ORCID Profile
0000-0001-8710-896X
Current Organisations
Monash University
,
Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland
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Publisher: Wiley
Date: 09-2008
Abstract: ERK5 has been implicated in regulating the MEF2-dependent genes Klf2 and nur77 downstream of the TCR and the maintenance of expression of CD62L on peripheral T cells. Based on this data, knockout of ERK5 would be predicted to compromise T-cell development and the maintenance of T cells in the periphery. Using an ERK5 conditional knockout, driven by CD4-CRE or Vav-CRE transgenes resulting in the loss of ERK5 in T cells, we have found that ERK5 is not required for T-cell development. In addition, normal numbers of T cells were found in the spleens and lymph nodes of these mice. We also find that TCR stimulation is not a strong signal for ERK5 activation in primary murine T cells. ERK5 was found to contribute to the induction of Klf2 but not nur77 mRNA following TCR activation. Despite the reduction in Klf2 mRNA, no effect was seen in ERK5 knockouts on either the mRNA levels for the Klf2 target genes CD62L, CCR7 and S1P, or the cell surface expression of CD62L. These results suggest that while ERK5 does contribute to Klf2 regulation in T cells, it is not essential for the expression of CD62L or T-cell survival.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 02-2014
Publisher: Portland Press Ltd.
Date: 05-04-2005
DOI: 10.1042/BJ20041501
Abstract: MSK1 (mitogen- and stress-activated protein kinase) is a kinase activated in cells downstream of both the ERK1/2 (extracellular-signal-regulated kinase) and p38 MAPK (mitogen-activated protein kinase) cascades. In the present study, we show that, in addition to being phosphorylated on Thr-581 and Ser-360 by ERK1/2 or p38, MSK1 can autophosphorylate on at least six sites: Ser-212, Ser-376, Ser-381, Ser-750, Ser-752 and Ser-758. Of these sites, the N-terminal T-loop residue Ser-212 and the ‘hydrophobic motif’ Ser-376 are phosphorylated by the C-terminal kinase domain of MSK1, and their phosphorylation is essential for the catalytic activity of the N-terminal kinase domain of MSK1 and therefore for the phosphorylation of MSK1 substrates in vitro. Ser-381 is also phosphorylated by the C-terminal kinase domain, and mutation of Ser-381 decreases MSK1 activity, probably through the inhibition of Ser-376 phosphorylation. Ser-750, Ser-752 and Ser-758 are phosphorylated by the N-terminal kinase domain however, their function is not known. The activation of MSK1 in cells therefore requires the activation of the ERK1/2 or p38 MAPK cascades and does not appear to require additional signalling inputs. This is in contrast with the closely related RSK (p90 ribosomal S6 kinase) proteins, whose activity requires phosphorylation by PDK1 (3-phosphoinositide-dependent protein kinase 1) in addition to phosphorylation by ERK1/2.
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 05-06-2019
DOI: 10.3390/CELLS8060543
Abstract: Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic demyelinating autoimmune disease primarily affecting young adults. Despite an unclear causal factor, symptoms and pathology arise from the infiltration of peripheral immune cells across the blood brain barrier. Accounting for the largest fraction of this infiltrate, macrophages are functionally heterogeneous innate immune cells capable of adopting either a pro or an anti-inflammatory phenotype, a phenomenon dependent upon cytokine milieu in the CNS. This functional plasticity is of key relevance in MS, where the pro-inflammatory state dominates the early stage, instructing demyelination and axonal loss while the later anti-inflammatory state holds a key role in promoting tissue repair and regeneration in later remission. This review highlights a potential therapeutic benefit of modulating macrophage polarisation to harness the anti-inflammatory and reparative state in MS. Here, we outline the role of macrophages in MS and look at the role of current FDA approved therapeutics in macrophage polarisation. Moreover, we explore the potential of particulate carriers as a novel strategy to manipulate polarisation states in macrophages, whilst examining how optimising macrophage uptake via nanoparticle size and functionalisation could offer a novel therapeutic approach for MS.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 05-2013
DOI: 10.1016/J.JNUTBIO.2012.06.010
Abstract: Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) can modulate the immune response, however the mechanism by which they exert this effect remains unclear. Previous studies have clearly demonstrated that the cis-9, trans-11 isomer of conjugated linoleic acid (c9,t11-CLA), found predominantly in beef and dairy products, can modulate the response of immune cells to the toll-like receptor (TLR) 4 ligand, lipopolysaccharide (LPS). This study aimed to investigate further the mechanism by which these effects are mediated. Treatment of macrophages with c9,t11-CLA significantly decreased CD14 expression and partially blocked its association with lipid rafts following stimulation with LPS. Furthermore the c9,t11-CLA isomer inhibited both nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and IRF3 activation following TLR4 ligation while eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) only suppressed NF-κB activation. Given that the ability of LPS to activate IRF3 downstream of TLR4 depends on internalisation of the TLR4 complex and involves CD14, we examined TLR4 endocytosis. Indeed the internalisation of TLR4 to early endosomes following activation with LPS was markedly inhibited in c9,t11-CLA treated cells. These effects were not seen with the n-3 fatty acid, EPA, which was used as a comparison. Our data demonstrates that c9,t11-CLA inhibits IRF3 activation via its effects on CD14 expression and localisation. This results in a decrease in the endocytosis of TLR4 which is necessary for IRF3 activation, revealing a novel mechanism by which this PUFA exerts its anti-inflammatory effects.
Publisher: IMR Press
Date: 2011
DOI: 10.2741/3845
Abstract: This review explores the relationship between cytokines and microRNAs (miRNAs). In particular, the regulation of miRNAs by pro-inflammatory cytokines, anti-inflammatory cytokines, interferons and transforming growth factor beta are examined, highlighting how miRNAs can mediate some of the known functions of these cytokines, as well as identifying novel gene targets, mechanisms and cross-talk between pathways.
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 15-12-2021
DOI: 10.3390/PHARMACEUTICS13122161
Abstract: Injury to the peripheral or central nervous systems often results in extensive loss of motor and sensory function that can greatly diminish quality of life. In both cases, macrophage infiltration into the injury site plays an integral role in the host tissue inflammatory response. In particular, the temporally related transition of macrophage phenotype between the M1/M2 inflammatory/repair states is critical for successful tissue repair. In recent years, biomaterial implants have emerged as a novel approach to bridge lesion sites and provide a growth-inductive environment for regenerating axons. This has more recently seen these two areas of research increasingly intersecting in the creation of ‘immune-modulatory’ biomaterials. These synthetic or naturally derived materials are fabricated to drive macrophages towards a pro-repair phenotype. This review considers the macrophage-mediated inflammatory events that occur following nervous tissue injury and outlines the latest developments in biomaterial-based strategies to influence macrophage phenotype and enhance repair.
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 30-06-2011
Publisher: Portland Press Ltd.
Date: 14-12-2011
DOI: 10.1042/BJ20110970
Abstract: MSK1 (mitogen- and stress-activated kinase 1) and MSK2 are nuclear protein kinases that regulate transcription downstream of the ERK1/2 (extracellular-signal-regulated kinase 1/2) and p38α MAPKs (mitogen-activated protein kinases) via the phosphorylation of CREB (cAMP-response-element-binding protein) and histone H3. Previous studies on the function of MSKs have used two inhibitors, H89 and Ro 31-8220, both of which have multiple off-target effects. In the present study, we report the characterization of the in vitro and cellular properties of an improved MSK1 inhibitor, SB-747651A. In vitro, SB-747651A inhibits MSK1 with an IC50 value of 11 nM. Screening of an in vitro panel of 117 protein kinases revealed that, at 1 μM, SB-747651A inhibited four other kinases, PRK2 (double-stranded-RNA-dependent protein kinase 2), RSK1 (ribosomal S6 kinase 1), p70S6K (S6K is S6 kinase) (p70RSK) and ROCK-II (Rho-associated protein kinase 2), with a similar potency to MSK1. In cells, SB-747651A fully inhibited MSK activity at 5–10 μM. SB-747651A was found to inhibit the production of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 (interleukin-10) in wild-type, but not MSK1/2-knockout, macrophages following LPS (lipopolysaccharide) stimulation. Both SB-747651A and MSK1/2 knockout resulted in elevated pro-inflammatory cytokine production by macrophages in response to LPS. Comparison of the effects of SB-747651A, both in vitro and in cells, demonstrated that SB-747651A exhibited improved selectivity over H89 and Ro 31-8220 and therefore represents a useful tool to study MSK function in cells.
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 16-07-2020
DOI: 10.3390/CELLS9071711
Abstract: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disorder characterised by demyelination of central nervous system neurons with subsequent damage, cell death and disability. While mechanisms exist in the CNS to repair this damage, they are disrupted in MS and currently there are no treatments to address this deficit. In recent years, increasing attention has been paid to the influence of the small, non-coding RNA molecules, microRNAs (miRNAs), in autoimmune disorders, including MS. In this review, we examine the role of miRNAs in remyelination in the different cell types that contribute to MS. We focus on key miRNAs that have a central role in mediating the repair process, along with several more that play either secondary or inhibitory roles in one or more aspects. Finally, we consider the current state of miRNAs as therapeutic targets in MS, acknowledging current challenges and potential strategies to overcome them in developing effective novel therapeutics to enhance repair mechanisms in MS.
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 22-07-2013
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 05-2008
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 24-12-2014
DOI: 10.1093/NAR/GKU1343
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 28-03-2011
DOI: 10.1093/NAR/GKR148
Publisher: American Society for Microbiology
Date: 15-01-2014
DOI: 10.1128/JVI.01571-13
Abstract: RNA-specific adenosine deaminase (ADAR)-mediated adenosine-to-inosine (A-to-I) editing is a critical arm of the antiviral response. However, mechanistic insights into how A-to-I RNA editing affects viral infection are lacking. We posited that inosine incorporation into RNA facilitates sensing of nonself RNA by innate immune sensors and accordingly investigated the impact of inosine-modified RNA on Toll-like receptor 7 and 8 (TLR7/8) sensing. Inosine incorporation into synthetic single-stranded RNA (ssRNA) potentiated tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) or alpha interferon (IFN-α) production in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in a sequence-dependent manner, indicative of TLR7/8 recruitment. The effect of inosine incorporation on TLR7/8 sensing was restricted to immunostimulatory ssRNAs and was not seen with inosine-containing short double-stranded RNAs or with a deoxy-inosine-modified ssRNA. Inosine-mediated increase of self-secondary structure of an ssRNA resulted in potentiated IFN-α production in human PBMCs through TLR7 recruitment, as established through the use of a TLR7 antagonist and Tlr7 -deficient cells. There was a correlation between hyperediting of influenza A viral ssRNA and its ability to stimulate TNF-α, independent of 5′-triphosphate residues, and involving Adar-1. Furthermore, A-to-I editing of viral ssRNA directly enhanced mouse Tlr7 sensing, when present in proportions reproducing biologically relevant levels of RNA editing. Thus, we demonstrate for the first time that inosine incorporation into immunostimulatory ssRNA can potentiate TLR7/8 activation. Our results suggest a novel function of A-to-I RNA editing, which is to facilitate TLR7/8 sensing of phagocytosed viral RNA.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 07-2010
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 07-06-2012
DOI: 10.1093/NAR/GKS521
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 05-03-2021
DOI: 10.1038/S41467-021-21617-2
Abstract: Mitochondria are important regulators of macrophage polarisation. Here, we show that arginase-2 (Arg2) is a microRNA-155 (miR-155) and interleukin-10 (IL-10) regulated protein localized at the mitochondria in inflammatory macrophages, and is critical for IL-10-induced modulation of mitochondrial dynamics and oxidative respiration. Mechanistically, the catalytic activity and presence of Arg2 at the mitochondria is crucial for oxidative phosphorylation. We further show that Arg2 mediates this process by increasing the activity of complex II (succinate dehydrogenase). Moreover, Arg2 is essential for IL-10-mediated downregulation of the inflammatory mediators succinate, hypoxia inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) and IL-1β in vitro. Accordingly, HIF-1α and IL-1β are highly expressed in an LPS-induced in vivo model of acute inflammation using Arg2 −/− mice. These findings shed light on a new arm of IL-10-mediated metabolic regulation, working to resolve the inflammatory status of the cell.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 18-02-2011
DOI: 10.1038/NRI2957
Abstract: Toll-like receptor (TLR) signalling must be tightly regulated to avoid excessive inflammation and to allow for tissue repair and the return to homeostasis after infection and tissue injury. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as important controllers of TLR signalling. Several miRNAs are induced by TLR activation in innate immune cells and these and other miRNAs target the 3' untranslated regions of mRNAs encoding components of the TLR signalling system. miRNAs are also proving to be an important link between the innate and adaptive immune systems, and their dysregulation might have a role in the pathogenesis of inflammatory diseases.
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 07-11-2015
Abstract: Aicda is a critical component of antibody class-switching in B cells. In this work, we study the impact of TLR4 activation and IL-10 stimulation on Aicda expression in B cells. Through the global analysis of miRNAs in response to TLR4 activation, in combination with IL-10 stimulation, we identified that IL-10 can suppress TLR4-induced miR-155 expression, an effect that resulted in enhanced Aicda expression. Furthermore, when preventing miR-155 control of Aicda expression, by genetic mutation of its target site in the Aicda mRNA, IL-10 could further potentiate Aicda expression. Given that miR-155 expression is lost, and expression levels of both Aicda and IL-10 are high in diseases, such as Burkitt’s lymphoma, our results suggest a stringent and sophisticated control of Aicda by a novel IL-10/miR-155 axis, where the imbalance of IL-10 and/or miR-155 may contribute to disease pathogenesis.
Publisher: Portland Press Ltd.
Date: 26-02-2007
DOI: 10.1042/BJ20061183
Abstract: MSK1 (mitogen- and stress-activated kinase 1) is a dual kinase domain protein that acts downstream of the ERK1/2 (extracellular-signal-regulated kinase 1/2) and p38 MAPK (mitogen-activated protein kinase) signalling pathways in cells. MSK1, and its related isoform MSK2, phosphorylate the transcription factors CREB (cAMP-response-element-binding protein) and ATF1 (activating transcription factor 1), and the chromatin proteins histone H3 and HMGN1 (high-mobility-group nucleosomal-binding protein 1) in response to either mitogenic stimulation or cellular stress. MSK1 activity is tightly regulated in cells, and activation requires the phosphorylation of MSK1 by either ERK1/2 or p38α. This results in activation of the C-terminal kinase domain, which then phosphorylates further sites in MSK1, leading to the activation of the N-terminal kinase domain and phosphorylation of substrates. Here, we use precursor ion scanning MS to identify five previously unknown sites in MSK1: Thr630, Ser647, Ser657, Ser695 and Thr700. One of these sites, Thr700, was found to be a third site in MSK1 phosphorylated by the upstream kinases ERK1/2 and p38α. Mutation of Thr700 resulted in an increased basal activity of MSK1, but this could be further increased by stimulation with PMA or UV-C radiation. Surprisingly, however, mutation of Thr700 resulted in a dramatic loss of Thr581 phosphorylation, a site essential for activity. Mutation of Thr700 and Thr581 to an alanine residue resulted in an inactive kinase, while mutation of both sites to an aspartic acid residue resulted in a kinase with a significant basal activity that could not be further stimulated. Together these results are consistent with a mechanism by which Thr700 phosphorylation relieves the inhibition of MSK1 by a C-terminal autoinhibitory helix and helps induce a conformational shift that protects Thr581 from dephosphorylation.
Publisher: Springer New York
Date: 2016
DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-3335-8_11
Abstract: In this chapter, we describe simple methods to investigate microRNA (miRNA) induction in response to lipopolysaccharide, the ligand for Toll-Like Receptor-4 activation. In brief, we demonstrate how to investigate global miRNA induction and/or repression in bone marrow-derived macrophages using TaqMan MicroRNA Arrays, followed by methods to measure in idual miRNAs and target mRNA expression. Moreover, we explain step-by-step instructions on how to modulate endogenous miRNA expression through the use of miRNA inhibitors and mimics as well as highlight how miRNA modulation can be used to confirm mRNA targeting via Luciferase reporter assay. Moreover, these methods can be applied to whichever cell type and cellular function under investigation.
Publisher: IMR Press
Date: 2008
DOI: 10.2741/2660
Abstract: Macrophages play erse roles including but not limited to homeostatic clearance, detection of invading pathogens and induction of the adaptive immune response. Since their discovery, it has become clear that Toll-like receptors (TLRs) can play a major role in these macrophage functions. This review will describe the TLRs, their signalling pathways and their role in macrophage function.
Location: United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
No related grants have been discovered for Claire McCoy.