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Xin M, Peng H, Zhang L. Exploring the prognosis value, immune correlation, and drug responsiveness prediction of homeobox C6 (HOXC6) in lung adenocarcinoma. Discov Oncol 2024; 15:393. [PMID: 39215852 PMCID: PMC11365874 DOI: 10.1007/s12672-024-01273-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2024] [Accepted: 08/24/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUNDS Homeobox C6 (HOXC6) is a gene that encodes for a transcription factor involved in various cellular processes, including development and differentiation, and regulates cancer progression. However, the carcinogenesis and effect of HOXC6 in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) still need further investigation. METHODS The differential HOXC6 expression levels at the mRNA and protein level were explored in multiple public datasets, including The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Human Protein Atlas (HPA) dataset. Gene Expression Omnibus (GSE31210), International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC) datasets and the LUAD sample from Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University. We also investigated the relation between HOXC6 expression and clinicopathologic indexes. Furthermore, the correlation of immune infiltration, drug responsiveness and HOXC6 were explored. RESULTS The upregulated HOXC6 expressions at mRNA and protein levels were found in LUAD tissues compared to the normal lung tissues. Besides, the relatively shorter overall survival time, worse T and N stages, and lower immune scores were found in the high-expression HOXC6 subgroup. Notably, T cells regulatory (Tregs), Macrophages M0, and Plasma cells had the higher infiltration levels in the high-HOXC6 expression subgroup, while NK cells activated, Monocytes, Dendritic cells resting, and Mast cells resting had the lower infiltration levels. In drug sensitivity analysis, we revealed that LUAD patients with high-HOXC6 expression may be more susceptible to Camptothecin, Cytarabine, Docetaxel, Elesclomol, Rapamycin, Sorafinib, Temsirolimus, and Vorinostat. CONCLUSIONS Taken together, there is a great potential for HOXC6 to become a prognosis biomarker and contribute to develop treatment strategies for LUAD patients. Further mechanism exploration and drug development for HOXC6 are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei Xin
- Department of Health Management, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, People's Republic of China
| | - Huajian Peng
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, People's Republic of China
| | - Linbo Zhang
- Department of Health Management, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, People's Republic of China.
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2
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Sentek H, Braun A, Budeus B, Klein D. Non-small cell lung cancer cells and concomitant cancer therapy induce a resistance-promoting phenotype of tumor-associated mesenchymal stem cells. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1406268. [PMID: 39011489 PMCID: PMC11246879 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1406268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 07/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction The tumor microenvironment gained attraction over the last decades as stromal cells significantly impact on tumor development, progression and metastasis, and immune evasion as well as on cancer therapy resistance. We previously reported that lung-resident mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were mobilized and activated in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) progression and could even mediate radiation resistance in co-cultured NSCLC cells. Methods We investigated how MSCs were affected by NSCLC cells in combination with cancer (radiation) therapy in indirect co-cultures using tumor-conditioned medium and Transwells or direct three-dimensional NSCLC-MSC spheroid co-cultures in order to unravel the resistance-mediating action of tumor-associated MSCs. Results Although no obvious phenotypic and functional alterations in MSCs following NSCLC co-culture could be observed, MSC senescence was induced following co-applied radiotherapy (RT). Global gene expression profiling, in combination with gene set enrichment analysis upon treatment, was used to confirm the senescent phenotype of irradiated MSC and to reveal relevant senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) factors that could meditate NSCLC RT resistance. We identified senescent tumor-associated MSC-derived serine proteinase inhibitor (serpin) E1/PAI1 as potential SASP factor mediating NSCLC progression and RT resistance. Discussion Specified intra-tumor-stroma interactions and cell type-specific pro-tumorigenic functions could not only improve lung cancer classification but could even be used for a more precise profiling of individual patients, finally paving an additional way for the discovery of potential drug targets for NSCLC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Diana Klein
- Institute of Cell Biology (Cancer Research), University of Duisburg-Essen, University Hospital, Essen, Germany
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3
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Pan L, Parini P, Tremmel R, Loscalzo J, Lauschke VM, Maron BA, Paci P, Ernberg I, Tan NS, Liao Z, Yin W, Rengarajan S, Li X. Single Cell Atlas: a single-cell multi-omics human cell encyclopedia. Genome Biol 2024; 25:104. [PMID: 38641842 PMCID: PMC11027364 DOI: 10.1186/s13059-024-03246-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Single-cell sequencing datasets are key in biology and medicine for unraveling insights into heterogeneous cell populations with unprecedented resolution. Here, we construct a single-cell multi-omics map of human tissues through in-depth characterizations of datasets from five single-cell omics, spatial transcriptomics, and two bulk omics across 125 healthy adult and fetal tissues. We construct its complement web-based platform, the Single Cell Atlas (SCA, www.singlecellatlas.org ), to enable vast interactive data exploration of deep multi-omics signatures across human fetal and adult tissues. The atlas resources and database queries aspire to serve as a one-stop, comprehensive, and time-effective resource for various omics studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Pan
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, 171 65, Solna, Sweden
| | - Paolo Parini
- Cardio Metabolic Unit, Department of Medicine, and, Department of Laboratory Medicine , Karolinska Institutet, 141 86, Stockholm, Sweden
- Theme Inflammation and Ageing, Medicine Unit, Karolinska University Hospital, 141 86, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Roman Tremmel
- Dr. Margarete Fischer-Bosch Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, 70376, Stuttgart, Germany
- University of Tuebingen, 72076, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Joseph Loscalzo
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Volker M Lauschke
- Dr. Margarete Fischer-Bosch Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, 70376, Stuttgart, Germany
- University of Tuebingen, 72076, Tuebingen, Germany
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, 171 65, Solna, Sweden
| | - Bradley A Maron
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Paola Paci
- Department of Computer, Control and Management Engineering, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Ingemar Ernberg
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, 171 65, Solna, Sweden
| | - Nguan Soon Tan
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, 637551, Singapore
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University Singapore, Singapore, 308232, Singapore
| | - Zehuan Liao
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, 171 65, Solna, Sweden
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, 637551, Singapore
| | - Weiyao Yin
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, 171 65, Solna, Sweden
| | - Sundararaman Rengarajan
- Department of Physical Therapy, Movement & Rehabilitation Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Xuexin Li
- Department of General Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110032, China.
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, 171 65, Solna, Sweden.
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Budeus B, Unger K, Hess J, Sentek H, Klein D. Comparative computational analysis to distinguish mesenchymal stem cells from fibroblasts. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1270493. [PMID: 37822926 PMCID: PMC10562561 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1270493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are considered to be the most promising stem cell type for cell-based therapies in regenerative medicine. Based on their potential to home to diseased body sites following a therapeutically application, these cells could (i) differentiate then into organ-specific cell types to locally restore injured cells or, most prominently, (ii) foster tissue regeneration including immune modulations more indirectly by secretion of protective growth factors and cytokines. As tissue-resident stem cells of mesenchymal origin, these cells are morphologically and even molecularly- at least concerning the classical marker genes- indistinguishable from similar lineage cells, particularly fibroblasts. Methods Here we used microarray-based gene expression and global DNA methylation analyses as well as accompanying computational tools in order to specify differences between MSCs and fibroblasts, to further unravel potential identity genes and to highlight MSC signaling pathways with regard to their trophic and immunosuppressive action. Results We identified 1352 differentially expressed genes, of which in the MSCs there is a strong signature for e.g., KRAS signaling, known to play essential role in stemness maintenance, regulation of coagulation and complement being decisive for resolving inflammatory processes, as well as of wound healing particularly important for their regenerative capacity. Genes upregulated in fibroblasts addressed predominately transcription and biosynthetic processes and mapped morphological features of the tissue. Concerning the cellular identity, we specified the already known HOX code for MSCs, established a potential HOX code for fibroblasts, and linked certain HOX genes to functional cell-type-specific properties. Accompanied methylation profiles revealed numerous regions, especially in HOX genes, being differentially methylated, which might provide additional biomarker potential. Discussion Conclusively, transcriptomic together with epigenetic signatures can be successfully be used for the definition (cellular identity) of MSCs versus fibroblasts as well as for the determination of the superior functional properties of MSCs, such as their immunomodulatory potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bettina Budeus
- Institute for Cell Biology (Cancer Research), University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Kristian Unger
- Research Unit Radiation Cytogenetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health GmbH, Neuherberg, Germany
- Clinical Cooperation Group Personalized Radiotherapy in Head and Neck Cancer, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health GmbH, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Julia Hess
- Research Unit Radiation Cytogenetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health GmbH, Neuherberg, Germany
- Clinical Cooperation Group Personalized Radiotherapy in Head and Neck Cancer, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health GmbH, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Hanna Sentek
- Institute for Cell Biology (Cancer Research), University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Diana Klein
- Institute for Cell Biology (Cancer Research), University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
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Cao J, Xie Y, Wang J, Huang Y, Zhang X, Xiao T, Fang S. Evaluating the Effects of Cryopreservation on the Viability and Gene Expression of Porcine-Ear-Skin Fibroblasts. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:751. [PMID: 36981023 PMCID: PMC10048577 DOI: 10.3390/genes14030751] [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: 02/25/2023] [Revised: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Owing to the inherent heterogeneity and plasticity of fibroblasts, they are considered as the conventional biological resources for basic and clinical medical research. Thus, it is essential to generate knowledge about the establishment of fibroblast cultures and the effects of cryopreservation processes on their biological characteristics. Since the pig (Sus scrofa) possesses numerous genetic, physiological, and anatomical similarities with humans, porcine fibroblasts are naturally regarded as useful analogues of human fibroblasts. Nonetheless, less attention has been given to the alterations in viability and gene expression of cryopreserved porcine fibroblasts. In this study, we aimed to obtain fibroblasts from porcine ear skin and evaluate the effects of cryopreservation on the cell survival, proliferation, and gene expression profiles of the fibroblasts by trypan-blue-staining assay, Cell Counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay, and RNA-sequencing analysis, respectively. Our results suggested that morphologically stable fibroblast cultures can be constructed from pig-ear skin. The post-thaw survival rate of the cryopreserved fibroblasts at 0 h and 24 h was over 90%. The proliferative activity of the cryopreserved fibroblasts was similar to that of the non-cryopreserved fibroblasts after 7 days of in vitro culture, which suggested that cryopreservation did not influence the viability. The RNA-sequencing analysis indicated that this should be attributed to the 867 differentially expressed genes (DGEs) identified, which are involved in molecular process related to cell recovery and survival after cryo-stimulation. In addition, eight important DEGs BMP2, GDF15, EREG, AREG, HBEGF, LIF, IL-6, and HOX-7 could potentially be applied to improve the efficiency of fibroblast cryopreservation, but comprehensive and systematic studies on understanding the underlying mechanisms responsible for their modulatory roles are urgently needed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Shaoming Fang
- College of Animal Science (College of Bee Science), Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China (T.X.)
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Zhang J, Lu S, Lu T, Han D, Zhang K, Gan L, Wu X, Li Y, Zhao X, Li Z, Shen Y, Hu S, Yang F, Wen W, Qin W. Single-cell analysis reveals the COL11A1 + fibroblasts are cancer-specific fibroblasts that promote tumor progression. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1121586. [PMID: 36744260 PMCID: PMC9894880 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1121586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) promote tumor progression through extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling and extensive communication with other cells in tumor microenvironment. However, most CAF-targeting strategies failed in clinical trials due to the heterogeneity of CAFs. Hence, we aimed to identify the cluster of tumor-promoting CAFs, elucidate their function and determine their specific membrane markers to ensure precise targeting. Methods: We integrated multiple single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) datasets across different tumors and adjacent normal tissues to identify the tumor-promoting CAF cluster. We analyzed the origin of these CAFs by pseudotime analysis, and tried to elucidate the function of these CAFs by gene regulatory network analysis and cell-cell communication analysis. We also performed cell-type deconvolution analysis to examine the association between the proportion of these CAFs and patients' prognosis in TCGA cancer cohorts, and validated that through IHC staining in clinical tumor tissues. In addition, we analyzed the membrane molecules in different fibroblast clusters, trying to identify the membrane molecules that were specifically expressed on these CAFs. Results: We found that COL11A1+ fibroblasts specifically exist in tumor tissues but not in normal tissues and named them cancer-specific fibroblasts (CSFs). We revealed that these CSFs were transformed from normal fibroblasts. CSFs represented a more activated CAF cluster and may promote tumor progression through the regulation on ECM remodeling and antitumor immune responses. High CSF proportion was associated with poor prognosis in bladder cancer (BCa) and lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD), and IHC staining of COL11A1 confirmed their specific expression in tumor stroma in clinical BCa samples. We also identified that CSFs specifically express the membrane molecules LRRC15, ITGA11, SPHK1 and FAP, which could distinguish CSFs from other fibroblasts. Conclusion: We identified that CSFs is a tumor specific cluster of fibroblasts, which are in active state, may promote tumor progression through the regulation on ECM remodeling and antitumor immune responses. Membrane molecules LRRC15, ITGA11, SPHK1 and FAP could be used as therapeutic targets for CSF-targeting cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiayu Zhang
- Department of Urology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Shiqi Lu
- Institute of Medical Research, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Tong Lu
- Department of Urology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Donghui Han
- Department of Urology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Keying Zhang
- Department of Urology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Lunbiao Gan
- Institute of Medical Research, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Xinjie Wu
- Institute of Medical Research, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Yu Li
- Department of Urology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Xiaolong Zhao
- Department of Urology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Zhengxuan Li
- Department of Urology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Yajie Shen
- Department of Urology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Sijun Hu
- Institute of Medical Research, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Fa Yang
- Department of Urology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China,*Correspondence: Weijun Qin, ; Weihong Wen, ; Fa Yang,
| | - Weihong Wen
- Institute of Medical Research, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi’an, China,*Correspondence: Weijun Qin, ; Weihong Wen, ; Fa Yang,
| | - Weijun Qin
- Department of Urology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China,*Correspondence: Weijun Qin, ; Weihong Wen, ; Fa Yang,
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Steens J, Klein D. HOX genes in stem cells: Maintaining cellular identity and regulation of differentiation. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:1002909. [PMID: 36176275 PMCID: PMC9514042 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.1002909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Stem cells display a unique cell type within the body that has the capacity to self-renew and differentiate into specialized cell types. Compared to pluripotent stem cells, adult stem cells (ASC) such as mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) exhibit restricted differentiation capabilities that are limited to cell types typically found in the tissue of origin, which implicates that there must be a certain code or priming determined by the tissue of origin. HOX genes, a subset of homeobox genes encoding transcription factors that are generally repressed in undifferentiated pluripotent stem cells, emerged here as master regulators of cell identity and cell fate during embryogenesis, and in maintaining this positional identity throughout life as well as specifying various regional properties of respective tissues. Concurrently, intricate molecular circuits regulated by diverse stem cell-typical signaling pathways, balance stem cell maintenance, proliferation and differentiation. However, it still needs to be unraveled how stem cell-related signaling pathways establish and regulate ASC-specific HOX expression pattern with different temporal-spatial topography, known as the HOX code. This comprehensive review therefore summarizes the current knowledge of specific ASC-related HOX expression patterns and how these were integrated into stem cell-related signaling pathways. Understanding the mechanism of HOX gene regulation in stem cells may provide new ways to manipulate stem cell fate and function leading to improved and new approaches in the field of regenerative medicine.
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Huston P. A Sedentary and Unhealthy Lifestyle Fuels Chronic Disease Progression by Changing Interstitial Cell Behaviour: A Network Analysis. Front Physiol 2022; 13:904107. [PMID: 35874511 PMCID: PMC9304814 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.904107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Managing chronic diseases, such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, chronic lung disease and Alzheimer’s disease, account for a large proportion of health care spending, yet they remain in the top causes of premature mortality and are preventable. It is currently accepted that an unhealthy lifestyle fosters a state of chronic low-grade inflammation that is linked to chronic disease progression. Although this is known to be related to inflammatory cytokines, how an unhealthy lifestyle causes cytokine release and how that in turn leads to chronic disease progression are not well known. This article presents a theory that an unhealthy lifestyle fosters chronic disease by changing interstitial cell behavior and is supported by a six-level hierarchical network analysis. The top three networks include the macroenvironment, social and cultural factors, and lifestyle itself. The fourth network includes the immune, autonomic and neuroendocrine systems and how they interact with lifestyle factors and with each other. The fifth network identifies the effects these systems have on the microenvironment and two types of interstitial cells: macrophages and fibroblasts. Depending on their behaviour, these cells can either help maintain and restore normal function or foster chronic disease progression. When macrophages and fibroblasts dysregulate, it leads to chronic low-grade inflammation, fibrosis, and eventually damage to parenchymal (organ-specific) cells. The sixth network considers how macrophages change phenotype. Thus, a pathway is identified through this hierarchical network to reveal how external factors and lifestyle affect interstitial cell behaviour. This theory can be tested and it needs to be tested because, if correct, it has profound implications. Not only does this theory explain how chronic low-grade inflammation causes chronic disease progression, it also provides insight into salutogenesis, or the process by which health is maintained and restored. Understanding low-grade inflammation as a stalled healing process offers a new strategy for chronic disease management. Rather than treating each chronic disease separately by a focus on parenchymal pathology, a salutogenic strategy of optimizing interstitial health could prevent and mitigate multiple chronic diseases simultaneously.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Huston
- Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Institut du Savoir Montfort (Research), University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- *Correspondence: Patricia Huston, , orcid.org/0000-0002-2927-1176
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Mönch D, Koch J, Dahlke MH. Are Mesenchymal Stem Cells Fibroblasts with Benefits? CURRENT STEM CELL REPORTS 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s40778-022-00210-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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10
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Sentek H, Klein D. Lung-Resident Mesenchymal Stem Cell Fates within Lung Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13184637. [PMID: 34572864 PMCID: PMC8472774 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13184637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2021] [Revised: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Herein, the heterogeneous tumor stroma decisively impacts on tumor progression, therapy resistance, and, thus, poor clinical outcome. Among the numerous non-epithelial cells constructing the complex environment of lung carcinomas, mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) gained attraction being stromal precursor cells that could be recruited and ‘educated’ by lung cancer cells to adopt a tumor-associated MSC phenotype, serve as source for activated fibroblasts and presumably for vascular mural cells finally reinforcing tumor progression. Lung-resident MSCs should be considered as ‘local MSCs in stand by’ ready to be arranged within the cancer stroma. Abstract Lung-resident mesenchymal stem cells (LR-MSCs) are non-hematopoietic multipotent stromal cells that predominately reside adventitial within lung blood vessels. Based on their self-renewal and differentiation properties, LR-MSCs turned out to be important regulators of normal lung homeostasis. LR-MSCs exert beneficial effects mainly by local secretion of various growth factors and cytokines that in turn foster pulmonary regeneration including suppression of inflammation. At the same time, MSCs derived from various tissues of origins represent the first choice of cells for cell-based therapeutic applications in clinical medicine. Particularly for various acute as well as chronic lung diseases, the therapeutic applications of exogenous MSCs were shown to mediate beneficial effects, hereby improving lung function and survival. In contrast, endogenous MSCs of normal lungs seem not to be sufficient for lung tissue protection or repair following a pathological trigger; LR-MSCs could even contribute to initiation and/or progression of lung diseases, particularly lung cancer because of their inherent tropism to migrate towards primary tumors and metastatic sites. However, the role of endogenous LR-MSCs to be multipotent tumor-associated (stromal) precursors remains to be unraveled. Here, we summarize the recent knowledge how ‘cancer-educated’ LR-MSCs impact on lung cancer with a focus on mesenchymal stem cell fates.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Diana Klein
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-(0)-201-7238-3342
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Choi DH, Lee KE, Park J, Park YJ, Lee JY, Park YS. Cell-Permeable Oct4 Gene Delivery Enhances Stem Cell-like Properties of Mouse Embryonic Fibroblasts. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:9357. [PMID: 34502264 PMCID: PMC8430778 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22179357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Direct conversion of one cell type into another is a trans-differentiation process. Recent advances in fibroblast research revealed that epithelial cells can give rise to fibroblasts by epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Conversely, fibroblasts can also give rise to epithelia by undergoing a mesenchymal to epithelial transition. To elicit stem cell-like properties in fibroblasts, the Oct4 transcription factor acts as a master transcriptional regulator for reprogramming somatic cells. Notably, the production of gene complexes with cell-permeable peptides, such as low-molecular-weight protamine (LMWP), was proposed to induce reprogramming without cytotoxicity and genomic mutation. We designed a complex with non-cytotoxic LMWP to prevent the degradation of Oct4 and revealed that the positively charged cell-permeable LMWP helped condense the size of the Oct4-LMWP complexes (1:5 N:P ratio). When the Oct4-LMWP complex was delivered into mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs), stemness-related gene expression increased while fibroblast intrinsic properties decreased. We believe that the Oct4-LMWP complex developed in this study can be used to reprogram terminally differentiated somatic cells or convert them into stem cell-like cells without risk of cell death, improving the stemness level and stability of existing direct conversion techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Da Hyeon Choi
- Department of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, School of Biological Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Korea; (D.H.C.); (K.E.L.); (J.P.)
| | - Kyeong Eun Lee
- Department of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, School of Biological Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Korea; (D.H.C.); (K.E.L.); (J.P.)
| | - Jiwon Park
- Department of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, School of Biological Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Korea; (D.H.C.); (K.E.L.); (J.P.)
| | - Yoon Jeong Park
- Department of Dental Regenerative Bioengineering and Dental Research Institute, School of Dentistry, Seoul National University, Seoul 03080, Korea;
- Central Research Institute, Nano Intelligent Biomedical Engineering Corporation (NIBEC), School of Dentistry, Seoul National University, Seoul 03080, Korea;
| | - Jue-Yeon Lee
- Central Research Institute, Nano Intelligent Biomedical Engineering Corporation (NIBEC), School of Dentistry, Seoul National University, Seoul 03080, Korea;
| | - Yoon Shin Park
- Department of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, School of Biological Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Korea; (D.H.C.); (K.E.L.); (J.P.)
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12
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Chu J, Lu M, Pfeifer CG, Alt V, Docheva D. Rebuilding Tendons: A Concise Review on the Potential of Dermal Fibroblasts. Cells 2020; 9:E2047. [PMID: 32911760 PMCID: PMC7563185 DOI: 10.3390/cells9092047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Revised: 08/26/2020] [Accepted: 09/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Tendons are vital to joint movement by connecting muscles to bones. Along with an increasing incidence of tendon injuries, tendon disorders can burden the quality of life of patients or the career of athletes. Current treatments involve surgical reconstruction and conservative therapy. Especially in the elderly population, tendon recovery requires lengthy periods and it may result in unsatisfactory outcome. Cell-mediated tendon engineering is a rapidly progressing experimental and pre-clinical field, which holds great potential for an alternative approach to established medical treatments. The selection of an appropriate cell source is critical and remains under investigation. Dermal fibroblasts exhibit multiple similarities to tendon cells, suggesting they may be a promising cell source for tendon engineering. Hence, the purpose of this review article was in brief, to compare tendon to dermis tissues, and summarize in vitro studies on tenogenic differentiation of dermal fibroblasts. Furthermore, analysis of an open source Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) data repository was carried out, revealing great overlap in the molecular profiles of both cell types. Lastly, a summary of in vivo studies employing dermal fibroblasts in tendon repair as well as pilot clinical studies in this area is included. Altogether, dermal fibroblasts hold therapeutic potential and are attractive cells for rebuilding injured tendons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Chu
- Laboratory for Experimental Trauma Surgery, Department of Trauma Surgery, University Regensburg Medical Centre, 93053 Regensburg, Germany; (J.C.); (C.G.P.); (V.A.)
| | - Ming Lu
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116023, China;
| | - Christian G. Pfeifer
- Laboratory for Experimental Trauma Surgery, Department of Trauma Surgery, University Regensburg Medical Centre, 93053 Regensburg, Germany; (J.C.); (C.G.P.); (V.A.)
- Department of Trauma Surgery, University Regensburg Medical Centre, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Volker Alt
- Laboratory for Experimental Trauma Surgery, Department of Trauma Surgery, University Regensburg Medical Centre, 93053 Regensburg, Germany; (J.C.); (C.G.P.); (V.A.)
- Department of Trauma Surgery, University Regensburg Medical Centre, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Denitsa Docheva
- Laboratory for Experimental Trauma Surgery, Department of Trauma Surgery, University Regensburg Medical Centre, 93053 Regensburg, Germany; (J.C.); (C.G.P.); (V.A.)
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Spehar K, Pan A, Beerman I. Restoring aged stem cell functionality: Current progress and future directions. Stem Cells 2020; 38:1060-1077. [PMID: 32473067 PMCID: PMC7483369 DOI: 10.1002/stem.3234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2020] [Revised: 04/07/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Stem cell dysfunction is a hallmark of aging, associated with the decline of physical and cognitive abilities of humans and other mammals [Cell 2013;153:1194]. Therefore, it has become an active area of research within the aging and stem cell fields, and various techniques have been employed to mitigate the decline of stem cell function both in vitro and in vivo. While some techniques developed in model organisms are not directly translatable to humans, others show promise in becoming clinically relevant to delay or even mitigate negative phenotypes associated with aging. This review focuses on diet, treatment, and small molecule interventions that provide evidence of functional improvement in at least one type of aged adult stem cell.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Spehar
- Epigenetics and Stem Cell Aging Unit, Translational Gerontology Branch, National Institute on Aging, NIH, BRC, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Andrew Pan
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Isabel Beerman
- Epigenetics and Stem Cell Aging Unit, Translational Gerontology Branch, National Institute on Aging, NIH, BRC, Baltimore, Maryland
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Steens J, Klar L, Hansel C, Slama A, Hager T, Jendrossek V, Aigner C, Klein D. The vascular nature of lung-resident mesenchymal stem cells. Stem Cells Transl Med 2020; 10:128-143. [PMID: 32830458 PMCID: PMC7780817 DOI: 10.1002/sctm.20-0191] [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: 05/04/2020] [Revised: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 07/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Human lungs bear their own reservoir of endogenous mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Although described as located perivascular, the cellular identity of primary lung MSCs remains elusive. Here we investigated the vascular nature of lung‐resident MSCs (LR‐MSCs) using healthy human lung tissue. LR‐MSCs predominately reside within the vascular stem cell niche, the so‐called vasculogenic zone of adult lung arteries. Primary LR‐MSCs isolated from normal human lung tissue showed typical MSC characteristics in vitro and were phenotypically and functionally indistinguishable from MSCs derived from the vascular wall of adult human blood vessels (VW‐MSCs). Moreover, LR‐MSCs expressed the VW‐MSC‐specific HOX code a characteristic to discriminate VW‐MSCs from phenotypical similar cells. Thus, LR‐MSC should be considered as VW‐MSCs. Immunofluorescent analyses of non‐small lung cancer (NSCLC) specimen further confirmed the vascular adventitia as stem cell niche for LR‐MSCs, and revealed their mobilization and activation in NSCLC progression. These findings have implications for understanding the role of MSC in normal lung physiology and pulmonary diseases, as well as for the rational design of additional therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Steens
- Institute of Cell Biology (Cancer Research), University of Duisburg-Essen, University Hospital, Essen, Germany
| | - Lea Klar
- Institute of Cell Biology (Cancer Research), University of Duisburg-Essen, University Hospital, Essen, Germany
| | - Christine Hansel
- Institute of Cell Biology (Cancer Research), University of Duisburg-Essen, University Hospital, Essen, Germany
| | - Alexis Slama
- Department of Thoracic Surgery and Surgical Endoscopy, Ruhrlandklinik-University Clinic Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Thomas Hager
- Institute of Pathology, University Clinic Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Verena Jendrossek
- Institute of Cell Biology (Cancer Research), University of Duisburg-Essen, University Hospital, Essen, Germany
| | - Clemens Aigner
- Department of Thoracic Surgery and Surgical Endoscopy, Ruhrlandklinik-University Clinic Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Diana Klein
- Institute of Cell Biology (Cancer Research), University of Duisburg-Essen, University Hospital, Essen, Germany
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