EPHA2 Research Articles

Plasma EphA2 level is a superior biomarker to Del-1 for sepsis diagnosis and prognosis

BackgroundSepsis, characterized by a dysregulated host response to infection, often leads to organ dysfunction, and vascular endothelial dysfunction plays a central role. The erythropoietin-producing hepatocellular carcinoma (Eph)A2 receptor is associated with increased vascular permeability; however, the developmental endothelial locus-1 (Del-1), has contrasting effects on endothelial function. Hence, we examined their potential as biomarkers of sepsis.MethodsIn total, 117 participants, including 20 healthy controls, 21 patients with systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS), and 76 patients with sepsis, were enrolled in this study. Sepsis severity was assessed using the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II and the Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) scores.ResultsThe Median plasma EphA2 levels increased progressively from healthy controls to SIRS and sepsis cases (154.29, 293.52, and 554.24 pg/mL; all p < 0.05). The median plasma Del-1 levels were highest in healthy controls, lowest in SIRS, and intermediate level in sepsis (101.27, 16.88, and 36.9 pg/mL; all p < 0.001). The levels of both biomarkers were higher in 28-day non-survivors than in survivors, in patients with sepsis (EphA2:898.09 vs. 475.88 pg/mL, p < 0.001; Del-1:46.09 vs. 32.68 pg/mL, p = 0.193); however, only EphA2 was statistically significant. The area under the curve for the EphA2 was 0.74 in the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis for predicting 28-day mortality, whereas APACHE II, SOFA, and Del-1 showed values of 0.762, 0.614, and 0.595, respectively. Kaplan–Meier analysis using these cutoffs revealed that survival was significantly higher in the group with both low EphA2 and Del-1 levels compared to the group with high levels of both markers (p < 0.001).ConclusionPlasma EphA2 levels consistently increased with sepsis severity, suggesting its biomarker value for sepsis diagnosis and prognosis. In contrast, plasma Del-1 response was variable, indicating its limited prognostic utility.

Bioinformatic Analysis for Exploring Target Genes and Molecular Mechanisms of Cadmium-Induced Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Targeted Drug Prediction.

Cadmium (Cd) is a widely available metal that has been found to have a role in causing nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). However, the detailed toxicological targets and mechanisms by which Cd causes NAFLD are unknown. Therefore, the present work aims to reveal the main targets of action, cellular processes, and molecular pathways by which cadmium causes NAFLD. As shown in the bioinformatics analysis, there were 74 main targets of action for cadmium-induced NAFLD, hemopoietic cell kinase (HCK), EPH receptor A2 (EPHA2), MYC proto-oncogene (MYC), lysyl oxidase (LOX), dipeptidyl peptidase 7 (DPP7), nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NFE2L2), dual specificity phosphatase 6 (DUSP6), CD2 cytoplasmic tail binding protein 2 (CD2BP2), notch receptor 3 (NOTCH3), and phospholipase A2 group IVA (PLA2G4A) were screened as core genes. Testing these core genes in other databases, three differentially expressed genes, HCK, MYC, and DUSP6 were verified and used as targets for drug prediction in DsigDB; decitabine and retinoic acid were screened as potential therapeutic drugs for NAFLD based on the p-value and the combined score. The results of molecular docking showed that the predicted drugs can bind well to the core targets. In conclusion, cadmium is associated with NAFLD; the identified cadmium-toxicity targets, HCK, MYC, and DUSP6, may serve as biomarkers for the diagnosis of NAFLD and predicted drugs, decitabine and retinoic acid may have a potential role in the treatment of NAFLD.

A Child with Non-Growth Hormone-Deficient Short Stature with Chromosome 2 Deletion of 2q35-36.1: A Case Report and Literature Review of Haploinsufficiency of Epha4 Gene

AbstractNon-growth hormone-deficient short stature is a group of growth developmental disorders with complex pathophysiological mechanisms involving multiple pathways, including abnormalities in the growth hormone/insulin-like growth factor 1 signal pathway. We report a 4-year-old girl with severe growth and developmental delay: her height was 91 cm (<–3 standard deviation [SD]), and her growth rate was 3 to 4 cm/year (<–2 SD). Growth hormone stimulation tests indicated a normal peak growth hormone level (11.1 μg/L), while insulin-like growth factor-1 levels were reduced (7.98 nmol/L, <–1SD). Whole exome sequencing and copy number variation analysis revealed a 3.19 Mb deletion at 2q35-q36.1 on chromosome 2, encompassing all coding regions of the Epha4 gene. This study suggests an association between Epha4 gene deletion and non-growth hormone-deficient short stature, highlighting the importance of further research on this gene and its related signaling pathways to understand the molecular mechanisms of the disease and potential therapeutic approaches.

DDR1 promotes metastasis of cervical cancer and downstream phosphorylation signal via binding GRB2

Cervical cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related death among women and its recurrence and metastasis poses challenges to treatment. Discoidin domain receptor 1 (DDR1) was associated with cellular migration and invasion in several types of cancers. However, its function in cervical cancer is still unclear. In this study, we found that DDR1 was significantly more expressed in cervical cancer samples than in normal tissues. SRY-Box transcription factor 2 (SOX2), a known oncogene in cervical cancer, showed a positive correlation with DDR1 and regulated DDR1 transcription, contributing to the elevated expression of DDR1 in cervical cancer. Regarding the function of DDR1 in cervical cancer, the overexpression of DDR1 caused an increase in the migration, invasion, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of cervical cancer cells. In contrast, cervical cancer cells with reduced DDR1 expression exhibited a lower migration rate, fewer invasive cells, and decreased levels of EMT markers. In vivo, mice injected with cervical cancer cells with overexpressed DDR1 showed more pulmonary metastasis and nodule number. Opposite results were found in mice injected with DDR1 silenced cervical cancer cells. Since DDR1 can cause phosphorylation of downstream targets, a phosphorylation omics was employed to reveal the downstream targets of DDR1, including eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E binding protein 1 and EPH receptor A2. Furthermore, DDR1 bound directly with Src homology 2 domain of growth factor receptor bound protein 2 (GRB2) which mediated the function of DDR1 in the malignant behaviors of cervical cancer and the phosphorylation of downstream targets. In conclusion, DDR1 binds directly to GRB2 and then affects downstream phosphorylation signals, ultimately exacerbating the metastasis of cervical cancer cells. This work sheds light on the mechanism by which DDR1 functions in cervical cancer cells, providing therapeutic strategy for the treatment of cervical cancer.

A novel function for α-synuclein as a regulator of NCK2 in olfactory bulb: implications for its role in olfaction

To investigate physiological function of α-synuclein is important for understanding its pathophysiological mechanism in synucleinopathies including Parkinson’s disease. Employing knockout mice, we found that Snac/α-synuclein deletion induced aberrant projection of olfactory sensory neurons and hyposmia. We identified 9 axon guidance associated differentially expressed proteins using iTRAQ based Liquid Chromatograph Mass Spectrometer. NCK2 is most significantly down-regulated protein among them. We further found that either α-synuclein deletion or NCK2 deficiency induced Eph A4 inactivation. Re-expressing Snac/α-synuclein in its knockout neurons reversed the down-regulation of NCK2, as well as the inactivation of EphA4. Overexpression of Snac/α-synuclein in α-synuclein deleted mice reversed the down-regulation of NCK2 and pEphA4, and improved the olfactory impairment of mice. Correlation analysis showed that there is a significant correlation between the protein level of α-synuclein, NCK2, and pEphA4, respectively. Nonetheless, immunoprecipitation analysis showed that NCK2 was associated with both EphA4 and Rho A, suggesting that NCK2 as a scaffolding protein to modulate Eph A4/Rho A pathway. Moreover, Rho A activity was significantly lower in α-synuclein deficient mice. Thus, α-synuclein regulates olfactory neurons projection through NCK2 dependent EphA4/Rho A pathway. Malfunction of α-synuclein because of deletion may cause aberrant olfactory neurons projection. This extended our knowledge of α-synuclein functions, which may explain why olfaction is usually impaired in some synucleinopathies.

Engineering a nano-drug delivery system to regulate m6A modification and enhance immunotherapy in gastric cancer

Cancer cell membrane-derived nanoparticle drug delivery system enables precise drug delivery to tumor tissues and is a new effective way to treat solid tumors. The aim of this study is to develop a safe and effective cancer cell membrane-derived nano-delivery system targeting gastric cancer. We previously reported that EPH receptor A2 (EphA2) is an important target for gastric cancer. RNA m6A methyltransferases METTL3 is upregulated in multiple cancers and promotes cancer development by increasing the expression of multiple oncogenes. We design a new nano-delivery system PLGA-STM-TAT: nanoparticles PLGA (poly lactic acid-hydroxyacetic acid) loaded with METTL3 inhibitor STM2457 and cell-penetrating peptide TAT, and then covered with gastric cancer cell membranes equipped with YSA peptides by means of click chemistry, which targeting EphA2. The nanoparticles are specifically enriched in gastric cancer tissues, significantly increased drug accumulation, and inhibited cancer cell proliferation by decreasing key oncogenes c-MYC and BRD4. During drug administration, we found that the expression of the immune checkpoint molecule PD-L1 was suppressed, and the anti-tumor immune effect was enhanced by the nano-delivery system in combination with anti-PD1. This cancer cell membrane-derived nano-delivery system provides a new biological strategy to treat gastric cancer through effective m6A modulation and EphA2 targeting. Statement of significanceM6A modifications have important biological roles, especially in tumors. Targeting highly modified m6A in gastric cancer becomes a challenge. We developed a nano-drug delivery system for modulating m6A that could produce an effective anti-cancer therapeutic effect and that the nanoparticles enhanced antitumor immunity when combined with anti-PD1.This cancer cell membrane-derived new nano-drug delivery system shows great promise as an antitumor approach by modulating m6A modification and targeting EphA2 in gastric cancers.

TYRO3 and EPHA2 Expression Are Dysregulated in Breast Cancer.

Receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) are involved in cell growth, motility, and differentiation. Deregulation of RTKs signaling is associated with tumor development and therapy resistance. Potential RTKs like TAM (TYRO3, AXL, MERTK), RON, EPH, and MET have been evaluated in many cancers like lung, prostate, and colorectal, but little is known in breast tumors. In this study, 51 luminal breast cancer tissue and 8 triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) subtypes were evaluated by qPCR for the expression of TAM, RON, EPHA2, and MET genes. Statistical analysis was performed to determine the correlation to clinical data. TYRO3 is related to tumor subtype and stage, patient's age, smoking habits, and obesity. MET expression is correlated to EPHA2 and TAM gene expression. EPHA2 expression is also related to aging and smoking habits. The expression levels of the TAM and EPHA2 genes seem to play an important role in breast cancer, being also influenced by the patient's lifestyle.

Unveiling an anoikis-related risk model and the role of RAD9A in colon cancer

ObjectiveColorectal cancer (CRC), specifically colon adenocarcinoma, is the third most prevalent and the second most lethal form of cancer. Anoikis is found to be specialized form of programmed cell death (PCD), which plays a pivotal role in tumor progression. This study aimed to investigate the role of the anoikis related genes (ARGs) in colon cancer. MethodsConsensus unsupervised clustering, differential expression analysis, tumor mutational burden analysis, and analysis of immune cell infiltration were utilized in the study. For the analysis of RNA sequences and clinical data of COAD patients, data from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) were obtained. A prognostic scoring system for overall survival (OS) prediction was developed using Cox regression and LASSO regression analysis. Furthermore, loss-of-function assay was utilized to explore the role of RAD9A played in the progression of colon cancer. ResultsThe prognostic value of a risk score composed of NTRK2, EPHA2, RAD9A, CDC25C, and SNAI1 genes was significant. Furthermore, these findings suggested potential mechanisms that may influence prognosis, supporting the development of individualized treatment plans and management of patient outcomes. Further experiments confirmed that RAD9A could promote proliferation and metastasis of colon cancer cells. These effects may be achieved by affecting the phosphorylation of AKT. ConclusionDifferences in survival time and the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) were observed between two gene clusters associated with ARGs. In addition, a prognostic risk model was established and confirmed as an independent risk factor. Furthermore, our data indicated that RAD9A promoted tumorigenicityby activating AKT in colon cancer.

A general approach for selection of epitope-directed binders to proteins

Directing antibodies to a particular epitope among many possible on a target protein is a significant challenge. Here, we present a simple and general method for epitope-directed selection (EDS) using a differential phage selection strategy. This involves engineering the protein of interest (POI) with the epitope of interest (EOI) mutated using a systematic bioinformatics algorithm to guide the local design of an EOI decoy variant. Using several alternating rounds of negative selection with the EOI decoy variant followed by positive selection on the wild-type POI, we were able to identify highly specific and potent antibodies to five different EOI antigens that bind and functionally block known sites of proteolysis. Among these, we developed highly specific antibodies that target the proteolytic site on the CUB domain containing protein 1 (CDCP1) to prevent its proteolysis allowing us to study the cellular maturation of this event that triggers malignancy. We generated antibodies that recognize the junction between the pro- and catalytic domains for three different matrix metalloproteases (MMPs), MMP1, MMP3, and MMP9, that selectively block activation of each of these enzymes and impair cell migration. We targeted a proteolytic epitope on the cell surface receptor, EPH Receptor A2 (EphA2), that is known to transform it from a tumor suppressor to an oncoprotein. We believe that the EDS method greatly facilitates the generation of antibodies to specific EOIs on a wide range of proteins and enzymes for broad therapeutic and diagnostic applications.

Association of EPHA3 Gene Variation with Oral Hygiene in an Iranian Population

Background: Non-syndromic cleft lip with or without cleft palate (NSCL/P) is the most prevalent congenital birth anomaly. The EPHA3 gene is suggested to play a pivotal role in the development of oral clefts. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the influence of EPHA3 gene polymorphisms on the risk of NSCL/P within an Iranian cohort. Methods: We performed genotyping of the EPHA3 gene polymorphisms rs7650466, rs1398197, rs17801309, rs1054750, and rs7632427 in 150 NSCL/P patients and 152 healthy controls using PCR-RFLP, T-ARMS-PCR, and ARMS-PCR methods. Results: The results indicated that the rs1398197 variation significantly reduced the risk of NSCL/P in a heterozygous codominant model (OR = 0.58, 95% CI = 0.36 - 0.94, P = 0.027, G/A vs. G/G), a dominant model (OR = 0.56, 95% CI = 0.35 - 0.89, P = 0.014, G/A + A/A vs. G/G), and at the allele level (OR = 0.62, 95% CI = 0.43 - 0.91, P = 0.014, A vs. G). The rs1054750 polymorphism showed a decreased risk of NSCL/P in codominant (OR = 0.62, 95% CI = 0.39 - 0.99, P = 0.047, T/C vs. T/T) and dominant models (OR = 0.62, 95% CI = 0.39 - 0.98, P = 0.042, T/C + C/C vs. T/T). The rs17801309 polymorphism was not associated with any risk or protection from NSCL/P. rs7650466 and rs7632427 were not polymorphic in the study sample. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that variants of the EPHA3 gene may be linked with a reduced risk of NSCL/P.

Multiple receptor tyrosine kinases regulate dengue infection of hepatocytes.

Dengue is an arboviral disease causing severe illness in over 500,000 people each year. Currently, there is no way to constrain dengue in the clinic. Host kinase regulators of dengue virus (DENV) infection have the potential to be disrupted by existing therapeutics to prevent infection and/or disease progression. To evaluate kinase regulation of DENV infection, we performed kinase regression (KiR), a machine learning approach that predicts kinase regulators of infection using existing drug-target information and a small drug screen. We infected hepatocytes with DENV in vitro in the presence of a panel of 38 kinase inhibitors then quantified the effect of each inhibitor on infection rate. We employed elastic net regularization on these data to obtain predictions of which of 291 kinases are regulating DENV infection. Thirty-six kinases were predicted to have a functional role. Intriguingly, seven of the predicted kinases - EPH receptor A4 (EPHA4), EPH receptor B3 (EPHB3), EPH receptor B4 (EPHB4), erb-b2 receptor tyrosine kinase 2 (ERBB2), fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (FGFR2), Insulin like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF1R), and ret proto-oncogene (RET) - belong to the receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) family, which are already therapeutic targets in the clinic. We demonstrate that predicted RTKs are expressed at higher levels in DENV infected cells. Knockdown of EPHB4, ERBB2, FGFR2, or IGF1R reduces DENV infection in hepatocytes. Finally, we observe differential temporal induction of ERBB2 and IGF1R following DENV infection, highlighting their unique roles in regulating DENV. Collectively, our findings underscore the significance of multiple RTKs in DENV infection and advocate further exploration of RTK-oriented interventions against dengue.

Exploring the potential of EphA2 receptor signaling pathway: a comprehensive review in cancer treatment.

The protein encoded by the ephrin type-A receptor 2 (EphA2) gene is a member of the ephrin receptor subfamily of the receptor tyrosine kinase family (RTKs). Eph receptors play a significant role in various biological processes, particularly cancer progression, development, and pathogenesis. They have been observed to regulate cancer cell growth, migration, invasion, tumor development, invasiveness, angiogenesis, and metastasis. To target EphA2 activity, various molecular, genetic, biochemical, and pharmacological strategies have been extensively tested in laboratory cultures and animal models. Notably, drugs, such as dasatinib, initially designed to target the kinase family, have demonstrated an additional capability to target EphA2 activity. Additionally, a novel monoclonal antibody named EA5 has emerged as a promising option to counteract the effects of EphA2 overexpression and restore tamoxifen sensitivity in EphA2-transfected MCF-7 cells during in vitro experiments. This antibody mimicked the binding of Ephrin A to EphA2. These methods offer potential avenues for inhibiting EphA2 activity, which could significantly decelerate breast cancer progression and restore sensitivity to certain drugs. This review article comprehensively covers EphA2's involvement in multiple malignancies, including ovarian, colorectal, breast, lung, glioma, and melanoma. Furthermore, we discuss the structure of EphA2, the Eph-Ephrin signaling pathway, various EphA2 inhibitors, and the mechanisms of EphA2 degradation. This article provides an extensive overview of EphA2's vital role in different types of cancers and outlines potential therapeutic approaches to target EphA2, shedding light on the underlying molecular mechanisms that make it an attractive target for cancer treatment.

Proteomic changes of the bovine blood plasma in response to heat stress in a tropically adapted cattle breed.

Identifying molecular mechanisms responsible for the response to heat stress is essential to increase production, reproduction, health, and welfare. This study aimed to identify early biological responses and potential biomarkers involved in the response to heat stress and animal's recovery in tropically adapted beef cattle through proteomic analysis of blood plasma. Blood samples were collected from 14 Caracu males during the heat stress peak (HSP) and 16h after it (heat stress recovery-HSR) assessed based on wet bulb globe temperature index and rectal temperature. Proteome was investigated by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry from plasma samples, and the differentially regulated proteins were evaluated by functional enrichment analysis using DAVID tool. The protein-protein interaction network was evaluated by STRING tool. A total of 1,550 proteins were detected in both time points, of which 84 and 65 were downregulated and upregulated during HSR, respectively. Among the differentially regulated proteins with the highest absolute log-fold change values, those encoded by the GABBR1, EPHA2, DUSP5, MUC2, DGCR8, MAP2K7, ADRA1A, CXADR, TOPBP1, and NEB genes were highlighted as potential biomarkers because of their roles in response to heat stress. The functional enrichment analysis revealed that 65 Gene Ontology terms and 34 pathways were significant (P < 0.05). We highlighted those that could be associated with the response to heat stress, such as those related to the immune system, complement system, hemostasis, calcium, ECM-receptor interaction, and PI3K-Akt and MAPK signaling pathways. In addition, the protein-protein interaction network analysis revealed several complement and coagulation proteins and acute-phase proteins as important nodes based on their centrality and edges. Identifying differentially regulated proteins and their relationship, as well as their roles in key pathways contribute to improve the knowledge of the mechanisms behind the response to heat stress in naturally adapted cattle breeds. In addition, proteins highlighted herein are potential biomarkers involved in the early response and recovery from heat stress in tropically adapted beef cattle.

Identification of therapeutic targets and prognostic biomarkers of the ephrin receptor subfamily in pancreatic adenocarcinoma.

We aimed to examine the significance of ephrin receptor A2 (EphA2) expression in pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PAAD) and its associated mechanism. EphA2 mRNA expression patterns were compared in pancreatic cancer and normal tissues using GEPIA. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to examine the correlation between EphA2 expression and PAAD patient prognosis. EphA2 gene methylation and associations with tumor immune cell infiltration were analyzed with UALCAN and TIMER, respectively. EphA2-interacting proteins were investigated with GeneMANIA, while STRING helped predict potentially relevant signaling pathways. EphA2 protein expression was examined with immunohistochemistry (IHC) in PAAD patient tissues. EphA2 was highly expressed in pancreatic cancer tissues and associated with pathological stage. PAAD patients with high EphA2 expression had shorter overall survival and disease-free survival times. EphA2 expression levels were significantly and positively associated with CD4+ T cell infiltration. EphA2 can interact with ENFNA1, ACP1, and CDC42. High EphA2 mRNA expression was enriched for regulation of cell size and cell proliferation. IHC assays suggested that pancreatic cancer tissues had higher EphA2 protein levels than normal pancreatic tissues. EphA2 is highly expressed in PAAD and closely related to poor patient prognosis, and is therefore a potential biomarker and target for PAAD diagnosis and treatment.

Electroacupuncture ameliorates chronic unpredictable mild stress-induced depression-like behavior and cognitive impairment through suppressing oxidative stress and neuroinflammation in rats

BackgroundDepression is associated with lowered mood, anxiety, anhedonia, cognitive impairments, and even suicidal tendencies in severe cases. Yet few studies have directed acupuncture's mechanism toward enhancing axonal repair correlated with synaptic plasticity and anti-inflammatory effects related to oxidative stress in the hippocampus. MethodsMale Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into control group (CON), chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) group, CUMS + electroacupuncture group (EA), and CUMS + fluoxetine group (FLX) (n = 10/group). Rats were given a 28-day treatment at the Shangxing (GV23) and Fengfu (GV16) acupoints with electroacupuncture or fluoxetine (2.1 mg/kg). ResultsRats exposed to CUMS induced depression-like behaviors and spatial learning-memory impairment, changed the ionized calcium binding adaptor molecule 1 (IBA-1), Vglut1, myelin basic protein (MBP), and postsynaptic density protein 95 (PSD95) level of hippocampal, increased the Nod-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3), atypical squamous cell (ASC), Caspase level and hippocampal reactive oxygen species (ROS), and prompted the activation of Epha4-mediated signaling and an inflammatory response. Conversely, electroacupuncture administration reduced these changes and prevented depression-like behaviors and cognitive impairment. Electroacupuncture also promoted hippocampal expression of Sirtuin1(SIRT1), Nuclear factor erythroid 2-like (Nrf2), Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1); reduced the expression of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-18 (IL-18), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α); and prevented neural damage, particularly the synaptic myelin sheath, and neuroinflammation by regulating Eph receptor A4 (EphA4) in the hippocampal. ConclusionThese results indicate that electroacupuncture prevents depression-like behaviors with cognitive impairment and synaptic and neuronal damage, probably by reducing EphA4, which mediates ROS hyperfunction and the inflammatory response.

Endothelial deletion of EPH receptor A4 alters single-cell profile and Tie2/Akap12 signaling to preserve blood–brain barrier integrity

Neurobiological consequences of traumatic brain injury (TBI) result from a complex interplay of secondary injury responses and sequela that mediates chronic disability. Endothelial cells are important regulators of the cerebrovascular response to TBI. Our work demonstrates that genetic deletion of endothelial cell (EC)-specific EPH receptor A4 (EphA4) using conditional EphA4f/f/Tie2-Cre and EphA4f/f/VE-Cadherin-CreERT2 knockout (KO) mice promotes blood-brain barrier (BBB) integrity and tissue protection, which correlates with improved motor function and cerebral blood flow recovery following controlled cortical impact (CCI) injury. scRNAseq of capillary-derived KO ECs showed increased differential gene expression of BBB-related junctional and actin cytoskeletal regulators, namely, A-kinase anchor protein 12, Akap12, whose presence at Tie2 clustering domains is enhanced in KO microvessels. Transcript and protein analysis of CCI-injured whole cortical tissue or cortical-derived ECs suggests that EphA4 limits the expression of Cldn5, Akt, and Akap12 and promotes Ang2. Blocking Tie2 using sTie2-Fc attenuated protection and reversed Akap12 mRNA and protein levels cortical-derived ECs. Direct stimulation of Tie2 using Vasculotide, angiopoietin-1 memetic peptide, phenocopied the neuroprotection. Finally, we report a noteworthy rise in soluble Ang2 in the sera of individuals with acute TBI, highlighting its promising role as a vascular biomarker for early detection of BBB disruption. These findings describe a contribution of the axon guidance molecule, EphA4, in mediating TBI microvascular dysfunction through negative regulation of Tie2/Akap12 signaling.

Upregulation of EphA2 is associated with apoptosis in response to H2O2 and UV radiation-induced cataracts

In this article, we examine the role of erythropoietin-producing hepatocellular receptor A2 (EphA2) in the apoptosis of lens epithelial cells (LECs) in H2O2 and UV radiation-induced cataracts. We treated SRA01/04 cells with H2O2 or ultraviolet (UV) radiation to create a cataract cell model. We constructed a cataract lens model by exposing mice to UV radiation. We used CCK8 assays, Annexin V-FITC analysis, and immunohistochemical staining to explore proliferation and apoptosis of the cataract model. Thereafter, we used quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) analysis, Western blot assays, and immunofluorescence to determine gene and protein expression levels. We also employed Crispr/Cas9 gene editing to create an EphA2 knockout in SRA01/04 cells. Results: H2O2 or UV radiation induced SRA01/04 cells showed EphA2 gene upregulation. CCK8 and apoptosis assays showed that EphA2 over-expression (OE) reduced epithelial cell apoptosis, but knockout of EphA2 induced it in response to H2O2 and UV radiation, respectively. Mutation of the EphA2 protein kinase domain (c.2003G > A, p. G668D) had a limited effect on cell apoptosis. In vivo, the EphA2 protein level increased in the lenses of UV-treated mice. Our results showed that EphA2 was upregulated in SRA01/04 cells in response to H2O2 and UV radiation. Mutation of the EphA2 protein kinase domain (c.2003G > A, p. G668D) had a limited effect on H2O2 and UV radiation-induced cell apoptosis. We confirmed this change with an experiment on UV-treated mice. The present study established a novel association between EphA2 and LEC apoptosis.

Regorafenib inhibits EphA2 phosphorylation and leads to liver damage via the ERK/MDM2/p53 axis

The hepatotoxicity of regorafenib is one of the most noteworthy concerns for patients, however the mechanism is poorly understood. Hence, there is a lack of effective intervention strategies. Here, by comparing the target with sorafenib, we show that regorafenib-induced liver injury is mainly due to its nontherapeutic target Eph receptor A2 (EphA2). EphA2 deficiency attenuated liver damage and cell apoptosis under regorafenib treatment in male mice. Mechanistically, regorafenib inhibits EphA2 Ser897 phosphorylation and reduces ubiquitination of p53 by altering the intracellular localization of mouse double minute 2 (MDM2) by affecting the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)/MDM2 axis. Meanwhile, we found that schisandrin C, which can upregulate the phosphorylation of EphA2 at Ser897 also has protective effect against the toxicity in vivo. Collectively, our findings identify the inhibition of EphA2 Ser897 phosphorylation as a key cause of regorafenib-induced hepatotoxicity, and chemical activation of EphA2 Ser897 represents a potential therapeutic strategy to prevent regorafenib-induced hepatotoxicity.

Knockdown of circ_CLIP2 regulates the proliferation, metastasis and apoptosis of glioma cells through miR-641/EPHA3/STAT3 axis

A great amount of reaches have confirmed that circular RNAs (circRNAs) are novel regulators in glioma progression. Here, our work aimed to probe the specific role of circ_CLIP2 in glioma. The mRNA and protein expressions were analyzed by qRT-PCR and western blot, respectively. Cell viability, migration, invasion and apoptosis were examined by MTT assay, tranwell and flow cytometry assays, respectively. Moreover, the binding relationships between circ_CLIP2, microRNA (miR)-641 and erythropoietin-producing human hepatocellular (Eph)A3 were verified by dual luciferase reporter gene assay and/or RIP assay. The following data showed that circ_CLIP2 and EPHA3 were markedly increased in glioma tissues and cells, while miR-647 was downregulated. Gain- and loss-of-function experiments discovered that circ_CLIP2 knockdown remarkably inhibited cell proliferation, migration and invasion and promoted cell apoptosis of glioma cells, while these effects of circ_CLIP2 knockdown were abolished by miR-641 inhibition. Circ_CLIP2 was proved as a sponge of miR-641 to competitively upregulate EPHA3 expression. In addition, EPHA3 overexpression could abolish the inhibitory effects of miR-641 overexpression on the malignant behaviors of glioma cells by activating the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3). These findings elucidated that circ_CLIP2 knockdown suppressed glioma development by regulation of the miR-641/EP HA3/STAT3 axis, which provided a novel mechanism for understanding the pathogenesis of glioma.

Panax notoginseng saponins normalises tumour blood vessels by inhibiting EphA2 gene expression to modulate the tumour microenvironment of breast cancer

BackgroundPanax notoginseng saponins (PNS), the main active component of Panax notoginseng, can promote vascular microcirculation. PNS exhibits antitumor effects in various cancers. However, the molecular basis of the relationship between PNS and tumor blood vessels remains unclear. PurposeTo study the relationship between PNS inhibiting the growth and metastasis of breast cancer and promoting the normalization of blood vessels. MethodsWe performed laser speckle imaging of tumor microvessels and observed the effects of PNS on tumor growth and metastasis of MMTV-PyMT (FVB) spontaneous breast cancer in a transgenic mouse model. Immunohistochemical staining of Ki67 and CD31 was performed for tumors, scanning electron microscopy was used to observe tumor vascular morphology, and flow cytometry was used to detect tumor tissue immune microenvironment (TME). RNA-seq analysis was performed using the main vessels of the tumor tissues of the mice. HUVECs were cultured in tumor supernatant in vitro to simulate tumor microenvironment and verify the sequencing differential key genes. ResultsAfter treatment with PNS, we observed that tumor growth was suppressed, the blood perfusion of the systemic tumor microvessels in the mice increased, and the number of lung metastases decreased. Moreover, the vascular density of the primary tumor increased, and the vascular epidermis was smoother and flatter. Moreover, the number of tumor-associated macrophages in the tumor microenvironment was reduced, and the expression levels of IL-6, IL-10, and TNF-α were reduced in the tumor tissues. PNS downregulated the expression of multiple genes associated with tumor angiogenesis, migration, and adhesion. In vitro tubule formation experiments revealed that PNS promoted the formation and connection of tumor blood vessels and normalized the vessel morphology primarily by inhibiting EphA2 expression. In addition, PNS inhibited the expression of tumor vascular marker proteins and vascular migration adhesion-related proteins in vivo. ConclusionIn this study, we found that PNS promoted the generation and connection of tumor vascular endothelial cells, revealing the key role of EphA2 in endothelial cell adhesion and tumor blood vessel morphology. PNS can inhibit the proliferation and metastasis of breast cancer by inhibiting EphA2, improving the immune microenvironment of breast cancer and promoting the normalization of tumor blood vessels.