Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of phenyl vinyl sulfone based NLRP3 inflammasome inhibitors.

As the vital component of innate immune system, the NLRP3 inflammasome is implicated in the onset and progression of a variety of inflammatory diseases and has emerged as an attractive drug target. Herein a series of novel phenyl vinyl sulfone based NLRP3 inflammasome inhibitors were designed, synthesized and biologically characterized. The most potent two hits 7a and 5b showed inhibition on the NLRP3 inflammasome with the IC50 of 1.83 ± 0.28 µM and 0.91 ± 0.06 µM, respectively. Further characterization confirmed their inhibition of NLRP3-mediated IL-1ß release in vivo. Collectively, our findings encourage further research of more potent inhibitors based on this chemical scaffold.

The metabolic regulation of Fuzhuan brick tea in high-fat diet-induced obese mice and the potential contribution of gut microbiota.

This study investigated the metabolic effects of Fuzhuan brick tea (FBT) in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obese mice and the potential contribution of gut microbiota. The results showed that FBT ameliorated the HFD-induced glycerophospholipid metabolic aberrance, specifically increased the serum levels of phosphatidylcholines (PCs), lysophosphatidylcholines (LysoPCs), and the ratio of PC to phosphatidylethanolamines (PE). Besides, FBT increased the serum level of gut microbiota-derived aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) ligand, 3-indole propionic acid, as well as the relative abundance of intestinal AhR-ligand producing bacteria such as Clostridiaceae, Bacteroidales_S24-7_group, and Lactobacillaceae. However, the metabolic benefits of FBT were weakened when the gut microbiota were depleted by antibiotic treatment, thereby suggesting that gut microbiota was required for FBT to regulate glycerophospholipid metabolism. Indeed, the metabolites regulated by FBT were significantly correlated with the AhR-ligand producing bacteria. The KEGG pathway enrichment analysis and expressions of AhR target genes indicated that FBT would improve the glycerophospholipid metabolism via the AhR-Pemt signal axis, in which the gut microbiota and their metabolites played pivotal mediators. Overall, FBT could be a functional beverage to improve HFD-induced metabolic disorders in a gut microbiota dependent manner.

Identification, Molecular Characteristic, and Expression Analysis of PIFs Related to Chlorophyll Metabolism in Tea Plant (Camellia sinensis).

The phytochrome-interacting factors (PIFs) proteins belong to the subfamily of basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factors and play important roles in chloroplast development and chlorophyll biosynthesis. Currently, knowledge about the PIF gene family in Camellia sinensis remains very limited. In this study, seven PIF members were identified in the C. sinensis genome and named based on homology with AtPIF genes in Arabidopsis thaliana. All C. sinensis PIF (CsPIF) proteins have both the conserved active PHYB binding (APB) and bHLH domains. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that CsPIFs were clustered into four groups-PIF1, PIF3, PIF7, and PIF8-and most CsPIFs were clustered in pairs with their corresponding orthologs in Populus tremula. CsPIF members in the same group tended to display uniform or similar exon-intron distribution patterns and motif compositions. CsPIF genes were differentially expressed in C. sinensis with various leaf colors and strongly correlated with the expression of genes involved in the chlorophyll metabolism pathway. Promoter analysis of structural genes related to chlorophyll metabolism found DNA-binding sites of PIFs were abundant in the promoter regions. Protein-protein interaction networks of CsPIFs demonstrated a close association with phytochrome, PIF4, HY5, TOC1, COP1, and PTAC12 proteins. Additionally, subcellular localization and transcriptional activity analysis suggested that CsPIF3b was nuclear localized protein and possessed transcriptional activity. We also found that CsPIF3b could activate the transcription of CsHEMA and CsPOR in Nicotiana benthamiana leaves. This work provides comprehensive research of CsPIFs and would be helpful to further promote the regulation mechanism of PIF on chlorophyll metabolism in C. sinensis.

Genome-wide identification and characterization of phosphate transporter gene family members in tea plants (Camellia sinensis L. O. kuntze) under different selenite levels.

Selenium (Se) is an essential element for human health and an important nutrient for plant growth. Selenite is the main form of Se available to plants in acidic soils. Previous studies have shown that phosphate transporters (PTHs) participate in selenite uptake in plants. Research on the PHT gene family is therefore vital for production of Se-rich products. Here, 23 CsPHT genes were identified in the tea (Camellia sinensis) genome and renamed based on homology with AtPHT genes in Arabidopsis thaliana. The CsPHT genes were divided into four subfamilies: PHT1, PHT3, PHT4, and PHO, containing nine, three, six, and five genes, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that fewer duplication events occurred in tea plants than in A. thaliana, rice, apple, and poplar. Genes in the same subfamily tended to share similar gene structures, conserved motifs, and potential functions. CsPHT genes were differentially expressed in various tissues and in roots under different Se levels, suggesting key roles in selenite uptake, translocation, and homeostasis. The results illuminate the contributions of CsPHT genes to selenite supply in tea plants, and lay a foundation for follow-up studies on their potential functions in this plant species.

The protective effects of yellow tea extract against loperamide-induced constipation in mice.

Yellow tea, a rare type tea from China, has a rich breadth of functional ingredients and benefits the gastrointestinal tract. However, it is not clear whether the yellow tea extract can alleviate constipation. Therefore, we used loperamide-induced constipation in mice to evaluate the effects of yellow tea extract. Fifty Kunming mice were randomly divided into five groups: normal, model, low-dose yellow tea extract, low-dose yellow tea extract prevention group, and high-dose yellow tea extract prevention group. Mice were administered yellow tea extract for 5 weeks followed by loperamide-induced constipation for the final 2 weeks. The results showed that yellow tea extract alleviated constipation symptoms by improving the fecal water content, defecation weight, and gastrointestinal transit rate. Yellow tea extract intervention also protected colon tissue, regulated serum neurotransmitters, and decreased the vasoactive intestinal peptide level. Furthermore, qRT-PCR indicated that yellow tea extract regulated genes associated with the constipation state, raised 5-HT3 and 5-HT4 and reduced AQP3 and AQP4 mRNA expression. Moreover, we found that yellow tea extract changed the gut microbiota composition. Community diversity and richness were increased and principal co-ordinate analysis demonstrated that the yellow tea extract prophylaxis groups differed from the model group. Difference analysis indicated that yellow tea extract increased Roseburia, Lachnospiraceae_UCG-006, and Bifidobacterium and decreased norank_f_Clostridiales_vadinBB60_group, unclassified_o_Bacteroidales, and Bacteroides, which are correlated with constipation. Based on these results, we believe that regular yellow tea consumption can effectively alleviate constipation.

Jasmine Tea Attenuates Chronic Unpredictable Mild Stress-Induced Depressive-like Behavior in Rats via the Gut-Brain Axis.

The number of depressed people has increased worldwide. Dysfunction of the gut microbiota has been closely related to depression. The mechanism by which jasmine tea ameliorates depression via the brain-gut-microbiome (BGM) axis remains unclear. Here, the effects of jasmine tea on rats with depressive-like symptoms via the gut microbiome were investigated. We first established a chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) rat model to induce depressive symptoms and measured the changes in depression-related indicators. Simultaneously, the changes in gut microbiota were investigated by 16S rRNA sequencing. Jasmine tea treatment improved depressive-like behaviors and neurotransmitters in CUMS rats. Jasmine tea increased the gut microbiota diversity and richness of depressed rats induced by CUMS. Spearman's analysis showed correlations between the differential microbiota (Patescibacteria, Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Spirochaetes, Elusimicrobia, and Proteobacteria) and depressive-related indicators (BDNF, GLP-1, and 5-HT in the hippocampus and cerebral cortex). Combined with the correlation analysis of gut microbiota, the result indicated that jasmine tea could attenuate depression in rats via the brain- gut-microbiome axis.

The R2R3-MYB transcription factor CsMYB73 negatively regulates l-Theanine biosynthesis in tea plants (Camellia sinensis L.).

l-Theanine, a non-proteinaceous amino acid abundantly present in tea (Camellia sinensis), contributes to the umami flavor of tea and has beneficial effects on human health. While key l-theanine biosynthetic genes have been well documented, their transcriptional regulation remains poorly understood. In this study, we determined the l-theanine contents in tea leaves of two cultivars at three developmental stages and investigated the expression patterns of the l-theanine biosynthetic genes CsGS1 and CsGS2. Additionally, we identified an R2R3-MYB transcription factor, CsMYB73, belonging to subgroup 22 of the R2R3-MYB family. CsMYB73 expression negatively correlated with l-theanine accumulation during leaf maturation. We found that CsMYB73, as a nuclear protein, binds to the promoter regions of CsGS1 and CsGS2 via MYB recognition sequences and represses the transcription of CsGS1 and CsGS2 in tobacco leaves. Collectively, our results demonstrate that CsMYB73 is a transcriptional repressor involved in l-theanine biosynthesis in tea plants. Our findings might contribute to future tea plant breeding strategies.

Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of dual-function inhibitors targeting NMDAR and HDAC for Alzheimer's disease.

Histone deacetylases (HDACs) have been indicated important roles in neurodegenerative disorders including Alzheimer's disease (AD). Herein, a series of novel compounds that contain a memantine moiety were designed to target HDACs and N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) which are related to the treatment of AD. Biological characterization established that compound 9d exhibited a balanced inhibitory activity on NMDAR and HDACs. This compound is relatively selective to HDAC6 with IC50 of 0.18 µM and also maintains comparable activity on NMDAR (Ki = 0.59 µM) as memantine. Functionally, treatment with 9d increased the level of AcTubulin in MV4-11 cells and rescued PC-12 cells from H2O2-induced cytotoxicity with EC50 of 0.94 µM. Studies in mice also demonstrated that compound 9d efficiently penetrates the blood brain barrier to reach the brain tissue. Collectively, the results strongly encourage further development of 9d as a potential therapeutic agent for AD.

Identification and expression profiling of MYB transcription factors related to l-theanine biosynthesis in Camellia sinensis.

The MYB proteins belong to a large family of transcription factors in plant genomes and play significant roles in primary and secondary metabolism. Although several CsMYB genes have been identified in Camellia sinensis, few CsMYBs involved in l-theanine biosynthesis have been analyzed. In this study, we screened and identified 20 CsMYBs related to l-theanine biosynthesis. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that the expression profiles of the CsMYBs were positively or negatively related to dynamic changes in the l-theanine content. Validation of selected l-theanine biosynthetic and CsMYB genes was conducted by qRT-PCR. The results illustrated that most of the structural and CsMYB genes were downregulated with a decrease in the l-theanine levels. Protein-protein interaction networks of CsMYB5, CsMYB12 and CsMYB94 proteins demonstrated that they might form complexes with bHLH and WD 40 proteins. Multiple DNA-binding sites of the R2R3-MYB protein were observed in promoter regions of structural genes, indicating CsMYB family proteins might be involved in l-theanine metabolism via the attachment of AC elements. Moreover, CsMYB73 demonstrated binding specificity to the promoter region of CsGDH2 (CsGDH2-pro). These findings provide fundamental understanding of specific members of the CsMYBs related to the l-theanine biosynthesis pathway.

Anti-melanogenic effects of epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), epicatechin-3-gallate (ECG) and gallocatechin-3-gallate (GCG) via down-regulation of cAMP/CREB /MITF signaling pathway in B16F10 melanoma cells.

Tea catechins, the main bioactive polyphenols in green tea, are well known for their health promoting effects. Previous studies have shown that gallocatechin-3-gallate (GCG), epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) and epicatechin-3-gallate (ECG) exerted strong inhibitory effects on mushroom tyrosinase activity in vitro, whilst EGCG inhibited melanogenesis in vivo, yet the underlying mechanisms are not entirely clear. In this study, we (i) evaluated and compared the inhibitory effects of the main tea catechins (GCG, EGCG, and ECG) on melanogenesis in B16F10 melanoma cells, and (ii) explain the underlying mechanisms. The results showed that the tea catechins significantly suppressed tyrosinase activity and melanin synthesis in B16F10 cells, where the effects of ECG > EGCG > GCG. Interestingly, the inhibitory effects of the catechins were stronger than those of arbutin (AT), a well-known depigmenting agent. Moreover, GCG, EGCG, and ECG regulated the melanogenesis of B16F10 cells through the cAMP/CREB/MITF pathway. These results revealed catechins could be used as anti-melanogenic agents to protect cells from abnormal melanogenesis.

Tacrine-hydroxamate derivatives as multitarget-directed ligands for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease: Design, synthesis, and biological evaluation.

In order to develop multitarget-directed ligands as potential treatments for Alzheimer's disease, twenty-eight new tacrine-hydroxamate derivatives were designed, synthesized, and biologically evaluated. As expected, most of the compounds exhibited inhibitory activities against cholinesterases (ChEs) and histone deacetylase (HDACs). Among the tested compounds, A10 showed not only potent and selective inhibition on AChE at sub-nanomolar potency (AChEIC50 = 0.12 nM, BChEIC50 = 361.52 nM) but also potent inhibition on HDAC (IC50 = 0.23 nM). Moreover, A10 exhibited inhibitory activity on Aß1-42 self-aggregation as well as disaggregation activity on pre-formed Aß fibrils. Furthermore, A10 exhibited antioxidant activity and metal chelating properties. Further mechanistic studies demonstrated that A10 is a pan-inhibitor of HDACs and a mixed-type inhibitor for AChE. It shown that A10 is a BBB penetrant by online prediction. Taken together, the results indicate that A10 can serve as a lead compound to develop promising candidate analogs as AD therapeutics.

Development of small molecule inhibitors targeting NLRP3 inflammasome pathway for inflammatory diseases.

NLRP3 (Nod-like receptor protein 3) belongs to the NOD-like receptor family, which is activated by pathogen and damage-associated signals to form a multimeric protein complex, known as the NLRP3 inflammasome. NLRP3 inflammasome activation leads to release of proinflammatory cytokines IL-1ß and IL-18, thus inducing pyroptosis, a programmed cell death mechanism. Dysregulation of the NLRP3 inflammasome pathway is closely related to the development of many human diseases, such as neuroinflammation, metabolic inflammation, and immune inflammation. Emerging studies have suggested NLRP3 inflammasome as a potential drug-target for inflammatory diseases. Several small molecules have recently been identified to target the NLRP3 inflammasome pathway directly or indirectly and alleviate related disease pathology. This review summarizes recent evolving landscape of small molecule inhibitor development targeting the NLRP3 inflammasome pathway.

Glycyrrhetinic acid-modified graphene oxide mediated siRNA delivery for enhanced liver-cancer targeting therapy.

Graphene oxide (GO) has attracted huge attention in biomedical field in recent years. However, limited attempts have been invested in utilizing GO on active targeted delivery for gene therapy in liver cancer treatments. Glycyrrhetinic acid (GA) has been reported to be widely used as a targeting ligand to functionalize nanomaterials to treat hepatocellular carcinoma. In this article, GA is employed as a liver targeting ligand to construct GA, polyethylene glycol (PEG), polyamidoamine dendrimer (Dendrimer) and nano-graphene oxide (NGO) conjugate (GA-PEG-NGO-Dendrimer, GPND) for siRNA delivery for the first time. As we expected, GPND exhibited excellent stability, low toxicity, negligible hemolytic activity and remarkably high transfection efficiency in vitro. We also found effective VEGFa gene silencing in both mRNA and protein level in HepG2 cells. Notably, siRNA efficiently gathered in liver tumor tissues by the delivery of GPND, and eventually the growth of tumor tissues were inhibited with enhanced targeting capability and no obvious pathological changes. Moreover, histopathological results preliminarily support the high in vivo safety of GPND/anti-VEGFa siRNA nanocomplex. Collectively, GPND/siRNA nanocomplex, with high safety, targeting and transfection as well as prolonged half-life, is a promising nanomedicine and may provide a new direction for highly-specific targeted gene therapy.

Design, synthesis and activity evaluation of indole-based double - Branched HDAC1 inhibitors.

Histone deacetylases inhibitors (HDACIs) represents effective treatments for cancer. In continuing our efforts to develop novel and potent HDACIs, a series of N-hydroxycinnamamide-based HDACIs with aromatic ring and various aliphatic linker have been successfully designed and synthesized. Biological evaluations established that compounds 4h, 4i, 4j, 4l, 4r showed superior inhibition on histone deacetylase and antiproliferative activity in some solid tumor cell lines [HeLa, SK-N-BE(2), PC-3] compared to the known inhibitor SAHA. Among these analogs, 4l exhibited selectivity to HDAC1.

Structure optimization and preliminary bioactivity evaluation of N-hydroxybenzamide-based HDAC inhibitors with Y-shaped cap.

Histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACIs) are effective small molecules in the treatment of human cancers. In our continuing efforts to develop novel N-hydroxyterephthalamide-based HDACIs, herein we report the design and development of a new class of N-hydroxybenzamide-based HDACIs. In this new class of analogs, we inserted an ethylene moiety in the linker and used indole as a part of the Y-shaped cap group. Biological characterization identified compounds 4o, 4p, 4q and 4t to show improved HDAC inhibition, while no isoform selectivity for HDACs was observed. These compounds also exhibited improved anti-proliferative activity against multiple cancer cell lines when compared to their parent compound and positive control SAHA.