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Drug Discovery Today Dec 2023Inflammation and cell death processes positively control the organ homeostasis of an organism. Receptor-interacting protein kinase 1 (RIPK1), a member of the RIPK... (Review)
Review
Inflammation and cell death processes positively control the organ homeostasis of an organism. Receptor-interacting protein kinase 1 (RIPK1), a member of the RIPK family, is a crucial regulator of cell death and inflammation, and control homeostasis at the cellular and tissue level. Necroptosis, a programmed form of necrosis-mediated cell death and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-induced necrotic cell death, is mostly regulated by RIPK1 kinase activity. Thus, RIPK1 has recently emerged as an upstream kinase that controls multiple cellular pathways and participates in regulating inflammation and cell death. All the major cell types in the central nervous system (CNS) have been found to express RIPK1. Selective inhibition of RIPK1 has been shown to prevent neuronal cell death, which could ultimately lead to a significant reduction of neurodegeneration and neuroinflammation. In addition, the kinase structure of RIPK1 is highly conducive to the development of specific pharmacological small-molecule inhibitors. These factors have led to the emergence of RIPK1 as an important therapeutic target for Alzheimer's disease (AD).
Topics: Humans; Apoptosis; Alzheimer Disease; Necrosis; Protein Kinases; Inflammation; Receptor-Interacting Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases
PubMed: 37633326
DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2023.103750 -
International Journal of Molecular... Dec 2023Forsythiaside A (FA) is an active constituent isolated from , a beneficial herb used in traditional medicine known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties....
Forsythiaside A (FA) is an active constituent isolated from , a beneficial herb used in traditional medicine known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Although various studies have suggested that FA has the protective effects, its impacts on arachidonic acid (AA) plus iron in vitro models and carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄)-induced mouse liver damage in vivo have not been explored. In this study, HepG2 cells were subjected to AA + iron treatment to induce apoptosis and mitochondrial impairment and determine the molecular mechanisms. FA exhibited protective effects by inhibiting cell damage and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production induced by AA + iron, as assessed via immunoblot and flow cytometry analyses. Further molecular investigations revealed that FA resulted in the activation of extracellular-signal-related protein kinase (ERK), which subsequently triggered the activation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), a critical regulator of cellular oxidative stress. Additionally, FA modulated the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling pathway, which is a significant antioxidant transcription factor regulated by the AMPK pathway. For in vivo studies, mice were orally administered FA and then subjected to induction of CCl₄-based hepatotoxicity. The protective effect of FA was confirmed via blood biochemistry and immunohistochemical analyses. In conclusion, our findings demonstrated the protective effects of FA against oxidative stress both in vitro and in vivo, thus indicating that FA is a potential candidate for liver protection. Our study sheds light on the mechanistic pathways involved in the antioxidant effects of FA, highlighting the hepatoprotective potential of naturally occurring compounds in traditional herbs, such as FA.
Topics: Animals; Mice; AMP-Activated Protein Kinases; Antioxidants; NF-E2-Related Factor 2; Oxidative Stress; Signal Transduction; Reactive Oxygen Species; Extracellular Signal-Regulated MAP Kinases; Iron
PubMed: 38069356
DOI: 10.3390/ijms242317033 -
Vascular Pharmacology Dec 2023Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the primary cause of morbidity and mortality in the Western world. Multiple molecular and cellular processes underpinning the... (Review)
Review
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the primary cause of morbidity and mortality in the Western world. Multiple molecular and cellular processes underpinning the pathogenesis of CVD are regulated by the zinc finger transcription factor and product of an immediate-early gene, early growth response-1 (Egr-1). Egr-1 regulates multiple pro-inflammatory processes that underpin the manifestation of CVD. The activity of Egr-1 itself is influenced by a range of post-translational modifications including sumoylation, ubiquitination and acetylation. Egr-1 also undergoes phosphorylation by protein kinases, such as extracellular-signal regulated kinase (ERK) which is itself phosphorylated by MEK. This article reviews recent progress on the MEK-ERK-Egr-1 cascade, notably regulation in conjunction with factors and agents such as TET2, TRIB2, MIAT, SphK1, cAMP, teneligliptin, cholinergic drugs, red wine and flavonoids, wogonin, febuxostat, docosahexaenoic acid and AT1R blockade. Such insights should provide new opportunity for therapeutic intervention in CVD.
Topics: Humans; Extracellular Signal-Regulated MAP Kinases; Cardiovascular Diseases; Transcription Factors; Phosphorylation; Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Kinases; Calcium-Calmodulin-Dependent Protein Kinases
PubMed: 37734428
DOI: 10.1016/j.vph.2023.107232 -
Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase and Exploratory Nuclear Receptor Crosstalk in Cancer Immunotherapy.International Journal of Molecular... Sep 2023The three major mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways (ERK1/2, p38, and JNK/SAPK) are upstream regulators of the nuclear receptor superfamily (NRSF). These... (Review)
Review
The three major mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways (ERK1/2, p38, and JNK/SAPK) are upstream regulators of the nuclear receptor superfamily (NRSF). These ligand-activated transcription factors are divided into subclasses comprising receptors for endocrine hormones, metabolic compounds (e.g., vitamins, diet), xenobiotics, and mediators released from host immune reactions such as tissue injury and inflammation. These internal and external cues place the NRSF at the frontline as sensors and translators of information from the environment towards the genome. For most of the former "orphan" receptors, physiological and synthetic ligands have been identified, opening intriguing opportunities for combination therapies with existing cancer medications. Hitherto, only preclinical data are available, warranting further validation in clinical trials in patients. The current review summarized the existing literature covering the expression and function of NRSF subclasses in human solid tumors and hematopoietic malignancies and their modulatory effects on innate (e.g., macrophages, dendritic cells) and adaptive (i.e., T cell subsets) immune cells, encouraging mechanistic and pharmacological studies in combination with current clinically approved therapeutics against immune checkpoint molecules (e.g., PD1).
Topics: Humans; Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases; p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases; JNK Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases; Receptors, Cytoplasmic and Nuclear; Immunotherapy; Neoplasms
PubMed: 37833991
DOI: 10.3390/ijms241914546 -
Inflammopharmacology Oct 2023Curcumin (diferuloylmethane) is a herbal remedy which possesses numerous biological attributes including anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and anti-cancer properties.... (Review)
Review
Curcumin (diferuloylmethane) is a herbal remedy which possesses numerous biological attributes including anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and anti-cancer properties. Curcumin has been shown to impact a number of signaling pathways including nuclear factor kappa B (NF-KB), reactive oxygen species (ROS), Wingless/Integrated (Wnt), Janus kinase-signal transducer and activator of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and transcription (JAK/STAT). P38 belongs to the MAPKs, is known as a stress-activated MAPK and is involved in diverse biological responses. P38 is activated in various signaling cascades. P38 plays a role in inflammation, cell differentiation, proliferation, motility and survival. This cascade can serve as a therapeutic target in many disorders. Extensive evidence confirms that curcumin impacts the P38 MAPK signaling pathway, through which it exerts anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and apoptotic effects. Hence, curcumin can positively affect inflammatory disorders and cancers, as well as to increase glucose uptake in cells. This review discusses the pharmacological and therapeutic effects of curcumin as effected through p38 MAPK.
Topics: Curcumin; p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases; Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases; Signal Transduction; NF-kappa B; Janus Kinases; MAP Kinase Signaling System
PubMed: 37498375
DOI: 10.1007/s10787-023-01265-2 -
MBio Aug 2023Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the causative agent of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, drastically modifies infected...
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the causative agent of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, drastically modifies infected cells to optimize virus replication. One such modification is the activation of the host p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway, which plays a major role in inflammatory cytokine production, a hallmark of severe COVID-19. We previously demonstrated that inhibition of p38/MAPK activity in SARS-CoV-2-infected cells reduced both cytokine production and viral replication. Here, we combined quantitative genetic screening, genomics, proteomics, and phosphoproteomics to better understand mechanisms underlying the dependence of SARS-CoV-2 on the p38 pathway. We found that p38β is a critical host factor for SARS-CoV-2 replication in multiple relevant cell lines and that it functions at a step after viral mRNA expression. We identified putative host and viral p38β substrates in the context of SARS-CoV-2 infection and found that most host substrates have intrinsic antiviral activities. Taken together, this study reveals a unique proviral function for p38β and supports exploring p38β inhibitor development as a strategy toward creating a new class of COVID-19 therapies. IMPORTANCE SARS-CoV-2 is the causative agent of the COVID-19 pandemic that has claimed millions of lives since its emergence in 2019. SARS-CoV-2 infection of human cells requires the activity of several cellular pathways for successful replication. One such pathway, the p38 MAPK pathway, is required for virus replication and disease pathogenesis. Here, we applied systems biology approaches to understand how MAPK pathways benefit SARS-CoV-2 replication to inform the development of novel COVID-19 drug therapies.
Topics: Humans; COVID-19; Cytokines; p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases; Pandemics; SARS-CoV-2; Virus Replication; Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 11
PubMed: 37345956
DOI: 10.1128/mbio.01007-23 -
Life Sciences Jan 2024Increased vascular calcification (VC) is observed in patients with cardiovascular diseases such as atherosclerosis, diabetes, and chronic kidney disease. VC is divided... (Review)
Review
Increased vascular calcification (VC) is observed in patients with cardiovascular diseases such as atherosclerosis, diabetes, and chronic kidney disease. VC is divided into three types according to its location: intimal, medial, and valvular. Various cellular signaling pathways are associated with VC, including the Wnt, mitogen-activated protein kinase, phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase/Akt, cyclic nucleotide-dependent protein kinase, protein kinase C, calcium/calmodulin-dependent kinase II, adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase/mammalian target of rapamycin, Ras homologous GTPase, apoptosis, Notch, and cytokine signaling pathways. In this review, we discuss the literature concerning the key cellular signaling pathways associated with VC and their role as potential therapeutic targets. Inhibitors to these pathways represent good candidates for use as potential therapeutic agents for the prevention and treatment of VC.
Topics: Humans; Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases; Sirolimus; Atherosclerosis; Signal Transduction; Vascular Calcification
PubMed: 38042282
DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2023.122309 -
Plant Physiology Sep 2023Brassinosteroids play an essential role in promoting skotomorphogenesis, yet the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. Here we report that a plant-specific BLISTER (BLI)...
Brassinosteroids play an essential role in promoting skotomorphogenesis, yet the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. Here we report that a plant-specific BLISTER (BLI) protein functions as a positive regulator of both BR signaling and skotomorphogenesis in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). We found that the glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK3)-like kinase BRASSINOSTEROID INSENSITIVE2 interacts with and phosphorylates BLI at 4 phosphorylation sites (Ser70, Ser146, Thr256, and Ser267) for degradation; in turn, BR inhibits degradation of BLI. Specifically, BLI cooperates with the BRASSINAZOLE RESISTANT1 (BZR1) transcription factor to facilitate the transcriptional activation of BR-responsive genes. Genetic analyses indicated that BLI is essentially required for BZR1-mediated hypocotyl elongation in the dark. Intriguingly, we reveal that BLI and BZR1 orchestrate the transcriptional expression of gibberellin (GA) biosynthetic genes to promote the production of bioactive GAs. Our results demonstrate that BLI acts as an essential regulator of Arabidopsis skotomorphogenesis by promoting BR signaling and GA biosynthesis.
Topics: Arabidopsis; Arabidopsis Proteins; DNA-Binding Proteins; Phosphorylation; Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3; Brassinosteroids; Plant Proteins; Gene Expression Regulation, Plant; Protein Kinases
PubMed: 37335918
DOI: 10.1093/plphys/kiad353 -
International Journal of Molecular... Sep 2023The three major MAP-kinase (MAPK) pathways, ERK1/2, p38 and JNK/SAPK, are upstream regulators of the nuclear "hormone" receptor superfamily (NHRSF), with a prime example... (Review)
Review
The three major MAP-kinase (MAPK) pathways, ERK1/2, p38 and JNK/SAPK, are upstream regulators of the nuclear "hormone" receptor superfamily (NHRSF), with a prime example given by the estrogen receptor in breast cancer. These ligand-activated transcription factors exert non-genomic and genomic functions, where they are either post-translationally modified by phosphorylation or directly interact with components of the MAPK pathways, events that govern their transcriptional activity towards target genes involved in cell differentiation, proliferation, metabolism and host immunity. This molecular crosstalk takes place not only in normal epithelial or tumor cells, but also in a plethora of immune cells from the adaptive and innate immune system in the tumor-stroma tissue microenvironment. Thus, the drugability of both the MAPK and the NHRSF pathways suggests potential for intervention therapies, especially for cancer immunotherapy. This review summarizes the existing literature covering the expression and function of NHRSF subclasses in human tumors, both solid and leukemias, and their effects in combination with current clinically approved therapeutics against immune checkpoint molecules (e.g., PD1).
Topics: Humans; Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases; Immunotherapy; Receptors, Cytoplasmic and Nuclear; Phosphorylation; Cell Differentiation; Neoplasms
PubMed: 37686465
DOI: 10.3390/ijms241713661 -
Plant Signaling & Behavior Dec 2023Hypoxia triggers reactive oxygen species (ROS)-induced elevation in cytoplasmic calcium (Ca) in the plant cells. Calcium-dependent protein kinase 12 (CPK12) acts as a...
Hypoxia triggers reactive oxygen species (ROS)-induced elevation in cytoplasmic calcium (Ca) in the plant cells. Calcium-dependent protein kinase 12 (CPK12) acts as a sensor to recognize the Ca signature and is activated by autophosphorylation. Then, the CPK12 moves into the nucleus with the help of phosphatidic acid (PA) and phosphorylates ERF-VII family proteins that activate hypoxia signaling and response. The study provides a novel mechanism of hypoxia signaling in plants. Moreover, the mechanism of hypoxia-specific Ca signature generation remains elusive.
Topics: Protein Kinases; Hypoxia; Cell Hypoxia; Phosphorylation; Calcium; Reactive Oxygen Species
PubMed: 37875477
DOI: 10.1080/15592324.2023.2273593