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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 487 records · Page 27
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2015

IL-33 inhibits RANKL-induced osteoclast formation through the regulation of Blimp-1 and IRF-8 expression

Interleukin (IL)-33 is a recently discovered proinflammatory cytokine that belongs to the IL-1 family. Several studies have reported that IL-33 inhibits osteoclast differentiation. However, the mechanism of IL-33 regulation of osteoclastogenesis remains unclear. In the present study, we examined the effect of IL-33 on osteoclast formation in vitro. IL-33 suppressed osteoclast formation in both mouse bone marrow cells and monocyte/macrophage cell line RAW264.7 cells induced by receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL) and/or macrophage stimulating factor (M-CSF). IL-33 also inhibited the expression of RANKL-induced nuclear factor of activated T-cell cytoplasmic 1 (NFATc1), thereby decreasing the expression of osteoclastogenesis-related marker genes, including Cathepsin K, Osteoclast stimulatory transmembrane protein (Oc-stamp) and Tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (Trap). Blockage of IL-33-ST2 binding suppressed the IL-33-mediated inhibition of NFATc1. RANKL-induced B-lymphocyte-induced maturation protein-1 (Blimp-1) expression was also suppressed by IL-33, which was followed by the stimulation of anti-osteoclastic genes such as interferon regulatory factor-8 (IRF-8). These results suggest that IL-33-ST2 interactions down-regulate both RANKL-induced NFATc1 activation and osteoclast differentiation via the regulation of Blimp-1 and IRF-8 expression. - Highlights: • IL-33 inhibits RANKL-induced osteoclast formation. • IL-33 has inhibitory effect on the RANKL-induced NFATc1 expression. • IL-33-induced NFATc1 suppression depends on the regulation of Blimp-1 and IRF-8.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2015

Fenoterol inhibits LPS-induced AMPK activation and inflammatory cytokine production through β-arrestin-2 in THP-1 cell line

The AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) pathway is involved in regulating inflammation in several cell lines. We reported that fenoterol, a β{sub 2}-adrenergic receptor (β{sub 2}-AR) agonist, had anti-inflammatory effects in THP-1 cells, a monocytic cell line. Whether the fenoterol anti-inflammatory effect involves the AMPK pathway is unknown. In this study, we explored the mechanism of β{sub 2}-AR stimulation with fenoterol in a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammatory cytokine secretion in THP-1 cells. We studied whether fenoterol and β-arrestin-2 or AMPKα1 subunit knockdown could affect LPS-induced AMPK activation, nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) activation and inflammatory cytokine secretion. LPS-induced AMPK activation and interleukin 1β (IL-1β) release were reduced with fenoterol pretreatment of THP-1 cells. SiRNA knockdown of β-arrestin-2 abolished the fenoterol inhibition of LPS-induced AMPK activation and interleukin 1β (IL-1β) release, thus β-arrestin-2 mediated the anti-inflammatory effects of fenoterol on LPS-treated THP-1 cells. In addition, siRNA knockdown of AMPKα1 significantly attenuated the LPS-induced NF-κB activation and IL-1β release, so AMPKα1 was a key signaling molecule involved in LPS-induced inflammatory cytokine production. These results suggested the β{sub 2}-AR agonist fenoterol inhibited LPS-induced AMPK activation and IL-1β release via β-arrestin-2 in THP-1 cells. The exploration of these mechanisms may help optimize therapeutic agents targeting these pathways in inflammatory diseases. - Highlights: • β{sub 2}-AR agonist fenoterol exerts its protective effect on LPS-treated THP-1 cells. • Fenoterol inhibits LPS-induced AMPK activation and IL-1β production. • β-arrestin2 mediates fenoterol-inhibited AMPK activation and IL-1β release. • AMPKα1 is involved in LPS-induced NF-κB activation and IL-1β production.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2015

Piperlongumine selectively suppresses ABC-DLBCL through inhibition of NF-κB p65 subunit nuclear import

Constitutive NF-κB activation is required for survival of activated B cell-like subtype of diffuse large B cell lymphoma (ABC-DLBCL). However, current NF-κB targeting strategies lack cancer cell specificity. Here, we identified a novel inhibitor, piperlongumine, features direct binding to NF-κB p65 subunit and suppression of p65 nuclear import. This was accompanied by NF-κB reporter activity suppression and NF-κB target gene downregulation. Moreover, mutation of Cys{sup 38} to Ser in p65 abolished this effect of piperlongumine on inhibition of p65 nuclear import. Furthermore, we show that piperlongumine selectively inhibited proliferation and induced apoptosis of ABC-DLBCL cells. Most notably, it has been reported that piperlongumine did not affect normal cells even at high doses and was nontoxic to animals. Hence, our current study provides new insight into piperlongumine's mechanism of action and novel approach to ABC-DLBCL target therapy. - Highlights: • Current NF-κB targeting strategies lack cancer cell specificity. • Piperlongumine inhibits NF-κB p65 subunit nuclear import via directly binding to p65. • Piperlongumine selectively inhibits proliferation of ABC-DLBCL cells. • This study provides a novel approach to ABC-DLBCL target therapy.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2016

Silencing Nrf2 impairs glioma cell proliferation via AMPK-activated mTOR inhibition

Gliomas are the leading cause of death among adults with primary brain malignancies. Treatment for malignant gliomas remains limited, and targeted therapies have been incompletely explored. Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), a key transcription regulator for antioxidant and detoxification enzymes, is abundantly expressed in cancer cells. In this study, the role and mechanism of Nrf2 in cancer cell proliferation was investigated in multiple glioma cell lines. We first evaluated the expression patterns of Nrf2 in four glioma cell lines and found all four cell lines expressed Nrf2, but the highest level was observed in U251 cells. We further evaluated the biological functions of Nrf2 in U251 glioma cell proliferation by specific inhibition of Nrf2 using short hairpin RNA (shRNA). We found that Nrf2 depletion inhibited glioma cell proliferation. Nrf2 depletion also decreased colony formation in U251 cells stably expressing Nrf2 shRNA compared to scrambled control shRNA. Moreover, suppression of Nrf2 expression could lead to ATP depletion (with concomitant rise in AMP/ATP ratio) and consequently to AMPK-activated mTOR inhibition. Finally, activation of adenosine monophosphate–activated protein kinase (AMPK) by treated with phenformin, an AMPK agonist, can mimic the inhibitory effect of Nrf2 knockdown in U251 cells. In conclusion, our findings will shed light to the role and mechanism of Nrf2 in regulating glioma proliferation via ATP-depletion-induced AMPK activation and consequent mTOR inhibition, a novel insight into our understanding the role and mechanism of Nrf2 in glioma pathoetiology. To our knowledge, this is also the first report to provide a rationale for the implication of cross-linking between Nrf2 and mTOR signaling.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2016

Salicortin inhibits osteoclast differentiation and bone resorption by down-regulating JNK and NF-κB/NFATc1 signaling pathways

Receptor activator of nuclear factor (NF)-κB ligand (RANKL)-activated signaling is essential for osteoclast differentiation, activation, and survival. Salicortin is a phenolic glycoside that has been isolated from many plants such as Populus and Salix species, and has been shown to have anti-amnesic and anti-adipogenic effects. In this study, we investigated the effect of salicortin on RANKL-induced osteoclasts formation, bone resorption, and activation of osteoclast-related signaling pathways. Salicortin suppressed RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis in bone marrow macrophage cultures in a dose-dependent manner, and inhibited osteoclastic bone resorption activity without any cytotoxicity. Salicortin inhibited RANKL-induced c-Jun N-terminal kinase and NF-κB activation, concomitant with retarded IκBα phosphorylation and inhibition of p65 nuclear translocation, leading to impaired transcription of nuclear factor of activated T cells c1 (NFATc1) and expression of osteoclastic-specific genes. Taken together, our findings demonstrate that salicortin inhibits NF-κB and NFATc1 activation, leading to attenuation of osteoclastogenesis and bone resorption. Thus, salicortin may be of interest in developments of treatment for osteoclast related diseases. - Highlights: • Salicortin suppresses osteoclastogenesis in vitro. • Salicortin impairs the JNK and NF-κB/NFATc1 signaling pathway. • Salicortin may be of interest in developments of osteoporosis treatment.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2016

Matrine suppresses airway inflammation by downregulating SOCS3 expression via inhibition of NF-κB signaling in airway epithelial cells and asthmatic mice

Matrine has been demonstrated to attenuate allergic airway inflammation. Elevated suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS3) was correlated with the severity of asthma. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of matrine on SOCS3 expression in airway inflammation. In this study, we found that matrine significantly inhibited OVA-induced AHR, inflammatory cell infiltration, goblet cell differentiation, and mucous production in a dose-dependent manner in mice. Matrine also abrogated the level of interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-13, but enhanced interferon (IFN)-γ expression, both in BALF and in lung homogenates. Furthermore, matrine impeded TNF-α-induced the expression of IL-6 and adhesion molecules in airway epithelial cells (BEAS-2B and MLE-12). Additionally, we found that matrine inhibited SOCS3 expression, both in asthmatic mice and TNF-α-stimulated epithelial cells via suppression of the NF-κB signaling pathway by using pcDNA3.1-SOCS3 plasmid, SOCS3 siRNA, or nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) inhibitor PDTC. Conclusions: Matrine suppresses airway inflammation by downregulating SOCS3 expression via inhibition of NF-κB signaling in airway epithelial cells and asthmatic mice. - Highlights: • Matrine attenuates asthmatic symptoms and regulates Th1/Th2 balance in vivo. • Matrine suppresses inflammation responses in vitro. • Matrine decreases SOCS3 expression both in vivo and in vitro. • Matrine inhibits SOCS3 expression by suppressing NF-κB signaling.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2016

Activation of Notch1 inhibits medial edge epithelium apoptosis in all-trans retinoic acid-induced cleft palate in mice

Administration of all-trans retinoic acid (atRA) on E12.0 (embryonic day 12.0) leads to failure of medial edge epithelium (MEE) disappearance and cleft palate. However, the molecular mechanism underlying the relationship between atRA and MEE remains to be identified. In this study, atRA (200 mg/kg) administered by gavage induced a 75% incidence of cleft palate in C57BL/6 mice. Notch1 was up-regulated in MEE cells in the atRA-treated group compared with the controls at E15.0, together with reduced apoptosis and elevated proliferation. Next, we investigated the mechanisms underlying atRA, Notch1 and MEE degradation in palate organ culture. Our results revealed that down-regulation of Notch1 partially rescued the inhibition of atRA-induced palate fusion. Molecular analysis indicated that atRA increased the expression of Notch1 and Rbpj and decreased the expression of P21. In addition, depletion of Notch1 expression decreased the expression of Rbpj and increased the expression of P21. Moreover, inhibition of Rbpj expression partially reversed atRA-induced MEE persistence and increased P21 expression. These findings demonstrate that atRA inhibits MEE degradation, which in turn induces a cleft palate, possibly through the Notch1/RBPjk/P21 signaling pathway. - Highlights: • atRA exposure on E12.0 induced MEE persistence and cleft palate. • Notch1 was up-regulated in MEE cells in the atRA-treated embryos. • atRA inhibits MEE degradation, which in turn induces cleft palate, possibly through the Notch1/RBPjk/P21 signaling pathway.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2016

Human transbodies to VP40 inhibit cellular egress of Ebola virus-like particles

A direct acting anti-Ebola agent is needed. VP40, a conserved protein across Ebolavirus (EBOV) species has several pivotal roles in the virus life cycle. Inhibition of VP40 functions would lessen the virion integrity and interfere with the viral assembly, budding, and spread. In this study, cell penetrable human scFvs (HuscFvs) that bound to EBOV VP40 were produced by phage display technology. Gene sequences coding for VP40-bound-HuscFvs were subcloned from phagemids into protein expression plasmids downstream to a gene of cell penetrating peptide, i.e., nonaarginine (R9). By electron microscopy, transbodies from three clones effectively inhibited egress of the Ebola virus-like particles from human hepatic cells transduced with pseudo-typed-Lentivirus particles carrying EBOV VP40 and GP genes. Computerized simulation indicated that the effective HuscFvs bound to multiple basic residues in the cationic patch of VP40 C-terminal domain which are important in membrane-binding for viral matrix assembly and virus budding. The transbodies bound also to VP40 N-terminal domain and L domain peptide encompassed the PTAPPEY (WW binding) motif, suggesting that they might confer VP40 function inhibition through additional mechanism(s). The generated transbodies are worthwhile tested with authentic EBOV before developing to direct acting anti-Ebola agent for preclinical and clinical trials. - Highlights: • Cell penetrable human scFvs (transbodies) to Ebolavirus (EBOV) VP40 were produced. • The transbodies inhibited egress of EBOV-like particles (VLPs) from human hepatocytes. • They interacted with VP40 CTD basic residues important for plasma membrane binding. • And hence interfere with viral matrix assembly and viral progeny budding. • This is the first report on human antibodies that target intracellular EBOV VP40.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2016

MicroRNA-1297 inhibits prostate cancer cell proliferation and invasion by targeting the AEG-1/Wnt signaling pathway

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been known to be implicated in tumorigenic programs. miR-1297 has been reported to be dysregulated and involved in cancer progression in many types of human cancers. However, the expression level and the role of miR-1297 in prostate cancer remain unclear. Herein, we aimed to investigate the potential role and molecular mechanism of miR-1297 in prostate cancer progression. We found that miR-1297 was significantly downregulated in human prostate cancer specimens as well as in several prostate cancer cell lines. In addition, functional experiments demonstrated that overexpression of miR-1297 remarkably inhibited prostate cancer cell proliferation and invasion whereas miR-1297 suppression significantly promoted prostate cancer cell proliferation and invasion. Bioinformatics analysis showed that the Astrocyte elevated gene-1 (AEG-1), a well-known oncogene, is a predicted target of miR-1297. Dual-luciferase reporter assay showed that miR-1297 was able to directly target the 3’-untranslated region of AEG-1. In addition, RT-qPCR and Western blot analysis showed that miR-1297 regulated the mRNA and protein expression levels of AEG-1. We also showed that miR-1297 was able to regulate the Wnt signaling pathway. Moreover, rescue assays indicated that AEG-1 contributed to miR-1297-endowed effects on cell proliferation and invasion as well as Wnt signaling pathway. Taken together, these findings suggest that miR-1297 inhibits prostate cancer proliferation and invasion by targeting AEG-1, thereby providing novel insight into understanding the pathogenesis of prostate cancer. Thus, miR-1297 may be a novel potential therapeutic candidate to treat prostate cancer. - Highlights: • miR-1297 is decreased in prostate cancer. • miR-1297 inhibits prostate cancer cell proliferation and invasion. • miR-1297 targets and inhibits AEG-1. • miR-1297 regulates AEG-1/Wnt signaling pathway.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2016

Anthelmintic drug ivermectin inhibits angiogenesis, growth and survival of glioblastoma through inducing mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress

Glioblastoma is one of the most vascular brain tumour and highly resistant to current therapy. Targeting both glioblastoma cells and angiogenesis may present an effective therapeutic strategy for glioblastoma. In our work, we show that an anthelmintic drug, ivermectin, is active against glioblastoma cells in vitro and in vivo, and also targets angiogenesis. Ivermectin significantly inhibits growth and anchorage-independent colony formation in U87 and T98G glioblastoma cells. It induces apoptosis in these cells through a caspase-dependent manner. Ivermectin significantly suppresses the growth of two independent glioblastoma xenograft mouse models. In addition, ivermectin effectively targets angiogenesis through inhibiting capillary network formation, proliferation and survival in human brain microvascular endothelial cell (HBMEC). Mechanistically, ivermectin decreases mitochondrial respiration, membrane potential, ATP levels and increases mitochondrial superoxide in U87, T98G and HBMEC cells exposed to ivermectin. The inhibitory effects of ivermectin are significantly reversed in mitochondria-deficient cells or cells treated with antioxidants, further confirming that ivermectin acts through mitochondrial respiration inhibition and induction of oxidative stress. Importantly, we show that ivermectin suppresses phosphorylation of Akt, mTOR and ribosomal S6 in glioblastoma and HBMEC cells, suggesting its inhibitory role in deactivating Akt/mTOR pathway. Altogether, our work demonstrates that ivermectin is a useful addition to the treatment armamentarium for glioblastoma. Our work also highlights the therapeutic value of targeting mitochondrial metabolism in glioblastoma. - Highlights: • Ivermectin is effective in glioblastoma cells in vitro and in vivo. • Ivermectin inhibits angiogenesis. • Ivermectin induces mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress. • Ivermectin deactivates Akt/mTOR signaling pathway.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2017

The effect of poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation inhibition on the porcine cumulus-oocyte complex during in vitro maturation

Poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation (PARylation) plays important roles in DNA repair, apoptosis, transcriptional regulation, and cell death, and occurs via the activity of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerases (PARPs). Previous studies have shown that PARylation affects mouse and porcine pre-implantation development and participates in mechanisms of autophagy. However, there have not yet been reported the role of PARylation during in vitro maturation (IVM) of porcine oocytes. Thus, we investigated the effect of PARylation inhibition on this process; cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) were cultured with 3-aminobenzamide (3-ABA, PARP inhibitor) during porcine IVM. Full cumulus expansion was significantly reduced (10.34 ± 1.23 [3-ABA] vs. 48.17 ± 2.03% [control]), but nuclear maturation rates were not changed in the 3-ABA treatment group. Especially, we observed that cumulus cells were little expanded after 22 h in 3-ABA treated COCs. The mRNA expression levels of oocyte maturation- and cumulus expansion-related genes were evaluated at 22 and 44 h. GDF9, BMP15, COX-2, and PTX3 expression were upregulated at 44 h, whereas the levels of HAS2 and TNFAIP6 were downregulated in the 3-ABA treated group. Furthermore, 3-ABA treatment significantly decreased the developmental rate (28.24 ± 1.06 vs. 40.24 ± 3.03%) and total cell number (41.12 ± 2.10 vs. 50.38 ± 2.27), but increased the total apoptotic index (6.44 ± 0.81 vs. 3.08 ± 0.51) in parthenogenetically activated embryos. In conclusion, these results showed that PARylation regulates cumulus expansion through the regulation of gene expression and affects developmental competence and quality in parthenogenetic embryos. - Highlights: • Effect of PARylation inhibition on the porcine cumulus-oocyte complex during IVM. • Inhibition of PARylation reduced cumulus expansion. • PARylation inhibition has a negative effect on developmental competence. • PARylation may play essential roles during IVM of porcine oocytes.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2017

Low grade inflammation inhibits VEGF induced HUVECs migration in p53 dependent manner

In the course of studying crosstalk between inflammation and angiogenesis, high doses of pro-inflammatory factors have been reported to induce apoptosis in cells. Under normal circumstances also the pro-inflammatory cytokines are being released in low doses and are actively involved in cell signaling pathways. We studied the effects of low grade inflammation in growth factor induced angiogenesis using tumor necrosis factor alfa (TNFα) and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF) respectively. We found that low dose of TNFα can inhibit VEGF induced angiogenesis in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Low dose of TNFα induces mild upregulation and moreover nuclear localization of tumor suppressor protein 53 (P53) which causes decrease in inhibitor of DNA binding-1 (Id1) expression and shuttling to the cytoplasm. In absence of Id1, HUVECs fail to upregulate β{sub 3}-integrin and cell migration is decreased. Connecting low dose of TNFα induced p53 to β{sub 3}-integrin through Id1, we present additional link in cross talk between inflammation and angiogenesis. - Highlights: • Low grade inflammation (low dose of TNF alfa) inhibits VEGF induced endothelial cells migration. • The low grade inflammation with VEGF treatment upregulates P53 to a nonlethal level. • P53 activation inhibits Id1 shuttling to the cytoplasm in endothelial cells. • Inhibition of Id1 resulted in downregulation of β{sub 3}-integrin which cause decrease in cell migration. • Inflammation and angiogenesis might cross-talk by P53 – Id1 – β{sub 3}-integrin pathway in endothelial cells.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2017

Inhibition of TRPC3 downregulates airway hyperresponsiveness, remodeling of OVA-sensitized mouse

Airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR), airway remodeling and inflammation are the fundamental pathological alterations that occur in asthma. Transient receptor potential canonical 3 (TRPC3) has been implicated in diverse functions of airway smooth muscle cells (ASMCs) in asthma. However, the underlying mechanisms remain incompletely understood. We investigated the mRNA and protein expression of TRPC3 in ASMCs from normal and OVA-sensitized mouse. And the effects of inhibition or knockdown of TRPC3 with Ethyl-1- (4- (2,3,3-trichloroacrylamide) phenyl) −5 - (trifluoromethyl) -1H -pyrazole -4-carboxylate (Pyr3) and lentiviral shRNA on OVA-sensitized mouse AHR, airway remodeling, circulating inflammatory cytokines, cell proliferation and migration. We found that TRPC3 mRNA and protein expression levels were significantly increased in ASMCs from OVA-sensitized mouse. Inhibiting TRPC3 with continuous subcutaneous administration of Pyr3 decreased enhanced pause (Penh) of OVA-sensitized mouse. Meanwhile, both Pyr3 and lentiviral shRNA treatment of ASMCs in OVA-sensitized mouse significantly decreased their proliferation and migration. These results suggest that TRPC3 plays a critical role in asthma and represents a promising new target for asthma treatment. - Highlights: • Penh, airway remodeling and the gene expression and protein of TRPC3 are increased in OVA-sensitized mice. • Inhibition of TRPC3 suppresses the OVA-sensitized mice Penh and airway remodeling. • Inhibition of TRPC3 decreases OVA-sensitized mice ASMC proliferation and migration.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2017

Activation of PPARγ inhibits pro-inflammatory cytokines production by upregulation of miR-124 in vitro and in vivo

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) and miR-124 have been reported to play important roles in regulation of inflammation. However, the underlying anti-inflammatory mechanisms remain not well understood. In the present study, we demonstrated that the expression level of PPARγ is positively correlated with that of miR-124 in patients with sepsis. Activation of PPARγ upregulates miR-124 and in turn inhibits miR-124 target gene. PPARγ bound directly to PPRE in the miR-124 promoter region, and enhanced the promoter transcriptional activity. PPARγ-induced miR-124 is involved in the suppression of pro-inflammatory cytokine in vitro and in vivo. These results suggest that PPARγ-induced miR-124 inhibits the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines is a novel PPARγ anti-inflammatory mechanism and also indicate that miR-124 may be a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of inflammatory diseases. - Highlights: • The expression level of PPARγ is positively correlated with that of miR-124 in patients with sepsis. • PPARγ upregulates miR-124 and in turn inhibits miR-124 target gene. • PPARγ promotes miR-124 transcription through binding to miR-124 promoter region. • Inhibition of miR-124 attenuates the PPARγ-mediated suppression of proinflammatory cytokines in vitro. • PPARγ-induced miR-124 is involved in the suppression of pro-inflammatory cytokine in vivo.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2017

Klotho down-regulates Egr-1 by inhibiting TGF-β1/Smad3 signaling in high glucose treated human mesangial cells

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) has become the leading cause of end-stage renal disease worldwide and is associated with glomerular mesangial cell (MC) proliferation and excessive extracellular matrix (ECM) production. Klotho can attenuate renal fibrosis in part by inhibiting TGF-β1/Smad3 signaling in DKD. Early growth response factor 1 (Egr-1) has been shown to play a key role in renal fibrosis in part by facilitating the formation of a positive feedback loop involving TGF-β1. However, whether Klotho down-regulates Egr-1 by inhibiting TGF-β1/Smad3 signaling in DKD is unclear. In the present study, we assessed human MCs that were incubated under high-glucose conditions to mimic diabetes. Then, we transfected the cells with Klotho plasmid or siRNA to overexpress or knock down Klotho gene and protein expression. Klotho, Egr-1, fibronectin (FN), collagen type I (Col I), Smad3 and phosphorylated Smad3 (p-Smad3) gene and protein expression levels were determined by RT-qPCR and western blotting respectively. High glucose time-dependently down-regulated Klotho mRNA and protein expression in cultured human MCs. pcDNA3.1-Klotho transfection-mediated Klotho overexpression down-regulated Egr-1, FN and Col I expression and the p-Smad3/Smad3 ratio in human MCs. Conversely, siRNA-mediated Klotho silencing up-regulated Egr-1, FN, and Col I expression and the p-Smad3/Smad3 ratio. Moreover, the effects of si-Klotho on Egr-1 expression were abolished by the TGF-β1 inhibitor SB-431542. Klotho overexpression can prevent mesangial ECM production in high-glucose-treated human MCs, an effect that has been partially attributed to Egr-1 down-regulation facilitated by TGF-β1/Smad3 signaling inhibition. - Highlights: • High glucose time-dependently down-regulated Klotho mRNA and protein expression in cultured human MCs. • Klotho overexpression down-regulated Egr-1 and prevented mesangial ECM production in high-glucose-treated human MCs. • Klotho down-regulated Egr-1 by inhibiting TGF-β1/Smad3 signaling in high-glucose-treated human MCs.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2017

MiR-129-5p inhibits non-small cell lung cancer cell stemness and chemoresistance through targeting DLK1

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) stemness and chemoresistance represent significant barriers to successful treatment. Downregulation of microRNA 129 (miR-129) has been implicated in a variety of cancers, and miR-129-5p has recently been shown to reduce lung cancer proliferation and metastasis. In this study, we used NSCLC cell lines A549 and H460 to investigate the effects of miR-129-5p on NSCLC stemness and chemoresistance. CD133 + stem cells in both lines showed reduced miR-129-5p expression, and introducing miR-129-5p into these cells reduced stem cell markers and self-renewal ability, as measured by qRT-PCR, western blot, MTT assays, and sphere formation assays. MTT, colony formation, and DAPI staining assays further revealed that miR-129-5p inhibits NSCLC chemoresistance when the cells are treated with varying doses of CDDP. The target prediction algorithm TargetScan allowed us to identify notch signaling receptor delta-like 1 homolog (DLK1) as a potential target for miR-129-5p in its inhibition of NSCLC stemness and chemoresistance. Indeed, our DLK1 luciferase reporter plasmid demonstrated that miR-129-5p reduces DLK1 expression. Furthermore, DLK1 overexpression partially rescued inhibition of NSCLC stemness and chemoresistance caused by miR-129-5p. Overall, these results demonstrate that miR-129-5p inhibits NSCLC stemness and chemoresistance through direct targeting of DLK1. They suggest that miR-129-5p and DLK1 can play a role in an effective treatment strategy for NSCLC.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2017

Azomethines, isoxazole, N-substituted pyrazoles and pyrimidine containing curcumin derivatives: Urease inhibition and molecular modeling studies

Curcumin has shown large number of pharmacological properties against different phenotypes of various disease models. Different synthetic routes have been employed to develop its various derivatives for diverse biological functions. In this study, curcumin derived azomethine, isoxazole, pyrimidines and N-substituted pyrazoles were synthesized to investigate their urease enzyme inhibition. The structures of newly synthesized compounds were described by IR, MS, {sup 1}H NMR and {sup 13}C NMR spectral data. Urease enzyme inhibition was evaluated through in vitro assays in which compound 8b was found to be the most potent (IC{sub 50} = 2.44 ± 0.07 μM) among the tested compounds. The compounds with diazine ring system except the 4d showed better urease inhibition (IC{sub 50} = 11.43 ± 0.21–19.63 ± 0.28 μM) than the standard urease inhibitor thiourea (IC{sub 50} = 22.61 ± 0.23 μM). Similarly enzyme kinetics data revealed that compounds 3c-3e and 8b were competitive inhibitors with Ki values of 20.0, 19.87, 20.23 and 19.11 μM respectively while the compounds 4b, 4c and 4e were mixed type of inhibitors with Ki values 6.72, 19.69 and 6.72 μM respectively. Molecular docking studies were also performed to identify the plausible binding modes of the most active compounds. - Highlights: • Azomethines, Isoxazole, N-substituted pyrazoles and pyrimidine with curcumin scaffold were synthesized. • Anti-urease studies of target compounds were performed. • Molecular modeling of most active compounds at active site of urease. • Thiourea conjugated with curcumin showed excellent urease inhibition with IC{sub 50} = 2.44 ± 0.07 μM.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2017

Pilose antler peptide potentiates osteoblast differentiation and inhibits osteoclastogenesis via manipulating the NF-κB pathway

Bones are inflexible yet ever-changing metabolic organs, and bone homeostasis is maintained through two delicately regulated processes: bone construction and bone reabsorption. An imbalance in bone metabolism is linked to most orthopedic diseases, including osteoporosis and rheumatoid arthritis. Importantly, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) blocks osteoblast differentiation and stimulates osteoclast formation, resulting in delayed deposition of new bone and accelerated bone resorption, especially in rheumatoid arthritis patients with inflammatory conditions. Pilose antler peptide (PAP) isolated and purified from deer antlers has been shown to have beneficial effects on chronic inflammation. In the present study, we studied the impact of PAP on osteoblast differentiation and evaluated the regulatory mechanism, with particular emphasis on the effect of PAP on TNF-α-mediated NF-κB signaling. Mouse primary osteoblast cells were activated with bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) for osteoblast differentiation. A significant stimulatory effect of PAP in osteoblastogenesis was observed using ALP activity and Alizarin Red S staining assays. Meanwhile, PAP significantly rescued TNF-α-induced impairment of osteoblast formation as well as mineralization. Furthermore, we found a similar trend upon analyzing osteoblast-specific gene expression. PAP significantly rescued TNF-α-mediated decrease in expression of osteoblast-specific genes. A molecular mechanism assay indicated that PAP significantly inhibited TNF-α-mediated stimulation of NF-κB signaling activity, as well as nuclear translocation of its subunit p65. Moreover, over-expression of p65 reversed the stimulatory effects of PAP on osteoblast differentiation. Furthermore, we also identified that PAP dose dependently inhibit osteoclastogenesis, and this effect might be achieved via suppressing NF-κB activity. In summary, this study shows that PAP promotes osteoblast differentiation and blocks TNF-α-mediated suppression of osteoblastogenesis in vitro via the NF-κB/p65 pathway, as well as inhibits osteoclastsogenesis in vitro. Therefore, PAP, a novel drug with both antiresorptive and osteoanabolic activity, shows therapeutic potential as an alternative treatment for osteolytic diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis. - Highlights: • PAP promotes osteoblasts differentiation and inhibits osteoclastogenesis. • PAP blocks TNFα-mediated suppression of osteoblastogenesis via NF-κB pathway. • PAP shows both antiresorptive and osteoanabolic activity, and is promising in the treatment of inflammatory bone loss.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗