Apoptotic body-inspired nanotherapeutics efficiently attenuate osteoarthritis by targeting BRD4-regulated synovial macrophage polarization.

Bromodomain-containing protein 4 (BRD4) is the most well-studied BET protein that is important for the innate immune response. We recently revealed that targeting BRD4 triggers apoptosis in tumor-associated macrophages, but its role in synovial macrophages and joint inflammation is largely unknown. Herein, we demonstrated that BRD4 was highly expressed in the iNOS-positive M1 macrophages in the human and mouse osteoarthritis (OA) synovium, and conditional knockout of BRD4 in the myeloid lineage using Lyz2-cre; BRD4flox/flox mice significantly abolished anterior cruciate ligament transection (ACLT)-induced M1 macrophage accumulation and synovial inflammation. Accordingly, we successfully constructed apoptotic body-inspired phosphatidylserine-containing nanoliposomes (PSLs) loaded with the BRD4 inhibitor JQ1 to regulate inflammatory macrophages. JQ1-loaded PSLs (JQ1@PSLs) exhibited a higher cellular uptake by macrophages than fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLSs) in vitro and in vivo, as well as the reduction in proinflammatory M1 macrophage polarization. Intra-articular injections of JQ1@PSLs showed prolonged retention within the joint, and remarkably reduced synovial inflammation and joint pain via suppressing M1 polarization accompanied by reduced TRPA1 expression by targeted inhibition of BRD4 in the macrophages, thus attenuating cartilage degradation during OA development. The results show that BRD4-inhibiting JQ1@PSLs can targeted-modulate macrophage polarization, which opens a new avenue for efficient OA therapy via a "Trojan horse".

Consensus statement on research and application of Chinese herbal medicine derived extracellular vesicles-like particles (2023 edition).

To promote the development of extracellular vesicles of herbal medicine especially the establishment of standardization, led by the National Expert Committee on Research and Application of Chinese Herbal Vesicles, research experts in the field of herbal medicine and extracellular vesicles were invited nationwide with the support of the Expert Committee on Research and Application of Chinese Herbal Vesicles, Professional Committee on Extracellular Vesicle Research and Application, Chinese Society of Research Hospitals and the Guangdong Engineering Research Center of Chinese Herbal Vesicles. Based on the collation of relevant literature, we have adopted the Delphi method, the consensus meeting method combined with the nominal group method to form a discussion draft of "Consensus statement on research and application of Chinese herbal medicine derived extracellular vesicles-like particles (2023)". The first draft was discussed in online and offline meetings on October 12, 14, November 2, 2022 and April and May 2023 on the current status of research, nomenclature, isolation methods, quality standards and research applications of extracellular vesicles of Chinese herbal medicines, and 13 consensus opinions were finally formed. At the Third Academic Conference on Research and Application of Chinese Herbal Vesicles, held on May 26, 2023, Kewei Zhao, convenor of the consensus, presented and read the consensus to the experts of the Expert Committee on Research and Application of Chinese Herbal Vesicles. The consensus highlights the characteristics and advantages of Chinese medicine, inherits the essence, and keeps the righteousness and innovation, aiming to provide a reference for colleagues engaged in research and application of Chinese herbal vesicles at home and abroad, decode the mystery behind Chinese herbal vesicles together, establish a safe, effective and controllable accurate Chinese herbal vesicle prevention and treatment system, and build a bridge for Chinese medicine to the world.

Trim21 Regulates the Postnatal Development and Thermogenesis of Brown Adipose Tissue.

Brown adipose tissue undergoes rapid postnatal development to mature and plays a crucial role in thermoregulation and energy expenditure, which protects against cold and obesity. Herein, it is shown that the expression of Trim21 mRNA level of interscapular brown adipose tissue elevates after birth, and peaks at P14 (postnatal day 14). Trim21 depletion severely impairs the maturation of interscapular brown adipose tissue, decreases the expression of a series of thermogenic genes, and reduces energy expenditure. Consistently, the loss of Trim21 also leads to a suppression of white adipose tissue "browning", in response to cold exposure and a ß-adrenergic agonist, CL316,243. In addition, Trim21-/- mice are more prone to high-fat diet-induced obesity compared with the control littermates. Taken together, the study for the first time reveals a critical role of Trim21 in regulating iBAT postnatal development and thermogenesis.

Targeting YAP1-regulated Glycolysis in Fibroblast-Like Synoviocytes Impairs Macrophage Infiltration to Ameliorate Diabetic Osteoarthritis Progression.

The interplay between immune cells/macrophages and fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLSs) plays a pivotal role in initiating synovitis; however, their involvement in metabolic disorders, including diabetic osteoarthritis (DOA), is largely unknown. In this study, single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) is employed to investigate the synovial cell composition of DOA. A significant enrichment of activated macrophages within eight distinct synovial cell clusters is found in DOA synovium. Moreover, it is demonstrated that increased glycolysis in FLSs is a key driver for DOA patients' synovial macrophage infiltration and polarization. In addition, the yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1)/thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP) signaling axis is demonstrated to play a crucial role in regulating glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1)-dependent glycolysis in FLSs, thereby controlling the expression of a series of adhesion molecules such as intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) which may subsequently fine-tune the infiltration of M1-polarized synovial macrophages in DOA patients and db/db diabetic OA mice. For treatment, M1 macrophage membrane-camouflaged Verteporfin (Vt)-loaded PLGA nanoparticles (MVPs) are developed to ameliorate DOA progression by regulating the YAP1/TXNIP signaling axis, thus suppressing the synovial glycolysis and the infiltration of M1-polarized macrophages. The results provide several novel insights into the pathogenesis of DOA and offer a promising treatment approach for DOA.

Trim21 depletion alleviates bone loss in osteoporosis via activation of YAP1/ß-catenin signaling.

Despite the diverse roles of tripartite motif (Trim)-containing proteins in the regulation of autophagy, the innate immune response, and cell differentiation, their roles in skeletal diseases are largely unknown. We recently demonstrated that Trim21 plays a crucial role in regulating osteoblast (OB) differentiation in osteosarcoma. However, how Trim21 contributes to skeletal degenerative disorders, including osteoporosis, remains unknown. First, human and mouse bone specimens were evaluated, and the results showed that Trim21 expression was significantly elevated in bone tissues obtained from osteoporosis patients. Next, we found that global knockout of the Trim21 gene (KO, Trim21-/-) resulted in higher bone mass compared to that of the control littermates. We further demonstrated that loss of Trim21 promoted bone formation by enhancing the osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) and elevating the activity of OBs; moreover, Trim21 depletion suppressed osteoclast (OC) formation of RAW264.7 cells. In addition, the differentiation of OCs from bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMMs) isolated from Trim21-/- and Ctsk-cre; Trim21f/f mice was largely compromised compared to that of the littermate control mice. Mechanistically, YAP1/ß-catenin signaling was identified and demonstrated to be required for the Trim21-mediated osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs. More importantly, the loss of Trim21 prevented ovariectomy (OVX)- and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced bone loss in vivo by orchestrating the coupling of OBs and OCs through YAP1 signaling. Our current study demonstrated that Trim21 is crucial for regulating OB-mediated bone formation and OC-mediated bone resorption, thereby providing a basis for exploring Trim21 as a novel dual-targeting approach for treating osteoporosis and pathological bone loss.

Early osteoarthritis diagnosis based on near-infrared spectroscopy combined with aquaphotomics.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common joint disease and the leading cause of disability in elderly individuals. Despite rapid advances in imaging techniques, early OA diagnosis remains a clinical challenge. In the present study, the feasibility of early OA diagnosis was explored via near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) combined with aquaphotomics. Synovial fluid samples from 65 cases of OA categorized as mild, moderate, and severe according to theKellgrenandLawrence classification criteria were analyzed via NIRS. The 1st overtone of water (1300-1600 nm) was considered as the research object for an aquaphotomics model, and aquagrams of the mild, moderate, and severe OA cases were generated using 12 water absorption patterns for early OA diagnosis.The aquaphotomics results exhibited clear differences in the region of 1300-1500 nm, and the number of hydrogen bonds of different water species (1412,1424, 1482, and 1496 nm) evidently correlated with OA occurrence and development. With OA progression, the absorption intensity of water molecules without hydrogen bonds (1412 nm/1424 nm) became stronger, while the absorption intensity of water molecules with four hydrogen bonds (1482 nm/1496 nm) decreased.These results together reveal that the established accurate and rapid early OA diagnosis model based on NIRS combined with aquaphotomics is effective and feasible, and that the number of hydrogen bonds can be used as a biomarker for early OA diagnosis.

High-Efficiency Antibacterial Hemostatic AgNP@Zeolite/Chitin/Bamboo Composite Sponge for Wound Healing without Heat Injury.

Chitin is a popular hemostatic material, but there are still many deficiencies in its ability to effectively stop bleeding, prevent infection, and fit wounds. Herein, AgNP@zeolite/chitin/bamboo (AgZ-CB) composite sponges with shape recovery are prepared to minimize blood loss, kill bacteria, and promote wound healing. Notably, the bamboo powder is used for the first time to remarkably enhance the softness of the composite sponge (volumetric expansion ratio >5). The fabricated AgZ-CB sponge exhibits an excellent killing effect (≈100% bactericidal rate) against both Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus and activates internal and external coagulation pathways to accelerate hemostasis without causing thermal damage (≈5 °C temperature difference). Moreover, the AgZ-CB sponge shows less blood loss (26 mg) and a shorter time to hemostasis (42 s) than the commercial polyvinyl formal sponge (84 mg and 76 s) in the full-thickness liver injury model. The in vivo wound healing and biodegradation experiment indicate that AgZ-CB with excellent biocompatibility can close wounds efficiently. Overall, the AgZ-CB sponge has great potential in combating a series of obstacles in wound healing.

Hippo/YAP1 inhibition by verteporfin attenuates osteophyte formation in a mouse surgical osteoarthritis model.

Osteophyte is an outgrowth of cartilage formed at the margins of the affected joint through endochondral ossification-like processes, and is one of the most common radiographic features of osteoarthritis (OA) that has been used to define the stage of disease. Osteophyte has been regarded to adapt the joint to the altered biomechanics of OA patients, limits joint movement and represent a source of joint pain, however, the mechanism of osteophyte formation, the morphology characteristics and biomechanical properties of osteophyte cells are remained unclear. In the present study, we isolated osteophyte cells and chondrocytes from late-stage OA patients who underwent total knee replacement surgeries, by applying Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), we identified osteophyte cells were in irregular shape with dendrites, shrunk cell body, smooth surface and high elastic modulus (23.3 ± 5.4 kPa) when compared with chondrocytes (6.5 ± 1.8 kPa). In addition, osteophyte cells showed higher proliferation ability and colony formation capacity than chondrocytes. Mechanistically, we identified YAP1, the core transcriptional factor of Hippo signaling pathway, was highly expressed in osteophyte cell both at protein and RNA levels. Inactivation of Hippo/YAP1 signaling pathway by Verteporfin is sufficient to inhibit osteophyte cell proliferation in vitro and attenuate osteophyte formation in vivo. In conclusion, the morphology characteristic and biomechanical property of osteophyte cells at single cell level are quite different from chondrocytes, although we could not exclude other regulatory mechanisms, our findings suggested that Hippo/YAP1 is of great importance for osteophyte formation.

Single-Cell RNA Sequencing Reveals Transcriptional Changes in the Cartilage of Subchondral Insufficiency Fracture of the Knee.

Purpose: Subchondral insufficiency fracture of the knee (SIFK) is a common cause of knee joint pain that mainly afflicts the elderly. Until now, how a sudden insufficiency fracture of subchondral bone affects the transcriptomic profiles of cartilage in SIFK and OA patients are largely unknown. Methods: Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) was used to identify various cell subsets and evaluate transcriptomic differences in cartilage of SIFK and OA patients. In addition, the above findings were confirmed by histological evaluation and immunohistochemical (IHC) staining. Results: We found that the transcriptomic profiles of cartilage in the SIFK patient was completely different from those of normal and OA patients. Accordingly, several novel cell clusters with activation of hypoxia and endochondral ossification signaling were identified in the SIFK cartilage. Chondrocyte trajectories analysis and IHC staining revealed that transcription factors including TCF4 were found to be highly up-regulated during the occurrence of SIFK, which might drive the reactive formation of cartilage and fibrous tissue and the activation of endochondral ossification. Conclusion: This is the first report to elucidate the transcriptomic alterations and distinct cell type subpopulations in the cartilage of SIFK and OA by the use of scRNA-seq, which provides a new insight in the understanding of the initiation and progression of SIFK.

An antibacterial hemostatic AuNPs@corn stalk/chitin composite sponge with shape recovery for promoting wound healing.

The development of shape-memory sponge dressings with functions, such as hemostasis, antibacterial activity, and wound healing, is of great significance in clinical applications. Herein, a novel AuNPs@corn stalk/chitin composite sponge (CCAu) was fabricated by crosslinking the chitin matrix with corn stalk-embedded gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). The addition of AuNPs@corn stalk gave the porous chitin sponge shape-recovery ability with improved softness, porosity, and water absorption. Correspondingly, the composite sponge showed better hemostatic effects than commercial PVF sponges. The photothermal effect of AuNPs endowed the composite sponge with excellent antibacterial activity. In addition, the wound treated with composite sponge containing antioxidant AuNPs exhibited a significantly faster wound healing rate (reaching 41.6 % on day 3) than the CH (33.2 %) and control (12.6 %) group through promoting cell migration, angiogenesis and collagen deposition. Therefore, the multifunctional composite sponge with great biocompatibility in this work provides a potential strategy for wound healing.

Versatile Nano-PROTAC-Induced Epigenetic Reader Degradation for Efficient Lung Cancer Therapy.

Recent evidence has indicated that overexpression of the epigenetic reader bromodomain-containing protein 4 (BRD4) contributes to a poor prognosis of lung cancers, and the suppression of its expression promotes cell apoptosis and leads to tumor shrinkage. Proteolysis targeting chimera (PROTAC) has recently emerged as a promising therapeutic strategy with the capability to precisely degrade targeted proteins. Herein, a novel style of versatile nano-PROTAC (CREATE (CRV-LLC membrane/DS-PLGA/dBET6)) is developed, which is constructed by using a pH/GSH (glutathione)-responsive polymer (disulfide bond-linked poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid), DS-PLGA) to load BRD4-targeted PROTAC (dBET6), followed by the camouflage with engineered lung cancer cell membranes with dual targeting capability. Notably, CREATE remarkably confers simultaneous targeting ability to lung cancer cells and tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs). The pH/GSH-responsive design improves the release of dBET6 payload from nanoparticles to induce pronounced apoptosis of both cells, which synergistically inhibits tumor growth in both subcutaneous and orthotopic tumor-bearing mouse model. Furthermore, the efficient tumor inhibition is due to the direct elimination of lung cancer cells and TAMs, which remodels the tumor microenvironment. Taken together, the results elucidate the construction of a versatile nano-PROTAC enables to eliminate both lung cancer cells and TAMs, which opens a new avenue for efficient lung cancer therapy via PROTAC.

Senescent skeletal cells cross-talk with synovial cells plays a key role in the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis.

Osteoarthritis (OA) has been recognized as an age-related degenerative disease commonly seen in the elderly that affects the whole "organ" including cartilage, subchondral bone, synovium, and muscles. An increasing number of studies have suggested that the accumulation of senescent cells triggering by various stresses in the local joint contributes to the pathogenesis of age-related diseases including OA. In this review, we mainly focus on the role of the senescent skeletal cells (chondrocytes, osteoblasts, osteoclasts, osteocyte, and muscle cells) in initiating the development and progression of OA alone or through cross-talk with the macrophages/synovial cells. Accordingly, we summarize the current OA-targeted therapies based on the abovementioned theory, e.g., by eliminating senescent skeletal cells and/or inhibiting the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) that drives senescence. Furthermore, the existing animal models for the study of OA from the perspective of senescence are highlighted to fill the gap between basic research and clinical applications. Overall, in this review, we systematically assess the current understanding of cellular senescence in OA, which in turn might shed light on the stratified OA treatments.

YAP/miR-524-5p axis negatively regulates TXNIP expression to promote chondrosarcoma cell growth.

Chondrosarcoma (CHS) is the second most common bone malignant tumor and currently has limited treatment options. We have recently demonstrated that thioredoxin interacting protein (TXNIP) plays a crucial role in the oncogenesis of bone sarcoma, yet its implication in CHS is underdetermined. In the present study, we first found that knockdown of TXNIP promotes the proliferation of CHS cell largely through increasing their glycolytic metabolism, which is well-known as Warburg effect for providing energy. Consistent with our previous report that YAP is fundamental for CHS cell growth, herein we revealed that YAP functioned as an upstream molecule of TXNIP, and that YAP negatively regulated TXNIP mRNA and protein expression both in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, although knockdown of YAP upregulated both the nuclear and cytoplasmic TXNIP expression, we did not observe any obvious interaction between YAP and TXNIP; instead, miRNA-524-5p was demonstrated to be required for YAP-regulated TXNIP expression and thus controlling CHS cell growth. Together, our study reveals that TXNIP is a tumor suppressor in terms of CHS, and that the YAP/miRNA-524-5p/TXNIP signaling axis may provide a novel clue for CHS targeted therapy.

Bioactive strontium ions/ginsenoside Rg1-incorporated biodegradable silk fibroin-gelatin scaffold promoted challenging osteoporotic bone regeneration.

Autogenous healing of osteoporotic fractures is challenging, as the regenerative capacity of bone tissues is impaired by estrogen reduction and existed pro-inflammatory cytokines. In this study, a biofunctional ginsenoside Rg1 and strontium-containing mineral (SrHPO4, SrP)-incorporated biodegradable silk fibroin-gelatin (SG) scaffold (Rg1/SrP/SG) was developed to stimulate the osteoporotic bone repair. The incorporation of 15 wt% SrP significantly enhanced the mechanical strength, stimulated the osteogenic differentiation of mouse bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells, and suppressed the osteoclastogenesis of RAW264.7 in a concentration-related manner. The loading of Rg1 in SG and 15SrP/SG scaffolds obviously promoted the angiogenesis of human umbilical vein endothelial cells via activating the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor and basic fibroblast growth factor genes and proteins. The bioactive strontium ions (Sr2+) and Rg1 released from the scaffolds together mediated lipopolysaccharide-treated macrophages polarizing into M2 type. They downregulated the expression of inflammatory-related genes (interleukin (IL)-1ß, tumor necrosis factor α, and IL-6) and stimulated the expression of genes related to anti-inflammation (Arginase and IL-10) as well as bone repair (BMP-2 and PDGF-BB) in the macrophages. The in vivo results also displayed that SrP and Rg1 significantly promoted the bone repair effect of SG scaffolds in osteoporotic critical-sized calvarial defects. Besides, the degradation rate of the scaffolds was close to the bone regeneration rate. Therefore, the simultaneous addition of SrP and Rg1 is a promising way for facilitating the osteoporotic bone repair activity of SG scaffolds via promoting the osteogenesis and angiogenesis, as well as inhibiting the osteoclastogenesis and inflammation.

Sequential targeting of YAP1 and p21 enhances the elimination of senescent cells induced by the BET inhibitor JQ1.

Chondrosarcoma (CHS) is the second most common bone malignancy with limited therapeutic approaches. Our previous study has found that Yes associated protein 1 (YAP1) is downregulated in CHS cells treated with bromodomain and extraterminal domain (BET) inhibitor JQ1. However, the precise role of YAP1 in CHS is largely unknown. Herein, we found that YAP1 expression was upregulated in CHS tissues, and positively correlated with its grading score. Loss of YAP1 inhibited CHS proliferation and induced cellular senescence, while expression of YAP1 mutants revealed YAP1/TEA domain family member (TEAD)-dependent negative regulation of p21 and subsequent cellular senescence. These results were validated by in vivo experiments using stable shYAP1 cell lines. Mechanistically, negative regulation of p21 by YAP1 occurred post-transcriptionally via Dicer-regulated miRNA networks, specifically, the miR-17 family. Furthermore, we demonstrated that sequential targeting of YAP1 and p21 enhanced the elimination of JQ1-induced senescent cells in a Bcl-2-like 1 (Bcl-XL)/Caspase-3 dependent manner. Altogether, we unveil a novel role of YAP1 signaling in mediating CHS cell senescence and propose a one-two punch approach that sequentially targets the YAP1/p21 axis to eliminate senescent cells.

TRIM21-regulated Annexin A2 plasma membrane trafficking facilitates osteosarcoma cell differentiation through the TFEB-mediated autophagy.

Osteosarcoma (OS) is the most common primary malignant bone tumor in children and adolescents, which is characterized by dysfunctional autophagy and poor differentiation. Our recent studies have suggested that the tripartite motif containing-21 (TRIM21) plays a crucial role in regulating OS cell senescence and proliferation via interactions with several proteins. Yet, its implication in autophagy and differentiation in OS is largely unknown. In the present study, we first showed that TRIM21 could promote OS cell autophagy, as determined by the accumulation of LC3-II, and the degradation of cargo receptor p62. Further, we were able to identify that Annexin A2 (ANXA2), as a novel interacting partner of TRIM21, was critical for TIRM21-induced OS cell autophagy. Although TRIM21 had a negligible effect on the mRNA and protein expressions of ANXA2, we did find that TRIM21 facilitated the translocation of ANXA2 toward plasma membrane (PM) in OS cells through a manner relying on TRIM21-mediated cell autophagy. This functional link has been confirmed by observing a nice co-expression of TRIM21 and ANXA2 (at the PM) in the OS tissues. Mechanistically, we demonstrated that TRIM21, via facilitating the ANXA2 trafficking at the PM, enabled to release the transcription factor EB (TFEB, a master regulator of autophagy) from the ANXA2-TFEB complex, which in turn entered into the nucleus for the regulation of OS cell autophagy. In accord with previous findings that autophagy plays a critical role in the control of differentiation, we also demonstrated that autophagy inhibited OS cell differentiation, and that the TRIM21/ANXA2/TFEB axis is implicated in OS cell differentiation through the coordination with autophagy. Taken together, our results suggest that the TRIM21/ANXA2/TFEB axis is involved in OS cell autophagy and subsequent differentiation, indicating that targeting this signaling axis might lead to a new clue for OS treatment.

Visualization of GLUT1 Trafficking in Live Cancer Cells by the Use of a Dual-Fluorescence Reporter.

Glucose metabolism is an essential process for energy production and cell survival for both normal and abnormal cellular metabolism. Several glucose transporter/solute carrier 2A (GLUT/SLC2A) superfamily members, including glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1), have been shown to mediate the cellular uptake of glucose in diverse cell types. GLUT1-mediated glucose uptake is a transient and rapid process; thus, the real-time monitoring of GLUT1 trafficking is pivotal for a better understanding of GLUT1 expression and GLUT1-dependent glucose uptake. In the present study, we established a rapid and effective method to visualize the trafficking of GLUT1 between the plasma membrane (PM) and endolysosomal system in live cells using an mCherry-EGFP-GLUT1 tandem fluorescence tracing system. We found that GLUT1 localized at the PM exhibited both red (mCherry) and green (EGFP) fluorescence (yellow when overlapping). However, a significant increase in red punctate fluorescence (mCherry is resistant to acidic pH), but not green fluorescence (EGFP is quenched by acidic pH), was observed upon glucose deprivation, indicating that the mCherry-EGFP-GLUT1 functional protein was trafficked to the acidic endolysosomal system. Besides, we were able to calculate the relative ratio of mCherry to EGFP by quantification of the translocation coefficient, which can be used as a readout for GLUT1 internalization and subsequent lysosomal degradation. Two mutants, mCherry-EGFP-GLUT1-S226D and mCherry-EGFP-GLUT1-ΔC4, were also constructed, which indirectly confirmed the specificity of mCherry-EGFP-GLUT1 for monitoring GLUT1 trafficking. By using a series of endosomal (Rab5, Rab7, and Rab11) and lysosomal markers, we were able to define a model of GLUT1 trafficking in live cells in which upon glucose deprivation, GLUT1 dissociates from the PM and experiences a pH gradient from 6.8-6.1 in the early endosomes to 6.0-4.8 in the late endosomes and finally pH 4.5 in lysosomes, which is appropriate for degradation. In addition, our proof-of-concept study indicated that the pmCherry-EGFP-GLUT1 tracing system can accurately reflect endogenous changes in GLUT1 in response to treatment with the small molecule, andrographolide. Since targeting GLUT1 expression and GLUT1-dependent glucose metabolism is a promising therapeutic strategy for diverse types of cancers and certain other glucose addiction diseases, our study herein indicates that pmCherry-EGFP-GLUT1 can be utilized as a biosensor for GLUT1-dependent functional studies and potential small molecule screening.

Combination BET Family Protein and HDAC Inhibition Synergistically Elicits Chondrosarcoma Cell Apoptosis Through RAD51-Related DNA Damage Repair.

BACKGROUND: Chondrosarcoma is the second-most common type of bone tumor and has inherent resistance to conventional chemotherapy. Present study aimed to explore the therapeutic effect and specific mechanism(s) of combination BET family protein and HDAC inhibition in chondrosarcoma. METHODS: Two chondrosarcoma cells were treated with BET family protein inhibitor (JQ1) and histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACIs) (vorinostat/SAHA or panobinostat/PANO) separately or in combination; then, the cell viability was determined by Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay, and the combination index (CI) was calculated by the Chou method; cell proliferation was evaluated by 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU) incorporation and colony formation assay; cell apoptosis and reactive oxygen species (ROS) level were determined by flow cytometry; protein expressions of caspase-3, Bcl-XL, Bcl-2, γ-H2AX, and RAD51 were examined by Immunoblotting; DNA damage was determined by comet assay; RAD51 and γ-H2AX foci were observed by immunofluorescence. RESULTS: Combined treatment with JQ1 and SAHA or PANO synergistically suppressed the growth and colony formation ability of the chondrosarcoma cells. Combined BET and HDAC inhibition also significantly elevated the ROS level, followed by the activation of cleaved-caspase-3, and the downregulation of Bcl-2 and Bcl-XL. Mechanistically, combination treatment with JQ1 and SAHA caused numerous DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs), as evidenced by the comet assay. The increase in γ-H2AX expression and foci formation also consistently indicated the accumulation of DNA damage upon cotreatment with JQ1 and SAHA. Furthermore, RAD51, a key protein of homologous recombination (HR) DNA repair, was found to be profoundly suppressed. In contrast, ectopic expression of RAD51 partially rescued SW 1353 cell apoptosis by inhibiting the expression of cleaved-caspase-3. CONCLUSION: Taken together, our results disclose that BET and HDAC inhibition synergistically inhibit cell growth and induce cell apoptosis through a mechanism that involves the suppression of RAD51-related HR DNA repair in chondrosarcoma cells.

Cytoplasmic PCNA is located in the actin belt and involved in osteoclast differentiation.

Osteoporosis (OP) is an age-related osteolytic disease and characterized by low bone mass and more prone to fracture due to active osteoclasts. Proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) has been long identified as a nuclear protein playing critical roles in the regulation of DNA replication and repair. Recently, a few studies have demonstrated the cytoplasmic localization of PCNA and its function associated with apoptosis in neutrophil and neuroblastoma cells. However, the involvement of PCNA, including the cytoplasmic PCNA, in the osteoclast differentiation remains unclear. In the present study, we show that PCNA is translocated from nucleus to cytoplasm during the RANKL-induced osteoclast differentiation, and localized in the actin belt of mature osteoclast. Knockdown of PCNA significantly affected the integrity of actin belt, the formation of multinucleated osteoclasts, the expression of osteoclast-specific genes, and the in vitro bone resorption. Interactomic study has revealed ß-actin as the major interacting partner of the cytoplasmic PCNA, suggesting that cytoplasmic PCNA might play a critical role in the differentiation of osteoclast through regulation of actin-cytoskeleton remodeling. Taken together, our results demonstrate the critical role of cytoplasmic PCNA during the process of osteoclast differentiation, and provided a potential therapeutic target for treatment of osteoclast-related bone diseases.

The multiple roles of Thy-1 in cell differentiation and regeneration.

Thy-1 is a 25-37 kDa glycophosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored cell surface protein that was discovered more than 50 years ago. Recent findings have suggested that Thy-1 is expressed on thymocytes, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), cancer stem cells, hematopoietic stem cells, fibroblasts, myofibroblasts, endothelial cells, neuronal smooth muscle cells, and pan T cells. Thy-1 plays vital roles in cell migration, adhesion, differentiation, transdifferentiation, apoptosis, mechanotransduction, and cell division, which in turn are involved in tumor development, pulmonary fibrosis, neurite outgrowth, and T cell activation. Studies have increasingly indicated a significant role of Thy-1 in cell differentiation and regeneration. However, despite recent research, many questions remain regarding the roles of Thy-1 in cell differentiation and regeneration. This review aimed to summarize the roles of Thy-1 in cell differentiation and regeneration. Furthermore, since Thy-1 is an outer leaflet membrane protein anchored by GPI, we attempted to address how Thy-1 regulates intracellular pathways through cis and trans signals. Due to the complexity and mystery surrounding the issue, we also summarized the Thy-1-related pathways in different biological processes, and this might provide novel insights in the field of cell differentiation and regeneration.