1
|
Ying Y, Tao N, Zhang F, Wen X, Zhou M, Gao J. Thymosin β4 Regulates the Differentiation of Thymocytes by Controlling the Cytoskeletal Rearrangement and Mitochondrial Transfer of Thymus Epithelial Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1088. [PMID: 38256161 PMCID: PMC10816181 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25021088] [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: 12/17/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/14/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
The thymus is one of the most crucial immunological organs, undergoing visible age-related shrinkage. Thymic epithelial cells (TECs) play a vital role in maintaining the normal function of the thymus, and their degeneration is the primary cause of age-induced thymic devolution. Thymosin β4 (Tβ4) serves as a significant important G-actin sequestering peptide. The objective of this study was to explore whether Tβ4 influences thymocyte differentiation by regulating the cytoskeletal rearrangement and mitochondrial transfer of TECs. A combination of H&E staining, immunofluorescence, transmission electron microscopy, RT-qPCR, flow cytometry, cytoskeletal immunolabeling, and mitochondrial immunolabeling were employed to observe the effects of Tβ4 on TECs' skeleton rearrangement, mitochondrial transfer, and thymocyte differentiation. The study revealed that the Tβ4 primarily regulates the formation of microfilaments and the mitochondrial transfer of TECs, along with the formation and maturation of double-negative cells (CD4-CD8-) and CD4 single-positive cells (CD3+TCRβ+CD4+CD8-) thymocytes. This study suggests that Tβ4 plays a crucial role in thymocyte differentiation by influencing the cytoskeletal rearrangement and mitochondrial transfer of TECs. These effects may be associated with Tβ4's impact on the aggregation of F-actin. This finding opens up new avenues for research in the field of immune aging.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Jianli Gao
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China; (Y.Y.); (N.T.); (F.Z.); (X.W.); (M.Z.)
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Kim J, Lee C, Han J, Jeong H, Wang S, Choi YH, Jung Y. Targeted Deletion of Thymosin Beta 4 in Hepatic Stellate Cells Ameliorates Liver Fibrosis in a Transgenic Mouse Model. Cells 2023; 12:1658. [PMID: 37371128 DOI: 10.3390/cells12121658] [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: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is the most common feature of liver disease, and activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are the main contributors to liver fibrosis. Thus, finding key targets that modulate HSC activation is important to prevent liver fibrosis. Previously, we showed that thymosin β4 (Tβ4) influenced HSC activation by interacting with the Hedgehog pathway in vitro. Herein, we generated Tβ4 conditional knockout (Tβ4-flox) mice to investigate in vivo functions of Tβ4 in liver fibrosis. To selectively delete Tβ4 in activated HSCs, double-transgenic (DTG) mice were generated by mating Tβ4-flox mice with α-smooth muscle actin (α-Sma)-Cre-ERT2 mice, and these mice were administered carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) or underwent bile duct ligation to induce liver fibrosis. Tβ4 was selectively suppressed in the activated HSCs of DTG mouse liver, and this reduction attenuated liver injury, including fibrosis, in both fibrotic models by repressing Hedgehog (Hh) signaling. In addition, the re-expression of Tβ4 by an adeno-associated virus reversed the effect of HSC-specific Tβ4 deletion and led to liver fibrosis with Hh activation in CCl4-exposed mice treated with tamoxifen. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that Tβ4 is a crucial regulator of HSC activation, suggesting it as a novel therapeutic target for curing liver fibrosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jieun Kim
- Institute of System Biology, Pusan National University, Pusan 46241, Republic of Korea
- Department of Integrated Biological Science, College of Natural Sciences, Pusan National University, Pusan 46241, Republic of Korea
| | - Chanbin Lee
- Institute of System Biology, Pusan National University, Pusan 46241, Republic of Korea
- Department of Integrated Biological Science, College of Natural Sciences, Pusan National University, Pusan 46241, Republic of Korea
| | - Jinsol Han
- Department of Integrated Biological Science, College of Natural Sciences, Pusan National University, Pusan 46241, Republic of Korea
| | - Hayeong Jeong
- Department of Integrated Biological Science, College of Natural Sciences, Pusan National University, Pusan 46241, Republic of Korea
| | - Sihyung Wang
- New Drug Development Center, Daegu Gyeongbuk Medical Innovation Foundation, Daegu 41061, Republic of Korea
| | - Yung Hyun Choi
- Department of Biochemistry, Dong-Eui University College of Korean Medicine, Pusan 47227, Republic of Korea
| | - Youngmi Jung
- Department of Integrated Biological Science, College of Natural Sciences, Pusan National University, Pusan 46241, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, Pusan National University, Pusan 46241, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Punzo F, Argenziano M, Tortora C, Di Paola A, Mutarelli M, Pota E, Di Martino M, Di Pinto D, Marrapodi MM, Roberti D, Rossi F. Effect of CB2 Stimulation on Gene Expression in Pediatric B-Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: New Possible Targets. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:8651. [PMID: 35955786 PMCID: PMC9369382 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23158651] [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: 07/08/2022] [Revised: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute lymphoblastic leukemia type B (B-ALL) is the most common kind of pediatric leukemia, characterized by the clonal proliferation of type B lymphoid stem cells. Important progress in ALL treatments led to improvements in long-term survival; nevertheless, many adverse long-term consequences still concern the medical community. Molecular and cellular target therapies, together with immunotherapy, are promising strategies to overcome these concerns. Cannabinoids, enzymes involved in their metabolism, and cannabinoid receptors type 1 (CB1) and type 2 (CB2) constitute the endocannabinoid system, involved in inflammation, immune response, and cancer. CB2 receptor stimulation exerts anti-proliferative and anti-invasive effects in many tumors. In this study, we evaluated the effects of CB2 stimulation on B-ALL cell lines, SUP-B15, by RNA sequencing, Western blotting, and ELISA. We observe a lower expression of CB2 in SUP-B15 cells compared to lymphocytes from healthy subjects, hypothesizing its involvement in B-ALL pathogenesis. CB2 stimulation reduces the expression of CD9, SEC61G, TBX21, and TMSB4X genes involved in tumor growth and progression, and also negatively affects downstream intracellular pathways. Our findings suggest an antitumor role of CB2 stimulation in B-ALL, and highlight a functional correlation between CB2 receptors and specific anti-tumoral pathways, even though further investigations are needed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Punzo
- Department of Woman, Child and General and Specialist Surgery, Via Luigi De Crecchio 4, 80138 Naples, Italy; (F.P.); (M.A.); (C.T.); (A.D.P.); (E.P.); (M.D.M.); (D.D.P.); (M.M.M.); (D.R.)
| | - Maura Argenziano
- Department of Woman, Child and General and Specialist Surgery, Via Luigi De Crecchio 4, 80138 Naples, Italy; (F.P.); (M.A.); (C.T.); (A.D.P.); (E.P.); (M.D.M.); (D.D.P.); (M.M.M.); (D.R.)
| | - Chiara Tortora
- Department of Woman, Child and General and Specialist Surgery, Via Luigi De Crecchio 4, 80138 Naples, Italy; (F.P.); (M.A.); (C.T.); (A.D.P.); (E.P.); (M.D.M.); (D.D.P.); (M.M.M.); (D.R.)
| | - Alessandra Di Paola
- Department of Woman, Child and General and Specialist Surgery, Via Luigi De Crecchio 4, 80138 Naples, Italy; (F.P.); (M.A.); (C.T.); (A.D.P.); (E.P.); (M.D.M.); (D.D.P.); (M.M.M.); (D.R.)
| | - Margherita Mutarelli
- Istituto di Scienze Applicate e Sistemi Intelligenti “Eduardo Caianiello” ISASI-CNR, Via Campi Flegrei 34, 80078 Pozzuoli, Italy;
| | - Elvira Pota
- Department of Woman, Child and General and Specialist Surgery, Via Luigi De Crecchio 4, 80138 Naples, Italy; (F.P.); (M.A.); (C.T.); (A.D.P.); (E.P.); (M.D.M.); (D.D.P.); (M.M.M.); (D.R.)
| | - Martina Di Martino
- Department of Woman, Child and General and Specialist Surgery, Via Luigi De Crecchio 4, 80138 Naples, Italy; (F.P.); (M.A.); (C.T.); (A.D.P.); (E.P.); (M.D.M.); (D.D.P.); (M.M.M.); (D.R.)
| | - Daniela Di Pinto
- Department of Woman, Child and General and Specialist Surgery, Via Luigi De Crecchio 4, 80138 Naples, Italy; (F.P.); (M.A.); (C.T.); (A.D.P.); (E.P.); (M.D.M.); (D.D.P.); (M.M.M.); (D.R.)
| | - Maria Maddalena Marrapodi
- Department of Woman, Child and General and Specialist Surgery, Via Luigi De Crecchio 4, 80138 Naples, Italy; (F.P.); (M.A.); (C.T.); (A.D.P.); (E.P.); (M.D.M.); (D.D.P.); (M.M.M.); (D.R.)
| | - Domenico Roberti
- Department of Woman, Child and General and Specialist Surgery, Via Luigi De Crecchio 4, 80138 Naples, Italy; (F.P.); (M.A.); (C.T.); (A.D.P.); (E.P.); (M.D.M.); (D.D.P.); (M.M.M.); (D.R.)
| | - Francesca Rossi
- Department of Woman, Child and General and Specialist Surgery, Via Luigi De Crecchio 4, 80138 Naples, Italy; (F.P.); (M.A.); (C.T.); (A.D.P.); (E.P.); (M.D.M.); (D.D.P.); (M.M.M.); (D.R.)
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Huang M, Gao S, Gao L, Liu D, Liu X, Sun Z, Deng H, Zhao B, Liu B, Li A, Pang Q. β-Thymosin is an essential regulator of stem cell proliferation and neuron regeneration in planarian (Dugesia japonica). DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2021; 121:104097. [PMID: 33831480 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2021.104097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Revised: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
β-Thymosin is a multifunctional peptide ubiquitously expressed in vertebrates and invertebrates. Many studies have found β-thymosin is critical for wound healing, angiogenesis, cardiac repair, hair regrowth, and anti-fibrosis in vertebrates, and plays an important role in antimicrobial immunity in invertebrates. However, whether β-thymosin participates in the regeneration of organisms is still poorly understood. In this study, we identified a β-thymosin gene in Dugesia japonica which played an important role in stem cell proliferation and neuron regeneration during the tissue repair process in D. japonica. Sequencing analysis showed that β-thymosin contained two conserved β-thymosin domains and two actin-binding motifs, and had a high similarity with other β-thymosins of invertebrates. In situ or fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis revealed that Djβ-thymosin was co-localized with DjPiWi in the neoblast cells of intact adult planarians and the blastema of regenerating planarians, suggesting Djβ-thymosin has a potential function of regeneration. Disruption Djβ-thymosin by RNA interference results in a slightly curled up head of planarian and stem cell proliferation defects. Additionally, we found that, upon amputation, Djβ-thymosin RNAi-treated animals had impaired regeneration ability, including impaired blastema formation, delayed eyespot formation, decreased brain area, and disrupted central CNS formation, implying Djβ-thymosin is an essential regulator of stem cell proliferation and neuron regeneration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mujie Huang
- Anti-aging & Regenerative Medicine Research Institution, School of Life Sciences, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo, 255049, PR China; Laboratory of Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, School of Life Sciences, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo, 255049, PR China
| | - Sijia Gao
- Anti-aging & Regenerative Medicine Research Institution, School of Life Sciences, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo, 255049, PR China; Laboratory of Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, School of Life Sciences, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo, 255049, PR China
| | - Lili Gao
- Anti-aging & Regenerative Medicine Research Institution, School of Life Sciences, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo, 255049, PR China; Laboratory of Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, School of Life Sciences, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo, 255049, PR China
| | - Dongwu Liu
- Anti-aging & Regenerative Medicine Research Institution, School of Life Sciences, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo, 255049, PR China
| | - Xi Liu
- Anti-aging & Regenerative Medicine Research Institution, School of Life Sciences, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo, 255049, PR China; Laboratory of Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, School of Life Sciences, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo, 255049, PR China
| | - Zhe Sun
- Anti-aging & Regenerative Medicine Research Institution, School of Life Sciences, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo, 255049, PR China; Laboratory of Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, School of Life Sciences, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo, 255049, PR China
| | - Hongkuan Deng
- Anti-aging & Regenerative Medicine Research Institution, School of Life Sciences, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo, 255049, PR China; Laboratory of Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, School of Life Sciences, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo, 255049, PR China
| | - Bosheng Zhao
- Laboratory of Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, School of Life Sciences, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo, 255049, PR China
| | - Baohua Liu
- Anti-aging & Regenerative Medicine Research Institution, School of Life Sciences, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo, 255049, PR China; Shenzhen University of Health Science Center, District Shenzhen, 518060, China
| | - Ao Li
- Anti-aging & Regenerative Medicine Research Institution, School of Life Sciences, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo, 255049, PR China; Laboratory of Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, School of Life Sciences, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo, 255049, PR China.
| | - Qiuxiang Pang
- Anti-aging & Regenerative Medicine Research Institution, School of Life Sciences, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo, 255049, PR China; Laboratory of Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, School of Life Sciences, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo, 255049, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Dai B, Sha R, Yuan J, Liu D. Multiple potential roles of thymosin β4 in the growth and development of hair follicles. J Cell Mol Med 2021; 25:1350-1358. [PMID: 33393222 PMCID: PMC7875905 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.16241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2020] [Revised: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The hair follicle (HF) is an important mini-organ of the skin, composed of many types of cells. Dermal papilla cells are important signalling components that guide the proliferation, upward migration and differentiation of HF stem cell progenitor cells to form other types of HF cells. Thymosin β4 (Tβ4), a major actin-sequestering protein, is involved in various cellular responses and has recently been shown to play key roles in HF growth and development. Endogenous Tβ4 can activate the mouse HF cycle transition and affect HF growth and development by promoting the migration and differentiation of HF stem cells and their progeny. In addition, exogenous Tβ4 increases the rate of hair growth in mice and promotes cashmere production by increasing the number of secondary HFs (hair follicles) in cashmere goats. However, the molecular mechanisms through which Tβ4 promotes HF growth and development have rarely been reported. Herein, we review the functions and mechanisms of Tβ4 in HF growth and development and describe the endogenous and exogenous actions of Tβ4 in HFs to provide insights into the roles of Tβ4 in HF growth and development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bai Dai
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland LivestockSchool of Life SciencesInner Mongolia UniversityHohhotChina
- Reproductive Medicine CenterThe Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical UniversityHohhotChina
| | - Ri‐Na Sha
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland LivestockSchool of Life SciencesInner Mongolia UniversityHohhotChina
- Pathology departmentThe Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical UniversityHohhotChina
| | - Jian‐Long Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland LivestockSchool of Life SciencesInner Mongolia UniversityHohhotChina
- Clinical laboratoryThe Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical UniversityHohhotChina
| | - Dong‐Jun Liu
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland LivestockSchool of Life SciencesInner Mongolia UniversityHohhotChina
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Bjørklund G, Dadar M, Aaseth J, Chirumbolo S. Thymosin β4: A Multi-Faceted Tissue Repair Stimulating Protein in Heart Injury. Curr Med Chem 2021; 27:6294-6305. [PMID: 31333080 DOI: 10.2174/0929867326666190716125456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2019] [Revised: 07/01/2019] [Accepted: 07/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Thymosin Beta-4 (Tβ4) is known as a major pleiotropic actin-sequestering protein that is involved in tumorigenesis. Tβ4 is a water-soluble protein that has different promising clinical applications in the remodeling and ulcerated tissues repair following myocardial infarction, stroke, plasticity and neurovascular remodeling of the Peripheral Nervous System (PNS) and the Central Nervous System (CNS). On the other hand, similar effects have been observed for Tβ4 in other kinds of tissues, including cardiac muscle tissue. In recent reports, as it activates resident epicardial progenitor cells and modulates inflammatory-caused injuries, Tβ4 has been suggested as a promoter of the survival of cardiomyocytes. Furthermore, Tβ4 may act in skeletal muscle and different organs in association/synergism with numerous other tissue repair stimulating factors, including melatonin and C-fiber-derived peptides. For these reasons, the present review highlights the promising role of Tβ4 in cardiac healing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Geir Bjørklund
- Council for Nutritional and Environmental Medicine, Mo i Rana, Norway
| | - Maryam Dadar
- Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Karaj, Iran
| | - Jan Aaseth
- Research Department, Innlandet Hospital Trust, Brumunddal, Norway,Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, Elverum, Norway
| | - Salvatore Chirumbolo
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences,
University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Xing Y, Ye Y, Zuo H, Li Y. Progress on the Function and Application of Thymosin β4. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:767785. [PMID: 34992578 PMCID: PMC8724243 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.767785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Accepted: 11/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Thymosin β4 (Tβ4) is a multifunctional and widely distributed peptide that plays a pivotal role in several physiological and pathological processes in the body, namely, increasing angiogenesis and proliferation and inhibiting apoptosis and inflammation. Moreover, Tβ4 is effectively utilized for several indications in animal experiments or clinical trials, such as myocardial infarction and myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury, xerophthalmia, liver and renal fibrosis, ulcerative colitis and colon cancer, and skin trauma. Recent studies have reported the potential application of Tβ4 and its underlying mechanisms. The present study reveals the progress regarding functions and applications of Tβ4.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Xing
- Department of Experimental Pathology, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, China
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hebei North University, Zhangjiakou, China
| | - Yumeng Ye
- Department of Experimental Pathology, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Hongyan Zuo
- Department of Experimental Pathology, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Hongyan Zuo, ; Yang Li,
| | - Yang Li
- Department of Experimental Pathology, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, China
- Academy of Life Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei City, China
- *Correspondence: Hongyan Zuo, ; Yang Li,
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Guan J, Zhou L, Wang L, Li X, Pan Z. Germinal peptide eye drops promote corneal wound healing and decrease inflammation after alkali injury. Exp Eye Res 2020; 199:108191. [PMID: 32810484 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2020.108191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2020] [Revised: 07/29/2020] [Accepted: 08/07/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Germinal peptide is being developed to treat corneal injuries. The purpose of this study was to investigate its effect on corneal epithelial cells in vitro and its ability to promote healing in an alkali injury model in vivo. Cultured rabbit corneal epithelial cells were treated with germinal peptide at three concentrations. Cell proliferation and migration were assessed and compared with the effect of recombinant human epidermal growth factor (rh-EGF). In vivo, the corneas of New Zealand albino rabbits were chemically burned with 1 mol/l NaOH for 30 s. The injured eyes were topically treated with germinal peptide (10, 20, and 40 μg/ml), rh-EGF, or phosphate-buffered saline thrice daily. At fixed time points post injury, the healing of the cornea and its histopathology were evaluated. There was no difference in the effect of germinal peptide on cultured cell proliferation. However, cell migration was significantly higher than that in the control groups, with germinal peptide at concentrations of 20 and 40 μg/ml being the most efficacious. In vivo, 20 and 40 μg/ml germinal peptide significantly alleviated corneal opacity and edema. By day 21, the areas of corneal neovascularization in the germinal peptide-treated groups were smaller than those in the rh-EGF and control groups. The repaired corneas in the germinal peptide- and rh-EGF-treated groups also had more corneal epithelial layers and fewer inflammatory cells than the controls. Germinal peptide may be developed as a novel topical treatment agent for corneal wound healing in clinical settings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jieying Guan
- Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100730, China; Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510060, China.
| | - Lijia Zhou
- Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100730, China.
| | - Li Wang
- Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100730, China.
| | - Xiaoyi Li
- Zhaoke (Guangzhou) Ophthalmology Pharmaceutical Ltd., Guangzhou, 510000, China.
| | - Zhiqiang Pan
- Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100730, China.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Bai L, He W, Fan S, Liu B, Zhou T, Zhang D, Zhang D, Yu D. Multiple functions of thymosin β4 in the pearl oyster Pinctada fucata suggest its multiple potential roles in artificial pearl culture. FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY 2020; 103:23-31. [PMID: 32348884 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2020.04.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2020] [Revised: 04/14/2020] [Accepted: 04/18/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Thymosin β4 is a multifunctional protein in vertebrates that participates in physiological processes, such as wound healing, immune response, cell proliferation and migration. We assessed the multifarious roles of this small peptide in Pinctada fucata, an oyster commonly used in pearl culture in China. Our results showed that when P. fucata was challenged by bacterial pathogens or LPS, the relative expression level of Pfthymosin β4 mRNA was significantly up-regulated, suggesting its involvement in immune response of the animal. Recombinant Pfthymosin β4 (rPfthymosin β4) was produced and showed in vitro different antibacterial activities against different pathogenic bacteria; the inhibitory effect of rPfthymosin β4 on bacterial growth was relatively stronger in the broth culture than agar culture. The overexpression of Pfthymosin β4 in Escherichia coli BL21(DE3) cells could improve their resistance to Cu2+, Zn2+, Cd2+, and H2O2, suggesting that Pfthymosin β4 is likely involved with antioxidant. rPfthymosin β4 also significantly promoted the proliferation and migration of mouse aortic vascular smooth muscle cells as indicated by MTT assay and cell scratch assay, respectively. In addition, chemically synthesized or recombinant Pfthymosin β4 could transiently increase the circulating total hemocytes counts but down-regulated by RNAi in P. fucata. Taking together above results and previous studies suggested that Pfthymosin β4 is potentially able to promote wound healing through enhancing antibacterial activity and antioxidant capacity, promotion of cell proliferation and migration, and increase of circulating hemocytes in P. fucata due to nucleus implantation injury. Thus, the future of recombinant Pfthymosin β4 should be promising in the culture of pearls in P. fucata.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lirong Bai
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Beibu Gulf Marine Biodiversity Conservation, Beibu Gulf University, Qinzhou, PR China
| | - Wenyao He
- Key Laboratory of South China Sea Fishery Resources Exploitation & Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture, South China Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Sigang Fan
- Key Laboratory of South China Sea Fishery Resources Exploitation & Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture, South China Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Baosuo Liu
- Key Laboratory of South China Sea Fishery Resources Exploitation & Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture, South China Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Tong Zhou
- Key Laboratory of South China Sea Fishery Resources Exploitation & Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture, South China Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Guangzhou, PR China
| | | | - Dianchang Zhang
- Key Laboratory of South China Sea Fishery Resources Exploitation & Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture, South China Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Dahui Yu
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Beibu Gulf Marine Biodiversity Conservation, Beibu Gulf University, Qinzhou, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Thymosin β4 Identified by Transcriptomic Analysis from HF Anagen to Telogen Promotes Proliferation of SHF-DPCs in Albas Cashmere Goat. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21072268. [PMID: 32218218 PMCID: PMC7177334 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21072268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2020] [Revised: 03/20/2020] [Accepted: 03/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Increasing cashmere yield is one of the important goals of cashmere goat breeding. To achieve this goal, we screened the key genes that can improve cashmere performance. In this study, we used the RNA raw datasets of the skin and dermal papilla cells of secondary hair follicle (SHF-DPCs) samples of hair follicle (HF) anagen and telogen of Albas cashmere goats and identified a set of significant differentially expressed genes (DEGs). To explore potential associations between gene sets and SHF growth features and to identify candidate genes, we detected functional enrichment and constructed protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks. Through comprehensive analysis, we selected Thymosin β4 (Tβ4), Rho GTPase activating protein 6 (ARHGAP6), ADAM metallopeptidase with thrombospondin type 1 motif 15, (ADAMTS15), Chordin (CHRD), and SPARC (Osteonectin), cwcv and kazal-like domains proteoglycan 1 (SPOCK1) as candidate genes. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) for these genes revealed Tβ4 and ARHGAP6 have a close association with the growth and development of SHF-DPCs. However, the expression of Tβ4 in the anagen was higher than that in the telogen, so we finally chose Tβ4 as the ultimate research object. Overexpressing Tβ4 promoted and silencing Tβ4 inhibited the proliferation of SHF-DPCs. These findings suggest that Tβ4 can promote the growth and development of SHF-DPCs and indicate that this molecule may be a valuable target for increasing cashmere production.
Collapse
|
11
|
The Overexpression of Tβ4 in the Hair Follicle Tissue of Alpas Cashmere Goats Increases Cashmere Yield and Promotes Hair Follicle Development. Animals (Basel) 2019; 10:ani10010075. [PMID: 31906185 PMCID: PMC7022706 DOI: 10.3390/ani10010075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2019] [Revised: 12/19/2019] [Accepted: 12/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Increased cashmere yield and improved quality are some goals of cashmere goat breeding. Thymosin beta-4 (Tβ4) plays a key role in the growth and development of hair follicles. For the past ten years, we have evaluated the role of Tβ4 by establishing a flock of 15 cashmere goats that specifically overexpress the Tβ4 gene in the hair follicles. These Tβ4 overexpression (Tβ4-OE) cashmere goats had more secondary hair follicles than the WT goats and produced more cashmere. Meanwhile, combined analysis of the skin transcriptome and proteome in cashmere goats suggested that Tβ4 may affect hair growth by interacting with keratin type II cytoskeletal 4 epidermal (KRT4) to mediate the extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (ERK) signaling pathway, thereby promoting the development of secondary hair follicles, and consequently, increasing cashmere yield. Thus, the specific overexpression of Tβ4 in the hair follicles of cashmere goats effectively increased the cashmere yield.
Collapse
|
12
|
Dai B, Zhang M, Yuan JL, Ren LQ, Han XY, Liu DJ. Integrative Analysis of Methylation and Transcriptional Profiles to Reveal the Genetic Stability of Cashmere Traits in the Tβ4 Overexpression of Cashmere Goats. Animals (Basel) 2019; 9:ani9121002. [PMID: 31756916 PMCID: PMC6940810 DOI: 10.3390/ani9121002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2019] [Revised: 10/27/2019] [Accepted: 11/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Cashmere goats have double coats consisting of non-medullated fine inner hairs or cashmere fibers produced by secondary hair follicles (SHFs) and guard hairs produced by primary hair follicles (PHFs). Cashmere is an important economic product worldwide and the world market for cashmere is increasing while the current production of cashmere is limited. Thymosin β4 (Tβ4), a 4.9-kDa protein, contains 43 amino acids. Here, we produced Tβ4 overexpression (Tβ4-OE) offspring using two methods. The somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) goats had increased hair follicle development and higher cashmere yields than wild type (WT) and natural mating (NM) goats. Taken together, our results showed that DNA methylation affected the expression of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between generations and the genetic stability of cashmere traits. Abstract DNA methylation alteration is frequently observed in exogenous gene silencing and may play important roles in the genetic stability of traits. Cashmere is derived from the secondary hair follicles (SHFs) of cashmere goats, which are morphogenetically distinct from primary hair follicles (PHFs). Here, in light of having initially produced 15 Tβ4 overexpression (Tβ4-OE) cashmere goats which had more SHFs than the wild type (WT) goats, and produced more cashmere, we produced Tβ4-OE offsprings both via somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) and via natural mating (NM). However, the desired trait exhibited lower fixation in the line-bred offspring compared to the SCNT offspring. Integrative analysis of methylation and transcriptional profiles showed that this might be due to the influence of methylation on the expression of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between generations, which was mutually consistent with the results of the functional and pathway enrichment analysis of differentially methylated regions (DMRs) and DEGs. Overall, our study systematically describes the DNA methylation characteristics between generations of cashmere goats and provides a basis for improving genetic stability.
Collapse
|
13
|
MALDI (matrix assisted laser desorption ionization) Imaging Mass Spectrometry (IMS) of skin: Aspects of sample preparation. Talanta 2017; 174:325-335. [PMID: 28738588 DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2017.06.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2017] [Revised: 05/15/2017] [Accepted: 06/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
MALDI (matrix assisted laser desorption ionization) Imaging Mass Spectrometry (IMS) allows molecular analysis of biological materials making possible the identification and localization of molecules in tissues, and has been applied to address many questions on skin pathophysiology, as well as on studies about drug absorption and metabolism. Sample preparation for MALDI IMS is the most important part of the workflow, comprising specimen collection and preservation, tissue embedding, cryosectioning, washing, and matrix application. These steps must be carefully optimized for specific analytes of interest (lipids, proteins, drugs, etc.), representing a challenge for skin analysis. In this review, critical parameters for MALDI IMS sample preparation of skin samples will be described. In addition, specific applications of MALDI IMS of skin samples will be presented including wound healing, neoplasia, and infection.
Collapse
|
14
|
Shi B, Ding Q, He X, Zhu H, Niu Y, Cai B, Cai J, Lei A, Kang D, Yan H, Ma B, Wang X, Qu L, Chen Y. Tβ4-overexpression based on the piggyBac transposon system in cashmere goats alters hair fiber characteristics. Transgenic Res 2016; 26:77-85. [PMID: 27900536 DOI: 10.1007/s11248-016-9988-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2016] [Accepted: 09/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Increasing cashmere yield is one of the vital aims of cashmere goats breeding. Compared to traditional breeding methods, transgenic technology is more efficient and the piggyBac (PB) transposon system has been widely applied to generate transgenic animals. For the present study, donor fibroblasts were stably transfected via a PB donor vector containing the coding sequence of cashmere goat thymosin beta-4 (Tβ4) and driven by a hair follicle-specific promoter, the keratin-associated protein 6.1 (KAP6.1) promoter. To obtain genetically modified cells as nuclear donors, we co-transfected donor vectors into fetal fibroblasts of cashmere goats. Five transgenic cashmere goats were generated following somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT). Via determination of the copy numbers and integration sites, the Tβ4 gene was successfully inserted into the goat genome. Histological examination of skin tissue revealed that Tβ4-overexpressing, transgenic goats had a higher secondary to primary hair follicle (S/P) ratio compared to wild type goats. This indicates that Tβ4-overexpressing goats possess increased numbers of secondary hair follicles (SHF). Our results indicate that Tβ4-overexpression in cashmere goats could be a feasible strategy to increase cashmere yield.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bingbo Shi
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, China
| | - Qiang Ding
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, China
| | - Xiaolin He
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, China
| | - Haijing Zhu
- Shaanxi Provincial Engineering and Technology Research Center of Cashmere Goats, Yulin, 719000, China.,Life Science Research Center, Yulin University, Yulin, 719000, China
| | - Yiyuan Niu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, China
| | - Bei Cai
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, China
| | - Jiao Cai
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, China
| | - Anming Lei
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, China
| | - Danju Kang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, China
| | - Hailong Yan
- Shaanxi Provincial Engineering and Technology Research Center of Cashmere Goats, Yulin, 719000, China.,Life Science Research Center, Yulin University, Yulin, 719000, China
| | - Baohua Ma
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, China
| | - Xiaolong Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, China
| | - Lei Qu
- Shaanxi Provincial Engineering and Technology Research Center of Cashmere Goats, Yulin, 719000, China. .,Life Science Research Center, Yulin University, Yulin, 719000, China.
| | - Yulin Chen
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, China.
| |
Collapse
|