1.Advances in pharmacological research for retinopathy of prematurity.
Yanxi XIE ; Suilian ZHENG ; Hui YANG
Journal of Zhejiang University. Medical sciences 2025;54(3):411-421
Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a proliferative retinal vascular disease that threatens the vision of premature infants. Various novel drugs have demonstrated therapeutic potential for ROP by targeting signaling pathways associated with vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) [such as PI3K/AKT, hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α/VEGF], oxidative stress, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and Notch pathways. Propranolol, insulin-like growth factor-1, and celecoxib attenuate pathological neovascularization via the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Tripterine and melatonin inhibit retinal neovascularization by modulating the HIF-1α/VEGF signaling axis. Adiponectin mitigates the damage caused by oxidative stress and preserves endothelial function by enhancing endothelial nitric oxide synthase activity. Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids suppress TNF-α-mediated inflammatory responses, modulate retinal development and angiogenesis, and reduce retinal neovascular lesions. DAPT, a γ-secretase inhibitor, blocks Notch signaling to suppress abnormal vascular proliferation. These agents exhibit synergistic multi-pathway anti-angiogenic effects in preclinical models and early-phase clinical trials, offering critical insights for advancing drug development and clinical translation in ROP management.
Retinopathy of Prematurity/metabolism*
;
Humans
;
Signal Transduction/drug effects*
;
Infant, Newborn
;
Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A/metabolism*
;
Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1, alpha Subunit/metabolism*
;
Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/metabolism*
;
Oxidative Stress/drug effects*
;
Fatty Acids, Omega-3/therapeutic use*
;
Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases/metabolism*
;
Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt/metabolism*
;
Receptors, Notch/metabolism*
;
Angiogenesis Inhibitors/therapeutic use*
;
Insulin-Like Growth Factor I/therapeutic use*
2.Research Progress on the Role of Notch Signaling Pathway in Small Cell Lung Cancer.
Feixue GU ; Kaiyue ZHAO ; Hengshuo YAN ; Dongxin SUI
Chinese Journal of Lung Cancer 2025;28(7):513-520
Small cell lung cancer (SCLC), a highly aggressive subtype of lung cancer that originates from pulmonary neuroendocrine cells, accounts for 10% to 15% of all lung cancers. It is characterized by a high rate of early metastasis and extremely poor prognosis, often accompanied by challenges such as drug resistance and recurrence. Related researches indicates that the Notch signaling pathway plays a crucial role in the occurrence and development of SCLC by regulating processes such as cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. In SCLC, abnormal Notch signaling may promote tumor malignancy and the occurrence of drug resistance. Additionally, the Notch pathway is involved in the epithelial-mesenchymal transition of SCLC and influences immune escape mechanisms through interactions with the tumor immune microenvironment. This article reviews the molecular mechanisms of Notch signaling in SCLC, including the roles of its receptors and ligands, signal transduction processes, and its role in tumorigenesis. It also discusses the research progress of Notch signaling as a potential therapeutic target and looks forward to future research directions in this field.
.
Humans
;
Receptors, Notch/genetics*
;
Signal Transduction
;
Small Cell Lung Carcinoma/pathology*
;
Lung Neoplasms/pathology*
;
Animals
3.Effect of astragaloside IV on osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs in osteoporotic rats via regulation of miR-21 and inhibition of the Notch signaling pathway.
Jingjing XIAO ; Xiaolan LIU ; Jianying HUANG ; Ben DOU
Journal of Central South University(Medical Sciences) 2025;50(7):1126-1136
OBJECTIVES:
The core pathology of osteoporosis lies in bone resorption exceeding bone formation; thus, promoting osteogenesis is a key therapeutic strategy. The osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) forms the biological basis of bone formation. Astragaloside IV (A-IV), a major active component of Astragalus membranaceus, is known to enhance osteogenesis, but its precise molecular mechanisms remain unclear. This study aims to investigate the effects of A-IV on the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs from osteoporotic rats and to elucidate its molecular mechanism through the regulation of microRNA-21 (miR-21) and Notch2 expression.
METHODS:
After 1 week of adaptive feeding, mature female SD rats were randomly divided into a sham-operated (Sham) group (n=4) and an ovariectomized (OVX) group (n=8) to establish an osteoporosis model. Twelve weeks after surgery, BMSCs were isolated from femoral bone marrow and cultured. Cells were divided into a S-BMSCs group (from Sham), an O-BMSCs group (from OVX), and an A-BMSCs group (from OVX-derived BMSCs treated with A-IV). S-BMSCs and O-BMSCs were induced for osteogenic differentiation using osteogenic induction medium, whereas A-BMSCs were treated with A-IV before induction. Flow cytometry was used to identify mesenchymal stem cell surface markers (CD29) and hematopoietic stem cell marker (CD34) to confirm BMSC characteristics. Cell proliferation was assessed using the methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) assay. Alizarin red staining was performed to quantify calcium nodule formation, and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity assays were used to evaluate osteogenic differentiation. Real-time reverse transcription PCR (real-time RT-PCR) was used to detect changes in osteogenic-related genes, runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2) and osteopontin (OPN), as well as miR-21 expression. Western blotting was performed to assess Runx2, OPN, and Notch2 protein expression.
RESULTS:
Flow cytometry confirmed that O-BMSCs retained the phenotypic characteristics of mesenchymal stem cells. A-IV significantly enhanced the proliferation of BMSCs from osteoporotic rats (P<0.05), increased ALP activity, and upregulated the mRNA and protein expression of Runx2 and OPN (P<0.05). Bioinformatic and experimental analyses demonstrated that miR-21 directly targeted Notch2. A-IV treatment increased miR-21 expression while suppressing Notch2 protein expression and inhibiting activation of the Notch signaling pathway (P<0.05).
CONCLUSIONS
Astragaloside IV promotes the osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs derived from osteoporotic rats by upregulating miR-21 expression and inhibiting the key Notch signaling protein Notch2, thereby relieving the Notch2-mediated suppression of osteogenesis.
Animals
;
Triterpenes/pharmacology*
;
Saponins/pharmacology*
;
Osteogenesis/drug effects*
;
MicroRNAs/metabolism*
;
Rats, Sprague-Dawley
;
Female
;
Cell Differentiation/drug effects*
;
Mesenchymal Stem Cells/drug effects*
;
Signal Transduction/drug effects*
;
Osteoporosis/pathology*
;
Rats
;
Cells, Cultured
;
Receptor, Notch2/metabolism*
;
Receptors, Notch/metabolism*
;
Ovariectomy
;
Cell Proliferation/drug effects*
4.High expression of DTX2 promotes proliferation, invasion and epithelial-mesenchymal transition of oxaliplatin-resistant colorectal cancer cells.
Zhennan MA ; Fuquan LIU ; Xuefeng ZHAO ; Xiaowei ZHANG
Journal of Southern Medical University 2025;45(4):829-836
OBJECTIVES:
To investigate the role of DTX2 in regulating biological behaviors of oxaliplatin-resistant colorectal cancer cells (CRC/OXA cells).
METHODS:
CCK8 assay was used to determine the inhibition rate of oxaliplatin-treated CRC cells. A CRC/OXA cell line was constructed, in which DTX2 expression level was detected. The cells were transfected with a DTX2-shRNA plasmid or co-transfected with DTX2-shRNA and pcDNA-Notch2, and the changes in cell proliferation, migration and invasion ability were evaluated using plate cloning assay, scratch assay and Transwell invasion assay. The expression levels of Notch2, NICD and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) proteins of the transfected cells were detected with Western blotting. In a nude mouse model bearing SW620/OXA cell xenografts, the effects of DTX2 knockdown and Notch2 overexpression in the implanted cells on tumor growth and protein expressions were tested.
RESULTS:
The IC50 of oxaliplatin was 6.00 μmol/L in SW620 cells and 8.00 μmol/L in LoVo cells. CRC/OXA cells showed a significantly increased expression of DTX2. DTX2 knockdown in CRC/OXA cells significantly inhibited cell proliferation, migration and invasion, and these effects were reversed by co-transfection of the cells with pcDNA-Notch2. DTX2 knockdown significantly reduced the expression levels of Notch2, NICD and vimentin proteins and increased E-cadherin expression in CRC/OXA cells, and co-transfection with pcDNA-Notch2 potently attenuated the changes in these proteins. In the tumor-bearing mice, DTX2 overexpression obviously promoted the growth of SW620/OXA cell xenograft, enhanced the protein expressions of Notch2, NICD and vimentin, and lowered the expression of E-cadherin.
CONCLUSIONS
High expression of DTX2 promotes proliferation, migration, invasion and EMT of CRC/OXA cells through the Notch2 signaling pathway, suggesting the potential of DTX2 as a target to improve the efficacy of oxaliplatin.
Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition
;
Humans
;
Cell Proliferation
;
Oxaliplatin
;
Colorectal Neoplasms/metabolism*
;
Animals
;
Drug Resistance, Neoplasm
;
Receptor, Notch2/metabolism*
;
Cell Line, Tumor
;
Mice, Nude
;
Cell Movement
;
Organoplatinum Compounds/pharmacology*
;
Neoplasm Invasiveness
;
Mice
5.Danzhi Jiangtang Capsule improves renal vascular endothelial function in rats with diabetic nephropathy by downregulating the Notch1/NICD/MAML1 signaling pathway.
Sijia ZHU ; Jingcheng MA ; Yujiao ZHENG ; Chuanyun WU ; Jiangen ZHAO ; Lingxiu LI ; Li WANG ; Xuemei ZHOU
Journal of Southern Medical University 2025;45(10):2250-2257
OBJECTIVES:
To investigate the therapeutic mechanism of Danzhi Jiangtang Capsule (DZJTC) for repairing renal vascular endothelial injury in rats with diabetic nephropathy (DN).
METHODS:
Fifty male SD rat models of DN, established by left nephrectomy, high-sugar and high-fat diet and streptozotocin injection, were randomized into DN model group, low-, medium-, and high-dose DZJTC treatment groups, and DAPT (a γ-secretase inhibitor) treatment group, with 10 rats with normal feeding as the control group. DZJTC was administered by daily gavage at 0.315, 0.63, or 1.26 g/kg, and DAPT (20 mg/kg, dissolved in 50% CMC-Na solution) was given by gavage every other day for 4 weeks; normal saline was given in the control and model groups. After treatment, the levels of creatinine (CRE), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and microalbuminuria (mALB) were detected with ELISA, and renal pathologies were observed by transmission electron microscopy. Renal expressions of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and endothelin-1 (ET-1) were measured by immunohistochemistry, and the protein expressions of CD31 and Notch signaling pathway components were detected using Western blotting.
RESULTS:
The rat models of DN showed significantly increased CRE, BUN, and mALB levels, obvious renal pathologies under electron microscopy, increased renal VEGF, ET-1 and CD31 expressions, and upregulated Notch1, NICD, and MAML1 protein levels. Treatment with DZJTC at the 3 doses and DAPT significantly reduced CRE, BUN, and mALB levels, improved renal pathology, decreased VEGF, ET-1 and CD31 expressions, and lowered Notch1, NICD and MAML1 levels, and the effects were the most pronounced with high-dose DZJTC.
CONCLUSIONS
DZJTC ameliorates hyperproliferation and dysfunction of renal vascular endothelium in DN rats possibly by regulating renal VEGF and ET-1 levels via inhibiting NICD- and MAML1-mediated Notch signaling pathway.
Animals
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Male
;
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use*
;
Rats
;
Rats, Sprague-Dawley
;
Signal Transduction/drug effects*
;
Diabetic Nephropathies/drug therapy*
;
Receptor, Notch1/metabolism*
;
Kidney/blood supply*
;
Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental
;
Down-Regulation
;
Endothelium, Vascular/metabolism*
;
Nuclear Proteins/metabolism*
6.Canonical and noncanonical NOTCH signaling in the nongenetic resistance of cancer: distinct and concerted control.
Xianzhe HUANG ; Wenwei CHEN ; Yanyan WANG ; Dmytro SHYTIKOV ; Yanwen WANG ; Wangyi ZHU ; Ruyi CHEN ; Yuwei HE ; Yanjia YANG ; Wei GUO
Frontiers of Medicine 2025;19(1):23-52
Therapeutic resistance in cancer is responsible for numerous cancer deaths in clinical practice. While target mutations are well recognized as the basis of genetic resistance to targeted therapy, nontarget mutation resistance (or nongenetic resistance) remains poorly characterized. Despite its complex and unintegrated mechanisms in the literature, nongenetic resistance is considered from our perspective to be a collective response of innate or acquired resistant subpopulations in heterogeneous tumors to therapy. These subpopulations, e.g., cancer stem-like cells, cancer cells with epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, and drug-tolerant persisters, are protected by their resistance traits at cellular and molecular levels. This review summarizes recent advances in the research on resistant populations and their resistance traits. NOTCH signaling, as a central regulator of nongenetic resistance, is discussed with a special focus on its canonical maintenance of resistant cancer cells and noncanonical regulation of their resistance traits. This novel view of canonical and noncanonical NOTCH signaling pathways is translated into our proposal of reshaping therapeutic strategies targeting NOTCH signaling in resistant cancer cells. We hope that this review will lead researchers to study the canonical and noncanonical arms of NOTCH signaling as an integrated resistant mechanism, thus promoting the development of innovative therapeutic strategies.
Neoplasms/metabolism*
;
Receptors, Notch/metabolism*
;
Disease Resistance/physiology*
;
Signal Transduction/physiology*
;
Humans
;
Drug Resistance, Neoplasm/physiology*
;
Molecular Targeted Therapy/methods*
7.LncRNA-UCA1-microRNA-143-Notch1 regulates autophagy in myocardial ischemia reperfusion injury induced by cardiopulmonary bypass.
Lingzhi JIANG ; Mingshan WANG ; Ye SHEN
Chinese Critical Care Medicine 2025;37(6):576-582
OBJECTIVE:
To observe the degree of myocardial cell injury and the changes in autophagy level in rats with myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury induced by cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), and to explore the regulatory role of the long non-coding RNA-urothelial carcinoma antigen 1-microRNA-143-Notch1 axis (lncRNA-UCA1-miR-143-Notch1 axis) in myocardial I/R injury induced by CPB.
METHODS:
Healthy male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into the following groups using the random number method: Sham operation (Sham) group, myocardial I/R injury model group (model group), empty lentivirus group, lncRNA-UCA1 upregulation group, miR-143 downregulation group, and lncRNA-UCA1 upregulation+miR-143 upregulation group, with 9 rats in each group. The rat model of myocardial I/R injury induced by CPB was established by thoracotomy aortic ligation under cardiopulmonary bypass support; in the Sham group, only threading was performed without ligation, and other procedures were the same. Seventy-two hours before modeling, the lncRNA-UCA1 upregulated group was injected with 100 μL of myocardial tissue-specific adeno-associated virus (AAV) overexpression vector of lncRNA-UCA1 via tail vein, the miR-143 downregulated group was injected with 100 μL of AAV short hairpin RNA (shRNA) vector of miR-143 via tail vein, the lncRNA-UCA1 upregulation+miR-143 upregulation group was injected with 100 μL of myocardial tissue-AAV overexpression vector of lncRNA-UCA1 and 100 μL of AAV overexpression vector of miR-143 via tail vein, and the empty vector lentivirus group was injected with 100 μL of AAV empty vector (virus titers were 1×109 TU/mL); the Sham group and the model group were injected with equal amounts of normal saline. The animals were euthanized 24 hours after intervention and cardiac tissue specimens were collected. After hematoxylin eosin (HE) staining, the damage of myocardial cells and the changes of muscle fiber tissue were observed under a light microscope; after dual staining with uranyl acetate and lead citrate, the ultrastructural damage of heart tissue was observed under a transmission electron microscopy; the expression of lncRNA-UCA1, miR-143, and Notch1 mRNA in myocardial tissue was detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR); the expression of microtubule 1 light chain 3-II/I (LC3-II/I) and Notch1 protein in myocardial tissue was detected by Western blotting.
RESULTS:
Compared with the Sham group, the myocardial cells of rats in the model group were enlarged, the intercellular space increased, autophagosomes increased, the arrangement of myocardial fibers was disordered, mitochondrial proliferated and deformed. The expression levels of lncRNA-UCA1 and Notch1 mRNA, as well as the protein expression levels of LC3-II/I and Notch1 were significantly increased, while the expression level of miR-143 was significantly decreased. Compared with the model group, the degree of myocardial cell injury in the lncRNA-UCA1 upregulation group and miR-143 downregulation group was significantly alleviated, the expression levels of Notch1 mRNA, LC3-II/I, and Notch1 protein were significantly increased [Notch1 mRNA (2-ΔΔCt): 2.66±0.24, 2.03±0.23 vs. 1.45±0.13, LC3-II/I: 2.10±0.21, 1.92±0.19 vs. 1.39±0.14, Notch1 protein (Notch1/GAPDH): 1.72±0.16, 1.57±0.16 vs. 1.34±0.13, all P < 0.05], and the expression level of miR-143 was significantly decreased (2-ΔΔCt: 0.50±0.06, 0.52±0.06 vs.0.71±0.06, P < 0.05). The expression level of lncRNA-UCA1 in the lncRNA-UCA1 upregulated group was significantly higher than that in the model group (2-ΔΔCt: 2.47±0.22 vs. 1.43±0.14, P < 0.05), while there was no significant difference in the miR-143 downregulation group compared with the model group (2-ΔΔCt: 1.50±0.16 vs. 1.43±0.14, P > 0.05). There was no significant difference in the degree of myocardial cell injury in the empty load lentivirus group and the lncRNA-UCA1 upregulation+miR-143 upregulation group compared to the model group. There were no significant differences in the expression of miR-143, Notch1 mRNA, and the autophagy level in these two groups compared to the model group. The expression level of lncRNA-UCA1 in the lncRNA-UCA1 upregulation+miR-143 upregulation group was significantly higher than that in the model group (2-ΔΔCt: 2.47±0.20 vs. 1.43±0.14, P < 0.05).
CONCLUSIONS
Autophagy is involved in the pathological process of myocardial I/R injury induced by CPB. The lncRNA-UCA1-microRNA-143-Notch1 axis may regulate the autophagy level to participate in the I/R injury process.
Animals
;
MicroRNAs
;
Rats, Sprague-Dawley
;
RNA, Long Noncoding
;
Male
;
Myocardial Reperfusion Injury/etiology*
;
Rats
;
Cardiopulmonary Bypass/adverse effects*
;
Receptor, Notch1/metabolism*
;
Autophagy
8.Inhibitory effect of electroacupuncture on microglial activation via Notch1/Hes1 pathway in Parkinson's disease mice.
Jinxu JIANG ; Yang LIU ; Huijie FAN ; Tiansheng ZHANG ; Liran WANG ; Lei XU ; Lixia YANG ; Yunfei SONG ; Cungen MA ; Chongyao HAO ; Zhi CHAI
Chinese Acupuncture & Moxibustion 2025;45(9):1290-1298
OBJECTIVE:
To observe the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) on improving motor function and regulating microglial activation based on Notch receptor 1 (Notch1)/Hes family bHLH transcription factor 1 (Hes1) pathway in mice with Parkinson's disease (PD).
METHODS:
Thirty-six male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into a control group, a model group and an EA group, 12 mice in each group. PD model was established by intraperitoneal injection of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) for 7 consecutive days in the model group and the EA group. From the 1st day of modeling, EA was applied at "Baihui" (GV20) and bilateral "Shenshu" (BL23) in the EA group, with continuous wave, in frequency of 2 Hz and current of 2 mA, 15 min a time, once a day for 14 days continuously. The behavioral performance was evaluated by gait test, pole climbing test and hanging test, the number of positive cells of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and the co-expression positive cells of Notch1/ionized calcium binding adaptor molecule 1 (Iba-1) in the substantia nigra of midbrain was assessed by immunofluorescence, the protein expression of TH, α-synuclein (α-syn), Notch1, Hes1, Iba-1, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), Arginase-1 (ARG1), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6 and IL-10 was detected by Western blot, the mRNA expression of Notch1 and Hes1 was detected by real-time PCR.
RESULTS:
Compared with the control group, in the model group, the stride frequency was accelerated (P<0.001) and the stride length was shortened (P<0.001) for the four limbs, the pole climbing test time was prolonged (P<0.01) and the grip level was reduced (P<0.01); in the substantia nigra of midbrain, the number of positive cells of TH was decreased (P<0.001), the number of co-expression positive cells of Notch1/Iba-1 was increased (P<0.001), the protein expression of α-syn, Notch1, Hes1, Iba-1, iNOS, TNF-α, IL-1βand IL-6 was increased (P<0.01, P<0.05, P<0.001), the protein expression of TH, ARG1 and IL-10 was decreased (P<0.01, P<0.001), the mRNA expression of Notch1 and Hes1 was increased (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, in the EA group, the stride frequency was decelerated (P<0.001) and the stride length was increased (P<0.05, P<0.01, P<0.001) for the four limbs, the pole climbing test time was shortened (P<0.05) and the grip level was increased (P<0.05); in the substantia nigra of midbrain, the number of positive cells of TH was increased (P<0.01), the number of co-expression positive cells of Notch1/Iba-1 was decreased (P<0.001), the protein expression of α-syn, Notch1, Hes1, Iba-1, iNOS, TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β was decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01), the protein expression of TH, ARG1 and IL-10 was increased (P<0.05, P<0.001, P<0.01), the mRNA expression of Notch1 and Hes1 was decreased (P<0.05).
CONCLUSION
EA can improve the behavioral performance and protect the dopaminergic neurons in PD mice, its mechanism may relate to the inhibition of Notch1/Hes1-mediated neuroinflammation, thus inhibiting the microglial activation.
Animals
;
Electroacupuncture
;
Microglia/metabolism*
;
Male
;
Receptor, Notch1/metabolism*
;
Parkinson Disease/physiopathology*
;
Transcription Factor HES-1/metabolism*
;
Mice
;
Mice, Inbred C57BL
;
Humans
;
Signal Transduction
9.FLT3 ligand regulates expansion of regulatory T-cells induced by regulatory dendritic cells isolated from gut-associated lymphoid tissues through the Notch pathway.
Na LI ; Jingwei MAO ; Haiying TANG ; Xiaoyan TAN ; Jian BI ; Hao WU ; Xiuli CHEN ; Yingde WANG
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(13):1595-1606
BACKGROUND:
Regulatory dendritic cell (DCreg) subset exhibits a unique capacity for inducing immune tolerance among the variety subsets of dendritic cells (DCs) within gut-associated lymphoid tissues (GALTs). Fms-like tyrosine kinase 3 ligand (FLT3L) is involved in the differentiation of DCregs and the subsequent expansion of regulatory T-cells (Tregs) mediated by DCregs, though the precise mechanism remains poorly understood. This study aimed to explore the expansion mechanism of Treg induced by DCreg and the role of FLT3L in this process.
METHODS:
DCregs were distinguished from other DC subsets isolated from GALTs of BALB/c mice through a mixed lymphocyte reaction assay. The functions and mechanisms by which FLT3L promoted Treg expansion via DCregs were investigated in vitro through co-culture experiments involving DCregs and either CD4 + CD25 - T-cells or CD4 + CD25 + T-cells. Additionally, an in vivo experiment was conducted using a dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis model in mice.
RESULTS:
CD103 + CD11b + DC exhibited DCreg-like functionality and was identified as DCreg for subsequent investigation. Analysis of Foxp3 + Treg percentages within a co-culture system of CD4 + CD25 - T-cells and DCregs, with or without FLT3L, demonstrated the involvement of the FLT3/FLT3L axis in driving the differentiation of precursor T-cells into Foxp3 + Tregs induced by DCregs. Cell migration and co-culture assays revealed that the FLT3/FLT3L axis enhanced DCreg migration toward Tregs via the Rho pathway. Additionally, it was observed that DCregs could promote Treg proliferation through the Notch pathway, as inhibition of Notch signaling by DAPT (N-[N-(3,5-difluorophenacetyl)-l-alanyl]-S-phenylglycine t-butyl ester) suppressed Treg expansion within the co-culture system of DCregs and CD4 + T-cells or CD4 + CD25 + T-cells. Furthermore, the FLT3/FLT3L axis influenced JAG1 expression in DCregs, indirectly modulating Treg expansion. In vivo experiments further established that FLT3L promoted DCreg expansion and restored Treg balance in DSS-induced colitis models, thereby ameliorating colitis symptoms in mice.
CONCLUSION
The FLT3/FLT3L axis is integral to the maintenance of DCreg function in Treg expansion.
Animals
;
T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory/immunology*
;
Dendritic Cells/immunology*
;
Mice
;
Mice, Inbred BALB C
;
Membrane Proteins/metabolism*
;
Receptors, Notch/metabolism*
;
Lymphoid Tissue/metabolism*
;
Signal Transduction/physiology*
;
Coculture Techniques
;
Flow Cytometry
10.Alleviation of hypoxia/reoxygenation injury in HL-1 cells by ginsenoside Rg_1 via regulating mitochondrial fusion based on Notch1 signaling pathway.
Hui-Yu ZHANG ; Xiao-Shan CUI ; Yuan-Yuan CHEN ; Gao-Jie XIN ; Ce CAO ; Zi-Xin LIU ; Shu-Juan XU ; Jia-Ming GAO ; Hao GUO ; Jian-Hua FU
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(10):2711-2718
This paper explored the specific mechanism of ginsenoside Rg_1 in regulating mitochondrial fusion through the neurogenic gene Notch homologous protein 1(Notch1) pathway to alleviate hypoxia/reoxygenation(H/R) injury in HL-1 cells. The relative viability of HL-1 cells after six hours of hypoxia and two hours of reoxygenation was detected by cell counting kit-8(CCK-8). The lactate dehydrogenase(LDH) activity in the cell supernatant was detected by the lactate substrate method. The content of adenosine triphosphate(ATP) was detected by the luciferin method. Fluorescence probes were used to detect intracellular reactive oxygen species(Cyto-ROS) levels and mitochondrial membrane potential(ΔΨ_m). Mito-Tracker and Actin were co-imaged to detect the number of mitochondria in cells. Fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blot were used to detect the mRNA and protein expression levels of Notch1, mitochondrial fusion protein 2(Mfn2), and mitochondrial fusion protein 1(Mfn1). The results showed that compared with that of the control group, the cell activity of the model group decreased, and the LDH released into the cell culture supernatant increased. The level of Cyto-ROS increased, and the content of ATP decreased. Compared with that of the model group, the cell activity of the ginsenoside Rg_1 group increased, and the LDH released into the cell culture supernatant decreased. The level of Cyto-ROS decreased, and the ATP content increased. Ginsenoside Rg_1 elevated ΔΨ_m and increased mitochondrial quantity in HL-1 cells with H/R injury and had good protection for mitochondria. After H/R injury, the mRNA and protein expression levels of Notch1 and Mfn1 decreased, while the mRNA and protein expression levels of Mfn2 increased. Ginsenoside Rg_1 increased the mRNA and protein levels of Notch1 and Mfn1, and decreased the mRNA and protein levels of Mfn2. Silencing Notch1 inhibited the action of ginsenoside Rg_1, decreased the mRNA and protein levels of Notch1 and Mfn1, and increased the mRNA and protein levels of Mfn2. In summary, ginsenoside Rg_1 regulated mitochondrial fusion through the Notch1 pathway to alleviate H/R injury in HL-1 cells.
Ginsenosides/pharmacology*
;
Receptor, Notch1/genetics*
;
Signal Transduction/drug effects*
;
Mice
;
Animals
;
Mitochondrial Dynamics/drug effects*
;
Mitochondria/metabolism*
;
Cell Line
;
Reactive Oxygen Species/metabolism*
;
Oxygen/metabolism*
;
Cell Hypoxia/drug effects*
;
Cell Survival/drug effects*
;
Membrane Potential, Mitochondrial/drug effects*
;
Humans

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