Genomic insights into inherited bone marrow failure syndromes in a Korean population.

Inherited bone marrow failure syndromes (IBMFS) pose significant diagnostic challenges due to overlapping symptoms and variable expressivity, despite evolving genomic insights. The study aimed to elucidate the genomic landscape among 130 Korean patients with IBMFS. We conducted targeted next-generation sequencing (NGS) and clinical exome sequencing (CES) across the cohort, complemented by whole genome sequencing (WGS) and chromosomal microarray (CMA) in 12 and 47 cases, respectively, with negative initial results. Notably, 50% (n = 65) of our cohort achieved a genomic diagnosis. Among these, 35 patients exhibited mutations associated with classic IBMFSs (n = 33) and the recently defined IBMFS, aplastic anaemia, mental retardation and dwarfism syndrome (AmeDS, n = 2). Classic IBMFSs were predominantly detected via targeted NGS (85%, n = 28) and CES (88%, n = 29), whereas AMeDS was exclusively identified through CES. Both CMA and WGS aided in identifying copy number variations (n = 2) and mutations in previously unexplored regions (n = 2). Additionally, 30 patients were diagnosed with other congenital diseases, encompassing 13 distinct entities including inherited thrombocytopenia (n = 12), myeloid neoplasms with germline predisposition (n = 8), congenital immune disorders (n = 7) and miscellaneous genomic conditions (n = 3). CES was particularly effective in revealing these diverse diagnoses. Our findings underscore the significance of comprehensive genomic analysis in IBMFS, highlighting the need for ongoing exploration in this complex field.

Hypoxia-Directed and Self-Immolative Theranostic Agent: Imaging and Treatment of Cancer and Bacterial Infections.

The impact of bacteria on cancer progression and treatment is becoming increasingly recognized. Cancer-associated bacteria are linked to metastases, reduced efficacy, and survival challenges. In this study, we present a sensitive hypoxia-activated prodrug, NR-NO2, which comprises an antibiotic combined with a chemotherapeutic. This prodrug demonstrates rapid and robust fluorescence enhancement and exhibits potent antibacterial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria as well as tumor cells. Upon activation, NR-NO2 produces a distinct "fluorescence-on" signal, enabling real-time drug release monitoring. By leveraging elevated nitroreductase in cancer cells, NR-NO2 gives rise to heightened bacterial cytotoxicity while sparing normal cells. In A549 solid tumor-bearing mice, NR-NO2 selectively accumulated at tumor sites, displaying fluorescence signals under hypoxia superior to those of a corresponding prodrug-like control. These findings highlight the potential of NR-NO2 as a promising cancer therapy prodrug that benefits from targeted release, antibacterial impact, and imaging-based guidance.

Sesamin ameliorates lipotoxicity and lipid accumulation through the activation of the estrogen receptor alpha signaling pathway.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has been linked to fat accumulation in the liver and lipid metabolism imbalance. Sesamin, a lignan commonly found in sesame seed oil, possesses antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties. However, the precise mechanisms by which sesamin prevents hepatic steatosis are not well understood. This study aimed to explore the molecular mechanisms by which sesamin may improve lipid metabolism dysregulation. A in vitro hepatic steatosis model was established by exposing HepG2 cells to palmitate sodium. The results showed that sesamin effectively mitigated lipotoxicity and reduced reactive oxygen species production. Additionally, sesamin suppressed lipid accumulation by regulating key factors involved in lipogenesis and lipolysis, such as fatty acid synthase (FASN), sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1c (SREBP-1c), forkhead box protein O-1, and adipose triglyceride lipase. Molecular docking results indicated that sesamin could bind to estrogen receptor α (ERα) and reduce FASN and SREBP-1c expression via the Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase kinase ß (CaMKKß)/AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling pathway. Sesamin attenuated palmitate-induced lipotoxicity and regulated hepatic lipid metabolism in HepG2 cells by activating the ERα/CaMKKß/AMPK signaling pathway. These findings suggest that sesamin can improve lipid metabolism disorders and is a promising candidate for treating hepatic steatosis.

All-in-one glycol chitosan nanoparticles for co-delivery of doxorubicin and anti-PD-L1 peptide in cancer immunotherapy.

Synergistic immunotherapy of immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) and immunogenic cell death (ICD) has shown remarkable therapeutic efficacy in various cancers. However, patients show low response rates and undesirable outcomes to these combination therapies owing to the recycling mechanism of programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) and the systemic toxicity of ICD-inducing chemotherapeutic drugs. Herein, we propose all-in-one glycol chitosan nanoparticles (CNPs) that can deliver anti-PD-L1 peptide (PP) and doxorubicin (DOX) to targeted tumor tissues for a safe and more effective synergistic immunotherapy. The PP-CNPs, which are prepared by conjugating ᴅ-form PP (NYSKPTDRQYHF) to CNPs, form stable nanoparticles that promote multivalent binding with PD-L1 proteins on the targeted tumor cell surface, resulting in effective lysosomal PD-L1 degradation in contrast with anti-PD-L1 antibody, which induces recycling of endocytosed PD-L1. Consequently, PP-CNPs prevent subcellular PD-L1 recycling and eventually destruct immune escape mechanism in CT26 colon tumor-bearing mice. Moreover, the ICD inducer, DOX is loaded into PP-CNPs (DOX-PP-CNPs) for synergistic ICD and ICB therapy, inducing a large number of damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) in targeted tumor tissues with minimal toxicity in normal tissues. When the DOX-PP-CNPs are intravenously injected into CT26 colon tumor-bearing mice, PP and DOX are efficiently delivered to the tumor tissues via nanoparticle-derived passive and active targeting, which eventually induce both lysosomal PD-L1 degradation and substantial ICD, resulting in a high rate of complete tumor regression (CR: 60%) by a strong antitumor immune response. Collectively, this study demonstrates the superior efficacy of synergistic immunotherapy using all-in-one nanoparticles to deliver PP and DOX to targeted tumor tissues.

Heterotypic cell-in-cell structures between cancer and NK cells are associated with enhanced anticancer drug resistance.

The heterotypic CIC structures formed of cancer and immune cells have been observed in tumor tissues. We aimed to assess the feasibility of using heterotypic CICs as a functional biomarker to predict NK susceptibility and drug resistance. The heterotypic CIC-forming cancer cells showed a lower response to NK cytotoxicity and higher proliferative ability than non-CIC cancer cells. After treatment with anticancer drugs, cancer cells that formed heterotypic CICs showed a higher resistance to anticancer drugs than non-CIC cancer cells. We also observed the formation of more CIC structures in cancer cells treated with anticancer drugs than in the non-treated group. Our results confirm the association between heterotypic CIC structures and anticancer drug resistance in CICs formed from NK and cancer cells. These results suggest a mechanism underlying immune evasion in heterotypic CIC cancer cells and provide insights into the anticancer drug resistance of cancer cells.

Upregulation of CYP1B1 by hypoxia is mediated by ERα activation in breast cancer cells.

Endocrine therapy for breast cancer often leads to drug resistance and tumor recurrence; tumor hypoxia is also associated with mortality and tumor relapse. Cytochrome P450 1B1 (CYP1B1) regulates estrogen metabolism in breast cells and is known to be overexpressed in breast cancer tissue. Although the individual association of hypoxia-induced hypoxia-inducible factor-1-alpha (HIF-1α) and CYP1B1 with tumorigenesis is well known, the association between HIF-1α and CYP1B1 leading to tumorigenesis has not been investigated. Here, we investigated the correlation between hypoxia and CYP1B1 expression in breast cancer cells for tumorigenesis-related mechanisms. Hypoxia was induced in the human breast cancer cell lines MCF-7 (Er-positive) and MDA-MB-231 (triple-negative) and the normal breast epithelial cell line MCF10A; these cell lines were then subjected to immunoblotting, transient transfection, luciferase assays, gene silencing using small interfering RNA, polymerase chain reaction analysis, chromatin immunoprecipitation, co-immunoprecipitation, and mammalian two-hybrid assays. Furthermore, immunofluorescence analysis of the tumor microarrays was performed, and the pub2015 and the Cancer Genome Atlas patient datasets were analyzed. HIF-1α expression in response to hypoxia occurred in both normal and breast cancer cells, whereas CYP1B1 was induced only in estrogen receptor α (ERα)-positive breast cancer cells under hypoxia. HIF-1α activated ERα through direct binding and in a ligand-independent manner to promote CYP1B1 expression. Therefore, we suggested the mechanism by which hypoxia and ER-positivity orchestrate breast cancer relapse.

Effect of 3-caffeoyl, 4-dihydrocaffeoylquinic acid from Salicornia herbacea on endothelial nitric oxide synthase activation via calcium signaling pathway.

3-Caffeoyl-4-dicaffeoylquinic acid (CDCQ) is a natural chlorogenic acid isolated from Salicornia herbacea that protects against oxidative stress, inflammation, and cancer. Nitric oxide (NO) plays a physiologically beneficial role in the cardiovascular system, including vasodilation, protection of endothelial cell function, and anti-inflammation. However, the effect of CDCQ on NO production and eNOS phosphorylation in endothelial cells is unclear. We investigated the effect of CDCQ on eNOS phosphorylation and NO production in human endothelial cells, and the underlying signaling pathway. CDCQ significantly increased NO production and the phosphorylation of eNOS at Ser1177. Additionally, CDCQ induced phosphorylation of PKA, CaMKII, CaMKKß, and AMPK. Interestingly, CDCQ increased the intracellular Ca2+ level, and L-type Ca2+ channel (LTCC) blockade significantly attenuated CDCQ-induced eNOS activity and NO production by inhibiting PKA, CaMKII, CaMKKß, and AMPK phosphorylation. These results suggest that CDCQ increased eNOS phosphorylation and NO production by Ca2+-dependent phosphorylation of PKA, CaMKII, CaMKKß, and AMPK. Our findings provide evidence that CDCQ plays a pivotal role in the activity of eNOS and NO production, which is involved in the protection of endothelial dysfunction.

Puerarin attenuates hepatic steatosis via G-protein-coupled estrogen receptor-mediated calcium and SIRT1 signaling pathways.

Puerarin, the major bioactive ingredient isolated from the root of Pueraria lobata (Willd.), attenuates body weight gain and reduces lipid levels in high-fat diet-induced obese mice; however, the underlying mechanism responsible for regulating lipid metabolism remains unclear. This study investigated the molecular mechanism(s) underlying the role of puerarin in regulating lipogenesis and lipolysis in human HepG2 cells. In this study, puerarin strongly inhibited the expression of fatty acid synthase (FASN) and sterol regulatory element binding protein 1c (SREBP-1c). Moreover, puerarin significantly induced the expression of adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL), which is responsible for triacylglycerol hydrolase activity in cells. Puerarin enhanced 5' AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activity, which is a central regulator of hepatic lipid metabolism. Furthermore, this AMPK activation could be mediated by sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) and calcium signaling pathways involved in G protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER) signaling. GPER blockage significantly reversed the effect of puerarin on lipid accumulation and the related signaling pathways. Docking studies showed that puerarin could bind in the GPER in a similar manner as GPER agonist G1. Our results suggest that puerarin can improve hepatic steatosis by activating GPER; it's signaling cascade sequentially induced calcium and SIRT1 signaling pathways. Thus, puerarin may be a potential therapeutic agent for the treatment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

Hypoxia-Responsive Luminescent CEST MRI Agent for In Vitro and In Vivo Tumor Detection and Imaging.

Hypoxia is a feature of most solid tumors and a key determinant of cancer growth and propagation. Sensing hypoxia effectively could lead to more favorable clinical outcomes. Here, we report a molecular antenna-based bimodal probe designed to exploit the complementary advantages of magnetic resonance (MR)- and optical-based imaging. Specifically, we describe the synthesis and evaluation of a dual-action probe (NO2-Eu) that permits hypoxia-activated chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) MR and optical imaging. In CT26 cells, this NO2-Eu probe not only provides an enhanced CEST MRI signal but also turns "on" the optical signal under hypoxic conditions. Time-dependent in vivo CEST imaging in a hypoxic CT26 tumor xenograft mouse model revealed probe-dependent tumor detection by CEST MRI contrast in the tumor area. We thus suggest that dual-action hypoxia probes, like that reported here, could have a role to play in solid tumor diagnosis and monitoring.

Immune-Enhancing Effect of Submerged Culture of Ceriporia lacerata Mycelia on Cyclophosphamide-Induced Immunosuppressed Mice and the Underlying Mechanisms in Macrophages.

The white-rot fungi Ceriporia lacerata is used in bioremediation, such as lignocellulose degradation, in nature. Submerged cultures and extracts of C. lacerata mycelia (CLM) have been reported to contain various active ingredients, including ß-glucan and extracellular polysaccharides, and to exert anti-diabetogenic properties in mice and cell lines. However, the immunostimulatory effects have not yet been reported. This study aimed to identify the immunomodulatory effects, and underlying mechanisms thereof, of submerged cultures of CLM using RAW264.7 macrophages and cyclophosphamide (CTX)-induced immunosuppression in mice. Compared to CTX-induced immunosuppressed mice, the spleen and thymus indexes in mice orally administered CLM were significantly increased; body weight loss was alleviated; and natural killer (NK) cytotoxicity, lymphocyte proliferation, and cytokine (tumor necrosis factor [TNF]-α, interferon [IFN]-γ, and interleukin [IL]-2) production were elevated in the serum. In RAW264.7 macrophages, treatment with CLM induced phagocytic activity, increased the production of nitric oxide (NO), and promoted mRNA expression of the immunomodulatory cytokines TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-10, and IL-12. In addition, CLM increased the inducible NO synthase (iNOS) concentration in macrophages, similar to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation. Mechanistic studies showed that CLM induced the activation of the NF-κB, PI3k/Akt, ERK1/2, and JNK1/2 pathways. Moreover, the phosphorylation of NF-κB and IκB induced by CLM in RAW264.7 cells was suppressed by specific MAPKs and PI3K inhibitors. Further experiments with a TLR4 inhibitor demonstrated that the production of TNF-α, IL-1ß, and IL-6 induced by CLM was decreased after TLR4 was blocked. Overall, CLM protected against CTX-induced adverse reactions by enhancing humoral and cellular immune functions, and has potential as an immunomodulatory agent.

Pillar-Based Mechanical Induction of an Aggressive Tumorigenic Lung Cancer Cell Model.

Tissue microarchitecture imposes physical constraints to the migration of individual cells. Especially in cancer metastasis, three-dimensional structural barriers within the extracellular matrix are known to affect the migratory behavior of cells, regulating the pathological state of the cells. Here, we employed a culture platform with micropillar arrays of 2 µm diameter and 16 µm pitch (2.16 micropillar) as a mechanical stimulant. Using this platform, we investigated how a long-term culture of A549 human lung carcinoma cells on the (2.16) micropillar-embossed dishes would influence the pathological state of the cell. A549 cells grown on the (2.16) micropillar array with 10 µm height exhibited a significantly elongated morphology and enhanced migration even after the detachment and reattachment, as evidenced in the conventional wound-healing assay, single-cell tracking analysis, and in vivo tumor colonization assays. Moreover, the pillar-induced morphological deformation in nuclei was accompanied by cell-cycle arrest in the S phase, leading to suppressed proliferation. While these marked traits of morphology-migration-proliferation support more aggressive characteristics of metastatic cancer cells, typical indices of epithelial-mesenchymal transition were not found, but instead, remarkable traces of amoeboidal transition were confirmed. Our study also emphasizes the importance of mechanical stimuli from the microenvironment during pathogenesis and how gained traits can be passed onto subsequent generations, ultimately affecting their pathophysiological behavior. Furthermore, this study highlights the potential use of pillar-based mechanical stimuli as an in vitro cell culture strategy to induce more aggressive tumorigenic cancer cell models.

Comparison of protein characterization using In solution and S-Trap digestion methods for proteomics.

Protein extraction and digestion are important analytical steps in the study of proteomics. The use of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) buffer makes it possible to effectively analyze various proteins. Its use was evaluated using the S-Trap digestion method and compared to the traditional In solution digestion method. Differences in protein composition were examined for each protein preparation method. S-Trap digestion followed by SDS buffer extraction clearly increased the number of identified proteins, including more mitochondrial and membrane-related proteins. The S-Trap digestion method with 5% SDS buffer was applied to the pellet remaining from the removal of RIPA buffer-soluble proteins, which identified more extracellular space proteins than the conventional S-Trap digestion method. S-Trap digestion of the pellet was particularly advantageous for identifying proteins located inside multilayer membranes.

A modifiable universal cotinine-chimeric antigen system of NK cells with multiple targets.

Natural killer (NK) cells are immune effector cells with outstanding features for adoptive immunotherapy. Immune effector cells with chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) are promising targeted therapeutic agents for various diseases. Because tumor cells exhibit heterogeneous antigen expression and lose cell surface antigen expression during malignant progression, many CARs fixed against only one antigen have limited efficacy and are associated with tumor relapse. To expand the utility of CAR-NK cells, we designed a split and universal cotinine-CAR (Cot-CAR) system, comprising a Cot-conjugator and NK92 cells (α-Cot-NK92 cells) engineered with a CAR containing an anti-Cot-specific single-chain variable fragment and intracellular signaling domain. The efficacy of the Cot-CAR system was assessed in vitro using a cytolysis assay against various tumor cells, and its single- or multiple- utility potential was demonstrated using an in vivo lung metastasis model by injecting A549-Red-Fluc cells. The α-Cot-NK92 cells could switch targets, logically respond to multiple antigens, and tune cytolytic activation through the alteration of conjugators without re-engineering. Therefore the universal Cot-CAR system is useful for enhancing specificity and diversity of antigens, combating relapse, and controlling cytolytic activity. In conclusion, this universal Cot-CAR system reveals that multiple availability and controllability can be generated with a single, integrated system.

Inhibition of tumor progression and M2 microglial polarization by extracellular vesicle-mediated microRNA-124 in a 3D microfluidic glioblastoma microenvironment.

Background: Glioblastoma (GBM) is one of the most aggressive types of brain cancer. GBM progression is closely associated with microglia activation; therefore, understanding the regulation of the crosstalk between human GBM and microglia may help develop effective therapeutic strategies. Elucidation of efficient delivery of microRNA (miRNA) via extracellular vesicles (EVs) and their intracellular communications is required for therapeutic applications in GBM treatment. Methods: We used human GBM cells (U373MG) and human microglia. MiRNA-124 was loaded into HEK293T-derived EVs (miR-124 EVs). Various anti-tumor effects (proliferation, metastasis, chemosensitivity, M1/M2 microglial polarization, and cytokine profile) were investigated in U373MG and microglia. Anti-tumor effect of miR-124 EVs was also investigated in five different patient-derived GBM cell lines (SNU-201, SNU-466, SNU-489, SNU-626, and SNU-1105). A three-dimensional (3D) microfluidic device was used to investigate the interactive microenvironment of the tumor and microglia. Results: MiR-124 EVs showed highly efficient anti-tumor effects both in GBM cells and microglia. The mRNA expression levels of tumor progression and M2 microglial polarization markers were decreased in response to miR-124 EVs. The events were closely related to signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) 3 signaling in both GBM and microglia. In 3D microfluidic experiments, both U373MG and microglia migrated to a lesser extent and showed less-elongated morphology in the presence of miR-124 EVs compared to the control. Analyses of changes in cytokine levels in the microfluidic GBM-microglia environment showed that the treatment with miR-124 EVs led to tumor suppression and anti-cancer immunity, thereby recruiting natural killer (NK) cells into the tumor. Conclusions: In this study, we demonstrated that EV-mediated miR-124 delivery exerted synergistic anti-tumor effects by suppressing the growth of human GBM cells and inhibiting M2 microglial polarization. These findings provide new insights toward a better understanding of the GBM microenvironment and provide substantial evidence for the development of potential therapeutic strategies using miRNA-loaded EVs.

G protein-coupled estrogen receptor regulates the KLF2-dependent eNOS expression by activating of Ca2+ and EGFR signaling pathway in human endothelial cells.

G protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER) is important for maintaining normal blood vessel function by preventing endothelial cell dysfunction. It has been reported that G-1, an agonist of GPER, increases nitric oxide (NO) production through the phosphorylation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS). However, the effect of GPER activation on eNOS expression has not been studied. Our results show that G-1 significantly increased the expression of eNOS and Kruppel-like factor 2 (KLF2) in human endothelial EA.hy926 cells. The individual silences of KLF2 and GPER attenuated G-1-induced eNOS expression. In addition, inhibition of the Gαq and Gßγ suppressed G-1-induced the expression of eNOS and KLF2 in EA.hy926 cells. Interestingly, these effects were similar in HUVECs. Furthermore, we found that GPER-mediated Ca2+ signaling increased the phosphorylation of CaMKKß, AMPK, and CaMKIIα in the cells. The phosphorylation of histone deacetylase 5 (HDAC5) by activation of AMPK and CaMKIIα increased the expression of eNOS via transcriptional activity of KLF2. We further demonstrate that GPER activation increased the phosphorylation of Src, EGFR, ERK5, and MEF2C and consequently induced the expression of eNOS and KLF2. Meanwhile, inhibition of ERK5 and HDAC5 suppressed the expression of eNOS and KLF2 induced by G-1 in the cells. These findings suggest that GPER provides a novel mechanism for understanding the regulation of eNOS expression and is an essential therapeutic target in preventing cardiovascular-related endothelial dysfunction.

A Novel Protein-Protein Interaction between RSK3 and IκBα and a New Binding Inhibitor That Suppresses Breast Cancer Tumorigenesis.

Multiple cancer-related biological processes are mediated by protein-protein interactions (PPIs). Through interactions with a variety of factors, members of the ribosomal S6 kinase (RSK) family play roles in cell cycle progression and cell proliferation. In particular, RSK3 contributes to cancer viability, but the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. We performed a kinase library screen to find IκBα PPI binding partners and identified RSK3 as a novel IκBα binding partner using a cell-based distribution assay. In addition, we discovered a new PPI inhibitor using mammalian two-hybrid (MTH) analysis. We assessed the antitumor effects of the new inhibitor using cell proliferation and colony formation assays and monitored the rate of cell death by FACS apoptosis assay. IκBα is phosphorylated by the active form of the RSK3 kinase. A small-molecule inhibitor that targets the RSK3/IκBα complex exhibited antitumor activity in breast cancer cells and increased their rate of apoptosis. RSK3 phosphorylation and RSK3/IκBα complex formation might be functionally important in breast tumorigenesis. The RSK3/IκBα-specific binding inhibitor identified in this study represents a lead compound for the development of new anticancer drugs.

Influence of o,p'-DDT on MUC5AC expression via regulation of NF-κB/AP-1 activation in human lung epithelial cells.

o,p'-Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (o,p'-DDT) is a representative endocrine disruptor, and exposure to o,p'-DDT may produce immune disorders and inflammation, leading to various diseases such as cancer. Chronic airway inflammation is characterized by excessive mucus secretion resulting in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Mucin 5AC  (MUC5AC), one of the mucus genes, plays an important role in mucus secretion and inflammation in the airways. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of o,p'-DDT on the regulation of MUC5AC expression in human lung epithelial A549 cell line. o,p'-DDT increased mRNA levels and the promoter activity of MUC5AC. Transient transfection with mutation promoter constructs of MUC5AC demonstrated that nuclear factor kappa-b (NF-κB) and activator protein 1(AP-1) response elements were essential for the consequences of o,p'-DDT on MUC5AC expression. In addition, o,p'-DDT induced phosphorylation of ERK, JNK, p38, and Akt, which are involved in the regulation of MUC5AC expression. It is noteworthy that inhibitors of NF-κB, AP-1, Akt, and MAPKs blocked enhanced o,p'-DDT-induced MUC5AC mRNA expression. Data indicate that o,p'-DDT increase in NF-κB, and AP-1 transcriptional activation-dependent MUC5AC expression is associated with stimulation of Akt and MAPK signaling pathways in A549 cells.

Co-relation with novel phosphorylation sites of IκBα and necroptosis in breast cancer cells.

BACKGROUND: Phosphorylation of NF-kappaB inhibitor alpha (IκBα) is key to regulation of NF-κB transcription factor activity in the cell. Several sites of IκBα phosphorylation by members of the IκB kinase family have been identified, but phosphorylation of the protein by other kinases remains poorly understood. We investigated a new phosphorylation site on IκBα and identified its biological function in breast cancer cells. METHODS: Previously, we observed that aurora kinase (AURK) binds IκBα in the cell. To identify the domains of IκBα essential for phosphorylation by AURK, we performed kinase assays with a series of IκBα truncation mutants. AURK significantly promoted activation of IκBα at serine 32 but not serine 36; by contrast, IκB kinase (IKK) family proteins activated both of these residues. We also confirmed phosphorylation of IκBα by matrix-assisted laser-desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF/TOF MS) and nano-liquid chromatography hybrid quadrupole orbitrap mass spectrometer (nanoLC-MS/MS; Q-Exactive). RESULTS: We identified two novel sites of serine phosphorylation, S63 and S262. Alanine substitution of S63 and S262 (S63A and S262A) of IκBα inhibited proliferation and suppressed p65 transcription activity. In addition, S63A and/or S262A of IκBα regulated apoptotic and necroptotic effects in breast cancer cells. CONCLUSIONS: Phosphorylation of IκBα by AURK at novel sites is related to the apoptosis and necroptosis pathways in breast cancer cells.

Impressic Acid Ameliorates Atopic Dermatitis-Like Skin Lesions by Inhibiting ERK1/2-Mediated Phosphorylation of NF-κB and STAT1.

Impressic acid (IPA), a lupane-type triterpenoid from Acanthopanax koreanum, has many pharmacological activities, including the attenuation of vascular endothelium dysfunction, cartilage destruction, and inflammatory diseases, but its influence on atopic dermatitis (AD)-like skin lesions is unknown. Therefore, we investigated the suppressive effect of IPA on 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB)-induced AD-like skin symptoms in mice and the underlying mechanisms in cells. IPA attenuated the DNCB-induced increase in the serum concentrations of IgE and thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), and in the mRNA levels of thymus and activation regulated chemokine(TARC), macrophage derived chemokine (MDC), interleukin-4 (IL-4), interleukin-5 (IL-5), interleukin-13 (IL-13), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) in mice. Histopathological analysis showed that IPA reduced the epidermal/dermal thickness and inflammatory and mast cell infiltration of ear tissue. In addition, IPA attenuated the phosphorylation of NF-κB and IκBα, and the degradation of IκBα in ear lesions. Furthermore, IPA treatment suppressed TNF-α/IFN-γ-induced TARC expression by inhibiting the NF-κB activation in cells. Phosphorylation of extracellular signalregulated protein kinase (ERK1/2) and the signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1), the upstream signaling proteins, was reduced by IPA treatment in HaCaT cells. In conclusion, IPA ameliorated AD-like skin symptoms by regulating cytokine and chemokine production and so has therapeutic potential for AD-like skin lesions.