SHP-1 mediates cigarette smoke extract-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transformation and inflammation in 16HBE cells.

Src-homology region 2 domain-containing phosphatase 1 (SHP-1) is considered an anti-inflammatory factor, but its role in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) remains unknown. Herein, overexpression of SHP-1 was utilized to explore the functions of SHP-1 in COPD models established by stimulating 16HBE cells with cigarette smoke extracts (CSE) in vitro. SHP-1 was downregulated in both COPD patients and CES-treated 16HBE cells. SHP-1 overexpression reinforced cell viability and significantly prevented CSE-induced cell apoptosis in 16HBE cells. Furthermore, SHP-1 overexpression greatly reversed the CSE-induced migration, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and pro-inflammatory factor production in 16HBE cells. In addition, CSE activated the P65 and PI3K/AKT pathways in 16HBE cells, which was also reversed by SHP-1 overexpression. Our findings indicated that SHP-1 alleviated CSE-induced EMT and inflammation in 16HBE cells, suggesting that SHP-1 regulated the development of COPD, and these functions may be linked to the inhibition of the PI3K/AKT pathway.

The Toxoplasma secreted effector TgWIP modulates dendritic cell motility by activating host tyrosine phosphatases Shp1 and Shp2.

The obligate intracellular parasite Toxoplasma gondii causes life-threatening toxoplasmosis to immunocompromised individuals. The pathogenesis of Toxoplasma relies on its swift dissemination to the central nervous system through a 'Trojan Horse' mechanism using infected leukocytes as carriers. Previous work found TgWIP, a protein secreted from Toxoplasma, played a role in altering the actin cytoskeleton and promoting cell migration in infected dendritic cells (DCs). However, the mechanism behind these changes was unknown. Here, we report that TgWIP harbors two SH2-binding motifs that interact with tyrosine phosphatases Shp1 and Shp2, leading to phosphatase activation. DCs infected with Toxoplasma exhibited hypermigration, accompanying enhanced F-actin stress fibers and increased membrane protrusions such as filopodia and pseudopodia. By contrast, these phenotypes were abrogated in DCs infected with Toxoplasma expressing a mutant TgWIP lacking the SH2-binding motifs. We further demonstrated that the Rho-associated kinase (Rock) is involved in the induction of these phenotypes, in a TgWIP-Shp1/2 dependent manner. Collectively, the data uncover a molecular mechanism by which TgWIP modulates the migration dynamics of infected DCs in vitro.

Regulation of STAT5 phosphorylation and interaction with SHP1 by lnc-AC004893, a long non-coding RNA overexpressed in myeloproliferative neoplasms.

OBJECTIVES: Constitutive activation of Janus kinase 2 (JAK2)/signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) signaling pathway is central to the pathogenesis of myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs). Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) regulate diverse biological processes. However, the role of lncRNAs in MPN pathogenesis is not well studied. METHODS: The expression of lnc-AC004893 in MPN patients was measured by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). Gene-specific short hairpin RNAs (shRNAs) were designed to inhibit the expression of lnc-AC004893, and western blot was performed to explore the role of lnc-AC004893 via regulating the JAK2/STAT5 signaling pathway. Furthermore, co-IP was performed to determine the binding ability of lnc-AC004893 and STAT5 protein. Finally, the BaF3-JAK2V617F-transplanted mouse model was used to assess the biological role of lnc-ac004893 in vivo. RESULTS: We report that lnc-AC004893, a poorly conserved pseudogene-209, is substantially upregulated in MPN cells compared with normal controls (NCs). Knockdown of lnc-AC004893 by specific shRNAs suppressed cell proliferation and decreased colony formation. Furthermore, the knockdown of lnc-AC004893 reduced the expression of p-STAT5 but not total STAT5 in HEL and murine IL-3-dependent Ba/F3 cells, which present constitutive and inducible activation of JAK2/STAT5 signaling. In addition, inhibition of murine lnc-ac004893 attenuated BaF3-JAK2V617F-transplanted phenotypes and extended the overall survival. Mechanistically, knockdown of lnc-AC004893 enhanced the binding ability of STAT5 and protein tyrosine phosphatase SHP1. Furthermore, knockdown of lnc-AC004893 decreased STAT5-lnc-AC004893 interaction but not SHP1-lnc-AC004893 interaction. CONCLUSION: Lnc-AC004893 regulates STAT5 phosphorylation by affecting the interaction of STAT5 and SHP1. Lnc-AC004893 might be a potential therapeutic target for MPN patients.

The Toxoplasma secreted effector TgWIP modulates dendritic cell motility by activating host tyrosine phosphatases Shp1 and Shp2.

The obligate intracellular parasite Toxoplasma gondii causes life-threatening toxoplasmosis to immunocompromised individuals. The pathogenesis of Toxoplasma relies on its swift dissemination to the central nervous system through a 'Trojan Horse' mechanism using infected leukocytes as carriers. Previous work found TgWIP, a protein secreted from Toxoplasma, played a role in altering the actin cytoskeleton and promoting cell migration in infected dendritic cells (DCs). However, the mechanism behind these changes was unknown. Here, we report that TgWIP harbors two SH2-binding motifs that interact with tyrosine phosphatases Shp1 and Shp2, leading to phosphatase activation. DCs infected with Toxoplasma exhibited hypermigration, accompanying enhanced F-actin stress fibers and increased membrane protrusions such as filopodia and pseudopodia. By contrast, these phenotypes were abrogated in DCs infected with Toxoplasma expressing a mutant TgWIP lacking the SH2-binding motifs. We further demonstrated that the Rho-associated kinase (Rock) is involved in the induction of these phenotypes, in a TgWIP-Shp1/2 dependent manner. Collectively, the data uncover a molecular mechanism by which TgWIP modulates the migration dynamics of infected DCs in vitro.

Regulation of PPARγ2 Stability and Activity by SHP-1.

The protein tyrosine phosphatase Src homology region 2 domain-containing phosphatase-1 (SHP-1) plays an important role in modulating glucose and lipid homeostasis. We previously suggested a potential role of SHP-1 in the regulation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ2 (PPARγ2) expression and activity but the mechanisms were unexplored. PPARγ2 is the master regulator of adipogenesis, but how its activity is regulated by tyrosine phosphorylation is largely unknown. Here, we found that SHP-1 binds to PPARγ2 primarily via its N-terminal SH2-domain. We confirmed the phosphorylation of PPARγ2 on tyrosine-residue 78 (Y78), which was reduced by SHP-1 in vitro resulting in decreased PPARγ2 stability. Loss of SHP-1 led to elevated, agonist-induced expression of the classical PPARγ2 targets FABP4 and CD36, concomitant with increased lipid content in cells expressing PPARγ2, an effect blunted by abrogation of PPARγ2 phosphorylation. Collectively, we discovered that SHP-1 affects the stability of PPARγ2 through dephosphorylation thereby influencing adipogenesis.

Kaempferide triggers apoptosis and paraptosis in pancreatic tumor cells by modulating the ROS production, SHP-1 expression, and the STAT3 pathway.

Pancreatic cancer is one of the deadliest diseases with a poor prognosis and a five-survival rate. The STAT3 pathway is hyperactivated which contributes to the sustained proliferative signals in pancreatic cancer cells. We have isolated kaempferide (KF), an O-methylated flavonol, from the green propolis of Mimosa tenuiflora and examined its effect on two forms of cell death namely, apoptosis and paraptosis. KF significantly increased the cleavage of caspase-3 and PARP. It also downmodulated the expression of Alix (an intracellular inhibitor of paraptosis) and increased the expression of CHOP and ATF4 (transcription factors that promote paraptosis) indicating that KF promotes apoptosis as well as paraptosis. KF also increased intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) suggesting the perturbance of the redox state. N-acetylcysteine reverted the apoptosis- and paraptosis-inducing effects of KF. Some ROS inducers are known to suppress the STAT3 pathway and investigation revealed that KF downmodulates STAT3 and its upstream kinases (JAK1, JAK2, and Src). Additionally, KF also elevated the expression of SHP-1, a tyrosine phosphatase which is involved in the negative modulation of the STAT3 pathway. Knockdown of SHP-1 prevented KF-driven STAT3 inhibition. Altogether, KF has been identified as a promoter of apoptosis and paraptosis in pancreatic cancer cells through the elevation of ROS generation and SHP-1 expression.

Mechanism study of tyrosine phosphatase shp-1 in inhibiting hepatocellular carcinoma progression by regulating the SHP2/GM-CSF pathway in TAMs.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignant tumors worldwide. Macrophage-mediated innate immune responses play a crucial role in tumor development. This study revealed the mechanism of SHP-1 in regulating HCC progression. SHP-1 inhibits tumour development in vivo. Increasing SHP-1 expression in macrophages promotes the expression of p-SHP-1, SHP2, and p-SHP-2. In macrophages GM-CSF recruits SHP-2 to the GM-CSF receptor GM-CSFR induces p-SHP-2 dephosphorylation. GM-CSF recruits p-SHP-2 for dephosphorylation by up-regulating HoxA10HOXA10 activates the transcription of TGFß2 by interacting with tandem cis-elements in the promoter thereby regulating the proliferation and migration of liver cancer cells. GM-CSF inhibits SHP-1 regulation of p-SHP-1, SHP2, and p-SHP-2 in macrophages. Detailed studies have shown that SHP-1 regulates SHP2 expression, and SHP-1 and SHP2 are involved in macrophage M2 polarisation. SHP-1 inhibits HOXA10 and TGFß2 which in turn regulates the expression of the migration-associated proteins, MMP2/9, and the migration of hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Overexpression of SHP-1 inhibits macrophage M2 polarisation via the p-STAT3/6 signalling pathway Classical markers arginase-1, CD206, CD163 and regulate the expression of M2 polarisation cytokines IL-4 and IL-10. In addition, hypoxia-induced ROS inhibited SHP-1 regulation by suppressing the expression of p-SHP-1. The combined effect of GM-CSF and ROS significantly increased p-HOXA10/TGFß2 and macrophage M2 polarisation, and the regulatory effect of ROS was significantly suppressed by GM-CSF knockdown. These findings suggest that increasing the expression of tyrosine phosphatase SHP-1 can inhibit hepatocellular carcinoma progression by modulating the SHP2/GM-CSF pathway in TAM and thus inhibit the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma.

[Corrigendum] Saffron carotenoids inhibit STAT3 activation and promote apoptotic progression in IL­6­stimulated liver cancer cells.

Following the publication of the above article, an interested reader drew to the authors' attention that, in Fig. 1E on p. 1885, the STAT3 blots shown for the A549 and A2780 cell lines were strikingly similar, such that these data were possibly derived from the same original source where the panels were intended to show the results from differently performed experiments. Upon examining their original data, the authors have realized that an inadvertent error was made in assembling the data in the figure, and the STAT3 data shown correctly for the A549 cell line were erroneously copied across for the A2780 cell line. The corrected version of Fig. 1, showing the correct STAT3 blot for the A2780 cell line in Fig. 1E, is shown on the next page. Note that this error did not affect the overall conclusions reported in the paper. All the authors agree with the publication of this corrigendum, and are grateful to the Editor of Oncology Reports for allowing them the opportunity to publish this. They also apologize to the readership for any inconvenience caused. [Oncology Reports 39: 1883­1891, 2018; DOI: 10.3892/or.2018.6232].

Natural compound Byakangelicin suppresses breast tumor growth and motility by regulating SHP-1/JAK2/STAT3 signal pathway.

Byakangelicin mostly obtained from the root of Angelica dahurica and has protective effect on liver injury and fibrosis. In addition, Byakangelicin, as a traditional medicine, is also used to treat colds, headache and toothache. Recent studies have shown that Byakangelicin exhibits anti-tumor function; however, the role of Byakangelicin in breast tumor progression and related mechanism has not yet been elucidated. Our study aims to investigate the role of Byakangelicin in breast tumor progression and the underlying mechanism. To measure the effect of Byakangelicin on JAK2/STAT3 signaling, a dual luciferase reporter assay and a Western blot assay were performed. CCK8, colony formation, apoptosis and cell invasion assays were used to examine the inhibitory potential of Byakangelicin on breast cancer cells. Additionally, SHP-1 was silenced by specific siRNA duplex and the function of SHP-1 on Byakangelicin-mediated inhibition of JAK2/STAT3 signaling was evaluated. Byakangelicin treatment significantly inhibited STAT3 transcriptional activity. In addition, Byakangelicin treatment blocked JAK2/STAT3 signaling in a dose-dependent manner. Byakangelicin-treated tumor cells showed a dramatically reduced proliferation, colony formation and invasion ability. Moreover, Byakangelicin remarkedly induced breast cancer cell apoptosis. Furthermore, Byakangelicin regulated the expression of SHP1.In conclusion, our current study indicated that Byakangelicin, a natural compound, inhibits SHP-1/JAK2/STAT3 signaling and thus blocks tumor growth and motility.

Association of TRAIL receptor with phosphatase SHP-1 enables repressing T cell receptor signaling and T cell activation through inactivating Lck.

BACKGROUND: T cell receptor (TCR) signaling and T cell activation are tightly regulated by gatekeepers to maintain immune tolerance and avoid autoimmunity. The TRAIL receptor (TRAIL-R) is a TNF-family death receptor that transduces apoptotic signals to induce cell death. Recent studies have indicated that TRAIL-R regulates T cell-mediated immune responses by directly inhibiting T cell activation without inducing apoptosis; however, the distinct signaling pathway that regulates T cell activation remains unclear. In this study, we screened for intracellular TRAIL-R-binding proteins within T cells to explore the novel signaling pathway transduced by TRAIL-R that directly inhibits T cell activation. METHODS: Whole-transcriptome RNA sequencing was used to identify gene expression signatures associated with TRAIL-R signaling during T cell activation. High-throughput screening with mass spectrometry was used to identify the novel TRAIL-R binding proteins within T cells. Co-immunoprecipitation, lipid raft isolation, and confocal microscopic analyses were conducted to verify the association between TRAIL-R and the identified binding proteins within T cells. RESULTS: TRAIL engagement downregulated gene signatures in TCR signaling pathways and profoundly suppressed phosphorylation of TCR proximal tyrosine kinases without inducing cell death. The tyrosine phosphatase SHP-1 was identified as the major TRAIL-R binding protein within T cells, using high throughput mass spectrometry-based proteomics analysis. Furthermore, Lck was co-immunoprecipitated with the TRAIL-R/SHP-1 complex in the activated T cells. TRAIL engagement profoundly inhibited phosphorylation of Lck (Y394) and suppressed the recruitment of Lck into lipid rafts in the activated T cells, leading to the interruption of proximal TCR signaling and subsequent T cell activation. CONCLUSIONS: TRAIL-R associates with phosphatase SHP-1 and transduces a unique and distinct immune gatekeeper signal to repress TCR signaling and T cell activation via inactivating Lck. Thus, our results define TRAIL-R as a new class of immune checkpoint receptors for restraining T cell activation, and TRAIL-R/SHP-1 axis can serve as a potential therapeutic target for immune-mediated diseases.

Antagonizing roles of SHP1 in the pathogenesis of Helicobacter pylori infection.

BACKGROUND: SHP1 has been documented as a tumor suppressor and it was thought to play an antagonistic role in the pathogenesis of Helicobacter pylori infection. In this study, the exact mechanism of this antagonistic action was studied. MATERIALS AND METHODS: AGS, MGC803, and GES-1 cells were infected with H. pylori, intracellular distribution changes of SHP1 were first detected by immunofluorescence. SHP1 overexpression and knockdown were then constructed in these cells to investigate its antagonistic roles in H. pylori infection. Migration and invasion of infected cells were detected by transwell assay, secretion of IL-8 was examined via ELISA, the cells with hummingbird-like alteration were determined by microexamination, and activation of JAK2/STAT3, PI3K/Akt, and ERK pathways were detected by immunoblotting. Mice infection model was established and gastric pathological changes were evaluated. Finally, the SHP1 activator sorafenib was used to analyze the attenuating effect of SHP1 activation on H. pylori pathogenesis in vitro and in vivo. RESULTS: The sub-localization of SHP1 changed after H. pylori infection, specifically that the majority of the cytoplasmic SHP1 was transferred to the cell membrane. SHP1 inhibited H. pylori-induced activation of JAK2/STAT3 pathway, PI3K/Akt pathway, nuclear translocation of NF-κB, and then reduced EMT, migration, invasion, and IL-8 secretion. In addition, SHP1 inhibited the formation of CagA-SHP2 complex by dephosphorylating phosphorylated CagA, reduced ERK phosphorylation and the formation of CagA-dependent hummingbird-like cells. In the mice infection model, gastric pathological changes were observed and increased IL-8 secretion, indicators of cell proliferation and EMT progression were also detected. By activating SHP1 with sorafenib, a significant curative effect against H. pylori infection was obtained in vitro and in vivo. CONCLUSIONS: SHP1 plays an antagonistic role in H. pylori pathogenesis by inhibiting JAK2/STAT3 and PI3K/Akt pathways, NF-κB nuclear translocation, and CagA phosphorylation, thereby reducing cell EMT, migration, invasion, IL-8 secretion, and hummingbird-like changes.

Signaling via a CD27-TRAF2-SHP-1 axis during naive T cell activation promotes memory-associated gene regulatory networks.

The interaction of the tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNFR) family member CD27 on naive CD8+ T (Tn) cells with homotrimeric CD70 on antigen-presenting cells (APCs) is necessary for T cell memory fate determination. Here, we examined CD27 signaling during Tn cell activation and differentiation. In conjunction with T cell receptor (TCR) stimulation, ligation of CD27 by a synthetic trimeric CD70 ligand triggered CD27 internalization and degradation, suggesting active regulation of this signaling axis. Internalized CD27 recruited the signaling adaptor TRAF2 and the phosphatase SHP-1, thereby modulating TCR and CD28 signals. CD27-mediated modulation of TCR signals promoted transcription factor circuits that induced memory rather than effector associated gene programs, which are induced by CD28 costimulation. CD27-costimulated chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-engineered T cells exhibited improved tumor control compared with CD28-costimulated CAR-T cells. Thus, CD27 signaling during Tn cell activation promotes memory properties with relevance to T cell immunotherapy.

1-Pyrroline-5-carboxylate inhibit T cell glycolysis in prostate cancer microenvironment by SHP1/PKM2/LDHB axis.

BACKGROUND: Our previous studies demonstrated that 1-Pyrroline-5-carboxylate (P5C) released by prostate cancer cells inhibits T cell proliferation and function by increasing SHP1 expression. We designed this study to further explore the influence of P5C on T cell metabolism, and produced an antibody for targeting P5C to restore the functions of T cells. METHOD: We co-immunoprecipated SHP1 from T cells and analyzed the proteins that were bound to it using liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC/MS-MS). The influence of P5C on T cells metabolism was also detected by LC/MS-MS. Seahorse XF96 analyzer was further used to identify the effect of P5C on T cells glycolysis. We subsequently designed and produced an antibody for targeting P5C by monoclonal technique and verified its effectiveness to restore the function of T cells in vitro and in vivo. RESULT: PKM2 and LDHB bind SHP1 in T cells, and P5C could increase the levels of p-PKM2 while having no effect on the levels of PKM2 and LDHB. We further found that P5C influences T cell energy metabolism and carbohydrate metabolism. P5C also inhibits the activity of PKM2 and decreases the content of intracellular lactic acid while increasing the activity of LDH. Using seahorse XF96 analyzer, we confirmed that P5C remarkably inhibits glycolysis in T cells. We produced an antibody for targeting P5C by monoclonal technique and verified that the antibody could oppose the influence of P5C to restore the process of glycolysis and function in T cells. Meanwhile, the antibody also inhibits the growth of prostate tumors in an animal model. CONCLUSION: Our study revealed that P5C inhibits the process of glycolysis in T cells by targeting SHP1/PKM2/LDHB complexes. Moreover, it is important that the antibody for targeting P5C could restore the function of T cells and inhibit the growth of prostate tumors.

Leonurine ameliorates the STAT3 pathway through the upregulation of SHP-1 to retard the growth of hepatocellular carcinoma cells.

Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is a transcription factor that directs the transcription of genes involved in the promotion of cell survival and proliferation, inflammation, angiogenesis, invasion, and migration. Overactivation of STAT3 is often witnessed in human cancers, thereby making it a good target in oncology. Herein the efficacy of Leonurine (Leo), a bioactive alkaloid present in Herba leonuri, was investigated for its STAT3-inhibitory potential in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells. Leo downregulated the persistent as well as IL-6-driven activation of STAT3. Leo abrogated the nuclear localization and DNA interacting ability of STAT3. Leo was also found to impart STAT3 inhibition by mitigating the activation of upstream kinases such as JAK1, JAK2, and Src both in constitutive and IL-6 inducible systems. Leo curbed the STAT3-driven luciferase gene expression and the depletion of STAT3 resulted in the reduced responsiveness of HCC cells to Leo. Pervanadate exposure counteracted Leo-induced STAT3 inhibition suggesting the involvement of a protein tyrosine phosphatase. SHP-1 was significantly elevated upon Leo exposure whereas the depletion of SHP-1 was found to revert the effect of Leo on STAT3. Leo induced apoptosis and also significantly potentiated the cytotoxic effect of paclitaxel, doxorubicin, and sorafenib. Leo was found to be non-toxic up to the dose of 10 mg/kg in NCr nude mice. In conclusion, Leo was demonstrated to induce cytotoxicity in HCC cells by mitigating the persistent of activation of STAT3 pathway.

Novel imidazo[1,2,4] triazole derivatives: Synthesis, fluorescence, bioactivity for SHP1.

The Src homology 2 domain-containing protein tyrosine phosphatase 1 (SHP1) is a convergent node for oncogenic cell-signaling cascades. Consequently, SHP1 represents a potential target for drug development in cancer treatment. The development of efficient methods for rapidly tracing and modulating the SHP1 activity in complex biological systems is of considerable significance for advancing the integration of diagnosis and treatment of the related disease. Thus, we designed and synthesized a series of imidazo[1,2,4] triazole derivatives containing salicylic acid to explore novel scaffolds with inhibitory activities and good fluorescence properties for SHP1. The photophysical properties and inhibitory activities of these imidazo[1,2,4] triazole derivatives (5a-5y) against SHP1PTP were thoroughly studied from the theoretical simulation and experimental application aspects. The representative compound 5p exhibited remarkable fluorescence response (P: 0.002) with fluorescence quantum yield (QY) of 0.37 and inhibitory rate of 85.21 ± 5.17% against SHP1PTP at the concentration of 100 µM. Furthermore, compound 5p showed obvious aggregation caused quenching (ACQ) effect and had high selectivity for Fe3+ ions, good anti-interference and relatively low detection limit (5.55 µM). Finally, the cellular imaging test of compound 5p also exhibited good biocompatibility and certain potential biological imaging application. This study provides a potential way to develop molecules with fluorescent properties and bioactivities for SHP1.

CRISPR/Cas9-mediated knockout of intracellular molecule SHP-1 enhances tumor-killing ability of CD133-targeted CAR T cells in vitro.

CAR T cell therapy has been successfully used in the treatment of hematological malignancies, and the strategy that deletion of inhibitory receptor on the CAR T cell surface, such as PD-1, greatly enhance the antitumor effects. Here, we describe a one-step electroporation for the co-transfection of Cas9:sgRNA and CAR plasmids on primary T cells to demonstrate the effect of SHP-1 deletion in CAR T cells. By using PiggyBac Transposase system, we can achieve more than 90% of T cells express CAR gene and nearly 60% SHP-1 knockout efficiency in T cells. We show that knockout of SHP-1 in CD133 CAR T cells resulted in significantly improve the cytolysis effect on CD133 positive glioma cell lines. We further demonstrate that the enhanced antitumor efficacy of SHP-1 deletion is due to the increased release of TNF-α, IL-2 and IFN-γ in vitro. Finally, we evaluated the biosafety of Cas9 genome editing and did not find any insertions of Cas9 and obvious editing in off-target sites in CAR T cells. These data provide an approach for achieving both intracellular inhibitory molecule, SHP-1 deletion and CD133 CAR gene over-expression in human T cells. And SHP-1 could be a new potential target for adoptive CAR T cells immunotherapy.

Leucine zipper protein 1 attenuates pressure overload-induced cardiac hypertrophy through inhibiting Stat3 signaling.

INTRODUCTION: Cardiac hypertrophy is an important contributor of heart failure, and the mechanisms remain unclear. Leucine zipper protein 1 (LUZP1) is essential for the development and function of cardiovascular system; however, its role in cardiac hypertrophy is elusive. OBJECTIVES: This study aims to investigate the molecular basis of LUZP1 in cardiac hypertrophy and to provide a rational therapeutic approach. METHODS: Cardiac-specific Luzp1 knockout (cKO) and transgenic mice were established, and transverse aortic constriction (TAC) was used to induce pressure overload-induced cardiac hypertrophy. The possible molecular basis of LUZP1 in regulating cardiac hypertrophy was determined by transcriptome analysis. Neonatal rat cardiomyocytes were cultured to elucidate the role and mechanism of LUZP1 in vitro. RESULTS: LUZP1 expression was progressively increased in hypertrophic hearts after TAC surgery. Gain- and loss-of-function methods revealed that cardiac-specific LUZP1 deficiency aggravated, while cardiac-specific LUZP1 overexpression attenuated pressure overload-elicited hypertrophic growth and cardiac dysfunction in vivo and in vitro. Mechanistically, the transcriptome data identified Stat3 pathway as a key downstream target of LUZP1 in regulating pathological cardiac hypertrophy. Cardiac-specific Stat3 deletion abolished the pro-hypertrophic role in LUZP1 cKO mice after TAC surgery. Further findings suggested that LUZP1 elevated the expression of Src homology region 2 domain-containing phosphatase 1 (SHP1) to inactivate Stat3 pathway, and SHP1 silence blocked the anti-hypertrophic effects of LUZP1 in vivo and in vitro. CONCLUSION: We demonstrate that LUZP1 attenuates pressure overload-induced cardiac hypertrophy through inhibiting Stat3 signaling, and targeting LUZP1 may develop novel approaches to treat pathological cardiac hypertrophy.

Euphorbiasteroid Induces Apoptosis as Well as Autophagy through Modulating SHP-1/STAT3 Pathway in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells.

Euphorbiasteroid (EPBS) has gained attention for its activity against human lung cancer and sarcoma; however, its impact on hepatocellular carcinoma has not yet been elucidated. Here, we investigated the cytotoxic effect of EPBS on human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells. We found that EPBS induced both apoptosis and autophagy in HCC cells. Additionally, we observed that EPBS treatment suppressed the constitutive as well as the inducible activation of a signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) protein expression. Moreover, EPBS promoted the expression of SHP-1 protein and the production of reactive oxidative stress (ROS). Furthermore, the knockdown of SHP-1 by siRNA transfection reversed the effects of EPBS, which have inductive effects related to apoptosis and autophagy. Therefore, EPBS can potentially function as an anti-cancer agent by inducing apoptosis and autophagy when targeting the SHP-1/STAT3 pathway.

SHP-1 phosphatase acts as a coactivator of PCK1 transcription to control gluconeogenesis.

We previously reported that the protein-tyrosine phosphatase SHP-1 (PTPN6) negatively regulates insulin signaling, but its impact on hepatic glucose metabolism and systemic glucose control remains poorly understood. Here, we use co-immunoprecipitation assays, chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing, in silico methods, and gluconeogenesis assay, and found a new mechanism whereby SHP-1 acts as a coactivator for transcription of the phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase 1 (PCK1) gene to increase liver gluconeogenesis. SHP-1 is recruited to the regulatory regions of the PCK1 gene and interacts with RNA polymerase II. The recruitment of SHP-1 to chromatin is dependent on its association with the transcription factor signal transducer and activator of transcription 5 (STAT5). Loss of SHP-1 as well as STAT5 decrease RNA polymerase II recruitment to the PCK1 promoter and consequently PCK1 mRNA levels leading to blunted gluconeogenesis. This work highlights a novel nuclear role of SHP-1 as a key transcriptional regulator of hepatic gluconeogenesis adding a new mechanism to the repertoire of SHP-1 functions in metabolic control.

Viscum album Induces Apoptosis by Regulating STAT3 Signaling Pathway in Breast Cancer Cells.

In this study, we investigated the potential anticancer effects of Viscum album, a parasitic plant that grows on Malus domestica (VaM) on breast cancer cells, and explored the underlying mechanisms. VaM significantly inhibited cell viability and proliferation and induced apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner. VaM also regulated cell cycle progression and effectively inhibited activation of the STAT3 signaling pathway through SHP-1. Combining VaM with low-dose doxorubicin produced a synergistic effect, highlighting its potential as a promising therapeutic. In vivo, VaM administration inhibited tumor growth and modulated key molecular markers associated with breast cancer progression. Overall, our findings provide strong evidence for the therapeutic potential of VaM in breast cancer treatment and support further studies exploring clinical applications.