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Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains a significant contributor to mortality, often exacerbated by metastasis and chemoresistance. Novel therapeutic strategies are imperative to enhance current treatments. The dysregulation of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway is implicated in CRC progression. This study investigates the therapeutic potential of Wortmannin, combined with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), to target the PI3K/Akt pathway in CRC., Methods: Anti-migratory and antiproliferative effects were assessed through wound healing and MTT assays. Apoptosis and cell cycle alterations were evaluated using Annexin V/Propidium Iodide Apoptosis Assay. Wortmannin's impact on the oxidant/antioxidant equilibrium was examined via ROS, SOD, CAT, MDA, and T-SH levels. Downstream target genes of the PI3K/AKT pathway were analyzed at mRNA and protein levels using RTPCR and western blot, respectively., Results: Wortmannin demonstrated a significant inhibitory effect on cell proliferation, modulating survivin, cyclinD1, PI3K, and p-Akt. The PI3K inhibitor attenuated migratory activity, inducing E-cadherin expression. Combined Wortmannin with 5-FU induced apoptosis, increasing cells in sub-G1 via elevated ROS levels., Conclusion: This study underscores Wortmannin's potential in inhibiting CRC cell growth and migration through PI3K/Akt pathway modulation. It also highlights its candidacy for further investigation as a promising therapeutic option in colorectal cancer treatment., (Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.net.)

Effective telomerase-molecular targeted cancer therapy might be a promising approach for the efficient treatment of ovarian cancer. Therefore, folate-functionalized PLGA nanoparticles (NPs) were co-loaded with hTERT siRNA, Wortmannin (Wtmn), as a potent PI3K inhibitor, and magnetic nanoparticle (MNPs) as a theranostic agent to gain a multifunctional NPs for targeted drug delivery as well as molecular targeted therapy. 1 HNMR, FTIR, DLS, FE-SEM and TEM were applied to characterize the synthesized NPs. In vitro discharge pattern for siRNA and Wtmn from the dual drug-loaded NPs showed an early fast release followed by a constant release up to 200 h. According to the MRI analysis, by increasing the concentration of Fe 3 O 4 in NPs, the weaker T2 signal intensity was enhanced, and a considerable contrast was detected in the MRI images. MTT assay and median-effect analysis showed that the Wtmn/siRNA-loaded MNPs-PLGA-F2 NPs display the most synergistic cytotoxicity on the SKOV-3 ovarian cancer cells. Moreover, the Wtmn/siRNA-loaded MNPs-PLGA-FA NPs could significantly reduce the expression of hTERT, AKT, and p-AKT than the single drug-encapsulated NPs (P < 0.05). Taken together, the findings showed that the multifunctional NPs relying on combinatorial therapy might have considerable potential for effective telomerase-molecular targeted therapy of ovarian cancer., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Modifications on shear stress-based mechanical forces are associated with pathophysiological susceptibility and their effect on endothelial cells (EC) needs to be better addressed looking for comprehending the cellular and molecular mechanisms. This prompted us to better evaluate the effects of shear stress in human primary venous EC obtained from the umbilical cord, using an in vitro model to mimic the laminar blood flow, reaching an intensity 1-4 Pa. First, our data shows there is a significant up-expression of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) in shear-stressed cells culminating downstream with an up-phosphorylation of AKT and up-expression of MAPK-ERK, concomitant to a dynamic cytoskeleton rearrangement upon integrin subunits (α4 and ß 3) requirements. Importantly, the results show there is significant involvement of nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), nNOS, and vascular endothelial growth factors receptor 2 (VEGFR2) in shear-stressed EC, while cell cycle-related events seem to being changed. Additionally, although diminution of 5-hydroxymethylcytosine in shear-stressed EC, suggesting a global repression of genes transcription, the promoters of PI3K and eNOS genes were significantly hydroxymethylated corroborating with their respective transcriptional profiles. Finally, to better address, the pivotal role of PI3K in shear-stressed EC we have revisited these biological issues by wortmannin targeting PI3K signaling and the data shows a dependency of PI3K signaling in controlling the expression of VGFR1, VGFR2, VEGF, and eNOS, once these genes were significantly suppressed in the presence of the inhibitor, as well as transcripts from Ki67 and CDK2 genes. Finally, our data still shows a coupling between PI3K and the epigenetic landscape of shear-stressed cells, once wortmannin promotes a significant suppression of ten-11 translocation 1 (TET1), TET2, and TET3 genes, evidencing that PI3K signaling is a necessary upstream pathway to modulate TET-related genes. In this study we determined the major mechanotransduction pathway by which blood flow driven shear stress activates PI3K which plays a pivotal role on guaranteeing endothelial cell phenotype and vascular homeostasis, opening novel perspectives to understand the molecular basis of pathophysiological disorders related with the vascular system., (© 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

Wortmannin, a fungal metabolite, is a specific inhibitor of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) family, which includes double-stranded DNA dependent protein kinase (DNA-PK) and ataxia telangiectasia mutated kinase (ATM). We investigated the effects of wortmannin on DNA damage in DNA-PK-deficient cells obtained from severe combined immunodeficient mice (SCID cells). Survival of wortmannin-treated cells decreased in a concentration-dependent manner. After treatment with 50 μM wortmannin, survival decreased to 60% of that of untreated cells. We observed that treatment with 20 and 50 μM wortmannin induced DNA damage equivalent to that by 0.37 and 0.69 Gy, respectively, of γ-ray radiation. The accumulation of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) in wortmannin-treated SCID cells was assessed using pulsed-field gel electrophoresis. The maximal accumulation was observed 4 h after treatment. Moreover, the presence of DSBs was confirmed by the ability of nuclear extracts from γ-ray-irradiated SCID cells to produce in vitro phosphorylation of histone H2AX. These results suggest that wortmannin induces cellular toxicity by accumulation of spontaneous DSBs through inhibition of ATM., (© The Author(s) 2020. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of The Japanese Radiation Research Society and Japanese Society for Radiation Oncology.)

Complex human diseases such as metabolic disorders, cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, and mitochondrial dysfunctions arise from the biochemical or genetic defects in various cellular processes. Therefore, it is important to understand which metabolic processes are affected by which cellular impairment. Because genome-wide screening of mutant collections (haploid/diploid deletion library) provides important clues for the understanding of conserved biological processes and for finding potential target genes, we screened the haploid mutant collection of Schizosaccharomyces pombe with wortmannin that inhibits phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase signaling. Using genome-wide screening, we determined that 52 mutants were resistant to this chemical. When 52 genes that are deleted in these mutants were grouped in 41 different biological processes, we found that 37 of them have human orthologues and 4 genes were associated with human metabolic disorders. In addition, when we examined the pathways in which these 52 genes function, we determined that 9 genes were related to phosphorylation process. These results might provide new insights for better understanding of certain human diseases.

Background: It is well-known that severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) due to infection is mainly caused by intestinal bacterial translocation. The intestinal barrier is tasked with preventing intestinal pathogenic bacteria and toxins from reaching the parenteral tissues through the intestinal wall. Therefore, maintaining intestinal barrier function may be the key to preventing damage from acute pancreatitis (AP). The phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B pathway (PI3K/PKB) plays a role in AP. However, the exact effect of PI3K/PKB on injury associated with SAP has not yet been found., Objectives: The present study was aimed at investigating the impact of wortmannin (WT), a PI3K/PKB inhibitor, on intestinal barrier function in SAP rats., Material and Methods: The rats were divided into 3 groups: 1) the Sham Surgery group (SS), whose duodenum and pancreas were flipped 3 times (n = 18); 2) the pancreatitis group (SAP), who were injected through retrograde pancreatic duct injection with 5% sodium taurocholate (n = 18); and 3) the WSAP intervention group (SAP+WT). Serum alpha-amylase levels, plasma endogenous endotoxin, hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) staining, intestinal mucosa electron microscopy, intestinal permeability, and expression of p-PKB (phosphorylated protein kinase B) were measured., Results: In our findings under an electron microscope, the SAP group presented cell edema and mitochondrial vacuolated degeneration, sparsely arranged microvilli, tight junction damage, and widening, while the WSAP group exhibited less change and lower pancreas scores (7.4 ±1.14, 10.2 ±1.48 and 12.0 ±1.58 for 3 h, 6 h and 12 h, respectively) (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the plasma endogenous endotoxin levels and Evans blue content of the WSAP group was significantly lower at all timepoints than in the SAP group (p < 0.05). Western blotting showed that p-PKB expression was lower in the WSAP group than in the SAP group (p < 0.05). Our study suggests that WT relieves intestinal permeability changes in SAP rats and may be dose-dependent., Conclusions: The PI3K/PKB signal pathway may involve SAP-related intestinal injuries and WT may relieve SAP intestinal injuries through the PI3K/PKB pathway.

Eukaryotic cells comprise various organelles surrounded by the membrane. Each organelle is characterized by unique proteins and lipids and has its own specific functions. Single membrane-bounded organelles, including the Golgi apparatus, endosomes, and vacuoles are connected by membrane trafficking. Identifying the organelle localization of a protein of interest is essential for determining the proteins physiological functions. Here, we describe methods for determining protein subcellular localization using the inhibitors brefeldin A and wortmannin in Arabidopsis thaliana.

Cisplatin is regularly used in the treatment of lung cancer. However, its efficacy is limited because of drug resistance. In this study, we found that Akt expression and activity was increased in lung cancer cells with acquired cisplatin resistance (A549/DDP cells and H460/DDP cells) when compared to their parental cells. Inhibition of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt kinase activity by its natural inhibitor, Wortmannin, could sensitize DDP-resistant cells to DDP and reverse DDP resistance. Combination treatment of Wortmannin with cisplatin is capable of increasing the mortality rate of both A549/DDP cells and H460/DDP cells. The present study also demonstrated that hyperactivation of PI3K/Aktpathway is closely associated with cisplatin resistance by regulating the Bax-mitochondria-mediated apoptosis pathway in human lung cancer. Inhibition of PI3K/Aktactivity in A549/DDP cells and H460/DDP cells could reverse cisplatin resistance by enhancing the effect of cisplatin on Bax oligomerization and release of Cytochrome C, allowing activation of the caspase-mediated apoptosis pathway. In conclusion, cisplatin resistance of lung cancer can be reversed via the inhibition of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Therefore, both PI3K and Akt may be potential targets for overcoming cisplatin resistance in lung cancer.

Macroautophagy/autophagy is a multistep degradative process that is essential for maintaining cellular homeostasis and is often dysregulated during disease. Systematically quantifying flux through this pathway is critical for gaining fundamental insights and effectively modulating this process. Established methods to quantify flux use steady-state measurements, which provide limited information about the perturbation and the cellular response. We present a theoretical and experimental framework to measure autophagic steps in the form of rates under non-steady-state conditions. We use this approach to measure temporal responses to rapamycin and wortmannin treatments, two commonly used autophagy modulators. We quantified changes in autophagy rates in as little as 10 min, which can establish direct mechanisms for autophagy perturbation before feedback begins. We identified concentration-dependent effects of rapamycin on the initial and temporal progression of autophagy rates. We also found variable recovery time from wortmannin's inhibition of autophagy, which is further accelerated by rapamycin. Furthermore, we applied this approach to study the effect of serum and glutamine starvation on autophagy. Serum starvation led to a rapid and transient increase in all the rates. Glutamine starvation led to a decrease in the rates on a longer timescale. In summary, this new approach enables the quantification of autophagy flux with high sensitivity and temporal resolution and facilitates a comprehensive understanding of this process.

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is a public health problem worldwide. The natural products could be a therapeutic alternative because of their bioactive compounds. The objective of this research was to investigate the chemical profile and antidiabetic effect of the peel of Annona squamosa L. (sugar apple) and evaluate a possible mechanism of action. We analyzed the content of secondary metabolites finding the following in 100 g of freeze-dried peel: 5000.13 ± 30.44 mg gallic acid equivalent, 82.04 ± 1.12 mg quercetin equivalent, 3023.07 ± 75.83 mg ascorbic acid, 13,919.07 ± 492.11 mg citric acid, 16,099.56 ± 492.11 mg L-malic acid, 21,346.73 ± 1134.01 mg D-malic acid, 5261.92 ± 34.59 mg tartaric acid, 2920.15 ± 290.13 mg glucose, and 5271.59 ± 562.07 mg fructose. The antihyperglycemic effect of the freeze-dried peel of sugar apple was demonstrated using an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) in healthy Wistar rats, discovering an effect at doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg, which was reversed by administering Wortmannin at 1 mg/kg. Regarding the antidiabetic effect in a T2DM model after 14-days of treatment, we found a decrease in non-fasting glucose, and capillary glucose levels during an OGTT, as well as an improvement in insulin response. These results allow us to conclude that sugar apple peel has a beneficial effect on the regulation of glucose levels in both healthy and diabetic rats, seemingly to be related to the insulin signaling pathway; therefore, this could be an alternative therapy for glucose control in prediabetes and T2DM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To explore the intervention mechanism of acacetin combined with wortmannin on myocardial fibrosis in fructose-induced SHR rats. Methods: Using fructose-induced SHR rats combined with HUVEC cell induced by high-sugar DMEM, the intervention mechanism of acacetin combined with wortmannin on myocardial fibrosis in rats was explored. Results: In fructose-induced SHR rats, the intervention results of acacetin on myocardial fibrosis showed that acacetin significantly downregulated serum REN, Ang II, ET-1 levels, and upregulated serum PGE2 and NO levels (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). The combination of wortmannin showed further enhanced effect on the level of ET-1 and PGE2 (P < 0.05). Acacetin and wortmannin significantly increased the expression of CD31 protein and CD31, VE-cadherin mRNA levels in the heart, decreased the expression of CVF, α-SMA protein and CVF, α-SMA, Vimentin and Fibronectin mRNA levels, and enhanced the improvement effect after the combination of acacetin and wortmannin (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). Both acacetin and wortmannin significantly activated the level of PI3Kp85 in myocardium (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01), and wortmannin significantly inhibited PI3Kp110 (P < 0.01). While, acacetin combined with wortmannin, the activation effect on PI3Kp85 was enhanced, and the inhibitory effect on PI3Kp110 was weakened (P < 0.01). In HUVEC endothelial mesenchymal transformation model, wortmannin significantly inhibited the phosphorylation of IRS-1 serine (P < 0.01); After PI3Kp85 silencing, both acacetin and wortmannin inhibited the activation of PI3 K downstream protein AKT phosphorylation (P < 0.01). Conclusion: Acacetin synergistic with PI3 K inhibitor wortmannin inhibits the induction effect of PI3Kp110 on IRS-1 serine phosphorylation, indirectly activates insulin signaling pathway, modulates vasoactive factors, alleviates cardiac endothelial mesenchymal transformation in fructose-induced SHR rats, and improves myocardial fibrosis. Graphical Abstract This is a visual representation of the abstract. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human T lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV‐1) infection can cause adult T‐cell lymphoblastic leukemia (ATLL), an incurable, chemotherapy‐resistant malignancy. In a quest for new therapeutic targets, our study sought to determine the levels of AKT, mTOR, and PI3K in ATLL MT‐2 cells, HTLV‐1 infected NIH/3T3 cells (Inf‐3T3), and HTLV‐1 infected patients (Carrier, HAM/TSP, and ATLL). Furthermore, the effects of rigosertib, wortmannin, and rapamycin on the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway to inhibit the proliferation of ATLL cells were examined. The results showed that mRNA expression of Akt/PI3K/mTOR was down‐regulated in carrier, HAM/TSP, and ATLL patients, as well as MT‐2, and Inf‐3T3 cells, compared to the healthy individuals and untreated MT‐2 and Inf‐3T3 as controls. However, western blotting revealed an increase in the phosphorylated and activated forms of AKT and mTOR. Treating the cells with rapamycin, wortmannin, and rigosertib decreased the phosphorylated forms of Akt and mTOR and restored their mRNA expression levels. Using these inhibitors also significantly boosted the expression of the pro‐apoptotic genes, Bax/Bcl‐2 ratio as well as the expression of the tumor suppressor gene p53 in the MT‐2 and Inf‐3T3cells. Rigosertib was more potent than wortmannin and rapamycin in inducing sub‐G1 and G2‐M cell cycle arrest, as well as late apoptosis in the Inf‐3T3 and MT‐2 cells. It also synergized the cytotoxic effects of vincristine. These findings demonstrate that HTLV‐1 downregulation of the mRNA level may occur as a negative feedback response to increased PI3K‐Akt‐mTOR phosphorylation by HTLV‐1. Therefore, using rigosertib alone or in combination with common chemotherapy drugs may be beneficial in ATLL patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several studies provide evidence that erythropoietin (EPO) could play an important role in the recovery of the heart subjected to ischemia--reperfusion. In this regard, it has been suggested that EPO could be involved in protein kinase B (Akt) activation as a cell survival protein. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of EPO on the Akt/glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta (GSK-3β) pathway in the presence or absence of wortmannin (W, Akt inhibitor) and its relationship with mitochondrial morphology and function preservation in ischemic-reperfused rat hearts. EPO improved the functional recovery of the heart subjected to ischemia--reperfusion, reduced the release of CK and the infarct size, and promoted preservation of the mitochondrial structure. Moreover, it reduced tissue lactate content and preserved glycogen in order to prevent ischemia. The results showed greater Akt activation, accompanied by preservation of swelling and mitochondrial calcium retention capacity, as well as an increase in ATP synthesis capacity. These results were accompanied by an inhibition of GSK-3β, suggesting regulation of Akt on the opening of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore. All these beneficial effects exerted by acute treatment with EPO were prevented by W. The present study provided novel evidence that EPO not only enhances intrinsic activation of Akt during myocardial ischemia--reperfusion but also promotes GSK-3β inhibition, contributing to mitochondrial structure and function preservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chitosan oligosaccharide (COS) is a breakdown product of chitin, a polymer of N-acetyl-D-glucosamine. COS promotes barrier function in intestinal epithelial cells. However, the exact mechanism of COS-induced barrier function remains unknown. This study was aimed to explore the intricate signaling cascades in the junction barrier induced by COS (100 μg/mL) in human intestinal epithelial cells (T84 cells). COS (100 μg/mL) promoted tight junction assembly and increased transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER). COS inhibited FITC-dextran flux in T84 cell monolayers at 2 h, 4 h, 6 h and 24 h post treatment. In addition, the effect of COS on TEER and FITC-dextran flux was abrogated by pre-incubation of wortmannin (2 μM), an AKT (protein kinase B) inhibitor, at 2 h and 4 h post treatment, indicating that COS-induced tight junction integrity was mediated at least in part by AKT activation. COS-induced TEER was amplified at 24 h and 48 h post treatment by pre-incubation with SC79 (2.5 μM), an AKT activator. Moreover, COS induced inhibition of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) in T84 cells. Wortmannin and SC79 pre-incubation promoted ERK activation and ERK inhibition, respectively, suggesting that COS-induced ERK inhibition was mediated by AKT. Collectively, this study reveals that COS promotes junction barrier integrity via regulating PI3K/AKT and ERK signaling intricate interplay in T84 cell monolayers. COS may be beneficial in promoting junction barrier in intestinal disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phosphatidylinositide 3-kinases (PI3Ks) are intracellular signal transducer enzymes that recruit protein kinase B (aka Akt) to the cell membrane, the subsequent activation of which regulates many cellular functions. PI3K/Akt activity is up-regulated within mesocorticolimbic structures in animal models of alcoholism, but less is known regarding PI3K/Akt activity in animal models of cocaine addiction. Given that prefrontal cortex (PFC) is grossly dysregulated in addiction, we studied how cocaine affects protein indices of PFC PI3K/Akt activity in rat and mouse models and examined the relevance of PI3K activity for cocaine-related learning. Immunoblotting of mouse medial PFC at 3 weeks withdrawal from a cocaine-sensitization regimen (seven injections of 30 mg/kg, intraperitoneal [IP]) revealed increased kinase activity, as did immunoblotting of tissue from the ventral PFC of rats with a history of long-access intravenous cocaine self-administration (0.25 mg/0.1 mL infusion; 10 days of 6 h/d cocaine access). Interestingly, increased Akt phosphorylation was observed in rat ventromedial PFC at both 3- and 30-day withdrawal only in animals re-exposed to cocaine-associated cues. A conditioned place-preference paradigm in mice and a cue-elicited drug-seeking test in rats were conducted to determine the functional relevance for elevated PI3K activity for addiction-related behavior. In both cases, an intra-PFC infusion of the PI3K inhibitor wortmannin (50μM) reduced drug-seeking behavior. Taken together, this cross-species, interdisciplinary, study provides convincing evidence that cocaine history produces an enduring increase in PI3K/Akt-dependent signaling within the more ventral aspect of the PFC that is relevant to behavioral reactivity to drug-associated cues/contexts. As such, PI3K inhibitors may well serve as an effective strategy for reducing drug cue reactivity and craving in cocaine addiction.

Breast cancer cells abnormally express vasopressin (AVP) and its receptors. The effect of AVP is largely orchestrated through its downstream signaling and by receptor-mediated endocytosis (RME), in which Dynamin 2 (Dyn2) plays an integral role in vesicle closure. In this work, luminal A breast cancer cells were treated with AVP, and then Dynasore (DYN) was employed to inhibit Dyn2 to explore the combined effect of AVP and Dyn2 inhibition on the survival of breast cancer cells. The results revealed that DYN alone demonstrated a concentration-dependent cytotoxic effect in AVP untreated cells. Apoptosis developed in 29.7 and 30.3% of cells treated with AVP or AVP+DYN, respectively, compared to 32.5% in cells treated with Wortmannin (Wort, a selective PI3K pathway inhibitor). More apoptosis was observed when cells were treated with DYN+Wort in presence or absence of exogenous AVP. Besides, 2 or 4- fold increases in the expression of Bax and Caspase-3, were observed in cells exposed to AVP in absence or presence of DYN, respectively. This was associated with higher levels of the autophagy marker (LC3II protein). Meanwhile, the activation of Akt protein, sequentially decreased in the same pattern. Cell's invasion decreased when they were exposed to AVP alone or combined with DYN or/and Wort. Conclusively, although many reports suggested the proliferative effect of AVP, the results predict the antiproliferative and antimetastatic effects of 100 nM AVP in luminal A breast cancer cells. However, the hormone did not enhance the cytotoxic effect of Dyn 2 or PI3K pathway inhibition. Summary of the Dynamin 2 independent AVP antiproliferative effects. Breast cancer cells expresses AVP as a Prohormone (A). At high dose of AVP, the hormone is liganded with AVP receptor (B) to initiate RME, where the endosomed complex (C) is degraded through the endosome-lysosome system, as a part of signal management. These events consume soluble Dyn2 in neck closure and vesicle fission (D). This makes the cells more substitutable to the direct apoptotic effect of DYN (E). Alternatively, at lower AVP doses the liganded AVP may initiate cAMP-mediated downstream signaling (F) and cellular proliferation. In parallel, Wort inhibits PIP2-PIP3 conversion (G) and the subsequent inhibition of PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway leading to cell death. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An expanded chemical space is essential for improved identification of small molecules for emerging therapeutic targets. However, the identification of targets for novel compounds is biased towards the synthesis of known scaffolds that bind familiar protein families, limiting the exploration of chemical space. To change this paradigm, we validated a new pipeline that identifies small molecule-protein interactions and works even for compounds lacking similarity to known drugs. Based on differential mRNA profiles in multiple cell types exposed to drugs and in which gene knockdowns (KD) were conducted, we showed that drugs induce gene regulatory networks that correlate with those produced after silencing protein-coding genes. Next, we applied supervised machine learning to exploit drug-KD signature correlations and enriched our predictions using an orthogonal structure-based screen. As a proof-of-principle for this regimen, top-10/top-100 target prediction accuracies of 26% and 41%, respectively, were achieved on a validation of set 152 FDA-approved drugs and 3104 potential targets. We then predicted targets for 1680 compounds and validated chemical interactors with four targets that have proven difficult to chemically modulate, including non-covalent inhibitors of HRAS and KRAS. Importantly, drug-target interactions manifest as gene expression correlations between drug treatment and both target gene KD and KD of genes that act up- or down-stream of the target, even for relatively weak binders. These correlations provide new insights on the cellular response of disrupting protein interactions and highlight the complex genetic phenotypes of drug treatment. With further refinement, our pipeline may accelerate the identification and development of novel chemical classes by screening compound-target interactions.

Several studies suggest that Glycyrrhiza glabra (GG) extract could be a useful supplemental source for various cancer treatments. However, very few studies on oral cancer (OC) have been conducted. The present study was aimed at exploring the bioactive compounds (bioactives) along with the mode of action of GG against OC using network pharmacology. Liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry was used to identify and analyze compounds from GG. Public databases were used to identify genes associated with the selected bioactives and OC. With the help of Cytoscape software, the association between bioactive and common genes was built, visualized, and investigated. Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes/Proteins (STRING) was used to investigate protein–protein interactions for intergenic interactions. Finally, the pathway enrichment analysis of common genes was done using the Database for Annotation, Visualization, and Integrated Discovery (DAVID) platform. Overall, 378 bioactives were identified in GG. Using public databases, an entire 254 bioactive-related genes and 734 OC-related genes were recognized, with 48 common genes. Cytoscape analysis showed wortmannin as the key bioactive and androgen receptor as the hub gene. The DAVID results revealed that the significant mechanism of action of GG against OC may be to induce apoptosis of cancer cells by deactivating the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway. The key active components and mechanisms of action of GG against OC were investigated. The present study provides scientific suggestions to support the clinical outcome of GG for OC along with a research foundation for additional elaboration on the important bioactives and mechanisms of GG against OC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. Current chemotherapy of breast cancer has a wide range of disadvantages, in particular, the development of therapy-related infections and hormonal imbalance. Combination of main cytostatic with glucocorticoids allows to broaden its therapeutic interval and to decrease the total toxicity of the treatment. However, long-term treatment with glucocorticoids leads to the development of severe side effects via activation of multiple molecular mechanisms. Thus, glucocorticoids activate prosurvival mTOR-dependent autophagy. Therefore, the evaluation of PI3K (phosphoinositide 3-kinases) / Akt (protein kinase B) / mTOR (mammalian target of rapamycin) inhibitors as adjuvants for breast cancer therapy is important for optimization of treatment protocol.Aim. Analysis of the effects of PI3K/Akt/mTOR inhibitors, rapamycin, wortmannin and LY-294002 in combination with glucocorticoids in breast cancer cell lines of different subtypes.Materials and methods. We demonstrated the inhibition of PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling and the autophagy induction after the treatment of breast cancer cells with rapamycin, wortmannin and LY-294002 by Western blotting analysis of Beclin-1, phospho-Beclin-1 (Ser93 and Ser30).Conclusion. PI3K/Akt/mTOR inhibitors in combination with Dexamethasone cooperatively inhibited mTOR signaling and activated autophagy in breast cancer cells in vitro.

Modulation of phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B/phosphatase and tensin homologue (PI3K/AKT/PTEN) pathway in mammals yields mixed results. A deep understanding of its regulation can be a powerful tool for better in vitro blastocyst production. This systematic review aims to map the evidence of PI3K/AKT/PTEN pathway modulation during in vitro maturation (IVM), to assess its effects on meiosis resumption and nuclear maturation progression of mammalian oocytes, and their impacts on embryo development and quality. A total of 1058 articles were screened in three databases, and 22 articles were included. Fifty-two IVM assessments were identified, among which 11 evaluated blastocyst yield. Three PI3K inhibitors (3-methyladenine, Wortmannin, and LY294002) and one AKT inhibitor (SH6) were investigated. The impact of this pathway modulation on meiosis resumption in swines and murines was not well established, depending on the inhibitor used, concentration, and media supplementation, while in bovines, resumption seems to be independent of PI3K/AKT/PTEN pathway. However, progression to metaphase II (MII) is highly controlled by this pathway on both bovines and swines. Studies that focused on the inhibition reversibility showed that the removal of the modulator produced MII rates similar to the control group. Experiments that aimed to temporarily block meiosis resumption or reduce PI3K activity resulted in blastocyst production equal to or even higher than control groups. Altogether, these data indicate the paramount potential of this pathway as a possible strategy to improve overall in vitro embryo production efficiency, by synchronizing both nuclear and cytoplasmic maturation. • The use of PI3K/AKT/PTEN pathway inhibitors does not alter oocyte viability. • Most articles aimed to completely inhibiting the PI3K/AKT/PTEN pathway. • PI3K/AKT/PTEN does not regulate meiosis resumption and progression equally in mammals. • Reducing activity or temporarily inhibiting meiosis are strategies for better IVP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) function as the angiogenic switch of many physiological and pathological conditions. We aimed to investigate the effects of Porphyromonas gingivalis lipopolysaccharide on the angiogenic capacity of EPCs and delineate the underlying mechanisms. Materials and Methods: EPCs were isolated from human umbilical blood. CCK‐8 assay was undertaken to analyze the cell viability. The migration and tube formation capacity were assessed by wound healing and tube formation, respectively. The protein expression of Akt/p‐Akt, endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS)/p‐eNOS, and Forkhead box O1 (FoxO1)/p‐FoxO1 was determined by Western blot. The intracellular localization of FoxO1 was evaluated by immunofluorescent staining. Results: P. gingivalis LPS at 10 μg/ml significantly increased the viability (10.9 ± 2.9%), migration (16.3 ± 3.1%), and tube formation (38.6 ± 5.5%) of EPCs, along with increased phosphorylation of Akt, eNOS, and FoxO1. Mechanistically, Akt inhibition by specific inhibitor wortmannin and FoxO1 forced expression by adenovirus transfection in EPCs markedly attenuated the P. gingivalis LPS‐induced eNOS activation, tube formation, and migration. Moreover, P. gingivalis LPS‐induced phosphorylation and nuclear exclusion of FoxO1 were blunted by Akt inhibition. Conclusions: The present study suggests that P. gingivalis LPS could affect the angiogenic function of EPCs through the Akt/FoxO1 signaling. The current findings may shed light on the clinical association of periodontitis with aberrant angiogenesis seen in atherosclerotic plaque rupture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-frequency stimulation of the medial perforant path triggers robust phosphorylation of ribosomal protein S6 (rpS6) in activated dendritic domains and granule cell bodies. Here we dissect the signaling pathways responsible for synaptically driven rpS6 phosphorylation in the dentate gyrus using pharmacological agents to inhibit PI3-kinase/mTOR and MAPK/ERK-dependent kinases. Using phospho-specific antibodies for rpS6 at different sites (ser235/236 versus ser240/244), we show that delivery of the PI3-kinase inhibitor, wortmannin, decreased rpS6 phosphorylation throughout the somatodendritic compartment (granule cell layer, inner molecular layer, outer molecular layer), especially in granule cell bodies while sparing phosphorylation at activated synapses (middle molecular layer). In contrast, delivery of U0126, an MEK inhibitor, attenuated rpS6 phosphorylation specifically in the dendritic laminae leaving phosphorylation in the granule cell bodies intact. Delivery of the mTOR inhibitor, rapamycin, abolished activation of rpS6 phosphorylation in granule cell bodies and dendrites, whereas delivery of a selective S6K1 inhibitor, PF4708671, or RSK inhibitor, SL0101-1, attenuated rpS6 phosphorylation throughout the postsynaptic cell. These results reveal that MAPK/ERK-dependent signaling is predominately responsible for the selective induction of rpS6 phosphorylation at active synapses. In contrast, PI3-kinase/mTOR-dependent signaling induces rpS6 phosphorylation throughout the somatodendritic compartment but plays a minimal role at active synapses. Collectively, these results suggest a potential mechanism by which PI3-kinase/mTOR and MAPK/ERK pathways regulate translation at specific subcellular compartments in response to synaptic activity.

Abstract Background Sugammadex is a synthetic γ-cyclodextrin derivative designed to selectively bind to steroidal neuromuscular blocking agents and reverse their effects. Although many cases of sugammadex-induced anaphylaxis have been reported, few studies have investigated the underlying mechanism. Case presentation A 55-year-old Japanese man underwent a laryngectomy under general anesthesia. One month before laryngectomy, he had undergone laryngoscopy under general anesthesia and received sugammadex administration without causing hypersensitivity. He had no history of allergies. The operation was finished without complications. Shortly after sugammadex administration, his blood pressure dropped to approximately 70 mmHg, and his heart rate increased to 110 beats/minute with systemic erythema. Suspecting anaphylaxis, he was treated with the intravenous injection of phenylephrine, d-chlorpheniramine, and hydrocortisone. After these treatments, his cardiovascular condition stabilized. Eight months after the event, skin prick tests and intradermal tests with all agents used during general anesthesia were performed. Intradermal tests showed positive results only for sugammadex. Subsequently, basophil activation tests with CD203c were performed using sugammadex, γ-cyclodextrin, and positive controls (anti-immunoglobulin-E and formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine). In addition to both controls, sugammadex, but not γ-cyclodextrin, induced significant upregulation of CD203c expression. We performed additional basophil activation tests with wortmannin, an inhibitor of phosphoinositide 3-kinase, to investigate the mechanism underlying sugammadex-induced basophil activation. The inhibitory effect of wortmannin on basophil activation due to sugammadex was similar to that of anti-immunoglobulin-E, suggesting an immunoglobulin-E-dependent mechanism. Although the patient showed no hypersensitivity after the first exposure of sugammadex, anaphylaxis appeared after the second administration. Because most cases of sugammadex-induced anaphylaxis reportedly appeared after first administration, this seems to be a rare case. Conclusions In the present case, sugammadex-induced anaphylaxis might have occurred through an immunoglobulin-E-dependent mechanism and not involve γ-cyclodextrin as an epitope. Physicians should pay attention to the occurrence of sugammadex-induced anaphylaxis even when the patient has a history of safe administration of sugammadex.

The phosphatidylinositol (PI) signaling system, a central regulator of eukaryotic metabolism, is widely found in eukaryotes for regulating a variety of cell activities. Most of the genes in the PI signaling system were found conserved in Pyropia yezoensis. In this experiment, wortmannin was used as an inhibitor to inhibit the activity of phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase (PI3K), an important regulator of the PI signaling system. After wortmannin treatment, the mitotic division of P. yezoensis was significantly inhibited in a dose-dependent manner, and the mitotic division percentage was reduced by 68.1% and 91.9% in the 5- and 10-µmol/L groups, respectively. When thalli were treated with wortmannin, the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) were significantly decreased. Furthermore, the expression level of PI3K was inhibited and the expression levels of downstream genes regulated by PI3K was significantly changed. In the PI3K-AGC signaling pathway, the expression levels of Serine/threonine protein kinase (AGC) and cyclin-dependent kinases A (CDKA) were downregulated, while WEE1 kinase gene (WEE1) was upregulated. Three nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase genes were downregulated after wortmannin treatment. These results indicate that the PI signaling system plays an important role in the regulation of cell activity in P. yezoensis. It was speculated that the growth and development of P. yezoensis might be regulated by P. yezoensis PI3K, which promoted the expression of the AGC gene and further regulates the expression of downstream WEE1 and CDKA genes to advance mitotic division, and also promoted the expression level of NADPH oxidase that regulates ROS homeostasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We describe a pre-clinical spinal cord motor neuron injury model that is minimal invasive, reproducible, focal and easily applied to small rodents. Retrograde axonal transport of a pro-apoptotic phosphatidylinosotol 3’-kinase inhibitor, wortmannin, via the sciatic nerve results in loss of ipsilateral lumbar motor neurons proportional to the level of drug administered. Motor neuron loss was detected by choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) immunostaining and with a transgenic thy1-eGFP marker. The short half-life of wortmannin generates minimal wound spread, and wortmannin does not affect axon transport, as determined by co-injection of a pseudorabies virus tracer. Using quantitative transcript analysis, we found that ChAT transcripts significantly decreased at 14 days post-delivery of 1 μg wortmannin, relative to sham controls, and remained low after 90 days. Smaller effects were observed with 200 ng and 100 ng wortmannin. Wortmannin also generated a transient and significant increase in astrocyte Gfap transcripts after 14 days with a return to control levels at 90 days. Treated mice had hind limb spasticity and a forced motor function defect that was quantified using a water exit test. Controls rapidly exit a shallow water tray, and wortmannin treated animals were up to 12-fold slower, a phenotype that persisted for at least 3 months. Thus the focal delivery of wortmannin to motor neurons generates a reproducible and scalable injury that can facilitate quantitative studies on neural regeneration and repair. The efficacy of sciatic nerve suicide transport can also explain neurotoxin-mediated selective loss of motor neurons in diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. All procedures were performed at Rutgers under established Institutional Animal Care and Use protocols (eIACUC_TR201800022, approved on March 20, 2018).

Background. Elevated uric acid (UA) has been found to damage pancreatic β-cell, promote oxidative stress, and cause insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes (T2D). Astragaloside IV (AS-IV), a major active monomer extracted from Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.) Bunge. which belongs to TRIB. Galegeae (Br.) Torrey et Gray, Papilionaceae, exhibits various activities in a pathophysiological environment and has been widely employed to treat diseases. However, the effects of AS-IV on UA-induced pancreatic β-cell damage need to be investigated and the associating mechanism needs to be elucidated. This study was designed to determine the protective effects and underlying mechanism of AS-IV on UA-induced pancreatic β-cell dysfunction in T2D. Methods. UA-treated Min6 cells were exposed to AS-IV or wortmannin. Thereafter, the 3-(45)-dimethylthiahiazo(-z-y1)-35-di-phenytetrazoliumromide (MTT) assay and flow cytometry were employed to determine the effect of AS-IV on cell proliferation and apoptosis, respectively. Insulin secretion was evaluated using the glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) assay. Finally, western blot and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) were performed to determine the effect of AS-IV on the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT) pathway in UA-treated cells. Results. AS-IV had no cytotoxic effects on Min6 cells. UA significantly suppressed Min6 cell growth, promoted cell apoptosis, and enhanced caspase-3 activity; however, AS-IV abolished these effects in a dose-dependent manner. Further, decreased insulin secretion was found in UA-treated Min6 cells compared to control cells, and the production of insulin was enhanced by AS-IV in a dose-dependent manner. AS-IV significantly increased phosphorylated (p)-AKT expression and the ratio of p-AKT/AKT in Min6 cells exposed to UA. No evident change in AKT mRNA level was found in the different groups. However, the effects of AS-IV on UA-stimulated Min6 cells were reversed by 100 nM wortmannin. Conclusion. Collectively, our data suggest that AS-IV protected pancreatic β-cells from UA-treated dysfunction by activating the PI3K/AKT pathway. Such findings suggest that AS-IV may be an efficient natural agent against T2D. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mechanisms of association between diabetes and inner ear dysfunction are unknown, although endolymphatic hydrops may be involved. We have previously shown that insulin signaling components are expressed in human saccule and that insulin signaling takes place in HEI-OC1 auditory cells. To explore Nedd4-2 as a target for insulin signaling. Effects of insulin were analyzed using western blot and confocal microscopy in HEI-OC1 auditory cells. Insulin induced phosphorylation of Nedd4-2 and increased the amount of ENaC at the plasma membrane. Also, protein kinase B (PKB) and NDRG1, a substrate for SGK1 (serum and glucocorticoid stimulated kinase), were phosphorylated in response to insulin. The SGK1 inhibitor GSK650394 prevented insulin-induced phosphorylation of NRDG1, but not of PKB and Nedd4-2, whereas the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) inhibitor wortmannin and the PKB inhibitor MK2206 inhibited phosphorylation of all components. Ceramides prevented insulin-induced phosphorylation of PKB and NDRG1, but not of Nedd4-2. The ceramide metabolite sphingosine 1-phosphate induced phosphorylation of Nedd4-2. Insulin induces phosphorylation of Nedd4-2, most likely involving PI3K/PKB signaling. Sphingosine 1-phosphate might protect Nedd4-2 against ceramide-induced insulin resistance. Insulin-mediated regulation of Nedd4-2 might impact on inner ear sodium homeostasis with implications for diabetes-induced inner ear damage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase-related kinases (PIKKs) belong to a family of atypical serine/threonine kinases in humans. They actively participate in a diverse set of cellular functions such as meiotic, V(D)J recombination, chromosome maintenance, DNA damage sensing and repair, cell cycle progression and arrest. ATR, ATM, DNA-PKcs, mTOR and hSMG are the members of the PIKK family that play an important role in in cancer cell proliferation, autophagy, and cell survival to radio and chemotherapy. Thereby targeting these PIKK kinases in cancer along with chemo/radiotherapy agents, can help in differential cytotoxicity towards cancer cell over the normal cell. In this review, we compile the various small molecule kinase inhibitors with respect to structural and strategic targeting of PIKK family members. Rapalogs, AZD8055, AZD2014, OSI-027, INK-128, MLN0128, VX970, NVP-BEZ235, Torin2, AZ20, and AZ31 are the diverse scaffolds which have successfully made into the pre-clinical trials either as mono or combinatorial therapy for the treatment of various human cancers. Their synthesis and pre-clinical trial highlight the challenges associated in the development process.

Abstract Purpose Contrast-induced acute kidney injury (CI-AKI) resulting from administration of iodinated contrast media (CM) is the third leading cause of hospital-acquired acute kidney injury and is associated with substantial morbidity and mortality. Deteriorated renal microcirculation plays an important role in CI-AKI. Limb ischemic preconditioning (LIPC), where brief and non-injurious ischemia/reperfusion is applied to a limb prior to the administration of the contrast agent, is emerging as a promising strategy for CI-AKI prevention. However, it is not known whether the renal protection of LIPC against CI-AKI is mediated by regulation of renal microcirculation and the molecular mechanisms remain largely unknown. Methods In this study, we examined the renal cortical and medullary blood flow in a stable CI-AKI model using 5/6-nephrectomized (NE) rat. The LIPC and sham procedures were performed prior to the injection of CM. Furthermore, we analyzed renal medulla hypoxia using in vivo labeling of hypoxyprobe. Pharmacological inhibitions and western blotting were used to determine the underlying molecular mechanisms. Results In this study, we found LIPC significantly ameliorated CM-induced reduction of medullary blood flow and attenuated CM-induced hypoxia. PI3K inhibitor (wortmannin) treatment blocked the regulation of medullary blood flow and the attenuation of hypoxia of LIPC. Phosphorylation of Akt/eNOS was significantly decreased via wortmannin treatment compared with LIPC. Nitric oxide synthase-inhibitor [Nω-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME)] treatment abolished the above effects and decreased phosphorylation of eNOS, but not Akt. Conclusions Collectively, the results demonstrate that LIPC ameliorates CM-induced renal vasocontraction and is mediated by activation of PI3K/Akt/eNOS signaling pathway.

A decrease in oxygen concentration is a hallmark of inflammatory reactions resulting from infection or homeostasis disorders. Mast cells interact with extracellular matrix and other cells by adhesion receptors. We investigated the effect of hypoxia on integrin-mediated mast cell adhesion to fibronectin. We found that it was mediated by the α5/β1 receptor and that hypoxia significantly upregulated this process. Hypoxia-mediated increases in mast cell adhesion occurred without increased surface expression of integrins, suggesting regulation by inside-out integrin signaling. Hypoxia also mediated an increase in phosphorylation of Akt, and PI3’kinase inhibitors abolished hypoxia-mediated mast cell adhesion. Hypoxia upregulates the function of integrin receptors by PI3’ kinase-dependent signaling. This process might be important for the location of mast cells at inflammatory sites

Background: Milk is a rich source of natural growth factors that may support oral tissue homeostasis and wound healing. We had shown earlier that blocking TGF-β receptor type I kinase with the inhibitor SB431542 abolished the expression of IL11 and other genes in human gingival fibroblasts exposed to the aqueous fraction of milk. Our aim was to identify the entire signature of TGF-β receptor type I kinase-dependent genes regulated by the aqueous fraction of human milk. Result: RNAseq revealed 99 genes being strongly regulated by milk requiring activation of the SB431542-dependent TGF-β receptor type I kinase. Among the SB431542-dependent genes is IL11 but also cadherins, claudins, collagens, potassium channels, keratins, solute carrier family proteins, transcription factors, transmembrane proteins, tumor necrosis factor ligand superfamily members, and tetraspanin family members. When focusing on our candidate gene, we could identify D609 to suppress IL11 expression, independent of phospholipase C, sphinosine-1 phosphate synthesis, and Smad-3 phosphorylation and its nuclear translocation. In contrast, genistein and blocking phosphoinositide 3-kinases by wortmannin and LY294002 increased the milk-induced IL11 expression in gingival fibroblasts. Conclusion: Taken together, our data revealed TGF-β receptor type I kinase signaling to cause major changes of the genetic signature of gingival fibroblasts exposed to aqueous fraction of human milk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) takes a key role in a plethora of physiologic processes and controls cell growth, metabolism, immunity, cardiovascular and neurological function, and more. The discovery of wortmannin as the first potent PI3K inhibitor (PI3Ki) in the 1990s provided rapid identification of PI3K-dependent processes, which drove the assembly of the PI3K/protein kinase B (PKB/Akt)/target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway. Genetic mouse models and first PI3K isoform-specific inhibitors pinpointed putative therapeutic applications. The recognition of PI3K as target for cancer therapy drove subsequently drug development. Here we provide a brief journey through the emerging roles of PI3K to the development of clinical PI3Ki candidates.

Background: Coronavirus (CoV) is an emerging human pathogen causing severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) around the world. Earlier identification of biomarkers for SARS can facilitate detection and reduce the mortality rate of the disease. Thus, by integrated network analysis and structural modeling approach, we aimed to explore the potential drug targets and the candidate drugs for coronavirus medicated SARS. Methods: Differentially expression (DE) analysis of CoV infected host genes (HGs) expression profiles was conducted by using the Limma. Highly integrated DE-CoV-HGs were selected to construct the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network. Results: Using the Walktrap algorithm highly interconnected modules include module 1 (202 nodes); module 2 (126 nodes) and module 3 (121 nodes) modules were retrieved from the PPI network. MYC, HDAC9, NCOA3, CEBPB, VEGFA, BCL3, SMAD3, SMURF1, KLHL12, CBL, ERBB4, and CRKL were identified as potential drug targets (PDTs), which are highly expressed in the human respiratory system after CoV infection. Functional terms growth factor receptor binding, c-type lectin receptor signaling, interleukin-1 mediated signaling, TAP dependent antigen processing and presentation of peptide antigen via MHC class I, stimulatory T cell receptor signaling, and innate immune response signaling pathways, signal transduction and cytokine immune signaling pathways were enriched in the modules. Protein-protein docking results demonstrated the strong binding affinity (-314.57 kcal/mol) of the ERBB4-3cLpro complex which was selected as a drug target. In addition, molecular dynamics simulations indicated the structural stability and flexibility of the ERBB4-3cLpro complex. Further, Wortmannin was proposed as a candidate drug to ERBB4 to control SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis through inhibit receptor tyrosine kinase-dependent macropinocytosis, MAPK signaling, and NF-kb singling pathways that regulate host cell entry, replication, and modulation of the host immune system. Conclusion: We conclude that CoV drug target “ERBB4” and candidate drug “Wortmannin” provide insights on the possible personalized therapeutics for emerging COVID-19.

Background: Coronavirus (CoV) is an emerging human pathogen causing severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) around the world. Earlier identification of biomarkers for SARS can facilitate detection and reduce the mortality rate of the disease. Thus, by integrated network analysis and structural modeling approach, we aimed to explore the potential drug targets and the candidate drugs for coronavirus medicated SARS. Methods: Differentially expression (DE) analysis of CoV infected host genes (HGs) expression profiles was conducted by using the Limma. Highly integrated DE-CoV-HGs were selected to construct the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network. Results: Using the Walktrap algorithm highly interconnected modules include module 1 (202 nodes); module 2 (126 nodes) and module 3 (121 nodes) modules were retrieved from the PPI network. MYC, HDAC9, NCOA3, CEBPB, VEGFA, BCL3, SMAD3, SMURF1, KLHL12, CBL, ERBB4, and CRKL were identified as potential drug targets (PDTs), which are highly expressed in the human respiratory system after CoV infection. Functional terms growth factor receptor binding, c-type lectin receptor signaling, interleukin-1 mediated signaling, TAP dependent antigen processing and presentation of peptide antigen via MHC class I, stimulatory T cell receptor signaling, and innate immune response signaling pathways, signal transduction and cytokine immune signaling pathways were enriched in the modules. Protein-protein docking results demonstrated the strong binding affinity (-314.57 kcal/mol) of the ERBB4-3cLpro complex which was selected as a drug target. In addition, molecular dynamics simulations indicated the structural stability and flexibility of the ERBB4-3cLpro complex. Further, Wortmannin was proposed as a candidate drug to ERBB4 to control SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis through inhibit receptor tyrosine kinase-dependent macropinocytosis, MAPK signaling, and NF-kb singling pathways that regulate host cell entry, replication, and modulation of the host immune system. Conclusion: We conclude that CoV drug target “ERBB4” and candidate drug “Wortmannin” provide insights on the possible personalized therapeutics for emerging COVID-19.

Objective. To investigate the effects of S100A8 and S100A9 on proliferation in nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells and the regulatory effects of PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Methods. Nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells (CNE1) were cultured and randomly divided into three groups: control group, S100A8/S100A9 overexpression group, and siRNA S100A8/S100A9 group. CCK-8 method was used to detect the effect of S100A8 and S100A9 on the viability of nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells. The effects of S100A8 and S100A9 on the colony forming ability of nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells were detected by colony forming assay. The effects of S100A8 and S100A9 on the proliferation of nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells were detected by EdU staining. The mRNA levels of PI3K and Akt were detected by RT-PCR. The expression levels of PI3K and Akt in NPC cells were detected by Western blot. Wortmannin, an inhibitor of PI3K/Akt pathway, was used to inhibit the activation of PI3K/Akt pathway. Results. Compared with the control group, the cell viability, the number of plate clones, the positive rate of EdU staining, and the mRNA and protein levels of PI3K and Akt were increased in the overexpression group. Compared with the control group, the cell viability, the number of plate clones, the positive rate of EdU staining, and the mRNA and protein levels of PI3K and Akt were decreased in the siRNA group. After inhibiting the activation of PI3K/Akt pathway, the viability of NPC cells in the overexpression group decreased significantly at 48 h and 72 h, while that in the siRNA group increased significantly. Conclusion. SiRNA S100A8 and S100A9 could inhibit the proliferation of nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells, and the underlying mechanism may be related to the inhibition of PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plasma membrane (PM) phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate [PI(4,5)P2] regulates the activity of many ion channels and other membrane-associated proteins. To determine precursor sources of the PM PI(4,5)P2 pool in tsA-201 cells, we monitored KCNQ2/3 channel currents and translocation of PHPLCδ1 domains as real-time indicators of PM PI(4,5)P2, and translocation of PHOSH2×2, and PHOSH1 domains as indicators of PM and Golgi phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate [PI(4)P], respectively. We selectively depleted PI(4)P pools at the PM, Golgi, or both using the rapamycin-recruitable lipid 4-phosphatases. Depleting PI(4)P at the PM with a recruitable 4-phosphatase (Sac1) results in a decrease of PI(4,5)P2 measured by electrical or optical indicators. Depleting PI(4)P at the Golgi with the 4-phosphatase or disrupting membrane-transporting motors induces a decline in PM PI(4,5)P2. Depleting PI(4)P simultaneously at both the Golgi and the PM induces a larger decrease of PI(4,5)P2. The decline of PI(4,5)P2 following 4-phosphatase recruitment takes 1-2 min. Recruiting the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) toward the Golgi membranes mimics the effects of depleting PI(4)P at the Golgi, apparently due to the trans actions of endogenous ER Sac1. Thus, maintenance of the PM pool of PI(4,5)P2 appears to depend on precursor pools of PI(4)P both in the PM and in the Golgi. The decrease in PM PI(4,5)P2 when Sac1 is recruited to the Golgi suggests that the Golgi contribution is ongoing and that PI(4,5)P2 production may be coupled to important cell biological processes such as membrane trafficking or lipid transfer activity.

Background: Coronavirus (CoV) is an emerging human pathogen causing severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) around the world. Earlier identification of biomarkers for SARS can facilitate detection and reduce the mortality rate of the disease. Thus, by integrated network analysis and structural modeling approach, we aimed to explore the potential drug targets and the candidate drugs for coronavirus medicated SARS. Methods: Differentially expression (DE) analysis of CoV infected host genes (HGs) expression profiles was conducted by using the Limma. Highly integrated DE-CoV-HGs were selected to construct the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network. Results: Using the Walktrap algorithm highly interconnected modules include module 1 (202 nodes); module 2 (126 nodes) and module 3 (121 nodes) modules were retrieved from the PPI network. MYC, HDAC9, NCOA3, CEBPB, VEGFA, BCL3, SMAD3, SMURF1, KLHL12, CBL, ERBB4, and CRKL were identified as potential drug targets (PDTs), which are highly expressed in the human respiratory system after CoV infection. Functional terms growth factor receptor binding, c-type lectin receptor signaling, interleukin-1 mediated signaling, TAP dependent antigen processing and presentation of peptide antigen via MHC class I, stimulatory T cell receptor signaling, and innate immune response signaling pathways, signal transduction and cytokine immune signaling pathways were enriched in the modules. Protein-protein docking results demonstrated the strong binding affinity (-314.57 kcal/mol) of the ERBB4-3cLpro complex which was selected as a drug target. In addition, molecular dynamics simulations indicated the structural stability and flexibility of the ERBB4-3cLpro complex. Further, Wortmannin was proposed as a candidate drug to ERBB4 to control SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis through inhibit receptor tyrosine kinase-dependent macropinocytosis, MAPK signaling, and NF-kb singling pathways that regulate host cell entry, replication, and modulation of the host immune system. Conclusion: We conclude that CoV drug target “ERBB4” and candidate drug “Wortmannin” provide insights on the possible personalized therapeutics for emerging COVID-19.

Background: Sugammadex is a synthetic γ-cyclodextrin derivative designed to selectively bind to steroidal neuromuscular blocking agents and reverse their effects. Although many cases of sugammadex-induced anaphylaxis have been reported, few studies have investigated the underlying mechanism.Case Presentation: A 55-year-old Japanese man underwent a laryngectomy under general anesthesia. One month before laryngectomy, he had undergone laryngoscopy under general anesthesia and received sugammadex administration without causing hypersensitivity. He had no history of allergies. The operation was finished without complications. Shortly after sugammadex administration, his blood pressure dropped to approximately 70 mmHg, and his heart rate increased to 110 beats/minute with systemic erythema. Suspecting anaphylaxis, he was treated with the intravenous injection of phenylephrine, D-chlorpheniramine, and hydrocortisone. After these treatments, his cardiovascular condition stabilized. Eight months after the event, skin prick tests and intradermal tests with all agents used during general anesthesia were performed. Intradermal tests showed positive results only for sugammadex. Subsequently, basophil activation tests with CD203c were performed using sugammadex, γ-cyclodextrin, and positive controls (anti-immunoglobulin-E and formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine). In addition to both controls, sugammadex, but not γ-cyclodextrin, induced significant upregulation of CD203c expression. We performed additional basophil activation tests with wortmannin, an inhibitor of phosphoinositide 3-kinase, to investigate the mechanism underlying sugammadex-induced basophil activation. The inhibitory effect of wortmannin on basophil activation due to sugammadex was similar to that of anti-immunoglobulin-E, suggesting an immunoglobulin-E-dependent mechanism. Although the patient showed no hypersensitivity after the first exposure of sugammadex, anaphylaxis appeared after the second administration. Because most cases of sugammadex-induced anaphylaxis reportedly appeared after first administration, this seems to be a rare case.Conclusions: In the present case, sugammadex-induced anaphylaxis might have occurred through an immunoglobulin-E-dependent mechanism and not involve γ-cyclodextrin as an epitope. Physicians should pay attention to the occurrence of sugammadex-induced anaphylaxis even when the patient has a history of safe administration of sugammadex. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent studies have shown that pre and postconditioning the heart with sodium thiosulfate (STS) attenuate ischemia–reperfusion (IR) injury. However, the underlying mechanism involved in the cardioprotective signaling pathway is not fully explored. This study examined the existing link of STS mediated protection (as pre and post-conditioning agents) with PI3K, mTOR, and mPTP signaling pathways using its respective inhibitors. STS was administered to the isolated perfused rat heart through Kreb's Heinselit buffer before ischemia (precondition: SIPC) and reperfusion (postcondition: SPOC) in the presence and absence of the PI3K, mTOR, and mPTP signaling pathway inhibitors (wortmannin, rapamycin, and glibenclamide respectively). SIPC failed to improve the IR injury-induced altered cardiac hemodynamics, increased infarct size, and the release of cardiac injury markers in the presence of these inhibitors. On the other hand, the SPOC protocol effectively rendered the cardioprotection even in the PI3K/mTOR/KATP inhibitors presence. Interestingly, the SIPC's identified mode of action viz reduction in oxidative stress and the preservation of mitochondrial function were lost in the inhibitors' presence. Based on the above results, we conclude that the underlying mechanism of SIPC mediated cardioprotection works via the PI3K/mTOR/KATP signaling pathway axis activation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During macroautophagy/autophagy, the ULK complex nucleates autophagic precursors, which give rise to autophagosomes. We analyzed, by live imaging and mathematical modeling, the translocation of ATG13 (part of the ULK complex) to the autophagic puncta in starvation-induced autophagy and ivermectin-induced mitophagy. In nonselective autophagy, the intensity and duration of ATG13 translocation approximated a normal distribution, whereas wortmannin reduced this effect and shifted to a log-normal distribution. During mitophagy, multiple translocations of ATG13 with increasing time between peaks were observed. We hypothesized that these multiple translocations arise because the engulfment of mitochondrial fragments required successive nucleation of phagophores on the same target, and a mathematical model based on this idea reproduced the oscillatory behavior. Significantly, model and experimental data were also in agreement that the number of ATG13 translocations is directly proportional to the diameter of the targeted mitochondrial fragments. Thus, our data provide novel insights into the early dynamics of selective and nonselective autophagy. Abbreviations: ATG: autophagy related 13; CFP: cyan fluorescent protein; dsRED: Discosoma red fluorescent protein; GABARAP: GABA type A receptor-associated protein; GFP: green fluorescent protein; IVM: ivermectin; MAP1LC3/LC3: microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3; MTORC1: mechanistic target of rapamycin kinase complex 1; PIK3C3/VPS34: phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase catalytic subunit type 3; PtdIns3P: PtdIns-3-phosphate; ULK: unc-51 like autophagy activating kinase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Non-visual arrestins (β-arrestins) are endocytic proteins that mediate agonist-activated GPCRs internalization and signaling pathways in an independent manner. The involvement of β-arrestins in cancer invasion and metastasis is increasingly reported. So, it is hypothesized that inhibition of β-arrestins may diminish the survival chances of cancer cells. This study aimed to evaluate the in vitro impact of inhibiting β-arrestins on the autophagic and/or apoptotic responsiveness of breast cancer cells. We used Barbadin to selectively inhibit β-Arr/AP2 interaction in AVP-stimulated V2R receptor of triple-negative breast cancer cells (MDA MB-231). Autophagy was assessed by the microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3-II (LC3II), apoptosis was measured by Annexin-V/PI staining and cell cycle distribution was investigated based upon the DNA content using flow cytometry. Barbadin reduced cell viability to 69.1% and increased the autophagy marker LC3II and its autophagic effect disappeared in cells transiently starved in Earle's balanced salt solution (EBSS). Also, Barbadin mildly enhanced the expression of P62 mRNA and arrested 63.7% of cells in G0/G1 phase. In parallel, the drug-induced apoptosis in 29.9% of cells (by AV/PI) and 27.8% of cells were trapped in sub-G1 phase. The apoptotic effect of Barbadin was enhanced when autophagy was inhibited by the PI3K inhibitor (Wortmannin). Conclusively, the data demonstrate the dual autophagic and apoptotic effects of β-βArr/AP2 inhibition in triple-negative breast cancer cells. These observations nominate β-Arrs as selective targets in breast cancer treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sustained activation of neuronal N-methly D-aspartate (NMDA)-type glutamate receptors leads to excitotoxic cell death in stroke, trauma, and neurodegenerative disorders. Excitotoxic neuronal death results in part from superoxide produced by neuronal NADPH oxidase (NOX2), but how NMDA receptors are coupled to neuronal NOX2 activation is not well understood. Here, we identify a signaling pathway coupling NMDA receptor activation to NOX2 activation in primary neuron cultures. Calcium influx through the NR2B subunit of NMDA receptors leads to the activation of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K). Formation of phosphatidylinositol (3,4,5)-triphosphate (PI(3,4,5)P3) by PI3K activates the atypical protein kinase C, PKC zeta (PKCζ), which in turn phosphorylates the p47(phox) organizing subunit of neuronal NOX2. Calcium influx through NR2B-containing NMDA receptors triggered mitochondrial depolarization, NOX2 activation, superoxide formation, and cell death. However, equivalent magnitude calcium elevations induced by ionomycin did not induce NOX2 activation or neuronal death, despite causing mitochondrial depolarization. The PI3K inhibitor wortmannin prevented NMDA-induced NOX2 activation and cell death, without preventing cell swelling, calcium elevation, or mitochondrial depolarization. The effects of wortmannin were circumvented by exogenous supply of the PI3K product, PI(3,4,5)P3, and by transfection with protein kinase M, a constitutively active form of PKCζ. These findings demonstrate that superoxide formation and excitotoxic neuronal death can be dissociated from mitochondrial depolarization, and identify a novel role for PI3K in this cell death pathway. Perturbations in this pathway may either increase or decrease superoxide production in response to NMDA receptor activation, and may thereby impact neurological disorders, in which excitotoxicity is a contributing factor.

Although bedaquiline has advanced the treatment of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (TB), concerns remain about the cardiotoxic potential of this agent, albeit by unexplored mechanisms. Accordingly, we have investigated augmentation of the reactivity of human platelets in vitro as a potential mechanism of bedaquiline-mediated cardiotoxicity. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) or isolated cells prepared from the blood of healthy, adult humans were treated with bedaquiline (0.625–10 µg/ml), followed by activation with adenosine 5'-diphosphate (ADP), thrombin or the thromboxane A2 receptor agonist (U46619). Expression of platelet CD62P (P-selectin), platelet aggregation, Ca2+ fluxes and phosphorylation of Akt1 were measured using flow cytometry, spectrophotometry, fluorescence spectrometry, and by ELISA procedures, respectively. Exposure to bedaquiline caused dose-related inhibition of ADP-activated, but not thrombin- or U46619-activated, expression of CD62P by platelets, achieving statistical significance at a threshold concentration of 5 µg/ml and was paralleled by inhibition of aggregation and Ca2+ mobilization. These ADP-selective inhibitory effects of bedaquiline on platelet activation were mimicked by wortmannin, an inhibitor of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3-K), implicating PI3-K as being a common target of both agents, a contention that was confirmed by the observed inhibitory effects of bedaquiline on the phosphorylation of Akt1 following activation of platelets with ADP. These apparent inhibitory effects of bedaquiline on the activity of PI3-K may result from the secondary cationic amphiphilic properties of this agent. If operative in vivo , these anti-platelet effects of bedaquiline may contribute to ameliorating the risk of TB-associated cardiovascular disease, but this remains to be explored in the clinical setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The PI3K‐AKT signalling pathway is a crucial part of the signal transduction network and is involved in many important physiological processes and the stress response to environmental alteration. In this study, gill and kidney transcriptome data demonstrated that the PI3K‐AKT signalling pathway plays an important role in the stress response of the turbot Scophthalmus maximus when exposed to low salinity. Low‐salinity stress led to down‐regulation of gene expression, protein content and phosphorylation of AKT1 at Thr308 of the PI3K‐AKT signalling pathway. However, the abundance and phosphorylation of AKT1 protein at Ser473 and Thr308 were detected only in the gill and not in the kidney. Inhibition of the PI3K‐AKT signalling pathway mediated by wortmannin showed that wortmannin remarkably inhibited PI3K gene expression and protein synthesis as well as phosphorylation of AKT1 at Thr308 with or without low‐salinity stress. In the context of pathway inhibition, suppressed expression levels of ion channel genes demonstrated that the PI3K‐AKT signalling pathway acts on osmoregulation by positively regulating ion transport. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Non-viral gene delivery systems have proven to be a promising approach in the treatment of brain metastatic cancers but facing delivery difficulties. Due to the existence of blood–brain barrier, non-viral gene carriers must pass through brain capillary endothelial cells to accumulate at the brain tumor sites. However, during this process, most of them trap into brain capillary endothelial cells and fail to penetrate to the brain tumor sites. Autophagy is involved in dynamic disposition of both intracellular and extracellular components, which theoretically affects intracellular fate of non-viral gene carriers during BBB penetration. In the present study, R6dGR peptide-modified PEGylated polyethyleneimine that carry therapeutic gene encoding human tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (PPR/ p TRAIL) are established as model non-viral gene delivery system and applied in breast cancer brain metastasis therapy. Autophagy-mediated lysosome degradation pathway is found to be involved in the degradation of PPR/ p TRAIL in brain capillary endothelial cells and prevents them from BBB penetration. Pre-inhibiting BBB autophagy level by wortmannin loaded liposomes (Wtmn-Lip) can increase brain accumulation of non-viral gene carrier PPR without damaging BBB tight junctions. Besides, Wtmn-Lip synergistically induces apoptosis with TRAIL via different signaling pathways. Herein, pre-treatment of Wtmn-Lip might solve delivery difficulties of non-viral gene carriers in the treatment of brain metastatic cancers. Unlabelled Image • Autophagy-mediated lysosome pathway is involved in the degradation of PPR/ p TRAIL. • Inhibition of BBB autophagy increases brain accumulation of PPR/ p TRAIL. • Wortmannin and TRAIL synergistically induce apoptosis of MDA-MB-231 cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Contrast-induced acute kidney injury (CI-AKI) resulting from administration of iodinated contrast media (CM) is the third leading cause of hospital-acquired acute kidney injury and is associated with substantial morbidity and mortality. Deteriorated renal microcirculation plays an important role in CI-AKI. Limb ischemic preconditioning (LIPC), where brief and non-injurious ischemia/reperfusion is applied to a limb prior to the administration of the contrast agent, is emerging as a promising strategy for CI-AKI prevention. However, it is not known whether the renal protection of LIPC against CI-AKI is mediated by regulation of renal microcirculation and the molecular mechanisms remain largely unknown. Methods: In this study, we examined the renal cortical and medullary blood flow in a stable CI-AKI model using 5/6-nephrectomized (NE) rat. The LIPC and sham procedures were performed prior to the injection of CM. Furthermore, we analyzed renal medulla hypoxia using in vivo labeling of hypoxyprobe. Pharmacological inhibitions and western blotting were used to determine the underlying molecular mechanisms. Results: In this study, we found LIPC significantly ameliorated CM-induced reduction of medullary blood flow and attenuated CM-induced hypoxia. PI3K inhibitor (wortmannin) treatment blocked the regulation of medullary blood flow and the attenuation of hypoxia of LIPC. Phosphorylation of Akt/eNOS was significantly decreased via wortmannin treatment compared with LIPC. Nitric oxide synthase-inhibitor [Nω-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME)] treatment abolished the above effects and decreased phosphorylation of eNOS, but not Akt. Conclusions: Collectively, the results demonstrate that LIPC ameliorates CM-induced renal vasocontraction and is mediated by activation of PI3K/Akt/eNOS signaling pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coumarins have been shown to reduce blood glucose levels and improve insulin sensitivity in other studies. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of scopoletin, which is a type of coumarin family, on glucose uptake in 3T3-L1 cells to test the hypothesis that scopoletin exerts an antidiabetic function on adipocytes. Scopoletin significantly increased glucose uptake, which was associated with increased expression of the plasma membrane glucose transporter type 4 (PM-GLUT4) in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. This increase in PM-GLUT4 expression was promoted by phosphorylation of protein kinase B, activation of phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K), and enhanced intracellular glucose uptake. Scopoletin also promoted phosphorylation of adenosine monophosphate–activated protein kinase (AMPK) and enhanced PM-GLUT4 expression. Scopoletin-induced glucose uptake in 3T3-L1 adipocytes was inhibited by treatment with the PI3K inhibitor wortmannin and the AMPK inhibitor compound C. These results suggest that scopoletin has an antidiabetic effect by stimulating GLUT4 translocation to the PM through activation of the PI3K and AMPK pathways in 3T3-L1 adipocytes, thereby upregulating glucose uptake. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the interaction between oligonucleotide probes and RNA targets in living cells is important for biological and clinical studies of gene expression in vivo. Here, we demonstrate that starvation of cells and translation inhibition by blocking the mTOR or PI-3 kinase pathway could significantly reduce the fluorescence signal from 2'-deoxy molecular beacons (MBs) targeting K-ras and GAPDH mRNAs in living cells. However, the intensity and localization of fluorescence signal from MBs targeting nontranslated 28S rRNA remained the same in normal and translation-inhibited cells. We also found that, in targeting K-ras and GAPDH mRNAs, the signal level from MBs with 2'-O-methyl backbone did not change when translation was repressed. Taken together, our findings suggest that MBs with DNA backbone hybridize preferentially with mRNAs in their translational state in living cells, whereas those with 2'-O-methyl chemistry tend to hybridize to mRNA targets in both translational and nontranslational states. This work may thus provide a significant insight into probe design for detection of RNA molecules in living cells and RNA biology.