Corona Virus Disease 2019(COVID-19)has brought the new challenges to scientific research.Isodon suzhouensis has good anti-inflammatory and antioxidant stress effects,which is considered as a potential treatment for CO...Corona Virus Disease 2019(COVID-19)has brought the new challenges to scientific research.Isodon suzhouensis has good anti-inflammatory and antioxidant stress effects,which is considered as a potential treatment for COVID-19.The possibility for the treatment of COVID-19 with I.suzhouensis and its potential mechanism of action were explored by employing molecular docking and network pharmacology.Network pharmacology and molecular docking were used to screen drug targets,and lipopolysaccharide(LPS)induced RAW264.7 and NR8383 cells inflammation model was used for experimental verification.Collectively a total of 209 possible linkages against 18 chemical components from I.suzhouensis and 1194 COVID-19 related targets were selected.Among these,164 common targets were obtained from the intersection of I.suzhouensis and COVID-19.Gene Ontology(GO)and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG)enriched 582 function targets and 87 target proteins pathways,respectively.The results from molecular docking studies revealed that rutin,vitexin,isoquercitrin and quercetin had significant binding ability with 3 chymotrypsin like protease(3CLpro)and angiotensin converting enzyme 2(ACE2).In vitro studies showed that I.suzhouensis extract(ISE)may inhibit the activation of PI3K/Akt pathway and the expression level of downstream proinflammatory factors by inhibiting the activation of epidermal growth factor receptor(EGFR)in RAW264.7 cells induced by LPS.In addition,ISE was able to inhibit the activation of TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway in NR8383 cells exposed to LPS.Overall,the network pharmacology and in vitro studies conclude that active components from I.suzhouensis have strong therapeutic potential against COVID-19 through multi-target,multi-pathway dimensions and can be a promising candidate against COVID-19.展开更多
BACKGROUND Colorectal cancer(CRC)is an extremely malignant tumor with a high mortality rate.Little is known about the mechanism by which forkhead Box q1(FOXQ1)causes CRC invasion and metastasis through the epidermal g...BACKGROUND Colorectal cancer(CRC)is an extremely malignant tumor with a high mortality rate.Little is known about the mechanism by which forkhead Box q1(FOXQ1)causes CRC invasion and metastasis through the epidermal growth factor receptor(EGFR)pathway.AIM To illuminate the mechanism by which FOXQ1 promotes the invasion and metastasis of CRC by activating the heparin binding epidermal growth factor(HB-EGF)/EGFR pathway.METHODS We investigated the differential expression and prognosis of FOXQ1 and HB-EGF in CRC using the Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis(GEPIA)website(http://gepia.cancer-pku.cn/index.html).Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction(qRT-PCR)and Western blotting were used to detect the expression of FOXQ1 and HB-EGF in cell lines and tissues,and we constructed a stable lowexpressing FOXQ1 cell line and verified it with the above method.The expression changes of membrane-bound HB-EGF(proHB-EGF)and soluble HB-EGF(sHB-EGF)in the lowexpressing FOXQ1 cell line were detected by flow cytometry and ELISA.Western blotting was used to detect changes in the expression levels of HB-EGF and EGFR pathway-related downstream genes when exogenous recombinant human HB-EGF was added to FOXQ1 knockdown cells.Proliferation experiments,transwell migration experiments,and scratch experiments were carried out to determine the mechanism by which FOXQ1 activates the EGFR signaling pathway through HB-EGF,and then to evaluate the clinical relevance of FOXQ1 and HB-EGF.RESULTS GEPIA showed that the expression of FOXQ1 in CRC tissues was relatively high and was related to a lower overall survival rate.PCR array results showed that FOXQ1 is related to the HB-EGF and EGFR pathways.Knockdown of FOXQ1 suppressed the expression of HB-EGF,and led to a decrease in EGFR and its downstream genes AKT,RAF,KRAS expression levels.After knockdown of FOXQ1 in CRC cell lines,cell proliferation,migration and invasion were attenuated.Adding HB-EGF restored the migration and invasion ability of CRC,but not the cell proliferation ability.Kaplan–Meier survival analysis results showed that the combination of FOXQ1 and HB-EGF may serve to predict CRC survival.CONCLUSION Based on these collective data,we propose that FOXQ1 promotes the invasion and metastasis of CRC via the HB-EGF/EGFR pathway.展开更多
(-)-Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a major polyphenolic constituent of green tea, can inhibit activity of specific receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) and related downstream signal transduction pathways, resultin...(-)-Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a major polyphenolic constituent of green tea, can inhibit activity of specific receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) and related downstream signal transduction pathways, resulting in the control of unwanted cell proliferation. The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling pathway is one of the most important pathways that regulates growth, survival,proliferation and differentiation in mammalian cells. This review addresses the effects of EGCG on some protein factors involved in the EGFR signaling pathway in a direct or indirect manner. Based on our understanding of the interaction between EGCG and these factors, and based on their structures, EGCG could be used as a lead compound for designing and synthesizing novel drugs with significant biological activity.展开更多
The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is a member of the ErbB/EGFR family, including EGFR/Herl, ErbB2/Her2, ErbB-3/Her3, and ErbB-4/Her4. EGFR exerts its effects through the receptor tyrosine kinase phosphoryl...The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is a member of the ErbB/EGFR family, including EGFR/Herl, ErbB2/Her2, ErbB-3/Her3, and ErbB-4/Her4. EGFR exerts its effects through the receptor tyrosine kinase phosphorylation and activation of important downstream signaling pathways in normal and neoplastic cells, mainly the Ras GTPase/MAP kinase (MAPK), STAT3, and phosphatidylinositide 3 kinase-AKT pathways. EGFR deregulation is common in malignant glioma, especially primary glioblastoma, and exists in three forms: gene overexpression (amplification), autocrine effects of EGFR activation, and activating receptor mutation (EGFRvlII). However, some EGFR abnormalities have also been found in low-grade gliomas, including the nuclear localization of EGFR, expression in the microfoci of anaplastic transformation, and association with neovascularization in the mesenchyma of the glioma, which suggests that some unknown EGFR-related mechanisms are possibly responsible for its central role in the initiation and progression of malignant glioma. Uncovering these mechanisms will have potential value in the development of radio- therapy, chemotherapy, and EGFR-targeted therapy for glioma.展开更多
Objective This study aimed to analyze the relationship between the mutations in epidermal growth factor receptor(EGFR)and anaplastic lymphoma kinase(ALK)and their impact on the prognosis and treatment of lung adenocar...Objective This study aimed to analyze the relationship between the mutations in epidermal growth factor receptor(EGFR)and anaplastic lymphoma kinase(ALK)and their impact on the prognosis and treatment of lung adenocarcinoma.Methods A total of 158 cases of lung adenocarcinoma reported between January 2007 and January 2014 were retrospectively analyzed.These tumors were resected using radical pneumonectomy and underwent pathology-based diagnosis at our institution(Inner Mongolia People’s Hospital,Hohhot,China).The tissue sections were evaluated using the updated World Health Organization classification of lung adenocarcinomas(2015 version),with each histological component recorded in 5%increments.The histological subtypes were classified,and any surviving cases were followed up.The reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR)and direct DNA sequencing were used to evaluate mutations in exons 18,19,20,and 21 in the EGFR gene,and the echinoderm microtubule-associated protein-like 4 gene-ALK variant(EML4-ALK)fusions were detected using sequencing.Results Our cohort included 25 patients with pre-invasive adenocarcinoma,13 patients with lepidic,66 patients with acinar,13 patients with papillary,and 25 patients with solid infiltrative adenocarcinoma with the remaining cases presenting with a variety of pathological subtypes.The prognosis of each histological subtype was different with the 5-year disease-free survival and 5-year overall survival(OS)of pre-invasion adenocarcinoma at 100%;the 5-year OS of lepidic,acinar,and papillary adenocarcinoma patients was only 84.6%,72.7%,and 76.9%,respectively.The 5-year OS of solid and mucinous adenocarcinomas were 32.0%and 36.4%,respectively.EGFR mutation was detected in 69 cases with a mutation rate of 43.7%and majority of these mutations were found in exons 19(50.6%)and 21(37.9%),with women and non-smokers shown to experience a higher mutation rate(P<0.05).However,histological subtype analysis showed that EGFR mutations were primarily found in adenocarcinomas.Most of these mutations were found in lepidic(53.8%)or acinar adenocarcinomas(50.0%),whereas these mutations were rare in both solid(28.0%)and mucinous adenocarcinoma(27.2%).The fusion mutation rate in the EML4-ALK gene was 5.69%,and was most common in young,nonsmoking patients(P<0.05).Conclusion The prognosis of patients in each lung adenocarcinoma subtype is different,and these outcomes are likely related to mutations in the EGFR and EML4-ALK genes.EGFR mutation rates are higher in lepidic and acinar adenocarcinomas,whereas EML4-ALK gene fusion mutations are more common in solid and mucinous adenocarcinoma.EGFR mutations are more common in female and non-smoking patients,whereas EML4-ALK fusions are more common in young,non-smoking patients.展开更多
BACKGROUND The transforming growth factor β(TGFβ) signaling pathway plays a crucial role in the development of liver fibrosis by activating TGFβ type Ⅱ receptor(TGFβR2), followed by the recruitment of TGFβR1 fin...BACKGROUND The transforming growth factor β(TGFβ) signaling pathway plays a crucial role in the development of liver fibrosis by activating TGFβ type Ⅱ receptor(TGFβR2), followed by the recruitment of TGFβR1 finally triggering downstream signaling pathway.AIM To find drugs targeting TGFβR2 that inhibit TGFβR1/TGFβR2 complex formation, theoretically inhibit TGFβ signaling pathway, and thereby ameliorate liver fibrosis.METHODS Food and Drug Administration-approved drugs were screened for binding affinity with TGFβR2 by virtual molecular docking. We identified 6 candidates and further explored their potential by Cell Counting Kit-8(CCK-8) cell cytotoxic experiment to validate toxicity and titrated the best cellular working concentrations. Next, we further demonstrated the detailed molecular working mechanisms using mutagenesis analysis. Finally, we used a mouse model to investigate its potential anti-liver fibrosis effect.RESULTS We identified 6 drug candidates. Among these 6 drugs, dihydroergotamine(DHE) shows great ability in reducing fibrotic gene expressions such as collagen, p-SMAD3, and α-SMA in TGFβ induced cellular model of liver fibrosis in LX-2 cells. Furthermore, we demonstrated that DHE binds to TGFβR2. Moreover, mutation of Leu27, Phe30, Thr51, Ser52, Ile53, and Glu55 of TGFβR2 disrupted the binding of TGFβR2 with DHE. In addition, DHE significantly improved liver fibrosis, as evidenced by Masson’s trichrome staining of liver sections. This is further supported by the width and the velocity of the portal vein, and serum markers of liver function. In line with those observations, DHE also decreased macrophages infiltration and extracellular matrix deposition in the liver.CONCLUSION DHE alleviates liver fibrosis by binding to TGFβR2 thereby suppressing TGFβ signaling pathway. We show here that as far as drug repurposing, DHE has great potential to treat liver fibrosis.展开更多
Background: Epidermal growth factor receptor(EGFR) mutation is the key predictor of EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors(TKIs) efficacy in non-small cell lung cancer(NSCLC). We conducted this study to verify the fea...Background: Epidermal growth factor receptor(EGFR) mutation is the key predictor of EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors(TKIs) efficacy in non-small cell lung cancer(NSCLC). We conducted this study to verify the feasibility of EGFR mutation analysis in cytological specimens and investigate the responsiveness to gefitinib treatment in patients carrying EGFR mutations.Methods: A total of 210 cytological specimens were collected for EGFR mutation detection by both direct sequencing and amplification refractory mutation system(ARMS). We analyzed EGFR mutation status by both methods and evaluated the responsiveness to gefitinib treatment in patients harboring EGFR mutations by overall response rate(ORR), disease control rate(DCR) and progression free survival(PFS).Results: Of all patients, EGFR mutation rate was 28.6%(60/210) by direct sequencing and 45.2%(95/210) by ARMS(P〈0.001) respectively. Among the EGFR wild type patients tested by direct sequencing, 26.7% of them were positive by ARMS. For the 72 EGFR mutation positive patients treated with gefitinib, the ORR, DCR and median PFS were 69.4%, 90.2% and 9.3 months respectively. The patients whose EGFR mutation status was negative by direct sequencing but positive by ARMS had lower ORR(48.0% vs. 80.9%, P=0.004) and shorter median PFS(7.4 vs. 10.5 months, P=0.009) as compared with that of EGFR mutation positive patients by both detection methods. Conclusions: Our study verified the feasibility of EGFR analysis in cytological specimens in advanced NSCLC. ARMS is more sensitive than direct sequencing in EGFR mutation detection. EGFR Mutation status tested on cytological samples is applicable for predicting the response to gefitinib. Abundance of EGFR mutations might have an influence on TKIs efficacy.展开更多
Epidermal growth factor receptor(EGFR)signaling has become an importanttarget for drug development becauseEGFR signaling enhances tumor cell proliferation,migration,and invasion and inhibits apoptosis.However,theresul...Epidermal growth factor receptor(EGFR)signaling has become an importanttarget for drug development becauseEGFR signaling enhances tumor cell proliferation,migration,and invasion and inhibits apoptosis.However,theresults of clinical trials using EGFR inhibitors in patients with solid tumors have been disappointing.Here,wereport a protective effect of the EGFR inhibitors AG1478 and PD153035 against cell death induced by acute hy-poxia,which contrasts with their proapoptotic effects under normoxia.Under hypoxic conditions,both agents re-展开更多
Objective: The plasma fibrinogen levels had not only been used as an independent prognostic parameter for the patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), but also as a promising biomarker for evaluating the e...Objective: The plasma fibrinogen levels had not only been used as an independent prognostic parameter for the patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), but also as a promising biomarker for evaluating the efficacy of chemotherapy. This study aimed to investigate the correlation between the plasma fibrinogen levels and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene mutation and clinical-pathological characteristics of Chinese patients with NSCLC. Methods: In this retrospective study, NSCLC specimens collected from 352 patients between November 2009 and November 2011 were selected to detect EGFR gene mutation with real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). In these specimens, 308 ones were also detected EGFR gene copy number with fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). Coagulation makers were examined prior to the operations. The association between the plasma fibrinogen levels and EGFR gene mutation and clinical-pathological characteristics were analyzed using SPSS 16.0 software. Results: The median pre-operation plasma fibrinogen level was 3.55 g/L (109/352) patients with higher plasma fibrinogen level (〉 4.0 g/L). The lower plasma fibrinogen levels correlated significantly with EGFR gene mutations (P 〈 0.001), the similar result was seen in platelet counts (P = 0.026). A linear correlation was found between the plasma fibrinogen levels and the platelet counts in NSCLC patients (R^2 = 0.209, P 〈 0.001). Pre-peration plasma fibrinogen levels correlated with gender (P 〈 0.001), smoking status (P 〈 0.001 ), and histology (P 〈 0.001 ). There were significant link between the above clinical-pathological characteristics and EGFR gene mutations. In addition, EGFR gene mutation was correlated with FISH-positive status (P 〈 0.001). Moreover, both plasma fibrinogen level (P = 0.024) and the EGFR gene copy number (P = 0.040) had significant relationships with the pathological TNM stage. Conclusion: This study showed that a significant relevance between plasma fibrinogen levels and EGFR gene mutations. The plasma fibrinogen level might be as a clinical decision parameter for evaluating the efficacy of anti-EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) in NSCLC. The patients of NSCLC had higher indicate have poor benefits from anti-EFGR TKIs. In addition, pre-operation plasma fibrinogen level could be used as an indepedent prognostic biomarker for the patients with NSCLC.展开更多
Objectives Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)is a receptor protein tyrosine kinase and plays a critical role in the development and function of the heart.Previous studies have demonstrated that EGFR is involved...Objectives Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)is a receptor protein tyrosine kinase and plays a critical role in the development and function of the heart.Previous studies have demonstrated that EGFR is involved in regulating electrical excitability of the heart.The present study was designed to investigate whether EGFR activation would mediate myocardial arrhythmias induced by ischemia/reperfu- sion in anaesthetized rats.Methods and results Myocardial ischemia/reperfusion arrhythmias were induced by 10 min ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery,followed by a 30 min reperfusion in anaesthetized rats.Incidence and severity of cardiac arrhythmias were significantly reduced by pretreatment with the EGFR kinase inhibitor AG556.Phosphorylation level of myocardial EGFR was increased during ischemia and at early reperfusion.Intramyocardial transfection of EGFR siRNA reduced EGFR mRNA and protein,and decreased the incidence of ventricular fibrillation induced by reperfusion.Interestingly,tyrosine phosphorylation levels of cardiac Na<sup>+</sup> channel(I<sub>Na</sub>) and L-type Ca<sup>2+</sup> channel(I<sub>Ca.l</sub>) were significantly increased at corresponding time points to the alteration of phosphorylated EGFR level during reperfusion.AG556 pretreatment countered the increased tyrosine phosphorylation level of Na<sup>+</sup> and L-type Ca<sup>2+</sup> channels induced by reperfusion.No significant alteration was observed in tyrosine phosphorylation levels of cardiac Kv4.2 and Kir2.1 channels during the cardiac ischemia/reperfusion. Conclusions These results demonstrate for the first time that EGFR plays an important role in the genesis of myocardial ischemia/reperfusion arrhythmias,which is likely mediated at least in part by enhancing tyrosine phosphorylation of cardiac Na<sup>+</sup> and L-type Ca<sup>2+</sup> channels.展开更多
Objective:To investigate the effects of miR-124 overexpression on inflammatory factors and epidermal growth factor in rats with gastric precancerous lesions by modulating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.Methods:E...Objective:To investigate the effects of miR-124 overexpression on inflammatory factors and epidermal growth factor in rats with gastric precancerous lesions by modulating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.Methods:Eighty SPF-grade Wistar rats were selected as the research subjects.After adaptive feeding,they were divided into 4 groups using a random number table method.The control group was fed a regular diet,while the model group,low expression group,and overexpression group of rats were treated with N-methyl-N’-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine to establish a model of gastric cancer precancerous lesions.After successful modeling,the control group and model group rats were injected intraperitoneally with 0.9%sodium chloride solution,the low-expression group rats were injected intraperitoneally with miR-124-5p inhibitor,and the over-expression group rats were injected intraperitoneally with miR-124-5p mimic.After 8 weeks of continuous injection,the levels of miR-124,Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway-related proteins,inflammatory factors,and epidermal growth factor were observed and compared among the four groups of rats.Results:The differences in the relative expression of miR-124 among the four groups of rats were statistically significant(P<0.05);the differences in the expression of Wnt protein andβ-catenin protein among the four groups of rats were statistically significant(P<0.05),and the expression of Wnt protein andβ-catenin protein in the overexpression group was significantly higher than that of the control group,and significantly lower than that in the model group and the low-expression group;the levels of IL-1β,IL-6,and TNF-αof rats in the four groups of rats IL-1β,IL-6 and TNF-αlevels were statistically different(P<0.05),and the levels of IL-1β,IL-6 and TNF-αin rats in the overexpression group were higher than those in the model group and significantly lower than those in the model group and the low-expression group(P<0.05);the differences in the levels of EGF,HER1 and HER2 among the four groups of rats were statistically different(P<0.05),and the levels of EGF levels were higher than those of the control group,and EGF and HER1 were significantly lower than those of the model and low expression groups(P<0.05).Conclusion:Mi R-124 overexpression helps to reduce gastric mucosal damage and inflammatory response in rats with gastric precancerous lesions,and its mechanism of action may be linked to the inhibition of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.展开更多
Fibroblast growth factor receptors(FGFRs) regulate a variety of cellular functions, from embryogenesis to adult tissue homeostasis. FGFR signaling also plays significant roles in the proliferation, invasion, and survi...Fibroblast growth factor receptors(FGFRs) regulate a variety of cellular functions, from embryogenesis to adult tissue homeostasis. FGFR signaling also plays significant roles in the proliferation, invasion, and survival of several types of tumor cells. FGFR-induced alterations, including gene amplification, chromosomal translocation, and mutations, have been shown to be associated with the tumor initiation and progression of gastric cancer, especially in diffuse-type cancers. Therefore, the FGFR signaling pathway might be one of the therapeutic targets in gastric cancer. This review aims to provide an overview of the role of FGFR signaling in tumorigenesis, tumor progression, proliferation, and chemoresistance. We also discuss the accumulating evidence that demonstrates the effectiveness of using clinical therapeutic agents to inhibit FGFR signaling for the treatment of gastric cancer.展开更多
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(82170481)Anhui Natural Science Foundation(2008085J39 and 2108085MH314)+2 种基金Excellent Top-notch Talents Training Program of Anhui Universities(gxbjZD2022073)Anhui Province Innovation Team of Authentic Medicinal Materials Development and High Value Utilization(2022AH010080)Suzhou University Joint Cultivation Postgraduate Research Innovation Fund Project(2023KYCX04).
文摘Corona Virus Disease 2019(COVID-19)has brought the new challenges to scientific research.Isodon suzhouensis has good anti-inflammatory and antioxidant stress effects,which is considered as a potential treatment for COVID-19.The possibility for the treatment of COVID-19 with I.suzhouensis and its potential mechanism of action were explored by employing molecular docking and network pharmacology.Network pharmacology and molecular docking were used to screen drug targets,and lipopolysaccharide(LPS)induced RAW264.7 and NR8383 cells inflammation model was used for experimental verification.Collectively a total of 209 possible linkages against 18 chemical components from I.suzhouensis and 1194 COVID-19 related targets were selected.Among these,164 common targets were obtained from the intersection of I.suzhouensis and COVID-19.Gene Ontology(GO)and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG)enriched 582 function targets and 87 target proteins pathways,respectively.The results from molecular docking studies revealed that rutin,vitexin,isoquercitrin and quercetin had significant binding ability with 3 chymotrypsin like protease(3CLpro)and angiotensin converting enzyme 2(ACE2).In vitro studies showed that I.suzhouensis extract(ISE)may inhibit the activation of PI3K/Akt pathway and the expression level of downstream proinflammatory factors by inhibiting the activation of epidermal growth factor receptor(EGFR)in RAW264.7 cells induced by LPS.In addition,ISE was able to inhibit the activation of TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway in NR8383 cells exposed to LPS.Overall,the network pharmacology and in vitro studies conclude that active components from I.suzhouensis have strong therapeutic potential against COVID-19 through multi-target,multi-pathway dimensions and can be a promising candidate against COVID-19.
基金Supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China,No. 81502556Yunnan Digestive Endoscopy Clinical Medical Center Foundation for Health Commission of Yunnan Province,No. 2X2019-01-02
文摘BACKGROUND Colorectal cancer(CRC)is an extremely malignant tumor with a high mortality rate.Little is known about the mechanism by which forkhead Box q1(FOXQ1)causes CRC invasion and metastasis through the epidermal growth factor receptor(EGFR)pathway.AIM To illuminate the mechanism by which FOXQ1 promotes the invasion and metastasis of CRC by activating the heparin binding epidermal growth factor(HB-EGF)/EGFR pathway.METHODS We investigated the differential expression and prognosis of FOXQ1 and HB-EGF in CRC using the Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis(GEPIA)website(http://gepia.cancer-pku.cn/index.html).Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction(qRT-PCR)and Western blotting were used to detect the expression of FOXQ1 and HB-EGF in cell lines and tissues,and we constructed a stable lowexpressing FOXQ1 cell line and verified it with the above method.The expression changes of membrane-bound HB-EGF(proHB-EGF)and soluble HB-EGF(sHB-EGF)in the lowexpressing FOXQ1 cell line were detected by flow cytometry and ELISA.Western blotting was used to detect changes in the expression levels of HB-EGF and EGFR pathway-related downstream genes when exogenous recombinant human HB-EGF was added to FOXQ1 knockdown cells.Proliferation experiments,transwell migration experiments,and scratch experiments were carried out to determine the mechanism by which FOXQ1 activates the EGFR signaling pathway through HB-EGF,and then to evaluate the clinical relevance of FOXQ1 and HB-EGF.RESULTS GEPIA showed that the expression of FOXQ1 in CRC tissues was relatively high and was related to a lower overall survival rate.PCR array results showed that FOXQ1 is related to the HB-EGF and EGFR pathways.Knockdown of FOXQ1 suppressed the expression of HB-EGF,and led to a decrease in EGFR and its downstream genes AKT,RAF,KRAS expression levels.After knockdown of FOXQ1 in CRC cell lines,cell proliferation,migration and invasion were attenuated.Adding HB-EGF restored the migration and invasion ability of CRC,but not the cell proliferation ability.Kaplan–Meier survival analysis results showed that the combination of FOXQ1 and HB-EGF may serve to predict CRC survival.CONCLUSION Based on these collective data,we propose that FOXQ1 promotes the invasion and metastasis of CRC via the HB-EGF/EGFR pathway.
文摘(-)-Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a major polyphenolic constituent of green tea, can inhibit activity of specific receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) and related downstream signal transduction pathways, resulting in the control of unwanted cell proliferation. The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling pathway is one of the most important pathways that regulates growth, survival,proliferation and differentiation in mammalian cells. This review addresses the effects of EGCG on some protein factors involved in the EGFR signaling pathway in a direct or indirect manner. Based on our understanding of the interaction between EGCG and these factors, and based on their structures, EGCG could be used as a lead compound for designing and synthesizing novel drugs with significant biological activity.
文摘The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is a member of the ErbB/EGFR family, including EGFR/Herl, ErbB2/Her2, ErbB-3/Her3, and ErbB-4/Her4. EGFR exerts its effects through the receptor tyrosine kinase phosphorylation and activation of important downstream signaling pathways in normal and neoplastic cells, mainly the Ras GTPase/MAP kinase (MAPK), STAT3, and phosphatidylinositide 3 kinase-AKT pathways. EGFR deregulation is common in malignant glioma, especially primary glioblastoma, and exists in three forms: gene overexpression (amplification), autocrine effects of EGFR activation, and activating receptor mutation (EGFRvlII). However, some EGFR abnormalities have also been found in low-grade gliomas, including the nuclear localization of EGFR, expression in the microfoci of anaplastic transformation, and association with neovascularization in the mesenchyma of the glioma, which suggests that some unknown EGFR-related mechanisms are possibly responsible for its central role in the initiation and progression of malignant glioma. Uncovering these mechanisms will have potential value in the development of radio- therapy, chemotherapy, and EGFR-targeted therapy for glioma.
基金Supported by a grant from the Sciences Foundation of Health Commission of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region(No.201701008).
文摘Objective This study aimed to analyze the relationship between the mutations in epidermal growth factor receptor(EGFR)and anaplastic lymphoma kinase(ALK)and their impact on the prognosis and treatment of lung adenocarcinoma.Methods A total of 158 cases of lung adenocarcinoma reported between January 2007 and January 2014 were retrospectively analyzed.These tumors were resected using radical pneumonectomy and underwent pathology-based diagnosis at our institution(Inner Mongolia People’s Hospital,Hohhot,China).The tissue sections were evaluated using the updated World Health Organization classification of lung adenocarcinomas(2015 version),with each histological component recorded in 5%increments.The histological subtypes were classified,and any surviving cases were followed up.The reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR)and direct DNA sequencing were used to evaluate mutations in exons 18,19,20,and 21 in the EGFR gene,and the echinoderm microtubule-associated protein-like 4 gene-ALK variant(EML4-ALK)fusions were detected using sequencing.Results Our cohort included 25 patients with pre-invasive adenocarcinoma,13 patients with lepidic,66 patients with acinar,13 patients with papillary,and 25 patients with solid infiltrative adenocarcinoma with the remaining cases presenting with a variety of pathological subtypes.The prognosis of each histological subtype was different with the 5-year disease-free survival and 5-year overall survival(OS)of pre-invasion adenocarcinoma at 100%;the 5-year OS of lepidic,acinar,and papillary adenocarcinoma patients was only 84.6%,72.7%,and 76.9%,respectively.The 5-year OS of solid and mucinous adenocarcinomas were 32.0%and 36.4%,respectively.EGFR mutation was detected in 69 cases with a mutation rate of 43.7%and majority of these mutations were found in exons 19(50.6%)and 21(37.9%),with women and non-smokers shown to experience a higher mutation rate(P<0.05).However,histological subtype analysis showed that EGFR mutations were primarily found in adenocarcinomas.Most of these mutations were found in lepidic(53.8%)or acinar adenocarcinomas(50.0%),whereas these mutations were rare in both solid(28.0%)and mucinous adenocarcinoma(27.2%).The fusion mutation rate in the EML4-ALK gene was 5.69%,and was most common in young,nonsmoking patients(P<0.05).Conclusion The prognosis of patients in each lung adenocarcinoma subtype is different,and these outcomes are likely related to mutations in the EGFR and EML4-ALK genes.EGFR mutation rates are higher in lepidic and acinar adenocarcinomas,whereas EML4-ALK gene fusion mutations are more common in solid and mucinous adenocarcinoma.EGFR mutations are more common in female and non-smoking patients,whereas EML4-ALK fusions are more common in young,non-smoking patients.
基金Supported by the Special Research Project for Capital Health Development,No.2022-2-2174the Beijing Municipal Science and Technology Commission,No.Z191100007619037.
文摘BACKGROUND The transforming growth factor β(TGFβ) signaling pathway plays a crucial role in the development of liver fibrosis by activating TGFβ type Ⅱ receptor(TGFβR2), followed by the recruitment of TGFβR1 finally triggering downstream signaling pathway.AIM To find drugs targeting TGFβR2 that inhibit TGFβR1/TGFβR2 complex formation, theoretically inhibit TGFβ signaling pathway, and thereby ameliorate liver fibrosis.METHODS Food and Drug Administration-approved drugs were screened for binding affinity with TGFβR2 by virtual molecular docking. We identified 6 candidates and further explored their potential by Cell Counting Kit-8(CCK-8) cell cytotoxic experiment to validate toxicity and titrated the best cellular working concentrations. Next, we further demonstrated the detailed molecular working mechanisms using mutagenesis analysis. Finally, we used a mouse model to investigate its potential anti-liver fibrosis effect.RESULTS We identified 6 drug candidates. Among these 6 drugs, dihydroergotamine(DHE) shows great ability in reducing fibrotic gene expressions such as collagen, p-SMAD3, and α-SMA in TGFβ induced cellular model of liver fibrosis in LX-2 cells. Furthermore, we demonstrated that DHE binds to TGFβR2. Moreover, mutation of Leu27, Phe30, Thr51, Ser52, Ile53, and Glu55 of TGFβR2 disrupted the binding of TGFβR2 with DHE. In addition, DHE significantly improved liver fibrosis, as evidenced by Masson’s trichrome staining of liver sections. This is further supported by the width and the velocity of the portal vein, and serum markers of liver function. In line with those observations, DHE also decreased macrophages infiltration and extracellular matrix deposition in the liver.CONCLUSION DHE alleviates liver fibrosis by binding to TGFβR2 thereby suppressing TGFβ signaling pathway. We show here that as far as drug repurposing, DHE has great potential to treat liver fibrosis.
文摘Background: Epidermal growth factor receptor(EGFR) mutation is the key predictor of EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors(TKIs) efficacy in non-small cell lung cancer(NSCLC). We conducted this study to verify the feasibility of EGFR mutation analysis in cytological specimens and investigate the responsiveness to gefitinib treatment in patients carrying EGFR mutations.Methods: A total of 210 cytological specimens were collected for EGFR mutation detection by both direct sequencing and amplification refractory mutation system(ARMS). We analyzed EGFR mutation status by both methods and evaluated the responsiveness to gefitinib treatment in patients harboring EGFR mutations by overall response rate(ORR), disease control rate(DCR) and progression free survival(PFS).Results: Of all patients, EGFR mutation rate was 28.6%(60/210) by direct sequencing and 45.2%(95/210) by ARMS(P〈0.001) respectively. Among the EGFR wild type patients tested by direct sequencing, 26.7% of them were positive by ARMS. For the 72 EGFR mutation positive patients treated with gefitinib, the ORR, DCR and median PFS were 69.4%, 90.2% and 9.3 months respectively. The patients whose EGFR mutation status was negative by direct sequencing but positive by ARMS had lower ORR(48.0% vs. 80.9%, P=0.004) and shorter median PFS(7.4 vs. 10.5 months, P=0.009) as compared with that of EGFR mutation positive patients by both detection methods. Conclusions: Our study verified the feasibility of EGFR analysis in cytological specimens in advanced NSCLC. ARMS is more sensitive than direct sequencing in EGFR mutation detection. EGFR Mutation status tested on cytological samples is applicable for predicting the response to gefitinib. Abundance of EGFR mutations might have an influence on TKIs efficacy.
文摘Epidermal growth factor receptor(EGFR)signaling has become an importanttarget for drug development becauseEGFR signaling enhances tumor cell proliferation,migration,and invasion and inhibits apoptosis.However,theresults of clinical trials using EGFR inhibitors in patients with solid tumors have been disappointing.Here,wereport a protective effect of the EGFR inhibitors AG1478 and PD153035 against cell death induced by acute hy-poxia,which contrasts with their proapoptotic effects under normoxia.Under hypoxic conditions,both agents re-
基金Supported by a grant from the Ministry of Science and Technology ofChina(No.2012AA021502)
文摘Objective: The plasma fibrinogen levels had not only been used as an independent prognostic parameter for the patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), but also as a promising biomarker for evaluating the efficacy of chemotherapy. This study aimed to investigate the correlation between the plasma fibrinogen levels and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene mutation and clinical-pathological characteristics of Chinese patients with NSCLC. Methods: In this retrospective study, NSCLC specimens collected from 352 patients between November 2009 and November 2011 were selected to detect EGFR gene mutation with real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). In these specimens, 308 ones were also detected EGFR gene copy number with fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). Coagulation makers were examined prior to the operations. The association between the plasma fibrinogen levels and EGFR gene mutation and clinical-pathological characteristics were analyzed using SPSS 16.0 software. Results: The median pre-operation plasma fibrinogen level was 3.55 g/L (109/352) patients with higher plasma fibrinogen level (〉 4.0 g/L). The lower plasma fibrinogen levels correlated significantly with EGFR gene mutations (P 〈 0.001), the similar result was seen in platelet counts (P = 0.026). A linear correlation was found between the plasma fibrinogen levels and the platelet counts in NSCLC patients (R^2 = 0.209, P 〈 0.001). Pre-peration plasma fibrinogen levels correlated with gender (P 〈 0.001), smoking status (P 〈 0.001 ), and histology (P 〈 0.001 ). There were significant link between the above clinical-pathological characteristics and EGFR gene mutations. In addition, EGFR gene mutation was correlated with FISH-positive status (P 〈 0.001). Moreover, both plasma fibrinogen level (P = 0.024) and the EGFR gene copy number (P = 0.040) had significant relationships with the pathological TNM stage. Conclusion: This study showed that a significant relevance between plasma fibrinogen levels and EGFR gene mutations. The plasma fibrinogen level might be as a clinical decision parameter for evaluating the efficacy of anti-EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) in NSCLC. The patients of NSCLC had higher indicate have poor benefits from anti-EFGR TKIs. In addition, pre-operation plasma fibrinogen level could be used as an indepedent prognostic biomarker for the patients with NSCLC.
文摘Objectives Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)is a receptor protein tyrosine kinase and plays a critical role in the development and function of the heart.Previous studies have demonstrated that EGFR is involved in regulating electrical excitability of the heart.The present study was designed to investigate whether EGFR activation would mediate myocardial arrhythmias induced by ischemia/reperfu- sion in anaesthetized rats.Methods and results Myocardial ischemia/reperfusion arrhythmias were induced by 10 min ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery,followed by a 30 min reperfusion in anaesthetized rats.Incidence and severity of cardiac arrhythmias were significantly reduced by pretreatment with the EGFR kinase inhibitor AG556.Phosphorylation level of myocardial EGFR was increased during ischemia and at early reperfusion.Intramyocardial transfection of EGFR siRNA reduced EGFR mRNA and protein,and decreased the incidence of ventricular fibrillation induced by reperfusion.Interestingly,tyrosine phosphorylation levels of cardiac Na<sup>+</sup> channel(I<sub>Na</sub>) and L-type Ca<sup>2+</sup> channel(I<sub>Ca.l</sub>) were significantly increased at corresponding time points to the alteration of phosphorylated EGFR level during reperfusion.AG556 pretreatment countered the increased tyrosine phosphorylation level of Na<sup>+</sup> and L-type Ca<sup>2+</sup> channels induced by reperfusion.No significant alteration was observed in tyrosine phosphorylation levels of cardiac Kv4.2 and Kir2.1 channels during the cardiac ischemia/reperfusion. Conclusions These results demonstrate for the first time that EGFR plays an important role in the genesis of myocardial ischemia/reperfusion arrhythmias,which is likely mediated at least in part by enhancing tyrosine phosphorylation of cardiac Na<sup>+</sup> and L-type Ca<sup>2+</sup> channels.
文摘Objective:To investigate the effects of miR-124 overexpression on inflammatory factors and epidermal growth factor in rats with gastric precancerous lesions by modulating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.Methods:Eighty SPF-grade Wistar rats were selected as the research subjects.After adaptive feeding,they were divided into 4 groups using a random number table method.The control group was fed a regular diet,while the model group,low expression group,and overexpression group of rats were treated with N-methyl-N’-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine to establish a model of gastric cancer precancerous lesions.After successful modeling,the control group and model group rats were injected intraperitoneally with 0.9%sodium chloride solution,the low-expression group rats were injected intraperitoneally with miR-124-5p inhibitor,and the over-expression group rats were injected intraperitoneally with miR-124-5p mimic.After 8 weeks of continuous injection,the levels of miR-124,Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway-related proteins,inflammatory factors,and epidermal growth factor were observed and compared among the four groups of rats.Results:The differences in the relative expression of miR-124 among the four groups of rats were statistically significant(P<0.05);the differences in the expression of Wnt protein andβ-catenin protein among the four groups of rats were statistically significant(P<0.05),and the expression of Wnt protein andβ-catenin protein in the overexpression group was significantly higher than that of the control group,and significantly lower than that in the model group and the low-expression group;the levels of IL-1β,IL-6,and TNF-αof rats in the four groups of rats IL-1β,IL-6 and TNF-αlevels were statistically different(P<0.05),and the levels of IL-1β,IL-6 and TNF-αin rats in the overexpression group were higher than those in the model group and significantly lower than those in the model group and the low-expression group(P<0.05);the differences in the levels of EGF,HER1 and HER2 among the four groups of rats were statistically different(P<0.05),and the levels of EGF levels were higher than those of the control group,and EGF and HER1 were significantly lower than those of the model and low expression groups(P<0.05).Conclusion:Mi R-124 overexpression helps to reduce gastric mucosal damage and inflammatory response in rats with gastric precancerous lesions,and its mechanism of action may be linked to the inhibition of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.
基金Supported by KAKENHI(partiallyGrant-in-Aid for Scientific ResearchNo.23390329)
文摘Fibroblast growth factor receptors(FGFRs) regulate a variety of cellular functions, from embryogenesis to adult tissue homeostasis. FGFR signaling also plays significant roles in the proliferation, invasion, and survival of several types of tumor cells. FGFR-induced alterations, including gene amplification, chromosomal translocation, and mutations, have been shown to be associated with the tumor initiation and progression of gastric cancer, especially in diffuse-type cancers. Therefore, the FGFR signaling pathway might be one of the therapeutic targets in gastric cancer. This review aims to provide an overview of the role of FGFR signaling in tumorigenesis, tumor progression, proliferation, and chemoresistance. We also discuss the accumulating evidence that demonstrates the effectiveness of using clinical therapeutic agents to inhibit FGFR signaling for the treatment of gastric cancer.