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Abstract Background The glycolytic enzyme alpha-enolase is a known biomarker of many cancers and involved in tumorigenic functions unrelated to its key role in glycolysis. Here, we show that expression of alpha-enolase correlates with subcellular localisation and tumorigenic status in the MCF10 triple negative breast cancer isogenic tumour progression model, where non-tumour cells show diffuse nucleocytoplasmic localisation of alpha-enolase, whereas tumorigenic cells show a predominantly cytoplasmic localisation. Alpha-enolase nucleocytoplasmic localisation may be regulated by tumour cell-specific phosphorylation at S419, previously reported in pancreatic cancer. Results Here we show ENO1 phosphorylation can also be observed in triple negative breast cancer patient samples and MCF10 tumour progression cell models. Furthermore, prevention of alpha-enolase-S419 phosphorylation by point mutation or a casein kinase-1 specific inhibitor D4476, induced tumour-specific nuclear accumulation of alpha-enolase, implicating S419 phosphorylation and casein kinase-1 in regulating subcellular localisation in tumour cell-specific fashion. Strikingly, alpha-enolase nuclear accumulation was induced in tumour cells by treatment with the specific exportin-1-mediated nuclear export inhibitor Leptomycin B. This suggests that S419 phosphorylation in tumour cells regulates alpha-enolase subcellular localisation by inducing its exportin-1-mediated nuclear export. Finally, as a first step to analyse the functional consequences of increased cytoplasmic alpha-enolase in tumour cells, we determined the alpha-enolase interactome in the absence/presence of D4476 treatment, with results suggesting clear differences with respect to interaction with cytoskeleton regulating proteins. Conclusions The results suggest for the first time that tumour-specific S419 phosphorylation may contribute integrally to alpha-enolase cytoplasmic localisation, to facilitate alpha-enolase’s role in modulating cytoskeletal organisation in triple negative breast cancer. This new information may be used for development of triple negative breast cancer specific therapeutics that target alpha-enolase.

Simple Summary: Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) is the most common acute leukaemia affecting adults and has one of the poorest survival rates of all cancers. The disease is often pre-cursed by myelodysplastic neoplasms (MDS), a more benign class of diseases that can last many years but also carry a high risk of progression to AML. Diagnosis requires histological examination of a bone marrow biopsy, an invasive procedure that can be influenced by sampling variations and subjective enumeration. A circulating biomarker that could be measured as part of a routine peripheral blood test would provide a much quicker, safer, and reliable alternative. This study examines the potential use of α-enolase (ENO1) as a potential biomarker and shows that it is highly expressed in bone marrow biopsies from patients with both MDS and AML, and that patients with these diseases also have decreased circulating levels of autoantibodies to ENO1. In solid tumours, high expression of the glycolytic enzyme, α-enolase (ENO1), predicts for poor patient overall survival (OS), and circulating autoantibodies to ENO1 correlate positively with diagnosis and negatively with advanced disease. Although ENO1 is one of the most highly expressed genes in acute myeloid leukaemia (AML), its potential role as a biomarker in AML or its precursor, myelodysplastic neoplasms (MDS), has not been investigated. A meta-analysis of nine AML online datasets (n = 1419 patients) revealed that high ENO1 expression predicts for poor OS (HR = 1.22, 95% CI: 1.10–1.34, p < 0.001). Additionally, when compared to AML in remission (n = 5), ENO1 protein detected by immunohistochemistry was significantly higher at diagnosis in bone marrow from both AML (n = 5, p < 0.01) and MDS patients (n = 12, p < 0.05), and did not correlate with percentage of blasts (r = 0.28, p = 0.21). AML patients (n = 34) had lower circulating levels of ENO1 autoantibodies detected by ELISA compared to 26 MDS and 18 controls (p = 0.003). However, there was no difference in OS between AML patients with high vs. low levels of anti-ENO1 autoantibodies (p = 0.77). BM immunostaining for ENO1 and patient monitoring of anti-ENO1 autoantibody levels may be useful biomarkers for MDS and AML. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) has a dismal prognosis due to a lack of early diagnostic markers and effective therapy. In PDA patients, the glycolytic enzyme and plasminogen receptor alpha-enolase (ENO1) and the transcription factor far upstream element-binding protein 1 (FUBP1) are upregulated and elicit the production of autoantibodies (aAb) that discriminate healthy subjects from PDA patients, with the latter mostly directed to post-translational phosphorylated isoforms. Here, the correlation of prognosis with circulating ENO1 and FUBP1aAb, and their protein tissue expression was analyzed in PDA patients. Circulating ENO1 and FUBP1 aAb was analyzed in two cohorts of PDA patients by ELISA (n = 470), while tissues expression was observed by immunohistochemistry (n = 45). Overall survival (OS) was estimated using the Kaplan–Meier method, while the Cox model was used to estimate the hazard ratios (HR) adjusted for the main prognostic factors. Logistic models were applied to assess associations between death and its risk indicators. All statistical analyses were performed with Stata version 15. Unlike ENO1 aAb, there was a significant correlation between FUBP1 aAb and FUBP1 expression in tumors (p = 0.0268). In addition, we found that high ENO1 (p = 0.016) and intermediate FUBP1 aAb levels (p = 0.013) were unfavorable prognostic factors. Notably, it was found that high anti-FUBP1 aAb level is a good prognostic marker for tail-body PDA (p = 0.016). Our results suggest that different levels of circulating aAb to ENO1 and FUBP1 predict a poor outcome in PDA patients and can be used to improve therapeutic strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hashimoto's encephalopathy (HE) is a controversial immunological neuropsychiatric disease, with a poorly understood pathogenesis. It is characterized by symptoms of acute or subacute encephalopathy which usually occur in the presence of elevated levels of antithyroid antibodies. Even though it is also known as steroid responsive encephalopathy associated with autoimmune thyroiditis (SREAT), some cases appear to be steroid-resistant. This review examined whether treatment of Hashimoto's encephalopathy with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) is associated with better clinical outcomes than the standard therapy. Additionally, we presented a case of a 59-year-old man who presented with severe neurological manifestations and was successfully treated with intravenous immunoglobulin. Methods: The online databases PubMed and EMBASE were searched. Results: A total of 1,365 articles were identified. After the deletion of 112 duplicates, 1,253 studies were screened by evaluating the title and abstract, focusing on Hashimoto's encephalopathy cases where IVIG were used. 846 studies were excluded because they were not relevant to the topic or included pediatric population. Therefore, 407 full-text articles were assessed for eligibility. The final analysis included 14 eligible articles after 393 were excluded (irrelevant texts, not written in English, full-text not available). In the majority of the selected case-reports, IVIG was associated with a good outcome, sometimes even with dramatic improvements in patient's status. Conclusion: In last years, intravenous immunoglobulin therapy proved its utility in Hashimoto's encephalopathy's treatment, being a well tolerated therapy associated with remarkable improvement in patient's status. Further research is still needed in order to define the optimal treatment protocol for Hashimoto's encephalopathy and to establish if intravenous immunoglobulin can also be used as a first-line therapy, alone or in combination with steroids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In solid tumours, high expression of the glycolytic enzyme, α-enolase (ENO1), predicts for poor patient overall survival (OS), and circulating autoantibodies to ENO1 correlate positively with diagnosis and negatively with advanced disease. Although ENO1 is one of the most highly expressed genes in acute myeloid leukaemia (AML), its potential role as a biomarker in AML or its precursor, myelodysplastic neoplasms (MDS), has not been investigated. A meta-analysis of nine AML online datasets (n = 1419 patients) revealed that high ENO1 expression predicts for poor OS (HR = 1.22, 95% CI: 1.10–1.34, p < 0.001). Additionally, when compared to AML in remission (n = 5), ENO1 protein detected by immunohistochemistry was significantly higher at diagnosis in bone marrow from both AML (n = 5, p < 0.01) and MDS patients (n = 12, p < 0.05), and did not correlate with percentage of blasts (r = 0.28, p = 0.21). AML patients (n = 34) had lower circulating levels of ENO1 autoantibodies detected by ELISA compared to 26 MDS and 18 controls (p = 0.003). However, there was no difference in OS between AML patients with high vs. low levels of anti-ENO1 autoantibodies (p = 0.77). BM immunostaining for ENO1 and patient monitoring of anti-ENO1 autoantibody levels may be useful biomarkers for MDS and AML.

BackgroundHashimoto’s encephalopathy (HE) is a controversial immunological neuropsychiatric disease, with a poorly understood pathogenesis. It is characterized by symptoms of acute or subacute encephalopathy which usually occur in the presence of elevated levels of antithyroid antibodies. Even though it is also known as steroid responsive encephalopathy associated with autoimmune thyroiditis (SREAT), some cases appear to be steroid-resistant. This review examined whether treatment of Hashimoto’s encephalopathy with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) is associated with better clinical outcomes than the standard therapy. Additionally, we presented a case of a 59-year-old man who presented with severe neurological manifestations and was successfully treated with intravenous immunoglobulin.MethodsThe online databases PubMed and EMBASE were searched.ResultsA total of 1,365 articles were identified. After the deletion of 112 duplicates, 1,253 studies were screened by evaluating the title and abstract, focusing on Hashimoto’s encephalopathy cases where IVIG were used. 846 studies were excluded because they were not relevant to the topic or included pediatric population. Therefore, 407 full-text articles were assessed for eligibility. The final analysis included 14 eligible articles after 393 were excluded (irrelevant texts, not written in English, full-text not available). In the majority of the selected case-reports, IVIG was associated with a good outcome, sometimes even with dramatic improvements in patient’s status.ConclusionIn last years, intravenous immunoglobulin therapy proved its utility in Hashimoto’s encephalopathy’s treatment, being a well tolerated therapy associated with remarkable improvement in patient’s status. Further research is still needed in order to define the optimal treatment protocol for Hashimoto’s encephalopathy and to establish if intravenous immunoglobulin can also be used as a first-line therapy, alone or in combination with steroids.

Background: It has been shown that glycolytic protein ENO1 (alpha-enolase) contributes to the pathogenesis of pulmonary hypertension through acting smooth muscle cells; however, the roles of ENO1-caused endothelial and mitochondrial dysfunctions in Group 3 pulmonary hypertension remain unexplored. Methods: PCR array and RNA sequencing were used to screen and decipher the differential gene expression by hypoxia-treated human pulmonary artery endothelial cells. Techniques of small-interfering RNA, specific inhibitor and plasmids carrying gene of ENO1, interventions with specific inhibitor and AAV-ENO1 delivery were employed to explore the role of ENO1 in hypoxic pulmonary hypertension in vitro and in vivo, respectively. Assays for cell proliferation, angiogenesis, and adhesion were employed to analyze cell behaviors, while seahorse analysis was used to measure mitochondrial function of human pulmonary artery endothelial cells. Results: PCR array data showed that ENO1 expression increased in human pulmonary artery endothelial cells exposed to hypoxia, as well as in lung tissues from patients with chronic obstructive lung disease-associated pulmonary hypertension and murine model of hypoxic pulmonary hypertension. Inhibition of ENO1 restored the hypoxia-induced endothelial dysfunction, including excessive proliferation, angiogenesis, and adhesion, while overexpression of ENO1 promotes these disorders of human pulmonary artery endothelial cells. RNA-seq showed that ENO1 targets mitochondrion-related genes and PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, which were validated in vitro and in vivo. Mice treated with ENO1 inhibitor exhibited ameliorated pulmonary hypertension and improved right ventricular failure induced by hypoxia. A reversal effect was observed in mice exposed to hypoxia and inhaled adeno-associated virus overexpressing ENO1. Conclusions: These results indicate that hypoxic pulmonary hypertension is associated with an increased level of ENO1 and that targeting ENO1 might reduce experimental hypoxic pulmonary hypertension by improving endothelial and mitochondrial dysfunction via PI3K-Akt-mTOR signaling pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The major proteases that constitute the fibrinolysis system are tightly regulated. Protease inhibitors target plasmin, the protease responsible for fibrin degradation, and the proteases that convert plasminogen into plasmin, including tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA) and urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA). A second mechanism by which fibrinolysis is regulated involves exosite interactions, which localize plasminogen and its activators to fibrin, extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins, and cell surfaces. Once plasmin is generated in association with cell surfaces, it may cleave transmembrane proteins, activate growth factors, release growth factors from ECM proteins, remodel ECM, activate metalloproteases, and trigger cell-signaling by cleaving receptors in the Proteaseactivated Receptor (PAR) family. These processes are all implicated in cancer. It is thus not surprising that a family of structurally diverse but functionally similar cell-surface proteins, called Plasminogen Receptors (PlgRs), which increase the catalytic efficiency of plasminogen activation, have received attention for their possible function in cancer and as targets for anticancer drug development. In this review, we consider four previously described PlgRs, including: α-enolase, annexin-A2, Plg-RKT, and cytokeratin-8, in human cancer. To compare the PlgRs, we mined transcriptome profiling data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and searched for correlations between PlgR expression and patient survival. In glioma, the expression of specific PlgRs correlates with tumor grade. In a number of malignancies, including glioblastoma and liver cancer, increased expression of α-enolase or annexin-A2 is associated with an unfavorable prognosis. Whether these correlations reflect the function of PlgRs as receptors for plasminogen or other activities is discussed.

BACKGROUND:Astrocytes contribute to the crosstalk that generates chronic neuro-inflammation in neurological diseases; however, compared with microglia, astrocytes respond to a more limited continuum of innate immune system stimulants. Recent studies suggest that the fibrinolysis system may regulate inflammation. The goal of this study was to test whether fibrinolysis system components activate astrocytes and if so, elucidate the responsible biochemical pathway. METHODS:Primary cultures of astrocytes and microglia were prepared from neonatal mouse brains. The ability of purified fibrinolysis system proteins to elicit a pro-inflammatory response was determined by measuring expression of the mRNAs encoding tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 2 (CCL2). IκBα phosphorylation also was measured. Plasminogen activation in association with cells was detected by chromogenic substrate hydrolysis. The activity of specific receptors was tested using neutralizing antibodies and reagents. RESULTS:Astrocytes expressed pro-inflammatory cytokines when treated with plasminogen but not when treated with agonists for Toll-like Receptor-4 (TLR4), TLR2, or TLR9. Microglia also expressed pro-inflammatory cytokines in response to plasminogen; however, in these cells, the response was observed only when tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA) was added to activate plasminogen. In astrocytes, endogenously produced urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) converted plasminogen into plasmin in the absence of tPA. Plasminogen activation was dependent on the plasminogen receptor, α-enolase, and the uPA receptor, uPAR. Although uPAR is capable of directly activating cell-signaling, the receptor responsible for cytokine expression and IκBα phosphorylation response to plasmin was Protease-activated Receptor-1 (PAR-1). The pathway, by which plasminogen induced astrocyte activation, was blocked by inhibiting any one of the three receptors implicated in this pathway with reagents such as εACA, α-enolase-specific antibody, uPAR-specific antibody, the uPA amino terminal fragment, or a pharmacologic PAR-1 inhibitor. CONCLUSIONS:Plasminogen may activate astrocytes for pro-inflammatory cytokine expression through the concerted action of at least three distinct fibrinolysis protease receptors. The pathway is dependent on uPA to activate plasminogen, which is expressed endogenously by astrocytes in culture but also may be provided by other cells in the astrocytic cell microenvironment in the CNS.

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) has a five-year survival rate of less than 50% due to its susceptibility to invasion and metastasis. Crosstalk between tumor cells and macrophages has been proven to play a critical role in tumor cell migration and invasion. However, the specific mechanisms by which tumor cells interact with macrophages have not been fully elucidated. This study sought to investigate the regulatory mechanism of tumor cell-derived alpha-enolase (ENO1) in the interaction between tumor cells and macrophages during OSCC progression. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) transfection and recombinant human ENO1 (rhENO1) stimulation were used to interfere with the interaction between tumor cells and macrophages. Our results showed that ENO1 was expressed higher in CAL27 cells than in HaCaT cells and regulated lactic acid release in CAL27 cells. Conditioned medium of macrophages (Macro-CM) significantly up-regulated the ENO1 mRNA expression and protein secretion in CAL27 cells. ENO1 promoted the migration and invasion of tumor cells by facilitating the epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) through macrophages. ENO1 orchestrated the IL-6 secretion of macrophages via tumor cell-derived lactic acid and the paracrine ENO1/Toll-like receptor (TLR4) signaling pathway. In turn, IL-6 promoted the migration and invasion of tumor cells. Collectively, ENO1 promotes tumor cell migration and invasion by orchestrating IL-6 secretion of macrophages via a dual mechanism, thus forming a positive feedback loop to promote OSCC progression. ENO1 might be a promising therapeutic target which is expected to control OSCC progression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) has a five-year survival rate of less than 50% due to its susceptibility to invasion and metastasis. Crosstalk between tumor cells and macrophages has been proven to play a critical role in tumor cell migration and invasion. However, the specific mechanisms by which tumor cells interact with macrophages have not been fully elucidated. This study sought to investigate the regulatory mechanism of tumor cell-derived alpha-enolase (ENO1) in the interaction between tumor cells and macrophages during OSCC progression. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) transfection and recombinant human ENO1 (rhENO1) stimulation were used to interfere with the interaction between tumor cells and macrophages. Our results showed that ENO1 was expressed higher in CAL27 cells than in HaCaT cells and regulated lactic acid release in CAL27 cells. Conditioned medium of macrophages (Macro-CM) significantly up-regulated the ENO1 mRNA expression and protein secretion in CAL27 cells. ENO1 promoted the migration and invasion of tumor cells by facilitating the epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) through macrophages. ENO1 orchestrated the IL-6 secretion of macrophages via tumor cell-derived lactic acid and the paracrine ENO1/Toll-like receptor (TLR4) signaling pathway. In turn, IL-6 promoted the migration and invasion of tumor cells. Collectively, ENO1 promotes tumor cell migration and invasion by orchestrating IL-6 secretion of macrophages via a dual mechanism, thus forming a positive feedback loop to promote OSCC progression. ENO1 might be a promising therapeutic target which is expected to control OSCC progression.

Abstract Background A protein exhibiting more than one biochemical function is termed a moonlighting protein. Glycolytic enzymes are typical moonlighting proteins, and these enzymes control the infection of various viruses. Previously, we reported that glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) and alpha-enolase (ENO1) are incorporated into human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) particles from viral producer cells and suppress viral reverse transcription independently each other. However, it remains unclear whether these proteins expressed in viral target cells affect the early phase of HIV-1 replication. Results Here we show that the GAPDH expression level in viral target cells does not affect the early phase of HIV-1 replication, but ENO1 has a capacity to suppress viral integration in viral target cells. In contrast to GAPDH, suppression of ENO1 expression by RNA interference in the target cells increased viral infectivity, but had no effect on the expression levels of the HIV-1 receptors CD4, CCR5 and CXCR4 and on the level of HIV-1 entry. Quantitative analysis of HIV-1 reverse transcription products showed that the number of copies of the late products (R/gag) and two-long-terminal-repeat circular forms of viral cDNAs did not change but that of the integrated (Alu-gag) form increased. In contrast, overexpression of ENO1 in viral target cells decreased viral infectivity owing to the low viral integration efficiency. Results of subcellular fractionation experiments suggest that the HIV integration at the nucleus was negatively regulated by ENO1 localized in the nucleus. In addition, the overexpression of ENO1 in both viral producer cells and target cells most markedly suppressed the viral replication. Conclusions These results indicate that ENO1 in the viral target cells prevents HIV-1 integration. Importantly, ENO1, but not GAPDH, has the bifunctional inhibitory activity against HIV-1 replication. The results provide and new insights into the function of ENO1 as a moonlighting protein in HIV-1 infection.

Abstract Background Evidence-based criteria for the treatment of autoimmune retinopathy (AIR) have not been established. The pathology and clinical features of each antibody causing AIR, and its long-term course are still undetermined. We report our findings in a case of non-paraneoplastic AIR (npAIR) that developed in the fellow eye 10 years after the onset in the first eye. Case presentation Our patient had photophobia in both eyes and a rapidly progressing visual field defect in his right eye at the initial examination. He was diagnosed with non-paraneoplastic AIR based on the clinical findings and immunoblot analyses for anti-retinal antibodies, and he was treated with steroids. Ten years later, a visual field defect developed in the fellow eye, and a diagnosis of npAIR was made. Immunoblot analyses were positive for anti-α-enolase antibodies. He was treated with steroids, immunosuppressants, and plasma exchange. However, the response to the treatment was poor and both eyes eventually became blind. Conclusions As best we know, this is the first case report of npAIR that developed in the fellow eye over 10 years after the development in the first eye. Long-term follow-up and a search for tumor lesions are necessary in cases of npAIR. Further understanding of the long-term course of AIR can contribute to an understanding of the pathology and treatment of npAIR.

Alpha-enolase, also known as enolase-1 (ENO1), is a glycolytic enzyme that “moonlights” as a plasminogen receptor in the cell surface, particularly in tumors, contributing to cancer cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and metastasis. ENO1 also promotes other oncogenic events, including protein-protein interactions that regulate glycolysis, activation of signaling pathways, and resistance to chemotherapy. ENO1 overexpression has been established in a broad range of human cancers and is often associated with poor prognosis. This increased expression is usually accompanied by the generation of anti-ENO1 autoantibodies in some cancer patients, making this protein a tumor associated antigen. These autoantibodies are common in patients with cancer associated retinopathy, where they exert pathogenic effects, and may be triggered by immunodominant peptides within the ENO1 sequence or by posttranslational modifications. ENO1 overexpression in multiple cancer types, localization in the tumor cell surface, and demonstrated targetability make this protein a promising cancer biomarker and therapeutic target. This mini-review summarizes our current knowledge of ENO1 functions in cancer and its growing potential as a cancer biomarker and guide for the development of novel anti-tumor treatments.

Alpha-enolase, also known as enolase-1 (ENO1), is a glycolytic enzyme that "moonlights" as a plasminogen receptor in the cell surface, particularly in tumors, contributing to cancer cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and metastasis. ENO1 also promotes other oncogenic events, including protein-protein interactions that regulate glycolysis, activation of signaling pathways, and resistance to chemotherapy. ENO1 overexpression has been established in a broad range of human cancers and is often associated with poor prognosis. This increased expression is usually accompanied by the generation of anti-ENO1 autoantibodies in some cancer patients, making this protein a tumor associated antigen. These autoantibodies are common in patients with cancer associated retinopathy, where they exert pathogenic effects, and may be triggered by immunodominant peptides within the ENO1 sequence or by posttranslational modifications. ENO1 overexpression in multiple cancer types, localization in the tumor cell surface, and demonstrated targetability make this protein a promising cancer biomarker and therapeutic target. This mini-review summarizes our current knowledge of ENO1 functions in cancer and its growing potential as a cancer biomarker and guide for the development of novel anti-tumor treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recombinant protein technology has emerged as an excellent option for vaccine development. However, prior to our study, the immune induction ability of recombinant Mycoplasma suis alpha-enolase (rMseno) in animals remained unclear. The purpose of this study was to develop a rMseno protein subunit vaccine and to determine its ability to elicit an immunological response. To accomplish this, we cloned the gene into pET-15b, expressed it in BL21 cells, and purified it. Following the establishment of immunity, the immunogenicity and potential for protection of rMseno were evaluated in mice and piglets. The results demonstrate that anti-M. suis serum recognized the pure rMseno protein in both mice and piglets as evidenced by high levels of specific anti-rMseno antibodies, significantly increased levels of IFN-γ and IL-4 cytokines, and significantly increased T lymphocyte proliferation index. Piglets also had significantly increased levels of specific IgG1, IgG2a, CD4+, and CD8+ cells. The rMseno findings demonstrated a robust immunological response in mice and piglets, affording partial clinical protective efficacy in piglets.

Background: Evidence-based criteria for the treatment of autoimmune retinopathy (AIR) have not been established. The pathology and clinical features of each antibody causing AIR, and its long-term course are still undetermined. We report our findings in a case of non-paraneoplastic AIR (npAIR) that developed in the fellow eye 10 years after the onset in the first eye.Case Presentation: Our patient had photophobia in both eyes and a rapidly progressing visual field defect in his right eye at the initial examination. He was diagnosed with non-paraneoplastic AIR based on the clinical findings and immunoblot analyses for anti-retinal antibodies, and he was treated with steroids. Ten years later, a visual field defect developed in the fellow eye, and a diagnosis of npAIR was made. Immunoblot analyses were positive for anti-α-enolase antibodies. He was treated with steroids, immunosuppressants, and plasma exchange. However, the response to the treatment was poor and both eyes eventually became blind.Conclusions: As best we know, this is the first case report of npAIR that developed in the fellow eye over 10 years after the development in the first eye. Long-term follow-up and a search for tumor lesions are necessary in cases of npAIR. Further understanding of the long-term course of AIR can contribute to an understanding of the pathology and treatment of npAIR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Renal α-enolase has variable expression in inflammatory and neoplastic diseases. Therefore, in order to define the distribution of α-enolase in renal tissues of cats, an immunohistochemistry assay was validated and described here. Tissues from 29 cats with IRIS Stage 2–4 CKD, 8 control cats < 2 years of age, and 4 control cats> 10 years of age were assessed. Interstitial nephritis was the predominant histopathological finding in the CKD group. The control cats < 2 years of age had moderate α-enolase immunoreactivity in tubular epithelium but staining was absent to mild in glomeruli. In contrast, α-enolase was moderate to high in tubular epithelium and glomeruli in control cats > 10 years of age. In cats with CKD, α-enolase was decreased in tubules that were degenerative or atrophic, similar to normal tubules in control groups, and moderate to high in glomeruli. When compared between the study groups, the results suggest that alpha-enolase decreases in damaged tubules and increases in the glomeruli of older cats prior to the development of detectable CKD. Further studies will be required to determine whether these findings relate to the pathogenesis or could be used in the diagnosis of feline CKD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Candida albicans (C. albicans) is an opportunistic human pathogen responsible for approximately a half of clinical candidemia. The emerging Candida spp. with resistance to azoles is a major challenge in clinic, suggesting an urgent demand for new drugs and therapeutic strategies. Alpha–enolase (Eno1) is a multifunctional protein and represents an important marker for invasive candidiasis. Thus, C. albicans Eno1 (CaEno1) is believed to be an important target for the development of therapeutic agents and antibody drugs. Recombinant CaEno1 (rCaEno1) was first used to immunize chickens. Subsequently, we used phage display technology to construct two single chain variable fragment (scFv) antibody libraries. A novel biopanning procedure was carried out to screen anti-rCaEno1 scFv antibodies, whose specificities were further characterized. The polyclonal IgY antibodies showed binding to rCaEno1 and native CaEno1. A dominant scFv (CaS1) and its properties were further characterized. CaS1 attenuated the growth of C. albicans and inhibited the binding of CaEno1 to plasminogen. Animal studies showed that CaS1 prolonged the survival rate of mice and zebrafish with candidiasis. The fungal burden in kidney and spleen, as well as level of inflammatory cytokines were significantly reduced in CaS1-treated mice. These results suggest CaS1 has potential of being immunotherapeutic drug against C. albicans infections.

Dysregulated glucose metabolism is an important characteristic of psoriasis. Cytoskeletal protein keratin 17 (K17) is highly expressed in the psoriatic epidermis and contributes to psoriasis pathogenesis. However, whether K17 is involved in the dysregulated glucose metabolism of keratinocytes (KCs) in psoriasis remains unclear. In the present study, loss- and gain-of-function studies showed that elevated K17 expression was critically involved in glycolytic pathway activation in psoriatic KCs. The level of α-enolase (ENO1), a novel potent interaction partner of K17, was also elevated in psoriatic KCs. Knockdown of ENO1 by siRNA or inhibition of ENO1 activity by the inhibitor ENOBlock remarkably suppressed KCs glycolysis and proliferation. Moreover, ENO1 directly interacted with K17 and maintained K17-Ser 44 phosphorylation to promote the nuclear translocation of K17, which promoted the transcription of the key glycolysis enzyme lactic dehydrogenase A ( LDHA ) and resulted in enhanced KCs glycolysis and proliferation in vitro . Finally, either inhibiting the expression and activation of ENO1 or repressing K17-Ser 44 phosphorylation significantly alleviated the IMQ-induced psoriasis-like phenotype in vivo . These findings provide new insights into the metabolic profile of psoriatic KCs and suggest that modulation of the ENO1-K17-LDHA axis is a potentially innovative therapeutic approach to psoriasis., Competing Interests: Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interest exists., (© The author(s).)

Severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) associated acute lung injury (ALI) accounts for about 70% mortality of SAP patients. However, there are no precise biomarkers for the disease currently. Herein, we evaluated the potential of gamma-enolase (ENO2), against its universal isoform alpha-enolase (ENO1), as a marker of SAP-ALI in a rat model. Firstly, 16 male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into two groups, Sham (n = 8) and SAP-ALI (n = 8), for pancreatitis induction. Ultra-structure examination by electron microscopy and HE staining were used for lung injury assessment. Lung tissue expressions of alpha-enolase and gamma-enolase were evaluated by qRT-PCR and immunohistochemistry. In a prospective validation experiment, 28 rats were used: sham (n = 8), SAP-ALI at 3 h (3 h, n = 10), and SAP-ALI at 24 h (24 h, n = 10). Lung tissue damage, tissue expression and circulating alpha-enolase and gamma-enolase levels were evaluated. Elevated serum levels of α-amylase and TNF-α were observed in SAP rats but not in sham-operated rats. Histological examination of pancreatic and lung tissues indicated marked damage in SAP rats. While alpha-enolase was universally expressed, gamma-enolase was expressed only in damaged lung tissues. Gamma-enolase was detected in lung tissues, BALF, and serum as early as 3 h post-surgery when physical pathological damage was not apparent. Unlike alpha-enolase, secreted and/or circulating gamma-enolase level progressively increased, especially in serum, as lung damage progressed. Thus, gamma-enolase may signal and correlate lung tissue damage well before obvious physical pathological tissue damage and might be a candidate diagnostic and/or prognostic marker. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Persistent chronic infection with hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a major risk factor for the development of HBV- related diseases. The molecular mechanisms that underlie HBV infection and associated carcinogenesis are not fully understood. The aim of this study was to explore the role of ENO1 in HBV replication processes. Here, we examined ENO1 expression levels in HBV- infected and non-HBV- infected liver tissues and cells by Western blot analysis, real- time PCR and immunohistochemistry. In addition, HBsAg and HBeAg in the media of transfected HepG2.2.15 cells were detected using an electrochemical luminescence analyser within 48 hours after ENO1-specific siRNA transfection. The expression levels of HBV DNA, type I interferon and 5 downstream IFN- stimulated genes in HepG2.2.15 cells were examined using real- time PCR. We found ENO1 expression was upregulated in the HBV- infected liver tissues and cells. Silencing of ENO1 resulted in a significant reduction in HBV replication, and this siRNA-mediated reaction also caused the upregulation of expression of type I interferon and downstream IFN- stimulated genes. Therefore, we come to the conclusion ENO1 is involved in HBV replication. It is therefore likely that HBV replication is enhanced following suppression of the IFN signalling pathway. However, the mechanisms that underpin ENO1- mediated modulation of the IFN signalling pathway remain to be elucidated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma (PDA) is an almost incurable radio- and chemo-resistant tumor, and its microenvironment is characterized by a strong desmoplastic reaction associated with a significant infiltration of T regulatory lymphocytes and myeloid-derived suppressor cells (Tregs, MDSC). Investigating immunological targets has identified a number of metabolic and cytoskeletal related molecules, which are typically recognized by circulating antibodies. Among these molecules we have investigated alpha-enolase (ENO1), a glycolytic enzyme that also acts a plasminogen receptor. ENO1 is also recognized by T cells in PDA patients, so we developed a DNA vaccine that targets ENO1. This efficiently induces many immunological processes (antibody formation and complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC)-mediated tumor killing, infiltration of effector T cells, reduction of infiltration of myeloid and Treg suppressor cells), which significantly increase the survival of genetically engineered mice that spontaneously develop pancreatic cancer. Although promising, the ENO1 DNA vaccine does not completely eradicate the tumor, which, after an initial growth inhibition, returns to proliferate again, especially when Tregs and MDSC ensue in the tumor mass. This led us to develop possible strategies for combinatorial treatments aimed to broaden and sustain the antitumor immune response elicited by DNA vaccination. Based on the data we have obtained in recent years, this review will discuss the biological bases of possible combinatorial treatments (chemotherapy, PI3K inhibitors, tumor-associated macrophages, ENO1 inhibitors) that could be effective in amplifying the response induced by the immune vaccination in PDA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Radiotherapy has shown measurable efficacy in breast cancer (BC). Elucidating the mechanisms and developing effective strategies against resistance, which is a major challenge, is crucial. Mitochondria, which regulate homeostasis of the redox environment, have emerged as a radiotherapeutic target. However, the mechanism via which mitochondria are controlled under radiation remains elusive. Here, we identified alpha-enolase (ENO1), as a prognostic marker for the efficacy of BC radiotherapy. ENO1 enhances radio-therapeutic resistance in BC via reducing the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and apoptosis in vitro and in vivo through modulation of mitochondrial homeostasis. Moreover, LINC00663 was identified as an upstream regulator of ENO1, which regulates radiotherapeutic sensitivity by downregulating ENO1 expression in BC cells. LINC00663 regulates ENO1 protein stability by enhancing the E6AP-mediated ubiquitin-proteasome pathway. In BC patients, LINC00663 expression is negatively correlated with ENO1 expression. Among patients treated with IR, those who did not respond to radiotherapy expressed lower levels of LINC00663 than those sensitive to radiotherapy. Our work established LINC00663/ENO1 critical to regulate IR-resistance in BC. Inhibition of ENO1 with a specific inhibitor or supplement of LINC00663 could be potential sensitizing therapeutic strategies for BC. • ENO1 is a prognostic marker for radiotherapy efficacy in breast cancer (BC). • ENO1 enhances IR-resistance in BC by reducing apoptosis and ROS production. • LINC00663 is a novel upstream regulator of ENO1 expression. • It regulates radiotherapeutic sensitivity by downregulating expression in BC cells. • LINC00663 regulates the ENO1 protein. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brucella abortus, the causative agent of bovine brucellosis, invades and replicates within cells inside a membrane-bound compartment known as the Brucella containing vacuole (BCV). After trafficking along the endocytic and secretory pathways, BCVs mature into endoplasmic reticulum-derived compartments permissive for bacterial replication. Brucella Type IV Secretion System (VirB) is a major virulence factor essential for the biogenesis of the replicative organelle. Upon infection, Brucella uses the VirB system to translocate effector proteins from the BCV into the host cell cytoplasm. Although the functions of many translocated proteins remain unknown, some of them have been demonstrated to modulate host cell signaling pathways to favor intracellular survival and replication. BPE123 (BAB2_0123) is a B. abortus VirB-translocated effector protein recently identified by our group whose function is yet unknown. In an attempt to identify host cell proteins interacting with BPE123, a pull-down assay was performed and human alpha-enolase (ENO-1) was identified by LC/MS-MS as a potential interaction partner of BPE123. These results were confirmed by immunoprecipitation assays. In bone-marrow derived macrophages infected with B. abortus, ENO-1 associates to BCVs in a BPE123-dependent manner, indicating that interaction with translocated BPE123 is also occurring during the intracellular phase of the bacterium. Furthermore, ENO-1 depletion by siRNA impaired B. abortus intracellular replication in HeLa cells, confirming a role for alpha-enolase during the infection process. Indeed, ENO-1 activity levels were enhanced upon B. abortus infection of THP-1 macrophagic cells, and this activation is highly dependent on BPE123. Taken together, these results suggest that interaction between BPE123 and host cell ENO-1 contributes to the intracellular lifestyle of B. abortus.

Human immunodeficiency virus type-1 (HIV-1) particles contain not only viral-encoded but also host-encoded proteins. Interestingly, several studies showed that host proteins play a critical role in viral infectivity, replication and/or immunoreactivity in the next target cells. Here, we show that alpha-enolase (ENO1) is incorporated into HIV-1 virions and the virion-incorporated ENO1 prevents the early stage of HIV-1 reverse transcription. We found that viral particles contain two isoforms of ENO1 with different isoelectric points by two-dimensional electrophoresis. Suppression of ENO1 expression by RNA interference in the HIV-1 producer cells decreased ENO1 incorporation into virions without altering the packaging of viral structural proteins and viral production but increased viral infectivity. Although the low-level-ENO1-packaging virus maintained comparable levels of reverse transcriptase activity, viral genomic RNA and tRNA Lys3 packaging to the control virus, its levels of early cDNA products of reverse transcription were higher than those of the control virus. In contrast, the high-level-ENO1-packaging virus, which was produced from ENO1-overexpressing cells, showed decreased infectivity and the levels of early cDNA products. Taken together, these findings reveal a novel function of ENO1 as a negative regulation factor targeting HIV-1 reverse transcription. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Staphylococcus aureus is a pathogen that causes a variety of infections in humans. Methicillin-resistant S. aureus , which is an antibiotic-resistant form, is responsible for nosocomial staphylococcal infections, whose frequency is increasing in healthy people. Thereby, the development of novel techniques is required to overcome this bacterial infection. In this context, the use of vaccines to control infections is an appropriate alternative. In this study, immunoinformatics analysis is used on three antigenic determinants as vaccine candidates, and a novel multi-epitope vaccine is designed to induce cellular, humoral, and innate immune responses against S. aureus . Alpha-enolase, clumping factor A, and iron surface determinant B were selected as the protective antigens; and phenol-soluble modulin alpha 4was applied as the adjuvant. Epitopes identification was done for each antigen using various immunoinformatics servers. Moreover, the tertiary structure of our protein vaccine was predicted and validated. Subsequently, the best-modeled protein structure was used for the refinement process. There fined model was then applied for docking studies with Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2).In the next step, molecular dynamics (MD) simulation was used to evaluate the stability of vaccine molecule and TLR2-vaccine complex. The high ranked epitopes were selected from the mentioned antigens. The selected epitopes and the adjuvant were fused together by proper linkers. Then, the modeled protein structure was selected and validated. Validation results indicated that the initial model needs refinement. After a refinement process, the final model was generated. Finally, the best-docked model of vaccine and TLR2 complex was selected. In this research, we attempted to design an efficient subunit vaccine, which could stimulate humoral and cellular immune responses. Therefore, we expect that our designed vaccine could defeat antibiotic-resistant staphylococcal infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brucella abortus, the causative agent of bovine brucellosis, invades and replicates within cells inside a membrane-bound compartment known as the Brucella containing vacuole (BCV). After trafficking along the endocytic and secretory pathways, BCVs mature into endoplasmic reticulum-derived compartments permissive for bacterial replication. Brucella Type IV Secretion System (VirB) is a major virulence factor essential for the biogenesis of the replicative organelle. Upon infection, Brucella uses the VirB system to translocate effector proteins from the BCV into the host cell cytoplasm. Although the functions of many translocated proteins remain unknown, some of them have been demonstrated to modulate host cell signaling pathways to favor intracellular survival and replication. BPE123 (BAB2_0123) is a B. abortus VirB-translocated effector protein recently identified by our group whose function is yet unknown. In an attempt to identify host cell proteins interacting with BPE123, a pull-down assay was performed and human alpha-enolase (ENO-1) was identified by LC/MS-MS as a potential interaction partner of BPE123. These results were confirmed by immunoprecipitation assays. In bone-marrow derived macrophages infected with B. abortus, ENO-1 associates to BCVs in a BPE123-dependent manner, indicating that interaction with translocated BPE123 is also occurring during the intracellular phase of the bacterium. Furthermore, ENO-1 depletion by siRNA impaired B. abortus intracellular replication in HeLa cells, confirming a role for a-enolase during the infection process. Indeed, ENO-1 activity levels were enhanced upon B. abortus infection of THP-1 macrophagic cells, and this activation is highly dependent on BPE123. Taken together, these results suggest that interaction between BPE123 and host cell ENO-1 contributes to the intracellular lifestyle of B. abortus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma (PDA) is an almost incurable radio- and chemo-resistant tumor, and its microenvironment is characterized by a strong desmoplastic reaction associated with a significant infiltration of T regulatory lymphocytes and myeloid-derived suppressor cells (Tregs, MDSC). Investigating immunological targets has identified a number of metabolic and cytoskeletal related molecules, which are typically recognized by circulating antibodies. Among these molecules we have investigated alpha-enolase (ENO1), a glycolytic enzyme that also acts a plasminogen receptor. ENO1 is also recognized by T cells in PDA patients, so we developed a DNA vaccine that targets ENO1. This efficiently induces many immunological processes (antibody formation and complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC)-mediated tumor killing, infiltration of effector T cells, reduction of infiltration of myeloid and Treg suppressor cells), which significantly increase the survival of genetically engineered mice that spontaneously develop pancreatic cancer. Although promising, the ENO1 DNA vaccine does not completely eradicate the tumor, which, after an initial growth inhibition, returns to proliferate again, especially when Tregs and MDSC ensue in the tumor mass. This led us to develop possible strategies for combinatorial treatments aimed to broaden and sustain the antitumor immune response elicited by DNA vaccination. Based on the data we have obtained in recent years, this review will discuss the biological bases of possible combinatorial treatments (chemotherapy, PI3K inhibitors, tumor-associated macrophages, ENO1 inhibitors) that could be effective in amplifying the response induced by the immune vaccination in PDA.

Enterovirus A71 (EV71) infection can cause hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) and severe neurological complications in children. However, the biological processes regulated by EV71 remain poorly understood. Herein, proteomics and metabonomics studies were conducted to uncover the mechanism of EV71 infection in rhabdomyosarcoma (RD) cells and identify potential drug targets. Differential expressed proteins from enriched membrane were analyzed by isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ)-based proteomics technology. Twenty-six differential proteins with 1.5-fold (p < 0.05) change were detected, including 14 upregulated proteins and 12 downregulated proteins. The upregulated proteins are mainly involved in metabolic process, especially in the glycolysis pathway. Alpha-enolase (ENO1) protein was found to increase with temporal dependence following EV71 infection. The targeted metabolomics analysis revealed that glucose absorption and glycolysis metabolites were increased after EV71 infection. The glycolysis pathway was inhibited by knocking down ENO1 or the use of a glycolysis inhibitor (dichloroacetic acid [DCA]); and we found that EV71 infection was inhibited by depleting ENO1 or using DCA. Our study indicates that EV71 may reprogram glucose metabolism by activating glycolysis, and EV71 infection can be inhibited by interrupting the glycolysis pathway. ENO1 may be a potential target against EV71, and DCA could act as an inhibitor of EV71., (© 2022 Wiley-VCH GmbH.)

Pollution of the environment represents one of less explored potential reasons for the worldwide epidemic of type 2 diabetes. One of the most prevalent organochlorine pollutants remains the pesticide DDT and its degradation product DDE. Despite some epidemiologic correlations between levels of DDT and DDE in human organism and the prevalence of diabetes, there is almost no information about the exact targets of these compounds inside pancreatic beta cells. To detect functional areas of pancreatic beta cells that could be affected by exposure to DDT and DDE, we analyzed changes in protein expression in the NES2Y human pancreatic beta cell line exposed to three sublethal concentrations (0.1 μM, 1 μM, 10 μM) of DDT and DDE for 1 month. Protein separation and identification was achieved using high-resolution 2D-electrophoresis, computer analysis and mass spectrometry. With these techniques, four proteins were found downregulated after exposure to 10 μM DDT: three cytoskeletal proteins (cytokeratin 8, cytokeratin 18 and actin) and one protein involved in glycolysis (alpha-enolase). Two proteins were downregulated after exposure to 10 μM DDE: cytokeratin 18 and heterogenous nuclear ribonucleoprotein H1 (HNRH1). These changes correlate with previously described effects of other stress conditions (e.g. exposure to palmitate, hyperglycemia, imidazoline derivative, and cytokines) on protein expression in pancreatic beta cells. We conclude that cytoskeletal proteins and their processing, glucose metabolism, and mRNA processing may represent targets affected by exposure to conditions hostile to pancreatic beta cells, including exposure to DDT and DDE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives. To investigate the effect of decreased alpha-enolase (ENO1) expression on rheumatoid arthritis fibroblasts-like synoviocytes (RA-FLSs) proliferation in response to hypoxia, and elucidate the possible mechanisms involved. Methods. RA-FLSs and osteoarthritis fibroblasts-like synoviocytes (OA-FLSs) were cultured in trigas incubators with different oxygen concentrations (3% O2, 7% O2, and 21% O2). 3% O2 (hypoxia) and 7% O2 conditions simulated intra-articular oxygen concentrations as observed in RA and healthy individual, respectively. 21% O2 represented oxygen condition for normal cell culture. ENO1-knockdown FLSs were established using ENO1-siRNA. The expression level of ENO1 was detected using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction or RT-PCR and Western blot. Proliferation and apoptosis of RA-FLSs and OA-FLSs were assessed using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5-(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)-2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2 H-tetrazolium or MTS assay and flow cytometry, respectively. Western blot analysis was used to detect key proteins involved in apoptosis. Results. ENO1 gene expression was remarkably upregulated, as well as its translation into protein, in RA-FLSs and OA-FLSs that were cultured in 3% O2 concentration. RA-FLSs and OA-FLSs that were cultured under hypoxic conditions hyperproliferated compared with similar cells under normaxic conditions. Neither 7% O2 nor 21% O2 condition had any significant effect on ENO1 expression. ENO1-siRNA-transfected FLSs, but not control-siRNA FLSs, showed markedly decreased proliferation. Additionally, ENO1 expression was found to promote significantly higher expression levels of the anti-apoptotic proteins Bcl-2, surviving, and cyclinB1, but inhibited the expression of cleaved caspase3. Conclusion. ENO1 may be crucial in the regulation of the proliferation and survival of synovial fibroblasts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is an aggressive disease with unpredictable behaviour. Clinical parameters are not always accurate for prognosis prediction. The integration of molecular markers to prognostic models can significantly improve prognostic assessment and consequently patient management. We assessed the expression of alpha-enolase (ENO1) protein by immunohistochemistry in 360 patients with primary ccRCC and correlated its expression with multiple clinicopathological parameters including stage, grade, tumor size, disease-free and overall survival. Cox proportional hazard regression models adjusted for clinicopathological factors were used to test for a link between ENO1 expression and both disease-free and overall survival. We correlated ENO1 mRNA expression with overall survival in an independent set of 428 ccRCC cases from The Cancer Genome Atlas. ENO1 showed cytoplasmic, membranous and nuclear staining patterns. There is a statistically significant negative correlation between ENO1 expression, tumor stage, and grade. ENO1 expression also shows a statistically significant direct correlation with disease-free survival ( p = 0.011) and overall survival ( p = 0.030) in ccRCC. Patients with higher ENO1 expression had lower hazard ratio of recurrence, although this was not statistically significant (HR = 0.330, p = 0.060). These findings were validated at the mRNA level in an independent set of 428 ccRCC cases which also showed that low ENO1 expression is associated with significantly shorter overall survival. Down-regulation of ENO1 can be a predictor of poor prognosis in ccRCC, and it can be a potential prognostic marker. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background All aspects of aetiopathogenesis of recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) have not been elucidated. RAS and Behçet's disease (BD) have clinical and immunological characteristics in common. Although T17 cytokines and alpha-enolase have been shown to play effective roles in BD and many other autoinflammatory diseases recently, their roles in RAS have not been studied extensively. In the present study, we investigated levels of several Th1, Th2 and Th17 pathways related cytokines and alpha-enolase to elucidate pathogenesis of RAS and to obtain data about possible treatment alternatives for the condition. Methods Serum interleukin-1, interleukin-13, interleukin-17, interleukin-18, interferon gamma and alpha-enolase levels in 24 patients with RAS, 30 patients with BD and 20 healthy controls were measured. Results Serum interleukin-1, interleukin-13, interleukin-17, interleukin-18, interferon gamma and alpha-enolase levels were higher in patients with RAS and patients with BD than in healthy controls ( P < 0.005). Conclusion Like Th1 and Th2 cells, Th17 cells were found to be effective in pathogenesis of RAS. In addition, alpha-enolase, the levels of which were high, may play an important role in etio-pathogenesis of RAS. Further studies to be designed in the light of these findings are required to shed light on pathogenesis and treatment of the condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most prevalent hepatic cancer worldwide. Currently, a targeted therapy via monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) specific to tumor-associated antigen is undergoing continual development in HCC treatment. Methods In this regard, after establishing and consequently exploring Hep88 mAb's tumoricidal effect on hepatocellular carcinoma cell line (HepG2 cell line), the Hep88 mAb's specific antigens from both membrane and cytoplasmic fractions of HepG2 cell line were identified by 2-D gel electrophoresis and western blot analysis. After in-gel digestion and subsequent analysis by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS), mortalin (HSPA9) and alpha-enolase were identified. The recombinant proteins specific to Hep88 mAb were cloned and expressed in E.coli BL21(DE3). Moreover, alteration of HepG2 and Chang liver cell line after being induced by Hep88 mAb for 1-3 days was investigated using a transmission electron microscope. Results The result demonstrated that Hep88 mAb can bind to the recombinant mortalin (HSPA9) and alpha-enolase. In addition, the gradual appearing of mitochondria vacuolization and endoplasmic reticulum dilatation were observed. Those characteristics might be explained by the paraptosis-like program cell death (PCD), which is induced by the binding of Hep88 mAb to mortalin (HSPA9). Mortalin depletion resulting from the formation of Hep88 mAbmortalin (HSPA9) complex might initiate transcription-independence of p53-mediated apoptosis. Additionally, Hep88mAb-alpha-enolase complex might initiate HepG2 cells energy exhaustion by glycolysis pathway obstruction. Conclusion These fascinating results imply that Hep88 mAb might be a promising tool for the development of an effective treatment of HCC in the next decade. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]