Upregulation of proinflammatory proteins through NF-kappaB pathway by shed membrane microparticles results in

Angela Tesse1, M Carmen Martínez, Bénédicte Hugel

  • 1Pharmacologie et Physico-Chimie des Interactions Cellulaires et Moléculaires, UMR CNRS 7034, Illkirch, France.

Abstract

Insights

Microparticles from T cells or diabetic patients cause vascular hyporeactivity. This effect, linked to inflammation, is reversed by inhibiting nitric oxide (NO) and cyclooxygenase-2 pathways.

Area of Science:

  • Vascular Biology
  • Immunology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Microparticles are cell-derived vesicles implicated in procoagulant and proinflammatory processes.
  • Cell activation, including apoptosis, releases microparticles that may influence vascular function.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the impact of microparticles on vascular reactivity.
  • To elucidate the mechanisms underlying microparticle-induced vascular effects.

Main Methods:

  • Assessed vascular reactivity in mouse aorta exposed to microparticles from apoptotic T cells or diabetic patients.
  • Utilized nitric oxide (NO) synthase and cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors to evaluate the role of these pathways.
  • Examined proinflammatory protein expression and NF-kappaB activation via immunochemical staining and pathway analysis.
  • Investigated in vivo effects of lymphocyte-derived microparticles in mice.

Main Results:

  • Microparticles induced vascular hyporeactivity to vasoconstrictors in mouse aorta.
  • This hyporeactivity was reversed by NO synthase and cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors.
  • Associated with increased production of vasodilatory products (NO, prostacyclin) and upregulation of inducible NO-synthase and cyclooxygenase-2.
  • Microparticles activated NF-kappaB, potentially via the Fas/Fas Ligand pathway.
  • In vivo treatment with microparticles caused reversible vascular hyporeactivity.

Conclusions:

  • Microparticles act as vectors in transcellular signaling, contributing to vascular dysfunction.
  • These findings offer a mechanistic explanation for the role of microparticles in inflammatory diseases and vascular complications.

Related Concept Videos

NF-κB-dependent Signaling Pathway02:26

NF-κB-dependent Signaling Pathway

The transcription factor NF-κB was discovered in 1986 in the lab of Nobel laureate Professor David Baltimore, for its interaction with the immunoglobulin light chain enhancer in B-cells. After more than three decades of study, it is now evident that NF-κB regulates the expression of over 100 genes. Most of these genes play an essential role in the innate and adaptive immune responses as well as the inflammatory responses of animals.
NF-κB-dependent Signaling Mechanism
The heterodimer of NF-κB...
Regulation of Angiogenesis and Blood Supply01:24

Regulation of Angiogenesis and Blood Supply

Rapidly dividing tumors, embryos, and wounded tissues require more oxygen than usual, lowering the oxygen concentration in the blood. At low oxygen or hypoxic conditions, an oxygen-sensitive transcription factor called the hypoxia-inducible factor 1 or HIF1 is activated. HIF1 is a dimeric protein of alpha (ɑ) and beta (β) subunits.  Under optimal oxygen conditions, HIF1β is present in the nucleus while HIF1ɑ remains in the cytosol. HIF1ɑ is hydroxylated by prolyl hydroxylase and factor...
Inflammatory Response01:28

Inflammatory Response

An inflammatory response is a localized, nonspecific immune reaction that occurs when a tissue is injured. It is characterized by redness, swelling, heat, and pain, which are commonly called the cardinal signs and symptoms of inflammation. Inflammation can sometimes result in a loss of function.
Inflammation can be triggered by various stimuli, such as impact, abrasion, chemical irritation, infections, and extreme hot or cold temperatures. These can damage cells and connective tissue fibers,...
Inflammation01:38

Inflammation

Overview
Acute Inflammation III: Local and Systemic Effects01:25

Acute Inflammation III: Local and Systemic Effects

Acute inflammation produces a coordinated set of local and systemic changes that limit injury, eliminate pathogens, and initiate repair. These responses arise within minutes of infection, trauma, or chemical insult and are driven by vascular alterations and leukocyte-derived mediators. When the stimulus resolves, the reaction typically abates within days.Local EffectsAt the site of injury, arteriolar vasodilation increases blood flow, resulting in redness and warmth. Simultaneously, increased...
Receptor Downregulation in MVBs01:15

Receptor Downregulation in MVBs

Multivesicular bodies (MVBs) are mature endosomes that sort ubiquitinated proteins and then fuse with lysosomes to degrade the sorted proteins. Epidermal growth factor (EGF) and its receptor (EGFR) form a complex that can be internalized through endocytosis, sorted into an MVB, and later degraded.
The EGFR can initiate signaling pathways that  lead to cell proliferation, migration, and differentiation. Overexpression of EGFR  stimulates cells to proliferate. Excessive  EGFR activation may...