Modulation of Wnt signaling is essential for the differentiation of ciliated epithelial cells in human airways

Single-cell transcriptomics reveals e-cigarette vapor-induced airway epithelial remodeling and injury

BACKGROUND

In recent years, e-cigarettes have been used as alternatives among adult smokers. However, the impact of e-cigarette use on human bronchial epithelial (HBE) cells remains controversial.

METHODS

We collected primary HBE cells of healthy nonsmokers and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) smokers, and analyzed the impact of e- cigarette vapor extract (ECE) or cigarette smoke extract (CSE) on HBE cell differentiation and injury by single-cell RNA sequencing, immunostaining, HE staining, qPCR and ELISA. We obtained serum and sputum from healthy non- smokers, smokers and e-cigarette users, and analyzed cell injury markers and mucin proteins.

RESULTS

ECE treatment led to a distinct differentiation program of ciliated cells and unique patterns of their cell-cell communications compared with CSE. ECE treatment caused increased Notch signaling strength in a ciliated cell subpopulation, and HBE cell remodeling and injury including hypoplasia of ciliated cells and club cells, and shorter cilia. ECE-induced hypoplasia of ciliated cells and shorter cilia were ameliorated by the Notch signaling inhibition.

CONCLUSIONS

This study reveals distinct characteristics in e-cigarette vapor-induced airway epithelial remodeling, pointing to Notch signaling pathway as a potential targeted intervention for e-cigarette vapor-caused ciliated cell differentiation defects and cilia injury. In addition, a decrease in SCGB1A1 proteins is associated with e- cigarette users, indicating a potential lung injury marker for e-cigarette users.

Building respirable powder architectures: utilizing polysaccharides for precise control of particle morphology for enhanced pulmonary drug delivery

INTRODUCTION

Dry powder inhaler (DPI) formulations are gaining attention as universal formulations with applications in a diverse range of drug formulations. The practical application of DPIs to pulmonary drugs requires enhancing their delivery efficiency to the target sites for various treatment modalities. Previous reviews have not explored the relation between particle morphology and delivery to different pulmonary regions. This review introduces new approaches to improve targeted DPI delivery using novel particle design such as supraparticles and metal-organic frameworks based on cyclodextrin.

AREAS COVERED

This review focuses on the design of DPI formulations using polysaccharides, promising excipients not yet approved by regulatory agencies. These excipients can be used to design various particle morphologies by controlling their physicochemical properties and manufacturing methods.

EXPERT OPINION

Challenges associated with DPI formulations include poor access to the lungs and low delivery efficiency to target sites in the lung. The restricted applicability of typical excipients contributes to their limited use. However, new formulations based on polysaccharides are expected to establish a technological foundation for the development of DPIs capable of delivering modalities specific to different lung target sites, thereby enhancing drug delivery.

WntA and Wnt4 during the regeneration of internal organs in the holothurian Eupentacta fraudatrix

BACKGROUND

Over the past few years, it has been established that wnt genes are involved in the regenerative processes of holothurians. The wnt4 gene was identified as one of the most active genes in Eupentacta fraudatrix regeneration using differential gene expression analysis and qPCR of individual genes. Also, the wntA gene was found in holothurians, which is present only in invertebrates and can perform unique functions.

RESULTS

In this regard, both these genes and proteins were studied in this work. During regeneration, the Wnt4 protein is found in the cells of the coelomic and ambulacral epithelium, retractor muscles, and radial nerves. Single cells with this protein are also found in the connective tissue of the developing aquapharyngeal bulb and in the hypoderm of the body wall. Cells with WntA are found exclusively in the hypoderm of the body wall.

CONCLUSION

We assume that both genes are involved in regeneration, but Wnt4 coordinates the formation of the epithelial tissue structure, while WntA maintains the state of the intercellular substance of the body wall.

Formation and function of multiciliated cells

In vertebrates, multiciliated cells (MCCs) are terminally differentiated cells that line the airway tracts, brain ventricles, and reproductive ducts. Each MCC contains dozens to hundreds of motile cilia that beat in a synchronized manner to drive fluid flow across epithelia, the dysfunction of which is associated with a group of human diseases referred to as motile ciliopathies, such as primary cilia dyskinesia. Given the dynamic and complex process of multiciliogenesis, the biological events essential for forming multiple motile cilia are comparatively unelucidated. Thanks to advancements in genetic tools, omics technologies, and structural biology, significant progress has been achieved in the past decade in understanding the molecular mechanism underlying the regulation of multiple motile cilia formation. In this review, we discuss recent studies with ex vivo culture MCC and animal models, summarize current knowledge of multiciliogenesis, and particularly highlight recent advances and their implications.

A WNT4- and DKK3-driven canonical to noncanonical Wnt signaling switch controls multiciliogenesis

Multiciliated cells contain hundreds of cilia whose directional movement powers the mucociliary clearance of the airways, a vital host defense mechanism. Multiciliated cell specification requires canonical Wnt signaling, which then must be turned off. Next, ciliogenesis and polarized ciliary orientation are regulated by noncanonical Wnt/planar cell polarity (Wnt/PCP) signaling. The mechanistic relationship between the Wnt pathways is unknown. We show that DKK3, a secreted canonical Wnt regulator and WNT4, a noncanonical Wnt ligand act together to facilitate a canonical to noncanonical Wnt signaling switch during multiciliated cell formation. In primary human airway epithelial cells, DKK3 and WNT4 CRISPR knockout blocks, whereas ectopic expression promotes, multiciliated cell formation by inhibiting canonical Wnt signaling. Wnt4 and Dkk3 single-knockout mice also display defective ciliated cells. DKK3 and WNT4 are co-secreted from basal stem cells and act directly on multiciliated cells via KREMEN1 and FZD6, respectively. We provide a novel mechanism that links specification to cilium biogenesis and polarization for proper multiciliated cell formation.

Human Airway Basal Cells Undergo Reversible Squamous Differentiation and Reshape Innate Immunity

Histological and lineage immunofluorescence examination revealed that healthy conducting airways of humans and animals harbor sporadic poorly differentiated epithelial patches mostly in the dorsal noncartilage regions that remarkably manifest squamous differentiation. In vitro analysis demonstrated that this squamous phenotype is not due to intrinsic functional change in underlying airway basal cells. Rather, it is a reversible physiological response to persistent Wnt signaling stimulation during de novo differentiation. Squamous epithelial cells have elevated gene signatures of glucose uptake and cellular glycolysis. Inhibition of glycolysis or a decrease in glucose availability suppresses Wnt-induced squamous epithelial differentiation. Compared with pseudostratified airway epithelial cells, a cascade of mucosal protective functions is impaired in squamous epithelial cells, featuring increased epithelial permeability, spontaneous epithelial unjamming, and enhanced inflammatory responses. Our study raises the possibility that the squamous differentiation naturally occurring in healthy airways identified herein may represent "vulnerable spots" within the airway mucosa that are sensitive to damage and inflammation when confronted by infection or injury. Squamous metaplasia and hyperplasia are hallmarks of many airway diseases, thereby expanding these areas of vulnerability with potential pathological consequences. Thus, investigation of physiological and reversible squamous differentiation from healthy airway basal cells may provide critical knowledge to understand pathogenic squamous remodeling, which is often nonreversible, progressive, and hyperinflammatory.

Dickkopf-1 and ROCK2 upregulation and associated protein aggregation in pseudoexfoliation syndrome and glaucoma

AIMS

The etiology of pseudoexfoliation (PEX), a stress-induced fibrillopathy and a leading cause of secondary glaucoma worldwide, remains limited. This study aims to understand the role of the Wnt antagonist Dickkopf-related protein 1 (DKK1) in PEX pathophysiology and assess its candidature as a biomarker for PEX.

MAIN METHODS

Expression levels of DKK1 and Wnt signaling genes were assayed in the anterior ocular tissues of study subjects by qRT-PCR, Western blotting, and immunohistochemistry. Protein aggregation was studied through Proteostat staining. Role of DKK1 in protein aggregation and regulation of target Wnt signaling genes was elucidated through overexpression and knockdown studies in Human Lens Epithelial cells (HLEB3). Levels of DKK1 in circulating fluids were assayed through ELISA.

KEY FINDINGS

DKK1 upregulation was observed in lens capsule and conjunctiva tissues of PEX individuals compared to controls correlating with an upregulation of the Wnt signaling target, ROCK2. Proteostat staining showed increased protein aggregates in lens epithelial cells of PEX patients. HLE B-3 cells overexpressed with DKK1 showed increased protein aggregates along with upregulation of ROCK2, and knockdown of DKK1 in HLE B-3 cells demonstrated downregulation of ROCK2. Further, ROCK2 inhibition by Y-27632 in DKK1 overexpressed cells showed that DKK1 regulated protein aggregation via ROCK2. Also, increased levels of DKK1 were observed in patients' plasma and aqueous humor compared to controls.

SIGNIFICANCE

This study shows that DKK1 and ROCK2 might play a role in protein aggregation in PEX. Further, elevated levels of DKK1 in aqueous humor serve as a fair classifier of pseudoexfoliation glaucoma.

Single-cell RNA sequencing reveals the developmental program underlying proximal-distal patterning of the human lung at the embryonic stage

The lung is the primary respiratory organ in human, in which the proximal airway and the distal alveoli are responsible for air conduction and gas exchange, respectively. However, the regulation of proximal-distal patterning at the embryonic stage of human lung development is largely unknown. Here we investigated the early lung development of human embryos at weeks 4-8 post fertilization (Carnegie stages 12-21) using single-cell RNA sequencing, and obtained a transcriptomic atlas of 169,686 cells. We observed discernible gene expression patterns of proximal and distal epithelia at week 4, upon the initiation of lung organogenesis. Moreover, we identified novel transcriptional regulators of the patterning of proximal (e.g., THRB and EGR3) and distal (e.g., ETV1 and SOX6) epithelia. Further dissection revealed various stromal cell populations, including an early-embryonic BDNF⁺ population, providing a proximal-distal patterning niche with spatial specificity. In addition, we elucidated the cell fate bifurcation and maturation of airway and vascular smooth muscle progenitor cells at the early stage of lung development. Together, our study expands the scope of human lung developmental biology at early embryonic stages. The discovery of intrinsic transcriptional regulators and novel niche providers deepens the understanding of epithelial proximal-distal patterning in human lung development, opening up new avenues for regenerative medicine.

An Adverse Outcome Pathway for Decreased Lung Function Focusing on Mechanisms of Impaired Mucociliary Clearance Following Inhalation Exposure

Adverse outcome pathways (AOPs) help to organize available mechanistic information related to an adverse outcome into key events (KEs) spanning all organizational levels of a biological system(s). AOPs, therefore, aid in the biological understanding of a particular pathogenesis and also help with linking exposures to eventual toxic effects. In the regulatory context, knowledge of disease mechanisms can help design testing strategies using in vitro methods that can measure or predict KEs relevant to the biological effect of interest. The AOP described here evaluates the major processes known to be involved in regulating efficient mucociliary clearance (MCC) following exposures causing oxidative stress. MCC is a key aspect of the innate immune defense against airborne pathogens and inhaled chemicals and is governed by the concerted action of its functional components, the cilia and airway surface liquid (ASL). The AOP network described here consists of sequences of KEs that culminate in the modulation of ciliary beat frequency and ASL height as well as mucus viscosity and hence, impairment of MCC, which in turn leads to decreased lung function.

An essential function for autocrine hedgehog signaling in epithelial proliferation and differentiation in the trachea

The tracheal epithelium is a primary target for pulmonary diseases as it provides a conduit for air flow between the environment and the lung lobes. The cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying airway epithelial cell proliferation and differentiation remain poorly understood. Hedgehog (HH) signaling orchestrates communication between epithelial and mesenchymal cells in the lung, where it modulates stromal cell proliferation, differentiation and signaling back to the epithelium. Here, we reveal a previously unreported autocrine function of HH signaling in airway epithelial cells. Epithelial cell depletion of the ligand sonic hedgehog (SHH) or its effector smoothened (SMO) causes defects in both epithelial cell proliferation and differentiation. In cultured primary human airway epithelial cells, HH signaling inhibition also hampers cell proliferation and differentiation. Epithelial HH function is mediated, at least in part, through transcriptional activation, as HH signaling inhibition leads to downregulation of cell type-specific transcription factor genes in both the mouse trachea and human airway epithelial cells. These results provide new insights into the role of HH signaling in epithelial cell proliferation and differentiation during airway development.

Summary: A conserved autocrine role for HH signaling in tracheal epithelial cell proliferation and differentiation is revealed, suggesting potential new interventions for airway epithelial proliferation and differentiation defects.

Signaling Control of Mucociliary Epithelia: Stem Cells, Cell Fates, and the Plasticity of Cell Identity in Development and Disease

Mucociliary epithelia are composed of multiciliated, secretory, and stem cells and line various organs in vertebrates such as the respiratory tract. By means of mucociliary clearance, those epithelia provide a first line of defense against inhaled particles and pathogens. Mucociliary clearance relies on the correct composition of cell types, that is, the proper balance of ciliated and secretory cells. A failure to generate and to maintain correct cell type composition and function results in impaired clearance and high risk to infections, such as in congenital diseases (e.g., ciliopathies) as well as in acquired diseases, including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). While it remains incompletely resolved how precisely cell types are specified and maintained in development and disease, many studies have revealed important mechanisms regarding the signaling control in mucociliary cell types in various species. Those studies not only provided insights into the signaling contribution to organ development and regeneration but also highlighted the remarkable plasticity of cell identity encountered in mucociliary maintenance, including frequent trans-differentiation events during homeostasis and specifically in disease. This review will summarize major findings and provide perspectives regarding the future of mucociliary research and the treatment of chronic airway diseases associated with tissue remodeling.

Short-Term Preclinical Application of Functional Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Airway Epithelial Patches

Airway pathologies including cancer, trauma, and stenosis lack effective treatments, meanwhile airway transplantation and available tissue engineering approaches fail due to epithelial dysfunction. Autologous progenitors do not meet the clinical need for regeneration due to their insufficient expansion and differentiation, for which human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) are promising alternatives. Airway epithelial patches are engineered by differentiating hiPSC-derived airway progenitors into physiological proportions of ciliated (73.9 ± 5.5%) and goblet (2.1 ± 1.4%) cells on a silk fibroin-collagen vitrigel membrane (SF-CVM) composite biomaterial for transplantation in porcine tracheal defects ex vivo and in vivo. Evaluation of ex vivo tracheal repair using hiPSC-derived SF-CVM patches demonstrate native-like tracheal epithelial metabolism and maintenance of mucociliary epithelium to day 3. In vivo studies demonstrate SF-CVM integration and maintenance of airway patency, showing 80.8 ± 3.6% graft coverage with an hiPSC-derived pseudostratified epithelium and 70.7 ± 2.3% coverage with viable cells, 3 days postoperatively. The utility of bioengineered, hiPSC-derived epithelial patches for airway repair is demonstrated in a short-term preclinical survival model, providing a significant leap for airway reconstruction approaches.

GSK-3 Inhibition Modulates Metalloproteases in a Model of Lung Inflammation and Fibrosis

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is mainly characterized by aberrant extracellular matrix deposition, consequent to epithelial lung injury and myofibroblast activation, and inflammatory response. Glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK-3) is a serine-threonine kinase involved in several pathways, and its inhibition has been already suggested as a therapeutic strategy for IPF patients. There is evidence that GSK-3 is able to induce matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) expression and that its inhibition modulates MMP expression in the tissues. The aim of our study was to investigate the role of GSK-3 and its inhibition in the modulation of MMP-9 and -2 in an in vivo mouse model of lung fibrosis and in vitro using different cell lines exposed to pro-inflammatory or pro-fibrotic stimuli. We found that GSK-3 inhibition down-modulates gene expression and protein levels of MMP-9, MMP-2, and their inhibitors TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 in inflammatory cells harvested from bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) of mice treated with bleomycin as well as in interstitial alveolar macrophages and cuboidalized epithelial alveolar cells. To the same extent, GSK-3 inhibition blunted the increased MMP-9 and MMP-2 activity induced by pro-fibrotic stimuli in a human lung fibroblast cell line. Moreover, the αSMA protein level, a marker of fibroblast-to-myofibroblast transition involved in fibrosis, was decreased in primary fibroblasts treated with TGFβ following GSK-3 inhibition. Our results confirm the implication of GSK-3 in lung inflammation and fibrosis, suggesting that it might play its role by modulating MMP expression and activity but also pushing fibroblasts toward a myofibroblast phenotype and therefore enhancing extracellular matrix deposition. Thus, its inhibition could represent a possible therapeutic strategy.

Analysis of pathological changes in the epithelium in COVID-19 patient airways

Severe COVID-19 patient airways plugged by MUC5AC-containing mucus exhibit hyperplasia of goblet cells, and hypoplasia of multiciliated cells and club cells, as well as significantly reduced CC16 and MUC5B levels, and increased IL-13 levels https://bit.ly/2M2NcdO.

Long noncoding RNA TINCR is a novel regulator of human bronchial epithelial cell differentiation state

Long-noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have numerous biological functions controlling cell differentiation and tissue development. The knowledge about the role of lncRNAs in human lungs remains limited. Here we found the regulatory role of the terminal differentiation-induced lncRNA (TINCR) in bronchial cell differentiation. RNA in situ hybridization revealed that TINCR was mainly expressed in bronchial epithelial cells in normal human lung. We performed RNA sequencing analysis of normal human bronchial epithelial cells (NHBECs) with or without TINCR inhibition and found the differential expression of 603 genes, which were enriched for cell adhesion and migration, wound healing, extracellular matrix organization, tissue development and differentiation. To investigate the role of TINCR in the differentiation of NHBECs, we employed air-liquid interface culture and 3D organoid formation assay. TINCR was upregulated during differentiation, loss of TINCR significantly induced an early basal-like cell phenotype (TP63) and a ciliated cell differentiation (FOXJ1) in late phase and TINCR overexpression suppressed basal cell phenotype and the differentiation toward to ciliated cells. Critical regulators of differentiation such as SOX2 and NOTCH genes (NOTCH1, HES1, and JAG1) were significantly upregulated by TINCR inhibition and downregulated by TINCR overexpression. RNA immunoprecipitation assay revealed that TINCR was required for the direct bindings of Staufen1 protein to SOX2, HES1, and JAG1 mRNA. Loss of Staufen1 induced TP63, SOX2, NOTCH1, HES1, and JAG1 mRNA expressions, which TINCR overexpression suppressed partially. In conclusion, TINCR is a novel regular of bronchial cell differentiation, affecting downstream regulators such as SOX2 and NOTCH genes, potentially in coordination with Staufen1.

Aquatic models of human ciliary diseases

Cilia are microtubule-based structures that either transmit information into the cell or move fluid outside of the cell. There are many human diseases that arise from malfunctioning cilia. Although mammalian models provide vital insights into the underlying pathology of these diseases, aquatic organisms such as Xenopus and zebrafish provide valuable tools to help screen and dissect out the underlying causes of these diseases. In this review we focus on recent studies that identify or describe different types of human ciliopathies and outline how aquatic organisms have aided our understanding of these diseases.

Losartan reduces cigarette smoke-induced airway inflammation and mucus hypersecretion

The aim was to determine whether losartan reduces cigarette smoke (CS)-induced airway inflammation and mucus hypersecretion in an in vitro model and a small clinical trial. Primary human bronchial epithelial cells (HBECs) were differentiated at the air-liquid interface (ALI) and exposed to CS. Expression of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 and the mucin MUC5AC, and expression or activity of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 were measured after CS exposure. Parameters of mucociliary clearance were evaluated by measuring airway surface liquid volumes, mucus concentrations, and conductance of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) and large conductance, Ca²⁺-activated and voltage-dependent potassium (BK) channels. Nasal cells were collected from study participants and expression of MUC5AC, TGF-β1, and MMP-9 mRNAs was measured before and after losartan treatment. In vitro, CS exposure of HBECs caused a significant increase in mRNA expression of MUC5AC and TGF-β1 and MMP-9 activity and decreased CFTR and BK channel activities, thereby reducing airway surface liquid volumes and increasing mucus concentrations. Treatment of HBECs with losartan rescued CS-induced CFTR and BK dysfunction and caused a significant decrease in MUC5AC expression and mucus concentrations, partially by inhibiting TGF-β signalling. In a prospective clinical study, cigarette smokers showed significantly reduced mRNA expression levels of MUC5AC, TGF-β1, and MMP-9 in the upper airways after 2 months of losartan treatment. Our findings suggest that losartan may be an effective therapy to reduce inflammation and mucus hypersecretion in CS-induced chronic airway diseases.

Hyperglycaemia in cystic fibrosis adversely affects BK channel function critical for mucus clearance

Large-conductance, Ca²⁺-activated, voltage-dependent K⁺ (BK) channel function is critical for adequate airway hydration and mucociliary function. In airway epithelia, BK function is regulated by its γ-subunit, leucine-rich repeat-containing protein 26 (LRRC26). Since patients with cystic fibrosis (CF)-related diabetes mellitus (CFRD) have worse lung function outcomes, this study determined the effects of hyperglycaemia on BK function in CF bronchial epithelial (CFBE) cells in vitro and evaluated the correlation between glycaemic excursions and mRNA expression of LRRC26 in the upper airways of CF and CFRD patients.CFBE cells were redifferentiated at the air-liquid interface (ALI) in media containing either 5.5 mM or 12.5 mM glucose. BK activity was measured in an Ussing chamber. Airway surface liquid (ASL) volume was estimated by meniscus scanning and inflammatory marker expression was measured by quantitative real-time PCR and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). CF patients were assessed by 7 days of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM). LRRC26 mRNA expression was measured by quantitative real-time PCR from nasal cells obtained at the end of glucose monitoring.BK currents were significantly decreased in CFBE cells cultured under high glucose. These cells revealed significantly lower ASL volumes and increased inflammation, including the receptor for advanced glycation endproducts (RAGE), compared to cells cultured in normal glucose. In vivo, nasal cell expression of LRRC26 mRNA was inversely correlated with hyperglycaemic excursions, consistent with the in vitro results.Our findings demonstrate that hyperglycaemia induces inflammation and impairs BK channel function in CFBE cells in vitro These data suggest that declining lung function in CFRD patients may be related to BK channel dysfunction.

Canonical WNT pathway is activated in the airway epithelium in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

BACKGROUND

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a devastating lung disease, mainly due to cigarette smoking, which represents the third cause of mortality worldwide. The mechanisms driving its epithelial salient features remain largely elusive. We aimed to evaluate the activation and the role of the canonical, β-catenin-dependant WNT pathway in the airway epithelium from COPD patients.

METHODS

The WNT/β-catenin pathway was first assessed by WNT-targeted RNA sequencing of the air/liquid interface-reconstituted bronchial epithelium from COPD and control patients. Airway expression of total and active β-catenin was assessed in lung sections, as well as WNT components in laser-microdissected airway epithelium. Finally, we evaluated the role of WNT at the bronchial epithelial level by modulating the pathway in the reconstituted COPD epithelium.

FINDINGS

We show that the WNT/β-catenin pathway is upregulated in the COPD airway epithelium as compared with that of non-smokers and control smokers, in targeted RNA-sequencing of in vitro reconstituted airway epithelium, and in situ in lung tissue and laser-microdissected epithelium. Extrinsic activation of this pathway in COPD-derived airway epithelium inhibited epithelial differentiation, polarity and barrier function, and induced TGF-β-related epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Conversely, canonical WNT inhibition increased ciliated cell numbers, epithelial polarity and barrier function, whilst inhibiting EMT, thus reversing COPD features.

INTERPRETATION

In conclusion, the aberrant reactivation of the canonical WNT pathway in the adult airway epithelium recapitulates the diseased phenotype observed in COPD patients, suggesting that this pathway or its downstream effectors could represent a future therapeutic target.

FUNDING

This study was supported by the Fondation Mont-Godinne, the FNRS and the WELBIO.

Sustained release of inhibitor from bionic scaffolds for wound healing and functional regeneration

Small molecules play remarkable roles in promoting tissue regeneration, but are limited by their burst release. Small molecules such as deferoxamine (DFO) have been released slowly from silk hydrogels and stimulated angiogenesis and wound healing, but failed to achieve functional recovery of skin. Various bioactive molecules are required to create a suitable niche for better skin regeneration by controlling their release behaviors. Herein, a small molecule SB216763, a GSK-3 inhibitor, was loaded on silk fibroin nanofibers (SNF), and then mixed with chitosan (CS) to prepare the small molecule-loaded composite bionic scaffolds (CSNF-SB). Given the interaction of SNF and SB216763, the sustained release of SB216763 for more than 21 days was achieved for SNF and CSNF-SB composite scaffolds. Compared to drug-free CSNF scaffolds, CSNF-SB showed better cell adhesion and proliferation capacity, suggesting bioactivity. The upregulated expression of β-catenin in fibroblasts in vitro revealed that the released small molecules maintained their function in composite scaffolds. Quicker and better wound healing was realized with the drug-loaded scaffolds, which was significantly superior to that treated with drug-free scaffolds. Unlike the DFO-loaded silk hydrogel system, hair follicle neogenesis was also found in the drug-loaded-scaffold treatment wounds, demonstrating functional recovery. Therefore, silk nanofibers as versatile carriers for different small bioactive molecules could be used to fabricate scaffolds with optimized niches and then achieve functional recovery of tissues. The small molecule-loaded bionic scaffolds have a promising future in skin tissue regeneration.

Downregulation of LINC00707 promotes osteogenic differentiation of human bone marrow‑derived mesenchymal stem cells by regulating DKK1 via targeting miR‑103a‑3p

Human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (HBMSCs) have the potential of multidirectional differentiation and self-renewal, which is important for the formation of human bone. It has been reported that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) serve important roles in HBMSC osteogenic differentiation. The current study aimed to investigate the roles of long intergenic non-protein coding RNA 00707 (LINC00707) and microRNA (miR)-103a-3p in the osteogenic differentiation of HBMSCs. Reverse transcription-quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) was performed to detect the expression levels of LINC00707, miR-103a-3p and osteogenesis-related genes (Alkaline phosphatase, osteocalcin, osteopontin and RUNX family transcription factor 2) in HBMSCs cultured in proliferation medium (PM) and osteogenic medium (OM). Mineralized matrix deposition was measured using Alizarin Red S staining. The protein expression levels of osteogenesis-related genes were detected by western blotting. The relationships between LINC00707, miR-103a-3p and dickkopf WNT signaling pathway inhibitor 1 (DKK1) were predicted using Starbase and TargetScan7.2, and were further assessed with a dual-luciferase reporter assay. After 21 days of cell culture, the results indicated that expression of LINC00707 was downregulated, and those of miR-103a-3p and osteogenesis-related genes were upregulated in OM-cultured HBMSCs. However, there was no significant difference in the aforementioned gene expression levels in PM-cultured HBMSCs. Small interfering (si)LINC00707 increased the deposition of mineralized matrix and promoted the expression levels of osteogenesis-related proteins. Furthermore, miR-103a-3p was predicted to be a target gene of LINC00707, its expression was significantly upregulated by siLINC00707, while overexpression of miR-103a-3p increased the expression levels of osteogenesis-related proteins. DKK1 was also predicted to be a target gene of miR-103a-3p and could inhibit the expression levels of osteogenesis-related proteins, but such effect of DKK1 could be reversed by the miR-103a-3p mimic. In conclusion, the present results suggested that LINC00707 regulated DKK1 expression by targeting miR-103a-3p to regulate osteogenic differentiation.

Analysis of ciliogenesis process in the bovine oviduct based on immunohistochemical classification

The oviductal epithelium is composed of ciliated and non-ciliated cells. The proportions of these cells change during the estrous cycle. However, the mechanism underlying this cyclic change in the cell proportions remains unclear. Our previous study indicated that ciliated cells are derived from non-ciliated cells. Here, we aimed to investigate the mechanism regulating the changes in the populations of ciliated and non-ciliated cells during the estrous cycle. To this end, we examined the numbers of cells that were positive for acetylated-α-tubulin (cilia marker), Ki67 (proliferation marker), PAX8 (non-ciliated cell marker), and FOXJ1 and MYB (ciliogenesis markers) in the epithelial cells at four different estrous stages (Stage I: days 1-4 after ovulation, Stage II: days 5-10, Stage III: days 11-17, and Stage IV: days 18-20) by immunohistochemistry. The oviductal epithelial cells expressed either FOXJ1 or PAX8. All the acetylated-α-tubulin⁺ cells were positive for FOXJ1, although there were a few acetylated-α-tubulin^-/FOXJ1⁺ cells. MYB was expressed in both the FOXJ1⁺ and PAX8⁺ cells, but it was not expressed in the Ki67⁺ cells. The numbers of Ki67⁺ and MYB⁺ cells were the highest in Stage IV, while the numbers of FOXJ1⁺ and acetylated-α-tubulin⁺ cells were the highest in the following Stage I, suggesting that ciliogenesis is associated with the estrous cycle. Thus, based on immunological classification, the oviductal epithelium contains at least seven types of cells at different translational/transcriptional states, and their number is regulated by the estrous cycle. This cyclic event might provide an optimal environment for gamete transport, fertilization, and embryonic development.

Novel dynamics of human mucociliary differentiation revealed by single-cell RNA sequencing of nasal epithelial cultures

The upper airway epithelium, which is mainly composed of multiciliated, goblet, club and basal cells, ensures proper mucociliary function and can regenerate in response to assaults. In chronic airway diseases, defective repair leads to tissue remodeling. Delineating key drivers of differentiation dynamics can help understand how normal or pathological regeneration occurs. Using single-cell transcriptomics and lineage inference, we have unraveled trajectories from basal to luminal cells, providing novel markers for specific populations. We report that: (1) a precursor subgroup of multiciliated cells, which we have entitled deuterosomal cells, is defined by specific markers, such as DEUP1, FOXN4, YPEL1, HES6 and CDC20B; (2) goblet cells can be precursors of multiciliated cells, thus explaining the presence of hybrid cells that co-express markers of goblet and multiciliated cells; and (3) a repertoire of molecules involved in the regeneration process, such as keratins or components of the Notch, Wnt or BMP/TGFβ pathways, can be identified. Confirmation of our results on fresh human and pig airway samples, and on mouse tracheal cells, extend and confirm our conclusions regarding the molecular and cellular choreography at work during mucociliary epithelial differentiation.

ΔN-Tp63 Mediates Wnt/β-Catenin-Induced Inhibition of Differentiation in Basal Stem Cells of Mucociliary Epithelia

Mucociliary epithelia provide a first line of defense against pathogens. Impaired regeneration and remodeling of mucociliary epithelia are associated with dysregulated Wnt/β-catenin signaling in chronic airway diseases, but underlying mechanisms remain elusive, and studies yield seemingly contradicting results. Employing the Xenopus mucociliary epidermis, the mouse airway, and human airway Basal cells, we characterize the evolutionarily conserved roles of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in vertebrates. In multiciliated cells, Wnt is required for cilia formation during differentiation. In Basal cells, Wnt prevents specification of epithelial cell types by activating ΔN-TP63, a master transcription factor, which is necessary and sufficient to mediate the Wnt-induced inhibition of specification and is required to retain Basal cells during development. Chronic Wnt activation leads to remodeling and Basal cell hyperplasia, which are reversible in vivo and in vitro, suggesting Wnt inhibition as a treatment option in chronic lung diseases. Our work provides important insights into mucociliary signaling, development, and disease.

Protein Phosphatase 2A Reduces Cigarette Smoke-induced Cathepsin S and Loss of Lung Function

Rationale: CTSS (cathepsin S) is a cysteine protease that is observed at higher concentrations in BAL fluid and plasma of subjects with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Objectives: To investigate whether CTSS is involved in the pathogenesis of cigarette smoke-induced COPD and determine whether targeting upstream signaling could prevent the disease. Methods: CTSS expression was investigated in animal and human tissue and cell models of COPD. Ctss-/- mice were exposed to long-term cigarette smoke and forced oscillation and expiratory measurements were recorded. Animals were administered chemical modulators of PP2A (protein phosphatase 2A) activity. Measurements and Main Results: Here we observed enhanced CTSS expression and activity in mouse lungs after exposure to cigarette smoke. Ctss-/- mice were resistant to cigarette smoke-induced inflammation, airway hyperresponsiveness, airspace enlargements, and loss of lung function. CTSS expression was negatively regulated by PP2A in human bronchial epithelial cells isolated from healthy nonsmokers and COPD donors and in monocyte-derived macrophages. Modulating PP2A expression or activity, with silencer siRNA or a chemical inhibitor or activator, during acute smoke exposure in mice altered inflammatory responses and CTSS expression and activity in the lung. Enhancement of PP2A activity prevented chronic smoke-induced COPD in mice. Conclusions: Our study indicates that the decrease in PP2A activity that occurs in COPD contributes to elevated CTSS expression in the lungs and results in impaired lung function. Enhancing PP2A activity represents a feasible therapeutic approach to reduce CTSS activity and counter smoke-induced lung disease.

Differential Changes in the Number and Morphology of the New Neurons after Chronic Infusion of Wnt7a, Wnt5a, and Dkk-1 in the Adult Hippocampus In Vivo

In the adult hippocampus of many mammals, a particular microenvironment in the neurogenic niche regulates the proliferation, self-renewal, and differentiation of neuronal stem cells. In this proliferative niche, a variety of molecules provide a finely regulated molecular signaling that controls stem cell properties. During development, Wnt signaling has been implicated in cell fate determination and proliferation, in the establishment of cell polarity, as well as a cue for axonal growth and dendrite orientation. In the adult brain, this pathway also participates in the stem cell self-renewal and neuronal differentiation. However, the effects of the chronic Wnt signaling modulation in the adult hippocampus, through the infusion of Wnt7a, Wnt5a, and Dkk-1, on the rate of neurogenesis and on the induction of neurite arborization have not been studied. In this study, we show that Wnt7a and Wn5a further increased the rate of newly generated neurons. However, Wnt5a exerted additional effects by promoting neurite growth and neurite misorientation in the dentate gyrus of adult rats. The chronic exposure to Dkk-1 also generated aberrant location of growing neurites. These results suggest that the interplay of canonical and non-canonical Wnt ligands participates in neuronal stem cell proliferation and in the establishment of proper neurite maturation. Anat Rec, 302:1647-1657, 2019. © 2019 American Association for Anatomy.

Nasal polyp fibroblasts modulate epithelial characteristics via Wnt signaling

BACKGROUND

While essential to the normal differentiation of ciliated airway epithelial cells, upregulated Wnt signaling in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) has been proposed to result in abnormal epithelial morphology and dysfunctional mucociliary clearance. The mechanism of epithelial Wnt signaling dysregulation in CRSwNP is unknown, and importantly cellular sources of Wnt ligands in CRSwNP have not yet been investigated.

METHODS

Human sinonasal epithelial cells (hSNECs) and human sinonasal fibroblasts (hSNFs) were collected from 34 human subjects (25 control and 9 CRSwNP) and differentiated as primary air-liquid interface (ALI) and organoid co-cultures. hSNECs were isolated to the apical compartment of the transwell and hSNFs were isolated to the basolateral compartment. After 21 days of ALI culture, ciliary expression and sinonasal epithelial morphology were examined by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). An organoid model was used to evaluate proliferation of basal cells in presence of hSNFs.

RESULTS

Epithelial cells co-cultured with CRSwNP-hSNFs revealed significantly decreased ciliated cells, altered epithelial cell morphology, and increased colony forming efficiency compared to epithelial cells co-cultured with control-hSNFs. CRSwNP-hSNFs showed significantly higher messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of canonical WNT3A. A Wnt agonist, CHIR99021, replicated CRSwNP-hSNF co-cultures, and treatment with the Wnt inhibitor IWP2 prevented abnormal morphologies.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that abnormal interactions between epithelial cells and fibroblasts may contribute to CRSwNP pathogenesis and supports the concept that dysregulated Wnt signaling contributes impairment to epithelial function in CRSwNP.