Harnessing the potential of de-sulfated heparin for targeted drug delivery: A three-component approach exemplified by conjugation with galactose and paclitaxel.

Heparin, an anticoagulant with a century-long history of use, has been investigated over the past decade as a potential drug delivery vehicle. Despite its safety and efficacy, its interactions with many proteins through specific sulfate patterns can complicate drug delivery by mediating diverse biological functions. Here, we present the synthesis of a three-component drug delivery system comprising de-sulfated heparin as the carrier, galactose as the targeting moiety, and paclitaxel as the therapeutic drug. Removal of sulfates eliminated most of its anticoagulant effects in all intermediates. Through coupling with galactose and paclitaxel, the system improved the solubility of the drug and achieved selective targeting and efficient drug delivery to HepG2 cells, a liver carcinoma cell line with high galactose receptor expression. While the three-component system exhibited a slightly higher IC50 value than native paclitaxel, demonstrating its efficacy as a drug carrier, the IC50 value for the normal human liver cell line QSG7701 was significantly higher, indicating its selectivity and safety. Our study introduces a novel approach utilizing desulfated heparin as a carrier, warranting further investigation to unlock its potential in targeted drug delivery strategies.

Marine fungus Aspergillus c1. sp metabolite activates the HSF1/PGC-1α axis, inducing a thermogenic program for treating obesity.

Background and aims: Obesity is one of the most prevalent diseases worldwide with less ideal approved agents in clinic. Activating the HSF1/PGC-1α axis in adipose tissues has been reported to induce thermogenesis in mice, which presents a promising therapeutic avenue for obesity treatment. The present study aimed to identified novel natural HSF1 activator and evaluated the therapeutic effects of the newly discovered compound on obesity-associated metabolic disorders and the molecular mechanisms of these effects. Methods: Our previous reported HSF1/PGC-1α activator screening system was used to identify novel natural HSF1 activator. The PGC-1α luciferase activity, immunoblot, protein nuclear-translocation, immunofluorescence, chromatin immunoprecipitation assays were used to evaluate the activity of compound HN-001 in activating HSF1. The experiments of mitochondrial number measurement, TG assay and imaging, cellular metabolic assay, gene assays, and CRISPR/Cas 9 were applied for investigating the metabolic effect of HN-001 in C3H10-T1/2 adipocytes. The in vivo anti-obesity efficacies and beneficial metabolic effects of HN-001 were evaluated by performing body and fat mass quantification, plasma chemical analysis, GTT, ITT, cold tolerance test, thermogenesis analysis. Results: HN-001 dose- and time-dependently activated HSF1 and induced HSF1 nuclear translocation, resulting in an enhancement in binding with the gene Pgc-1α. This improvement induced activation of adipose thermogenesis and enhancement of mitochondrial oxidation capacity, thus inhibiting adipocyte maturation. Deletion of HSF1 in adipocytes impaired mitochondrial oxidation and abolished the above beneficial metabolic effects of HN-001, including adipocyte browning induction, improvements in mitogenesis and oxidation capacity, and lipid-lowering ability. In mice, HN-001 treatment efficiently alleviated diet-induced obesity and metabolic disorders. These changes were associated with increased body temperature in mice and activation of the HSF1/PGC-1α axis in adipose tissues. UCP1 expression and mitochondrial biogenesis were increased in both white and brown adipose tissues of HN-001-treated mice. Conclusion: These data indicate that HN-001 may have therapeutic potential for obesity-related metabolic diseases by increasing the capacity of energy expenditure in adipose tissues through a mechanism involving the HSF1/PGC-1α axis, which shed new light on the development of novel anti-obesity agents derived from marine sources.

Neurexin-1-dependent circuit activity is required for the maintenance of photoreceptor subtype identity in Drosophila.

In the human and Drosophila color vision system, each photoreceptor neuron (cone cell in humans and R7/R8 photoreceptor cell in Drosophila) makes a stochastic decision to express a single photopigment of the same family with the exclusion of the others. While recent studies have begun to reveal the mechanisms that specify the generation of cone subtypes during development in mammals, nothing is known about how the mosaic of mutually exclusive cone subtypes is maintained in the mammalian retina. In Drosophila, recent work has led to the identification of several intrinsic factors that maintain the identity of R8 photoreceptor subtypes in adults. Whether and how extrinsic mechanisms are involved, however, remain unknown. In this study, we present evidence that supports that the Drosophila transsynaptic adhesion molecule Neurexin 1 (Dnrx-1) is required non-cell autonomously in R8p subtypes for the maintenance of R8y subtype identity. Silencing the activity of R8p subtypes caused a phenotype identical to that in dnrx-1 mutants. These results support a novel role for Nrx-1-dependent circuit activity in mediating the communication between R8 photoreceptor subtypes for maintaining the subtype identity in the retina.

Identification of a natural PLA2 inhibitor from the marine fungus Aspergillus sp. c1 for MAFLD treatment that suppressed lipotoxicity by inhibiting the IRE-1α/XBP-1s axis and JNK signaling.

Lipotoxicity is a pivotal factor that initiates and exacerbates liver injury and is involved in the development of metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD). However, there are few reported lipotoxicity inhibitors. Here, we identified a natural anti-lipotoxicity candidate, HN-001, from the marine fungus Aspergillus sp. C1. HN-001 dose- and time- dependently reversed palmitic acid (PA)-induced hepatocyte death. This protection was associated with IRE-1α-mediated XBP-1 splicing inhibition, which resulted in suppression of XBP-1s nuclear translocation and transcriptional regulation. Knockdown of XBP-1s attenuated lipotoxicity, but no additional ameliorative effect of HN-001 on lipotoxicity was observed in XBP-1s knockdown hepatocytes. Notably, the ER stress and lipotoxicity amelioration was associated with PLA2. Both HN-001 and the PLA2 inhibitor MAFP inhibited PLA2 activity, reduced lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) level, subsequently ameliorated lipotoxicity. In contrast, overexpression of PLA2 caused exacerbation of lipotoxicity and weakened the anti-lipotoxic effects of HN-001. Additionally, HN-001 treatment suppressed the downstream pro-apoptotic JNK pathway. In vivo, chronic administration of HN-001 (i.p.) in mice alleviated all manifestations of MAFLD, including hepatic steatosis, liver injury, inflammation, and fibrogenesis. These effects were correlated with PLA2/IRE-1α/XBP-1s axis and JNK signaling suppression. These data indicate that HN-001 has therapeutic potential for MAFLD because it suppresses lipotoxicity, and provide a natural structural basis for developing anti-MAFLD candidates.

Design and Synthesis of Bouchardatine Derivatives as a Novel AMP-Activated Protein Kinase Activator for the Treatment of Colorectal Cancer.

Metabolic reprogramming is a crucial hallmark of tumorigenesis. Modulating the reprogrammed energy metabolism is an attractive anticancer therapeutic strategy. We previously found a natural product, bouchardatine, modulated aerobic metabolism and inhibited proliferation in the colorectal cancer cell (CRC). Herein, we designed and synthesized a new series of bouchardatine derivatives to discover more potential modulators. We applied the dual-parametric high-content screening (HCS) to evaluate their AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) modulation and CRC proliferation inhibition effect simultaneously. And we found their antiproliferation activities were highly correlated to AMPK activation. Among them, 18a was identified with nanomole-level antiproliferation activities against several CRCs. Interestingly, the evaluation found that 18a selectively upregulated oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) and inhibited proliferation by modulating energy metabolism. Additionally, this compound effectively inhibited the RKO xenograft growth along with AMPK activation. In conclusion, our study identified 18a as a promising candidate for CRC treatment and suggested a novel anti-CRC strategy by AMPK activating and OXPHOS upregulating.

Discovery of the First Raptor (Regulatory-Associated Protein of mTOR) Inhibitor as a New Type of Antiadipogenic Agent.

Raptor, a regulatory-associated protein of mTOR, has been genetically proved to be an important regulator in lipogenesis. However, its druggable potential is rarely investigated, largely due to the lack of an inhibitor. In this study, the antiadipogenic screening of a daphnane diterpenoid library followed by target fishing led to the identification of a Raptor inhibitor, 1c (5/7/6 carbon ring with orthoester and chlorine functionalities). Pharmacodynamic studies verified that 1c is a potent and tolerable antiadipogenic agent in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistic studies revealed that the targeting of Raptor by 1c could block the formation of mTORC1 and then downregulate the downstream S6K1- and 4E-BP1-mediated C/EBPs/PPARγ signaling, eventually retarding adipocyte cell differentiation at the early stage. These findings suggest that Raptor can be explored as a novel therapeutic target for obesity and its related complications, and 1c as the first Raptor inhibitor may provide a new therapeutic option for these conditions.

miR-128-3p regulates chicken granulosa cell function via 14-3-3ß/FoxO and PPAR-γ/LPL signaling pathways.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are class of 22 nt short RNA sequences which inhibit protein translation through binding to the 3'UTR of its target genes. The continuous ovulatory property of chicken follicle makes it a perfect model for studying granulosa cell (GC) functions. In this study, we found that large number of miRNAs including miR-128-3p, were differentially expressed in the GCs of F1 and F5 follicles of chicken. Subsequently, the results revealed that miR-128-3p inhibited proliferation, the formation of lipid droplets, and hormone secretion in chicken primary GCs through directly targeting YWHAB and PPAR-γ genes. To determine the effects of 14-3-3ß (encoded by YWHAB) protein on GCs functions, we overexpressed or inhibited the expression of YWHAB, and the results showed that YWHAB inhibited the function of FoxO proteins. Collectively, we found that miR-128-3p was highly expressed in the chicken F1 follicles compared to the F5 follicles. In addition, the results indicated that miR-128-3p promoted GC apoptosis through 14-3-3ß/FoxO pathway via repressing YWHAB, and inhibited lipid synthesis by impeding the PPAR-γ/LPL pathway, as well as reduced the secretion of progesterone and estrogen. Taken together, the results showed that miR-128-3p plays a regulatory role in chicken granulosa cell function via 14-3-3ß/FoxO and PPAR-γ/LPL signaling pathways.

Identification of the MMP family as therapeutic targets and prognostic biomarkers in the microenvironment of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma is a malignant tumor with high morbidity and mortality. The MMP family plays an important role in tumor invasion and metastasis. However, the mechanistic value of the MMP family as a therapeutic target and prognostic biomarker in HNSC has not been fully elucidated. METHODS: Oncomine, UALCAN, GEPIA, cBioportal, GeneMANIA, STRING, DAVID6.8, TRRUST, TIMER and Linkedomics were used for analysis. RESULTS: The mRNA expression levels of MMP1, MMP3, ILF3, MMP7, MMP9, MMP10, MMP11, MMP12, MMP13 and MMP16 were higher in HNSC than those in normal tissues, while the mRNA expression level of MMP15 was reduced. The relative expression levels of MMP1 and MMP14 were the highest in HNSC tissues. A significant correlation was found between the expression of MMP3, MMP11, MMP25 and the pathological stage of HNSC patients. There was no significant associations between all the MMP family members expression levels and DFS. Increased mRNA levels of MMP1, MMP8 and MMP25 were significantly associated with OS. In addition, we investigated the genetic changes of the MMP family in HNSC and found that all the MMP family members had genetic changes, most of which were amplification and depth loss. In the analysis of neighbor gene network and protein interaction, we found that the MMP family interacted with 25 neighboring genes, except for ILF3, MMP19, MMP20, MMP21, MMP23B, MMP27 and MMP28, other MMP proteins interacted with each other. Functional enrichment analysis showed that the MMP family could be present in the extracellular matrix, regulate peptidase activity, and participate in the catabolism of collagen. Meanwhile, we identified the transcription factor targets and kinase targets of the MMP family and found that ATM and ATR were the two most common kinase targets in the MMP family. We also found a significant correlation between the MMP family expression and immune cell infiltration. Cox proportional risk model analysis showed that macrophages, MMP14, MMP16, and MMP19 were significantly associated with clinical outcomes in HNSC patients. CONCLUSION: The MMP family might serve as therapeutic target and prognostic biomarker in HNSC.

Discovery of novel phosphodiesterase-1 inhibitors for curing vascular dementia: Suppression of neuroinflammation by blocking NF-κB transcription regulation and activating cAMP/CREB axis.

Vascular dementia (VaD) is the second commonest type of dementia which lacks of efficient treatments currently. Neuroinflammation as a prominent pathological feature of VaD, is highly involved in the development of VaD. In order to verify the therapeutic potential of PDE1 inhibitors against VaD, the anti-neuroinflammation, memory and cognitive improvement were evaluated in vitro and in vivo by a potent and selective PDE1 inhibitor 4a. Also, the mechanism of 4a in ameliorating neuroinflammation and VaD was systematically explored. Furthermore, to optimize the drug-like properties of 4a, especially for metabolic stability, 15 derivatives were designed and synthesized. As a result, candidate 5f, with a potent IC50 value of 4.5 nmol/L against PDE1C, high selectivity over PDEs, and remarkable metabolic stability, efficiently ameliorated neuron degeneration, cognition and memory impairment in VaD mice model by suppressing NF-κB transcription regulation and activating cAMP/CREB axis. These results further identified PDE1 inhibition could serve as a new therapeutic strategy for treatment of VaD.

Discovery of Quinacrine as a Potent Topo II and Hsp90 Dual-Target Inhibitor, Repurposing for Cancer Therapy.

Topo II and Hsp90 are promising targets. In this study, we first verified the structural similarities between Topo IIα ATPase and Hsp90α N-ATPase. Subsequently, 720 compounds from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) drug library and kinase library were screened using the malachite green phosphate combination with the Topo II-mediated DNA relaxation and MTT assays. Subsequently, the antimalarial drug quinacrine was found to be a potential dual-target inhibitor of Topo II and Hsp90. Mechanistic studies showed that quinacrine could specifically bind to the Topo IIα ATPase domain and inhibit the activity of Topo IIα ATPase without impacting DNA cleavage. Furthermore, our study revealed that quinacrine could bind Hsp90 N-ATPase and inhibit Hsp90 activity. Significantly, quinacrine has broad antiproliferation activity and remains sensitive to the multidrug-resistant cell line MCF-7/ADR and the atypical drug-resistant tumor cell line HL-60/MX2. Our study identified quinacrine as a potential dual-target inhibitor of Topo II and Hsp90, depending on the ATP-binding domain, positioning it as a hit compound for further structural modification.

Discovery of a Novel G-Quadruplex and Histone Deacetylase (HDAC) Dual-Targeting Agent for the Treatment of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer.

The development of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is highly associated with G-quadruplex (G4); thus, targeting G4 is a potential strategy for TNBC therapy. Because concomitant histone deacetylases (HDAC) inhibition could amplify the impact of G4-targeting compounds, we designed and synthesized two novel series of G4/HDAC dual-targeting compounds by connecting the zinc-binding pharmacophore of HDAC inhibitors to the G4-targeting isaindigotone scaffold (1). Among the new compounds, a6 with the potent HDAC inhibitory and G4 stabilizing activity could induce more DNA G4 formation than SAHA and 1 in TNBC cells. Remarkably, a6 caused more G4-related DNA damage and G4-related differentially expressed genes, consistent with its effect on disrupting the cell cycle, invasion, and glycolysis. Furthermore, a6 significantly suppresses the proliferation of various TNBC cells and the MDA-MB-231 xenograft model without evident toxicity. Our study suggests a novel strategy for TNBC therapeutics through dual-targeting HDAC and G4.

Determination of IQZ23 in rat plasma using LC-MS/MS: consideration for matrix effect and internal standard interference.

Aim: IQZ23, a novel ß-indoloquinazoline derivative, is a potential therapeutic agent for obesity and related metabolic disorders. To assist pharmacokinetics evaluation, a quantitative method for IQZ23 in rat plasma is required. Methods & Results: An LC-MS/MS assay for the determination of IQZ23 in rat plasma was developed and validated for the first time. Chromatographic conditions were optimized to ameliorate matrix effect with direct monitoring of typical phospholipids, including phosphatidylcholine and lysophosphatidylcholine. The structural analog internal standard (SYSU-3d) was set at a proper concentration to avoid analyte sensitivity loss caused by internal standard interference. The well-validated method was employed in the pharmacokinetics study of IQZ23 in Sprague-Dawley rats. Conclusion: This study provided valuable references for the further preclinical study of IQZ23.

Matrine counteracts obesity in mice via inducing adipose thermogenesis by activating HSF1/PGC-1α axis.

Promoting energy expenditure is known to curb obesity and can be exploited for its treatment. Our previous study has demonstrated that activation of HSF1/PGC-1α axis efficiently induced mitochondrial biogenesis and adaptive oxidation and thus ameliorating lipid accumulation, however, whether it can be a therapeutic approach for metabolic disorders treatment needs explored. Here, a high-efficient and specific HSF1/PGC-1α activator screening system was established and the natural clinical liver-protecting agent matrine was identified as a robust HSF1/PGC-1α activator. Matrine treatment efficiently induced mitogenesis and thermogenic program in primary mouse adipose stem cell derived adipocytes by enriching HSF1 to the promoter of Pgc-1α. Deficiency of PGC-1α in adipocytes diminished the browning induction ability of matrine. Oral administration of matrine to the obese mice induced by high fat and high cholesterol diet increased energy expenditure and corrected the degeneration of thermogenesis in brown adipose tissue (BAT). Also, matrine treatment markedly induced the transformation of brown-like adipocytes in subcutaneous white adipose tissue (sWAT) via a mechanism of HSF1/PGC-1α, thereby attenuating obesity and myriads of metabolic disorders. This led to an improvement in adaptive thermogenesis to cold stimuli. These findings are of great significance in understanding the regulation mechanisms of the HSF1/PGC-1α axis in thermogenesis and providing a novel therapeutic approach for obesity treatment. Matrine may have potential therapeutic implications for the treatment of obesity in clinics.

The exit of axons and glial membrane from the developing Drosophila retina requires integrins.

Coordinated development of neurons and glia is essential for the establishment of neuronal circuits during embryonic development. In the developing Drosophila visual system, photoreceptor (R cell) axons and wrapping glial (WG) membrane extend from the eye disc through the optic stalk into the optic lobe. Extensive studies have identified a number of genes that control the establishment of R-cell axonal projection pattern in the optic lobe. The molecular mechanisms directing the exit of R-cell axons and WG membrane from the eye disc, however, remain unknown. In this study, we show that integrins are required in R cells for the extension of R-cell axons and WG membrane from the eye disc into the optic stalk. Knockdown of integrins in R cells but not WG caused the stalling of both R-cell axons and WG membrane in the eye disc. Interfering with the function of Rhea (i.e. the Drosophila ortholog of vertebrate talin and a key player of integrin-mediated adhesion), caused an identical stalling phenotype. These results support a key role for integrins on R-cell axons in directing R-cell axons and WG membrane to exit the eye disc.

Palladium oxidative addition complex-enabled synthesis of amino-substituted indolyl-4(3H)-quinazolinones and their antitumor activity evaluation.

The indolyl-4(3H)-quinazolinone core is an important structural motif in functional molecules. However, few methods exist for its direct modification, which limits its potential application. Reported herein is a palladium-mediated amination of halogen-containing indolyl-4(3H)-quinazolinones with a variety of primary and secondary amines via the corresponding palladium oxidative addition complexes. The protocol allows the facile synthesis of indolyl-4(3H)-quinazolinone derivatives with amino groups at all the positions of the benzene ring in moderate to good yields with mild reaction conditions and good functional group tolerance. Furthermore, the antitumor activity of these products was evaluated.

A novel HSF1 activator ameliorates non-alcoholic steatohepatitis by stimulating mitochondrial adaptive oxidation.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is the more severe form of metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) and no pharmacological treatment as yet been approved. Identification of novel therapeutic targets and their agents is critical to overcome the current inadequacy of drug treatment for NASH. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: The correlation between heat shock factor 1 (HSF1) levels and the development of NASH and the target genes of HSF1 in hepatocyte were investigated by chromatin-immunoprecipitation sequencing. The effects and mechanisms of SYSU-3d in alleviating NASH were examined in relevant cell models and mouse models (the Ob/Ob mice, high-fat and high-cholesterol diet and the methionine-choline deficient diet-fed mice). The actions of SYSU-3d in vivo were evaluated. KEY RESULTS: HSF1 is progressively reduced with mitochondrial dysfunction in NASH pathogenesis and activation of this transcription factor by its newly identified activator SYSU-3d effectively inhibited all manifestations of NASH in mice. When activated, the phosphorylated HSF1 (Ser326) translocated to nucleus and bound to the promoter of PPARγ coactivator-1α (PGC-1α) to induce mitochondrial biogenesis. Thus, increasing mitochondrial adaptive oxidation and inhibiting oxidative stress. The deletion of HSF1 and PGC-1α or recovery of HSF1 in HSF1-deficiency cells showed the HSF1/PGC-1α pathway was mainly responsible for the anti-NASH effects of SYSU-3d independent of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS: Activation of HSF1 is a practical therapeutic approach for NASH treatment via the HSF1/PGC-1α/mitochondrial pathway and SYSU-3d can be considered as a potential candidate for the treatment of NASH.

Genomic insights into the origin, domestication and diversification of Brassica juncea.

Despite early domestication around 3000 BC, the evolutionary history of the ancient allotetraploid species Brassica juncea (L.) Czern & Coss remains uncertain. Here, we report a chromosome-scale de novo assembly of a yellow-seeded B. juncea genome by integrating long-read and short-read sequencing, optical mapping and Hi-C technologies. Nuclear and organelle phylogenies of 480 accessions worldwide supported that B. juncea is most likely a single origin in West Asia, 8,000-14,000 years ago, via natural interspecific hybridization. Subsequently, new crop types evolved through spontaneous gene mutations and introgressions along three independent routes of eastward expansion. Selective sweeps, genome-wide trait associations and tissue-specific RNA-sequencing analysis shed light on the domestication history of flowering time and seed weight, and on human selection for morphological diversification in this versatile species. Our data provide a comprehensive insight into the origin and domestication and a foundation for genomics-based breeding of B. juncea.

Activation of SK3 channel plays a pivotal role in modulation of trigeminal neuralgia.

Objective: To investigate whether small conductance Ca2+ activatedK+ channels; Trigeminal ganglion; Trigeminal neuralgia. (SK3) exists in normal rats' trigeminal ganglions (TG) and its effect on their pain thresholds.Methods: In total, 110 healthy adult male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were involved in this study. Ten rats were dissected to collect their liver tissues, TG and DRG. The rest of the rats were randomly assigned to either the experimental group or the control group. The animal model of trigeminal neuralgia (TN) was established by infraorbital nerve ligation. The expression of SK3 channels in their livers, TG and dorsal root ganglions (DRG) were detected. And different doses of SK3 channel activator and inhibitor were administered to the rats in both groups 15 days after the operation; meanwhile, their pain thresholds were also measured.Results: The expression of SK3 channel was found in TG. In the experimental group, the pain threshold was significantly decreased and there was a decreased level of SK3 than that in the control group at 15 days after operation. The administration of SK3 channel agonist (CyPPA) could significantly improve the pain threshold, while, the pain threshold decreased after administration of SK3 channel antagonist (Apamin).Conclusion: The SK3 channel may play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of trigeminal neuralgia, and it may be one of the potential targets for the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia.

Gut Akkermansia muciniphila ameliorates metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease by regulating the metabolism of L-aspartate via gut-liver axis.

The gut bacterium Akkermansia muciniphila has been increasingly recognized for its therapeutic potential in treating metabolic disorders, including obesity, diabetes, and metabolicdysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD). However, its underlying mechanism involved in its well-known metabolic actions needs further evaluation. The present study explored the therapeutic effect and mechanism of A. muciniphila in intervening MAFLD by using a high-fat and high-cholesterol (HFC) diet induced obese mice model. Mice treated with A. muciniphila efficiently reversed MAFLD in the liver, such as hepatic steatosis, inflammatory, and liver injury. These therapeutic effects persisted after long-term drug withdrawal and were slightly weakened in the antibiotics-treated obese mice. A. muciniphila treatment efficiently increased mitochondrial oxidation and bile acid metabolism in the gut-liver axis, ameliorated oxidative stress-induced cell apoptosis in gut, leading to the reshaping of the gut microbiota composition. These metabolic improvements occurred with increased L-aspartate levels in the liver that transported from the gut. The administration of L-aspartate in vitro or in mice displayed the similar beneficial metabolic effects mentioned above and efficiently ameliorated MAFLD. Together, these data indicate that the anti-MAFLD activity of A. muciniphila correlated with lipid oxidation and improved gut-liver interactions through regulating the metabolism of L-aspartate. A. muciniphila could be a potential agent for clinical intervention in MAFLD.

Design, Synthesis, and Evaluation of New Quinazolinone Derivatives that Inhibit Bloom Syndrome Protein (BLM) Helicase, Trigger DNA Damage at the Telomere Region, and Synergize with PARP Inhibitors.

DNA damage response (DDR) pathways are crucial for the survival of cancer cells and are attractive targets for cancer therapy. Bloom syndrome protein (BLM) is a DNA helicase that performs important roles in DDR pathways. Our previous study discovered an effective new BLM inhibitor with a quinazolinone scaffold by a screening assay. Herein, to better understand the structure-activity relationship (SAR) and biological roles of the BLM inhibitor, a series of new derivatives were designed, synthesized, and evaluated based on this scaffold. Among them, compound 9h exhibited nanomolar inhibitory activity and binding affinity for BLM. 9h could effectively disrupt BLM recruitment to DNA in cells. Furthermore, 9h inhibited the proliferation of the colorectal cell line HCT116 by significantly triggering DNA damage in the telomere region and inducing apoptosis, especially in combination with a poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitor. This result suggested a synthetic lethal effect between the BLM and PARP inhibitors in DDR pathways.