Refine
Year of publication
Document Type
- Article (97)
Language
- English (97)
Has Fulltext
- yes (97)
Is part of the Bibliography
- no (97)
Keywords
- inflammation (16)
- macrophage (14)
- cancer (7)
- breast cancer (6)
- macrophages (6)
- apoptosis (5)
- macrophage polarization (5)
- sphingosine-1-phosphate (5)
- hypoxia (4)
- lipocalin-2 (4)
- microRNA (4)
- mitochondria (4)
- reactive oxygen species (4)
- tumor microenvironment (4)
- Hypoxia (3)
- Macrophages (3)
- RNA therapeutics (3)
- iron (3)
- lipoxygenase (3)
- psoriasis (3)
- tumor-associated macrophages (3)
- ATP-citrate lyase (2)
- Breast cancer (2)
- Breast tumors (2)
- Cancer (2)
- Chronic inflammation (2)
- HIF (2)
- IL-1β (2)
- Immunology (2)
- Inflammation (2)
- Iron (2)
- Messenger RNA (2)
- Mitochondria (2)
- Mitochondrial ROS (2)
- Nrf2 (2)
- ROS (2)
- acetyl-CoA (2)
- angiogenesis (2)
- atherosclerosis (2)
- chemotherapy (2)
- cholesterol (2)
- endoplasmic reticulum (2)
- gene expression (2)
- histone acetylation (2)
- immunity (2)
- interleukin-4 (2)
- metabolism (2)
- monocytes (2)
- pain (2)
- phagocytosis (2)
- proliferation (2)
- prostaglandins (2)
- renal cell carcinoma (2)
- resolution (2)
- sepsis (2)
- tumor progression (2)
- 5' UTR (1)
- AMP-activated kinase (AMPK) (1)
- ASCT (1)
- AU-rich element (1)
- Acute inflammation (1)
- BIAM-switch (1)
- CD36 (1)
- CD40 (1)
- CHIP (1)
- CYP1A1 (1)
- Cell binding (1)
- Cell death (1)
- Cell death and immune response (1)
- Cell signalling (1)
- Cell staining (1)
- Cellular stress responses (1)
- Complex II (1)
- Cytoskeleton (1)
- DNA damage (1)
- ER stress (1)
- Erythrophagocytosis (1)
- Extracellular vesicles (1)
- FTMT (1)
- Ferritinophagy (1)
- Ferroptosis (1)
- Flow cytometry (1)
- G2A (1)
- GEMs (1)
- GPCR (1)
- GRAND-SLAM (1)
- Gene expression (1)
- Gene prediction (1)
- Gene/Regulation (1)
- Genome annotation (1)
- Glycolysis (1)
- HAI‐1 (1)
- HCC marker (1)
- HDAC (1)
- HGF (1)
- HIF-1α (1)
- HIF-2 (1)
- HIF-2α (1)
- Hepatocellular carcinoma (1)
- Hypoxia inducible factor (1)
- IFN-β (1)
- IL-27 cytokine (1)
- ISR (1)
- Immune cells (1)
- JNK (1)
- Kinases (1)
- Kupffer cells (1)
- LDHB (1)
- LDL (1)
- Lipid peroxidation (1)
- Lipid signalling (1)
- MMP9 (1)
- Macrophage (1)
- Mild hypoxia (1)
- Monocytes and macrophages (1)
- Mouse models (1)
- Mφs (1)
- NADPH oxidase (1)
- NASH (1)
- NCOA4 (1)
- NLRP3 inflammasomes (1)
- Oxidative phosphorylation (1)
- PD-L1 (1)
- PDPK1 (1)
- PPTC7 (1)
- PTEN inducible kinase 1 (1)
- Parkinson's disease (1)
- Peritoneal macrophages (1)
- Physiology (1)
- Protein translation (1)
- RNA extraction (1)
- RNA isolation (1)
- RNA sequencing (1)
- RNA stability (1)
- RNA therapy (1)
- RNA-binding protein (1)
- RNA/MicroRNA (1)
- Receptors/Nuclear (1)
- Respiratory chain (1)
- Ribosomes (1)
- S1PR1 (1)
- S1PR4 (1)
- SDH (1)
- SLAM-seq (1)
- SLC7A11 (1)
- SPM (1)
- STAT1 (1)
- Sterols (1)
- T cells (1)
- TMEM126B (1)
- Transcription (1)
- Translation initiation (1)
- UPR (1)
- Zymosan-induced peritonitis (1)
- acute inflammation (1)
- adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) (1)
- alcoholic hepatitis (1)
- alpha-synuclein (1)
- antioxidants (1)
- arachidonate 12/15-lipoxygenase (Alox12/15) (1)
- arachidonate 15-lipoxygenase (1)
- arachidonic acid (AA) (1)
- asparaginyl endopepdidase (AEP) (1)
- astrocytes (1)
- autologous stem cell transplantation (1)
- breast tumor (1)
- cancer cell metabolism (1)
- cancer metastases (1)
- cancer-associated fibroblasts (1)
- carcinoma (1)
- chelation therapy (1)
- chemokine (1)
- chronic hypoxia (1)
- chronic myeloid leukemia (1)
- clonal dominance (1)
- clonal hematopoiesis (1)
- complex I (1)
- costimulation (1)
- cytokine (1)
- cytokine, angiogenesis (1)
- cytotoxic T cells (1)
- cytotoxic lymphocytes (1)
- cytotoxicity (1)
- de novo transcription (1)
- diabetic nephropathy (1)
- differentiation (1)
- drug discovery (1)
- efferocytosis (1)
- electron transport chain (1)
- electrophiles (1)
- endothelial cell (1)
- epigenetic (1)
- erastin (1)
- exosome (1)
- exosomes (1)
- extracellular signal-regulated kinase (1)
- fatty acid (1)
- fatty acids (1)
- ferroportin (1)
- ferroptosis (1)
- fibrosarcoma (1)
- flow cytometry (1)
- gene signature (1)
- glucosylceramides (1)
- glutamine (1)
- glycolysis (1)
- hematopoietic stem cells (1)
- hematopoietic stress (1)
- hierarchical clustering (1)
- immune checkpoint (1)
- immunotherapy (1)
- infection (1)
- innate immunity (1)
- inflammation (1)
- iron chelator (1)
- iron chelators (1)
- iron homeostasis (1)
- iron metabolism (1)
- iron-trafficking (1)
- legumain (1)
- leukemia (1)
- lipid mediator (1)
- lipid metabolism (1)
- lipids (1)
- lipoproteins (1)
- lipoxin A4 (1)
- liver (1)
- liver X receptor (1)
- lung cancer (1)
- lung tumor heterogeneity (1)
- lymphangiogenesis (1)
- mRNA stability (1)
- mTOR (1)
- mammary cancer (1)
- mammary carcinoma (1)
- mast cells (1)
- metabolic reprogramming (1)
- miR (1)
- miR-375 (1)
- miR-6862-5p (1)
- miRNA let-7e (1)
- microenvironment (1)
- migration (1)
- mitochondrial dynamics (1)
- mitochondrial respiration (1)
- multiple myeloma (1)
- multispectral flow cytometry (1)
- natural killer T cells (1)
- nuclear factor 2 (erythroid-derived 2-like factor) (NFE2L2) (Nrf2) (1)
- oxidative stress (1)
- oxidized low density lipoprotein (1)
- p-eIF2α (1)
- p53 (1)
- peritoneal macrophages (1)
- peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (1)
- polarization (1)
- polyunsaturated fatty acid (1)
- post-transcriptional regulation (1)
- prostacyclin (1)
- prostaglandin (1)
- protein-protein interaction (1)
- proteomics (1)
- resolution of inflammation (1)
- resolution of inflammation (1)
- resveratrol (1)
- sensory loss (1)
- signal transduction (1)
- somatic mutations (1)
- specialized pro-resolving lipid mediators (SPMs) (1)
- specialized pro-resolving mediator (1)
- sphingolipids (1)
- sterol regulatory element binding protein-2 (1)
- thromboxane (1)
- toll-like receptor (1)
- transcription (1)
- transcription factor (1)
- transcriptional profiling (1)
- transcriptome (1)
- tumor stroma (1)
- tumor-associated macrophages (TAM) (1)
- tumor‐associated macrophages (1)
- type B (1)
- tyrosine kinase inhibitors. (1)
- xenobiotics (1)
- zymosan (1)
Institute
- Medizin (95)
- Sonderforschungsbereiche / Forschungskollegs (36)
- Biochemie und Chemie (13)
- Zentrum für Arzneimittelforschung, Entwicklung und Sicherheit (ZAFES) (6)
- Biochemie, Chemie und Pharmazie (3)
- Exzellenzcluster Makromolekulare Komplexe (2)
- Pharmazie (2)
- Biowissenschaften (1)
- Buchmann Institut für Molekulare Lebenswissenschaften (BMLS) (1)
- Institut für Ökologie, Evolution und Diversität (1)
Tight regulation of inflammation is very important to guarantee a balanced immune response without developing chronic inflammation. One of the major mediators of the resolution of inflammation is the transcription factor: the nuclear factor erythroid 2-like 2 (Nrf2). Stabilized following oxidative stress, Nrf2 induces the expression of antioxidants as well as cytoprotective genes, which provoke an anti-inflammatory expression profile, and is crucial for the initiation of healing. In view of this fundamental modulatory role, it is clear that both hyper- or hypoactivation of Nrf2 contribute to the onset of chronic diseases. Understanding the tight regulation of Nrf2 expression/activation and its interaction with signaling pathways, known to affect inflammatory processes, will facilitate development of therapeutic approaches to prevent Nrf2 dysregulation and ameliorate chronic inflammatory diseases. We discuss in this review the principle mechanisms of Nrf2 regulation with a focus on inflammation and autophagy, extending the role of dysregulated Nrf2 to chronic diseases and tumor development.
Human macrophages infiltrating hypoxic regions alter their metabolism, because oxygen becomes limited. Increased glycolysis is one of the most common cellular adaptations to hypoxia and mostly is regulated via hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) and RAC-alpha serine/threonine–protein kinase (Akt) signaling, which gets activated under reduced oxygen content. We noticed that micro RNA (miR)-193a-3p enhances Akt phosphorylation at threonine 308 under hypoxia. In detail, miR-193a-3p suppresses the protein abundance of phosphatase PTC7 homolog (PPTC7), which in turn increases Akt phosphorylation. Lowering PPTC7 expression by siRNA or overexpressing miR-193a-3p increases Akt phosphorylation. Vice versa, inhibition of miR-193a-3p attenuates Akt activation and prevents a subsequent increase of glycolysis under hypoxia. Excluding effects of miR-193a-3p and Akt on HIF expression, stabilization, and function, we noticed phosphorylation of 6 phosphofructo-2-kinase/fructose 2,6-bisphosphatase PFKFB3 in response to the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling cascade. Inhibition of PFKFB3 blocked an increased glycolytic flux under hypoxia. Apparently, miR-193a-3p balances Akt phosphorylation and dephosphorylation by affecting PPTC7 protein amount. Suppression of PPTC7 increases Akt activation and phosphorylation of PFKFB3, which culminates in higher rates of glycolysis under hypoxia.
The translation inhibitor and tumor suppressor Pdcd4 was reported to be lost in various tumors and put forward as prognostic marker in tumorigenesis. Decreased Pdcd4 protein stability due to PI3K-mTOR-p70S6K1 dependent phosphorylation of Pdcd4 followed by β-TrCP1-mediated ubiquitination, and proteasomal destruction of the protein was characterized as a major mechanism contributing to the loss of Pdcd4 expression in tumors. In an attempt to identify stabilizers of Pdcd4, we used a luciferase-based high-throughput compatible cellular assay to monitor phosphorylation-dependent proteasomal degradation of Pdcd4 in response to mitogen stimulation. Following a screen of approximately 2000 compounds, we identified 1,2-bis(4-chlorophenyl)disulfide as a novel Pdcd4 stabilizer. To determine an initial structure-activity relationship, we used 3 additional compounds, synthesized according to previous reports, and 2 commercially available compounds for further testing, in which either the linker between the aryls was modified (compounds 2–4) or the chlorine residues were replaced by groups with different electronic properties (compounds 5 and 6). We observed that those compounds with alterations in the sulfide linker completely lost the Pdcd4 stabilizing potential. In contrast, modifications in the chlorine residues showed only minor effects on the Pdcd4 stabilizing activity. A reporter with a mutated phospho-degron verified the specificity of the compounds for stabilizing the Pdcd4 reporter. Interestingly, the active diaryl disulfides inhibited proliferation and viability at concentrations where they stabilized Pdcd4, suggesting that Pdcd4 stabilization might contribute to the anti-proliferative properties. Finally, computational modelling indicated that the flexibility of the disulfide linker might be necessary to exert the biological functions of the compounds, as the inactive compound appeared to be energetically more restricted.
While aberrant cells are routinely recognized and removed by immune cells, tumors eventually escape innate immune responses. Infiltrating immune cells are even corrupted by the tumor to acquire a tumor-supporting phenotype. In line, tumor-associated macrophages are well-characterized to promote tumor progression and high levels of tumor-infiltrating macrophages are a poor prognostic marker in breast cancer. Here, we aimed to further decipher the influence of macrophages on breast tumor cells and determined global gene expression changes in three-dimensional tumor spheroids upon infiltration of macrophages. While various tumor-associated mRNAs were upregulated, expression of the cytochrome P450 family member CYP1A1 was markedly attenuated. Repression of CYP1A1 in tumor cells was elicited by a macrophage-shaped tumor microenvironment rather than by direct tumor cell-macrophage contacts. In line with changes in RNA expression profiles, macrophages enhanced proliferation of the tumor cells. Enhanced proliferation and macrophage presence further correlated with reduced CYP1A1 expression in patient tumors when compared with normal tissue. These findings are of interest in the context of combinatory therapeutic approaches involving cytotoxic and immune-modulatory compounds.
Inflammation is a crucial part of immune responses towards invading pathogens or tissue damage. While inflammatory reactions are aimed at removing the triggering stimulus, it is important that these processes are terminated in a coordinate manner to prevent excessive tissue damage due to the highly reactive inflammatory environment. Initiation of inflammatory responses was proposed to be regulated predominantly at a transcriptional level, whereas post-transcriptional modes of regulation appear to be crucial for resolution of inflammation. The RNA-binding protein tristetraprolin (TTP) interacts with AU-rich elements in the 3′ untranslated region of mRNAs, recruits deadenylase complexes and thereby facilitates degradation of its targets. As TTP regulates the mRNA stability of numerous inflammatory mediators, it was put forward as a crucial post-transcriptional regulator of inflammation. Here, we summarize the current understanding of the function of TTP with a specific focus on its role in adding to resolution of inflammation.
Rapid alterations in protein expression are commonly regulated by adjusting translation. In addition to cap-dependent translation, which is e.g. induced by pro-proliferative signaling via the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR)-kinase, alternative modes of translation, such as internal ribosome entry site (IRES)-dependent translation, are often enhanced under stress conditions, even if cap-dependent translation is attenuated. Common stress stimuli comprise nutrient deprivation, hypoxia, but also inflammatory signals supplied by infiltrating immune cells. Yet, the impact of inflammatory microenvironments on translation in tumor cells still remains largely elusive. In the present study, we aimed at identifying translationally deregulated targets in tumor cells under inflammatory conditions. Using polysome profiling and microarray analysis, we identified cyp24a1 (1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 24-hydroxylase) to be translationally upregulated in breast tumor cells co-cultured with conditioned medium of activated monocyte-derived macrophages (CM). Using bicistronic reporter assays, we identified and validated an IRES within the 5′ untranslated region (5′UTR) of cyp24a1, which enhances translation of cyp24a1 upon CM treatment. Furthermore, IRES-dependent translation of cyp24a1 by CM was sensitive to phosphatidyl-inositol-3-kinase (PI3K) inhibition, while constitutive activation of Akt sufficed to induce its IRES activity. Our data provide evidence that cyp24a1 expression is translationally regulated via an IRES element, which is responsive to an inflammatory environment. Considering the negative feedback impact of cyp24a1 on the vitamin D responses, the identification of a novel, translational mechanism of cyp24a1 regulation might open new possibilities to overcome the current limitations of vitamin D as tumor therapeutic option.
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in the tumor microenvironment contribute to all stages of tumorigenesis and are usually considered to be tumor-promoting cells. CAFs show a remarkable degree of heterogeneity, which is attributed to developmental origin or to local environmental niches, resulting in distinct CAF subsets within individual tumors. While CAF heterogeneity is frequently investigated in late-stage tumors, data on longitudinal CAF development in tumors are lacking. To this end, we used the transgenic polyoma middle T oncogene-induced mouse mammary carcinoma model and performed whole transcriptome analysis in FACS-sorted fibroblasts from early- and late-stage tumors. We observed a shift in fibroblast populations over time towards a subset previously shown to negatively correlate with patient survival, which was confirmed by multispectral immunofluorescence analysis. Moreover, we identified a transcriptomic signature distinguishing CAFs from early- and late-stage tumors. Importantly, the signature of early-stage CAFs correlated well with tumor stage and survival in human mammary carcinoma patients. A random forest analysis suggested predictive value of the complete set of differentially expressed genes between early- and late-stage CAFs on bulk tumor patient samples, supporting the clinical relevance of our findings. In conclusion, our data show transcriptome alterations in CAFs during tumorigenesis in the mammary gland, which suggest that CAFs are educated by the tumor over time to promote tumor development. Moreover, we show that murine CAF gene signatures can harbor predictive value for human cancer.
uORF-tools—workflow for the determination of translation-regulatory upstream open reading frames
(2019)
Ribosome profiling (ribo-seq) provides a means to analyze active translation by determining ribosome occupancy in a transcriptome-wide manner. The vast majority of ribosome protected fragments (RPFs) resides within the protein-coding sequence of mRNAs. However, commonly reads are also found within the transcript leader sequence (TLS) (aka 5’ untranslated region) preceding the main open reading frame (ORF), indicating the translation of regulatory upstream ORFs (uORFs). Here, we present a workflow for the identification of translation-regulatory uORFs. Specifically, uORF-Tools uses Ribo-TISH to identify uORFs within a given dataset and generates a uORF annotation file. In addition, a comprehensive human uORF annotation file, based on 35 ribo-seq files, is provided, which can serve as an alternative input file for the workflow. To assess the translation-regulatory activity of the uORFs, stimulus-induced changes in the ratio of the RPFs residing in the main ORFs relative to those found in the associated uORFs are determined. The resulting output file allows for the easy identification of candidate uORFs, which have translation-inhibitory effects on their associated main ORFs. uORF-Tools is available as a free and open Snakemake workflow at https://github.com/Biochemistry1-FFM/uORF-Tools. It is easily installed and all necessary tools are provided in a version-controlled manner, which also ensures lasting usability. uORF-Tools is designed for intuitive use and requires only limited computing times and resources.
Bioactive lipid mediators play a major role in regulating inflammatory processes. Herein, early pro-inflammatory phases are characterized and regulated by prostanoids and leukotrienes, whereas specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPM), including lipoxins, resolvins, protectins, and maresins, dominate during the resolution phase. While pro-inflammatory properties of prostanoids have been studied extensively, their impact on later phases of the inflammatory process has been attributed mainly to their ability to initiate the lipid-mediator class switch towards SPM. Yet, there is accumulating evidence that prostanoids directly contribute to the resolution of inflammation and return to homeostasis. In this mini review, we summarize the current knowledge of the resolution-regulatory properties of prostanoids and discuss potential implications for anti-inflammatory, prostanoid-targeted therapeutic interventions.
Despite the success of immune checkpoint blockade in cancer, the number of patients that benefit from this revolutionary treatment option remains low. Therefore, efforts are being undertaken to sensitize tumors for immune checkpoint blockade, which includes combining immune checkpoint blocking agents such as anti-PD-1 antibodies with standard of care treatments. Here we report that a combination of chemotherapy (doxorubicin) and immune checkpoint blockade (anti-PD-1 antibodies) induces superior tumor control compared to chemotherapy and immune checkpoint blockade alone in the murine autochthonous polyoma middle T oncogene-driven (PyMT) mammary tumor model. Using whole transcriptome analysis, we identified a set of genes that were upregulated specifically upon chemoimmunotherapy. This gene signature and, more specifically, a condensed four-gene signature predicted favorable survival of human mammary carcinoma patients in the METABRIC cohort. Moreover, PyMT tumors treated with chemoimmunotherapy contained higher levels of cytotoxic lymphocytes, particularly natural killer cells (NK cells). Gene set enrichment analysis and bead-based ELISA measurements revealed increased IL-27 production and signaling in PyMT tumors upon chemoimmunotherapy. Moreover, IL-27 signaling improved NK cell cytotoxicity against PyMT cells in vitro. Taken together, our data support recent clinical observations indicating a benefit of chemoimmunotherapy compared to monotherapy in breast cancer and suggest potential underlying mechanisms.
Macrophages constitute a major part of the tumor-infiltrating immune cells. Within the tumor microenvironment, they acquire an alternatively activated, tumor-supporting phenotype. Factors released by tumor cells are crucial for the recruitment of tumor-associated macrophages. In the present project, we aimed to understand the role of hsa-miR-200c-3p (miR-200c) in the interplay between tumor cells and macrophages. To this end, we employed a coculture system of MCF7 breast tumor cells and primary human macrophages and observed the transfer of miR-200c from apoptotic tumor cells to macrophages, which required intact CD36 receptor in macrophages. We further comprehensively determined miR-200c targets in macrophages by mRNA-sequencing and identified numerous migration-associated mRNAs to be downregulated by miR-200c. Consequently, miR-200c attenuated macrophage infiltration into 3-dimensional tumor spheroids. miR-200c-mediated reduction in infiltration further correlated with a miR-200c migration signature comprised of the four miR-200c-repressed, predicted targets PPM1F, RAB11FIB2, RDX, and MSN.
Macrophages acquire anti-inflammatory and proresolving functions to facilitate resolution of inflammation and promote tissue repair. While alternatively activated macrophages (AAMs), also referred to as M2 macrophages, polarized by type 2 (Th2) cytokines IL-4 or IL-13 contribute to the suppression of inflammatory responses and play a pivotal role in wound healing, contemporaneous exposure to apoptotic cells (ACs) potentiates the expression of anti-inflammatory and tissue repair genes. Given that liver X receptors (LXRs), which coordinate sterol metabolism and immune cell function, play an essential role in the clearance of ACs, we investigated whether LXR activation following engulfment of ACs selectively potentiates the expression of Th2 cytokine-dependent genes in primary human AAMs. We show that AC uptake simultaneously upregulates LXR-dependent, but suppresses SREBP-2-dependent gene expression in macrophages, which are both prevented by inhibiting Niemann–Pick C1 (NPC1)-mediated sterol transport from lysosomes. Concurrently, macrophages accumulate sterol biosynthetic intermediates desmosterol, lathosterol, lanosterol, and dihydrolanosterol but not cholesterol-derived oxysterols. Using global transcriptome analysis, we identify anti-inflammatory and proresolving genes including interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL1RN) and arachidonate 15-lipoxygenase (ALOX15) whose expression are selectively potentiated in macrophages upon concomitant exposure to ACs or LXR agonist T0901317 (T09) and Th2 cytokines. We show priming macrophages via LXR activation enhances the cellular capacity to synthesize inflammation-suppressing specialized proresolving mediator (SPM) precursors 15-HETE and 17-HDHA as well as resolvin D5. Silencing LXRα and LXRβ in macrophages attenuates the potentiation of ALOX15 expression by concomitant stimulation of ACs or T09 and IL-13. Collectively, we identify a previously unrecognized mechanism of regulation whereby LXR integrates AC uptake to selectively shape Th2-dependent gene expression in AAMs.
Tolerizing CTL by sustained hepatic PD-L1 expression provides a new therapy spproach in mouse sepsis
(2019)
Cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) activation contributes to liver damage during sepsis, but the mechanisms involved are largely unknown. Understanding the underlying principle will permit interference with CTL activation and thus, provide a new therapeutic option.
Methods: To elucidate the mechanism leading to CTL activation we used the Hepa1-6 cell line in vitro and the mouse model of in vivo polymicrobial sepsis, following cecal-ligation and -puncture (CLP) in wildtype, myeloid specific NOX-2, global NOX2 and NOX4 knockout mice, and their survival as a final readout. In this in vivo setting, we also determined hepatic mRNA and protein expression as well as clinical parameters of liver damage - aspartate- and alanine amino-transaminases. Hepatocyte specific overexpression of PD-L1 was achieved in vivo by adenoviral infection and transposon-based gene transfer using hydrodynamic injection.
Results: We observed downregulation of PD-L1 on hepatocytes in the murine sepsis model. Adenoviral and transposon-based gene transfer to restore PD-L1 expression, significantly improved survival and reduced the release of liver damage, as PD-L1 is a co-receptor that negatively regulates T cell function. Similar protection was observed during pharmacological intervention using recombinant PD-L1-Fc. N-acetylcysteine blocked the downregulation of PD-L1 suggesting the involvement of reactive oxygen species. This was confirmed in vivo, as we observed significant upregulation of PD-L1 expression in NOX4 knockout mice, following sham operation, whereas its expression in global as well as myeloid lineage NOX2 knockout mice was comparable to that in the wild type animals. PD-L1 expression remained high following CLP only in total NOX2 knockouts, resulting in significantly reduced release of liver damage markers.
Conclusion: These results suggest that, contrary to common assumption, maintaining PD-L1 expression on hepatocytes improves liver damage and survival of mice during sepsis. We conclude that administering recombinant PD-L1 or inhibiting NOX2 activity might offer a new therapeutic option in sepsis.
Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) is a pleiotropic, Th17-derived cytokine thought to critically contribute to the pathogenesis of diverse autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis. Treatment with monoclonal antibodies that block GM-CSF activity is associated with favorable therapeutic effects in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. We evaluated the role of GM-CSF as a potential target for therapeutic interference in psoriasis using a combined pharmacologic and genetic approach and the mouse model of imiquimod-induced psoriasiform dermatitis (IMQPD). Neutralization of murine GM-CSF by an anti-GM-CSF antibody ameliorated IMQPD. In contrast, genetic deficiency in GM-CSF did not alter the course of IMQPD, suggesting the existence of mechanisms compensating for chronic, but not acute, absence of GM-CSF. Further investigation uncovered an alternative pathogenic pathway for IMQPD in the absence of GM-CSF characterized by an expanded plasmacytoid dendritic cell population and release of IFNα and IL-22. This pathway was not activated in wild-type mice during short-term anti-GM-CSF treatment. Our investigations support the potential value of GM-CSF as a therapeutic target in psoriatic disease. The discovery of an alternative pathogenic pathway for psoriasiform dermatitis in the permanent absence of GM-CSF, however, suggests the need for monitoring during therapeutic use of long-term GM-CSF blockade.
5-Lipoxygenase contributes to PPAR [gamma] activation in macrophages in response to apoptotic cells
(2012)
Background: One hallmark contributing to immune suppression during the late phase of sepsis is macrophage polarization to an anti-inflammatory phenotype upon contact with apoptotic cells (AC). Taking the important role of the nuclear receptor PPARγ for this phenotype switch into consideration, it remains elusive how AC activate PPARγ in macrophages. Therefore, we were interested to characterize the underlying principle.
Methods: Apoptosis was induced by treatment of Jurkat T cells for 3 hours with 0.5 μg/ml staurosporine. Necrotic cells (NC) were prepared by heating cells for 20 minutes to 65°C. PPARγ activation was followed by stably transducing RAW264.7 macrophages with a vector encoding the red fluorescent protein mRuby after PPARγ binding to 4 × PPRE sites downstream of the reporter gene sequence. This readout was established by treatment with the PPARγ agonist rosiglitazone (1 μM) and AC (5:1). Twenty-four hours after stimulation, mRuby expression was analysed by fluorescence microscopy. Lipid rafts of AC, NC, as well as living cells (LC) were enriched by sucrose gradient centrifugation. Fractions were analysed for lipid raft-associated marker proteins. Lipid rafts were incubated with transduced RAW264.7 macrophages as described above. 5-Lipoxygenase (5-LO) involvement was verified by pharmacological inhibition (MK-866, 1 μM) and overexpression.
Results: Assuming that the molecule responsible for PPARγ activation in macrophages is localized in the cell membrane of AC, most probably associated to lipid rafts, we isolated lipid rafts from AC, NC and LC. Mass spectrometric analysis of lipid rafts of AC showed the expression of 5-LO, whereas lipid rafts of LC did not. Moreover, incubating macrophages with lipid rafts of AC induced mRuby expression. In contrast, lipid rafts of NC and LC did not. To verify the involvement of 5-LO in activating PPARγ in macrophages, Jurkat T cells were incubated for 30 minutes with the 5-LO inhibitor MK-866 (1 μM) before apoptosis induction. In line with our hypothesis, these AC did not induce mRuby expression. Finally, although living Jurkat T cells overexpressing 5-LO did not activate PPARγ in macrophages, mRuby expression was significantly increased when AC were generated from 5-LO overexpressing compared with wild-type Jurkat cells.
Conclusion: Our results suggest that induction of apoptosis activates 5-LO, localizing to lipid rafts, necessary for PPARγ activation in macrophages. Therefore, it will be challenging to determine whether 5-LO activity in AC, generated from other cell types, correlates with PPARγ activation, contributing to an immune-suppressed phenotype in macrophages.
We have investigated the role of reactive oxygen species and thiol-oxidizing agents in the induction of cell death and have shown that adenocarcinoma gastric (AGS) cells respond differently to the oxidative challenge according to the signaling pathways activated. In particular, apoptosis in AGS cells is induced via the mitochondrial pathway upon treatment with thiol-oxidizing agents, such as diamide. Apoptosis is associated with persistent oxidative damage, as evidenced by the increase in carbonylated proteins and the expression/activation of DNA damage-sensitive proteins histone H2A.X and DNA-dependent protein kinase. Resistance to hydrogen peroxide is instead associated with Keap1 oxidation and rapid translocation of Nrf2 into the nucleus. Sensitivity to diamide and resistance to hydrogen peroxide are correlated with GSH redox changes, with diamide severely increasing GSSG, and hydrogen peroxide transiently inducing protein-GSH mixed disulfides. We show that p53 is activated in response to diamide treatment by the oxidative induction of the Trx1/p38(MAPK) signaling pathway. Similar results were obtained with another carcinoma cell line, CaCo2, indicating that these findings are not limited to AGS cells. Our data suggest that thiol-oxidizing agents could be exploited as inducers of apoptosis in tumor histotypes resistant to ROS-producing chemotherapeutics.
Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) gained considerable interest as a therapeutic target during chronic inflammatory diseases. Remarkably, the pathogenesis of diseases such as multiple sclerosis or Alzheimer is associated with impaired PPARγ expression. Considering that regulation of PPARγ expression during inflammation is largely unknown, we were interested in elucidating underlying mechanisms. To this end, we initiated an inflammatory response by exposing primary human macrophages to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and observed a rapid decline of PPARγ1 expression. Because promoter activities were not affected by LPS, we focused on mRNA stability and noticed a decreased mRNA half-life. As RNA stability is often regulated via 3′-untranslated regions (UTRs), we analyzed the impact of the PPARγ-3′-UTR by reporter assays using specific constructs. LPS significantly reduced luciferase activity of the pGL3-PPARγ-3′-UTR, suggesting that PPARγ1 mRNA is destabilized. Deletion or mutation of a potential microRNA-27a/b (miR-27a/b) binding site within the 3′-UTR restored luciferase activity. Moreover, inhibition of miR-27b, which was induced upon LPS exposure, partially reversed PPARγ1 mRNA decay, whereas miR-27b overexpression decreased PPARγ1 mRNA content. In addition, LPS further reduced this decay. The functional relevance of miR-27b-dependent PPARγ1 decrease was proven by inhibition or overexpression of miR-27b, which affected LPS-induced expression of the pro-inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) and interleukin (IL)-6. We provide evidence that LPS-induced miR-27b contributes to destabilization of PPARγ1 mRNA. Understanding molecular mechanisms decreasing PPARγ might help to better appreciate inflammatory diseases.
Macrophages ingesting apoptotic cells attenuate inflammatory responses, such as reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. In atherosclerosis, ongoing inflammation and accumulation of apoptotic/necrotic material are observed, suggesting defects of phagocytes in recognizing or responding to dying cells. Modified lipoproteins such as oxidized LDL (oxLDL) are known to promote inflammation and to interfere with apoptotic cell clearance. Here, we studied the impact of cells exposed to oxLDL on their ability to interfere with the oxidative burst in phagocytes. In contrast to apoptotic cells, cells dying in response to or in the presence of oxLDL failed to suppress ROS generation despite efficiently being taken up by phagocytes. In addition, apoptotic cells, but not oxLDL-treated cells, inhibited phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase, which is important for NADPH oxidase activation. oxLDL treatment did not interfere with activation of the antiinflammatory transcriptional regulator peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma by apoptotic cells. Moreover, cells exposed to oxLDL failed to suppress lipopolysaccharide- induced proinflammatory cytokine expression, whereas apoptotic cells attenuated these phagocyte responses. Thus, the presence of oxLDL during cell death impaired the ability of apoptotic cells to act antiinflammatory with regard to oxidative burst inhibition and cytokine expression in phagocytes.
Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) favors multiple aspects of tumor development and immune evasion. Therefore, microsomal prostaglandin E synthase (mPGES-1/-2), is a potential target for cancer therapy. We explored whether inhibiting mPGES-1 in human and mouse models of breast cancer affects tumor-associated immunity. A new model of breast tumor spheroid killing by human PBMCs was developed. In this model, tumor killing required CD80 expression by tumor-associated phagocytes to trigger cytotoxic T cell activation. Pharmacological mPGES-1 inhibition increased CD80 expression, whereas addition of PGE2, a prostaglandin E2 receptor 2 (EP2) agonist, or activation of signaling downstream of EP2 reduced CD80 expression. Genetic ablation of mPGES-1 resulted in markedly reduced tumor growth in PyMT mice. Macrophages of mPGES-1-/- PyMT mice indeed expressed elevated levels of CD80 compared to their wildtype counterparts. CD80 expression in tumor-spheroid infiltrating mPGES-1-/- macrophages translated into antigen-specific cytotoxic T cell activation. In conclusion, mPGES-1 inhibition elevates CD80 expression by tumor-associated phagocytes to restrict tumor growth. We propose that mPGES-1 inhibition in combination with immune cell activation might be part of a therapeutic strategy to overcome the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment.
This study indicates that embryonic stem cells [ESCs] cultured with retinoic acid and activin A significantly upregulate the miRNA let-7e. This specific miRNA modulates the Wnt pathway and the expression of early nephrogenic markers under these differentiation conditions. The differentiation markers WT1, Pax2 and Wnt4 were downregulated when miRNA let-7e was silenced, thus indicating the role of miRNA let-7e in the differentiation process. PKCβ, GSK3β phosphorylation (GSK3βP) and β-catenin expression was reduced in differentiated cells and reversed by miRNA let-7e silencing. Addition of a PKCβ inhibitor to the miRNA let-7e silenced cells abolished let-7e-derived effects in differentiation markers, and reversed the increase in GSK3βP and β-catenin, thus indicating that miRNA let-7e is involved in differentiation via the modulation of GSK3β phosphorylation and β-catenin production.