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1.
Cancer Cell ; 42(7): 1217-1238.e19, 2024 Jul 08.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38981438

ABSTRACT

Although genomic anomalies in glioblastoma (GBM) have been well studied for over a decade, its 5-year survival rate remains lower than 5%. We seek to expand the molecular landscape of high-grade glioma, composed of IDH-wildtype GBM and IDH-mutant grade 4 astrocytoma, by integrating proteomic, metabolomic, lipidomic, and post-translational modifications (PTMs) with genomic and transcriptomic measurements to uncover multi-scale regulatory interactions governing tumor development and evolution. Applying 14 proteogenomic and metabolomic platforms to 228 tumors (212 GBM and 16 grade 4 IDH-mutant astrocytoma), including 28 at recurrence, plus 18 normal brain samples and 14 brain metastases as comparators, reveals heterogeneous upstream alterations converging on common downstream events at the proteomic and metabolomic levels and changes in protein-protein interactions and glycosylation site occupancy at recurrence. Recurrent genetic alterations and phosphorylation events on PTPN11 map to important regulatory domains in three dimensions, suggesting a central role for PTPN11 signaling across high-grade gliomas.


Subject(s)
Brain Neoplasms , Glioma , Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase, Non-Receptor Type 11 , Signal Transduction , Humans , Brain Neoplasms/genetics , Brain Neoplasms/pathology , Brain Neoplasms/metabolism , Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase, Non-Receptor Type 11/genetics , Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase, Non-Receptor Type 11/metabolism , Glioma/genetics , Glioma/pathology , Glioma/metabolism , Mutation , Proteomics/methods , Protein Processing, Post-Translational , Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic , Glioblastoma/genetics , Glioblastoma/pathology , Glioblastoma/metabolism , Phosphorylation , Neoplasm Grading , Isocitrate Dehydrogenase/genetics , Isocitrate Dehydrogenase/metabolism
2.
Int J Pharm ; 661: 124434, 2024 Jul 06.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38972523

ABSTRACT

There has been a growing interest in hydroxytyrosol (HT) due to its powerful antioxidant and free-radical scavenging properties when added to formulations such as pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. To study the stability and transdermal properties of hydrogels and creams (HT-based formulations), a high-performance liquid chromatography method was developed for determining HT. In the Franz diffusion cell system, both hydrogel and cream show a rapid and similar penetration profile through the Bama miniature pig skin. However, the Strat-M® membrane exhibits slightly lower permeability and is selective to different formulations; that is, the cream has a permeability value of 10.69%, while the hydrogel has a value of 5.27%. The dynamics parameters from the permeation assays indicate that the model using the Strat-M® membrane can be used as a screening tool to evaluate the skin uptake and permeation efficacy of different formulations. Adding 3-O-ethyl-L-ascorbic acid to HT-based formulations can effectively prevent discoloration under prolonged high-temperature storage, while combining multiple antioxidants delays degradation most effectively. This study provides novel ideas for functional formulation optimization to enhance the realism and reproducibility of cosmetic products containing HT and provides scientific evidence for the production, packaging, shelf life, storage, and transportation of products.

3.
Medicine (Baltimore) ; 103(27): e38796, 2024 Jul 05.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38968455

ABSTRACT

RATIONALE: Myxoinflammatory fibroblastic sarcoma (MIFS) is a rare low-grade malignant soft tissue sarcoma that primarily affects the distal extremities in adults, with the highest incidence in patients in their 40s and 50s. It has a high local recurrence rate and a low metastasis rate. Although MIFSs have been documented in other sites, an MIFS in the liver is highly unusual. Herein, we present a case of a patient with hepatic MIFS. PATIENT CONCERNS: The patient was a 58-year-old Chinese man with abdominal pain as the primary symptom. Abdominal computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging revealed a mass in the right posterior lobe of the liver. The patient underwent surgical excision, and the excised specimen was identified as MIFS. Three years later, the patient returned to our hospital for abdominal pain. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging revealed a mass in liver segments 2/3/4. DIAGNOSIS: Postoperative pathological examination of the tumor revealed the recurrence of MIFS. INTERVENTIONS: The patient underwent surgical resection of the MIFS. OUTCOMES: The patient received multiple pirarubicin-based chemotherapy treatments and an ALK inhibitor (anlotinib) within 6 months after surgery, but the tumor recurred. LESSONS: MIFS can not only occur in the proximal limbs, trunk, head, and neck but can also affect the abdominal organs. Surgical resection remains the primary treatment option for MIFS in the absence of any contraindications. Because the recurrence rate of MIFS is high, meticulous long-term monitoring is required.


Subject(s)
Fibrosarcoma , Liver Neoplasms , Humans , Middle Aged , Male , Liver Neoplasms/surgery , Liver Neoplasms/pathology , Liver Neoplasms/diagnostic imaging , Liver Neoplasms/diagnosis , Fibrosarcoma/surgery , Fibrosarcoma/diagnosis , Fibrosarcoma/pathology , Tomography, X-Ray Computed , Neoplasm Recurrence, Local/surgery , Magnetic Resonance Imaging , Liver/pathology , Liver/diagnostic imaging
4.
ACS Nano ; 18(27): 17694-17706, 2024 Jul 09.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38932609

ABSTRACT

The pollution caused by heavy metals (HMs) represents a global concern due to their serious environmental threat. Photosynthetic cyanobacteria have a natural niche and the ability to remediate HMs such as cadmium. However, their practical application is hindered by a low tolerance to HMs and issues related to recycling. In response to these challenges, this study focuses on the development and evaluation of engineered cyanobacteria-based living materials for HMs bioremediation. Genes encoding phytochelatins (PCSs) and metallothioneins (MTs) were introduced into the model cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803, creating PM/6803. The strain exhibited improved tolerance to multiple HMs and effectively removed a combination of Cd2+, Zn2+, and Cu2+. Using Cd2+ as a representative, PM/6803 achieved a bioremediation rate of approximately 21 µg of Cd2+/OD750 under the given test conditions. To facilitate its controllable application, PM/6803 was encapsulated using sodium alginate-based hydrogels (PM/6803@SA) to create "living materials" with different shapes. This system was feasible, biocompatible, and effective for removing Cd2+ under simulated conditions of zebrafish and mice models. Briefly, in vitro application of PM/6803@SA efficiently rescued zebrafish from polluted water containing Cd2+, while in vivo use of PM/6803@SA significantly decreased the Cd2+ content in mice bodies and restored their active behavior. The study offers feasible strategies for HMs bioremediation using the interesting biomaterials of engineered cyanobacteria both in vitro and in vivo.


Subject(s)
Biodegradation, Environmental , Metals, Heavy , Zebrafish , Animals , Metals, Heavy/metabolism , Metals, Heavy/chemistry , Mice , Synechocystis/metabolism , Synechocystis/genetics , Metallothionein/genetics , Metallothionein/metabolism , Hydrogels/chemistry , Phytochelatins/metabolism , Cadmium/metabolism , Cadmium/chemistry , Cyanobacteria/metabolism , Cyanobacteria/genetics , Alginates/chemistry , Alginates/metabolism
5.
Cell Rep Med ; 5(5): 101547, 2024 May 21.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38703764

ABSTRACT

Non-clear cell renal cell carcinomas (non-ccRCCs) encompass diverse malignant and benign tumors. Refinement of differential diagnosis biomarkers, markers for early prognosis of aggressive disease, and therapeutic targets to complement immunotherapy are current clinical needs. Multi-omics analyses of 48 non-ccRCCs compared with 103 ccRCCs reveal proteogenomic, phosphorylation, glycosylation, and metabolic aberrations in RCC subtypes. RCCs with high genome instability display overexpression of IGF2BP3 and PYCR1. Integration of single-cell and bulk transcriptome data predicts diverse cell-of-origin and clarifies RCC subtype-specific proteogenomic signatures. Expression of biomarkers MAPRE3, ADGRF5, and GPNMB differentiates renal oncocytoma from chromophobe RCC, and PIGR and SOSTDC1 distinguish papillary RCC from MTSCC. This study expands our knowledge of proteogenomic signatures, biomarkers, and potential therapeutic targets in non-ccRCC.


Subject(s)
Biomarkers, Tumor , Carcinoma, Renal Cell , Kidney Neoplasms , Proteogenomics , Humans , Proteogenomics/methods , Kidney Neoplasms/genetics , Kidney Neoplasms/pathology , Kidney Neoplasms/metabolism , Biomarkers, Tumor/genetics , Biomarkers, Tumor/metabolism , Carcinoma, Renal Cell/genetics , Carcinoma, Renal Cell/pathology , Carcinoma, Renal Cell/metabolism , Transcriptome/genetics , Male , Female , Middle Aged , Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
6.
Cell Signal ; 120: 111202, 2024 Aug.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38729323

ABSTRACT

Hypertrophic scarring (HS) is a pathological condition characterized by excessive fibrosis and inflammation, resulting in excessive extracellular matrix formation in the skin. MIR155HG, a long non-coding RNA, is abnormally upregulated in fibrotic tissues; however, its underlying mechanism is poorly understood. Using single-cell sequencing data, we analyzed connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) expression in various cell types in HS and normal skin tissues and MIR155HG expression in clinical samples. To investigate the mechanism of fibrosis, an in vitro model using CTGF-treated hypertrophic scar fibroblasts (HSFBs) was established and qRT-PCR, western blotting and ELISA assays were performed to investigate the expression of interleukin (IL)-1ß, IL-6, and mesenchymal markers α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA). CTGF stimulates MIR155HG level through phosphorylated STAT3 binding to the MIR155HG promoter. We analyzed the methylation of MIR155HG, assessed the levels of miR-155-5p/-3p in CTGF-treated HSFBs and identified differentially expressed genes among HS and NS samples using the Gene Expression Omnibus RNA sequencing data. The binding between miR-155-5p/-3p and AZGP1 was confirmed using a dual-luciferase assay and inflammatory cytokine production and α-SMA expression were investigated in rescue experiments. The findings revealed that CTGF elevated inflammatory cytokine production, α-SMA and MIR155HG expression in HSFBs. MIR155HG is upregulated in HS tissues due to low DNA methylation. Mechanistically, miR-155-5p/-3p was directly bound to MIR155HG 3'UTR. MIR155HG silencing inhibited cytokine production and α-SMA expression by repressing the generation of miR-155-5p/-3p in CTGF-treated HSFBs. Bioinformatics analysis and luciferase reporter assays revealed that miR-155-5p/-3p targets AZGP1. In addition, transfection with plasmids carrying AZGP1 cDNA significantly inhibited the signaling activity of miR-155-5p/-3 p-overexpressing HSFBs. Our findings highlight the importance of the MIR155HG/miR-155/AZGP1 axis in regulating cytokine production and α-SMA in HS.


Subject(s)
Actins , Cicatrix, Hypertrophic , Connective Tissue Growth Factor , Cytokines , Fibroblasts , MicroRNAs , Up-Regulation , MicroRNAs/metabolism , MicroRNAs/genetics , Humans , Connective Tissue Growth Factor/metabolism , Connective Tissue Growth Factor/genetics , Fibroblasts/metabolism , Cicatrix, Hypertrophic/metabolism , Cicatrix, Hypertrophic/pathology , Cicatrix, Hypertrophic/genetics , Actins/metabolism , Cytokines/metabolism , Up-Regulation/drug effects , Glycoproteins/metabolism , Glycoproteins/genetics , Male , Female , Signal Transduction
7.
Asian J Surg ; 2024 May 07.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38719638
8.
Brain Res Bull ; 212: 110966, 2024 Jun 15.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38670469

ABSTRACT

Intraoperative remifentanil administration has been linked to increased postoperative pain sensitivity. Recent studies have identified the involvement of euchromatic histone-lysine N-methyltransferase 2 (Ehmt2/G9a) in neuropathic pain associated with the transcriptional silencing of many potassium ion channel genes. This study investigates whether G9a regulates the potassium sodium-activated channel subfamily T member 1 (Slo2.2) in remifentanil-induced post-incisional hyperalgesia (RIH) in rodents. We performed remifentanil infusion (1 µg·kg-1·min-1 for 60 min) followed by plantar incision to induce RIH in rodents. Our results showed that RIH was accompanied by increased G9a and H3K9me2 production and decreased Slo2.2 expression 48 h postoperatively. Deletion of G9a rescued Slo2.2 expression in DRG and reduced RIH intensity. Slo2.2 overexpression also reversed this hyperalgesia phenotype. G9a overexpression decreased Slo2.2-mediated leak current and increased excitability in the small-diameter DRG neurons and laminal II small-diameter neurons in the spinal dorsal horn, which was implicated in peripheral and central sensitization. These results suggest that G9a contributes to the development of RIH by epigenetically silencing Slo2.2 in DRG neurons, leading to decreased central sensitization in the spinal cord. The findings may have implications for the development of novel therapeutic targets for the treatment of postoperative pain.


Subject(s)
Histone-Lysine N-Methyltransferase , Hyperalgesia , Remifentanil , Sensory Receptor Cells , Animals , Histone-Lysine N-Methyltransferase/metabolism , Histone-Lysine N-Methyltransferase/genetics , Male , Remifentanil/pharmacology , Hyperalgesia/metabolism , Sensory Receptor Cells/drug effects , Sensory Receptor Cells/metabolism , Potassium Channels, Sodium-Activated , Mice , Analgesics, Opioid/pharmacology , Ganglia, Spinal/metabolism , Ganglia, Spinal/drug effects , Neuralgia/metabolism , Pain, Postoperative/drug therapy , Pain, Postoperative/metabolism , Rats , Pain Threshold/drug effects , Rats, Sprague-Dawley , Mice, Inbred C57BL , Nerve Tissue Proteins
9.
PLoS One ; 19(4): e0301580, 2024.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38625876

ABSTRACT

Unpaired image-to-image translation (I2IT) involves establishing an effective mapping between the source and target domains to enable cross-domain image transformation. Previous contrastive learning methods inadequately accounted for the variations in features between two domains and the interrelatedness of elements within the features. Consequently, this can result in challenges encompassing model instability and the blurring of image edge features. To this end, we propose a multi-attention bidirectional contrastive learning method for unpaired I2IT, referred to as MabCUT. We design separate embedding blocks for each domain based on depthwise separable convolutions and train them simultaneously from both the source and target domains. Then we utilize a pixel-level multi-attention extractor to query images from embedding blocks in order to select feature blocks with crucial information, thus preserving essential features from the source domain. To enhance the feature representation capability of the model, we incorporate depthwise separable convolutions for the generator. We conducted comprehensive evaluations using three datasets, demonstrating that our approach enhances the quality of unpaired I2IT while avoiding the issue of mode collapse-related image blurring.

10.
Brain Res Bull ; 211: 110945, 2024 Jun 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38608544

ABSTRACT

Sleep fragmentation (SF) is a common sleep problem experienced during the perioperative period by older adults, and is associated with postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD). Increasing evidence indicates that delta-wave activity during non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep is involved in sleep-dependent memory consolidation and that hippocampal theta oscillations are related to spatial exploratory memory. Recovery sleep (RS), a self-regulated state of sleep homeostasis, enhances delta-wave power and memory performance in sleep-deprived older mice. However, it remains unclear whether RS therapy has a positive effect on cognitive changes following SF in older mouse models. Therefore, this study aimed to explore whether preoperative RS can alleviate cognitive deficits in aged mice with SF. A model of preoperative 24-h SF combined with exploratory laparotomy-induced POCD was established in 18-month-old mice. Aged mice were treated with preoperative 6-h RS following SF and postoperative 6-h RS following surgery, respectively. The changes in hippocampus-dependent cognitive function were investigated using behavioral tests, electroencephalography (EEG), local field potential (LFP), magnetic resonance imaging, and neuromorphology. Mice that underwent 24-h SF combined with surgery exhibited severe spatial memory impairment; impaired cognitive performance could be alleviated by preoperative RS treatment. In addition, preoperative RS increased NREM sleep; enhanced EEG delta-wave activity and LFP theta oscillation in the hippocampal CA1; and improved hippocampal perfusion, microstructural integrity, and neuronal damage. Taken together, these results provide evidence that preoperative RS may ameliorate the severity of POCD aggravated by SF by enhancing delta slow-wave activity and hippocampal theta oscillation, and by ameliorating the reduction in regional cerebral blood flow and white matter microstructure integrity in the hippocampus.


Subject(s)
CA1 Region, Hippocampal , Delta Rhythm , Postoperative Cognitive Complications , Sleep Deprivation , Theta Rhythm , Animals , Sleep Deprivation/physiopathology , Sleep Deprivation/complications , Mice , Theta Rhythm/physiology , Male , Delta Rhythm/physiology , CA1 Region, Hippocampal/physiopathology , Mice, Inbred C57BL , Electroencephalography/methods , Cognitive Dysfunction/etiology , Cognitive Dysfunction/physiopathology , Sleep/physiology , Aging/physiology
11.
Nanoscale ; 16(19): 9455-9461, 2024 May 16.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38623609

ABSTRACT

One-dimensional metal halide perovskites are among the most promising candidate materials for optoelectronic devices. However, the heterogeneity and fast degradation of perovskite nanowires (NWs) and nanorods (NRs) synthesized using conventional approaches impose a bottleneck for their optoelectronic applications. Recently, all-inorganic perovskite CsPbBr3 NRs with tailored dimensions, crafted using an amphiphilic bottlebrush-like block copolymer (BBCP) as nanoreactors, have demonstrated enhanced stabilities. Herein, we report the electronic investigation into these template-grown CsPbBr3 NRs using dielectric force microscopy (DFM), a contactless, nondestructive imaging technique. All freshly prepared CsPbBr3 NRs exhibited ambipolar behaviors for up to two months after sample synthesis. A transition from ambipolar to p-type behaviors occurred after two months, and nearly all NRs completed the transition within two weeks. Moreover, template-grown CsPbBr3 NRs displayed better nanoscale electronic homogeneity compared to their conventional counterparts. The improved electronic uniformity and nanoscale homogeneity place the template-grown CsPbBr3 NRs in a unique advantageous position for optoelectronic applications.

12.
Cancer Res ; 84(12): 1963-1977, 2024 Jun 14.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38502865

ABSTRACT

The urea cycle is frequently rewired in cancer cells to meet the metabolic demands of cancer. Elucidation of the underlying mechanism by which oncogenic signaling mediates urea cycle reprogramming could help identify targetable metabolic vulnerabilities. In this study, we discovered that oncogenic activation of KRAS in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) silenced the expression of argininosuccinate synthase 1 (ASS1), a urea cycle enzyme that catalyzes the production of arginine from aspartate and citrulline, and thereby diverted the utilization of aspartate to pyrimidine synthesis to meet the high demand for DNA replication. Specifically, KRAS signaling facilitated a hypoacetylated state in the promoter region of the ASS1 gene in a histone deacetylase 3-dependent manner, which in turn impeded the recruitment of c-MYC for ASS1 transcription. ASS1 suppression in KRAS-mutant NSCLC cells impaired the biosynthesis of arginine and rendered a dependency on the arginine transmembrane transporter SLC7A1 to import extracellular arginine. Depletion of SLC7A1 in both patient-derived organoid and xenograft models inhibited KRAS-driven NSCLC growth. Together, these findings uncover the role of oncogenic KRAS in rewiring urea cycle metabolism and identify SLC7A1-mediated arginine uptake as a therapeutic vulnerability for treating KRAS-mutant NSCLC. SIGNIFICANCE: ASS1 deficiency is induced by mutant KRAS in NSCLC to facilitate DNA synthesis and creates a dependency on SLC7A1, revealing dietary arginine restriction and SLC7A1 inhibition as potential therapeutic strategies.


Subject(s)
Arginine , Argininosuccinate Synthase , Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung , Lung Neoplasms , Proto-Oncogene Proteins p21(ras) , Humans , Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung/metabolism , Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung/pathology , Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung/genetics , Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung/drug therapy , Lung Neoplasms/metabolism , Lung Neoplasms/pathology , Lung Neoplasms/genetics , Lung Neoplasms/drug therapy , Animals , Arginine/metabolism , Mice , Proto-Oncogene Proteins p21(ras)/genetics , Proto-Oncogene Proteins p21(ras)/metabolism , Argininosuccinate Synthase/metabolism , Argininosuccinate Synthase/genetics , Large Neutral Amino Acid-Transporter 1/metabolism , Large Neutral Amino Acid-Transporter 1/genetics , Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays , Cell Line, Tumor , Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic , Cell Proliferation
13.
J Clin Invest ; 134(9)2024 Mar 26.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38530364

ABSTRACT

G protein-coupled receptor 37-like 1 (GPR37L1) is an orphan GPCR with largely unknown functions. Here, we report that Gpr37l1/GRP37L1 ranks among the most highly expressed GPCR transcripts in mouse and human dorsal root ganglia (DRGs) and is selectively expressed in satellite glial cells (SGCs). Peripheral neuropathy induced by streptozotoxin (STZ) and paclitaxel (PTX) led to reduced GPR37L1 expression on the plasma membrane in mouse and human DRGs. Transgenic mice with Gpr37l1 deficiency exhibited impaired resolution of neuropathic pain symptoms following PTX- and STZ-induced pain, whereas overexpression of Gpr37l1 in mouse DRGs reversed pain. GPR37L1 is coexpressed with potassium channels, including KCNJ10 (Kir4.1) in mouse SGCs and both KCNJ3 (Kir3.1) and KCNJ10 in human SGCs. GPR37L1 regulates the surface expression and function of the potassium channels. Notably, the proresolving lipid mediator maresin 1 (MaR1) serves as a ligand of GPR37L1 and enhances KCNJ10- or KCNJ3-mediated potassium influx in SGCs through GPR37L1. Chemotherapy suppressed KCNJ10 expression and function in SGCs, which MaR1 rescued through GPR37L1. Finally, genetic analysis revealed that the GPR37L1-E296K variant increased chronic pain risk by destabilizing the protein and impairing the protein's function. Thus, GPR37L1 in SGCs offers a therapeutic target for the protection of neuropathy and chronic pain.


Subject(s)
Docosahexaenoic Acids , Ganglia, Spinal , Neuroglia , Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled , Signal Transduction , Animals , Humans , Male , Mice , Ganglia, Spinal/metabolism , Homeostasis , Mice, Knockout , Mice, Transgenic , Neuralgia/metabolism , Neuralgia/genetics , Neuralgia/pathology , Neuroglia/metabolism , Potassium Channels, Inwardly Rectifying/metabolism , Potassium Channels, Inwardly Rectifying/genetics , Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled/genetics , Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled/metabolism
14.
Cell ; 187(5): 1255-1277.e27, 2024 Feb 29.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38359819

ABSTRACT

Despite the successes of immunotherapy in cancer treatment over recent decades, less than <10%-20% cancer cases have demonstrated durable responses from immune checkpoint blockade. To enhance the efficacy of immunotherapies, combination therapies suppressing multiple immune evasion mechanisms are increasingly contemplated. To better understand immune cell surveillance and diverse immune evasion responses in tumor tissues, we comprehensively characterized the immune landscape of more than 1,000 tumors across ten different cancers using CPTAC pan-cancer proteogenomic data. We identified seven distinct immune subtypes based on integrative learning of cell type compositions and pathway activities. We then thoroughly categorized unique genomic, epigenetic, transcriptomic, and proteomic changes associated with each subtype. Further leveraging the deep phosphoproteomic data, we studied kinase activities in different immune subtypes, which revealed potential subtype-specific therapeutic targets. Insights from this work will facilitate the development of future immunotherapy strategies and enhance precision targeting with existing agents.


Subject(s)
Neoplasms , Proteogenomics , Humans , Combined Modality Therapy , Genomics , Neoplasms/genetics , Neoplasms/immunology , Neoplasms/therapy , Proteomics , Tumor Escape
15.
Adv Sci (Weinh) ; 11(11): e2304781, 2024 Mar.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38189627

ABSTRACT

Intervention of the gut microbiome is a promising adjuvant strategy in cancer immunotherapy. Chemotherapeutic agents are recognized for their substantial impacts on the gut microbiome, yet their therapeutic potential as microbiome modulators remains uncertain, due to the complexity of microbiome-host-drug interactions. Here, it is showed that low-dose chemotherapy preferentially shapes the ileal microbiome to augment the extraintestinal immune response to anti-programmed death-1 (anti-PD-1) therapy without causing intestinal toxicity. Mechanistically, low-dose chemotherapy causes DNA damage restricted to highly-proliferative ileal epithelial cells, resulting in the accumulation of cytosolic dsDNA and the activation of the absent in melanoma 2 (AIM2) inflammasome. AIM2-dependent IL-18 secretion triggers the interplay between proximal Th1 cells and Paneth cells in ileal crypts, impairing the local antimicrobial host defense and resulting in ileal microbiome change. Intestinal epithelium-specific knockout of AIM2 in mice significantly attenuates CPT-11-caused IL-18 secretion, Paneth cell dysfunction, and ileal microbiome alteration. Moreover, AIM2 deficiency in mice or antibiotic microbial depletion attenuates chemotherapy-augmented antitumor responses to anti-PD1 therapy. Collectively, these findings provide mechanistic insights into how chemotherapy-induced genomic stress is transduced to gut microbiome change and support the rationale of applying low-dose chemotherapy as a promising adjuvant strategy in cancer immunotherapy with minimal toxicity.


Subject(s)
Melanoma , Microbiota , Animals , Mice , Inflammasomes , Interleukin-18/genetics , Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors/pharmacology , DNA-Binding Proteins/genetics , Epithelial Cells
16.
Neuropathology ; 44(2): 87-95, 2024 Apr.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37469134

ABSTRACT

The mutations of the feline leukemia virus subgroup C receptor-related protein 1 (FLVCR1) cause ataxia with retinitis pigmentosa. Recent studies indicated a large variation in the phenotype of FLVCR1-associated diseases. In this report, we describe an adult male who manifested first with tremors in his third decade, followed by retinitis pigmentosa, sensory ataxia, and sensory neuropathy in his fourth decade. While retinitis pigmentosa and sensory ataxia are well-recognized features of FLVCR1-associated disease, tremor is rarely described. Whole-exome sequencing revealed novel compound heterozygous pathogenic FLVCR1 variants: c.498 G > A; p.(Trp166*) and c.369 T > G; p.(Phe123Leu). In addition, we have highlighted the ultrastructural abnormalities of the sural biopsy in this patient.


Subject(s)
Peripheral Nervous System Diseases , Retinitis Pigmentosa , Adult , Humans , Male , Ataxia , Membrane Transport Proteins/genetics , Membrane Transport Proteins/metabolism , Mutation , Receptors, Virus/genetics , Receptors, Virus/metabolism , Retinitis Pigmentosa/genetics , Retinitis Pigmentosa/metabolism , Tremor
17.
bioRxiv ; 2023 Dec 05.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38106084

ABSTRACT

G protein coupled receptor 37-like 1 (GPR37L1) is an orphan GPCR and its function remains largely unknown. Here we report that GPR37L1 transcript is highly expressed compared to all known GPCRs in mouse and human dorsal root ganglia (DRGs) and selectively expressed in satellite glial cells (SGCs). Peripheral neuropathy following diabetes and chemotherapy by streptozotocin and paclitaxel resulted in downregulations of surface GPR37L1 in mouse and human DRGs. Transgenic mice with Gpr37l1 deficiency exhibited impaired resolution of neuropathic pain symptom (mechanical allodynia), whereas overexpression of Gpr37l1 in mouse DRGs can reverse neuropathic pain. Notably, GPR37L1 is co-expressed and coupled with potassium channels in SGCs. We found striking species differences in potassium channel expression in SGCs, with predominant expression of KCNJ10 and KCNJ3 in mouse and human SGCs, respectively. GPR37L1 regulates the surface expression and function of KCNJ10 and KCNJ3. We identified the pro-resolving lipid mediator maresin 1 (MaR1) as a GPR37L1 ligand. MaR1 increases KCNJ10/KCNJ3-mediated potassium influx in SGCs via GPR37L1. MaR1 protected chemotherapy-induced suppression of KCNJ13/KCNJ10 expression and function in SGCs. Finally, genetic analysis revealed that the GPR37L1-E296K variant is associated with increased chronic pain risk by destabilizing the protein. Thus, GPR37L1 in SGCs offers a new target for neuropathy protection and pain control.

18.
Cell Rep Med ; 4(12): 101338, 2023 12 19.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38118411

ABSTRACT

In this study, Perez-Sanchez et al.1 developed a chemogenetic method aimed at alleviating pain in mouse models while dampening excitability in human sensory neurons. This analgesic effect was attained through the introduction of human α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor and glycine receptor pore domain via virus-mediated expression in sensory neurons, forming a chloride channel. The activation of this channel was made possible by specific agonists. This study highlights the potential for treating clinical pain by gene therapy.


Subject(s)
Pain Management , Sensory Receptor Cells , Mice , Animals , Humans , Pain/drug therapy , alpha7 Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor/agonists , alpha7 Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor/physiology
19.
Nature ; 623(7986): 432-441, 2023 Nov.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37914932

ABSTRACT

Chromatin accessibility is essential in regulating gene expression and cellular identity, and alterations in accessibility have been implicated in driving cancer initiation, progression and metastasis1-4. Although the genetic contributions to oncogenic transitions have been investigated, epigenetic drivers remain less understood. Here we constructed a pan-cancer epigenetic and transcriptomic atlas using single-nucleus chromatin accessibility data (using single-nucleus assay for transposase-accessible chromatin) from 225 samples and matched single-cell or single-nucleus RNA-sequencing expression data from 206 samples. With over 1 million cells from each platform analysed through the enrichment of accessible chromatin regions, transcription factor motifs and regulons, we identified epigenetic drivers associated with cancer transitions. Some epigenetic drivers appeared in multiple cancers (for example, regulatory regions of ABCC1 and VEGFA; GATA6 and FOX-family motifs), whereas others were cancer specific (for example, regulatory regions of FGF19, ASAP2 and EN1, and the PBX3 motif). Among epigenetically altered pathways, TP53, hypoxia and TNF signalling were linked to cancer initiation, whereas oestrogen response, epithelial-mesenchymal transition and apical junction were tied to metastatic transition. Furthermore, we revealed a marked correlation between enhancer accessibility and gene expression and uncovered cooperation between epigenetic and genetic drivers. This atlas provides a foundation for further investigation of epigenetic dynamics in cancer transitions.


Subject(s)
Epigenesis, Genetic , Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic , Neoplasms , Humans , Cell Hypoxia , Cell Nucleus , Chromatin/genetics , Chromatin/metabolism , Enhancer Elements, Genetic/genetics , Epigenesis, Genetic/genetics , Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition , Estrogens/metabolism , Gene Expression Profiling , GTPase-Activating Proteins/metabolism , Neoplasm Metastasis , Neoplasms/classification , Neoplasms/genetics , Neoplasms/pathology , Regulatory Sequences, Nucleic Acid/genetics , Single-Cell Analysis , Transcription Factors/metabolism
20.
bioRxiv ; 2023 Sep 19.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37790307

ABSTRACT

Multivalency enables nanostructures to bind molecular targets with high affinity. Although antibodies can be generated against a wide range of antigens, their shape and size cannot be tuned to match a given target. DNA nanotechnology provides an attractive approach for designing customized multivalent scaffolds due to the addressability and programmability of the nanostructure shape and size. Here, we design a nanoscale synthetic antibody ("nano-synbody") based on a three-helix bundle DNA nanostructure with one, two, or three identical arms terminating in a mini-binder protein that targets the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. The nano-synbody was designed to match the valence and distance between the three receptor binding domains (RBDs) in the spike trimer, in order to enhance affinity. The protein-DNA nano-synbody shows tight binding to the wild-type, Delta, and several Omicron variants of the SARS-CoV-2 spike trimer, with affinity increasing as the number of arms increases from one to three. The effectiveness of the nano-synbody was also verified using a pseudovirus neutralization assay, with the three-arm nanostructure inhibiting two Omicron variants against which the structures with only one or two arms are ineffective. The structure of the three-arm nano-synbody bound to the Omicron variant spike trimer was solved by negative-stain transmission electron microscopy reconstruction, and shows the protein-DNA nanostructure with all three arms attached to the RBD domains, confirming the intended trivalent attachment. The ability to tune the size and shape of the nano-synbody, as well as its potential ability to attach two or more different binding ligands, will enable the high-affinity targeting of a range of proteins not possible with traditional antibodies.

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