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Yue H, Ye H, Ruan R, Du H, Li C. Identification of ActivinβA and Gonadotropin Regulation of the Activin System in the Ovary of Chinese Sturgeon Acipenser sinensis. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:2314. [PMID: 39199851 PMCID: PMC11350771 DOI: 10.3390/ani14162314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2024] [Revised: 08/02/2024] [Accepted: 08/07/2024] [Indexed: 09/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Activin is a dimeric growth factor with diverse biological activities in vertebrates. This study aimed to investigate the regulatory role of the activin signaling pathway in the ovary of the endangered, cultured sturgeon species Acipenser sinensis. One activinβA subunit was identified, with a full-length complementary DNA (cDNA) sequence of 1572 base pairs. Multiple sequence alignment suggested that ActivinβA shared high sequence identities with its counterparts in four other sturgeon species. Phylogenetic analysis indicated the conserved evolution of ActivinβA among vertebrates from mammals to fish species. Transcripts of activinβA were distributed ubiquitously in the liver, kidney, intestine, ovary, midbrain, hypothalamus, and pituitary, with the highest transcription found in the pituitary. In Chinese sturgeon ovarian cells, in vitro human recombinant Activin A incubation stimulated the activin system-related gene transcriptions of activinβA, follistatin, its receptors -activinRIIA and activinRIIB, and drosophila mothers against decapentaplegic proteins (smads) smad2, smad3, and smad4. Ovary development-related mRNA levels of cyp19a1a and aromatase receptors of erα and erβ were enhanced by Activin A or human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) incubation. Furthermore, 15 IU/mL hCG treatment increased the transcription levels of activinβA, follistatin, activinRIIA, and smad2. This suggested that the activin system was functional for the regulation of ovary development in Chinese sturgeon, possibly under the regulation of gonadotropin, by recruiting activinβA, follistatin, activinRIIA, and smad2. These results were helpful for the molecular exploration of activin signaling in fish species, as well as the ovarian maturation regulation of A. sinensis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Chuangju Li
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Biodiversity Conservation, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of China, Yangtze River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Wuhan 430223, China; (H.Y.)
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2
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Ge S, Khachemoune A. Neuroanatomy of the Cutaneous Nervous System Regarding Wound Healing. INT J LOW EXTR WOUND 2024; 23:191-204. [PMID: 34779294 DOI: 10.1177/15347346211054598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Wound healing is an important topic in modern medicine across many disciplines. Healing of all cutaneous wounds, whether accidentally sustained or intentionally created, requires the common yet complex set of interactions between the immune, circulatory, nervous, endocrine, and integumentary systems. Deficits in any of these systems or the molecular factors that mediate their communications can contribute to impaired healing of cutaneous wounds. While the stages of wound repair, angiogenesis, growth factors, and cytokines involved have been extensively studied, the role of the cutaneous nervous system in wound healing has not been well outlined. We have provided a basic overview of cutaneous innervation and wound repair for the dermatologic surgeon by outlining the normal cutaneous nervous anatomy and function and discussing the most important neuropeptides that mediate the wound healing process.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Amor Khachemoune
- Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY, USA
- SUNY Downstate, Brooklyn, NY USA
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3
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Tobolski D, Zwierzchowski G, Lukasik K, Skarżyński DJ, Pascottini OB, Opsomer G, Barański W. Progesterone-independent endometrial mRNA expression in dairy cows with clinical or subclinical endometritis. Theriogenology 2024; 216:146-154. [PMID: 38183931 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.12.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/08/2024]
Abstract
Up to 50 % of dairy cows fail to resolve uterine involution and develop chronic clinical (CE) or subclinical endometritis (SE) 21 days after calving. Clinical endometritis is associated with purulent discharge, while SE is not associated with overt clinical signs. Along with numerous knowledge gaps related to its pathogenesis, SE does not allow for a straightforward and effective therapy. Therefore, it is crucial to unravel differences in the expression of genes among healthy, CE, and SE cows. This might contribute to the discovery of new drug candidates and, in consequence, a potentially effective treatment. In the present study, cows between 21 and 28 days postpartum (PP) were examined using vaginoscopy for the presence of vaginal discharge and endometrial cytology for the determination of the endometrial polymorphonuclear cell (PMN) percentage. Next, an endometrial biopsy sample was taken to investigate the expression of 13 selected candidate genes by qPCR. Uterine health status was assigned to healthy (absence of abnormal vaginal discharge and ≤5 % PMN, n = 13), SE (absence of abnormal vaginal discharge and >5 % PMN, n = 30), and CE (mucopurulent or purulent vaginal discharge and >5 % PMN, n = 9). At the same time, a blood sample was collected to assess serum progesterone concentration and to categorize cows as low (≤1 ng/mL) or high (>1 ng/mL) in progesterone. High expression of IL1B, IL6, IL17A, CXCL8, PTGES, PTGS1, PTGS2, and INHBA genes and low expression of FST was noted in the endometrium of CE compared to healthy cows. Increased endometrial INHBA expression was observed in both SE and CE compared to healthy cows. Interestingly, greater expression of PTGES and PRXL2B genes and lower expression of PTGS2 were characteristic of SE versus CE or healthy. Among cows with no overt clinical symptoms of uterine disease (healthy and SE), the endometrial expression of IL1 B, CXCL8, and PTGES was greater in cows with high versus low serum progesterone. Several genes were differentially expressed among healthy, SE, and CE cows indicating different pathways for the development of different uterine diseases. In conclusion, we found progesterone-independent SE markers, which suggests that low endometrial PTGS2 expression may be indicative of an inadequate immune response and thus contribute to the pathogenesis of SE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dawid Tobolski
- Department of Internal Diseases with Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Warmia and Mazury, 10-719 Oczapowskiego 14, Olsztyn, Poland.
| | - Grzegorz Zwierzchowski
- Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Warmia and Mazury, 1a Oczapowskiego Str., Olsztyn, 10-719, Poland
| | - Karolina Lukasik
- Department of Reproductive Immunology and Pathology, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, Tuwima 10, 10 -748, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Dariusz Jan Skarżyński
- Department of Reproductive Immunology and Pathology, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, Tuwima 10, 10 -748, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Osvaldo Bogado Pascottini
- Department of Internal Medicine, Reproduction and Population Medicine at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Geert Opsomer
- Department of Internal Medicine, Reproduction and Population Medicine at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Wojciech Barański
- Department of Animal Reproduction with Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Warmia and Mazury, 10-719 Oczapowskiego 14, Olsztyn, Poland
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4
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Wang F, Ma M, Yang J, Shi X, Wang J, Xu Z. Neuroprotective Effects of Activin A against Cerebral Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury in Mice by Enhancing Nrf2 Expression to Attenuate Neuronal Ferroptosis. ACS Chem Neurosci 2023; 14:2818-2826. [PMID: 37473431 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.3c00374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Activin A (Act A) is a member of the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) superfamily and can protect against ischemic cerebral injury. Ferroptosis, a newly discovered type of programmed cell death, contributes to the pathogenesis of cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury (CIRI). However, little is known on whether Act A can modulate neuronal ferroptosis to protect against CIRI in a mouse model of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) and an HT22 cell model of oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R). The results indicated that Act A treatment relieved CIRI by improving neurological deficits and reducing the infarct volume in mice. MCAO stimulated iron accumulation and malondialdehyde formation and upregulated ACSL4 expression but downregulated GPX4 expression, a hallmark of ferroptosis in the brain of mice. Treatment with Act A significantly mitigated MCAO-triggered ferroptosis in the brain of mice. Furthermore, Act A treatment enhanced the MCAO-upregulated nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) expression in the brains of mice. Similar results were observed in HT22 cells following OGD/R and pretreatment with Act A. The neuronal protective effect of Act A in HT22 cells was attenuated by treatment with ML385, an Nrf2 inhibitor. To conclude, Act A attenuated CIRI by enhancing Nrf2 expression and inhibiting neuronal ferroptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengzhi Wang
- Department of Neurology, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, 126 Xiantai Street, Erdao District, Changchun 130033, China
- Department of Neurology, People's Hospital of China Medical University, People's Hospital of Liaoning Province, 33 Wenyi Road, Shenhe District, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Ming Ma
- Department of Neurology, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, 126 Xiantai Street, Erdao District, Changchun 130033, China
| | - Jiahui Yang
- Department of Neurology, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, 126 Xiantai Street, Erdao District, Changchun 130033, China
| | - Xiaohua Shi
- Department of Neurology, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, 126 Xiantai Street, Erdao District, Changchun 130033, China
| | - Jiaoqi Wang
- Department of Neurology, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, 126 Xiantai Street, Erdao District, Changchun 130033, China
| | - Zhongxin Xu
- Department of Neurology, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, 126 Xiantai Street, Erdao District, Changchun 130033, China
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5
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Meng Z, Li Z, Guo S, Wu D, Wei R, Liu J, Hu L, Sui L. MED1 Ablation Promotes Oral Mucosal Wound Healing via JNK Signaling Pathway. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:13414. [PMID: 36362197 PMCID: PMC9655393 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232113414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2022] [Revised: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Mediator complex subunit 1 (MED1) is a coactivator of multiple transcription factors and plays a key role in regulating epidermal homeostasis as well as skin wound healing. It is unknown, however, whether it plays a role in healing oral mucosal wounds. In this study, we investigate MED1's functional effects on oral mucosal wound healing and its underlying mechanism. The epithelial-specific MED1 null (Med1epi-/-) mice were established using the Cre-loxP system with C57/BL6 background. A 3 mm diameter wound was made in the cheek mucosa of the 8-week-old mice. In vivo experiments were conducted using HE staining and immunostaining with Ki67 and uPAR antibodies. The in vitro study used lentiviral transduction, scratch assays, qRT-PCR, and Western blotting to reveal the underlying mechanisms. The results showed that ablation of MED1 accelerated oral mucosal wound healing in 8-week-old mice. As a result of ablation of MED1, Activin A/Follistatin expression was altered, resulting in an activation of the JNK/c-Jun pathway. Similarly, knockdown of MED1 enhanced the proliferation and migration of keratinocytes in vitro, promoting re-epithelialization, which accelerates the healing of oral mucosal wounds. Our study reveals a novel role for MED1 in oral keratinocytes, providing a new molecular therapeutic target for accelerated wound healing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaosong Meng
- School of Stomatology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300014, China
| | - Zhe Li
- School of Stomatology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300014, China
| | - Shuling Guo
- School of Stomatology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300014, China
| | - Danfeng Wu
- School of Stomatology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300014, China
| | - Ran Wei
- School of Stomatology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300014, China
| | - Jiacheng Liu
- School of Stomatology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300014, China
| | - Lizhi Hu
- Immunology Department, Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Disease, Ministry of Education, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300014, China
| | - Lei Sui
- School of Stomatology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300014, China
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6
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Ganjoo S, Puebla-Osorio N, Nanez S, Hsu E, Voss T, Barsoumian H, Duong LK, Welsh JW, Cortez MA. Bone morphogenetic proteins, activins, and growth and differentiation factors in tumor immunology and immunotherapy resistance. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1033642. [PMID: 36353620 PMCID: PMC9638036 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1033642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2024] Open
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Maria Angelica Cortez
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
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7
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Huang S, Wang X, Zhang M, Huang M, Yan Y, Chen Y, Zhang Y, Xu J, Bu L, Fan R, Tang H, Zeng C, Zhang L, Zhang L. Activin B-activated Cdc42 signaling plays a key role in regulating adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells-mediated skin wound healing. Stem Cell Res Ther 2022; 13:248. [PMID: 35690801 PMCID: PMC9188063 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-022-02918-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 04/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In our previous study, activin B in combination with ADSCs enhances skin wound healing. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms are not well studied. Cdc42 is recognized to play a critical role in the regulation of stem cells. METHODS Pull-down assay was performed to investigate the activity of Cdc42. The dominant-negative mutant of Cdc42 (Cdc42N17) was used to explore the role of Cdc42 in activin B-induced ADSCs migration, proliferation, and secretion in vitro. Cdc42N17-transfected ADSCs were injected into a full-thickness excisional wound model to explore their efficiency in wound healing in vivo. The wound healing efficacy was evaluated by the wound closure rates and histological examination. The neovascularization and wound contraction were detected by immunohistochemistry staining of CD31 and α-SMA. Finally, the underlying mechanisms were explored by RNA sequencing. RESULTS Cdc42N17 inhibited ADSCs migration, proliferation, and secretion induced by activin B. Furthermore, Cdc42N17-transfected ADSCs inhibited the wound closure rate and suppressed the expression of CD31 and α-SMA induced by activin B in vivo. The RNA sequencing showed that the differentially expressed genes in Cdc42N17-transfected ADSCs versus ADSCs were associated with cell migration, proliferation, and adhesion. Further study revealed that the Cdc42-Erk-Srf pathway was required for activin B-induced proliferation in ADSCs. CONCLUSIONS Our study indicates that Cdc42 plays a crucial role in ADSCs-mediated skin wound healing induced by activin B.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simin Huang
- Department of Histology and Embryology, NMPA Key Laboratory for Safety Evaluation of Cosmetics, Key Laboratory of Construction and Detection in Tissue Engineering of Guangdong Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, People's Republic of China
| | - Xueer Wang
- Department of Histology and Embryology, NMPA Key Laboratory for Safety Evaluation of Cosmetics, Key Laboratory of Construction and Detection in Tissue Engineering of Guangdong Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, People's Republic of China
| | - Min Zhang
- Department of Histology and Embryology, NMPA Key Laboratory for Safety Evaluation of Cosmetics, Key Laboratory of Construction and Detection in Tissue Engineering of Guangdong Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, People's Republic of China
| | - Mianbo Huang
- Department of Histology and Embryology, NMPA Key Laboratory for Safety Evaluation of Cosmetics, Key Laboratory of Construction and Detection in Tissue Engineering of Guangdong Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuan Yan
- Department of Histology and Embryology, NMPA Key Laboratory for Safety Evaluation of Cosmetics, Key Laboratory of Construction and Detection in Tissue Engineering of Guangdong Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, People's Republic of China
| | - Yinghua Chen
- Department of Histology and Embryology, NMPA Key Laboratory for Safety Evaluation of Cosmetics, Key Laboratory of Construction and Detection in Tissue Engineering of Guangdong Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, People's Republic of China
| | - Yijia Zhang
- Department of Histology and Embryology, NMPA Key Laboratory for Safety Evaluation of Cosmetics, Key Laboratory of Construction and Detection in Tissue Engineering of Guangdong Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, People's Republic of China
| | - Jinfu Xu
- Department of Histology and Embryology, NMPA Key Laboratory for Safety Evaluation of Cosmetics, Key Laboratory of Construction and Detection in Tissue Engineering of Guangdong Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, People's Republic of China
| | - Lingwei Bu
- Department of Histology and Embryology, NMPA Key Laboratory for Safety Evaluation of Cosmetics, Key Laboratory of Construction and Detection in Tissue Engineering of Guangdong Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, People's Republic of China
| | - Ruyi Fan
- Department of Histology and Embryology, NMPA Key Laboratory for Safety Evaluation of Cosmetics, Key Laboratory of Construction and Detection in Tissue Engineering of Guangdong Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, People's Republic of China
| | - Huiyi Tang
- Department of Histology and Embryology, NMPA Key Laboratory for Safety Evaluation of Cosmetics, Key Laboratory of Construction and Detection in Tissue Engineering of Guangdong Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, People's Republic of China
| | - Canjun Zeng
- Department of Orthopedics, Third Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University, Academy of Orthopedics Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, 510630, Guangdong, China
| | - Lu Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Functional Proteomics of Guangdong Province, Key Laboratory of Mental Health of the Ministry of Education, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China.
| | - Lin Zhang
- Department of Histology and Embryology, NMPA Key Laboratory for Safety Evaluation of Cosmetics, Key Laboratory of Construction and Detection in Tissue Engineering of Guangdong Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, People's Republic of China.
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8
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Kawagishi-Hotta M, Hasegawa S, Hasebe Y, Inoue Y, Okuno R, Arima M, Iwata Y, Sugiura K, Akamatsu H. Increase in Inhibin beta A/Activin-A expression in the human epidermis and the suppression of epidermal stem/progenitor cell proliferation with aging. J Dermatol Sci 2022; 106:150-158. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jdermsci.2022.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2021] [Revised: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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9
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Wang W, Hu CK, Zeng A, Alegre D, Hu D, Gotting K, Ortega Granillo A, Wang Y, Robb S, Schnittker R, Zhang S, Alegre D, Li H, Ross E, Zhang N, Brunet A, Sánchez Alvarado A. Changes in regeneration-responsive enhancers shape regenerative capacities in vertebrates. Science 2020; 369:369/6508/eaaz3090. [PMID: 32883834 DOI: 10.1126/science.aaz3090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 119] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2019] [Revised: 03/05/2020] [Accepted: 07/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Vertebrates vary in their ability to regenerate, and the genetic mechanisms underlying such disparity remain elusive. Comparative epigenomic profiling and single-cell sequencing of two related teleost fish uncovered species-specific and evolutionarily conserved genomic responses to regeneration. The conserved response revealed several regeneration-responsive enhancers (RREs), including an element upstream to inhibin beta A (inhba), a known effector of vertebrate regeneration. This element activated expression in regenerating transgenic fish, and its genomic deletion perturbed caudal fin regeneration and abrogated cardiac regeneration altogether. The enhancer is present in mammals, shares functionally essential activator protein 1 (AP-1)-binding motifs, and responds to injury, but it cannot rescue regeneration in fish. This work suggests that changes in AP-1-enriched RREs are likely a crucial source of loss of regenerative capacities in vertebrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Wang
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, Kansas City, MO 64110, USA.,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Kansas City, MO 64110, USA
| | - Chi-Kuo Hu
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - An Zeng
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, Kansas City, MO 64110, USA
| | - Dana Alegre
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, Kansas City, MO 64110, USA
| | - Deqing Hu
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, Kansas City, MO 64110, USA
| | - Kirsten Gotting
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, Kansas City, MO 64110, USA
| | | | - Yongfu Wang
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, Kansas City, MO 64110, USA
| | - Sofia Robb
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, Kansas City, MO 64110, USA
| | | | - Shasha Zhang
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, Kansas City, MO 64110, USA
| | - Dillon Alegre
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, Kansas City, MO 64110, USA
| | - Hua Li
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, Kansas City, MO 64110, USA
| | - Eric Ross
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, Kansas City, MO 64110, USA.,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Kansas City, MO 64110, USA
| | - Ning Zhang
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, Kansas City, MO 64110, USA
| | - Anne Brunet
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.,Glenn Laboratories for the Biology of Aging. Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Alejandro Sánchez Alvarado
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, Kansas City, MO 64110, USA. .,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Kansas City, MO 64110, USA
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10
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Ham S, Harrison C, de Kretser D, Wallace EM, Southwick G, Temple-Smith P. Potential treatment of keloid pathogenesis with follistatin 288 by blocking the activin molecular pathway. Exp Dermatol 2020; 30:402-408. [PMID: 33119185 DOI: 10.1111/exd.14223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2020] [Revised: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 10/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Keloids are benign tumours caused by abnormal wound healing driven by increased expression of cytokines, including activin A. This study compared effects of activins on normal and keloid-derived human dermal fibroblasts and investigated a novel treatment for keloids using follistatin. Normal skin and keloid tissue samples from 11 patients were used to develop primary fibroblast cultures, which were compared in terms of their histology and relevant gene (qRT-PCR and RNAseq) and protein (ELISA) expression. Activin A (INHBA) and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) gene expression were significantly upregulated in keloid fibroblasts, as was activin A protein expression in cell lysates and culture medium. Activator protein 1 inhibitor (SR11302) significantly decreased INHBA and CTGF expression in keloid fibroblasts and a single treatment of follistatin over 5 days significantly inhibited activin and various matrix-related genes in keloid fibroblasts when compared to controls. Follistatin, by binding activin A, suppressed CTGF expression suggesting a novel therapeutic role in managing keloids and perhaps other fibrotic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seungmin Ham
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Craig Harrison
- Departments of Physiology, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - David de Kretser
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Departments of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Euan M Wallace
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Graeme Southwick
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Melbourne Institute of Plastic Surgery, Malvern, Victoria, Australia
| | - Peter Temple-Smith
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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11
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Wound Repair, Scar Formation, and Cancer: Converging on Activin. Trends Mol Med 2020; 26:1107-1117. [PMID: 32878730 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2020.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Revised: 07/24/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Wound repair is a highly regulated process that requires the interaction of various cell types. It has been shown that cancers use the mechanisms of wound healing to promote their own growth. Therefore, it is of importance to identify common regulators of wound repair and tumor formation and to unravel their functions and mechanisms of action. An exciting example is activin, which acts on multiple cell types in wounds and tumors, thereby promoting healing, but also scar formation and tumorigenesis. Here, we summarize current knowledge on the role of activin in these processes and highlight the therapeutic potential of activin or activin antagonists for the treatment of impaired healing or excessive scarring and cancer, respectively.
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12
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Hreha TN, Collins CA, Daugherty AL, Griffith JM, Hruska KA, Hunstad DA. Androgen-Influenced Polarization of Activin A-Producing Macrophages Accompanies Post-pyelonephritic Renal Scarring. Front Immunol 2020; 11:1641. [PMID: 32849562 PMCID: PMC7399094 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.01641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2020] [Accepted: 06/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Ascending bacterial pyelonephritis, a form of urinary tract infection (UTI) that can result in hospitalization, sepsis, and other complications, occurs in ~250,000 US patients annually; uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) cause a large majority of these infections. Although UTIs are primarily a disease of women, acute pyelonephritis in males is associated with increased mortality and morbidity, including renal scarring, and end-stage renal disease. Preclinical models of UTI have only recently allowed investigation of sex and sex-hormone effects on pathogenesis. We previously demonstrated that renal scarring after experimental UPEC pyelonephritis is augmented by androgen exposure; testosterone exposure increases both the severity of pyelonephritis and the degree of renal scarring in both male and female mice. Activin A is an important driver of scarring in non-infectious renal injury, as well as a mediator of macrophage polarization. In this work, we investigated how androgen exposure influences immune cell recruitment to the UPEC-infected kidney and how cell-specific activin A production affects post-pyelonephritic scar formation. Compared with vehicle-treated females, androgenized mice exhibited reduced bacterial clearance from the kidney, despite robust myeloid cell recruitment that continued to increase as infection progressed. Infected kidneys from androgenized mice harbored more alternatively activated (M2) macrophages than vehicle-treated mice, reflecting an earlier shift from a pro-inflammatory (M1) phenotype. Androgen exposure also led to a sharp increase in activin A-producing myeloid cells in the infected kidney, as well as decreased levels of follistatin (which normally antagonizes activin action). As a result, infection in androgenized mice featured prolonged polarization of macrophages toward a pro-fibrotic M2a phenotype, accompanied by an increase in M2a-associated cytokines. These data indicate that androgen enhancement of UTI severity and resulting scar formation is related to augmented local activin A production and corresponding promotion of M2a macrophage polarization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teri N Hreha
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Christina A Collins
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Allyssa L Daugherty
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Jessie M Griffith
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Keith A Hruska
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States.,Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - David A Hunstad
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States.,Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
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13
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Wietecha MS, Pensalfini M, Cangkrama M, Müller B, Jin J, Brinckmann J, Mazza E, Werner S. Activin-mediated alterations of the fibroblast transcriptome and matrisome control the biomechanical properties of skin wounds. Nat Commun 2020; 11:2604. [PMID: 32451392 PMCID: PMC7248062 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-16409-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2019] [Accepted: 04/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Matrix deposition is essential for wound repair, but when excessive, leads to hypertrophic scars and fibrosis. The factors that control matrix deposition in skin wounds have only partially been identified and the consequences of matrix alterations for the mechanical properties of wounds are largely unknown. Here, we report how a single diffusible factor, activin A, affects the healing process across scales. Bioinformatics analysis of wound fibroblast transcriptome data combined with biochemical and histopathological analyses of wounds and functional in vitro studies identify that activin promotes pro-fibrotic gene expression signatures and processes, including glycoprotein and proteoglycan biosynthesis, collagen deposition, and altered collagen cross-linking. As a consequence, activin strongly reduces the wound and scar deformability, as identified by a non-invasive in vivo method for biomechanical analysis. These results provide mechanistic insight into the roles of activin in wound repair and fibrosis and identify the functional consequences of alterations in the wound matrisome at the biomechanical level. The relationship between histopathology, gene expression, and biochemical and mechanical properties of wounds is largely unknown. Here, the authors show that activin A alters wound healing at multiple levels by promoting pro-fibrotic gene expression and matrix deposition, thereby affecting biomechanical properties of skin wounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mateusz S Wietecha
- Institute of Molecular Health Sciences, Department of Biology, ETH Zurich, Otto-Stern-Weg 7, 8093, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Marco Pensalfini
- Institute for Mechanical Systems, Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering, ETH Zurich, Leonhardstrasse 21, 8092, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Michael Cangkrama
- Institute of Molecular Health Sciences, Department of Biology, ETH Zurich, Otto-Stern-Weg 7, 8093, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Bettina Müller
- Institute for Mechanical Systems, Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering, ETH Zurich, Leonhardstrasse 21, 8092, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Juyoung Jin
- Institute of Molecular Health Sciences, Department of Biology, ETH Zurich, Otto-Stern-Weg 7, 8093, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Jürgen Brinckmann
- Department of Dermatology, University of Lübeck, 23562, Lübeck, Germany.,Institute of Virology and Cell Biology, University of Lübeck, 23562, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Edoardo Mazza
- Institute for Mechanical Systems, Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering, ETH Zurich, Leonhardstrasse 21, 8092, Zurich, Switzerland. .,EMPA, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Überlandstrasse 129, 8600, Dübendorf, Switzerland.
| | - Sabine Werner
- Institute of Molecular Health Sciences, Department of Biology, ETH Zurich, Otto-Stern-Weg 7, 8093, Zurich, Switzerland.
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14
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Kim YI, Lee CY, Shin MK. Downregulation of activin-signaling gene expression in passaged normal human dermal fibroblasts. Biomed Rep 2019; 12:17-22. [PMID: 31839945 DOI: 10.3892/br.2019.1258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2019] [Accepted: 11/05/2019] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Activins are members of the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) superfamily and play important roles in proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis of various target cells. We investigated changes of activin, activin receptor (ActR), and Smad-signaling gene expression with increasing passage number in normal human dermal fibroblasts. The expression of mRNA and protein was measured by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction and immunoblot analysis from passage numbers 5 to 15. Activin A and follistatin transcript levels increased with increasing passage number. ActR types IA, IB, IIA and IIB mRNA levels decreased at high passage number. The levels of Smad2, 3 and 4 protein decreased with increasing passage number, which also attenuated phosphorylation of Smad2 and 3 protein expression. Smad7 was enhanced with increasing passage number. These results suggest that expression of activin-signaling in aging normal human dermal fibroblasts increases activin A and follistatin, whereas ActR-Smad signaling is decreased.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young Il Kim
- Medical Science Research Institute, Kyung Hee University Medical Center, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Chan-Yang Lee
- Department of Dermatology, College of Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Min Kyung Shin
- Department of Dermatology, College of Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
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15
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Hajihassan Z, Khairkhah N, Zandsalimi F. Enhanced periplasmic expression of human activin A in Escherichia coli using a modified signal peptide. Prep Biochem Biotechnol 2019; 50:141-147. [PMID: 31647371 DOI: 10.1080/10826068.2019.1679177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Activin A is a member of the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) protein superfamily, which acts as a hormone in regulating cell proliferation and differentiation. Structurally, activin is a dimer of two subunits linked by a disulfide bond. Since the correct folding of this protein is essential for its function, we aimed to use a modified signal peptide to target the expressed recombinant protein to the periplasm of Escherichia coli as an effective strategy to produce correctly-folded activin A. Therefore, the coding sequence of native Iranian Bacillus licheniformis α-amylase signal peptide was modified and its efficiency was checked by SignalP bioinformatics tool. Then its final sequence was cloned upstream of the activin A mature cDNA. Protein expression was done using 1 mM of isopropyl thio-β-D-galactoside (IPTG) and a post-induction time of 8 hr. Additionally, following purification of recombinant activin A, circular dichroism spectroscopy was used to determine the accuracy of secondary structure of the protein. Importantly, differentiation of K562 cells to the red blood cell was confirmed by measuring the amount of Fe+2 ions after treatment with recombinant activin A. The results indicated that the produced recombinant activin A had the same secondary structure as the commercial human activin A and was fully functional.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Hajihassan
- Department of Life Science Engineering, Faculty of New Sciences and Technologies, University of Tehran, Tehran, The Islamic Republic of Iran
| | - Niloofar Khairkhah
- Department of Life Science Engineering, Faculty of New Sciences and Technologies, University of Tehran, Tehran, The Islamic Republic of Iran
| | - Farshid Zandsalimi
- Department of Life Science Engineering, Faculty of New Sciences and Technologies, University of Tehran, Tehran, The Islamic Republic of Iran
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16
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Zessner-Spitzenberg J, Thomas AL, Krett NL, Jung B. TGFβ and activin A in the tumor microenvironment in colorectal cancer. GENE REPORTS 2019; 17. [PMID: 32154442 DOI: 10.1016/j.genrep.2019.100501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Although overall survival in colorectal cancer (CRC) is increasing steadily due to progress in screening, therapeutic options and precise diagnostic tools remain scarce. As the understanding of CRC as a complex and multifactorial condition moves forward, the tumor microenvironment has come into focus as a source of diagnostic markers and potential therapeutic targets. The role of TGFβ in shifting the epithelial cancer compartment towards invasiveness and a pro-migratory phenotype via stromal signaling has been widely investigated. Accordingly, recent studies have proposed that CRC patients could be stratified into distinct subtypes and have identified one poor prognosis subset of CRC that is characterized by high stromal activity and elevated levels of TGFβ. The TGFβ superfamily member activin A is crucial for the pro-metastatic properties of the TGFβ pathway, yet it has been under-researched in CRC carcinogenesis. In this review, we will elucidate the signaling network and interdependency of both ligands in the context of the tumor microenvironment in CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasmin Zessner-Spitzenberg
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Illinois Medical College, Chicago, IL 60612, USA.,Medical University of Vienna, Spitalgasse 23, 1090 Wien, Austria
| | - Alexandra L Thomas
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Illinois Medical College, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Nancy L Krett
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Illinois Medical College, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Barbara Jung
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Illinois Medical College, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
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17
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Haertel E, Joshi N, Hiebert P, Kopf M, Werner S. Regulatory T cells are required for normal and activin‐promoted wound repair in mice. Eur J Immunol 2018; 48:1001-1013. [DOI: 10.1002/eji.201747395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2017] [Revised: 01/23/2018] [Accepted: 02/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Eric Haertel
- Department of BiologyInstitute of Molecular Health Sciences ETH Zurich Switzerland
| | - Natasha Joshi
- Department of BiologyInstitute of Molecular Health Sciences ETH Zurich Switzerland
| | - Paul Hiebert
- Department of BiologyInstitute of Molecular Health Sciences ETH Zurich Switzerland
| | - Manfred Kopf
- Department of BiologyInstitute of Molecular Health Sciences ETH Zurich Switzerland
| | - Sabine Werner
- Department of BiologyInstitute of Molecular Health Sciences ETH Zurich Switzerland
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18
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Rose AM, Spender LC, Stephen C, Mitchell A, Rickaby W, Bray S, Evans AT, Dayal J, Purdie KJ, Harwood CA, Proby CM, Leigh IM, Coates PJ, Inman GJ. Reduced SMAD2/3 activation independently predicts increased depth of human cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma. Oncotarget 2018; 9:14552-14566. [PMID: 29581863 PMCID: PMC5865689 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.24545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2017] [Accepted: 02/10/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The incidence of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) is rising. Whilst the majority are cured surgically, aggressive metastatic cSCC carry a poor prognosis. Inactivating mutations in transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) receptors have been identified amongst genetic drivers of sporadic tumours and murine models of cSCC, suggesting a tumour suppressor function for TGF-β in normal skin. However, paradoxically, TGF-β acts as a tumour promoter in some murine model systems. Few studies have analysed the role of TGF-β/activin signalling in human normal skin, hyper-proliferative skin disorders and cSCC. Antibodies recognising phospho-SMAD proteins which are activated during canonical TGF-β/activin signalling were validated for use in immunohistochemistry. A tissue microarray comprising FFPE lesional and perilesional tissue from human primary invasive cSCC (n=238), cSCC in-situ (n=2) and keratocanthoma (n=9) were analysed in comparison with tissues from normal human scalp (n=10). Phosphorylated SMAD2 and SMAD3 were detected in normal interfollicular epidermal keratinocytes and were also highly localised to inner root sheath, matrix cells and Keratin 15 positive cells. Lesional cSCC tissue had significantly reduced activated SMAD2/3 compared to perilesional tissue, consistent with a tumour suppressor role for SMAD2/3 activators in cSCC. Increased cSCC tumour thickness inversely correlated with the presence of phospho-SMADs in tumour tissue suggesting that a reduction in canonical TGF-β/activin signalling may be associated with disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aidan M Rose
- Division of Cancer Research, School of Medicine, University of Dundee, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, Dundee, Scotland, DD1 9SY, UK.,Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, NHS Tayside, Dundee, Scotland, DD1 9SY, UK
| | - Lindsay C Spender
- Division of Cancer Research, School of Medicine, University of Dundee, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, Dundee, Scotland, DD1 9SY, UK
| | - Christopher Stephen
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, NHS Tayside, Dundee, Scotland, DD1 9SY, UK
| | - Alastair Mitchell
- Department of Dermatology, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, NHS Tayside, Dundee, Scotland, DD1 9SY, UK
| | - William Rickaby
- Dermatopathology Laboratory, St. John's Institute of Dermatology, St.Thomas' Hospital, London, SE1 7EH, UK
| | - Susan Bray
- Tayside Tissue Bank, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, NHS Tayside, Dundee, Scotland, DD1 9SY, UK
| | - Alan T Evans
- Department of Pathology, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, NHS Tayside, Dundee, Scotland, DD1 9SY, UK
| | - Jasbani Dayal
- Division of Cancer Research, School of Medicine, University of Dundee, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, Dundee, Scotland, DD1 9SY, UK
| | - Karin J Purdie
- Centre for Cell Biology and Cutaneous Research, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, E1 2AT, UK
| | - Catherine A Harwood
- Centre for Cell Biology and Cutaneous Research, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, E1 2AT, UK
| | - Charlotte M Proby
- Division of Cancer Research, School of Medicine, University of Dundee, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, Dundee, Scotland, DD1 9SY, UK
| | - Irene M Leigh
- Division of Cancer Research, School of Medicine, University of Dundee, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, Dundee, Scotland, DD1 9SY, UK.,Centre for Cell Biology and Cutaneous Research, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, E1 2AT, UK
| | - Philip J Coates
- Tayside Tissue Bank, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, NHS Tayside, Dundee, Scotland, DD1 9SY, UK.,Regional Centre for Applied Molecular Oncology (RECAMO), Masaryk Memorial Cancer Institute, Brno, 656 53, Czech Republic
| | - Gareth J Inman
- Division of Cancer Research, School of Medicine, University of Dundee, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, Dundee, Scotland, DD1 9SY, UK
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19
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Omar NN, Rashed RR, El-Hazek RM, El-Sabbagh WA, Rashed ER, El-Ghazaly MA. Platelet-rich plasma-induced feedback inhibition of activin A/follistatin signaling: A mechanism for tumor-low risk skin rejuvenation in irradiated rats. JOURNAL OF PHOTOCHEMISTRY AND PHOTOBIOLOGY B-BIOLOGY 2018; 180:17-24. [PMID: 29413698 DOI: 10.1016/j.jphotobiol.2018.01.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2017] [Revised: 01/17/2018] [Accepted: 01/22/2018] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a source of natural growth factors and is emerging as a treatment modality to mitigate radiotherapy- induced adverse effects. Activin A (ACTA) is a member of the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) superfamily, which has been shown to modulate the inflammatory response and macrophages polarization between different phenotypes. The aim of this study is to determine the value of PRP in preventing radiation-induced malignancies in light of the cross-talk between PRP and activin A type II receptors (ActR-IIA)/follistatin (FST) signaling pathways where the inflammatory responses at 2 different time points were evaluated. MATERIAL AND METHODS Male albino rats were exposed to radiation and given PRP over the course of 6 days. Rats were sacrificed on day 7 or day 28 post radiation. RESULTS Quantitative real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (QRT-PCR) and western-blot showed that after 7 days of administrating of PRP, ActR-IIA/FST signaling was markedly induced and was associated with the expressions of inflammatory, natural killer and M1 macrophages markers, TNF-α, IL-1β, IFN-γ and IL-12. By contrast, on day 28 of PRP administration, ActR-IIA/FST signaling and the expressions of proinflammatory cytokines were downregulated in parallel with inducing M2 macrophages phenotype as indicated by arginase-1, IL-10 and dectin-1. CONCLUSION The suppression of inflammation and induction of M2 macrophages phenotype in response to PRP administration were found significantly linked to ActR-IIA/FST signaling downregulation. Furthermore, the specific M2 macrophage subtype was found to express dectin-1 receptors which have high affinity for tumor cells thereby is expected to reduce the potential for developing tumors after radiotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nesreen Nabil Omar
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Modern University for Technology and Information, Cairo, Egypt.
| | - Rasha R Rashed
- Department of Drug Radiation Research, National Centre for Radiation Research and Technology, Atomic Energy Authority, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Rania M El-Hazek
- Department of Drug Radiation Research, National Centre for Radiation Research and Technology, Atomic Energy Authority, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Walaa A El-Sabbagh
- Department of Drug Radiation Research, National Centre for Radiation Research and Technology, Atomic Energy Authority, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Engy R Rashed
- Department of Drug Radiation Research, National Centre for Radiation Research and Technology, Atomic Energy Authority, Cairo, Egypt.
| | - Mona A El-Ghazaly
- Department of Drug Radiation Research, National Centre for Radiation Research and Technology, Atomic Energy Authority, Cairo, Egypt
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20
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Kuai L, Zhang JT, Deng Y, Xu S, Xu XZ, Wu MF, Guo DJ, Chen Y, Wu RJ, Zhao XQ, Nian H, Li B, Li FL. Sheng-ji Hua-yu formula promotes diabetic wound healing of re-epithelization via Activin/Follistatin regulation. BMC COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2018; 18:32. [PMID: 29378560 PMCID: PMC5789635 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-017-2074-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2017] [Accepted: 12/29/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Background Sheng-ji Hua-yu(SJHY) formula is one of the most useful Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in the treatment of the delayed diabetic wound. However, elucidating the related molecular biological mechanism of how the SJHY Formula affects excessive inflammation in the process of re-epithelialization of diabetic wound healing is a task urgently needed to be fulfilled. The objectives of this study is to evaluate the effect of antagonisic expression of pro−/anti-inflammatory factors on transforming growth factor-β(TGF-β) superfamily (activin and follistatin) in the process of re-epithelialization of diabetic wound healing in vivo, and to characterize the involvement of the activin/follistatin protein expression regulation, phospho-Smad (pSmad2), and Nuclear factor kappa B p50 (NF-kB) p50 in the diabetic wound healing effects of SJHY formula. Methods SJHY Formula was prepared by pharmaceutical preparation room of Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine. Diabetic wound healing activity was evaluated by circular excision wound models. Wound healing activity was examined by macroscopic evaluation. Activin/follistatin expression regulation, protein expression of pSmad2 and NF-kB p50 in skin tissue of wounds were analyzed by Real Time PCR, Western blot, immunohistochemistry and hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining. Results Macroscopic evaluation analysis showed that wound healing of diabetic mice was delayed, and SJHY Formula accelerated wound healing time of diabetic mice. Real Time PCR analysis showed higher mRNA expression of activin/follistatin in diabetic delayed wound versus the wound in normal mice. Western Blot immunoassay analysis showed reduction of activin/follistatin proteins levels by SJHY Formula treatment 15 days after injury. Immunohistochemistry investigated the reduction of pSmad2 and NF-kB p50 nuclear staining in the epidermis of diabetic SJHY versus diabetic control mice on day 15 after wounding. H&E staining revealed that SJHY Formula accelerated re-epithelialization of diabetic wound healing. Conclusion The present study found that diabetic delayed wound healing time is closely related to the high expression level of activin/follistatin, which leads to excessive inflammation in the process of re-epithelization. SJHY Formula accelerates re-epithelialization and healing time of diabetic wounds through decreasing the high expression of activin/follistatin. Graphical abstract ![]()
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21
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Activin-A causes Hepatic stellate cell activation via the induction of TNFα and TGFβ in Kupffer cells. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2017; 1864:891-899. [PMID: 29287776 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2017.12.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2017] [Revised: 12/06/2017] [Accepted: 12/22/2017] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS TGFβ superfamily member Activin-A is a multifunctional hormone/cytokine expressed in multiple tissues and cells, where it regulates cellular differentiation, proliferation, inflammation and tissue architecture. High activin-A levels have been reported in alcoholic cirrhosis and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Our aim was to identify the cell types involved in the fibrotic processes induced by activin-A in liver and verify the liver diseases that this molecule can be found increased. METHODS We studied the effect of activin-A on mouse primary Kupffer cells (KCs) and Hepatic Stellate cells (HSCs) and the levels of activin-A and its inhibitor follistatin in the serum of patients from a large panel of liver diseases. RESULTS Activin-A is expressed by mouse hepatocytes, HSCs and Liver Sinusoid Endothelial cells but not KCs. Each cell type expresses different activin receptor combinations. HSCs are unresponsive to activin-A due to downregulation/desensitization of type-II activin receptors, while KCs respond by increasing the expression/production of TNFα και TGFβ1. In the presence of KCs or conditioned medium from activin-A treated KCs, HSCs switch to a profibrogenic phenotype, including increased collagen and αSMA expression and migratory capacity. Incubation of activin-A treated KC conditioned medium with antibodies against TNFα and TGFβ1 partially blocks its capacity to activate HSCs. Only patients with alcoholic liver diseases and NASH cirrhosis have significantly higher activin-A levels and activin-A/follistatin ratio. CONCLUSIONS Activin-A may induce fibrosis in NASH and alcoholic cirrhosis via activation of KCs to express pro-inflammatory molecules that promote HSC-dependent fibrogenesis and could be a target for future anti-fibrotic therapies.
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22
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Antsiferova M, Piwko-Czuchra A, Cangkrama M, Wietecha M, Sahin D, Birkner K, Amann VC, Levesque M, Hohl D, Dummer R, Werner S. Activin promotes skin carcinogenesis by attraction and reprogramming of macrophages. EMBO Mol Med 2017; 9:27-45. [PMID: 27932444 PMCID: PMC5210090 DOI: 10.15252/emmm.201606493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Activin has emerged as an important player in different types of cancer, but the underlying mechanisms are largely unknown. We show here that activin overexpression is an early event in murine and human skin tumorigenesis. This is functionally important, since activin promoted skin tumorigenesis in mice induced by the human papillomavirus 8 oncogenes. This was accompanied by depletion of epidermal γδ T cells and accumulation of regulatory T cells. Most importantly, activin increased the number of skin macrophages via attraction of blood monocytes, which was prevented by depletion of CCR2‐positive monocytes. Gene expression profiling of macrophages from pre‐tumorigenic skin and bioinformatics analysis demonstrated that activin induces a gene expression pattern in skin macrophages that resembles the phenotype of tumor‐associated macrophages in different malignancies, thereby promoting angiogenesis, cell migration and proteolysis. The functional relevance of this finding was demonstrated by antibody‐mediated depletion of macrophages, which strongly suppressed activin‐induced skin tumor formation. These results demonstrate that activin induces skin carcinogenesis via attraction and reprogramming of macrophages and identify novel activin targets involved in tumor formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Antsiferova
- Department of Biology, Institute of Molecular Health Sciences, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Michael Cangkrama
- Department of Biology, Institute of Molecular Health Sciences, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Mateusz Wietecha
- Department of Biology, Institute of Molecular Health Sciences, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Dilara Sahin
- Department of Biology, Institute of Molecular Health Sciences, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Katharina Birkner
- Department of Biology, Institute of Molecular Health Sciences, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Valerie C Amann
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Daniel Hohl
- Department of Dermatology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Reinhard Dummer
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Sabine Werner
- Department of Biology, Institute of Molecular Health Sciences, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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Kita A, Kasamatsu A, Nakashima D, Endo-Sakamoto Y, Ishida S, Shimizu T, Kimura Y, Miyamoto I, Yoshimura S, Shiiba M, Tanzawa H, Uzawa K. Activin B Regulates Adhesion, Invasiveness, and Migratory Activities in Oral Cancer: a Potential Biomarker for Metastasis. J Cancer 2017; 8:2033-2041. [PMID: 28819404 PMCID: PMC5559965 DOI: 10.7150/jca.18714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2016] [Accepted: 04/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Activin B, a homodimer of inhibin beta b (INHBB), is a multifunctional cytokine belonging to the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) family. However, the molecular functions and clinical relevance of activin B have not been determined in oral cancer. We investigated the critical roles of activin B in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). We performed quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction, Western blotting, and immunohistochemistry to study INHBB expression in OSCC-derived cell lines and OSCC clinical samples. The INHBB expression levels were significantly (P < 0.05) overexpressed in OSCCs compared to normal counterparts in vitro and in vivo. Activin B-positivity in OSCC cases was significantly (P < 0.05) correlated with regional lymph node metastasis. The INHBB knockdown (shINHBB) cells promoted cellular adhesion and suppression of cellular invasiveness and migration. After treatment of shINHBB cells with activin B, those activities were restored similar to the shMock cells. In the processes of invasiveness and metastasis, the cells cause epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). TGF-β and its family members are promoters of the EMT process. To investigate whether activin B is related to EMT, we examined the expressions of EMT-related genes and found that INHBB was related closely to EMT. Our results suggested for the first time that activin B indicates tumoral metastasis in OSCCs and might be a useful biomarker for OSCC metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akihiro Kita
- Department of Oral Science, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba 260-8670, Japan
| | - Atsushi Kasamatsu
- Department of Dentistry and Oral-Maxillofacial Surgery, Chiba University Hospital, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba 260-8670, Japan
| | - Dai Nakashima
- Department of Oral Science, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba 260-8670, Japan
| | - Yosuke Endo-Sakamoto
- Department of Dentistry and Oral-Maxillofacial Surgery, Chiba University Hospital, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba 260-8670, Japan
| | - Sho Ishida
- Department of Oral Science, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba 260-8670, Japan
| | - Toshihiro Shimizu
- Department of Dentistry and Oral-Maxillofacial Surgery, Kashima Rosai Hospital, 1-9108-2 Doaihoncho, Kamisu, Ibaraki 314-0343, Japan
| | - Yasushi Kimura
- Department of Dentistry and Oral-Maxillofacial Surgery, National Defense Medical College, 3-2 Namiki, Tokorozawa, Saitama 359-8513, Japan
| | - Isao Miyamoto
- Department of Dentistry and Oral-Maxillofacial Surgery, Japanese Red Cross Fukaya Hospital, 5-6-1 Kamishibachonishi, Fukaya, Saitama, 366-0052 Japan
| | - Shusaku Yoshimura
- Department of Oral Science, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba 260-8670, Japan
| | - Masashi Shiiba
- Department of Medical Oncology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba 260-8670, Japan
| | - Hideki Tanzawa
- Department of Oral Science, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba 260-8670, Japan.,Department of Dentistry and Oral-Maxillofacial Surgery, Chiba University Hospital, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba 260-8670, Japan
| | - Katsuhiro Uzawa
- Department of Oral Science, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba 260-8670, Japan.,Department of Dentistry and Oral-Maxillofacial Surgery, Chiba University Hospital, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba 260-8670, Japan
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Follistatin and the Breast Implant Capsule. PLASTIC AND RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY-GLOBAL OPEN 2017; 5:e1258. [PMID: 28458972 PMCID: PMC5404443 DOI: 10.1097/gox.0000000000001258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2016] [Accepted: 01/11/2017] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text. Background: Breast capsular contracture remains an elusive problem faced by plastic surgeons and is the leading long-term complication after breast implantation. Follistatin (Fst) is a protein with known anti-inflammatory and antifibrotic properties and has the potential to limit the severity of diseases associated with inflammation and fibrosis such as capsular contracture. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of Fst288 on capsular fibrosis around silicone implants in a mouse model. Methods: BALB/c mice were implanted subcutaneously with untreated silicone implants (baseline control). In the experimental group, immediately after silicone implant insertion, the implant pocket received either a single injection of 1 µg Fst288 or normal saline (internal control). The animals were killed at 3, 5, 7, 14, 28, and 90 days after surgery, and serum, implants, and the surrounding tissue were removed for histological and immunohistochemical analyses. Results: Fst288 treatment resulted in significant decreases in capsule thickness at 28 days (P < 0.05) and 3 months (P < 0.001), decreased collagen production at 14 days (P < 0.05) and 3 months (P < 0.01), decreased angiogenesis at 3 months (P < 0.001), decreased α-smooth muscle actin levels at 3 months (P < 0.05), and a decrease in the number of CD45+ cells at days 5 (P < 0.05) and 7 (P < 0.01), respectively, when compared with control implants. Conclusions: A single injection of Fst288 at the time of silicone implant insertion into the mice results in a significant reduction in pericapsular inflammation and capsular fibrosis.
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Aragona M, Dekoninck S, Rulands S, Lenglez S, Mascré G, Simons BD, Blanpain C. Defining stem cell dynamics and migration during wound healing in mouse skin epidermis. Nat Commun 2017; 8:14684. [PMID: 28248284 PMCID: PMC5339881 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms14684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 241] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2017] [Accepted: 01/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Wound healing is essential to repair the skin after injury. In the epidermis, distinct stem cells (SCs) populations contribute to wound healing. However, how SCs balance proliferation, differentiation and migration to repair a wound remains poorly understood. Here, we show the cellular and molecular mechanisms that regulate wound healing in mouse tail epidermis. Using a combination of proliferation kinetics experiments and molecular profiling, we identify the gene signatures associated with proliferation, differentiation and migration in different regions surrounding the wound. Functional experiments show that SC proliferation, migration and differentiation can be uncoupled during wound healing. Lineage tracing and quantitative clonal analysis reveal that, following wounding, progenitors divide more rapidly, but conserve their homoeostatic mode of division, leading to their rapid depletion, whereas SCs become active, giving rise to new progenitors that expand and repair the wound. These results have important implications for tissue regeneration, acute and chronic wound disorders. Wound healing is essential to repair the skin after injury and distinct stem cells in the epidermis are known to contribute to the process. Here the authors perform molecular, functional and clonal analysis and reveal the individual contribution of stem cells coming from different epidermal compartments to the wound-healing process in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Steffen Rulands
- Cavendish Laboratory, Department of Physics, University of Cambridge, J.J. Thomson Avenue, Cambridge CB3 0HE, UK
| | | | - Guilhem Mascré
- Université Libre de Bruxelles, IRIBHM, Brussels B-1070, Belgium
| | - Benjamin D Simons
- Cavendish Laboratory, Department of Physics, University of Cambridge, J.J. Thomson Avenue, Cambridge CB3 0HE, UK.,The Wellcome Trust/Cancer Research UK Gurdon Institute, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 1QN, UK.,Wellcome Trust-Medical Research Council Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1QR, UK
| | - Cédric Blanpain
- Université Libre de Bruxelles, IRIBHM, Brussels B-1070, Belgium.,WELBIO, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels B-1070, Belgium
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26
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Aduba DC, Yang H. Polysaccharide Fabrication Platforms and Biocompatibility Assessment as Candidate Wound Dressing Materials. Bioengineering (Basel) 2017; 4:bioengineering4010001. [PMID: 28952482 PMCID: PMC5590441 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering4010001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2016] [Revised: 01/05/2017] [Accepted: 01/07/2017] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Wound dressings are critical for wound care because they provide a physical barrier between the injury site and outside environment, preventing further damage or infection. Wound dressings also manage and even encourage the wound healing process for proper recovery. Polysaccharide biopolymers are slowly becoming popular as modern wound dressings materials because they are naturally derived, highly abundant, inexpensive, absorbent, non-toxic and non-immunogenic. Polysaccharide biopolymers have also been processed into biomimetic platforms that offer a bioactive component in wound dressings that aid the healing process. This review primarily focuses on the fabrication and biocompatibility assessment of polysaccharide materials. Specifically, fabrication platforms such as electrospun fibers and hydrogels, their fabrication considerations and popular polysaccharides such as chitosan, alginate, and hyaluronic acid among emerging options such as arabinoxylan are discussed. A survey of biocompatibility and bioactive molecule release studies, leveraging polysaccharide's naturally derived properties, is highlighted in the text, while challenges and future directions for wound dressing development using emerging fabrication techniques such as 3D bioprinting are outlined in the conclusion. This paper aims to encourage further investigation and open up new, disruptive avenues for polysaccharides in wound dressing material development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donald C Aduba
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23284, USA.
| | - Hu Yang
- Department of Chemical and Life Science Engineering, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23284, USA.
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA.
- Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA.
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He Y, Sultana I, Takeda K, Reed JL. Cutaneous Deficiency of Filaggrin and STAT3 Exacerbates Vaccinia Disease In Vivo. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0170070. [PMID: 28081250 PMCID: PMC5231274 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0170070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2016] [Accepted: 12/28/2016] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Rationale Defects in filaggrin and STAT3 are associated with atopic dermatitis (AD) and susceptibility to severe skin infection. Methods We evaluated skin infection with the current smallpox vaccine, ACAM-2000, in immunosuppressed mice with combined cutaneous deficiency in filaggrin and STAT3. In parallel, early events post-infection with ACAM-2000 were investigated in cultured keratinocytes in which filaggrin expression was knocked down via siRNA. Results Immunosuppressed, filaggrin-deficient mice, treated with the topical STAT3 inhibitor Stattic® prior to ACAM-2000 infection, demonstrated rapid weight loss, prolonged vaccinia burden in skin, and dermatitis. The TGF-β family ligand activin A was upregulated ten-fold in infected skin. Topically-applied ALK5/TGβR1 signaling inhibitor synergized with vaccinia immune globulin (VIG) to promote vaccinia clearance and limit weight loss. In cultured keratinocytes, filaggrin-directed siRNA inhibited programmed necrosis and inflammatory cytokine release induced by ACAM-2000, while viral growth was increased. Conclusions Our findings may point to a novel role for filaggrin in early antiviral responses in skin. In wounded skin with underlying barrier defects, chronically elevated activin A levels may contribute to skin remodeling and cutaneous pathogen persistence. Inhibition of ALK5/TGFβR1 signaling may provide a novel co-therapeutic approach, together with VIG, to limit cutaneous spread of vaccinia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong He
- Food and Drug Administration, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, 10903 New Hampshire Ave., Silver Spring, MD, United States of America
| | - Ishrat Sultana
- Food and Drug Administration, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, 10903 New Hampshire Ave., Silver Spring, MD, United States of America
| | - Kazuyo Takeda
- Food and Drug Administration, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, 10903 New Hampshire Ave., Silver Spring, MD, United States of America
| | - Jennifer L. Reed
- Food and Drug Administration, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, 10903 New Hampshire Ave., Silver Spring, MD, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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28
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Tedeschi A, Omura T, Costigan M. CNS repair and axon regeneration: Using genetic variation to determine mechanisms. Exp Neurol 2017; 287:409-422. [PMID: 27163547 PMCID: PMC5097896 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2016.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2016] [Revised: 05/02/2016] [Accepted: 05/05/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
The importance of genetic diversity in biological investigation has been recognized since the pioneering studies of Gregor Johann Mendel and Charles Darwin. Research in this area has been greatly informed recently by the publication of genomes from multiple species. Genes regulate and create every part and process in a living organism, react with the environment to create each living form and morph and mutate to determine the history and future of each species. The regenerative capacity of neurons differs profoundly between animal lineages and within the mammalian central and peripheral nervous systems. Here, we discuss research that suggests that genetic background contributes to the ability of injured axons to regenerate in the mammalian central nervous system (CNS), by controlling the regulation of specific signaling cascades. We detail the methods used to identify these pathways, which include among others Activin signaling and other TGF-β superfamily members. We discuss the potential of altering these pathways in patients with CNS damage and outline strategies to promote regeneration and repair by combinatorial manipulation of neuron-intrinsic and extrinsic determinants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Tedeschi
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), 53175 Bonn, Germany.
| | - Takao Omura
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan.
| | - Michael Costigan
- FM Kirby Neurobiology Center and Anesthesia Department, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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29
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Razzak MA, Hossain MS, Radzi ZB, Yahya NAB, Czernuszka J, Rahman MT. Cellular and Molecular Responses to Mechanical Expansion of Tissue. Front Physiol 2016; 7:540. [PMID: 27899897 PMCID: PMC5111402 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2016.00540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2016] [Accepted: 10/27/2016] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The increased use of tissue expander in the past decades and its potential market values in near future give enough reasons to sum up the consequences of tissue expansion. Furthermore, the patients have the right to know underlying mechanisms of adaptation of inserted biomimetic, its bioinspired materials and probable complications. The mechanical strains during tissue expansion are related to several biological phenomena. Tissue remodeling during the expansion is highly regulated and depends on the signal transduction. Any alteration may lead to tumor formation, necrosis and/or apoptosis. In this review, stretch induced cell proliferation, apoptosis, the roles of growth factors, stretch induced ion channels, and roles of second messengers are organized. It is expected that readers from any background can understand and make a decision about tissue expansion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Abdur Razzak
- Department of Children's Dentistry and Orthodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Malaya Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Md Sanower Hossain
- Department of Children's Dentistry and Orthodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Malaya Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Zamri Bin Radzi
- Department of Children's Dentistry and Orthodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Malaya Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Noor Azlin B Yahya
- Department of Children's Dentistry and Orthodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Malaya Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Jan Czernuszka
- Department of Materials, University of Oxford Oxford, UK
| | - Mohammad T Rahman
- Department of Children's Dentistry and Orthodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Malaya Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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Loomans HA, Arnold SA, Quast LL, Andl CD. Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma invasion is inhibited by Activin A in ACVRIB-positive cells. BMC Cancer 2016; 16:873. [PMID: 27829391 PMCID: PMC5101642 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-016-2920-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2016] [Accepted: 11/01/2016] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is a global public health issue, as it is the eighth most common cancer worldwide. The mechanisms behind ESCC invasion and progression are still poorly understood, and warrant further investigation into these processes and their drivers. In recent years, the ligand Activin A has been implicated as a player in the progression of a number of cancers. The objective of this study was to investigate the role of Activin A signaling in ESCC. Methods To investigate the role Activin A plays in ESCC biology, tissue microarrays containing 200 cores from 120 ESCC patients were analyzed upon immunofluorescence staining. We utilized three-dimensional organotypic reconstruct cultures of dysplastic and esophageal squamous tumor cells lines, in the context of fibroblast-secreted Activin A, to identify the effects of Activin A on cell invasion and determine protein expression and localization in epithelial and stromal compartments by immunofluorescence. To identify the functional consequences of stromal-derived Activin A on angiogenesis, we performed endothelial tube formation assays. Results Analysis of ESCC patient samples indicated that patients with high stromal Activin A expression had low epithelial ACVRIB, the Activin type I receptor. We found that overexpression of stromal-derived Activin A inhibited invasion of esophageal dysplastic squamous cells, ECdnT, and TE-2 ESCC cells, both positive for ACVRIB. This inhibition was accompanied by a decrease in expression of the extracellular matrix (ECM) protein fibronectin and podoplanin, which is often expressed at the leading edge during invasion. Endothelial tube formation was disrupted in the presence of conditioned media from fibroblasts overexpressing Activin A. Interestingly, ACVRIB-negative TE-11 cells did not show the prior observed effects in the context of Activin A overexpression, indicating a dependence on the presence of ACVRIB. Conclusions We describe the first observation of an inhibitory role for Activin A in ESCC progression that is dependent on the expression of ACVRIB. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12885-016-2920-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Holli A Loomans
- Department of Cancer Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Shanna A Arnold
- Department of Veterans Affairs, Tennessee Valley Healthcare System, Nashville, TN, USA.,Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Laura L Quast
- Department of Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Claudia D Andl
- Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, 4110 Libra Drive, Building 20, BMS 223, Orlando, FL, 32816, USA.
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Wei Q, Liu H, Liu M, Yang C, Yang J, Liu Z, Yang P. Ramipril attenuates left ventricular remodeling by regulating the expression of activin A-follistatin in a rat model of heart failure. Sci Rep 2016; 6:33677. [PMID: 27642098 PMCID: PMC5027547 DOI: 10.1038/srep33677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2016] [Accepted: 08/31/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Prior studies have shown that overexpression of ACT A can lead to ventricular remodeling in rat models of heart failure. Furthermore, recently work studying demonstrated that stimulation of activin An expression in rat aortic smooth muscle (RASM) cells by angiotensin II (Ang II). Ramipril is a recently developed angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor. To investigate the effects of Ramipril on expression of ACT A-FS, we established the rat model of heart failure after myocardial infarction (MI), and divided into either a sham operation (SO), MI, or MI-Ramipril group. We found that Ramipril significantly attenuates collagen-I and III deposition (col-I and III). Notably, we determined that expression of ACT A and II activin receptor (ActRII) were significantly down-regulated in the non-infarcted area of the left ventricle in the Ramipril group, whereas the mRNA and protein levels of FS were markedly up-regulated. Our data suggested that Ramipril benefited left ventricular remodeling by reducing fibrosis and collagen accumulation in the left ventricle of rats after myocardial infarction. This observation was also associated with down-regulation of ACT A expression. This study elucidated a new protective mechanism of Ramipril and suggests a novel strategy for treatment of post-infarct remodeling and subsequent heart failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qun Wei
- Department of cardiology, China-Japan Union Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, China.,Department of Cardiology, Tianjin Fourth Central Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Haiyan Liu
- Department of Anatomy, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Miao Liu
- Department of cardiology, China-Japan Union Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Chunyan Yang
- Department of cardiology, China-Japan Union Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jie Yang
- Department of cardiology, China-Japan Union Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Zhonghui Liu
- Department of cardiology, China-Japan Union Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, China.,Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Ping Yang
- Department of cardiology, China-Japan Union Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, China
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Namwanje M, Brown CW. Activins and Inhibins: Roles in Development, Physiology, and Disease. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Biol 2016; 8:cshperspect.a021881. [PMID: 27328872 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a021881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 155] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Since their original discovery as regulators of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) secretion and erythropoiesis, the TGF-β family members activin and inhibin have been shown to participate in a variety of biological processes, from the earliest stages of embryonic development to highly specialized functions in terminally differentiated cells and tissues. Herein, we present the history, structures, signaling mechanisms, regulation, and biological processes in which activins and inhibins participate, including several recently discovered biological activities and functional antagonists. The potential therapeutic relevance of these advances is also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Namwanje
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Chester W Brown
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030 Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030 Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas 77030
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Shaffer AD, Feng B, La JH, Joyce SC, Gebhart GF. A novel role for follistatin in hypersensitivity following cystitis. Neurourol Urodyn 2015; 36:286-292. [PMID: 26713850 DOI: 10.1002/nau.22941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2015] [Accepted: 11/23/2015] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Previous studies have shown that the activin-binding protein follistatin reduces inflammation in several mouse models of colitis. To determine whether follistatin also has a beneficial effect following bladder inflammation, we induced cystitis in mice using cyclophosphamide (CYP) and examined the relationship between bladder hypersensitivity and bladder follistatin expression. METHODS Adult female C57BL/6 mice were treated with CYP (100 mg/kg) or vehicle (saline) three times over 5 days. Bladder hypersensitivity was assessed by recording the visceromotor response (VMR) to urinary bladder distension and in vitro single-fiber bladder afferent recording. Follistatin gene expression was measured using qRT-PCR. Immunohistochemistry was employed for further characterization. RESULTS Bladder hypersensitivity was established by day 6 and persisted to day 14 in CYP-treated mice. On day 14, hypersensitivity was accompanied by increases in follistatin gene expression in the bladder. Follistatin-like immunoreactivity colocalized with laminin, and the percentage of structures in the lamina propria that were follistatin-positive was increased in CYP-treated mice. Exogenous follistatin increased VMR and afferent responses to bladder distension in CYP- but not vehicle-treated mice. CONCLUSIONS Chronic bladder pain following CYP treatment is associated with increased follistatin expression in the bladder. These results suggest a novel, pro-nociceptive role for follistatin in cystitis, in contrast with its proposed therapeutic role in colitis. This protein has exciting potential as a biomarker and therapeutic target for bladder hypersensitivity. Neurourol. Urodynam. 36:286-292, 2017. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amber D Shaffer
- Department of Anesthesiology, Center for Pain Research, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Bin Feng
- Department of Anesthesiology, Center for Pain Research, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Jun-Ho La
- Department of Anesthesiology, Center for Pain Research, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Sonali C Joyce
- Department of Anesthesiology, Center for Pain Research, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - G F Gebhart
- Department of Anesthesiology, Center for Pain Research, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
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34
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Reinhard A, Sandborn WJ, Melhem H, Bolotine L, Chamaillard M, Peyrin-Biroulet L. Photodynamic therapy as a new treatment modality for inflammatory and infectious conditions. Expert Rev Clin Immunol 2015; 11:637-57. [DOI: 10.1586/1744666x.2015.1032256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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35
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Galli SJ, Tsai M, Marichal T, Tchougounova E, Reber LL, Pejler G. Approaches for analyzing the roles of mast cells and their proteases in vivo. Adv Immunol 2015; 126:45-127. [PMID: 25727288 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ai.2014.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
The roles of mast cells in health and disease remain incompletely understood. While the evidence that mast cells are critical effector cells in IgE-dependent anaphylaxis and other acute IgE-mediated allergic reactions seems unassailable, studies employing various mice deficient in mast cells or mast cell-associated proteases have yielded divergent conclusions about the roles of mast cells or their proteases in certain other immunological responses. Such "controversial" results call into question the relative utility of various older versus newer approaches to ascertain the roles of mast cells and mast cell proteases in vivo. This review discusses how both older and more recent mouse models have been used to investigate the functions of mast cells and their proteases in health and disease. We particularly focus on settings in which divergent conclusions about the importance of mast cells and their proteases have been supported by studies that employed different models of mast cell or mast cell protease deficiency. We think that two major conclusions can be drawn from such findings: (1) no matter which models of mast cell or mast cell protease deficiency one employs, the conclusions drawn from the experiments always should take into account the potential limitations of the models (particularly abnormalities affecting cell types other than mast cells) and (2) even when analyzing a biological response using a single model of mast cell or mast cell protease deficiency, details of experimental design are critical in efforts to define those conditions under which important contributions of mast cells or their proteases can be identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen J Galli
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA; Microbiology & Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA.
| | - Mindy Tsai
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Thomas Marichal
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA; GIGA-Research and Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liege, Liege, Belgium
| | - Elena Tchougounova
- Department of Immunology, Genetics, and Pathology, Rudbeck Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Laurent L Reber
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Gunnar Pejler
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden; Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Biochemistry, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
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Loomans HA, Andl CD. Intertwining of Activin A and TGFβ Signaling: Dual Roles in Cancer Progression and Cancer Cell Invasion. Cancers (Basel) 2014; 7:70-91. [PMID: 25560921 PMCID: PMC4381251 DOI: 10.3390/cancers7010070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2014] [Accepted: 12/23/2014] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, a significant amount of research has examined the controversial role of activin A in cancer. Activin A, a member of the transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) superfamily, is best characterized for its function during embryogenesis in mesoderm cell fate differentiation and reproduction. During embryogenesis, TGFβ superfamily ligands, TGFβ, bone morphogenic proteins (BMPs) and activins, act as potent morphogens. Similar to TGFβs and BMPs, activin A is a protein that is highly systemically expressed during early embryogenesis; however, post-natal expression is overall reduced and remains under strict spatiotemporal regulation. Of importance, normal post-natal expression of activin A has been implicated in the migration and invasive properties of various immune cell types, as well as endometrial cells. Aberrant activin A signaling during development results in significant morphological defects and premature mortality. Interestingly, activin A has been found to have both oncogenic and tumor suppressor roles in cancer. Investigations into the role of activin A in prostate and breast cancer has demonstrated tumor suppressive effects, while in lung and head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, it has been consistently shown that activin A expression is correlated with increased proliferation, invasion and poor patient prognosis. Activin A signaling is highly context-dependent, which is demonstrated in studies of epithelial cell tumors and the microenvironment. This review discusses normal activin A signaling in comparison to TGFβ and highlights how its dysregulation contributes to cancer progression and cell invasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Holli A Loomans
- Department of Cancer Biology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA.
| | - Claudia D Andl
- Department of Cancer Biology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA.
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Zhang M, Sun L, Wang X, Chen S, Kong Y, Liu N, Chen Y, Jia Q, Zhang L, Zhang L. Activin B Promotes BMSC-Mediated Cutaneous Wound Healing by Regulating Cell Migration via the JNK—ERK Signaling Pathway. Cell Transplant 2014; 23:1061-1073. [DOI: 10.3727/096368913x666999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) are able to differentiate into various types of skin cells and participate in skin regeneration and repair. Activin signaling can regulate wound healing and reepithelialization. The present study assessed the impact of activin B on BMSC-mediated cutaneous wound healing in rats and explored the possible mechanism involved. We found that CFSE-labeled BMSCs participated in wound healing in vivo, and compared to administration with PBS, activin B, or BMSCs, activin B plus BMSCs significantly promoted wound healing and hair follicle regeneration. Activin B induced actin stress fiber formation and cell migration in BMSCs in vitro. Activation of JNK and ERK, but not p38, was required for activin B-induced actin stress fiber formation and BMSC migration. These results show that activin B may promote BMSC-mediated wound healing by inducing actin stress fiber formation and BMSC migration via the ERK and JNK signal pathways. Combined administration of BMSCs and cytokines may be a promising therapeutic strategy for the management of skin wounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Zhang
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Li Sun
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xueer Wang
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shixuan Chen
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yanan Kong
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Nuyun Liu
- Elderly Health Services Research Center, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yinghua Chen
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qin Jia
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lu Zhang
- Elderly Health Services Research Center, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lin Zhang
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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Alteration of skin wound healing in keratinocyte-specific mediator complex subunit 1 null mice. PLoS One 2014; 9:e102271. [PMID: 25122137 PMCID: PMC4133190 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0102271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2014] [Accepted: 06/17/2014] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
MED1 (Mediator complex subunit 1) is a co-activator of various transcription factors that function in multiple transcriptional pathways. We have already established keratinocyte-specific MED1 null mice (Med1epi−/−) that develop epidermal hyperplasia. Herein, to investigate the function(s) of MED1 in skin wound healing, full-thickness skin wounds were generated in Med1epi−/− and age-matched wild-type mice and the healing process was analyzed. Macroscopic wound closure and the re-epithelialization rate were accelerated in 8-week-old Med1epi−/− mice compared with age-matched wild-type mice. Increased lengths of migrating epithelial tongues and numbers of Ki67-positive cells at the wounded epidermis were observed in 8-week-old Med1epi−/− mice, whereas wound contraction and the area of α-SMA-positive myofibroblasts in the granulation tissue were unaffected. Migration was enhanced in Med1epi−/− keratinocytes compared with wild-type keratinocytes in vitro. Immunoblotting revealed that the expression of follistatin was significantly decreased in Med1epi−/− keratinocytes. Moreover, the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway was enhanced before and after treatment of Med1epi−/− keratinocytes with activin A in vitro. Cell-cycle analysis showed an increased ratio of S phase cells after activin A treatment of Med1epi−/− keratinocytes compared with wild-type keratinocytes. These findings indicate that the activin-follistatin system is involved in this acceleration of skin wound healing in 8-week-old Med1epi−/− mice. On the other hand, skin wound healing in 6-month-old Med1epi−/− mice was significantly delayed with decreased numbers of Ki67-positive cells at the wounded epidermis as well as BrdU-positive label retaining cells in hair follicles compared with age-matched wild-type mice. These results agree with our previous observation that hair follicle bulge stem cells are reduced in older Med1epi−/− mice, indicating a decreased contribution of hair follicle stem cells to epidermal regeneration after wounding in 6-month-old Med1epi−/− mice. This study sheds light on the novel function of MED1 in keratinocytes and suggests a possible new therapeutic approach for skin wound healing and aging.
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Jin CH, Krishnaiah M, Sreenu D, Subrahmanyam VB, Rao KS, Lee HJ, Park SJ, Park HJ, Lee K, Sheen YY, Kim DK. Discovery of N-((4-([1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-a]pyridin-6-yl)-5-(6-methylpyridin-2-yl)-1H-imidazol-2-yl)methyl)-2-fluoroaniline (EW-7197): a highly potent, selective, and orally bioavailable inhibitor of TGF-β type I receptor kinase as cancer immunotherapeutic/antifibrotic agent. J Med Chem 2014; 57:4213-38. [PMID: 24786585 DOI: 10.1021/jm500115w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
A series of 2-substituted-4-([1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-a]pyridin-6-yl)-5-(6-methylpyridin-2-yl)imidazoles was synthesized and evaluated to optimize a prototype inhibitor of TGF-β type I receptor kinase (ALK5), 6. Combination of replacement of a quinoxalin-6-yl moiety of 6 with a [1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-a]pyridin-6-yl moiety, insertion of a methyleneamino linker, and a o-F substituent in the phenyl ring markedly increased ALK5 inhibitory activity, kinase selectivity, and oral bioavailability. The 12b (EW-7197) inhibited ALK5 with IC50 value of 0.013 μM in a kinase assay and with IC50 values of 0.0165 and 0.0121 μM in HaCaT (3TP-luc) stable cells and 4T1 (3TP-luc) stable cells, respectively, in a luciferase assay. Selectivity profiling of 12b using a panel of 320 protein kinases revealed that it is a highly selective ALK5/ALK4 inhibitor. Pharmacokinetic study with 12b·HCl in rats showed an oral bioavailability of 51% with high systemic exposure (AUC) of 1426 ng × h/mL and maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) of 1620 ng/mL. Rational optimization of 6 has led to the identification of a highly potent, selective, and orally bioavailable ALK5 inhibitor 12b.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Hua Jin
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Ewha Womans University , 11-1 Daehyun-dong, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 120-750, Korea
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Linko R, Hedger MP, Pettilä V, Ruokonen E, Ala-Kokko T, Ludlow H, de Kretser DM. Serum activin A and B, and follistatin in critically ill patients with influenza A(H1N1) infection. BMC Infect Dis 2014; 14:253. [PMID: 24885241 PMCID: PMC4101860 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2334-14-253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2013] [Accepted: 05/02/2014] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Activin A and its binding protein follistatin (FS) are increased in inflammatory disorders and sepsis. Overexpression of activin A in the lung causes similar histopathological changes as acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). ARDS and severe respiratory failure are complications of influenza A(H1N1) infection. Interleukin 6 (IL-6), which in experimental studies increases after activin A release, is known to be related to the severity of H1N1 infection. Our aim was to evaluate the levels of activin A, activin B, FS, IL-6 and IL-10 and their association with the severity of respiratory failure in critically ill H1N1 patients. Methods A substudy of a prospective, observational cohort of H1N1 patients in Finnish intensive care units (ICU). Clinical information was recorded during ICU treatment, and serum activin A, activin B, FS, IL-6 and IL-10 were measured at admission to ICU and on days 2 and 7. Results Blood samples from 29 patients were analysed. At the time of admission to intensive care unit, elevated serum levels above the normal range for respective age group and sex were observed in 44% for activin A, 57% for activin B, and 39% for FS. In 13 of the 29 patients, serial samples at all time points were available and in these the highest activin A, activin B and FS were above the normal range in 85%, 100% and 46% of the patients, respectively. No difference in baseline or highest activin A or activin B was found in patients with or without acute lung injury (ALI) or ARDS (P > 0.05 for all). Peak levels of IL-6 were significantly elevated in ALI/ARDS patients. Peak activin A and activin A/FS were associated with ventilatory support free-days, severity of acute illness and length of ICU stay (P < 0.05 for all). Conclusions Higher than normal values of these proteins were common in patients with H1N1 infection but we found no association with the severity of their respiratory failure.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - David M de Kretser
- Monash Institute of Medical Research, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.
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Follistatin, an activin antagonist, ameliorates renal interstitial fibrosis in a rat model of unilateral ureteral obstruction. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2014; 2014:376191. [PMID: 24883308 PMCID: PMC4026945 DOI: 10.1155/2014/376191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2014] [Accepted: 04/14/2014] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Activin, a member of the TGF-β superfamily, regulates cell growth and differentiation in various cell types. Activin A acts as a negative regulator of renal development as well as tubular regeneration after renal injury. However, it remains unknown whether activin A is involved in renal fibrosis. To clarify this issue, we utilized a rat model of unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO). The expression of activin A was significantly increased in the UUO kidneys compared to that in contralateral kidneys. Activin A was detected in glomerular mesangial cells and interstitial fibroblasts in normal kidneys. In UUO kidneys, activin A was abundantly expressed by interstitial α-SMA-positive myofibroblasts. Administration of recombinant follistatin, an activin antagonist, reduced the fibrotic area in the UUO kidneys. The number of proliferating cells in the interstitium, but not in the tubules, was significantly lower in the follistatin-treated kidneys. Expression of α-SMA, deposition of type I collagen and fibronectin, and CD68-positive macrophage infiltration were significantly suppressed in the follistatin-treated kidneys. These data suggest that activin A produced by interstitial fibroblasts acts as a potent profibrotic factor during renal fibrosis. Blockade of activin A action may be a novel approach for the prevention of renal fibrosis progression.
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Cecropia pachystachya: a species with expressive in vivo topical anti-inflammatory and in vitro antioxidant effects. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2014; 2014:301294. [PMID: 24877079 PMCID: PMC4022158 DOI: 10.1155/2014/301294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2014] [Accepted: 04/11/2014] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Cecropia pachystachya is a species traditionally used in Brazil to treat inflammation. This work aims to evaluate the topical anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities of the methanolic extract of C. pachystachya (CPM) and to perform its chemical fingerprint by HPLC-DAD. The topical anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated using the mouse models of acute ear inflammation induced by croton oil, arachidonic acid, capsaicin, EPP, phenol, and chronic inflammation induced by multiple application of croton oil. The in vitro antioxidant effect of CPM was investigated using DPPH, reducing power, β-carotene bleaching, and TBARS assays. HPLC analysis was performed to quantify the antioxidant phenolics orientin, isoorientin, and chlorogenic acid previously identified in CPM. CPM exhibited significant anti-inflammatory effect in the acute models, in some cases comparable to the reference drugs. Histopathological analysis showed a moderate chronic skin anti-inflammatory effect with decrease in vasodilation, edema, cell infiltration, and epidermal hyperproliferation. It also showed strong in vitro antioxidant activity. The contents of orientin, isoorientin, and chlorogenic acid were 66.5 ± 1.8, 118.8 ± 0.7, and 5.4 ± 0.2 µg/mg extract, respectively. The topical anti-inflammatory activity of CPM could be based on its antioxidant properties, although other effects are probably involved, including COX inhibition and other mechanisms.
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Antsiferova M, Martin C, Huber M, Feyerabend TB, Förster A, Hartmann K, Rodewald HR, Hohl D, Werner S. Mast cells are dispensable for normal and activin-promoted wound healing and skin carcinogenesis. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2013; 191:6147-55. [PMID: 24227781 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1301350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The growth and differentiation factor activin A is a key regulator of tissue repair, inflammation, fibrosis, and tumorigenesis. However, the cellular targets, which mediate the different activin functions, are still largely unknown. In this study, we show that activin increases the number of mature mast cells in mouse skin in vivo. To determine the relevance of this finding for wound healing and skin carcinogenesis, we mated activin transgenic mice with CreMaster mice, which are characterized by Cre recombinase-mediated mast cell eradication. Using single- and double-mutant mice, we show that loss of mast cells neither affected the stimulatory effect of overexpressed activin on granulation tissue formation and reepithelialization of skin wounds nor its protumorigenic activity in a model of chemically induced skin carcinogenesis. Furthermore, mast cell deficiency did not alter wounding-induced inflammation and new tissue formation or chemically induced angiogenesis and tumorigenesis in mice with normal activin levels. These findings reveal that mast cells are not major targets of activin during wound healing and skin cancer development and also argue against nonredundant functions of mast cells in wound healing and skin carcinogenesis in general.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Antsiferova
- Department of Biology, Institute of Molecular Health Sciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland
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Gaviño MA, Wenemoser D, Wang IE, Reddien PW. Tissue absence initiates regeneration through follistatin-mediated inhibition of activin signaling. eLife 2013; 2:e00247. [PMID: 24040508 PMCID: PMC3771573 DOI: 10.7554/elife.00247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2012] [Accepted: 08/07/2013] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Regeneration is widespread, but mechanisms that activate regeneration remain mysterious. Planarians are capable of whole-body regeneration and mount distinct molecular responses to wounds that result in tissue absence and those that do not. A major question is how these distinct responses are activated. We describe a follistatin homolog (Smed-follistatin) required for planarian regeneration. Smed-follistatin inhibition blocks responses to tissue absence but does not prevent normal tissue turnover. Two activin homologs (Smed-activin-1 and Smed-activin-2) are required for the Smed-follistatin phenotype. Finally, Smed-follistatin is wound-induced and expressed at higher levels following injuries that cause tissue absence. These data suggest that Smed-follistatin inhibits Smed-Activin proteins to trigger regeneration specifically following injuries involving tissue absence and identify a mechanism critical for regeneration initiation, a process important across the animal kingdom. DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.00247.001.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael A Gaviño
- Department of Biology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Whitehead Institute, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, United States
| | - Danielle Wenemoser
- Department of Biology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Whitehead Institute, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, United States
| | - Irving E Wang
- Department of Biology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Whitehead Institute, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, United States
| | - Peter W Reddien
- Department of Biology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Whitehead Institute, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, United States
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Moura J, da Silva L, Cruz MT, Carvalho E. Molecular and cellular mechanisms of bone morphogenetic proteins and activins in the skin: potential benefits for wound healing. Arch Dermatol Res 2013; 305:557-69. [PMID: 23800970 DOI: 10.1007/s00403-013-1381-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2011] [Revised: 06/05/2013] [Accepted: 06/14/2013] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) and activins are phylogenetically conserved proteins, belonging to the transforming growth factor-β superfamily, that signal through the phosphorylation of receptor-regulated Smad proteins, activating different cell responses. They are involved in various steps of skin morphogenesis and wound repair, as can be evidenced by the fact that their expression is increased in skin injuries. BMPs play not only a role in bone regeneration but are also involved in cartilage, tendon-like tissue and epithelial regeneration, maintain vascular integrity, capillary sprouting, proliferation/migration of endothelial cells and angiogenesis, promote neuron and dendrite formation, alter neuropeptide levels and are involved in immune response modulation, at least in animal models. On the other hand, activins are involved in wound repair through the regulation of skin and immune cell migration and differentiation, re-epithelialization and granulation tissue formation, and also promote the expression of collagens by fibroblasts and modulate scar formation. This review aims at enunciating the effects of BMPs and activins in the skin, namely in skin development, as well as in crucial phases of skin wound healing, such as inflammation, angiogenesis and repair, and will focus on the effects of these proteins on skin cells and their signaling pathways, exploring the potential therapeutic approach of the application of BMP-2, BMP-6 and activin A in chronic wounds, particularly diabetic foot ulcerations.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Moura
- Center for Neurosciences and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-517 Coimbra, Portugal
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Finnson KW, McLean S, Di Guglielmo GM, Philip A. Dynamics of Transforming Growth Factor Beta Signaling in Wound Healing and Scarring. Adv Wound Care (New Rochelle) 2013; 2:195-214. [PMID: 24527343 PMCID: PMC3857355 DOI: 10.1089/wound.2013.0429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 201] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
SIGNIFICANCE Wound healing is an intricate biological process in which the skin, or any other tissue, repairs itself after injury. Normal wound healing relies on the appropriate levels of cytokines and growth factors to ensure that cellular responses are mediated in a coordinated manner. Among the many growth factors studied in the context of wound healing, transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) is thought to have the broadest spectrum of effects. RECENT ADVANCES Many of the molecular mechanisms underlying the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway have been elucidated, and the role of TGF-β in wound healing has been well characterized. Targeting the TGF-β signaling pathway using therapeutic agents to improve wound healing and/or reduce scarring has been successful in pre-clinical studies. CRITICAL ISSUES Although TGF-β isoforms (β1, β2, β3) signal through the same cell surface receptors, they display distinct functions during wound healing in vivo through mechanisms that have not been fully elucidated. The challenge of translating preclinical studies targeting the TGF-β signaling pathway to a clinical setting may require more extensive preclinical research using animal models that more closely mimic wound healing and scarring in humans, and taking into account the spatial, temporal, and cell-type-specific aspects of TGF-β isoform expression and function. FUTURE DIRECTIONS Understanding the differences in TGF-β isoform signaling at the molecular level and identification of novel components of the TGF-β signaling pathway that critically regulate wound healing may lead to the discovery of potential therapeutic targets for treatment of impaired wound healing and pathological scarring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth W. Finnson
- Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Montreal General Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Sarah McLean
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Western University, London, Canada
| | | | - Anie Philip
- Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Montreal General Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
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Activin, neutrophils, and inflammation: just coincidence? Semin Immunopathol 2013; 35:481-99. [PMID: 23385857 PMCID: PMC7101603 DOI: 10.1007/s00281-013-0365-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2012] [Accepted: 01/17/2013] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
During the 26 years that have elapsed since its discovery, activin-A, a member of the transforming growth factor β super-family originally discovered from its capacity to stimulate follicle-stimulating hormone production by cultured pituitary gonadotropes, has been established as a key regulator of various fundamental biological processes, such as development, homeostasis, inflammation, and tissue remodeling. Deregulated expression of activin-A has been observed in several human diseases characterized by an immuno-inflammatory and/or tissue remodeling component in their pathophysiology. Various cell types have been recognized as sources of activin-A, and plentiful, occasionally contradicting, functions have been described mainly by in vitro studies. Not surprisingly, both harmful and protective roles have been postulated for activin-A in the context of several disorders. Recent findings have further expanded the functional repertoire of this molecule demonstrating that its ectopic overexpression in mouse airways can cause pathology that simulates faithfully human acute respiratory distress syndrome, a disorder characterized by strong involvement of neutrophils. This finding when considered together with the recent discovery that neutrophils constitute an important source of activin-A in vivo and earlier observations of upregulated activin-A expression in diseases characterized by strong activation of neutrophils may collectively imply a more intimate link between activin-A expression and neutrophil reactivity. In this review, we provide an outline of the functional repertoire of activin-A and suggest that this growth factor functions as a guardian of homeostasis, a modulator of immunity and an orchestrator of tissue repair activities. In this context, a relationship between activin-A and neutrophils may be anything but coincidental.
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Shih B, Sultan MJ, Chaudhry IH, Tan KT, Johal KS, Marstan A, Tsai M, Baguneid M, Bayat A. Identification of biomarkers in sequential biopsies of patients with chronic wounds receiving simultaneous acute wounds: a genetic, histological, and noninvasive imaging study. Wound Repair Regen 2013; 20:757-69. [PMID: 22985042 DOI: 10.1111/j.1524-475x.2012.00832.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Chronic wounds are common and lead to significant patient morbidity. A better understanding of their pathogenesis and relevant biomarkers are required. We compared acute and chronic wounds in the same individual using noninvasive imaging including spectrophotometric intracutaneous analysis (SIAscopy) and full-field laser perfusion imaging. Gene expression analysis was also performed on sequential biopsies. Whole genome gene expression microarray analysis (44k), quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and immunohistochemistry were carried out to determine gene expression levels in tissue biopsies. Fifteen Caucasian patients with chronic venous ulcers had biopsies of the wound edges and simultaneously had an acute wound created on their upper arm on days 0, 7, and 14. SIAscopy revealed increased levels of melanin (p < 0.001), reduced levels of collagen (p < 0.001), and hemoglobin (p = 0.022) in chronic wounds. Microarray and subsequent quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis confirmed an overall differential expression in acute and chronic wounds for several genes. Significantly higher levels of inhibin, beta A (INHBA) expression were confirmed in the dermis of chronic wounds (p < 0.05). Additionally, INHBA and thrombospondin 1 messenger RNA levels significantly correlated with SIAscopy measurements (p < 0.05). This unique study has showed aberrant expression of INHBA in chronic wounds using a sequential biopsy model of chronic vs. acute wounds in the same individual.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Shih
- Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Research, Manchester Interdisciplinary Biocentre, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
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Gregory LG, Jones CP, Walker SA, Sawant D, Gowers KHC, Campbell GA, McKenzie ANJ, Lloyd CM. IL-25 drives remodelling in allergic airways disease induced by house dust mite. Thorax 2012; 68:82-90. [PMID: 23093652 PMCID: PMC3534261 DOI: 10.1136/thoraxjnl-2012-202003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 132] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Background Overexpression of the transforming growth factor β family signalling molecule smad2 in the airway epithelium provokes enhanced allergen-induced airway remodelling in mice, concomitant with elevated levels of interleukin (IL)-25. Objective We investigated whether IL-25 plays an active role in driving this airway remodelling. Methods Anti-IL-25 antibody was given to mice exposed to either inhaled house dust mite (HDM) alone, or in conjunction with an adenoviral smad2 vector which promotes an enhanced remodelling phenotype. Results Blocking IL-25 in allergen-exposed mice resulted in a moderate reduction in pulmonary eosinophilia and levels of T helper type 2 associated cytokines, IL-5 and IL-13. In addition, IL-25 neutralisation abrogated peribronchial collagen deposition, airway smooth muscle hyperplasia and airway hyperreactivity in control mice exposed to HDM and smad2-overexpressing mice. IL-25 was shown to act directly on human fibroblasts to induce collagen secretion. Recruitment of endothelial progenitor cells to the lung and subsequent neovascularisation was also IL-25 dependent, demonstrating a direct role for IL-25 during angiogenesis in vivo. Moreover, the secretion of innate epithelial derived cytokines IL-33 and thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) was completely ablated. Conclusions In addition to modulating acute inflammation, we now demonstrate a role for IL-25 in orchestrating airway remodelling. IL-25 also drives IL-33 and TSLP production in the lung. These data delineate a wider role for IL-25 in mediating structural changes to the lung following allergen exposure and implicate IL-25 as a novel therapeutic target for the treatment of airway remodelling in asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa G Gregory
- Leukocyte Biology Section, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK
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