1.Involvement of interferon γ-producing mast cells in immune responses against melanocytes in vitiligo requires Mas-related G protein-coupled receptor X2 activation.
Zhikai LIAO ; Yunzhu YAO ; Bingqi DONG ; Yue LE ; Longfei LUO ; Fang MIAO ; Shan JIANG ; Tiechi LEI
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(11):1367-1378
BACKGROUND:
Increasing evidence indicates that oxidative stress and interferon γ (IFNγ)-driven cellular immune responses are responsible for the pathogenesis of vitiligo. However, the connection between oxidative stress and the local production of IFNγ in early vitiligo remains unexplored. The aim of this study was to identify the mechanism underlying the production of IFNγ by mast cells and its impact on vitiligo pathogenesis.
METHODS:
Skin specimens from the central, marginal, and perilesional skin areas of active vitiligo lesions were collected to characterize changes of mast cells, CD8 + T cells, and IFNγ-producing cells. Cell supernatants from hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 )-treated keratinocytes (KCs) were harvested to measure levels of soluble stem cell factor (sSCF) and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9. A murine vitiligo model was established using Mas-related G protein-coupled receptor-B2 (MrgB2, mouse ortholog of human MrgX2) conditional knockout (MrgB2 -/- ) mice to investigate IFNγ production and inflammatory cell infiltrations in tail skin following the challenge with tyrosinase-related protein (Tyrp)-2 180 peptide. Potential interactions between the Tyrp-2 180 peptide and MrgX2 were predicted using molecular docking. The siRNAs targeting MrgX2 and the calcineurin inhibitor FK506 were also used to examine the signaling pathways involved in mast cell activation.
RESULTS:
IFNγ-producing mast cells were closely aligned with the recruitment of CD8 + T cells in the early phase of vitiligo skin. sSCF released by KCs through stress-enhanced MMP9-dependent proteolytic cleavage recruited mast cells into sites of inflamed skin (Perilesion vs . lesion, 13.00 ± 4.00/high-power fields [HPF] vs . 26.60 ± 5.72/HPF, P <0.05). Moreover, IFNγ-producing mast cells were also observed in mouse tail skin following challenge with Tyrp-2 180 (0 h vs . 48 h post-recall, 0/HPF vs . 3.80 ± 1.92/HPF, P <0.05). The IFNγ + mast cell and CD8 + T cell counts were lower in the skin of MrgB2 -/- mice than in those of wild-type mice (WT vs . KO 48 h post-recall, 4.20 ± 0.84/HPF vs . 0.80 ± 0.84/HPF, P <0.05).
CONCLUSION
Mast cells activated by MrgX2 serve as a local IFNγ producer that bridges between innate and adaptive immune responses against MCs in early vitiligo. Targeting MrgX2-mediated mast cell activation may represent a new strategy for treating vitiligo.
Vitiligo/metabolism*
;
Mast Cells/immunology*
;
Animals
;
Interferon-gamma/metabolism*
;
Mice
;
Humans
;
Melanocytes/metabolism*
;
Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled/genetics*
;
Mice, Knockout
;
Mice, Inbred C57BL
;
Male
;
Female
;
Matrix Metalloproteinase 9/metabolism*
;
Stem Cell Factor/metabolism*
2.Mechanism of Sorbus tianschanica in regulating asthmatic airway inflammation through TLR4/PI3K/Akt/MMP9 signaling pathway.
Wen-Kai WANG ; Jun-Min CHANG ; Xiao-Li MA ; Gai-Ru LI
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(15):4304-4314
To investigate the effects and mechanisms of the water extract from Sorbus tianschanica(STE) on asthmatic airway inflammation, the mice were randomly divided into six groups, including a control group, a model group, a positive drug dexamethasone group(2 mg·kg~(-1)), a low-dose STE group(1 g·kg~(-1)), a medium-dose STE group(2 g·kg~(-1)), and a high-dose STE group(4 g·kg~(-1)). Except for the control group, all groups were subjected to ovalbumin induction to establish an asthma mouse model. The anti-inflammatory effects of STE were evaluated by examining pathological changes in lung tissue and measuring the levels of interleukin(IL)-4 and IL-5 in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid(BALF). Transcriptomic and proteomic methods were further employed to analyze differentially expressed genes and proteins, as well as their associated signaling pathways in lung tissue. Subsequently, the expression changes of key genes were verified by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction(RT-qPCR), and immunohistochemistry and Western blot methods were used to explore the regulatory mechanisms of STE in the pathogenesis of asthma in mice. Molecular docking was performed by using AutoDock Vina software to evaluate the binding affinity of the main active components in STE with the target proteins, including phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase catalytic subunit α(PIK3CA), Toll-like receptor 4(TLR4), protein kinase B1(Akt1), and matrix metallopeptidase 9(MMP9). The results showed significant inflammatory cell infiltration and fibrous tissue proliferation in the lung tissue of mice in the model group. However, these pathological changes were markedly reduced following STE intervention. Compared with those of the control group, the expression levels of IL-4 and IL-5 in the BALF of the model group were significantly increased but notably decreased following STE intervention. Transcriptomic and proteomic analyses identified key genes and proteins associated with allergic asthma, including tumor necrosis factor(TNF), IL-6, TLR4, PIK3CA, and MMP9. RT-qPCR validation revealed that high-dose STE intervention significantly downregulated the expressions of PIK3CA, IL-6, Akt1, MMP9, IL-13, nuclear factor-kappa B(NF-κB), TNF, CXC motif chemokine ligand 1(CXCL1), and TLR4 mRNAs and significantly upregulated the expression of signal transducer and activator of transcription 1(STAT1) mRNA. Western blot and immunohistochemical analyses confirmed that STE significantly downregulated the expressions of MMP9, TLR4, PIK3CA, and phosphorylated protein kinase B(p-Akt) in lung tissue of asthmatic mice. Moreover, molecular docking demonstrated that kaempferol-3,7-diglucoside, isoquercitrin, quercetin-3-gentiobioside, and hyperoside in STE exhibited stable binding affinities with PIK3CA, TLR4, Akt1, and MMP9, suggesting that the active components may exert anti-inflammatory effects by targeting and modulating asthma-related signaling pathways. In summary, STE exerts anti-asthmatic effects by inhibiting the expressions of PIK3CA, MMP9, p-Akt, and TLR4 and regulating the TLR4/PI3K/Akt/MMP9 signaling pathway.
Animals
;
Asthma/metabolism*
;
Toll-Like Receptor 4/metabolism*
;
Signal Transduction/drug effects*
;
Mice
;
Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases/metabolism*
;
Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt/metabolism*
;
Matrix Metalloproteinase 9/metabolism*
;
Mice, Inbred BALB C
;
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage*
;
Female
;
Humans
;
Lung/immunology*
;
Male
3.Mechanism of Tougu Xiaotong Capsules in alleviating glycolytic metabolism disorder of chondrocytes in osteoarthritis by modulating circFOXO3.
Chang-Long FU ; Yan LUO ; Jia-Jia XU ; Yan-Ming LIN ; Qing LIN ; Yan-Feng HUANG
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(16):4641-4648
From the perspective of circular RNA forkhead box protein O3(circFOXO3) regulating glycolysis in osteoarthritis(OA) chondrocytes, this study investigated the mechanism by which Tougu Xiaotong Capsules(TGXTC) alleviated OA degeneration. In in vivo experiments, after randomized grouping and relevant interventions, morphological staining was used to observe structural changes in cartilage tissue. The mRNA level of circFOXO3 in cartilage tissue was detected by real-time quantitative PCR(RT-qPCR). Western blot analysis was used to detect changes in the expression of glucose transporter 1(GLUT1), hexokinase 2(HK2), pyruvate kinase M2(PKM2), lactate dehydrogenase A(LDHA), and matrix metalloproteinase 13(MMP13). In in vitro experiments, fluorescence in situ hybridization(FISH) was used to detect circFOXO3 expression in chondrocytes from each group. A lentiviral vector was used to construct circFOXO3-silenced(sh-circFOXO3) chondrocytes. RT-qPCR was used to analyze the changes in circFOXO3 levels after silencing, and Western blot was used to assess the regulatory effects of TGXTC on GLUT1, HK2, PKM2, LDHA, and MMP13 proteins in interleukin-1β(IL-1β)-induced chondrocytes under sh-circFOXO3 conditions. Masson staining and alcian blue staining results showed that the cartilage layer structure in the TGXTC and positive drug groups was improved compared with that in the model group. The mRNA level of circFOXO3 was significantly upregulated in both the TGXTC and positive drug groups, while the expression of the above-mentioned proteins was significantly reduced. FISH results showed that TGXTC upregulated the fluorescence intensity of circFOXO3 in IL-1β-induced chondrocytes. In the circFOXO3 silencing experiment, compared with the IL-1β group, circFOXO3 levels in the IL-1β + sh-circFOXO3 group were significantly decreased. Compared with the IL-1β + TGXTC group, circFOXO3 levels were significantly reduced in the IL-1β + sh-circFOXO3 + TGXTC group. Western blot results indicated that the elevated levels of GLUT1, HK2, PKM2, LDHA, and MMP13 proteins in chondrocytes of the IL-1β group were significantly inhibited by TGXTC intervention. However, this regulatory effect was attenuated after circFOXO3 silencing. In conclusion, TGXTC alleviate glycolytic metabolism disorder in OA chondrocytes and delay OA degeneration by regulating circFOXO3.
Chondrocytes/metabolism*
;
Animals
;
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage*
;
RNA, Circular/metabolism*
;
Osteoarthritis/genetics*
;
Glycolysis/drug effects*
;
Humans
;
Forkhead Box Protein O3/metabolism*
;
Male
;
Capsules
;
Matrix Metalloproteinase 13/genetics*
4.Unveiling the molecular features and diagnosis and treatment prospects of immunothrombosis via integrated bioinformatics analysis.
Yafen WANG ; Xiaoshuang WU ; Zhixin LIU ; Xinlei LI ; Yaozhen CHEN ; Ning AN ; Xingbin HU
Chinese Journal of Cellular and Molecular Immunology 2025;41(3):228-235
Objective To investigate the common molecular features of immunothrombosis, thus enhancing the comprehension of thrombosis triggered by immune and inflammatory responses and offering crucial insights for identifying potential diagnostic and therapeutic targets. Methods Differential gene expression analysis and functional enrichment analysis were conducted on datasets of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and venous thromboembolism (VTE). The intersection of differentially expressed genes in SLE and VTE with those of neutrophil extracellular traps (NET) yielded cross-talk genes (CG) for SLE-NET and VTE-NET interaction. Further analysis included functional enrichment and protein-protein interaction (PPI) network assessments of these CG to identify hub genes. Venn diagrams and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis were employed to pinpoint the most effective shared diagnostic CG, which were validated using a graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) dataset. Results Differential expression genes in SLE and VTE were associated with distinct biological processes, whereas SLE-NET-CG and VTE-NET-CG were implicated in pathways related to leukocyte migration, inflammatory response, and immune response. Through PPI network analysis, several hub genes were identified, with matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9) and S100 calcium-binding protein A12 (S100A12) emerging as the best shared diagnostic CG for SLE (AUC: 0.936 and 0.832) and VTE (AUC: 0.719 and 0.759). Notably, MMP9 exhibited good diagnostic performance in the GVHD dataset (AUC: 0.696). Conclusion This study unveils the common molecular features of SLE, VTE, and NET, emphasizing MMP9 and S100A12 as the optimal shared diagnostic CG, thus providing valuable evidence for the diagnosis and therapeutic strategies related to immunothrombosis. Additionally, the expression of MMP9 in GVHD highlights its critical role in the risk of VTE associated with immune system disorders.
Humans
;
Computational Biology/methods*
;
Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic/immunology*
;
Protein Interaction Maps/genetics*
;
Venous Thromboembolism/therapy*
;
Matrix Metalloproteinase 9/genetics*
;
Extracellular Traps/metabolism*
;
Gene Regulatory Networks
;
Thrombosis/immunology*
;
Graft vs Host Disease/genetics*
;
Gene Expression Profiling
5.A novel fully human LAG-3 monoclonal antibody LBL-007 combined with PD-1 antibody inhibits proliferation, migration and invasion of tumor cells via blocking NF-κB pathway.
Huinan ZHOU ; Jianfei LIU ; Chenglin WU ; Kewei QIN ; Lijun ZHOU
Chinese Journal of Cellular and Molecular Immunology 2025;41(5):398-405
Objective To investigate the effects of LBL-007, a novel fully human lymphocyte activation gene 3 (LAG-3) monoclonal antibody, in combination with programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) antibody, on the invasion, migration and proliferation of tumor cells, and to elucidate the underlying mechanisms. Methods Human lymphocyte cells Jurkat were co-cultured with A549 and MGC803 tumor cell lines and treated with the isotype control antibody human IgG, LBL-007, anti-PD-1 antibody BE0188, or tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α, the NF-κB signaling pathway agonist). Tumor cell proliferation was assessed using a colony formation assay; invasion was measured by TranswellTM assay; migration was evaluated using a wound healing assay. Western blotting was employed to determine the expression levels of NF-κB pathway-related proteins: IκB inhibitor kinase alpha (Ikkα), phosphorylated Ikkα (p-IKKα), NF-κB subunit p65, phosphorylated p65 (p-p65), NF-κB Inhibitor Alpha (IκBα), phosphorylated IκBα (p-IκBα), matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9), and MMP2. Results Compared with the control and IgG isotype groups, LBL-007 and BE0188 significantly reduced tumor cell proliferation, invasion, and migration. They also decreased the phosphorylation of p-IKKα, p-p65 and p-IκBα, and the expression of MMP9 and MMP2 of tumor cells in the co-culture system. The combined treatment of LBL-007 and BE0188 enhanced inhibitory effects. Treatment with the NF-κB signaling pathway agonist TNF-α reversed the suppressive effects of LBL-007 and BE0188 on tumor cell proliferation, invasion, migration, and NF-κB signaling. Conclusion LBL-007 and anti-PD-1 antibody synergistically inhibit the invasion, migration, and proliferation of A549 and MGC803 tumor cells by blocking the NF-κB signaling pathway.
Humans
;
Cell Proliferation/drug effects*
;
Cell Movement/drug effects*
;
Signal Transduction/drug effects*
;
NF-kappa B/metabolism*
;
Neoplasm Invasiveness
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Antibodies, Monoclonal/pharmacology*
;
Programmed Cell Death 1 Receptor/antagonists & inhibitors*
;
Cell Line, Tumor
;
Antigens, CD/immunology*
;
Lymphocyte Activation Gene 3 Protein
;
A549 Cells
;
I-kappa B Kinase/metabolism*
;
Jurkat Cells
;
Matrix Metalloproteinase 9/metabolism*
6.Intralesional and topical treatments for Peyronie's disease: a narrative review of current knowledge.
Antonio MINORE ; Loris CACCIATORE ; Fabrizio PRESICCE ; Andrea IANNUZZI ; Antonio TESTA ; Gianluigi RASO ; Rocco PAPALIA ; Marco MARTINI ; Roberto Mario SCARPA ; Francesco ESPERTO
Asian Journal of Andrology 2025;27(2):156-165
Peyronie's disease (PD) presents a multifaceted challenge in contemporary urological practice, marked by penile deformity, pain, and the potential for erectile dysfunction. We meticulously explored the existing literature of intralesional/topical interventions, aiming to provide clinicians with a nuanced understanding of available options for comprehensive PD management. To conduct this review, we performed a systematic search using the PubMed, Scopus, and ScienceDirect databases, including the keywords of combination of the "Peyronie's disease/plastic induration of the penis (PIP) and intralesional/topical treatments". The study selection was based on adherence to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, resulting in the inclusion of 16 articles. We delve into the effectiveness and safety profiles of collagenase Clostridium histolyticum (CCH), interferon, platelet-rich plasma (PRP), hyaluronic acid, botulinum toxin, stem cell, extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT), and traction therapy, assessing their impact on penile curvature, length improvement, and patient-reported symptoms and outcomes. The best options evaluated are intralesional injections of CCH and penile traction devices, alone or in combination. Despite PD remains a challenge for urologists, the objective of this review is to contribute to the evolving landscape of PD management, fostering informed decision-making, and personalized care for individuals grappling with this challenging condition.
Humans
;
Male
;
Administration, Topical
;
Botulinum Toxins/administration & dosage*
;
Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy
;
Hyaluronic Acid/administration & dosage*
;
Injections, Intralesional
;
Interferons/administration & dosage*
;
Microbial Collagenase/administration & dosage*
;
Penile Induration/therapy*
;
Platelet-Rich Plasma
;
Stem Cell Transplantation
;
Traction
7.Outcomes and management of Peyronie's disease with combined treatment of collagenase clostridium histolyticum, vacuum erection device, and tadalafil.
Raidh Talib ALZUBAIDI ; Mohamed ABDELKAREEM ; Raed M AL-ZOUBI ; Ahmad R AL-QUDIMAT ; Aksam YASIN ; Hatem KAMKOUM ; Abdullah A AL-ANSARI
Asian Journal of Andrology 2025;27(6):686-690
Peyronie's disease (PD) is a connective tissue disorder characterized by abnormal collagen deposition in the tunica albuginea, leading to penile curvature, pain, and erectile dysfunction. This study aimed to evaluate the outcomes of a combined treatment protocol incorporating collagenase clostridium histolyticum (CCH), vacuum erection device, and tadalafil. A retrospective analysis was conducted on 99 male patients with PD treated at the Department of Urology, Hamad Medical Corporation (Doha, Qatar) between January 2018 and January 2020. Patients received 4-8 CCH injections alongside vacuum therapy and daily tadalafil (5 mg). The baseline mean penile curvature of 49.0° improved by an average of 21.4% post-treatment. Erectile function scores also increased significantly, with a mean improvement of 2.3 points on the International Index of Erectile Function. Minor complications were observed in 15 patients, while 13 were dissatisfied with treatment, with six opting for surgery. The modified protocol demonstrated significant improvements in penile curvature and erectile function with minimal complications, offering a safe, cost-effective alternative to traditional intensive treatments.
Humans
;
Male
;
Penile Induration/therapy*
;
Tadalafil/therapeutic use*
;
Retrospective Studies
;
Microbial Collagenase/administration & dosage*
;
Middle Aged
;
Vacuum
;
Treatment Outcome
;
Adult
;
Penile Erection
;
Combined Modality Therapy
;
Phosphodiesterase 5 Inhibitors/therapeutic use*
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Aged
;
Erectile Dysfunction/etiology*
8.Shenge powder inhibits myocardial fibrosis in rats with post-myocardial infarction heart failure through LOXL2/TGF-β1/IL-11 signaling pathway.
Hang XIE ; Boyong QIU ; Haitao LI ; Ruoyu SHI
Journal of Zhejiang University. Medical sciences 2025;54(3):350-359
OBJECTIVES:
To investigate the effect of Shenge powder (SGP) on myocardial fibrosis in rats with heart failure after myocardial infarction and its relation with lysyl oxidase like protein 2 (LOXL2)/transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)/IL-11 signaling pathway.
METHODS:
Seventy-two SPF male SD rats were divided into blank control group, model control group, SGP small dose group, SGP large dose group, positive control group, SGP large dose+LOXL2 activator group, with 12 rats in each group. Except for the blank control group, post-myocardial infarction heart failure was induced by coronary constriction. Corresponding treatments were given immediately after successful modeling, once a day for 4 weeks. Left ventricular fractional shortening (LVFS) and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) in rats were detected by color Doppler ultrasound imaging. Levels of IL-1β and IL-6 in serum were analyzed by ELISA method. Myocardial collagen volume fraction (CVF) was evaluated by Masson staining. Expressions of collagen Ⅰ and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) in myocardial tissue were detected by immunohistochemical staining. The mRNA expressions of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 (TIMP-1) in myocardial tissue were detected by qRT-PCR. Expression of LOXL2, TGF-β1, and IL-11 proteins in myocardial tissue were detected by Western blotting.
RESULTS:
Compared with the blank control group, the LVFS and LVEF of the model control group decreased, the levels of serum IL-6 and IL-1β elevated, and the CVF value, the expressions of collagen Ⅰ and α-SMA in myocardial tissue, MMP-9 and TIMP-1 mRNA, and LOXL2, TGF-β1, IL-11 proteins increased (all P<0.05). Compared with the model control group, the LVFS and LVEF of SGP small dose group, SGP large dose group and positive control group increased, the levels of serum IL-6 and IL-1β decreased, and the CVF value, the expressions of collagen Ⅰ and α-SMA in myocardial tissue, MMP-9 and TIMP-1 mRNA, and LOXL2, TGF-β1, IL-11 proteins decreased (all P<0.05); while LOXL2 activator reversed the improvement effect of high-dose SGP on myocardial fibrosis in heart failure rats after myocardial infarction.
CONCLUSIONS
Shenge powder may inhibit myocardial fibrosis in heart failure rats after myocardial infarction by inhibiting the LOXL2/TGF-β1/IL-11 pathway.
Animals
;
Male
;
Rats, Sprague-Dawley
;
Myocardial Infarction/complications*
;
Transforming Growth Factor beta1/metabolism*
;
Signal Transduction/drug effects*
;
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use*
;
Rats
;
Heart Failure/pathology*
;
Myocardium/metabolism*
;
Fibrosis
;
Amino Acid Oxidoreductases/metabolism*
;
Interleukin-11/metabolism*
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Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase-1/metabolism*
;
Matrix Metalloproteinase 9/metabolism*
9.ADAR1 Regulates the ERK/c-FOS/MMP-9 Pathway to Drive the Proliferation and Migration of Non-small Cell Lung Cancer Cells.
Li ZHANG ; Xue PAN ; Wenqing YAN ; Shuilian ZHANG ; Chiyu MA ; Chenpeng LI ; Kexin ZHU ; Nijia LI ; Zizhong YOU ; Xueying ZHONG ; Zhi XIE ; Zhiyi LV ; Weibang GUO ; Yu CHEN ; Danxia LU ; Xuchao ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Lung Cancer 2025;28(9):647-657
BACKGROUND:
Double-stranded RNA-specific adenosine deaminase 1 (ADAR1) binds to double-stranded RNA and catalyzes the deamination of adenosine (A) to inosine (I). The functional mechanism of ADAR1 in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains incompletely understood. This study aimed to investigate the prognostic significance of ADAR1 in NSCLC and to elucidate its potential role in regulating tumor cell proliferation and migration.
METHODS:
Data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and cBioPortal were analyzed to assess the correlation between high ADAR1 expression and clinicopathological features as well as prognosis in lung cancer. We performed Western blot (WB), cell proliferation assays, Transwell invasion/migration assays, and nude mouse xenograft modeling to examine the phenotypic changes and molecular mechanisms induced by ADAR1 knockdown. Furthermore, the ADAR1 p150 overexpression model was utilized to validate the proposed mechanism.
RESULTS:
ADAR1 expression was significantly elevated in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) and lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC) tissues compared with adjacent non-tumor tissues (LUAD: P=3.70×10-15, LUSC: P=0.016). High ADAR1 expression was associated with poor prognosis (LUAD: P=2.03×10-2, LUSC: P=2.81×10-2) and distant metastasis (P=0.003). Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) indicated that elevated ADAR1 was associated with mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (MAPK/ERK) pathway activation, matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) expression, and cell adhesion. ADAR1 and MMP-9 levels showed a strongly positive correlation (P=6.45×10-34) in 10 lung cancer cell lines, highest in H1581. Knockdown of ADAR1 in H1581 cells induced a rounded cellular morphology with reduced pseudopodia. Concomitantly, it suppressed cell proliferation, invasion, migration, and in vivo tumorigenesis. It also suppressed ERK phosphorylation and downregulated cellular Finkel-Biskis-Jinkins murine osteosarcoma viral oncogene homolog (c-FOS), MMP-9, N-cadherin, and Vimentin. Conversely, ADAR1 p150 overexpression in PC9 cells enhanced ERK phosphorylation and increased c-FOS and MMP-9 expression.
CONCLUSIONS
High ADAR1 expression is closely associated with poor prognosis and distant metastasis in NSCLC patients. Mechanistically, ADAR1 may promote proliferation, invasion, migration, and tumorigenesis in lung cancer cells via the ERK/c-FOS/MMP-9 axis.
Humans
;
Lung Neoplasms/physiopathology*
;
Adenosine Deaminase/genetics*
;
Matrix Metalloproteinase 9/genetics*
;
Cell Proliferation
;
Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung/physiopathology*
;
Cell Movement
;
Animals
;
Mice
;
RNA-Binding Proteins/genetics*
;
Female
;
Male
;
Cell Line, Tumor
;
Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-fos/genetics*
;
Middle Aged
;
MAP Kinase Signaling System
;
Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
;
Mice, Nude
;
Extracellular Signal-Regulated MAP Kinases/genetics*
10.Mechanism of Asperosaponin VI Related to EGFR/MMP9/AKT/PI3K Pathway in Treatment of Rheumtoid Arthritis.
Jin-Fang LUO ; Yang YU ; Jian-Xin LIU
Chinese journal of integrative medicine 2025;31(2):131-141
OBJECTIVE:
To explore the mechanism of action of asperosaponin VI (AVI) in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and validate it in ex vivo experiments using network pharmacology and molecular docking methods.
METHODS:
The predicted targets of AVI were obtained from PharmMaper, UniProt and SwissTarget Prediction platforms, the disease targets were collected from Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man, Therapeutic Target Database and GeneCards databases, the intersection targets of AVI and RA were obtained from Venny 2.1.0, and the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was obtained from STRING database, which was analyzed by Cytoscape software and screened to obtain the core targets. Cytoscape software was used to analyze PPI network and screen the core targets. Based on the Database for Annotation, Visualization and Integrated Discovery database, Gene Ontology functional and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analysis were performed, and Cytoscape software was used to construct the "Disease-Pathway-Target-Drug" network, which was finally verified by molecular docking and animal experiments.
RESULTS:
Network pharmacological studies showed that AVI was able to modulate 289 targets, with 102 targets for the potential treatment of RA, with the core pathway being the AKT/PI3K signaling pathway, and the core targets being the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9). Molecular docking results showed that AVI could produce strong binding with both of the 2 core targets. In vitro cellular experiments showed that AVI reduced nitric oxide, prostaglandin E2, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and IL-1 β levels (P<0.05) and inhibited cyclooxygenase-2, nitric oxide synthase, EGFR, MMP9, phosphorylated phosphoinositide 3-kinase (p-PI3K), and phosphorylated serine-threonine kinase (p-AKT) proteins (P<0.05). The results of in vivo studies showed that AVI improved RA score and foot swelling thickness and decreased TNF-α, IL-6, p-PI3K and p-AKT levels in RA rats (P<0.05).
CONCLUSION
AVI exerts anti-inflammatory and anti-RA effects which might be related to the EGFR/MMP9/AKT/PI3K pathway.
Saponins/chemistry*
;
ErbB Receptors/metabolism*
;
Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases/metabolism*
;
Signal Transduction/drug effects*
;
Molecular Docking Simulation
;
Animals
;
Arthritis, Rheumatoid/drug therapy*
;
Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt/metabolism*
;
Matrix Metalloproteinase 9/metabolism*
;
Protein Interaction Maps/drug effects*
;
Humans
;
Network Pharmacology
;
Male
;
Rats

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