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Journal of Dermatological Science May 2023Difamilast, a topical phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) inhibitor, has been shown to be effective for treating atopic dermatitis (AD), but the molecular mechanism involved is...
BACKGROUND
Difamilast, a topical phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) inhibitor, has been shown to be effective for treating atopic dermatitis (AD), but the molecular mechanism involved is unclear. Since skin barrier dysfunction including reduced expression of filaggrin (FLG) and loricrin (LOR) contributes to AD development, difamilast treatment may be able to improve this dysfunction. PDE4 inhibition increases transcriptional activity of cAMP-responsive element binding protein (CREB). Therefore, we hypothesized that difamilast may affect FLG and LOR expression via CREB in human keratinocytes.
OBJECTIVE
To elucidate the mechanism by which difamilast regulates FLG and LOR expression via CREB in human keratinocytes.
METHODS
We analyzed normal human epidermal keratinocytes (NHEKs) treated with difamilast.
RESULTS
We observed increases of intracellular cAMP levels and CREB phosphorylation in difamilast (5 μM)-treated NHEKs. Next, we found that difamilast treatment increased mRNA and protein levels of FLG and LOR in NHEKs. Since reduced expression of keratinocyte proline-rich protein (KPRP) is reported to be involved in skin barrier dysfunction in AD, we examined KPRP expression in difamilast-treated NHEKs. We found that difamilast treatment increased mRNA and protein levels of KPRP in NHEKs. Furthermore, KPRP knockdown using siRNA transfection abolished the upregulation of FLG and LOR in difamilast-treated NHEKs. Finally, CREB knockdown canceled the upregulation of FLG, LOR, and KPRP in difamilast-treated NHEKs, indicating that PDE4 inhibition by difamilast treatment positively regulates FLG and LOR expression via the CREB-KPRP axis in NHEKs.
CONCLUSION
These findings may provide further guidance for therapeutic strategies in the treatment of AD using difamilast.
Topics: Humans; Cyclic Nucleotide Phosphodiesterases, Type 4; Filaggrin Proteins; Intermediate Filament Proteins; Keratinocytes; Dermatitis, Atopic; Proline
PubMed: 37156706
DOI: 10.1016/j.jdermsci.2023.04.007 -
Cells Jul 2022In this paper, we summarize the current knowledge of the role of proline metabolism in the control of the identity of Embryonic Stem Cells (ESCs). An imbalance in... (Review)
Review
In this paper, we summarize the current knowledge of the role of proline metabolism in the control of the identity of Embryonic Stem Cells (ESCs). An imbalance in proline metabolism shifts mouse ESCs toward a stable naïve-to-primed intermediate state of pluripotency. Proline-induced cells (PiCs), also named primitive ectoderm-like cells (EPLs), are phenotypically metastable, a trait linked to a rapid and reversible relocalization of E-cadherin from the plasma membrane to intracellular membrane compartments. The ESC-to-PiC transition relies on the activation of Erk and Tgfβ/Activin signaling pathways and is associated with extensive remodeling of the transcriptome, metabolome and epigenome. PiCs maintain several properties of naïve pluripotency (teratoma formation, blastocyst colonization and 3D gastruloid development) and acquire a few traits of primed cells (flat-shaped colony morphology, aerobic glycolysis metabolism and competence for primordial germ cell fate). Overall, the molecular and phenotypic features of PiCs resemble those of an early-primed state of pluripotency, providing a robust model to study the role of metabolic perturbations in pluripotency and cell fate decisions.
Topics: Animals; Blastocyst; Cell Differentiation; Embryonic Stem Cells; Mice; Proline; Transcriptome
PubMed: 35883568
DOI: 10.3390/cells11142125 -
Combinatorial Chemistry & High... 2023L-proline is a natural amino acid having secondary amine functionality and acts as a bifunctional catalyst (organo-catalyst). The amino-functional group acts as Lewis... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
L-proline is a natural amino acid having secondary amine functionality and acts as a bifunctional catalyst (organo-catalyst). The amino-functional group acts as Lewis base type while carboxylic acids act as Brønsted acid type catalysts. It catalyzed different asymmetric syntheses, including known reactions such as Aldol condensation, Mannich reaction, Michael Addition, Knoevenagel condensation, Hantzsch synthesis, OXA-Michael Henry tandem, Ullmann reactions, Wieland-Miescher ketone synthesis, Robinson annulation, Biginelli reaction, α- amination. It is also an essential catalyst for synthesizing heterocyclic skeletons such as coumarin, spiro-oxindoles, imidazoles, benzimidazoles, quinoxalines, podophyllotoxin, benzothiazoles, isoxazolidines, phenothiazines, aziridine, indole, 1,5-benzodiazepines, pyridine, and quinazolines.
OBJECTIVE
In this review, we had the objective to critically summarize the use of proline and proline derivatives as catalysts of multicomponent reactions performed in various media and leading to synthetically and biologically relevant heterocycles, a very important class of compounds that constitutes over 60% of drugs and agrochemicals.
METHODS
All scholarly articles for L-Proline catalyzed reactions were retrieved from ScienceDirect, Google Scholar , PubMed, etc. Results and Conclusion: Given the importance of L-Proline based reactions, it has been observed to have tremendous applications in organic chemistry. It can also act as a 'Green catalyst'.
Topics: Proline; Chemistry, Organic; Amino Acids; Amines; Catalysis
PubMed: 35864793
DOI: 10.2174/1386207325666220720105845 -
Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry Letters Nov 2022The cyclic structure of proline (Pro) confers unique conformational properties on this natural amino acid that influences polypeptide structure and function.... (Review)
Review
The cyclic structure of proline (Pro) confers unique conformational properties on this natural amino acid that influences polypeptide structure and function. Pseudoprolines are a family of Pro isosteres that incorporate a heteroatom, most prominently oxygen or sulfur but also silicon and selenium, to replace the C or C carbon atom of the pyrrolidine ring. These readily synthetically accessible structural motifs can facilitate facile molecular editing in a fashion that allows modulation of the amide bond topology of dipeptide elements and influence over ring pucker. While the properties of pseudoprolines have been exploited most prominently in the design of oligopeptide analogues, they have potential application in the design and optimization of small molecules. In this Digest, we summarize the physicochemical properties of pseudoprolines and illustrate their potential in drug discovery by surveying examples of applications in the design of bioactive molecules.
Topics: Amides; Carbon; Dipeptides; Oligopeptides; Oxygen; Peptides; Proline; Pyrrolidines; Selenium; Silicon; Sulfur; Thiazoles
PubMed: 36096342
DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2022.128983 -
Amino Acids Dec 2021Proline is a non-essential amino acid with key roles in protein structure/function and maintenance of cellular redox homeostasis. It is available from dietary sources,... (Review)
Review
Proline is a non-essential amino acid with key roles in protein structure/function and maintenance of cellular redox homeostasis. It is available from dietary sources, generated de novo within cells, and released from protein structures; a noteworthy source being collagen. Its catabolism within cells can generate ATP and reactive oxygen species (ROS). Recent findings suggest that proline biosynthesis and catabolism are essential processes in disease; not only due to the role in new protein synthesis as part of pathogenic processes but also due to the impact of proline metabolism on the wider metabolic network through its significant role in redox homeostasis. This is particularly clear in cancer proliferation and metastatic outgrowth. Nevertheless, the precise identity of the drivers of cellular proline catabolism and biosynthesis, and the overall cost of maintaining appropriate balance is not currently known. In this review, we explore the major drivers of proline availability and consumption at a local and systemic level with a focus on cancer. Unraveling the main factors influencing proline metabolism in normal physiology and disease will shed light on new effective treatment strategies.
Topics: Animals; Homeostasis; Humans; Neoplasms; Oxidation-Reduction; Proline; Protein Biosynthesis; Reactive Oxygen Species
PubMed: 34291343
DOI: 10.1007/s00726-021-03051-2 -
Journal of Experimental Botany Oct 2021The amino acid proline has been known for many years to be a component of proteins as well as an osmolyte. Many recent studies have demonstrated that proline has other... (Review)
Review
The amino acid proline has been known for many years to be a component of proteins as well as an osmolyte. Many recent studies have demonstrated that proline has other roles such as regulating redox balance and energy status. In animals and plants, the well-described proline cycle is concomitantly responsible for the preferential accumulation of proline and shuttling of redox equivalents from the cytosol to mitochondria. The impact of the proline cycle goes beyond regulating proline levels. In this review, we focus on recent evidence of how the proline cycle regulates redox status in relation to other redox shuttles. We discuss how the interconversion of proline and glutamate shuttles reducing power between cellular compartments. Spatial aspects of the proline cycle in the entire plant are considered in terms of proline transport between organs with different metabolic regimes (photosynthesis versus respiration). Furthermore, we highlight the importance of this shuttle in the regulation of energy and redox power in plants, through a particularly intricate coordination, notably between mitochondria and cytosol.
Topics: Animals; Eukaryota; Mitochondria; Oxidation-Reduction; Photosynthesis; Proline
PubMed: 34331757
DOI: 10.1093/jxb/erab361 -
The Journal of Clinical Investigation Dec 2023Cell lineage plasticity is one of the major causes for the failure of targeted therapies in various cancers. However, the driver and actionable drug targets in promoting...
Cell lineage plasticity is one of the major causes for the failure of targeted therapies in various cancers. However, the driver and actionable drug targets in promoting cancer cell lineage plasticity are scarcely identified. Here, we found that a G protein-coupled receptor, ADORA2A, is specifically upregulated during neuroendocrine differentiation, a common form of lineage plasticity in prostate cancer and lung cancer following targeted therapies. Activation of the ADORA2A signaling rewires the proline metabolism via an ERK/MYC/PYCR cascade. Increased proline synthesis promotes deacetylases SIRT6/7-mediated deacetylation of histone H3 at lysine 27 (H3K27), and thereby biases a global transcriptional output toward a neuroendocrine lineage profile. Ablation of Adora2a in genetically engineered mouse models inhibits the development and progression of neuroendocrine prostate and lung cancers, and, intriguingly, prevents the adenocarcinoma-to-neuroendocrine phenotypic transition. Importantly, pharmacological blockade of ADORA2A profoundly represses neuroendocrine prostate and lung cancer growth in vivo. Therefore, we believe that ADORA2A can be used as a promising therapeutic target to govern the epigenetic reprogramming in neuroendocrine malignancies.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Male; Mice; Cell Line, Tumor; Epigenesis, Genetic; Lung Neoplasms; Proline; Prostate; Prostatic Neoplasms; Sirtuins
PubMed: 38099497
DOI: 10.1172/JCI168670 -
Science Advances Sep 2023Previous studies have revealed a role for proline metabolism in supporting cancer development and metastasis. In this study, we show that many cancer cells respond to...
Previous studies have revealed a role for proline metabolism in supporting cancer development and metastasis. In this study, we show that many cancer cells respond to loss of attachment by accumulating and secreting proline. Detached cells display reduced proliferation accompanied by a general decrease in overall protein production and de novo amino acid synthesis compared to attached cells. However, proline synthesis was maintained under detached conditions. Furthermore, while overall proline incorporation into proteins was lower in detached cells compared to other amino acids, there was an increased production of the proline-rich protein collagen. The increased excretion of proline from detached cells was also shown to be used by macrophages, an abundant and important component of the tumor microenvironment. Our study suggests that detachment induced accumulation and secretion of proline may contribute to tumor progression by supporting increased production of extracellular matrix and providing proline to surrounding stromal cells.
Topics: Proline; Amino Acids; Biological Transport; Extracellular Matrix; Macrophages; Neoplasms
PubMed: 37672588
DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adh2023 -
Cell Reports Feb 2024Mitochondrial dysfunction is a hallmark of cellular senescence, with the loss of mitochondrial function identified as a potential causal factor contributing to...
Mitochondrial dysfunction is a hallmark of cellular senescence, with the loss of mitochondrial function identified as a potential causal factor contributing to senescence-associated decline in cellular functions. Our recent findings revealed that ectopic expression of the pluripotency transcription factor NANOG rejuvenates dysfunctional mitochondria of senescent cells by rewiring metabolic pathways. In this study, we report that NANOG restores the expression of key enzymes, PYCR1 and PYCR2, in the proline biosynthesis pathway. Additionally, senescent mesenchymal stem cells manifest severe mitochondrial respiratory impairment, which is alleviated through proline supplementation. Proline induces mitophagy by activating AMP-activated protein kinase α and upregulating Parkin expression, enhancing mitochondrial clearance and ultimately restoring cell metabolism. Notably, proline treatment also mitigates several aging hallmarks, including DNA damage, senescence-associated β-galactosidase, inflammatory cytokine expressions, and impaired myogenic differentiation capacity. Overall, this study highlights the role of proline in mitophagy and its potential in reversing senescence-associated mitochondrial dysfunction and aging hallmarks.
Topics: Humans; Mitochondria; Cellular Senescence; Proline; Mitochondrial Diseases
PubMed: 38354087
DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.113738 -
Amino Acids Apr 2022trans-4-Hydroxy-L-proline is highly abundant in collagen (accounting for about one-third of body proteins in humans and other animals). This imino acid (loosely called... (Review)
Review
trans-4-Hydroxy-L-proline is highly abundant in collagen (accounting for about one-third of body proteins in humans and other animals). This imino acid (loosely called amino acid) and its minor analogue trans-3-hydroxy-L-proline in their ratio of approximately 100:1 are formed from the post-translational hydroxylation of proteins (primarily collagen and, to a much lesser extent, non-collagen proteins). Besides their structural and physiological significance in the connective tissue, both trans-4-hydroxy-L-proline and trans-3-hydroxy-L-proline can scavenge reactive oxygen species and have both structural and physiological significance in animals. The formation of trans-4-hydroxy-L-proline residues in protein kinases B and DYRK1A, eukaryotic elongation factor 2 activity, and hypoxia-inducible transcription factor plays an important role in regulating their phosphorylation and catalytic activation as well as cell signaling in animal cells. These biochemical events contribute to the modulation of cell metabolism, growth, development, responses to nutritional and physiological changes (e.g., dietary protein intake and hypoxia), and survival. Milk, meat, skin hydrolysates, and blood, as well as whole-body collagen degradation provide a large amount of trans-4-hydroxy-L-proline. In animals, most (nearly 90%) of the collagen-derived trans-4-hydroxy-L-proline is catabolized to glycine via the trans-4-hydroxy-L-proline oxidase pathway, and trans-3-hydroxy-L-proline is degraded via the trans-3-hydroxy-L-proline dehydratase pathway to ornithine and glutamate, thereby conserving dietary and endogenously synthesized proline and arginine. Supplementing trans-4-hydroxy-L-proline or its small peptides to plant-based diets can alleviate oxidative stress, while increasing collagen synthesis and accretion in the body. New knowledge of hydroxyproline biochemistry and nutrition aids in improving the growth, health and well-being of humans and other animals.
Topics: Animals; Collagen; Dietary Proteins; Hydroxyproline; Hypoxia; Proline; Signal Transduction
PubMed: 34342708
DOI: 10.1007/s00726-021-03056-x