Notch pathway activation plays a central role in the pathogenesis of many glomerular diseases. We have previously shown that Notch4 expression was upregulated in various renal cells in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-associated nephropathy (HIVAN) patients and rodent models of HIVAN. In this study, we examined whether the Notch pathway can be distinctly activated by HIV-1 gene products and whether Notch4, in particular, can influence disease progression. Using luciferase reporter assays, we did not observe activation of the NOTCH4 promoter with the HIV protein Nef in podocytes. Further, we observed upregulated expression of a gamma secretase complex protein, presenilin 1, but not Notch4, in podocytes infected with an HIV-1 expression construct. To assess the effects of Notch4 on HIVAN disease progression, we engineered Tg26 mice with global deletion of the Notch4 intracellular domain (Notch4dl), which is required for signaling function. These mice (Notch4d1/Tg26+) showed a significant improvement in renal function and a significant decrease in mortality compared to Tg26 mice. Histological examination of kidneys showed that Notch4d1/Tg26+ mice had overall glomerular, tubulointerstitial injury and a marked decrease in interstitial inflammation. A significant decrease in the proliferating cells was observed in the tubulointerstitial compartments of Notch4d1/Tg26+ mice. Consistent with the diminished inflammation, kidneys from Notch4d1/Tg26+ mice also showed a significant decrease in expression of the inflammatory cytokine transcripts Il-6 and Ccl2, as well as the master inflammatory transcription factor NF-κB (Nfkb1 transcripts and p65 protein). These data identify Notch4 as an important mediator of tubulointerstitial injury and inflammation in HIVAN and a potential therapeutic target.

Despite the recent launch of Tolvaptan, the search for safer polycystic kidney disease (PKD) drugs continues. Ciclopirox (CPX) or its olamine salt (CPX-O) are contained in number of commercially available antifungal agents. CPX is also reported to possess anticancer activity. Several mechanisms of action have been proposed including chelation of iron and inhibition of iron dependent enzymes. Here, we show that CPX-O inhibited in vitro cystogenesis of primary human PKD cyst-lining epithelial cells cultured in a 3D collagen matrix. To assess in vivo role of CPX-O, we treated PKD mice with CPX-O. CPX-O reduced the kidney-to-body weight ratios of PKD mice. This was also associated with decreased cell proliferation, decreased cystic area and improved renal function. Ferritin levels were significantly elevated in cystic kidneys of PKD mice, and CPX-O treatment reduced renal ferritin levels. The reduction in ferritin was associated with increased ferritinophagy marker, NCOA4 which reversed upon CPX-O treatment in PKD mice. Interestingly, these effects on ferritin appeared independent of iron. These data suggest that CPX-O can induce ferritin degradation via ferritinophagy which is associated with decreased cyst growth progression in PKD mice. Most importantly these data indicate that CPX-O has the potential to treat autosomal dominant PKD.

The human fallopian tube epithelium (hFTE) is the site of fertilization, early embryo development, and the origin of most high-grade serous ovarian cancers (HGSOCs). Little is known about the content and functions of hFTE-derived small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) due to the limitations of biomaterials and proper culture methods. We have established a microfluidic platform to culture hFTE for EV collection with adequate yield for mass spectrometry-based proteomic profiling, and reported 295 common hFTE sEV proteins for the first time. These proteins are associated with exocytosis, neutrophil degranulation, and wound healing, and some are crucial for fertilization processes. In addition, by correlating sEV protein profiles with hFTE tissue transcripts characterized using GeoMx® Cancer Transcriptome Atlas, spatial transcriptomics analysis revealed cell-type-specific transcripts of hFTE that encode sEVs proteins, among which, FLNA, TUBB, JUP, and FLNC were differentially expressed in secretory cells, the precursor cells for HGSOC. Our study provides insights into the establishment of the baseline proteomic profile of sEVs derived from hFTE tissue, and its correlation with hFTE lineage-specific transcripts, which can be used to evaluate whether the fallopian tube shifts its sEV cargo during ovarian cancer carcinogenesis and the role of sEV proteins in fallopian tube reproductive functions.

Background: Interventions that increase neuroprotective factors and/or decrease inflammatory biomarkers may be effective in improving cognitive function for cancer survivors. Concurrent investigation of potential mechanism(s) to fully understand and refine effective interventions is needed. Objective: This correlative prospective substudy was conducted to investigate biomarkers related to potential mechanism(s) for a combined exercise and game-based brain training intervention designed to improve cognitive function in breast cancer survivors. Interventions/Methods: Fingerstick bloodspot samples were collected at 3 time points during the randomized, wait-list controlled interventional parent study. Samples were analyzed for neuroprotective factors and inflammatory biomarker levels. Results: Insulinlike growth factor 1 (IGF-1) levels significantly increased (P < .01) for the intervention group from baseline to 4 and 16 weeks postintervention. Insulinlike growth factor 1 levels correlated with neurocognitive test performace improvement for Trail Making Test B (r = 0.31, P = .02).This association was not significant in the mixed model. No significant correlation was seen between IGF-1 levels and changes in self-report of cognitive function, activity level, or intervention dose. Conclusions: Further investigation of IGF-1 levels is warranted as