evidence that modulation of the S1P signaling pathway results in the alteration of caruncular vasculature,placentome architecture,abundance of amino acids in allantoic and amniotic fluids,and fetal growth during pregnancy in sheep.The marked morphological changes in placentome histoarchitecture,including alteration in the vasculature,may be relevant to fetal growth and survival.It is somewhat surprising that fetal length was reduced as early as day 60,because fetal growth in sheep is greatest after day 60.The subtle changes observed in the fetuses of ewes exposed to FTY720 may indicate an adaptive response of the fetuses to cope with altered placental morphology.

Incorporation of Sphingosine 1-Phosphate Loaded Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles into Poly ( L-lactic acid ) Nanofibrous Scaffolds for Bone Tissue Engineering

Controlled release of the functional factors is the key to improve clinical therapeutic efficacy during the tissue repair and regeneration.The three-dimensional(3D)scaffold can provide not only physical properties such as high strength and porosity but also an optimal environment to enhance tissue regeneration.Sphingosine1-phosphate(S1P),an angiogenic factor,was loaded into mesoporous silica nanoparticles(MSNs)and then incorporated into poly(L-lactic acid)(PLLA)nanofibrous scaffold,which was fabricated by thermally induced phase separation(TIPS)method.The prepared scaffolds were examined by attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy(ATR-FTIR),scanning electron microscopy(SEM),and transmission electron microscopy(TEM)and compressive mechanical test.The ATR-FTIR result demonstrated the existence of MSNs in the PLLA nanofibrous scaffold.The SEM images showed that PLLA scaffold had regular pore channel,interconnected pores and nanofibrous structure.The addition of MSNs at appropriate content had no visible effect on the structure of scaffold.The compressive modulus of scaffold containing MSNs was higher than that of the scaffold without MSNs.Furthermore,fluorescein isothiocyanate(FITC)was used as model molecule to investigate the release behavior of S1P from MSNsincorporated PLLA(MSNs/PLLA)nanofibrous scaffold.The result showed that the composite scaffold largely reduced the initial burst release and exhibited prolonged release of FITC than MSNs.Thus,these results indicated that S1P-loaded composite nanofibrous scaffold has potential applications for bone tissue engineering.

Role of sphingosine kinases and sphingosine 1-phosphate in mediating adipogenesis

Recent Background: Development of obesity involves promotion of preadipocyte differrentiation. This study investigated the role that sphingosine kinases (SPHK) and ceramide-derived sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) play in adipocyte terminal differentiation. Materials and Methods: The mouse 3T3-L1 cell line was used as a model for adipogenesis. Cells were harvested at specific time points after initation of differentiation, and SPHK activity was measured. 3T3-L1 cells were treated with S1P and expression of early adipogenesis transcription markers was measured by real time PCR. The expression of S1P-receptors (S1PRs) during differentiation was measured. Results: SPHK activity is induced when 3T3-L1 cells are treated with insulin, dexamethasone, and isobutylmethylxanthine to induce differentiation. SPHK1 is active in preadipocytes and early in the differentiation process. Both SPHK1 and SPHK2 isozymes contribute to activity in differentiated adipocytes. Inhibition of SPHK1 attenuates adipocyte differentiation;however, extracellular S1P does not rescue the effect of SPHK1 inhibition on adipogenesis. Although treatment of preadipocytes with S1P induced message expression of the early adipogenesis transcription factor CC AAT/ binding proteinalpha, continued treatment did not fully support the development of differentiated adipocytes. Sphingosine 1-phosphate receptors (S1PRs) are expressed in preadipocytes and message expression declines markedly during adipocyte differentiation. Conclusion: These results demonstrate that the contribution of SPHK and S1P to adipogenesis is mediated primarily through biphasic activation of SPHK1 and 2 with extracellular S1P and S1PRs playing little role during preadipocyte differentiation.

Role of Sphingosine 1-Phosphate (S1P) Receptor 1 in Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis —II

Therapeutic administration of fingolimod hydrochloride (FTY720), the functional antagonist at sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) receptor 1 (S1P1) shows a marked improving effect on experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) induced by myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) in C57BL/6 mice. However, this treatment showed an only partial inhibition of Th1/Th17 cell infiltration into the central nervous system (CNS), suggesting that down-regulation of lymphocytic S1P1 is insufficient to explain the therapeutic effect of FTY720 on EAE. On the other hand, the therapeutic administration of FTY720 reduced the mRNA expressions of IL-6, CCL2, and glial fibrillary acidic protein, an activation marker of astrocytes, in the CNS of EAE mice. In human astrocytic glyoma, U373MG cells, mRNA expression of S1P1 was higher as compared with those of the other S1P receptor subtypes and phosphorylation of Akt was induced by S1P, FTY720-phosphate (FTY720-P), or an S1P1-selective agonist, SEW2871. FTY720-P appeared to induce down-regulation of S1P1 in U373MG cells, implying a functional antagonism at S1P1 on astrocytes. S1P but not FTY720-P induced production of IL-6, IL-8, and CCL2 significantly and treatment with FTY720-P or SEW2871 inhibited production of these pro-inflammatory cytokines from U373MG cells stimulated with S1P. These results suggest that S1P-S1P1 axis induces production of pro-inflammatory cytokines by astrocytes. Consequently, it is highly probable that the therapeutic effects of FTY720 on EAE are caused by inhibiting not only egress of myelin-specific Th cells from the draining lymph nodes but also activation of astrocytes in the CNS.

Role of Sphingosine 1-Phosphate (S1P) Receptor 1 in Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis —I

Infiltration of myelin-specific helper T (Th) cells into the central nervous system (CNS) plays a key role in pathogenesis of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). In this study, we investigated the involvement of sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P)-S1P receptor 1 (S1P1) axis in lymphocytes for EAE development when C57BL/6 mice were immunized with myelin oliogodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG). The expression of S1P1 mRNA and S1P responsiveness of lymphocytes in draining lymph nodes (DLN) were down-regulated markedly after MOG immunization until onset of EAE. Accompanying with reacquisition of down-regulated S1P1 transcript and S1P responsiveness in DLN lymphocytes, MOG-immunized mice developed EAE symptoms with significant infiltration of Th1 and Th17 cells into the CNS and a marked elevation of IFN-γ, T-bet, IL-17, and RORγt mRNA expressions. Prophylactic administration of an S1P1 functional antagonist, fingolimod hydrochloride (FTY720, 0.3 mg/kg, orally) significantly inhibited EAE development and almost completely prevented infiltration of Th1 and Th17 cells into the CNS with a marked reduction of IFN-γ, T-bet, IL-17, and RORγt mRNA expressions. Similar results were obtained by treatment with an S1P1-selective agonist, SEW2871 or an S1P lyase inhibitor, 2-acetyl-4-tetrahydroxybutylimidazole. Moreover, FTY720-phosphate and SEW2871 inhibited in vitro migration of Th1 and Th17 cells toward S1P but did not affect cytokine production or generation of Th1 or Th17 cells. These results suggest that reacquisition of S1P1 expression in DLN lymphocytes plays a major role in trafficking of myelin antigen-specific Th1/Th17 cells from DLN to the CNS in EAE and that prophylactic effect of FTY720 on EAE is predominantly caused by functional antagonism via lymphocytic S1P1.