TGF-β - an excellent servant but a bad master

Thermosensitive and antioxidant wound dressings capable of adaptively regulating TGFβ pathways promote diabetic wound healing

Various therapies have been utilized for treating diabetic wounds, yet current regiments do not simultaneously address the key intrinsic causes of slow wound healing, i.e., abnormal skin cell functions (particularly migration), delayed angiogenesis, and chronic inflammation. To address this clinical gap, we develop a wound dressing that contains a peptide-based TGFβ receptor II inhibitor (PTβR2I), and a thermosensitive and reactive oxygen species (ROS)-scavenging hydrogel. The wound dressing can quickly solidify on the diabetic wounds following administration. The released PTβR2I inhibits the TGFβ1/p38 pathway, leading to improved cell migration and angiogenesis, and decreased inflammation. Meanwhile, the PTβR2I does not interfere with the TGFβ1/Smad2/3 pathway that is required to regulate myofibroblasts, a critical cell type for wound healing. The hydrogel's ability to scavenge ROS in diabetic wounds further decreases inflammation. Single-dose application of the wound dressing significantly accelerates wound healing with complete wound closure after 14 days. Overall, using wound dressings capable of adaptively modulating TGFβ pathways provides a new strategy for diabetic wound treatment.

Ocular graft-versus-host disease (oGVHD): From A to Z

Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is a definitive therapy for a variety of disorders. One of the complications is acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD), which has a high mortality rate. Patients can also develop chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD), a more indolent yet afflicting condition that affects up to 70% of patients. Ocular involvement (oGVHD) is one of the most prevalent presentations of cGVHD and can manifest as dry eye disease, meibomian gland dysfunction, keratitis, and conjunctivitis. Early recognition of ocular involvement using regular clinical assessments as well as robust biomarkers can aid in better management and prevention. Currently, the therapeutic strategies for the management of cGVHD, and oGVHD in particular, have mainly focused on the control of symptoms. There is an unmet need for translating the preclinical and molecular understandings of oGVHD into clinical practice. Herein, we have comprehensively reviewed the pathophysiology, pathologic features, and clinical characteristics of oGVHD and summarized the therapeutic landscape available to combat it. We also discuss the direction of future research regarding a more directed delineation of pathophysiologic underpinnings of oGVHD and the development of preventive interventions.

Diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for tubulointerstitial fibrosis

Renal fibrosis is the final common pathophysiological pathway in chronic kidney disease (CKD) regardless of the underlying cause of kidney injury. Tubulointerstitial fibrosis (TIF) is considered to be the key pathological predictor of CKD progression. Currently, the gold-standard tool to identify TIF is kidney biopsy, an invasive method that carries risks. Non-invasive diagnostics rely on an estimation of glomerular filtration rate and albuminuria to assess kidney function, but these fail to diagnose early CKD accurately or to predict progressive decline in kidney function. In this review, we summarize the current and emerging molecular biomarkers that have been studied in various clinical settings and in animal models of kidney disease and that are correlated with the degree of TIF. We examine the potential of these biomarkers to diagnose TIF non-invasively and to predict disease progression. We also examine the potential of new technologies and non-invasive diagnostic approaches in assessing TIF. Limitations of current and potential biomarkers are discussed and knowledge gaps identified.

Interplay of Transforming Growth Factor-Beta 1 and 3 in the Pathogenesis of Oral Submucous Fibrosis and Its Malignant Transformation: An Immunohistochemical Study

Introduction Oral submucous fibrosis (OSF) is a chronic and potentially malignant oral condition that poses a significant public health issue due to its insidious nature. Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) is a key player in the pathogenesis of OSF and is responsible for fibrosis. This study aims to investigate the relationship between the expression of TGF-β1 and TGF-β3 in OSF and its malignant transformation by using immunohistochemistry. Materials and method The present study comprised of 120 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue samples, which included 20 normal oral mucosa (NOM), 80 OSF (20 each of stage 1- 4), and 20 oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) (10 each of OSCC with and without OSF), and were stained for TGF-β1 and TGF-β3 by immunohistochemistry. Data were analyzed using R software version 4.1.2, GraphPad Prism 9.3.1 (GraphPad Software, San Diego, CA, USA) and Excel (Microsoft Corp., Redmond, WA). Results TGF-β1 immunoexpression was negative in NOM with no significant difference among OSF and OSCC (with or without OSF). TGF-β3 was significantly higher in OSCC (with or without OSF) than in OSF, and no significant difference was noted between OSF and NOM and between OSCC and NOM. A significant increase was seen in TGF-β3 compared to TGF-β1 in NOM, OSF (stage 1- 4), and OSCC with and without OSF. Conclusion TGF-β3 has higher immunoexpression levels than TGF-β1 in NOM, OSF, and OSCC. We speculate that quantitative or qualitative TGF- β3 may be inadequate to prevent or attenuate fibrosis in OSF patients. There is also a modicum of probability that TGF-β3 has a preventive rather than causative role in OSF pathogenesis. The role of TGF-β3 in OSF needs further clarification.

Polymer-Functionalized Mitochondrial Transplantation to Fibroblasts Counteracts a Pro-Fibrotic Phenotype

Fibroblast-to-myofibroblast transition (FMT) leads to excessive extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition-a well-known hallmark of fibrotic disease. Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) is the primary cytokine driving FMT, and this phenotypic conversion is associated with mitochondrial dysfunction, notably a metabolic reprogramming towards enhanced glycolysis. The objective of this study was to examine whether the establishment of favorable metabolic phenotypes in TGF-β-stimulated fibroblasts could attenuate FMT. The hypothesis was that mitochondrial replenishment of TGF-β-stimulated fibroblasts would counteract a shift towards glycolytic metabolism, consequently offsetting pro-fibrotic processes. Isolated mitochondria, functionalized with a dextran and triphenylphosphonium (TPP) (Dex-TPP) polymer conjugate, were administered to fibroblasts (MRC-5 cells) stimulated with TGF-β, and effects on bioenergetics and fibrotic programming were subsequently examined. Results demonstrate that TGF-β stimulation of fibroblasts led to FMT, which was associated with enhanced glycolysis. Dex-TPP-coated mitochondria (Dex-TPP/Mt) delivery to TGF-β-stimulated fibroblasts abrogated a metabolic shift towards glycolysis and led to a reduction in reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. Importantly, TGF-β-stimulated fibroblasts treated with Dex-TPP/Mt had lessened expression of FMT markers and ECM proteins, as well as reduced migration and proliferation. Findings highlight the potential of mitochondrial transfer, as well as other strategies involving functional reinforcement of mitochondria, as viable therapeutic modalities in fibrosis.

TGF Beta as a Prognostic Biomarker of COVID-19 Severity in Patients with NAFLD-A Prospective Case-Control Study

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), the leading cause of chronic liver disease in Western countries, has been identified as a possible risk factor for COVID-19 severity. However, the immunological mechanisms by which NAFLD exacerbates COVID-19 remain unknown. Transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1) has an important immunomodulatory and pro-fibrotic role, which has already been described in NAFLD. However, the role of TGF-β1 in COVID-19 remains unclear, and could also be the pathophysiology link between these two conditions. The aim of this case-control study was to analyze the expression of TGF-β1 in COVID-19 patients depending on the presence of NAFLD and COVID-19 severity. Serum TGF-β1 concentrations were measured in 60 hospitalized COVID-19 patients (30 with NAFLD). NAFLD was associated with higher serum TGF-β1 concentrations that increased with disease severity. Admission TGF-β1 concentrations showed good discriminative accuracy in predicting the development of critical disease and COVID-19 complications (need for advanced respiratory support, ICU admission, time to recovery, development of nosocomial infections and mortality). In conclusion, TGF-β1 could be an efficient biomarker for predicting COVID-19 severity and adverse outcomes in patients with NAFLD.

WITHDRAWN: RNA binding protein Musashi2 regulates dairy cows' mastitis by activating the TGFβ signaling pathway

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TGF-β Type II Receptor Punt Suppresses Antimicrobial Peptide Expression and Influences Development in Tribolium castaneum

The transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) superfamily in insects regulated various physiological events, including immune response, growth and development, and metamorphosis. This complex network of signaling pathways involves conserved cell-surface receptors and signaling co-receptors that allow for precisely coordinated cellular events. However, the roles of TGF-β receptors, particularly the type II receptor Punt, in mediating the innate immunity in insects remains unclear. In this study, we used the red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum, as a model species to investigate the role of TGF-β type II receptor Punt in mediating antimicrobial peptide (AMP) expression. Developmental and tissue-specific transcript profiles revealed Punt was constitutively expressed throughout development, with the highest transcript level in 1-day female pupae and the lowest transcript level in 18-day larvae. Tissue specific expression profiles showed the highest transcript level of Punt was observed in the Malpighian tubule and ovary in 18-day larvae and 1-day female adults, respectively, suggesting Punt might have distinct functions in larvae and adults. Further results indicated that Punt RNAi in the 18-day larvae led to increased transcript level of AMP genes through transcription factor Relish, leading to inhibition of Escherichia coli proliferation. Knockdown of Punt in larvae also led to splitting of adult elytra and abnormal compound eyes. Furthermore, knockdown of Punt during the female pupal stage resulted in increased transcript levels of AMP genes, as well as abnormal ovary, reduced fecundity, and failure of eggs to hatch. This study deepens our understanding of the biological significance of Punt in insect TGF-β signaling and lays the groundwork for further research of its role in insect immune response, development, and reproduction.

Soluble dipeptidyl peptidase-4 induces epithelial-mesenchymal transition through tumor growth factor-β receptor

BACKGROUND

Kidney fibrosis is the final manifestation of chronic kidney disease, a condition mainly caused by diabetic nephropathy. Persistent tissue damage leads to chronic inflammation and excessive deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is involved in a variety of tissue fibrosis and is a process during which epithelial cells transform into mesenchymal-like cells and lose their epithelial functionality and characteristics Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP4) is widely expressed in tissues, especially those of the kidney and small intestine. DPP4 exists in two forms: a plasma membrane-bound and a soluble form. Serum-soluble DPP4 (sDPP4) levels are altered in many pathophysiological conditions. Elevated circulating sDPP4 is correlated with metabolic syndrome. Because the role of sDPP4 in EMT remains unclear, we examined the effect of sDPP4 on renal epithelial cells.

METHODS

The influences of sDPP4 on renal epithelial cells were demonstrated by measuring the expression of EMT markers and ECM proteins.

RESULTS

sDPP4 upregulated the EMT markers ACTA2 and COL1A1 and increased total collagen content. sDPP4 activated SMAD signaling in renal epithelial cells. Using genetic and pharmacological methods to target TGFBR, we observed that sDPP4 activated SMAD signaling through TGFBR in epithelial cells, whereas genetic ablation and treatment with TGFBR antagonist prevented SMAD signaling and EMT. Linagliptin, a clinically available DPP4 inhibitor, abrogated sDPP4-induced EMT.

CONCLUSIONS

This study indicated that sDPP4/TGFBR/SMAD axis leads to EMT in renal epithelial cells. Elevated circulating sDPP4 levels may contribute to mediators that induce renal fibrosis.

Single-cell atlas of dental pulp stem cells exposed to the oral bacteria Porphyromonas gingivalis and Enterococcus faecalis

Introduction: Porphyromonas gingivalis and Enterococcus faecalis promote the development of pulpitis and periapical periodontitis. These bacteria are difficult to eliminate from the root canal systems, leading to persistent infection and poor treatment outcomes. We explored the response of human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs) to bacterial invasion and the mechanisms underlying the impact of residual bacteria on dental pulp regeneration. Methods: Single-cell sequencing was used to categorize the hDPSCs into clusters based on their response to P. gingivalis and E. faecalis. We depicted a single-cell transcriptome atlas of hDPSCs stimulated by P. gingivalis or E. faecalis. Results: The most differentially expressed genes in the Pg samples were THBS1, COL1A2, CRIM1, and STC1, which are related to matrix formation and mineralization, and HILPDA and PLIN2, which are related to the cellular response to hypoxia. A cell cluster characterized by high expression levels of THBS1 and PTGS2 was increased after P. gingivalis stimulation. Further signaling pathway analysis showed that hDPSCs prevented P. gingivalis infection by regulating the TGF-β/SMAD, NF-κB, and MAPK/ERK signaling pathways. Differentiation potency and pseudotime trajectory analyses showed that hDPSCs infected by P. gingivalis undergo multidirectional differentiation, particularly to the mineralization-related cell lineage. Furthermore, P. gingivalis can create a hypoxia environment to effect cell differentiation. The Ef samples were characterized by the expression of CCL2, which is related to leukocyte chemotaxis, and ACTA2, which is related to actin. There was an increased proportion of a cell cluster that was similar to myofibroblasts and exhibited significant ACTA2 expression. The presence of E. faecalis promoted the differentiation of hDPSCs into fibroblast-like cells, which highlights the role of fibroblast-like cells and myofibroblasts in tissue repair. Discussion: hDPSCs do not maintain their stem cell status in the presence of P. gingivalis and E. faecalis. They differentiate into mineralization-related cells in the presence of P. gingivalis and into fibroblast-like cells in the presence of E. faecalis. We identified the mechanism underlying the infection of hDPSCs by P. gingivalis and E. faecalis. Our results will improve understanding of the pathogenesis of pulpitis and periapical periodontitis. Furthermore, the presence of residual bacteria can have adverse effects on the outcomes of regenerative endodontic treatment.

Molecular Basic of Pharmacotherapy of Cytokine Imbalance as a Component of Intervertebral Disc Degeneration Treatment

Intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) and associated conditions are an important problem in modern medicine. The onset of IDD may be in childhood and adolescence in patients with a genetic predisposition. With age, IDD progresses, leading to spondylosis, spondylarthrosis, herniated disc, spinal canal stenosis. One of the leading mechanisms in the development of IDD and chronic back pain is an imbalance between pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines. However, classical therapeutic strategies for correcting cytokine imbalance in IDD do not give the expected response in more than half of the cases. The purpose of this review is to update knowledge about new and promising therapeutic strategies based on the correction of the molecular mechanisms of cytokine imbalance in patients with IDD. This review demonstrates that knowledge of the molecular mechanisms of the imbalance between pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines may be a new key to finding more effective drugs for the treatment of IDD in the setting of acute and chronic inflammation.

Repurposing of carvedilol to alleviate lung fibrosis in rats: Repressing of TGF-β1/α-SMA/Smad2/3 and STAT3 gene expressions

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is the most widely studied interstitial lung disease. IPF eventually leads to respiratory insufficiency, lung cancer, and death. Carvedilol (CAR) is a third-generation β-adrenergic receptor antagonist with α1-blocking effect. CAR demonstrates antifibrotic activities in various experimental models of organ fibrosis.

AIMS

This work is designed to explore the possible alleviating effects of CAR on bleomycin (BLM)-induced lung fibrosis in rats.

MAIN METHODS

The BLM rat model of lung fibrosis was achieved by intratracheal delivery of a single dose of 5 mg/kg of BLM. Seven days following BLM injection, either prednisolone or CAR was orally administered at doses of 10 mg/kg once daily for 21 days to rats. The actions of CAR were evaluated by lung oxidant/antioxidant parameters, protein concentration and total leucocyte count (TLC) in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), fibrosis regulator-related genes along with the coexistent lung histological changes.

KEY FINDINGS

CAR effectively decreased lung malondialdehyde level, increased superoxide dismutase activity, declined both protein concentration and TLC in BALF, downregulated TGF-β1/α-SMA/Smad2/3 and STAT3 gene expressions, and repaired the damaged lung tissues.

SIGNIFICANCE

CAR conferred therapeutic potential against BLM-induced lung fibrosis in rats, at least in part, to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antifibrotic activities. CAR could be utilized as a prospective therapeutic option in patients with lung fibrosis in clinical practice.

The Role of TGF-β, Activin and Follistatin in Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is an immune-mediated inflammatory condition predominantly affecting the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. An increasing prevalence of IBD has been observed globally. The pathogenesis of IBD includes a complex interplay between the intestinal microbiome, diet, genetic factors and immune responses. The consequent imbalance of inflammatory mediators ultimately leads to intestinal mucosal damage and defective repair. Growth factors, given their specific roles in maintaining the homeostasis and integrity of the intestinal epithelium, are of particular interest in the setting of IBD. Furthermore, direct targeting of growth factor signalling pathways involved in the regeneration of the damaged epithelium and the regulation of inflammation could be considered as therapeutic options for individuals with IBD. Several members of the transforming growth factor (TGF)-β superfamily, particularly TGF-β, activin and follistatin, are key candidates as they exhibit various roles in inflammatory processes and contribute to maintenance and homeostasis in the GI tract. This article aimed firstly to review the events involved in the pathogenesis of IBD with particular emphasis on TGF-β, activin and follistatin and secondly to outline the potential role of therapeutic manipulation of these pathways.

Targeted multiomics in childhood-onset SLE reveal distinct biological phenotypes associated with disease activity: results from an explorative study

OBJECTIVE

To combine targeted transcriptomic and proteomic data in an unsupervised hierarchical clustering method to stratify patients with childhood-onset SLE (cSLE) into similar biological phenotypes, and study the immunological cellular landscape that characterises the clusters.

METHODS

Targeted whole blood gene expression and serum cytokines were determined in patients with cSLE, preselected on disease activity state (at diagnosis, Low Lupus Disease Activity State (LLDAS), flare). Unsupervised hierarchical clustering, agnostic to disease characteristics, was used to identify clusters with distinct biological phenotypes. Disease activity was scored by clinical SELENA-SLEDAI (Safety of Estrogens in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus National Assessment-Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index). High-dimensional 40-colour flow cytometry was used to identify immune cell subsets.

RESULTS

Three unique clusters were identified, each characterised by a set of differentially expressed genes and cytokines, and by disease activity state: cluster 1 contained primarily patients in LLDAS, cluster 2 contained mainly treatment-naïve patients at diagnosis and cluster 3 contained a mixed group of patients, namely in LLDAS, at diagnosis and disease flare. The biological phenotypes did not reflect previous organ system involvement and over time, patients could move from one cluster to another. Healthy controls clustered together in cluster 1. Specific immune cell subsets, including CD11c+ B cells, conventional dendritic cells, plasmablasts and early effector CD4+ T cells, differed between the clusters.

CONCLUSION

Using a targeted multiomic approach, we clustered patients into distinct biological phenotypes that are related to disease activity state but not to organ system involvement. This supports a new concept where choice of treatment and tapering strategies are not solely based on clinical phenotype but includes measuring novel biological parameters.

New Therapies on the Horizon

Although lung cancer treatment has been transformed by the advent of checkpoint inhibitor immunotherapies, there remains a high unmet need for new effective therapies for patients with progressive disease. Novel treatment strategies include combination therapies with currently available programmed death ligand 1 inhibitors, targeting alternative immune checkpoints, and the use of novel immunomodulatory therapies. In addition, antibody-drug conjugates offer great promise as potent management options. As these agents are further tested in clinical trials, we anticipate that more effective therapies for patients with lung cancer are integrated into regular clinical practice.

Activin and BMP Signalling in Human Testicular Cancer Cell Lines, and a Role for the Nucleocytoplasmic Transport Protein Importin-5 in their Crosstalk

Testicular germ cell tumours (TGCTs) are the most common malignancy in young men. Originating from foetal testicular germ cells that fail to differentiate correctly, TGCTs appear after puberty as germ cell neoplasia in situ cells that transform through unknown mechanisms into distinct seminoma and non-seminoma tumour types. A balance between activin and BMP signalling may influence TGCT emergence and progression, and we investigated this using human cell line models of seminoma (TCam-2) and non-seminoma (NT2/D1). Activin A- and BMP4-regulated transcripts measured at 6 h post-treatment by RNA-sequencing revealed fewer altered transcripts in TCam-2 cells but a greater responsiveness to activin A, while BMP4 altered more transcripts in NT2/D1 cells. Activin significantly elevated transcripts linked to pluripotency, cancer, TGF-β, Notch, p53, and Hippo signalling in both lines, whereas BMP4 altered TGF-β, pluripotency, Hippo and Wnt signalling components. Dose-dependent antagonism of BMP4 signalling by activin A in TCam-2 cells demonstrated signalling crosstalk between these two TGF-β superfamily arms. Levels of the nuclear transport protein, IPO5, implicated in BMP4 and WNT signalling, are highly regulated in the foetal mouse germline. IPO5 knockdown in TCam-2 cells using siRNA blunted BMP4-induced transcript changes, indicating that IPO5 levels could determine TGF-β signalling pathway outcomes in TGCTs.

Epiregulin expression and secretion is increased in castration-resistant prostate cancer

Introduction

In prostate cancer, long-term treatment directed against androgens often leads to the development of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer, which is more aggressive and not curatively treatable. Androgen deprivation results in elevated epiregulin expression in LNCaP cells which is a ligand of EGFR. This study aims to reveal the expression and regulation of epiregulin in different prostate cancer stages enabling a more specific molecular characterization of different prostate carcinoma types.

Methods

Five different prostate carcinoma cell lines were used to characterize the epiregulin expression on the RNA and protein levels. Epiregulin expression and its correlation with different patient conditions were further analyzed using clinical prostate cancer tissue samples. Additionally, the regulation of epiregulin biosynthesis was examined at transcriptional, post-transcriptional and release level.

Results

An increased epiregulin secretion is detected in castration-resistant prostate cancer cell lines and prostate cancer tissue samples indicating a correlation of epiregulin expression with tumor recurrence, metastasis and increased grading. Analysis regarding the activity of different transcription factors suggests the involvement of SMAD2/3 in the regulation of epiregulin expression. In addition, miR-19a, -19b, and -20b are involved in post-transcriptional epiregulin regulation. The release of mature epiregulin occurs via proteolytic cleavage by ADAM17, MMP2, and MMP9 which are increased in castration-resistant prostate cancer cells.

Discussion

The results demonstrate epiregulin regulation by different mechanism and suggest a potential role as a diagnostic tool to detect molecular alterations in prostate cancer progression. Additionally, although EGFR inhibitors false in prostate cancer, epiregulin could be a therapeutic target for patients with castration-resistant prostate cancer.

Emergent collective organization of bone cells in complex curvature fields

Individual cells and multicellular systems respond to cell-scale curvatures in their environments, guiding migration, orientation, and tissue formation. However, it remains largely unclear how cells collectively explore and pattern complex landscapes with curvature gradients across the Euclidean and non-Euclidean spectra. Here, we show that mathematically designed substrates with controlled curvature variations induce multicellular spatiotemporal organization of preosteoblasts. We quantify curvature-induced patterning and find that cells generally prefer regions with at least one negative principal curvature. However, we also show that the developing tissue can eventually cover unfavorably curved territories, can bridge large portions of the substrates, and is often characterized by collectively aligned stress fibers. We demonstrate that this is partly regulated by cellular contractility and extracellular matrix development, underscoring the mechanical nature of curvature guidance. Our findings offer a geometric perspective on cell-environment interactions that could be harnessed in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine applications.

Complex roles of TGF-β signaling pathways in lung development and bronchopulmonary dysplasia

As survival of extremely preterm infants continues to improve, there is also an associated increase in bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), one of the most significant complications of preterm birth. BPD development is multifactorial resulting from exposure to multiple antenatal and postnatal stressors. BPD has both short-term health implications and long-term sequelae including increased respiratory, cardiovascular, and neurological morbidity. Transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) is an important signaling pathway in lung development, organ injury, and fibrosis and is implicated in the development of BPD. This review provides a detailed account on the role of TGF-β in antenatal and postnatal lung development, the effect of known risk factors for BPD on the TGF-β signaling pathway, and how medications currently in use or under development, for the prevention or treatment of BPD, affect TGF-β signaling.

Photobiomodulation therapy mitigates cardiovascular aging and improves survival

BACKGROUND

Photobiomodulation (PBM) therapy, a form of low-dose light therapy, has been noted to be effective in several age-associated chronic diseases such as hypertension and atherosclerosis. Here, we examined the effects of PBM therapy on age-associated cardiovascular changes in a mouse model of accelerated cardiac aging.

METHODS

Fourteen months old Adenylyl cyclase type VIII (AC8) overexpressing transgenic mice (n = 8) and their wild-type (WT) littermates (n = 8) were treated with daily exposure to Near-Infrared Light (850 nm) at 25 mW/cm2 for 2 min each weekday for a total dose of 1 Einstein (4.5 p.J/cm2 or fluence 3 J/cm2 ) and compared to untreated controls over an 8-month period. PBM therapy was administered for 3.5 months (Early Treatment period), paused, due to Covid-19 restrictions for the following 3 months, and restarted again for 1.5 months. Serial echocardiography and gait analyses were performed at monthly intervals, and serum TGF-β1 levels were assessed following sacrifice.

RESULTS

During the Early Treatment period PBM treatments: reduced the age-associated increases in left ventricular (LV) mass in both genotypes (p = 0.0003), reduced the LV end-diastolic volume (EDV) in AC8 (p = 0.04); and reduced the left atrial dimension in both genotypes (p = 0.02). PBM treatments substantially increased the LV ejection fraction (p = 0.03), reduced the aortic wall stiffness (p = 0.001), and improved gait symmetry, an index of neuro-muscular coordination (p = 0.005). The effects of PBM treatments, measured following the pause, persisted. Total TGF-β1 levels were significantly increased in circulation (serum) in AC8 following PBM treatments (p = 0.01). We observed a striking increase in cumulative survival in PBM-treated AC8 mice (100%; p = 0.01) compared to untreated AC8 mice (43%).

CONCLUSION

PBM treatment mitigated age-associated cardiovascular remodeling and reduced cardiac function, improved neuromuscular coordination, and increased longevity in an experimental animal model. These responses correlate with increased TGF-β1 in circulation. Future mechanistic and dose optimization studies are necessary to assess these anti-aging effects of PBM, and validation in future controlled human studies is required for effective clinical translation.

TGF-β signaling pathway: Therapeutic targeting and potential for anti-cancer immunity

Transforming growth factor-β (TGFβ) is a pleiotropic secretory cytokine exhibiting both cancer-inhibitory and promoting properties. It transmits its signals via Suppressor of Mother against Decapentaplegic (SMAD) and non-SMAD pathways and regulates cell proliferation, differentiation, invasion, migration, and apoptosis. In non-cancer and early-stage cancer cells, TGFβ signaling suppresses cancer progression via inducing apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, or anti-proliferation, and promoting cell differentiation. On the other hand, TGFβ may also act as an oncogene in advanced stages of tumors, wherein it develops immune-suppressive tumor microenvironments and induces the proliferation of cancer cells, invasion, angiogenesis, tumorigenesis, and metastasis. Higher TGFβ expression leads to the instigation and development of cancer. Therefore, suppressing TGFβ signals may present a potential treatment option for inhibiting tumorigenesis and metastasis. Different inhibitory molecules, including ligand traps, anti-sense oligo-nucleotides, small molecule receptor-kinase inhibitors, small molecule inhibitors, and vaccines, have been developed and clinically trialed for blocking the TGFβ signaling pathway. These molecules are not pro-oncogenic response-specific but block all signaling effects induced by TGFβ. Nonetheless, targeting the activation of TGFβ signaling with maximized specificity and minimized toxicity can enhance the efficacy of therapeutic approaches against this signaling pathway. The molecules that are used to target TGFβ are non-cytotoxic to cancer cells but designed to curtail the over-activation of invasion and metastasis driving TGFβ signaling in stromal and cancer cells. Here, we discussed the critical role of TGFβ in tumorigenesis, and metastasis, as well as the outcome and the promising achievement of TGFβ inhibitory molecules in the treatment of cancer.

Lipid nanoparticles (LNP) induce activation and maturation of antigen presenting cells in young and aged individuals

Herein, we studied the impact of empty LNP (eLNP), component of mRNA-based vaccine, on anti-viral pathways and immune function of cells from young and aged individuals. eLNP induced maturation of monocyte derived dendritic cells (MDDCs). We further show that eLNP upregulated CD40 and induced cytokine production in multiple DC subsets and monocytes. This coincided with phosphorylation of TANK binding kinase 1 (pTBK1) and interferon response factor 7 (pIRF7). In response to eLNP, healthy older adults (>65 yrs) have decreased CD40 expression, and IFN-γ output compared to young adults (<65 yrs). Additionally, cells from older adults have a dysregulated anti-viral signaling response to eLNP stimulation, measured by the defect in type I IFN production, and phagocytosis. Overall, our data show function of eLNP in eliciting DC maturation and innate immune signaling pathways that is impaired in older adults resulting in lower immune responses to SARS-CoV-2 mRNA-based vaccines.

Target acquisition of anti-aging manno-oligosaccharide that triggers ECM process via TGF-β/Smads-SIRT1 signalling pathway

Glycans play a crucial role in a variety of physiological and pathological processes. In terms of skin, the sugar chain length, monosaccharide composition and structure of glycans change with age, and thus the changes in glycogens in skin cells are a potential biomarker of aging. The exogenous addition of structurally defined glycans is of great importance for delaying the skin aging process. Fortunately, a functional glycan named manno-oligosaccharide (DOMOS) from Dendrobium officinale was obtained herein by efficient enzymatic depolymerization and exerts anti-aging effects on human skin in vitro and in vivo together with human clinical studies. Further studies show that DOMOS exerts anti-aging effects by triggering the ECM process through a TGF-β/Smad-SIRT1 signalling pathway. This is the first study to concentrate on the beneficial effects of glycan degradation by a highly specific method on skin aging and provides an all-new solution to the skin aging problem that people are most concerned about.

Transcriptomes of Testes at Different Developmental Stages in the Opsariichthys bidens Predict Key Genes for Testis Development and Spermatogenesis

Testis development is a complex process involving multiple genes, and the molecular mechanisms underlying testis development in Opsariichthys bidens remain unclear. We performed transcriptome sequencing analysis on a total of 12 samples of testes from stages II, III, IV, and V of O. bidens and obtained a total of 79.52 Gb clean data, as well as 288,573 transcripts and 116,215 unigenes. Differential expression analysis showed that 22,857 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were screened in six comparison groups (III vs. II, IV vs. II, V vs. II, IV vs. III, V vs. III, and V vs. IV). Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analysis of DEGs showed that six comparison groups were significantly enriched for a total of 20 significantly up- or down-regulated pathways, including six pathways related to signal transduction, three pathways related to energy metabolism, five pathways related to disease, and two pathways related to ribosomes. Furthermore, our investigation revealed that DEGs were enriched in several important functional pathways, such as Huntington's disease signaling pathway, TGF-β signaling pathway, and ribosome signaling pathway. Protein-protein interaction network analysis of DEGs identified 63 up-regulated hub genes, including 9 kinesin genes and 2 cytoplasmic dynein genes, and 39 down-regulated hub genes, including 13 ribosomal protein genes. This result contributes to the knowledge of spermatogenesis and testis development in O. bidens.

Growth hormone induces transforming growth factor-β1 in podocytes: Implications in podocytopathy and proteinuria

Pituitary growth hormone (GH) is essential for growth, metabolism, and renal function. Overactive GH signaling is associated with impaired kidney function. Glomerular podocytes, a key kidney cell type, play an indispensable role in the renal filtration and express GH receptors (GHR), suggesting the direct action of GH on these cells. However, the precise mechanism and the downstream signaling events by which GH leads to diabetic nephropathy remain to be elucidated. Here we performed proteome analysis of the condition media from human podocytes and confirmed that GH-induces TGF-β1. Inhibition of GH/GHR stimulated-JAK2 signaling abrogates GH-induced TGF-β1 secretion. Mice administered with GH showed glomerular manifestations concomitant with proteinuria. Pharmacological inhibition of TGF-βR1 in mice prevented GH-induced TGF-β dependent SMAD signaling and proteinuria. Conditional deletion of GHR in podocytes protected mice from streptozotocin-induced diabetic nephropathy. GH and TGF-β1 signaling components expression was elevated in the kidneys of human diabetic nephropathy patients. Our study identifies that GH induces TGF-β1 in podocytes, contributing to diabetic nephropathy.

High-plasticity mineral trioxide aggregate and its effects on M1 and M2 macrophage viability and adherence, phagocyte activity, production of reactive oxygen species, and cytokines

Objectives

This study evaluated the effects of high-plasticity mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA-HP) on the activity of M1 and M2 macrophages, compared to white MTA (Angelus).

Materials and Methods

Peritoneal inflammatory M1 (from C57BL/6 mice) and M2 (from BALB/c mice) macrophages were cultured in the presence of the tested materials. Cell viability (MTT and trypan blue assays), adhesion, phagocytosis, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β production were evaluated. Parametric analysis of variance and the non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis test were used. Results were considered significant when p < 0.05.

Results

The MTT assay revealed a significant decrease in M1 metabolism with MTA-HP at 24 hours, and with MTA and MTA-HP later. The trypan blue assay showed significantly fewer live M1 at 48 hours and live M2 at 48 and 72 hours with MTA-HP, compared to MTA. M1 and M2 adherence and phagocytosis showed no significant differences compared to control for both materials. Zymosan A stimulated ROS production by macrophages. In the absence of interferon-γ, TNF-α production by M1 did not significantly differ between groups. For M2, both materials showed higher TNF-α production in the presence of the stimulus, but without significant between-group differences. Likewise, TGF-β production by M1 and M2 macrophages was not significantly different between the groups.

Conclusions

M1 and M2 macrophages presented different viability in response to MTA and MTA-HP at different time points. Introducing a plasticizer into the MTA vehicle did not interfere with the activity of M1 and M2 macrophages.

Thrombo-Inflammation in COVID-19 and Sickle Cell Disease: Two Faces of the Same Coin

People with sickle cell disease (SCD) are at greater risk of severe illness and death from respiratory infections, including COVID-19, than people without SCD (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, USA). Vaso-occlusive crises (VOC) in SCD and severe SARS-CoV-2 infection are both characterized by thrombo-inflammation mediated by endothelial injury, complement activation, inflammatory lipid storm, platelet activation, platelet-leukocyte adhesion, and activation of the coagulation cascade. Notably, lipid mediators, including thromboxane A2, significantly increase in severe COVID-19 and SCD. In addition, the release of thromboxane A2 from endothelial cells and macrophages stimulates platelets to release microvesicles, which are harbingers of multicellular adhesion and thrombo-inflammation. Currently, there are limited therapeutic strategies targeting platelet-neutrophil activation and thrombo-inflammation in either SCD or COVID-19 during acute crisis. However, due to many similarities between the pathobiology of thrombo-inflammation in SCD and COVID-19, therapies targeting one disease may likely be effective in the other. Therefore, the preclinical and clinical research spurred by the COVID-19 pandemic, including clinical trials of anti-thrombotic agents, are potentially applicable to VOC. Here, we first outline the parallels between SCD and COVID-19; second, review the role of lipid mediators in the pathogenesis of these diseases; and lastly, examine the therapeutic targets and potential treatments for the two diseases.

Therapeutic effects of icariin and icariside II on diabetes mellitus and its complications

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a global health issue in the twenty-first century, and there are numerous challenges in preventing and alleviating its chronic complications. The herb Epimedium has beneficial therapeutic effects on various human diseases, including DM. Its major flavonoid component, icariin, has significant anti-DM activity and may help improve pancreatic β-cell dysfunction and insulin resistance. Furthermore, preclinical evidence has shown that icariin and its in vivo bioactive form, icariside II, have preventive and therapeutic effects on several diabetic complications, including diabetic cardiomyopathy, diabetic vascular endothelial disorder, diabetic nephropathy, and diabetic erectile dysfunction. In this review, we present the general and toxicological information concerning icariin and icariside II and review the anti-DM effects of icariin from a molecular perspective. Additionally, we discuss the potential benefits of icariin and icariside II on the important pathological mechanisms of various diabetic complications. Despite positive preclinical evidence, additional investigations are needed before relevant clinical studies can be conducted. Therefore, we conclude with suggestions for future research. Hopefully, this review will provide a comprehensive molecular perspective for future research and product development related to icariin and icariside II in treating DM and diabetic complications.

Identifying miRNA-mRNA regulatory networks on extreme n-6/n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid ratio expression profiles in porcine skeletal muscle

Omega-3 (n-3) and omega-6 (n-6) polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are essential fatty acids with antagonistic inflammatory functions that play vital roles in metabolic health and immune response. Current commercial swine diets tend to over-supplement with n-6 PUFAs, which may increase the likelihood of developing inflammatory diseases and affect the overall well-being of the animals. However, it is still poorly understood how n-6/n-3 PUFA ratios affect the porcine transcriptome expression and how messenger RNAs (mRNAs) and microRNAs (miRNAs) might regulate biological processes related to PUFA metabolism. On account of this, we selected a total of 20 Iberian × Duroc crossbred pigs with extreme values for n-6/n-3 FA ratio (10 high vs 10 low), and longissimus dorsi muscle samples were used to identify differentially expressed mRNAs and miRNAs. The observed differentially expressed mRNAs were associated to biological pathways related to muscle growth and immunomodulation, while the differentially expressed microRNAs (ssc-miR-30a-3p, ssc-miR-30e-3p, ssc-miR-15b and ssc-miR-7142-3p) were correlated to adipogenesis and immunity. Relevant miRNA-to-mRNA regulatory networks were also predicted (i.e., mir15b to ARRDC3; mir-7142-3p to METTL21C), and linked to lipolysis, obesity, myogenesis, and protein degradation. The n-6/n-3 PUFA ratio differences in pig skeletal muscle revealed genes, miRNAs and enriched pathways involved in lipid metabolism, cell proliferation and inflammation.

New insights into fibrotic signaling in renal cell carcinoma

Fibrotic signaling plays a pivotal role in the development and progression of solid cancers including renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Intratumoral fibrosis (ITF) and pseudo-capsule (PC) fibrosis are significantly correlated to the disease progression of renal cell carcinoma. Targeting classic fibrotic signaling processes such as TGF-β signaling and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) shows promising antitumor effects both preclinically and clinically. Therefore, a better understanding of the pathogenic mechanisms of fibrotic signaling in renal cell carcinoma at molecular resolution can facilitate the development of precision therapies against solid cancers. In this review, we systematically summarized the latest updates on fibrotic signaling, from clinical correlation and molecular mechanisms to its therapeutic strategies for renal cell carcinoma. Importantly, we examined the reported fibrotic signaling on the human renal cell carcinoma dataset at the transcriptome level with single-cell resolution to assess its translational potential in the clinic.

Anti-cancer drug molecules targeting cancer cell cycle and proliferation

Cancer, a vicious clinical burden that potentiates maximum fatality for humankind, arises due to unregulated excessive cell division and proliferation through an eccentric expression of cell cycle regulator proteins. A set of evolutionarily conserved machinery controls the cell cycle in an extremely precise manner so that a cell that went through the cycle can produce a genetically identical copy. To achieve perfection, several checkpoints were placed in the cycle for surveillance; so, errors during the division were rectified by the repair strategies. However, irreparable damage leads to exit from the cell cycle and induces programmed cell death. In comparison to a normal cell, cancer cells facilitate the constitutive activation of many dormant proteins and impede negative regulators of the checkpoint. Extensive studies in the last few decades on cell division and proliferation of cancer cells elucidate the molecular mechanism of the cell-cycle regulators that are often targeted for the development of anti-cancer therapy. Each phase of the cell cycle has been regulated by a unique set of proteins including master regulators Cyclins, and CDKs, along with the accessory proteins such as CKI, Cdc25, error-responsive proteins, and various kinase proteins mainly WEE1 kinases, Polo-like kinases, and Aurora kinases that control cell division. Here in this chapter, we have analytically discussed the role of cell cycle regulators and proliferation factors in cancer progression and the rationale of using various cell cycle-targeting drug molecules as anti-cancer therapy.

Haplotype Structures and Protein Levels of TGFB1 in HPV Infection and Cervical Lesion: A Case-Control Study

This study aimed to verify the role of TGFB1 variants (c.-1638G>A, c.-1347C>T, c.29C>T, and c.74G>C) in HPV infection susceptibility and cervical lesions development, and their impact on TGFB1 cervical and plasma levels. TGFB1 genotypes were assessed with PCR-RFLP and haplotypes were inferred for 190 HPV-uninfected and 161 HPV-infected women. TGFB1 levels were determined with immunofluorimetric assay. Case-control analyses were performed with logistic regression adjusted for possible confounders. Women carrying -1347TT or -1347CT+TT as well as those with 29CT, 29CC, or 29CT+CC were more likely to have HPV than -1347CC and 29TT carriers, respectively. Regarding haplotypes, the most frequent were *4 (GCTG) and *3 (GTCG). Women *4/*4 were less likely to have HPV than those with no *4 copy. Comparing the inheritance of *3 and *4, carriers of *3/*4 or *3/*3 were more susceptible to HPV than *4/*4. The TGFB1 plasma and cervical levels were higher in the infected patients. Plasma levels were also higher in infected women with low-grade lesions. HPV-infected patients carrying *3/Other and *3/Other+*3/*3 presented lower TGFB1 plasma levels than those with no copy of *3. TGFB1 variants could contribute to the comprehension of the TGFB1 role in HPV-caused cervical disease.

LncRNA CCAT2, involving miR-34a/TGF-β1/Smad4 signaling, regulate hepatic stellate cells proliferation

miR-34a targeting on Smad4 plays important role in TGF-β1 pathway which is a dominant factor for balancing collagen production and degradation in hepatic stellate cells. TGF-β1/Smad4 regulated collagen deposition is a hallmark of hepatic fibrosis. The potential regulation on miR-34a by LncRNAs in hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) is still reserved to be revealed. In current study, it was hypothesized that a miR-34a interactor, lncRNA CCAT2 may regulate TGF-β1 pathway in liver fibrotic remodeling. The interaction between CCAT2 and miR-34a-5p was checked by dual luciferase assay. the effects of CCAT2 and miR-34a-5p on cell proliferation and apoptosis were verified by MTT assay, colony formation assay, and flow cytometry assay. Dual luciferase activity showed CCAT2 are targets of miR-34a-5p. Sh-CCAT2 transfection prohibit HSCs proliferation and induce HSCs apoptosis, also inhibited ECM protein synthesis in HSCs. Decreased miR-34a-5p enhanced HSCs proliferation, blocked HSCs apoptosis and promoted ECM protein production. miR-34a-5p inhibitor undo protective regulation of sh-CCAT2 in liver fibrosis. Furthermore, clinical investigation showed that CCAT2 and Smad4 expression level were significantly induced, while miR-34a-5p was significantly decreased in HBV related liver fibrosis serum. In conclusion, activated HSCs via TGF-β1/Smad4 signaling pathway was successfully alleviated by CCAT2 inhibition through miR-34a-5p elevation.

The roles of TGF-β and VEGF pathways in the suppression of antitumor immunity in melanoma and other solid tumors

Immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) has become well-known in cancer therapy, strengthening the body's antitumor immune response rather than directly targeting cancer cells. Therapies targeting immune inhibitory checkpoints, such as PD-1, PD-L1, and CTLA-4, have resulted in impressive clinical responses across different types of solid tumors. However, as with other types of cancer treatments, ICB-based immunotherapy is hampered by both innate and acquired drug resistance. We previously reported the enrichment of gene signatures associated with wound healing, epithelial-to-mesenchymal, and angiogenesis processes in the tumors of patients with innate resistance to PD-1 checkpoint antibody therapy; we termed these the Innate Anti-PD-1 Resistance Signatures (IPRES). The TGF-β and VEGFA pathways emerge as the dominant drivers of IPRES-associated processes. Here, we review these pathways' functions, their roles in immunosuppression, and the currently available therapies that target them. We also discuss recent developments in the targeting of TGF-β using a specific antibody class termed trap antibody. The application of trap antibodies opens the promise of localized targeting of the TGF-β and VEGFA pathways within the tumor microenvironment. Such specificity may offer an enhanced therapeutic window that enables suppression of the IPRES processes in the tumor microenvironment while sparing the normal homeostatic functions of TGF-β and VEGFA in healthy tissues.

Understanding the role of glycation in the pathology of various non-communicable diseases along with novel therapeutic strategies

Glycation refers to carbonyl group condensation of the reducing sugar with the free amino group of protein, which forms Amadori products and advanced glycation end products (AGEs). These AGEs alter protein structure and function by configuring a negative charge on the positively charged arginine and lysine residues. Glycation plays a vital role in the pathogenesis of metabolic diseases, brain disorders, aging, and gut microbiome dysregulation with the aid of 3 mechanisms: (i) formation of highly reactive metabolic pathway-derived intermediates, which directly affect protein function in cells, (ii) the interaction of AGEs with its associated receptors to create oxidative stress causing the activation of transcription factor NF-κB, and (iii) production of extracellular AGEs hinders interactions between cellular and matrix molecules affecting vascular and neural genesis. Therapeutic strategies are thus required to inhibit glycation at different steps, such as blocking amino and carbonyl groups, Amadori products, AGEs-RAGE interactions, chelating transition metals, scavenging free radicals, and breaking crosslinks formed by AGEs. The present review focused on explicitly elaborating the impact of glycation-influenced molecular mechanisms in developing and treating noncommunicable diseases.

Targeting caveolae to pump bispecific antibody to TGF-β into diseased lungs enables ultra-low dose therapeutic efficacy

The long-sought-after "magic bullet" in systemic therapy remains unrealized for disease targets existing inside most tissues, theoretically because vascular endothelium impedes passive tissue entry and full target engagement. We engineered the first "dual precision" bispecific antibody with one arm pair to precisely bind to lung endothelium and drive active delivery and the other to precisely block TGF-β effector function inside lung tissue. Targeting caveolae for transendothelial pumping proved essential for delivering most of the injected intravenous dose precisely into lungs within one hour and for enhancing therapeutic potency by >1000-fold in a rat pneumonitis model. Ultra-low doses (μg/kg) inhibited inflammatory cell infiltration, edema, lung tissue damage, disease biomarker expression and TGF-β signaling. The prodigious benefit of active vs passive transvascular delivery of a precision therapeutic unveils a new promising drug design, delivery and therapy paradigm ripe for expansion and clinical testing.

Lipid nanoparticles (LNP) induce activation and maturation of antigen presenting cells in young and aged individuals

Despite the overwhelming success of mRNA-based vaccine in protecting against SARS-CoV-2 infection and reducing disease severity and hospitalization, little is known about the role lipid nanoparticles (LNP) play in initiating immune response. In this report we studied the adjuvantive impact of empty LNP with no mRNA cargo (eLNP) on anti-viral pathways and immune function of cells from young and aged individuals. We found that eLNP induced maturation of monocyte derived dendritic cells by measuring the expression of CD40, CD80, HLA-DR and production of cytokines including IFN-α,IL-6, IFN-γ, IL-12, and IL-21. Flow cytometry analysis of specific dendritic cell subsets showed that eLNP can induce CD40 expression and cytokine production in cDC1, cDC2 and monocytes. Empty LNP (eLNP) effects on dendritic cells and monocytes coincided with induction pIRF7 and pTBK1, which are both important in mitigating innate immune signaling. Interestingly our data show that in response to eLNP stimulus at 6 and 24 hrs, aged individuals have decreased CD40 expression and reduced IFN- γ output compared to young adults. Furthermore, we show that cDC1, cDC2, and CD14 ^dim CD16 ⁺ monocytes from healthy aged individuals have dysregulated anti-viral signaling response to eLNP stimulation as measured by the defect in type I IFN production, phosphorylation of IRF7, TBK-1, and immune function like phagocytosis. These data showed a novel function of eLNP in eliciting DC maturation and innate immune signaling pathways and that some of these functions are impaired in older individuals providing some suggestion of why older individuals (> 65 yrs of age) respond display lower immune responses and adverse events to SARS-CoV-2 mRNA-based vaccines.

Bone morphogenetic proteins, activins, and growth and differentiation factors in tumor immunology and immunotherapy resistance

The TGF-β superfamily is a group of secreted polypeptides with key roles in exerting and regulating a variety of physiologic effects, especially those related to cell signaling, growth, development, and differentiation. Although its central member, TGF-β, has been extensively reviewed, other members of the family-namely bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs), activins, and growth and differentiation factors (GDFs)-have not been as thoroughly investigated. Moreover, although the specific roles of TGF-β signaling in cancer immunology and immunotherapy resistance have been extensively reported, little is known of the roles of BMPs, activins, and GDFs in these domains. This review focuses on how these superfamily members influence key immune cells in cancer progression and resistance to treatment.

Emerging trends and research foci of epithelial–mesenchymal transition in gliomas: A scientometric analysis and review

Background

Epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a key factor in the invasion and migration of glioma cells, and the study of EMT in gliomas has become a hot topic over the past decade. Scientometric analysis is gaining more attention since it can obtain hot topics and emerging trends in a research field. This article analyzed the research related to EMT in gliomas for the first time, including descriptions of research situations, evaluations of research foci, and predictions of emerging trends.

Methods

We searched the topic-related original articles from January 2012 to December 2021 in the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) by using a specific strategy, and a total of 1,217 publications were obtained. The WoS platform, VOS viewer, and CiteSpace were used to analyze the annual distribution of publications and citations, authors and density of keywords, and other analyses including countries, institutions, references, clustering, burst analysis, and the timeline view of keywords.

Results

Scientometric analysis identified that the study of EMT in gliomas has developed fast and received continuous attention in the last decade. Based on the results of data analysis, most publications on the topic came from China, and the United States had the highest betweenness centrality. The top 10 co-cited references revealed the landmark documents that had greatly promoted the development of this field. The major focus is on the cellular and molecular mechanisms of EMT in gliomas, and the therapy related to EMT target and non-coding RNAs has been developing fast in recent years.

Conclusions

This study revealed the intimate connections between EMT and gliomas, and the complex mechanisms regulating EMT in gliomas had been studied widely in the last decade. Exploring the deep mechanisms of EMT in gliomas is the foundation of the targeted inhibitions, which can promote the development of therapies for gliomas.

Berberine Suppressed the Progression of Human Glioma Cells by Inhibiting the TGF-β1/SMAD2/3 Signaling Pathway

Background:

Previous studies have shown that berberine can inhibit glioma progression, although the underlying molecular mechanisms needed to be explored further. The aim of this study was to evaluate the suppressive effects of berberine on human glioma cells, and identify the underlying signaling pathways.

Material and Methods:

The cytotoxic effect of different concentrations of berberine against normal human glial cells (HEB) and 4 glioma cell lines was evaluated by the CCK-8 assay. Apoptosis was assayed by flow cytometry. In vitro migration and invasion were analyzed by the wound healing and transwell assays. The expression levels of specific proteins were measured by western blotting and ELISA.

Results:

Berberine significantly inhibited the proliferation of human glioma U-87 cells, and induced apoptosis in the U-87 and LN229 cells by downregulating Bcl-2, and upregulating Bax and caspase-3. In addition, berberine also inhibited migration and invasion of the glioma cells. Furthermore, berberine exerted its effects on the proliferation, migration, invasion, and apoptosis of glioma cells by inhibiting the TGF-β1/SMAD2/3 signaling pathway, and exogenous TGF-β abrogated the pro-apoptotic and anti-oncogenic effects of berberine.

Conclusions:

Berberine inhibits glioma progression by targeting the TGF-β1/SMAD2/3 signaling pathway.

Phenotypical Flexibility of the EGFRvIII-Positive Glioblastoma Cell Line and the Multidirectional Influence of TGFβ and EGF on These Cells—EGFRvIII Appears as a Weak Oncogene

Background: The biological role of EGFRvIII (epidermal growth factor receptor variant three) remains unclear. Methods: Three glioblastoma DK-MG sublines were tested with EGF (epidermal growth factor) and TGFβ (transforming growth factor β). Sublines were characterized by an increased percentage of EGFRvIII-positive cells and doubling time (DK-MG^low to DK-MG^extra-high), number of amplicons, and EGFRvIII mRNA expression. The influence of the growth factors on primary EGFRvIII positive glioblastomas was assessed. Results: The overexpression of exoEGFRvIII in DK-MG^high did not convert them into DK-MG^extra-high, and this overexpression did not change DK-MG^low to DK-MG^high; however, the overexpression of RAS^G12V increased the proliferation of DK-MG^low. Moreover, the highest EGFRvIII phosphorylation in DK-MG^extra-high did not cause relevant AKT (known as protein kinase B) and ERK (extracellular signal-regulated kinase) activation. Further analyses indicate that TGFβ is able to induce apoptosis of DK-MG^high cells. This subline was able to convert to DK-MG^extra-high, which appeared resistant to this proapoptotic effect. EGF acted as a pro-survival factor and stimulated proliferation; however, simultaneous senescence induction in DK-MG^extra-high cells was ambiguous. Primary EGFRvIII positive (and SOX2 (SRY-Box Transcription Factor 2) positive or SOX2 negative) glioblastoma cells differentially responded to EGF and TGFβ. Conclusions: The roles of TGFβ and EGF in the EGFRvIII context remain unclear. EGFRvIII appears as a weak oncogene and not a marker of GSC (glioma stem cells). Hence, it may not be a proper target for CAR-T (chimeric antigen receptor T cells).

Circular RNA CREBBP modulates cartilage degradation by activating the Smad1/5 pathway through the TGFβ2/ALK1 axis

Osteoarthritis, characterized by articular cartilage degradation, is the leading cause of chronic disability in older adults. Studies have indicated that circular RNAs are crucial regulators of chondrocyte development and are involved in the progression of osteoarthritis. In this study, we investigated the function and mechanism of a circular RNA and its potential for osteoarthritis therapy. The expression levels of circCREBBP, screened by circular RNA sequencing during chondrogenic differentiation in adipose tissue-derived stem cells, and TGFβ2 were significantly increased in the cartilage of patients with osteoarthritis and IL-1β-induced chondrocytes. circCREBBP knockdown increased anabolism in the extracellular matrix and inhibited chondrocyte degeneration, whereas circCREBBP overexpression led to the opposite effects. Luciferase reporter assays, rescue experiments, RNA immunoprecipitation, and RNA pulldown assays confirmed that circCREBBP upregulated TGFβ2 expression by sponging miR-1208, resulting in significantly enhanced phosphorylation of Smad1/5 in chondrocytes. Moreover, intra-articular injection of adeno-associated virus-sh-circCrebbp alleviated osteoarthritis in a mouse model of destabilization of the medial meniscus. Our findings reveal a critical role for circCREBBP in the progression of osteoarthritis and provide a potential target for osteoarthritis therapy.

ExPRSweb: An online repository with polygenic risk scores for common health-related exposures

Complex traits are influenced by genetic risk factors, lifestyle, and environmental variables, so-called exposures. Some exposures, e.g., smoking or lipid levels, have common genetic modifiers identified in genome-wide association studies. Because measurements are often unfeasible, exposure polygenic risk scores (ExPRSs) offer an alternative to study the influence of exposures on various phenotypes. Here, we collected publicly available summary statistics for 28 exposures and applied four common PRS methods to generate ExPRSs in two large biobanks: the Michigan Genomics Initiative and the UK Biobank. We established ExPRSs for 27 exposures and demonstrated their applicability in phenome-wide association studies and as predictors for common chronic conditions. Especially the addition of multiple ExPRSs showed, for several chronic conditions, an improvement compared to prediction models that only included traditional, disease-focused PRSs. To facilitate follow-up studies, we share all ExPRS constructs and generated results via an online repository called ExPRSweb.

In search of immune cellular sources of abnormal cytokines in the blood in autism spectrum disorder: A systematic review of case-control studies

Abnormal cytokine levels in circulating blood have been repeatedly reported in autism; however, the underlying cause remains unclear. This systematic review aimed to investigate cytokine levels in peripheral blood compartments and identify their potential immune cellular sources in subjects with autism through comparison with controls. We conducted an electronic database search (PubMed, Scopus, ProQuest Central, Ovid, SAGE Journals, and Wiley Online Library) from inception (no time limits) to July 9, 2020, and identified 75 relevant articles. Our qualitative data synthesis focused on results consistently described in at least three independent studies, and we reported the results according to the PRISMA protocol. We found that compared with controls, in subjects with autism, cytokines IL-6, IL-17, TNF-α, and IL-1β increased in the plasma and serum. We also identified monocytes, neutrophils, and CD4+ T cells as potential sources of these elevated cytokines in autism. Cytokines IFN-γ, TGF-β, RANTES, and IL-8 were increased in the plasma/serum of subjects with autism, and IFN-γ was likely produced by CD4+ T cells and natural killer (NK) cells, although conflicting evidence is present for IFN-γ and TGF-β. Other cytokines—IL-13, IL-10, IL-5, and IL-4—were found to be unaltered in the plasma/serum and post-stimulated blood immune cells in autistic individuals as compared with controls. The frequencies of T cells, monocytes, B cells, and NK cells were unchanged in subjects with autism as opposed to controls, suggesting that abnormal cytokines were unlikely due to altered cell numbers but might be due to altered functioning of these cells in autism. Our results support existing studies of abnormal cytokines in autism and provide comprehensive evidence of potential cellular sources of these altered cytokines in the context of autism.

TGF-β at the crossroads of multiple prognosis in breast cancer, and beyond

Transforming growth factor β (TGF-β), a pluripotent cytokine and a multifunctional growth factor has a crucial role in varied biological mechanisms like invasion, migration, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, apoptosis, wound healing, and immunosuppression. Moreover, it also has an imperative role both in normal mammary gland development as well as breast carcinogenesis. TGF-β has shown to have a paradoxical role in breast carcinogenesis, by transitioning from a growth inhibitor to a growth promoter with the disease advancement. The inter-communication and crosstalk of TGF-β with different signaling pathways has strengthened the likelihood to explore it as a comprehensive biomarker. In the last two decades, TGF-β has been studied extensively and has been found to be a promising biomarker for early detection, disease monitoring, treatment selection, and tumor progression making it beneficial for disease management. In this review, we focus on the signaling pathways and biological activities of the TGF-β family in breast cancer pathogenesis and its role as a circulatory and independent biomarker for breast cancer progression and metastasis. Moreover, this review highlights TGF-β as a drug target, and the underlying mechanisms through which it is involved in tumorigenesis that will aid in the development of varied therapies targeting the different stages of breast cancer.

Potential role of extracellular granzyme B in wet age-related macular degeneration and fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy

Age-related ocular diseases are the leading cause of blindness in developed countries and constitute a sizable socioeconomic burden worldwide. Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy (FECD) are some of the most common age-related diseases of the retina and cornea, respectively. AMD is characterized by a breakdown of the retinal pigment epithelial monolayer, which maintains retinal homeostasis, leading to retinal degeneration, while FECD is characterized by degeneration of the corneal endothelial monolayer, which maintains corneal hydration status, leading to corneal edema. Both AMD and FECD pathogenesis are characterized by disorganized local extracellular matrix (ECM) and toxic protein deposits, with both processes linked to aberrant protease activity. Granzyme B (GrB) is a serine protease traditionally known for immune-mediated initiation of apoptosis; however, it is now recognized that GrB is expressed by a variety of immune and non-immune cells and aberrant extracellular localization of GrB substantially contributes to various age-related pathologies through dysregulated cleavage of ECM, tight junction, and adherens junction proteins. Despite growing recognition of GrB involvement in multiple age-related pathologies, its role in AMD and FECD remains poorly understood. This review summarizes the pathophysiology of, and similarities between AMD and FECD, outlines the current knowledge of the role of GrB in AMD and FECD, as well as hypothesizes putative contributions of GrB to AMD and FECD pathogenesis and highlights the therapeutic potential of pharmacologically inhibiting GrB as an adjunctive treatment for AMD and FECD.

TGF-β2 enhances expression of equine bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cell paracrine factors with known associations to tendon healing

Background

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) secrete paracrine factors and extracellular matrix proteins that contribute to their ability to support tissue healing and regeneration. Both the transcriptome and the secretome of MSCs can be altered by treating the cells with cytokines, but neither have been thoroughly investigated following treatment with the specific cytokine transforming growth factor (TGF)-β2.

Methods

RNA-sequencing and western blotting were used to compare gene and protein expression between untreated and TGF-β2-treated equine bone marrow-derived MSCs (BM-MSCs). A co-culture system was utilized to compare equine tenocyte migration during co-culture with untreated and TGF-β2-treated BM-MSCs.

Results

TGF-β2 treatment significantly upregulated gene expression of collagens, extracellular matrix molecules, and growth factors. Protein expression of collagen type I and tenascin-C was also confirmed to be upregulated in TGF-β2-treated BM-MSCs compared to untreated BM-MSCs. Both untreated and TGF-β2-treated BM-MSCs increased tenocyte migration in vitro.

Conclusions

Treating equine BM-MSCs with TGF-β2 significantly increases production of paracrine factors and extracellular matrix molecules important for tendon healing and promotes the migration of tenocytes in vitro.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13287-022-03172-9.

Response of TGF-β isoforms in epithelial-mesenchymal transition of enamel epithelial cells

OBJECTIVE

During enamel formation, transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) isoforms exhibit different activities for gene expression, apoptosis, and endocytosis. This study aimed to investigate the differential response of TGF-β isoforms to epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in enamel epithelial cells.

DESIGN

Using a mouse enamel epithelial cell line (mHAT9d) cultured in the presence of each TGF-β isoform, (1) the morphological changes in EMT were explored, (2) EMT-related genes were analyzed by next-generation sequencing (NGS), (3) TGF-β pathway for EMT was identified by inhibition experiments, and (4) the expression of the TGF-β receptor gene in response to the binding affinity of the TGF-β isoform were analyzed.

RESULTS

EMT was observed in mHAT9d cultured in the presence of TGF-β1 and β3 but not TGF-β2. The expression of both epithelial and mesenchymal marker genes was observed in mHAT9d exhibiting EMT. NGS analysis suggested extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and Rho pathways as TGF-β signaling pathways associated with EMT. However, EMT in mHAT9d cultured in the presence of TGF-β1 or β3 occurred even in presence of an ERK1/2 inhibitor and was suppressed by Rho-kinase inhibitor. The expression of co-receptors for TGF-β signaling in mHAT9d cells reduced following stimulation with each TGF-β isoform. In contrast, endoglin levels increased following TGF-β1 or β3 stimulation, but no change was noted in response to TGF-β2.

CONCLUSIONS

We propose that in TGF-β-stimulated enamel epithelial cells, EMT mainly occurred via the Rho signaling pathway, and the differences in response across TGF-β isoforms were due to their endoglin-mediated binding affinity for the TGF-β receptor.

A TGFβR inhibitor represses keratin-7 expression in 3D cultures of human salivary gland progenitor cells

Salivary gland tissue engineering offers an attractive alternative for the treatment of radiation-induced xerostomia. Key to the success of this approach is the maintenance and expansion of secretory acinar cells in vitro. However, recent studies revealed that in vitro culture of primary salivary gland epithelial cells led to undesirable upregulation of the expression of keratin-7 (K7), a marker of ductal phenotype and frequently associated with cellular stress. We have previously shown that hyaluronic acid (HA)-based, RGDSP-decorated hydrogels support the 3D growth and assembly of primary human salivary gland stem/progenitor cells (hS/PCs). Here, we investigate whether the RGDSP culture also promotes K7 expression, and if so, what factors govern the K7 expression. Compared to hS/PCs maintained in blank HA gels, those grown in RGDSP cultures expressed a significantly higher level of K7. In other tissues, various transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) superfamily members are reported to regulate K7 expression. Similarly, our immunoblot array and ELISA experiments confirmed the increased expression of TGF-β1 and growth/differentiation factor-15 (GDF-15) in RGDSP cultures. However, 2D model studies show that only TGF-β1 is required to induce K7 expression in hS/PCs. Immunocytochemical analysis of the intracellular effectors of TGF-β signaling, SMAD 2/3, further confirmed the elevated TGF-β signaling in RGDSP cultures. To maximize the regenerative potential of h/SPCs, cultures were treated with a pharmacological inhibitor of TGF-β receptor, A83-01. Our results show that A83-01 treatment can repress K7 expression not only in 3D RGDSP cultures but also under 2D conditions with exogenous TGF-β1. Collectively, we provide a link between TGF-β signaling and K7 expression in hS/PC cultures and demonstrate the effectiveness of TGF-β inhibition to repress K7 expression while maintaining the ability of RGDSP-conjugated HA gels to facilitate the rapid development of amylase expressing spheroids. These findings represent an important step towards regenerating salivary function with a tissue-engineered salivary gland.

The Genetics and Typical Traits of Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm and Dissection

Genetic predisposition and risk factors such as hypertension and smoking can instigate the development of thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA), which can lead to highly lethal aortic wall dissection and/or rupture. Monogenic defects in multiple genes involved in the elastin-contractile unit and the TGFβ signaling pathway have been associated with TAA in recent years, along with several genetic modifiers and risk-conferring polymorphisms. Advances in omics technology have also provided significant insights into the processes behind aortic wall degeneration: inflammation, epigenetics, vascular smooth muscle phenotype change and depletion, reactive oxygen species generation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and angiotensin signaling dysregulation. These recent advances and findings might pave the way for a therapy that is capable of stopping and perhaps even reversing aneurysm progression.