Optimizing the Amino Acid Sequence Enhances the Productivity and Bioefficacy of the RBP-Albumin Fusion Protein.

The significant growth of the global protein drug market, including fusion proteins, emphasizes the crucial role of optimizing amino acid sequences to enhance the productivity and bioefficacy. Among these fusion proteins, RBP-IIIA-IB, comprising retinol-binding protein in conjunction with the albumin domains, IIIA and IB, has displayed efficacy in alleviating liver fibrosis by inhibiting the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). This study aimed to address the issue of the low productivity in RBP-IIIA-IB. To induce structural changes, the linking sequence, EVDD, between domain IIIA and IB in RBP-IIIA-IB was modified to DGPG, AAAA, and GGPA. Among these, RBP-IIIA-AAAA-IB demonstrated an increase in yield (>4-fold) and a heightened inhibition of HSC activation. Furthermore, we identified amino acid residues that could form disulfide bonds when substituted with cysteine. Through the mutation of N453S-V480S in RBP-IIIA-AAAA-IB, the productivity further increased by over 9-fold, accompanied by an increase in anti-fibrotic activity. Overall, there was a more than 30-fold increase in the fusion protein's yield. These findings demonstrate the effectiveness of modifying linker sequences and introducing extra disulfide bonds to improve both the production yield and biological efficacy of fusion proteins.

Anti-chitinase-3-like 1 antibody attenuated atopic dermatitis-like skin inflammation through inhibition of STAT3-dependent CXCL8 expression.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Chitinase-3-like 1 (CHI3L1) causes skin inflammation in the progression of atopic dermatitis. We investigated if anti-CHI3L1 antibody could prevent the development of atopic dermatitis and its mechanisms of action. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: The effect of CHI3L1 antibody on phthalic anhydride-induced atopic dermatitis animal model and in vitro reconstructed human skin (RHS) model were investigated. Expression and release of atopic dermatitis-related cytokines were determined using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and RT-qPCR, STAT3 and CXCL8 signalling were measured by western blotting. KEY RESULTS: Anti-CHI3L1 antibody suppressed phthalic anhydride-induced epidermal thickening, clinical score, IgE level and infiltration of inflammatory cells, and reduced phthalic anhydride-induced inflammatory cytokines concentration. In addition, CHI3L1 antibody treatment inhibited the expression of STAT3 activity in phthalic anhydride-treated skin. It was also confirmed that CHI3L1 antibody treatment alleviated atopic dermatitis-related inflammation in the RHS model. The inhibitory effects of CHI3L1 antibody was similar or more effective compared with that of the IL-4 antibody. We further found that CHI3L1 is associated with CXCL8 by protein-association network analysis. siRNA of CHI3L1 blocked the mRNA levels of CHI3L1, IL-1ß, IL-4, CXCL8, TSLP, and the expression of CHI3L1 and p-STAT, and the level of CXCL8, whereas recombinant level of CXCL8 was elevated. Moreover, siRNA of STAT3 reduced the mRNA level of these cytokines. CHI3L1 and p-STAT3 expression correlated with the reduced CXCL8 level in the RHS in vitro model. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS: Our data demonstrated that CHI3L1 antibody could be a promising effective therapeutic drug for atopic dermatitis.

Significance of chitinase-3-like protein 1 in the pathogenesis of inflammatory diseases and cancer.

Chitinase-3-like protein 1 (CHI3L1) is a secreted glycoprotein that mediates inflammation, macrophage polarization, apoptosis, and carcinogenesis. The expression of CHI3L1 is strongly upregulated by various inflammatory and immunological diseases, including several cancers, Alzheimer's disease, and atherosclerosis. Several studies have shown that CHI3L1 can be considered as a marker of disease diagnosis, prognosis, disease activity, and severity. In addition, the proinflammatory action of CHI3L1 may be mediated via responses to various proinflammatory cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1ß, interleukin-6, and interferon-γ. Therefore, CHI3L1 may contribute to a vast array of inflammatory diseases. However, its pathophysiological and pharmacological roles in the development of inflammatory diseases remain unclear. In this article, we review recent findings regarding the roles of CHI3L1 in the development of inflammatory diseases and suggest therapeutic approaches that target CHI3L1.

Serum FAM19A5 levels: A novel biomarker for neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration in major depressive disorder.

Chronic low-grade inflammation contributes to the pathophysiology of major depressive disorder (MDD). This study aimed to examine the association between serum levels of FAM19A5, a novel chemokine-like peptide that reflects reactive astrogliosis and inflammatory activation in the brain, and the neurodegenerative changes of MDD by investigating the correlation between serum FAM19A5 levels and cortical thickness changes in patients with MDD. We included 52 drug-naïve patients with MDD and 60 healthy controls (HCs). Serum FAM19A5 levels were determined in peripheral venous blood samples using a sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. All participants underwent T1-weighted structural magnetic resonance imaging. Serum FAM19A5 levels were greater in patients with MDD than in HCs. In the MDD group, there were significant inverse correlations between serum FAM19A5 levels and cortical thickness in the prefrontal regions (i.e., the left inferior and right medial superior frontal gyri), left posterior cingulate gyrus, right cuneus, and both precunei, which showed significantly reduced thickness in patients with MDD compared to HCs. However, no correlation between serum FAM19A5 level and cortical thickness was observed in the HC group. The results of our study indicate that serum FAM19A5 levels may reflect reactive astrogliosis and related neuroinflammation in MDD. Our findings also suggest that serum FAM19A5 may be a potential biomarker for the neurodegenerative changes of MDD.

FAM19A5 Expression During Embryogenesis and in the Adult Traumatic Brain of FAM19A5-LacZ Knock-in Mice.

FAM19A5 is a secretory protein that is predominantly expressed in the brain. Although the FAM19A5 gene has been found to be associated with neurological and/or psychiatric diseases, only limited information is available on its function in the brain. Using FAM19A5-LacZ knock-in mice, we determined the expression pattern of FAM19A5 in developing and adult brains and identified cell types that express FAM19A5 in naïve and traumatic brain injury (TBI)-induced brains. According to X-gal staining results, FAM19A5 is expressed in the ventricular zone and ganglionic eminence at a very early stage of brain development, suggesting its functions are related to the generation of neural stem cells and oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs). In the later stages of developing embryos and in adult mice, FAM19A5 expression expanded broadly to particular regions of the brain, including layers 2/3 and 5 of the cortex, cornu amonis (CA) region of the hippocampus, and the corpus callosum. X-gal staining combined with immunostaining for a variety of cell-type markers revealed that FAM19A5 is expressed in many different cell types, including neurons, OPCs, astrocytes, and microglia; however, only some populations of these cell types produce FAM19A5. In a subpopulation of neuronal cells, TBI led to increased X-gal staining that extended to the nucleus, marked by slightly condensed content and increased heterochromatin formation along the nuclear border. Similarly, nuclear extension of X-gal staining occurred in a subpopulation of OPCs in the corpus callosum of the TBI-induced brain. Together, these results suggest that FAM19A5 plays a role in nervous system development from an early stage and increases its expression in response to pathological conditions in subsets of neurons and OPCs of the adult brain.

Usefulness of optical coherence tomography to detect central serous chorioretinopathy in monkeys.

Many systemic drugs can induce ocular toxicity and several ocular side-effects have been identified in clinical studies. However, it is difficult to detect ocular toxicity in preclinical studies because of the lack of appropriate evaluation methods. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is useful because it can provide real-time images throughout a study period, whereas histopathology only provides images of sacrificed animals. Using OCT alongside histopathology, attempts were made to find effective approaches for screening of drug-induced ocular toxicity in monkeys. Such approaches could be used in preclinical studies prior to human trials. Six male cynomolgus monkeys (Macaca fascicularis Raffles) were orally administered one of six candidate MAPK/ERK kinase (MEK) inhibitors. Central serous chorioretinopathy, a known side-effect of such inhibitors, was identified in four monkeys by OCT. Artifacts generated during tissue processing meant that histopathology could not detect edematous changes. Thus, OCT is a useful tool to detect ocular toxicity which cannot be detected by histopathology in preclinical studies.

NPS-1034, a novel MET inhibitor, inhibits the activated MET receptor and its constitutively active mutants.

The MET proto-oncogene product, which is the receptor for hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), has been implicated in tumorigenesis and metastatic progression. Point mutations in MET lead to the aberrant activation of the receptor in many types of human malignancies, and the deregulated activity of MET has been correlated with tumor growth, invasion, and metastasis. MET has therefore attracted considerable attention as a potential target in anticancer therapy. Here, we report that a novel MET kinase inhibitor, NPS-1034, inhibits various constitutively active mutant forms of MET as well as HGF-activated wild-type MET. NPS-1034 inhibited the proliferation of cells expressing activated MET and promoted the regression of tumors formed from such cells in a mouse xenograft model through anti-angiogenic and pro-apoptotic actions. NPS-1034 also inhibited HGF-stimulated activation of MET signaling in the presence or absence of serum. Furthermore, when tested on 27 different MET variants, NPS-1034 inhibited 15 of the 17 MET variants that exhibited autophosphorylation with nanomolar potency; only the F1218I and M1149T variants were not inhibited by NPS-1034. Notably, NPS-1034 inhibited three MET variants that are resistant to the MET inhibitors SU11274, NVP-BVU972, and PHA665752. Together, these results suggest that NPS-1034 can be used as a potent therapeutic agent for human malignancies bearing MET point mutations or expressing activated MET.

Enhancement of gastric ulcer healing and angiogenesis by cochinchina Momordica seed extract in rats.

Cochinchina momordica seed is the dried ripe seed of Momordica cochinchinensis, a perennial vine. The antiulcer effect of an extract from cochinchina momordica seeds (SK-MS10) was evaluated in a rat model of acetic acid-induced gastric ulcers. Gastric ulcers were produced by subserosal injection of acetic acid. SK-MS10 (200 mg/kg) or vehicle was administered orally once per day for 14 days after the acetic acid injection. The stomach was removed and the ulcer size measured at day 7 and 14 of the treatment. Expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was assessed by real-time RT-PCR and Western blot analysis. In addition, the microvasculature density (MVD) adjacent to the ulcer margin was examined by immunohistochemistry. The treatment with SK-MS10 for 7 and 14 days significantly accelerated ulcer healing and increased the expression of mRNA (at day 7) as well as VEGF protein (at day 14) compared to the vehicle-treated rats. The MVD for factor VIII was also higher in the SK-MS10 treatment group compared to the vehicle-treated rats; however, these differences were not statistically significant. These results suggest that SK-MS10 treatment accelerates the healing of gastric ulcers via upregulation of VEGF and angiogenesis in an acetic acid rat model.

Gastroprotective action of Cochinchina momordica seed extract is mediated by activation of CGRP and inhibition of cPLA(2)/5-LOX pathway.

Cochinchina momordica seed extract (SKMS10), which is composed of the major compounds momordica saponins, has been evaluated for its gastroprotective effects in rat models of acute gastric mucosal damage. Ethanol and water immersion restraint stress (WRS) induced gastric damage, including hemorrhages and edema, was significantly attenuated by pretreatment with SK-MS10. In addition, SK-MS10 reduced increases of mucosal myeloperoxidase (MPO), IL-1ß, and TNFα levels and the expression of cPLA(2), and 5-LOX induced by ethanol or WRS. SK-MS10 also increased hexosamine, adherent mucus, and the expression of MUC5AC. Furthermore, SK-MS10 enhanced the mucosal expression of the CGRP gene and its serum levels.N(G)-methyl L-arginine (L-NMMA) or capsaicin desensitization reversed the SK-MS10-induced gastroprotection effect. These results suggest that SK-MS10 is a gastroprotective agent against acute gastric mucosal damage by suppressing proinflammatory cytokines, downregulating cPLA(2), 5-LOX, and increasing the synthesis of mucus. Furthermore, CGRP-NO pathway was found to play an important role in these gastroprotective effects of SK-MS10.

Genetic polymorphism of XRCC3 Thr241Met and breast cancer risk: case-control study in Korean women and meta-analysis of 12 studies.

To evaluate the relationship of genetic polymorphism in XRCC3 Thr(241)Met and the risk of breast cancer, a hospital-based case-control study was conducted in Korea. Histologically confirmed breast cancer cases (n = 574) and controls (n = 502) with no present or previous history of cancer were recruited from several teaching hospitals in Seoul during 1995-2001. Information on demographic characteristics and other information were collected by interviewed questionnaire. Genetic polymorphisms of XRCC3 Thr(241)Met (C > T) was determined by single base extention assay. The frequency of Thr/Thr, Thr/Met, and Met/Met genotype were 89.4, 10.4, 0.2% in cases and 92.3, 7.7, 0.0% in controls, respectively. Genotype distribution in controls fit well to the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (P = 0.74). XRCC3 codon 241 Thr/Met or Met/Met genotype moderately increased the risk of breast cancer (OR = 1.4, 95% CI: 0.87-2.33), but not significant in this study. In the results of meta-analysis using twelve reports, however, Thr/Met or Met/Met genotype increased the risk of breast cancer (OR = 1.08, 95%CI: 1.00-1.17). In conclusion, although the genetic polymorphism of XRCC3 Thr(241)Met was unlikely to have a substantial overall association in Korean women, the meta-analysis of studies, including ours, provided that Thr/Met and Met/Met was weakly increased the risk of breast cancer compare to Thr/Thr genotype.

Control of IgE and selective T(H)1 and T(H)2 cytokines by PG102 isolated from Actinidia arguta.

BACKGROUND: Various allergic responses are thought to result from the unbalanced development of T(H)1 and T(H)2 pathways and, subsequently, the overproduction of IgE. Therefore the modulation of T(H)1 and T(H)2 responses is a rational strategy for the treatment of allergic diseases. OBJECTIVE: The present study was performed to investigate the immune-modulating activities of PG102 preparations from Actinidia arguta in ovalbumin-sensitized murine models. METHODS: Two preparations from A arguta, PG102T and PG102E, were chosen for animal experimentation on the basis of their ability to regulate the production of IgE in U266B1 cells. The changes in splenic levels of cytokines and plasma levels of immunoglobulin isotypes were examined. The effects of PG102 on subcellular composition (CD4(+)IL-4(+) or CD19(+)IgE(+) cells), IgE production in B cells, and selective transcription factors were analyzed. RESULTS: Oral administration of PG102T and PG102E significantly decreased the level of selective T(H)2 cytokines, whereas it increased the level of T(H)1 cytokines. The differential effects of PG102T and PG102E on T(H)1 and T(H)2 cytokines were accompanied by a decrease in the plasma levels of IgE and IgG1 and by an increase in the plasma level of IgG2a. The percentages of both IL-4-producing T cells and IgE-producing B cells were decreased. The concentration of IgE produced within B cells also appeared to be reduced. Finally, PG102T and PG102E downregulated the level of GATA-binding protein 3, while inducing that of T-box transcription factor and nuclear factor of activated T cells c2. CONCLUSION: PG102T and PG102E have great potential as orally active immune modulators for the therapy of various allergic diseases.

Obesity and genetic polymorphism of ERCC2 and ERCC4 as modifiers of risk of breast cancer.

To evaluate the relationship of genetic polymorphisms of ERCC2 and ERCC4 genes, both involved in nucleotide excision repair (NER), and the risk of breast cancer, a hospital-based case-control study was conducted in Korea. Histologically confirmed breast cancer cases (n = 574) and controls (n = 502) with no present or previous history of cancer were recruited from three teaching hospitals in Seoul during 1995-2001. Information on selected characteristics was collected by interviewed questionnaire. ERCC2 Asp(312)Asn (G>A) was genotyped by single-base extension assay and ERCC4 Ser(835)Ser (T>C) by dynamic allele-specific hybridization system. Although no significant association was observed between the genetic polymorphisms and the risk of breast cancer, women with both ERCC2 A allele- and ERCC4 C allele-containing genotypes showed a 2.6-fold risk (95% CI: 1.02-6.48) of breast cancer compared to women concurrently carrying the ERCC2 GG and ERCC4 TT genotypes. The breast cancer risk increased as the number of "at risk" genotypes increased with a borderline significance (P for trend = 0.07). Interactive effect was also observed between ERCC4 genotype and body mass idnex (BMI) for the breast cancer risk; the ERCC4 C allele containing genotypes posed a 1.7-fold (95% CI: 0.96-2.93) breast cancer risk in obese women (BMI>25 kg/m(2)) with a borderline significance. Our finding suggests that the combined effect of ERCC2 Asp(312)Asn and ERCC4 Ser(835)Ser genotypes might be associated with breast cancer risk in Korean women.

Genetic polymorphism of CYP17 and breast cancer risk in Korean women.

CYP17 gene is involved in steroidogenesis and steroid metabolism. Epidemiologic results on the association between the CYP17 polymorphism and breast cancer risk have been inconsistent. We examined the association between the MspAI polymorphism at +27 relative to the start of transcription in the 5'-untranslated region of CYP17 gene and breast cancer risk in Korean women. Four hundred and sixty-two incident cases and 337 controls were recruited from three teaching hospitals in Seoul during 1994-2001. Polymorphism of the CYP17 gene was determined by a single base extension assay. Demographic and lifestyle characteristics were identified using structured questionnaire. Age-adjusted (aOR) and multivariate odds ratios (& mgr;OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated by unconditional logistic regression. The proportions of A1/A1, A1/A2 and A2/A2 genotypes among controls were 20.8%, 45.1% and 34.1%, respectively. Compared to the A1/A1 genotype, A1/A2 or A2/A2 genotype was not statistically significantly associated with overall breast cancer risk (i.e., mOR = 1.01, 95% CI = 0.69-1.47 and mOR = 0.76, 95% CI = 0.51-1.14, respectively). However, a significant association between CYP17 A2/A2 genotype and breast cancer was observed among women aged 50 years or less (mOR = 0.58, 95% CI = 0.34-0.99, P =0.04) and leaner women (body mass index < 22 kg/ m2) (mOR = 0.48, 95% CI = 0.23-0.97, P = 0.04). Our results suggest that genetic polymorphism in 5'-untranslated region of CYP17 might play a role in breast cancer development in Korean women among younger women aged less than 50 or leaner women with body mass index less than 22 kg/m2.

Activation of selective transcription factors and cytokines by water-soluble extract from Lentinus lepideus.

We isolated a water-soluble extract, PG101, from cultured mycelia of Lentinus lepideus. Treatment of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) with PG101 increased levels of TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, IL-10, and IL-12 by 100- to 1000-fold, whereas GM-CSF and IL-18 were activated by an order of magnitude. On the contrary, IFN-gamma and IL-4 were not affected. The response to PG101 occurred in a dose- and time-dependent manner. From the human PBMCs treated with PG101, TNF-alpha was a first cytokine to be activated, detectable at 2 hr post-treatment followed by IL-1beta at 6 hr post-treatment. IL-12 and IL-10 were the next to follow. GM-CSF and IL-18 both showed significant increases 24 hr after treatment. When PBMCs were sorted into various cell types, monocyte/macrophages, but not T and B cells, were the major target cell type responsive to PG101. Consistent with this result, the profile of cytokine expression upon PG101 treatment was comparable between PBMCs and a human promonocytic cell line (U937), whereas cell lines of T cell and myeloid origins did not respond to PG101. Data from a transient transfection assay involving specific reporter plasmids indicated that cellular transcription factor such as NF-kappaB, but not AP-1, was highly activated by PG101. Results from a gel retardation assay and the experiment involving a specific NF-kappaB inhibitor confirmed the involvement of NF-kappaB. Despite its significant biological effect on various cytokines, PG101 remained nontoxic in both rats and PBMCs even at a biological concentration approximately 20 times greater. PG101 demonstrates great potential as a therapeutic immune modulator.

Enhancement of repopulation and hematopoiesis of bone marrow cells in irradiated mice by oral administration of PG101, a water-soluble extract from Lentinus lepideus.

PG101 is a water-soluble extract from Lentinus lepideus. It is a potential biological response modifier that activates selective cytokines in vitro, mainly by controlling cellular transcription factor NF-kappaB. Effects of PG101 were tested on bone marrow cells in irradiated mice. Mice were irradiated with a dose of 6 Gy and were given PG101 by gavages daily for 24 days. In PG101-treated mice, the number of colony-forming cells, including colony-forming units (CFU)-granulocytes/macrophages (GM) and erythroid burst-forming units (BFU-E), were increased to almost the levels seen in nonirradiated control as early as 8 days after irradiation. Two-color flow cytometric analysis using antibodies to ER-MP12 and ER-MP20 suggested that in the bone marrow cell population, PG101 increased the number of granulocytes (ER-MP12(-)20(med)) and myeloid progenitors (ER-MP12(+)20(+)). Analysis of surface c-Kit and Gr-1 proteins in bone marrow cells indicated that PG101 might induce differentiation of progenitor cells to granulocytes and/or proliferation of the committed cells. Lastly, oral administration of PG101 highly increased serum levels of GM-CSF, IL-6, and IL-1beta. Interestingly, the level of TNF-alpha was elevated by irradiation in control mice, but was maintained at the background level in PG101-treated mice, suggesting that PG101 might effectively suppress TNF-alpha-related pathologic conditions. Our results strongly suggest the great potential of PG101 as an immune enhancer during radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy.

Amycolatopsis eurytherma sp. nov., a thermophilic actinomycete isolated from soil.

The taxonomic positions of two thermophilic actinomycetes isolated from soil were established in a polyphasic taxonomic study. The organisms were shown to have phenotypic properties typical of members of the genus Amycolatopsis and formed a distinct phyletic line in the Amycolatopsis methanolica 16S rDNA subclade. They also had many phenotypic properties in common and formed a genomic species that was closely related to, albeit distinct from, the type strain of A. methanolica. A range of phenotypic properties distinguished the isolates from representatives of all validly described species of Amycolatopsis. Genotypic and phenotypic data show that the two strains should be classified in the genus Amycolatopsis as a novel species, Amycolatopsis eurytherma sp. nov.; the type strain is strain NT202T (= DSM 44348T = NCIMB 13795T).