Glucose-regulated Protein 78 Levels Research Articles

Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress in Myometrial Smooth Muscle Cells and Spontaneous Contraction Changes in the Uterus of Dehydroepiandrosterone-induced Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Rats.

Myometrial changes in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are poorly investigated. Thus, we aimed to investigate endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in myometrial smooth muscle cells and changes in spontaneous uterine contraction in PCOS. Twenty-one female Sprague-Dawley rats (21 days old) were divided into control (n = 7), vehicle (n = 7) and PCOS (n = 7) groups. While the control group was not injected subcutaneously, the vehicle group was injected subcutaneously with sesame oil (0.2 ml/day) for 20 consecutive days. The PCOS group was injected subcutaneously with dehydroepiandrosterone (6 mg/100 g/day dissolved in 0.2 ml sesame oil) for 20 consecutive days. Blood samples were collected for the measurement of follicle stimulating-hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), testosterone (T), estradiol (E2) and glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78). The mRNA expression of GRP78 in the uterine tissue samples was analysed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. GRP78 protein expression was assessed by immunohistochemistry. Myometrial smooth muscle cells were examined by transmission electron microscopy. Uterine contractions were evaluated with isolated organ bath experiments. In the PCOS group, T and LH levels increased significantly, although FSH and E2 levels decreased, but this decrease was not statistically significant. Additionally, GRP78 levels increased significantly in the PCOS group. In the PCOS group, the mRNA level, immunostaining intensity of GRP78, and ER damage grade increased, but the uterine tissue calcium levels, and the frequency and amplitude of spontaneous uterine contractions decreased. The results indicated that increased ER stress in myometrial smooth muscle cells may play a causative role in the decreased spontaneous uterine contractions in PCOS.

Flow shear force destabilizes carotid plaques by affecting CHOP and GRP78 proteins

BackgroundVarious factors, including blood, inflammatory, infectious, and immune factors, can cause ischemic stroke. However, the primary cause is often the instability of cervical arteriosclerosis plaque. It is estimated that 18-25% of ischemic strokes are caused by the rupture of carotid plaque.1 Plaque stability is crucial in determining patient prognosis. Developing a highly accurate, non-invasive, or minimally invasive technique to assess carotid plaque stability is crucial for diagnosing and treating stroke.Previous research by our group has demonstrated that the expression levels of CHOP (C/EBP homologous protein) and GRP78 (glucose-regulated protein 78) are correlated with the stability of atherosclerotic plaques.2 ObjectThis research assesses changes in GRP78 and CHOP expressions in human umbilical vein endothelial cells(HUVEC) following experiments within the hemodynamic influencing factors test system. Additionally, it includes conducting an empirical study on the impact of blood flow shear force on the stability of human carotid atherosclerotic plaques. The objective is to explore the implications of blood flow shear force on the stability of carotid atherosclerotic plaques. MethodThe hemodynamic influencing factors test bench system was configured with low (Group A, 4 dyns/cm²), medium (Group B, 8 dyns/cm²), and high shear force groups (Group C, 12 dyns/cm²). Relative expression levels of GRP78 and CHOP proteins in human umbilical vein endothelial cells were measured using Western blot analysis, and quantitative analysis of GRP78 and CHOP mRNA was conducted using RT-qPCR. Meanwhile, plaques from 60 carotid artery patients, retrieved via Carotid Endarterectomy (CEA), were classified into stable (S) and unstable (U) groups based on pathological criteria. Shear force at the carotid bifurcation was measured preoperatively using ultrasound. Western blot and RT-qPCR were used to analyze the relative expression levels of GRP78 and CHOP proteins and mRNA, respectively, in the plaque specimens from both groups. ResultExpression levels of GRP78, CHOP proteins, and their mRNAs were assessed in groups A, B, and C via Western blot and RT-qPCR. Results showed that in the low-shear group, all markers were elevated in group A compared to groups B and C. Statistical analysis revealed significantly lower shear forces at the carotid bifurcation in group U compared to group S. In group U plaques, GRP78 and CHOP expressions were significantly higher in group U than in group S. ConclusionBlood flow shear forces variably affect the expression of GRP78 and CHOP proteins, as well as their mRNA levels, in vascular endothelial cells. The lower the shear force and fluid flow rate, the higher the expression of GRP78 and CHOP, potentially leading to endoplasmic reticulum stress(ERS), which may destabilize the plaque.

Ginsenoside Rg_1 ameliorates OGD/R-induced PC12 cell injury by inhibiting autography via IRE1-JNK-CHOP pathway

This study investigated the protective effect of ginsenoside Rg_1(GRg_1) on oxygen and glucose deprivation/reoxygenation(OGD/R)-injured rat adrenal pheochromocytoma(PC12) cells and whether the underlying mechanism was related to the regulation of inositol-requiring enzyme 1(IRE1)-c-Jun N-terminal kinase(JNK)-C/EBP homologous protein(CHOP) signaling pathway. An OGD/R model was established in PC12 cells, and PC12 cells were randomly classified into control, model, OGD/R+GRg_1(0.1, 1, 10 μmol·L~(-1)), OGD/R+GRg_1+rapamycin(autophagy agonist), OGD/R+GRg_1+3-methyladenine(3-MA,autophagy inhibitor), OGD/R+GRg_1+tunicamycin(endoplasmic reticulum stress agonist), OGD/R+GRg_1+4-phenylbutyric acid(4-PBA, endoplasmic reticulum stress inhibitor), and OGD/R+GRg_1+3,5-dibromosalicylaldehyde(DBSA, IRE1 inhibitor) groups. Except the control group, the other groups were subjected to OGD/R treatment, i.e., oxygen and glucose deprivation for 6 h followed by reoxygenation for 6 h. Cell viability was detected by the 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide(MTT) assay. Apoptosis was detected by Hoechst 33342 staining, and the fluorescence intensity of autophagosomes by the monodansylcadaverine(MDC) assay. Western blot was employed to determine the expression of autophagy-related proteins(Beclin1, LC3-Ⅱ, and p62) and the pathway-related proteins [IRE1, p-IRE1, JNK, p-JNK, glucose-regulated protein 78(GRP78), and CHOP]. The results showed that GRg_1 dose-dependently increased the viability of PC12 cells and down-regulated the expression of Beclin1, LC3-Ⅱ, p-IRE1, p-JNK, GRP78, and CHOP, compared with the model group. Furthermore, GRg_1 decreased the apoptosis rate and MDC fluorescence intensity and up-regulated the expression of p62 protein. Compared with the OGD/R+GRg_1(10 μmol·L~(-1)) group, OGD/R+GRg_1+rapamycin and OGD/R+GRg_1+tunicamycin groups showed increased apoptosis rate and MDC fluorescence intensity, up-regulated protein levels of Beclin1, LC3-Ⅱ, p-IRE1, p-JNK, GRP78, and CHOP, decreased relative cell survival rate, and down-regulated protein level of p62. The 3-MA, 4-PBA, and DBSA groups exerted the opposite effects. Taken together, GRg_1 may ameliorate OGD/R-induced PC12 cell injury by inhibiting autophagy via the IRE1-JNK-CHOP pathway.

Borax affects cellular viability by inducing ER stress in hepatocellular carcinoma cells by targeting SLC12A5.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) presents a persistent challenge to conventional therapeutic approaches. SLC12A5 is implicated in an oncogenic capacity and facilitates the progression of cancer. The objective of this investigation is to scrutinize the inhibitory effects of borax on endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-stress and apoptosis mediated by SLC12A5 in HepG2 cells. Initially, we evaluated the cytotoxic impact of borax on both HL-7702 and HepG2 cell lines. Subsequently, the effects of borax on cellular morphology and the cell cycle of these lines were examined. Following this, we explored the impact of borax treatment on the mRNA and protein expression levels of SLC12A5, C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP), glucose-regulated protein-78 (GRP78), activating transcription factor-6 (ATF6), caspase-3 (CASP3), and cytochrome c (CYC) in these cellular populations. The determined IC50 value of borax for HL-7702 cells was 40.8 mM, whereas for HepG2 cells, this value was 22.6 mM. The concentrations of IC50 (22.6 mM) and IC75 (45.7 mM) of borax in HepG2 cells did not manifest morphological aberrations in HL-7702 cells. Conversely, these concentrations in HepG2 cells induced observable morphological and nuclear abnormalities, resulting in cell cycle arrest in the G1/G0 phase. Additionally, the levels of SLC12A5, ATF6, CHOP, GRP78, CASP3, and CYC were elevated in HepG2 cells in comparison to HL-7702 cells. Moreover, SLC12A5 levels decreased following borax treatment in HepG2 cells, whereas ATF6, CHOP, GRP78, CASP3, and CYC levels exhibited a significant increase. In conclusion, our data highlight the potential therapeutic effects of borax through the regulation of ER stress in HCC by targeting SLC12A5.

Impact of Seipin in cholesterol mediated lipid droplet maturation; status of endoplasmic reticulum stress and lipophagy

The global prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) defined by the increased number of lipid droplets (LDs) in hepatocytes, have risen continuously in parallel with the obesity. LDs and related proteins are known to affect cellular metabolism and signaling. Seipin, one of the most important LD-related proteins, plays a critical role in LD biogenesis. Although the role of adipose tissue-specific Seipin silencing is known, hepatocyte-specific silencing upon cholesterol-mediated lipid accumulation has not been investigated. In our study, we investigated the effect of Seipin on endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and lipophagy in cholesterol accumulated mouse hepatocyte cells. In this direction, cholesterol accumulation was induced by cholesterol-containing liposome, while Seipin mRNA and protein levels were reduced by siRNA. Our findings show that cholesterol containing liposome administration in hepatocytes increases both Seipin protein and number of large LDs. However Seipin silencing reduced the increase of cholesterol mediated large LDs and Glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78) mRNA. Additionally, lysosome-LD colocalization increased only in cells treated with cholesterol containing liposome, while the siRNA against Seipin did not lead any significant difference. According to our findings, we hypothesize that Seipin silencing in hepatocytes reduced cholesterol mediated LD maturation as well as GRP78 levels, but not lipophagy.

Cyclophosphamide stimulates endoplasmic reticulum stress and induces apoptotic cell death in human glioblastoma cell lines.

Cyclophosphamide (CP) is an alkylating chemotherapeutic agent commonly used in cancer treatments. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of 4-Hydroperoxy cyclophosphamide (4-HC), which is active form of CP, on glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78), activating transcription factor 6 (ATF6), phospho-protein kinase R (PKR)-like endoplasmic reticulum (ER) kinase (p-PERK), phospho-inositol-requiring enzyme 1 alpha (p-IRE1α), eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2 alpha (eIF2α), and caspase-3 messenger ribonucleic acids (mRNAs) and proteins that play roles in the ER stress pathway and apoptosis in U87 and T98 human glioblastoma cell lines. U87 and T98 human glioblastoma cell lines were divided into control and 4-HC-treated groups. Cell viability assay was used to detect the half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) for 24 hours of 4-HC. Immunocytochemistry and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) methods were used to evaluate the levels of proteins and their mRNAs. The IC50 values of U87 and T98 cells were calculated as 15.67±0.58 μM and 19.92±1 μM, respectively. The levels of GRP78, ATF6, p-PERK, p-IRE1α, eIF2α, and caspase-3 protein expressions in the 4-HC-treated group compared to that in the control group. These increased protein expressions also were correlated with the mRNA levels. The ER stress signal pathway could be active in 4-HC-induced cell death. Further studies of ER-related stress mechanisms in anticancer treatment would be important for effective therapeutic strategies.

A cross sectional study to assess the elevation in glucose regulated protein 78 levels in severe acute respiratory syndrome Coronavirus 2 infected patients and its correlation with metabolic conditions, severity, complications

Introduction and Aim: COVID-19 pandemic has posed an exceptional challenge worldwide. Research encompassing newer diagnostic tests, targeted therapy has become the need of the hour. The objective of this work is to evaluate the levels of Glucose regulated protein 78 (GRP78) an Endoplasmic Reticulum stress (ERS) protein in Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus -2 (SARS -CoV-2) infected patients. Materials and Methods: We carried out a cross-sectional investigation at the hospital, with three distinct groups: SARS-CoV-2-positive patients with metabolic syndrome (Group A), SARS-CoV-2-positive patients without metabolic abnormalities (Group B), and healthy volunteers (Group C). Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method was used to estimate the serum levels of GRP78. Results: Our results showed that serum GRP78 levels were elevated in patients with SARS-CoV-2 infections. Furthermore, it could be demonstrated that Group A had considerably higher serum GRP78 levels than Groups B and C suggesting an elevated GRP78 levels in COVID-19 patients with metabolic syndrome These findings highlight the clinical importance of GRP78 in COVID-19 and its utility as a marker for severity of the illness. Conclusion: This work compares the trend of serum GRP78 levels in SARS-CoV-2 patients with and without metabolic conditions as compared to the control group. This finding encourages more research on GRP78 to aid the development of targeted therapeutic and prophylactic interventions to combat COVID-19 infection.

Endoplasmic reticulum stress-related protein GRP78 and CHOP levels in synovial fluid correlate with disease progression of primary knee osteoarthritis: A cross-sectional study.

Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress has been shown to play an important role in osteoarthritis (OA). This study was aimed at assessing the relationship of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-related glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78) and CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein homologous protein (CHOP) concentrations in the serum/synovial fluid (SF) with disease severity of primary knee osteoarthritis (pkOA). Patients with pkOA together with healthy individuals were consecutively recruited from our hospital. The levels of GRP78 and CHOP in serum / SF were detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The levels of IL-6 and MMP-3 were also examined. Radiographic progression of pkOA was evaluated based on Kellgren-Lawrence (K-L) grades. Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curves were used to assess the diagnostic value of GRP78/CHOP levels with regard to K-L grades. The assessment of clinical severity was conducted using the visual analogue scale (VAS), Oxford knee score (OKS), and Lequesne algofunctional index (LAI). A total of 140 pkOA patients and 140 healthy individuals were included. Serum GRP78 and CHOP levels in pkOA patients were not significantly different from those in healthy individuals. The SF GRP78 and CHOP levels in healthy controls were not detected due to ethical reasons. Compared to those with K-L grade 2 and 3, the pkOA patients with K-L grade 4 had higher GRP78 and CHOP levels in the SF with statistical significance. In addition, the pkOA patients with K-L grade 3 exhibited drastically upregulated GRP78 and CHOP concentrations in the SF compared to those with K-L grade 2. Positive correlations of GRP78 and CHOP levels with K-L grades, IL-6, and MMP-3 levels in the SF were observed. ROC curve analysis indicated that both GRP78 and CHOP levels may act as decent indicators with regard to OA. GRP78 and CHOP concentrations in the SF were positively correlated with VAS/LAI score and negatively associated with OKS score. The study indicated that GRP78 and CHOP levels in the SF but not the serum were positively correlated with disease severity of pkOA.

Experimental periodontitis induced hypoadiponectinemia by IRE1α-mediated endoplasmic reticulum stress in adipocytes

BackgroudHypoadiponectinemia is the important cause of insulin resistance. Recent studies have shown that periodontitis is associated with hypoadiponectinemia. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of periodontitis-induced endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) in visceral adipocytes on hypoadiponectinemia.MethodsRat periodontitis models were established by local ligation with silk around the bilateral maxillary second molars. Porphyromonas gingivalis-lipopolysaccharid (P.g-LPS) was also used to stimulate the visceral adipocytes in vitro. The protein expression levels of glucose regulated protein 78 (GRP78), inositol-requiring protein 1α (IRE1α), protein kinase RNA-like ER kinase (PERK), activating transcription factor 6 (ATF6) and adiponectin were detected. IRE1α lentiviruses were transfected into visceral adipocytes in vitro, and an IRE1α inhibitor (KIRA6) was injected in epididymal adipose tissue of rats to detect and verify the effect of ERS on adiponectin expression in visceral adipocytes in vivo.ResultsHypoadiponectinemia was observed in periodontitis rat, and the expression levels of ERS key proteins GRP78 and the phosphorylation levels of IRE1α (p-IRE1α)/IRE1α in visceral adipocytes were increased, while the expression levels of adiponectin protein were decreased. After KIRA6 injection into epididymal adipose tissue of rats with periodontitis, adiponectin levels in visceral adipocytes increased, and serum adiponectin levels recovered to a certain extent. The protein expression levels of GRP78 and p-IRE1α/IRE1α were increased and adiponectin protein expression was decreased in P.g-LPS-induced visceral adipocytes. Overexpression of IRE1α further inhibited adiponectin expression in P.g-LPS-stimulated visceral adipocytes, and conversely, IRE1α inhibition restored adiponectin expression.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that periodontitis induces ERS in visceral adipocytes leading to hypoadiponectinemia. IRE1α is a key protein regulating adiponectin expression in visceral adipocytes.

Circadian Clock REV-ERBs Agonist SR9009 Induces Synergistic Antitumor Activity in Multiple Myeloma by Suppressing Glucose-Regulated Protein 78-Dependent Autophagy and Lipogenesis.

Proteasome inhibitors, such as bortezomib, have demonstrated efficacy in the therapeutic management of multiple myeloma (MM). However, it is important to note that these inhibitors also elicit endoplasmic reticulum stress, which subsequently triggers the unfolded protein response (UPR) and autophagy, which have been shown to facilitate the survival of tumor cells. The disruption of the circadian clock is considered a characteristic feature of cancer. However, how disrupted circadian clock intertwines with tumor metabolism and drug resistance is not clearly clarified. This work explores the antitumor effectiveness of bortezomib and the circadian clock agonist SR9009, elucidating their impact on glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78), the autophagy process, and lipogenesis. The antitumor effects of bortezomib and SR9009 were evaluated using human MM cell lines (RPMI8226 and U266) in vitro and in vivo nonobese diabetic/severe combined immunodeficient (NOD/SCID) murine xenograft MM model. The assessment of cell viability was conducted using the cell counting kit-8 (CCK8) method, whereas the measurement of cell proliferation was performed with the inclusion of EdU (5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine). Apoptosis was assessed by flow cytometry. The cells were transduced using adenovirus-tf-LC3, which was labeled with dual fluorescence. Subsequently, confocal imaging was employed to observe and examine the autophagosomes. REV-ERBα knockdown leads to upregulation of ATG5 and BENC1 at the protein level with immunoblot. Changes in the expression levels of GRP78, LC3, stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1 (SCD1), and fatty acid synthase (FASN) were assessed through the utilization of quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and western blotting. Our results showed that both bortezomib and circadian clock REV-ERBs agonist SR9009 decreased MM viability, proliferation rate and induced an apoptotic response in a dose-dependent manner in vitro. However, the two differ greatly in their mechanisms of action. Bortezomib upregulated GRP78 and autophagy LC3, while circadian clock agonist SR9009 inhibited GRP78 and autophagy LC3. Combined SR9009 with bortezomib induced synergistic cytotoxicity against MM cells. REV-ERBα knockdown lead to upregulation of ATG5, BENC1 and significant upregulation of FASN, and SCD1. Mechanically, SR9009 inhibited the core autophagy gene ATG5 and BECN1, and two essential enzymes for de novo lipogenesis FASN and SCD1. SR9009 had synergistic effect with bortezomib and slowed down murine xenograft models of human MM tumor growth in vivo. Taken together, these results demonstrated that the circadian clock component REV-ERBs agonist SR9009 could inhibit GRP78-induced autophagy and de novo lipogenesis processes and had a synergistic effect with proteasome inhibitors in both in vitro and in vivo models of MM. Our findings shed light on how a disrupted circadian clock interacts with metabolic mechanisms to shape proteasome inhibitor drug resistance and suggest that SR9009 may be able to overcome the inherent drug resistance of proteasome inhibitors.

Increased endoplasmic reticulum stress might be related to brain damage in hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury

Abstract Objectives Our study aimed to investigate the role of endoplasmic reticulum stress (ER) in brain damage following hepatic ischemia-reperfusion (HIR) injury. Specifically, we characterized the expression of markers of ER stress and histopathologic changes in the brain following HIR. Methods Twelve adults female Wistar rats were divided into two experimental groups equally. Group 1 was designed as the control group, and Group 2 was designed as the HIR group. Blood, liver, and brain tissue samples were collected during the sacrifice. The quantitative ELISA kits were used to detect glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP-78), activating transcription factor 4 (ATF-4), eukaryotic initiation factor 2 alpha (EIF2-A), caspase-3, caspase-9, and CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein (CEBP) in plasma. Histopathological examination was performed for liver and brain tissues. Results Higher levels of GRP-78 (p=0.006), ATF4 (p=0.001), and EIF2-Α (p=0.007) were detected in group 2. More damage was detected in liver and brain samples in the histopathological examination of group 2 than in group 1. Conclusions Our results demonstrate that ER stress is involved in developing brain damage following hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury, as evidenced by increased expression of markers of ER stress and neuronal injury.

The abrogation of GRP78 sensitizes liver cancer cells to lysionotin by enhancing ER stress-mediated pro-apoptotic pathway.

Glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78) is frequently and highly expressed in various human malignancies and protects cancer cells against apoptosis induced by multifarious stresses, particularly endoplasmic reticulum stress (ER stress). The inhibition of GRP78 expression or activity could enhance apoptosis induced by anti-tumor drugs or compounds. Herein, we will evaluate the efficacy of lysionotin in the treatment of human liver cancer as well as the molecular mechanism. Moreover, we will examine whether inhibition of GRP78 enhanced the sensitivity of hepatocellular carcinoma cells to lysionotin. We found that lysionotin significantly suppressed proliferation and induced apoptosis of liver cancer cells. TEM showed that lysionotin-treated liver cancer cells showed an extensively distended and dilated endoplasmic reticulum lumen. Meanwhile, the levels of the ER stress hallmark GRP78 and UPR hallmarks (e.g., IRE1α and CHOP) were significantly increased in response to lysionotin treatment in liver cancer cells. Moreover, the reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenger NAC and caspase-3 inhibitor Ac-DEVD-CHO visibly attenuated the induction of GRP78 and attenuated the decrease in cell viability induced by lysionotin. More importantly, the knockdown of GRP78 expression by siRNAs or treatment with EGCG, both induced remarkable increase in lysionotin-induced PARP and pro-caspase-3 cleavage and JNK phosphorylation. In addition, knockdown of GRP78 expression by siRNA or suppression GRP78 activity by EGCG both significantly improved the effectiveness of lysionotin. These data indicated that pro-survival GRP78 induction may contribute to lysionotin resistance. The combination of EGCG and lysionotin is suggested to represent a novel approach in cancer chemo-prevention and therapeutics.

Inhibition of glycolysis represses the growth and alleviates the endoplasmic reticulum stress of breast cancer cells by regulating TMTC3.

Considering the role of glycolysis inhibition as a novel therapeutic strategy for cancer, including breast cancer (BC), we wondered whether glycolysis could affect BC progression by regulating transmembrane O-mannosyltransferase-targeting cadherins 3 (TMTC3). Following the intervention, lactic acid production in BC cells was monitored, and viability, proliferation, and apoptosis assays were performed. The expressions of TMTC3 and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress- and apoptosis-related factors Caspase-12, C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP), glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78), B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), and Bcl-2 associated X (Bax) were quantified. TMTC3 was lowly expressed in BC tissue and cell. The promotion of glycolysis via glucose represses TMTC3 expression and apoptosis yet enhances lactic acid production and growth of BC cell, along with promoted levels of Caspase-12, CHOP, GRP78, and Bcl-2 yet repressed level of Bax, while the contrary results were evidenced after 2-deoxyglycouse intervention. Overexpressed TMTC3 additionally abrogated the effects of glycolysis on increasing the viability and proliferation yet inhibiting the apoptosis of BC cells, with the increased expressions of Caspase-12, CHOP, and GRP78, and Bcl-2 yet decreased level of Bax. Collectively, inhibiting glycolysis restrained the growth and attenuated the ER stress of BC cell by regulating TMTC3.

The clinical significance of circulating glucose-regulated protein 78, Caspase-3, and C/EBP homologous protein levels in patients with heart failure

Background and aimsThe destruction of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) homeostasis leads to heart failure (HF), which further aggravates ER stress. Limited data are available on the levels of ER stress markers in HF patients in clinical practice. This study aimed to determine the clinical significance of the ER stress markers, glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78), Caspase-3, and C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP), in predicting HF and its severity. Materials and methodsA total of 62 patients with HF and 44 healthy controls were enrolled in the study, and all participants were followed-up for 2 years. ResultsSerum GRP78, Caspase-3, and CHOP levels were significantly higher in patients with HF than those in healthy controls. The level of GRP78 increased with the severity of HF. GRP78 levels were negatively correlated with left ventricular ejection fraction, and positively correlated with N-terminal B-type natriuretic peptide, D-dimer, and lactic acid. Serum GRP78 and Caspase-3 levels showed moderate predictive values for HF patients. ConclusionER stress markers, GRP78 and Caspase-3, had a certain predictive value in HF and can be used as serum biomarkers for the diagnosis of HF. Additionally, GRP78 showed a certain predictive value in HF severity.

Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress in the Pathogenesis of Hyperglycemia Induced by Thiamine-Responsive Megaloblastic Anemia.

Thiamine responsive megaloblastic anemia (TRMA) is a genetic disease caused by SLC19A2 gene mutation. This study aimed to preliminarily explore the relationship between endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS)-PERK signaling pathway and the pathogenesis of hyperglycemia induced by TRMA. Islet β (INS.1 and β-TC-6) and HEK293T cell line models with stable overexpression of SLC19A2 and SLC19A2 (c.1409insT) were established. The cells were divided into empty virus group (control), wild-type group (overexpressed SLC19A2), and mutation group (overexpressed SLC19A2 (c.1409insT)). Quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and western blotting were used to detect the expression levels of ERS-PERK signaling pathway-related proteins, including glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78), protein kinase R-like ER kinase (PERK), and eukaryotic initiation factor 2 (eIF2α), activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4), and C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP) in islet β cells. Protein localization was assessed by immunofluorescence staining. Compared with the control group, the mRNA expression levels of SLC19A2 in wild-type and mutant islet β cells (INS.1 and β-TC-6) and HEK293T cells were significantly upregulated (all p < 0.05). Compared with the control group and the wild-type group, the mRNA expression levels of GRP78, PERK, eIF2α, ATF4, and CHOP were increased (all p < 0.05) in the mutant islet β cells; the protein expression levels of PERK, GRP78, and eIF2α were elevated (all p < 0.05). In addition, the results of immunofluorescence staining showed that SLC19A2 (c.1409insT) mutation changed the localization of the proteins in the cells. Thus, they were not located on the cell surface, but in the cytoplasm and nuclei, and protein aggregation occurred in the cytoplasm. 1. Islet β and HEK293Tcell lines, stably overexpressing SLC19A2 and SLC19A2 (c.1409insT) mutations, were successfully constructed. 2. SLC19A2 (c.1409insT) mutation could raise the expression levels of ERS-PERK signaling pathway-related proteins (GRP78, PERK, eIF2α, ATF4, and CHOP), and activate apoptosis pathway. 3. SLC19A2 (c.1409insT) mutation could change the localization of proteins and produce protein aggregation in cells. It could lead to protein misfolding and ERS, which would participate in the pathological mechanism of hyperglycemia induced by TRMA.

Galectin‑1 binds GRP78 to promote the proliferation and metastasis of gastric cancer.

The present study aimed to investigate the potential molecular mechanisms by which galectin-1 (Gal-1) and glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78) influence the development of malignant gastric cancer (GC). Immunohistochemistry and western blotting were used to map the expression and location of the Gal-1 gene in the 80 paraffin-embedded GC samples, 16 fresh samples and surrounding tissues. Gal-1 was overexpressed and knocked down using lentiviral vectors in the human GC cell lines HGC-27 and AGS. Through the use of the Cell Counting Kit-8 assay, clone formation assay, wound healing assay, invasion assay and tumor xenograft, the possible biological roles of Gal-1 were further evaluated. The downstream interacting proteins were predicted by the BioGRID database, and GRP78 was chosen for further investigation. Immunofluorescence labeling and Co-IP were used to confirm the connection. The statistical tests utilized were the two-tailed paired Student's t-test, χ2 test, Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression analysis, and Spearman's rank correlation coefficients. In GC, Gal-1 is extensively expressed and has the potential to interact with GRP78. Poor prognosis is linked to high levels of GRP78 and Gal-1 expression in patients with GC. According to the functional study, Gal-1 knockdown prevented cells from thriving and pushed Gal-1 expression, which aided in the proliferation, migration and invasion of GC. Gal-1 overexpression additionally aided the development of subcutaneous xenograft tumors. The mechanistic investigation proved that GRP78 and Gal-1 interacted, accelerating the course of GC. Gal-1 silencing had an inhibitory effect on the proliferation of HGC-27 cells that was removed by ectopic GRP78 expression, whereas the stimulating effects of Gal-1 overexpression in AGS cells were inhibited by GRP78 knockdown. In conclusion, Gal-1 interacts with GRP78 to facilitate the advancement of GC. The Gal-1/GRP78 axis is supported by the functional data of the present study as a possible GC treatment target.

Anthrahydroquinone-2,6-disulfonate alleviates paraquat-induced kidney injury via the apelin-APJ pathway in rats

Objective: To explore the protective effects of anthrahydroquinone- 2,6-disulfonate (AH2QDS) on the kidneys of paraquat (PQ) poisoned rats via the apelin-APJ pathway. Methods: Male Sprague Dawley rats were divided into four experimental groups: control, PQ, PQ+sivelestat, and PQ+AH2QDS. The PQ+sivelestat group served as the positive control group. The model of poisoning was established via intragastric treatment with a 20% PQ pesticide solution at 200 mg/kg. Two hours after poisoning, the PQ+sivelestat group was treated with sivelestat, while the PQ+AH2QDS group was given AH2QDS. Six rats were selected from each group on the first, third, and seventh days after poisoning and dissected after anesthesia. The PQ content of the kidneys was measured using the sodium disulfite method. Hematoxylin-eosin staining of renal tissues was performed to detect pathological changes. Apelin expression in the renal tissues was detected using immunofluorescence. Western blotting was used to detect the expression levels of the following proteins in the kidney tissues: IL- 6, TNF-α, apelin-APJ (the apelin-angiotensin receptor), NF-κB p65, caspase-1, caspase-8, glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78), and the C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP). In in vitro study, a PQ toxicity model was established using human tubular epithelial cells treated with standard PQ. Twenty-four hours after poisoning, sivelestat and AH2QDS were administered. The levels of oxidative stress in human renal tubular epithelial cells were assessed using a reactive oxygen species fluorescence probe. Results: The PQ content in the kidney tissues of the PQ group was higher than that of the PQ+AH2QDS group. Hematoxylin-eosin staining showed extensive hemorrhage and congestion in the renal parenchyma of the PQ group. Vacuolar degeneration of the renal tubule epithelial cells, deposition of crescent-like red staining material in renal follicles, infiltration by a few inflammatory cells, and a small number of cast formation were also observed. However, these pathological changes were less severe in the PQ+sivelestat group and the PQ+AH2QDS group (P&lt;0.05). On the third day after poisoning, immunofluorescence assay showed that the level of apelin in the renal tissues was significantly higher in the PQ+AH2QDS group than in the PQ group. Western blotting analysis results showed that IL-6, TNF-α, NF-κB p65, caspase-1, caspase-8, GRP78, and CHOP protein levels in the PQ group were higher than in the PQ+AH2QDS group (P&lt;0.05). The expression of apelin-APJ proteins in the PQ+AH2QDS group was higher than in the PQ+sivelestat and PQ groups (P&lt;0.05); this difference was significant on Day 3 and Day 7. The level of oxidative stress in the renal tubular epithelial cells of the PQ+AH2QDS group and the PQ+sivelestat group was significantly lower than in the PQ group (P&lt;0.05). Conclusions: This study confirms that AH2QDS has a protective effect on PQ-poisoned kidneys and its positive effect is superior to that of sivelestat. The mechanism of the protective effects of AH2QDS may be linked to reduction in cellular oxidative stress, PQ content of renal tissue, inflammatory injury, endoplasmic reticulum stress, and apoptosis. AH2QDS may play a role in the treatment of PQ poisoning by upregulating the expression of the apelin-APJ.

Tong-Xie-Yao-Fang alleviates diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome in rats via the GCN2/PERK-eIF2α-ATF4 signaling pathway

BackgroundDiarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D) is a common functional gastrointestinal disease. Tong-Xie-Yao-Fang (TXYF), the traditional Chinese herbal medicine prescription, is a classic and effective prescription for the treatment of IBS-D, but its mechanism of action is not fully clarified. ObjectiveTo evaluate the efficacy of TXYF in the treatment of IBS-D and to explore its potential mechanism of action. MethodsChanges in the serum levels of 50 free amino acids were targeted for detection by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and the expression of glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78), general control nonderepressible 2 (GCN2), and endoplasmic reticulum-resident kinase (PERK) was detected by immunohistochemistry examinations in healthy volunteers and IBS-D patients. The IBS-D rat was constructed by the three-factor superposition method of neonatal maternal separation, 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid enema, and chronic unpredictable stress stimulation. The treatment effect of TXYF on IBS-D rats was observed by recording the body weight, grasp force, fecal water content (FWC), and abdominal withdrawal reflex (AWR) of rats before and after treatment. The effects of GCN2/PERK-eukaryotic initiation factor-2 (eIF2α) -activating transcription Factor 4 (ATF4) pathway proteins and gene expression were analyzed by western blotting, reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (RT–qPCR), and immunohistochemistry evaluations. ResultsCompared with healthy volunteers, IBS-D patients exhibited lower levels of cysteine, γ-aminoacetic acid (GABA), homoproline, and lysine, and immunohistochemistry showed strong activation of GRP78, a marker of endoplasmic reticulum stress. Differential expression of GCN2 and PERK proteins was detected in IBS-D patients and rat colons. In the IBS-D rats, TXYF improved the body weight and grasp force, reduced the FWC, and improved the AWR score. TXYF increased the levels of p-GCN2 and GCN2 and reduced the levels of GRP78, p-PERK, PERK, p-eIF2α, and eIF2α, thereby affecting the expression of the apoptosis-related transcription factors ATF4, CHOP, Caspase-3, and Bcl-2. ConclusionOur study showed that TXYF improved IBS-D by inhibiting apoptosis. The anti-apoptosis effects were potentially mediated by regulating the GCN2/PERK-eIF2a-ATF4 signaling pathway.

Mechanistic Research into the Effects of the Jianpi Xiaozhi Formula on Liver Injury in Diabetic Rats.

Objective The purpose of this study was to explore the mechanism of Jianpi Xiaozhi Formula (JPXZF) action in attenuating liver injury in a rat model of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Methods A rat model of T2DM was established. Forty-eight male Sprague–Dawley (SD) rats were randomly allocated to six groups: healthy untreated rats (normal control (NC)), rats with diabetes mellitus (DM), diabetic rats treated with low-dosage JPXZF (DM + JL), diabetic rats treated with an intermediate JPXZF dosage (DM + JM), diabetic rats treated with high-dosage JPXZF (DM + JH), and diabetic rats treated with 4-phenylbutyric acid (PBA) (DM + PBA). The rats in each group were given the indicated drugs for 8 weeks, and pathological changes in the liver tissues of each rat group were observed by haematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. Reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blotting (WB) were performed to determine the expression of glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78), activating transcription factor 6 (ATF6), family with sequence similarity 134, member B (FAM134B), P62, Beclin-1, and light chain 3II/I (LC3II/I) genes and proteins in the liver tissues of the rats in each group. Immunofluorescence was used to observe changes in FAM134B expression. Results After successfully establishing the rat model, RT-PCR assays revealed that, compared with those in the NC group rats, the expression levels of GRP78, ATF6, and P62 mRNA in the livers of the DM group rats were significantly increased, and the relative expression levels of FAM134B and Beclin-1 mRNA were significantly decreased. Compared with that in the DM group, the relative expression of GRP78, ATF6, and P62 mRNA in the liver of the rats in each JPXZF intervention group was decreased in a dosage-dependent manner, and the relative expression of FAM134B and Beclin-1 mRNA was increased significantly (p < 0.05). WB indicated that, compared with that in the NC group rats, the LC3II/I protein expression ratio in the liver of the DM group rats was significantly reduced, and the LC3II/I protein expression ratio in the liver of the rats in each JPXZF intervention group was significantly increased. In addition, the expression of the other measured proteins was consistent with that of the corresponding mRNA measured by RT-PCR (p < 0.05). The immunofluorescence assay results showed that FAM134B changes were consistent with the results obtained by RT-PCR and WB (p < 0.05). Conclusion Jianpi Xiaozhi Formula may be effective in treating liver injury in diabetic rats by regulating autophagy induced by endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS).

Serum glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78) levels in COVID-19-associated mucormycosis: results of a case-control study.

BackgroundIn experimental models, the expression of glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78) in endothelial cells played a role in the pathogenesis of mucormycosis. However, the role of GRP78 in COVID-19-associated mucormycosis (CAM) has not been studied. We hypothesized that serum GRP78 levels are elevated in subjects with CAM.ObjectiveTo compare the serum GRP78 levels in subjects with CAM and COVID-19 controls without mucormycosis.Design And SettingWe performed a hospital-based, case–control study between 1 April 2021 and 31 May 2021.ParticipantsWe enrolled 24 subjects each of CAM and COVID-19 subjects without mucormycosis. We also measured serum GRP78 levels in ten healthy controls.ExposureThe primary exposure studied was serum GRP78 concentration, estimated using a commercially available ELISA kit in stored serum samples.ResultsWe found the mean ± standard deviation (SD) serum GRP78 levels significantly higher (p = 0.0001) among the CAM (374.3 ± 127.3 pg/mL) than the COVID-19 (246.4 ± 67.0 pg/mL) controls. The proportion of subjects with an abnormal GRP78 level (> mean [184.8 pg/mL] plus two SD [23.2 pg/mL] of GRP78 from healthy participants) was 87.5% and 45.8% in the CAM group and COVID-19 controls, respectively. Serum GRP78 level was independently associated with CAM (odds ratio 1.011; 95% confidence interval [1.002–1.019]) after adjusting for diabetes mellitus and hypoxemia during acute COVID-19.ConclusionSerum GRP78 levels were significantly higher in CAM than in COVID-19 controls. Further studies are required to the role of GRP78 in the pathogenesis of CAM.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s11046-022-00645-6.