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Matamá T, Costa C, Fernandes B, Araújo R, Cruz CF, Tortosa F, Sheeba CJ, Becker JD, Gomes A, Cavaco-Paulo A. Changing human hair fibre colour and shape from the follicle. J Adv Res 2023:S2090-1232(23)00350-8. [PMID: 37967812 DOI: 10.1016/j.jare.2023.11.013] [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: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Natural hair curvature and colour are genetically determined human traits, that we intentionally change by applying thermal and chemical treatments to the fibre. Presently, those cosmetic methodologies act externally and their recurrent use is quite detrimental to hair fibre quality and even to our health. OBJECTIVES This work represents a disruptive concept to modify natural hair colour and curvature. We aim to model the fibre phenotype as it is actively produced in the follicle through the topical delivery of specific bioactive molecules to the scalp. METHODS Transcriptome differences between curly and straight hairs were identified by microarray. In scalp samples, the most variable transcripts were mapped by in situ hybridization. Then, by using appropriate cellular models, we screened a chemical library of 1200 generic drugs, searching for molecules that could lead to changes in either fibre colour or curvature. A pilot-scale, single-centre, investigator-initiated, prospective, blind, bilateral (split-scalp) placebo-controlled clinical study with the intervention of cosmetics was conducted to obtain a proof of concept (RNEC n.92938). RESULTS We found 85 genes transcribed significantly different between curly and straight hair, not previously associated with this human trait. Next, we mapped some of the most variable genes to the inner root sheath of follicles, reinforcing the role of this cell layer in fibre shape moulding. From the drug library screening, we selected 3 and 4 hits as modulators of melanin synthesis and gene transcription, respectively, to be further tested in 33 volunteers. The intentional specific hair change occurred: 8 of 14 volunteers exhibited colour changes, and 16 of 19 volunteers presented curvature modifications, by the end of the study. CONCLUSION The promising results obtained are the first step towards future cosmetics, complementary or alternative to current methodologies, taking hair styling to a new level: changing hair from the inside out.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa Matamá
- CEB - Centre of Biological Engineering, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; LABBELS - Associate Laboratory, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal.
| | - Cristiana Costa
- CEB - Centre of Biological Engineering, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
| | - Bruno Fernandes
- CEB - Centre of Biological Engineering, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
| | - Rita Araújo
- CBMA - Centre of Molecular and Environmental Biology, University of Minho, Campus of Gualtar, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal; CIBIO - Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, InBIO - Laboratório Associado, Campus de Vairão, Universidade do Porto, 4485-661 Vairão, Portugal
| | - Célia F Cruz
- CEB - Centre of Biological Engineering, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
| | - Francisco Tortosa
- Serviço de Anatomia Patológica, CHLN - Hospital de Santa Maria / Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal; Unidade de Anatomia Patológica, Hospital CUF Descobertas, Rua Mário Botas (Parque das Nações), 1998-018, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Caroline J Sheeba
- ICVS - Life and Health Sciences Research Institute, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; NIHR Central Commissioning Facility (CCF), Grange House, 15 Church Street, Twickenham, TW1 3NL, UK
| | - Jörg D Becker
- Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência, Rua da Quinta Grande 6, Oeiras, 2780-156, Portugal; Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Av. da República, Oeiras, 2780-157, Portugal
| | - Andreia Gomes
- CBMA - Centre of Molecular and Environmental Biology, University of Minho, Campus of Gualtar, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal
| | - Artur Cavaco-Paulo
- CEB - Centre of Biological Engineering, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; LABBELS - Associate Laboratory, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; Solfarcos - Pharmaceutical and Cosmetic Solutions Ltd, Avenida Imaculada Conceição n. 589, 4700-034 Braga, Portugal.
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Perry JA, Werner ME, Rivenbark L, Maddox AS. Caenorhabditis elegans septins contribute to the development and structure of the oogenic germline. Cytoskeleton (Hoboken) 2023; 80:215-227. [PMID: 37265173 PMCID: PMC10524836 DOI: 10.1002/cm.21763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Oocytes must be exceptionally large cells in order to support embryonic development. Throughout animal phylogeny, a specialized cell called a syncytium, wherein many nuclei share a continuous cytoplasm, achieves oogenesis. The syncytial nature of germline architecture is key to its function and depends on conserved components of the cortical cytoskeleton. Septins form non-polar cytoskeletal polymers that associate with membranes. In the syncytial germline of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, septins are highly enriched on the cortex and generally required for fertility, but the role of septins in the germline is poorly understood. We report that the C. elegans septins, UNC-59 and UNC-61, are important for germline extension during development, the maintenance of its syncytial architecture, and production of oocytes. While much of our findings substantiate the idea that the two C. elegans septins act together, we also found evidence that they have distinct functions. Loss of UNC-61 perturbed germline extension during germline development, while the loss of UNC-59 function severely affected germline architecture in adult hermaphrodites. Consultation of clustering results from a large-scale high-throughput screen suggested that septins are involved in germ cell proliferation and/or differentiation. In sum, our findings implicate a conserved cytoskeletal component in the complex architecture of a germline syncytium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenna A Perry
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Michael E Werner
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Larry Rivenbark
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Amy Shaub Maddox
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
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Kan HW, Ho YC, Chang YS, Hsieh YL. SEPT9 Upregulation in Satellite Glial Cells Associated with Diabetic Polyneuropathy in a Type 2 Diabetes-like Rat Model. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23169372. [PMID: 36012625 PMCID: PMC9409324 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23169372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2022] [Revised: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the worldwide prevalence and severe complications of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying the development of diabetic polyneuropathy (DPN) are poorly understood. Beyond strict control of glucose levels, clinical trials for reversing DPN have largely failed. Therefore, understanding the pathophysiological and molecular mechanisms underlying DPN is crucial. Accordingly, this study explored biochemical and neuropathological deficits in a rat model of T2DM induced through high-fat diet (HFD) feeding along with two low-dose streptozotocin (STZ) injections; the deficits were explored through serum lipid, neurobehavioral, neurophysiology, neuropathology, and immunohistochemistry examinations. Our HFD/STZ protocol induced (1) mechanical hyperalgesia and depression-like behaviors, (2) loss of intraepidermal nerve fibers (IENFs) and reduced axonal diameters in sural nerves, and (3) decreased compound muscle action potential. In addition to hyperglycemia, which was correlated with the degree of mechanical hyperalgesia and loss of IENFs, we observed that hypertriglyceridemia was the most dominant deficit in the lipid profiles of the diabetic rats. In particular, SEPT9, the fourth component of the cytoskeleton, increased in the satellite glial cells (SGCs) of the dorsal root ganglia (DRG) in the T2DM-like rats. The number of SEPT9(+) SGCs/DRG was correlated with serum glucose levels and mechanical thresholds. Our findings indicate the putative molecular mechanism underlying DPN, which presumably involves the interaction of SGCs and DRG neurons; nevertheless, further functional research is warranted to clarify the role of SEPT9 in DPN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hung-Wei Kan
- School of Medicine for International Students, College of Medicine, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung 82445, Taiwan
- Correspondence: (H.-W.K.); (Y.-L.H.); Tel.: +886-7-6151100 (H.-W.K.); +886-7-3121101 (Y.-L.H.)
| | - Yu-Cheng Ho
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung 82445, Taiwan
| | - Ying-Shuang Chang
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Lin Hsieh
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
- School of Post-Baccalaureate Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Research, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
- Correspondence: (H.-W.K.); (Y.-L.H.); Tel.: +886-7-6151100 (H.-W.K.); +886-7-3121101 (Y.-L.H.)
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Kim OV, Litvinov RI, Mordakhanova ER, Bi E, Vagin O, Weisel JW. Contribution of septins to human platelet structure and function. iScience 2022; 25:104654. [PMID: 35832887 PMCID: PMC9272382 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.104654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2021] [Revised: 04/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Although septins have been well-studied in nucleated cells, their role in anucleate blood platelets remains obscure. Here, we elucidate the contribution of septins to human platelet structure and functionality. We show that Septin-2 and Septin-9 are predominantly distributed at the periphery of resting platelets and co-localize strongly with microtubules. Activation of platelets by thrombin causes clustering of septins and impairs their association with microtubules. Inhibition of septin dynamics with forchlorfenuron (FCF) reduces thrombin-induced densification of septins and lessens their colocalization with microtubules in resting and activated platelets. Exposure to FCF alters platelet shape, suggesting that septins stabilize platelet cytoskeleton. FCF suppresses platelet integrin αIIbβ3 activation, promotes phosphatidylserine exposure on activated platelets, and induces P-selectin expression on resting platelets, suggesting septin involvement in these processes. Inhibition of septin dynamics substantially reduces platelet contractility and abrogates their spreading on fibrinogen-coated surfaces. Overall, septins strongly contribute to platelet structure, activation and biomechanics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oleg V. Kim
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Rustem I. Litvinov
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Elmira R. Mordakhanova
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, Kazan, Russian Federation
| | - Erfei Bi
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Olga Vagin
- Department of Pediatrics, Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Veterans Affairs Greater Los Angeles Health Care System, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - John W. Weisel
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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Cavini IA, Leonardo DA, Rosa HVD, Castro DKSV, D'Muniz Pereira H, Valadares NF, Araujo APU, Garratt RC. The Structural Biology of Septins and Their Filaments: An Update. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:765085. [PMID: 34869357 PMCID: PMC8640212 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.765085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
In order to fully understand any complex biochemical system from a mechanistic point of view, it is necessary to have access to the three-dimensional structures of the molecular components involved. Septins and their oligomers, filaments and higher-order complexes are no exception. Indeed, the spontaneous recruitment of different septin monomers to specific positions along a filament represents a fascinating example of subtle molecular recognition. Over the last few years, the amount of structural information available about these important cytoskeletal proteins has increased dramatically. This has allowed for a more detailed description of their individual domains and the different interfaces formed between them, which are the basis for stabilizing higher-order structures such as hexamers, octamers and fully formed filaments. The flexibility of these structures and the plasticity of the individual interfaces have also begun to be understood. Furthermore, recently, light has been shed on how filaments may bundle into higher-order structures by the formation of antiparallel coiled coils involving the C-terminal domains. Nevertheless, even with these advances, there is still some way to go before we fully understand how the structure and dynamics of septin assemblies are related to their physiological roles, including their interactions with biological membranes and other cytoskeletal components. In this review, we aim to bring together the various strands of structural evidence currently available into a more coherent picture. Although it would be an exaggeration to say that this is complete, recent progress seems to suggest that headway is being made in that direction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Italo A Cavini
- São Carlos Institute of Physics, University of São Paulo, São Carlos, Brazil
| | - Diego A Leonardo
- São Carlos Institute of Physics, University of São Paulo, São Carlos, Brazil
| | - Higor V D Rosa
- São Carlos Institute of Physics, University of São Paulo, São Carlos, Brazil
| | - Danielle K S V Castro
- São Carlos Institute of Physics, University of São Paulo, São Carlos, Brazil.,São Carlos Institute of Chemistry, University of São Paulo, São Carlos, Brazil
| | | | | | - Ana P U Araujo
- São Carlos Institute of Physics, University of São Paulo, São Carlos, Brazil
| | - Richard C Garratt
- São Carlos Institute of Physics, University of São Paulo, São Carlos, Brazil
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DeRose BT, Kelley RS, Ravi R, Kokona B, Beld J, Spiliotis ET, Padrick SB. Production and analysis of a mammalian septin hetero-octamer complex. Cytoskeleton (Hoboken) 2020; 77:485-499. [PMID: 33185030 DOI: 10.1002/cm.21643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Revised: 10/26/2020] [Accepted: 11/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
The septins are filament-forming proteins found in diverse eukaryotes from fungi to vertebrates, with roles in cytokinesis, shaping of membranes and modifying cytoskeletal organization. These GTPases assemble into rod-shaped soluble hetero-hexamers and hetero-octamers in mammals, which polymerize into filaments and higher order structures. While the cell biology and pathobiology of septins are advancing rapidly, mechanistic study of the mammalian septins is limited by a lack of recombinant hetero-octamer materials. We describe here the production and characterization of a recombinant mammalian septin hetero-octamer of defined stoichiometry, the SEPT2/SEPT6/SEPT7/SEPT3 complex. Using a fluorescent protein fusion to the complex, we observed filaments assembled from this complex. In addition, we used this novel tool to resolve recent questions regarding the organization of the soluble septin complex. Biochemical characterization of a SEPT3 truncation that disrupts SEPT3-SEPT3 interactions is consistent with SEPT3 occupying a central position in the complex while the SEPT2 subunits are at the ends of the rod-shaped octameric complexes. Consistent with SEPT2 being on the complex ends, we find that our purified SEPT2/SEPT6/SEPT7/SEPT3 hetero-octamer copolymerizes into mixed filaments with separately purified SEPT2/SEPT6/SEPT7 hetero-hexamer. We expect this new recombinant production approach to lay essential groundwork for future studies into mammalian septin mechanism and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barry T DeRose
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Robert S Kelley
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.,VCU Health System, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Roshni Ravi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.,WuXi Advanced Therapies, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Bashkim Kokona
- Department of Chemistry, Haverford College, Haverford, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Joris Beld
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Elias T Spiliotis
- Department of Biology, Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Shae B Padrick
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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Novel Functions of the Septin Cytoskeleton: Shaping Up Tissue Inflammation and Fibrosis. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2020; 191:40-51. [PMID: 33039354 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2020.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2020] [Revised: 08/24/2020] [Accepted: 09/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Chronic inflammatory diseases cause profound alterations in tissue homeostasis, including unchecked activation of immune and nonimmune cells leading to disease complications such as aberrant tissue repair and fibrosis. Current anti-inflammatory therapies are often insufficient in preventing or reversing these complications. Remodeling of the intracellular cytoskeleton is critical for cell activation in inflamed and fibrotic tissues; however, the cytoskeleton has not been adequately explored as a therapeutic target in inflammation. Septins are GTP-binding proteins that self-assemble into higher order cytoskeletal structures. The septin cytoskeleton exhibits a number of critical cellular functions, including regulation of cell shape and polarity, cytokinesis, cell migration, vesicle trafficking, and receptor signaling. Surprisingly, little is known about the role of the septin cytoskeleton in inflammation. This article reviews emerging evidence implicating different septins in the regulation of host-pathogen interactions, immune cell functions, and tissue fibrosis. Targeting of the septin cytoskeleton as a potential future therapeutic intervention in human inflammatory and fibrotic diseases is also discussed.
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