SPG21, a potential oncogene targeted by miR-128-3p, amplifies HBx-induced carcinogenesis and chemoresistance via activation of TRPM7-mediated JNK pathway in hepatocellular carcinoma.

PURPOSE: Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is the primary risk factor for the malignant progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). It has been reported that HBV X protein (HBx) possesses oncogenic properties, promoting hepatocarcinogenesis and chemoresistance. However, the detailed molecular mechanisms are not fully understood. Here, we aim to investigate the effects of miR-128-3p/SPG21 axis on HBx-induced hepatocarcinogenesis and chemoresistance. METHODS: The expression of SPG21 in HCC was determined using bioinformatics analysis, quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR), western blotting, and immunohistochemistry (IHC). The roles of SPG21 in HCC were elucidated through a series of in vitro and in vivo experiments, including real-time cellular analysis (RTCA), matrigel invasion assay, and xenograft mouse model. Pharmacologic treatment and flow cytometry were performed to demonstrate the potential mechanism of SPG21 in HCC. RESULTS: SPG21 expression was elevated in HCC tissues compared to adjacent non-tumor tissues (NTs). Moreover, higher SPG21 expression correlated with poor overall survival. Functional assays revealed that SPG21 fostered HCC tumorigenesis and invasion. MiR-128-3p, which targeted SPG21, was downregulated in HCC tissues. Subsequent analyses showed that HBx amplified TRPM7-mediated calcium influx via miR-128-3p/SPG21, thereby activating the c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) pathway. Furthermore, HBx inhibited doxorubicin-induced apoptosis by engaging the JNK pathway through miR-128-3p/SPG21. CONCLUSION: The study suggested that SPG21, targeted by miR-128-3p, might be involved in enhancing HBx-induced carcinogenesis and doxorubicin resistance in HCC via the TRPM7/Ca2+/JNK signaling pathway. This insight suggested that SPG21 could be recognized as a potential oncogene, offering a novel perspective on its role as a prognostic factor and a therapeutic target in the context of HCC.

HERV-W ENV Induces Innate Immune Activation and Neuronal Apoptosis via linc01930/cGAS Axis in Recent-Onset Schizophrenia.

Schizophrenia is a severe neuropsychiatric disorder affecting about 1% of individuals worldwide. Increased innate immune activation and neuronal apoptosis are common findings in schizophrenia. Interferon beta (IFN-ß), an essential cytokine in promoting and regulating innate immune responses, causes neuronal apoptosis in vitro. However, the precise pathogenesis of schizophrenia is unknown. Recent studies indicate that a domesticated endogenous retroviral envelope glycoprotein of the W family (HERV-W ENV, also called ERVWE1 or syncytin 1), derived from the endogenous retrovirus group W member 1 (ERVWE1) locus on chromosome 7q21.2, has a high level in schizophrenia. Here, we found an increased serum IFN-ß level in schizophrenia and showed a positive correlation with HERV-W ENV. In addition, serum long intergenic non-protein coding RNA 1930 (linc01930), decreased in schizophrenia, was negatively correlated with HERV-W ENV and IFN-ß. In vitro experiments showed that linc01930, mainly in the nucleus and with noncoding functions, was repressed by HERV-W ENV through promoter activity suppression. Further studies indicated that HERV-W ENV increased IFN-ß expression and neuronal apoptosis by restraining the expression of linc01930. Furthermore, HERV-W ENV enhanced cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS) and stimulator of interferon genes protein (STING) expression and interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3) phosphorylation in neuronal cells. Notably, cGAS interacted with HERV-W ENV and triggered IFN-ß expression and neuronal apoptosis caused by HERV-W ENV. Moreover, Linc01930 participated in the increased neuronal apoptosis and expression level of cGAS and IFN-ß induced by HERV-W ENV. To summarize, our results suggested that linc01930 and IFN-ß might be novel potential blood-based biomarkers in schizophrenia. The totality of these results also showed that HERV-W ENV facilitated antiviral innate immune response, resulting in neuronal apoptosis through the linc01930/cGAS/STING pathway in schizophrenia. Due to its monoclonal antibody GNbAC1 application in clinical trials, we considered HERV-W ENV might be a reliable therapeutic choice for schizophrenia.

ERVWE1 Reduces Hippocampal Neuron Density and Impairs Dendritic Spine Morphology through Inhibiting Wnt/JNK Non-Canonical Pathway via miR-141-3p in Schizophrenia.

Human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) are remnants of ancestral germline infections by exogenous retroviruses. Human endogenous retroviruses W family envelope gene (HERV-W env, also called ERVWE1), located on chromosome 7q21-22, encodes an envelope glycoprotein from the HERV-W family. Mounting evidence suggests that aberrant expression of ERVWE1 involves the etiology of schizophrenia. Moreover, the genetic and morphological studies indicate that dendritic spine deficits may contribute to the onset of schizophrenia. Here, we reported that ERVWE1 changed the density and morphology of the dendritic spine through inhibiting Wingless-type (Wnt)/c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNK) non-canonical pathway via miR-141-3p in schizophrenia. In this paper, we found elevated levels of miR-141-3p and a significant positive correlation with ERVWE1 in schizophrenia. Moreover, serum Wnt5a and actin-related protein 2 (Arp2) levels decreased and demonstrated a significant negative correlation with ERVWE1 in schizophrenia. In vitro experiments disclosed that ERVWE1 up-regulated miR-141-3p expression by interacting with transcription factor (TF) Yin Yang 1 (YY1). YY1 modulated miR-141-3p expression by binding to its promoter. The luciferase assay revealed that YY1 enhanced the promoter activity of miR-141-3p. Using the miRNA target prediction databases and luciferase reporter assays, we demonstrated that miR-141-3p targeted Wnt5a at its 3' untranslated region (3' UTR). Furthermore, ERVWE1 suppressed the expression of Arp2 through non-canonical pathway, Wnt5a/JNK signaling pathway. In addition, ERVWE1 inhibited Wnt5a/JNK/Arp2 signal pathway through miR-141-3p. Finally, functional assays showed that ERVWE1 induced the abnormalities in hippocampal neuron morphology and spine density through inhibiting Wnt/JNK non-canonical pathway via miR-141-3p in schizophrenia. Our findings indicated that miR-141-3p, Wnt5a, and Arp2 might be potential clinical blood-based biomarkers or therapeutic targets for schizophrenia. Our work also provided new insight into the role of ERVWE1 in schizophrenia pathogenesis.

Domesticated HERV-W env contributes to the activation of the small conductance Ca2+-activated K+ type 2 channels via decreased 5-HT4 receptor in recent-onset schizophrenia.

The human endogenous retroviruses type W family envelope (HERV-W env) gene is located on chromosome 7q21-22. Our previous studies show that HERV-W env is elevated in schizophrenia and HERV-W env can increase calcium influx. Additionally, the 5-HTergic system and particularly 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) receptors play a prominent role in the pathogenesis and treatment of schizophrenia. 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor 4 (5-HT4R) agonist can block calcium channels. However, the underlying relationship between HERV-W env and 5-HT4R in the etiology of schizophrenia has not been revealed. Here, we used enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to detect the concentration of HERV-W env and 5-HT4R in the plasma of patients with schizophrenia and we found that there were decreased levels of 5-HT4R and a negative correlation between 5-HT4R and HERV-W env in schizophrenia. Overexpression of HERV-W env decreased the transcription and protein levels of 5-HT4R but increased small conductance Ca2+-activated K+ type 2 channels (SK2) expression levels. Further studies revealed that HERV-W env could interact with 5-HT4R. Additionally, luciferase assay showed that an essential region (-364 to -176 from the transcription start site) in the SK2 promoter was required for HERV-W env-induced SK2 expression. Importantly, 5-HT4R participated in the regulation of SK2 expression and promoter activity. Electrophysiological recordings suggested that HERV-W env could increase SK2 channel currents and the increase of SK2 currents was inhibited by 5-HT4R. In conclusion, HERV-W env could activate SK2 channels via decreased 5-HT4R, which might exhibit a novel mechanism for HERV-W env to influence neuronal activity in schizophrenia.

Abnormal synaptic plasticity and impaired cognition in schizophrenia.

Schizophrenia (SCZ) is a severe mental illness that affects several brain domains with relation to cognition and behaviour. SCZ symptoms are typically classified into three categories, namely, positive, negative, and cognitive. The etiology of SCZ is thought to be multifactorial and poorly understood. Accumulating evidence has indicated abnormal synaptic plasticity and cognitive impairments in SCZ. Synaptic plasticity is thought to be induced at appropriate synapses during memory formation and has a critical role in the cognitive symptoms of SCZ. Many factors, including synaptic structure changes, aberrant expression of plasticity-related genes, and abnormal synaptic transmission, may influence synaptic plasticity and play vital roles in SCZ. In this article, we briefly summarize the morphology of the synapse, the neurobiology of synaptic plasticity, and the role of synaptic plasticity, and review potential mechanisms underlying abnormal synaptic plasticity in SCZ. These abnormalities involve dendritic spines, postsynaptic density, and long-term potentiation-like plasticity. We also focus on cognitive dysfunction, which reflects impaired connectivity in SCZ. Additionally, the potential targets for the treatment of SCZ are discussed in this article. Therefore, understanding abnormal synaptic plasticity and impaired cognition in SCZ has an essential role in drug therapy.

HERV-W Envelope Triggers Abnormal Dopaminergic Neuron Process through DRD2/PP2A/AKT1/GSK3 for Schizophrenia Risk.

An increasing number of studies have begun considering human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) as potential pathogenic phenomena. Our previous research suggests that HERV-W Envelope (HERV-W ENV), a HERV-W family envelope protein, is elevated in schizophrenia patients and contributes to the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. The dopamine (DA) hypothesis is the cornerstone in research and clinical practice related to schizophrenia. Here, we found that the concentration of DA and the expression of DA receptor D2 (DRD2) were significantly higher in schizophrenia patients than in healthy individuals. Intriguingly, there was a positive correlation between HERV-W ENV and DA concentration. Depth analyses showed that there was a marked consistency between HERV-W ENV and DRD2 in schizophrenia. Studies in vitro indicated that HERV-W ENV could increase the DA concentration by regulating DA metabolism and induce the expression of DRD2. Co-IP assays and laser confocal scanning microscopy indicated cellular colocalization and a direct interaction between DRD2 and HERV-W ENV. Additionally, HERV-W ENV caused structural and functional abnormalities of DA neurons. Further studies showed that HERV-W ENV could trigger the PP2A/AKT1/GSK3 pathway via DRD2. A whole-cell patch-clamp analysis suggested that HERV-W ENV enhanced sodium influx through DRD2. In conclusion, we uncovered a relationship between HERV-W ENV and the dopaminergic system in the DA neurons. Considering that GNbAC1, a selective monoclonal antibody to the MSRV-specific epitope, has been promised as a therapy for treating type 1 diabetes and multiple sclerosis (MS) in clinical trials, understanding the precise function of HERV-W ENV in the dopaminergic system may provide new insights into the treatment of schizophrenia.

CPEB1, a novel risk gene in recent-onset schizophrenia, contributes to mitochondrial complex I defect caused by a defective provirus ERVWE1.

BACKGROUND: Schizophrenia afflicts 1% of the world population. Clinical studies suggest that schizophrenia patients may have an imbalance of mitochondrial energy metabolism via inhibition of mitochondrial complex I activity. Moreover, recent studies have shown that ERVWE1 is also a risk factor for schizophrenia. Nevertheless, there is no available literature concerning the relationship between complex I deficits and ERVWE1 in schizophrenia. Identifying risk factors and blood-based biomarkers for schizophrenia may provide new guidelines for early interventions and prevention programs. AIM: To address novel potential risk factors and the underlying mechanisms of mitochondrial complex I deficiency caused by ERVWE1 in schizophrenia. METHODS: Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay were used to detect differentially expressed risk factors in blood samples. Clinical statistical analyses were performed by median analyses and Mann-Whitney U analyses. Spearman's rank correlation was applied to examine the correlation between different risk factors in blood samples. qPCR, western blot analysis, and luciferase assay were performed to confirm the relationship among ERVWE1, cytoplasmic polyadenylation element-binding protein 1 (CPEB1), NADH dehydrogenase ubiquinone flavoprotein 2 (NDUFV2), and NDUFV2 pseudogene (NDUFV2P1). The complex I enzyme activity microplate assay was carried out to evaluate the complex I activity induced by ERVWE1. RESULTS: Herein, we reported decreasing levels of CPEB1 and NDUFV2 in schizophrenia patients. Further studies showed that ERVWE1 was negatively correlated with CPEB1 and NDUFV2 in schizophrenia. Moreover, NDUFV2P1 was increased and demonstrated a significant positive correlation with ERVWE1 and a negative correlation with NDUFV2 in schizophrenia. In vitro experiments disclosed that ERVWE1 suppressed NDUFV2 expression and promoter activity by increasing NDUFV2P1 level. The luciferase assay revealed that ERVWE1 could enhance the promoter activity of NDUFV2P1. Additionally, ERVWE1 downregulated the expression of CPEB1 by suppressing the promoter activity, and the 400 base pair sequence at the 3' terminus of the promoter was the minimum sequence required. Advanced studies showed that CPEB1 participated in regulating the NDUFV2P1/NDUFV2 axis mediated by ERVWE1. Finally, we found that ERVWE1 inhibited complex I activity in SH-SY5Y cells via the CPEB1/NDUFV2P1/NDUFV2 signaling pathway. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, CPEB1 and NDUFV2 might be novel potential blood-based biomarkers and pathogenic factors in schizophrenia. Our findings also reveal a novel mechanism of ERVWE1 in the etiology of schizophrenia.

Implication of human endogenous retrovirus W family envelope in hepatocellular carcinoma promotes MEK/ERK-mediated metastatic invasiveness and doxorubicin resistance.

Human endogenous retrovirus (HERVs), originating from exogenous retroviral infections of germ cells millions of years ago, have the potential for human diseases. Syncytin-1, an envelope protein encoded by the HERV W family, participates in the contexts of schizophrenia, multiple sclerosis, diabetes, and several types of cancers. Nevertheless, there is no report on the expression pattern and potential mechanism of Syncytin-1 in HCC. Here we found Syncytin-1 expression was up-regulated in HCC compared to adjacent non-tumorous tissues, especially in advanced HCC. Syncytin-1 was an independent risk factor to predict vascular invasion, metastasis, larger tumor size, and poor prognosis in HCC patients. Further analysis discovered that Syncytin-1 overexpression positively associated with HCC patients with serum HBsAg positive. Functional experiments in vitro and in vivo demonstrated that Syncytin-1 enhanced cell proliferation, metastasis, and tumorigenicity in HCC. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis suggested that the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MEK)/extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (ERK) pathway was involved in HCC. Our clinical data indicated that the levels of phosphorylation MEK1/2 and ERK1/2 were increased in HCC comparing with adjacent non-tumorous tissues. It showed the linear correlation between Syncytin-1 expression and upregulated MEK1/2 and ERK1/2 phosphorylation levels in HCC. Furthermore, Syncytin-1 activated MEK/ERK pathway in HCC cells. In-depth research showed that the inflammation-activated MEK/ERK pathway was essential in Syncytin-1 promoted hepatocarcinogenesis. Syncytin-1 suppressed doxorubicin-induced apoptosis via MEK/ERK cascade. In conclusion, Syncytin-1 promoted HCC progression and doxorubicin resistance via the inflammation-activated MEK/ERK pathway. Our findings revealed that Syncytin-1 was a potential prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target for HCC.

Human endogenous retrovirus W family envelope protein (HERV-W env) facilitates the production of TNF-α and IL-10 by inhibiting MyD88s in glial cells.

Human endogenous retrovirus W family envelope protein (HERV-W env) is associated with several neurological and psychiatric disorders, including multiple sclerosis (MS) and schizophrenia. Clinical studies have demonstrated a common link between inflammatory abnormalities and HERV-W env in neuropsychiatric diseases. Nonetheless, the molecular mechanisms by which HERV-W env mediates neuroinflammation are still unclear. In this study, we found that HERV-W env significantly increased the mRNA and protein levels of TNF-α and IL-10 in U251 and A172 cells. HERV-W env also induced a notable increase in Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4). Knockdown of TLR4 impaired the expressions of TNF-α and IL-10 induced by HERV-W env. Overexpression of HERV-W env led to the upregulation of MyD88 but caused a decrease in MyD88s. MyD88s overexpression suppressed the expressions of TNF-α and IL-10 induced by HERV-W env. These findings indicate that HERV-W env upregulates the expressions of IL-10 and TNF-α by inhibiting the production of MyD88s in glial cells. This work sheds light on the immune pathogenesis of HERV-W env in neuropsychiatric disorders.

CKLF1 Enhances Inflammation-Mediated Carcinogenesis and Prevents Doxorubicin-Induced Apoptosis via IL6/STAT3 Signaling in HCC.

PURPOSE: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), one of the most common and deadliest malignancies worldwide, has a poor prognosis, owing to its high potential for vascular invasion and metastasis and the lack of biomarkers for early diagnosis. Thus, it must be a crucial factor for investigating therapeutic strategies for HCC to identify the functional molecular targets. Here, we reported a novel chemokine, CKLF1, that might act as a pivotal modulator in the invasion and metastasis of HCC and could serve as an attractive target for cancer therapy. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: Bioinformatics analysis, PCR, Western blotting, and IHC were performed to detect the expression of CKLF1 in HCC. The function of CKLF1 was demonstrated by a series of in vitro and in vivo experiments. Pharmacologic treatment, flow cytometry, and Western blotting were carried out to demonstrate the potential mechanisms of CKLF1. RESULTS: We proved that CKLF1 was overexpressed in HCC tissues and was related to tumor stage, vascular invasion, and patient survival. Then, functional assays showed that CKLF1 promoted hepatocellular carcinogenesis and metastatic potential. Finally, the IL6/STAT3 signaling pathway was involved in the mechanistic investigation. The results demonstrated that CKLF1 enhanced the progression of HCC and prevented doxorubicin-induced apoptosis through activating the IL6/STAT3 pathway. CONCLUSIONS: These data showed that CKLF1 inhibited apoptosis and promoted malignant transformation through the IL6/STAT3 pathway, and ultimately enhanced the development and metastasis of HCC. Thus, our work revealed that CKLF1 was a significant prognostic factor of HCC and might be a potential molecular therapeutic target for HCC.

HERV-W env regulates calcium influx via activating TRPC3 channel together with depressing DISC1 in human neuroblastoma cells.

The activation and involvement of human endogenous retroviruses W family envelope gene (HERV-W env, also called ERVWE1) have been reported in several neuropsychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia, as well as in multiple sclerosis (MS). Dysregulation of intracellular calcium content is also involved in the pathogenesis of these diseases. Our previous studies showed that HERV-W env overexpression results in activation of small conductance Ca2+-activated K+ channel protein 3 (SK3), a potential risk factor for schizophrenia. In the present study, we aimed to elucidate the relationship between HERV-W env and calcium signaling in schizophrenia. Our results showed that HERV-W env could induce Ca2+ influx in two human neuroblastoma cell lines and upregulate the expression and activation of TRPC3 in cells. The abnormal increase in intracellular Ca2+ concentration was inhibited by addition of the TRPC3 channel blocker pyr3, demonstrating that the Ca2+ influx induced by HERV-W env was TRPC3-dependent. Further experiments showed that HERV-W env overexpression downregulated DISC1, while knockdown of DISC1 promoted activation of TRPC3 without affecting TRPC3 expression. In conclusion, HERV-W env induced Ca2+ influx in human neuroblastoma cells by activating the TRPC3 channel through directly regulating its expression or downregulating DISC1, which could also increase TRPC3 activation without affecting TRPC3 expression. These findings provide new insights into how HERV-W env affects neuronal activity and contributes to the pathogenesis of schizophrenia.

Syncytin-1, an endogenous retroviral protein, triggers the activation of CRP via TLR3 signal cascade in glial cells.

Schizophrenia is a devastating psychiatric disorder that impacts on social functioning and quality of life, and there is accumulating evidence that inflammation is a potential pathogenic mechanism of schizophrenia. However, the mechanism of inflammation possibly occurred in schizophrenia has not been well understood. The endogenous retroviral protein syncytin-1 and inflammatory marker CRP are both abnormally expressed in schizophrenia patients. CRP is one of the markers of bacterial infection generally. Less clear is whether virus or viral protein can trigger the activation of CRP. Here, we detected a robust increase of the levels of syncytin-1 and CRP in schizophrenia patients, and displayed a positive correlation and marked consistency between expressions of syncytin-1 and CRP in schizophrenia patients. Furthermore, overexpression of syncytin-1 significantly elevated the levels of CRP, TLR3, and IL-6 in both human microglia and astrocytes. TLR3 deficiency impaired the expressions of CRP and IL-6 induced by syncytin-1. Importantly, we observed a cellular co-localization and a direct interaction between syncytin-1 and TLR3. Additionally, knockdown of IL-6 inhibited the syncytin-1-induced CRP expression. Thus, the totality of these results showed that viral protein syncytin-1 could trigger the activation of CRP, which might explain the elevated CRP in sterile inflammation and exhibit a novel mechanism for regulation of inflammation by syncytin-1 in schizophrenia.

Human endogenous retrovirus W env increases nitric oxide production and enhances the migration ability of microglia by regulating the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase.

Human endogenous retrovirus W env (HERV-W env) plays a critical role in many neuropsychological diseases such as schizophrenia and multiple sclerosis (MS). These diseases are accompanied by immunological reactions in the central nervous system (CNS). Microglia are important immunocytes in brain inflammation that can produce a gasotransmitter-nitric oxide (NO). NO not only plays a role in the function of neuronal cells but also participates in the pathogenesis of various neuropsychological diseases. In this study, we reported increased NO production in CHME-5 microglia cells after they were transfected with HERV-W env. Moreover, HERV-W env increased the expression and function of human inducible nitric oxide synthase (hiNOS) and enhanced the promoter activity of hiNOS. Microglial migration was also enhanced. These data revealed that HERV-W env might contribute to increase NO production and microglial migration ability in neuropsychological disorders by regulating the expression of inducible NOS. Results from this study might lead to the identification of novel targets for the treatment of neuropsychological diseases, including neuroinflammatory diseases, stroke, and neurodegenerative diseases.

Elevation of Ser9 phosphorylation of GSK3ß is required for HERV-W env-mediated BDNF signaling in human U251 cells.

Human endogenous retrovirus W family (HERV-W) envelope (env) is known to be associated with neurological and psychiatric disorders, such as multiple sclerosis and schizophrenia. Previous studies showed that overexpression of HERV-W env could induce brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) gene expression. In human and rat cells, BDNF-mediated signal transduction might be modulated by glycogen synthase kinase 3ß (GSK3ß). Both BDNF and GSK3ß are schizophrenia-related genes. In this paper, we investigated whether GSK3ß was involved in the HERV-W env-induced expression of BDNF. We found that HERV-W env increased phosphorylation of GSK3ß at Ser9 (p-GSK3ß (Ser9)) and the ratio of p-GSK3ß (Ser9) to total GSK3ß (p<0.05) in U251 cells. Overexpression of HERV-W env led to a 36.2% reduction in GSK3ß activity compared to control (p<0.05). The levels of ß-catenin, cyclin D1 and TSC2 mRNAs were upregulated (p<0.05). These data suggested that overexpression of HERV-W env might activate the GSK3ß signaling pathway in U251 cells. Further, knockdown of GSK3ß reduced the expression of total GSK3ß, p-GSK3ß (Ser9), and the ratio of p-GSK3ß (Ser9) to total GSK3ß by 28.6%, 50.4%, and 30.2%, respectively (p<0.05). Levels of ß-catenin, cyclin D1 and TSC2 mRNAs were also reduced (p<0.05). Interestingly, GSK3ß activity increased (p<0.05). Knockdown of GSK3ß also decreased mRNA and protein expression of BDNF by 49.9% and 48.5% respectively (p<0.05). These results indicated that phosphorylation of GSK3ß at Ser9 might be involved in HERV-W env-induced BDNF expression, and will hopefully improve our understanding of the role of HERV-W env in neurological and psychiatric diseases (schizophrenia, etc).

In vitro antiproliferative and antioxidant effects of urolithin A, the colonic metabolite of ellagic acid, on hepatocellular carcinomas HepG2 cells.

The intestinal metabolites of ellagic acid (EA), urolithins are known to effectively inhibit cancer cell proliferation. This study investigates antiproliferative and antioxidant effects of urolithin A (UA) on cell survival of the HepG2 hepatic carcinomas cell line. The antiproliferative effects of UA (0-500 µM) on HepG2 cells were determined using a CCK assay following 12-36 h exposure. Effects on ß-catenin and other factors of expression were assessed by using real-time PCR and Western blot. We found that UA showed potent antiproliferative activity on HepG2 cells. When cell death was induced by UA, it was found that the expression of ß-catenin, c-Myc and Cyclin D1 were decreased and TCF/LEF transcriptional activation was notably down-regulated. UA also increased protein expression of p53, p38-MAPK and caspase-3, but suppressed expression of NF-κB p65 and other inflammatory mediators. Furthermore, the antioxidant assay afforded by UA and EA treatments was associated with decreases in intracellular ROS levels, and increases in intracellular SOD and GSH-Px activity. These results suggested that UA could inhibit cell proliferation and reduce oxidative stress status in liver cancer, thus acting as a viably effective constituent for HCC prevention and treatment.