Targeting adaptor protein SLP76 of RAGE as a therapeutic approach for lethal sepsis

Nat Commun. 2021 Jan 12;12(1):308. doi: 10.1038/s41467-020-20577-3.

Abstract

Accumulating evidence shows that RAGE has an important function in the pathogenesis of sepsis. However, the mechanisms by which RAGE transduces signals to downstream kinase cascades during septic shock are not clear. Here, we identify SLP76 as a binding partner for the cytosolic tail of RAGE both in vitro and in vivo and demonstrate that SLP76 binds RAGE through its sterile α motif (SAM) to mediate downstream signaling. Genetic deficiency of RAGE or SLP76 reduces AGE-induced phosphorylation of p38 MAPK, ERK1/2 and IKKα/β, as well as cytokine release. Delivery of the SAM domain into macrophages via the TAT cell-penetrating peptide blocks proinflammatory cytokine production. Furthermore, administration of TAT-SAM attenuates inflammatory cytokine release and tissue damage in mice subjected to cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) and protects these mice from the lethality of sepsis. These findings reveal an important function for SLP76 in RAGE-mediated pro-inflammatory signaling and shed light on the development of SLP76-targeted therapeutics for sepsis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing / metabolism*
  • Animals
  • Bacteriophage T7 / metabolism
  • Chemokines / genetics
  • Chemokines / metabolism
  • Glycation End Products, Advanced / metabolism
  • HEK293 Cells
  • Humans
  • Inflammation / metabolism
  • Inflammation / pathology
  • Macrophages / metabolism
  • Macrophages / pathology
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Models, Biological
  • Molecular Targeted Therapy*
  • Peptides / metabolism
  • Phosphoproteins / metabolism*
  • Protein Binding
  • Protein Domains
  • RAW 264.7 Cells
  • RNA, Messenger / genetics
  • RNA, Messenger / metabolism
  • Receptor for Advanced Glycation End Products / chemistry
  • Receptor for Advanced Glycation End Products / metabolism*
  • Sepsis / drug therapy*
  • Sepsis / pathology
  • Signal Transduction

Substances

  • Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing
  • Chemokines
  • Glycation End Products, Advanced
  • Peptides
  • Phosphoproteins
  • RNA, Messenger
  • Receptor for Advanced Glycation End Products
  • SLP-76 signal Transducing adaptor proteins